Karnataka First

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)

With the new ranking, the institute is now the only Indian B-school to feature in the global top 30.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore’s two-year full time MBA programme – the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) – has been ranked number one in India and number 28 globally in the Financial Times Masters in Management (FT MiM) 2025 global ranking.

The programme was ranked at 41 globally in 2024. With the new ranking, the institute is now the only Indian B-school to feature in the global top 30.

Significant improvement

The FT MiM ranking evaluates the world’s top business schools across 19 criteria, with alumni feedback accounting for 56% of the ranking’s weight and school data comprising the remaining 44%. It factors in outcomes such as employment, return on investment, diversity, ESG, and internationalisation, the assessment provides a holistic measure of institutional performance.

Outcomes of the IIMB alumni indicate higher career progression, marked rise in weighted salaries, and a notable salary percentage increase of 47% – the highest among the top three Indian B-schools. The institute has also advanced in measures of value for money, improved ESG and Net Zero teaching rank, and has recorded a leap in its carbon footprint rank, moving from 73 to 13.

The gains in diversity are also notable. The proportion of female faculty rose from 22% to 25%, female students from 33% to 40%, and women on the institute’s board from 30% to 40%. The IIMB also recorded an increased intake of international students to its programme this year.

Cultivating diversity

“The IIMB benchmarks its curriculum and impact through research against the best in the world to ensure that its students play a decisive role in addressing complex global challenges. The FT MiM ranking reaffirms our promise of delivering a transformational experience that leaves a lasting impact on students, practitioners, industries, and society,” said U. Dinesh Kumar, Director in-charge, IIMB.

Mukta Kulkarni, Dean, Programmes and Chairperson, Office of International Affairs, said that the 2025 FT MiM rankings were aided by the diversity that the institute has cultivated across its faculty, student, and alumni fraternity, as well as its governing body.

“Access to a world-class cohort and consistent interactions with some of the most exciting thinkers and decision makers of our time have lent weight to this outcome,” she added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Around 65% of all new mid-market GCCs in India since 2023 have been set up in Karnataka as per the report.

Karnataka houses more than 50% of the mid-market GCCs in India, employing over 74,000 professionals, finds a new report released by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), in collaboration with global management consulting firm Zinnov.

According to the report titled “Karnataka Mid-Market GCC Report 2025: Lean, Local, and Globally Impactful,” the State hosts more than 230 of the 480+ mid-market GCCs in the country. These centers are not just expanding faster; they are maturing 1.4 times quicker than larger peers, embracing product ownership, CXO-level leadership, and embedding AI-first strategies, the report notes.

Riding on talent

Mid-market GCCs are Global Capability Centres established by mid-sized enterprises with annual global revenues ranging between $100 million and $1 billion. According to the report, these firms scale faster and with greater control in Karnataka, enabled by plug-and-play infrastructure, payroll incentives, and simplicity of the government policies. Karnataka was the first in the country to roll out a GCC policy in 2024.

The report also notes that the State captured a disproportionately high share of new mid-market GCCs over the past two years. Around 65% of all new mid-market GCCs in India since 2023 have been set up in Karnataka.

Karnataka houses more than 50% of the mid-market GCCs in India, employing over 74,000 professionals, finds a new report released by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), in collaboration with global management consulting firm Zinnov.

According to the report titled “Karnataka Mid-Market GCC Report 2025: Lean, Local, and Globally Impactful,” the State hosts more than 230 of the 480+ mid-market GCCs in the country. These centers are not just expanding faster; they are maturing 1.4 times quicker than larger peers, embracing product ownership, CXO-level leadership, and embedding AI-first strategies, the report notes.

Riding on talent

Mid-market GCCs are Global Capability Centres established by mid-sized enterprises with annual global revenues ranging between $100 million and $1 billion. According to the report, these firms scale faster and with greater control in Karnataka, enabled by plug-and-play infrastructure, payroll incentives, and simplicity of the government policies. Karnataka was the first in the country to roll out a GCC policy in 2024.

The report also notes that the State captured a disproportionately high share of new mid-market GCCs over the past two years. Around 65% of all new mid-market GCCs in India since 2023 have been set up in Karnataka.

“Higher talent quality in the State allows Mid-market GCCs to operate with leaner teams — driving more productivity per employee and reducing overall cost of operations,” reads the report.

While mid-market GCCs in India operate at 40% the size of non-mid-market peers, in Karnataka, the trend is amplified with the mid-market GCCs running at 35% the size of the larger peers. This, according to the report, is a reflection of ‘high-trust and high-quality talent.’ The State is currently home to 50% of India’s AI/ML talent and 38% digital workforce, and its capital city, the fourth largest technology and innovation cluster in the world, it notes.

Katalyst handbook released

The report was launched in the presence of Minister of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology Priyank Kharge and officials from the IT-BT department and KDEM. The event saw the release of the KATALYST GCC Handbook, a comprehensive guide for companies that wish to set up GCCs in Karnataka. KATALYST is a dedicated Ease of Doing Business cell formed by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT in August to support GCCs in Karnataka.

Noting that 65% of all the new mid-market GCCs in India since 2023 established in their offices in Karnataka, Mr. Kharge hoped that the release of the handbook would help the ecosystem to ensure that more software is coming to India.

Addressing the industry representatives gathered at the event he said, “If the government participates closely with the industry, we will be able to ensure that we deliver faster for you. That is why we have launched Katalyst, a single entity which will have a specialized team to facilitate new GCCs to set up, investor handholding, and also provide ongoing support for existing GCCs.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

It is heartening to know that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will be visiting Mysuru today to attend the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) celebrations of All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH).

AIISH, located in the lush green campus adjacent to the University of Mysore in Manasagangothri, is a unique institute in the Asian sub-continent. It was established in 1966 as an autonomous institute fully funded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

This was possible due to the personal initiative and large heartedness of the last Maharaja of Mysore,   H.H. Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar.

Dr. Martin Franklin Palmer founded the Department of Speech Sciences in 1934 in a single classroom on the fourth floor of Jardine Hall on the campus of Wichita State University.

At the time of his death in 1965, the Institute of Logopedics was the largest institute of speech and hearing rehabilitation in the world. He helped spread knowledge of treatment for children with special needs around the globe.

Dr. Palmer guided the organisation, played a major role in its growth and success and was rewarded with worldwide recognition. He created the term ‘logopedics’ to describe study and treatment of speech disorders.

The Maharaja had a personal discussion with Dr. Palmer and he was so impressed by the facilities for the study and treatment of speech defects in children, involving habilitation of speech, that he spent a long time intermingling with the children, prompting the staff to say that there are no strangers, only friends we have not met! See pictures of the Maharaja’s discussion with Dr. Palmer and his intermingling with the children.

Maharaja’s US visit

During his sojourn to the United States on a lecture tour, Maharaja visited the Institute of Logopedics at Wichita, Kansas, on 1-4-1959. The Maharaja was obviously impressed by this new field pioneered by Dr. Martin Franklin Palmer.

Immediately after returning from the US, the Maharaja was instrumental in organising a conference, held jointly by the International Institute of Philosophy, Paris and the Indian Philosophical Congress, under the auspices of the Mysore University, at the Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore from Aug 28 to Sept 01, 1959.

Among the philosophers present from all over the world was the Indian luminary and the then Vice-President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

The Maharaja used the occasion to brief Dr. S. Radhakrishnan about his visit to the Institute of Logopedics and this resulted in further discussion with the Ministry of Health, Government of India, about establishing a similar Institute in Mysore.

On the invitation of the Government of India, Dr. Martin F. Palmer, Director, Institute of Logopedics, Wichita, Kansas, USA, visited India in 1963 and recommended setting up an Institute of Logopedics in India at Mysore.

A generous grant

When the formal approval from the Government of India came in 1965, the Maharaja graciously offered his daughter, Maharajakumari Indrakshi Devi’s palatial heritage building on JLB Road called ‘Rama Mandira’ for the institute to start functioning. (It was once the residence of University of Mysore’s first Vice-Chancellor, H.V. Nanjundaiah).

On August 9, 1965, “All India Institute of Logopedics” started functioning at ‘Rama Mandira’ with Lt. Gen. B.M. Rao, a former Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (India), as the first Director.

Gift deed

The Maharaja gifted 22 acres of land to the President of India on August 25, 1965, in Sy. No. 4, Kurubarahalli, Mysore, to enable the Government to establish a permanent campus. The relevant portion of the gift deed states:

“And whereas the donee desires to start a Logopedics Institute in Mysore; whereas in the interest of public service and benefit, the donor has decided to make a Gift of the properties mentioned in the schedule hereto to the Donee absolutely.”

On 25th July 1966, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the then President of India, laid the foundation stone of the Institute building and on 10th October 1966, the Institute was registered as an autonomous Institute under the Society Registration Act with the name “All India              Institute of Speech and Hearing.”

K.L. Shrimali, the then Vice-Chancellor of the  University of Mysore, offered the land in the post-graduate campus of ‘Manasagangothri’ instead. Thus, this unique Institute called ‘All India Institute of Speech and Hearing’ (AIISH) came to be established in Mysore in 1966.

Later on 30th November 1970, the Ministry of Health, Government of India, leased the property gifted by Maharaja to the University of Mysore for 99 years.

Land grab attempts

Unfortunately, unscrupulous land grabbers tried to usurp this land by fraudulent documents. (SOM 25-1-2012) and a protracted litigation by the undeterred University of Mysore, despite setbacks in the Tribunal, City Courts and Karnataka High Court, came to a happy ending in the Supreme Court when Justice Abdul Nazir castigated the State for initial non-cooperation and restored the land to the University of Mysore on March 23, 2018.

On the eve of the birth centenary of the Maharaja on July 18, 2019, the Royal Family requested the Prime Minister to name AIISH after the Maharaja through the good offices of the then MLA S.A. Ramdas and Union Cabinet Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar. Unfortunately, due to the untimely death of Ananth Kumar, this effort did not fructify.

When the then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, visited Mysore on 10th October 2019 in connection with the Birth Centenary celebrations of the Maharaja, the President unveiled a plaque of the University of Mysore establishing Sri Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar Centre for Higher Learning on this 22 acres of land.

COSMOS project

Now a world’s first independent 8K resolution LED dome planetarium and a research training centre under the Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre (COSMOS) project is being developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics at an estimated cost of Rs. 90 crore in part of this land.

The project is being supported under the MPLADS funds of the Union Finance Minister and the Department of Science and Technology, Department of   Atomic Energy and other organisations.

A fitting tribute

Thus, what started as a pioneering initiative by the Maharaja to start an Institute of Logopedics has culminated in Mysore luckily getting two world-class                           Institutions as a bonus.

It would be a fitting tribute to the Maharaja if the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, would recommend the Union Government to rename AIISH as “Maharaja Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar Institute of Speech and Hearing.”

Sadly, the website of AIISH does not even mention the name of the Maharaja! Hope they will make suitable amends after reading this article.

source/content: starofmysore.com / R. Raja Chandra (headline edited)

Apple Inc., the Cupertino-based tech giant, has opened its first retail store in south India in Bengaluru here on Tuesday at Phoenix Mall of Asia, off Hebbal.

This is the brand’s third store in India after one each in Mumbai and New Delhi.

The Apple store in Bengaluru spans nearly 8,000 sq. ft. on the first floor, according to a statement.

The store has local touches such as featuring peacock-feather artwork, Bengaluru-themed wallpapers, and an exclusive playlist.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)