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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Battling Bengaluru’s Winter Allergies? Homeopathy May Hold the Long-Term Answer

Homeopathy Offers Hope for Winter Allergy Relief in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, December 08, 2025: As winter draws nearer, Bengaluru—often dubbed India’s “allergy capital”—is witnessing a marked rise in seasonal allergy cases. According to Dr. Kushal Banerjee, second-generation homeopath and Senior Consultant at Dr. Kalyan Banerjee Clinic, the shift in weather has triggered a spike in complaints ranging from allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis to asthma flare-ups and eczema.

Dr. Banerjee noted that Bengaluru’s sharp temperature swings, low atmospheric pressure, high pollen levels and persistent pollution make residents particularly sensitive during this period. “Even healthy individuals experience symptoms as winter approaches. We regularly see patients with runny or blocked noses, burning or itching in the eyes and nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath and eczema flare-ups due to dry air,” he said.

He added that clinical findings indicate homeopathic medicines can ease allergy symptoms without the drowsiness commonly linked to conventional anti-allergic drugs. Fast-acting remedies such as Arsenicum Album and Allium Cepa help control acute symptoms, while long-term treatments like Calcarea Carb and Psorinum reduce repeated episodes.

Highlighting the impact on daily productivity, Dr. Banerjee said allergies contribute significantly to absenteeism and reduced work efficiency. He stressed that timely and sustained homeopathic care can lessen recurrences and improve overall wellbeing. He advised residents to avoid strong fragrances and chemical irritants, use mild personal-care products, maintain healthy routines and seek early medical support to prevent chronic allergy patterns.

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ಟೊಟೊ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ ‘ಆರ್ಕಿಟೆಕ್ಟ್ ಟಾಕ್ 2028’: ಜಪಾನಿನ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ಅಕಿಹಿಸಾ ಹಿರತಾ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು | ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ 06, 2028
ಟೊಟೊ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ ತನ್ನ ‘ಆರ್ಕಿಟೆಕ್ಟ್ ಟಾಕ್ 2028’ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಹೊಸ ಅಧ್ಯಾಯವನ್ನು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಿ, ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ ಮತ್ತು ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿನ ಸಂವಾದವನ್ನು ಬಲಪಡಿಸುವ ತನ್ನ ಬದ್ಧತೆಯನ್ನು ಮರುಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿದೆ. ಈ ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪಿಗಳು, ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ ತಜ್ಞರು ಮತ್ತು ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ವೃತ್ತಿಪರರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿ, ಸಮಕಾಲೀನ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ, ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ ಮತ್ತು ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ನವೀನತೆಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಚರ್ಚಿಸಿದರು.

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಖ್ಯಾತಿ ಪಡೆದ ಜಪಾನಿನ ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪಿ ಅಕಿಹಿಸಾ ಹಿರತಾ ಅವರ ವಿಶೇಷ ಉಪನ್ಯಾಸವಿತ್ತು. ವೆನಿಸ್ ಬಿಯೆನ್ನೇಲ್‌ನ ಗೋಲ್ಡನ್ ಲಯನ್ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ವಿಜೇತರಾದ ಹಿರತಾ, ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಕೇಂದ್ರಬಿಂದುವಾಗಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡು ಆಧುನಿಕ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ಷಮತೆಯೊಂದಿಗೆ ಜೋಡಿಸುವ ತಮ್ಮ ವೈವಿಧ್ಯಮಯ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸಶೈಲಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಖ್ಯಾತರು. “ವಾಟರ್’ಸ್ ಎಡ್ಜ್ ಆಫ್ ದ ಹ್ಯೂಮನ್” ಎಂಬ ವಿಷಯದ ಮೇಲೆ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ಟ್ರೀ-ನೆಸ್ ಹೌಸ್, ಟೋಕಿಯೋ (2017), ಆರ್ಟ್ ಮ್ಯೂಸಿಯಂ & ಲೈಬ್ರರಿ, ಓಟಾ (2017), ಗ್ಲೋಬಲ್ ಬೌಲ್, ಟೋಕಿಯೋ (2001) ಮತ್ತು ಹಾರಕಾಡೋ, ಟೋಕಿಯೋ (2023) ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ತಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳ ವಿಶೇಷತೆಗಳನ್ನು ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು.

ಅವರ ಕೃತಿಗಳು ಕಾಡು, ಬೆಳಕು, ಚಲನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಪರಿಸರ ಸಮರಸತೆಯ ಸಂವೇದನೆಯನ್ನು ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಜೀವಂತ ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪದ ಉದಾಹರಣೆಗಳೆಂದು ಪರಿಗಣಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತವೆ.

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಟೊಟೊ ಇಂಡಿಯಾದ ನಾಯಕತ್ವ, ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ 120% ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ವೃದ್ಧಿ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ₹500 ಕೋಟಿ ಗುರಿ ಸಾಧನೆಯತ್ತ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಯನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡಿತು. ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ಜಾಲ ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆ, ಭಾರತೀಯ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಗೆ ಹೊಂದುವ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನ ನವೀನತೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪ ಸಮುದಾಯದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಆಳವಾದ ಸಹಕಾರ ಇದರ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಗುರಿಗಳಾಗಿವೆ.

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಅಧ್ಯಾಯವು ಸೃಜನಶೀಲ ವಿನಿಮಯಕ್ಕೆ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಾಗಿ, ನವೀನ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂವೇದನಾಶೀಲ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಉತ್ತಮ ವಾಸಸ್ಥಳಗಳನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸಬಹುದೆಂಬ ಸಂದೇಶವನ್ನು ಸಾರಿತು.

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அம்பேத்கர் நினைவுதினத்தில் SSD அமைப்பின் முன்னிலையில் மரியாதை செலுத்திய தலித் தலைவர்கள்

பெங்களூரு: இந்திய அரசியலமைப்பின் தந்தை டாக்டர் பி.ஆர். அம்பேத்கரின் நினைவுதினத்தை முன்னிட்டு, SSD அமைப்பின் தலைவர் ஜான் தலைமையில் தலித் தலைவர்கள் அம்பேத்கர் சிலைக்கு மாலை அணிவித்து மரியாதை செலுத்தினர்.

சுன்தர், ஆனந்த், பென்சர், அப்பு மற்றும் ராஜா உள்ளிட்ட சமூகப்பணியாளர்கள் இதில் கலந்து கொண்டு, அம்பேத்கரின் சமத்துவப் போராட்டத்தை நினைவுகூர்ந்தனர். புறக்கணிக்கப்பட்ட மற்றும் பலவீனமான சமூகங்களுக்கு துணைநிலையாக செயல்படுவது தான் அவருக்கு உண்மையான அஞ்சலி என அவர்கள் வலியுறுத்தினர்.

சமூக நீதி, சமத்துவம், கல்வி மற்றும் மனித உரிமைகள் குறித்த அம்பேத்கரின் கொள்கைகள் தங்களுடைய பணிக்கே வழிகாட்டி என அவர்கள் குறிப்பிட்டனர். மேலும், இளைய தலைமுறை அரசியலமைப்பு மதிப்புகளைப் பேணிச் சமூக முன்னேற்றத்தில் பங்கெடுக்க வேண்டும் என்ற அழைப்பும் விடுக்கப்பட்டது.

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