Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 32 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | Partly cloudy
🧐 Did you know? The police SUVs that roam the city are called Hoysalas, in honour of the 10th century empire.
🌳 Historian’s plea for Cubbon’s tree
Historian and heritage advocate Suresh Jayaram has written to the Karnataka High Court Registrar to protect a rare baobab tree in Cubbon Park, now part of the High Court premises.
What’s it about? In his letter, Jayaram highlighted the fencing around the tree and the nearby stationery shop as threats to the tree’s survival. The letter urges negotiations with the Horticulture Department to ensure the tree’s preservation as this baobab is believed to be the last of its kind in Bengaluru, following the death of a similar tree in Lalbagh Garden.
- Jayaram’s letter emphasises the tree’s rarity and cultural significance, calling for government action to conserve it.
- The letter has also pointed out that the tree’s visibility and prominence are being compromised by nearby shops in the area.
About the baobab: As baobab trees, native to Africa, are known for their longevity and unique characteristics, their preservation in urban settings like Bengaluru is crucial. Thus, collaborative efforts between the High Court and the Horticulture Department are essential for the continued growth and protection of this exceptional tree.
💣 Terror threat to RCB, Virat
The Royal Challengers Bangalore cancelled their practice session ahead of the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals due to a potential security threat to star player Virat Kohli. This decision followed the arrest of four individuals on terror suspicion.
What’s it about? RCB’s practice session at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad was cancelled without an official reason, while RR continued their session. The cancellation came after Gujarat Police arrested four men at Ahmedabad airport, discovering arms and suspicious materials.
- The Gujarat College ground was an alternative venue since the Narendra Modi Stadium was occupied.
- Both RCB and RR did not hold a press conference, which is unusual before an important match.
Security tightened amid arrests: Security was heightened at RCB’s team hotel, with restricted access and police convoys escorting RR’s team bus.
⚡ Penalty for exceeding sanctioned voltage
Around 11 lakh BESCOM consumers paid a penalty in January and February this year for exceeding the sanctioned voltage. Their numbers came down marginally in March and April.
What’s it about? Close to 11 lakh consumers in the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) jurisdiction are paying penalties for exceeding their sanctioned voltage, largely due to the simultaneous use of multiple electronic devices.
- Despite BESCOM’s awareness efforts, the issue persists as consumers fail to upgrade their sanctioned load when purchasing high-power devices like air conditioners.
- About 85% of those penalised are residential users, often due to older residential constructions with a sanctioned voltage of 2-3 kW, which is now insufficient for modern electronic demands.
Prevention advice: As households continue to acquire more electronic devices without updating their sanctioned voltage, breaches occur, leading to penalties. BESCOM officials advise consumers to apply for increased sanctioned load when adding high-power appliances to avoid penalties and supply issues.
⚡ Special cell for road maintenance
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of a special cell in BBMP and BDA to address road maintenance and pothole repairs in Bengaluru.
Immediate actions: Officials are instructed to fill over 6,000 potholes and repair 67 bad stretches by the end of the month. Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar inspected flood-prone areas and assessed monsoon preparedness.
- The BBMP census reports 5,500 potholes on ward roads and 557 on arterial roads.
- Measures include stormwater drain clearance and desilting.
Long-term plans: Ongoing stormwater drain projects will be expedited, with a budget of ₹1,800 crore and additional funding from the World Bank. Encroachments on lakes will also be cleared to prevent flooding.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Are you able to detect scam calls just by looking at the number?
- I can detect scam calls just by looking at the number.
- I can’t detect scam calls just by looking at the number.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s the most scariest experience you had in your life?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- BBMP has finally declared Anugraha Layout flood-free after 25 years of recurrent flooding.
- Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshall V.R. Chaudhari inaugurated an Emergency Medical Response System at Command Hospital, Bangalore.
- Presidency University is hosting its two-day cultural fest, Invincia, on May 24 and 25 on their campus grounds.
- Rising temperatures are severely affecting migrant workers in Bengaluru.
- Bengaluru start-up BLive is expanding into North India and plans to raise $5 million this fiscal year.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have failed in an exam: 58.3% 🏆
- I haven’t failed in an exam: 41.7%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Which is your recent favourite movie?
Dharna: “Laapataa Ladies”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!