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 updates from the city. Congress is set to form a new government in Karnataka with Siddaramaiah as chief minister and DK Shivakumar as deputy. At least 10 to 12 ministers will be inducted into the cabinet. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will share the CM post for 30 months each. Oath-taking at Kanteerava Stadium by the cabinet will approve the five promised guarantees of the Congress manifesto.2. In other headlines, preparations for the upcoming swearing-in ceremony on May 20th in Bengaluru are underway, with heightened security measures in place. Over 260 additional personnel have been requested to provide high-level security to prominent VVIPs, including the Gandhi family and chief ministers from various states. The city's law enforcement and traffic police are also involved in ensuring a smooth event.3. In some more news, the BBMP plans to scrutinize self-assessment declarations of commercial properties in Bengaluru, physically measuring them to ensure accurate tax payments. Around 2.6 lakh properties have been identified for the verification process. The aim is to meet a revenue collection target of Rs 4,412 crore and address discrepancies, such as properties paying residential taxes despite commercial use.4. Up next, the Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2 has achieved the prestigious IGBC Platinum certification for sustainability from the Indian Green Building Council. The certification recognizes the terminal's adherence to environmentally conscious practices, including sustainable architecture, energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. The achievement reflects the airport's commitment to responsible and green practices.5. Now, onto other news, Allo Health, a digital health clinic for sexual wellness, inaugurated its first physical clinic in Indiranagar. The clinic aims to address the lack of accessible sexual healthcare in India, with plans to open over 50 clinics across the country within a year. Services include treatment for physical and mental sexual disorders, along with workshops to promote awareness.6. Moving on, the price of tender coconuts has surged this summer, with an increase of Rs 5-10 per fruit in the city. In most places, it has surpassed the Rs 40 mark. However, coconut farmers express concerns that market prices fail to cover the expenses of cultivation. Street vendors primarily rely on supplies from Mysuru, Mandya, and Chikkaballapur districts.7. Meanwhile, The Bangalore Summer Meeting at the Bangalore Turf Club will begin on May 20th, offering total prize money of around Rs 18.4 crores, an increase from the previous year. The season includes four classic horseraces, with the Bangalore Summer Derby having a guaranteed prize of Rs 2 crores. The meeting spans 168 horseraces across 24 days, featuring around 50 trainers and a 100 jockeys.8. On a different note, ISRO's "wall museum" will also serve as a STEM learning tool, showcasing India's space program. The 7x7 feet wooden cabinet features over 25 scale models of Isro's technology, tracing its history through satellites, rockets, and more. Indic Inspirations has designed the museum and created merchandise, including rocket models crafted by artisans of Channapatna. National news1. Moving on to the national news. The Supreme Court has warned the Nagaland government against obstructing the implementation of 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies. The state's assembly had previously resolved not to implement the reservation, but the court demanded adherence to the law. The court has given the Union government and Nagaland until July to find a solution.2. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear a plea challenging the scientific survey of a 'Shivling' at the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. The High Court ordered the survey to determine the structure's age, but the plea challenges this order. The matter is scheduled for hearing on May 19th before a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala.3. In more news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a six-day visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, where he will participate in three key multilateral summits. With over 40 engagements planned, Modi will interact with world leaders through bilateral meetings and summits. Deliverables are expected from the Quad summit, and Modi will address global challenges at the G7 summit. The visit includes hosting the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation and discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.4. Shifting our focus, India reaffirmed to the UN General Assembly its dedication to the reduction of disaster risk, focusing on mitigating hazards like landslides, floods, earthquakes, and heat waves. With increased funding and revamped financing, India aligns its efforts with the Sendai Framework and the 2030 Agenda. It leads the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and strives to enhance early warning systems. International news1. Turning our attention to international news, the G7 leaders expressed grave concern over Russia's seizure and militarisation of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. They demanded Russia's immediate withdrawal from Ukraine and emphasised the importance of a just peace. The G7 pledged ongoing support for Ukraine and announced sanctions targeting critical supplies for Russia's war efforts.2. In a recent development, China's President Xi Jinping outlined an ambitious development plan for Central Asia, emphasising infrastructure, trade, and stability while rejecting outside interference. He called for collaboration with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to modernize the region. Central Asian nations were urged to oppose external interference, combat terrorism, and strengthen security measures. The summit showcased solidarity, enhancing China's influence and countering negative perceptions.3. In some positive news, Australian doctor Dr. Kenneth Elliott, who was held captive by al Qaeda-linked extremists for over seven years in West Africa, has been released. The 88-year-old doctor is safe and has been reunited with his wife and children. The couple was kidnapped in 2016 near Burkina Faso's border with Mali, where they ran a 120-bed clinic for more than 40 years. His wife, Jocelyn Elliott, was freed after three weeks. Business news1. Let's now look at some business stories. The government's 20% tax on foreign credit card transactions is facing criticism from experts for discouraging online payments, constraining cash flows, and promoting cash-based foreign exchange. Experts advise a nominal tax or lower limit instead, as the decision contradicts India's cashless economy, burdens individuals and small businesses, and hampers the ease of doing business. Reconsideration and a reduced levy are being urged by experts.2. In more business news, Reliance Retail is reportedly forming a strategic partnership with Chinese fashion giant Shein to bring the brand back to India, following the ban on its app by the Indian government two years ago. Shein recently raised $2 billion in funding at a lower valuation due to declining tech share prices and increased scrutiny of its practices. Reliance's partnership with Shein aims to bolster its fast-fashion portfolio through physical stores and online channels.3. Moving on, lenders have accused Byju's Alpha, the Indian ed-tech company, of concealing $500 million during a control dispute. The allegation stems from a default, prompting lenders to claim the right to appoint their representative as the company's leader. Byju's faces challenges like restructuring, a government investigation, and plans for an IPO. A trial is set to determine control.4. In the share market on May 19th, Indian shares relinquished early gains as investors took profits following a recent rally. The tightening US labor market data dashed hopes of rate cuts this year. The Nifty is headed for its fourth consecutive session of losses, down 1.26% for the week, potentially marking its first weekly decline in four weeks. While 12 of the 13 major sectoral indexes experienced losses, the IT index managed to rise by 1% for the day. Entertainment news1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Despite controversies, "The Kerala Story" is set to earn Rs 200 crores at the box office, making it the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023. The film tackles a sensitive and controversial subject and has remained unaffected by the controversies surrounding it. It collected Rs 171 crores domestically, with a slight drop in collections on May 18th.2. In news from the Cannes Film Festival, Harrison Ford was honoured with the Palme d'Or for lifetime achievement at the festival. During the event, he presented Lucasfilm's upcoming film, "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Ford expressed gratitude and acknowledged his colleagues while mentioning his latest movie. The fifth instalment of the Indiana Jones franchise, directed by James Mangold, features Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen and will be released in late June.3. Meanwhile, Martin Scorsese's highly anticipated film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20th. Based on a non-fiction book, the Western genre movie focuses on the systematic murders of Osage Indians in Oklahoma during the 1920s. Also being screened at the festival is the upcoming HBO series "The Idol," created by Sam Levinson and The Weeknd. The series, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22nd, revolves around a pop star's breakdown and her relationship with a self-help guru. Sports news1. In sports news, Virat Kohli's century propelled Bangalore to fourth place in the IPL 2023 points table. Bangalore's win boosts their playoff hopes, while Chennai and Lucknow are currently in second and third place respectively. Rajasthan, Kolkata, and Punjab are vying for qualification, with net run rate playing a crucial role. The results of the upcoming matches will determine the final playoff spots.2. In some uplifting news, West Ham advanced to their first European final in 47 years with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar, setting up a clash with Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final on June 7. Fiorentina secured their spot with a dramatic 3-1 win against FC Basel. West Ham's achievement marks a significant milestone for the club eager to end their trophy drought.4. Wrapping up sports news, Rafael Nadal will miss the French Open, ending his streak of 19 consecutive appearances, due to a hip injury. The 14-time men's singles champion plans to retire after the 2024 season. Nadal's absence raises doubts about his participation in Wimbledon. His decision comes after months of unsuccessful attempts to recover from the injury, and he aims to take a break to prioritise his health and prepare for a farewell season in 2024. Local eventsSwitching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.1. Join the Coffee Arches Texture Art Workshop at Lahe Lahe, Kodihalli, on 20th May from 11 AM to 1 PM.2. Join Chess Connect organised by Bangalore Chess Club also at Lahe Lahe on May 21st at 10 AM.3. But wait, there's more. Learn Salsa and Bachata from the Motley Dance Company at Lahe Lahe on May 21st.4. Tell Your Story at Listeners Circle, a safe space for sharing without judgement, at Dialogues Cafe in JP Nagar on 21st May at 5:30 PM.5. Rajat Sood Live presents a Comedy Show, blending poetry and comedy in a unique style. Join the laughter at Drunkling Comedy Club in Koramangala on May 21st at 5 PM. Weather1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. The evening of May 19th is expected to be partly cloudy with a high temperature of 31°C and a low temperature of 25°C. On May 20th, the temperatures will range from a high of 33°C to a low of 22°C. The day will be generally clear, followed by a partly cloudy night. May 21st is forecasted to have a high of 32°C and a low of 21°C, with rain predicted to develop in the afternoon. 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.