Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 27 ℃ | Low: 19 ℃ | Fog/mist in the morning and partly cloudy sky later.
🧐 Did you know? BMRCL got its first female loco pilot in 2011.
🛵 Rapido at airport
Rapido is set to introduce an airport pooling service aiming to provide affordable shared rides to and from Kempegowda International Airport.
What’s it about? Aravind Sanka, co-founder of Rapido, announced this initiative during the EV & Future of Mobility session at the Bengaluru Tech Summit. This service follows the company’s success with auto pooling in the city, highlighting the growing acceptance of shared mobility options among Bengaluru residents.
- The service intends to reduce the high costs associated with private airport trips, which can often run into thousands of rupees.
- Sanka has emphasised that affordability is key to making transportation accessible to a wider audience.
Potential challenges: The pooling service will allow passengers heading in the same direction to share rides, thereby reducing costs and improving resource efficiency. Sanka acknowledged challenges such as insurance claims and regulatory frameworks but assured that the company is committed to addressing these issues effectively.
🧑🏽🍳 Culinary Challenge is back
The Everest Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (EverestBKCC) is set to return for its sixth season, beginning at CHRIST University on November 29.
What’s it about? Themed “Flavours of India”, EverestBKCC focuses on preserving and promoting regional cuisines, introducing healthy food options to younger generations, and fostering culinary tourism across the country.
- The prestigious competition, dedicated to budding chefs, offers a platform to showcase culinary talent while celebrating India’s rich culinary heritage.
- Over the course of the season, the challenge will travel to 17 cities for semi-final rounds, culminating in a Grand Finale in Jaipur from February 28 to March 1 (2025).
Government backing: The competition is supported by key organisations, including Incredible India, the Ministry of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.
🏥 Hospital hikes
State-run hospitals under the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) have introduced revised charges for outpatient department (OPD) registrations, ward facilities, and certain medical services.
What’s it about? These hikes apply to major hospitals of the city like Victoria Hospital, Vani Vilas Hospital, Minto Eye Hospital, BMCRI Super Speciality Hospital, and the Trauma Care Centre.
- Charges for single-bed special wards have been increased from ₹750 to ₹2,000 per day.
- OPD registration fees have been doubled from ₹10 to ₹20.
Patients burdened: These revisions were approved during a Department of Medical Education meeting to align with updated healthcare costs. While the fee hikes aim to support hospital operations and enhance service quality, they have significantly raised the financial burden on patients, especially for single-bed special wards with a 166% increase in daily charges.
🎓 Casteism at IIM
Protests were organised at Freedom Park, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of IIM-Bangalore Director Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan over allegations of caste discrimination and failure to implement reservation policies.
What’s it about? Organised by groups like the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA), Dr BR Ambedkar Association of Engineers, and the OBC Federation of India, the protests highlighted concerns about systemic inequities and exclusion on campus.
- Only 16 faculty positions at the institute are held by individuals from marginalised communities, including five from Scheduled Castes (SC), one from Scheduled Tribes (ST), and ten from Other Backward Classes (OBC).
- Allegations have been made that the administration harasses faculty advocating for diversity and inclusion, creating a hostile atmosphere for marginalised groups.
Institute’s response: The institute has denied the allegations and reiterated its commitment to inclusivity. It has also highlighted the role of its Diversity and Inclusion Cell and Grievance Redressal Committee (DIGRC) in fostering a discrimination-free environment.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Belgian techno queen Charlotte de Witte is in the city for her India tour at the Sunburn Arena.
- Watch Vipul Goyal’s special ‘Unleashed’ live at BOHO.
- Learn to play the ukulele on the tunes of Arijit Singh.
- Have a Saturday Hawaiian party at MG Road.
- Take your kids to Musical Wall, Ball Pool, Slides, Scarf Shooters, Sand Play, Rock Climbing, Water Play & many more fun-filled activities at Hamleys.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- ISRO should start space tourism programs like Blue Origin: 40.0%
- ISRO should not start space tourism programs like Blue Origin: 60.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!