Good morning, Bengaluru!
đ§ď¸ Todayâs weather: Drizzle and gentle winds.
đ§ Did you know? Established in 1847, the Bangalore Lunatic Asylum owed its existence to Dr Charles Irwing Smith, a British medical practitioner. In present-day Bengaluru, its past location can be found where the State Bank of Mysore head office stands at the intersection of Kempegowda Road and Avenue Road.
đş Expensive alcohol
Higher excise duties can add to the pub industryâs challenges, as other prices are soaring too.
Story so far: The state government plans to raise the excise duty on alcohol starting August 1. Indian-made liquor will see a 20% surge, and beer will go from 175% to 185%! After this, Karnataka will become the most expensive Indian state for liquor. Can Bengaluruâs pubs weather this storm? The response is mixed.
- Anirudh Kheny, the managing partner at Daysie on M G Road, stressed that the consistent rise in prices poses a significant challenge for the pub industry to keep up with the changing economic landscape.
- On the other hand, Robin Lazar, the general manager of Gawky Goose, acknowledged the yearly nature of the excise duty hike and stated thereâs nothing to be alarmed about.
Taking stock: Amidst the escalating price hikes, Bengaluru’s pub owners will have to innovate to keep their businesses thriving. Creative measures can help them stay ahead, like reevaluating prices, cutting costs, and boosting customer experiences.
đ§ Talking about mental health
A year-long study on mental health and marginalisation will be on display tomorrow and the day after.
Whatâs it about? The ‘Mental Health at the Margins’ exhibition will be organised at the St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences on July 21 and 22. Through the eyes of Bengaluruâs sex workers, it will investigate the intersectionality of marginalisation and mental health.
- Itâs based on oral and artefactual testimonies of sex workers, legal documents, and policy papers.
- It will delve into community, friendship, health, agency, rights, identity, and violence, emphasising the importance of sharing and companionship in mental health.
Where it started: ‘Mental Health at the Margins’ is a year-long study funded by the Wellcome Trust and Unbox Cultural Futures Ltd. It highlights hyper-local conversations about mental health and amplifies the voices often overlooked in the discourse.
- Neethi P, Sofia Juliet Rajan, and Yashodara Udupa from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) lead this multidisciplinary effort.
- Previously, the study was exhibited at a three-day international summit held at IIHS in April.
đ Marking World PR Day
Startups and public relations professionals across the country celebrated World PR Day.
Whatâs it about? On July 16, the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) threw a summit and awards bash called âPROasisâ for startups in the city, all to celebrate World PR Day. PRCI is a pan-India forum that connects industry leaders and academics in PR, media, and communications.
- More than 100 startups from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad showed up at the event.
- 75 awards were given to startup entrepreneurs in various categories, along with three Public Relations awards. There were panel discussions too.
đ No mobile phones in temples
The rising use of mobile phones has prompted the Karnataka government to ban their use in temples.
Story so far: In a circular dated July 17, the state government prohibited the use of mobile phones in all approximately 35,000 temples across Karnataka operated by the Department of Religious and Charitable Endowments, colloquially known as the Muzrai department. The authorities will now place signboards to remind devotees of the restriction.
- Visitors will be instructed to switch off mobile phones within the temple premises.
- Itâs based on the premise that the increasing use of mobile phones has led to disturbances for both temple staff and fellow worshippers.
No details yet: More details about how the ban will be implemented and the consequences for non-compliance arenât clear.
đ Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you ever worked out of a coworking space?
- I have worked out of a coworking space.
- I havenât worked out of a coworking space.
â Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Whatâs an underrated achievement of Bengaluru not talked about enough?
Reply to this email with your answers.
đď¸ In other newsâŚ
- Euler Motors launched four new retail outlets across Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
- Metro test-charging begins for Purple Lineâs twin extensions.
- The terror module busted by CCB was created in the Bengaluru Central prison.
- Some BJP MLAs who tore up Bills and hurled them at the Deputy Speaker got suspended.
- Hereâs an interview with Dr GN Devy, the second recipient of the Obaid Siddiqi Chair.
đď¸ Local Lounge
Yesterdayâs Poll:
- I like to try different dishes in restaurants: 80.0% đ
- I like to stick to my favourite dishes in restaurants: 20.0%
Thatâs it for today. Have a great day!