Good morning, Bengaluru!
đĽď¸ Todayâs weather: Cloudy and breezy, for most parts, with sunny intervals.
đ§ Did you know? The University of Horticulture Sciencesâ campus, inside Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK), is host to South Indiaâs first genetic garden.
đ§đ˝ââď¸ The subalternâs lawyer
Bubberjung Trisuli Venkatesh is most satisfied with his pro bono services to the marginalised LGBTQ community in south India.
Whatâs it about? In January 2020, Bengaluru lawyer BT Venkatesh, aged 60, was approached by human rights activists to aid the release of a school teacher and a student’s mother. They were arrested under a sedition case due to a children’s play at Shaheen Primary School in Bidar. The student’s mother, working as domestic help, was struggling to make ends meet.
- With four decades of practice as a human rights lawyer in Bengaluru, Venkatesh has emerged as a steadfast advocate in numerous cases involving rights violations.
- Formerly a Karnataka State Public Prosecutor (SPP), he has fought for the rights of Dalits, tribes, and LGBTQ rights, and even lived in piggeries to understand Korachas’ plight.
Ecosystem of justice: Through organisations like Alternate Law Forum and Reach Law, Venkatesh has cultivated a community of lawyers willing to take up pro bono cases for the marginalised, addressing a void that existed two decades ago.
Behind the name: Incidentally, the “Bubberjung” in BT Venkatesh is a meaningful moniker passed down through generations to commemorate an ancestor who fought alongside Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultanâs father, in the 18th century. The name refers to a âman who fought like a lionâ.
â WHO-approved cardiovascular drug
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved India-made polypill.
Story so far: The Polypill, a single capsule containing multiple drugs to lower cardiovascular risks, gained recognition in the WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines. Bengaluru’s St John’s Medical College and Research Institute (SJRI) and Canada’s Population Health Research Institute conducted crucial studies for its adoption.
- The Indian Polycap Study (TIPS-I) demonstrated its efficacy in reducing hypertension and cholesterol levels. TIPS-2 confirmed safety and effectiveness at higher doses. TIPS-3 involved over 5,700 participants worldwide, half of whom were Indian.
- WHOâs approval came after researchers conducted a meta-analysis of TIPS and two other polypill studies, demonstrating a 40% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and deaths.
Cost-effective fix: A single polypill can effectively replace multiple lifelong tablets, thereby overcoming the challenges of high treatment costs and low treatment adherence for Indians with hypertension and high cholesterol levels.
- Dr Denis Xavier, head of pharmacology and clinical research at the SJRI, explains that the polypill is not a new drug but a combination of existing medications. It was developed in India in 2005.
đł Protecting biodiversity
Tree-felling in Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra has alarmed residents.
Story so far: Residents living around the GKVK campus have lodged a complaint with the Karnataka Biodiversity Board (KBB) regarding tree-cutting on the northwest side of the campus. The concerned residents expressed dismay over the loss of this previously untouched green space on the campus.
- They reported that numerous trees were recently cut, and ground vegetation cleared, leading to exposed soil.
- The affected area, which bordered Purva Venezia apartment, was a habitat for hundreds of birds and animals and held significant biodiversity value as a heritage site.
Expert opinions: KBB declared GKVK a biodiversity heritage site in 2010. Although certain trees in such areas can be felled with proper procedure and consultation with the local Biodiversity Management Committee, experts stress the need to preserve ground shrubs and avoid soil exposure.
đŽ Gaming Fest Day 1
S8UL Gaming Festâs day 1 kicked off with exclusive merchandise and thrilling face-offs.
Whatâs it about? India’s vibrant gaming community came together for an exhilarating kick-off of the highly anticipated S8UL Gaming Fest held at the Manpho Convention Centre. Enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable experience, including giveaways, meet-and-greet sessions with top gamers, and exciting cosplay competitions.
- The event featured a fiercely competitive Valorant tournament where renowned gamers like SnaxGaming, PayalGaming, Regaltos, 8Bit Mamba, 8Bit Sid, and KrutikaPlays showcased their gaming prowess.
- A FIFA faceoff between notable names Mortal and Scout ensued. Fans got to try their hand at VR, Racing Simulators, and Lenovo and Intelâs high-grade gaming devices.
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đď¸ In other newsâŚ
- Residents are worried after discovering fishkill at Lower Ambalipura Lake.
- CM Siddaramaiah says the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway was opened in haste.
- Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya inspects Satellite Town Ring Road.
- S Devarajan is the new president of the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
- Read about how a Bengaluru girlâs workshops are saving children in Ghana.
Thatâs it for today. Have a great day!