Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 29 ℃ | Low: 21 ℃ | A mostly cloudy day ahead.
🧐 Did you know? Krumbigal Road was named after Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel, a noted botanist and the main architect of Brindavan Gardens Park.
👩💻 Tackling bias in AI images
A team at the IISc is working to address biases in AI images.
What’s it about? A group of scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have made a breakthrough in tackling concerns about biases in AI images. Based on research conducted at the Vision and AI Lab of the Department of Computational and Data Sciences, there’s a way to mitigate biases in image-generating models.
- The technique developed is called ‘distribution guidance for image generation’. It aims to ensure images generated follow a prescribed pattern to reduce inherent biases in the training data.
- The group leveraged U-Net, the component of diffusion models used in generating images and creative applications. They’re rich in demographic semantics and used by the newly introduced attribute distribution predictor (ADP).
Practical application: The initial results were promising as the distribution guidance method outperformed baseline approaches in reducing biases across single and multiple attributes.
🖥️ AI innovation for startups
AWS launched its GenAI Loft to foster innovation for startups in the city.
What’s it about? Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched its two-week pop-up, GenAI Loft, to foster innovation across the evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence technology in Bengaluru. The loft is open till August 9.
- The GenAI Loft will provide a dedicated space for builders and innovators to learn, ideate, and get hands-on experience in leveraging the potential of generative AI.
- At the Bengaluru edition, some of India’s leading startups will be in attendance. The event will feature demos presented by AWS partners like Ganit, Cloudthat, and Rapyder.
AWS’ commitment: The initiative is part of the company’s plans to fuel the next generation of AI-driven innovation by democratising access to AI technology and tools.
🚙 Tunnel roads for traffic woes
A BBMP report has proposed tunnel roads crisscrossing the city to help alleviate traffic problems.
What’s it about? The report on decongesting Bengaluru showed the average traffic speed has dropped to 15 km/h. The solution proposed is 54.5 km of tunnel roads that crisscross the city. However, mobility experts and others might oppose the car-centric plan.
- The project is divided into the north-south corridor connecting Esteem Mall to Silk Board and the east-west corridor from KR Puram to Mysuru Road via Ulsoor, Town Hall, and Richmond Circle.
- Two types of tunnel designs have been proposed – a single tube with two decks and a twin tube similar to those used for the metro. The report cites three twin tube projects in Maharashtra.
Additional projects: Apart from tunnel roads, the report mentions elevated corridors in Nagawara-Bagaluru Main Road, Marenahalli Main Road, and Hosur Road.
🦟 Dengue hotspots
The BBMP has identified 30 dengue hotspots within its limits.
What’s it about? A hotspot is a location where two or more dengue cases are reported within a 100-metre radius. As of Monday, there were 30 hotspots within BBMP limits, bringing the total to 300.
- Previously, the city reported an average of 200 cases a day. It has increased to 225-230 cases. Each ward has been given 30 sprayers to help combat this.
- The BBMP has about 530 spraying machines and 500 sprayers. There is a manpower shortage, which has necessitated the civic body hiring and training additional personnel.
Caseload: This year, the BBMP reported 7,900 cases, with 96 hospitalisations and three deaths. Neem oil and Dettol cream have been distributed in slums and low-income areas.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Did you study in a Bengaluru school?
- I studied in a Bengaluru school.
- I didn’t study in a Bengaluru school.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What was your favourite childhood cartoon?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Capsule-shaped trucks will be used by the BBMP to transfer the city’s waste to treatment plants.
- To prevent banners from coming up illegally, the BBMP will begin night patrols.
- Several apartment complexes have complained of water shortage due to undersized pipelines.
- Gandhi Bazaar’s beautification has affected traders and businesses with reduced footfalls.
- Bengaluru has become a hub for hundreds of unauthorised schools in the state.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I will consider taking a train to/from the airport: 71.4% 🏆
- I will not consider taking a train to/from the airport: 28.6%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s the most exquisite meat you have tasted?
Santhosh: “Whale sperm and blowfish (poisonous fish and only few chefs have license) in Japan”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!