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A design festival in the city
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Good morning, Bengaluru!

🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 29 ℃ | Low: 16 ℃ | A misty day.

🧐 Did you know? The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM B) was founded in the year 1973. It was the third IIM to be established in the country, after IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad.


🖼️ Designuru 4.0 Festival

(Image credit: Holy Cow Studio’s Facebook post)

IIID BRC is hosting Designuru 4.0 in Bengaluru.

What’s it about? The Indian Institute of Interior Designers Bangalore Regional Chapter (IIID BRC) is organising Designuru 4.0, a design festival, from January 19 to 25 at Rangoli Metro Boulevard. This event, aiming to bring design to the public, will feature talks, workshops, and live demonstrations by national award-winning artisans.

  • The festival will include exhibits of traditional crafts like Bidri work and Athangudi tiles.
  • Padma Shri awardee Bidri artist Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri will inaugurate the event.

Design accessibility: Designuru 4.0 emphasises making design accessible to all, reflecting the idea that good design enhances the quality of life and productivity. This event is a unique opportunity for the public to engage with various design aspects.


🗑️ Waste management plan

Bengaluru announces ₹300-crore solid waste management plan.

What’s it about? Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) has unveiled a comprehensive ₹300-crore action plan for improving the city’s solid waste management. This initiative is backed by both the state government and the 15th Finance Commission.

  • Key aspects include bio-mining at Mandur landfill and infrastructure development around Bagalur landfill.
  • The plan also allocates ₹100 crore for the development of villages near landfill sites.

Command centre: The strategy encompasses building a command control centre for waste management and establishing large waste transfer stations. This holistic approach aims to enhance Bengaluru’s waste management efficiency and environmental sustainability.


🏭 IBC’s Gigafactory plan

IBC raises $35 million for a Gigafactory in Bengaluru.

What’s it about? International Battery Company (IBC) has secured $35 million in funding to expand its manufacturing capabilities, including establishing a new Gigafactory in Bengaluru. The factory, set to start production by 2025, will cater to India’s growing demand for eco-friendly and advanced batteries.

  • The funding will also enhance IBC’s existing 50 MWh capacity plant, producing UN and BIS-certified battery cells.
  • IBC’s batteries are designed for the unique demands of the Indian market, such as high-temperature operation and fast charging.

Recyclable batteries: IBC’s approach integrates global R&D and production with a focus on sustainable, recyclable batteries. This strategic expansion aligns with India’s evolving EV market, especially in the small mobility sector.


🏢 Surge in Global Capability Centres

India sees a spike in Global Capability Centres and Bengaluru leads the way.

What’s it about? The latest Nasscom-Zinnov report reveals a significant increase in the establishment of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, with 21 new GCCs in the September quarter. This marks a notable rise from the previous two quarters.

  • Key locations for these new GCCs include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
  • The GCCs span across various functional areas, including ER&D, IT, and BPM.

The leader: The report also highlights Bengaluru as a prime destination for sales and marketing shared services centres. The growth in GCCs reflects India’s rising prominence in global business operations and the adoption of advanced technologies like AI in sales functions.


✨ Things to do…

Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!


🛋️ Local Lounge

Yesterday’s Poll Results:

  • I prefer wired earphones: 54.5% 🏆
  • I prefer wireless earphones: 45.5%

Answers to Yesterday’s Question:

Which music app do you use on your phone?

Arushi: “Apple Music”

Gagana: “Spotify”

That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!

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