Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: Cloudy sky with light rain.
🧐 Did you know? MG Road is set to receive a new metro station situated more than 62 feet underground.
🔋 EV battery safety solution
Bengaluru-based start-up EMO Energy has developed a platform named ‘ZEN’ that combines software, hardware, cloud, and intelligence to enhance the safety and lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
What’s it about? With the rise in EV adoption in India, concerns have grown over incidents of EVs and battery-swapping stations catching fire. EMO Energy’s solution addresses these concerns by improving battery safety and performance. The platform is designed for high-energy and high-power applications, ranging from electric two-wheelers to mining and construction equipment.
- Over 200 vehicles in India caught fire in the past year, mainly due to overcharging, overheating, or short circuits.
- EMO Energy’s fluid technology ensures efficient heat transmission, energy absorption during cell bursts, and prevention of electricity transmission.
The system: The start-up has developed sensors that monitor temperature and voltage across the system, allowing for improved performance and prediction of safety issues. The system can be connected to a standard three-pin socket, providing around 80 kilometres of range after 30 minutes of charging.
🏠 The rise of Binnypet
Binnypet, located in Central Bengaluru, is emerging as a premium choice for homebuyers, blending its rich history with modern infrastructural developments.
Much sought after: Binnypet offers a mix of tradition and modernity, making it a sought-after destination for investors and homebuyers. Historically, Binnypet was known for the ‘Bangalore Steam Woolen Mills’ and the ‘Binnyston Garden’, which played vital roles in the city’s economic growth.
- Binnypet’s central location, surrounded by commercial areas like Chickpet, Chamrapet, and premium neighbourhoods such as Rajajinagar and Malleshwaram, makes it a prime investment choice.
- The area has witnessed a 33% appreciation in property rates over the past three years, with rental rates surging by around 55%.
Real estate hub: The revival of Binnypet began with Bengaluru’s rise as an IT hub, leading to increased infrastructural development. Real estate developers have recognized Binnypet’s potential, initiating projects to restore its charm.
📚 Textbook revision
The Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has formed five committees to update the state curriculum textbooks for the academic year 2023-24.
What’s it about? These committees are tasked with reviewing the first, second, and third language textbooks for Kannada, as well as the social science textbooks, in line with the National Curriculum Framework-2005 guidelines. The government has appointed Dr Manjunath G Hegde, a retired principal from Kumta in Uttara Kannada district, as the chief convenor.
- Dr Anjanappa from Tirthahalli in Shivamogga will lead a 10-member committee to review Kannada first-language textbooks from class one to 10.
- Dr Ashwathanarayana will head the fifth committee to revise social science textbooks for classes eight to 10.
The purpose: The government’s initiative aims to align the state’s education system with national standards and modern pedagogical practices. The revised textbooks will reflect the latest advancements in the respective subjects and cater to the evolving needs of students.
🟢 City tops in green office spaces
Bengaluru leads India in green office spaces, boasting 104.5 million square feet, which is approximately 30% of the country’s total. Delhi-NCR follows in second place with 70.2 million square feet.
What’s it about? The city’s prominence in the green office space sector is attributed to its strategic location and the blend of its historical significance with modern infrastructural developments. Mumbai, the country’s commercial capital, ranks third with 56.6 million square feet, while Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune follow in the list.
- Green-certified office buildings in the top six Indian cities have increased by over 36% to 342 million square feet in June 2023, compared to 2019 levels.
- Office leasing reached 26.4 million square feet between January and June 2023, with Bengaluru, Chennai, and the NCR contributing to 60% of the total.
The growth: The CII-CBRE report, released at the CII Realty 2023 conclave, highlighted that green office spaces, classified as environmentally sustainable, have grown at a compounded annual rate of about 7.1% over the past five years.
- The report also projects an annual office stock supply of 51-53 million square feet for 2023, with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR leading in office space completions.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you work from home or go to the office?
- I work from home.
- I go to the office.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What gadgets do you own?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Trevor Noah cancels his show at the last minute in Bengaluru and posts an apology.
- Here’s a list of 5 Oktoberfest hotspots in Bengaluru for beer enthusiasts.
- Metro Mitra app has finally launched in Bengaluru and is now available in Jayanagar.
- A day after the bandh, Bengaluru was hit by a massive traffic jam.
- Bengaluru’s longest underground metro line is on track.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I prefer going on trips with family: 16.7%
- I prefer going on trips with friends: 83.3% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!