Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 31 ℃ | Low: 17 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? On July 11, 1996, the first Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) outlet began operations at Brigade Road, Bengaluru.
🏢 Breakthrough in smart window technology
Bengaluru’s CeNS develops an innovative transparent battery for energy-storing windows.
What’s it about? Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have created a pioneering battery that can transform glass windows into energy storage devices, blending functionality with aesthetics. This high-performance aqueous transparent battery, capable of colour modulation, is designed to integrate seamlessly into smart windows, offering both energy storage and privacy features.
- The battery remains transparent during the day, allowing sunlight in while storing energy, and turns dark blue at night, powering electronic devices and ensuring privacy.
- Utilizing aluminium-ion technology, the battery combines electrochromic tungsten oxide and aluminium, demonstrating charging and discharging through colour changes.
Cost-effective solution: This advancement not only elevates the safety and cost-effectiveness of smart windows but also promises easy commercialisation, bringing a new era in smart building technologies.
🚘 GNSS-based toll on Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway
The Union government plans a pilot project for advanced GNSS-based toll collection on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway.
What’s it about? The Union government, led by Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, is set to launch a pilot project for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based toll collection system on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. This initiative aims to leverage GNSS technology for barrier-less tolling, ensuring a more efficient and seamless travel experience by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop for toll payments.
- The GNSS system will enable precise vehicle tracking on highways, calculating tolls based on the distance traveled, a move away from the Fastag system implemented in 2016.
- This technology promises to streamline toll collection by photographing vehicle registration plates and charging tolls for the exact highway distance covered.
Efficient travel: With the government’s focus on modernising India’s toll collection methods, this pilot project is a significant step towards enhancing road travel efficiency and convenience.
🎻 Ramanavami Music Festival legacy
The historic Ramanavami Global Music Festival in Bengaluru, initiated in 1939, continues to celebrate Indian classical music.
What’s it about? The Ramanavami Global Music Festival, a venerable celebration of Indian classical music held in Chamarajapet, Bengaluru, marks its 86th year with a rich history of promoting and preserving the genre. Originating from a modest fund collected for Holi by SV Narayanaswamy Rao, the festival has grown into an iconic event, receiving patronage from notable figures over the decades, including the Maharaja of Mysore and eminent political leaders.
- Despite challenges, including the pandemic, the festival adapted by hosting online concerts, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to continuity.
- A platform for both legendary and emerging artists, the festival has hosted numerous renowned musicians like MS Subbulakshmi, and continues to be a coveted stage for performers.
Making classical music accessible: This annual event not only aims to take Indian classical music to the masses but also serves as a nurturing ground for young talents, reflecting the founder’s vision of making high-quality music accessible to all.
🚦 Japanese tech to tackle traffic
Bengaluru implements Japan’s MODERATO technology in its area traffic control system to ease congestion.
What’s it about? Bengaluru is taking a significant step towards mitigating its notorious traffic congestion by introducing the area traffic control system (ATCS) featuring Japan’s ‘MODERATO’ technology. This advanced system, activated at the junction of Kensington Road and Murphy Road near Ulsoor, aims to dynamically adjust traffic signals based on real-time vehicle density, moving away from fixed signal timings.
- The ATCS, set to cover 28 key junctions by March 2024, promises to streamline traffic flow across major city corridors.
- Managed by Bengaluru traffic police, the system allows for manual intervention to prioritise emergency and VIP vehicles, showcasing a blend of automation and control.
Benefits of this tech: Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency for ₹72 crore, this initiative, executed by Nagoya Electric Works Company Limited, not only aims to reduce traffic queues by 30% but also increase the average travel speed.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you eat food using your fingers or spoons?
- I eat food using my fingers.
- I eat food using spoons.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which is the most comfortable furniture in your home?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Mythic Society is dedicated to digitally preserving Bengaluru’s ancient inscriptions to safeguard them for future generations.
- Read about the evolution of weather forecasting in Bengaluru.
- The Indian Davis Cup team was honoured at the Bengaluru Open 2024’s opening at KSLTA Stadium for their recent win against Pakistan.
- BMTC is seeking bids to buy up to 820 diesel buses to enhance its fleet and operations.
- MillerKnoll has launched India’s largest showroom in Bengaluru.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have a piped gas connection at home: 37.5%
- I don’t have a piped gas connection at home: 62.5% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Where were you when India won the 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup?
Sriranga: “Was in high school, and our entire family saw the match. Can never forget those moments when Team India lifted the trophy.”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!