A solo date with the universe 🌌

Good morning, Bengaluru ☀️

That familiar sandalwood scent has a Bengaluru laboratory connection. IISc’s early research helped establish the sandalwood oil industry, and the Mysore ruler funded an experimental factory near the institute in 1916. Before Bengaluru became shorthand for software, its scientists were helping turn wood into an industrial product. IISc tells the story here

Your first solo outing can have a clear script

Try Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, High Grounds for an outing built around an activity. Use the official website’s booking link to choose a Sky Theatre show, checking its language and time.

On arrival, head to the ticket counter for directions. I’d allow about an hour around your screening.

Adult admission is listed at ₹100. Check the day’s schedule before travelling; Mondays and second Tuesdays are regular closures. Going alone works well when the show provides the focus.

Who updates the tutorial when the product changes?

California-and-Bengaluru startup Clueso announced a $10 million Series A on October 13, led by Dharana Capital, taking its total funding to $12 million.

It makes AI tools for business videos, including product tutorials, onboarding and training. The next push includes stronger editing tools and agents that help maintain videos as company information changes.

That addresses a familiar workplace chore: a useful tutorial becoming outdated after the next software release. Whether automation handles those changes accurately remains the practical test. Read more

A Karnataka food trail, one table

Oota Bangalore, Whitefield brings dishes from different parts of Karnataka onto one menu. I’d start with goli baje, then try yenne badnekayi, the North Karnataka stuffed-brinjal dish, with chukke roti.

It suits a leisurely lunch with someone willing to share a few plates. Lunch runs noon - 3 pm, making it an easy weekend option if you’re already in Whitefield.

Budget for a sit-down restaurant meal: District lists approximately ₹2,500 for two. Check availability when booking.

A little art, without a whole-day itinerary

Gallery G, Lavelle Road makes a manageable central-city art stop. Browse the works on display and spend longer with whichever painting catches your attention.

My suggested plan: 30–45 minutes. Check the gallery’s exhibition page before heading over, since displays change.

Find it at Maini Sadan, 38 Lavelle Road, 7th Cross. Visitor hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm; Mondays are closed.

Eight flyover tenders need a fresh start

Bengaluru’s proposed flyovers face a procurement reset. Reporting on October 14 details why Karnataka cancelled eight elevated-corridor and flyover tenders: reviewers found 13 shared problems, including contradictory maintenance payments, unclear extra-work costs and weak penalties for delays.

The cancellation order dates to October 1. The latest reporting explains the contract flaws behind that decision.

B-SMILE was handling the projects for the Greater Bengaluru Authority. The wider April-approved programme covered 11 corridors totalling 75.6 km, estimated at ₹13,262.70 crore.

Fresh tenders are intended, but the report gives no replacement timetable. These proposed roads remain plans awaiting a new contracting process.

For residents, the useful distinction is between an approved idea and construction ready to begin. Read the report

See you in the next kaapi. Same city, slightly better plans.