19th October, 2023 - The Bengaluru Commute Podcast. News update : Bengaluru's SkyDeck project; Lok Sabha polls; Karnataka sugarcane production; BESCOM; BBMP news update; IISc Bengaluru; ISRO news; SC
Do you keep blaming your hectic life for not keeping up with the news?
Do you wish there was a voice in your head telling you about what's going on in the city so you don't feel left out in a group?
Listen to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast for news specific to Namma Bengaluru! Listen during your commute to and from work, listen anywhere, at any time.
Transcript:
Welcome to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast, your only companion on the streets of Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Local news
1. For today, the 19th of October, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar introduced the Skydeck project in Bengaluru, envisioning it as an awe-inspiring infrastructural marvel. This ambitious project, resembling a banyan tree's structure, would become the nation's tallest viewing tower at 250 meters if realized. Designed by Austrian firm COOP HIMMELB(L)AU in collaboration with the World Design Organisation, Shivakumar instructed officials to evaluate its financial feasibility and locate 8 to 10 acres for construction.
2. In other headlines, JD(S) senior leader HD Kumaraswamy played down party discord, deeming it "insignificant" after Karnataka unit president CM Ibrahim opposed forming a BJP alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Kumaraswamy urged the media not to overemphasize the issue, affirming the party's senior leaders would decide. Regarding proposals to remove him and his son, he remarked, "Let Ibrahim do as he pleases."
3. In some more news, in Karnataka, the third largest sugar producer in India, the 2023-24 season anticipates a 42.30% drop in sugar production to 34.51 lakh tonne due to reduced cane yield and lower sugar extraction. Sugarcane yield is estimated at 520 lakh tonne, down from 705 lakh tonne last season. This contrasts with 59.81 lakh tonnes produced in 2022-23. Cane availability for crushing is projected at 442 lakh tonne, a decrease from 603.55 lakh tonne previously.
4. Up next, BESCOM reassured industry representatives amidst a state-wide electricity shortage. Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Energy, confirmed uninterrupted power for industries under BESCOM's jurisdiction. The statement urged against panic, addressing concerns about potential disruption to manufacturing and production due to the ongoing power crisis in Karnataka. The shortage stems from rainfall deficit and increased agricultural electricity consumption. BESCOM, along with KPTCL, scheduled outages for maintenance projects in various Bengaluru areas.
5. Now, onto other news, researchers at the IISc Bengaluru are developing tailored solutions to address unique challenges faced by drivers on Indian roads. They aim to collect data on driver behaviour using a heavy-vehicle simulator, testing the effectiveness of the Advanced Driver Assistance System. Nearly 84% of traffic collisions are attributed to driver error, according to CiSTUP. The project will assess ADAS alerts' impact on drivers navigating Indian road conditions, aiming to optimize ADAS for the country's traffic environment.
6. Moving on, the exhibition 'Commemorating the Majesty of Royal Dasara' features rare 1950s and 60s photographs of Mysore Dasara. Curated by Maya Chandra, founder-director of Maya Films, it showcases the festivities under the erstwhile rulers before the renaming of Mysore state in 1973. The exhibition is a collaboration between IIWC and Heritage Basavanagudi Residents Welfare Forum. Noteworthy frames include the 1939 Dasara with Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, and Jayachamaraja receiving a salute at Chamundi Hills in the 1950s.
7. Meanwhile, Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has earned the title of the "world's most punctual airport" for three consecutive months, according to Cirium's 'On-Time Performance Monthly Report.' KIA, operated by BIAL, achieved punctuality rates of 87.51% in July, 89.66% in August, and 88.51% in September. Cirium defines on-time performance as an aircraft arriving at the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled departure. Out of 18,913 flights, KIA's OTP was tracked at 89.03%.
8. On a different note, the Rotary Club of Bangalore will debut its inaugural film festival next month. Proceeds from the event will promote career options for women in filmmaking and related fields. Renowned filmmakers Girish Kasaravalli and Champa Shetty discussed the scarcity of female filmmakers in a panel organized by the club. Kasaravalli encouraged women to explore roles in cinematography, sound engineering, screenplay, and translation. The festival is scheduled for November 3 and 4 at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi set ambitious goals for the Indian Space Research Organisation, envisioning a national space station by 2035 and a manned lunar mission by 2040. These directives came during a review of India's forthcoming manned space mission, with a pivotal test flight slated for October 21. Additionally, the Department of Space was instructed to outline a roadmap for future Moon missions and establish human-centric laboratories and associated technologies.
2. Meanwhile, in a unanimous decision, the Constitution bench affirmed the right of transgender individuals in heterosexual relationships to marry under existing laws, including personal statutes. Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud stated that such marriages would be legally recognized. Justices Bhat and Chandrachud emphasized earlier rulings supporting transgender rights in India. The 2014 Nalsa vs Union of India judgment and the 2019 transgender persons act have empowered transgender individuals to seek legal recourse against discrimination in employment and education.
3. In more news, the organizers of Ujjain's Garba event have barred non-Hindu participation, claiming it's to prevent "love jihad." They're scrutinizing Aadhaar cards and requiring male attendees to receive a Tilak, ensuring they're Hindus. Law enforcement authorities consider it a private event and haven't intervened. The move rekindles the 'love jihad' debate, a term criticized for stigmatizing interfaith relationships. Last year, controversy arose when police publicly flogged three Muslim men for alleged stone-pelting during a Navratri event.
4. Shifting our focus, starting from the 2024-2025 academic year, IIM Mumbai will charge ₹21 lakh for its two-year MBA programs, which is lower than fees at IIMs Ahmedabad (₹31.5 lakh), Calcutta (₹31 lakh), and Bangalore (₹24.5 lakh). This decision was made during the institute's first board meeting since it was designated IIM Mumbai following the passage of the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Act.
5. In a general weather update for the country, moisture influx and partly cloudy conditions have elevated temperatures in Pune, according to India Meteorological Department officials. This trend is expected to persist for the next 3-4 days. The rise in relative humidity and heat retention at night contributes to discomfort in the city. IMD Pune explained that recent atmospheric conditions, influenced by a Western Disturbance, brought moisture to Maharashtra.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, Maldives President-elect Mohammed Muizzu, elected on an "Out India" platform, prioritizes the swift withdrawal of Indian troops following his November 17 inauguration. While aligning with former President Abdulla Yameen's stance, it's important to note that Indian forces were stationed for disaster relief, not military operations. India and Maldives share historical ties and collaborate on defence and security, exemplified by India's contributions like Coast Guard Ship Huravee and training programs for Maldivian personnel.
2. In ongoing news, US President Joe Biden will address Israel's actions with probing inquiries during his visit, emphasizing his role as a steadfast friend of Israel. White House spokesperson John Kirby hinted at tough questions, aiming to understand Israel's future plans. However, Kirby refrained from specifying the exact nature of these inquiries. Biden's meeting with Arab leaders in Jordan has been postponed due to the Gaza hospital incident, marking the deadliest event in the recent surge of violence.
3. In a recent development, the Gulf Cooperation Council announced $100 million in emergency aid for the Gaza Strip amid ongoing conflict with Hamas militants. The aid aims to support humanitarian relief efforts. The top diplomats from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE met as violence has led to casualties in Gaza. The final statement emphasized the urgency of aid delivery, particularly through the Rafah border point.
4. In some other news, Iran has implemented an immediate ban on teaching foreign languages, including English and Arabic, in kindergartens and primary schools to emphasize Iranian identity formation in children. The ban extends to all foreign languages, not just English. Persian remains the official language. In 2018, Iran already prohibited English instruction in primary schools. Recently, Iranian and dual-national students were barred from international schools, impacting enrollment numbers.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The Reserve Bank has fined ICICI Bank ₹12.19 crore and Kotak Mahindra Bank ₹3.95 crore for non-compliance with specific regulatory norms. ICICI Bank's penalty relates to violations in 'Loans and Advances-Statutory and Other Restrictions' and 'Frauds classification and reporting by commercial banks and select Fls'. Kotak Mahindra Bank was penalized for breaches in areas such as "Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by banks".
2. In more business news, Indian FMCG company and Ayurvedic company Dabur disclosed receiving a Goods and Service Tax (GST) demand notice of ₹320.60 crore. The company plans to counter this based on strong grounds and will respond to relevant authorities accordingly. Dabur, known for brands like Dabur Chyawanprash and Honey, stated it won't significantly affect its financial or operational activities.
3. Next up, in some tech news. The social media platform formerly known as Twitter, now called X, will test a subscription model charging $1 annually for basic features. Named "Not A Bot," it includes likes, reposts, quoting, and bookmarking on the web version. This aims to counter bots and spammers, with fees varying by country. The test will start in New Zealand and the Philippines. Elon Musk, who acquired the platform, has addressed issues of authenticity and user interactions.
4. Moving on, Sony Group Corp's India unit and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) are on track to finalize their merger deal, one of the largest in India's media industry. Despite financial institutions appealing the merger approval, sources suggest it could be completed by the first half of November. Boston Consulting Group is expediting integration efforts. While aiming for an early November conclusion, potential delays due to legal and regulatory formalities are acknowledged.
5. In market news for today, the Sensex dropped 479.77 points (0.72%) to 65,948.32, while the Nifty fell 124.70 points (0.63%) to 19,686.80. Out of the total, 1197 shares saw gains, 2007 shares saw losses, and 100 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee saw a decline due to sluggish domestic markets and an increase in crude oil prices.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. At the 69th National Film Awards ceremony held recently in New Delhi, Kriti Sanon and Alia Bhatt, who both won Best Actress awards for their roles in "Mimi" and "Gangubai Kathiawadi" respectively, shared a candid moment. They wore similar white sarees, posed happily, and were photographed by Alia's husband, Ranbir Kapoor. Kriti also posted more pictures celebrating with fellow awardees and her proud parents.
2. In news from Hollywood, Christopher Nolan's epic biopic "Oppenheimer" is nearing a billion-dollar global box office milestone. Universal has announced the film's home release date on November 22, featuring an extensive three-hour special features package. This includes a 70-minute documentary, "The Story of Our Time," providing exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the film's creation, along with other insightful documentaries and a panel discussion. The release will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, controversy surrounds Vijay's film "Leo", prompting theatre owners to ban teaser/trailer celebrations after fans damaged seats during a screening. The government also denied 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. shows, allowing the film to open in theatres only at 9 a.m. today, October 19th. "Leo," directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, reunites Vijay and Trisha Krishnan. Sanjay Dutt plays the main antagonist in the film.
Sports News
1. In sports news, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports approved 303 athletes spanning 17 sports for the upcoming Asian Para Games. Additionally, 143 coaches, escorts, officials, and support staff are cleared for participation. The contingent features 191 male and 112 female athletes, with the largest group of 123 athletes set for Athletics. India's previous outing in 2018 resulted in 72 medals, including 15 Golds, across 13 sporting events. This edition marks India's debut in five new sports.
2. In more sports updates, in a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay, Neymar left the field in tears with an apparent knee injury at halftime. The 31-year-old fell during a run in the 44th minute and clutched his left knee. He was stretchered off and replaced by Richarlison. Brazil's medical team provided no immediate update on his condition. Since his national team debut in 2010, Neymar has amassed 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil.
3. Wrapping up sports news, following Pakistan's loss to India in the ICC World Cup, the PCB filed a complaint with the ICC citing 'inappropriate conduct' towards their team. Pakistan's coach, Mickey Arthur, addressed crowd behaviour at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Additionally, the PCB protested visa delays for Pakistani journalists and fans. Mohammad Rizwan faced heckling from fans during the match, prompting widespread debate.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week
1. Get ready for an incredible "Echoes - an Open Mic & Jam Night" event, and bring friends along for a fun evening at the TheatreNama Studios, Koramangala 1st Block on the 21st of October at 8.00 pm.
2. Catch ace comic Sourabh Sinha as he headlines his latest stand-up special "Tinder to OYO", performing live at the Comedy Garage, Whitefield on the 21st of October at 6.00 pm.
3. Join a beginner's art class with the exclusive "Guided Painting Workshop", happening at the Paint Bar, Sadashivanagar on the 22nd of October at 4.00 p.m.
4. Interested in learning your favourite K-pop dance numbers? Here's something fun for you! Join a beginner's dance class with the exclusive "K-Pop Dance Workshop", conducted by ace choreographers, happening at the SmallWorld, ST Bed, Koramangala on the 21st of October at 1.00 p.m.
5. You can also catch the incredible Ganesh Kashyap, in his latest outing, performing live at Pluto's Bar & Kitchen, Indiranagar on the 22nd of October at 6.00 pm.
Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. Bengaluru anticipates partly cloudy weather. Temperatures will range from a warm 31°C maximum to a pleasant 19°C minimum. The maximum heat index, factoring in humidity, is forecasted at a warm 34°C. Keep in mind, heat index values are based on shaded areas with light winds. The day's peak temperature will exceed the usual October high of 28°C by a few degrees.
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 download the skill from your Alexa app and look for the Bengaluru commute podcast.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru
Give your Podcasts the Spooler Power! Collaborate, distribute, and grow your podcasts with the Spooler Creator Network. Check us out at www.spooler.in
Submit your podcasts at pod@spooler.in to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free