Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 32 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? Nagarabhavi, a locality in West Bengaluru, means “a well of snakes”.
😌 Second edition of ‘Mental Health Santhe’
NIMHANS is organising a mental health fair in Bengaluru to promote awareness and reduce stigma.
What’s it about? The Department of Mental Health Education at NIMHANS, in collaboration with various other departments, is set to organise the second edition of the ‘Mental Health Santhe’ on February 20. This unique event aims to bridge the gap in mental health needs, increase awareness of available services, and enhance mental health literacy among the public.
- The event will see participation from key stakeholders in mental health and suicide prevention, along with several departments within NIMHANS.
- Attendees can explore 75 stalls offering resources and engage in interactive activities and games to learn about mental health in a fun manner.
Details: The fair will take place at the NIMHANS Convention Centre from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and is open to the general public with free entry.
🐆 Leopard safari in Bannerghatta
The Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru is preparing to introduce a leopard safari, adding to its existing lion and tiger safaris.
What’s it about? The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is gearing up to launch a highly anticipated leopard safari, as directed by Karnataka’s Forest, Environment, and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre. The new safari aims to provide visitors with a unique wildlife experience, complementing the park’s existing lion and tiger safaris.
- A 20-hectare area has been allocated for the safari, featuring a secure enclosure designed to prevent leopard escapes.
- The park is gradually introducing around 12 young leopards to the enclosure, ensuring their comfort and preventing conflicts.
Launch depends on other factors: The launch timeline is contingent on the successful bonding and training of the animals, with a potential opening in a month and a half, depending on the implementation of the model code of conduct.
🤝🏻 Police-Influencer collaboration
Bengaluru police collaborated with influencers to explore technology-driven safety improvements.
What’s it about? The meeting focused on how technology can enhance public safety and the police’s operational strategies. Influencers proposed ideas like more traffic wardens, promoting the Namma 112 emergency service, and fixing traffic and CCTV camera issues.
- The police committed to considering these proposals for future safety initiatives.
- Commissioner B Dayananda emphasised the goal of strengthening the bond between the public and the police through a better understanding of policing efforts and tech advancements.
Public participation: This interaction signifies a joint effort between law enforcement and social influencers to use technology for a safer Bengaluru, with a commitment to addressing community concerns and improving communication.
🏘️ Rental market surge
India’s real estate market, particularly the rental sector, has seen a remarkable surge over the last two years, outperforming global counterparts.
What’s it about? The net rental yield in India is one of the highest globally, with major cities experiencing rent increases of 30% or more. Bengaluru has seen an average housing rent inflation of 24%, with some areas even witnessing a 30% spike. This surge is primarily due to the reopening of offices, driving demand for properties around IT parks and office hubs.
- Rental inflation in India has surpassed that in Singapore and Dubai, with some city pockets experiencing rent increases of 30% or more.
- Demand-supply dynamics are crucial, with demand skyrocketing in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, while supply struggles to keep pace.
Lucrative despite challenges: The return of people to offices post-COVID and a supply-demand mismatch due to construction halts during the pandemic have fuelled rental inflation. With 86% of landlords considering purchasing a second property, the market remains lucrative, despite challenges in meeting supply demands.
📊 Today’s Poll
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Do you believe in Ayurveda?
- I believe in Ayurveda.
- I don’t believe in Ayurveda.
❓ Today’s Question
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Which is your favourite song?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Mythic Society’s Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project has established a GIS-based digital repository that includes at least 625 hero stones.
- The Bharatiya Samagana Sabha will host its annual classical music festival at Chowdiah Hall from February 22 to 25.
- In the 2024-2025 budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to extend the Bengaluru Metro to Tumakuru and Devanahalli.
- The government is preparing to host a two-day ‘Constitution & National Unity’ convention in Bengaluru from February 24.
- Bengaluru police are intensifying efforts to address vehicles with outstanding fines, cautioning violators to settle their dues.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!