Miscellaneous
Do you keep blaming your hectic life for not keeping up with the news?Do you wish there was a voice in your head telling you about what's going on in the city so you don't feel left out in a group? Listen to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast for news specific to namma Bengaluru! Listen during your commute to and from work, listen anywhere, at any time. Transcript:Welcome to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast, your only companion on the streets of Bengaluru. Local News1. Let's begin with election updates. Seven out of ten exit polls suggest that Karnataka is heading for a hung assembly, while two predict an outright victory for the Congress and one for the BJP. HD Kumaraswamy's JD(S) is expected to play a crucial role in the event of a hung house. The counting of votes will take place on May 13th. 2. Moving on, Bengaluru's low voter turnout persisted in the 2023 Assembly polls, with provisional figures ranging from 52.8% to 56.98%. The city has a history of low participation. Final figures, including postal ballots and votes from home, are pending. Awareness campaigns aimed to boost voter enrollment and engagement were conducted by the Election Commission. Karnataka achieved its highest-ever voter turnout at 72.81%, surpassing the previous record of 72.13% in 2018. 3. Up next, several citizens were disappointed when they discovered their names missing or deleted from the electoral rolls after waiting in long queues to vote. Instances of missing names and deletions without notice were reported across the city, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of response from BBMP officials. Additionally, some voters faced delays due to misspelled names that needed correction. 4. In other headlines, despite minor clashes and fights between political party workers in various locations, the assembly elections in Karnataka were largely peaceful. In one incident, a mob damaged EVMs and VVPATs in Vijayapura district. Police arrested 23 people. Similar altercations occurred in Kanakapura, Koppal, and Ballari Rural. Tensions rose in Varuna when Congress workers attempted to block a BJP candidate from entering a polling station, but police intervened. 5. In some positive news, the BBMP and the Chief Electoral Officer collaborated to enable patients undergoing treatment to vote. Manipal Hospitals proposed the initiative, and after medical evaluations, eligible patients were transported in hospital vehicles to polling booths. Sixteen patients, including transplant recipients and cancer patients, were assisted to cast their votes in various constituencies under medical supervision. 6. In more local news, Bengaluru's MG Road has been ranked as India's top high street, with four markets from the city making it to the top 10 list, according to a report by Knight Frank. The ranking is based on factors such as accessibility, parking facilities, and a diverse range of retailers. The report highlights the revival of high streets in India and their potential to provide a superior retail experience compared to malls. 7. In some shocking news, a Bengaluru woman was deceived by a man in Delhi, whom she met on a matrimonial website. According to the police, the woman lost valuables and cash. The man posed as a businessman and invited her to meet his family at a wedding. He fled with her belongings after tricking her into checking a car tire. An investigation is ongoing. 8. On a different note, Mumbai and Bengaluru ISKCON branches are embroiled in a temple control dispute, involving a dilapidated luxury bus purchased for Rs 5 lakhs. The Supreme Court is reviewing an appeal against an FIR accusing the Bengaluru unit of theft. The Bengaluru unit offered to resolve the case by buying a new bus, but the Mumbai unit refused, insisting on prosecuting the accused against ISKCON's principles. The conflict centers around ownership and management of the temple. Local EventsSwitching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.1. Agar Tum Na Hote, a concert, will take place at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on May 14th at 5:30 PM. The event will feature evergreen songs of Bollywood's first Superstar Rajesh Khanna, along with memorable and super hit songs by legendary singers like Mohd Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale, Mukesh, Manna Dey, and more. 2. Ministry of Comedy, Koramangala is hosting "BRB: Bengalis Rampaging Bangalore," a stand-up comedy show featuring 7 talented Bengali comedians on May 13th at 9 PM. 3. But wait, there's more. Join fellow enthusiasts for Board Games Night at SmallWorld in Koramangala on May 13th and May 20th. 4. Experience vibrant talent at Jagriti Open Mic Saturdays, held every Saturday at Jagriti Theatre in Whitefield. 5. An open mic called Kids Got Talent will be held at My School of Rock on May 14th. This talent show is specifically for kids aged 5 to 13. Here's Mr Punith, the manager at My School of Rock, telling us more about the event. National News1. Moving on to the national news. A strike was initiated by private and government doctors in Kerala after the stabbing death of Dr. Vandana Das. The assailant, a teacher with a history of substance abuse, attacked her with surgical scissors and a scalpel. The doctors demanded increased protection for medical professionals, highlighting the rising attacks on healthcare workers. Authorities have been criticized for not addressing these concerns. The strike halted health services in the state. 2. In some breaking news, on May 11th, the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the Maharashtra political turmoil. It ruled that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government cannot be reinstated because Uddhav Thackeray resigned without undergoing a floor test. The court referred to the Nebam Rabia judgment, regarding the Speaker's power in disqualification cases, for further consideration by a seven-judge bench. 3. In some more breaking news, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Delhi government, stating that it has legislative and executive powers over services, except for public order, police, and land. The court emphasized the importance of elected governments having control over administration and rejected the notion that the Delhi government has no power over services. The verdict highlighted the unique character of Delhi and the need to maintain the federal system and representative democracy. 4. Shifting our focus, Santiniketan, the town Rabindranath Tagore lived in, has been recommended for UNESCO World Heritage List inclusion by ICOMOS. The announcement will be made in September 2023. Known for its cultural heritage and as the birthplace of Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan influenced the National Education Policy 2020. International News1. Turning our attention to international news, The US Citizenship Act 2023, introduced by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, eliminate country quotas for green cards, and make changes to the H-1B visa system. The bill also focuses on family-based immigration reform and economic development. Democrats see it as a transformative framework to fix the broken immigration system and recognize the contributions of immigrants to the nation. 2. In a recent development, Pakistan's political crisis has worsened as former PM Imran Khan and several PTI leaders have been arrested for inciting violent protests amid economic stagnation and hardship. At least eight people have died due to the turmoil. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for an end to the protests and accused Imran of abusing power. 3. In some uplifting news, Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has given the green light to a bill aiming to decriminalize homosexuality, citing landmark judgments in its ruling. The bill, seeking to amend century-old laws, had faced challenges from petitioners invoking the Constitution. LGBTQIA+ activists and allies are celebrating the move, hoping for progress and a repeal of laws criminalizing homosexuality in the country. 4. Finland's outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin and her husband Markus Raikkonen have announced their joint decision to divorce. They expressed gratitude for their time together and stated their intention to remain best friends. The couple, who share a 5-year-old daughter, married in 2020 while Marin was serving as Prime Minister amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Business News1. Let's now look at some business stories. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will invest $236 million to build an air-conditioner and compressor manufacturing facility in India. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin virtually laid the foundation stone for the factory in Thiruvallur district. Production is set to start by October 2025, creating over 2,000 jobs. The investment is part of the Japan-India Investment Promotion Partnership. 2. In other news, Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe, has been named in a police complaint for embezzlement of Rs 81 crores. The Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police filed an FIR against Grover, his wife, and others for fraud, forgery, and breach of trust. The complaint alleges Grover stole company funds for a lavish lifestyle. The FIR accuses Grover and others of multiple criminal offenses, which could lead to life imprisonment if convicted. 3. In some automobile news, Chinese auto giant SAIC-owned MG Motor is in talks to sell its majority stake in its India car business to potential suitors including Reliance Industries, Hero Group, Premji Invest, and JSW Group. The company faces hurdles in raising funds from its parent due to government approval delays and plans to raise approximately Rs 5,000 crore by offering a majority stake to local partners. MG Motor aims to launch 4-5 new cars in India, with a focus on electric vehicles. 4. In the share market on May 11th, Sensex and Nifty saw mixed performance with gains and losses. Gujarat Gas, RVNL, and Adani Enterprises surged, while L&T, Dr Reddy's, and Hindalco faced selling pressure. Aditya Birla Capital's net profit for Q4 rose by 35% YoY, but Dr Lal Pathlabs missed profit estimates. The indices struggled to find direction amidst high volatility. Equity inflows in April dropped 70% MoM to Rs 6,480 crore, but remained positive for the 26th straight month. Entertainment News1. Over to news from the entertainment world. The team of The Kerala Story, which was recently made tax-free by the Uttar Pradesh government, met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss the movie and request him to watch it. The team praised the Adityanath government's efforts to curb forced religious conversion in the state. The chief minister and his colleagues are expected to attend a special screening of the film on May 12th. 2. In news from Bollywood, actress Deepika Padukone has graced the cover of Time Magazine and talked about her relationship with Ranveer Singh and India's representation at the Oscars. She also addressed the political backlash she has faced, and her upcoming projects, including action thriller film Project K and Fighter. Padukone has been credited with "bringing the world to Bollywood" and was previously named among Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2018. 3. Meanwhile, Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour" began on May 10th in Stockholm. Forbes predicts the tour could gross $2.4 billion in revenue, surpassing Taylor Swift's "Eras" Tour. Beyoncé's previous tours, including the "On the Run" tours with Jay-Z and the "Formation" World Tour, were all highly successful. The Renaissance World Tour will run until September 27th, with shows in various cities, including London, Amsterdam, Chicago, and Houston. Sports News1. In sports news, the BCCI is yet to announce the dates and venues for the 13th edition of the 50-overs ODI World Cup scheduled to start in October. A senior official from the Indian cricket board confirmed that discussions with the ICC are ongoing. With most title contenders focusing on test cricket, there is a lack of buzz around the tournament. 2. In some exciting news, Indian boxers Deepak Bhoria, Mohammed Hussamudin, and Nishant Dev secured bronze medals at the men's World Championships, ensuring India's best-ever haul of three medals. Deepak won in the flyweight category, Hussamudin triumphed in a close fight, and Nishant knocked out his opponent. India's previous best performance was in 2019 when they won a silver and a bronze. 3. Wrapping up sports news, in a thrilling match at the Italian Open, Fabio Fognini defeated Andy Murray in three sets. Fognini, who received a wild card entry after recovering from a foot injury, hit more than twice as many winners as Murray, securing a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory. Murray's protests over a disputed call added to the intensity of the match. Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka and Lesia Tsurenko also claimed notable victories in their respective matches. Weather1. Last, but not least, Indian Coast Guard units are on high alert following the IMD's warning of cyclonic storm 'Mocha'. The depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are not expected to be affected, but Bengal may have minimal impact. Rainfall is predicted in the northeast, and the Andaman administration has issued alerts. Jharkhand is experiencing high temperatures, and the Indian embassy in Myanmar has issued an advisory. Southern districts of Bengal face heat conditions. 2. And finally in Bengaluru, on the evening of May 11th, expect mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms. The temperature will reach a high of 28°C and a low of 24°C. On May 12th, the weather will be partly cloudy with a high of 32°C and a low of 22°C. That’s all for now on The Bengaluru Commute Podcast for today. I’m Anupama. If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow me on your favorite podcast and player, and leave a rating and a review as well. It helps other listeners to discover the show, and I would just really appreciate it. Even better if you know someone who would enjoy the podcast, share it with them. Subscribe to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Credits:Produced by SpoolerProducer: Anupama RajarathnamAudio producer: Caanu ZazaVoiceover: Anupama RajarathnamScript: Sitara D.