Bhatkal students’ startup wins NexGen Skills Shapers Award at India’s Iconic Business Awards
Bengaluru: Alliance ProLearn Private Limited, a startup founded by two young students from Bhatkal, has bagged the NexGen Skills Shapers Award 2025 at the 16th edition of India’s Business Iconic Awards held at the White Pearl ASR Convention Centre, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
The startup, co-founded by Mohammed Ismail and Mohammed Meera Mohtesham, focuses on upskilling school and college students in 21st-century skillsets including Robotics, Electronics, Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Drone Technologies, and even non-tech skills like Martial Arts. The initiative, which started with a vision to empower young learners with practical knowledge, has now been recognised at the national stage for its innovative approach.
Both Ismail, who is pursuing M.Tech in Robotics and Industrial Automation at MIT, Manipal, and Meera, currently studying Electronics Engineering at AITM, Bhatkal, dedicated the award to their late mentor Mohtesham Mohammed Yaseen (Yaseen sir) who passed away recently, recalling his guidance and encouragement in shaping the initiative.
In an official note, the founders described the award as a “dream turned into reality,” crediting their late-night brainstorming sessions, the hurdles they overcame, and the belief that skills can transform lives. They also expressed gratitude to their team members, learners who placed trust in them, and well-wishers who supported the journey.
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At least 16 killed in explosion due to suspected gas leakage in Pak’s Karachi
Karachi (PTI): At least 16 people, including many children, were killed and 14 others injured when a suspected gas leakage led to an explosion in a residential building in Pakistan's Karachi on Thursday morning.
“The explosion took place around 4:30 am on the first floor of the building located in the Old Soldier Bazar area when everyone was awake for Sehri time,” police official Jamshed Asher said.
The first day of Ramzan is being observed in Pakistan today.
The police official said that the reason for the explosion apparently was a gas leakage.
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Due to gas shortage in Pakistan’s biggest city, many families especially in lower income residential areas use liquid petroleum gas cylinders at their homes.
Police surgeon Dr Samaiya Syed confirmed that they have received 14 bodies so far from the blast site while 14 injured are under treatment.
The explosion caused a part of the building structure to collapse due to its dilapidated condition.
“We are still searching through the rubble and debris to see if there are any more bodies or survivors,” Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said.
The deceased include at least nine children aged between two and 17 while the injured also include seven children.
This is the second major tragedy to occur in Karachi. Last month, a fire broke out in the basement of the Gul Shopping Plaza, a wholesale and retail market, in the Saddar area killing at least 79 people and leaving scores injured.
