Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: Partly cloudy skies with sunny weather!
🧐 Did you know? The Indian Institute of Cartoonists is a Bangalore-based organisation that promotes the work of Indian cartoonists. They have founded India’s one and only Cartoon Gallery and have organised hundreds of shows to date.
🚧 Unnecessary road diggings
Though the BBMP mandate clearly states that roads can only be dug up in case of emergencies, Bengaluru continues to see several roads that are dug up unnecessarily.
Story so far: The BBMP recently issued an order not to allow any road digging on newly asphalted roads.
- Since they are in the process of asphalting over 2,000 km of roads to improve the city’s infrastructure, unnecessary diggings hamper these improvements.
- Officials mentioned that during emergency cases, road digging would be permitted. These cases involve leakages in water or sanitary lines that run through the city that can only be fixed by digging up holes.
Strict action is taken: In case a road is dug up unnecessarily, junior executive engineers are held accountable for the restoration, and strict disciplinary action can be taken against them. In many cases, agencies dig up roads to lay down cables that hamper the infrastructure and water lines.
💸 Food delivery firms and cab aggregators face high fines
According to data provided by the police, food delivery services and cab aggregators have over 1,54,031 traffic violations pending against them since January 2019.
Story so far: These pending traffic violations amount to over ₹7 crore, and the city traffic police have sent notices alerting these firms about the fines.
- Firms that have hefty fines against them include Zomato, with over 72,000 cases, followed by other popular food and cab services like Swiggy, Ola, and Bounce.
- The nature of these traffic violations includes red light violations, driving without a helmet, and driving against traffic.
Rebate on fines applicable: Officials mentioned that the 50% discount on traffic fines is applicable to large companies as well. Since the case is registered against the rider, the fine can be paid either by the company on the rider’s behalf, or they can collect the fine from the violator and then pay it.
✈️ Aero India show to affect flight schedule
Flight operations at Bengaluru airport will be suspended in phases during and after the Aero India show.
Story so far: The 14th edition of the Aero India show will be held at the Air force station in Yelahanka from February 13-17. The airport has announced airspace closure of civil flights for periods of three hours, starting from February 8.
The schedule: The schedule indicates the closure of airspace from 9 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm on most days. These time periods coincide with the events organised by the Aero India show.
In case of queries: Airport authorities have urged passengers to connect with their respective airlines regarding the changed schedules.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you prefer staying up late to finish work or getting up early?
- I prefer staying up late to finish work.
- I prefer getting up early to finish work.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What is one memory you would revisit from school?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The suggestions and recommendations put across at the G20 sessions will influence future meetings of the ministry of power.
- A Kerala native created a fake bomb scare to catch a flight she missed.
- Three days after the discount on traffic fines, the payments collected continue to rise.
- A right-wing organisation opposes the alleged illegal construction of a mosque.
- PM Modi to inaugurate a series of projects relating to energy conservation during his third visit to Karnataka.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I prefer travelling by train: 63.6% 🏆
- I prefer travelling by flight: 36.4%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Which animals do you think are the least pet friendly?
Divyaraj: “Non-domesticated and highly specialised wild animals as they suffer the most in captivity due to poor knowledge and husbandry.”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!