Episodes
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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 28th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah honoured Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, founder of Bengaluru, on his 514th birth anniversary. Praising Kempegowda's vision, he credited him for Bengaluru's development. The CM highlighted the decision to celebrate Kempegowda Jayanti, name Devanahalli the airport after him and establish the Kempegowda Development Authority under the previous Congress government.
2. In other headlines, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar criticized CM Siddaramaiah's response to the Hebbal steel flyover protests in 2017, stating that he wouldn't have yielded to the demonstrators' noise. Shivakumar expressed his willingness to make tough decisions for Bengaluru's long-term benefit. He spoke about the scrapped Basaveshwara Nagar to Hebbal steel flyover project, which faced opposition from residents and environmental groups. The government ultimately cancelled the project.
3. In some more news, intra-party conflicts within the Karnataka state BJP have intensified as senior leaders voice their dissent. MP Renukacharya, former minister and MLA, criticized the party's decisions, including sidelining senior leaders like BS Yediyurappa, which he believed contributed to the party's electoral defeat. Renukacharya also expressed dissatisfaction with the denial of tickets to leaders like KS Eshwarappa and Jagadish Shettar, highlighting the party's wrong decisions and the election manifesto's development under Sudhakar's leadership.
4. Up next, a Maldives national, travelling with the football team for the SAFF Championships, lost his belongings, including camera equipment, in Bengaluru. But, he was able to recover everything with the help of the newly installed "Safety Island" near Garuda Mall. The Bengaluru police swiftly tracked down his items and returned them to him. Safety islands are structures resembling telephone booths installed at various junctions, allowing people in distress to contact nearby police stations.
5. Now, in other news, a pioneering project utilizing advanced drone technology was launched to assess the contribution of various sources of air pollution in key hotspot areas of Bengaluru. The National Institute of Advanced Studies and the Environment Management Policy Research Institute collaborated on this initiative. The project aims to establish an air quality early warning system and provide recommendations to authorities, including the BBMP, for prioritizing pollution mitigation.
6. Moving on, the Bar Council of India has approved RV University's School of Law, endorsing its integrated BA LLB and BBA LLB programs set to begin in August 2023. The School of Law will be the sixth school at RVU. Professor Y S R Murthy, the Dean of RVU, stated that the aim is to educate future lawyers who uphold justice and social responsibility, offering a unique curriculum that combines law with business, economics and public policy.
7. Meanwhile, Bridge Builders Bangalore, the youth wing of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, partnered with 'Care on Call' to organize a free health camp at the Jeeva Foundation for the transgender community. The event aimed to address the healthcare barriers faced by this community by providing essential medical services in a safe and supportive environment. The camp included tests like blood count, RBS, HbA1c, cholesterol, AST ALT, creatinine, uric acid, and urine analysis, followed by consultations with doctors.
8. On a different note, the Museum of Art and Photography will host two conferences to promote inclusivity and technological advancements in the art industry. The first conference, 'Inclusion in Cultural Organisations,' to be held on July 1st, will focus on diversity and inclusivity, launching a research report on the expectations of people with disabilities. The second conference, 'The Bengaluru Cultural Tracker-Intersections: Arts, Culture and Technology,' on July 7th, will explore how technology can revolutionize the arts sector.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's endorsement of the Uniform Civil Code, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board conducted an emergency meeting. The AIMPLB announced their decision to prepare a draft that would incorporate crucial aspects of Shariah. The board intends to seek an appointment with the Law Commission chairman to present the draft as a response to the Prime Minister's support for the Uniform Civil Code.
2. Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has revealed that the salaries of 12,700 recently regularized teachers have been tripled, along with a 5% annual increment. Previously receiving ₹9,500/month, BA pass education providers will now earn ₹20,500 as an emolument, as per the CM's announcement.
3. In more news, the Uttar Pradesh government has prohibited the sale and purchase of meat along the Kanwar Yatra route to honour the religious sentiments of devotees. Emphasizing the need for cleanliness and sanitization, the government also urged for arrangements to be made for drinking water due to the prevailing hot weather conditions.
4. Shifting our focus, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay secured the top position among higher educational institutions in India, ranking 149th globally. This marks an improvement from its previous ranking of 172. Another Indian university, IIT-Delhi, also made it to the top 200 list, securing the 197th position. The rankings incorporated new metrics such as sustainability, employment outcomes, and international research network, in addition to existing indicators like academic reputation.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, Canada's Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, announced the establishment of an open work-permit stream for 10,000 American H-1B visa holders. The initiative aims to attract skilled workers from the US, providing employment opportunities in Canada. It will also allow for study or work permits for family members of H-1B visa holders. Approved applicants will receive a three-year open work permit.
2. In ongoing news, Switzerland's Federal Intelligence Service has identified the country as a significant hub for Russian and Chinese espionage activities. FIS Chief Christian Dussey stated that out of the 220 accredited individuals in diplomatic and consular missions in Geneva and Bern, at least one-third are suspected to be actively working for Russian intelligence agencies. The assessment highlights the ongoing presence of foreign spies in Switzerland.
3. In a recent development, a researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology has alleged that COVID-19 was intentionally created by China as a "bioweapon" to infect people. Chao Shao claimed that his colleagues were provided with four virus strains to determine the most effective spread. Furthermore, he was informed by another researcher that their colleagues were sent to the 2019 Military World Games to spread the virus.
4. In other news, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif informed IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that he anticipates a prompt decision regarding the release of the bailout fund. The ninth review of Pakistan's 2019 Extended Fund Facility, entailing the release of a $1.2-billion tranche, is currently pending. The program is scheduled to conclude on June 30, adding urgency to the situation.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The World Bank has granted a $300 million loan to enhance the educational standards in schools operated by the Chhattisgarh government. The funding will contribute to the establishment of approximately 600 model composite schools and facilitate the provision of science and commerce education. The loan utilizes a financing mechanism that ties the release of funds to the attainment of predefined program outcomes, according to the World Bank.
2. In more business news, real estate developer Supertech's Chairman, RK Arora, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate from his office in Delhi. The ED's investigation into Supertech was initiated based on FIRs filed in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. The allegations against Supertech and its directors involve cheating homebuyers through the collection of funds.
3. Next up, Sheela Foam, the owner of Sleepwell mattresses, is set to acquire its rival company Kurlon Enterprise. The acquisition will involve purchasing 100% of Kurlon Enterprise in two instalments, totalling ₹3,250 crores in cash. This strategic move is anticipated to enable Sheela Foam to expand its market presence and potentially double its market share. The transaction is projected to be finalized within a few months.
4. Moving on, UBS Group is planning to reduce over half of Credit Suisse's workforce, which consists of 45,000 employees, starting in July, according to reports. The merger could result in the elimination of up to 10,000 jobs. The report suggests that employees have been informed about the possibility of three rounds of job cuts throughout the year. UBS recently finalized its emergency takeover of Credit Suisse.
5. In market news for June 28th, the Sensex was up 539.14 points or 0.85% at 63,955.17, and the Nifty was up 161.80 points or 0.86% at 18,979.20. About 1574 shares advanced, 1649 shares declined, and 113 shares were unchanged. Earlier in the day, the Nifty index reached a milestone by surpassing the 19,000 mark for the first time, while the Sensex achieved a new record high of 64,012.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Director Karan Johar has unveiled the first song, "Tum Kya Mile," from his upcoming film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. This heartfelt track serves as a tribute to the late filmmaker Yash Chopra. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kashmir, the song showcases the enchanting chemistry between lead stars Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal lend their vocals to the song, with music composed by Pritam.
2. In news from Hollywood, James Gunn and Peter Safran, tasked with revamping the DC Extended Universe, have decided to cast a younger actor as Superman. David Corenswet, a 29-year-old American actor known for his roles in Netflix shows The Politician and Hollywood, has been chosen to portray Clark Kent in the new Superman Universe. Rachel Brosnahan is set to play Lois Lane.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Bengali star Shubhashree Ganguly and her husband, filmmaker & TMC leader Raj Chakrabarty announced their second pregnancy. They shared a photo on Instagram featuring their son Yuvaan wearing a t-shirt that says 'Big brother'. Congratulatory messages poured in from fans and celebrities as the couple prepares to welcome their second child.Sports News
1. In sports news, the schedule for India's T20I tour of Ireland has been unveiled, featuring three matches to be played at Malahide. The first T20I is scheduled for August 18, followed by the remaining two matches on August 20 and August 23. This series will be held right after India's tour of the West Indies concludes.
2. In some uplifting news, Indian men's football team captain Sunil Chhetri recently scored his 23rd goal in the history of the SAFF Championship. The goal was netted by Chhetri in injury time of the first half against Kuwait. With this achievement, Chhetri has now joined Maldivian forward Ali Ashfaq as the joint-highest goalscorer in SAFF Championship.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Aston Martin's remarkable progress this season has served as a "reality check" for the Formula 1 community, according to Alpine F1 CEO Laurent Rossi. Rossi acknowledged that their team, along with others, had assumed a consistent upward trajectory until Aston Martin surpassed them. He further mentioned that Alpine was reevaluating its approach, particularly in certain areas where it had been overly cautious.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch acclaimed comedians, Mohd. Aaquib and Dwip Rachch in their latest stand-up special "Dark & Darker", performing live at the Drunkling Comedy Club, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 1st of July at 7.00 pm. Don't miss out on the hilarious ride as jokes get darker by the minute!
2. Attention Bengaluru! Get ready for a musical treat with the "Dastaan-e-Ishq - Songs & Stories of the Sufis" event, happening at the Shoonya - Centre for Art and Somatic Practices, Lal Bagh Main Road, on the 1st of July at 7.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Join an immersive experience filled with creativity and artistic expression with the "Mini Canvas Painting" Workshop, conducted by the city's experts at Go Native, HSR Layout, on the 2nd of July at 12.00 pm and 1.00 pm.
4. Interested in home decor and gardening? Here's something for you! Join an exclusive Terrarium Making beginner's class in a workshop conducted by dedicated terrarium artist, Saloni Kumar, happening at the Dialogues Cafe, Koramangala 4th Block, on the 2nd of July at 10.00 am.
5. You can also catch ace funnyman Inder Sahani in his latest outing "Ab Hai Aapki Bari", performing live at The Art Gully Studio, Koramangala 4th Block on the 1st of July at 6.30 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 28th of June, as the evening descends, the temperatures in the city will gradually cool down to a comfortable 20°C. However, on the 29th of June, brace yourself for a hot day, with the mercury soaring to 31°C but as the nighttime descends, the temperatures will again dip to a pleasant 21°C. Stay prepared for the fluctuating weather conditions. Rain is likely as the skies appear to be partly cloudy.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 27th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka’s exclusive Vande Bharat Express, which links Bengaluru and Dharwad, was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the South Western Railway. A trial run of the express train was previously held successfully on June 19th. This is the second Vande Bharat train that was flagged off by the PM, after launching the Mysuru-Bengaluru-Chennai Vande Bharat train in November last year.
2. In other headlines, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered the transfer of Basavaraj R Kabade, the chief engineer of the BBMP's stormwater drain department, due to complaints of his non-responsiveness to public grievances. Siddaramaiah cited the reason in a letter to the Urban Development Department. Kabade also held the position of chief general manager at the newly formed Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Company.
3. In some more news, Bengaluru police have deployed approximately 30 'Safety Island' devices across the city to assist individuals in distress by providing a direct connection to the police. These blue-coloured telephone booth-like structures have been strategically placed in areas with high foot traffic, especially for women's safety. When someone is unable to use their mobile phone, they can utilize these safety islands to contact nearby police stations. Each safety island is equipped with CCTV for real-time monitoring and assistance.
4. Up next, vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes, have surged due to this year's monsoon deficit. According to reports, prices have spiked to ₹80 per kg in the past week due to limited supply. Prices rose further in Bengaluru, surpassing the ₹100 mark. The crop has been severely affected by the monsoon, with production estimated at only 30% of normal.
5. Now, in other news, the Karnataka state government is intensifying efforts to combat the rising problem of drug abuse by focusing on city schools. Police Commissioner B Dayananda stated that discussions with the state government have already taken place. However, to prioritize students' academic interests and prospects, the police have decided to provide counselling rather than filing charges against those found involved in substance abuse. The proactive approach has been well-received by many institutions in Bengaluru.
6. Moving on, Richmond Park in Bengaluru now boasts a new drinking water facility, thanks to the 'Water for Life' project implemented by the Inner Wheel Club of Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Citizens' Welfare Association of Richmond Town and Langford Town. Supported by the Palike, the initiative aims to provide essential drinking water amenities. With an approximate cost of Rs 1.3 lakh, this facility will serve park visitors, vendors, traffic police, and others in the busy area.
7. Meanwhile, Bangalore International Airport Limited launched the 'BLR Pulse' app, aiming to enhance the travel experience for passengers at Kempegowda International Airport. The app, in collaboration with GrayMatter Software Services, is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices, offering real-time flight updates, Wi-Fi connectivity, gate information, and details about discounts at food and beverage outlets. BIAL officials tweeted about the app, highlighting its comprehensive features to assist travellers and ensure timely boarding.
8. On a different note, a recent study conducted by researchers from the Tata Institute of Genetics and Society, the Indian Institute of Science, and the Indian Council for Medical Research highlights the need for a shift in the WHO protocol regarding mosquito control. Currently, the focus is primarily on indoor surveillance during dengue outbreaks, neglecting outdoor breeding sites. The study examined 8,717 container breeding sites, revealing 1,619 mosquito larvae of 16 different species.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. During a speech in Jammu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that if necessary, India can target terrorist networks beyond its borders. Singh praised the Prime Minister's swift decision-making during surgical strikes, reflecting his resolute determination. He highlighted that India's actions have effectively conveyed the concept of zero tolerance towards terrorism, which is understood by the international community.
2. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has ruled that caste will not be a factor in the selection of priests for temples. The court emphasized that the primary criteria for appointment are the individual's proficiency, training, and qualifications to conduct religious rituals. These directives were issued while resolving a 2018 petition that challenged a recruitment advertisement for Archakas/Sthanikam (priests).
3. In more news, in response to the ongoing violence in Manipur, the state government announced that a 'no work, no pay' policy could be implemented for employees taking unauthorized leaves. This measure is expected to impact approximately 100,000 government employees. Administrative secretaries have been instructed to submit information by June 28 regarding employees unable to fulfil their duties due to the current situation.
4. Shifting our focus, officials announced that the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been reopened for traffic following a closure of nearly 24 hours caused by landslides and flash floods. The highway had been blocked, leaving numerous tourists en route to Kullu-Manali stranded in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district. The landslides were triggered by flash floods in Himachal Pradesh.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, the alleged harassment of Wall Street Journal journalist Sabrina Siddiqui, who questioned PM Narendra Modi on minority discrimination, has been condemned by the White House. Top official John Kirby stated that such actions are completely unacceptable and contradict the principles of democracy demonstrated during the recent state visit.
2. In ongoing news, from 28th June onwards, South Koreans will experience a unique change as the country transitions to international age standards. Currently, newborns are considered one year old, but this will align with global norms. The shift aims to minimize confusion and ensure consistency across judicial and administrative sectors. Consequently, individuals will become at least a year younger overnight, reflecting their age according to the international calendar.
3. In a recent development, Yevgeny Prigozhin, commenting on the military mutiny led by his Wagner Group, stated that the rebels marched to voice their protest, not to overthrow the Russian government. In an audio message on Telegram, he explained that the march was initiated due to perceived injustice and referred to it as a "master class" on how Ukraine's invasion should have been conducted.
4. In some positive news, Prince William launched a five-year project to eradicate long-term homelessness in the UK, aiming to minimize the occurrence of people without homes. He plans to personally visit six pilot projects across the country, which have received grants for this purpose. Notably, Prince William will contribute 130,000 acres of his Duchy of Cornwall estate for the development of public housing.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. IBM has revealed its plan to acquire Apptio, a company offering IT management and optimization software, in a deal worth $4.6 billion. The acquisition will be funded using IBM's available cash. Apptio was founded in 2007 by Sunny Gupta and Kurt Shintaffer and was previously acquired by Vista Equity Partners in 2019 for $1.94 billion.
2. In more business news, TCS has appointed Sivakumar Viswanathan as the new head of its Resource Management Group, responsible for contract worker hiring and internal employee deployment. This move comes amid an internal investigation into a bribe-for-jobs scam, resulting in the termination of at least 15 executives and the blacklisting of eight staffing firms by TCS.
3. Next up, KPMG, a global accounting firm, is reducing its workforce in the US by 5% due to economic challenges and low attrition rates. This round of layoffs, following a previous cut of around 2% in February, will occur throughout the remainder of FY23.
4. Moving on, Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate led by Warren Buffett, has divested 2.53 million Hong Kong-listed shares of Chinese company BYD for $86.3 million (approximately ₹707 crore). This transaction resulted in a decrease in Berkshire's ownership of BYD's H-shares from 9.21% to 8.98%. H-shares represent shares of mainland Chinese companies listed on foreign exchanges such as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
5. In market news for June 27th, the Sensex witnessed a gain of 383 points or 0.61% at 63,353.81, while the Nifty rose by 102 points or 0.45% to reach 18,775.35. Among the listed shares, approximately 1968 saw an increase in value, 1490 experienced a decline, and 154 remained unchanged. Shares of HDFC and HDFC Bank jumped up to 1.49 per cent after HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh said the merger is expected to be completed by July 1.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Shah, known for 'The Kerala Story', are collaborating on a new project called 'Bastar'. The upcoming film, based on a true incident, is set to release on April 5 next year. 'The Kerala Story' was a commercial success, grossing over ₹200 crore in India since its release on May 5th.
2. In news from Hollywood, actress Gal Gadot took to Instagram to share her excitement about receiving a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. In her video, she revealed that she received the news during her press junket for the upcoming film Heart of Stone. The Class of 2024 for the Walk of Fame includes notable names like Michelle Yeoh, Kevin Feige, Eugene Levy, Gwen Stefani, Chris Pine, Kerry Washington, and the rock band Def Leppard.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran suffered a ligament tear during the shooting of a stunt scene for the film 'Vilayath Buddha' in Kerala. Following the incident, he was transported to a private hospital in Kochi, where he underwent knee surgery. Prithviraj has been advised to take a six-week rest period to recover from the injury.Sports News
1. In sports news, the ODI World Cup 2023 schedule was announced, with the opening match scheduled between England and New Zealand on October 5. The final is set for November 19. India's first match is against Australia in Chennai on October 8, followed by their eighth encounter with Pakistan in an ODI World Cup, scheduled for October 15 in Ahmedabad.
2. In some uplifting news, Real Madrid has extended midfielder Luka Modric's contract for another season amidst reported interest from Saudi Arabia. The 37-year-old Croatian's contract will now run until the end of the 2023-24 season, following the recent extension of Toni Kroos' contract. In response to the news, Modric expressed his joy on Twitter, writing, "Home Sweet Home."
3. Wrapping up sports news, Carlos Alcaraz, after winning the Queen's Club Championship, retained his World No. 1 ranking in the ATP rankings. The Spaniard's victory over Alex de Minaur in the final with a score of 6-4 6-4 bodes well for his Wimbledon 2023 prospects. Alcaraz had temporarily lost his top position to Novak Djokovic following the French Open, where Djokovic emerged as the champion with a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch acclaimed comedian Taral Shah, in his latest special - "Crazy Math Professor", performing live at The Art Gully Studio, Koramangala, 4th Block, on the 2nd of July at 8.30 pm.
2. Attention Bengaluru! The Sheraton Grand Hotel at Brigade Gateway presents the Beer & Kebabs Festival - where you can indulge in refreshing craft beers and delectable kebabs. There's something for everyone! Don't miss out on this fantastic event happening at the Hydeout Lounge and Bar until June 30th. Make your way to the Sheraton Grand Hotel for a memorable experience!
3. But wait, there's more. Get ready for 'Blindfolded Talks', an exciting event where participants are paired up and blindfolded, allowing for authentic conversations to happen beyond judgment. If dating apps aren't your thing, this is your chance to try something different! All this and more, happening on June 28th at SmallWorld, Koramangala 5th Block.
4. Interested in learning the Hula Hoop? Here's something for you! Join a Hula Hoop beginner's class, in a workshop conducted by expert instructor Tejaswini, happening at the Flux, Indiranagar on the 2nd of July at 7.30 am.
5. You can also catch ace funnyman Abhishek Walia, in his latest outing, performing live at the Vapour Pub & Brewery, Indiranagar, on the 2nd of July at 5.00 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 27th of June, the temperature will drop to 21°C as night time approaches. On 28th June, get ready for a hot day in the city, with temperatures soaring up to 29°C. However, as the evening approaches, the mercury will drop down to a comfortable 22°C. Make sure to dress accordingly and stay hydrated throughout the day! Rain is unlikely as the skies appear mostly clear.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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Missing episodes?
-
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 26th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa announced protests inside and outside the Assembly, demanding the implementation of Congress' poll promises. Starting July 4, he will lead demonstrations at Vidhana Soudha. Yediyurappa urged party members to focus on the 2024 elections and ensure BJP's victory. He also criticized the government's anti-farmer and anti-people policies.
2. In other headlines, the implementation of the 'Shakti' scheme in Karnataka has led to an increase in daily commuters on state-run buses. The average number of passengers rose from 8.41 million to 10.5 million, as confirmed by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. The scheme, which provides inclusive transportation, has strengthened public transport in the state and received appreciation from officials and experts.
3. In some more news, auditors have uncovered major deficiencies in the expenditure of Rs 490 crore by the SWD department of BBMP between April 2019 and March 2021. The audit reveals a lack of documentation, violation of tender specifications, excessive payments, and potential double billing. The report exposes the civic body's disregard for accountability. BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath stated that the findings would be reviewed, but not all are deemed serious.
4. Up next, lake activists and residents near Basavanapura Lake are working together to promote conservation and greenery by planting numerous saplings. However, their efforts face a significant obstacle: the survival of saplings on the lake's southern side is hindered by stray cattle. Despite appeals to the BBMP Lakes Department and home guards for protection, the issue persists, lamented lake activist Balaji Raghotham.
5. Now, onto other news, residents of the L&T South City apartment complex on Bannerghatta Road joyfully celebrated Ratha Yatra over the weekend. The event, organized by the South City Odia Committee, UTKALA, in collaboration with Sugruha, marked the third consecutive year of celebration after its suspension due to the pandemic. The evening festivities featured cultural performances, including classical and semi-classical dances, devotional songs, and an orchestra.
6. Moving on, Namma Bengaluru Foundation, V3 Foundation, and the Residents' Welfare Association collaborated on a campaign in Vinayaka Nagar, ward number 87, to raise awareness about the 'Bus Beku' initiative, road safety, and the importance of reducing honking. Over 10 residents participated. The campaign's primary goal is to introduce a paid feeder minibus service for the residents of Annasandra Palya, Vinayaka Nagar, Basavanagar, and Kaggadasapura, which collectively have a population of over 2 lakh people, including a significant number of daily commuters.
7. Meanwhile, a public consultation event called "Let's Move Bengaluru," organized by Greenpeace India and other organizations, saw civil society groups, mobility experts, and citizens come together to advocate for an improved public transport system. Panels comprising experts and representatives from various communities discussed the integration of public transport with the Shakti scheme. Recommendations included route rationalization and promoting public transport as trendy through social media engagement.
8. On a different note, Game Point organized the inaugural Queer Badminton League over the weekend to promote LGBTQ+ participation in sports during Pride Month. Six teams representing queer groups and businesses competed fiercely at Playzone, Indiranagar. The final match between E-City Eagles and Whitefield Whales ended with the latter's 7-3 victory. The league aimed to unite marginalized individuals within the queer community, fostering a sports-oriented culture and boosting confidence in sports participation.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting of Union Ministers to address the situation of violence in Manipur, as reported. Images from the meeting have emerged online. Union Home Minister Amit Shah provided an update to PM Modi regarding the ongoing state of affairs in Manipur. This development follows the meeting between Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Amit Shah.
2. Meanwhile, West Bengal State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha held a two-hour meeting with Governor C V Ananda Bose to discuss the upcoming panchayat elections scheduled for July 8. The meeting took place amidst concerns about political violence, which has resulted in the loss of eight lives. Speculations about the delay in the arrival of central paramilitary forces, required to oversee the elections as per court orders, may lead to rescheduling the election in multiple phases. The state government requested 822 paramilitary force companies, but only 364 arrived.
3. In more news, flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district have left both locals and tourists stranded. A video depicts numerous vehicles trapped on National Highway-3, leading to a temporary traffic halt. An official notification confirmed the closure of the Mandi-Joginder Nagar Highway, citing a significant threat of landslides and rockfalls.
4. Shifting our focus, IndiGo confirmed that a Srinagar-Jammu flight had entered Pakistani airspace as a result of adverse weather conditions. The airline notified authorities in both countries and diverted the flight to Amritsar, Punjab. This incident follows a previous occurrence earlier this month when an IndiGo flight from Amritsar to Ahmedabad also entered Pakistani airspace.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the recent rebellion in Russia, orchestrated by the Wagner group, has revealed vulnerabilities in President Vladimir Putin's leadership. Blinken characterized it as another negative development in the series of events that have unfolded under Putin's regime. He emphasized that the internal unrest is solely Russia's concern.
2. In ongoing news, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been acquitted by a Pakistani court in a 37-year-old case. The case involved allegations of Sharif transferring state land as a bribe to a media house mogul. The court had previously acquitted the co-accused, Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, in the same case. Sharif has been residing in self-imposed exile in London since November 2019, citing health reasons.
3. In a recent development, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, underwent successful surgery in London after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, according to her spokesperson. The diagnosis came after a routine mammogram screening. The spokesperson confirmed that the surgery went well and expressed optimism about Sarah's prognosis. The 63-year-old Duchess, who is the former wife of Prince Andrew, is expected to recover.
4. In other news, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime's World Drug Report, the global demand and supply of cocaine are increasing, while methamphetamine trafficking is extending beyond traditional markets. The report reveals a steady rise in the number of cocaine users, estimated at 22 million in 2021. Additionally, Afghanistan remains responsible for 80% of the world's illicit opium poppy cultivation, which is a key ingredient in heroin production.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that Micron Technology's investment in establishing a semiconductor facility in Gujarat is expected to generate 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs at the community level. The US-based chipmaker is likely to invest approximately $800 million (₹6,600 crores) out of the total $2.75 billion required for the facility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with Micron Technology's Indian-American CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra.
2. In more business news, Pakistan's Parliament gave its approval to a 14.48 trillion Pakistani Rupee Budget for the fiscal year 2024. The Budget was modified to incorporate fiscal restraint measures to obtain a financial assistance package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The revised Budget targets an increase of PKR 215 billion in tax revenue and a reduction of PKR 85 billion in public expenditure.
3. Next up, Shree Cement's stock plummeted by 10% following reports of a massive tax evasion of ₹23,000 crore, making it one of the largest tax evasion cases in India. The Income Tax Department conducted searches at multiple company sites in Rajasthan. Shree Cement stated that its management team is fully cooperating with the officials and is available for any necessary assistance.
4. Moving on, Danske Bank, based in Denmark, has chosen Infosys, India's second-largest IT services company, as its partner to expedite the bank's digital transformation. The partnership, valued at $454 million (over ₹3,700 crores), spans five years. As part of the agreement, Infosys will acquire Danske Bank's IT centre in India, which currently employs over 1,400 professionals.
5. In market news for June 26th, benchmark indices traded with a downward trend, with the Nifty hovering around 18,650. The Sensex recorded a decline of 71.76 points or 0.11%, settling at 62,907.61, while the Nifty saw a minor increase of 6.90 points or 0.04%, reaching 18,672.40. Among the shares traded, 1,648 advanced, 1,653 declined, and 136 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee faced downward pressure due to a weak tone in domestic markets and slight softness in the US Dollar.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Nawazuddin Siddiqui commended Kangana Ranaut for her bravery in addressing issues within the Bollywood industry. He noted that many individuals tend to speak in politically correct terms, but Kangana stands out by fearlessly raising pertinent concerns. Nawazuddin praised her for speaking up on important matters with accuracy and precision.
2. In news from Hollywood, Mad Men star, Jon Hamm tied the knot with Anna Osceola at Anderson Canyon in Big Sur, California. Among the attendees were Hamm's co-star John Slattery and notable guests such as Billy Crudup, Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Brooke Shields, and Larry David. Osceola looked stunning in a strapless white gown with a leg-revealing slit, complemented by a bouquet of pale pink peonies.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Mahesh Babu is currently busy with the shooting of his upcoming Telugu film, "Guntur Kaaram." The movie has sparked a Twitter trend following rumours of Pooja Hegde's departure from the project. While reports indicate that Sreelala, originally cast as the second lead, has replaced Pooja as the main lead. The second lead role has allegedly been filled by Meenakshi Chaudhary.Sports News
1. In sports news, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, responded to wrestlers withdrawing their protest against him and stated that - "The matter is in the court, and the court will do its work." The wrestlers announced their decision to take legal action against Singh instead of protesting on the streets, following the filing of a chargesheet accusing him of sexual harassment.
2. In some uplifting news, former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has identified three potential successors to Rohit Sharma as Test captain. Gavaskar named Shubman Gill and Axar Patel as future captaincy prospects, noting Axar's consistent improvement in each match. He also suggested that once Ishan Kishan solidifies his position in the team, he could be considered for the role as well.
3. Wrapping up sports news, when questioned about breaking rival Cristiano Ronaldo's records, star footballer Lionel Messi downplayed the significance, stating, "Just a little bit. At this stage of my career, I don't focus on that anymore." He emphasized that winning everything was a true accomplishment. Messi also prioritized his achievements and the collective success he has attained throughout his career.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch ace comedian Ravi Gupta in his latest special - "Kal Ki Chinta Nahi Karta", performing live at the Long Boat Brewing Co., Marathahalli on the 2nd of July, at 4.30 pm.
2. Attention, food enthusiasts! Get ready to indulge in the authentic Thai flavours of Seefah, Mumbai's beloved restaurant, as they bring their culinary magic to Bengaluru. Join renowned chefs Seefah and Karan for a journey like no other, where traditional Thai dishes meet modern innovation, at The Conservatory, Shanti Nagar from 30th June to 2nd July. Don't miss out!
3. But wait, there's more. Take the night off and bring along friends to the "Super Sunday Bollywood Night", happening at the Boomrang Bar X Social, Koramangala 7th Block, on the 2nd of July at 8.00 pm.
4. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of India at the magnificent Namaste India flea market! Witness a day filled with captivating performances by renowned artists, delicious culinary delights, and an extraordinary shopping experience with over 250 stalls offering a diverse range of handloom and art. Mark your calendars for 1st July at 10.00 AM, at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel, don't miss out on this incredible extravaganza!
5. You can also catch acclaimed funnyman Sahil Shah, in his latest standup comedy special, performing live at Just BLR, Brigade Road on the 1st of July at 6.00 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 26th of June, as the evening descends, the temperatures will gradually cool down to a pleasant 21°C. However, on the 27th of June, brace yourself for a hot day, with the mercury soaring to 30°C but as the night falls, the temperatures will decrease to a comfortable 22°C. Stay prepared for the fluctuating weather conditions in the city. Rain is likely although the skies appear to be mostly clear.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 23rd of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Traders and small business owners in Karnataka staged protests and observed a one-day strike against the power tariff increase. Medium and Large Scale Industries Minister M.B. Patil clarified that the hike was implemented by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission and not the state government. Additionally, the KSRMA indicated a potential rise in rice prices due to increased power tariffs and paddy costs.
2. In other headlines, BJP veteran B.S. Yediyurappa warned the Karnataka Congress government of 'Satyagraha' protests inside and outside the Assembly if it fails to fulfil five election promises. He called for the government's resignation if unable to deliver. Yediyurappa also announced his demonstrations at the state Legislature in Bengaluru, criticizing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for falsely blaming the Centre for rice supply issues in the state's "Anna Bhagya" scheme.
3. In some more news, the location of the suburban train station at Majestic in the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project has been changed. The new elevated station will be situated on Gubbi Thotadappa Road, offering direct connectivity to the Kempegowda metro and bus stations. Previously, the station was planned within the KSR Bengaluru railway station premises, requiring passengers to walk outside to access other stations. The revised plan improves accessibility and expands metro connectivity beyond the Purple Line.
4. Up next, Bengaluru residents should anticipate power shutdowns on the weekend of 24th-25th June, due to scheduled maintenance work by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited. The outages, primarily between 10 am and 5 pm, are listed on BESCOM's official website. In addition to these disruptions, the city has witnessed a sudden increase in power tariffs, prompting state-wide protests by industry and trade bodies. A detailed list of affected areas is provided on BESCOM's official Twitter page too.
5. Now, onto other news, the Bike-Taxi association has written a letter to the Bengaluru City Police commissioner, expressing concerns about the harassment they face from auto-rickshaw drivers. They mentioned previous complaints filed against auto drivers and union leaders, stating that the harassment continues despite the complaints. The association referred to a court order and requested the government to refrain from coercive action against bike taxi aggregator Rapido. The police commissioner has assured the association that appropriate action will be taken.
6. Moving on, Bengaluru hoteliers have raised concerns over potential price hikes for dining out due to various factors. The surge in electricity tariffs, along with increased costs of essential items like milk, coffee powder, and vegetables, has prompted apprehension among hoteliers. P.C. Rao, president of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers Association, highlighted the significant rise in prices of essential commodities.
7. Meanwhile, NIMHANS hosted a two-day Y20 consultation, focusing on health, well-being, and sports for youth. The consultation was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and brought together experts, policymakers, young leaders, and healthcare professionals to discuss issues hindering youth empowerment. The objective was to explore actionable strategies that could influence policies, programmes, and initiatives related to youth health, well-being, and sports. The discussions also highlighted the importance of developing digital health infrastructure.
8. On a different note, the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru has achieved the highest rank among Indian institutions in the 'Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2023.' IISc secured the 48th position, followed by JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysuru at 68th place. Other Indian universities within the top 100 include Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences in Himachal Pradesh (77th) and Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala (95th).National News
1. Moving on to the national news. During his address to the joint session of the US Congress, PM Narendra Modi declared that India had progressed from being the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest, with aspirations to become the 3rd largest in the near future. He emphasized that India's growth benefited the entire world, stating, "When India grows, the whole world grows."
2. Meanwhile, following a major train accident in Odisha earlier in June, the Indian Railways has carried out routine transfers of five senior officials from the South Eastern Railways. Among those transferred are Kharagpur Divisional Railway Manager Shujat Hashmi and SER zone's Principal Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer PM Sikdar.
3. In more news, top leaders and Chief Ministers from various non-BJP parties convened in Patna to strengthen unity ahead of the 2024 national elections. Spearheaded by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the meeting aimed to unite different parties. Notable attendees included Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Maan, Mehbooba Mufti, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Hemant Soren, Akhilesh Yadav, Omar Abdullah, Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar.
4. Shifting our focus, the Rajasthan government has announced a 50% fare concession for women passengers in all categories of roadways buses within the state. The proposal, approved by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, extends the concession to all classes of Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation buses. Additionally, Gehlot has approved a 15% increase in the honorarium of 55,816 ASHA Sehyoginis in the state.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, Indian-American Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley expressed that the US-India friendship is personal, highlighting the shared democratic values, business and cultural ties, and mutual security interests. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his state visit to the US, Haley emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
2. In ongoing news, following the discovery of debris indicating a catastrophic implosion of the Titanic submarine, all individuals aboard, including British billionaire Hamish Harding, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, were declared deceased by the US Coast Guard.
3. In a recent development, Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar became angry with a reporter at the Parliament House when asked about the delay in an IMF loan. The journalist alleged that Dar slapped him and instructed his security officers to punish the reporter. The Parliamentary Reporters Association demanded an apology from the minister and condemned the incident.
4. In some positive news, Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, revealed that she is working on a book that will primarily delve into the subject of leadership rather than politics. Although she did not specify a publication date, Ardern expressed her aspiration for the book to be one that would have had a positive impact on her younger self. She shared this update on Instagram.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The state dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden to honour PM Narendra Modi was attended by prominent figures including Tim Cook, Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Nikhil Kamath, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Indra Nooyi. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman were also present.
2. In more business news, Nivruti Rai has stepped down as the head of Intel India after serving for 29 years, according to the company. Having joined in 1994 as a design engineer, Rai also held the position of Vice President of Intel Foundry Services. It is reported that the government is considering appointing Rai as the Managing Director and CEO of Invest India.
3. Next up, the Adani Group's market value experienced a loss of over ₹52,000 crores as shares of its listed companies dropped by up to 8%. The decline followed a report suggesting that US regulators are examining the Adani Group's statements made to American investors. This investigation follows previous allegations made by Hindenburg Research.
4. Moving on, Stark Corp, a Thailand-based electric cable manufacturer, has witnessed a staggering 99% decline in its market capitalization due to an accounting scam. The company is also said to have defaulted on a portion of its $1.1 billion liabilities. A recent audit conducted by PwC uncovered 202 "unusual sale transactions" amounting to approximately $328 million in 2021 and 2022.
5. In market news for June 23rd, the Sensex registered a decline of 230.30 points or 0.36% to reach 63,008.59, while the Nifty experienced a decrease of 95.00 points or 0.51% to stand at 18,676.30. Among the listed shares, 1074 showed progress, 2140 declined, and 113 remained unchanged. Gold saw a rebound at closing, following a significant decline in recent sessions, as concerns over potential interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve throughout the year exerted pressure.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Zoya Akhtar, the director of the upcoming film 'The Archies,' has addressed criticism regarding the Indian identity of the characters. She defended the diverse cast, stating that all the characters are Indian. Zoya questioned the notion of defining what an Indian looks like and highlighted that Indians come in various skin tones. She rejected the accusation of the characters not appearing 'Indian' as a form of reverse racism.
2. In news from Hollywood, during her concert in Los Angeles, singer Ava Max experienced a physical assault when a man slapped her, causing a scratch on the inside of her eye. Ava Max shared the incident on Twitter, mentioning the severity of the slap. This comes shortly after pop star Bebe Rexha sustained an injury when a fan threw a phone at her, hitting her eye.
3. Meanwhile, in some news in regional cinema. Reports have emerged stating that TV actress and 'Bigg Boss Tamil 6' contestant Rachitha Mahalakshmi has lodged a police complaint against her estranged actor husband Dinesh Gopalsamy. Allegedly, she has accused him of sending threatening and "obscene" messages. Rachitha filed the complaint, prompting Dinesh to suggest that she should approach the court for a divorce filing.Sports News
1. In sports news, Tennis legend Roger Federer, a twenty-time Grand Slam champion was honoured at the 30th anniversary of the Halle Open tennis tournament. A video shared by Tennis TV's official YouTube channel captured the occasion. Federer, who made his return to attend a tournament after retirement, expressed his sentiments, stating, "It feels a little bit strange in a very good way," as quoted by ATP Tour.
2. In some uplifting news, the Indian team for the Asian Athletics Championships, consisting of 54 members, was unveiled. Notable athletes like long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and decathlon champion Tejaswin Shankar are part of the team. Javelin thrower Annu Rani and sprinter Jyothi Yarraji, along with other talented athletes, are also included. The championships are scheduled to occur in Bangkok from July 12 to 16.
3. Wrapping up sports news, the BCCI has opened applications for the post of national selector ahead of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. This comes four months after the unceremonious departure of Chetan Sharma, who resigned following a sting operation controversy. Applicants must meet the following criteria for consideration: played a minimum of 7 Test Matches, played 30 First Class Matches or played in 10 One Day International Matches and 20 First Class Matches.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch acclaimed comic Aakash Mehta as he brings in the laughs in his latest special "Naya Show", happening at the Ironhill, Marathahalli on the 25th of June at 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm. Don't miss out!
2. Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight at Bengaluru's Korean Food Festival! Happening till the 26th of June, head to Mikusu at the Conrad, Ulsoor Road, and experience the rich flavours of traditional Korean cuisine. Savour mouthwatering dishes like Bulgogi Kimbap and Hwangjae Ramyun, perfectly paired with the iconic Soju drink. Don't miss out on the experience of the authentic tastes of Korea right here in Bengaluru!
3. But wait, there's more. Join a salsa dance class for beginners, in an exclusive workshop conducted by the Palladium Dance Company at Go Native, HSR Layout, happening on the 24th of June at 5.00 pm.
4. Bengaluru, get ready to celebrate PRIDE! Join an exclusive open-mic event " Mic and Pride", that celebrates the vibrant LGBTQ+ community while embracing the powerful message that "Love is Love." This special event is happening at Lahe Lahe on the 24th of June at 4.30 pm. Don't miss out on the experience!
5. You can also watch ace funnyman Manoj Prabhakar in his latest outing "Thinking out Loud", performing live at Just BLR, Brigade Road, on the 25th of June at 7.30 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 23rd of June, expect a slight dip in temperatures towards nighttime, reaching around 22°C. On 24th June, the weather will be hot, with temperatures climbing up to 29°C. As the day progresses, temperatures will cool down to around 21°C, during the evening and night. Prepare for a warm day followed by a relatively cooler evening. The city is also likely to see moderate rains over the weekend.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 22nd of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry had announced a statewide strike this morning, to protest the price hike in electricity charges. KCCI president Vinay Javali said the bandh call was only for business establishments and was a voluntary one. All trade and industry bodies were asked to close their establishment in the Karnataka bandh with expectations of some disruption in normal life. The CPM had also extended support to the Karnataka Bandh.
2. In other headlines, newly elected Karnataka Milk Federation Chairman Bheema Naik stated that the Congress government in Karnataka is considering a ₹5 per litre increase in milk prices due to demands from milk unions. The proposal will be discussed with CM Siddaramaiah before a final decision is made. Naik emphasized the need for quality milk while addressing the unions' concerns about losses. Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna expressed the government's commitment to developing Nandini and increasing milk production in the state.
3. In some more news, former MLA Nandiesha Reddy was charged by the police for obstructing BBMP's clearance of encroachments on a stormwater drain in Doddanekundi. Reddy, in public view, seized the keys of the earthmover being used for the task. The complaint was filed by a BBMP assistant executive engineer, and Reddy is charged under IPC Sections 353, 341, and 149. The FIR was lodged following instructions from BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath.
4. Up next, the Karnataka government has introduced the 'Brand Bengaluru' portal, encouraging public participation in shaping the city's development. Deputy CM D K Shivakumar emphasized the importance of public opinion and engagement, stating that suggestions can be submitted on the website 'www.brandbengaluru.karnataka.gov.in' until June 30. Shivakumar, responsible for Bengaluru's development, previously held meetings with stakeholders to discuss the city's progress under the initiative.
5. Now, in other news, the School Education and Literacy department in Bengaluru has established an internal committee to handle workplace sexual harassment complaints. Dr S. Roopashree has been appointed as the committee's chairperson, with other department officials, namely Alman Parveen Taj, Prabha Alexander, Shyla, Shantala, and Venkata Rathna, serving as members, as per the order issued late 21st June.
6. Moving on, N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, suggested the development of an indigenous email system for India during a speech at the Fourth Paradigm Institute. Kalaiselvi proposed the idea of "i-mail" and urged CSIR-4PI to take the lead in forming an action group to explore this initiative. She highlighted the need for an Indian-origin mail system and emphasized the importance of an "indigenised cloud" for data-sharing in today's data-driven world.
7. Meanwhile, recent monsoon rains have brought relief from the heat but have also resulted in a rise in waterborne diseases. Bengaluru city hospitals are reportedly witnessing an increase in cases of stomach infections, typhoid, jaundice, and dengue fever. Acute gastroenteritis and dengue cases are prominent among young adults, while children are more vulnerable to complications. Mosquito breeding in waterlogged areas contributes to the surge in dengue cases. Experts emphasize the importance of sanitation practices during the monsoon season.
8. On a different note, Christ University's Department of Computer Science hosted an international workshop titled 'Technology for Peace' at its central campus. The workshop, organized in collaboration with Field Services and Inter-cultural Learning India under the Erasmus+ Program, emphasized the role of technology and youth in promoting peace. Speakers discussed the importance of volunteering, shared experiences with the program, and introduced a forthcoming mobile application connecting volunteers and organizations for societal improvement.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called an all-party meeting on June 24 in Delhi to discuss the situation in violence-hit Manipur. This is the first all-party meeting since the clashes broke out in May. Earlier, nine Manipur MLAs, including eight from BJP, wrote to PM Narendra Modi saying the "public has lost complete faith in the present state government".
2. Meanwhile, a man from Bihar has been arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell for allegedly leaking data from the CoWIN portal on Telegram and other social media platforms. Another individual has also been apprehended for assisting him. The accused was arrested at his residence, where it was discovered that his mother works as a health worker.
3. In more news, following his arrest by the CBI for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹8 lakhs, IAS officer Anil Ramod has been suspended by the Maharashtra government. Ramod, who held the position of additional divisional commissioner in Pune, was accused of demanding the bribe in exchange for providing increased compensation to farmers affected by highway projects. The CBI had recommended his suspension.
4. Shifting our focus, Saya Group is undertaking the development of a mall in Noida's Sector 129, which is projected to be the tallest in the country, standing at 150 feet. With an investment exceeding ₹2,000 crore, the 'Saya Status' mall on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway will consist of nine floors and cover a total built-up area of 14 lakh sq ft. Its anticipated opening is set for 2025.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, according to reports, the US State Department may declare that a limited number of Indians and foreign workers can renew their H-1B visas without the need to travel overseas. This announcement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inaugural state visit to the US. A spokesperson stated that the pilot program would initially involve a small number of cases and would potentially expand over the next 1-2 years.
2. In ongoing news, Roza Otunbayeva, the United Nations envoy to Afghanistan, stated that it would be extremely challenging for the Taliban to gain international recognition unless they reverse their decrees that restrict the rights of Afghan women. Otunbayeva highlighted the contradiction between the Taliban's request for recognition from the UN and its members while contradicting the fundamental values outlined in the UN Charter.
3. In a recent development, the exhumation of old graves is taking place in Ukraine, to create room for burying deceased soldiers due to the ongoing war. Pentagon documents leaked and published in April revealed that Ukraine has experienced an estimated 124,500 to 131,000 casualties, with a potential 17,500 individuals losing their lives in action. Recently, Ukraine initiated a counter-offensive against Russian forces and successfully recaptured up to eight villages.
4. In some other news, a bill under discussion in Italy's parliament aims to criminalize Italians seeking parenthood through surrogacy abroad, regardless of its legality in the respective country. If passed, the proposed law could result in prison sentences of up to three years and fines of up to €1 million for individuals found guilty. Surrogacy is presently prohibited in Italy.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The US Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company employed deceptive user-interface designs, referred to as 'dark patterns,' to deceive millions of consumers into unintentionally subscribing to its Prime service. The FTC claimed that Amazon employed manipulative tactics to enrol users in automatically renewing Prime subscriptions. In the US, Prime membership costs $139 annually.
2. In more business news, Uber announced that it will reduce its recruitment division workforce by 200 employees as part of cost-cutting measures and efforts to optimize its headcount. The job cuts will impact less than 1% of Uber's global workforce, which comprises 32,700 employees. The Wall Street Journal reported that the reduction represents approximately 35% of Uber's recruiting team.
3. Next up, Tata Consultancy Services has announced an enhanced collaboration with the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest), a UK workplace pension scheme, in a contract valued at £840 million ($1 billion) for an initial period of 10 years. TCS stated that if the contract is extended for its full 18-year duration, the maximum estimated worth would be $1.96 billion.
4. In other news, as per a regulatory filing, Vedanta has made political donations of ₹155 crore through electoral bonds in FY23, marking a 26% increase compared to its donation of ₹123 crore in FY22. This development has surfaced amidst reports of Vedanta's debt exceeding $2 billion, for which the company is seeking refinancing. Over the past five years, Vedanta's total political contributions amount to ₹457 crore.
5. In market news for June 22nd, The Sensex witnessed a decline of 264.32 points or 0.42% and settled at 63,258.83, while the Nifty experienced a decrease of 73.80 points or 0.39% and closed at 18,783. Among the listed shares, approximately 1150 showed an upward trend, while 2122 witnessed a decline, and 95 remained unchanged. Oil futures dipped slightly, with trader expectations of further interest rate hikes. Sugar stocks defied the selling pressure and gained significantly due to the extension of the interest subvention scheme.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. The trailer for the murder mystery film "Neeyat," featuring Vidya Balan as a detective, was unveiled. Directed by Anu Menon, the movie captures the essence of a classic whodunit, reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. The star-studded cast includes Ram Kapoor, Rahul Bose, and Shahana Goswami among others. "Neeyat" is produced by Vikram Malhotra's Abundantia Entertainment.
2. In news from Hollywood, during an interview, singer Kesha shared that she faced a life-threatening situation early this year as a result of complications arising from the egg-freezing procedure. Following her New Year's Eve performance, she experienced extreme weakness and was unable to walk. The doctors attributed the complications partly to her weakened immune system. Kesha stated that it took her a few months to fully recover from the ordeal.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Tamil superstar Vijay celebrates his 49th birthday today, June 22. On this special occasion, the first look poster of Lokesh Kanagaraj's film Leo was unveiled and received an overwhelming response from Vijay's fans. Kanagaraj, shared the poster on Twitter, expressing his excitement to collaborate with Vijay again and wished him a happy birthday. Within eight hours, Lokesh's tweet received nearly 45,000 retweets.Sports News
1. In sports news, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has rescheduled the elections for senior posts, including President and Vice-Presidents, from July 6 to July 11. The counting of votes and announcement of results will also take place on the same day. The WFI elections were prompted by an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against the current President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
2. In some uplifting news, in their first match of the 2023 SAFF Championship, India secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Pakistan at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian team, showcased his skills by scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 10th, 16th, and 74th minutes. Udanta Kumam added India's fourth goal in the 81st minute. This encounter marked the first match between the two nations in almost five years.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Venus Williams, ranked 697th in the world and a five-time singles champion has been granted a wildcard entry for the Wimbledon 2023. This marks her 24th participation in the tournament's singles draw. In a recent triumph at the Birmingham Classic, the 43-year-old defeated Camila Giorgi, who is ranked 48th. Notably, this win marked Venus' first victory over a top 50 player in almost four years.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch ace funnyman Manish Chaubey in his latest comedy outing - "Faaltugiri", happening at the Drunkling Sizzlers & Pub, Koramangala 5th Block on the 24th of June at 7.00 pm.
2. Join an exclusive Yoga class with "The Calm Collective", happening at the Dialogues Cafe, Koramangala 4th Block on the 25th of June at 11.00 am.
3. But wait, there's more. Take the night off and enjoy with friends with the "Bollywood Tamasha" musical night, at the Boomrang Bar X Social, Koramangala 7th Block, on the 24th of June at 8.00 pm.
4. Interested in making handmade coasters? Enjoy a "DIY Coaster Making" painting workshop conducted by the city's experts, happening at Lahe Lahe on the 25th of June at 11.00 am.
5. You can also watch the popular stand-up comic Vinay Sharma, performing live at the Atta Gallatta, Indiranagar on the 25th of June at 5.00 pm. Don't miss this hilarious ride!Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 22nd of June, towards the evening and nighttime, the temperatures will drop to 21°C. It will be cool with a light breeze. On 23rd June, the city will be hot, with temperatures peaking at 30°C. However, during the evening and night, the temperatures will again decrease to 22°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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 21st of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, who was hospitalized, is reported to be in stable condition, according to a bulletin from Manipal Hospitals, where she was admitted. She had been admitted after experiencing fever and respiratory problems. The bulletin mentioned her location in the MICU and stated that she would be moved to the ward. The hospital has respected the family's privacy and will release further bulletins with consent.
2. In other headlines, during a protest against the Karnataka government's handling of the 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, several BJP leaders, including former CM Basavaraj Bommai, were detained. The BJP criticized the Congress for failing to deliver on its promise of providing 10 kg of rice, as guaranteed. This protest followed the Congress government's protest against the Centre for allegedly not supplying rice to the state.
3. In some more news, Bengaluru experienced light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms on 20th June, causing disruptions to normal life and leading to traffic congestion in various areas. Commuters faced long traffic jams in central business districts such as Majestic, Shanti Nagar, Corporation Circle, Shivajinagar, Mysuru Road, KR Market, Magadi Road, and Vijaya Nagar. The heavy showers resulted in waterlogging on major roads, including the Outer Ring Road and Anil Kumble Circle. Traffic police have advised drivers to proceed with caution.
4. Up next, due to a sudden surge in demand for state-run buses, the North Western KSRTC and the East Western KSRTC have deployed Home Guards to manage crowds. NWKSRTC has enlisted 27 Home Guards, while EWKSRTC has employed 22 Home Guards. They are stationed at bus stands, working in three shifts under police supervision. The implementation of the Shakti scheme, offering free travel for women, has contributed to the increased demand and necessitated crowd control measures.
5. Now, in other news, rice mill owners in Karnataka have issued a threat to raise the price of rice by Rs 400-800 per quintal if the state government fails to assist them in their current financial distress. The issues faced by mill owners include skyrocketing electricity bills, pending arrears, and efforts to regulate them under the APMC Act. The Karnataka State Rice Millers Association warned that this price hike could impact the upcoming kharif yield and result in additional costs for end-users of rice.
6. Moving on, a "world-class" tree park is set to be established on the New Government Electrical Factory premises in eastern Bengaluru. The development project, estimated at ₹30 crore, aims to preserve the existing greenery. Karnataka Medium and Large Scale Industries Minister M.B. Patil discussed the proposal during a preliminary meeting. The tree park will be developed in phases, with Phase 1A costing ₹11 crore and Phase 1B planned for ₹15 crore. Phase 2 will follow thereafter.
7. Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based musician Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy award winner, revealed that he has received an invitation to the White House for the arrival ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22nd June. Sharing his excitement on Twitter, Kej expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. The post garnered attention and received congratulatory messages, including one from Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the executive chairperson of Biocon Limited.
8. On a different note, Intuit organized the 'Women in Data Science' conference in Bengaluru, focusing on various topics including data-efficient matching, text generation from structured data, analytics in data governance, gender bias in AI, and responsible AI in gaming. Notable attendees included Soma Biswas from IISc, Preksha Nema from Google, Kalapriya Kannan from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Kalika Bali from Microsoft, and Rukma Talwadker. Rukma emphasized the importance of ethical AI implementation in online gaming platforms, ensuring player engagement is monitored and limited for their benefit.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. in a video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on International Yoga Day and announced his participation in the yoga event at the UN Headquarters in the US. He expressed pride in the historic and unprecedented participation of over 180 countries, emphasizing that Yoga unites people. Quoting sages, he emphasized the universal appeal of Yoga and its significance in fostering unity among nations.
2. Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police will soon deploy 30-speed radar guns that can automatically issue challans for speed violations, as announced by Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal. The speed limits in Chennai are set at 40 km/hr from 7 am to 10 pm and 50 km/hr from 10 pm to 7 am. Jiwal stated that this is the first implementation of such technology in the city.
3. In more news, ongoing heavy rainfall in Assam has led to flooding in 19 out of the 31 districts, with Lakhimpur and Dibrugarh experiencing the most severe impact. Over 34,000 individuals have been affected across these districts, and 523 villages are facing flood situations. Additionally, approximately 5,842.78 hectares of cropland have been submerged, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority.
4. Shifting our focus, the Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are set to manufacture the Tejas Mark II fighter by 2027-28. ADA plans to unveil the GE-414-powered prototype by the end of 2024. The GE-414 engine, to be produced in India with full technology transfer, will also power the AMCA-I and TEDBF aircraft. India intends to produce six squadrons of Mark II fighters. ADA has procured eight F-414 jet engines, finalized the design, and gained approval for critical design review.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "global leader" on the occasion of his first state visit to the United States. Bolton acknowledged PM Modi's strong opinions and highlighted that trade relations between the two countries would likely be a topic of discussion in Washington.
2. In ongoing news, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to Twitter to express his enthusiasm over Airbus' significant agreement with IndiGo to provide 500 aircraft, describing it as a substantial triumph for the UK aerospace industry. IndiGo's recent order for 500 narrow-body planes from Airbus marks a momentous milestone in the history of civil aviation, constituting one of the largest-ever aircraft purchases by an airline.
3. In a recent development, according to the US Coast Guard, a Canadian aircraft detected underwater noises during the search for the missing OceanGate submarine near the Titanic wreckage. Internal communications from the Department of Homeland Security mentioned intermittent "banging" sounds originating from the area. Although search efforts have been relocated, no findings have been reported thus far, of the missing submersible.
4. In some positive news, Petteri Orpo, the leader of Finland's National Coalition Party, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister by the country's newly elected parliament. Orpo will head a coalition government consisting of the NCP, Finns Party, Swedish People's Party, and Christian Democrats, who collectively secured a majority in the April elections. Previously, Orpo held the position of Finland's Finance Minister.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, expressed his anticipation of introducing Starlink satellite internet service in India. Musk emphasized the potential benefits of Starlink for remote and rural areas lacking affordable and reliable internet access. He shared his remarks following a meeting with PM Narendra Modi, highlighting the significance of bridging the digital divide in underserved communities.
2. In more business news, Alibaba Group announced that Joseph Tsai, one of its Co-founders, will take over as Chairman, succeeding Daniel Zhang. Tsai, a 59-year-old Taiwanese, graduated from Yale University with undergraduate and law degrees. He initially worked as a tax associate at Sullivan & Cromwell and later joined Rosecliff, a buyout firm, before relocating to Hong Kong. This leadership transition marks a significant milestone for the e-commerce giant.
3. Next up, Piramal Enterprises is set to sell its 8.34% stake in Shriram Finance through a block deal. The floor price for the deal has been set at ₹1,483 per equity share, according to sources. Morgan Stanley will act as the exclusive broker for the transaction. Recently, private equity firm TPG also sold its entire 2.65% stake in Shriram Finance for ₹1,390 crores.
4. In more news, One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, has experienced a 68% increase in its shares in 2023, resulting in a market capitalization gain of $2.7 billion. One97 shares were nearly 3% higher at ₹895/share. Similarly, consumer-centric technology startups Zomato and Policybazaar have seen their shares rise by 26% and 45% respectively in 2023, contributing more than $1 billion each to their market capitalizations.
5. In market news for June 21st, the Sensex recorded a gain of 171.67 points or 0.27 per cent, closing at 63,499.37, while the Nifty rose by 32.90 points or 0.17 per cent, settling at 18,849.60. Among the listed shares, 1,563 advanced, 1,696 declined, and 94 remained unchanged. The Indian rupee ended higher at 82.04 per dollar. Among sectors, the metal index was down nearly 1 per cent, the FMCG index was down 0.4 per cent and the realty index was down 0.3 per cent.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram to express his gratitude after being honoured at the UK Parliament in London. Sharing pictures, he expressed his fortune and deep gratitude for celebrating his 25th year in the film industry. Karan reflected on the surreal experience, acknowledging that it was one of those moments where he pinched himself and realized that dreams do come true.
2. In news from Hollywood, Pharrell Williams' inaugural collection as the creative director of Louis Vuitton drew a star-studded crowd in Paris. Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, Naomi Campbell, and Megan Thee Stallion were among the notable celebrities seen at the Menswear Spring-Summer 2024 show. This marked Pharrell's first show since taking over the role after the passing of Virgil Abloh in 2021. Reflecting on his approach, Pharrell described himself as a creative designer with a consumer perspective.
3. Meanwhile, in some news in regional cinema, in a new interview, director Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for Vijay-starrer "Master," revealed his plan to direct 10 films and then retire from the field. He expressed a lack of long-term aspirations and a desire not to cling to the director's position indefinitely. Lokesh entered the world of cinema intending to explore it, and he now envisions a limited tenure. Vijay will be next seen in Kanagaraj's upcoming directorial 'Leo'.Sports News
1. In sports news, Australia scripted a historic victory in the first Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston by successfully chasing down a target of 281 runs against England. This remarkable achievement marked Australia's highest successful chase in an Ashes Test in nearly 75 years. Usman Khawaja's resilient 65 (197) and captain Pat Cummins' unbeaten 44* (73) played pivotal roles as Australia sealed the win with 4.3 overs remaining.
2. In some uplifting news, Portugal's captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has made football history as the first male player to participate in 200 international matches. The 38-year-old achieved this milestone during Portugal's UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying round game against Iceland. In recognition of his accomplishment, Ronaldo was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate before the match.
3. Wrapping up sports news, the police conducted raids at the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics organising committee in connection with two preliminary corruption investigations. The organising committee stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigators to assist in their inquiries.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch global sensation & comic Elena Gabrielle in her latest special "Addickted", performing live at Just BLR, Brigade Road on the 22nd of June, at 7.00 pm.
2. Join an exclusive "Tie & Dye" painting workshop, conducted by the city's experts at the Cafe Down the Alley, Banashankari, happening on the 24th of June at 4.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Join a beginner's yoga class for a cause, in an exclusive event - "Yoga for Humanity" at the Shoonya - Centre for Art and Somatic Practices, Lal Bagh Main Road, on the 24th of June at 8.00 am.
4. Bengaluru! Get ready for popular singing sensation Karthik, performing his latest hits, live at the GYLT, Hennur on the 24th of June at 8.00 pm.
5. You can also watch ace comedian Fatima Ayesha, performing live at the Drunkling Comedy Club, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 25th of June at 6.00 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. In a general weather update. Bengaluru is expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall in the upcoming days, with cloudy weather continuing for an additional two days. Although the onset was delayed, the IMD predicts above-average rainfall in the city over the next two weeks.
2. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 21st of June, at night, temperatures in the city will drop to 22°C. On 22nd June, the weather will be moderately warm, with temperatures reaching 29°C. Once again, in the evening and at nighttime, temperatures will dip to 21°C. Rain is expected as the monsoon has set in.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 20th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnate State Congress party has revealed its candidates for the upcoming by-polls of three legislative council seats, scheduled for June 30. Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar is among the three named candidates. The other candidates are Tippannappa Kamaknoor and NS Boseraju. Previously, several BJP leaders, including Shettar, resigned from their MLC posts after being denied assembly election tickets. Shettar later joined the Congress party.
2. In other headlines, amid the ongoing power struggle within the Congress party's state unit over the Chief Minister's post, Nalin Kumar Kateel, the BJP state president, predicted that the current government would collapse before the end of this year, with the way things are being handled. The statement followed affirmations from two senior ministers in the government, who stated that Siddaramaiah would serve a full five-year term as Chief Minister.
3. In some more news, battery maker International Battery Company representatives visited Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister, M.B. Patil, to discuss their plan of investing ₹8,000 crores in setting up a Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt prismatic cell manufacturing industry. The company aims to establish a non-captive gigafactory, involving substantial investment in land, plant, machinery, and building. The company requested 100 acres of land in Devanahalli's IT Investment Region.
4. Up next, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda met with BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath to assess the city's readiness for the monsoon season. Gowda instructed the civic body to prioritize the remodelling of stormwater drains and ensure regular desilting. Additionally, he discussed the concept of utilizing treated water from lakes to replenish dried lakes in nearby villages, emphasizing the need for lake development and instructing officials to identify dried lakes in the Bengaluru vicinity.
5. Now, in other news, the trial run of Vande Bharat Express was successfully conducted on June 19th, achieving a maximum speed of 110 kmph. Covering a distance of 489km between Bengaluru and Dharwad, the journey took around seven hours. The South Western Railway noted that the electrified and fully doubled Dharwad-Bengaluru line allowed speeds of 110 kmph for over 350km. With a seating capacity of 530, the possibility of a stoppage at Tumkur is under consideration by the railway board.
6. Moving on, Bengaluru Cantonment, Karnataka's oldest railway station, is set to be redeveloped and completed by October 2025, as stated by the South Western Railway. The Rs 480-crore project includes the demolition of existing service buildings for diversion road construction. This road will create additional space in front of the station building, allowing for the expansion of the circulating area. Varindera Construction Private Limited will execute the redevelopment project and structural drawings are currently being prepared.
7. Meanwhile, CV Raman General Hospital has unveiled two baby feeding centres, one near the gynaecology OPD and another near the paediatric ward. Dr Radhakrishna, the hospital's medical superintendent, shared that these cabins, capable of accommodating one to two individuals, were donated by the NGO Child Help Foundation. The aim is to offer nursing mothers privacy and convenience. Inspired by the government's promotion of such facilities in malls and transport hubs, the hospital introduced these cabins.
8. On a different note, the Fourth Paradigm Institute, a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, will participate in the national campaign 'One Week One Lab' from July 10 to 15. A curtain-raiser event on June 21 will inaugurate a centralized supercomputing facility catering to computational needs. The institute will showcase its innovations and breakthroughs in data-driven translational research. The institute focuses on domains like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and cyberinfrastructure.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. PM Narendra Modi embarked on his inaugural State visit to the United States, accepting the invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The visit aims to strengthen the Indo-US partnership and address global challenges collaboratively. PM Modi will commemorate International Yoga Day at the UN headquarters in New York. The visit also includes a state banquet with President Biden, discussions with business leaders, and addressing the vibrant Indian-American community.
2. Meanwhile, a large gathering of devotees, including foreigners, assembled in Puri, Odisha, to participate in Lord Jagannath's annual 'Ratha Yatra'. The event witnessed various cultural programs. The chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration stated that an estimated crowd of around 1 million people is expected to gather in Puri for the event.
3. In more news, as part of 'Operation Kavach', aimed at curbing the drug trade, the Delhi Police conducted raids at over 100 locations. In a prior operation conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force in May, more than 43 illegal drug smugglers and peddlers were apprehended in the capital city. 'Operation Kavach' is a collaborative effort between the crime branch and district units of the Delhi Police.
4. Shifting our focus, in a show of solidarity and a call for justice and peace, residents of Manipur formed a 40-kilometre-long human chain along National Highway-2 in Kangpokpi district. The event, organized by the Kuki Nampi Taona, honoured the lives lost in the recent violence. The human chain served as a poignant tribute and a collective plea for a harmonious society.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, A Pakistani businessman and his son, along with three others, are missing after their submarine exploring the Titanic wreckage lost contact with the surface. Shahzada Dawood, vice-chairman of Engro conglomerate, and his son were on the 21-foot tourist craft. Authorities are leading a rescue effort, while coastguards search the North Atlantic area where the Titanic rests. British businessman Hamish Harding is also among the missing passengers.
2. In ongoing news, British lawmakers voted in favour of a report stating that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson intentionally misled Parliament regarding lockdown-breaking parties in his office during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vote, with a majority of 354 to 7, supported the report's findings, suggesting revocation of Johnson's parliamentary pass. Had he not resigned, the report would have recommended a 90-day suspension from Parliament.
3. In a recent development, researchers have revealed the finding of fossilized remains belonging to a newly identified herbivorous dinosaur in Chile. The dinosaur, named Gonkoken nanoi, weighed around a metric ton and could reach a length of up to 4 meters i.e., approx. 13.12 feet. It is said to have existed nearly 72 million years ago in the southern region of Chilean Patagonia.
4. In some other news, Roman authorities unveiled a newly constructed walkway, allowing visitors to explore the historic square where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. The walkway will provide ground-level access to the site, offering a closer look at its structures. The project was funded by the fashion house Bulgari, and the site itself was originally unearthed in Rome during the 1920s.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. SEBI imposed a two-year ban on IIFL Securities' stockbroking unit from accepting new clients, alleging the improper use of client funds. The regulatory body conducted an inspection of IIFL Securities' operations and accounts from April 2011 to January 2017, revealing various violations, such as commingling client funds with the company's funds. As a consequence, SEBI took action against the firm.
2. In more business news, Infosys' co-founder Nandan Nilekani has made a significant donation of ₹315 crores to IIT Bombay, marking one of India's largest educational contributions. This generous gift increases Nilekani's total contribution to the institute to ₹400 crore. The funds will be utilized to advance research in emerging fields and promote the growth of deep-tech startups.
3. Next up, Do Kwon, the Co-founder of Terraform Labs, and the company's former CFO, Han Chang-joon, have been sentenced to four months in jail in Montenegro for possessing forged passports. The individuals were reportedly arrested in March with counterfeit Costa Rican passports. Additionally, Kwon is facing extradition to the US and South Korea due to the alleged $40-billion crash of TerraUSD and Luna cryptocurrencies.
4. Moving on, HDFC has agreed to sell its education finance subsidiary, HDFC Credila, to a consortium consisting of BPEA EQT group (formerly Baring Private Equity Asia) and ChrysCapital. As per the exchange filing, HDFC will divest a 90% stake in HDFC Credila to the private equity firms for ₹9,060 crore. Additionally, the non-banking financial company will receive ₹2,003.61 crores in fresh capital as part of the transaction.
5. In market news for June 20th, the Sensex registered a marginal decline of 3.36 points or 0.01% at 63,164.94, while the Nifty showed a slight increase of 8.00 points or 0.04% at 18,763.50. Among the listed shares, approximately 1750 advanced, 1502 declined, and 106 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee experienced depreciation as a result of weak domestic markets and potential outflows.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Karan Johar released the teaser for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. The film marks their reunion after Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy and, Karan's return to the director's chair after seven years. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is set to release on July 28, 2023.
2. In news from Hollywood, according to reports, Meghan Markle has been accused of staging multiple interviews for her cancelled Archewell Audio podcast. Last week, Spotify terminated the $20 million deal, citing the royal couple's alleged failure to meet content production requirements. Industry sources claim that interviews were conducted by Meghan's staff, with her voice later added to the episodes through editing.
3. Meanwhile, in news from regional cinema, actor Ram Charan and his wife, Upasana Kamineni became proud parents of a baby girl. The newborn arrived early on June 20, at Apollo Hospital Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. The hospital released a statement in a medical bulletin, confirming the well-being of both the baby and the mother. Actor Chiranjeevi and his wife Surekha were also at the hospital to meet their granddaughter.Sports News
1. In sports news, Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga achieved his career-best bowling figures in ODI cricket. During the ODI Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 match against UAE, the 25-year-old recorded impressive figures of 6 wickets for 24 runs in 8 overs. Sri Lanka secured a victory over UAE by a margin of 175 runs. Hasaranga has now taken 51 wickets in 42 ODIs.
2. In some uplifting news, Olympian Bhavani Devi made history as the first Indian fencer to win a medal at the Asian Fencing Championships. Despite losing to Uzbekistan's Zaynab Dayibekova 14-15 in the semi-final, Bhavani secured a bronze medal. In the quarter-final, she defeated reigning world champion Misaki Emura of Japan with a score of 15-10.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed the future of PSG forward Kylian Mbappe, who recently confirmed he will not extend his contract with the club. Guardiola suggested that Mbappe's desired destination is Real Madrid, stating, "We all know where he wants to go." Mbappe has expressed his intention to play the upcoming season with PSG before his contract concludes with the Parisian club.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Get ready Bengaluru for "Busy Fingers", a unique collaboration of talented independent artists. This exciting pop-up will showcase six incredible homegrown brands, each with its own unique offerings. Mark your calendars for June 23rd and 24th, from 10:30 AM to 7 PM and head over to Raintree, Sankey Road, right across from ITC Windsor. Don't miss out!
2. Attention, comedy lovers! Get ready to laugh your hearts out as the incredible Biswa Kalyan Rath returns to the city. Watch him perform live at the Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts on June 24th at 4.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Indulge your taste buds with the "Festival of Flavours" which will leave you craving for more! From the mouthwatering Prawn Siu Mai to the tantalizing Kimchi Dumplings, this event is a treasure trove of delight. This exclusive festival is happening till 24th June, between 3 PM and 10:30 PM, at the Hyatt Centric, MG Road.
4. Looking for guidance on higher education? Attend the VK Education Fair at Jnana Jyoti Auditorium on June 24th and 25th. Renowned colleges in the city will participate, offering courses in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics, virtual reality, and more. Medical aspirants can also receive career guidance for MBBS, BAMS, and BHMS.
5. You can also watch ace comedian Ankita Shrivastav aka 'FilmyChokri', performing live at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on the 24th of June at 8.30 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. In a general weather update. The IMD has issued a thunderstorm warning for Karnataka. Bengaluru city can expect a generally cloudy sky for the next two days, accompanied by the possibility of light to moderate rain or thundershowers.
2. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of 20th June, temperatures will dip to 21°C. On 21st June, the city is expected to see moderate temperatures of 24°C. As the day transitions into nighttime, temperatures will decrease again to 21°C. Rain is likely as skies appear partly cloudy.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 June, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah responded to the concerns raised by certain industrial bodies regarding the increased electricity tariff rate. He announced plans to hold a meeting with industrialists to address the issue and alleviate their worries. The CM assured that electricity bills would decrease starting next month, stating that the uproar was unnecessary. Officials engaged in discussions and provided facts to clarify the situation.
2. In other headlines, over 55,000 consumers registered on the first day of the 'Gruha Jyothi' scheme in Karnataka, according to a government release. The registration process commenced on 18th June, throughout the state, with applicants using a dedicated page on the Seva Sindhu portal. The registration requires the consumer's electricity bill customer ID, Aadhar number, and mobile number. Registration centres, including Karnataka One, Grama One, and Bengaluru One, facilitated the process simultaneously across the state.
3. In some more news, the Vande Bharat Express trial run on the Bengaluru-Dharwad route commenced, with its departure from Bengaluru at 5:45 am and arrival at Dharwad at 12:40 pm. The South Western Railway official confirmed the train's flag-off will be on June 26. Three stations will be included as halts during the journey.
4. Up next, during a series of raids conducted by the Central Crime Branch in Bengaluru, nine individuals were arrested and 87 women were rescued from three pubs over the weekend. The CCB's women's protection squad targeted Fuel Restobar on Richmond Road and Club 7 in Amarjyothi HBCS Layout, and Shegan Bar and Kitchen on Hennur Main Road. The raids were prompted by reports of these establishments operating without licenses, playing loud music, and employing women from various states and countries to entice customers.
5. Now, onto other news, despite the BBMP rejuvenating Doddakallasandra Lake just two years ago, dead fish were observed floating in the lake. This incident marks the eighth lake in the city to experience fish kill, shedding light on the municipality's insufficient efforts in addressing sewage inflow and maintaining waterbodies, despite significant investments in sewerage infrastructure. Spanning 24.16 acres, Doddakallasandra Lake is a crucial biodiversity hotspot, housing numerous trees, butterfly species, and migratory birds.
6. Moving on, the BBMP has issued tenders for planting 26,340 saplings in Bommanahalli, Dasarahalli, and South zones as part of compensatory afforestation for the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project's Corridor 2. The estimated cost of afforestation is Rs 8.18 crore, with the saplings to be planted in 2023-24 and maintained for five years. The BBMP invited bids for planting 5,620 saplings for the Gunjur-Belathur Road widening project. Separate tenders were also announced for planting 7,950 saplings for the Yeshwantpur-Channasandra railway doubling project, amounting to Rs 2.47 crore.
7. Meanwhile, Indiranagar Social hosted the Satrangi Mela Pride Edition on 18th June, providing a platform for the queer community to showcase their art and featuring live performances to commemorate Pride month. The day-long festival celebrated queer talent and businesses, with around 20 stalls offering artists the opportunity to exhibit their work and engage with enthusiasts. The crowd of approximately 800 people was captivated by drag performances from Count Kahlo, Emperor Naaz, and Bloody Kamina.
8. On a different note, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium unveiled its latest show, 'Gravity-The Mover and the Maker of the Cosmos'. During the show's inauguration, former ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar commended JNP for developing indigenous programmes and invited feedback from the audience. The show highlighted the contributions of Newton and Einstein in the field of gravitation, showcasing various phenomena predicted by Einstein's work. It also acknowledged the contributions of Indian scientists. Infographic posters and working models illustrating key principles of gravity accompanied the show.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Parts of Tamil Nadu experienced heavy rainfall, leading to the declaration of a holiday for schools in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Vellore, and Ranipet districts. Rainfall had already begun in certain areas since the weekend. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall for the state over the next five days.
2. Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann declared that the state government intends to revise the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 to ensure free telecast rights for Gurbani from the Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple in Amritsar. However, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Harjinder Singh Dhami opposed the decision, urging the Punjab CM not to meddle with Sikh religious affairs
3. In more news, Ravi Sinha, a senior IPS officer from the 1988 batch, has been appointed as the new chief of India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), for a tenure of two years. Sinha, currently serving as the special secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, will take over from Samant Goel, who has held the position since June 2019. RAW has been actively addressing various threats in recent years, including pro-Khalistan elements, Pakistan-backed terror groups, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.
4. Shifting our focus, the government announced that the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize has been awarded to Gita Press, an Uttar Pradesh-based publisher of Hindu religious texts. The jury, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, selected the recipient of the award, which includes a cash prize of ₹1 crore. Gita Press, with its 100-year history, has been recognized for its efforts in promoting the ideals of peace and social harmony inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, over 180 countries will join the International Yoga Day celebrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 21. The participants will include diplomats, artists, academicians, entrepreneurs, and more. It is noteworthy that PM Modi will be on an official state visit to the United States from June 21 to June 24.
2. In ongoing news, approximately 120 security guards assigned to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were left stranded at Warsaw airport in Poland due to a lack of permits allowing them to carry weapons. Ramaphosa, along with other African leaders, convened with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg for a peace meeting focused on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. South Africa had previously granted diplomatic immunity to Putin for the upcoming BRICS summit.
3. In a recent development, according to state media KCNA, North Korea admitted that its failed military satellite launch in the previous month was the "most serious failure." The report mentioned that those responsible for the launch faced severe criticism. The North Korean rocket experienced an abnormal start of the second-stage engine, resulting in a loss of thrust and its eventual plunge into the sea.
4. In some other news, a Chinese company, whose identity remains undisclosed, has issued a policy forbidding married employees from engaging in "vicious behaviours" such as extramarital affairs or maintaining mistresses, as stated in a document shared with staff. The company has warned that violating this rule will result in termination. The company further urged employees to strive for being exemplary by adhering to four principles: no illicit relationships, no mistresses, no extramarital affairs, and no divorces.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The World Bank has granted a $150 million loan for the Resilient Kerala Program, aimed at enhancing the state's readiness for natural calamities, climate change, and disease outbreaks. This program had previously received a $125 million investment from the World Bank. The newly secured funding will primarily concentrate on fortifying Kerala's resilience against coastal erosion.
2. In more business news, the Bank of Baroda achieved a market capitalization of over ₹1 lakh crore as its shares surged by more than 3%, reaching ₹194.85. This milestone makes the Bank of Baroda the second public sector bank in India to cross this threshold, following the State Bank of India. In comparison, HDFC Bank, a private lender, holds a market value of ₹9 lakh crore.
3. Next up, Axtria, a US-based company specializing in the life sciences industry, has announced its intention to recruit over 1,000 professionals in India over the next eight months. The hiring drive will target positions in data science, software development, and data engineering for offices in Gurugram, Bengaluru, Noida, as well as upcoming centers in Pune and Hyderabad. Axtria is actively engaging with engineering and management college placement cells for this purpose.
4. Moving on, Havells India has responded to shareholder concerns over Chairman Anil Rai Gupta's proposed salary of ₹28.82 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. Shareholders raised objections, citing the high absolute compensation compared to peers. In defense, the company stated that Gupta's overall remuneration for FY23 represents approximately 1.8% of the Profit before Tax, aligning with the scale and nature of the business.
5. In market news for June 19th, the benchmark indices experienced a decline, with Nifty falling below the 18800 mark. The Sensex recorded a drop of 147.99 points or 0.23% at 63,236.59, while the Nifty witnessed a decrease of 49.90 points or 0.27% at 18,776.10. Among the traded shares, 1547 advanced, 1806 declined, and 143 remained unchanged. Investor concerns about the economic outlook kept European markets on a downward trend at the beginning of the new trading week.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. In response to the 'Adipurush' dialogue controversy, Pokhara Metropolitan City in Nepal has implemented a ban on the screening of Indian films. The controversy was sparked by a dialogue in 'Adipurush' referring to Janaki as "India's daughter". Prior to this, Kathmandu had also prohibited the screening of all Indian films within the city due to the same controversy.
2. In news from Hollywood, Rapper Big Pokey passed away after collapsing onstage during a performance at a bar in Texas, as confirmed by his publicist. A video circulating on social media captured the moment when the rapper began to struggle while rapping, ultimately falling backwards on the stage. Paramedics swiftly arrived, administering CPR before transporting him to a nearby hospital.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, reports indicate that actress Rashmika Mandanna has purportedly fallen victim to a fraud of ₹80 lakh by her trusted long-time manager. Upon learning of the incident, Rashmika promptly severed ties with the manager, who had been with her since the inception of her career. The reports further suggest that she chose not to escalate the matter publicly, opting to handle it discreetly.Sports News
1. In sports news, James Anderson, the English fast bowler, achieved a significant milestone in his career by surpassing 1,100 wickets in first-class cricket. During the third day of the first Ashes 2023 Test, the 40-year-old dismissed Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who scored 66 runs off 99 balls. Anderson, who made his first-class debut in 2002, reached this remarkable feat in his illustrious career.
2. In some uplifting news, Max Verstappen of Red Bull triumphed at the Canadian Grand Prix, matching Ayrton Senna's record of 41 Formula 1 race victories. This win marks Verstappen's sixth victory in eight races this season. Red Bull also celebrated their 100th F1 win with Verstappen's success. Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin secured second place, while Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes secured third place.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made history as they clinched India's first-ever gold medal in men's doubles at the Indonesia Open. This victory also marks India's first gold in any doubles category at the tournament. The duo secured their win in the final by defeating world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia with a score of 21-17, 21-18.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Attention, comedy enthusiasts! Get ready for an unforgettable evening as comedy veteran, Sapan Verma brings in the laughs in his latest special "Shame on Me", performing live at Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavan on the 24th of June at 7.00 pm. Prepare to be entertained by his hilarious storytelling. Don't miss out!
2. Immerse yourself in a musical extravaganza like never before! Witness the iconic KS Chitra, the renowned music legend who has mesmerized us with her soulful melodies in multiple languages, performing live at Phoenix Market City, Whitefield on the 24th of June at 7.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Join an exclusive belly dancing beginner's class, in a workshop conducted by dance expert, Aastha Gulati, happening at the Dhurii Academy of Arts, Domlur on the 25th of June at 6.00 pm.
4. Interested in pursuing acting? Here's something for you. Join an exclusive theatre workshop, conducted by the Last Page collective, happening at the URU Brewpark, JP Nagar on the 24th of June, at 9.00 am.
5. You can also catch ace comedian Gaurav Kapoor, performing live at the MLR Convention Centre, JP Nagar on the 25th of June at 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 19th of June, brace yourself for a pleasant evening and night with temperatures dropping to 21°C. On 20th June, Bengaluru will experience temperatures soaring up to 27°C. However, as the day transitions into the evening and night, the city will cool down to a comfortable 21°C. Rain is expected although skies appear mostly clear.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 16th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Karnataka government, led by Congress, plans to revoke the anti-conversion law passed by the previous BJP-led administration. The law prohibits fraudulent conversion between religions through misrepresentation, force, or undue influence. The state Cabinet approved the proposal, and it is expected to be presented to the house shortly.
2. In other headlines, Karnataka's cabinet approved the revision of Social Science and Kannada textbooks for classes 6 to 10 in state schools. Chapters on RSS founder KB Hedgewar and Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar were omitted to rectify alleged historical distortion and syllabus saffronization during the previous BJP regime. Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated that all changes made by the BJP government in 2022 have been reversed.
3. In some more news, the Karnataka High Court cautioned Facebook that it could close its operations in India unless it cooperates with the police investigation regarding a fake profile. The case involves an Indian citizen, Shailesh Kumar, imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for an alleged derogatory Facebook post against the Saudi King and Islam. The individual's wife, Kavitha, a resident, asserted that the post was made from a fraudulent profile impersonating her husband.
4. Up next, eight engineers from the BBMP and Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd have been suspended for their involvement in a major scam. These engineers approved fake bills amounting to Rs 118.26 crore, despite the contractors not completing the majority of the work. The suspension followed a preliminary investigation conducted by Lokayukta in 2022, which uncovered discrepancies in 113 projects related to the RR Nagar assembly constituency. The engineers forged measurement bills, quality control reports, and third-party audits, enabling the release of funds.
5. Now, onto other news, tests conducted by the BBMP revealed that water contamination in an apartment complex near Electronics City was caused by a polluted borewell within the complex. Around 140 individuals suffered from gastroenteritis as a result of the contamination. Samples from one of the two operational borewells were deemed unsuitable for consumption. Although officials claim to monitor observatory borewells annually, tracking quality citywide is practically impossible. Monitoring is conducted in specific areas upon receiving reports of problems.
6. Moving on, during his visit to KC General Hospital, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed officials to commence work on the trauma care centre, which had already received approval but construction had not yet started. The three-storey centre, including an operation theatre, aims to provide treatment to accident victims. Rao emphasized the need to upgrade the hospital's old mortuary lacking cold storage and requested the hospital management to provide their requirements for overall improvement.
7. Meanwhile, an ex-employee of Apple India, claiming workplace harassment, alleged that he was forced to resign. Khalid Parvez took to LinkedIn to share his experience, citing bullying and a lack of mental health consideration by the Apple Bengaluru office's HR department. Despite 11 years of service, he expressed disappointment with their inaction after raising grievances. Initially promised an investigation, he ultimately resigned without securing a new job.
8. On a different note, Save the Children, an NGO has launched a mobile van campaign to raise awareness among marginalized families about the significance of Anganwadi centres for early childhood care and education. The van was flagged off by authorities, near Hebbal. The project, funded by H&M Foundation, in collaboration with other organizations, aims to address learning needs and promote healthy living among children from waste-picking families and neighbouring communities in Bengaluru.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. During a meeting of G20 agriculture ministers in Hyderabad, PM Narendra Modi called for collective action to achieve global food security. In a video address, PM Modi emphasized the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including climate change and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. He highlighted the significant contribution of agriculture to livelihoods and economies, particularly in the Global South.
2. Meanwhile, Delhi Police announced their intention to ask the government to withdraw the FIR lodged against the protesting wrestlers that was filed after a clash on May 28. The FIR was filed following a clash between the wrestlers and police personnel during their march towards the new Parliament building, where they demanded the removal and arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan.
3. In more news, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi rejected CM MK Stalin's proposal to redistribute arrested minister V Senthilbalaji's portfolios to two other ministers. Ravi deemed the government's justification as "incorrect and misleading." In response, Minister K Ponmudy stated that the CM has the authority to decide on cabinet appointments and removals, emphasizing that a minister cannot be dismissed simply because they are facing a case.
4. Shifting our focus, The Ministry of Electronics and IT has joined forces with Google for the 'Stay Safe Online campaign. Together, they will provide cyber safety literacy programs, multilingual digital content on online safety, and educational resources on navigating information online. The campaign, organized by MeitY, coincides with India's G20 presidency.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, according to scientists from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, global temperatures in the first 11 days of June reached the highest level ever recorded for this time of year. The start of June marked a significant milestone, with global surface air temperatures surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time.
2. In ongoing news, starting from July 1, China's capital, Beijing will broaden its medical insurance coverage to include a range of reproductive services to stimulate the country's birth rate. The city's healthcare system will now include coverage for 16 assisted reproduction technologies, including sperm optimization and in-vitro fertilization. This initiative marks Beijing as the first major Chinese city to provide insurance coverage for such services.
3. In a recent development, following a tragic incident where a fishing vessel carrying migrants capsized en route to Italy, Greece initiated an extensive search and rescue mission. At least 79 individuals were aboard the vessel, and 104 survivors have been rescued so far and brought to Kalamata in Greece. Ambulance services had established shelters where the rescued migrants were provided with dry clothes and medical assistance.
4. In some other news. Moody's, the credit ratings agency, has expressed apprehension about Pakistan's deteriorating economic crisis. It highlighted the urgency for Pakistan to persuade the International Monetary Fund to disburse the remaining $2.2 billion from the $6.7 billion payout. Moody's warned of a potential default if the IMF program fails, citing Pakistan's significantly low reserves as a cause for concern.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. According to reports, the Corporate Affairs Ministry has initiated a probe into Hero MotoCorp's association with a third-party vendor, about allegations of fund diversion and the creation of shell companies. The investigation aims to determine if the company had control over the said vendor. Additionally, the ministry will reportedly scrutinize the activities of Salt Experiences and Management.
2. In more business news, Microsoft's shares reached a new milestone, closing at a record-high of $348.10/share, marking a $10.76/share increase. The 3.19% surge in share value propelled Microsoft's market capitalization to an unprecedented $2.59 trillion. Market optimism surrounding the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) contributed to the tech giant's stock surge. Previously, Microsoft shares had peaked at $343.11/share on November 19, 2021.
3. Moving on, following a report of a "rivalry" between Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida and Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta for the top position, Nissan has officially confirmed Gupta's departure from the company. Gupta, an engineering graduate from Jawaharlal Nehru Engineering College, began his career at Renault in 2006 and was appointed as Nissan's COO in 2019.
4. Next up, Oracle has implemented workforce reductions by laying off numerous employees, retracting job offers, and scaling down open positions within its health unit. The health unit encompasses Cerner, an electronic medical records company acquired by Oracle for $28.3 billion in the previous year. This decision follows the US Veterans Affairs Department's decision to review a $16-billion contract for Cerner's electronic health records system.
5. In market news for June 16th, The Sensex surged 535.87 points or 0.85% to reach 63,453.50, while the Nifty rose by 155.10 points or 0.83% to reach 18,843.20. Out of the total shares traded, 2005 witnessed gains, 1256 experienced declines, and 104 remained unchanged. At closing, Indian equity markets remained bullish, following the global market trend, as Sensex 30 and Nifty 50 witnessed an approximate 1% increase this week. Most sectors recorded positive returns, with the overall market sentiment being optimistic.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Kriti Sanon expressed her heartfelt appreciation for portraying Janaki in the film 'Adipurush', describing it as a beautiful and meaningful experience. She acknowledged the character's significance in people's hearts and minds, approaching the role with carefulness, dedication, love, and respect. Kriti also praised director Om Raut for his thorough understanding of the Ramayana and his clear vision for 'Adipurush'.
2. In news from Hollywood, After being in a relationship for five years, actor Dylan Sprouse and model Barbara Palvin have announced their engagement. The couple revealed the news in an interview with V Magazine, accompanied by a wedding-themed photoshoot. The interview's headline - "Sprouses To Be: With Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse" - captured the joyous announcement of their impending union.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema. Actor Priya Mani expressed her joy in a recent interview, over the growing acceptance of married women in lead roles. She appreciated the fact that both the industry and the audience now recognize the fact. Priya also spoke about the previous trend in South Indian film industries, where married actresses would often be limited to supporting or character roles like a "sister-in-law", instead of lead roles.Sports News
1. In sports news, Reflecting on his career, Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his regret about transitioning from being a skilled batter to primarily focusing on bowling. He emphasized the importance of treating both bowlers and batters equally. Ashwin agreed with Sunil Gavaskar's viewpoint that the notion of horses for courses should apply to bowlers as well.
2. In some other news, UFC star, Conor McGregor has been accused of raping a woman in a men's bathroom during Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Miami. According to the woman's complaint, security guards allegedly coerced her into the bathroom where McGregor sexually assaulted her. The Miami Heat, the host of the NBA Finals game, has stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Paris Saint-Germain striker, Kylian Mbappé stated that French President Emmanuel Macron does not hold any influence over his career decisions amidst talks of his potential exit from PSG. This statement follows reports suggesting that Macron had expressed his desire for Mbappé to stay. It is worth noting that Macron had previously urged Mbappé to remain at PSG when there were rumors of him leaving in 2021.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. The highly anticipated Mango Fair commenced at Jayanagar's MES Ground, featuring a delightful selection of ten mango varieties for enthusiasts. The event attracts twenty esteemed mango growers registered with the Karnataka Mango Development and Marketing Board. With prices ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 200 per kg, popular choices like Alphonso, Mallika, and Banganapalli are in high demand. The Fair ends on the 18th of June.
2. Bengaluru! Get ready for a laugh riot as ace comedian Pritish Narula goes to town with his latest special - "Udta Punjabi", happening at Just BLR, Brigade Road on the 17th of June at 7.30 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Take the night off with friends and catch the popular band "Parvaaz" in their latest "The Songs We Love to Hate Tour", performing live at the GYLT, Hennur on the 18th of June at 8.00 pm.
4. Unleash your inner artist and join the Rock Artisans Studio for an exciting "Abstract Self Portrait" workshop in Bangalore! This exclusive event is happening at My School of Rock, Koramangala 8th Block on the 17th of June at 2.00 pm.
5. Tired of playing chess online? Here's something for you! The Bangalore Chess Club is back with another Chess Connect! Join chess enthusiasts of all ages, at an exclusive event conducted at Lahe Lahe on the 18th of June at 10.00 am. Don't miss out!Bengaluru Weather
1. In a general weather update. Bengaluru is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall in the evenings over the weekend, as per the India Meteorological Department. The rainfall is attributed to convective activity caused by prolonged high temperatures. The southwest monsoon already arrived in the city, albeit delayed due to Cyclone Biparjoy.
2. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 16th of June, by nighttime, the temperatures will cool down to 23°C. On 17th June, the city will be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 36°C but by late evening, the temperatures are expected to drop to 22°C. Moderate rain is likely.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru -
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 15th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka's special court summoned Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed by BJP's state secretary S Keshavaprasad. The case pertains to advertisements released by the Congress party before elections, featuring a 'corruption rate card' accusing the ruling BJP government of looting ₹1.50 lakh crore in the past four years. The EC had asked the Congress to provide evidence to support their claims.
2. In other headlines, PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit Karnataka on June 26 to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Express service connecting Bengaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad. The official announcement from the PMO is yet to be made. The train will operate daily, except on Tuesdays, starting from Yeswantpur station in Bengaluru with a stop at Davangere. The travel time between Bengaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad is anticipated to be around seven hours. This will be the second Vande Bharat Express in Karnataka, following the Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru train launched last year.
3. In some more news, Karnataka BJP MLA R Ashok complained to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, expressing concern over AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala's presence in an official state government meeting. Ashok accused Congress of attempting to transform the 'BBMP into an ATM'. Speaking in Bengaluru, the former minister questioned Surjewala's participation in the meeting and stated that he could provide evidence from the rule book to support his claim.
4. Up next, public transport ridership in Karnataka reached a new milestone, with over 116 million people travelling on RTC buses. The Shakti scheme saw 51.52 million women passengers, while BMTC alone carried 4.017 million individuals, including 2.056 million women benefiting from free bus travel. KSRTC recorded 3.827 million riders, including 1.397 million women under the scheme. The scheme is projected to cost the government around Rs 4,000 crore annually, matching the estimated figure of Rs 4,051.56 crore.
5. Now, onto other news, an electricity bill, spreading on social media, falsely claims that BESCOM implemented a 50% surcharge, adding to the confusion over high electricity bills. BESCOM clarified that the bill is fabricated, lacking essential details and authenticity. BESCOM emphasized that consumers should not believe such bills and encouraged them to visit BESCOM offices for clarification. BESCOM clarified that the actual Fuel Adjustment Cost charge was only 6 paise per unit, contrary to the 55 paise mentioned in the fake bill.
6. Moving on, according to a report by HelpAge India, a significant number of elderly women in India face financial insecurity and inadequate health insurance coverage for their medical needs. The report, based on a survey of 7,911 women, including 284 from Bengaluru, highlights the challenges faced by elderly women. Only 33% of the women in Bengaluru owned assets, and a similar percentage had previous employment experience. The report was released ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
7. Meanwhile, Emirates Airlines announced that it will introduce Premium Economy class on its Airbus A380 aircraft, serving Bengaluru and Mumbai from October 29. The world's largest commercial plane made a spectacular debut in Bengaluru last year, following Mumbai. The airline will operate its upgraded A380 to these cities, offering the new Premium Economy seats and enhanced interiors across all cabin classes, as stated in a press release.
8. On a different note, Vignesh Natraj Kumar from Sri Kumaran's Children Home in Bengaluru secured the top rank in the engineering stream of the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET), with Arjun Krishnaswamy and Samrudh Shetty claiming second and third ranks. Around 203,381 students are qualified for engineering courses, while 164,187 are eligible for Agricultural Science. Results are available at http://kea.kar.nic.in. Out of 261,610 registered candidates, 244,345 took the KCET exam this year.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. The Delhi Police informed a local court that no corroborative evidence was found against former WFI chief and BJP lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the case filed under the POCSO Act. The 552-page cancellation report includes statements from the minor wrestler, her father, the complainant, Singh, and other witnesses. The complainant, who had initially accused Singh, withdrew the allegations and provided a fresh statement before a magistrate. The court will resume the hearing on July 4.
2. Meanwhile, unidentified individuals set fire to the official residence of Nemcha Kipgen, the only female minister in the Manipur cabinet, in Imphal. The incident occurred when neither the BJP leader nor her family members were present. Nemcha Kipgen, belonging to the Kuki community, has been caught in clashes with the Meiteis community.
3. In more news, the IMD reported that Cyclone Biparjoy moved north-northeastwards towards the Saurashtra and Kutch coast, approximately 180 km away from Jakhau port. The Director General of IMD, Mrityunjay Mohapatra, stated that the cyclone's wind speed ranges from 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph. It is expected to make landfall near Jakhau port and the Pakistan coast, with predicted wind speeds of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph. The IMD warned of severe damage to small structures and tree uprooting.
4. Shifting our focus, Archana Atram made history as the first female driver for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), steering the bus from Saswad to Nira in Pune. State Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis applauded her achievement, sharing a video and congratulating her for breaking another glass ceiling. He added that Archana would soon be accompanied by a female bus conductor.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, South Korea has initiated a 44.7 billion won damage lawsuit against North Korea for the destruction of a joint liaison office in 2020. The office was demolished by North Korea in response to alleged propaganda pamphlets being floated into their territory by North Korean defectors in South Korea. South Korea condemned the demolition as an "illegal" act.
2. In ongoing news, Germany has agreed to provide an additional $1.4 billion for Holocaust survivors worldwide in 2024, according to Claims Conference, the organization responsible for handling claims on behalf of Jewish victims of the Nazis. The negotiated compensation, in collaboration with Germany's finance ministry, includes $888.9 million designated for home care and support services aimed at assisting frail and vulnerable Holocaust survivors.
3. In a recent development, two climate activists were apprehended by authorities for applying red paint and glueing their hands to the protective glass of a painting by renowned French artist Claude Monet at Stockholm's National Museum, as confirmed by the museum. A video capturing the incident has emerged online, wherein the activists voiced concerns over the pressing climate crisis and the perceived threat to their well-being.
4. In some positive news, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has officially entered the race for the Republican Presidential nomination in the upcoming year, as he filed the necessary paperwork with the US election commission. He joins a field of contenders that includes notable Republicans such as former US President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former UN envoy Nikki Haley. As the sole Hispanic candidate currently in the race, Suarez is the son of Xavier Suarez, Miami's first Cuban-born mayor.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories.New Zealand has officially entered a recession as the latest data reveals a contraction of 0.1% in the economy during the first quarter, following a 0.7% decline at the end of 2022. Finance Minister Grant Robertson acknowledged that this recession was not unexpected.
2. In more business news, Accenture plans to invest $3 billion in artificial intelligence over the next three years, aiming to double its workforce in the AI sector to 80,000 employees through recruitment and training. The investment will be utilized for various ventures and acquisitions, and to enhance the company's AI capabilities. According to Group Chief Executive Paul Daugherty, generative AI is expected to transform 40% of working hours in the next decade.
3. Moving on, Tesla's record-breaking 13-day winning streak came to an end as its shares closed 0.74% lower at $256.79/share. Throughout the streak, Tesla's shares surged over 40%, resulting in the electric vehicle manufacturer's market capitalization soaring to $814 billion, with an increase of nearly $240 billion. The streak began with the news of legacy US automakers Ford and General Motors adopting Tesla's charging system.
4. Next up, JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal's company is set to purchase a 45-48% stake in MG Motor India, the Indian arm of SAIC Motor. This acquisition will transform the company into an Indian entity. Alongside Jindal, Indian dealers and employees will own 5-8% of MG Motor India, resulting in 51% of the subsidiary being under Indian control.
5. In market news for June 15th, the Sensex witnessed a decline of 319.31 points or 0.51%, settling at 62,909.20. Similarly, the Nifty recorded a drop of 73.40 points or 0.39%, closing at 18,682.50. The market activity saw 1,485 shares advancing, 1,783 shares declining, and 111 shares remaining unchanged, indicating mixed performance across the board. The Indian Rupee experienced a slight depreciation due to a recovery in the US Dollar and weak domestic markets.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. After his "public fallout" with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, filmmaker Nikkhil Advani revealed in a recent interview about his three-year period of no work. Recalling the difficult time, he expressed that nobody wanted to collaborate with him. However, after the release of 'D-Day', he was determined to accept any project that came his way to avoid being in a similar position again.
2. In news from Hollywood, amidst ongoing disputes with her ex-husband Johnny Depp, Amber Heard is set to make her highly anticipated comeback at the prestigious Taormina Film Festival with her latest film, "In The Fire." The festival's decision to showcase her movie has sparked controversy, triggering a social media debate. As Hollywood faces a crucial moment, the industry grapples with calls for the support of survivors, resonating throughout the film community.
3. Meanwhile, in news from regional cinema. Actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana have made a conscious decision to move back in with Ram's parents ahead of the arrival of their baby, expected in July. Emphasizing the significance of family, Upasana expressed the desire to provide their child with the joy of growing up in a setup where grandparents play a significant role, drawing from their own upbringing experiences.Sports News
1. In sports news, England has unveiled its playing XI for the opening Ashes Test in 2023. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley will kick off the batting lineup, with Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and captain Ben Stokes following suit. Notably, Moeen Ali will make his Test cricket comeback after a 21-month hiatus, while experienced paceman James Anderson secures his place in the XI.
2. In some uplifting news, Conor McGregor, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, and his fiancée Dee Devlin are anticipating the arrival of their fourth child. The couple, who already have three children named Conor Jr, Croía Mairead, and Rian, shared the news during their appearance on the talk show Live with Kelly and Mark.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Serbian basketball star Nikola Jokic, named NBA 2023 finals MVP, hailed fellow countryman Novak Djokovic as the "greatest of all time." Djokovic's recent French Open victory marked his record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title, solidifying his position as the player with the most men's singles Grand Slam victories. Jokic, the lowest-drafted player to win the NBA finals MVP, expressed his admiration for Djokovic's achievements.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Watch comedian Satyabrat Mohapatra bring in the laughs with his latest special - "SatyaNaash!", performing live at Just BLR, Brigade Road, on the 18th of June at 5.30 pm.
2. Get ready Bengaluru! Enjoy a fun evening at the "Jungle Sundowner under a Banyan Tree" extravaganza, happening at Pebbles The Jungle Lounge, Sadashivanagar, on the 18th of June at 5.00 pm. Don't miss out on the live music, food, pop-up stalls & more!
3. But wait, there's more. Attention all budding poets, spoken word artists, and storytellers! Get ready to showcase your talent and express your emotions through words and music at 'Kommune's Open Mic Night'. Mark your calendars for 18th June at 6.00 PM, happening at the Dialogues Cafe in Koramangala, 4th Block. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
4. Love telling and listening to stories? This one's for you! Join an exclusive event - "Lores, Legends & Lullabies" - happening at Lahe Lahe, on the 18th of June at 3.00 pm.
5. You can also catch funnyman Shaurya Tyagi, performing live at the Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala, 5th Block, happening on the 17th of June at 5.30 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of 15th June, the temperature will significantly decrease to 22°C. On the 16th June, the city will be scorching hot, with temperatures soaring up to 37°C. As the day comes to an end, expect a slight relief with temperatures cooling down to 23°C during the evening and nighttime. Stay prepared for the heat wave ahead although the possibility of rains is likely to bring some relief to the city.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru -
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 14th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Congress government in Karnataka aims to finally hold the long-delayed elections for the BBMP Council. However, obstacles remain as the new government led by CM Siddaramaiah reviews ward delimitation and restructures the BBMP committee for better governance. The Congress intends to conduct elections for all 243 wards by November. The previous BJP government had postponed elections due to COVID-19 and other factors.
2. In other headlines, the Karnataka state BJP has requested an additional two days to decide on the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly council and the state president. BY Vijayendra, a senior legislator and the son of former CM BS Yediyurappa, announced that the party will finalize the opposition leader during this timeframe. Basavaraj Bommai, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, and Arvind Bellad are among the top contenders, with the party also considering Vijayendra and emphasizing the selection of a leader from the OBC or Dalit communities.
3. In some more news, the Karnataka government intends to retain control and operation of the new smaller airports in the state instead of handing them over to the Airports Authority of India. The government believes this approach would be more financially advantageous, as it currently bears the costs of land acquisition, construction, and providing basic facilities without having a say in operations with AAI. Karnataka has eight operational airports, including one in Shivamogga awaiting commercial operations and two under construction in Vijayapura and Hassan.
4. Up next, multiple areas in Bengaluru, including JP Nagar, Jayanagar, Mahadevapura, Bannerghatta Road, and Srinivasanagar, may experience power outages today. The outages are part of scheduled maintenance works carried out by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited. The power shutdowns are necessary for various projects undertaken by BESCOM. The comprehensive list of affected areas is updated on the official BESCOM Twitter page.
5. Now, onto other news, a senior associate of a US accounting firm in Bengaluru's RMZ Ecospace Business Park was detained for allegedly making a fake bomb threat at his workplace. Prasad Navneeth, 25, a resident of Byappanahalli, hailing from Kerala, was employed at BDO-Rise, a company offering client services across various sectors. He reportedly made the call after being denied access and asked to resign due to poor performance. Approximately 500 employees were evacuated from the building as a precaution.
6. Moving on, a report jointly prepared by the IIM Bangalore and the Confederation of Indian Industry highlights the concern of geographical imbalance in development within Karnataka. The report, called Karnataka@100 Vision, emphasizes that the Bengaluru Urban district contributes more to the state's GDP than the entire North Karnataka region. It underscores the need to address regional inequality and suggests enhancing physical and social infrastructure in areas beyond Bengaluru. The report proposes the development of new economic clusters in cities like Belagavi, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, and Mangaluru.
7. Meanwhile, residents of Frazer Town in Bengaluru staged a protest opposing the increased length of the Railway overbridge between Mosque Road and Richards Park. The bridge, initially promised to be rebuilt after demolition, has now been altered by the authorities, according to residents. The extended length of the bridge will have negative implications for commuters, the Hajee Sir Ismail Sait Masjid, and the surrounding trees. The Frazer Town Residents' Welfare Association expressed their concerns about the modifications made to the original plan.
8. On a different note, Dhruv Advani, a student of GR International School in Bengaluru, emerged as the top scorer in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for the academic year 2023-24 in Karnataka. He secured the 5th rank nationwide with a score of 715. Dhruv achieved an impressive 99.4% in the class 12 CBSE science stream and aims to join the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Ahead of cyclone Biparjoy's anticipated landfall near Jakhau port in Gujarat's Kutch, more than 30,000 individuals from coastal regions were relocated to temporary shelters. Officials confirmed the preparedness of NDRF, SDRF, and Army flood relief units stationed at strategic points, while the state government aimed to evacuate residents within a 10-kilometre radius of the coast.
2. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to have a private meeting with business leaders from 20 prominent American companies during his visit to Washington DC. Additionally, he will address a gathering of over 1,500 diaspora and business leaders at the John F. Kennedy Centre. The meeting, facilitated by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, will include CEOs such as Shantanu Narayen of Adobe Systems, Julie Sweet of Accenture, Ryan McInerney of Visa Inc, Michael Miebach of Mastercard, and James Quincey of the Coca-Cola Company.
3. In more news, Tamil Nadu Electricity minister V Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate today for alleged money laundering, following hours of questioning. He was subsequently hospitalized due to uneasiness and underwent a coronary angiogram. The arrest came shortly after Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the BJP for engaging in "backdoor tactics" against political opponents, as the ED conducted raids at locations associated with Balaji in Chennai, Karur, and Erode.
4. Shifting our focus, the NEET-UG 2023 results were declared, with Prabanjan J from Tamil Nadu and Bora Varun Chakravarthi from Andhra Pradesh sharing the first rank with a percentile score of 99.9999019. Among the female candidates, Pranjal Aggarwal and Ashika Aggarwal from Punjab secured the top two positions. Additionally, four candidates from Tamil Nadu made it to the list of top 10 male toppers.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, former US President, Donald Trump, has entered a plea of not guilty to 37 charges concerning the alleged mishandling of classified documents. Trump, who remained silent throughout the 47-minute hearing, was permitted to depart the court without any conditions or travel limitations, and a cash bond was not demanded. This marks the first instance of a former US President being charged with federal offences.
2. In ongoing news, Russia's FSB announced the arrest of former defence industry employees on suspicion of spying for Ukraine. According to the FSB, these individuals provided technical documents and models related to weapons systems and equipment for the Russian Air Force to Ukrainian military intelligence. During the operation, plastic explosives and $150,000 were confiscated from the arrested workers, as stated by the FSB.
3. In a recent development, Claudia Sheinbaum, the mayor of Mexico City, declared her intention to resign from her position to pursue the presidential nomination of the ruling party, the National Regeneration Movement. In a social media post, Sheinbaum expressed her goal of becoming the first woman in Mexico's history to lead the nation. The candidate for the 2024 presidential election will be announced by MORENA on September 6.
4. In some positive news, Dr Mandeep Singh, a foetal medicine expert, made history as the first Indian-origin doctor to perform in-utero spina bifida repair surgery in the UAE. The surgery successfully addressed a spinal defect in a 24-week-old foetus belonging to a pregnant patient from Colombia. This groundbreaking procedure took place at Burjeel Medical City Hospital in Abu Dhabi.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has surpassed Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to become the world's fourth-richest individual, with a fortune of $130 billion. According to Bloomberg, the growing enthusiasm for artificial intelligence has propelled Oracle's stock and boosted Ellison's wealth. Elon Musk maintains his position as the world's wealthiest person with $225 billion, followed by Bernard Arnault, Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Steve Ballmer.
2. In more business news, US regulators have been granted a temporary block on Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the creator of 'Call of Duty'. The UK's antitrust regulator had previously blocked the purchase in April, citing concerns about potential changes to the rapidly expanding cloud gaming industry. The recent ruling further impedes Microsoft's plans for the acquisition.
3. Moving on, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has been bestowed with the prestigious 'Governor of the Year award by Central Banking in London today. Recognized for his astute leadership and impactful reforms, Das has successfully guided India's financial landscape amidst challenging circumstances. The organizers praised his contribution to payment innovation and his adeptness in navigating turbulent times. Central Banking, an esteemed international economic research journal, presented this esteemed honour.
4. Next up, Wholesale inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, continued its decline for the second month in a row, reaching -3.48% in May compared to -0.92% in April. This marks the lowest level of wholesale inflation in 7.5 years. The data released by the Commerce Ministry today indicates a decrease in wholesale food inflation to 1.51% and wholesale fuel and power inflation to -9.17% in May.
5. In market news for June 14th, the Sensex registered a gain of 118.31 points or 0.19% to reach 63,261.47, while the Nifty saw an increase of 49.30 points or 0.26% to reach 18,765.50. Among the traded shares, 1776 witnessed an advance, 1540 experienced a decline, and 98 remained unchanged. Gold prices rebounded in today's session following the release of US Consumer inflation data, which indicated a slowdown in inflation on an annual basis.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. According to a report, Bollywood star Ajay Devgn and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will film the third instalment of the 'Drishyam' franchise simultaneously. The plan is to release the films on the same date, with the Malayalam version featuring Mohanlal as George Kutty in Kerala, and the rest of India witnessing Ajay Devgn's portrayal of Vijay Salgaonkar's journey.
2. In news from Hollywood, Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge have acquired the assets, rights, and properties of the Golden Globes from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). Under the agreement, DCP and its partners will take charge of planning, hosting, and producing the prestigious annual Golden Globe Awards show. This acquisition follows a series of scandals and controversies within the HFPA, prompting demands for greater diversity.
3. Meanwhile, the K-pop band BTS celebrated their 10th anniversary on June 13th. On the occasion, Seoul's city hall was lit up in purple, while landmarks such as N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, were illuminated. South Korean officials expressed their hope that the celebrations, which lasted for around a fortnight, would boost tourism.Sports News
1. In sports news, the Wrestling Federation of India elections have been scheduled for July 6, according to a notification from the returning officer. The final list of candidates will be prepared and displayed in Form 6 on July 2. Vote counting and the announcement of results will also occur on July 6.
2. In some uplifting news, Nikola Jokić, centre for the Denver Nuggets, has made history in the NBA by becoming the first player to lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, and assists. Throughout the NBA 2023 playoffs, the Serbian player accumulated 600 points, 269 rebounds, and 190 assists. The Nuggets secured their inaugural NBA title by defeating the Miami Heat with a series score of 4-1.
3. Wrapping up sports news, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh announced the 15-member Indian squad today for the upcoming T20I series against West Indies, with Hardik Pandya as the captain. The squad includes two wicketkeepers, Jitesh Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Other players selected are Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshit Rana, and Akash Madhwal.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Bring along friends and family to witness the extraordinary musical performance -"Dastaan-e-Ghazal with Pratibha Singh Baghel" live at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall, happening on the 17th of June at 7.00 pm.
2. Join an exclusive art class and learn the intricacies of traditional Madhubani paintings, in a workshop conducted by Art Beat, HSR Layout on the 17th of June at 2.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into a world of flavours, music, and culture at the exclusive House of Tribe extravaganza, happening at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel, on the 17th & 18th of June at 11.00 am.
4. Attention book lovers! Get ready for an exciting event brought to you by Bookchor - 'Lock The Box' is back, and it's a bookworm's dream come true. Dive into a vast collection of over one lakh titles across various genres, all available at unbelievable prices. No more complicated discounts! Just pick a box that suits you. All this and more from the 15th to 18th of June at Sri Gururaja Kalyana Mantapa, Gandhi Nagar, from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm.
5. You can also catch ace comedian Appurv Gupta in his latest special - "Genuinely!" performing live at the Tiger Tiger Brewhouse, Bellandur on the 17th of June at 4.30 pm. Don't miss this hilarious ride!Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of June 14th, expect a drop in temperatures to around 22°C. The chance of moderate rain is likely although skies appear mostly clear. On 15th June, Bengaluru will be in scorching heat as the mercury soars to 36°C. However, relief awaits in the evening and night as temperatures cool down to 23°C once again. It is advised to stay prepared and stay cool in the sweltering weather conditions.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru -
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 13th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Congress-led Karnataka government is undertaking a thorough examination of land allocations made to social and educational organizations linked to various Hindu right-wing groups, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, during the final months of the previous BJP administration. Among the properties being reviewed is a 116-acre plot assigned to the Centre for Education and Social Studies for the establishment of Chanakya University in Haralur, near Devanahalli, Bengaluru Rural district.
2. In other headlines, in anticipation of the state budget on July 7, the BBMP convened a meeting with senior officials to outline city projects. The BBMP is also preparing for a high-powered meeting on June 17, chaired by CM Siddaramaiah. Former CM Basavaraj Bommai had allocated Rs 9,698 crore for the comprehensive development of Bengaluru in the previous budget, encompassing initiatives such as flyover construction, water supply, and waste-water treatment.
3. In some more news, a heartwarming photo capturing a woman expressing gratitude by bowing after boarding a bus in Karnataka has gone viral on social media. The state government has introduced free bus rides for women, allowing the woman newfound independence to travel without seeking her children's permission or financial assistance. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, touched by the image, expressed that it will be etched in his memory for years to come.
4. Up next, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda confirmed that a video revealing the harassment of Dutch Youtuber Pedro Mota by a local shopkeeper in Chickpet's chor bazaar that surfaced online had occurred approximately two months ago. In a subsequent tweet, he announced that the harasser of Mota, known as Madly Rover on YouTube, has been identified and appropriate action has been taken.
5. Now, in other news, parts of the city experienced heavy evening rains on Monday, 12th June, resulting in flooded roads. East Bengaluru, including Marathahalli Bridge, Spice Garden Road, and Varthur Main Road, faced significant waterlogging. The BBMP has initiated flood prevention work for some of the 42 underpasses, as per their reports. Although the Kadubeesanahalli underpass was flooded temporarily due to nearby BMRCL work, the water receded quickly.
6. Moving on, the National Highways Authority of India discreetly increased toll charges by up to 22% for a section of the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway. Originally set for April 1, the hike was postponed due to public backlash. Surprisingly, the NHAI reintroduced the increase a month earlier than anticipated, contradicting their previous statement of a three-month deferral. The former BJP government, cautious of electoral repercussions before the Assembly elections, had opted to delay the hike.
7. Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology, Bengaluru has initiated a program aimed at promoting interdisciplinary research among senior women scientists in the fields of science and technology. Called WIDUSHI (Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights and Innovation), the DST has invited proposals from senior women scientists in six disciplines: physical/ mathematical sciences, chemical sciences, life sciences, earth sciences, engineering, and science and technology-based research. The program is open throughout the year.
8. On a different note, in a significant achievement, Bangalore University has been awarded a historic A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in its fourth accreditation cycle, with a remarkable CGPA of 3.75. BU becomes the first public university in Karnataka to achieve this top-notch grade, following JNU nationally. This A++ grade also makes BU eligible for diverse benefits from the University Grants Commission, enabling it to establish off-campus centres, apply for centres of excellence and provide distance education programs.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a virtual Rozgar Mela today, distributing 70,126 appointment letters to recruits. He emphasized that the Rozgar Mela has become a distinctive symbol of the NDA-BJP government and criticized previous administrations for misusing public funds. The PM also highlighted the improved recruitment process, stating that it will now take just a few months compared to the previous duration of 1-1.5 years.
2. Meanwhile, tremors from an earthquake were reported in Delhi and other parts of northern India today, as per reports. The earthquake, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale, originated in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir, at a depth of 6 km, according to the National Center for Seismology. A similar incident occurred in May when a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan caused tremors in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir.
3. In more news, the Delhi Police has issued notices to wrestling federations in five countries, requesting information and CCTV footage pertaining to the allegations of sexual harassment against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Indian wrestlers filed an FIR on April 21, claiming harassment during tournaments in Indonesia, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. The Delhi Police aims to file a chargesheet in court by June 15 and has recorded statements from over 200 individuals, including the affected wrestlers, coaches, and referees.
4. Shifting our focus, ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced that India's third Moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, is scheduled to be launched between July 12 and 19, pending successful tests. Somanath confirmed that Chandrayaan has already reached the launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Additionally, he stated that all components of the LVM-3, the launch vehicle for the mission, have also arrived in Sriharikota.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the upcoming official state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "historic" event that will further strengthen "the defining relationship of the 21st century." Blinken commended India's constructive leadership in shaping a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host a state dinner for the Prime Minister during his visit.
2. In ongoing news, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russian forces had commenced. He further stated that France has bolstered its arms shipments to Ukraine in support of it. Macron made these remarks during a press conference held in Paris after a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
3. In a recent development, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's former First Minister, was detained in relation to an ongoing investigation into the financial matters and funding of the Scottish National Party. Peter Murrell, Sturgeon's husband and the former SNP chief executive, was previously arrested in April as part of the same inquiry. Sturgeon was subsequently released without charges while further investigations are being conducted.
4. In other news, Taiwan's military issued an updated civil defence handbook today featuring a section on distinguishing Chinese and Taiwanese soldiers. The release of this book last year coincided with heightened tensions with Beijing and in response to Russia's incursion into Ukraine. It provides guidance on locating bomb shelters, water sources, and food supplies using smartphone applications.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The Central government has disbursed the third instalment of tax devolution to state governments, totalling ₹1,18,280 crore. This transfer is a regular monthly allocation of federal taxes to states, but the amount exceeded the usual monthly devolution of ₹59,140 crore. The release of an advance instalment aims to support states in accelerating their capital expenditures, as stated by the government.
2. In more business news, MRF shares made history today as they surpassed the ₹1 lakh mark during early trading, making it the first Indian company to achieve this milestone. The stock reached an all-time high of ₹1,00,439.95 on the stock exchanges, resulting in a market capitalization exceeding ₹42,378 crores. It's worth noting that MRF's stock had previously crossed the ₹1-lakh mark in futures trading last month.
3. Moving on, Nasdaq, in its largest acquisition to date, revealed plans to acquire software company Adenza from private equity firm Thoma Bravo for $10.5 billion. The deal includes a combination of cash and stock, with Thoma Bravo receiving a 14.9% stake in the US exchange operator. Following the announcement, Nasdaq's shares experienced a decline of approximately 12%.
4. Meanwhile, Zee Entertainment Chairman R Gopalan has stated that the board is consulting legal experts regarding SEBI's directive, which prohibits Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra and Zee Entertainment Enterprises CEO Punit Goenka from holding directorial roles in any company. Gopalan mentioned that the board is currently assessing SEBI's order. The ban on Chandra and Goenka is linked to the alleged misappropriation of ₹200 crore from ZEEL.
5. In market news for June 13th, the Sensex surged by 388.96 points or 0.62% to reach 63,113.67, while the Nifty climbed by 110.00 points or 0.59% to reach 18,711.50. Among the listed shares, 1931 showed an upward trend, 1384 experienced a decline, and 104 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee gained 8 paise today, benefiting from a decrease in inflation, which reached a 25-month low. It was supported by a weak US Dollar and positive domestic market conditions.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. During the 'Ask SRK' session on Twitter, actor Shah Rukh Khan responded to a fan who inquired about his feelings as a "proud father" regarding Suhana's debut 'The Archies', which also stars Agastya Nanda and Khushi Kapoor. He expressed that the excitement and bias of a father will always exist. Additionally, he shared his anticipation for the film by Zoya Akhtar.
2. In other news. KPOP band, BLACKPINK's Jennie had to abruptly depart from a concert in Melbourne, Australia, due to health concerns. Her agency, YG Entertainment, issued a statement explaining that she couldn't continue performing due to her "poor condition". There have been sightings of Jennie wearing pain relief patches, and she was unable to greet fans during a Chanel event in Japan.
3. In news from regional cinema. Tamannah Bhatia in a new interview admitted that she was unable to capitalize on the immense success of the SS Rajamouli's Baahubali series as effectively as she could have. She acknowledged that at the time, she lacked the maturity to fully comprehend the film's unprecedented triumph, which resulted in her not reaping the same benefits as the rest of the team.Sports News
1. In sports news, according to a French newspaper, Kylian Mbappe has informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will not renew his contract beyond June 2024. The 24-year-old allegedly wrote a letter to the PSG management conveying his decision. Mbappe had an outstanding season, scoring 41 goals in 43 games across all competitions, contributing to PSG's victory in the Ligue 1 title race.
2. In some uplifting news, during India's Intercontinental Cup match against Vanuatu, Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian men's football team, scored his 86th international goal in the 80th minute. In a heartfelt celebration, Chhetri revealed the pregnancy of his wife, Sonam Bhattacherjee. He tucked the ball under his shirt and sent flying kisses to Sonam, expressing his joy and dedicating the goal to her and their baby.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Beatriz Haddad Maia has made history by becoming the first Brazilian woman to break into the top 10 of the WTA rankings. Maia's impressive performance in the French Open, where she reached the semi-finals, secured her a ranking of number 10 as she enters the grass-court season. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Brazilian women's tennis, after 55 years.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Watch ace funnyman Pravit Arora bring in the laughs in his latest special, performing live at the Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 17th of June, at 9.00 pm.
2. The annual Incredible Chef's Challenge will take place at Palace Grounds starting today till June 15. Organized by the World of Hospitality and South Indian Chefs Association as part of the World of Hospitality Expo, it showcases the latest trends and transformative technologies in the hospitality sector. The ICC serves as a sought-after platform for local chefs to gain recognition and enhance their skills through feedback from the esteemed international chef jury panel.
3. But wait, there's more. Bring friends along to witness a PRIDE special - "The Rainbow Tales", an event to express oneself through multiple art forms - theatre, poetry, standup comedy and fashion, happening at the Bangalore International Centre on the 14th of June at 5.00 pm.
4. Want to polish your Bachata dance skills? Here's something for you! Join an exclusive Bachata dance class, conducted by the city's experts, happening at Small World, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 17th of June at 11.00 am.
5. You can also catch the renowned flute maestro, "Pravin Godkhindi", live in concert at the Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts, Kanakapura Road, on the 17th of June, at 6.30 pm. Don't miss this special performance!Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On 13th June, as evening approaches, the temperature will cool down to 22°C. On June 14th, it will continue to be hot, with temperatures reaching 35°C and by the evening and night, it will bring relief as temperatures dip to 22°C. Rain is unlikely as the skies appear mostly clear.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru -
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 12th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka's Congress government launched the 'Shakti scheme' over the weekend, providing free bus tickets to women across the state. The initiative aims to benefit 25 million women, with a daily cost of over ₹4,051.56 crore. The scheme was the first of the five poll promises fulfilled, benefiting women of all backgrounds, including gender minorities.
2. In other headlines, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah reviewed Indira canteens, which offer subsidized meals, today. The BBMP presented a detailed plan, including the budget for expanding the project. Indira Canteens will receive a special allocation in the state budget as it is Siddaramaiah's flagship initiative. The BBMP replaced food suppliers in 170 wards after a change in government. Iskcon and Adamya Chethana currently manage these canteens, but it's probable that the government will extend them to all 243 wards.
3. In some more news, businessman Ramachandran Vishwanathan has been declared a Fugitive Economic Offender by the Bengaluru Special Court, as per an official press release. The charges relate to alleged offences committed in the 'Devas Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. Case' under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. The CBI registered the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The total proceeds of crime are estimated at around ₹579 crore.
4. Up next, BESCOM has released a note on monthly electricity bills following the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission's revision of power tariffs. The KERC order has set an average tariff of 70 paise per unit for all household connections in the state. The revised tariff includes a flat rate of Rs 7 per unit for consumption exceeding 100 units, replacing the previous three-tiered system.
5. Now, onto other news, pollution levels in 11 major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, surpassed safe limits, with Bengaluru's average PM 2.5 levels over the past year found to be 5.8 times higher than WHO's safe level. The annual average concentration in Bengaluru was 29.01 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding safe limits on 283 days. Other cities like Lucknow, Kolkata, Bhopal, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai also had alarming levels of PM 2.5 and NO2, exceeding safe limits.
6. Moving on, Bagmane Solarium City in Bengaluru's Kundanahalli has introduced a feeder bus service to the Seetaramapalya metro station on the KR Puram - Whitefield metro line. This initiative aims to facilitate the commute of employees working in the tech park, known for traffic congestion. The feeder bus will operate every 10 minutes during peak hours and is expected to encourage public transport usage, particularly among tech professionals.
7. Meanwhile, a recent paper from ICMR's NCDIR reveals that ovarian cancer cases in Bengaluru saw the highest annual increase of 2.73% between 1984 and 2014, with the age-adjusted rate doubling from four to eight per lakh population. Ovarian cancer is the third-most common cancer among women in the city, often diagnosed at late stages. Analysis of data from 2012 to 2016 showed Bengaluru ranking second in probability, with one in 89 women at risk.
8. On a different note, a new Zomato resting point has been established at Bengaluru's Vega City mall, catering to delivery partners from various brands. Zomato's CEO, Depinder Goyal, had previously announced the initiative called 'The Shelter Project,' aimed at supporting the well-being of delivery partners. The rest points offer amenities such as high-speed internet, first aid, washrooms, and drinking water. Zomato plans to expand these shelters in densely populated areas of its food delivery service, with resting points already in place at Gurgaon, their headquarters.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. During a video address to G20 development ministers today, PM Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of democratizing technology to bridge the data divide. He expressed India's willingness to share its digitalization experience with partner countries. Modi also called for reforms in multilateral financial institutions to ensure access to finance for those in need. He stated that technology is empowering people and discussed his government's efforts to promote development in underdeveloped areas.
2. Meanwhile, the Indian government initiated a comprehensive infrastructure development plan at Cochin Port, as part of a ₹7,500 crore initiative to modernize fishing and sea harbours. The project, funded in part by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana-Blue Revolution program, aims to transform Cochin into a global fish trade hub. Union fisheries minister Parshottam Rupala and shipping and ports minister Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for the ₹170 crores first-phase modernization project, overseen by the Cochin Port Authority.
3. In more news, Amit Agrawal and Subodh Kumar Singh, senior IAS officers of the Chhattisgarh cadre, have been appointed as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), respectively. Agrawal, from the 1993 batch, currently serves as an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics & IT, while Singh, from the 1997 batch, takes on the role of NTA's Director General.
4. Shifting our focus, reports have emerged suggesting that the personal details of individuals registered on the Indian government's CoWIN portal have been leaked on the Telegram app. According to the report, when a phone number is entered, the Telegram bot reveals the person's name, Aadhaar, PAN or passport ID number, gender, and birth year. Screenshots shared by TMC's Saket Gokhale showcased leaked data of political leaders on Telegram.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed his commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in their joint pursuit of building strong nations, as reported by state media KCNA today. Kim conveyed this pledge to Putin on Russia's National Day, affirming his support for Russia's actions in Ukraine and demonstrating "full support and solidarity."
2. In ongoing news, Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian Prime Minister and renowned owner of AC Milan, has died at the age of 86, according to reports from Italian media. Berlusconi, who served as Italy's Prime Minister four times, had a controversial political career marred by sex scandals, corruption allegations, and a tax fraud conviction. His passing marks the end of an era for Italian politics and football.
3. In a recent development, comedian Jocelyn Chia is receiving widespread criticism for her offensive jokes targeting Malaysia, including the MH370 flight disappearance. The Singaporean comedian, during a New York performance, also touched on the historical relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed apologies for any distress caused to Malaysians by the comedian's remarks.
4. In other news, a recently emerged video appears to depict a team of rescuers successfully freeing a 10-meter humpback whale trapped in shark nets off Australia's Gold Coast. The Sea World Foundation team employed specialized cutting tools to release the whale from the netting around its head and pectoral fins within approximately one hour. The team emphasized the high risks involved in such perilous rescue missions.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. According to the RBI, banks and finance companies have the option to settle with wilful defaulters and fraud-involved companies through compromise settlements or technical write-offs. These settlements can be pursued without affecting ongoing criminal proceedings against the debtors. The RBI also stated that these accounts may become eligible for new loans after 12 months following the execution of a compromise settlement.
2. In more business news, the government has released a graph illustrating India's GDP growth rate in comparison to other major economies, highlighting India as the fastest-growing economy. The graph displayed India's real GDP growth rate for 2023 at 7.2%, surpassing the figures of 4.1% in the UK, 3% in China, and 2.1% in the US.
3. Moving on, UBS has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Credit Suisse today, marking the largest merger in the banking industry since the 2008 financial crisis. The deal, valued at $3.23 billion, was facilitated by the Swiss government to avert a potential banking crisis. This acquisition solidifies UBS as Switzerland's largest bank and reinforces its position in the financial sector.
4. Meanwhile, Indigo's stock witnessed a 3% decline to ₹2,378 today, following reports of a potential stake sale by the family of Co-founder Rakesh Gangwal. The Gangwal family is expected to sell a 5-8% stake in InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo's parent company, through block deals worth up to ₹7,000 crores. The sale is likely to take place after the lock-in period for shares opens on July 15.
5. In market news for June 12th, the Sensex recorded a gain of 126.86 points or 0.20%, reaching 62,752.49, while the Nifty saw an increase of 43.80 points or 0.24%, reaching 18,607.20. Among the listed stocks, 1969 shares advanced, 1459 shares declined, and 120 shares remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee maintained a steady to slightly positive trend today, supported by positive domestic markets and a weakening US Dollar. The Rupee also benefited from lower crude oil prices.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. After the pre-teaser of the film 'Animal', director Sandeep Reddy Vanga faced allegations of copying an action scene from the South Korean movie 'Oldboy'. Twitter users shared videos highlighting the similarities between the action sequence in 'Oldboy' and the pre-teaser clip. 'Animal', starring Ranbir Kapoor, is set to premiere on August 11th.
2. In news from Hollywood, actress Naomi Watts, famous for her role in 'King Kong', has confirmed her marriage to actor Billy Crudup through social media posts featuring pictures and the caption 'Hitched!' Speculations about their marriage arose when the 54-year-old actress was spotted wearing a wedding gown. Watts and Crudup have reportedly been in a relationship since 2017.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, Khatija Rahman, daughter of Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, is set to make her debut as a music composer in the Tamil film "Minmini." Director Halitha Shameem announced the news on Twitter, praising Khatija's exceptional talent. Along with the announcement, Shameem shared a picture of Khatija during a composing session. After working as a singer, Khatija is now venturing into the world of composing.Sports News
1. In sports news, India's league matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup are set to take place in nine cities, according to the draft schedule. Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru will be hosting the matches. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is slated to happen on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, as per the draft schedule.
2. In some uplifting news, following his victory in the French Open 2023 final, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic showcased a unique jacket adorned with the number 23 to symbolize his record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title. The 36-year-old triumphed over Casper Ruud, surpassing Rafael Nadal's record of 22 men's singles Grand Slam titles. Djokovic proudly displayed his customized jacket as a testament to his remarkable achievement.
3. Wrapping up sports news, in a historic victory, India clinched their first-ever Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup title by defeating four-time champions South Korea in the final. The Indian team secured a 2-1 victory. Hockey India announced a cash prize of ₹2 lakh for each player, while the support staff members will be rewarded with ₹1 lakh each for their contributions.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Bengaluru, get ready for one of India's finest talents! Harsh Gujral, beloved comic sensation, is making a grand return to the city on 16th June with his latest outing, 'Jo Bolta Hai Wohi Hota Hai'. Starting at 8.00 pm, at Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefield, don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of laughter!
2. Celebrate Pride in style with SOCIAL! Discover and shop from a diverse range of LGBTQIA+-owned small businesses and witness breathtaking performances by talented artists. All this and more, happening on the 18th of June, starting at noon at the Indiranagar Social. Be a part of this amazing celebration and make this Pride a memorable one!
3. But wait, there's more. Join a Father's Day special painting class with an exclusive workshop conducted at Paint Bar, Sadashivanagar, happening on the 17th of June at 11.30 am. Take home a masterpiece and some fun memories!
4. Interested to bake this weekend? This one's for you! Get ready to celebrate Father's Day in style with two of your favourite establishments - Brik Oven, in collaboration with Magnolia Bakery, come together for an exciting workshop at the Brik Oven, on the 16th of June, at 4.00 PM.
5. Catch ace comedian Neeti Palta as she takes the stage in her latest special 'Ulta Palta', happening at the Deena Complex, Brigade Road on the 18th of June at 5.00 pm. Brace yourselves for an honest and hilarious account of her life!Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 12th of June, expect the evening and night temperatures to cool down to around 22°C. On June 13th, brace yourself for another sweltering day in Bengaluru, as temperatures are expected to climb to a scorching 34°C. However, as the sun sets, the mercury will dip again, settling around 22°C during the evening and night. The chance of rain is likely as the skies appear partly cloudy.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
-
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 9th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Karnataka government has reshuffled 4 police officers - Alok Kumar, known for handling critical cases was removed as ADGP law and order and appointed as Traffic and Road Safety commissioner. R Hitendra replaces Kumar as the new ADGP Law and Order. Umesh Kumar and Soumendu Mukherjee are also transferred to new positions.
2. In other headlines, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's daughter, Parakala Vangamayi, tied the knot with Pratik Doshi, a key aide of PM Narendra Modi in a simple ceremony at her home in Bengaluru. No political leaders were, however, invited. The wedding followed Brahmin traditions with blessings from seers of Udupi Adamaru Mutt. Vangamayi is currently employed in the Books and Culture section of Mint Lounge's features department. She holds a master's degree in Journalism from Northwestern Medill School of Journalism.
3. In some more news, the Karnataka government's decision to adopt the 2015 socio-economic caste survey, known as the 'caste census,' and provide social benefits accordingly is expected to have significant political implications and potentially reshape the state's political landscape. Experts weighed in that the revelations from the survey will alter the numerical strength of dominant communities, leading to potential changes in reservation policies. This announcement follows Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's call for reservations during the Karnataka assembly elections.
4. Up next, the High Court has granted permission to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited for the felling or translocation of trees along the Dooravani Nagar to Kempapura Cross Metro line. Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale, leading the division bench, acknowledged the project's public interest and allowed the application. The court addressed a PIL by environmentalist Dattatraya T Devare, who sought the formation of a committee under the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, and the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Rules, 1977.
5. Now, onto other news. Residents of Whitefield have expressed frustration over water supply issues that have persisted for months. The lack of proper supply has forced them to book expensive water tankers, costing around ₹10,000 per month, just to meet their daily needs. They have been grappling with the problem and attempting to engage with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board officials, but have received no response. The dependency on borewell water, which contains high salt content, has further worsened the situation, causing skin rashes among residents.
6. Moving on, to alleviate the development strain on Bengaluru, Karnataka plans to establish five advanced satellite towns. Zameer Ahmed, the Housing Minister has instructed the Karnataka Housing Board to create a project report for constructing upscale villas on the outskirts of the city. These satellite towns are envisioned to comprise 1,000 villas spread over 500 acres each.
7. Meanwhile, new research emphasizes that maternal depressiveness during antenatal care in Bengaluru's government hospitals heightens the risk of infant obesity and stunting. The MAASTHI cohort study reveals that 31.8% of mothers assessed within 48 hours of childbirth exhibited depressiveness. The study, based on 4,829 pregnant women, highlights the impact of psychosocial stress on chronic disease risks. The findings have been published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
8. On a different note, FlyBlade India has introduced a helicopter service connecting Bengaluru and Tirupati, catering to pilgrims visiting the spiritual town. The chopper, accommodating up to five guests, departs from Bengaluru's HAL airport at 9:30 am daily, returning from Tirupati by 4 pm. Bookings can be made through the FlyBlade India website. The service costs approximately Rs. 3,50,000 (excluding GST). FlyBlade India had previously launched a chopper service from HAL airport to Kempegowda International Airport.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, which specializes in artificial intelligence technologies and developed ChatGPT, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. They engaged in discussions regarding various aspects of AI, emphasizing the importance of global regulation. PM Modi, in a tweet, highlighted the immense potential of AI within India's tech ecosystem, particularly among the youth. He expressed a welcoming approach to collaborations that can expedite the country's digital transformation and empower its citizens.
2. Meanwhile, in the early hours of today, a fire broke out at a hospital in Janakpuri, west Delhi, prompting the transfer of 20 newborns to other medical facilities. The fire department received the alert at 1.35 am and dispatched nine fire tenders to the scene. The blaze, originating in the hospital's basement where some furniture items were ablaze, was successfully controlled by 3 am. Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the incident.
3. In more news, the Indian Air Force conducted an extensive eight-hour mission in the Indian Ocean using Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. The operation covered both the eastern and western seaboard, with support from mid-air refuelling aircraft. The IAF shared their accomplishment on Twitter, stating, "Another successful mission in the Indian Ocean region!"
4. Shifting our focus, a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes and published in the Lancet revealed that 11.4% or 101 million people in India have diabetes. Additionally, 15.3% or 136 million people were found to have prediabetes. The study spanned from October 2008 to December 2020 and encompassed individuals aged 20 and above residing in urban and rural areas across 31 states and Union Territories.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, former US President Donald Trump is facing seven federal criminal charges for unlawfully possessing numerous classified government documents at his Florida residence following his departure from the White House. Trump stated that he has been summoned to appear in court next Tuesday and denounced the charges as "election interference at the highest level."
2. In ongoing news, smoke from wildfires in Canada has enveloped New York City, creating an orange haze. Drone footage circulating online captured the skyline covered in the smoky haze. As a result, New York briefly became the most polluted major city in the world, surpassing Delhi, according to air quality tracker IQAir. The smoke travelled southward from the Canadian wildfires, contributing to the deteriorating air quality in the city.
3. In a recent development, Pakistan's Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, shared economic data during his presentation. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2022/23, the real GDP grew by a mere 0.29%, with the agriculture sector experiencing a 1.55% growth and industries declining by 2.94%. While discussing the numbers, Dar focused more on the global environment and economic fundamentals inherited by PM Sharif from his predecessor, Imran Khan, rather than addressing the underperforming sectors of the Pakistani economy.
4. In some positive news, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Senior Minister of Singapore of Indian origin, declared his candidacy for the upcoming Presidential election in the city-state. After 22 years in active politics, Tharman announced his decision. Previously holding key positions such as Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Education Minister, he has been serving as Singapore's Senior Minister since May 2019.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The Reserve Bank of India has approved a "first loss default guarantee" framework for digital lending, enabling regulated entities and lending service providers to enter into such arrangements. With FLDG, fintechs can assist banks and non-banking financial companies in recovering losses incurred due to customer payment defaults. The RBI has set a limit of up to 5% of the total loan portfolio for guarantee coverage.
2. In more business news, officials in India have stated that a reduction in fuel prices will be delayed as oil companies aim to recover losses incurred from selling fuel below international oil prices. State-owned companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, have temporarily halted their daily price revisions since last year. The officials noted that these companies have been generating profits from the sale of petrol since Q4 2022.
3. Moving on, Delhivery's notice accusing Go First's voluntary insolvency resolution of being "fraudulent and malicious" has been accepted by the NCLT. Delhivery claims that Go First accepted ₹57 lakh as an advance payment on May 2, despite being aware of its intention to file for insolvency the same day. The NCLT has granted two weeks to Go First's interim resolution professional to respond to the allegations.
4. Meanwhile, according to internal memo reports, Google is incorporating office badge attendance into its performance reviews. The updated hybrid work policy emphasizes tracking attendance and addressing employees who are required to be in the office but fail to show up. Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi reportedly stated in an email to employees that there is "no substitute for coming together in person."
5. In market news for June 9th, the Sensex witnessed a decline of 212.71 points or 0.34%, settling at 62,635.93, while the Nifty dropped by 72.80 points or 0.39%, closing at 18,561.70. Among the listed stocks, 1588 showed an upward trend, 1654 experienced a decline, and 115 remained unchanged. Over the past week, both the Nifty and Sensex recorded gains of approximately 0.7%. Closing today, India equity markets remain cautious due to concerns about a slowdown and higher interest rates, despite a downward trend in global inflation.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. After a hiatus of 27 years, India is preparing to host the 71st Miss World 2023 pageant. Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organization, expressed excitement in a statement, mentioning India's unique culture, remarkable attractions, and stunning locations that will be showcased to the world. The previous time India hosted the international pageant was in 1996.
2. In news from Hollywood, Jay Johnston, known for his role in 'Arrested Development', has been apprehended for his involvement in the US Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. Online users recognized Johnston from FBI-released images seeking assistance in identifying participants of the riots. The unrest occurred following President Joe Biden's election victory in 2020.
3. Meanwhile, in news from regional cinema. Filmmaker Vignesh Shivan took to Instagram to share adorable photos of his actor-wife Nayanthara and their twins Uyir and Ulagam from a new photoshoot, as the couple celebrate their first wedding anniversary today. In a heartfelt note, he expressed the challenges they faced in the past year, including the joy of welcoming their twins through surrogacy. The photos capture Nayanthara posing with the babies, including one dressed in a cute Santa romper.Sports News
1. In sports news, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli reclaimed his record as the highest run-scorer for India in the history of the World Test Championship, just moments after current captain Rohit Sharma surpassed him. Rohit had set a new record with 1,809 runs, surpassing Kohli's previous tally of 1,803 runs. However, Kohli regained the top spot during the 15th over of India's innings.
2. In some uplifting news, Czech tennis player Karolina Muchova, ranked 43rd in the world, secured a spot in her first-ever Grand Slam final at the French Open 2023. She defeated the world number two, Aryna Sabalenka, in a thrilling match that ended 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-5. Sabalenka experienced her first defeat in a Grand Slam match this year. Muchova expressed her disbelief and credited her perseverance, stating, "I just kept fighting."
3. Wrapping up sports news, following Lionel Messi's tweet that he was "not going back to Barcelona...going to Miami," US-based football club Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, experienced a significant surge in its Instagram followers. Within hours, Inter Miami's follower count rose from over 900,000 to 5.1 million, amassing more than four million new followers.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Witness ace funnyman Prannoy Chowdhury at his best in his latest special "Defective Piece", performing Live at the Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 11th of June, at 6.00 pm.
2. Join an exclusive Bollywood dance class and dance your heart out, in a workshop conducted by dance expert, Charmi Bhasin, happening at the Good Move Wellness Centre, Koramangala 4th Block, on the 10th of June at 3.30 pm and 5.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Rejuvenate yourself with an exclusive Yoga therapy class at the "Nada Yoga" workshop, happening at Atta Gallatta, Indiranagar on the 10th of June at 12.00 pm.
4. Poetry lovers, this one's for you! Join the "Poetry Mic" and express yourself in an exclusive open mic event, happening at the Dialogues Cafe, JP Nagar on the 10th of June at 6.30 pm.
5. You can also catch the Indian Improv Tribe in their latest comedy special "Seen Unseen", happening at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on the 11th of June at 6.00 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On June 9th, Bengaluru can expect a drop in temperatures to around 23°C during the evening and night. However, the weather on the 10th of June, during the day will be scorching hot, with temperatures soaring to 34°C. In the evening and night, the temperatures will again decrease to approximately 22°C. It is expected to moderately rain over the weekend.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 8th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. KJ George, Energy Minister for Karnataka state, has announced that 99% of households in the state will qualify for benefits under the Gruha Jyoti scheme by the Congress government. This initiative guarantees free electricity to households consuming less than 200 units per month. According to George, around 2.14 crore households will reap the advantages of this scheme.
2. In other headlines, the Karnataka government has raised electricity rates by ₹2.89/unit for consumers using over 200 units, following the announcement of 200 free units for all domestic users, even those in rental homes. CM Siddaramaiah clarified that the hike was determined by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission and not the state government.
3. In some more news, starting from September 1, international departures and arrivals at Bengaluru airport will be relocated to the new Terminal 2, as per several reports. Currently, the existing terminal primarily caters to a few domestic airlines. The CEO of Bengaluru International Airport Ltd, Hari Marar, confirmed that Terminal 2 will be dedicated to international travel, while Terminal 1 will solely handle domestic travel. The transition is scheduled for midnight on August 31, with staff training and the shifting process already in progress.
4.Up next, the Enforcement Directorate is revealed to have conducted search operations at seven locations in Bengaluru and Davanagere, related to Bharath Infra Exports and Imports Ltd, in a bank fraud case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. ED's investigation revealed that the company's promoters/directors misappropriated funds/loans from SBI through wrongful diversion to related parties. The company availed loan facilities from SBI, and its account was classified as an NPA due to non-repayment of dues amounting to 113.38 crore.
5. Now, onto other news, Simple Energy has started delivering its electric scooter model,'One', after its recent launch. The initial deliveries took place in Bengaluru, and the company plans to expand to other cities gradually. Simple Energy tweeted, "Prepare to dominate every mile! The ONE is here and how!" The scooter boasts impressive acceleration, going from 0-40 kmph in just 2.77 seconds, with a maximum speed of 105 kmph. Additionally, it offers four riding modes: Dash, Eco, Sonic, and Ride.
6. Moving on. From June 12 to 19, the KSRTC and BMTC will provide free bus travel to students appearing for the SSLC supplementary exams. Students must present their examination admission tickets to avail of this facility on KSRTC's city, suburban, ordinary, and express buses, as well as on BMTC's ordinary services. The announcement was made via a news release.
7. Meanwhile, according to a report by talent solutions provider Careernet, India's pursuit of becoming a major player in the electric vehicle market will generate 5 million new direct job opportunities. Bengaluru is anticipated to emerge as a hub for EV manufacturing and innovation, contributing significantly to the sector's transformation. Key job roles in demand include battery management system design and support roles, requiring engineering and R&D expertise.
8. On a different note, as part of the Y20 forum, NIMHANS organized a consultation on 'Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Sports' involving youth today. Around 270 participants from diverse fields, including health, commerce, management, and sports, as well as NGOs discussed topics such as nutrition, substance use, young mothers' health, sports integration into lifestyles, and physical and sexual violence. NIMHANS is one of 15 institutions collaborating under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. After being stranded in the remote Russian town of Magadan due to a technical fault, 216 passengers on an Air India flight finally landed in San Francisco at 12:07 am (12:37 pm IST) today. Air India provided maximum assistance to the passengers, including clearance formalities and necessary support. The airline expressed gratitude to government agencies, regulatory authorities and partners for their cooperation in promptly bringing the passengers to SFO and providing care during their wait in Magadan.
2. Meanwhile, The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the first pre-induction launch of the new-generation ballistic missile 'Agni Prime'. The launch took place at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. This achievement follows three successful developmental trials of the 'Agni Prime missile and all objectives were successfully demonstrated during the flight test, according to the official DRDO statement.
3. In more news, the India Meteorological Department announced today that Cyclone 'Biparjoy' is rapidly strengthening and is expected to further intensify over the next 48 hours, transforming into a severe cyclonic storm. The IMD forecasts the cyclone to move in a north-northwest direction over the next three days. However, no significant impact on countries near the Arabian Sea, such as India, Oman, Iran, and Pakistan, has been predicted by the IMD.
4. Shifting our focus. Today, the Ministry of Women and Child Development introduced a new initiative to empower Indian youth by encouraging them to share their aspirations and dreams on social media. Smriti Irani launched the Amrit Generation campaign in collaboration with Meta, inviting children aged 16-18 from across the country to showcase their creativity and aspirations through reels on Instagram and Facebook. The campaign aims to nurture youth aspirations and provide support while offering selected participants the opportunity to interact with policymakers and industry leaders.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the world's first artificial intelligence summit will be hosted by Britain later this year. The summit aims to establish a collective approach among nations to mitigate the potential risks of AI while harnessing its positive potential. Sunak emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe and secure development and utilization of AI, highlighting the need to learn from historical experiences. The summit is scheduled for the autumn.
2. In ongoing news, according to Ukraine's agricultural ministry, the southern region of the country is at risk of turning into a barren land by next year as a result of extensive floods triggered by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam. The incident is anticipated to inundate around 10,000 hectares of agricultural land on the right bank of the Kherson region. The ministry warned that the floods could also impact the left bank, which is currently controlled by Russia.
3. In a recent development, air quality in Canada and the United States has deteriorated due to smoke and haze from ongoing wildfires. Media reports indicate that over 400 forest fires are still active in Canada, with many deemed 'out of control'. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the wildfires' impact on daily lives, livelihoods, and air quality. Trudeau attributed the increasing frequency of such fires to climate change and pledged to address its impacts in collaboration with global partners.
4. In some positive news, scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a mathematical tool to improve the prediction of severe rain events, such as flash floods, in southern and eastern parts of Israel. By analyzing various factors associated with extreme rainfall, this tool assists in forecasting conditions that can trigger these events. The accurate prediction of such occurrences had posed difficulties in the past.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. According to Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, approximately 50% of the ₹2,000 currency notes in circulation as of March 31 have been returned to the banking system, amounting to around ₹1.8 lakh crore. Das further mentioned that 85% of the returned notes are in the form of deposits.
2. In more business news, the Reserve Bank of India also announced today that the monetary policy committee has decided to maintain the repo rate at 6.50%. This decision aligns with the RBI's previous policy in April, where the repo rate was also kept unchanged at 6.50%. The repo rate serves as the benchmark interest rate at which the RBI lends money to banks.
3. Moving on. Colorado-based Wilson Aerospace has filed a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging the theft of trade secrets related to NASA's Space Launch System rocket. Wilson Aerospace claims to have collaborated with Boeing for two years, starting in 2014, to assist in securely attaching engines to the rocket. However, Boeing terminated Wilson's involvement in the project at a later stage, according to the lawsuit.
4. Hero MotoCorp accomplished a significant milestone today as its stock surged past the Rs 3,000 mark, a level not achieved in over two years. The last time it traded at this level was in March 2021. This highlights Hero MotoCorp as one of the exceptional stocks that are still striving to surpass its pre-Covid highs.
5. In market news for June 8th, The Sensex witnessed a decline of 257.71 points or 0.41%, closing at 62,885.25, while the Nifty dropped by 80.70 points or 0.43%, settling at 18,645.70. Among the shares traded, 1324 recorded advances, 1961 experienced declines, and 90 remained unchanged. Today, the Indian Rupee depreciated due to the poor performance of domestic equities. However, the downside was cushioned by the weak Dollar and a decline in crude oil prices.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Filmmaker Karan Johar shared his reason for not collaborating with the late actor Irrfan Khan, stating that Irrfan's talent exceeded anything he could have offered him. Karan explained that he didn't want to be the filmmaker who presented Irrfan with subpar mainstream films and become a blemish in his otherwise illustrious career.
2. In news from Hollywood, the production of season 4 of "Emily in Paris," featuring Lily Collins, has been postponed by two months due to the ongoing writers' strike in Hollywood, as reported by Variety. Netflix renewed the Emmy-nominated series in January 2022. While the shooting was initially planned for late summer or early fall, it will now start towards the end of fall.
3. Meanwhile, in news from regional cinema, Actors Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi, who have been in a relationship for a while, are set to get engaged on June 9, according to an announcement made today. The couple, who have appeared together in two Telugu films, Mister and Antariksham 9000KMPH, are reportedly planning to tie the knot later this year.Sports News
1. In sports news, reports suggest that Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, will be joining the American club Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham. The 35-year-old footballer has allegedly turned down offers from Barcelona and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. The deal with Inter Miami is expected to involve partnerships with brands like Adidas and Apple.
2. In some uplifting news, Australian cricketer, Travis Head has achieved the distinction of being the first player to score a century in a WTC final. Head completed his hundred off 106 balls during the opening day of the WTC 2023 final against India. The previous highest individual score in a WTC final was set by New Zealand's Devon Conway, who scored 54 runs from 153 deliveries in the WTC 2021 final against India.
3. Wrapping up sports news. Despite taking a one-goal lead, India's hockey team suffered a 1-4 defeat to the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored India's solitary goal, but despite earning several penalty corners and a penalty stroke, they failed to convert their chances.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch ace magician Karan Singh in his latest outing "Not an Influencer", performing Live at the Long Boat Brewing Co, Marathahalli, on the 11th of June at 4.00 pm. Get ready to be surprised beyond your imagination!
2. Unleash your inner "Rockstar" at the "Karaoke Night Party", happening at the Dropouts Pub, Kalyan Nagar, on the 9th of June at 7.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Join an exclusive Glass painting workshop, happening at Cafe Down the Alley, Banashankari 3rd stage, on the 10th of June at 4.00 pm.
4. Want to learn a new form of modern dance? Here's something for you. Join a beginners' dance class in an exclusive workshop for "Shuffle Dancing", conducted by dance expert, Khushboo Khan, happening at Lahe Lahe on the 9th of June at 7.30 pm.
5. You can also catch popular comedians, Pronoy Chowdhury and Taral Shah in their latest special "Bio aur Math", happening at the Klayworkz Barista, JP Nagar on the 9th of June at 8.30 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. In a general weather update. Bengaluru is anticipated to experience rainfall, which will persist over the next few days. As the Southwest Monsoon is predicted to arrive around June 9, sporadic showers are expected daily here. Furthermore, as long as Cyclone Biparjoy remains active, westerlies will prevail over the South Interior Karnataka region, leading to rainy conditions and resulting in increased precipitation in the city.
2. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of June 8th, the temperatures in Bengaluru are expected to decrease to 23°C. On June 9th, the weather in the city will be moderately warm, with temperatures estimated at 27°C. Once again, during the evening and nighttime, the temperatures will drop to 22°C. Rains in the evening are likely.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 7th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Karnataka Legislative Council will hold by-polls for three vacant seats due to the resignation of members who contested the Assembly elections. Baburao Chinchansur, R Shankar, and Laxman Savadi resigned, with only Savadi winning. The notification will be issued on June 13 and nominations accepted until June 20. Polling will be on June 30 from 9 am to 4 pm, and vote counting will be at 5 pm the same day. Election completion is expected by July 4.
2. In other headlines, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has appointed Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy as the head of Karnataka's four transport corporations. The decision came after Reddy met with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh, who reached out to the veteran Congress leader. The order issued by the CM also named Reddy as the chairman of the BMTC, KSRTC, NWRTC and KKRTC. Later, Reddy held a meeting with the managing directors of KSRTC and BMTC to discuss the implementation of the 'Shakti' scheme.
3. In some other news, Officials have stated that the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, is expected to visit India in September, with a possible stop in Bengaluru. The Consul General of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Bengaluru, Ewout de Wit, met CM Siddaramaiah to discuss the visit. Siddaramaiah highlighted Karnataka's investor-friendly ecosystem, skilled manpower, and good law and order conditions. It was noted that the Netherlands has invested a significant amount in the state, particularly in industries like sustainable energy, electronics and innovation.
4. Up next, According to the BESCOM maintenance works by the KTPCL may cause power outages in several areas of Bengaluru. On June 7, areas fed from specific substations, solar IPPs, and 220 KV stations, along with certain 11 KV feeders, will be affected such as Hosakere, Hosuru and Soralamavu, among others. On June 8, Jayanagar 7th block, BSK 2nd stage, BDA Complex, and other listed locations will likely experience power cuts. The complete list is available on the BESCOM official Twitter page.
5. Now, onto other news, Bengaluru will get four additional metro lines by November this year. Dy CM DK Shivakumar made the announcement. The Baiyappanahalli-KR Pura, Kengeri-Chellaghatta, Nagasandra-Madavara, and RV Road-Bommasandra lines are expected to open between July and November. Additionally, the Silk Board-KR Pura-Airport line, spanning 58 km, is slated for completion by June 2026.
6. Moving on, The number of SSLC students applying for scanned copies of their answer scripts has doubled this year to 82,500, compared to 40,000 last year, according to the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board. Approximately 10,000 students have requested revaluation, up from around 8,000 last year. Schools suggest that many students were dissatisfied with the evaluation process, especially for Kannada and maths, where marks were deducted for minor errors.
7. Meanwhile, Despite hundreds of domestic violence burn victims being admitted to Victoria Hospital annually, none of them has received compensation from the government's Victim Compensation Scheme yet. This is because victims often decline to file FIRs due to fear or social pressure. The scheme offers compensation ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 8 lakh, depending on the severity of the injury. Between January 2020 and April 2023, Victoria Hospital admitted nearly 600 burn patients who were victims of domestic violence. So far, only 33 cases have been filed, according to Satya Devi of NGO Aweksha.
8. On a different note, Honeywell Technology Solutions (HTS), specifically the aerospace division, aims to enhance capabilities in Urban Air Mobility over the next six to seven years. Niranjan Kalyandurg, Vice-President–Engineering, and HTS India Aerospace Leader, made the statement here in Bengaluru, that Honeywell Aerospace is focusing on the UAM market, which involves advanced technologies. Kalyandurg mentioned the possibility of electrically powered air taxis with vertical take-off and landing, carrying groups of five to six passengers, becoming a reality in Indian cities.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Kerala has achieved a milestone as the first Indian state to launch its own internet service provider, Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON). With speeds of up to 1 Gbps, K-FON aims to bridge the digital divide by offering free internet connections to 20 lakh families. CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that 17,412 government offices have already been connected through K-FON.
2. Meanwhile, members of Manipur's Kuki tribal community conducted a silent protest today, outside the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Carrying posters stating 'Kuki lives matter,' they sought to meet Shah. The police set up barricades and attempted to prevent the protesters from advancing towards the Home Minister's residence.
3. In more news, following a technical glitch, Air India released a statement regarding its Delhi-US flight diversion to Russia's Magadan with over 200 passengers. The airline confirmed that a ferry flight departed from Mumbai at noon today and will likely reach on June 8th morning, to transport passengers to San Francisco along with necessary provisions. Air India also assured that all passengers have been relocated to temporary accommodations, to ensure their safety.
4. Shifting our focus, The India Meteorological Department announced earlier today that the cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy' in the east-central and southeast Arabian Sea is projected to progress northward and steadily strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm within the next few hours. It is anticipated to further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm within the following 24 hours.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, Iran has unveiled its inaugural hypersonic missile, named Fattah, asserting its capability to bypass missile defence systems and confer a strategic edge. State media reports indicate that the missile can reach speeds 15 times faster than sound, averaging around 16,000 feet per second. With a range of 1,400 km, the missile's name, 'Fattah,' loosely translates to 'the opener'.
2. In ongoing news, Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and South Korea have been elected by the United Nations General Assembly as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for two-year terms starting from January 1, 2024. Slovenia secured its spot in the 15-member body by defeating Belarus. These countries will replace Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates on the UNSC.
3. Meanwhile, Pakistan has granted 215 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to enable their attendance at an event commemorating the 'martyrdom day' of Guru Arjan Dev. The festival, taking place from June 8 to June 17, will be held in Pakistan. The pilgrims will have the opportunity to visit various sacred sites in the country as part of their visit.
4. In some positive news, According to ECA International's Cost of Living Rankings for 2023, New York has claimed the top spot as the world's most expensive city for expats. Hong Kong follows in second place, with Geneva, London, and Singapore rounding out the top five. Zurich, San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Seoul, and Tokyo also feature among the top 10 most expensive cities.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Torrent Power's shares commenced trading at ₹634.35 per share on the BSE and reached a 52-week peak of ₹666 in early trading today. This surge followed the company's signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Maharashtra government to construct three pumped storage hydro projects in Karjat, Maval, and Junnar. The investment required for these projects is approximately ₹27,000 crore.
2. In more business news, the Cabinet has given its approval for a ₹89,047 crore revival package for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), as per reports. The government's commitment to BSNL's revival was evident in this year's Union Budget, with a capital infusion of ₹52,937 crore allocated for FY24. This amount surpasses the previously budgeted ₹44,720 crores for FY23, highlighting the government's efforts to strengthen the state-run telecom company.
3. Moving on, NSE Indices has circulated a consultation paper suggesting the exclusion of non-futures and options (F&O) stocks from the Nifty Next 50 index. As per the proposal, 11 non-F&O stocks, such as Zomato, Nykaa, and LIC, may be removed from the index. Nuvama Institutional Equities stated that the change could occur in two phases, subject to the proposal's approval.
4. Binance's CEO Changpeng Zhao experienced a $1.4 billion decrease in his wealth, bringing it down to $26 billion in the last two days, as per Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This decline follows a lawsuit filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleging Binance's unlawful operations in the US. Zhao's fortune had previously surged by 117% earlier this year.
5. In market news for June 7th, The Sensex witnessed a rise of 338.93 points or 0.54% to reach 63,131.81, while the Nifty climbed 122.70 points or 0.66% to reach 18,721.70, for the first time in six months. Among the stocks, 2138 showed progress, 1161 experienced a decline, and 97 remained unchanged. European stock markets experienced a decline today, while the U.S. dollar slightly strengthened. Weak Chinese trade data raised concerns about a potential decrease in global demand.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Actress Sonnalli Seygall married her hotelier boyfriend Ashesh L Sajnani today in Mumbai, according to several reports. The wedding was described as an intimate event. The report also mentioned that Sonnalli had a mehendi ceremony on Monday, 5th June, which saw the presence of numerous celebrity friends.
2. In news from Hollywood, a copyright case against British singer Dua Lipa's song 'Levitating' has been dismissed by a US judge. The judge ruled that Florida's reggae band Artikal Sound System did not provide sufficient evidence to establish that Lipa and Warner Records had prior access to their song 'Live Your Life' before creating 'Levitating'. The judge found the group's claims about the availability of their song on streaming platforms unsubstantiated.
3. Meanwhile, in news from regional cinema, according to Rana Daggubati, SS Rajamouli's hit 'Baahubali series didn't just impact his career, but it also revolutionized the perception of Indian cinema. He mentioned that the film showcased the immense scale and storytelling potential of the country, inspiring every industry to dream big. Rana stated that before 'Baahubali', the true magnitude of Indian cinema was not fully realized.
Sports News
1. In sports news, England's Moeen Ali has decided to end his Test retirement and participate in the upcoming Ashes series. The 35-year-old will take the place of spinner Jack Leach, who was forced to withdraw due to a back stress fracture. After consulting with Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, and Rob Key, Moeen reversed his 2021 retirement announcement to make himself available for selection.
2. In some uplifting news, Former Real Madrid player and Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema has made a move to Al Ittihad, a rival club of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr. Benzema has signed a lucrative two-year contract with the Saudi club, which is expected to earn him over €400 million i.e., approximately ₹3,500 crores. Additionally, he has the option to extend the contract for another season.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Mahavir Singh Phogat, wrestling coach and uncle of Vinesh Phogat today in a statement, responded to Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur's statement, expressing appreciation for the government's readiness to discuss with wrestlers. He remarked that it was a positive development after a considerable delay. Phogat further expressed hope for a solution to emerge and welcomed the invitation extended by Thakur to the wrestlers.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.1. Have an unforgettable evening with friends at the "Indiesta - The Indie Music Festival!" Witness great music, a spectacular artist lineup, and an enchanting lantern festival experience, happening at Phoenix Marketcity, on the 10th of June at 12.30 PM.
2. Catch the "Funny Fridays' stand-up comedy open mic special event with the city's best comics, happening at the Qube Cafe, Koramangala 6th Block, on the 9th of June at 8.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Join an exclusive art class with the "Resin Clock workshop", conducted by the city's art experts, happening at Studio Chhavi, Bellandur on the 11th of June, at 10.00 am.
4. Get ready, Bengaluru! Omara Portuondo, the renowned Grammy Award nominee and Latin Grammy Award winner, is bringing her band from the iconic Buena Vista Social Club to town. Experience the magic of jazz as they perform live at Windmills, Whitefield on 8 and 9 June at 8.30 pm. Don't miss this chance to witness the legendary singer in action.
5. You can also catch resident comedians, Samarpan Bose and Akash Nath, performing live in their latest - "Late Night Comedy", at Glen's Bakehouse, Koramangala, 6th Block, on the 9th of June at 10.00 pm.
Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the 7th of June, Bengaluru will sigh in relief during the evening hours today, as temperatures will drop to a more comfortable 22°C. On the 8th of June, the weather will however be scorching hot, with temperatures reaching 34°C, followed by a dip in temperatures to 22°C in the evening and night. The chances of rain are unlikely as the skies appear mostly clear.
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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
-
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 6th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Karnataka government has announced the implementation of the 'Shakti' scheme, offering women free travel on state-run buses starting June 11. To be eligible, beneficiaries must have a domicile in Karnataka, and travel is limited to within the state on BMTC, KSRTC, KKRTC, and NWKRTC buses.
2. In other headlines, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced that the state's anti-cow slaughter law will be deliberated in the upcoming cabinet meeting. He defended his colleague, Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh, who questioned why buffaloes can be slaughtered but not cows. The opposition BJP protested against the potential repeal of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020. Siddaramaiah also acknowledged the lack of clarity in the previous law.
3. In some more news, two engineers from BBMP have been suspended for their involvement in constructing a road through Hosakerehalli Lake by dumping soil into the water body. The action was taken under the direction of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The suspended engineers are H S Megha and Shilpa. However, no action has been taken against chief engineers and special commissioners. The BBMP had undertaken unauthorized works inside the lake, including desilting and building a wall to prevent garbage dumping.
4. Up next, Bellandur Lake Road has reopened for light motor vehicles while a new bridge is being built. The road is a vital link connecting Yemalur, Bellandur, and the Outer Ring Road. The closure was necessary for repairs due to damage caused by heavy water flow and traffic. The repair work is now completed, allowing normal traffic to resume. The BBMP is currently constructing a new bridge, expected to be finished in three months, and heavy goods vehicles and buses are restricted from using the road until then.
5. Now, onto other news, Rotary Bangalore South Parade and Rotary Lake World joined forces to deliver an integrated shallow aquifer and water treatment plant to the Devanahalli Town Municipal Council. After 1.5 years of development, the system will provide an additional two lakh litres of water to the daily water supply, benefiting approximately 8,000 to 10,000 residents in and around Devanahalli. RBSP revived a nearby well and dug two shallow water aquifers, while a water treatment plant designed by scientists at IISc handles dissolved solids, bacteria, and odour.
6. Moving on, to mark World Environment Day on June 5th, St Charles Women's PU College arranged an 850m walkathon to promote awareness about combating plastic pollution and fostering sustainable development. The college's interact club organized the event, featuring Bhargavi, a program manager at the Socrates Foundation's Urban Systems Lab, as the chief guest. The walkathon, which took place from the college campus in Lingarajapuram to Richards Park, saw students and faculty members chanting slogans and engaging in discussions.
7. Meanwhile, airliner Virgin Atlantic will launch a daily direct service between Bengaluru and London from March 31, 2024. The new route will serve both passengers and cargo operations, making it the airline's fourth daily service to India. The flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering a range of seating options and an Upper-Class social space. The service aims to enhance connectivity between Bengaluru and the UK, as well as provide seamless connections to North American destinations via London Heathrow.
8. On a different note, the ISRO, in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency and the International Academy of Astronautics, will host the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations on June 8 and 9 in Bengaluru. The conference aims to gather space agencies, start-ups, industry, and academia to discuss topics such as emerging technologies and automation in space mission operations. Distinguished speakers from various space agencies including ISRO, ESA, CNES and NASA among others, will cover subjects like space mission design, flight dynamics and artificial intelligence applications.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, issued a notice to SP Singla Construction Pvt Ltd, a construction company, following the collapse of an under-construction bridge in Bhagalpur. Additionally, an Executive Engineer from the Road Construction Department has been suspended in connection with the incident. The CM had previously expressed his determination to take strong measures against the construction company due to the recurring incidents of bridge collapses.
2. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared that starting from the next academic year in 2024, the Class 10 board examinations will be abolished. Instead, the exams will be conducted at the school level. Additionally, Sarma mentioned plans to merge the Board of Secondary Education, Assam, responsible for Class 10 exams, and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, responsible for Class 12 exams.
3. In more news, President Droupadi Murmu has been honoured with Suriname's highest civilian award, 'The Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star,' by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi in Paramaribo. As the first Indian recipient, she expressed the significance of this recognition for both herself and the 1.4 billion people of India that she represents.
4. Shifting our focus, The Indian Navy accomplished another remarkable feat as an MH-60 'Romeo' helicopter landed on INS Vikrant. Additionally, the Navy achieved a significant milestone with a 'Made-in-India' heavyweight torpedo that successfully destroyed an underwater target. These achievements highlight the Indian Navy and DRDO's pursuit of precise ordnance delivery in the underwater domain. The Navy shared an eight-second clip showing the torpedo hitting its target.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, former US Vice President Mike Pence has submitted official documents to the Federal Election Commission, announcing his candidacy for the Republican Presidential nomination in the upcoming year. This sets up a potential competition with former President Donald Trump, whom Pence served under in the White House from 2017 to 2021. Pence is anticipated to formally kickstart his campaign through a video and speech on June 7th.
2. In ongoing news, earlier today, the Nova Kakhovka dam in Ukraine's Kherson region, under Russian control, was destroyed, leading to widespread evacuations. Reports indicate that parts of Kherson are experiencing flooding. Ukraine has accused Russian forces of intentionally demolishing the dam and hydroelectric power station, while Russian officials claim that the dam sustained damage due to Ukrainian military strikes in the disputed region.
3. In a recent development, China and Russia conducted their sixth joint air patrol today over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. This patrol coincided with increased military activities by the United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. China's defence ministry stated that the patrol was part of the two countries' annual cooperation plan. In previous patrols, South Korea and Japan had to scramble fighter jets due to the incursion into their respective airspace.
4. In some positive news, Pakistan's Finance Ministry has revealed that it has secured $4 billion in external funding towards its $ 6 billion target to revive the IMF bailout program. The ministry stated that efforts are underway to secure the remaining $2 billion and hope to reach an agreement with the IMF before unveiling the budget on Friday, 9th June. Pakistan is actively pursuing funding to support its economic recovery.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Go First Airline has requested approval from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) to recommence flights using 22 aircraft over the next five months. Following a meeting with Go First management, the regulator requested a resumption plan. The airline anticipates receiving DGCA's approval within a week. Go First stated that it needs ₹200 crores to resume operations and has access to funds totalling ₹400 crores.
2. In more business news, Spotify has announced that it will lay off approximately 200 employees, accounting for about 2% of its global workforce, in the podcast division. The decision is part of a strategic realignment aimed at forging partnerships with prominent podcasters worldwide through a customized approach. Earlier this year, the music streaming company had already reduced its workforce by 6%.
3. Moving on, the Bank of Baroda has issued a call for bids for its stake in the National Stock Exchange (NSE), as stated in a filing on 5th June. The bank plans to sell 2.1 million shares, which represents a 0.42% stake, with a minimum price of ₹3,150 per share. The proposed deal is valued at ₹661.5 crore, valuing the NSE at ₹1,56,000 crore.
4. Next up, Ed-tech company, Byju's has initiated legal action in the US against the expedited $1.2 billion term loan and has also requested the disqualification of Redwood, the lender. Byju's alleged that Redwood and other lenders employed "predatory tactics" such as asset seizure threats and premature loan repayments. Byju's stated that it will withhold any additional interest payments until the resolution of the case.
5. In market news for June 6th, the Sensex experienced a decline of 115.43 points or 0.18%, closing at 62,672.04. Similarly, the Nifty decreased by 23.20 points or 0.12%, ending at 18,570.60. During the trading session, approximately 1804 shares advanced, 1473 shares declined, and 95 shares remained unchanged. The RBI is expected to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. According to reports, Ranveer Singh has chosen to forgo his fees for the upcoming film 'Baiju Bawra' directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and has opted for a profit-sharing arrangement instead. The film, expected to commence production in 2024, is a remake of the 1952 movie of the same title, starring Meena Kumari and Bharat Bhushan.
2. In news from Hollywood, SAG-AFTRA, representing Hollywood actors and others, has voted in favour of a potential strike in case negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, do not succeed. Discussions between SAG-AFTRA and major studios are set to commence on Wednesday. The union's key demands include salary increases, regulations on artificial intelligence usage, improving streaming residuals, and restrictions on self-taped auditions.
3. Meanwhile, in news from regional cinema. Abishek Ambareesh, son of the late actor Ambareesh, tied the knot with his fiancé Aviva Bidapa, daughter of Prasad Bidapa on June 5 in Bengaluru. The lavish wedding at the Palace Grounds, Bengaluru was graced by celebrities like Superstar Rajinikanth, Mohan Babu, Rocking Star Yash, and prominent personalities, including politician M Venkaiah Naidu. Photos and videos capturing the grand event have gone viral. A grand reception is planned for June 7 in Bengaluru, as per reports.Sports News
1. In sports news, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have rejected the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board for the Asia Cup 2023, as per several reports. The model suggested playing four or five matches in Pakistan and the remaining in the UAE. This proposal arose due to India's unavailability to travel to Pakistan.
2. In some other news, Kerala Blasters on Tuesday, June 6th, announced the temporary pause of its women’s team due to financial sanctions imposed by the All India Football Federation. Blasters were fined Rs 4 crore by the AIFF for the walkout in the ISL playoff game against Bengaluru FC last season, and the sanctions enforced by AIFF meant they prioritize the immediate objectives and long-term financial stability, due to which the women’s team activities cannot be continued until further clarity.
3. Wrapping up sports news, following Lionel Messi's departure, French club Paris Saint Germain experienced a drop of over a million followers on Instagram. Prior to Messi's exit, PSG had 69.9 million followers, but that number has now decreased to 68.5 million. In his last game, which PSG lost 2-3 to Clermont Foot, Messi also faced flak from some PSG fans.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Watch ace comedian Devesh Dixit in his latest standup comedy special - "Gem of a Person", at the Tiger Tiger Brewhouse, Bellandur, happening on the 9th of June at 8.00 pm.
2. Join an exclusive pottery class with the "Hands in Clay" workshop, conducted by the city's experts at Small World, Koramangala 5th Block, happening on the 10th of June. You can book the available slot at 3.00 pm or 4.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Take the night off with friends and catch the popular band "Capricio" performing live at the FLO, Church Street on the 11th of June at 8.00 pm.
4. Been waiting to let loose and dance it all out? This one's for you. Join an exclusive dance party "Mystic Moves", happening at the Small World, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 10th of June at 12.00 pm.
5. You can also catch funnyman Rajasekhar Mamidanna, live in action at the Mother Tekla Auditorium, Ashok Nagar, on the 11th of June at 6.00 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of June 6th, the temperatures will cool down to 23°C. The chance of rain is likely and the skies are partly cloudy. On the morning of June 7th, the weather in Bengaluru will be scorching hot with temperatures reaching an estimated 35°C. During the evening and night time, the temperatures will again dip to 21°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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 5th of June, let's begin with updates from the city. The Karnataka government has arranged flight tickets for 17 folk artists stuck in Puri, Odisha, due to the recent train tragedy. The artists had gone to participate in Folk Fair 2023 but couldn't return home. The government also provided flight tickets to a stranded volleyball team in West Bengal. A team led by labour minister Santosh Lad was sent to bring them back after the train accident.
2. In other headlines, the state BJP urged the Congress government to release a white paper on the state's financial status and disclose the revenue source for fulfilling their five election promises. BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel emphasized the lack of transparency in the implementation process and called for clear explanations regarding scheme details. He accused Congress of pursuing the guarantees for political gains, causing a potential financial crisis and demanded the government clarify the funding source.
3. In some more news, amid the controversy surrounding textbook revisions from the previous BJP government, Karnataka's primary and secondary education minister, Madhu Bangarappa, announced the formation of a committee led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The committee will revise the textbooks, with an expected revision of around 15%. Bangarappa emphasized the removal of content that instils harmful ideas in children's minds. Discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are scheduled for today.
4. Up next, BBMP is gearing up to distribute 2.5 lakh saplings to citizens, including RWAs and non-profits, in a bid to enhance the city's green cover. Sarina Sikkaligar, BBMP's Deputy Conservator of Forests, revealed plans to plant 1 lakh saplings this monsoon, with a high survival rate of around 90% for previously planted saplings. Dissatisfaction has been expressed by local communities regarding the quality of saplings provided by the BBMP, although the contractor is responsible for watering and providing tree guards for three years.
5. Now, onto other news, to expand their businesses and cater to more customers, the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association has urged the new government and Bengaluru police to allow round-the-clock operations for hotels and eateries. BBHA President P C Rao emphasized that the association has been advocating for this for over a year. He stated that commercial areas like Malleswaram, Indiranagar, and Hebbal in Bengaluru should have 24/7 dining options without causing disturbance to residential areas. While some restaurants welcomed the idea, others expressed scepticism.
6. Moving on, Bengaluru-based AI startup Minus Zero has introduced zPod, touted as India's first self-driving car. Notably, zPod stands out for lacking a steering wheel - instead, high-resolution cameras are strategically placed to analyze driving conditions. The embedded AI system processes information from the camera-sensor suite to enable obstacle avoidance, speed control, and autonomous operation up to Level 5, eliminating the need for human intervention. Currently, zPod is suitable for enclosed environments like campuses or large residential complexes.
7. Meanwhile, members of the nonprofit organization 'Our Planet. Theirs Too.' came together on the 13th National Animal Rights Day to honour the lives of unjustly killed animals and promote awareness about animal rights violations. More than 60 vegans gathered at Brigade Road's War Memorial over the weekend, joining thousands of volunteers across 150 cities worldwide. They aimed to raise public awareness about the cruel treatment of animals. Additionally, the event featured the unveiling and signing of the Declaration of Animal Rights.
8. On a different note, The Rotary Club of Bengaluru organized a cyclothon, attracting over 75 participants from different age groups. The event, held to commemorate World Bicycle Day which is on June 3rd, aimed to promote health and environmental awareness through cycling. Professional and amateur cyclists completed a 35-km route, spanning south and central Bengaluru, starting from YMCA. Sanjay Udani, President of the Rotary Club of Bangalore, highlighted how the event fostered community spirit and encouraged sustainable practices.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. In Odisha's Bargarh district, five bogies of a limestone-carrying goods train derailed today. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. The Indian Railways has clarified that the goods train was operated by a private cement factory. This occurrence follows a tragic train collision in Balasore three days prior, resulting in the loss of at least 275 lives and leaving hundreds injured.
2. Meanwhile, after a triple train collision in Balasore, Odisha, passenger train services have resumed following the repair of tracks that included the Up main line - towards Chennai - and the Down main line - towards Howrah- at Bahanaga Bazar. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the completion of the repairs. The tragic accident has resulted in 275 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries.
3. In more news, during a meeting with protesting wrestlers, Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly urged them to allow the legal process to proceed regarding the sexual misconduct allegations against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestlers had met with the Home Minister over the weekend, expressing their demand for a prompt filing of a chargesheet in the case. Multiple reports highlighted Shah's call for adherence to due process.
4. Shifting our focus, in the eighth edition of the National Institutional Ranking Framework, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras retained its top position as India's premier educational institute for the fifth consecutive time. It was followed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru and IIT Delhi. The rankings, released by Union Minister of State for Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, covered 13 categories and assessed institutions based on various parameters, including teaching, research, graduation outcomes, and perception.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, senior officials from approximately 24 major intelligence agencies worldwide, including India, held a clandestine meeting during the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore. The Singapore government has been organizing these undisclosed meetings alongside the security summit for several years. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines represented the U.S., while China and other nations were also present. The gathering serves as a significant event on the international intelligence agenda, fostering a deeper comprehension of intentions and boundaries among participating countries.
2. In ongoing news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that over 500 Ukrainian children have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that Russian weaponry and animosity persistently claim the lives of Ukrainian children on a daily basis. Zelenskyy's remarks followed the discovery of a two-year-old girl's body by rescue workers, a heartbreaking casualty of a recent Russian attack.
3. In a recent development, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan accused the country's military of attempting to prevent his party, PTI, from winning the upcoming elections. He claimed that the government's and military's actions to arrest his supporters demonstrate their intention to crush his party before the elections. Imran Khan further asserted the elections would only be held once they are confident of PTI's defeat.
4. In some positive news, the city of Bonn in Germany is hosting a crucial meeting on World Environment Day today, setting the stage for the upcoming United Nations climate summit in Dubai later this year. With global warming nearing the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold set by the Paris Agreement, the Bonn meeting aims to lay the foundation for effective climate action. Technical discussions on the Paris Agreement's global stocktake will precede political negotiations. The talks will highlight the need for substantial emissions reductions and political consensus.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Earlier today, oil prices surged by over $2 per barrel in Asian trade following Saudi Arabia's announcement to reduce production by an additional 1 million barrels per day in July. The Saudi decision aims to bolster the declining crude oil prices, which remained low despite previous production cuts by OPEC+ countries.
2. In more business news, Google is leading a funding round of $36 million for Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based satellite-image startup. This investment marks the first significant venture in the Indian space sector since the government's privatization policy launch in April. Pixxel, established in 2019, is developing a satellite constellation capable of identifying mineral deposits and analyzing crop productivity through spectral signature analysis. Google's investment comes from its India Digitalisation Fund, dedicated to supporting Indian startups.
3. Moving on, according to government data cited by Mint, consumers in FY23 spent more than ₹1,900 through UPI for every ₹100 spent on debit cards. The data reveals that the value of aggregate debit card transactions reached ₹7.2 trillion, whereas UPI transactions amounted to ₹139.2 trillion. In terms of transaction volume, debit cards recorded 3.4 billion transactions, while UPI witnessed 83.8 billion transactions during FY23.
4. Next up, according to reports, Airbus is on the verge of securing a contract for 500 narrow-body A320-family jets from IndiGo. This deal has the potential to surpass the recent record-breaking purchase of 470 planes by Air India from Airbus and Boeing. IndiGo has previously ordered 830 A320-family jets, with approximately 500 yet to be delivered.
5. In market news for June 5th, the Sensex climbed 290.21 points or 0.46% to reach 62,837.32, while the Nifty rose by 75.60 points or 0.41% to reach 18,609.70. Among the listed shares, 2058 showed gains, 1336 declined, and 131 remained unchanged. Indian bond prices experienced a decline due to the rise in US yields and Saudi Arabia's announcement of additional oil supply cuts. The Indian rupee also weakened.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur expressed high praise for Anurag Kashyap's film 'Kennedy', revealing that it moved him to tears and kept him on edge. "Anurag always does that, but I genuinely enjoyed the film," he commented. Shekhar attended a special screening of the movie in Mumbai, featuring Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat in lead roles.
2. In news from Hollywood, Victoria Beckham delighted fans on Instagram as she shared a collection of family photos from a recent outing near London. One picture featured Victoria and her daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz Beckham, both holding large glasses of drinks. Captioning the photos with love for her family, Victoria tagged her husband David Beckham, their sons, and her daughter-in-law. David also shared several photos of their family in his Instagram story.
3. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani reunite after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 in the emotionally charged film Satyaprem Ki Katha. The film's trailer, which was released today, showcases their heart-wrenching love story. The film is set to hit theatres on June 29. The trailer introduces Kartik as Satyaprem, a Gujarati youth, expressing his feelings to Kiara's Katha. As their love blossoms, they marry, but events unfold on their wedding day. Gajrao Rao and Supriya Pathak portray pivotal roles as Satyaprem's parents.Sports News
1. In sports news, England's spinner Jack Leach will miss the Ashes series after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back. The 31-year-old experienced symptoms during England's recent Test match against Ireland. Leach has been a consistent performer, having played in all 13 Tests since Ben Stokes became captain, claiming 45 wickets. The England and Wales Cricket Board are yet to announce Leach's replacement.
2. In some uplifting news, world number 3, Novak Djokovic, has set a new record for the most quarter-finals reached in the history of the French Open. The 36-year-old Serbian tennis player secured his 17th Roland Garros quarter-final by defeating Juan Pablo Varillas in straight sets. Djokovic surpassed Rafael Nadal's previous record of 16 French Open quarter-finals. The victory solidifies Djokovic's exceptional performance at the prestigious tournament.
3. Wrapping up sports news, AC Milan's Swedish forward, Zlatan Ibrahimović, has officially retired from football at the age of 41. Beginning his professional career in 1999 with Malmö FF, Ibrahimović played for renowned clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, PSG, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy. A viral video captured his emotional farewell speech, marking the end of an illustrious football journey.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch renowned funnyman Vivek Muralidharan in his latest outing "Death by Laughter", a stand-up comedy special, happening at Just BLR, Brigade Road on the 10th of June at 5.00 pm.
2. Bring friends and family along for an exciting and fun "Karaoke Night", happening at the Marco Polo Cafe, Koramangala 5th Block on the 6th of June, at 10.00 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Join an exclusive meditation workshop, "Prana - Breathwork & Meditation " conducted by the city's experts, at Lahe Lahe, on the 10th of June at 10.00 am.
4. Catch an open-mic event, inclusive of all genres, conducted at Lahe Lahe, happening on the 11th of June at 6.00 pm.
5. You can also watch ace comedian Anirban Dasgupta in his latest stand-up comedy special - "Polite Provocation", at the Mother Tekla Auditorium, Ashok Nagar, on the 10th of June at 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. In a general weather update. The regional centre of the weather department IMD in its latest report has forecasted thunderstorms for Bengaluru during the evening today and the following three days. Although the cloud condition is expected to improve after June 8th, there is still a possibility of continued thunderstorms.
2. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of June 5th, the city will see temperatures drop to 22°C and the skies appear to be partly cloudy. On the morning of June 6th, the weather in Bengaluru will be scorching hot, with temperatures soaring to an estimated 33°C. However, during the evening and night, the temperatures will cool down to 22°C. The chance of rain is very likely.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 2nd of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Following a major election setback, JD(S) aims to bolster their party in Bengaluru ahead of the BBMP polls. H.D. Kumaraswamy, JD(S) Legislature Party leader, convened a meeting with senior leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity and discouraging factionalism. Kumaraswamy urged party members to prioritize the party's interests, particularly in the strongholds of Bengaluru, without seeking external validation.
2. In other headlines, in a closed-door meeting with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former mayors suggested the formation of a task force involving stakeholders to revitalize Bengaluru. Sources revealed that former mayor Ramachandrappa M proposed this idea, which garnered support from other attendees. They emphasized the necessity for substantial reforms to restore the city's tarnished reputation.
3. In some more news, the proliferation of hoardings within the BBMP limits, disguised as public-private partnerships or PPP, is set for evaluation. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar called for a brief meeting, instructing officials to prepare a comprehensive report. Currently, the BBMP allows commercial billboards through the PPP model, exchanging hoardings for bus shelter construction. Underpasses, public toilets, and police kiosks are also authorized for large hoardings in partnership agreements. This shift to PPP came after a citywide ban on commercial advertising three years ago.
4. Up next, Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport has achieved Level 4+ Transition in the globally recognized Airport Carbon Accreditation program. Bangalore International Airport Limited, the airport operator, announced on Thursday, 1st June, that this accomplishment highlights their commitment to becoming net-zero by 2030 and their ongoing endeavours to reduce carbon emissions. BIAL's sustainability efforts are based on energy-efficient infrastructure, waste management systems, and renewable energy initiatives. The company also publishes an annual sustainability report to demonstrate its environmentally friendly practices.
5. Now, onto other news, due to low ridership and a severe shortage of crew members, the cancellation of 10 Memu ( Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) express trains to and from Kempegowda International Airport railway station in Bengaluru, has been announced by the Railways. Occupancy rates dropping below 5% were cited as the primary cause. These trains offered more affordable fares compared to bus or taxi rides.
6. Moving on, in a welcome move for property owners in Bengaluru, the state government has announced the extension of a 5 per cent rebate on property tax for the full month of June. In an order issued by the state government on Thursday, June 1st, the discount will apply to owners who are paying the property tax on or before June 30. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar termed the move a “gift” to the citizens of Bengaluru.
7. Meanwhile, the remarkable journey of the US space agency NASA's Mars Rover Opportunity was showcased at the Space Technology Gallery of Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM). The model of the rover, constructed by Cornell University students, is on display at VITM and was inaugurated by M Sankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO. This exhibit, previously showcased at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Virginia and the US Pavilion during the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, offers insights into Mars exploration.
8. On a different note, Bridge Health, a health tech company, has partnered with Primus Senior Living to introduce a personalized eldercare service called One Care. This year-long program will provide proactive care and emergency services. The initial launch will take place at Primus Reflections on Kanakapura Road. The service includes a thorough assessment of functional abilities, physical health, cognition, and mental well-being. Lab and radiology tests will be conducted to evaluate the current condition. Clinical experts will then develop a tailored prevention and treatment plan.National News
1. Moving on to the national news. The Law Commission of India has proposed retaining IPC Section 124A which covers sedition and suggested increasing the penalty to life imprisonment or seven years instead of the existing three-year sentence. It recommended conducting a preliminary inquiry before filing an FIR for sedition. The Commission dismissed the argument that sedition is a "colonial legacy" as an insufficient reason for its abolition.
2. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee insisted on the prompt arrest of Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and vowed to persist with the protest against the BJP until his arrest is made. She expressed frustration with the central BJP government's failure to apprehend the accused despite a Supreme Court ruling and urged wrestlers to stand firm in their resolve.
3. In more news, the NCERT has provided six reasons for the removal of content from textbooks. The stated reasons included content redundancy, where overlapping information existed or was covered in lower or higher classes of the same subject. Additionally, the deleted content was readily available to children and did not necessitate significant intervention from teachers.
4. Shifting our focus, Telangana will become home to the world's inaugural 3D-printed Hindu temple, spanning 3,800 square feet. Apsuja Infratech, a Hyderabad-based construction firm, in collaboration with Simpliforge Creations, is undertaking the project. The temple will feature three sanctums, or garbhas, symbolizing Lord Ganesha and taking the form of a 'modak,' according to Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, Managing Director of Apsuja Infratech.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, In a bipartisan move, the US Senate approved a bill today, to raise the government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, effectively averting an unprecedented default. With a 63-36 vote, the legislation passed in the Senate. The Treasury Department had previously projected that the US would face a cash shortage by June 5.
2. In ongoing news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a definitive stance on Kyiv's NATO membership during the upcoming summit in July. Addressing European leaders in Moldova, he also expressed the desire for advancements in Ukraine's journey towards EU integration. Notably, Ukraine applied to join the European Union last year after the conflict in the region.
3. In a recent development, Japan's Health Ministry reported a persistent decline in the country's birth rate, marking the seventh consecutive year and reaching a record low in 2022. The fertility rate dropped to 1.2565, reflecting the average number of children born per woman in her lifetime. This rate falls significantly below the threshold of 2.07, which is considered necessary to sustain a stable population.
4. In some positive news, Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah tied the knot with Saudi architect Rajwa Al Saif on Thursday, witnessed by dignitaries and royals from across the globe. Attendees included US First Lady Jill Biden and Britain's Prince William and Princess Kate, alongside others. Appointed as heir by his father King Abdullah in 2009, 28-year-old Hussein embarked on this new chapter in his life.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The Finance Ministry announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in May 2023 increased by 12% year-on-year, reaching ₹1,57,090 crore. Out of this, CGST accounted for ₹28,411 crore, SGST for ₹35,828 crore, and IGST for ₹81,363 crore (including ₹41,772 crore from imports). This marked the 14th consecutive month with monthly GST revenue exceeding ₹1.4 lakh crore.
2. In more business news, the Karnataka government announced that Foxconn, an Apple Inc supplier, will commence iPhone manufacturing in the southern Indian state by April 2024. The factory site will be handed over to Foxconn by July 1. Valued at 130 billion rupees - i.e., $1.59 billion, the project is expected to generate approximately 50,000 job opportunities. Foxconn aims to manufacture 20 million iPhones annually at the Devanahalli plant near Bengaluru, as part of Apple's production diversification strategy due to COVID-related disruptions in China.
3. Meanwhile, WeWork India has signed a lease for 2.2 lakh square feet of office space in Bengaluru to open three new centers. The company has taken on lease 95,000 square feet area at Embassy Golf Links Business Park to set up two centers with a combined capacity of around 1,600 desk spaces, and 1.25 lakh square feet in Prestige Tech Park Jupiter, located close to Marathahalli, with a capacity of 2,000 desks. Out of the three, one facility has become operational and the other two would open soon.
4. Moving on, Vedanta Resources, the parent company of Vedanta, secured $450 million in funding from two competitors. Commodities trading firm Trafigura Group provided $200 million, while mining and natural resources company Glencore International contributed $250 million. The funds from Trafigura will be allocated towards repaying $150 million of debt owed to Oaktree. There are reports suggesting that Vedanta may raise an additional $1 billion in the near future.
5. In market news for June 2nd, amidst volatility, benchmark indices trimmed some of their intraday gains but continued to trade with slight upward momentum. The Sensex rose by 124.73 points or 0.20% to reach 62,553.27, while the Nifty gained 45.70 points or 0.25% to reach 18,533.50. Out of the total shares traded, 2043 advanced, 1226 declined, and 109 remained unchanged. Supported by positive domestic markets and a weakened US Dollar, the Indian Rupee strengthened for the second day in a row. Nevertheless, a surge in crude oil prices limited substantial gains.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Shahid Kapoor responded to rumours that he charges ₹40 crores per film, clarifying that the figure was mentioned by someone in a lighthearted manner and not meant to be taken seriously. He humorously remarked that nobody would offer him work after the news. He emphasized his passion for acting, stating that he wouldn't do it solely for monetary gain. Shahid is awaiting the release of his upcoming film, Bloody Daddy.
2. In news from Hollywood, Sex and the City fans have been given a treat this morning with a new-look second season trailer for the reboot, And Just Like That dropping overnight. The trailer came after news broke that Kim Cattrall, also known as Samantha Jones, is going to be making a cameo in the second season. New episodes of And Just Like That will start streaming on Binge on June 22.
3. Meanwhile, on their 27th wedding anniversary today, producer Boney Kapoor paid tribute to his late wife, actress Sridevi, with a heartfelt Instagram post. He shared a beautiful throwback photo of himself and Sridevi, presumably taken in Venice, both smiling for the camera. In the caption, he mentioned their wedding day in Shirdi on June 2, 1996, and expressed the completion of 27 years together. Fans flooded the comments section, expressing their profound longing for the iconic superstar.Sports News
1. In sports news, Al- Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo, confirmed his decision to stay in Saudi Arabia for the upcoming season, expressing his contentment with the club. Ronaldo emphasized his desire to continue playing there, praising the competitive nature of the league. Since joining in January, he has scored 14 goals in 16 league games. Al-Nassr finished as the runners-up in the points table for the current season.
2. In some uplifting news, In a thrilling final, India emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Pakistan to secure the Men's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2023 title. This triumph marked India's fourth championship, surpassing Pakistan's three-time record. Araijeet Singh Hundal and Angad Bir Singh were the goal scorers for the Indian team in the decisive match.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Bengaluru FC has decided not to extend the contract of Sandesh Jhingan. He was signed on a one-year deal last summer after leaving Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The 29-year-old centre-back was an instrumental figure in the Blues’ run to the Indian Super League and Hero Super Cup finals. While the move is yet to be announced, FC Goa seems to have made a huge transfer statement by landing Sandesh Jhingan.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch the "Offensive Laughter - Late Night Standup Comedy" special, happening at Scrummy's, Koramangala 4th Block, on the 4th of June at 10.30 pm.
2. Join a beginner's painting class and bring along friends and family to a fun day at the "Paint with Fluid" workshop, at Lahe Lahe, happening on the 3rd of June at 11.00 am.
3. But wait, there's more. Catch genius magician, Divyansh Apurva, live in action in his latest outing " Twisting Minds - Magic and Mentalism", happening at the Klayworkz Barista, JP Nagar, on the 3rd of June at 5.30 pm.
4. Join an exclusive yoga event "Yoganjali" happening at the Sri Krishna Wellness Yoga & Cultural Centre, Malleshwaram, on the 4th of June at 7.30 am.
5. The mango mela at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, begins today, June 2 until June 11. This year, only 40 stalls will be put up, with wide varieties of mango like Badami/Alphonso, Raspuri, Sakkargutthi, Sendhoora, Mallika, Malgova, and Imam Pasand available which can directly be purchased from the farmers.Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of June 2nd, the temperatures will drop to 23°C and the chance of rain is unlikely. On the morning of June 3rd, the weather in Bengaluru will be scorching hot at temperatures reaching 36°C. It is expected to rain over the weekend, especially in the evenings, accompanied by thunder and lightning.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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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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 1st of June, let's begin with updates from the city. Sunil Kanugolu, an acclaimed election strategist, known for his work in the successful Karnataka elections, has been appointed as Chief Advisor to CM Siddaramaiah. The CMO announced that Kanugolu, previously a key strategist for PM Narendra Modi in 2014, will now serve in a cabinet-ranked role. With a background in higher education in the US, he joined the Congress party last year.
2. In other headlines, on Wednesday, 31st May, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah reshuffled departmental responsibilities, assigning the Information Technology and Biotechnology departments to Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge. Additionally, Cabinet Minister MB Patil has been tasked with Infrastructure Development alongside his current responsibility for the Large and Medium Industries department.
3. In some more news, it seems the puncture mafia has become active all over again in the city. There have been instances of people getting a flat tire and being left with no option but to drag their vehicles to the nearest puncture shop. The puncture mafia was very active on the Outer Ring Road and other important roads in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Now, Ashok Nagar Traffic Police have come across nails and iron wires, thrown on roads at Nanjappa Circle, Anepalya, Opera Junction, and other areas.
4. Up next, Karnataka’s Environment, Forest, and Ecology Minister- Eshwar Khandre has set December 2024 as the new deadline for the complete rejuvenation of Bellandur Lake. He announced the deadline during his visit to the ailing water body on Wednesday, May 31st, morning to take stock of the ongoing restoration work. The minister, who was accompanied by officials from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, also expressed his concerns about the current lake water quality, which is still far from the new standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal.
5. Now, onto other news, nearly eight years ago, the National Green Tribunal directed the Centre and all public authorities to incorporate a rainwater harvesting system in every project, including flyovers, bridges, and any other infrastructure project taken up by a public authority. However, BMRCL has failed to install the RWH system despite it being in operation for years. The pillars around the new yellow line RV Road Metro Station discharge precious rainwater collected onto the footpath, which then goes down the drain, but no action has been taken by the authorities so far.
6. Moving on, according to a recent study by researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Studies and BMS College of Engineering, high levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) in Bengaluru's atmosphere caused approximately 80,000 deaths in 2019. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) was the most common cause, followed by COPD, stroke, lung cancer, and ALRI. The study emphasizes the direct link between PM exposure and fatal health conditions, putting Bengaluru residents at greater risk with further air quality deterioration.
7. Meanwhile, former chairman of ISRO, A S Kiran Kumar, here in Bengaluru, said that India's international collaborations and enhanced engagement with the private industry have paved the way for a notable role in the global space economy. Speaking at a discussion on sustainable Indo-US partnerships in the aerospace and defence sectors, he highlighted the joint development of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) and India's efforts to form partnerships with countries possessing advanced space capabilities.
8. On a different note, 'Lulu Retro Wheels' mesmerized visitors at Rajajinagar's Lulu Mall with a captivating showcase of vintage automobiles. Car enthusiasts were treated to a three-day event, featuring an impressive collection of classic cars from the Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car Club. The South Atrium of Lulu Mall transformed into a nostalgic haven, offering a glimpse into the golden era of motoring. Among the timeless beauties were luxurious models like the 1948 Humber Pullman (UK) and sporty classics like the 1955 Plymouth Savoy (USA).National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal voiced criticism against the Central government regarding allegations of sexual harassment made by women wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of WFI. Sibal questioned the differential treatment, asking if the application of POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) and immediate arrest following 164 statements applies to all accused individuals, except Brij Bhushan, solely because of his affiliation with the BJP.
2. Meanwhile, the Congress party expressed its support for Pride Month (June) through a tweet, emphasizing its pride in celebrating and advocating for love, equality, and acceptance. The tweet featured the rainbow flag, a symbol representing the LGBTQIA+ community. This message coincides with the nation's anticipation of the Supreme Court's decision on petitions seeking legal recognition for non-heterosexual marriages. India held its first Pride Parade in Kolkata in 1999, and in 2018, the Supreme Court's historic judgment decriminalized homosexuality.
3. In more news, a division bench of the Karnataka High Court, comprising Justices B Veerappa and Venkatesh Naik T, on Wednesday, May 31st, said the Rape Prevention Act needs to be amended to punish those raping and mutilating bodies. The High Court asked the Centre to amend the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), like Section 377, or bring in new ones criminalizing and providing for punishment for necrophilia.
4. Shifting our focus, the NCERT has streamlined the class 10 science textbooks by removing the Periodic Table, Evolution topics, and the chapter on 'Sustainable Management of Natural Resources from the syllabus. This step aims to alleviate the content load on students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rationalized syllabus reflects the NCERT's effort to ensure a more focused curriculum in light of the ongoing situation.International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, the divided U.S. House of Representatives, with support from both Democrats and Republicans, passed a bill to suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. The legislation received a 314-117 vote and will now proceed to the Senate for approval. The aim is to prevent a catastrophic default and ensure the federal government has funds to meet its obligations. President Joe Biden anticipates signing the bill in time to avoid negative impacts on the U.S. economy and global financial markets.
2. In ongoing news, Air New Zealand has introduced a passenger weighing process throughout June to ensure the safe and efficient operation of their aircraft. The airline assures customers that the initiative is completely anonymous, with no visible display or access to individual weights. The measure aims to prioritize passenger safety and maintain operational efficiency without compromising privacy.
3. In a recent development, during a parliamentary speech, Danish PM Mette Frederiksen revealed that part of her speech was written using the artificial intelligence tool, ChatGPT. She emphasized that the portion she read was not authored by herself or any other human, giving credit to ChatGPT. The speech focused on discussing the revolutionary aspects and potential risks associated with AI technology.
4. In some positive news, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has directed the government to allocate $26 billion for new childcare initiatives. The focus is on assisting higher education, preventing child abuse in impoverished situations, and ensuring medical care for children with disabilities. Japan, burdened by significant public debt exceeding twice the size of its economy, holds the title of the most indebted government in the industrialized world.Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Bloomberg has reported that Elon Musk has regained his status as the world's wealthiest individual, with an estimated fortune of approximately $192.3 billion. Musk surpassed luxury magnate Bernard Arnault in wealth, as the latter's LVMH shares experienced a 2.6% decline on Wednesday. According to Bloomberg, Arnault's net worth now stands at around $186.6 billion.
2. In more business news, InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, has witnessed a 28% surge in its shares over the past three months, reaching a new 52-week high. Factors contributing to this growth include an expanding market share, the bankruptcy of Go First, capacity-related challenges faced by SpiceJet, increased ticket prices, stable fuel costs, growing air traffic, and a stronger presence in international markets. These factors collectively influenced the rise in IndiGo's share prices.
3. Moving on, according to government data released on Wednesday, 31st May, India's gross domestic product (GDP) recorded a growth of 6.1% in the January-March quarter, surpassing the 4.4% growth in the previous quarter. The government also stated that the estimated growth rate for real GDP in 2022-23 is 7.2%, lower than the 9.1% growth achieved in 2021-22.
4. In market news for June 1st, the Sensex experienced a marginal decline of 33.44 points or 0.05%, closing at 62,588.80, while the Nifty witnessed a slight decrease of 5.10 points or 0.03%, ending at 18,529.30. Among the listed stocks, 1972 recorded gains, 1296 witnessed a decline, and 106 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee strengthened by 0.35% today, driven by positive macroeconomic data. Concurrently, the US dollar weakened due to improved global risk sentiment following the passing of the debt ceiling bill by the US House.Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. During an interview, actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed his lack of interest in watching 'The Kerala Story', labeling it as a "dangerous trend". He highlighted that films like 'Bheed', 'Afwaah', and 'Faraaz', which carried substantial content, failed to garner attention, while 'The Kerala Story' attracted a larger audience. Naseeruddin further remarked that Islamophobia has become fashionable, even among educated individuals.
2. In news from Hollywood, Sia, the Australian singer-songwriter, disclosed her autism diagnosis, two years after apologizing for her portrayal of autism in the film 'Music'. The 47-year-old expressed that she had previously felt the need to wear a "human suit" for 45 years, but in the past two years, she has embraced her true self and feels fully authentic talking about it.
3. Meanwhile, Boman Irani has praised superstar Shah Rukh Khan, stating that despite his immense stardom, he remains down-to-earth. Boman described their relationship as that of brothers and highlighted Shah Rukh's respectful treatment of everyone. He also mentioned that working with Shah Rukh makes him feel happier and rejuvenated. The duo will share screenspace again in their upcoming film 'Dunki'.Sports News
1. In sports news, Team India will not have a jersey sponsor for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, according to the latest reports. Byju's contract with the BCCI for jersey sponsorship ended in March, as the ed-tech firm opted out due to unfavourable market conditions. Instead of pursuing low-profile deals, the BCCI is said to be seeking a long-term partnership for jersey sponsorship.
2. In some other news, Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the French Open 2023 after defeating Marton Fucsovics, the 83rd-ranked player, with a score of 7-6(2), 6-0, 6-3. It took Djokovic almost an hour and 30 minutes to secure the first set. Remarkably, this marks his 18th consecutive entry into the 3rd round at Roland Garros, a tournament he has won twice.
3. Wrapping up sports news, former Barcelona director Javier Bordas stated that Kylian Mbappé chose not to join Real Madrid in 2017 because of the presence of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite recent rumours linking him with a move to Madrid, Mbappé ultimately decided to stay at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He currently holds the record for being PSG's all-time top scorer in Ligue 1.Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.
1. Catch the "Barely Illegal" stand-up comedy special, headlined by two of the city's best funny men, Krishna Subramanian and Oninthough Ghosh, at the Cafe Hideout, Koramangala 6th Block, happening on the 3rd of June at 6.30 pm.
2. Join a Bollywood dance class and put your best foot forward in an exclusive workshop conducted at Lahe Lahe, happening on the 2nd of June at 8.30 pm.
3. But wait, there's more. Join an exclusive Water Color Painting class in a workshop conducted by Studio 6th CG, happening at the Dialogues Cafe, JP Nagar, on the 4th of June at 11.30 am.
4. Are you crazy about watching movies - to the point you remember scenes to the T ? This one's especially for you. Catch the "Big Screen" movie night and bring along friends to a special screening of select films, at the Small World, Koramangala 5th Block, on the 2nd of June at 7.00 pm.
5. You can also catch ace comic Aditya Gundeti in his latest comedy special "Zyada Ho Gaya", live in action at the Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala 5th Block, happening on the 3rd of June at 9.30 pm.Bengaluru Weather
1. In a general weather update, Bengaluru has reportedly experienced heavy rain and strong winds, resulting in the city's wettest May since 1957. With 31 cm of rainfall compared to the average of 13 cm, this record-breaking month caused flooded underpasses and uprooted trees, prompting a "yellow" alert from the IMD. Residents faced challenges due to the inclement weather. The IMD also issued thunderstorm warnings for certain areas of the state earlier this week, anticipating further rain.
2. And finally, for the weather in Bengaluru. On the evening of the 1st of June, temperatures are expected to decrease to 24°C. The chance of rain is likely as skies appear partly cloudy. On the 2nd of June, Bengaluru is expected to be scorching hot, with temperatures soaring to 35°C. However, during the evening and night, the temperatures will cool down to 22°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.
Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Credits:
Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Audio producer: Caanu Zaza
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha NehruGive 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 [email protected] to be heard on Spooler Pod. India’s first podcast radio.
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