Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: High: 37 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | Partly cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? The Wonderla Amusement Park in Bengaluru has 61 thrill-packed rides spread across 82 acres. Over 7.5 million people have visited the park since its opening in 2005.
⛆ Karnataka’s rainfall deficiency
Karnataka experienced deficient rainfall in the first quarter of 2024, with a departure of -34% from normal levels.
What’s it about? The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) reports that the state received only 9 mm of rainfall from January to April 2024, against the normal expected 14 mm.
- South-interior and north-interior Karnataka faced significant deficiencies of -68% and -82% respectively.
- The Malnad and coastal regions received more than the normal levels.
Not alarming: The normal rainfall for January to March in Karnataka is minimal, with an expected total of around 10-12 mm. Experts suggest that the rainfall deficiency is not alarming, but the rise in temperatures above normal is a concern.
🤖 IBM-Microsoft Experience Zone
IBM Consulting and Microsoft unveiled the IBM-Microsoft Experience Zone in Bengaluru, a collaborative space to explore AI and cloud technologies.
Platform to co-create: The newly launched IBM-Microsoft Experience Zone in Bengaluru provides a platform for clients worldwide to explore and co-create solutions using generative AI, hybrid cloud, and other Microsoft technologies. This initiative aims to accelerate business transformation and offer strategic advantages.
- The Experience Zone features various technology stations where clients can work with IBM Consulting to develop solutions leveraging Azure OpenAI Service, Copilot, and more.
- Clients can explore business solutions for cloud modernization, data and analytics, CRM, employee experience, finance, IoT, and emerging technologies like AR and VR.
Significant collab: The IBM-Microsoft Experience Zone represents a significant collaboration between two tech giants, providing a space for innovation and co-creation in generative AI and cloud technologies. This initiative is poised to help businesses transform and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries.
🚓 Dashcams in patrol vehicles
Bengaluru City Police initiates the installation of dashcams in Hoysala patrol vehicles to enhance transparency and accountability.
What’s it about? The Bengaluru City Police are taking steps to increase accountability and transparency in their patrolling system by installing dashboard cameras (dashcams) in all Hoysala patrol vehicles.
- In the first phase, dashcams will be installed in 241 Hoysala vehicles, with plans to extend the installation to vehicles of Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Police Inspectors.
- Real-time recording of events during patrols will offer valuable evidence for investigations and improve public safety.
Rank upgrade: This move follows a recent upgrade in the patrolling officer’s rank from head constable to assistant sub-inspector, which also includes equipping the vehicle with a service revolver.
🏘️ Prestige Group’s new venture in Whitefield
Prestige Group acquires 21 acres in Bengaluru’s Whitefield for ₹450 crore, planning a residential project with a projected revenue of ₹4,500 crore.
Around 1,800 apartments: Prestige Group, a leading real estate firm, has announced the acquisition of a 21-acre land parcel in Whitefield, Bengaluru, for ₹450 crore. The company intends to develop a residential project covering 4 million square feet of developable area, which will include approximately 1,800 apartments.
- Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, highlighted the strategic location of the land in a major IT corridor, projecting a Gross Development Value (GDV) of ₹4,500 crore.
- Venkat K Narayana, Group CEO, mentioned that the project aims to strengthen the company’s sales in its home market, with plans to launch the project within the next three quarters and complete it in four years.
Poised for growth: Prestige Group’s acquisition in Whitefield marks a significant expansion in one of Bengaluru’s key IT corridors. With a diverse business model and a strong track record of completed projects, the company is poised for further growth in the residential segment.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Experience a blend of music and storytelling at the premiere of “Musical Tales: Sounds of Nation”.
- Attend the MAHE B’LRU Open House to learn about the programs and offerings at the institute.
- Sing Tamil songs out loud with others at the Motta Maadi Music – Unplugged show.
- Take your children to the larger-than-life literature, visual and performing arts experience at the Kukdukoo Fest.
- Enjoy an evening of laughter at the Ashwin Srinivas Live standup comedy show.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I keep track of all my daily expenses: 45.5%
- I don’t keep track of all my daily expenses: 54.5% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!