BENGALURU TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
Workout after work: India Inc flexes its fitness muscle
Employers in India are enhancing workplace fitness programs to promote well-being and active lifestyles among employees. Companies like Procter & Gamble and InMobi now offer gym facilities and wellness initiatives. The demand for fitness programs is rising among mid-sized businesses and startups, providing greater access to wellness resources.
Delhi-NCR among APAC's top office markets as prime rents rise 5.4%; occupancy costs rank seventh
Delhi-NCR has emerged as a key player in the Asia-Pacific office market, marked by a notable 5.4% rise in prime office rents yearly by Q3 2026. This uptick showcases persistent demand in the region, which ranks seventh in occupancy costs among major markets. While overall office leasing has declined, the focus on enhancing workplace quality continues to lead rental rates upward, underscoring its significance for boosting productivity.
OMCs reject Karnataka’s high-ethanol fuel claim, seek fresh tests
State-run oil marketers in India have rejected Karnataka's claims regarding excessive ethanol content in petrol sold. They argue that the state's testing procedures lack adherence to prescribed standards and were unverified. The oil companies assert that their E20 fuel adheres to Bureau of Indian Standards and undergoes strict quality checks. They highlighted that previous tests indicated compliance within the mandated ethanol blending range.
US polls hit tech stocks; Qcomm’s Dhanteras gold rush
US technology stocks took a major beating days after the Democratic Party took control of both chambers of the Congress. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
HSBC India arm leases 1.2 lakh sq ft office space in Bengaluru
HSBC's India division has secured a long-term sub-lease for more than 120,000 square feet of office space. This transaction is located in the commercial tower Ecospace Campus 1C on Outer Ring Road, Bengaluru. The lease includes a financial commitment of approximately Rs 191.84 crore over an initial five years. Following the lease terms, there is an option for a five-year extension at the same rate.
Indian GCCs set to add 35k jobs in 2027
ANSR expects these jobs – ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 - to be added by 160-175 new greenfield GCCs amid an increasing number of inquiries from US mid-sized companies. The caveat emptor: Experts say this interest is yet to translate into plans for large-scale relocation of jobs from the US.
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Entry norms for GPU bidders eased, but price pain remains
Bidders will not be required to submit a financial bid or commit to service level terms at the first stage, which will be for technical qualification. This is a significant change from the previous IndiaAI process. The minimum technical qualifying score has been reduced to 60 out of 100, compared with 75 under the IndiaAI framework.
Unilever announces €35 million investment for R&D expansion in India’s Mumbai and Bengaluru hubs
Unilever announced a plan to invest an additional €35 million in its Indian research and development operations. The investment aims to enhance product innovation and biotechnology capabilities at its Mumbai and Bengaluru centers. Unilever has already invested €20 million over the past five years towards developing various research facilities in India.
With most drug candidates failing in humans, India’s draft rules bet on the wrong science in animal lab testing
Recent draft rules in India threaten advancements in non-animal testing for drug development and safety. The new regulations may prioritize animal testing over innovative human-based methods, despite their proven reliability. Efforts to incorporate non-animal methodologies into national standards have gained support from various government initiatives. Significant funding has been allocated to promote alternative testing methods throughout the country.
IndiaAI Mission's three indigenous AI models target offline mobile access, secure use in critical sectors
Three indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) models launched under the Centre's IndiaAI Mission are being developed for applications ranging from offline access on mobile phones to secure use in critical sectors such as defence, cybersecurity and banking.
Premji's deeptech bets; Razorpay gets IPO nod
Happy Thursday! Premji Invest is stepping up its bets on defence and aerospace manufacturing.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Astrobase, Bayer to invest Rs 700 crore in Karnataka, creating nearly 1,500 jobs
Astrobase and Bayer have announced a combined investment of Rs 700 crore in Karnataka. Astrobase will invest Rs 500 crore to set up a manufacturing facility for rocket engines. This project aims to create approximately 1,250 jobs in the region. Bayer plans to invest Rs 200 crore to establish a Global Capability Centre, generating around 220 jobs. Both investments reflect a growing interest in expanding industrial capabilities in Karnataka.
15+ features of India's first Bullet Train: Not just 280 kmph speed, check its interiors, passenger facilities and advanced technology
India's first indigenous bullet train, B28, is designed to run at an operational speed of 249 kmph and a testing speed of 280 kmph. With eight coaches and a passenger capacity of around 557, it will feature Wi-Fi-based infotainment, multilingual information screens, ergonomic seating and modern safety systems. Trial runs on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor are targeted for May-June 2027.
Corporate India's white-collar hiring rises 14% in October, led by manufacturing
Corporate India's white-collar hiring showed a 14% increase in October compared to the previous year. Notably, production and manufacturing roles experienced a significant growth of 39%. The demand for AI/ML skills also remained strong, leading to a 32% increase in hiring. Various sectors such as automobiles and BPO/ITeS witnessed substantial hiring increases as well. Overall, metropolitan areas like Hyderabad and Pune led in job growth during this period.
Karnataka risks losing auto, EV testing centres as Mandya politics stalls project
Karnataka risks losing proposed automobile and electric vehicle testing centres in Mandya due to political tensions. HD Kumaraswamy advocates for these centres, which could significantly boost the local economy. The central government’s investment could develop an auto hub similar to those in other states. However, political rivalries complicate the project's progress, and local leaders are unable to unite.
Making of Bullet Train: What India’s high-speed train will look like from inside; check out its high-tech interiors, passenger facilities & technology
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared a video offering a glimpse inside India's first Bharat-made Bullet Train, being manufactured at BEML's Bengaluru facility for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. The eight-car train will feature a test speed of 280 kmph, seating for around 557 passengers, accessible facilities, Wi-Fi-based infotainment and advanced safety and energy-efficient technologies.
NTT Data to nearly triple Mangaluru workforce to over 2,500 by 2027
The company entered Mangaluru through its acquisition of local cloud engineering company Niveus Solutions, and is looking to use the city as a base for developing specialised technology capabilities. Its focus areas include healthcare and life sciences, automotive, manufacturing, high technology, AI and data.
Karnataka invites Japanese firms to scale manufacturing, tech alliances
Karnataka seeks collaboration with Japanese companies for manufacturing and innovation in various high-tech sectors. The state presents dedicated incentive packages to support electronics manufacturing and other industries. More than 200 Japanese companies currently operate in Karnataka, enhancing bilateral business relations. Agreements have been signed for Japanese language training to better equip local students.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train can travel at 249 kmph speed carrying up to 1,114 passengers with two 8-coach trains joined to form a 16-coach train; free Wi-Fi for passengers
India's first indigenous bullet train to run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Named as B-28 or Bharat 28, the train is nearing a crucial manufacturing milestone at BEML's Bengaluru facility. The eight-coach train will carry 557 passengers, operate at 249 kmph and feature Wi-Fi, accessible toilets and regenerative braking. Test runs are planned for 2027, with commercial operations targeted for August.
Climate platform Two Point O raises $10 million led by Transition Venture Capital
The company plans to enter battery energy storage while expanding its existing offerings in solar power, energy efficiency, and wastewater treatment. It will also target customers in sectors such as data centres, automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, where energy and water consumption are significant operating costs.
Digital payments firms race to fortify defences as cyberattacks intensify
At Bengaluru-based Cashfree, attempted attacks have been taking place repeatedly over the past three weeks, occurring at least 10 times as frequently as a year ago, chief technology officer Ramkumar Venkatesan told ET. Attackers are increasingly combining multiple vulnerabilities to attack systems, he said.
Gulf investors eye India’s AI infrastructure and space tech even as broader interest stays subdued
Gulf-based investors are exploring opportunities in India's artificial intelligence and space technology sectors, despite overall subdued interest. Yotta, a data centre operator, successfully raised $150 million earlier this year for expansion plans. Pixxel Space Technologies is also seeking funding in the UAE to capitalize on growing investor interest in technology. The Indian rupee's depreciation has contributed to the cautious investment sentiment among broader market participants.
PM approves Southern bullet train corridor linking Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati and Chennai: Vaishnaw
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Southern Bullet Train Corridor which will connect Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai. This high-speed rail project aims to reduce travel time significantly between these economic hubs. The Bengaluru-Chennai journey will take just 73 minutes, while Bengaluru-Hyderabad will take about two hours and 10 minutes.
AI makes continuous upskilling critical for IT professionals, says Kharge
Kharge noted that the unprecedented pace of AI adoption had created uncertainty over how job roles and skill requirements would evolve, making continuous learning essential for professionals to remain relevant in global markets.
India Inc wants AI talent to transform manufacturing space
Manufacturing firms are increasingly focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into their operations for efficiency. Companies such as Honeywell Technologies and RPG Group are actively searching for AI and digital leaders. These leaders are expected to bridge the gap between technological advancement and manufacturing processes. Companies are also searching for talent in overseas markets, particularly among Indian-origin executives.
HCLTech, Japan's Rapidus announce partnership for next generation semiconductor technologies
Indian IT services company HCLTech and Japan's Rapidus Corporation have announced a partnership for next-generation semiconductor technologies, with two dedicated development centres inaugurated in Bengaluru and Hubli to support the Japanese chipmaker's semiconductor engineering requirements.
Karnataka's DK Shivakumar warns Bengaluru IT firms of action over alleged bias against Kannadigas
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed concern over job discrimination against Kannadigas in technology companies. He highlighted the seriousness of complaints regarding biased recruitment practices in Bengaluru. His statements came after a viral video showcasing the issue and prompted a wider online discussion. The government intends to take appropriate action against firms found to be discriminating against local candidates.
IBM India leases 2.83 lakh sq ft office space in Bengaluru for 10 years
IBM India has leased an extensive office space at Radon tower in Bagmane Solarium City. The lease agreement spans over a decade, with estimated costs totaling Rs 522 crore. IBM will pay a monthly base rent of Rs 2.49 crore, subject to a 15% escalation every three years. Additionally, the company will incur fit-out costs over five years, approximately amounting to Rs 179 crore.
Polish PM Tusk seeks deeper tech, AI and space ties with India
During a recent meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for strengthened collaboration with India, zeroing in on advancements in AI and space technology. He pointed out potential synergies in manufacturing automation and data analysis. Karnataka's Chief Minister DK Shivakumar invited Polish participation in the 2027 Global Investors Meet, stressing the importance of joint ventures in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, given Bengaluru's pivotal role in tech innovation.
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