Total Lunar Eclipse to Dazzle Indian Skies on September 7, 2025

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Public encouraged to witness the rare celestial event safely

Press meet held at press club of bengaluru

Bengaluru, Karnataka – September 2025:
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across India, including Karnataka, on the night of 7 September 2025. The event, observable with the naked eye, will showcase the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun in a rare astronomical spectacle. The Platform of Astronomy Communicators of Karnataka (PACK) has urged the public to step outdoors with family and friends to witness the phenomenon.

What Happens During an Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. The shadow has two parts: the umbra, a darker region, and the penumbra, a lighter one. When the Moon moves completely into the umbra, it glows red or coppery, commonly known as the “blood moon,” caused by Earth’s atmosphere bending red wavelengths of sunlight onto the Moon.

Key Timings (IST)

Penumbral phase begins: 8:58 PM

Partial eclipse begins: 9:57 PM

Total eclipse: 11:01 PM – 12:23 AM (82 minutes)

Partial eclipse ends: 1:26 AM

Penumbral phase ends: 2:25 AM


Safe to View

The eclipse is completely safe to watch without special equipment, though binoculars or telescopes can enhance the view. Astronomers stress that eclipses are natural events, long understood since Aryabhata’s time, and not harmful—contrary to myths that have sometimes led to unsafe practices.

Public Events & Livestream

Residents are encouraged to watch from open terraces or backyards. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics will livestream the event from Bengaluru, Ladakh, and Kodaikanal, while the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru, will host public viewing.

More details and livestream link: https://bit.ly/astropack

Next Eclipse

The next total lunar eclipse visible from India will occur on 31 December 2028.

For more information contact:

Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Indian Institute of Astrophysics
7798680084 | p@iap.res.in

B.R. Guruprasad, Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
9448397700 | director@taralaya.org

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Bringing Vision Closer: Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital Expands Footprint with Mangaluru Facility

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Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital Expands Footprint with New Facility in Mangaluru

Mangaluru, September 5, 2025: Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, one of India’s largest networks of eye care providers, has inaugurated its latest facility at Kankanady, Mahaveer Circle, Mangaluru, significantly strengthening access to advanced ophthalmology services in coastal Karnataka.

Spread across 15,000 sq. ft., the hospital is equipped with next-generation diagnostic and surgical technology, including OCT, retinal laser systems, corneal topography, optical biometers, and Zeiss microscope-based surgical platforms. The facility features a modern operation theatre, pharmacy, laboratory, in-house opticals, GA back-up, ample parking, and a viewing gallery for surgeries, and has the capacity to serve up to 500 patients a day.

The inauguration was attended by Shri U.T. Khader Fareed, Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, as Chief Guest, along with Shri Captain Brijesh Chowta, MP (Lok Sabha), and Shri D. Vedavyas Kamath, MLA. Senior healthcare leaders including Dr. H R Thimmaiah, DHO, Dakshina Kannada; Dr Jessy Maria Goveas D’Souza, President, IMA Mangaluru; and Lt. Colonel Dr Zahid Ali Khan, Senior Manager – Health Services & CMO, MRPL were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri U.T. Khader said the facility would bring world-class ophthalmology care to Mangaluru, helping prevent avoidable blindness and ensuring timely treatment of complex eye conditions.

The hospital will offer a comprehensive range of services covering cataract surgery, refractive procedures such as Lasik and ReLEx SMILE, corneal treatments, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, retinal surgeries, squint management, oculoplasty, uvea, neuro-ophthalmology, and general ophthalmology.

Dr. Srinivasa Rao, Regional Head – Clinical Services, emphasized the hospital’s focus on early detection, prevention, and awareness of eye health, particularly in light of rising lifestyle-related eye disorders. Mr. Rahul Agarwal, COO of Dr. Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals, added that the new center will address existing gaps in advanced eye care in the region by offering state-of-the-art yet affordable services.

As part of its community outreach, the hospital has launched a free comprehensive eye check-up for all patients until September 30, 2025, and will organize regular eye camps across Dakshina Kannada district.

With this expansion, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital now operates 33 centers in Karnataka and over 250 hospitals worldwide. The new Mangaluru facility is set to evolve into a tertiary care hub for coastal Karnataka, catering to both city residents and patients from surrounding districts.

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Panchajanya Fashions Expands Retail Footprint with 7th Ackross Outlet

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Ackross Opens Its Biggest Multi-Brand Store in Chikkajala

Bengaluru, September 5, 2025: Panchajanya Uno, the retail arm of Panchajanya Fashions Pvt. Ltd., has unveiled its largest Ackross store at LVS Mall, Chikkajala. Spanning 3,800 sq. ft., the outlet is the brand’s seventh store and aims to redefine shopping in fashion and lifestyle with an extensive range of products under one roof.

The store was inaugurated by Mr. M.G. Balakrishna, President of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), who marked the opening as a significant step in strengthening Karnataka’s retail landscape.

Designed across two dedicated levels, the store offers:

Ground Floor: Men’s fashion, featuring the complete Raymond Group portfolio—Raymond, Park Avenue, Parx, ColorPlus, and Ethnix—along with premium Made-to-Measure services.

First Floor: Home fashion, led by Ackross Bed & Bath, with additional collections from Bombay Dyeing, Trident, Raymond Home, and Rosara Home.


Ackross differentiates itself with its value proposition—providing leading brands at lower prices than most retail outlets, backed by special promotions and tailored customer service.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Suresh Babu Makam, Chairman of Panchajanya Fashions Pvt. Ltd., said, “The Chikkajala store is our biggest yet and brings together fashion and home brands with unmatched value. Ackross is not just retail—it is a destination for style, comfort, and quality.”

Location: Shop No. 6, LVS Mall, behind McDonald’s, Jala Hobli, Chikkajala, Tharabanahalli, Bengaluru – 562157

More information: http://www.ackross.com

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From Dependence to Dignity: Job Fair for Senior Citizens in Bengaluru

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Bengaluru to Host Free Job Fair for Senior Citizens on September 7

Over 850 elders expected; event highlights urgent need for employment post-retirement

Bengaluru, September 4, 2025:
To promote financial independence and restore dignity among the elderly, the Nightingale Empowerment Foundation, in association with Nightingales Medical Trust, St Joseph’s University, and the Archdiocese of Bangalore, will organize the 10th Free Job Fair for Senior Citizens on September 7 at St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru.

Financial insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues faced by India’s elderly. Of the 15 crore senior citizens in the country, nearly 75% depend on others for survival. While many seniors between 60 and 70 years are healthy, skilled, and eager to contribute, they continue to face hurdles in finding meaningful employment.

According to Nightingales Medical Trust, which has been running the Elders Helpline with Bengaluru City Police since 2002, financial distress among the elderly is on the rise. Complaints related to financial issues jumped from 10% in 2023–24 to over 22% in 2024–25, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Elders without independent income often remain more vulnerable to neglect and abuse.

India’s life expectancy has more than doubled since Independence—from 33 years to 72 years today—yet retirement age has only inched up from 55 to 60 years. With just 11% of elders covered by government pensions, nearly 89% of seniors lack post-retirement financial security. Experts argue that extending employment opportunities beyond 60 is not only critical for independence but also enhances quality of life and social purpose.

The upcoming job fair is expected to draw more than 850 participants, with 656 elders already registered. Previous nine editions have witnessed the participation of over 8,500 seniors and 450 employers, resulting in nearly 2,925 successful placements. Employers, too, have recognized the value of hiring seniors as an experienced, reliable, and cost-effective workforce.

Eligibility:

Seniors aged 60–70 years, physically fit and willing to work.

Employers offering opportunities, with stalls reserved for those with 10+ vacancies.


Registration is free for both elders and employers. For details, contact: 080 42426565.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the Press Club of Bengaluru by S. Premkumar Raja, Secretary, Nightingale Empowerment Foundation.

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ICICI Bank Opens Dedicated Startup Branch in BengaluruComprehensive banking and digital solutions to support entrepreneurs

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Bengaluru: ICICI Bank has announced the opening of a new branch in Bengaluru exclusively designed to serve startups. Located at 19th Main Road, Sector 3, HSR Layout, the branch aims to provide end-to-end banking and financial services tailored to the needs of emerging businesses across all stages of their growth.

The branch will offer a complete range of services, including:

Business banking: Current accounts (including GIFT City accounts), overdraft facilities, corporate credit cards, escrow services, foreign currency accounts, working capital loans, loans backed by Standby Letters of Credit (SBLC) and Fixed Deposits, and the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme.

Personal banking: Customized offerings for founders and employees, including family banking, 3-in-1 demat accounts, HUF accounts, home loans, loans against property, gold and personal loans, credit cards, and investment solutions.

Digital banking: Corporate Internet Banking, InstaBIZ app, Trade Online platform, Integrated Payment System for vendor and tax payments, along with e-collections, e-mandates, payment gateway and UPI solutions.

API solutions: Access to more than 250 APIs through the Bank’s Developer Portal for seamless integration across payments, collections, and reconciliation.

Global services: Swift remittances, along with support for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) transactions.


The branch will also function as an engagement hub, offering startups opportunities to connect with venture capitalists and benefit from the guidance of a dedicated relationship management team.

In Karnataka, ICICI Bank operates over 460 branches and more than 1,020 ATMs and CRMs. The new branch will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.

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