24th November, 2023 - The Bengaluru Commute Podcast. News update: Karnataka political news; NCPCR; K-RIDE news; Kambala buffalo race; BBMP news update; Uttarakhand tunnel collapse; SC news; Mizoram n
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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 24th of November, let's begin with updates from the city. Opposition leader R. Ashoka accused the ruling Congress of widespread corruption, alleging a '60% commission' government in the state. He referenced a video featuring CM Siddaramaiah's son as evidence, criticizing the Congress for delaying payments to contractors while unearthing large sums of unaccounted cash. Ashoka asserted BJP's non-involvement in commission deals and urged immediate aid for drought-hit farmers.
2. In other headlines, the JD(S) has complained about alleged 'Congress miscreants' who displayed posters targeting party leader H.D. Kumaraswamy across Bengaluru. Concerned about the potential disruption of peace and harmony in the city, JD(S) leaders met with the Bengaluru police Commissioner, providing names and urging strict action against those defaming Kumaraswamy. The posters emerged following an FIR against him for unauthorized power usage during Diwali, for which Kumaraswamy paid a fine of ₹68,526, attributing responsibility to the electricity contractor.
3. In some more news, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the Anaemia Muktha Poushtika Karnataka Action Plan, aiming to reduce women aged 15-49 affected by anaemia from 47.8% to below 30% by 2030. The plan, with a budget of Rs 185.74 crore, focuses on screening, testing, and treating individuals across six pillars, starting with adolescent screening in December. The initiative targets 1.7 crore children aged 5-19 by February 2024, gradually encompassing pregnant women, lactating mothers, and others.
4. Up next, during a recent surprise visit to Bengaluru, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights discovered two non-existent nonprofits that had received funds for child care. Despite being registered for caring for over 100 children, these entities were not found at their registered addresses. The NCPCR plans to issue notices and blacklist these NGOs and conduct a comprehensive audit across the state to ensure compliance with regulations and adequate facilities for children.
5. Now, onto other news, several train services, including the KSR Bengaluru-Devanahalli MEMU Special, Devanahalli-Yelahanka-Kempegowda International Airport Halt MEMU Special, and others, stand cancelled from both directions until November 29. The cancellation is due to ongoing work for the suspension of roads 4, 5, and 6 in the Bengaluru Cantonment yard. These efforts aim to widen platforms 2 and 3 and construct foot overbridge number 3 connecting all platforms, as announced by the railways.
6. Moving on, Manjula N, a 2002-batch IAS officer currently serving as Secretary of the Kannada and Culture Department, has been appointed as the interim managing director of Karnataka's Railway Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE). This decision, effective immediately, is temporary until a regular managing director is appointed, as announced by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms. With only one corridor under initial groundwork, the project's completion deadline has been extended to 2028.
7. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Forest Department initiated a unique study on the future of wildlife conservation in Bandipur Tiger Reserve’s Eco-Sensitive Zone. Researchers found a slightly higher demand for ecological resources than supply in the area. The ESZ, acting as a buffer for wildlife and human habitats, faces challenges due to human activities. The study, conducted by environmental experts, revealed an ecological footprint surpassing the available biocapacity, signifying potential sustainability challenges requiring immediate attention to prevent resource degradation.
8. On a different note, Bengaluru gears up for the inaugural 'Kambala' buffalo race from coastal Karnataka on November 25-26 at the Palace Grounds, organizers confirmed. Chairperson Prakash Shetty emphasized the community's desire to introduce 'Kambala' to a broader audience, propelled by the interest sparked by the Kannada movie 'Kantara.' 139 pairs of participating buffaloes have already departed for Bengaluru, with sponsorship of their stay and food provided by former Minister H D Revanna.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Former advisor to the prime minister's office, Bhaskar Khulbe, estimated the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue to conclude in 12-14 hours, including a three-hour extraction period for the 41 trapped workers. This marks the first time a timeframe has been announced. Khulbe detailed the challenges faced. Post-rescue plans are in place, ensuring comprehensive assistance for the workers who have been trapped for 12 days.
2. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to review petitions seeking reconsideration of its October 17 judgment refusing legal recognition to same-sex couples, scheduling the consideration for November 28. The review involves a plea for an open court hearing and the addition of a new judge to the bench due to a retired judge. The previous judgment was split 3-2, denying recognition to same-sex marriages and civil unions.
3. In more news, the Trinamool Congress lawmaker Mahua Moitra's controversy sharing log-in details with businessman Darshan Hiranandani to directly post Parliament queries prompted the Lok Sabha secretariat to alter the Digital Sansad portal access protocols. Personal assistants (PAs) can now only save notices as drafts; MPs must submit them. The changes include blocking notice posting on PAs' accounts and a revised OTP process for MPs' submissions, according to several reports.
4. Shifting our focus, Mizoram will enforce a comprehensive prohibition on firecrackers and fireworks during Christmas and New Year celebrations, aiming for a pollution-free environment. In a meeting led by state chief secretary Renu Sharma, officials and community leaders agreed to discourage the use and sale of these items. Emphasizing a pollution-free atmosphere, Mizoram, a Christian-majority state, previously imposed bans on such materials during festive occasions and various religious festivals for security and environmental reasons.
5. In a general weather update for the country, Delhi experienced its coldest day of the season as northwesterly winds caused the mercury to drop to 10.6°C, a degree below the normal. The IMD anticipates a similar minimum temperature of around 10°C this week, with no further decline likely. The effect of these cold winds was evident in the maximum temperature, settling at 25.7°C. IMD forecasts potential drizzles in parts of Delhi on November 27 due to a western disturbance.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, Pakistan, through its envoy to Moscow Muhammad Khalid Jamali, has applied for BRICS membership in 2024 and is looking to Russia for support in the accession process, stated Russia's TASS news agency. As BRICS is set to expand next year under Russia's Presidency, Pakistan seeks inclusion among the group's six new members. Islamabad aims to contact member nations for backing during Russia's presidency in joining the organization.
2. In ongoing news, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during the virtual summit led by Indian PM Narendra Modi, indirectly addressed the importance of upholding the "rule of law," as per his office's statement. Trudeau emphasized coordinated G20 action on international law without specifically mentioning Modi hosting the summit. He refrained from directly addressing the reported threat to the life of SFJ's Gurpatwant Pannun, mentioning ongoing collaboration with allies, including the US.
3. In a recent development, South Korea suspended a section of the 2018 military pact with North Korea after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite despite warnings. This suspension increases military monitoring along the tense border. Pyongyang claimed success with the satellite launch, showcasing images of leader Kim Jong Un observing satellite functions, including images over US military sites in Guam. The G7 and foreign ministers urged a strong international response to the launch.
4. In some other news, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in Rockcastle County after a multi-car train derailment resulted in a chemical spill. The governor's office confirmed the evacuation of at least one home, urging more evacuations. Beshear emphasized accessing state resources for safety and urged people to avoid the area, allowing officials to respond. The train, carrying hazardous material, derailed, prompting evacuation advisories and raising environmental concerns.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das referred to the recent tightening of unsecured lending norms as a proactive measure for sustainability during the FIBAC 2023 Conference. The RBI increased the risk weights of consumer credit and restricted Bajaj Finance's lending. Das highlighted exclusions for certain loans and emphasized governance strengthening, risk management, and stress testing for supervised entities. He also noted India's vulnerability to food price shocks despite recent price moderation.
2. In more business news, Tata Technologies' ₹3,043 crore IPO has garnered over eight times subscriptions signalling a robust demand on its second day. Specializing in engineering and technology services for industries like automotive and aerospace, the IPO places Tata Technologies' valuation at ₹20,283 crore at the upper price band of ₹475 to ₹500. Shares are expected to be credited on December 4, and listing on BSE and NSE may occur on November 28th.
3. Next up, in some tech news. Adobe has acquired Bengaluru-based Rephrase.ai, an AI-driven video creation platform, as per an internal memo. The takeover aims to fuse Rephrase’s tech and generative AI video tools with Adobe’s Creative Cloud, enhancing video-editing services. Sources expect this deal to boost Adobe's AI video content provision. Most of Rephrase’s team will join Adobe, marking Adobe's first acquisition in generative AI and video tools and Rephrase as the first Indian startup acquired by Adobe.
4. Moving on, Honasa Consumer's shares surged 20% following Mamaearth's parent company's robust quarterly profit report. Honasa's stocks hit the upper circuit at 423.75 rupees by 10:02 a.m. IST. Their quarterly profit nearly doubled to 294.4 million rupees i.e., $3.54 million compared to last year, driven by increased volume and higher margins. Jefferies analysts expect strong revenue growth and improved profitability, maintaining their "buy" rating.
5. In market news for today, the Sensex dipped by 24.00 points or 0.04 per cent, closing at 65,999.24, while the Nifty slipped 17.90 points or 0.09 per cent to reach 19,793.90. Among stocks, 1726 showed gains, 1429 saw losses, and 101 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee lost its early gains and weakened due to demand from importers and selling pressure exerted by FIIs.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. The long-awaited rivalry between Ranbir Kapoor and Bobby Deol's intense characters unfolds in the gripping trailer of "Animal" that dropped on social media. Packed with raw intensity, the trailer swiftly shifts from intense to violent, showcasing Ranbir's brutal portrayal, wielding knives, axes, and guns. Anil Kapoor's character is implicated in Ranbir's violent transformation due to a turbulent upbringing. Also starring Rashmika Mandanna, "Animal" hits theatres on December 1st.
2. In news from Hollywood, actor Jamie Foxx faces fresh allegations of sexual assault, involving a lawsuit filed by an anonymous woman known as Jane Doe. She accused Foxx of assaulting her at a New York City rooftop restaurant in 2015, also naming the restaurant, its staff, and co-founder Mark Birnbaum as defendants. This isn't Foxx's first harassment accusation. Foxx faced other controversies this year, including hospitalization and backlash over an Instagram post deemed anti-Semitic.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Naga Chaitanya's streaming debut "Dhootha" unveiled its trailer recently. Directed by Vikram Kumar, the series features Parvathy Thiruvothu, Prachi Desai, and Priya Bhavani Shankar. The gripping trailer offers a glimpse into journalist Sagar's life, where mysterious predictions of accidents turn his world upside down. The series delves into consequences and introspection, challenging Chaitanya's comfort zone, and offering thought-provoking storytelling. The web series will stream from December 1st on Prime Video.
Sports News
1. In sports news, Rajasthan Royals' Devdutt Padikkal has been traded to Lucknow Super Giants, while Avesh Khan has moved to the Royals. Padikkal, who joined RR in 2022, heads to LSG for his existing fee of INR 7.75 crore. Avesh, who played for LSG in 2022 with 26 wickets, joins RR for his fee of INR 10 crore. Gautam Gambhir's departure from LSG to KKR was confirmed, marking his reunion with Kolkata Knight Riders as a team mentor.
2. In more sports updates, Venezuela condemned Peru over a contentious football match, accusing Lima of hindering its national team's departure by denying refuelling for their aircraft. The dispute sparked after a 1-1 draw in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Venezuelan players alleged Peruvian police assaulted them as they greeted fans after the match. Venezuelan officials called Peru's actions "kidnapping" and accused them of xenophobia, while flight delay reasons were cited as administrative by the airport operator.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Australia staged a remarkable rally, overcoming the Czech Republic 2-1 in the Davis Cup, securing a semifinal against Finland. Alex de Minaur's thrilling comeback, winning 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 against Jiri Lehecka, saved Australia after Tomas Machac defeated Jordan Thompson. The Wimbledon 2022 doubles champions, Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell sealed the win with a 6-4, 7-5 victory, preserving Australia's quest in the competition.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week
1. Get ready for a musical evening as Westlife, the sensational Irish cover boyband known for chart-toppers 'Swear It Again' and 'World Of Our Own,' is set to perform live in concert at the Embassy International Riding School, Tarunhunse Village on the 25th of November at 6.00 pm.
2. Catch popular comics, Manish Jain & Pronoy Chowdhury as they headline their latest stand-up special - "IIT aur Pharma", performing live at the Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala 4th Block on the 26th of November at 7.30 pm.
3. Immerse yourself in an exclusive "Sound Bath" workshop and reconnect with your inner being through Zen Breathing techniques, happening at SAMA - The Calm Mind Studio, Whitefield on the 25th of November at 6.30 pm.
4. Join an exclusive "Pottery Painting" Workshop and enjoy a relaxing art session conducted by ace experts, happening at SmallWorld, ST Bed, Koramangala on the 26th of November at 3.00 pm.
5. You can also catch the incredible Manoj Bhandari in his latest outing, performing live at Just BLR, Brigade Road on the 25th of November at 5.30 pm.
Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. Bengaluru can expect partly cloudy skies with no rain. Temperatures will reach a high of 28°C and a low of 20°C, offering pleasant conditions. The maximum heat index could reach 31°C, typical for light winds and shaded areas.
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.
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Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
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