Government of Karnataka Set To Host Inaugural Edition Of Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025

The summit focuses on positioning Karnataka’s workforce for global employability fostering overseas partnerships, language training and certification systems 

Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), in collaboration with the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), Knowledge Partner, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and Country Partner, Germany, is all set to host the inaugural edition of the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025 — positioning Karnataka as a global hub for workforce innovation and skilling excellence, from 4th to 6th November at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

 

The event will be inaugurated on 4th November by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, in the august presence of Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, and Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood and Medical Education, Government of Karnataka. The event will host Special Invitees, including The Hon. Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem, Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Republic of Mauritius; His Excellency Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to India; and Mr. Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director – India and Asia Pacific, Coursera, along with other distinguished dignitaries.

 

The theme of this year is “Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy”, which underscores the focus on expanding opportunities at scale, strengthening systems for quality and relevance and building synergies among various stakeholders. The summit will host 3,000+ attendees including policymakers, corporate leaders, academic experts, innovators, etc.; 100+ speakers including ministers, global leaders, academic pioneers etc., and 50+ exhibitors & partners.

Some of the notable speakers in summit are- Mr. Subroto Bagchi [Co-Founder of Mindtree, Former Chairman of Odisha Skill Development Authority India], Mr. Ravi Venkatesan [Chairman Global Energy Alliance and Former Chairman Microsoft India & Bank of Baroda, India], Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari [IAS, Former Secretary to Government of India], Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam [Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog], Mr. Naveen Narayanan [Global Head HR, Biocon Biologics], Ms. Saraswathi Ramachandra [Managing Director & Country Head, Lightcast.io], Gi Soon Song [Director (South Asia), Human and Social Development Sector Office, Asian Development Bank], Mish Eastman [Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice President, RMIT University & Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD),Australia] among many others.

An exclusive ministerial panel is scheduled on 5 November 2025, at the plenary stage on the topic “Convergence of Education, Skills & Industry for a Trillion USD Economy by 2032.” The session will bring together senior policymakers and industry leaders to discuss how aligning education, skilling, and industrial priorities can accelerate India’s journey toward a trillion-dollar economy. It will emphasize building an integrated ecosystem that fosters innovation, employability, and sustainable economic growth. The panel will feature Dr. Sharanaparakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon. Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood and Medical Education; M. B. Patil, Hon. Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development; Priyank Kharge, Hon. Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, and E, I.T. & Bt.; and Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Hon. Minister for Higher Education, all from the Government of Karnataka. The session will be moderated by Madan Padaki, Managing Trustee, Head Held High Foundation.

 

The summit invites participation across industries including Aerospace & Defence, AgriTech, Automotive, Real Estate, Banking & Finance, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Software, Telecommunications, Hospitality, and others. It aims to position Karnataka as a global hub for skill innovation, fostering collaboration across sectors to build a future-ready workforce.

 

Delegates will have the opportunity to explore emerging skilling innovations, network with government and industry leaders, participate in live showcases and policy dialogues, and discover career and partnership opportunities.

 

Other key highlights from the summit would include Skillathon 2025, a national-level innovation challenge for college students aimed at harnessing young creative minds to reimagine India’s skilling ecosystem and design impactful solutions for the future of work; the Kaushalya Karnataka Awards, recognizing both corporate and institutional excellence by spotlighting progressive practices and collaborative models that drive inclusive growth, innovation, and workforce competitiveness across the state; and the Skill Expo Pavilion, showcasing the latest training technologies and EdTech solutions. The event will also feature a cultural performance, Karnataka Vaibhava, a grand showcase celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Karnataka.

 

In addition, the Summit will host masterclasses, deep-dive sessions, policy roundtables, and a dynamic Youth Zone connecting students and young professionals with career opportunities. It will reflect upon four major areas comprising-

> fresh ideas in skilling,

> skills for everyone including women, young adults, and gig workers,

> global skills to get Karnataka workers ready for international jobs, and

> getting ready for things like AI, green jobs, and the online world

Commenting on the maiden project/initiative, Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood and Medical Education, said,

“Bengaluru Skill Summit reflects Karnataka’s determination to lead India into the next era of workforce development. Our priority is to build a skilling framework that is inclusive, industry-aligned, and globally benchmarked — empowering young people to shape the future economy as skilled professionals, innovators, or entrepreneurs.”

Echoing this vision, Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chairperson, LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd., and Trustee, Sambhav Foundation, added,

“The intent of the Bengaluru Skill Summit is to bring together innovations in technology and people development to explore how skill-building can truly translate into employability and meaningful employment for young people.” 

Participants are invited to join the movement shaping India’s future workforce from 4–6 November 2025 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. For registration and more details, visit www.bengaluruskillsummit.com.

UMPESL And InfraDeep Consortium Poland Forge Strategic Partnership At IME 2025 (International Mining Exhibition)

Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services Limited (UMPESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Voltas Limited, a TATA Enterprise, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InfraDeep Consortium, Poland at the International Mining Exhibition 2025 (IME 2025) in Kolkata. Through technology transfer, joint projects, and solution development, this partnership aims to advance India's underground mining capabilities, with a special emphasis on safety and sustainability.

 

This strategic MoU marks a significant step forward for UMPESL in its mission to bring global innovation to India’s underground mining sector.  The collaboration is well-aligned with the Government of India’s recent policy reforms to promote sustainable underground coal mining. These include reduced revenue share, waived upfront payments, and performance security rebates, encouraging private investment and adoption of advanced technologies.

 

"UMPESL is proud to lead this collaboration in India with InfraDeep Consortium, Poland. Their global experience in advanced mining technologies aligns perfectly with our mission to transform underground mining operations in India," said Mr. Sharad Thussu, Head – Mining & Construction Equipment, UMPESL on the sidelines of MOU signing off ceremony with Polish Consortium at IME 2025.

 

"This strategic collaboration with InfraDeep Consortium, Poland reflects our unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and global integration. By combining European technological prowess with India’s dynamic mining landscape, we are setting the stage for transformative underground mining solutions that are smart, safe, and sustainable," said Mr. Mukundan Menon C P, Managing Director, Voltas Limited.

 

This alliance strengthens seven decades of UMPESL’s position in Mining machinery & Heavy Engineering solutions across India, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for international cooperation, technology adaptation, and skill upgradation in India’s mining and infrastructure domain.

 

About Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services Limited (UMPESL):

Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services Limited (UMPESL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Voltas Ltd. On 1st August 2022, Voltas Ltd consummated the Business Transfer Agreement (BTA) with its wholly owned subsidiary, UMPESL for the transfer of its domestic projects business relating to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP)/ heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and water projects, mining and construction equipment (M&CE) business and textile machinery division business to UMPESL.

Tata Power Builds India’s Largest Energy Literacy Movement – ‘EcoCrew’

-          Sensitises almost 3 lakh students across 1,000+ schools spanning 24 cities in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand 

In yet another pioneering initiative to bring alive its commitment to India’s energy transition and to fast track the adoption of solar energy, Tata Power has created new benchmarks with its EcoCrew program - India’s largest Energy Literacy Movement. 

 

Reaching almost 3 Lakh students in 1000+ schools across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the program sensitised students to the impact of global warming and climate change and educated them on adoption of solar energy for their homes as an easy and affordable alternative solution. 

 

The program has not only created legions of EcoCrew who are BFFs of Nature and true ambassadors of sustainability in their communities, but also helped the cause of making Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand the 3rd largest adopters of rooftop solar under the PMSGY with 3.14 lakh installations to date amounting to 1.1 GW.

 

The EcoCrew movement has travelled 24 cities over the last 12 months, cumulating more than 50,000 minutes of interactive on-ground learning and close to 1,50,000 minutes of online engagement. Students learnt about clean energy alternatives, solar energy and energy conservation. They pledged to become change makers in their homes, communities and neighbourhoods. 

 

Students also participated in energy audits, creative competitions, and a 21-day gamified online sustainability challenge, encouraging measurable planet-friendly actions both at school and at home. Tata Power’s sustainability buddy Globey brought alive the need for each of us taking small actions every day to make a big change for planet Earth. 

 

The top schools and students who actively championed and engaged with the initiative are all set to be felicitated and celebrated at 5 mega finale events over the next 2 weeks in Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Gorakhpur and Meerut. 

 

Today, Uttar Pradesh stands among India’s top 3 states in rooftop solar adoption, with 2.6 lakh installations and a total installed capacity of 901.42 MW. This rapid progress has been enabled by the dual subsidy structure, combining Central and State incentives — with up to ₹78,000 from the Central Government and ₹30,000 from UPNEDA — making solar adoption more accessible and affordable for households. In alignment with the Government’s clean energy vision and to further accelerate rooftop solar adoption, Tata Power has also been promoting its ‘GharGharSolar’ initiative — first launched in Varanasi last year — to drive large-scale awareness and installation of residential rooftop solar systems under PMSGY

 

The journey of EcoCrew in Uttar Pradesh marks the beginning of a larger national mission. Tata Power plans to expand the initiative across multiple states, reaching millions of students in the coming years to build a foundation of energy literacy, climate responsibility, and accelerate solar readiness.

 

By nurturing a generation of informed and responsible young citizens, Tata Power is strengthening India’s roadmap to energy independence, in line with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the clean energy goals of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.

Uber Sees Record Festive Demand For Courier, Plans Expansion To 10 More Cities

Uber today shared key trends for Uber Courier and Uber Courier XL this festive season, marking the highest-ever demand for the delivery products. As consumers across Indian cities increasingly turn to Uber for everyday and festive deliveries, the company announced plans to expand Uber Courier to over 10 new cities in 2026.

 

Available already in 25 cities across India, Uber Courier and Courier XL continue to see rapid adoption, offering fast, reliable, and convenient delivery solutions for everything from gifts to essentials. Powered by Uber’s global technology and local reliability, the products are reshaping how India moves packages.

 

Speaking on the growth of Uber Courier, Shiva Shailendran, Director - Consumer Growth, Uber India and South Asia said, “Uber Courier is redefining convenience by giving people a simple, reliable way to move what matters to them. From festive gifts to daily essentials, users are trusting us with deliveries that truly count. The strong growth we’re seeing reflects how deeply these products are resonating with our users and how they’ve become part of everyday life.”

 

During the festive period, Uber Courier, already Uber’s fastest-growing category, saw a sharp rise in usage for both daily and seasonal deliveries. Common items included food, clothes, medicines, and small electronics, underscoring how embedded the service has become in day-to-day life. Deliveries peaked around Diwali and Rakhi, with the busiest hours being between 11 AM and 4 PM as users preferred convenient daytime slots to send gifts and essentials on festive days.

 

The product creates additional earning opportunities, with half of all Uber Bike drivers completing Courier trips. Alongside drivers, Uber Courier also provides small and medium businesses with a quick, hassle-free way to reach their customers and strengthen their connection through reliable, on-demand deliveries.

 

Uber Courier XL, built for larger and bulkier items, also saw strong traction this festive season. The most common items sent included sports equipment, crockery, furniture, textiles, hardware, and large stationery shipments. Deliveries for both Courier and Courier XL peaked on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays ahead of Diwali, underscoring how people were extensively tapping into the service to make deliveries.

With strong adoption across metros and growing traction in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Uber Courier continues to expand its footprint across India’s on-demand delivery market. As demand for quick, dependable logistics grows, Uber remains committed to building products that meet evolving consumer needs and make moving anything, anywhere, easier than ever.

 

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. More than 10 years and over 3 billion trips later, we continue to build products to help people get where they need to be. Today, Uber is available across 125 cities in India and has become #IndiaKiRide where people can go where they have to on Bike, Auto, Cars, Buses and even mass transit metro networks, designed for their various intracity and intercity travel needs. With just a swipe on the app we make mobility seamless for millions and support over 1.4 million Indians making a sustainable income by getting in the driver’s seat. As we mark our ten-year milestone, we remain committed to keeping India Moving Forward.

Samsung Wallet Introduces Digital Car Key Support For Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs In India

Galaxy users who drive Mahindra eSUVs now have an easy solution for accessing their vehicles directly from a Galaxy smartphone using the Digital Car Key
 

Mahindra Group is the first Indian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to integrate the Digital Car Key feature with Samsung Wallet

 

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the rollout of Digital Car Key compatibility with Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs through Samsung Wallet, offering more car owners a seamless way to use their Galaxy smartphones to unlock, lock, and start their vehicles. Built directly into Galaxy devices, Samsung Wallet’s Digital Car Key lets users lock, unlock and start the paired vehicle without a physical key. Users can also share their Digital Car Key with friends and family for limited time period, managing access as needed.

“We are very excited to bring Mahindra eSUV owners the incredible convenience of Samsung Digital Key through Samsung Wallet. Expanding access to Samsung Digital Car Key is an important part of our commitment to delivering connected and secure experiences within the Galaxy ecosystem. Our partnership with Mahindra marks another exciting step forward in making everyday activities—like driving—hassle-free for more Galaxy users,” said Madhur Chaturvedi, Senior Director, Services & Apps Business, Samsung India.

 

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., said, “Our Electric Origin SUVs – XEV 9e and BE 6 have captivated our customers with their advanced technology and futuristic designs. We are delighted to partner with Samsung to bring yet another first-in-class feature – Digital Car key via Samsung wallet, ensuring every journey is even more seamless and convenient. This latest innovation again exemplifies Mahindra's commitment to delivering an exceptional ownership experience with premium, intelligent electric SUVs for India.”

 

Should a device containing a Digital Car Key be misplaced or stolen, users can remotely lock their device or delete their data including the Digital Car key via the Samsung Find service, further safeguarding their vehicles. With biometric or PIN-based user authentication requirements, Samsung Wallet protects the vehicle, ensuring privacy and security with every interaction.

 

Samsung Wallet is a versatile platform that allows Galaxy users to organize Digital Keys, Payment methods, Identification cards and more in one secure application. Samsung Wallet features a seamless interface protected by defense-grade security from Samsung Knox. It integrates with the Galaxy ecosystem, providing powerful connectivity and fortified security for users in their everyday lives.

 

Availability

Digital Car Key functionality for select Mahindra eSUVs will roll out soon in India.

  

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 

 

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com. 

Teresita — The Cartel Queen Of Cocktail Lovers Debuts In Indiranagar

Richboyz Hospitality introduces a bold new cocktail bar redefining Bangalore’s nightlife

Richboyz Hospitality announces the grand opening of Teresita, a bold new cocktail destination in Indiranagar, Bangalore on 29th October that promises to redefine Bangalore’s nightlife. Dripping in tropical danger and cartel-inspired seduction, Teresita is more than a bar, it’s a statement. 

Conceptualized by Ayushi Arora, Teresita redefines cocktail culture with a distinctly feminine yet dangerous edge — where every corner tells a story, every cocktail carries power, and every sip feels a little forbidden.

“Every empire begins with a woman they couldn’t control. Teresita is that woman — seductive, dangerous, and unforgettable. We wanted to build a space where every guest feels that power”, added Ayushi Arora, founder, Teresita.

Drenched in the warmth of a perpetual sunset, Teresita’s interiors blur the line between fantasy and rebellion. The space comes alive with hand-painted murals of powerful women, tropical palms, and bougainvillea trails that breathe life into the decadence. Hints of turquoise seating and antique gold accents create a hypnotic contrast — equal parts allure and authority. Teresita isn’t just designed to be seen; it’s designed to be felt — seductive, cinematic, and unmistakably queen-led.

The cocktail program is helmed by an international mixology artist, flown in exclusively to craft Teresita’s signature concoctions — a mix of bold, flirtatious classics and a special section of clean, health-conscious cocktails made with no artificial flavours. These signature drinks don’t just please the palate — they command it. Crafted to seduce the senses, they redefine indulgence one sip at a time.

To complement the drinks, the food menu showcases global flavours with a contemporary twist. Every dish mirrors the bar’s personality — creative, bold, and irresistibly stylish.

At the heart of Teresita lies a philosophy: Pleasure has power. It’s a space that celebrates the modern woman — confident, daring, and unafraid to take up space. Whether guests come to sip, flirt, dance, or dream, Teresita promises an experience that lingers long after the last drink

With its tagline, “The Cartel Queen of Cocktail Lovers,” Teresita is set to become Bangalore’s most talked-about destination — an escape where rebellion meets romance and nightlife meets artistry.

Timeless Gifts For The Wedding Season: Watches For Him & Her

As the wedding season unfolds in full splendor, the right timepiece can make for a gift as lasting as the memories it celebrates. Whether you’re dressing for the big day, gifting the couple, or marking a milestone moment, these latest watches from Armani and Diesel are perfect for love, commitment, and celebration.

Armani Exchange 

For Her

A reflection of enduring grace, the Emporio Armani Ophelia pairs a gold-tone oval case with a warm grey sunray dial. Gold Roman numeral indexes and an intricately woven bracelet add old-world charm, making it the perfect companion for wedding soirées and post-ceremony celebrations alike.

 

For Him

For the modern groom or wedding guest who loves understated statement pieces, the Antonio in green ceramic is a showstopper. Its monochrome finish and gold-tone accents speak of quiet confidence, while functional chronograph details ensure precision meets panache.

Diesel 

 

FOR HIM 

A reflection of modern confidence, the Diesel Mr. Daddy Slim features a striking 54mm sunray gradient dial in black and brown, housed in a case that’s 40% thinner for a sleeker, lighter feel. With multi-time zone movements and a premium brown leather strap, it blends functionality with effortless style — making it the perfect companion for wedding festivities and celebratory evenings alike.

Mega Chief

Elevate his wedding style with the Diesel Mega Chief Slim, a timepiece that embodies modern elegance and bold design. Featuring a 48mm sunray gradient dial in black and brown, chronograph movement, and a rich brown leather strap, it’s the perfect accessory for the groom or groomsmen. With its striking details and timeless appeal, the Mega Chief Slim makes a memorable wedding gift that complements every celebratory moment.