Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 25 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
🧐 Did you know? Karnataka has 5,765 public EV charging stations of which 4,462 are in Bengaluru.
🟡 Yellow alert
Bengaluru and southern Karnataka are gearing up for three days of moderate to heavy rainfall, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for the region.
What’s it about? The rainfall is attributed to a low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal, driving moisture-laden winds and triggering showers across Karnataka. The cyclonic circulation is causing widespread moderate rainfall, particularly in coastal and southern parts of the state.
- This follows the recent Cyclone Fengal-related rains that brought respite from warmer conditions.
- Districts including Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Chitradurga, Kolar, and Ramanagara are under a yellow alert until December 13.
Other regions: Coastal areas like Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are expected to experience heavier rains, with the alert extended to December 14. Regions such as Dakshina Kannada, Davanagere, and Gadag have already reported rainfall, while more steady showers are anticipated across northern Karnataka as well.
💵 20 million grant
United Way Bengaluru (UWB) has secured a grant of ₹20 million from Visa Foundation to boost its environmental sustainability initiatives in Bengaluru.
What’s it about? UWB has long been committed to creating a sustainable future for Bengaluru through efforts such as increasing green cover and improving water conservation. This collaboration aims to foster lasting positive change in the city by addressing critical environmental challenges.
- The Visa Foundation grant will significantly scale UWB’s initiatives, including the planting of 10,000 native trees to enhance the city’s greenery.
- The project also involves restoring ponds for rainwater harvesting and constructing 117 percolation wells to replenish the groundwater table.
Grant process: This funding is part of the Visa Foundation Gives program, launched in 2022 to address local issues in communities where Visa employees live and work. The Bengaluru initiative was selected through a survey of Visa employees based in the city.
🌆 Twin cities
Bengaluru and New Brunswick, New Jersey, are set to establish a twin-city collaboration under a new agreement between the Karnataka government and the New Jersey Department of State.
What’s it about? The partnership will emphasise fostering the startup ecosystem in both cities, promoting engagement and knowledge exchange. Specific programs will be developed to support this vision, furthering Bengaluru’s reputation as a global innovation hub.
- The Letter of Intent (LoI) signed on Tuesday aims to strengthen cooperation in technology, innovation, and economic development between the two regions.
- A key focus of the collaboration will be technological advancements in life sciences, deep technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and electronics.
GIA: The agreement is part of Karnataka’s Global Innovation Alliances (GIA) initiative, which seeks to establish international partnerships to drive innovation and knowledge-sharing across borders. By connecting Bengaluru and New Brunswick, the partnership aligns with the broader goal of accelerating advancements in critical industries and promoting economic development on a global scale.
🌧️ Harvesting rain
Under the Program Vasundhara initiative, the city’s water scarcity issues are set to ease with a rainwater harvesting system around Aivarakhandapura Lake.
What’s it about? The program, supported by American Express in partnership with Safe Water Network, aims to enhance environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience in Bengaluru and Gurugram.
- An 18-million-litre rainwater harvesting system is being constructed to boost water availability and reduce reliance on external sources.
- This initiative also includes an automated weather station linked to a mobile app for farmers.
In Haryana: Meanwhile, in Gurugram’s Aravalli region, the project’s focus is on reforestation and land restoration. The initiative plans to plant 15,000 trees and restore 10,000 hectares of land, improving green cover, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Are you an umbrella person or a raincoat person?
- I am an umbrella person.
- I am a raincoat person.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
For what items do you generally use quick commerce services?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Army Service Corps (ASC) Motorcycle Display Team (Tornadoes) set three new world records at the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway.
- Seven departure and five arrival flights were cancelled at the Chennai airport due to various reasons with one of them being diverted to the KIA.
- Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of Ozone Urbana Township have filed an FIR against the Ozone Group promoters for defrauding buyers of over ₹3,300 crore.
- EaseMyTrip.com has announced the launch of its 22nd franchise store in Bengaluru.
- The Supreme Court has ordered the Karnataka government to issue fresh Transferable Development Rights to the members of the Mysuru royal family in the Palace Ground Case.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have gone on a long drive: 66.7% 🏆
- I have not gone on a long drive: 33.3%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!