By Erick This is the most relevant tech news from India in the last seven days.
Infosys “Engaging” with Labour Department
The Karnataka Labour Department is conducting an inquiry into Infosys after reports of unfair employment practices were circulated about the company. The inquiry in particular is related to the firing of 300+ trainees from its Mysore campus. The Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad himself is leading the inquiry.
Why it matters: this is honestly great news. Every year, thousands and thousands of engineering graduates aspire to have fulfilling Engineering careers, many of them only to be treated like sh*te by the likes of Infosys (if you’re a parent of an Engineering graduate working at Infosys, please stop boasting to your relative about “your son/daughter working for Infosys so good company”). Whatever the outcome, the fact that there is an inquiry itself is a step in the right direction.
Read: Infosys HR head: Labour Department is in touch with the company and Infosys is
Google to open retail stores in India
Google is reportedly finalizing locations for its first retail stores in India, marking its debut physical stores outside the United States, with plans to open 3-4 experience centers in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi by late 2024. These stores aim to showcase Google’s hardware products like Pixel phones and smart home devices, potentially boosting the company’s presence in India’s competitive smartphone market.
Why it matters: not that I think Google makes the best hardware (this year even though the Galaxy S25 series tanked I still don’t think the new Pixel will be the best Android phone). But it’s like – why are there Apple stores when you can buy an iPhone from literally anywhere? I think these stores’ presence will add a bit of comfort for consumers and also foster competition from other tech giants – for the benefit of consumers.
Read: Google close to picking sites in India for first retail stores outside US, sources say | Reuters
By the way: did you know that Pixel components are made in India? Google Pixel-maker Dixon to double revenue as India ramps up electronics production | Reuters
British semiconductor company Arm to open second office in Bengaluru
Semiconductor company Arm is set to open its second office in Bengaluru, India, expanding its presence in the country’s growing technology sector. The new office, located in the Bagmane Tech Park, will focus on chip design and is expected to create job opportunities for local talent in areas such as CPU, system IP design, and physical design.
Why it matters: y’all should take semiconductor news more seriously. I firmly believe that it is semiconductors, not AI, that will propel India into tech dominance after a few years. Plus, this is a design office which means we will have access to and directly participate in the knowledge and intellectual property. Hope we register some patents too.
Read: Semiconductor company Arm to open second office in Bengaluru – ET Manufacturing
Indian Railways’ SwaRail app seems to work well
The Ministry of Railways in India has launched SwaRail, a new superapp available in beta for Android and iOS, which integrates multiple railway services including ticket booking, food ordering, and PNR enquiries into a single platform, aiming to reduce app clutter and improve user convenience.
Why it matters: I have nightmares about booking tickets on the IRCTC website. This app – provided it continues to work – will make the Indian Railways and associated services every slightly more accessible to the masses. It also reminds us that the Government is more than capable of making an app that will be used by millions.
Apple’s latest iPhone 16e available for pre-order in India
Last Wednesday, Apple announced the iPhone 16e which is a phone that is….. well, it’s there. Available for pre-order starting at ₹59,990/-
Why it matters: if you’re thinking about buying this phone, please comment below. We need to talk.
Pre-order link (DON’T): Buy iPhone 16e – Apple (IN)
That’s it for now, see you next week!