Karnataka to become India’s go-to destination for next-gen data infrastructure: Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru(PTI): Karnataka is emerging as a leading hub for AI, analytics, data centres, cybersecurity, deep tech, and sustainable technologies, IT Minister Priyank Kharge said on Wednesday, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to fostering innovation-driven growth.
Speaking at the 8th ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) Smart Datacenters and Cloud Infrastructure Conclave 2025, Kharge said the state aims to become India’s preferred destination for next-generation data infrastructure.
"We will be India’s go-to destination for next-generation data infrastructure, thanks to our policy foresight, talent density, and innovation ecosystem. In addition, we will adopt industry-standard sustainability metrics—and, more importantly, go beyond them," he said.
Kharge added that the state’s focus is to ensure data centres are more than just compliant.
"This means infrastructure that is energy-secure, aligned with renewable energy, and water-secure. We will aggressively reduce carbon footprints and incorporate new technologies such as liquid cooling, advanced thermal management, and other next-generation cooling solutions," he said.
"The roadmap will also focus on developing a skilled workforce for data centres," he added.
On the sidelines of the conclave, the minister held nine high-level B2B meetings with leading industry stakeholders.
The event also witnessed the e-launch of NTT Data Centres at Devanahalli.
According to a statement, Karnataka is a major hub for NTT, a USD 100-billion global conglomerate operating 160 data centres worldwide.
Globally, NTT has more than 150 MW of AI-driven data centre capacity live, while in India, it operates 22 live data centres, with several more under construction.
The company has three Bengaluru data centres with an investment of Rs 1,700 crore and has committed an additional Rs 2,400 crore for a new campus at Devanahalli.
"The centre is equipped with a dedicated 220 kV power substation to ensure uninterrupted power supply, and a marquee Bengaluru-based customer is going live this month itself," the statement added.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
