Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌤️ Today’s weather: High: 29 ℃ | Low: 17 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? Mahatma Gandhi recuperated from high blood pressure during a 45-day stay at Nandi Hills in 1936, hosted by Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, with archives noting his swift recovery.
🎮 STAN gets funding
Bengaluru-based gaming platform STAN secures $2.7 million in funding.
Pre-Series A: STAN, a gaming platform based in Bengaluru, has successfully raised $2.7 million in its Pre-Series A funding round. This investment round saw participation from a mix of new and returning investors, including Aptos Labs, Pix Capital, and General Catalyst.
- The startup has already amassed over 4 million users, with significant growth in Bharat’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
- STAN plans to expand its presence in the Indian market and aims to reach 10 million users in the next six months.
Vision: STAN, co-founded by Parth Chadha, aims to enhance the infrastructure for gaming creators and build engaged communities globally. The company’s vision is to empower creators to monetise their content from day one.
👩 B.SAFE’s decade of women empowerment
B.SAFE program champions women’s safety in Bengaluru.
What’s it about? The Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) has been instrumental in enhancing women’s safety and empowerment in Bengaluru through its B.SAFE program. Established almost a decade ago, the initiative initially focused on raising awareness about sexual harassment, particularly among children.
- The program’s early efforts included awareness campaigns in schools and the Billion Eyes conclave for working women.
- B.SAFE evolved to address women’s safety in public spaces, expanding its scope beyond educational institutions.
Safety during public events: Under the guidance of Program Mentor Chitra Talwar, B.SAFE acknowledges specific challenges, such as women’s safety during public events like New Year celebrations. This expansion of focus reflects a holistic approach towards creating safer, more inclusive public environments for women in Bengaluru.
⚽ Bengaluru FC signs Oliver Drost
Bengaluru FC signs Danish striker Oliver Drost.
Who’s he? Bengaluru FC announced the signing of 28-year-old Danish striker, Oliver Drost, for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Drost, who recently played for FC Helsingør in the Danish First Division, steps in as a replacement for English striker Curtis Main.
- Drost has a versatile play style, capable of performing as a striker and on the wings.
- Bengaluru FC’s manager, Gerard Zaragoza, believes Drost is an ideal fit for the team’s style.
Strategic addition: Drost, who will wear the Number 9 shirt, is set to bring his experience from Danish football, including stints with various clubs and appearances for Denmark’s U19 and U20 teams.
- His addition is seen as a strategic move to bolster Bengaluru FC’s offensive capabilities, aiming for a successful run in the Indian Super League.
🌱 Lalbagh’s horticulture triumph
Successful planting of Western Ghats saplings has been achieved in Lalbagh.
What’s it about? The horticulture department of Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru achieved a remarkable feat by transforming a rocky, barren area into a thriving green space. In early 2023, they planted 263 saplings from the Western Ghats region, and a year later, 99% of these have survived challenging conditions, including intense heat and minimal rainfall.
- Innovative methods, including artificial rain and mulching, were used to sustain the saplings.
- The department plans to document the growth of these plants and add 187 more saplings.
Overcoming challenges: This project marks the first large-scale planting and nurturing effort in Lalbagh, overcoming various climatic and environmental challenges. The success of this initiative showcases the potential for adapting and conserving diverse plant species, even in less-than-ideal conditions, and highlights the dedication of the garden’s horticulture team.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you driven a go-kart?
- I have driven a go-kart.
- I haven’t driven a go-kart.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which is the best water body in the city?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Bengaluru traffic police have charged 16 school bus drivers with driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Air India has launched India’s first Airbus A350 flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai.
- The National Livelihood Mission (NLM) is hosting a three-day exhibition and sale featuring products from self-help groups (SHGs).
- Alstom has been identified as the lowest bidder for the installation of platform screen doors at Namma Metro stations in Bengaluru.
- The SWD near HRBR Layout has become a dumping ground, leading to dirty water overflowing into nearby residents’ homes.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I go for regular full-body medical checkups: 54.5% 🏆
- I don’t go for regular full-body medical checkups: 45.5%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!