Good morning, Bengaluru!
☀️ Today’s weather: It’s going to be mostly sunny with light winds.
🧐 Did you know? The Bangalore torpedo is a mine-clearing explosive device used in both World Wars and manufactured until 2017. It was invented in 1912 by Captain RL McClintock of the Madras Sappers and Miners unit of the Indian Army in Bengaluru.
🚴 Free bicycle training program
A free-of-cost bicycle training program awaits aspiring cycling enthusiasts.
Story so far: On Sunday, the Directorate of Urban Transport, in collaboration with Karnataka Bicycle Dealers Association (KBDA), Decathlon, the Bangalore Bicycling School (BBS), and Citizens for Sustainability, launched Pedal Shaale, a free bicycle training program, at Cubbon Park.
- Pedal Shaale will be available across different locations of the KBDA and Decathlon stores. BBS-certified professionals will be shortlisted as instructors for the enrollees.
- Anyone over 12 years of age can participate. The program partners will provide cycles. Training sessions will be according to the convenience of the instructors and students.
Why it matters? Pedal Shaale will help people learn how to cycle and use it as a mode of transport to navigate the city’s routes. The organisers said that the school is a first-of-its-kind structured program to encourage cycling and revive its popularity.
😷 Influenza health advisory
The state makes Oseltamivir an essential drug and advises citizens on seasonal influenza.
Story so far: In a health advisory issued on Saturday, the Karnataka Health Department added Oseltamivir, used to treat influenza, to the essential drug list. It will be made available to all healthcare facilities across Karnataka.
- The advisory stated that Influenza is a self-limiting disease that should last 5-7 days. Its morbidity and mortality rates are low. People should avoid crowds, maintain a nutrient-rich diet, and socially distance themselves.
- Infants, pregnant people, the elderly, and people on long-term medication are at higher risk and should take precautionary measures.
Why it matters? Earlier, the Union Health ministry wrote to six states to take action against the rise of Influenza and Covid cases. Covid cases have risen to over 500 in the state, while H3N2 and swine flu cases have also risen.
📖 An anthology of Old Bangalore
Kirtana Kumar’s Bangalore Blues narrativises the sleepy charm of Old Bangalore.
Story so far: In her book, ‘Bangalore Blues’ Kirtana Kumar captures stories about the city’s past in a dialogue-heavy narrative. The old Bengaluru’s sleepy little existence, nurtured by old retirees who enjoyed tending their gardens, is a stark contrast to the city’s current busy and hustling esprit de corps.
- Some stories are set in the Old Bangalore Cantonment fenced by Jayamahal, Cooke Town, and Richmond Town. The author makes more than hundreds of references to old landmarks and popular personalities like Shanbhag of the Premier Book Shop.
- Picasso Pulao and Mary Mary Quite Contrary provide anecdotes of social classes colliding. Tabula Rasa zeroes in on caste discrimination.
Behind the book: Kumar is a theatre artist who wanted to write about real-life characters that don’t get written about much. The book follows the journey of diversity and cosmopolitanism in the city through the charms and qualms of Old Bangalore.
🏏 RCB’s victory
Opener Sophie Devine’s blitzkrieg propelled the RCB’s victory against Gujarat Giants.
Story so far: In the nascent Women’s Premier League (WPL) tournament, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were languishing at the bottom of the table. Things changed on Saturday when Sophie Devine blasted 99 runs off 36 balls, helping the RCB secure an eight-wicket win against Gujarat Giants (GG).
- GG scored 188 runs in their 20 overs. Laura Wolvaardt scored 68 runs off 42 balls and shared two half-century partnerships with S Meghana and Ashleigh Gardner.
- Devine hit a half-century off 20 balls. She hit nine 4s and eight 6s, including the tournament’s biggest 6 ranging 94 metres.
Why it matters? The RCB has now jumped to the fourth position on the tournament table. GG, too, has four points with a game in hand. Devine attributes her blitzkrieg to familiarity with the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
- She revealed learning from Ashleigh Gardner’s batting in the first innings and applying the best bits to her play.
📊 Today’s Poll
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Have you ever used a dating app?
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🗞️ In other news…
- The Union government blames villagers for parts of the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway getting inundated.
- Here’s a piece on preparing for the summer.
- Storm water drains remain in bad condition despite the BBMP pouring hundreds of crores.
- Ayushmati women’s clinics will come up in 57 locations in Bengaluru.
- House owners need to see an impressive LinkedIn profile from potential renters.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!