Good morning, Bengaluru!
☀️ Today’s weather: High: 27 ℃ | Low: 15 ℃ | Fog/mist in the morning and mainly clear sky later.
🧐 Did you know? Infosys currently has over 3 lakh employees.
🦠 HMPV detected
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru.
What’s it about? The cases, involving a 3-month-old female infant and an 8-month-old male infant, were detected at Baptist Hospital as part of ICMR’s routine surveillance for respiratory pathogens.
- The Union Health Ministry has emphasised that India is well-prepared to manage respiratory illnesses, with surveillance systems indicating no unusual rise in cases.
- A joint monitoring group meeting was also recently convened to review reports of respiratory illnesses, particularly in the context of the surge in China.
About HMPV: HMPV, discovered in 2001, is recognised as a significant cause of respiratory tract infections. It primarily affects children under five, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. The virus spreads through person-to-person contact or contaminated surfaces.
✈️ Aero India dates
The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest airshow, will be held at the Yelahanka airbase from February 10 to 14.
What’s it about? Organised by the Defence Ministry, the event will focus on fostering new partnerships and expediting indigenisation in the aerospace sector under the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”.
- The event aims to provide a platform for collaboration between Indian and foreign firms and explore global value chain opportunities to accelerate domestic manufacturing.
- As part of the event, India will host the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on the theme “BRIDGE – Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement”.
Two years back: Aero India 2023 witnessed significant success, attracting over seven lakh visitors, 809 exhibitors, and dignitaries from 98 countries. The event facilitated more than 250 partnerships and technology transfers valued at ₹75,000 crore, involving businesses, investors, start-ups, and MSMEs. The Defence Ministry expects the 2025 edition to surpass these achievements in scale, scope, and grandeur.
🚇 Metro hike
For the first time in nearly eight years, Namma Metro commuters will face a significant fare hike, with ticket prices set to rise by 40-45%.
What’s it about? The fare revision follows recommendations from a government-appointed fare fixation committee, which analysed various factors, including public feedback sought in October 2024. The final report was submitted to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) board, which is expected to approve the proposal on January 17.
- The revised fare structure proposes a base fare increase to ₹15 and a maximum fare of ₹85, up from the current ₹60.
- The new fares are anticipated to take effect by the end of January 2025, as per the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002.
Discounts offered: To mitigate the impact on passengers, discounts will be provided during off-peak hours and Sundays. Additionally, existing discounts of 5% for smartcard and QR code users will remain in place.
🌊 Lakes encroached
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) disclosed to the Karnataka High Court that 235 acres of land across 183 active lakes in Bengaluru have been encroached upon by private entities and government agencies.
What’s it about? The revelation, based on a joint survey by BBMP and the Revenue Department, was presented in an affidavit during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing filed by Citizen Action Group.
- Among the 183 lakes, 120 are partially encroached by private entities, while 131 are impacted by government infrastructure projects.
- This is the first comprehensive disclosure of lake encroachment detailed by BBMP.
Reclaiming low: Encroachments by private entities include structures on 88 lakes, religious buildings on 42, and slums on 9. Despite the scale of encroachments, BBMP has reclaimed only seven acres from 13 lakes so far.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you predict another lockdown over HMPV concerns?
- Another lockdown is likely over HMPV concerns.
- Another lockdown is not likely over HMPV concerns.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What part of Aero India 2025 are you looking forward to the most?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In Other News…
- DPS Bengaluru and Mysuru have announced heightened safety and surveillance measures on their premises following HMPV detections in the city.
- A Delhi-bound Air India flight was forced to return to KIA after a mid-air engine shut down.
- Ananthay Properties, a subsidiary of the Brigade Group, has finalised a definitive agreement to acquire a 20-acre land parcel on Whitefield-Hoskote Road for ₹630 crore.
- Kate Spade New York has opened a new outlet at the Phoenix Mall of Asia.
- NCC Ltd. was awarded Package C2-A of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail project by Karnataka’s Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) at ₹501.25 crore.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!