Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: Foggy in the morning.
🧐 Did you know? Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar (born 24 March 1992) is the current “Maharaja of Mysore”. He was installed as the Maharaja in a private ceremony in 2015.
🚕 viaDOTS expansion
viaDOTS aims to revolutionise Bengaluru’s taxi industry.
What’s it about? viaDOTS, a Bengaluru-based ride-hailing startup, is on a mission to onboard 50,000 taxi drivers by early 2024, already having recruited 5,000 in two months.
- The company offers a unique fare structure without surge pricing, ranging from Rs 18/Km for mini cars to Rs 40/Km for premium vehicles.
- This driver-centric approach positions the drivers as business owners and promises a more equitable model in the ride-hailing sector.
Changing the landscape: CEO Vyshak Simha’s vision includes creating personalised taxi experiences and fostering a sense of ownership among drivers, aiming to significantly impact Bengaluru’s transportation landscape.
🤖 Accenture’s Generative AI Studio
Accenture launches Generative AI Studio in Bengaluru.
What’s it about? Accenture inaugurated a Generative AI Studio in Bengaluru, part of a $3 billion investment in data and AI. The studio, within Accenture’s Innovation Hub, offers advanced AI services like “switchboard,” customization, model management, and training.
- The studio merges talent and technology, focusing on generative AI capabilities.
- Accenture notes a trend of growing AI investments among executives.
From India to the world: The studio will enable global clients to scale AI investments, blending generative AI with industry expertise.
💧 Crisis in groundwater levels
Groundwater levels drop significantly in Bengaluru’s taluks.
What’s it about? A report by the Karnataka Groundwater Directorate shows a drastic decline in groundwater levels in eight out of nine taluks in Bengaluru’s urban and rural districts compared to last year. Rapid urbanisation, improper soil ecology management, chemical-intensive agriculture, and unregulated groundwater exploitation are cited as major causes. The Karnataka Water Policy 2022, aimed at managing and rejuvenating groundwater, is yet to be effectively implemented.
- Groundwater now lies at 20-30 meters below ground in most taluks.
- Experts call for a shift from supply-based to demand management approach in water conservation.
More needs to be done: The report underscores the urgent need for effective groundwater management in Karnataka. The focus is on implementing policies that prioritise groundwater rejuvenation and sustainable use, alongside raising awareness about the importance of conservation and the impact of current practices.
🌡️ Cooler Days, Warmer Nights
Bengaluru experiences unusual weather patterns with cooler days and warmer nights.
What’s it about? Bengaluru’s weather changed, with the maximum temperature dropping to 23.6°C, three degrees below normal, and the minimum temperature rising to 19°C, above the average. This variation, caused by the northeast monsoon and a cyclonic circulation in the Comorin area, has led to warmer nights and cooler days.
- Reduced sunlight and strong winds affected the city’s temperature.
- The weather is expected to shift again, with milder winter temperatures predicted.
Forecast: The IMD forecasts a mild winter for Bengaluru, with no extreme cold. Precautions are advised for vulnerable populations.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you iron your clothes yourself?
- I iron my clothes myself.
- I don’t iron my clothes myself.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s the most expensive item of clothing you own?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Masks are mandatory in Bengaluru for individuals above 60 due to concerns over the JN.1 Covid subvariant.
- Street vendors in Bengaluru have called on the BBMP to conduct a survey for issuing new ID cards.
- Students are requesting basic amenities at Maharani Cluster University in Bengaluru.
- The Vande Bharat Express service between Bengaluru and Coimbatore is slated to be launched by the end of December.
- The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) in Bengaluru will host the Urban ARC research conference starting January 11.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I know how to skate: 25.0%
- I don’t know how to skate: 75.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!