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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Hypocrisy-laden message to nation: Cong slams PM's remarks head of Budget session
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on the Budget session, saying he delivers his "usual hypocrisy-laden message to the nation" before the beginning of each session and "today's performance is part of this series".
Congress general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, "He (PM) will not convene and chair all-party meetings to take the opposition into confidence on national issues."
He will suddenly have Bills introduced at the last minute and bulldozed through Parliament without the necessary legislative scrutiny, Ramesh claimed, adding that Modi would not sit in Parliament and respond to the concerns of opposition leaders, and will instead make election rally speeches in both Houses.
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"Before the beginning of each session, he will give his usual hypocrisy-laden 'desh ke naam sandesh' with Parliament as his backdrop. Today's performance is part of this series," the senior Congress leader said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the free trade pact with the European Union is for an ambitious India and urged manufacturers to benefit from new markets opening for them.
Modi also said that the nation is coming out of long-term pending problems and working towards long-term solutions.
The time has come to find solutions and not create hurdles, he said, adding his government is not confined to just files but ensuring the last-mile delivery of welfare schemes to the people.
"Our priority is always human-centric while taking steps for all-round development of the country," he told reporters in Parliament House complex in his customary briefing at the beginning of the Budget session.
An India full of confidence has emerged as a ray of hope for the world, he added.
