Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 28 ℃ | Low: 17 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? The cantonment station is the city’s oldest railway station.
🛣️ Assam’s roadshow
The Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (AIDC), in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), organised a roadshow in Bengaluru to promote the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit.
What’s it about? The roadshow is part of a series of events leading up to the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, designed to showcase Assam’s investment potential and attract stakeholders from various sectors.
- The summit is scheduled for February 25-26 in Guwahati.
- Assam Minister Ashok Singhal emphasised the state’s strategic geographical position, noting its proximity to South and Southeast Asia, during the event.
Infra projects highlighted: The event highlighted Assam’s recent infrastructure projects to aid logistics like India’s first International Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Jogighopa under the Bharatmala program, the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge over the Brahmaputra River, and the development of Jagiroad Electronics City.
🚌 BMTC ridership drops
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has experienced a decline in ridership following a 15% fare increase implemented on January 2.
What’s it about? The fare adjustment, approved by the state cabinet, was applied across four state transport corporations, including BMTC, to address rising operational costs and fuel prices.
- Critics argue that the fare hike has deterred commuters from using public transportation and will potentially lead to increased reliance on private vehicles.
- BMTC officials have defended the fare revision, noting that the previous increase occurred in 2015 when diesel prices were significantly lower.
Future plans: BMTC is exploring strategies to enhance operational efficiency and service reliability. Plans include hiring 1,000 drivers on contract and introducing five air-conditioned electric double-decker buses. Additionally, BMTC also aims to implement automatic fare collection systems to reduce operational costs, with a proposal to make AC buses conductor-less.
🎮 Gridlogic’s GDC
Gridlogic, a real-money technology company specialising in gaming technology, platforms, and data analytics, has inaugurated a new Gaming Development Centre (GDC) in the city.
What’s it about? This strategic expansion aims to develop core technologies for the company focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), data engineering, game security, and other key functions.
- The Bengaluru GDC, located on MG Road, is designed to accommodate over 100 highly skilled professionals, with plans for further expansion.
- The facility features state-of-the-art workspaces, including conference rooms, open cafes and lounges, gaming zones, telephone booths, and an events arena, all aimed at enhancing employee engagement.
Second GDC: This marks Gridlogic’s second gaming development centre in India, complementing its existing operations in Hyderabad, Gurugram, and Mumbai, as well as international offices in Singapore and London.
⛲ Cubbon Park Petition
A proposal to permit vehicular traffic in Cubbon Park on Sundays and public holidays has met with significant opposition from park users and activists.
What’s it about? The proposal to open the park to traffic on Sundays and public holidays is reportedly supported by the city’s traffic police, who have requested the change to alleviate congestion.
- Currently, Cubbon Park is closed to vehicles, providing a safe and tranquil environment for families, children, and pets to engage in activities like cycling, skating, and walking.
- Over 2,000 individuals have signed an online petition urging the government to abandon the plan.
Meeting scheduled: The horticulture department, responsible for the park’s maintenance, has indicated that a meeting with the chief secretary is scheduled to discuss the proposal’s advantages and disadvantages.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you visited any of the northeastern states?
- I have visited the northeastern states.
- I have not visited any of the northeastern states.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s the longest BMTC route you have travelled?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The BBMP has floated a DPR tender for the renovation of Russell Market.
- Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has proposed Bengaluru host the third International Centre for Automotive Technology.
- Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda has suspended the gun license of actor Darshan.
- TÜV SÜD South Asia has announced the launch of an E-Mobility Training Mobile Lab in the city.
- Merak Brewhouse at the JW Marriott Hotel will be honouring the country’s spirit of unity in diversity with a special Republic Day Brunch.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I attended the Comic Con: 25.0%
- I did not attend the Comic Con: 75.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!