Published on: May 29, 2025
Snippets : 29 MAY 2025
Snippets : 29 MAY 2025
- The Karnataka government has promulgated the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025, aiming to safeguard the rights of platform-based gig workers by establishing a Welfare Board and a dedicated welfare fund. Aggregators are required to contribute 1% to 5% of each transaction made to gig workers into this fund. The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare Board, headquartered in Bengaluru, will implement social security, occupational safety, and transparency-related benefits for gig workers. A payment and welfare fee verification system will be created for transparency in deductions and disbursements. Alongside this, two more ordinances were introduced: one amending the Karnataka Compulsory Service by Medical Graduates Ordinance, mandating a service affidavit for higher studies NOC, and another amending the Karnataka Civil Service Ordinance, ensuring transparent counselling-based transfers for medical officers.
- India’s data centre industry is experiencing rapid expansion, having attracted $14.7 billion in investments since 2020 and expecting an additional $20–25 billion in the next 5–6 years, according to a 2025 Colliers report. The current capacity of 1,263 MW is projected to surpass 4,500 MW by 2030, marking a more than fourfold increase over recent years. The real estate footprint has grown threefold, with large data centres (above 50 MW) expected to dominate by 2030. Growth is fueled by rising demand for cloud, AI, IoT services, better internet penetration, global connectivity, and supportive policies. Major markets like Mumbai (41%) and Chennai (23%) lead the share, while tier-II cities are emerging as strong contenders. The industry comprises captive and outsourced segments (like colocation and hosting), supported by essential infrastructure such as servers, storage, and enterprise networking. India, now the world’s 13th largest data centre market, saw $7.44 billion in revenue in 2023 and plans to add 45 new data centres by 2025. Government efforts, including Data Centre Economic Zones and DCFUs, aim to further drive development through favourable policies and infrastructure support.
- Ker Sangri, a traditional Rajasthani dish, has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying its unique link to the Thar Desert region. This dish is made using Ker berries from the Ker tree and Sangri pods from the sacred Khejri tree, both native to arid desert climates. The preparation is slow and careful, as Ker berries, initially bitter, are soaked, boiled, and cooked with Sangri, curd, red chillies, and spices to create a tangy, spicy, and earthy-flavoured delicacy. Rich in nutrients, high in fibre, and low in fat, it is typically served with bajra roti and ghee. The Khejri tree is revered by the Bishnoi community and symbolizes ecological preservation. GI tags in India, governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, are granted to products with specific geographic origins and distinct reputations. These tags apply to various goods, including agricultural products and handicrafts, and are valid for 10 years, after which they can be renewed.
- India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme has received execution model approval, marking a major step towards developing the country’s first fifth-generation fighter jet. Spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in Bengaluru, the ₹15,000 crore project aims to produce five prototypes with the first flight expected by 2028 and induction by 2034. The execution model allows equal participation of public and private sector players, either as independent entities, joint ventures, or consortia, provided they are Indian companies complying with domestic laws. The fifth-generation AMCA is designed to feature stealth technology, advanced sensors, and super-cruise capability—placing it in league with the U.S. F-22 and F-35, China’s J-20, and Russia’s Su-57. As China is reportedly fast-tracking stealth jets to Pakistan, India’s AMCA serves as a strategic response. Major Indian firms like Tata, L&T, and Adani are expected to bid, potentially ending HAL’s monopoly. The first two AMCA squadrons will be powered by U.S.-made GE-414 engines, while a domestically developed engine will follow. The programme aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, advancing aerospace self-reliance and defence modernisation.
- Bengaluru has cemented its status as one of the top 12 global tech powerhouses, alongside cities like Beijing, Boston, London, New York, and San Francisco, due to its massive and competitive tech talent pool exceeding one million, making it the largest in the Asia-Pacific region and on par with major US clusters in AI expertise. Notably, Bengaluru houses India’s highest concentration of AI professionals, with AI development talent primarily concentrated in the US and India, while demand surges in Poland, Germany, and the US. Despite its impressive talent base, software engineers in Bengaluru earn an average annual salary of $40,967—below $100,000—making it the most affordable among these markets, where San Francisco leads with $184,593. The city also demonstrates rapid demographic growth, with 75.5% of its population in the working-age bracket and a 2.4% increase since 2019, positioning it among the fastest-growing globally. However, its educational attainment rate remains modest at 14.2%, well below countries like Ireland, Switzerland, and Singapore, which boast rates above 45%. Overall, Bengaluru’s prominence as a global tech hub is underscored by its extensive talent pool, strategic importance in AI, and rapid demographic growth, placing it among the world’s leading markets in the dynamic landscape of global technology talent.
- Karnataka approved 69 projects worth Rs 17,182.77 crore across two meetings. 65th SHLCC meeting approved 6 proposals totaling Rs 15,441.17 crore, creating 5,277 jobs.
- Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has announced the launch of a new package tour ‘Divya Darshana’, to promote spiritual tourism within the city.
