Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 32 ℃ | Low: 20 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) was established on January 6, 1976.
🐍 Breakthrough in snakebite treatment
Scientists at IISc developed a synthetic human antibody that neutralises neurotoxins from deadly snakes.
What’s it about? Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Scripps Research Institute have created an antibody that targets a major toxin in the venom of Elapidae family snakes, including cobras and black mambas. This development offers a safer and more effective alternative to traditional antivenom methods.
- The new antibody binds to the three-finger toxin (3FTx) found in elapid venom, showing efficacy against multiple snake species. In animal tests, the antibody significantly outperformed conventional antivenom, providing protection even when administered after venom exposure.
- The use of human-derived cell lines for the antibody eliminates the need for animal harm and reduces side effects associated with current antivenom treatments.
Antibody cocktail: This breakthrough paves the way for a universal antivenom that could neutralise venoms from various snakes worldwide. Researchers aim to develop a cocktail of synthetic antibodies for pan-India use and eventually take it to human clinical trials.
💃🏻 Svadhyaya Dance Festival
Citsabha Collective plans to host a dance festival named Svadhyaya, focusing on self-study and excellence in dance.
What’s it about? Founded by Kuchipudi dancer Srividya Angara Sinha, Svadhyaya is the second festival organised by Citsabha Collective, following a percussion festival in 2019. The festival will feature a jugalbandhi by Srividya and Odissi dancer Shubha Nagarana, showcasing a choreography based on Adi Shankara’s Meenakshi Pancharatna. Other performances include a Bharatanrityam-Kathak jugalbandhi and a solo Bharatanatyam recital.
- The festival will also honour Sowmya and Sanak Athreya for their work in therapy for special children through Carnatic music with their organisation, Svarakshema Foundation.
- Srividya Angara Sinha is a gold medalist in Kuchipudi and an A-grade artist with Doordarshan, currently learning from Jaikishore Mosalikanti.
Government support: Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and NMDC, Svadhyaya aims to provide a platform for artists dedicated to excellence in their field. The event is scheduled for February 25 at Seva Sadan, Malleswaram, and is open to all.
💧 Water woes in Bengaluru
Bengaluru residents face reduced water supply and low pressure amid drought concerns.
What’s it about? Several areas, including Hebbal, Banaswadi, and JC Nagar, report a decline in Cauvery water frequency from once every two days to once every five days. Residents express concerns over erratic supply patterns and insufficient water pressure, impacting daily water needs.
- In Munireddy Palya and Subbanapalya, the water supply duration has been shortened, with supply hours reduced to 45-50 minutes.
- The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) denies claims of reduced supply, attributing the situation to excessive consumption by some households and drying borewells.
A crisis brewing? As summer approaches, residents worry about a potential water crisis, with poor water supply and depleting borewells exacerbating the situation. Despite BWSSB assurances, the community calls for effective measures to ensure adequate water availability.
🗑️ New landfill site
BBMP acquires gomala land at Byappanahalli for landfill to address garbage disposal crisis.
What’s it about? Bengaluru Urban district deputy commissioner has handed over a piece of land to BBMP to set up a landfill, providing temporary relief amid a garbage disposal crisis. The decision comes after residents near the Bellahalli landfill blocked waste compactors, demanding an end to mixed waste dumping.
- The new landfill site, located in Byappanahalli village, measures 2 acres and 32 guntas and features a deep quarry for dumping mixed waste.
- BBMP plans to ready the Byappanahalli landfill within six days and aims to dump mixed waste there scientifically.
More in the pipeline: The government is also proposing to acquire at least 100 acres of land on the outskirts of Bengaluru to create waste-processing units.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Catch Bengaluru FC take on Hyderabad FC at the Kanteerava Stadium this Saturday.
- Immerse yourself in divine melodies at the Kashi Svara Shankara event this weekend.
- Groove to the dance beats at the Anjunadeep Open Air event at UB City this Saturday.
- Laugh along with Ravi Gupta at his Kal Ki Chinta Nahi Karta standup comedy show this Sunday.
- Watch four vignettes of human behaviour at The Good Doctor play this Sunday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- Bengaluru is a safe city for women: 53.8% 🏆
- Bengaluru isn’t a safe city for women: 46.2%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Which actor would you want to play the lead in your biopic?
Himanshu: “Dhanush”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!