Congress Minority Leaders Urge CM Siddaramaiah to Nominate Dr. Yoonas Jones to Karnataka Legislative Council

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.

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Namma Yatri Introduces ‘Namma Transit’ for Smarter Public Commutes in Bengaluru

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.

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GKB Opticals Reopens Revamped Flagship Store in Bengaluru as a Sensory Experience Hub



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.

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Force Motors Posts Strong Q1 FY26 Results with 35% Surge in EBITDARecords ₹357 Cr EBITDA, ₹185 Cr PAT; Maintains Zero Debt Position

Bengaluru, July 25, 2025: Force Motors Limited, India’s leading van manufacturer and a key automotive player, has reported an impressive financial performance for the first quarter of FY2025-26, driven by strong domestic demand and operational efficiency.

Key Financial Highlights (Q1 FY2025-26):

Revenue: ₹2,322 crore, up 22% YoY

EBITDA: ₹357 crore, up 35% YoY

Profit Before Tax (PBT): ₹287 crore, up 54% YoY

Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹185 crore, up 55% YoY

Total Debt: Nil


Operational Highlights:

Domestic sales volume surged 26%, propelled by high demand for its flagship models – Urbania, Traveller, and Trax.

The company reaffirmed its zero-debt status, reflecting its disciplined financial strategy.


Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, said, “We are pleased with the strong start to the new fiscal. Our performance is a result of staying focused on customer needs, leveraging domestic momentum, and enhancing internal efficiencies. With market trends looking positive, we are confident of sustaining this momentum in the coming quarters.”

He also emphasized investments in innovation, reliability, and network expansion as critical growth enablers.


For further media inquiries:
Ananya Bhattacharjee – Head, Corporate Communications: abhattacharjee@forcemotors.com
Shaillaja Vishen – Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications: svishen@forcemotors.com
Website: http://www.forcemotors.com

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₹1.11 Crore Marwari Horse ‘Rolex’ Draws Huge Attention in Chikkaballapur

Chikkaballapur, Karnataka: Residents of Chikkaballapur district were left amazed after a rare and expensive Marwari horse arrived from Gujarat. The horse, named Rolex, was purchased for a whopping ₹1.11 crore by Bengaluru-based businessman Shafiq, who hails from Varalakonda village in Gudibande taluk.

The majestic Marwari stallion, known for its royal heritage and once used by kings in battle, received a grand welcome upon arrival. Locals rolled out a red carpet, burst crackers, and even cut a cake to celebrate the horse’s entry into the village.

At just three and a half years old, Rolex has already won two national-level competitions and boasts an impressive physique, striking gait, and graceful stance. Belonging to the prestigious Sevadia Math bloodline, Rolex is a rare gem in the equestrian world.

To maintain its prime condition, the horse is fed a luxurious daily diet including 12 liters of milk, a dozen eggs, green fodder, and undergoes two massage sessions along with routine fitness workouts.

Shafiq has set up a dedicated riding facility on his farmland to train local youth and friends from Bengaluru in horse riding. He stated that his intention behind investing in Rolex was not only driven by passion but also to contribute towards preserving rare Indian horse breeds that are gradually vanishing.

The news of Rolex’s value and pedigree has sparked significant excitement, with curious onlookers flocking to catch a glimpse of the prized stallion.

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