BUSINESS
Rapido’s Ride Through 2024: Turning a unicorn, expanding aggressively and facing new competition
From shifting focus beyond bike-taxi services, achieving unicorn status, to overcoming opposition, Swiggy-backed Rapido had an eventful 2024.
INDIA
Karnataka registration scam: 1,471 vehicles evade Motor Vehicle tax at Bengaluru Central RTO, cause over Rs 15 crore loss to state exchequer
Bengaluru Police investigating the scam have started issuing notices to vehicle owners, who are registered at Bengaluru Central (HSR Layout) RTO, in a bid to recover the evaded tax. However, experts insist that the scope of the scam is much larger and call for a thorough probe to be carried out in around 70 RTOs across Karnataka.
INDIA
Bengaluru's power supplier sets up EV accelerator cell to promote battery-run vehicles
The cell will also assist Bescom, state’s nodal agency for EV charging infrastructure, to phase out ICE vehicles
INDIA
In a first, Karnataka to set up incubation centres for construction workers, partner with industries
Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board is setting up four incubation centres for construction workers on pilot basis. This project aims to enhance the skills and employability of construction workers, empowering them to meet industry demands.
INDIA
Prototype train for Bengaluru Metro's Purple Line shipped from China's CRRC
The prototype train for Bengaluru Metro, which desperately needs new trains, is expected to arrive at the Chennai Port by year-end and in Bengaluru by January 10
INDIA
Gold Hunt: Karnataka's Hutti Mines eyes four sites for mining; feasibility study soon
The Karnataka government-owned mining company plans feasibility study for four locations: Ajjanahalli in Tumakuru, Wondalli near Raichur and Mangulur in Yadgir, all focused on gold extraction, apart from the Ingaldhal copper site in Chitradurga.
INDIA
Bengaluru auto rickshaw fare revision likely as transport dept calls for meeting
Auto rickshaw drivers are demanding an increase in the minimum fare from Rs 30 to Rs 40 for the initial two kms and from Rs 15 to Rs 20 for each additional km
INDIA
Karnataka hires consultant to prepare DPR for Rs 2,000 crore Cauvery water project for industries in Bengaluru
With semiconductor firms and manufacturing industries demanding significant water, coupled with depleting groundwater levels, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board is planning dedicated Cauvery river supply for industrial zones in and around Bengaluru.
TECHNOLOGY
Karnataka to establish CoEs in automotive technology, space tech and gaming
The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society has recently invited RFPs for the selection of implementing partners for three Centres of Excellence (CoEs). The state government has allocated Rs 10 crore for each CoE over five years.
TECHNOLOGY
From school to soccer practice: Bengaluru startup launches kids-only ride-hailing service
Bengaluru-based MetroRide Kids claims to be India’s first app-based transport service exclusively for children. Recently launched in Hyderabad, the service plans to expand to Bengaluru within three months.
INDIA
Tunnel, skydeck proposals in place; Bengaluru civic body looks for consultant for financial management
The selected firm will also design a framework to oversee ten critical projects, including the development of dashboards to track progress and ensure timely completion of work
INDIA
SM Krishna: Former CM who transformed Bengaluru from pensioners' paradise to a global IT hub
SM Krishna’s vision, combined with India’s economic liberalisation and competition from cities like Hyderabad, played a pivotal role in turning Bengaluru into a global technology powerhouse.
BUSINESS
MB Patil says private cos won't be allowed to exploit state funds as Lenskart picks Telangana over Karnataka
A major point of contention was the amount of subsidy that was being offered. While the state government was ready to walk half way, Lenskart's demands were unreasonable, sources told Moneycontrol.
INDIA
Bengaluru civic body to borrow Rs 19,000 crore for tunnel road project
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) invites Expression of Interest (EOI) from banks and financial institutions to fund the North-South Corridor project connecting Hebbal Esteem Mall Junction to Silk Board KSRP Junction.
INDIA
India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train by BEML delayed due to quality concerns flagged by ICF
Integral Coach Factory sources claim that BEML hastily completed the train's interior works without conducting proper quality checks to meet the deadline.
BUSINESS
Exponent Energy to launch 'e-Park' in Bengaluru with 1GW battery manufacturing, R&D facilities
The announcement comes a year after the firm raised around $26 million in its Series B funding round led by Eight Roads Ventures and TDK Ventures
INDIA
Karnataka: BJP slams Congress over transfer of KMF MD, delay in Nandini idli & dosa batter launch
Karnataka's Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and state BJP chief BY Vijayendra have questioned the state government over the abrupt transfer of KMF Managing director MK Jagadish, wondering if vested interest are at work
INDIA
Karnataka: Nandini puts whey-based idli & dosa batter launch in Bengaluru on backburner
Karnataka government transfers KMF Managing Director MK Jagadish, who was spearheading plans to introduce a whey protein-based batter in Bengaluru.
TECHNOLOGY
Bengaluru water board to introduce AI-enabled smart water meters to curb revenue loss
BWSSB plans to pilot smart water meters with 2,000 bulk customers before expanding the project citywide under a PPP model.
INDIA
Defunct PSU land at Byappanahalli in Bengaluru set to get a tree park makeover, work order issued
The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board plans to develop the 70-acre park in two phases. A work order — amounting to Rs 10.9 crore — for developing 15 acres in the first phase has been awarded to a construction firm, according to officials.
INDIA
Karnataka's Nandini to partner with hospital chains, tech parks
Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which markets its products under the Nandini brand, has decided to adopt an aggressive strategy in Delhi's milk market by offering a ‘buy one, get one free’ deal through quick-commerce platforms.
INDIA
Karnataka to hold skill summit, revamp industry cell to boost job opportunities for youth
The move comes after the government shelved a bill proposing job reservations for locals in the private sector following industry backlash
BUSINESS
Bengaluru Metro: Airport line to open in two phases by 2026
Four out of six coaches on each Blue Line Metro train will have luggage racks for KIA-bound passengers, according to the authorities.
INDIA
End Of The Line: Bengaluru suburban rail's Whitefield-Kengeri corridor likely to be scrapped
The 35-km Parijatha Line, which connects tech hub Whitefield in the east to Kengeri in the west may face the axe as it runs parallel to Namma Metro’s Purple Line.
