Good morning, Bengaluru!
☀️ Today’s weather: High: 36 ℃ | Low: 21 ℃ | Mainly clear sky.
🧐 Did you know? There are 5,37,85,815 eligible voters in Karnataka for the Lok Sabha elections this time.
🛺 Tourist Autos
Bengaluru autorickshaws turn tour guides.
Theme-based tour: In an innovative move to boost tourism, Bengaluru’s auto drivers are launching ‘Tourist Auto’, a theme-based local tour service. Aimed at helping tourists navigate the city more effectively, these autos offer guided tours to showcase Bengaluru’s attractions.
- The service starts at landmarks like Vidhana Soudha and covers key spots including Bengaluru Palace and Cubbon Park, with fares starting at ₹100.
- Despite the lack of governmental support, the initiative has seen enthusiastic participation from drivers, aiding their income and promoting local tourism.
Specially-designed: The ‘Tourist Auto’ will feature culturally themed decorations to distinguish them from regular autos. Equipped with amenities such as water bottles, newspapers, and custom route maps, these autos are designed to enhance the tourist experience. The Adarsha Auto Union plans to roll out 50 such autos initially.
🛫 Bengaluru Airport sets records
Kempegowda International Airport hits new highs in traffic.
Busiest year: Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru reported its busiest year ever in the 2023-24 financial year, handling 37.53 million passengers and 439,524 metric tonnes of cargo. This marks significant growth in both passenger and cargo traffic compared to previous years.
- The airport served 32.86 million domestic and 4.67 million international passengers.
- It continues to lead in perishable cargo handling, maintaining the top position for the third year running.
Southern gateway: The surge in traffic was supported by the launch of Terminal 2 and the introduction of new routes, including international flights to Munich and Phuket and domestic flights to cities like Ayodhya. The airport’s strategic expansions and partnerships have further solidified its role as a central gateway to south and central India, with plans to continue enhancing connectivity and facilities.
🧑🏽 Migrant influence
Migrant demographics reshape Bengaluru politics.
Diverse demographic: Bengaluru, historically a melting pot due to continuous migration, sees profound political influences shaped by its diverse demographic. The influx, which began in the British era, has intensified with the IT boom, bringing a significant non-Kannada speaking populace that now plays a crucial role in local politics.
- The BJP has capitalized on this demographic shift, winning consistently in Bengaluru’s urban district and South constituencies since 1991.
- Migrants, particularly from North Karnataka and other states, tend to support the BJP due to language affinity and ideological alignment.
Competitive landscape: Despite the strong support for BJP, many migrants retain their voter registrations in their home states, which influences electoral dynamics. Other parties, like Congress, also actively engage with these communities, indicating a competitive political landscape influenced by Bengaluru’s evolving demographic profile.
💦 Combating heatwave impact on wildlife
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Operation Quench Thirst reactivates in Bengaluru.
What’s it about? In response to the severe heatwave affecting Karnataka, People for Animals (PFA) in Bengaluru has reintroduced Operation Quench Thirst to aid wildlife suffering from water scarcity. The initiative, first launched in 2019, is crucial as water sources in Thurahalli forest dry up, prompting wildlife to venture dangerously beyond their habitat.
- PFA has increased the number of water receptacles in the forest, adding ten new tubs to the existing eight.
- With the forest department’s permission, PFA’s team regularly refills these water sources using tankers, enhancing the survival prospects of local fauna.
Support needed: The scarcity of water has led to a reduction in available food, prompting PFA to distribute surplus vegetables and fruits near water points. They are also exploring additional ways to provide fodder. With only 7% of Bengaluru’s green cover remaining, there’s a pressing need for community support to sustain this wildlife conservation effort during the ongoing drought conditions.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you like pineapple on pizza?
- I like pineapple on pizza.
- I don’t like pineapple on pizza.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which is your favourite VIBGYOR colour?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Bengaluru traffic police have announced a series of traffic modifications in North Bengaluru starting April 17.
- Activists are holding the BWSSB and the Ground Water Authority responsible for the water crisis in Bengaluru.
- Many first-time Gen Z voters in Bengaluru appear to have limited knowledge about their constituencies and the candidates running.
- The KR Puram up-ramp at Hebbal flyover will be closed to all vehicles except two-wheelers.
- Boson WhiteWater’s innovative solution is a lifeline for Bengaluru’s water crisis.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I am planning to vote this time: 93.3% 🏆
- I’m not planning to vote this time: 6.7%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!