Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛈️ Today’s weather: High: 35 ℃ | Low: 23 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
🧐 Did you know? The Dodda Aalada Mara, or the Big Banyan Tree, is a 400-year-old tree in Kethohalli, Karnataka, covering 3 acres. After losing its main root to disease in the 2000s, it now resembles multiple trees and is designated a heritage tree.
🥭 Mango Mela returns
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is set to host the annual Mango Mela starting May 23, showcasing a variety of mangoes despite a dip in supply.
Multiple stalls: Organised by the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (KSMDMCL), the event will feature around 50 mango and 15 jackfruit stalls. Despite a smaller number of stalls this year due to a reduced mango yield, the mela promises high-quality varieties, including the Geographical Indications (GI) tagged Kari Ishad from Uttara Kannada.
- Famous mango varieties such as Kesar, Badami, Raspuri, and Thothapuri will be available from regions like Kolar and Chikkaballapur.
- However, due to the lower yield, prices are expected to be higher, with premium mangoes costing around ₹250 per kg.
Following another event: The Mango Mela, following a successful smaller version called Mango Utsav earlier in April, continues to be a much-anticipated event for mango enthusiasts.
🛰️ GalaxEye partners with IN-SPACe
Space tech startup GalaxEye partners with IN-SPACe to enhance its satellite imaging capabilities, aiming for a launch within the year.
What’s it about? The Bengaluru-based GalaxEye, specialising in multi-sensor Earth Observation satellites, signed an MoU with IN-SPACe in Ahmedabad, leveraging their co-working and testing facilities. This collaboration allows GalaxEye access to ISRO’s high-end laboratories and testing resources, crucial for their upcoming Drishti Mission.
- GalaxEye’s technology promises robust imaging solutions that perform under all weather conditions, vital for areas like disaster management and climate monitoring.
- Suyash Singh, co-founder and CEO, highlighted the partnership’s role in launching India’s first privately-led EO satellite cluster, which aims to significantly advance data analysis capabilities from Earth’s orbit.
Future prospects: With enhanced satellite imagery, the initiative is poised to support better-informed decisions for businesses and governments, even in adverse weather conditions. The collaboration marks a significant step in India’s private sector engagement in space technology, driven by the facilitative platform of IN-SPACe.
🏘️ Brigade’s new deal
Brigade Group secures a lucrative land deal on Old Madras Road, Bengaluru, with plans for a ₹660 crore development.
What’s it about? The agreement covers a 4.6-acre land parcel with a projected development potential of 0.69 million square feet. This new residential project aligns with Brigade’s strategic expansion in key urban centres and is expected to enhance their land bank significantly.
- Old Madras Road’s burgeoning residential appeal, bolstered by robust infrastructure and connectivity, makes it an ideal location for Brigade’s latest venture.
- According to Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director of Brigade Enterprises, the project will focus on customer-centric designs promoting quality and sustainability.
Healthy business: Despite a challenging market reflected in a 4.40% drop in Brigade Enterprises Ltd’s shares on the BSE, the company maintains a healthy pipeline with new launches planned across South India, totalling approximately 12.61 million square feet.
🧑🔬 Honda’s new R&D centre
Honda inaugurates its new Solution R&D Centre in Bengaluru, focusing on accelerating the electrification of its motorcycles and power products.
What’s it about? The state-of-the-art facility will delve into software solutions and connected services, engaging with local tech companies and startups. This collaboration aims to foster open innovation and develop groundbreaking services that push beyond conventional industry standards.
- The company targets carbon neutrality by 2050 for all products and operations, with its motorcycle division aiming for the same by the 2040s.
- The new centre will play a pivotal role in Honda’s ‘Triple Action to ZERO’ initiative, which focuses on achieving carbon neutrality, promoting clean energy, and improving resource circulation.
Global impact: By harnessing Bengaluru’s vibrant R&D ecosystem, Honda is positioned to co-create advanced, eco-friendly solutions that meet modern consumer demands while advancing global sustainability and safety goals.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Watch a snake’s journey to choose love over hate in the Just Hiss play for children.
- Choose your pick from several handcrafted treasures at the Sunday Soul Sante.
- Atul Khatri is all set to enthral the audience in his hilarious stand-up comedy show.
- Sway to Latin music and learn from professionals at Small World’s Salsa Dance Social.
- Watch CSK take on RR at Skydeck by Sherlock’s IPL live screening.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I like Coca-Cola: 100.0% 🏆
- I like Pepsi: 0.0%
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!