Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: Expect partly clouded skies and some wind.
🧐 Did you know? Located on T Chowdiah Road in Bengaluru, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium has been a prominent landmark since its establishment in 1989.
✂️ Ridding unauthorised cables
Following recent accidents, Bengaluru’s electricity supply company has mandated the removal of wires.
Story so far: After several incidents of electric pole crashes due to dangling Optic Fibre Cables (OFC), the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) issued a public notice to Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The notice mandates the removal of unauthorised cables from Bescom-maintained poles within a week.
- Prioritising citizen safety, Bescom warned of severe action, including cable severance, against non-compliance after the seven-day deadline.
- Workers from Bescom were observed on Wednesday removing the unauthorised cables.
WFH concerns: Bescom’s decision has raised concerns among citizens regarding potential internet disruptions. Many tech professionals, especially remote workers, intend to communicate with their ISPs for uninterrupted service.
Recent incidents: This move follows recent incidents: a 21-year-old student suffered burns due to a pole collapse in SG Palya, and another incident on August 19 injured a 23-year-old in Devarabeesanahalli.
🌙 Chandrayaan-3 watch party
Indian Space Research Organisation’s Chandrayaan-3 achieved a soft landing on the lunar south pole, coordinated from the Peenya control room.
Story so far: Bengalureans embraced the scientific triumph, with museums, planetariums, and restaurants screening the event. Varied celebrations unfolded, including special temple poojas, infusing the city with a confused yet enthusiastic mix of scientific spirit and piety.
- Space enthusiasts, spanning generations, congregated at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium and Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. They witnessed special screenings with scientific insights from prominent experts.
- Amidst the crowd, faces adorned with tricolour, rockets, and ISRO’s logo, while others waved the national flag to endorse the mission. The General Post Office also joined by hosting a landing screening.
Immersive experience: As each stage of the lander concluded, venues erupted in applause and cheers. Science enthusiast Shanmukha Priya expressed pride and unity with the mission, enjoying the live telecast.
- Director of VITM, Sadhana Attavar, highlighted the advantage of the space gallery, offering an immersive environment for viewers to connect with the mission’s essence.
🛺 Namma Yatri’s subscription fee
Starting September 1, Namma Yatri, India’s first open mobility app for auto rickshaws, will introduce a subscription fee for drivers.
Story so far: Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) announced two plans: ‘Daily Unlimited’ at ₹25/day, granting limitless rides with the first one free, and ‘Daily Per Trip’ at ₹3.50/trip for up to 10 trips with additional rides free.
- Unlike aggregator apps’ commission fee approach, Namma Yatri’s subscription fees will cover app maintenance, customer care, and technological services, ensuring sustainable support for drivers.
- This step also intends to improve driver well-being and streamline costs to the drivers’ advantage.
Why it matters? Shan MS, Juspay’s Chief Growth Officer, stated that the subscription model ensures ongoing driver service and potential welfare programs. Within a week, 35,000 drivers opted in, with 7,500 completing the process organically.
- Fee collection begins on September 1, 2023, committed for a year, with future price reductions considered.
🔋 Foraying into lithium-ion
Bengaluru-based Nsure Reliable Power Solutions (Nsure) has announced its entry into lithium-ion cell manufacturing.
Story so far: It is starting with an initial production capacity of 1 GWh. Backed by an investment exceeding ₹1000 crores, Nsure’s plant for LFP (lithium iron phosphate) pouch cells will occupy 80 acres in Malur, Bengaluru, with potential expansion up to 5GWh or more in the future.
- Nsure’s Founder and CEO, Chandrakanth Ramalingam, shared plans for a ready-to-go Li-ion cell manufacturing pilot unit, aiming to commence operations by October’s end.
- Nsure has opted for LFP chemistry due to its compatibility with India’s tropical climate. LFP batteries provide enhanced thermal stability, reduced explosion risks, and cost-effectiveness compared to NMC batteries.
Approach: Ramalingam highlighted that Nsure’s cells will exclude rare earth metals like nickel and cobalt, reducing fire risks and environmental consequences. Their strategy targets cost-efficient li-ion cells for multiple applications, aiming to minimise cycle costs and enhance energy density at the pack level.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Join Aswekeepsearching on their Kyun Hai Hum Yahaan Tour on Saturday.
- Groove to Love of Live (Special Edition) featuring Blackstratblues at Fandom at Gilly’s.
- Immerse yourself in this tribute to Pink Floyd at Phoenix Marketcity on Saturday.
- Celebrate Onam this year through a food illustration workshop this Sunday.
- Laugh along with Tharlebox`s new Kannada Rakshabandhan special at Kidambi’s Kitchen on Sunday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have been to Comic Con: 33.3%
- I haven’t been to Comic Con: 66.7% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!