Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌦️ Today’s weather: Thundershowers and light winds.
🧐 Did you know? Until 2022, the Bengaluru Police were often informally called the Blackberry Boys. Back when the smartphone brand was popular, the Bengaluru City Police were one of the few Indian police departments to use them.
📖 Book Review: Dream Weaver
A new book about weaver birds and their nesting was recently launched at the Raj Bhavan.
Story so far: Recently, Karnataka’s Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot launched veteran photographer S Eshwar’s book titled Dream Weaver at the Raj Bhavan. It is a visually captivating story about the daily challenges weaver birds face while attempting to construct the perfect nest.
- Renowned wildlife photographers Krupakar Senani and S Thippeswamy praised the book for its insightful portrayal of nature.
- Eshwar learned valuable lessons from weaver birds, realising that all creatures, including humans, share in common the struggle for necessities like food, water, and shelter.
Behind the scenes: During a 10-day shoot, Eshwar encountered various challenges. The main obstacle was photographing the weaver birds without disrupting their nest-building. He had to be observant and agile to track their elusive behaviour.
- Eshwar also had to ensure that his activities did not disturb the nearby villagers and farmers’ routines.
💸 HCL Foundation’s social responsibility
HCL Foundation has invested crores into diverse projects aimed at transforming rural India.
Story so far: When the Companies Act came into being in 2013, it spawned a mass influx of investment into social development by corporates. On Tuesday, the HCL Foundation (HCLF), HCL Tech’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, held a symposium to inform NGOs of this year’s edition of the HCLTech Grant.
- Three winners will be awarded a ₹5 crore commitment for a four-year project. The other two finalists in each category will receive a grant of ₹25 lakh for a one-year project.
- In the last 12 years, HCL Foundation has infused ₹1,137 crore in various CSR activities. They will continue to fund projects that prioritise developing rural India.
Why it matters? Several projects, initially just ideas, are now integrated into India’s governance. Dr Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President at Global CSR, HCL Foundation highlighted that previous grant editions have already positively affected 18,20,752 people, and these projects have had multiplier effects.
🪧 Case against Sankey protestors dropped
The police have submitted their closure report of the FIR against Sankey Flyover protestors.
Story so far: The Halasuru Gate police closed a case against over 70 citizens who protested against the Sankey Road flyover and road widening project in Bengaluru. On February 19, the citizens had been charged under IPC sections related to wrongful confinement, unlawful assembly, and obstruction. Before this, the Karnataka High Court halted the criminal investigation.
- The protestors expressed hope that the new government will back their protests and bring an end to unscientific road infrastructure and decongestion projects.
- They suggested re-evaluating the 2021 order that had imposed a ban on protests outside Freedom Park.
Tell me more? Around 69 citizens’ groups had extended their support to the Sankey Flyover protestors. When the FIR had been lodged against them, the group had expressed disbelief that a peaceful walk around a lake by community residents could be considered a crime.
🚘 Vintage cars at Lulu Mall
Lulu Retro Wheels transported visitors back in time with a captivating line-up of vintage cars.
Story so far: For many people, cars are their first passion. Their first, fledgling experience of one-sided devotion. For those fascinated by old-school engineering and vintage aesthetics, the Lulu Retro Wheels three-day display at Lulu Mall was a sight to behold. It included classic cars from Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car Club.
- The South Atrium of Lulu Mall showcased unique models like the 1948 Humber Pullman, 1948 Buick Roadmaster, and the last remaining 1975 Lancia Beta HPE and 1950 Ford Pickup in the country.
- The 1950 Ford Pickup, previously owned by the Rani of Pratapner State, played a vital role in agriculture. Christopher Rodricks restored and presented it at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’elegance in Baroda.
Any modifications? The 1955 Dodge Kingsway Custom was preserved in its original condition, while SV Subramanya Gupta’s 1948 Humber Pullman featured a unique ‘Boa Constrictor’ horn from the past.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you ever used a Blackberry?
- Yes, I’ve used a Blackberry device.
- No, I haven’t used a Blackberry device.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What is your favourite thing about your home?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- ISRO’s former chief says new partnerships are powering India’s space aspirations.
- Thunderstorms will last four more days in Bengaluru.
- December 2024 is the deadline for the restoration of Bellandur Lake.
- Centre rejects Karnataka’s proposal to de-reserve forest land to house families affected by the Sharavathi project.
- Bengaluru needs stormwater drains worth ₹2,800 crore says the Knight Frank report.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I’ve visited the Nehru Planetarium: 63.6% 🏆
- I haven’t visited the Nehru Planetarium: 36.4%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!