Good morning, Bengaluru!
š§ļø Today’s weather: High: 33 ā | Low: 23 ā | Partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
š§ Did you know? The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) which owns the Nandini brand was founded in 1974 as Karnataka Dairy Development Corporation. It was renamed as KMF in 1984.
š Diplomats rally for LGBT+ rights
Diplomats from seven countries gathered in Bengaluru to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), advocating for LGBT+ rights.
Event details: On May 16, diplomats from the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, and Israel assembled at Cubbon Parkās State Central Library, displaying pride flags and chanting āLove is loveā in various languages. The IDAHOBIT theme, “No One Left Behind: Equality, freedom, and justice for all,” underscores the importance of universal human rights for the LGBT+ community.
- On May 17, the British Deputy High Commission and other diplomatic missions in Bengaluru will use social media to highlight LGBT rights and past engagement efforts.
- The initiative reflects a broader commitment to fostering a society free from violence, discrimination, and stigma based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
Ongoing support: Diplomatic missions in Bengaluru have actively participated in LGBT+ advocacy, including joining the Namma Pride march in November 2023 and the Workplace Pride Conference in March 2024. These efforts aim to promote inclusivity and equal participation for all individuals in society, emphasising the global commitment to LGBT+ rights and engagement.
š Nandini sponsors Scotland’s T20 jersey
The Scotland cricket team has unveiled its new ICC T20 World Cup jersey featuring Karnataka Milk Federationās (KMF) Nandini logo.
Sponsorship details: Unveiled in Edinburgh, the jersey showcases the Nandini logo in both English and Kannada on the leading arm. Nandini is sponsoring the Scotland and Ireland teams for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on June 2 in the West Indies and the USA.
- KMF officials revealed that the sponsorship amounts to around ā¹2.5 crore per team.
- Additionally, KMF plans to launch Nandini Splash, a whey-based energy drink, in the US during the tournament.
Strategic partnership: KMF Managing Director M K Jagadish emphasized the partnership’s role in promoting Nandini as a global brand, reflecting the brandās values of excellence and purity. The collaboration aims to reach a global audience of cricket lovers and strengthen Nandiniās international presence.
šŖµ 32,572 trees to be felled for rail project
The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP) will require the felling of 32,572 trees, according to details released by Railway Infrastructure Development Company Karnataka (K-RIDE).
Project impact: K-RIDEās social and environmental impact assessment report for the 149-km suburban railway project reveals that nearly 55% of the trees to be felled are located in Akkupet, near Devanahalli, where a train maintenance depot will be situated. Most of the trees in Akkupet are eucalyptus and acacia, considered undesirable due to their side effects. The remaining trees are spread across various locations, with 13,996 within BBMP limits and 18,576 outside city limits.
- K-RIDE has deposited ā¹8.07 crore with BBMP for compensatory afforestation, aiming to plant 22,760 trees.
- So far, 2,098 trees have been permitted for felling, and 178 for transplantation by BBMP.
Environmental measures: K-RIDE emphasized that tree-cutting permissions are strictly monitored by BBMP’s Tree Expert Committee (TEC) and are granted only after physical inspection. The BBMP is responsible for maintaining the saplings, with 59 trees already transplanted. The BSRP, expected to transport approximately 9.84 lakh people once completed, will include four corridors and 58 stations.
š„» Bengaluru Dastkar Bazaar 2024
The Bengaluru Dastkar Bazaar 2024, which began on May 15 and runs until May 21, showcases traditional crafts from over 25 states, featuring 160 craft groups at Jayamahal Palace Hotel.
Event highlights: With 40% of the groups participating for the first time, the bazaar offers a variety of handcrafted items including textiles, jewellery, home dƩcor, furnishings, accessories, and wellness products. Crafts featured include Madhubani paintings, dogra work, and pattachitra. The event also includes cultural performances, craft demonstrations, and workshops, with award-winning artisans like Mohammad Dilshad (Chanderi), Narsingh Das (Meenakari), and Chaman Siju (Khadi) showcasing their work.
- The bazaar features a wide array of crafts from different regions of India, such as phad painting, Banarasi weaving, leather puppet painting, and kantha embroidery.
- Bengaluru is chosen as the venue due to its residents’ appreciation for traditional crafts and patience during purchases.
Dastkar’s mission: Established in 1981, Dastkar focuses on uplifting traditional Indian craftspeople, especially women and rural artisans. They collaborate with various agencies to support and promote craft groups. Shelly Jain, Head of Programs and Personnel at Dastkar, shared her long-standing dedication to the craft world, emphasizing the satisfaction and motivation derived from her work.
- The Bazaar is pet-friendly and open to the public from 11 am to 7 pm, with free entry for all.
āØ Things to doā¦
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Catch ‘The Wanted’, a British-Irish boy band, live at Street1522 this Sunday.
- Join Bangalore Reads Books, a group for bibliophiles, at The Nexus Mall this Sunday.
- Watch bikes and cars zoom past at the Vroom Drag Meet 10th Edition this weekend at Hosur.
- Laugh at the funny jokes and impressions by Badava Gopi at his Gopi Funchurian stand-up and mimicry show this Sunday.
- Show your skills at the first-ever Jigsaw Puzzle Championship this Sunday.
šļø Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I like soft drinks: 11.1%
- I like fresh juice: 88.9% š
Thatās it for today. Have a great weekend!