Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌦️ Today’s weather: Light rainfall and winds in some parts.
🧐 Did you know? Around 10,000 people from various religions show up at the Infant Jesus Church on Thursdays when the church holds seven masses in different languages. Its popularity is due to several miracles associated with the shrine.
🌃 Round-the-clock restaurants
The Bruhat Bangalore Hotel Association (BBHA) has requested the state government to allow 24 x 7 restaurant operations.
Why though? In its letter to Home Minister Dr G Parmeshwara, the BBHA, which represents the city’s various hotels, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, and ice cream parlours highlighted the benefits of round-the-clock operations of eateries. They also met B Dayananda, the new police commissioner to discuss and strengthen their case.
- It could be a game-changer for eateries, a pragmatic way to increase revenue generation, especially on weekends. It could also usher in foreign investment and international fast-food and café chains.
- Restaurants have high fixed costs like rent and salaries. Footfall is also sparse during lunch hours. Round-the-clock operations could increase their pay scales. It could help folks who work night shifts, like police officers, healthcare workers, and auto drivers.
Making it happen: Such a change would require revamping current operations. It means restaurants would have to hire staff that can cater to the increased demand. Such operations, if approved, will be limited to commercial areas.
🪧 Residents oppose new overbridge
Residents of Frazer Town oppose the increased length of a railway overbridge.
Story so far: Railway authorities have almost doubled the length of an overbridge connecting Mosque Road and Richards Park. Frazer Town residents weren’t happy with this and staged a protest on Tuesday.
- They argue that its extended length will hinder access to many other junctions. It will hurt commuters and the Hajee Sir Ismail Sait Masjid.
- It could negatively affect trees in the area. Residents also say that the decision was made without any consultation. In response, the overbridge engineers have agreed to a meeting.
Case history: Last year, when railway authorities discussed the overbridge, they presented a different plan. The overbridge was destroyed earlier to replace it with a more robust structure.
⚽ Bengaluru FC’s newest member
Halicharan Narzary is the latest addition to the Blues.
Story so far: On Wednesday, Bengaluru FC announced that winger Halicharan Narzary signed a three-year deal with the club. Narzary, who joined Hyderabad FC in 2020 and has previously played for FC Goa, NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters, and Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), expressed his excitement and acknowledged the hard work required to earn his place in the team.
- He cited Bengaluru FC’s reputation as one of the best clubs in India as a reason for his decision. There’ll be much to learn here.
- Bengaluru FC’s head coach, Simon Grayson, praised Narzary’s work ethic, versatility, and quality, while the Director of Football, Darren Caldeira, welcomed his addition to the squad.
For the team: Narzary’s deal represents the club’s first additions ahead of the upcoming season, as they have also extended the contracts of defender Aleksandar Jovanovic and midfielder Suresh Wangjam. With 103 ISL appearances and recent achievements with Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC, Narzary brings valuable experience and attacking prowess to the Blues.
🍸 Bengaluru’s biggest bar
Oia, pronounced Eyah, keeps patrons on their feet with its long waiting times.
Oia’s achievements: The city’s restaurant scene is seeing a captivating trend of record-breaking establishments, with Oia joining the ranks of High in Malleshwaram and Candles Brewhouse. Oia, situated on Hennur Road, has become Asia’s biggest bar, covering an expanse of 87,000 square feet.
- Oia is Lokesh Sukhija’s brainchild. He is a renowned figure in the food and beverage industry with successful ventures like Miso Sexy, Daddy, Diablo, and Bougie.
- It offers standout beverage creations like the purple-hued People’s Obsession infused with blue pea tea, the Jim Beam-based concoction Picasso, the subtly gin-noted Geisha, and the effortlessly crafted Sonorous.
Instagram aesthetics: Oia’s all-white interiors, inspired by Goa’s Thalassa, have made it a favourite among millennials and social media influencers who flock to capture themselves in its picturesque setting. It looks like Bengaluru’s dining scene adopted a little piece of Santorini.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you apply sunscreen every day?
- Yes, I use sunscreen every day.
- No, I don’t use sunscreen every day.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Do you know any lullabies in your mother tongue? What are they about?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Bengaluru will get moderate rainfall over the next 5 evenings.
- BWSSB will hold a water adalat in various parts of the city today.
- IISc might have found a way to reduce the cost of microneedles for diabetics.
- IISc researchers designed a fluorogenic probe to detect enzymes linked to the early stage of Alzheimer’s.
- The Archdiocese of Bangalore provides free education and shelter to displaced youth from Manipur.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I like fiction books: 40.0%
- I like non-fiction more: 60.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your favourite outdoor activity?
Sriranga: “Playing cricket”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!