Uber Expands Into B2B Logistics With ‘Uber Direct’, Brings Metro Ticketing to Bengaluru via ONDC

Bengaluru, December 10, 2025: Uber has widened its India footprint with the launch of Uber Direct, its new B2B logistics service powered by the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The company also introduced metro ticketing on the Uber app in Bengaluru, strengthening its multi-service strategy built on India’s rapidly evolving digital public infrastructure.

With this, Uber has formally entered the enterprise logistics segment, differentiating Uber Direct from its consumer-focused Uber Courier offering. Unlike Courier, which is booked directly by customers on the app, Uber Direct functions as a backend delivery engine for businesses. Orders are placed on a seller’s platform, and Uber fulfils the delivery without direct customer interaction until the driver arrives. This plug-and-play model is designed for companies seeking reliable, scalable and standardised delivery support.

The service went live in Bengaluru today through ONDC’s open digital rails, with Uber’s fleet already handling grocery deliveries for Zepto and KPN Farm Fresh. The company will extend Uber Direct to food delivery in the coming weeks for brands including KFC, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Indian cloud-kitchen major Rebel Foods.

Metro ticketing on Uber—already active in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai—has also been rolled out in Bengaluru. Commuters can now plan journeys, access real-time metro information, and purchase QR-based tickets for Namma Metro directly via the Uber app, using UPI as the exclusive payment option.

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said Bengaluru’s innovation-driven ecosystem makes it an ideal city for deeper ONDC integration. ONDC’s Acting CEO and COO, Vibhor Jain, said Uber’s expansion highlights the strength of interoperable digital commerce and marks a key milestone for the network’s logistics layer.

BMRCL Managing Director Dr. J. Ravishankar welcomed the partnership, noting that it aligns with the metro operator’s vision for multi-platform digital ticketing and improves first- and last-mile connectivity for commuters.

Uber plans to expand both metro ticketing integration and Uber Direct to additional cities in 2026, underscoring its growing commitment to India’s mobility and logistics sector.

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SANY India Fires Up EXCON 2025 With Its Largest-Ever Next-Gen Equipment Line-Up

SANY India to Showcase Its Most Advanced Machinery Line-up at EXCON 2025, Strengthening Push Toward Viksit Bharat

Bengaluru, December 9, 2025:
SANY India is preparing for a major presence at EXCON 2025 with the unveiling of its most powerful and technologically advanced machinery portfolio to date. The company’s latest line-up marks a significant step in its efforts to support India’s infrastructure growth in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

This year, SANY India will exhibit 39 next-generation machines spanning excavation, mining, hoisting, electric logistics, material handling and road-building solutions. The pavilion, designed around EXCON’s theme “Chariots of Development – Every Man. Every Machine. Every Minute.”, reflects India’s dynamic infrastructure journey through a visually striking chariot-inspired corridor.

Mr. Deepak Garg, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, SANY India & South Asia, said the new lineup mirrors the company’s commitment to delivering global innovation tailored for India. “Our machines are becoming smarter, more efficient and more sustainable. Each launch reinforces our mission of boosting customer productivity while contributing to national development,” he said.

Echoing this, Mr. Sanjay Saxena, COO, emphasised that the range is built on ground-level insights from contractors, fleet operators and mining professionals. “Higher uptime, electrification, digital intelligence and India-specific engineering define our approach. These machines are designed to help India build faster, safer and greener,” he noted.

A major highlight will be the launch of advanced electric excavators, including the SY215EP, SY375EP, and the 65-ton SY680EP, alongside new electric loaders and India’s first outdoor-ready electric forklifts. The company will also showcase multifunctional drilling rigs, a new rough-terrain crane, and an upgraded series of single drum, double drum and pneumatic rollers.

With more than 35,000 machines in operation, over 260 service touchpoints, and a world-class manufacturing hub in Pune, SANY India continues to solidify its leadership across multiple construction equipment categories. Visitors at EXCON 2025 will have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations and engage with experts to explore the future of intelligent, electric and high-productivity construction machinery.

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Medline Academics & Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals Hold Grand Convocation 2025 in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, December 8, 2025: Medline Academics, a globally recognised centre for fertility training and reproductive medicine, hosted its Convocation Ceremony 2025, marking a significant celebration of academic accomplishment and four decades of leadership in reproductive sciences. More than 100 graduates from India and overseas participated, reaffirming Medline’s reputation as a premier international destination for fertility education.

The event paid a heartfelt tribute to Padmashri Prof. Dr. Kamini A. Rao, whose pioneering work has transformed reproductive medicine in India. With over 40 years of clinical leadership, she has helped bring over 1.2 lakh children into the world and guided two lakh couples on their path to parenthood. A special citation honoured her contributions to IVF, women’s health, and medical education.

Chief Guest Dr. Balakrishna Shetty P, a respected authority in radiology and medical training, addressed the gathering and underscored the importance of interdisciplinary learning in shaping the future of Indian medical education.

The ceremony also highlighted the leadership of Dr. Pooja Siddhartha Rao, Executive Director of Medline Academics & Dr. KAR Hospitals, who envisioned Medline as a world-class academic institution. Under her guidance, Medline has grown into a globally recognised hub known for its structured curriculum, advanced simulation training, and strong academic collaborations.

A major announcement was the launch of the Medline–Isha Diagnostic Radiology Programme, designed in collaboration with Isha Diagnostic Centre. The initiative aims to set new benchmarks in radiology education.

The ceremony concluded with a strong reaffirmation of Medline’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and nurturing the next generation of reproductive medicine specialists.

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Vidya Sampath Creates History as First Indian to Win Mrs Earth International 2025

A Global Triumph: Indian Mom from Mangalore Wins Mrs Earth International

Mangaluru/Bengaluru:
In a landmark moment for India, Vidya Sampath from Mangalore has been crowned Mrs Earth International 2025, becoming the first Indian woman to bring home the prestigious global title. The event, held in Manila, Philippines, featured contestants from 22 countries and concluded with a grand coronation on December 8.

Vidya, who represented India with poise and confidence, stood out across all rounds of the week-long competition that began on December,1.

A Striking Tribute to India

Her performances reflected a powerful blend of artistry and national pride:

Talent Segment: A compelling showcase rooted in traditional Indian culture.

National Costume: Designed in Mangalore, the elaborate creation featured a lifelike tiger, a blooming lotus, and a dynamic peacock prop, symbolising India’s national icons. The costume received widespread appreciation for its creativity and craftsmanship.

Major Milestone for Astral Pageants

National Director Pratibha Saunshimath, who mentored Vidya for the international stage, said the win is a moment of immense pride as Astral Pageants moves towards its 10th edition in 2026. She added that the achievement underscores Astral’s longstanding focus on disciplined training, structured grooming, and preparing Indian women to compete globally.

Vidya, who earlier held the Mrs India Astral Karnataka Runner title, credited her success to the constant encouragement of her husband Mr. Karkera, who accompanied her to Manila, and Regional Director Mr. Deepak Ganguly, whose guidance shaped her preparations.

Inspiration for Women Across India

Vidya’s triumph marks a proud chapter not just for Astral Pageants but for Karnataka and the country. Her journey stands as a motivating example for aspiring women—especially those from tier-2 cities—proving that with determination, a strong platform, and expert mentorship, global dreams can be realised.

Astral Pageants has hailed the victory as a historic milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to empowering more Indian women to shine at world pageants.

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Apollo Bengaluru Executes Rare Robotic Double Valve Replacement on High-Risk Woman

Bengaluru, December 09, 2025: In a significant advance for cardiac care, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, has performed a rare and exceptionally complex robotic double valve replacement using the state-of-the-art Da Vinci Xi Surgical System. The feat places the hospital among a handful of centres in India capable of carrying out this procedure with next-generation robotic technology.

The surgery was led by Dr. Sathyaki Nambala, Chief of Robotic Cardiac Surgery, who has been at the forefront of minimally invasive cardiac techniques in the country. The successful outcome marks a major step forward in bringing multi-valve replacement under the umbrella of precision-driven, robotic-assisted surgery.

Although double valve replacement using robotics was reported in India more than a decade ago, those earlier attempts were restricted by older systems with limited capabilities. Apollo’s use of the latest robotic platform—offering enhanced visualisation, improved dexterity and streamlined workflow—represents a new benchmark in the evolution of robotic cardiac surgery.

The patient, a 53-year-old woman, was admitted with severe damage to both the aortic and mitral valves caused by infective endocarditis. Her condition was further complicated by rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and a previous stroke, making her a high-risk candidate for conventional open-heart surgery.

With these challenges in mind, the team opted for a minimally invasive route. Using keyhole incisions and real-time TEE guidance, surgeons replaced both valves with bioprosthetic implants without the need for a sternotomy.

Recovery was swift and smooth. The patient was extubated and mobilised within 12 hours, shifted out of intensive care soon after, and discharged on the third postoperative day. She remained stable and symptom-free at her one-week review.

“This achievement is a milestone not only for Apollo but for robotic cardiac surgery in Asia,” Dr. Sathyaki Nambala said. “The latest robotic platforms offer an unprecedented level of precision and safety, enabling us to undertake highly complex multi-valve procedures through a minimally invasive approach.”

Dr. Girish B. Navasundi, Director – Cath Lab & Senior Consultant, Cardiology, noted that advanced robotics is transforming valve surgery by reducing surgical trauma, blood loss and overall recovery time.

Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO – Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, said the accomplishment underscores Apollo’s commitment to clinical innovation. “With Dr. Sathyaki’s extensive expertise—spanning over 3,000 minimally invasive cardiac procedures and 600 robotic surgeries—this milestone highlights our determination to push boundaries in precision cardiac care,” he added.

The success of this next-generation robotic double valve replacement further strengthens Apollo Bengaluru’s leadership in robotic cardiac surgery, offering safer and more effective treatment options for even the most complex and high-risk patients.

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