Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 31 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? The Indira Canteen scheme was launched on 15 August 2017.
🚶🏻 Revamping Bengaluru’s subways
BBMP plans to enhance maintenance in 15 pedestrian subways.
What’s it about? The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is taking proactive steps to address the neglected state of pedestrian subways across Bengaluru by planning to deploy maintenance staff to 15 subways within its jurisdiction.
- A tender has been floated for the maintenance work, with a budget of ₹42.92 lakh, signalling a commitment to improve the condition and safety of these subways.
- While the effort to refurbish subways is underway, civic activists suggest that pelican crossings may offer a more cost-effective and accessible alternative for pedestrian safety and mobility.
Much needed: This move by the BBMP is in response to the current underutilisation of subways, marred by maintenance issues and security concerns. By enhancing the subways’ condition and possibly introducing penalties for misuse, the civic body aims to make these spaces more inviting for pedestrians, including the elderly and disabled.
🍛 Boost for Indira Canteen scheme
BBMP seeks ₹206 crore to expand and enhance Indira Canteen services in Bengaluru.
What’s it about? The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has proposed a significant budget allocation of ₹206 crore to the Karnataka government for the robust execution of the Indira Canteen scheme. With plans to inaugurate 50 new canteens, including two at Kempegowda International Airport, the initiative seeks to provide quality meals at subsidised rates to a larger demographic.
- The requested funds include ₹166 crore for food supply, ₹20 crore for the construction of new canteens, and an additional ₹20 crore for kitchens and equipment.
- BBMP’s health wing, responsible for the canteens’ operations, is in the final stages of selecting service providers to ensure the continued offering of quality food, with construction works slated to begin in April.
Increasing access: The expansion, particularly the addition of canteens at strategic locations like the airport, is anticipated to attract more citizens to the affordable dining options provided by Indira Canteens.
🧑🎓 U.S. Higher Education Fair
Bengaluru is set to host a U.S. higher education fair, offering insights into master’s and doctoral programs.
What’s it about? The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service in India, and the U.S. Consulate General Chennai are organising a free higher education fair in Bengaluru on February 12 at the JW Marriott Hotel, extending to Manipal and Mangaluru until February 20.
- This initiative aims to connect American universities with South Indian students, business, and research communities to promote educational exchange and collaboration.
- Attendees will meet representatives from 18 U.S. higher education institutions, EducationUSA advisers, and U.S. visa officers to discuss educational and visa opportunities.
Details: The fair requires pre-registration, and participants can access further information on U.S. education and the registration process online.
🎥 Guinness Record for ISRO Tribute
Bengaluru achieves a new Guinness World Record with a unique plank tribute to ISRO’s space achievements.
What’s it about? In a remarkable display of physical endurance and national pride, thousands in Bengaluru participated in creating the largest online video album of people holding the abdominal plank position, setting a new Guinness World Record.
- The event, organised by Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, was part of the #PlankForAces campaign, aiming to honour the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its contributions to space exploration, including missions like Chandrayaan and Aditya L1.
- The initiative saw the submission of 5,194 videos from participants across various demographics, culminating in a Plankathon event at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium.
Gratitude: ISRO officials expressed gratitude for this unique form of tribute, highlighting the campaign’s role in showcasing the collective spirit of India and its encouragement for future space research endeavours.
📊 Today’s Poll
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Do you have a piped gas connection at home?
- I have a piped gas connection at home.
- I don’t have a piped gas connection at home.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Where were you when India won the 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The government’s decision to permit the construction of a 10-storey building within Cubbon Park has sparked strong objections.
- The Railway Board has approved an ₹874-crore automatic signalling project for Bengaluru.
- The Horticulture Department has authorised a three-month trial allowing vehicles to move inside Cubbon Park on the second and fourth Saturdays.
- The IMD forecasts a drop in temperatures due to expected rainfall beginning in March.
- A Karnataka medical college has taken disciplinary action against 38 students for creating ‘reels’ on the hospital premises.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!