global capability centres

US insurer The Standard has launched its first global capability centre in Bengaluru, aiming to boost software engineering, AI, and enterprise platforms. This strategic move signifies a deep dive into in-house technology expertise, focusing on innovation and design rather than just system maintenance.

India's indigenous glide weapon system, TARA, achieved a successful maiden flight, transforming unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. Developed by DRDO and tested from an IAF Jaguar, TARA offers enhanced accuracy and stand-off capability at low cost. This development aligns with global trends, boosting India's affordable precision strike power and airpower.

India's commercial real estate is shifting, with coworking spaces now a parallel office strategy, not just a temporary fix. Robust demand, driven by global capability centres seeking managed facilities, is boosting the sector. Investors gain diversified cash flows but must consider operational intensity and a different risk profile. Market maturity brings both stability and competition.

Global air-conditioning giant Carrier Global Corporation is establishing a ₹1,000 crore manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh's Sri City. This significant investment, set to create over 3,000 jobs, underscores the state's aggressive industrial push and renewed investor confidence. The state government views this as a golden era for investments, attracting numerous projects.

New AI systems are now available to combat fraud in the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. These advanced tools can identify fake hospital bills and forged medical documents. The technology aims to speed up insurance claim settlements and enhance transparency. India is leading the Global South with its health AI benchmarking platform.

Prat Vemana, executive VP and chief information and product officer at the $105-billion Target, is trying to put AI into the hands of everyone shaping the retail experience, from designers and planners to store teams and digital engineers. And the India centre is playing a central role in the effort to make Target run on AI

Delhi-NCR's office market experienced a significant slowdown in Q1, with gross leasing falling 28% to 3 million sq ft due to lower new supply. Despite this, the long-term outlook remains positive, with major developers actively investing in the region. Pan-India office leasing, however, saw a 10% rise, driven by foreign companies establishing global capability centres.

India's flexible workspace sector has surged past 100 million sq ft, becoming a dominant force in commercial real estate. Once a niche for freelancers, it now attracts major enterprises and GCCs, driving significant growth and profitability. This shift marks a maturation, positioning India as a global leader in flex office solutions.

Global military expenditure has hit a record $2.9 trillion, signalling a world preparing for prolonged instability. India’s increased defence spending reflects a broader strategic doctrine focused on modernisation, indigenisation and preparedness for multi-front challenges

India is emerging as a global electronics manufacturing hub. A new Google Cloud India AI Hub in Visakhapatnam, a $15 billion project, will boost AI and data capabilities. This initiative strengthens India's digital backbone and positions the country as a trusted partner in global supply chains.