News

Karnataka to build a new 1050-acre IT hub in Sarjapur near Bengaluru

In a recent update, the Karnataka Government has shared plans for a new IT hub in Sarjapur, some 32 km from Bengaluru. The new hub aims to replicate the success of present tech zones like Electronics City and Whitefield's International Tech Park. The new hub, being developed by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), will cover an area of 1,050 acres and is designed to stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and boost the tech sector. The government’s goal is to create a thriving start-up ecosystem. This initiative aligns with Bengaluru’s identity as a global tech hub, offering significant potential for job creation and innovation. The state government is set to present detailed project plans at the Global Investors Meet (GIM) in February, aiming to attract global investments and international attention to the venture. With the rise of technology-driven industries, this hub will play a pivotal role in reinforcing Karnataka's status as a prime destination for IT and start-up ventures. The land acquisition process for the new IT hub has included agricultural lands that are used for crops like mulberry and vegetables. To address concerns from affected landowners, the government has promised fair compensation and the provision of alternative plots in industrial parks like Devanahalli and Doddaballapura. This proactive approach aims to balance the needs of industrial expansion with the welfare of local communities. Commerce and Industries Minister MB Patil is leading the project, emphasizing its importance for nurturing start-ups and young innovators. The timing of the announcement, ahead of the Global Investors Meet, reflects Karnataka’s commitment to strengthening its tech ecosystem and securing global investment.

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Uttar Pradesh Tourism launches ‘Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude’ in New Delhi

Mahakumbha is one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world. In order to introduce the mela, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department hosted a grand event, ‘Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude’, at The Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi. The event marked the beginning of the countdown to the mela. Prominent dignitaries who were present at the launch were Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh. At the event, Shikhawat said, "If you wish to explore India, come to Mahakumbh”, while Jaiveer Singh mentioned, "Mahakumbh 2025 will be a great convergence for human welfare" The prelude event served as an introduction to the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which is expected to draw over 40 crore devotees from around the world. The aim was to showcase the extensive preparations, both cultural and infrastructural, being made to accommodate the large influx of pilgrims and tourists to Prayagraj. This event also highlighted how the Mahakumbh is not only a spiritual gathering but a global symbol of unity, culture, and heritage.

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IndiGo launches affordable flights to Thailand’s paradise

Starting December 27, low-cost carrier IndiGo will begin operating direct flights between Kolkata and Phuket, the airline said on Friday. The new route will expand IndiGo's global network and cater to the growing number of tourists from India to Thailand, the airline said in a statement. "We are pleased to further expand our network into Thailand, from Kolkata, now adding a daily flight to Phuket in addition to the existing 11 weekly flights to Bangkok. With this new route, IndiGo will now operate 93 weekly flights between India and Thailand," the statement quoted Vinay Malhotra, head of global sales at IndiGo, as saying. "Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is known for its serene beaches and cultural diversity, and the country's visa-free policy for Indian citizens is expected to drive even greater demand. IndiGo remains committed to providing an affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our extensive network," he said.

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Riyadh metro opens up to ease traffic jams, transform travel in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia opened parts of Riyadh’s long-awaited metro system as the kingdom pushes ahead with plans to modernize the capital and ease the heavy traffic that has become a commonplace complaint in the city. Three lines, including one to the main airport, started operations on Sunday, according to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Three more routes that will offer more connectivity in the heart of Riyadh are set to open gradually by Jan. 5. The partial launch couldn’t come at a better time for Riyadh, where the difficulty of dealing with traffic often dominates conversations among those living, working and visiting. The capital has faced worsening road congestion in recent years, with vast construction underway at a time when more people are moving to Riyadh or traveling to the city for business or leisure. The city, which is due to hold the World Expo in 2030 and may host games for the FIFA World Cup in 2034, is at the forefront of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s drive to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil.

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Virgin Australia to start selling Qatar Airways flight tickets in June 2025

Virgin Australia can start selling tickets for new Qatar Airways-operated flights between Doha and four Australian capital cities following an interim approval by the country’s competition watchdog on Friday. The interim approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) allows Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to commence marketing and selling 28 weekly scheduled return flights between Doha and Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. ”We consider that granting interim authorization now will allow Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia the lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment in preparation for Virgin Australia to commence flying the new services by June 2025,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said. This comes after Australia’s government last year denied Qatar Airways’ requests to fly additional services to the four capital cities. Under the proposed arrangements, Virgin Australia would use Qatar Airways craft and crew to operate the new services. In the aviation industry, this agreement takes the name ‘wetlease’ arrangement. The new services will be in addition to the international services already operated by Qatar Airways. The airlines sought urgent interim authorization to enable Virgin Australia to start flying its new Australia-Doha services from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane in June 2025, with Perth services to follow in November 2025.

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Air India launches a Black Friday Sale that runs till December 2

In a recent update, the leading airline, Air India has introduced a special Black Friday Sale. In the sale, flyers are being offered exciting discounts on both domestic and international flights. This limited-time promotion began on November 29 at midnight (Indian Standard Time) and runs until December 2 at 11:59 PM IST, providing passengers with up to 20% off on domestic flights and 12% off on international flights. Let’s have a look at some of the interesting facts for every traveller or flyer. The offer is available exclusively on Air India's website and mobile app, with a few seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. 1. Discounts on domestic and international flights The sale provides significant discounts on base fares for domestic flights within India, offering up to 20% off. For international flights to and from destinations like the US, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, the discount is up to 12%. 2. Travel dates and booking period Bookings made during the sale are valid for travel up to June 30, 2025. However, flights between Australia, North America, and India can be booked for travel up to October 30, 2025.

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