Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 26 ℃ | Low: 16 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? BBMP presented a budget of ₹12,369 crore in FY24-25.
🍗 Meat sale banned
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a directive prohibiting the sale and serving of meat within a 13-kilometre radius of Yelahanka Air Force Station.
What’s it about? This measure has been taken for the Aero India show and aims to mitigate the risk of bird strikes during the air show. Discarded meat and food waste can attract scavenger birds, which pose significant hazards to aircraft operations.
- This ban will be in effect from January 23 to February 17.
- Aero India-2025 show is scheduled to be held at Air Force Station Yelahanka from February 10 to February 14.
Open for public: Aero India 2025, organised by the Defense Ministry’s Department of Defense Production, is recognised as Asia’s largest airshow. The five-day event will dedicate the first three days to business visitors, while the general public can witness the aerial performances during the final two days.
🚇 Metro hike
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is poised to implement a significant fare hike for Namma Metro services, with increases ranging between 30% and 40%.
What’s it about? The decision to raise fares stems from escalating operational costs. BMRCL also faces the necessity of repaying loans from various agencies and financial institutions and does not receive state government funding.
- This adjustment is anticipated to take effect within the current month.
- This fare revision follows a recent 15% increase in bus fares across all categories by the Karnataka Transport Department, effective from January 5.
With public consultation: In October 2024, BMRCL sought public input on a proposed fare increase of 15% to 25%, marking the first potential hike since 2017. The initial deadline for public suggestions was October 21, which was later extended to October 28 to encourage broader participation.
🧳 Mokobara responds
Bengaluru-based luggage brand Mokobara has issued a clarification following allegations that it is selling rebranded Chinese-manufactured bags at inflated prices.
What’s it about? Numerous accusations suggest that Mokobara is engaging in “white labelling”, a process where generic products are rebranded and sold under a new label at higher costs.
- Mokobara stated that while certain components of its luggage are sourced from China, the brand takes full ownership of the design, engineering, and quality control processes, which are overseen by its in-house team in India.
- The company also emphasised its commitment to delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed luggage tailored for consumers.
Pricing explained: Mokobara also defended its pricing, arguing that the final cost reflects the added value of its rigorous quality checks, material selection, and design innovation, which go beyond the base manufacturing costs.
🌌 Syzygy
Bengaluru residents are set to witness a rare celestial event as six planets are set to align in the night sky.
What’s it about? The alignment includes Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be observed with the naked eye, while Neptune and Uranus will require the aid of telescopes due to their lower brightness.
- This planetary parade will be visible from January 21 and is expected to last for approximately four weeks.
- Enthusiasts are advised to look towards the southern sky after sunset, around 8:30 p.m., for optimal viewing.
Plan accordingly: Clear, cloudless nights will provide the best conditions for observation. It’s recommended to find locations with minimal light pollution, such as rural areas or open fields, to enhance visibility.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Are you a meat eater?
- I am a meat eater.
- I am not a meat eater.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What would have been a reasonable hike in metro fares for you?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In Other News…
- The BMRCL, in partnership with various NGOs, has introduced baby feeding centres at five metro stations.
- Bengaluru Airport will experience significant disruptions in February due to runway closures during the Aero India show.
- A Spanish tourist has alleged that he was denied aid from the city’s emergency helpline (112) for not speaking in Kannada while being a victim of a robbery.
- City residents assembled at the Gunjurpalya Lake for the Kere Connect Habba to celebrate the city’s lakes.
- Arya Vysya Ladies Group International organised a 100-women bike rally to raise awareness for children with autism.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!