Good morning, Bengaluru!
đ§ď¸ Todayâs weather: Light rains and a moderate breeze.
đ§ Did you know? The Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, or SMVT station, at Byappanahalli, is modelled after the Kempegowda International Airport.
đ°ď¸ Pixxel wins iDEX challenge
A city-based space technology startup will build microsatellites for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Story so far: Pixxel, a space tech startup based in Bengaluru and specialising in hyperspectral earth imaging, will develop miniaturised multi-payload satellites for the IAF. This opportunity arose after the company emerged victorious in the Ministry of Defence’s innovation challenge, securing a multi-crore grant from iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) for the Mission DefSpace Challenge.
- The Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK) grant will allow Pixxel to make microsatellites weighing around 150 kg for electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral uses.
- Vivek Virmani, COO of iDEX-DIO, stated that the grant targets developing space mission technologies, while Pixxel’s CEO, Awais Ahmed, expressed delight in applying expertise to build satellites externally.
Winning streak: In June, Pixxel raised $36 million in a Series B funding round led by Google. The startup had then expressed its eagerness to work with the Indian defence sector. Pixxel already works with a US government surveillance body, National Reconnaissance Office.
đď¸ Canada for Brand Bengaluru
Engineers from Canada will help push Brand Bengaluru forward.
Story so far: Under the Brand Bengaluru initiative, the Karnataka government has partnered with the Canada-based World Design Organisation (WDO) to enhance the city’s infrastructure. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath and WDO president David Kusuma signed the MoU, aiming to exchange expert guidance for five years.
- Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said that 200 skilled engineers from WDO will offer insights on improving roads, flyovers, footpaths, and other infrastructural projects.
- The state government will allocate âš200 crore to the works during the course of the MoU. Later on, the authorities will consider expanding the projects to other districts.
The vision: Brand Bengaluru envisages advanced urban planning, innovative transportation systems, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The primary goal is to elevate safety, convenience, and sustainability.
- By optimising commute times, reducing congestion, and implementing smart traffic management, Bengaluru aims to enhance overall mobility and urban living standards.
𦷠MRADCH to the rescue
The cityâs first private forensic dentistry department helped identify the victims of Odishaâs train tragedy.
Whatâs it about? The Mathrusri Ramabai Ambedkar Dental College and Hospital (MRADCH) is the city’s first privately run institution to establish a dedicated forensic dentistry department. This department is crucial in aiding investigative authorities to solve cases through dental evidence. In June, it was called upon to help identify victims of the tragic Odisha train incident.
- Leading the department is forensic dentistry expert Dr Deepak V. Cases from across the country can be brought to the doctor, as long as theyâre collected scientifically.
- The department offers six-month and one-year courses on the scientific collection and analysis of evidence.
Tell me more? Dr Deepak collaborates extensively with law enforcement agencies. Working closely with the Department of Forensic Medicine, he employs dental and skeletal evidence to solve criminal cases. He also directly helps the public in determining the age of victims involved in child labour and child marriages or providing bite mark evaluations in sexual assault cases.
- Age estimation typically takes a couple of days, while a comprehensive facial reconstruction, based on collected evidence, may require up to a month.
đ Is the railway project finally picking up pace?
With work on the suburban rail project picking up in the last six months, its long limbo may lift soon.
Whatâs it about? Bengaluru’s ambitious suburban rail network, a potential solution to the city’s long-standing mobility issues, faces uncertainty after prolonged delays. The recent allocation of funds in the Karnataka budget shows the government’s intent, but concerns linger about the project’s progress, which has been in limbo for over three decades. Can we expect things to pick up soon?
- Urban rail analyst Sanjeev Dyamannavar notes that work on the suburban rail network has commenced, with the first corridor expected to be operational by December 2025 and another line by March-April 2026.
- The first phase of the suburban rail project, a 25-km line from Benniganagalli to Chikkabanavara, faces significant delays. Campaigners estimate a more practical deadline of October 2026, considering the current progress of less than 8%.
Future gamechanger? The demand for a well-connected suburban rail network has grown steadily due to its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and speed advantages over other mass transit options. K-RIDE’s upcoming tasks include calling tenders for the remaining corridors, finalising and awarding contracts, and commencing work on depots, stations, and coaches.
đ Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Should other states implement the Shakti scheme?
- Other states should implement the Shakti scheme.
- Other states shouldnât implement the Shakti scheme.
â Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What do you think about Twitterâs new logo?
Reply to this email with your answers.
đď¸ In other newsâŚ
- NHAI has banned two-wheelers and autos on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway from August 1.
- ISRO successfully performed its fifth orbit-raising manoeuvre.
- Kala Saketa is offering a free skill training course on sound engineering.
- The Presidency University in Bengaluru takes the lead in globalisation.
- Watch how Bengaluru people dance their way for a free ice cream scoop.
đď¸ Local Lounge
Yesterdayâs Poll:
- I like action movies more: 75.0% đ
- I like romantic comedies more: 25.0%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Which city has the best metro transit system according to you?
Datta: âTokyo, Japanâ
Rahul: âCalcutta – Oldest underground metro in the countryâ
Thatâs it for today. Have a great day!