Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 27 ℃ | Low: 17 ℃ | Partly cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? The BMTC’s last reported fleet strength is 6,340 buses.
🔥 Bioinnovation Centre burns
A fire erupted at the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC) causing extensive damage but resulting in no casualties.
What’s it about? The fire originated on the second floor due to improper management of flammable solvents in a laboratory. The blaze quickly spread through the building exacerbated by interconnected HVAC systems.
- Startups operating from the centre have reported damages estimated between ₹80 crore and ₹110 crore.
- The BBC itself incurred losses of approximately ₹42 crore.
Most affected: Companies such as Fermbox, Phyxx 44, Ajitha Prodrug, Galore Tx, Ikesia, and Immunitas have lost multiple labs. Others, including Atrimed Pharma, 4basecare, Anabio, Anava Bio, Pandorium, Oxonexe, Presude Lifesciences, and Zhichu also reported considerable losses.
🏥 Tata X IISc
The Tata Group and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have announced a partnership to establish the Tata IISc Medical School on IISc’s Bengaluru campus.
What’s it about? Supported by a ₹500 crore contribution from the Tata Group, this initiative aims to integrate clinical practice with advanced scientific research, focusing on specialisations such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, diabetes, infectious diseases, and public health.
- The medical school will offer integrated MD-PhD and dual-degree programs.
- Students will also receive interdisciplinary training across both the medical school and IISc’s science and engineering laboratories.
Combining sciences: The collaboration seeks to establish a unique model of clinical research and medical education in India by combining basic science and engineering with clinical science and practice.
🏢 Lacking approvals
A recent survey by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has revealed that approximately 66% of under-construction buildings in Bengaluru lack the necessary municipal plan approvals.
What’s it about? Out of 2,419 buildings surveyed, only 835 had obtained BBMP’s approval, while 1,584 were being constructed without any plan approvals. The status of ‘B’ khata properties, which are plots in unauthorised layouts, has been attributed as the cause for the large number of disparities.
- The BBMP does not issue building approvals for the ‘B’ khata properties, instead, they require approval from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).
- However, the BDA has yet to issue permissions for smaller plots, such as 30×40 or 40×60 sites, leading property owners to proceed with construction without the necessary approvals.
Owners warned: BBMP officials have warned that property owners who bypass the approval process will encounter difficulties when applying for khata, as such sites cannot be sold or processed for e-khata.
⚡ Six-hour power cut
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has scheduled a power outage in parts of the city today from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What’s it about? This six-hour interruption is necessary for the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) to perform essential maintenance at the 66/11KV Pottery Road station, aiming to enhance the reliability of the electrical grid and prevent future disruptions.
- The power supply will be affected in several areas including Nagenapalya, Old Baiyappanahalli, Satyanagar, Gajendranagar, S Kumar Layout, Andhra Bank Road, Cookson Road, Davis Road, Oil Mill Road, and Sadashiva Temple Road.
- In addition, ITC Main Road, Lewis Road, Krishnappa Garden, Raghavappa Garden, Jeevanhalli Park Road, Sri Dhariyam Eye Hospital, Heerachand Layout, Orion Mall, and Banasawadi Main Road, among others will also be affected.
Plan accordingly: Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions and plan accordingly to minimise inconvenience during the outage. BESCOM has assured that power will be restored promptly upon completion of the maintenance work.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you ever participated in a fire drill?
- I have participated in a fire drill.
- I have never participated in a fire drill.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which is your preferred hospital in the city?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Japan-based biopharmaceutical company Takeda has inaugurated its Innovation Capabilities Centre at the Bhartiya City IT Park.
- City-based startups Pixxel and Digantara launched satellites aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission from the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- UK’s Deputy High Commissioner Chandru Iyer celebrated Makar Sankranti by preparing ‘Ellu Bella’ with his team during a visit to Gandhi Bazaar.
- Bengaluru-Prayagraj flight costs were reported to be 41% higher than usual owing to the Kumbh Mela.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I drive to my workplace: 33.3%
- I do not drive to my workplace: 66.7% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!