Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 30 ℃ | Low: 17 ℃ | Fog early in the morning.
🧐 Did you know? Oia, the Santorini-themed pub in Hennur, has a seating capacity of 1,800.
🦋 New butterfly species in Western Ghats
Biologists discover a unique butterfly species in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats.
What’s it about? A team of biologists in Bengaluru has reported the discovery of a new butterfly species, named Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta), in the Western Ghats. Initially sighted in 2008 at Iruppu Falls, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and recently in Honey Valley, Kodagu district, this species evaded scientific study until recently.
- Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences and Indian Foundation for Butterflies studied 30 individuals, confirming the species’ distinctness from others.
- The species, small in size but significant for conservation, is endemic to the mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats.
Spots and lines: The Conjoined Silverline is named for its unique wing patterns, featuring fused spots and shiny silver lines. It’s believed to inhabit various forests across the central Western Ghats, extending to Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Active mainly on sunny days, males and females exhibit different behaviours, with males often more detectable in sunny areas.
🏨 Royal Orchid’s new resort in Sakleshpura
Royal Orchid Hotels inaugurates the luxurious Regenta Resort Sakleshpura in the Western Ghats.
What’s it about? Bengaluru-based Royal Orchid Hotels has expanded its portfolio with the opening of Regenta Resort Sakleshpura, nestled in the tranquil Western Ghats. The resort features 41 elegantly designed cottages made of laterite and wood, set amidst lush greenery. It offers a range of amenities tailored to different guests, including a children’s water theme park, a discotheque, a musical fountain, and a swimming pool.
- Regenta Resort Sakleshpura is equipped for MICE events, with a banquet hall for 600 guests, a conference hall, and a boardroom with the latest technology.
- The resort offers diverse dining options, including a multi-cuisine restaurant with various dietary options and a well-stocked bar.
Attractive destination: Sakleshpura’s growing popularity as a tourist and corporate retreat, coupled with its proximity to Bengaluru and Mysuru, makes it an attractive destination for both short and extended stays. The inauguration of this resort is reflected positively in the market, with Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd’s shares rising on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
🏢 Office market growth
Bengaluru’s office supply is set to hit 39 million sq ft by 2025, dominating India’s office market.
What’s it about? According to Property Share and JLL, Bengaluru’s office market is poised to become India’s largest by 2025, with a projected supply of 39 million square feet. The Outer Ring Road (ORR) area, both North and South, is expected to contribute 33% of this, highlighting the city’s significant market growth. Bengaluru’s office space is distributed across seven micro-markets, with ORR and Whitefield leading in terms of supply.
- Vacancy rates in the city have increased post-Covid, with institutional spaces in tech parks most affected.
- Despite the pandemic’s impact, Bengaluru’s office rent has consistently risen since 2016, though future growth is expected to be more moderate.
Enabling policies: The surge in demand for office spaces is influenced by factors like technological advancements and SEZ policies, particularly in areas like Whitefield. Furthermore, the broader real estate sector in Bengaluru, including retail and warehousing, is experiencing significant growth.
🥃 Amrut Distilleries’ expansion plan
Amrut Distilleries is planning to boost production by 30% in FY25 to meet the growing demand for premium single malts.
What’s it about? Amrut Distilleries Pvt. Ltd, renowned for its Amrut single malt whisky, is planning a 30% production increase in Bengaluru for FY25. This expansion aims to address the soaring demand for its high-end products. The company, currently experiencing a supply shortage for its single malts, produces 45 different variants, with seven available in India. It anticipates a gross revenue of ₹480 crore for the year.
- The expansion will enhance the production of both high-end single malts and popular entry-level whisky, MaQintosh.
- Amrut Distilleries has been a pioneer in the Indian malts market since 2004 and is now aiming to extend its reach to 75 countries.
Single malt rules: The company’s premium single malt business contributes significantly to its annual sales, with an expectation of selling 5.8 million cases this year. This expansion follows a capacity increase in 2018, and further plans are underway to triple capacity to 3 million cases annually using internal accruals.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Sip a cup of coffee while checkmating your opponent in the Coffee and Checkmate: Chess Meetup event happening this Sunday.
- The legendary Indian Ocean is performing this Saturday to raise funds for the NGO, Enabling Leadership.
- Socialise over art at the Dot Painting On Mirror event this Saturday.
- Comic Anubhav Singh Bassi is performing his new standup special Kisi Ko Batana Mat this Saturday.
- Mingle and connect with like-minded, verified individuals at the Singles Mixer event this Saturday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have participated in a skit during my school days: 70.0% 🏆
- I haven’t participated in a skit during my school days: 30.0%
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!