Good morning, Bengaluru!
🎉 Happy New Year!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 27 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Cloudy weather with the chance of some rain.
🧐 Did you know? The Phoenix Mall of Asia was established through a joint venture between The Phoenix Mills and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments).
✍🏽 Cabinet approves Kannada Language Ordinance
Karnataka mandates 60% Kannada on commercial signage amid language row.
What’s it about? Following recent language-related unrest, the Karnataka cabinet has passed an ordinance requiring 60% of the text on all commercial establishments’ signboards to be in Kannada.
- This move comes after violent protests led by the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), which targeted properties and businesses with signs predominantly in non-Kannada languages.
- The ordinance aims to promote and preserve the Kannada language while addressing the tensions highlighted by the protests, which notably affected areas like the newly opened Phoenix Mall of Asia.
A balancing act: The language controversy reflects broader cultural and linguistic tensions in Karnataka. The government’s decision seeks to balance language preservation with the state’s cosmopolitan character. However, the implementation and impact of this ordinance on businesses and the community remain to be seen.
🍛 MTR: A century of culinary heritage
Bengaluru’s iconic MTR celebrates 100 years of culinary excellence.
What’s it about? Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), a heritage eatery beloved in Bengaluru, commemorates its centennial anniversary. Established in 1924 by Yagnanarayana Maiya, MTR is renowned for its culinary innovations, including the invention of rava idli and Chandrahara sweet.
- The restaurant, which started as the Brahmin Coffee Club on Lalbagh Fort Road, pioneered drive-in services in the city, allowing patrons to enjoy its offerings from horse-drawn carts and cars.
- Amidst World War II rice shortages, Yagnappa’s creation of rava idli marked a resourceful response, further cementing MTR’s reputation as a trailblazer in Bengaluru’s culinary scene.
A symbol of heritage: As MTR steps into its next century, it continues to be a symbol of Bengaluru’s rich culinary heritage, reflecting the city’s evolving tastes and the enduring legacy of its founders.
🎞️ 15th Bengaluru International Film Festival
BIFFes is set to begin on February 29 with a global cinematic showcase.
What’s it about? The 15th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) is scheduled from February 29 to March 7. Over 200 films from more than 50 countries will be featured across 14 screens, highlighting themes of social harmony, gender equality, and inclusiveness.
- BIFFes is recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations.
- The festival will emphasise important social themes through its international film selection.
A safe event: Despite challenges posed by a tight schedule and recent COVID-19 concerns in Karnataka, the festival is proceeding with safety measures in place. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot are expected to be there for the inauguration and awards distribution.
ℹ️ Help desks at railway stations
Bengaluru railway police will introduce help desks for enhanced commuter assistance in the city’s railway stations.
What’s it about? The Railway Police in Bengaluru will establish help desks at key railway stations including Yeshwantpur, Majestic, and Baiyappanahalli, starting today on a trial basis. These desks aim to assist passengers with queries and complaints, improve police visibility, and ensure commuter safety.
- Dr S D Sharanappa, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Railways, emphasized the initiative’s role in aiding travellers and deterring theft and suspicious activities.
- The effectiveness of this trial will determine the expansion of these help desks to other major stations in Karnataka.
Capacity concerns: Despite the initiative, concerns remain about the railway police’s capacity, with 840 of the sanctioned 900 staff positions filled and 380 stations to cover. The challenge lies in balancing platform duties with patrolling and station work, highlighting the need for adequate resources to ensure the success of these help desks.
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🗞️ In other news…
- Mount Carmel College is transitioning to co-education after 75 years, allowing male students into all its programs starting the next academic year.
- To protect the city’s parks and lakes, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar launched the Hasiru Rakshak, Udyana Mitra, and Kere Mitra mobile applications.
- The Bengaluru metro carried out a mock drill simulating a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) attack at an underground station.
- Karnataka has mandated Covid testing for everyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
- The Karnataka High Court directed the management of Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia to collaborate with officials in handling traffic near the mall.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!