Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: High: 28 ℃ | Low: 19 ℃ | Partly cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? The Kempegowda International Airport is connected with 75 domestic and 30 international destinations.
💰 Tunnel toll set
Toll rates for the upcoming 16.6 km twin-tube tunnel road connecting Hebbal and Silk Board Junction have been proposed pending approval.
What’s it about? The toll for cars is set at ₹330 per trip, with an annual increase of 5% linked to the wholesale price index, capped at a maximum of 40% in any single year. The toll is currently specified only for cars and rates for other vehicle categories remain undecided.
- The toll system uses the fiscal year 2030-31 as its baseline for revenue projections.
- It also incorporates inflation-linked adjustments to ensure a predictable revenue model while addressing traffic congestion challenges.
Other rates: Toll rates for specified routes along the tunnel have been set at ₹320 for Hebbal-Sarjapur/HSR Layout (16.3 km), ₹250 for Hebbal-Hosur Main Road (12.79 km), ₹180 for Hebbal-Seshadri Road (9.05 km), ₹245 for Mekhri Circle-Silk Board Junction (12.54 km), and ₹195 for Race Course-Silk Board Junction (9.8 km).
🏢 Inspeq AI’s entry
Dublin-based AI safety startup Inspeq AI has entered the Indian market, establishing its first office in Bengaluru.
What’s it about? The Bengaluru office currently employs 25 staff members, with plans to expand significantly. Inspeq AI aims to hire 50 additional employees over the next few months, focusing on roles in engineering (software and service), operations, and client-facing positions.
- Founded in 2023 by Apoorva Kumar and Ramanujam Macharla Vijayakumar, Inspeq AI specialises in AI infrastructure.
- This marks the company’s third global location, following its headquarters in Dublin and a branch in London.
Company’s offerings: Inspeq AI provides an enterprise-ready LLM Ops platform that enables developers to integrate AI into enterprise applications safely and responsibly. Its platform is designed to accelerate the development of generative AI applications by up to four times and reduce associated costs by as much as 70%.
📦 Quick Delhivery
Leading logistics provider Delhivery has unveiled its new Rapid Commerce service in Bengaluru offering sub-2-hour delivery for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands, retailers, and e-commerce platforms.
What’s it about? After a successful launch in Bengaluru, Delhivery plans to expand Rapid Commerce to major cities, including Hyderabad, Chennai, NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad, in the coming months.
- Currently handling over 300 orders daily, Rapid Commerce enables brands in sectors like beauty and personal care, apparel and fashion, and electronics to deliver products within hours instead of days.
- The service leverages Delhivery’s network of shared in-city rapid stores to optimise logistics and reduce delivery times.
Competition: Meanwhile platforms like Velocity’s Shipfast are also aiming to enhance the shipping experience for D2C brands by offering four-hour, same-day, and next-day delivery options.
🏢 Consulate inauguration today
Bengaluru is set to host the U.S. Consulate with operations beginning today.
What’s it about? The long-awaited consulate will be inaugurated by U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Initially, it will operate from a temporary location at the JW Marriott Hotel on Vittal Mallya Road until a permanent facility is finalised.
- The consulate will provide local and nearby residents with access to U.S. visas and related services.
- Previously, people had to travel to cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, or Mumbai for such services.
Fruitful talks: This development stems from discussions between outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s 2023 visit to the United States. During the visit, both leaders announced plans to open new U.S. consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, alongside India establishing a mission in Seattle.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Get ready for an epic showcase of comics, cosplays, collectable merch, toys, immersive fan experiences, gaming, and more at the Bengaluru Comic Con.
- Take a three-day hands-on tour of the coffee-making process with Blue Tokai’s Farm Adventure.
- Get your instruments and perform for a warm and supportive audience at We Jam’s Open Mic.
- Lose yourself to Christian Caken’s pulsating techno beats at Sunburn Union.
- Flex your brain muscles at Church Street SOCIAL’s Pub Quiz.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have participated in a fire drill: 80.0% 🏆
- I have never participated in a fire drill: 20.0%
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!