Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 28 ℃ | Low: 20 ℃ | Generally cloudy for the day.
🧐 Did you know? Bengaluru sits on one of the oldest exposed rocks in the world. The exposure of this rock mass was discovered at Lalbagh Gardens and is 2.5-3.4 billion years old.
🎭 Illuminating young minds
A theatre festival for children will bring plays from other countries to enhance their cultural education.
What’s it about? There’s research to show that early exposure to the arts and culture can shape a child’s thinking. In India, there’s a lack of fine arts and cultural education for youngsters. The AHA! International Theatre for Children Festival is looking to fill that void.
- This year’s edition will showcase seven plays from around the world covering a range of issues. The German play Spiel Im Spiel explores the concept of play. The Korean production has traditional imagery.
- Curating theatre for kids can be challenging since it requires a keen understanding of what young audiences want. Productions based only on fairy tales can be limiting, and there needs to be a diverse set that addresses varying issues.
The festival’s evolution: It began with productions addressing issues faced by kids, like violence at home. It then evolved to varied topics as kids were open to different kinds of stories.
👩🚀 Space habitat
A city-based startup is looking to build the next generation of living quarters for astronauts and space tourists.
What’s it about? Akashalabdhi, recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is looking to build future living quarters for researchers, astronauts, and space tourists. The company was incubated at IISc and began its work at IIT-Roorkee.
- The prototype, called Antariksh HAB is ready, and the final version will accommodate 16 people. An important aspect of the model is a closed-loop life system to recycle air, water, and waste.
- The habitat’s volume can range from 80 to 330 cubic metres, depending on customer needs. It can support different missions ranging from orbital research to lunar surface exploration.
What’s next? The company is looking to launch its first habitat by 2027 if everything goes according to plan. They’re in talks with SpaceX for a slot on its launch programme.
🚕 Taking on the Ola-Uber duopoly
The city’s cab and auto drivers are using Telegram and WhatsApp groups to compete with Ola and Uber.
What’s it about? Taxi and auto drivers are turning to Telegram, WhatsApp, and other zero-commission app-based aggregators to take on Ola and Uber. The zero-commission apps are backed by the drivers’ unions.
- There are two types of groups. One has drivers who pass on leads to others if they’re unavailable. The other has drivers, travel agents, and representatives from tech parks and IT firms who can post their requirements. The mParivahan app is used to check credentials.
- Many aggregators are looking to woo drivers based on the response to the zero-commission model. Companies like MYn and DRIFE are examples that don’t charge drivers commissions.
Ola and Uber’s strategy: The two big players are trying to reduce driver attrition. Uber launched Uber Pro for its drivers. It has Pro credits or cash credits which can be used for personal expenses. Both companies provide their drivers with micro-loans for their kids’ education, buying a new vehicle, etc.
🏠 Changing rental landscape
Rents across some of the city’s prime areas are being reduced to attract tenants.
What’s it about? The rental market in the city is undergoing a shift as landlords adjust prices due to increased inventory and shifts in tenant preferences. There has been a decrease in rents in prime and suburban areas, a changing trend after years of escalation.
- Rents in Koramangala have been reduced by ₹10,000-15,000 per month. With reduced rents in IT corridors like Whitefield, more people are opting for suburban areas like Hoodi and Kadugodi.
- There has been a correction in the city’s rental market in the April-June 2024 timeframe. It’s probably due to the 14% year-on-year increase in inventory.
Forecast: This trend is expected to continue, with further adjustments expected. Landlords are adapting to new market dynamics and offering competitive rents.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Experience multilingual melodies with a live concert by Vineeth Srinivasan this Saturday.
- Arctic Monkeys fans, catch a tribute by The Alan’s Project this Saturday.
- Shop for arts & crafts at the Indian Haat Festival this weekend onwards.
- Grab your favourite reads at the Lock-The-Box Sale this weekend.
- An afternoon of D&D awaits at the Canine & Caverns event this Sunday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- NICE can be trusted with the PRR contract: 25.0%
- NICE cannot be trusted with the PRR contract: 75.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Where should Bengaluru’s second airport come up?
Sriranga: “Somewhere in the city with metro connectivity”
Anhad: “Donnenahalli”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!