Tech3 | Amazon joins India’s 15-minute delivery race, Tech visionary SM Krishna passes away; and more

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In today’s newsletter:

• SM Krishna: Bengaluru's renaissance man
• Amazon joins India’s 15-minute delivery race
• Willow: Google's quantum leap explained

SM Krishna: Bengaluru's renaissance man

The passing of SM Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, marks the end of an era for Bengaluru and the country.

Driving the news: Widely credited with transforming Bengaluru from a ‘pensioners’ paradise’ into India’s Silicon Valley, 92-year-old SM Krishna breathed his last today.

• Krishna set the ball rolling by introducing labour reforms, easing investment processes, and creating a favourable environment for IT businesses

His commitment was evident from the fact that, as Karnataka's Chief Minister, he created two email accounts and dedicated 30 minutes daily to addressing the concerns of the people.

Tell me more: His list of achievements is endless, from forming task forces to bringing in advisors from various sectors to drive technological transformation.

• He appointed Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy to the IT Task Force, which made over 50 recommendations that helped put Bengaluru on the global map

Another milestone was the creation of the Bangalore Agenda Task Force, which empowered the private sector to boost the city’s governance and infrastructure.

The Congressman was even praised by BJP leader and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for making Bengaluru so prominent that global statesmen preferred visiting the Garden City over India's capital city.

Any shortcoming?: Like any leader, SM Krishna faced his share of criticisms. His tenure as Chief Minister was marred by severe drought conditions, which affected Karnataka for much of his time in office.  

• Additionally, Bengaluru’s explosive growth led to traffic congestion and a strain on infrastructure
• In a major faux pas, Krishna started reading the speech of the Portuguese Foreign Minister in a UNSC meeting in 2011

Nonetheless, he was hailed by one and all, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called him a remarkable leader admired by people from all walks of life.

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