Rapido Announces Free Rides for Differently-Abled and Senior Citizen Voters in Karnataka

Ride-hailing service Rapido has launched its “SawaariZimmedariKi” campaign, offering complimentary bike taxi, auto, and cab rides to differently-abled and senior citizen voters across Karnataka. Residents of Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru can access free transportation to and from polling stations on April 26th by using the code ‘VOTENOW’. This initiative is part of Rapido’s efforts to promote civic engagement and ensure equitable access to voting for all citizens.

Bengaluru Businesses Roll Out Perks to Entice Voters

In an effort to increase voter turnout for the upcoming elections in Karnataka, numerous businesses and organizations in Bengaluru are offering a variety of incentives to those who cast their ballots. These enticements include discounts on dining, complimentary refreshments, and free transportation to polling stations. Eateries under the umbrella of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association are participating in the initiative, offering discounts at eateries like Kamat Hosaruchi and Iyengar’s Oven Fresh, complimentary mocktails at Cafe Udupi Ruchi, and free dosa, ladoo, and juice at Hotel Nisarga Grand. Mr. Philly’s burger joint will provide a 30% discount to the first 100 customers who present their inked finger, while Wonderla Holidays and Deck of Brews will provide discounts on tickets and complimentary beer, respectively, to patrons who have voted. To incentivize participation in the election, BluSmart, a provider of mobility aggregation services, is extending discounted rides within a 30-kilometer radius of polling places in Bengaluru and the Delhi NCR region. To further promote voting, Air India Express is offering a 19% discount on flights for first-time voters between the ages of 18 and 22.

Soaring Bean Prices Leave Bengaluru Consumers Feeling the Heat

Beans have become an expensive commodity in Bengaluru, with retail and online markets selling them for a hefty ₹180 – ₹220 per kilogram. The price surge is attributed to a decline in supply due to heat-induced crop damage in Kolar district and surrounding vegetable-growing regions. Traders note that while beans typically become more expensive during summer, this year’s prices are among the highest ever recorded. In wholesale markets, the selling price hovers around ₹120 – ₹130 per kilogram.

Bengaluru IT Raids: Cash, Gold, Diamonds Seized Days Before Karnataka Lok Sabha Polls

In a major crackdown, the Income Tax Department (IT) conducted raids at 16 locations in Bengaluru over the past two days, leading to the confiscation of a significant amount of cash, gold, and diamonds. The raids targeted industrialists and gold merchants in the Bengaluru South region, just days before the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. During the operation, authorities seized cash worth ₹1 crore and 33 lakh, along with 22 kilograms and 923 grams of gold jewellery, diamonds, and benami property deeds. The seizures took place in several locations across Bengaluru South, including Shankarpur, Saradevi Road, Mercantile Bank, Jayanagar 3rd Block, Saraswat Bank in Chamarajpet, Mata Sharada Devi Road, Jayanagar, and the Post Office in Basavanagudi. Notably, these raids come just days ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, with 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state going to polls on April 26 and the remaining 14 on May 7.

Zero Shadow Day: A Celestial Treat in Bengaluru on Wednesday

Bengaluru residents will witness a rare celestial event on Wednesday, April 24, known as ‘Zero Shadow Day.’ This unique phenomenon, caused by the Sun being directly overhead, will result in the absence of shadows for a brief period between 12:17 pm and 12:23 pm. Locations situated at the same latitudes as Bengaluru will also experience this remarkable event.

Bengaluru Prepares for Rare Zero Shadow Day 2024

Bengaluru, renowned as India’s Silicon Valley, is set to witness a captivating astronomical event known as Zero Shadow Day on April 24, 2024. This unique phenomenon occurs twice annually for locations between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and Bengaluru experiences it around April 24 and August 18 each year. During Zero Shadow Day, the sun aligns directly overhead, causing vertical objects to cast no shadows for a brief period. The Astronomical Society of India explains that on this day, the sun’s declination equals the latitude, resulting in the sun’s placement directly above the location at noon. Enthusiasts can anticipate this celestial spectacle between 12:17 pm and 12:23 pm, with a duration of approximately 6-8 minutes.

Bengaluru Witnesses Rare Zero Shadow Day on April 24th

On Wednesday, April 24th, Bengaluru residents will experience a rare celestial phenomenon known as Zero Shadow Day. The unique astronomical event, occurring between 12:17 pm and 12:23 pm, causes vertical objects to cast no shadows as the sun aligns perfectly overhead. This phenomenon occurs twice a year in regions between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, with Bengaluru experiencing it around April 24/25 and August 18 annually.

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