Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: High: 36 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | Partly cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? Since its inception in 1996, the Infosys Foundation has been dedicated to funding initiatives in education, rural development, healthcare, arts and culture, and care for the destitute.
📽️ PVR INOX launches largest cinema in South India
PVR INOX inaugurates a 14-screen Megaplex at Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia, introducing three premium formats and strengthening its presence in South India.
What’s it about? The new cinema introduces the first MX4D immersive 4D movie experience and ScreenX, a 270-degree cinema viewing experience, in South India. The Megaplex also features PVR INOX’s luxury format, Insignia, among other state-of-the-art amenities.
- The new cinema increases PVR INOX’s footprint in Bengaluru to 172 screens across 26 cinemas and in Karnataka to 219 screens across 37 cinemas.
- The Megaplex offers a seating capacity of 1,997 and is equipped with 4K laser projection, Dolby Atmos surround sound, and Volfoni 3D screens.
Experiential cinema: Ajay Bijli, Managing Director of PVR INOX Limited, emphasized the importance of the Southern region and the company’s strategy to make cinemas more experiential.
⚡ Heatwave impacts Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries
Rising temperatures in Bengaluru lead to increased electricity consumption, reducing the number of beneficiaries under the Gruha Jyothi scheme.
What’s it about? The scorching heat in Bengaluru has resulted in higher electricity bills, with many consumers seeing a rise of at least 50 units in their consumption over the last two months. Data from the Energy Department reveals a decrease in the number of beneficiaries of the Gruha Jyothi scheme in the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company’s Bengaluru Metropolitan Area Zone, with 50,142 fewer households benefiting in February 2024 compared to January 2024.
- The Gruha Jyothi scheme provides zero electricity bills for consumers using up to 200 units of electricity.
- Increased usage of fans and air conditioners due to the heat has pushed some consumers beyond the 200-unit threshold.
Rise in demand: Electricity demand in the Bescom region is expected to rise to 8,500 MW in April and May 2024.
🥻 Tribute to Bengaluru’s textile artisans
Artist Archana Hande’s exhibition “Weaving Light” blends light and shadow to celebrate the story of Bengaluru’s textile artisans.
What’s it about? In her two-part show, Archana Hande uses a timer light to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, transforming Jacquard cards into luminous bricks that cast intricate patterns. This installation serves as a homage to the textile artisans who have migrated to Bengaluru, weaving their hopes for a brighter future into the fabric of the city.
- Archana has been researching Jacquard weaving in Bengaluru for over two decades, with a focus on the tradition since 2009.
- The installation reflects the evolution of textile production from handcrafted to digital, set against the backdrop of Bengaluru’s changing landscape.
More plans: Archana plans to expand “Weaving Light” with two more variations, continuing her exploration of traditional Indian crafts and their adaptation over time.
🥷 Infosys Foundation boosts cybercrime fight
Infosys Foundation partners with CID Karnataka and DSCI to enhance cybercrime investigation with a ₹33 crore grant.
What’s it about? The Infosys Foundation has renewed its collaboration with the CID of Karnataka and the Data Security Council of India to strengthen the Centre for Cyber Crime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) in Bengaluru. The partnership aims to improve the Karnataka police’s capabilities in cybercrime prosecution through training, research, and development of indigenous cyber forensics solutions.
- The new MoU extends the collaboration for four more years, building on the initial partnership established in 2018.
- CCITR’s initiatives have expanded to include training for other stakeholders in the criminal justice system, such as prosecutors and the judiciary.
Digital forensics: The joint initiative will focus on capacity building, research in digital forensics, and fostering entrepreneurship for developing cyber forensics products.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Catch the IPL action live under the stars at Off The Grid Glamps.
- Go to a pool party at the Under the Sky – Sundowner.
- Celebrate Nepali New Year at the Bamey’s Gastro Bar.
- Attend a standup comedy special about therapy at Rajashekhar Mamidanna’s Thoughts and Feelings show.
- Challenge your brain at Hebbal Social’s Pub Quiz ft. 4Edge Quizzing.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have taken a bike taxi: 45.5%
- I haven’t taken a bike taxi: 54.5% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!