The Bengaluru Commute Podcast. Weekend News update : Karnataka political news; BESCOM; CCB crackdown; Kaash Foundation ; BBMP updates; Voice of Global South Summit; National Press Day; UGC; USA news ; Gaza crisis; Turkey news; WHO ; Adani Group ; SEBI; M
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Transcript:
Welcome to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast, your only companion on the streets of Bengaluru.
Here are the top stories of the week that went by.
Bengaluru Local news
1. The Karnataka government addressed 16 key matters, including the Indira Canteen's expansion and sluggish progress in probing illegal mining, during its recent cabinet session. Minister HK Patil highlighted discussions on enhancing CCTV usage for warehousing and reinforcing Underground Drainage, and expressed concern over delayed investigations. Plans were made to expedite probes and initiate necessary actions while considering further Indira canteen expansions and granting 4G exemptions.
2. In other headlines, JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy accused Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra, of involvement in a "transfer racket." Kumaraswamy alleged that Yathindra influenced government postings for money, citing a video. Siddaramaiah dismissed the accusation, calling Kumaraswamy a "master of lies." The controversy emerged amidst BESCOM filing an FIR against Kumaraswamy for alleged illicit power usage during Diwali. Siddaramaiah clarified the video was discussing CSR funds for school development.
3. In some more news, praising the decision to appoint BY Vijayendra as the Karnataka BJP head, former CM Basavaraj Bommai highlighted its potential to invigorate the party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Bommai expressed confidence that Vijayendra's leadership would bolster the state's prospects, aiming to secure all 28 seats. Vijayendra met with senior leaders to strategize the party's direction, aiming for a strong BJP presence in Karnataka under PM Modi's leadership.
4. Up next, a malfunction in the Karnataka State Transport Department's website halted vehicle registrations for three days, causing inconvenience to dealers and disrupting customers' festive plans. The inaccessible website, due to an expired server security certificate, hindered access to the payment portal, leading to incomplete registrations. This backlog possibly affected thousands of vehicle registrations and deliveries statewide, impacting festive sales significantly. Transport Commissioner Yogeesh A M assured resolution after a delay caused by a vendor's absence.
5. Now, onto other news, School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa declared the addition of ragi malt to schoolchildren's diet starting next month, alongside the ongoing provision of milk via Ksheera Bhagya. Initially piloted in two districts, this program will expand statewide. Presently, children receive milk through Ksheera Bhagya and also get eggs twice weekly. Non-egg consumers already receive chikki and bananas as part of their mid-day meals.
6. Moving on, Bengaluru's CCB investigations dismantled a cyber scam syndicate utilizing mule bank accounts to launder Rs 854 crore from various cyber crimes. About 84 mule accounts acted as bridges between victims' accounts and the scammers' primary accounts, allowing illegal money transfers. Raman Gupta, Additional Commissioner of Police (East), disclosed the exploitation of rural homemakers, the impoverished and vulnerable individuals to create these mule accounts.
7. Meanwhile, KLE Law College, Bengaluru, in partnership with GALTER, prepares for an international conference titled 'Ethico-Legal Dimensions of Advanced Technologies' on November 18th-19th. High Court of Karnataka's Justice TG Shivashankare Gowda will inaugurate the event at the college auditorium. The program features esteemed guests such as Venkatesh Murthy K, Prof Dr Andrew Koh, and Govind Mengiji, discussing responsible innovation across plenary sessions, technical discussions, and panels spanning two days.
8. On a different note, Kaash Foundation, Bengaluru, will present 'Play: Experiments with Indian Miniatures' on 19th November, showcasing artists Vijay Siddramappa Hagargundgi, Riyazuddin, and Gargi Chandola. Each delves into specific traditional Indian miniature painting schools, offering playful interpretations. Hagargundgi, a Surpur style master, presents 12 detailed drawings and paintings, emphasizing mythological themes with vibrant colours. Riyazuddin's Rajput style depicts unique Diwali and Holi scenes, while Chandola adapts Pahari school visuals for contemporary femininity.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Voice of Global South Summit, stressing the need for unity among developing nations amid escalating tensions in West Asia. He condemned civilian casualties in the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocating dialogue and diplomacy. Modi urged collective action for global progress, highlighting India's humanitarian aid to Palestine and emphasizing cooperation among nations for a unified global agenda under India's G20 presidency theme: "one earth, one family, one future."
2. Meanwhile, rescue efforts for the 40 trapped construction workers in Uttarkashi's Silkyara-Barkot tunnel have intensified. The workers have been stuck since 12th November following a tunnel collapse due to a landslide. A specialized drilling machine brought from New Delhi by an IAF aircraft has penetrated 21 meters of debris. To create an escape passage, drilling must progress another 60 meters. Trapped workers have received supplies and support, with plans for medical care upon evacuation.
3. In more news, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Minister Anurag Thakur voiced concerns on fake news, urging media responsibility as a core pillar of democracy. At a Press Council of India event on National Press Day, Dhankhar stressed the media's credibility crisis, citing its impact on public trust. Thakur highlighted combating false narratives against India, calling for collective action to uphold truth. They, along with G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, discussed AI's media use, addressing echo chambers and deepfakes.
4. Shifting our focus, the University Grants Commission is considering offering postgraduate students more subject flexibility, regardless of their undergraduate stream. The UGC's draft "Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate Programmes," aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, suggests greater online programs, permission for the simultaneous pursuit of two postgraduate courses, and the recognition of work experience as academic credits. The framework aims for multidisciplinary education, allowing movement between diverse fields.
5. In a general weather update for the country, the IMD reported the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal strengthening into Cyclonic Storm 'Midhili.' The storm is projected to traverse past the Sunderbans and reach the Bangladesh coast, expecting a maximum wind speed of 80 mph. West Bengal's coastal areas anticipate heavy rainfall, while Odisha's Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur may also experience downpours, prompting district collectors' alertness.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, during a summit in San Francisco, US President Joe Biden affirmed America's commitment to Asia-Pacific economies, seeking stability after meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, Biden assured the region of continued US engagement despite China's regional influence attempts. Emphasizing diplomatic resolutions, Biden highlighted the importance of a stable US-China relationship, focusing on diverse issues like AI, climate resilience, and supply chains at the summit.
2. In ongoing news, Gaza experienced a major communications blackout as internet and phone services collapsed due to fuel shortages. Israeli troops continued searching Al-Shifa Hospital, alleging Hamas's presence without evidence. Amidst the crisis, the military found a hostage's body and weapons near the hospital. The blackout isolates 2.3 million Gazans, worsening the humanitarian crisis as airstrikes persist in southern Gaza, raising pressure for aid access.
3. In a recent development, Turkey's Foreign Affairs Committee debated Sweden's NATO entry but adjourned without deciding. The postponement came amid Turkey's concerns over Sweden's stance on security threats and accusations of leniency toward groups Ankara considers dangerous. Turkey seeks clarification and demands more information from Sweden. Despite prior objections, Turkey shifted after assurances of counterterrorism cooperation and support for EU membership. Hungary also holds reservations over Sweden's NATO bid.
4. In some other news, Measles fatalities globally surged by over 40% last year, while cases rose due to a significant drop in vaccination rates during the pandemic, stated WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a new report. Epidemics emerged in 37 countries, affecting 9 million kids and resulting in 136,000 deaths, mostly in poorer nations. Declining immunization rates, hitting a 15-year low, led to an alarming rise, particularly in developing countries.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Indian investigators aim to resume probing the Adani Group for alleged coal import overvaluation, seeking the Supreme Court's nod to gather evidence from Singapore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence since 2016 has sought transaction papers related to Adani's coal deals. Adani Enterprises has contested these attempts, asserting cooperation with authorities, despite repeated legal challenges in India and Singapore.
2. In more business news, Sebi's chairperson, Madhabi Puri Buch, affirmed the ongoing relevance of the Sahara case despite the recent passing of the group's founder, Subrata Roy. Buch emphasized that Sebi's focus remains on the entity's actions, persisting irrespective of an individual's status, speaking during a Ficci event. Subrata Roy, the group's controversial founder, passed away on 14th November following an extended illness.
3. Next up, in some tech news. Meta-owned Instagram is experimenting with customizing user feeds and expanding the Close Friends feature. Now, users can share posts and Reels exclusively with select individuals from their Close Friends list, indicated by a green star icon. Responses to these shares are private messages, visible to the Close Friends circle. Instagram has also introduced new Reels editing tools and post-filters, aiming to enhance user experiences.
4. Moving on, Ernst & Young LLP has recently appointed Janet Truncale as the first woman CEO of a Big Four audit firm. She will take over from Carmine Di Sibio on July 1, 2024, succeeding in her role as the regional managing partner for EY's financial services. Truncale expressed her honour to lead the organization, inspired by Di Sibio's leadership and the firm's dedication to professionalism, tech advancement, and EY values.
5. In market news, the Sensex slid by 203.28 points, marking a 0.31 percent decrease, settling at 65,779.20, while the Nifty dipped 39.30 points, a 0.20 percent decline, reaching 19,725.90. Among the stocks, 1669 showed gains, 1532 witnessed declines, and 92 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee lost approximately 5 paise due to sluggish domestic markets and increased corporate demand for the US Dollar.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, Tiger 3 joins the ₹300 crore club globally. The film's team announced earnings of ₹229 crore gross (₹188.25 crore nett) in India and ₹71 crore gross ($8.50 m) globally. Premiered in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on November 12, Salman Khan's reprisal as Tiger retains its allure, with Katrina Kaif's heightened action sequences applauded. The third instalment of the YRF franchise also stars Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist.
2. In news from Hollywood, Sony Pictures unveiled the trailer for the upcoming rom-com "Anyone But You," featuring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell in the lead. The plot follows Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell) in a fake romance at her sister's Australian wedding, navigating their exes' presence. The trailer, released on Sony's YouTube, garnered 59,812 views and 3.9K likes within 24 hours. Directed by Will Gluck, the film hits theatres on December 22, 2023.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Shivani Rajashekar, having entered Telugu and Tamil cinema in 2021 with "Adbhutham," attributes her industry know-how to her renowned parents. In her upcoming film, "Kota Bommali PS," she embraces a makeup-free look, along with a Srikakulam dialect. The Telugu remake of the Malayalam hit, "Nayattu," the film features Shivani as a police constable, following her father's guidance. The film will be released on November 24th in theatres.
Sports News
1. In sports news, after Pakistan's early exit from the ICC World Cup 2023, Babar Azam dropped a captaincy bombshell via social media, resigning from all formats. Pakistan Cricket Board has now named Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20I captain while Shan Masood takes over Tests. Masood has 30 Test matches and 1597 runs, to his credit, while Afridi has appeared in 52 T20Is. Babar will continue as a player in all formats to support the team.
2. In more sports updates, Mumbai City FC's ISL League Shield-winning head coach Des Buckingham is departing to join England's Oxford United, a third-tier football team. Buckingham, who joined Mumbai City in 2021 and extended his contract earlier this year, initiated his coaching career at Oxford and negotiations for his return have been ongoing. Mumbai City announced his departure and plans to appoint a successor, recognizing Buckingham's significant role in their success.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Indian shuttler HS Prannoy exited the Japan Masters Super 500 badminton tournament in a tight second-round match against Chou Tien Chen from Chinese Taipei. Despite an initial lead, Prannoy fell short in a 73-minute battle, losing 21-19 16-21 19-21 to Chen, the world no. 12. Prannoy's defeat marked the end of India's journey at the tournament, as Chen rallied back after dropping the first game.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week
1. Get ready for an extraordinary musical event featuring popular singer-songwriter Ronan Keating, performing live in concert at the Bhartiya Mall, Thanisandra Main Road on the 18th of November at 4.00 pm.
2. Catch ace comic Pritish Narula as he headlines his latest stand-up special - "Picche kya Bajta hai?", performing live at Just BLR, Brigade Road on the 18th of November at 7.30 pm.
3. Immerse yourself in the exclusive "An Evening of Magic" event featuring ace magician Nakul Shenoy, performing live at the Atta Gallatta, Indiranagar on the 19th of November at 6.00 pm.
4. Get ready for some fun as Bengaluru’s biggest pop-culture event is back! Comic-Con 2023 will see fandoms unite, encompassing comics, toys, merchandise, anime, cosplay, movies, gaming, and beyond. Happening at the KTPO Trade Center, Whitefield on the 18th & 19th of November at 11.00 am.
5. You can also catch the insanely funny Abhineet Mishra in his latest outing - " Bottom's Up", performing live at Medai - The Stage, Koramangala 5th Block on the 18th of November at 8.00 pm.
Podcasts
1. Podcasts to listen to over the weekend: Catch the latest episodes of the "Flight Path with Alok" where host Alok talks to experts and gives you an inside look into the global aviation business.
2. If entertainment is your thing, then check out the incredible Off Air with JMAN podcast where he interacts with artists, comics and creators across the globe!
3. You can also enjoy episodes of the "Studio 1886" podcast, where host Sukhoon brings you all things at work, fun and more, happening inside the BGSW campuses!
Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. Bengaluru can expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from a warm 30°C to a pleasant 19°C. The maximum heat index, factoring in humidity, will reach around 33°C, considering shade and light winds.
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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Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru
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