Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 28 ℃ | Low: 16 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? Bengaluru produces about 60% of India’s machine tools by value.
💫 Comic Con concludes
The Bengaluru Comic Con 2025, held over two days at the KTPO Convention Centre in Whitefield, concluded with a vibrant celebration of pop culture, bringing together enthusiasts of comics, manga, anime, and superhero films.
What’s it about? The event featured an impressive lineup of artists, including Jonathan Kunz, co-creator of “War and Peas”, and Yanick Paquette, known for his work with DC Comics. Indian creators such as Sumit Kumar, founder of Bakarmax, also showcased their work, highlighting the rich tapestry of local talent.
- The event featured an 80,000 sq ft gaming arena, hosting daily tournaments, LAN Esports finals, and meet-and-greet sessions with India’s top gaming content creators.
- Cosplay enthusiasts also added colour to the convention, with participants embodying characters from various realms of pop culture, including comic books, graphic novels, movies, TV shows, animation, anime, manga, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming.
Event’s expansion: Following the success in Bengaluru, Comic Con India is set to make its debut in Chennai on February 8 and 9 at the Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakam with the organisers sensing a growing popularity of pop culture conventions across India.
📜 NMIMS’ AI guidelines
NMIMS Bengaluru has introduced a comprehensive framework encompassing Generative Artificial Intelligence, social media, and sustainability to promote ethical practices and environmental responsibility within its academic, research, and administrative domains.
What’s it about? The institution’s Gen AI policy permits students, educators, and administrators to responsibly harness AI’s transformative capabilities provided they uphold ethical use, academic integrity, and data protection.
- The institution has implemented robust systems to support these initiatives, including training workshops, centralised resources, and forums for open dialogue to foster a culture of responsible engagement.
- The guidelines also included a ‘sustainability’ oath to promote responsible utilisation of AI resources while being mindful of their environmental impact.
Social media policy: The institute’s newly unveiled Social Media Policy encourages careful and polite interaction on digital media platforms recognising them as an important instrument for communication, learning, and professional networking.
🚂 New Terminal
The Indian Railways has announced plans to develop a new terminal at the Devanahalli Railway Station to alleviate congestion at existing city railway stations.
What’s it about? This development is part of the broader Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, specifically the Sampige Line (Corridor-1), which extends from KSR Bengaluru to Devanahalli, including a branch line to the airport.
- The Sampige Line is planned to be constructed in two phases, the C1A Section from KSR Bengaluru to Yelahanka Junction and the C1B Section from Yelahanka Junction to Devanahalli, with a branch line to the airport.
- The entire line is expected to be operational by June 2029, featuring both elevated and at-grade tracks.
For decongestion: The establishment of the Devanahalli terminal is anticipated to decongest major stations like KSR Bengaluru and Yeshvantpur, improving operational efficiency and passenger experience. By providing an alternative boarding and deboarding point, the new terminal will distribute passenger traffic more evenly across the network.
🛺 E-ricks distributed
United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), in collaboration with GE Aerospace, has launched an initiative to empower marginalised women by providing them with electric auto-rickshaws.
What’s it about? The programme was announced at the Office of the Commissioner of Police in the presence of Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner, B Dayananda, IPS. The program aims to enhance women’s livelihoods by enabling them to earn a sustainable income through eco-friendly transportation services.
- The programme is also supported by ‘Parihar’, the Bengaluru City Commissioner’s Office’s social initiative.
- The programme will also include training to equip the selected women with the skills needed to operate e-autos and partner with cab aggregators.
Smartphone included: Each e-auto is also fitted with a smartphone to efficiently manage ride requests through aggregator apps.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Did you attend the Comic Con?
- I attended the Comic Con.
- I did not attend the Comic Con.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
How do you use generative AI platforms in your daily life?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- FlixBus has expanded its travel offerings with new routes connecting Bengaluru to Goa and Alleppey.
- A retired Air Force officer’s rescue resulted in the suspension of Green Line services for 25 minutes.
- The Radisson Blu Hotel at Outer Ring Road became the first property in Radisson Hotel Group’s worldwide portfolio to achieve the LEED Net Zero Carbon Certification.
- A KSRTC bus overturned on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway resulting in 25 injuries.
- Several Dalit and Adivasi student groups came together to demand the enactment of the Rohith Act in the state for safeguards against casteism on campuses.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I am a meat eater: 50.0% 🏆
- I am not a meat eater: 50.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!