Aakash Educational Services Signs MoU with Indian Army to Extend Scholarships for Soldiers’ Families

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Bengaluru, December 11, 2025:
Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), a leading national institution in test preparation, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army to support the educational and welfare needs of Army personnel and their families. The collaboration covers serving soldiers, veterans, gallantry awardees, personnel with disabilities, and the families of soldiers who lost their lives in service.

The agreement was formalised between the Colonel, Ceremonial & Welfare 38.4 of the Indian Army, and Dr. Yash Pal, Chief Academic & Business Head for Delhi-NCR at AESL.

Exclusive Academic Benefits for Army Wards

Under the MoU, AESL will extend a range of fee waivers and scholarships to students from Army families seeking admission at any of its centres across the country. The benefits include:

Full waiver of all fee components (excluding registration charges) for the wards of soldiers who died in the line of duty.

100% tuition fee waiver for children of gallantry awardees and those of personnel with disabilities exceeding 20%.

20% tuition fee waiver for the wards of serving and retired Army personnel, applicable after adjusting other scholarships.

These concessions supplement AESL’s existing scholarship schemes that are open to all students.

Focus on Guidance and Career Support

Beyond financial support, AESL will also provide structured mentoring, academic counselling and career guidance to Army wards throughout the duration of the MoU. These services will be delivered through both online and offline platforms to ensure accessibility for families stationed across diverse regions.

AESL Leadership on the Partnership

Commenting on the initiative, Chandra Sekhar Garisa Reddy, MD & CEO of AESL, said, “Education is the foundation of opportunity. Our partnership with the Indian Army is a tribute to the sacrifices of our soldiers. By extending scholarships, mentoring and counselling, we aim to enable the children of our nation’s heroes to pursue their aspirations with confidence and emerge as future leaders.”

Expanding Support to Uniformed Services

In a continued effort to assist the families of India’s security forces, AESL recently signed a similar MoU with the Central Reserve Police Force Family Welfare Association (CWA). This agreement provides scholarships, academic support and career guidance to children and dependents of CRPF personnel across India.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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