Good morning, Bengaluru!
☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny with clear skies.
🧐 Did you know? The Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall in Cubbon Park was built in honour of Sir K Seshadri Iyer, the 15th Dewan of Mysore. It’s built entirely in red brick and mortar. Last year, a tweet with a picture of the library went viral because of the library’s decor.
🕳️ Neglected storm drains
Stormwater drains filled with silt and sewage raise flooding concerns for residents of Bakshi Gardens and other areas.
Story so far: The stormwater drains (SWD) in KR Market, Bakshi Gardens and Cottonpet seriously require attention. Recently, a group of social work students interning at ActionAid Association surveyed the SWDs. They found a 400-metre-long SWD filled with silt, garbage, and sewage.
- The garbage-filled drains impede movement, proving especially problematic for differently-abled citizens in Bakshi Gardens and Jolly Mohalla areas.
- The residents of Bakshi Gardens have complained against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) inaction towards monsoon preparedness.
Why it matters? Since the SWDs haven’t been cleaned in months and years, they will most likely cause flooding in the area during monsoon seasons. The best way forward, according to residents, is to flush the drains clean.
✈️ ‘The Bone’ show
Twin fighter planes from the United States have created a buzz at Bengaluru’s airport.
Story so far: Two Rockwell B-1B Lancer jets, the fastest bomber planes from the United States Air Force (USAF), have been parked at Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport since Thursday.
- Nicknamed ‘The Bone’, they are long-range, supersonic bombers in use by the USAF since 1985. They were used for combat in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
- The planes’ striking black colour has drawn throngs of aviation enthusiasts to the airport.
Why it matters? It’s the twin planes’ second visit to Bengaluru. They’re here for ‘Exercise Cope India 23’, a bilateral exercise between the American and Indian air force teams.
🌉 Top builders avoid Yelahanka’s Flyover project
A cold response from top construction firms forces the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to employ unreliable contractors.
Story so far: Several major construction companies have been avoiding the BBMP’s tenders for flyover projects. It’s compelled the Palike to work with firms that have delivered substandard or delayed work.
- For the Ejipura flyover, the BBMP has floated at least four tenders since 2022. However, they are yet to find a contractor.
- Only MVR Infra Projects Ltd and BSCPL Infrastructure Ltd responded to the Kempegowda Circle flyover project. Both firms have a history of delivering inferior work.
Why though? One reason for this is that the budget for such infrastructure projects proves too little for the top players, who prefer projects that hang in the ₹500 crore – ₹1,000 crore range.
😋 Biggies Burger once again
Another Biggies Burger opens in Bengaluru as the brand expands its footprint.
Story so far: Biggies Burger, India’s biggest homegrown burger chain, inaugurated its 14th store in Bengaluru at Natura Park, Sarjapur. Its rising number of stores in the city will allow it to expand deep into the city and adopt a hyperlocal approach.
- Biggies Burger recently raised seed funding to expand to tier II and tier III cities. They have IoT-enabled kitchens that deliver consistent quality and taste across their stores.
- Currently boasting 130 stores across the country, Biggie Burger aims to have 350 stores by 2024. Its ‘Biggies Entrepreneur Programme’ enables aspiring entrepreneurs to build sustainable Quick Service Restaurant businesses as its franchises.
Why it matters? The homegrown burger chain launched its first store in Bengaluru. Biraja Rout, the founder, wants it to grow into an international brand. It believes that after having perfected various local tastes, the brand has much to offer to international consumers.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you like cardio workouts?
- Yes, I like cardio workouts.
- No, I don’t like cardio workouts.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Are you using ChatGPT in your work? If yes, what are you using it for?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- In booming Bengaluru, PG room rates rival apartment rentals.
- After a long wait, furious IPL fans learn tickets are sold out.
- Namma Metro work at the Doddanekundi underpass may resume.
- Karnataka’s largest morgue at the Victoria Hospital needs improvement.
- Commuters await the BMRCL bridge’s completion to reduce traffic woes.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I’ve tried a silent retreat: 0.0%
- I haven’t tried a silent retreat: 100.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!