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Transcript:
Welcome to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast, your only companion on the streets of Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Local news
1. For today, the 17th of November, let's begin with updates from the city. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah urged Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar for urgent financial aid from the National Disaster Response Fund to combat severe drought. He highlighted a -56% rainfall deficit in June, the lowest in 122 years, disrupting agriculture. The state faced extreme temperatures, hampering crops, with 223 out of 236 taluks declared drought-affected, seeking NDRF assistance after a thorough assessment.
2. In other headlines, the BJP's Karnataka legislative party meeting, headed by newly appointed president B Y Vijayendra, is set to take place today, November 17th, with several Central observers attending. The assembly leader's appointment, also the Opposition Leader, awaits. Vijayendra confirmed the event while visiting Kurudumalai Ganapati temple recently, stating unity is crucial with the BJP-JD(S) alliance induction into the NDA as per senior leaders' decision.
3. In some more news, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Karnataka's Congress-led government for prohibiting head coverings in the upcoming state recruitment exams. This decision faced backlash, with Omar Abdullah also calling it 'unfortunate.' Owaisi denounced the ban via social media, referencing the government's actions as targeting Muslims. He urged Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the ban, contrasting it with permissions for mangal sutras and toe rings in the dress code.
4. Up next, a special investigation team investigating BBMP's road projects during the BJP's tenure uncovered significant flaws: breaches of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, data discrepancies, and subpar work quality. It noted bills for multiple projects were greenlit sans investigator approval. Initial findings from examining 58 of 73 packages, estimated at Rs 2,000 crore, revealed potential violations favouring contractors. The SIT plans on physically verifying the work in the next phase.
5. Now, onto other news, a tripartite agreement among the Karnataka Government, railways, and K-RIDE aims to streamline the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP). K-RIDE emphasized the agreement's significance in defining responsibilities and coordinating methodologies for successful project completion. It facilitates the process of borrowing €800 million for BSRP from the German Development Bank KfW and the European Investment Bank, enabling progress on civil works and system installations for multiple corridors.
6. Moving on, Railway officials have announced Karnataka's Vande Bharat Express, linking Bengaluru to Hubballi-Dharwad, will now extend to Belagavi by end of November. Obstacles due to the unelectrified Dharwad-Belagavi railway line have been resolved. With the line's doubling and electrification, travel time from Bengaluru to Belagavi will be 7 hours and 45 minutes, over two hours faster than the current fastest train. The train is equipped with eight coaches, but additional coaches could be included based on increased demand.
7. Meanwhile, scientists combating bacterial contamination on surfaces have pursued methods to modify hard surfaces' roughness, effectively breaking bacterial cells. However, the efficacy of such methods on softer surfaces like plastic and rubber remained uncertain. A recent IISc Bengaluru study introduces nanopillars on polyethene terephthalate surfaces, mirroring insect wing structures known to exterminate bacteria. Led by Prof Kaushik Chatterjee, the team envisions these nanostructures as an antibacterial solution for various applications, from medical devices to food packaging safety.
8. On a different note, the Infosys Science Foundation revealed the 2023 Infosys Prize recipients across six categories, two being from Bengaluru. The winners include Sachchida Nand Tripathi (Engineering and Computer Science), Jahnavi Phalkey (Humanities), Arun Kumar Shukla (Life Sciences), Bhargav Bhatt (Mathematical Sciences), Mukund Thattai (Physical Sciences), and Karuna Mantena (Social Sciences). Each awardee receives a gold medal, citation, and $100,000, acknowledging their impactful contributions to scientific research in India.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Jharkhand's Khunti district, aiming to connect citizens with government welfare schemes nationwide. He affirmed the campaign's objective to visit every village and ensure beneficiaries receive their entitlements. Five IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) vans, part of the over two-month-long yatra that will culminate on January 25, 2024, were flagged off, coinciding with Birsa Munda's birth anniversary.
2. Meanwhile, political parties complied with the Election Commission's directive, submitting details of electoral bonds received and encashed since 2018. The BJP provided yearly specifics from March 2018 to September 30, 2023. The Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, and Trinamool Congress adhered to the EC's mandate following the Supreme Court's November 2 order. Parties continue to submit responses despite the November 15 deadline to meet the November 19 submission to the Supreme Court.
3. In more news, Punjab anticipates a remarkable kharif paddy harvest as per recent procurement data, revealing significant production. Farmers contributed 172 LMT non-basmati and 16 LMT basmati to grain markets during the ongoing season. Despite adversities like floods damaging crops in July, Punjab is set to surpass expectations, initially estimated at 182 LMT due to joint efforts. The enhanced yield per hectare and increased basmati production signal positive growth.
4. Shifting our focus, the upper stage of the Chandrayaan-3 launch vehicle, as per ISRO, re-entered Earth's atmosphere as anticipated, landing in the North Pacific Ocean. Chandrayaan 3, India's third lunar mission, included the Vikram lander and Pragyan Rover that successfully touched down near the lunar South Pole on August 23. While the lander and rover entered sleep mode after ten days of exploration, the propulsion module continued orbiting the moon post-separation.
5. In a general weather update for the country, post-Diwali, Mumbai contends with fireworks' aftermath, evident in the city's AQI. The Central Pollution Control Board registers an AQI of 199, while SAFAR notes it at 174. Various locations, including BKC, Chembur, Colaba, Vile Parle West, and Mazgaon, report poor air quality. SAFAR categorizes BKC’s Kalanagar, Malad, Navi Mumbai, and Mazgaon with a poor AQI range of 201 to 274, mainly influenced by PM2.5 pollutants, except Navi Mumbai, where ozone prevails.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led a ceremony in London overseeing the repatriation of two 8th-century temple idols recently discovered in England, stolen from Lokhari, Uttar Pradesh, in the late 1970s. Recovered by the Indian High Commission in London with India Pride Project and Art Recovery International's aid, the Yogini Chamunda and Gomukhi idols were revealed at India House on the last day of Jaishankar's UK visit, anticipating their return to India.
2. In ongoing news, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping reunited after a year, aiming to ease tensions on military conflicts, drug trafficking, and AI. Welcomed at California's Filoli estate during the APEC Leaders' week, Biden stressed responsible competition, while Xi highlighted the post-COVID world's challenges. Both acknowledged the pivotal role of their relationship but with little expectation of immediate resolution on key disputes amid a myriad of global concerns.
3. In a recent development, pro-Palestine demonstrators clashed with police outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington DC during a plea for peace amid the escalated Israel-Hamas conflict. Reports indicate some breached the DNC, protesting for a ceasefire while blocking entrances. Initially peaceful, the vigil turned violent, leading to Capitol Police intervention. Both sides blamed each other for the chaos. Six officers were injured, and one arrest was made, prompting an outcry over the forceful response.
4. In some other news, Bangladesh's upcoming January 7 parliamentary elections face an opposition boycott unless power shifts to a neutral caretaker government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promises fair polls, but the Bangladesh Nationalist Party insists on impartial oversight, fueling nationwide protests and clashes. Election Commissioner Awal announced the single-day voting in 300 constituencies, appealing for peaceful resolutions. While Hasina's party welcomes the announcement, Zia's party rejects it as a 'farcical election,' deepening the political standoff.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman forecasts India surpassing Japan and Germany to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027. Addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue, she highlighted India's nearly 7% economic growth despite global challenges. Sitharaman emphasized India's economic resilience amid regional conflicts, projecting a USD 5 trillion GDP by 2027. She also praised India's 'Blue economy,' noting its significant coastal resources and robust trade potential.
2. In more business news, the Reserve Bank of India has prohibited Bajaj Finance Limited from approving loans through its eCOM and Insta EMI Card products due to non-compliance with digital lending guidelines. The RBI's directive, under section 45L(1)(b) of the RBI Act, mandates an immediate halt to loan approvals until rectification of deficiencies, specifically the absence of Key Fact Statements for borrowers. Supervisory restrictions will be lifted post-rectification to RBI's satisfaction.
3. Next up, in some tech news. Meta-owned Threads is experimenting with tag support, akin to hashtags but without the hash symbol. Meta imposed limitations on their use. This feature, announced by Instagram Head Adam Mosseri and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, lets testers categorize topics. However, unlike X or Mastodon, only one tag can be added per post. Additionally, Meta introduced the ability to delete Threads profiles independently of Instagram accounts this week.
4. Moving on, Amazon's Prime Video debuted its inaugural sports channel, teaming up with FanCode by Dream Sports, expanding live streaming of 15+ global sports like cricket and football. This collaboration strengthens Amazon's sports streaming endeavours, targeting India's vast sports audience. For an introductory Rs 249, Prime members can access FanCode's varied sports offerings. This move follows a heated bidding battle between Reliance's Mukesh Ambani and Disney Star over media rights for the IPL.
5. In market news for today, the Sensex surged by 476.03 points or 0.72% to reach 66,151.96, while the Nifty climbed by 136.90 points or 0.70% to hit 19,812.40. Among stocks, 1835 showed gains, 1376 saw declines, and 85 remained unchanged. The general sentiment indicates a profit-taking stance, yet the broader trend remains optimistic. Among sectors, the information technology index gained nearly 3 per cent.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi's film "Merry Christmas" has rescheduled its theatrical release for January 12th next year, moving away from its initially expected Christmas debut to evade box office film clashes. A fresh poster featuring the duo was revealed, displaying Vijay observing Katrina in a restaurant. The movie, directed by Sriram Raghavan, faced several postponements, avoiding clashes with other major releases including Ranbir Kapoor's Animal.
2. In news from Hollywood, Madame Web is the latest film to join the expanding Spider-Verse. Sony Pictures revealed the trailer for Dakota Johnson's Cassandra Web, introducing psychic abilities and the arrival of new superheroes. Sydney Sweeney stars as Spider-Woman, hinting at a formidable team-up. Directed by S.J. Clarkson, the all-female lead film promises action and showcases Emma Roberts, Isabela Merced, Adam Scott, Celeste O'Connor, and Tahar Rahim in pivotal roles. Madame Web is slated to release in 2024.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, it's been a year since the demise of actor Mahesh Babu's father, the late actor Krishna. In Hyderabad, the family hosted a memorial gathering attended by close ones. Mahesh Babu and his wife Namrata Shirodkar paid respects to Krishna and his mother, Indira Devi, alongside family members and well-wishers. To honour Krishna's legacy, the Mahesh Babu Foundation established the Superstar Krishna Educational Fund, offering scholarships to 40 students in need, commemorating his commitment to education.
Sports News
1. In sports news, India's exceptional batting display against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semifinal made the difference. Posting an imposing 397/4 total, India's lineup showcased dominance, led by Virat Kohli's milestone 50th-century and contributions from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. Mohammed Shami's seven wickets secured a 70-run victory, propelling India into their fourth final with a 10-game winning streak.
2. In more sports updates, AC Milan's fullback, Alessandro Florenzi, is reportedly under scrutiny by Turin prosecutors investigating illegal betting involving footballers. Previously, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Juventus' Nicolò Fagioli faced bans amid this inquiry. While Aston Villa's Nicolò Zaniolo, also under investigation, denied involvement, Florenzi, a teammate of Zaniolo at Roma, remains silent. Possible questioning by prosecutors awaits, and the soccer federation might launch an inquiry. Florenzi, aged 32, joined Milan last year with a contract running till 2024-25.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz secured a significant victory against Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals, rebounding in the Red Group with a commanding 7-5, 6-2 win. Although previously defeated by Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz displayed confidence against an unravelling Rublev. Rublev faltered in the first set at 5-5, losing serve, followed by a tumultuous second set where Alcaraz dominated. Zverev aims to secure a semifinal spot against Daniil Medvedev later.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week
1. Get ready for some fun as Bengaluru’s biggest pop-culture event is back! Comic-Con 2023 will see fandoms unite, encompassing comics, toys, merchandise, anime, cosplay, movies, gaming, and beyond. Happening at the KTPO Trade Center, Whitefield on the 18th & 19th of November at 11.00 am.
2. Catch the comical duo of Manish Jain & Piyush Kumar as they headline their latest stand-up special "Na Sharam, Na Lihaaz!", performing live at the Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala 4th Block on the 18th of November at 8.00 pm.
3. Immerse yourself in an exclusive "Candle-making Workshop" and enjoy a relaxing session, happening at the Paint Cafe Studio, Whitefield on the 18th of November at 4.00 pm.
4. Join a beginner's dance class with the exclusive "Salsa Improver" workshop, conducted by ace dance experts at the LVDS, Vasanthnagar on the 19th of November at 4.00 pm.
5. You can also catch the incredible Akaash Singh, in his latest outing, performing live at The Underground Comedy Club, Koramangala 5th Block on the 18th of November at 8.00 pm.
Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. Bengaluru can expect partly cloudy weather. Temperatures will reach a high of 29°C and a low of 19°C. The heat index, factoring in humidity, is projected at 31°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 download the skill from your Alexa app and look for the Bengaluru commute podcast.
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Produced by Spooler
Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru
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