Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 24 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with light rain.
🧐 Did you know? The number of registered vehicles in Bengaluru has doubled over the past decade from 60 lakh to 1.2 crore.
💌 Wedding spends
Bengaluru weddings are distinct from national trends, hosting 30% more guests than the Indian average while spending 12% less.
What’s it about? WedMeGood reported that the average Indian wedding budget stands at ₹36.5 lakh, whereas Bengaluru’s spending is comparatively lower. Only 5.7% of couples in Bengaluru spend over ₹1 crore on their weddings, compared to 9% nationally.
- Social platforms now surpass traditional matrimonial apps as the primary way couples meet, and hiring social media managers for weddings is gaining popularity.
- The use of wedding planners has risen by 15% compared to the previous year, with 16.7% of couples opting for professional planning, especially for destination weddings.
Sustainability trends: Modern couples also prioritise eco-conscious choices. About 45.5% opt for lab-grown diamonds, and 52% incorporate sustainable practices like donating excess food or reducing plastic use.
🏫 Schools remain open
Bengaluru schools remained open despite closures in other places as a response to Cyclone Fengal.
What’s it about? Cyclone Fengal has significantly impacted South India, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, and Kerala, causing heavy rainfall, power outages, flooding, and infrastructure damage. The cyclone claimed at least six lives and triggered alerts across the region.
- In Tamil Nadu, schools and colleges were closed in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry, along with select areas in Ranipet, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, and Krishnagiri, due to heavy rains.
- Similarly, Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts declared holidays for all schools and pre-university colleges after severe waterlogging.
Bengaluru defiant: However, despite persistent rainfall and a yellow alert in Bengaluru, authorities decided to keep schools open. While some parents advocated for school closures, Bengaluru Urban district officials confirmed no holidays would be declared.
🚇 5G on metro
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is addressing mobile network issues faced by its over 8 lakh daily passengers by planning the installation of 5G network small cells on metro pillars.
What’s it about? The deployment will focus on elevated sections of Metro Phase-1 routes, including the East-West and North-South corridors, as well as Reach-5 and Reach-6 sections. Tenders for this project are open, with submissions due by January 29 or January 30, depending on the section.
- Companies bidding will be allowed to survey metro pillars to facilitate the smooth implementation of 5G services.
- The 5G installation will enhance connectivity for both metro passengers and motorists travelling along metro corridors.
Expected speeds: The 5G network, touted as 50% more advanced than 4G, will ensure uninterrupted and faster connectivity for users. Passengers can expect upload speeds of 65 Mbps and download speeds of up to 1.45 Gbps within a 200-metre range.
🏢 Sattva’s new project
Sattva Group has introduced its latest real estate venture, Sattva Bhumi, a premium gated community located in North Bengaluru’s Devanahalli corridor.
What’s it about? Spanning 20 acres, the development features 343 flexible land parcels, providing buyers the opportunity to design and build their dream homes. Strategically situated near Bengaluru International Airport and key industrial hubs, the project benefits from excellent connectivity and proximity to ongoing infrastructure projects.
- The community boasts a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, a large swimming pool, wide internal roads, and an array of amenities designed to cater to residents of all age groups.
- Even before its official launch, Sattva Bhumi had garnered remarkable interest, with over half of its plots already sold.
North Bengaluru’s rise: North Bengaluru’s rapidly growing real estate market further enhances the project’s appeal. The area is witnessing a surge in demand for premium properties due to infrastructural growth and increasing connectivity, contributing to significant value appreciation.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Should Bengaluru’s schools have been closed for the cyclone?
- Bengaluru’s schools should have been closed for the cyclone.
- Bengaluru’s schools should not have been closed for the cyclone.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s the internet speed you get at your home?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Bengaluru Police were able to recover a pair of stolen Airpods within 20 minutes of the FIR filing.
- BMRCL’s Yellow Line is expected to begin operations by late January 2025.
- KSRTC has launched a new service to Kerala to address skyrocketing prices and rush during the upcoming festive season.
- Bengaluru Police is cracking down on drug peddlers ahead of New Year.
- Drummer Sivamani stopped by Vidyarthi Bhavan for breakfast and performed for patrons utilising kitchen utensils.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have had a broken bone: 46.2%
- I have never had a broken bone: 53.8% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!