Which Indian city became the first in the country to officially unveil and adopt its own city logo as part of a branding initiative?

Introduction / Context:
As cities compete to attract investment, tourists and talent, many undertake branding exercises similar to those used by countries or corporations. One innovative step is to create a distinctive logo that symbolises the city's identity, culture and aspirations. In India, one city gained attention for being the first to officially launch and adopt its own city logo after a public design contest. This development has been the subject of general knowledge questions testing awareness of urban branding initiatives.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question asks which Indian city became the first to have its own official city logo.
Options include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Ahmedabad (correcting the state name Gujarat to the city commonly associated with such questions).

Concept / Approach:
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka and known as India's information technology hub, launched a distinctive city logo through a crowd sourced design competition. The winning design incorporated stylised English and Kannada letters forming the word Bengaluru and was intended to promote the city in tourism and international events. Other major cities have used emblems and seals, but Bengaluru was specifically highlighted in media reports as the first Indian city to adopt a dedicated city logo created through such a public process. Therefore, Bengaluru is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall news reports that described Bengaluru unveiling an official city logo, a first of its kind initiative in India, to strengthen its brand as a technology and innovation capital. Step 2: Note that the design competition invited entries from the public and design community, and the selected logo combined local language elements with modern typography. Step 3: Recognise that Hyderabad and New Delhi are also major cities but were not reported as having similar first in India city logo initiatives at that time. Step 4: Understand that although Ahmedabad and other cities may have emblems or tourism campaigns, the specific credit for being the first to officially adopt a dedicated city logo goes to Bengaluru. Step 5: Select Bengaluru from the options as the city that fits the description in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Coverage of the event in national and local media emphasised that Bengaluru became the first Indian city to launch its own logo, designed through public participation and aimed at promoting its image globally. Reports mentioned that the logo would be used on official material, at events and on city infrastructure to reinforce the brand identity. No similar first in India claim was made for Hyderabad, New Delhi or Ahmedabad during that period. This reinforces Bengaluru as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Hyderabad and New Delhi use various symbols, seals and tourism branding slogans, but they were not highlighted as being the first cities in India to adopt a dedicated city logo through a structured contest and official launch. Ahmedabad has civic emblems and heritage branding, yet the specific recognition for pioneering an official city logo initiative belongs to Bengaluru. Choosing any of these cities would therefore conflict with the widely reported claim of primacy associated with Bengaluru's logo launch.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that the national capital, New Delhi, must automatically be first in such initiatives, or to guess based on familiarity with a city rather than recall of the actual news item. Another pitfall is confusion between state logos, municipal seals and the newer concept of city logo used for branding. To avoid these errors, learners should remember that Bengaluru, as an innovative urban centre, was widely publicised as the first Indian city to formally adopt its own city logo as part of a branding strategy.

Final Answer:
The first Indian city to officially unveil and adopt its own city logo was Bengaluru.