Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 29 ℃ | Low: 20 ℃ | A cloudy day ahead.
🧐 Did you know? Freedom Park was once the location of the Central Jail. It was built by the British to imprison the freedom fighters during the Independence movement.
🍸 A new spirit
The city’s cocktail is riding the new agave wave thanks to consumer curiosity and creative possibilities.
What’s it about? Traditionally linked with Mexican tequila and mezcal, agave is becoming popular worldwide, including Bengaluru. It’s part of people’s renewed interest in artisanal spirits and innovative mixology.
- Many upscale bars now have agave-focused cocktails and menus. The Park’s Aquabar has created tequilas and mezcal made in small batches. They appeal to the health-conscious since they’re less adulterated and low in sugar.
- At Muro, agave cocktails make up 85% of sales, showing its growing popularity. Agave is now seen as a spirit to be savoured in cocktails, not just a shooter.
Local and sustainable: Agave cocktails are being shaped by sustainability. Bars are sourcing ingredients locally to reduce their carbon footprint. Adding indigenous herbs to agave drinks not only gives them a unique flavour but also helps support local agriculture.
🎓 The gig economy job landscape
Educational institutions in the city are prepping their students for a new job landscape.
What’s it about? The gig economy has grown significantly in India. Educational institutions in Bengaluru are adjusting their curricula to help prepare students for the new job landscape with online courses and short-term certifications.
- The gig economy has transformed the informal workforce thanks to companies and digital platforms. Colleges are now looking to train students, focusing on coding, AI, and digital marketing.
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made some revisions in response to the gig economy’s growth. There’s an emphasis on flexibility and interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to transfer credits, and access new learning modes.
Some caution: Gig jobs value task expertise over traditional educational qualifications. Educational experts point out that short-term income might drive young people away from formal education.
🏞️ Pipeline approval controversy
The YPLBCT has asked the NGT to quash the forest department’s permission to lay down hume pipes.
What’s it about? The Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake and Bird Conservation Trust (YPLBCT) asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to quash the department’s permission to the BBMP to lay down hume pipes inside the reserve and restore the damage already done, including at the buffer zones.
- During the recent spell of rain, sewage mixed with rainwater entered the lake. Agencies haven’t taken steps to prevent the polluted water from flowing into the lake. The sandbags placed to block the influx were removed.
- In June, the NGT asked the civic body and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to stop the digging up of earth and laying of pipelines till further notice.
Concerns: Trust members raised concerns about the BBMP and BWSSB’s work in the area without a detailed project report (DPR). The BWSSB submitted a report to the NGT in August but there was no mention of a DPR.
🛣️ Pothole race protest
A group of protesters raised their voices against poor conditions in a unique manner.
What’s it about? The streets in Babusapalya are in poor condition filled with potholes. Protesters made paper boats and raced them in waterlogged potholes to expose the road’s poor conditions. They shouted slogans against the civic body and its apathy.
- The residents claimed the BBMP has ignored the roads in this area for several years. The roads get damaged and waterlogged even after moderate rain.
- The area is also close to the site where a building recently collapsed. Leaders, including the Chief Minister, visited the area but the issue of the poor road conditions wasn’t discussed.
What’s being done? Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar said he asked the civic body’s commissioner to fix all of the city’s potholes. The BBMP found over 2,700 potholes.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you enjoy working from home more than going to the office?
- I enjoy working from home.
- I prefer working in an office.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which song instantly puts you in a good mood?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Since 2020, 707 deaths due to negligence in Bengaluru but only two convictions.
- The Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at IISc will pilot a study to explore preventive measures against dementia.
- The BMTC was honoured with the prestigious Award of Excellence in Urban Transport.
- Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya competed and finished the Iron Man event.
- Fashion brand Diesel opened its new store at the Mall of Asia.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have played golf: 16.7%
- I haven’t played golf: 83.3% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!