Bengaluru: On the solemn occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Gs. Gopal Raaj, Editor of City Today News and Tj Vision Media, paid heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War.
“Let us remember the heroes of Kargil who laid down their lives for our nation. Their unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice continue to inspire every Indian to this day,” he said, reflecting on the legacy of the martyrs.
He further added that the valour shown by the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil conflict is a timeless reminder of patriotism, dedication, and resilience.
Bengaluru: The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a strategic breakthrough that significantly elevates India’s global economic profile and opens up new business avenues, particularly in the electronics sector, according to Ashok Chandak, President of SEMI India and the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA).
Chandak stated that the elimination of tariffs on electronic goods, components, raw materials, and capital equipment under the FTA will lower manufacturing costs and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian-made products. The agreement is also expected to bolster exports of smartphones, optical fibre cables, and inverters by providing duty-free access to the UK market.
He further emphasized that the FTA sets a new precedent for future international trade deals by aligning India with other democratic economies and reinforcing its strategic position in advanced technology sectors like electronics. The deal is projected to help increase India’s current ~US$2 billion share in the UK’s electronics imports and drive progress toward the country’s ambitious goal of building a US$500 billion electronics industry by 2030.
The services sector is also expected to benefit from enhanced collaboration in areas such as electronic design, testing, and embedded software—combining UK’s strengths in design with India’s robust engineering capabilities. Additionally, the FTA facilitates skilled talent mobility, improves supply chain resilience, and fosters joint efforts in green and sustainable electronics.
Bengaluru, July 25, 2025 — In a significant political development, a delegation of Congress Minority leaders called on Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah at his official residence, Krishna, today. The leaders submitted a formal memorandum seeking the nomination of Dr. Yoonas Jones to the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) under the Governor’s quota.
The delegation, representing the aspirations of the minority communities across the state, strongly advocated for Dr. Jones, highlighting his longstanding service, academic contributions, and unwavering commitment to social justice and communal harmony.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the leaders emphasized that Dr. Yoonas Jones has played a pivotal role in advocating for minority rights and inclusive development through his work in education, public policy, and community outreach.
“Dr. Jones is not only an intellectual with a strong academic background but also a grassroots leader who has consistently worked for the upliftment of marginalized sections,” said one of the delegation members. “His nomination would reflect the Congress government’s commitment to inclusive representation and empowerment of minority voices in the legislative process.”
The memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister outlines Dr. Jones’ qualifications, achievements, and his active role in various state and national-level initiatives. The leaders expressed hope that the government would consider the request favourably and expedite the nomination process.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while receiving the memorandum, assured the delegation that the request would be given due consideration and forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
This development comes at a time when political observers are closely watching the composition of the Upper House, with the expectation that nominations under the Governor’s quota will reflect diversity, merit, and representation from all walks of life.
Bengaluru, July 25: In a move aimed at enhancing urban mobility, Namma Yatri has launched a new in-app feature called ‘Namma Transit’, designed to streamline multimodal public transport for Bengaluru commuters. The new service integrates Metro, autos, and cabs, guiding users through their entire journey in real time.
Namma Transit functions as a personal transit assistant, providing commuters with step-by-step directions — from the nearest Metro station and platform details to live tracking of Metro and auto rides. The app also offers alerts for boarding, switching modes, and disembarking, ensuring a smoother, faster, and more affordable commute.
At the launch event, Namma Metro MD Ravishankar J. highlighted the broader vision: “Metro’s goal is not just connectivity, but to give citizens back time. This collaboration is a step toward that.” The initiative is aligned with the Beckn protocol and ONDC framework, aiming to create an open, commuter-first mobility ecosystem.
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, who attended the launch, emphasized the need to reduce private vehicle use: “Public transport must become the preferred option. Expanding Metro and electrifying last-mile solutions are key.”
The launch also included the unveiling of the ‘MadeForBLR: Mobility Blueprint 2030’, which outlines a 10-point strategy to achieve 70% public transport usage and a 50% reduction in commute time and emissions. The plan advocates for collaboration among citizens, government, and the private sector — promoting digital payments, EV infrastructure, ride pooling, and better first/last-mile connectivity.
Namma Yatri’s founders, Magizhan and Shan, noted that the goal is to make public mobility user-friendly: “We want people to choose public transport not out of compulsion but convenience.”
Namma Transit is currently live for select users, with a full rollout scheduled over the coming week. The initiative marks a step forward in Bengaluru’s journey toward integrated, sustainable urban transportation.
Bengaluru, July 25, 2025 – GKB Opticals, one of India’s leading premium eyewear retail chains, has officially reopened its flagship store in Bengaluru after an extensive revamp. Situated at a prime location on M.G. Road, the 2400 sq. ft. outlet has been redesigned as an immersive sensory experience centre, seamlessly blending health, fashion, and technology.
The store now features a smart, customer-centric layout with three specialized zones, each designed to offer distinct services and experiences:
Myopia Clinic for Children: Dedicated to early diagnosis and effective management of myopia in children, this zone provides expert consultations and customized treatment plans aimed at long-term eye health.
Widex Audiology Zone: Positioned as the first-of-its-kind in a retail environment, this audiology centre offers advanced hearing assessments and personalized hearing solutions, expanding GKB’s focus to include holistic sensory care.
Lens Experience Zone: This section allows customers to explore a wide range of prescription and fashion eyewear, offering both functionality and style with personalized lens and frame options.
Speaking at the re-launch, Priyanka Gupta, Director of GKB Opticals, said,“The reopening of our flagship store in Bengaluru is a significant step forward in enhancing the overall customer journey. This new concept is not just about shopping—it’s about delivering a comprehensive lifestyle experience that integrates design, technology, and well-being.”
Sumit Dutta, Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the innovative hearing care initiative, stating, “With the introduction of the Widex Audiology Zone, we are redefining how customers engage with hearing care. It offers the same level of trust and personalization that GKB is known for in eyewear, now extended to audiology.”
Ajay Mishra, Senior Vice President – Sales & Operations, emphasized the need for early intervention in eye care, particularly among younger demographics. “With a growing number of children affected by myopia, our dedicated clinic provides advanced diagnostic tools and individualized treatment strategies to manage and slow its progression effectively.”
The re-launch was celebrated with a two-day event featuring a mix of curated experiences, including a Myopia Awareness Workshop, stylist consultations, interactive installations such as a Photo Mirror and DIY Mosaic Mirror, and hands-on block printing of eyewear cloth cases.
With this transformation, GKB Opticals reaffirms its commitment to offering high-quality vision and hearing care in a consumer-friendly and innovative retail environment.
City Today News 
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