Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: Light rain showers and fresh breeze.
🧐 Did you know? Bengaluru Cantonment railway station, the oldest in Karnataka, will turn 161 years old this November.
🦠 Anti-viral research
A new study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) can help develop a broad-spectrum therapeutic against viral diseases.
What’s it about? Researchers at IISc have recently discovered the potential ability of picolinic acid – a natural compound found in mammalian cells. Not only does it aid in zinc absorption, but it also showcases a fascinating ability to thwart viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A.
- It has a preference for stopping enveloped viruses with an extra layer of lipid protection, crucial for entering the target cells. When tested in SARS-CoV-2 and influenza animal models, it was able to protect animals from infection.
- The researchers also discovered that it reduced the lungs’ viral load when administered to infected animals and increased the number of immune cells.
Where it started: A few years ago, the IISc team chanced upon picolinic acid while investigating endocytosis, a cellular process used by viruses and bacteria to enter our cells. Intrigued by its potential, they tested its anti-viral effects and were amazed.
- Coincidentally, when the Covid pandemic occurred, they extended their research and found it even more potent against SARS-CoV-2.
🎮 Gaming Industry meets
Indian Digital Gaming Society’s (IDGS) first conclave was a key milestone for Indian gamers.
What’s it about? The IDGS’ first Gaming Conclave (IGC) was organised at Hotel Taj on MG Road last week. Per its website, IDGS is a not-for-profit constituted as the apex body of the Indian gaming industry. It seeks to promote the growth and development of gaming as a profession and hobby in India.
- It saw participation from over 250 delegates and several industry leaders, game developers, and enthusiasts.
- Chief guest Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) announced that Karnataka would have the first Esports arena.
Showstopper: The Start-Up Area at the conclave was a major highlight, drawing attendees to explore emerging trends, discuss technological advancements, and delve into the gaming industry’s business and creative aspects. Showcasing the latest games with VR and AR technologies, it offered an immersive experience and interactive talks.
👩❤️👩 ‘Dark People’ play preview
Bengalureans can watch Dark People by Bhandutva at Lahe Lahe on July 22 and 23 and at Ranga Shankara on August 11.
The plot: The homegrown theatre group Bhandutva practices therapeutic clowning. In April, when the Chennai Art Theatre, an arts management collective, approached them for a performance, Bhandutva chose to tackle a serious topic: honour killing. Their play, Dark People, spotlights the restrictions of caste and honour in love stories from South India.
- Based on six true stories, the play fearlessly challenges societal norms, leaving the audience uneasy yet reflective. It exposes the contradiction of tabooed public intimacy versus normalised transgressions.
- It’s deemed unsuitable for children under 15. Through meticulous choreography, they depict realistic violence on stage, leaving a lasting emotional impact and shedding light on honour killings.
Queer stories: One story focuses on a queer couple facing family victimisation. Intentionally depicting their intimacy, it confronts preconceptions, fostering audience discomfort to highlight the need for openness and acceptance.
- Siddarth Khanted, a founding member, portrays a queer character, aiming to break cliches and stereotypes through thorough research and understanding.
💊 Super-fast delivery ad
A Bengaluru-based creative agency came up with Flipkart Health+’s new campaign.
Story so far: Flipkart Health+ has launched a new campaign introducing ‘super-fast’ medicine delivery with a cash-back guarantee. The humorous ads highlight impossible deadlines for delivery like a couple being asked for a baby on their wedding day and an architect given a day to complete construction.
- Lowe Lintas Bangalore, the creative agency of MullenLowe Lintas Group, devised the campaign. It has two films revolving around the message, ‘Some things take time, but deliveries, no chance!’
- Sonali Khanna, the President and branch head of Lowe Lintas, said they decided to convey Flipkart’s message humorously to break the clutter.
Launch: Flipkart Health+ has rolled out its ‘super-fast’ delivery feature for medicines in Bengaluru and Lucknow. In Bengaluru, you get same-day delivery, while in Lucknow, it’s next-day delivery after placing your order.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you like to try different dishes in restaurants?
- I like to try different dishes in restaurants.
- I like to stick to my favourite dishes in restaurants.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What helps you balance your work life and personal life in Bengaluru?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- ISRO said that the moon mission is on schedule.
- Enterprise Management course at IIMB tops QS Global Executive MBA Rankings 2023 in India.
- CNG buses are cheaper than electric, but are they really an option for BMTC?
- The BBMP plans to up property tax revenue by 50% this year.
- Opposition parties announced the formation of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at Bengaluru’s meet.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- My neighbourhood is often flooded: 11.1%
- My neighbourhood isn’t often flooded: 88.9% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!