Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: Partly cloudy.
🧐 Did you know? Ulsoor is also known as Halasuru, or ‘Village of Jackfruits’.
💻 OpenAI’s developer event
OpenAI announces a developer gathering in Bengaluru to discuss AI safety.
What’s it about? OpenAI will host a developer gathering in Bengaluru in January 2024, led by Anna Makanju, VP of Global Affairs, and Srinivas Narayanan, VP of Engineering. The event aims to engage Indian developers in addressing AI safety challenges. Makanju emphasized India’s key role in the global tech landscape and the necessity of international governance for AI.
- The gathering is part of OpenAI’s broader initiative to develop AI governance models in collaboration with international bodies.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit underscores India’s commitment to AI development and safety.
India takes lead: India’s role as the Lead Chair of the GPAI reflects its commitment to utilizing AI for public welfare and developing a regulatory framework for Safe and Trusted AI.
❄️ Warmer winter season
Bengaluru is going to experience above-normal temperatures this winter due to El Niño.
What happened? The India Meteorological Department predicts a warmer winter in Bengaluru from December 2023 to February 2024. A Prasad, a scientist at IMD Bengaluru, notes that while temperatures will dip, they won’t be as low as in previous years, with the El Niño factor influencing the climate. The average minimum temperatures in December and January are expected to be around 17.4°C and 17.1°C, respectively, slightly higher than usual.
- Chilly mornings and foggy conditions will occur, but for fewer days.
- The northeast monsoon’s continuation delays the onset of winter in Bengaluru.
Next few days: Current observations show Bengaluru city with a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum of 19.5°C. The next 36-hour forecast anticipates partly cloudy skies with mist in some areas, maintaining similar temperature patterns.
💶 German funding for metro
Germany’s KfW bank will provide €500 million for Bengaluru Metro expansion.
What’s it about? KfW bank will sign an agreement to fund the Bengaluru Metro expansion with €500 million. This includes loans and grants, aiding the construction of new lines and offering technical expertise. KfW, focusing on sustainable mobility in India, also funds metro projects in Mumbai and Nagpur.
- The funds will enhance Bengaluru’s public transport infrastructure.
- KfW’s investment aligns with India-Germany’s Green and Sustainable Development Partnership.
Sustainable development: Wolf Muth, KfW’s India director, highlighted their environmental and social standards. The funding is part of a broader German commitment to support India’s sustainable development, with KfW planning significant annual investments.
🎾 KGF Squash Showdown
KGF Squash Showdown marks a significant step in promoting squash among Bengaluru’s residents.
What’s it about? The KGF Squash Showdown at Lakshyan Academy saw 120 players from 24 residential societies across Bengaluru. Winners emerged from Embassy Pristine and Adarsh Palace. The event, endorsed by national champion Mekhala Subedar, is seen as crucial for increasing attention and government support for squash, especially with its Olympic inclusion.
- The tournament, fostering community and growth in squash, indicates Bengaluru’s rising prominence in the sport.
- Efforts are underway to increase women’s participation in the sport.
Vibrant community: The success of the KGF Squash Showdown, along with the Bengaluru Squash League, demonstrates the city’s emerging role in nurturing squash talent and building a vibrant community around the sport.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you ever played Kabaddi?
- I have played Kabaddi.
- I haven’t played Kabaddi.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which author (fiction or non-fiction) do you like the most?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The BMTC reported that last month, it fined 3,767 passengers and collected over ₹7 lakh in penalties for various infractions.
- Victoria’s Secret has opened two new stores in South India, located in Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia and Hyderabad’s Inorbit Mall.
- Firefighters contained a minor fire caused by a short circuit at Accenture’s Pritech Park office in Bengaluru, averting any casualties or significant damage.
- The second edition of the Suzuki Matsui fest is set to be held in Bengaluru on 17 December.
- Bescom has identified over 26,000 hazardous spots, predominantly in Bengaluru, across its area of operation.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I believe in God: 45.5%
- I don’t believe in God: 54.5% 🏆
Which place of worship in Bengaluru is your favourite?
Prasad: “All the bookstores on Church Street”
Yogita: “Shri Anjaneya Swamy Temple”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!