Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 30 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
🧐 Did you know? Bengaluru’s metro network spans 73.81 kilometres making it the second-longest in the country.
⛲ Another ‘Cubbon Park’
North Bengaluru is set to get a 153-acre garden, named after environmentalist Salumarada Timmakka, on land reclaimed from the Karnataka Forest Development Corporation (KFDC).
What’s it about? Announced during the conclusion of Wildlife Week at Aranya Bhavan by Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Sri Eswhar Khandre, the project aims to create much-needed lung space for the rapidly developing Yelahanka area.
- The new garden, modelled after Cubbon Park, will be developed near the Yelahanka RTO with funds from corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- The garden is intended to help restore Bengaluru’s identity as the ‘Garden City’ and encourage further afforestation efforts to boost the city’s environmental health.
Lost green cover: Bengaluru has lost about 5 square kilometres of green cover in the past decade, with only 89 sq km of greenery, making up 6.81% of the city’s total area, according to the Forest Survey of India.
🧑🏽💻 BFSI talent destination
Bengaluru has solidified its position as the leading hub for tech talent in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector, excelling in sourcing professionals for Frontend, Backend, DevOps, and Data Science roles per industry reports.
What’s it about? Bengaluru tops in sourcing talent for various technical skills: 32-34% of professionals for JavaScript, Angular, Python, and C++, as well as for DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes. It also dominates in Data Science talent, providing over 30% of professionals skilled in Machine Learning, NLP, and Data Visualisation, followed by Pune and Hyderabad.
- The city is favoured by companies for its robust start-up ecosystem, tech innovation, and historical significance in the outsourcing industry.
- Bengaluru is also a key source for tech security roles, offering talent in Info Security, Security Testing, and Network Security.
Other domains: The city also leads in networking roles, providing skilled professionals in Network Analysis, Testing, Admin, and Troubleshooting, alongside expertise in QA, Risk Assessment, and Risk Management.
🛵 Zepto HQ shift
Quick commerce company Zepto is relocating its headquarters from Mumbai to Bengaluru, with plans to move its operations to the Sarjapur-based Total Mall.
What’s it about? The transition, expected to be completed by early next year, involves relocating around 1,800 employees. Initially targeted for November, the move was delayed as the company searched for a suitable office space in Bengaluru.
- The estimated cost of the shift is between ₹3 to 4 crore, and Zepto is anticipated to save ₹40-50 lakh monthly in rent compared to its Mumbai base.
- Around 90% of the 1,000 Mumbai-based employees have agreed to relocate, and Zepto will cover all relocation expenses, giving staff sufficient time to make the move.
Government welcomes: The Karnataka government has actively welcomed Zepto, highlighting Bengaluru’s strong appeal for tech startups and innovation. IT minister Priyank Kharge emphasised the city’s startup ecosystem, urging other companies to follow Zepto’s lead in choosing Bengaluru for their operations.
💉 AstraZeneca’s hiring
AstraZeneca India Private Limited (AZIPL) is set to play a key role in the British drug giant’s goal to reach $80 billion in revenue by 2030, leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, generative AI, digital twins, and quantum computing.
What’s it about? The company’s Chennai and Bengaluru centres will help accelerate global product innovation and the introduction of new medicines in India. AZIPL plans to hire around 2,200 people across its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai and Bengaluru to support this tech-driven strategy.
- Chennai will see 1,300 new hires in the next 18 months, while Bengaluru will add 900.
- These centres will drive AstraZeneca’s adoption of cutting-edge technologies, speeding up the development and market launch of medicines.
Investment in place: According to Siva Padmanabhan, managing director of AstraZeneca India, the Indian centres will be integral to achieving AstraZeneca’s global tech goals for 2030. The company has already invested ₹250 crore to expand centres, enhancing innovation and operational efficiency.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you work in the BFSI sector?
- I work in the BFSI sector.
- I do not work in the BFSI sector.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What are the best activities for a ‘Cubbon Park Sunday’?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- A leopard startled tourists at the Bannerghatta National Park by leaping onto their moving safari bus.
- Runway 27 at Yemalur has introduced an aviation-inspired cocktail.
- Realty firm Puravankara Ltd has acquired a 3-acre land parcel in North Bengaluru through a sale deed.
- A medical emergency aboard an Indigo Bengaluru-Kolata flight was averted as there were three doctors on board who stabilised the patient.
- Piccadily Agro has launched a limited edition Indri ‘City Series’ for Bengaluru duty-free.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- There has been waterlogging in my area due to the recent rains: 33.3%
- There has not been any waterlogging in my area due to the recent rains: 66.7% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What are the must-do things in a Mysuru trip?
Santhosh: “Besides Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hills, Zoo, highly suggest trying roadside food stalls in Ashoka road after 11pm, breakfast at Gayatri Tiffin Room or Mylari, Lunch at Hanumanthi or Thegu mess, of course shopping at legendary KSIL Mysuru Silk Saree!”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!