14th September, 2023 - The Bengaluru Commute Podcast. News update : Karnataka Emergency meeting; KSPCB violation; Bengaluru Airport T2 operations; BBMP news update; Highway Delite; Nipah Virus in Kerala; North-Tech Symposium 2023; Russia news; South Kore
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Transcript:
Welcome to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast, your only companion on the streets of Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Local news
1. For today, the 14th of September, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a "special emergency meeting" in response to the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's recommendation. The committee advised releasing 5,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. The meeting included Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Cauvery Basin region ministers, former chief ministers and parliamentary members.
2. In other headlines, the Karnataka State Police organized a one-day "DGP's Co-ordination Conference' where all the Director Generals of Police from southern states and senior officers from Central Police Organizations participated. The Chairman of the conference was the DG&IGP of Karnataka State. Director Generals of Police and Heads of Police Forces from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Puducherry and Lakshadweep Islands attended the conference.
3. In some more news, a probe has found that Karnataka State Pollution Control Board awarded Rs 17 crore contracts to three firms in violation of procurement laws. The KSPCB misused the "single source" provision, sidestepping tenders. AdOnMo (Hyderabad), Signpost India (Mumbai), and Sai Advertisers (Bengaluru) received contracts under section 4(B) of the KTPP Act. The investigation revealed advertising didn't qualify as a "single source." The board bypassed the standard advertising process through DIPR.
4. Up next, international flights have commenced operations from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport Terminal-2. The inaugural flight, Saudi Airlines SV 866 from Jeddah, marked the occasion. Phase 1 accommodates 25 million passengers annually. Phase 2, still in planning, will handle 20 million. Ultimately, when both phases are complete, T2 will serve 70 million passengers yearly, reflecting the airport's commitment to meet Bengaluru's growing air travel needs.
5. Now, onto other news, Bengaluru is set to experience water supply disruptions in various areas due to ongoing repair projects. This includes valve repairs near the Chandra Layout reservoir. Around 70 areas are anticipated to be affected, though specific timings remain unclear. This coincides with the Cauvery River water-sharing dispute, with the government stating that there's insufficient water for release to Tamil Nadu. The affected areas include Mahalakshmi Layout, JC Nagar and Athmiya Geleyara Balaga, among others.
6. Moving on, Metro rail commuters' excitement turned to disappointment as the statutory inspection of two sections faced a last-minute postponement. The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety was set to review the Baiyappanahalli-KR Pura section on September 13, a crucial link between Whitefield and the city centre. While BMRCL initially aimed for a June opening, the deadline was rescheduled to September. The inspection delay was attributed to an "emergency," with a new date expected to be confirmed soon.
7. Meanwhile, Highway Delite, a mobility services platform, introduced 'RakshaQR,' a QR-based emergency response system in Bengaluru. It allows bystanders to scan the QR code on accident-involved vehicles, activating an SOS call. The company discreetly notifies hospitals and police while safeguarding privacy. Vehicle owners can register their information, including medical details and family contacts, for quick accident alerts. 'RakshaQR' will collaborate with state agencies for better accident responses.
8. On a different note, despite the government's ban, numerous manufacturing facilities have sprouted in Bengaluru, flooding the city with Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols. Shockingly, sealed units from August 2023 have illegally reopened to produce PoP idols. To sidestep the ban, PoP idol makers now rent them out citywide, arguing that only small clay idols will be immersed after the festival. Frustrated by poor enforcement, Minister Eshwar Khandre admonished officials, demanding criminal cases against culprits and a compliance report within a day.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Opposition MPs in the Home Affairs panel called for a wider range of experts to provide insights on three draft bills set to replace key legal codes. They sought inputs from eminent jurists, human rights experts, and criminal law specialists for a comprehensive understanding of the proposed laws. Notably, retired Supreme Court judge Arun Mishra and former CBI special director Praveen Sinha were among the invited experts.
2. Meanwhile, the Kerala government disclosed in the assembly that the recent Nipah virus outbreak, causing two fatalities out of four cases, was the Bangladesh variant, spreading via human-to-human contact. Health Minister Veena George stated it had high mortality but lower infectivity. She confirmed the virus as the cause of recent "unnatural deaths" in Kozhikode district. This marks Kerala's fourth Nipah outbreak since 2018. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected bats, pigs, or individuals.
3. In more news, during an excavation at Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, various remains of an ancient temple, mainly in the form of pillars and idols, were discovered, according to Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Rai, also the international vice president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, shared images of his discovery on social media.
4. Shifting our focus, the North-Tech Symposium 2023, organized by the Indian Army's Northern Command, SIDM, and IIT-Jammu in Jammu, featured exhibitions, product launches, technical seminars, and military equipment displays. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of research and development for a nation's progress. The event showcased multi-utility legged equipment with a payload capacity of 12 kg, designed for both Wi-Fi and LTE usage.
5. In a general weather update for the country, the India Meteorological Department announced that regions including northwest, central, and south India will experience varying levels of rainfall due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal this week. Regions like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Maharashtra will receive rainfall during specific periods.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. He commended Modi's push for Indian-made products, emphasizing the need to use domestically manufactured cars. Putin cited India's example and suggested creating a system for officials to use locally-made vehicles. He affirmed that this wouldn't violate WTO commitments and highlighted the logistical advantages of Russian-made cars.
2. In ongoing news, the Biden administration will propose revisions to a 151-year-old mining law for hardrock minerals on U.S. federal lands, suggesting companies pay royalties for extraction. The plan also includes a mine leasing system and coordinated permitting across federal agencies. The move aims to promote domestic mining for minerals crucial for clean energy technologies. Currently, the U.S. doesn't collect royalties on minerals from federal lands. The proposal, requiring Congressional approval, faces opposition from Republicans.
3. In a recent development, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward the eastern seas, according to South Korea's military. The missile likely landed, prompting Japan's Coast Guard to caution vessels near its coasts. The launch coincided with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about potential arms deals impacting Ukraine. Kim has been accelerating weapon development amid the Ukraine conflict, conducting over 100 missile launches since 2022.
4. In some other news, UNESCO removed the fire-damaged Tombs of Buganda Kings in Uganda from its endangered heritage list, praising restoration efforts. The revered site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, suffered a devastating fire in 2010. Reconstruction, aided by international funding, was completed in 2023, restoring it to its desired state of conservation.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. India's economy saw an increase of approximately 52 million new formal jobs from FY20 to FY23, with a net addition of 27 million, based on an analysis of EPFO, NPS, and ESIC data. The government has been releasing monthly payroll data since April 2018, following recommendations from the Ghosh & Ghosh report.
2. In more business news, IndusInd Bank, the lender for Coffee Day Global, withdrew its insolvency resolution application against the company after assigning its loans to ASREC (India), an asset reconstruction company. The Chennai bench of NCLAT allowed the withdrawal, with both sides confirming a settlement. This development led to a 15.6% rise in shares of parent company Coffee Day Enterprises, trading at Rs 49.5.
3. Next up, in some tech news. Apple introduced its latest iPhone lineup by adopting a universal charger instead of proprietary Lightning ports after a dispute with the EU. The company also revealed its inaugural carbon-neutral products and pledged that all devices will have zero-carbon impact by 2030. Production of the iPhone 15 commenced at Foxconn Technology Group's Tamil Nadu factory last month. This announcement comes amidst a global smartphone slowdown and economic uncertainties, particularly in China.
4. Moving on, Amazon.com announced a $440 million investment to raise wages for its contracted delivery staff in the US. The move aims to ensure an average hourly rate of $20.50 or higher. The company relies on external operators through its Delivery Service Partner program for efficient parcel delivery, involving around 279,000 driving roles. This initiative, launched in 2018, facilitates the daily delivery of 20 million packages across 19 countries.
5. In market news for September 14th, the Sensex surged by 311.85 points, a 0.46 per cent increase, reaching 67,532.98. Similarly, the Nifty saw a rise of 96.40 points, or 0.48 per cent, reaching 20,089.60. Among the stocks, 1892 showed an uptrend, 1212 experienced a decline, while 86 remained unchanged. Coal India, Bharti Airtel, Tata Consumer Products and Titan Company were among the major gainers on the Nifty.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. The trailer for Vivek Agnihotri's film 'The Vaccine War' was unveiled in Mumbai. Featuring Anupam Kher, Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda, and Pallavi Joshi, the movie portrays the challenges faced by Indian scientists in the battle against COVID-19. The trailer reveals Nana Patekar leading the scientists in their quest for the vaccine, grappling with budget constraints and media scepticism. The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on September 28.
2. In news from Hollywood, Taylor Swift made history at the VMAs held recently, winning Video Of The Year for the fourth time. Swift also claimed Song of the Year for 'Anti-Hero'. Rema and Selena Gomez earned Best Afrobeats for 'Calm Down'. Nicki Minaj took Best Hip-Hop for 'Super Freaky Girl'. She also gave a fiery performance of 'Last Time I Saw You'. Shakira was honoured with the Video Vanguard Award.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Prabhas' upcoming release, "Salaar Part 1 - Ceasefire," has been officially postponed, and a new release date is pending announcement. Production company Hombale Films cited unforeseen circumstances for the delay and assured fans of their commitment to an exceptional cinematic experience. The action entertainer also features Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and others.
Sports News
1. In sports news, India's cricket captain, Rohit Sharma achieved a significant milestone. He became the 6th Indian and 15th overall to amass 10,000 runs in ODIs, solidifying his status as a one-day cricket legend. In the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against Sri Lanka, Rohit, in his 241st ODI innings, secured this achievement with a six. His feat also places him as the second-fastest player to reach this milestone, surpassing cricket greats like Tendulkar, Ponting, and Dhoni.
2. In more sports updates, Germany, recovering from a 4-1 loss to Japan, triumphed over France 2-1 in a friendly. The victory brought relief after Hansi Flick's dismissal following the previous defeat. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen praised the team's effort, emphasizing the need for confidence. Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané secured the goals. Despite France's strong defence, Müller's early strike set the tone. The win marks Germany's turnaround ahead of crucial upcoming matches.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam winner, has received a four-year ban for two separate anti-doping rule violations, as announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The 31-year-old, who won Wimbledon and the French Open, was provisionally suspended since October 2022 for testing positive for the prohibited blood-booster 'roxadustat' during the U.S. Open. Halep denied any wrongdoing and will appeal to the sport's highest court against the ITIA.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week
1. Experience a blend of innovation, sustainability, and visionary cocktails, presented by Asia's top bars in partnership with The Soul Company and Beam Suntory in an extravaganza, happening at the Copitas, Four Seasons Hotel, Mekhri Circle on the 16th & 17th of September at 7.00 p.m.
2. Catch the incredible Badel Sharma, as he headlines his latest stand-up special "Delhi Wali Girlfriend", performing live at the Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 16th of September at 7.00 pm.
3. Calling all art enthusiasts! The Bangalore Arts and Crafts Mela is here, in time for your Ganesh Chaturthi shopping. Immerse yourself in a world of Indian craftsmanship with an array of stalls and exhibits. Happening at Chitrakala Parishath, Kumara Krupa Road from September 15th till the 17th at 11.00 a.m.
4. Enjoy an unforgettable night of music as Trouble Clef, a dynamic band that weaves pop, progressive rock and jazz comes to town! Happening at the Hard Rock Cafe, St. Marks Road, on the 16th of September at 9.00 pm.
5. A theatre group will present a rendition of Harold Pinter's 'Betrayal' on Sept 15 & 16 at Ranga Shankara, J P Nagar. Based on Pinter's own experiences, the play explores complex relationships, and is directed by Rachel D’Souza, in collaboration with Aadyam Theatre.
Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On September 14th, Bengaluru will experience afternoon storms with thunder, lightning, and light rainfall. The weather indicates a high chance of precipitation, with temperatures ranging from a warm 28°C to a pleasant 20°C. The maximum heat index, considering humidity, is estimated at a hot 31°C. These conditions align with the September average high of 28.3°C.
That’s all for now on The Bengaluru Commute Podcast for today. I’m Anupama. If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow me on your favourite podcast and player, and leave a rating and a review as well. It helps other listeners to discover the show, and I would just really appreciate it. Even better if you know someone who would enjoy the podcast, share it with them. Make your commute truly extraordinary. The Bengaluru Commute podcast skill is now available on Alexa! All you have to do is to download the skill from your Alexa app and look for the Bengaluru commute podcast.
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