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Citigroup Shifts Nearly 1,000 Tech Roles to India After China Job Cuts

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Citigroup has relocated around 1,000 technology positions to its Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India following major layoffs in China, according to people familiar with the development. The transition, carried out in phases over the past few months, comes as part of the Wall Street bank’s ongoing global restructuring strategy. While Citi has not officially commented on the move, sources indicate that the decision aligns with a broader trend of multinational banks shifting more back-end and technology functions to India. The shift could accelerate further after former US President Donald Trump’s surprise policy proposal to charge $100,000 for new H-1B visa applications, making offshore support centres even more attractive. India’s GCC ecosystem has grown rapidly, now valued at about $64 billion, according to EY. Citigroup already employs roughly 33,000 professionals in India, mainly across hubs in Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Mumbai. In June, Citi revealed plans to trim its China technology workforce by approximately 3,500 roles under its global simplification drive. The latest transfer of jobs to India is a key part of that transition. Source: Bloomberg

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India Inc Poised to Offer 6.2% to 11.3% Average Salary Hikes Across Sectors: TeamLease Report

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Corporate India is set to witness salary hikes ranging between 6.2% and 11.3% in the current financial year, as companies realign their workforce strategies with a sharper focus on skill certifications and performance-linked incentives, according to the TeamLease Services’ Jobs and Salaries Primer 2025–26 report released on Tuesday. Drawing insights from over 1,300 organisations across 23 industries and 20 cities, the report highlights that some job roles may see hikes of up to 13.8%. The evolving demand for professionals who can blend technical expertise with business impact is driving this shift in compensation trends, said Kartik Narayan, CEO – Staffing at TeamLease Services. Among the sectors expected to offer the highest salary increases are Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV infrastructure (11.3%), consumer durables (10.7%), retail (10.7%), and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) (10.4%). Top-paying roles in these sectors include: Electrical Design Engineer in the EV domain (12.4% hike), In-Store Demonstrator in consumer durables (12.2%), Relationship Executive in NBFCs (11.6%), and Fashion Assistant in retail (11.2%). The report also points to a robust revival in the blue-collar segment, thanks to rising infrastructure investments, a growing EV ecosystem, and renewed activity in real estate and manufacturing. Key roles like mechanic (10.4%), material handler (10%), machine operator (9.9%), and electrician (9.3%) are witnessing healthy pay increases. “This strong wage momentum in traditional blue-collar roles signals a need for companies to recalibrate hiring strategies in line with emerging growth sectors. For workers, upskilling will be key to remaining relevant and resilient,” Narayan added. In terms of cities and individual roles, standout salary hikes include: Quality Control Inspector in Pune (13.8%), MIS Executive in Hyderabad (13.4%), Data Engineer in Bengaluru (12.9%), Electrical Design Engineer in Mumbai (12.6%), and Sales Executive in Gurgaon (12.4%). Functionally, the most significant hikes are projected in sales and marketing roles (9.9%), followed by engineering (9.5%). Other domains such as finance, customer service, back-office operations, HR, and administration are expected to receive moderate increases between 8.2% and 8.6%, indicating balanced growth across business functions. Overall, the report underscores a broader recalibration of compensation structures in India Inc, with skill-based hiring, retention incentives, and future-ready talent emerging as strategic priorities. Source: PTI

India Inc Poised to Offer 6.2% to 11.3% Average Salary Hikes Across Sectors: TeamLease Report Read More »

New COVID-19 Subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected in India: INSACOG Report

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India has recorded the presence of two newly emerging COVID-19 subvariants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—according to recent data released by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). While these variants are currently categorized as Variants Under Monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO), they have been linked to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across China and parts of Asia. As per the INSACOG data, a single case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of LF.7 were reported from Gujarat in May 2025. Despite these new detections, the dominant strain circulating in India remains JN.1, accounting for approximately 53% of the tested samples. It is followed by BA.2 (26%) and other Omicron-related variants (20%). Preliminary assessments by WHO suggest that NB.1.8.1 poses a low global public health risk, but the subvariant carries spike protein mutations—A435S, V445H, and T478I—that may enhance both transmissibility and the ability to evade immune responses. As of May 19, India reported 257 active COVID-19 cases. A high-level review meeting was recently convened, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, with participation from the ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control, and other leading health agencies to monitor the evolving situation. Meanwhile, certain states have shown localized spikes. Delhi reported 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh had four, Telangana confirmed one, and Bengaluru recorded a positive case in a nine-month-old infant, reflecting a steady rise over the last 20 days. Kerala, in particular, reported 273 cases in May alone. Source: PTI

New COVID-19 Subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected in India: INSACOG Report Read More »

Bengaluru Civic Polls Likely Delayed by a Year Amid Implementation of New Governance Act

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The long-awaited elections to Bengaluru’s civic agency could be delayed by up to a year, following the implementation of the new Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Act. The law, which replaces the existing BBMP Act, was recently approved by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. However, the transition involves several procedural steps that the government must complete before polls can be held. Central to the GBG Act is the formation of a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which requires defining an expanded Bengaluru area beyond the current 786 sq km. The government also intends to restructure the city into multiple corporations—potentially up to seven—requiring new ward boundaries and reservation patterns to be drawn. Urban Development Department officials estimate that this entire process may take at least a year. However, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has stated that the government aims to conduct elections by December. “We will try to complete all formalities expeditiously and consult elected representatives from all parties for their suggestions,” he said. The delay has prompted sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. BJP leader R Ashoka accused the government of using the GBG Act as a pretext to stall elections further, pointing out that BBMP polls have already been delayed for nearly five years. CN Ashwath Narayan echoed the sentiment, blaming the current government for failing to hold timely elections after taking office in May 2023. Prakash Belawadi, convener of Bengaluru Town Hall, noted that elections could still be conducted under the BBMP Act since the appointed day under the GBG Act has not yet been notified. Civil groups are considering legal action to push for elections under the existing law. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Election Commission plans to approach the High Court to expedite delayed elections in other cities like Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Mangaluru.

Bengaluru Civic Polls Likely Delayed by a Year Amid Implementation of New Governance Act Read More »

Karnataka Govt to Table Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill After Budget on March 7

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The Karnataka government is set to introduce the revised Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill in the upcoming budget session, following recommendations from a joint legislature committee that examined the proposal to split the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into multiple corporations. The 13-member committee, formed in July 2024, submitted its report to the Assembly Speaker on Monday. Committee chairman Rizwan Arshad confirmed that the report would be presented in the Assembly soon after the governor’s address on March 3, with the Bill scheduled for tabling on March 7, following the state budget. The Congress government’s move to restructure the BBMP comes after opposition from the BJP when the Bill was initially tabled in the July 2024 monsoon session. The committee has recommended dividing the civic body into up to seven smaller corporations to improve governance and administration in the rapidly growing metropolis. “Initially, BBMP can be split into two or three bodies, but the Bill will allow the government to decide on further divisions as needed,” Arshad said, emphasizing that the restructuring is crucial for Bengaluru’s development over the next 20-30 years. Piloted by Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar, this marks the Congress government’s second attempt at restructuring BBMP, after a similar proposal between 2013-2018 was abandoned due to BJP opposition. The proposed Bill is expected to ignite fresh political debates, with stakeholders closely watching its progress in the Assembly. Source: Indian express

Karnataka Govt to Table Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill After Budget on March 7 Read More »

Schools in Bengaluru Closed Due to Heavy Rains, Safety Measures Implemented for Colleges

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News on Education

In response to the heavy rainfall battering Bengaluru, the District Collector has declared a holiday for all Anganwadis and schools in the city on Monday, October 21. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students. However, higher education institutions, including degree programs, postgraduate courses, diplomas, engineering colleges, and ITIs, will remain operational. Special Instructions for Colleges While colleges continue to hold classes, authorities have issued specific guidelines to ensure safety amid the downpour. College heads have been instructed to avoid conducting lectures in weak or dilapidated buildings, prioritizing the structural integrity of campuses. They are advised to inspect the condition of their buildings and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents. Making Up for Lost Learning Time To compensate for the lost instructional time caused by school closures, the District Collector has directed schools to hold extra classes on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. This ensures that students can catch up without falling behind in their studies. Safety Precautions for Students Parents and college administrators have been urged to ensure that students avoid waterlogged areas and low-lying regions, as these areas are prone to flooding. Additionally, the safety of vehicles used by students to travel to and from colleges must be ensured. The authorities have also recommended that colleges provide students with information on how to deal with natural calamities. Weather Forecast and Alerts The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued rainfall for Bengaluru over the next two days, with a generally cloudy sky, moderate rain, and occasional heavy thundershowers. The temperature is expected to remain between 20°C and 26°C. A yellow alert has been issued for 11 districts across Karnataka, including Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Chitradurga, Davangere, and Tumakuru, due to the forecast of heavy rainfall until October 21. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as they take steps to mitigate the impact of the weather on residents and educational institutions. Source: Hindustan Times

Schools in Bengaluru Closed Due to Heavy Rains, Safety Measures Implemented for Colleges Read More »

Karnataka Government Considering Six Locations for Second Airport for Bengaluru: Industries Minister M.B. Patil

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The Karnataka government is exploring six potential locations for a new international airport to be built within 60 kilometers of the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Devanahalli. This new airport is aimed to be as large as KIA and capable of handling 100 million passengers per annum. The identified locations include Kanakpura Road, Mysore Road, Magadi, Doddaballapura, Dabaspete, and Tumakuru. Land Acquisition and Capacity Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil stated that the government will need to acquire 3,000 to 5,000 acres of land for the new airport. The project aligns with the exclusivity clause availed by Bangalore International Airport Limited, which stipulates that no international airport should be allowed within a 150 km radius of KIA until 2035. The new airport is expected to be operational by 2035, by which time KIA’s passenger handling capacity is anticipated to be saturated. The cargo handling capacity at KIA is expected to reach its limit by 2040. Selection Criteria A special committee comprising aviation industry experts will soon meet to evaluate the proposed sites. The selection criteria include good road, rail, and metro connectivity, minimal population settlements, few water bodies, low green cover, and non-agricultural land without significant elevation or mountains. Minister’s Statement Minister M.B. Patil, responding to media queries at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on July 10, mentioned that a plan for the new airport will be ready within the next three months. “Things will move in a few months. A plan will be ready in the next three months,” he said. Response to Tamil Nadu’s Plans Regarding Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s announcement to set up an airport in Hosur, which is adjacent to Bengaluru, Minister Patil noted that Tamil Nadu’s decision came after Karnataka’s announcement of a second international airport. He assured that Tamil Nadu’s plans would not affect Karnataka’s project. Future Discussions Minister Patil also mentioned plans to meet with Union Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to discuss the state’s industrial development plans, further emphasizing the importance of the new airport for Karnataka’s infrastructure and economic growth.

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Karnataka Government Hints at Hiking Water Tariff in Bengaluru

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Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced a potential increase in water tariffs in Bengaluru, following a recent hike in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) faces significant financial challenges, and Shivakumar emphasized the need for a review after 10 years. The completion of the fifth phase of the Cauvery project is expected to impact the decision on the water tariff hike. After the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka, residents of Bengaluru may also face a water tariff hike. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar mentioned on Wednesday that the water tariff had not been revised for the past decade, necessitating a review. “We are suffering huge losses. We’ve taken up new projects, and no bank is coming forward to finance the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB),” said Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru development minister. Last week, the state government increased sales tax on fuel, making petrol and diesel costlier by Rs 3 and Rs 3.5 per litre, respectively. Shivakumar added that he has instructed officials to review the BWSSB’s financial position and provide a report. “Let them give a report first. We will place it before the public before taking a call. The fifth phase of the Cauvery project is going to be completed. In 10-15 days, I’ll ensure completion of BWSSB work in this regard. At least 70% of the water bill is incurred through power bills and labor charges. Every year, we suffer a big loss. Hence, there is no option. I am working out possibilities and discussing how to stabilize the company (BWSSB),” he said. Justifying the necessity of the hike, Shivakumar stated: “Even the financing committee, World Bank, and others are telling us we are politicizing the issue and not even trying to bring it to a breakeven level. This is what various officials and international banking staffers are conveying. We must expand the water distribution system. I have now allotted 6 TMC ft of more water to Bengaluru. We must undertake the work of one more phase. There is no option unless we show them that BWSSB is an independent company and works as an independent entity.”

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Unplanned Urbanization Spurs Water Crisis in Bengaluru, IISc Study Reveals

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An in-depth study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) sheds light on the alarming consequences of unplanned urbanization in Bengaluru, with concrete structures engulfing 93% of the city’s landscape. Over the past five decades, the city has witnessed a staggering 1055% increase in built-up areas, accompanied by a 79% decline in water spread areas and an 88% loss of vegetation. This uncontrolled urban expansion has led to severe water scarcity, exacerbating existing challenges such as air pollution and resource inequity. According to Prof. TV Ramachandra from IISc’s Centre for Ecological Sciences, the dwindling water spread area, which has plummeted from 2,324 hectares in 1973 to just 696 hectares in 2023, is a primary contributor to the depletion of the groundwater table. The study highlights the detrimental impact of encroachment and pollution on Bengaluru’s water bodies, with 98% of lakes encroached upon and 90% receiving untreated sewage or industrial effluents. This degradation has hindered groundwater recharge, exacerbating the city’s water woes. Ramachandra also underscores the adverse effects of vanishing green cover on air quality and temperature regulation, emphasizing that the city’s current tree population is insufficient to sequester respiratory carbon. Remote sensing data reveals a stark reality: only 1.5 million trees support a population of 9.5 million in Bengaluru, indicating a critical imbalance between green cover and urbanization. To address these pressing concerns, IISc has developed the Bangalore Information System (BUiS) and Bangalore Lakes Information System (BLIS), providing researchers and policymakers with essential tools to visualize urban dynamics, tree distribution, and ecologically sensitive areas. The system aims to raise awareness about the adverse effects of rapid urbanization and facilitate informed decision-making to mitigate its impacts. As Bengaluru grapples with its evolving urban landscape, the findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning strategies to safeguard natural resources, mitigate pollution, and promote ecological resilience in the face of rapid urban expansion.  

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ShikshaLokam Hosts Third Edition of InvokED: Global Dialogue on Education Leadership

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ShikshaLokam, an NGO based in Bengaluru, organized the third edition of InvokED, a Global Dialogue on Education Leadership, on March 1 and 2, 2024. The event brought together education leaders, practitioners, academicians, market players, teachers, and students from around the world. The focus of InvokED 3.0 was on collective leadership and efforts to drive India’s journey towards equity in education, aligning with the goal of establishing a world-class Indian education system. During the inaugural session, S.D. Shibulal, Co-Founder of Infosys and Founder of ShikshaLokam, stressed the crucial role of education leaders in enhancing public schools, ensuring every child’s access to quality education as a fundamental right. He emphasized the need for collective action to achieve this vision, highlighting ShikshaLokam’s nationwide efforts in over 27 Indian states and UTs, engaging more than 570,000 education leaders in improving over a million schools across the nation. Khushboo Awasthi, Co-founder of ShikshaLokam, highlighted the event’s objective of reimagining education leadership by fostering interactions, ideas, and actions that lead to development opportunities for individuals and institutions involved in K-12 education systems. She underscored the importance of participants coming together to devise solutions and strategies for driving sustainable change in their respective ecosystems, ultimately uplifting the entire education system. The second day of InvokED 3.0 featured the Shikshāgraha Utsav, celebrating innovation and micro-improvement stories in classrooms from across the country. This segment aimed to showcase initiatives driving positive changes at the grassroots level, contributing to the overall enhancement of the education landscape.

ShikshaLokam Hosts Third Edition of InvokED: Global Dialogue on Education Leadership Read More »