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Microsoft opens new campus in Hyderabad, partners with Telangana government to impart AI training to 1.2 lakh people

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized that “the future belongs to Artificial Intelligence” during the inauguration of Microsoft’s new campus in Hyderabad on Thursday. Joined by Minister for IT & Industries D. Sridhar Babu, the event marked Microsoft’s 25th anniversary in the city.

The new campus, located in Gachibowli, spans 1.1 million sq. ft. and is LEED-certified. It will accommodate 2,500 additional employees, contributing to Microsoft’s workforce of over 20,000 professionals in India, with more than half based in Hyderabad. The company also plans to hire an additional 4,800 employees, as the city remains its largest R&D hub outside the US.

Microsoft announced a series of initiatives in partnership with the Telangana Government, aiming to train over 1.2 lakh individuals in AI. As part of the ADVANTA(I)GE TELANGANA program, Microsoft will launch an AI Foundations Academy in 500 government schools, benefitting 50,000 students. The AI-Industry Pro program will upskill 20,000 professionals, and the AI-Govern initiative will train 50,000 government officials in areas like digital productivity, generative AI, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, Microsoft will set up an AI Centre of Excellence (AICoE) in collaboration with the Telangana Government and other stakeholders. This centre will feature a cloud-based infrastructure for AI development, including a central AI Knowledge Hub containing research, case studies, and best practices.

Microsoft also revealed plans to double its investment in hyperscale AI data centres in Telangana, with an additional Rs 15,000 crore planned for the coming years.

Speaking at the event, Revanth Reddy stated, “Hyderabad and Microsoft have grown together, and as a proud representative of this state, I can confidently say that this is just the beginning. Hyderabad is now recognized as a technology powerhouse, attracting global talent. With partners like Microsoft, the future is even brighter.”

He also underscored the importance of AI, adding, “The future belongs to Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration will strengthen our startup ecosystem, offering mentorship, AI tools, and access to a global network.”

An MoU outlining these initiatives was signed between Microsoft and the ITE&C department, following a meeting between the CM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in January 2025, where they discussed modernizing government IT, cloud infrastructure, and accelerating AI adoption.

IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu praised the new campus and AI initiatives, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in the state.

Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director and President of Microsoft India Development Centre, also spoke at the event, stating, “The new building reflects our commitment to Telangana’s innovation ecosystem and India’s vision of becoming an AI-first nation. This expansion will provide cutting-edge infrastructure to enable innovation and accelerate AI development.”

Hyderabad airport upgrades primary runway with Category II ILS for safer landings in low visibility

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has successfully upgraded its primary runway with a Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS), enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. This upgrade, which transitions from the previous Category I system, enables aircraft to land safely even in low visibility conditions, such as fog, significantly improving reliability during adverse weather.

The Category II ILS provides pilots with precise landing guidance through highly accurate radio signals and advanced runway lighting, allowing landings with visibility as low as 300 meters of Runway Visual Range (RVR). This improvement ensures fewer disruptions and smoother flight schedules, especially in foggy conditions, according to airport authorities.

ITFA and T-Hub Join Forces to Strengthen India-Turkiye Trade Ties

Strengthening Economic Ties: ITFA and T-Hub Collaborate to Boost India-Türkiye Trade and Investment

In a significant move to enhance economic collaboration between India and Türkiye, the Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) and Telangana’s premier startup incubator, T-Hub, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement, formalized at the Turkish Consulate General in Hyderabad on January 24, 2025, represents a pivotal step toward fostering bilateral trade, investment, and innovation.

The MoU signing ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Orhan Yalman Okan, Consul General of Türkiye, M.A. Faiz Khan, Chairman of ITFA, and Sujit Jagirdar, interim CEO of T-Hub. Hosted at the Turkish Consulate, the event underscored the commitment of both nations to deepen economic cooperation and leverage mutual strengths for shared prosperity.

A Vision for Economic Growth

India and Türkiye have long recognized the potential for robust trade and investment partnerships. In 2024, trade between the two nations reached an impressive $13 billion, underscoring their dynamic economic synergy. With an ambitious mid-term target of $20 billion set by both governments, this new collaboration aims to unlock avenues for growth and diversification.

Key Objectives of the MoU

The partnership between ITFA and T-Hub seeks to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Foster Innovation and Collaboration: Facilitate joint initiatives, exchange programs, and partnerships between startups, innovators, and businesses in both countries.
  2. Enhance Trade Opportunities: Establish a structured framework to identify and capitalize on untapped trade opportunities in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
  3. Boost Investment: Encourage investments from Turkish businesses in Indian startups and vice versa, leveraging T-Hub’s ecosystem to nurture cross-border entrepreneurship.
  4. Promote Cultural and Economic Understanding: Strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges to build trust and mutual respect, which are vital for sustained economic partnerships.

The Role of T-Hub

As one of India’s leading startup incubators, T-Hub has played a transformative role in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship. Its robust network of startups, investors, and mentors positions it uniquely to bridge the gap between Indian and Turkish businesses. The MoU empowers T-Hub to:

  • Provide mentorship and resources to Turkish startups entering the Indian market.
  • Facilitate Indian startups in exploring business opportunities in Türkiye.
  • Organize trade missions, startup expos, and networking events to connect entrepreneurs from both nations.

Türkiye: A Strategic Partner for India

Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Türkiye serves as a gateway for Indian businesses to access European and Central Asian markets. With a robust manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and pro-business policies, Türkiye presents an attractive destination for Indian investors. Conversely, India’s vast market, diverse economy, and technological expertise offer significant opportunities for Turkish enterprises.

Strengthening the Bilateral Agenda

The MoU aligns with the broader vision of India and Türkiye to enhance their bilateral agenda. Both nations have identified key sectors for collaboration, including:

  • Technology and Digital Innovation: Building partnerships in artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-commerce.
  • Renewable Energy: Collaborating on green energy projects to address global sustainability challenges.
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Expanding trade in medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services.
  • Infrastructure Development: Pursuing joint ventures in infrastructure projects, including smart cities and transportation.

The Path Ahead

The ITFA-T-Hub collaboration is expected to catalyze a new era of economic engagement between India and Türkiye. By fostering innovation, enhancing trade, and encouraging cross-border investments, this partnership holds the potential to create a win-win scenario for both nations. As governments and private sectors join forces to achieve the $20 billion trade target, the future of India-Türkiye economic relations appears brighter than ever.

M.A. Faiz Khan, Chairman of ITFA, aptly remarked, “This MoU is not just a document but a commitment to unlock the true potential of our partnership. Together, we can achieve unprecedented growth and build a legacy of innovation and collaboration.”

As the world witnesses this transformative partnership, the ITFA and T-Hub collaboration stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in driving economic progress and innovation. The MoU signing on January 24, 2025, at the Turkish Consulate General in Hyderabad marks the beginning of a promising journey toward stronger economic ties between India and Turkiye.

Hyderabad: 3,000 Secure Jobs on Spot at Swadeshi Mela

Hyderabad: 3,000 Secure Jobs on Spot at Swadeshi Mela

Hello Hyderabad: The Swadeshi Mela, jointly organised by Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and Swavalambi Bharat Abhiyan, was inaugurated on Wednesday at People’s Plaza in Hyderabad. The event also hosted the Swadeshi Job Mela which will run until October 27.

The ceremony began with Governor Jishnu Dev Varma cutting the ribbon to officially open the event. Addressing the gathering, Governor Varma shared his thoughts on Swadeshi, calling it more than an economic policy but a guiding principle for India’s journey towards self-reliance. “Swadeshi has a deep connection with India’s identity, and the nation’s progress, from the freedom movement to the present-day goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India),” the Governor said. He also admired the organizers for their efforts to promote local artisans, producers and businesses through events like Swadeshi Mela.

C. A. R. Sundaram, national convener of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, noting that the “Vocal for Local” initiative has turned Swadeshi into a national movement. He noted how such platforms allow people to appreciate the beauty of local goods and foster economic growth across states. Sundaram pointed out that the Manch continues to advise the government on policies that affect Indian entrepreneurs globally.

The fair hosts 334 stalls representing states like Kashmir, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and with food stalls included, the total count exceeds 400. The offerings range from Khadi India products to tribes India by the ministry of tribal affairs. From cotton blouses from Bengal to traditional wooden Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys.

Also present were individuals like Yashwitha Reddy who had an impressive collection of sarees featuring hand-painted artworks and woven designs. “I work on these with my mother-in-law who has been doing this for 30 years. I only began helping her last year,” she shared. Her stall also featured children’s clothes, dupattas and kurtas with similar handcrafted artistry. The sarees, adorned with intricate Madhubani-inspired paintings stood out.

The Swadeshi Job Mela attracted over 16,572 candidates, with 3,000 having secured jobs on the spot. Governor Varma personally distributed offer letters to successful candidates while another 4,500 advanced to the next round of interviews. The jobs were offered by 142 companies, including Cognizant, Tech Mahindra and Genpact with salary packages ranging from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per annum. Among the dignitaries present were Harish Babu, state convener of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch Telangana, Madhuram Reddy, chairman of Gangothri Developers and G. Ramesh Goud, state convener of Swavalambi Bharat Abhiyan.

Source : DC

Microsoft buys land in Hyderabad for Rs 267 cr to build data centre

Microsoft buys land in Hyderabad for Rs 267 cr to build data centre

Microsoft Corporation recently acquired 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for a deal valued at approximately Rs 267 crore.

The property was purchased from the land aggregator, Sai Balaji Developers, located in Ranga Reddy district, as per the document shared by Propstack, a data analytics firm.

“Microsoft has big plans to expand its data centre business and will be developing one of the biggest data centres in the region. The property is located about forty kilometers from the main city of Hyderabad, and the company paid a premium on the land,” said a person aware of the deal.

Microsoft’s Hyderabad data centre region is an addition to its existing network of three regions in India – Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai – which have been operational for the past five years.

“Microsoft had also acquired two more land parcels in Hyderabad for the data centre business,” he said.

In a response to an query, Microsft said “We have no information to share at this time.”

Microsoft currently operates an India Development Centre (IDC) out of Hyderabad spread over 54-acre apart from Bengaluru and Noida. The IDC has played a pivotal role in the development and progression of Microsoft’s technological offerings, such as Azure, Windows, Office, and Bing.

Separately, over the past two years, the organisation has been increasing its presence in the flexible office space segment throughout the country.

Market leadership stays with PSUs; stay invested as the best is yet to come: Ramesh Damani

Market leadership stays with PSUs; stay invested as the best is yet to come: Ramesh Damani

Ramesh Damani, Member of BSE, believes that the best time to invest in India is today, as the country is experiencing growth and development. He has always identified mega trends, such as cement shares and liberalization trends, and has been able to spot leadership in these bull markets.

The middle class, which started in England in the 18th-19th century, is shaping the world today, with 4 to 5 billion people in India. This middle class is defined as having a PPP purchasing power parity of about $12 per day, significantly above the poverty level of $2 a day. As India’s per capita has gone over $2,500, the middle class is demanding action on issues such as climate change, travel, education, and living standards.

There is much to be right in the market, with a significant fall in the last few days and the addition of 13 crore demat accounts in India. However, there is also a lesson to understand the difference between risk and volatility in the market. Risk is the choice of permanent loss of capital, while volatility is what happened yesterday and what will happen the day before yesterday.

The next 2,000 points on the Sensex can be up and down, but Damani believes that the next 20,000 points will be higher due to the unfolding demographics, digitization, and democracy taking root in India. There is a lot to be thankful for and looking forward to being optimistic over the next few years rather than being pessimistic.

Damani is fully invested in the market, with a focus on public sector stocks and the Modi government’s efforts to turn around the public sector. The debate over privatizing PSUs or unlocking value has receded, and companies should be well managed.