Karnataka First

The minister underlines that the Karnataka Aerospace and Defence Policy offers an attractive incentive package for investors.

Rolls-Royce, the global engineering company specialising in power and propulsion solutions for the Aerospace, Defence and Energy sectors, on Wednesday launched its largest Global Capability and Innovation Centre (GCC) in the city.

The facility was inaugurated by Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil, a statement issued by his office said.

Rolls-Royce, the global engineering company specialising in power and propulsion solutions for the Aerospace, Defence and Energy sectors, on Wednesday launched its largest Global Capability and Innovation Centre (GCC) in the city.

The facility was inaugurated by Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil, a statement issued by his office said.

Speaking on the occasion, Patil said the team in Bengaluru would now be powering the company’s global businesses.

Rolls-Royce’s expansion, he noted, reaffirms Karnataka’s position as India’s leading hub for aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering.

“Bengaluru ranks among the world’s top three aerospace cities for attracting foreign investments. Our state hosts companies with strengths across the entire aerospace and defence value chain,” the Minister said.

He added that in power systems and propulsion, leaders like Aequs and Collins Aerospace stand out. In structural and mechanical components, Wipro and Mahindra Aerospace are driving progress.

In specialised technologies, Boeing, Airbus, and Pixxel are pioneers. And in end-manufacturing, Sarla and Tata Advanced Systems are making significant contributions, Patil explained.

The Minister underlined that the Karnataka Aerospace and Defence Policy offers an attractive incentive package for investors.

“Here, research institutions, global companies, and home-grown start-ups work together to advance technology and manufacturing. This collaborative ecosystem enables us to deliver world-class solutions to the world,” he said.

Patil emphasised that Karnataka has consistently promoted investment in aerospace and defence through forward-looking policies, infrastructure development, and ease-of-doing-business measures.

“Our government is committed to being a trusted partner in building technologies of global relevance.” Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, Helen McCabe, and Global CFO, Rolls-Royce were also present on the occasion.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

 Veronica Miranda, popularly known as Vinnie, received a unique recognition for her over 30 years of selfless and dedicated volunteer service at the Mississauga Food Bank on September 10.

Veronica Miranda was previously awarded the Ontario Volunteer Award in 2012 by former MPP and Ontario minister of citizenship and immigration, Charles Sousa, the Civic Award of Recognition in 2013 by former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award in 2013 by former Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, Brad Butt, for her volunteer work and service to the community.

Vinnie Miranda, one of the medal recipients, has volunteered with The Mississauga Food Bank for over 30 years, primarily sorting food items every Wednesday evening. In addition to helping with the critical function, she also lends a hand in special events such as the Food Bank’s Annual Gala, benefit concerts, and Ribfest community events. Over the past few years, she has also taken up a leadership role with the various youth groups that volunteer with the Food Bank on Wednesday nights.

Vinnie not only plays an active role in the vibrant Cristo Rei Parish in Mississauga as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, she is also active in various other charitable activities in the parish.

Vinnie, beloved wife of Steve Miranda and mother of Vinitha, Sanitha & Savith, is very well known in the community circle for her selfless, dedicated, and committed voluntary service. Throughout her life, she has spent in Mangaluru, Muscat, and now in Mississauga, Canada, her community and church service with a smile is really praiseworthy.

The Mangalurean community in Canada feels proud and congratulates Vinnie on this well deserved honor in recognition for her tremendous contribution in serving this community.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

BlackRock Services India has leased 1.43 lakh sq ft in Bengaluru for ₹410 crore over 10 years, amid rising demand for commercial real estate.

BlackRock Services India Pvt Ltd, the Indian arm of global asset manager, BlackRock Inc, has leased 1.43 lakh sq ft of commercial office space in Bengaluru for ₹410 crore over a 10-year term, according to property registration documents accessed by Propstack.

The commercial office space has been leased in KNG Tower 1 from IndiQube Space Limited in Ashok Nagar on MG Road. The documents show that the space is spread across the ground floor plus five additional floors.

The monthly rent has been fixed at ₹2.72 crore at a rate of ₹190 per sq ft with an annual rental escalation of 5%.

A security deposit of ₹21.75 crore has been paid for the transaction, according to the property registration documents.

The documents show that the transaction for the commercial office space was registered on August 21, 2025, and that the lease period starts in October 2025.

An email query sent to IndiQube Space Ltd and did not receive a response. If a response is received, the story will be updated. BlackRock Services India Pvt Ltd could not be reached for comment.

BlackRock’s Mumbai deals

Whispering Heights Real Estate Private Limited, a joint venture between K Raheja Corp Group and GIC of Singapore, had in July 2024, leased 42,700 sq ft for a monthly rent of ₹1.28 crore to Blackrock Services India Private Limited in a building known as Raheja Altimus in Worli, Mumbai, for five years, according to property registration documents accessed by Propstack.

The documents showed that BlackRock paid a security deposit of ₹12.81 crore for the deal, which was registered on July 18.

The lease period is from August 2024 to July 2029, and the monthly rent is ₹300, that is, ₹1.28 crore per month. The documents showed that the monthly rent will increase to ₹314 from August 2025 to ₹329 from August 2026, and the security deposit will also increase to ₹14.72 crore from August 2027.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

An exclusive round table hosted by Vertex Managed Workspace in honour of John Maier, Chief executive officer (CEO) of Bose Professional, spotlighted Mangaluru’s emergence as a promising technology hub. The event, held on September 8 at Ajanta Business Centre, Bejai-Kapikad, brought together industry leaders, academics, and government representatives to explore the city’s potential for innovation and enterprise. Darshan H V, IAS, deputy commissioner (DC) of Dakshina Kannada district, presided over the session.

Maier, visiting Mangaluru to review Bose Professional’s newly established Global Capability Centre (GCC) at Vertex Treo, Kadri, praised the city’s ecosystem. He noted that Bose Professional has chosen Mangaluru for its first dedicated R&D centre outside its main headquarters in Massachusetts, USA, with a vision that extends far beyond research. After starting with a single employee, the team has grown to 25 members at Vertex Managed Workspace under the leadership of Namith Padmaraj, director (software engineering), Bose Professional. It is set to expand to 100 professionals within the coming year, contributing to global innovation in sound and futuristic products. “The energy and talent we see here confirm that choosing Mangaluru was the right decision,” he said.

DC Darshan highlighted the significance of GCCs in shaping Mangaluru’s digital future. Drawing from his past role in framing Karnataka’s first-of-its-kind GCC policy in India, he shared valuable insights and gave suggestions about Animation, Visual, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sound technologies, based on his vast experience. “The presence of global companies like Bose Professional strengthens the tech ecosystem and adds value to growth. Karnataka’s Beyond Bengaluru initiative and proactive policies ensure Tier II cities like Mangaluru can attract and sustain high-value investments. The city’s entrepreneurial base is strong, and we are committed to extending all support and expertise to future GCC expansions,” he said.

Vertex Managed Workspace founders Gurudatta Shenoy, Mahesh Shetty, and Mangaldeep A R. welcomed Maier and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting global enterprises. “At Vertex Managed Workspace, our vision is to act as enablers and drive employment generation. We have supported over 35 organisations with over 2,000 hassle-free workspaces across 6+ premises in Mangaluru city, while facilitating global networking through hubs like Dubai,” said Gurudatta Shenoy.

The special invitees included Nittin Dargan (manager-GCC, Bose Professional), Commander Dr Anil Rana (director, Manipal Institute of Technology), Dr Ravi B (director, NITK), Rajendra Shenoy (director & CEO, L Code Technologies), Suyog Shetty (cofounder & CEO, Niveus Solutions), Mohammed Hanif (cofounder & CTO, Novigo Solutions), Brijesh Balakrishnan (global head, Cybersecurity Services, Infosys), Shivanand Shetty (senior director & business head, M Result Technologies), Kamal Karanth (cofounder, Xpheno), Mukesh S (Silicon Beach Programme), P B Ahmed Mudassar (vice president, KCCI), Chetan Dixit (vice president – Beyond Bengaluru, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission), Gaurav Punjabi (GM-sales & marketing, KDEM), Girish Shenoy (MicroGenesis TechSoft) and Michael Andrade (director, Lykora Consulting Services).

They shared perspectives highlighting Mangaluru’s strengths—its large number of educational institutions producing an industry-ready talent pool, low attrition, cost competitiveness, infrastructure, quality of life and a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship and global firms. They also noted the city’s unique culture, modern lifestyle, surfing and sporting opportunities, and overall convenience of living as additional factors making it an attractive destination for talent, investors and global enterprises.

During the event, Maier presented the ‘Emerging Homegrown Tech Company’ Award to Krop AI, received by its cofounder and CEO, Farish Anfal. The round table discussion was moderated by Johnson Tellis, CEO, Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, with Ashish serving as master of ceremonies.

Bose Professional, a world leader in professional audio systems, is among the few multinational companies in its sector to set up an advanced unit in an emerging Indian cluster. The Mangaluru GCC provides advanced engineering and R&D support for future innovation in Bose products and marks a milestone for the city in attracting high-value international investments.

Vertex Managed Workspace is a pioneer in building modern, plug-and-play workspaces across key business domains, supporting startups and multinational firms alike. Its infrastructure has played a vital role in attracting high-tech enterprises, including Bose Professional, to Mangaluru.

The round table concluded with optimism about the city’s trajectory. For Bose Professional, the visit reinforced the GCC’s potential. For Vertex Managed Workspace, it marked another milestone in enabling world-class enterprises. For Mangaluru, it was a showcase of its achievements and aspirations as Karnataka’s next major technology hub.

Innovation in Sound: Bose Mangaluru Story – Day 2 Highlights

The second day of the Bose Innovation in Sound – Mangaluru Story unfolded the next morning (September 9) against the serene backdrop of Tannirbhavi beach, where technology, culture, and adventure came together in a unique celebration.

The day began with an engaging surfing event in collaboration with the Mangalore Surf Club, setting the tone for a blend of innovation and coastal vibrancy. The event saw the participation of Namith Padmaraj, director (software engineering), Bose Professional, along with the Bose team, who were joined by enthusiastic students from MIT Manipal, NITK, and Sahyadri College of Engineering.

The highlight of the morning was an interactive scholars’ session with John Maier, CEO of Bose Professional, where students engaged in thought-provoking discussions about technology, innovation, and the future of sound. This was seamlessly followed by a surfing training session, offering participants a chance to experience Mangaluru’s growing adventure sports scene. “The students represent the true potential of Mangaluru’s IT ecosystem,” noted the organizers, emphasizing the city’s strong academic base and talent pool.

To showcase Mangaluru’s rich cultural heritage, the programme transitioned into a soulful beachside performance. Reuben Machado, the celebrated flute artist from Mangaluru who has performed at the Ambani wedding, mesmerized the audience with his music. The cultural segment continued with Shor the Band, who captivated the crowd with melodious Tulu songs, highlighting the region’s traditions and identity.

The day concluded with a beachside breakfast, allowing guests to soak in the scenic beauty of Tannirbhavi while networking and reflecting on the fusion of academia, innovation, and culture. The day 2 celebrations of the Bose Mangaluru Story not only strengthened the bond between global leaders in sound innovation and local talent, but also positioned Mangaluru as a city where technology, academia, and culture converge to create meaningful experiences.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Young author Reshel Bretny Fernandes, hailing from Mangaluru, has been honoured with the prestigious Indian Literary Excellence Award 2025 by SMP Publications for her remarkable book ‘Bharat at 2047: Role of Youth’.

The book, hailed as a milestone for a vibrant India, envisions the country’s future and highlights the pivotal role of youth in nation-building. With its thought-provoking insights and inspirational tone, the work has struck a chord with readers, particularly the younger generation.

Awarding her at their annual ceremony, SMP Publications lauded Fernandes for her contribution to contemporary Indian literature, describing her book as ‘an inspiration for the upcoming ages’.

Fernandes’ achievement has brought pride to Mangaluru, with many viewing her recognition as a motivating example for aspiring writers and students alike.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

MP Patil-led business exploratory delegation to Japan to bring in multiple new investments to Karnataka.

Japan’s Hosoda Holdings will establish a solar cell manufacturing unit in Karnataka at an estimated cost of ₹882 crore, Industries Minister M.B. Patil said on Friday.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with Tong Thar Energy Solutions (TTES). The agreement for the project was signed at the Global Investors Meet in February and initially, TTES had planned an investment of ₹490 crore.

During a meeting with Hosoda Holdings Chairman Nakamura San on Friday, Minister Patil said, the partnership with TTES has increased the total investment, and the project is expected to generate employment for 500 people in the State.

Mr. Patil confirmed that the size of the investment is now close to getting doubled and also welcomed the company’s decision, noting that, “It aligns with the State government’s focus on solar power generation.”

Meanwhile, Japanese sports equipment manufacturer Inabata has assured the visiting Karnataka delegation in Japan that it would start a unit in Karnataka in 2027. The delegation also confirmed that necessary land acquisition and approvals will be provided promptly.

Additionally, Tetsujikawa, another Japanese company specialising in engraving and die-cutting technology, informed the delegation about plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Karnataka.

Other than Mr. Patil, the high-level delegation included S. Selvakumar, Principal Secretary, Industries Department and Industries Commissioner Gunjan Krishna.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Vijayalakshmi Bidari, who created history by becoming the first person from Karnataka to top the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2001, continues to be a source of inspiration for civil service aspirants across the country even today.

Her achievement, over two decades ago, was not just a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Karnataka. At a time when the exam was considered an almost insurmountable challenge, Bidari’s success story became an example of perseverance, discipline, and clarity of purpose.

Known for her meticulous preparation and determined spirit, she broke barriers and set new benchmarks in a field traditionally dominated by a few states. Her accomplishment placed Karnataka firmly on the map of civil service excellence, motivating countless young students to dream big and attempt the examination with confidence.

Bidari’s academic journey reflects her brilliance from an early age. She scored a perfect 100/100 in mathematics in her 10th standard board exam, missing the state rank by just five marks. She pursued Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in her higher secondary education and later secured a merit seat in Computer Science Engineering at RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru (1995–1999). In addition, she completed a Professional Development Program at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, in 2014, focusing on governance and anti-corruption strategies. Earlier, in 2010, she pursued Public Policy studies at the Korea Development Institute, Seoul.

While still a student, Bidari impressed during campus selections, securing offers from BFL Software, HPCL Calcutta, and several others—becoming the only candidate from Bangalore University chosen by HPCL against stiff competition from top MBA graduates. Despite her young age, she stood out for her grit and capability.

She cleared the Civil Services Examination in 2000 with the highest rank in the Rajasthan cadre, becoming the first woman from South India to achieve the top position. Her journey began in 1999 when she attempted the exam soon after completing engineering. Though she initially missed the IAS by 35 marks, her determination paid off the following year, when she emerged as the All-India topper. Her interview, which tested her on computers, microprocessors, gravitation, PSLVs, and GSLVs, showcased her technical depth and confidence.

In January 2015, she was appointed as regional director, Staff Selection Commission, Bengaluru, and has since served in key administrative roles. From the Indian Customs and Central Excise Service to her current position as divisional commissioner in Maharashtra, her journey is nothing short of inspirational.

Bidari hails from a family steeped in public service. Her father, Shankar Bidari, served as director General and inspector general of police (DG&IGP) of Karnataka. Her husband, Mallikarjuna Prasanna, is a deputy commissioner of police in Mumbai, while her brother Vijayendra Bidari is the superintendent of police in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. His wife, Rohini P Bhajibhakare, is an IAS officer serving as assistant collector in Madurai. Except for her mother Umadevi, every member of her immediate family belongs to either the IAS or IPS cadre—an extraordinary distinction.

Beyond her achievements, Bidari’s journey has been a guiding light for women and youth aspiring to enter public service. Her success highlighted the importance of resilience and hard work in overcoming challenges, and her career in administration has reflected her deep commitment to serving society.

Even today, as aspirants from Karnataka and other states prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, they look up to Vijayalakshmi Bidari’s story as a reminder that with dedication and determination, no goal is too distant.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)