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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. Polling for the Karnataka Assembly elections will take place on May 10th from 7 AM to 6 PM. Voters can check their names on the voter list published on www.ceokarnataka.kar.nic.in or through the ‘Chunavana’ mobile app. Lost voter IDs can be replaced with documents like a passport or Aadhaar card. Special facilities for senior citizens and the disabled will be available. May 10th has been declared a paid holiday. 2. Moving on, Bengaluru metro timings will be extended on May 10th due to the Karnataka Assembly elections. The last train will leave at 12:35 AM from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, Majestic station, with other stations departing at 12:05 AM. KSRTC and BMTC have assigned thousands of buses for election duties, causing significant disruptions to public transportation on May 9th and 10th. 3. Up next, officials from the Central Crime Branch conducted a surprise search at the Central Prison of Parappana Agrahara ahead of the elections. The team found mobile phones, SIM cards, knives, a scissor, and traces of drug consumption and tobacco products. Rowdy elements were warned against influencing voters on behalf of candidates or political parties. The seized items were handed over to the prison's chief superintendent along with a report for further action. 4. In other headlines, ahead of state assembly elections, over 200 bars in Bengaluru were closed for violating norms such as keeping the bar open beyond permitted hours and storing large quantities of liquor without proper documentation. Officials seized over 22.27 lakh liters of liquor, valued at Rs 83.66 crore, meant for distribution to voters and party workers. 5. Now, onto another topic, Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer and a key Apple supplier, has purchased a large tract of land near Bengaluru as part of its diversification away from China. The 1.2 million-square-metre acquisition was announced in a statement to the London Stock Exchange and was purchased by Foxconn's subsidiary, Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development. Foxconn has been manufacturing iPhones in India since 2019. 6. Meanwhile, Birla Estates, the real estate arm of Aditya Birla Group, has purchased a 28.6-acre land in Bengaluru for an undisclosed sum. The project is estimated to generate a revenue potential of INR 3,000 crore and will include residential housing and convenience retail options. Birla Estates has also acquired land parcels in Pune and South Mumbai for development. 7. Also in real estate news, Bengaluru plans to launch a new software, Kaveri 2 portal, which enables citizens to register their property from their homes, eliminating middlemen and enhancing transparency and accountability. The portal has been operational at close to 100 sub-registrar offices across Karnataka, making the registration process seamless, increasing efficiency, and enhancing revenue collection. 8. On a different note, pre-monsoon showers brought Bengaluru to a standstill, with heavy rains affecting South and Central parts of the city. Residents in some areas reported sewage-mixed water flowing out of Hosakerehalli Lake onto the streets. The BBMP helpline received multiple complaints, including about uprooted trees and collapsed walls. Moderate rainfall is expected to continue for the next three days, with the southern parts of the city likely to experience heavier rainfall. Local EventsSwitching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week.1. Every weekday night at 9 PM, Just BLR Comedy Club, Brigade Road, hosts its daily open mic where aspiring comedians showcase their talents, and audiences enjoy a night of laughter and entertainment.  2. Prashasti Singh will be performing her solo stand-up comedy, "Door Khadi Sharmaaye" at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur, on May 13th. 3. But wait, there's more. Attend a coaster painting workshop at Art Beat, HSR Layout, taking place every Wednesday. Here's Rajeev, the managing partner, to tell us more about the workshop. 4. SmallWorld, Koramangala hosts an Acroyoga workshop every Saturday, which is open to all levels of practitioners, from complete beginners to experienced individuals.  5. Stretch your musical muscles and enjoy an evening of music with fellow enthusiasts at the Music Jamming session hosted by Expressions on Varthur Main Road, every Sunday at 7 PM. National News1. Moving on to the national news. The Supreme Court has reprimanded politicians for making statements about an ongoing case regarding the withdrawal of 4% reservation for Muslims in Karnataka. The court has adjourned the case to July, asking for discipline to be maintained and for no public statements to be made on sub judice matters. The Karnataka government had scrapped the 4% reservation for Muslims in March 2021, deeming it unconstitutional. 2. Shifting our focus, eleven countries, including India, have agreed to a coordinated effort to protect migratory birds and their habitats in the Central Asian Flyway. The flyway spans 30 countries from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean and is home to more than 400 migratory bird species. The formalisation of the initiative is a significant step towards bird conservation. 3. In other wildlife news, India is set to release five cheetahs from acclimatization camps into Kuno National Park before monsoon season in June. Experts from South Africa and India evaluated the cheetahs' behavior and characteristics. The project aims to restore the species, which was declared extinct in India in 1952, by providing up to 100,000 km² of habitat in legally protected areas and an additional 600,000 km² of habitable landscape for the species. International News1. Turning our attention to international breaking news, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested outside the Islamabad High Court where he had gone to seek bail in multiple FIRs against him. PTI vice-president Fawad Chaudhry alleged that the Islamabad High Court had been "occupied by the Rangers" and that Khan had been "abducted" from the court premises while lawyers and people had been "tortured". Khan's detention follows several unsuccessful attempts, including a police raid at his residence. 2. In an update on the Ukraine-Russia war, today, on the day of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Russia launched a fifth attack on Ukraine. Ukraine destroyed 23 of the 25 missiles fired. No casualties were reported. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has escalated, with Russia launching its biggest drone swarm yet. Russia's mercenary Wagner forces threatened to withdraw from the battle of Bakhmut as they haven't received promised ammunition from Moscow. Ukraine is expected to launch a counteroffensive. 3. In a recent development, Canada has expelled a Chinese diplomat who allegedly attempted to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker critical of China, triggering a new diplomatic dispute. The move has strained already tense relations between the two countries. China has been accused of interfering in Canadian affairs. The latest allegations involved Chinese intelligence planning to impose sanctions on lawmaker Michael Chong and his relatives for voting to condemn China's actions in Xinjiang. Business News1. Now let’s look at some business stories. India extended Sri Lanka's $1bn credit line by one year to support essential imports, part of $4bn emergency aid extended last year. Remaining $350m is less essential due to increased foreign exchange availability. Sri Lanka finalised a $3bn bailout package from the IMF and is in debt restructuring talks with China, India, and Japan. 2. Now, onto another topic, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone announced it would pay off $130m of debt early after almost $413m worth of debt has been offered for early payment. The move aims to boost investor confidence, as Adani Group’s seven-listed stocks have lost around $114bn in value since Hindenburg Research accused the group of stock manipulation and improper use of offshore tax havens. 3. In some automobile news, sales of cars to fleet operators, including app-based cab aggregators, in India are set to outpace overall industry growth. Fleet sales nearly doubled last fiscal year with estimates of 1,37,000 vehicles sold, expected to grow over 40% this year. Maruti Suzuki saw commercial sales boosted by demand from tourism. Governments replacing half a million petrol and diesel cars with EVs will further drive fleet sales. 4. In the share market today, benchmark indices closed flat after paring early gains. The NSE Nifty 50 settled at 18,265.95 and the BSE Sensex closed at 61,761.33. The Bank Nifty fell 85.85 points or 0.2% to 43,198.15, Nifty PSU Bank tanked 113.3 points or 2.75% to 4,001.8 while Nifty IT jumped 204.55 points or 0.73% to 28,125.5. Top gainers on Nifty 50 were Divis Lab, IndusInd Bank, Coal India, TCS, and Axis Bank, while UPL, ITC, SBIN, Bajaj Finance, and JSW Steel were among the losers. Entertainment News1. Over to news from the entertainment world. According to Mumbai Police, a crew member of the movie "The Kerala Story" received a threatening message from an unknown number. The West Bengal government has banned the film due to its controversial content, which narrates the story of three women trafficked to ISIS camps after being converted to Islam through marriage. The movie has faced opposition from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 2. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police issued a lookout circular against a medical student from Haryana, studying in the UK, for sending death threats to Bollywood star Salman Khan. The student, yet to be identified, is being sought for extradition to India for sending an email in the name of gangster Goldy Brar, accused of murdering Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. Police have initiated the process by sharing a Mutual Legal Assistance treaty with UK authorities. 3. In news from Hollywood, Disney's live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" was screened for its first public audience, receiving positive and encouraging reviews. The film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, alongside Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Jonah Hauer-King, and Melissa McCarthy. The remake features updated scores from Alan Menken and four new songs, and is set to release on May 26th. Sports News1. In sports news today, Kolkata captain Nitish Rana was fined Rs. 12 lakh after a slow-over rate during their IPL match against Punjab at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kolkata won the match with Rana scoring 51 runs in 38 balls. Andre Russell and Rinku Singh finished the job, and Kolkata rose to fifth position on the points table. 2. In some ongoing news, the Haryana Amateur Wrestling Association has suspended three district unit secretaries for their alleged involvement in the protest against the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India for alleged sexual harassment and intimidation. Several wrestlers have been demanding the WFI chief's arrest, and Delhi Police has filed two FIRs against him. 3. Wrapping up sports news, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and return to Real Madrid. Real Madrid is reportedly willing to offer him a non-playing role as an ambassador. Ronaldo scored 451 goals in 438 appearances during his time at Real Madrid and since moving to Al-Nassr has scored 12 goals in 13 league appearances. Weather1. Last, but not least, The Indian Meteorological Department warns that Cyclone Mocha may become a very severe storm with winds up to 130 kmph by May 12th. The storm is expected to intensify from May 9th and move towards Bangladesh and Myanmar coasts. A well-marked low-pressure area has already formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal. 2. And finally, expect cloudy skies tonight with a high of 28°C, low of 24°C and scattered thunderstorms. Tomorrow, May 10th, will see a high of 31°C, low of 21°C, with a partly cloudy day, followed by a cloudy night. There is a slight chance of rain.   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.