Infosys Finacle Launches Blockchain Based Trade Finance Solution

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Chandigarh 29^th November:- Infosys Finacle, part of EdgeVerve Systems, a product subsidiary of Infosys (NYSE: INFY), today announced the global availability of Finacle Trade Connect, a blockchain based trade finance solution for banks. The solution will help digitize the trade finance business process, including validation of ownership, certifying documents and making payments, while working on a distributed, trusted and shared network. The solution is available for a range of functions, including Bill Collection, Letters of Credit, Open Account for Trade, C2C Transactions for Trade, B2C transactions for Trade, PO Financing and Invoice financing.

Infosys Finacle also launched a pilot trade finance network for banks to trial the Finacle Trade Connect solution. 11 banks have partnered with Infosys Finacle to be on the network.

The solution is based on the EdgeVerve Blockchain Framework, an asset agnostic and permissioned distributed ledger that allows banks to rapidly deploy blockchain-based services for varied business areas. The framework is ledger agnostic and is capable of working with most industry leading blockchain platforms such as Bitcoin, Hyperledger, Ethereum and Corda.

Sanat Rao, Chief Business Officer, Infosys Finacle, said that typically, trade finance processes involve complex documentary processes, high transaction costs, high settlement times and low authenticity rates with physical documents. As a result, a bank's business customer is straddled with delays, high costs and risks. Besides, most small business customer's worldwide experience challenges accessing trade credit, with a significant majority of applications for trade finance unable to go through. Finacle Trade Connect holds much promise to help banks ease pressing concerns internally, as well as those faced by their business customers, with advantages increasing exponentially with more banks collaborating. Infosys Finacle is committed to helping our customers through this journey to realize the path breaking benefits of blockchain technology.

 

Children education Drives Overseas Home Buys for Indian UHNWI: Knight Frank Education Report 2017

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Chandigarh 29^th November:- Nearly one in two billionaires (47%) in India believed and invested in overseas education for their children, way above the global average (28%) and the Asia average of 38%, according to The Wealth Report 2017 by Knight Frank. Now, the Knight Frank Education Report 2017, which examines the housing market around key schools in the UK, has revealed that education has become a critical driver of demand across prime residential markets in the country.

Liam Bailey, Knight Frank's Global Head of Research, said that good schools are a key driver of the housing market and their presence often helps to drive local property prices. The world's wealthy want their children to be global citizens with school careers often spread across multiple locations whilst they gain insight into different cultures and languages. According to the report findings, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) in Asia rated education at 8 on a scale of 10 among essential factors influencing overseas property buys. It also showed that prime property prices around key London schools have risen significantly over the last five years. While the average surge in property prices around top schools in the British capital was 49.5%, similar neighbourhoods in Home Counties recorded an increase of 45.5%. The global demand for berths in UK schools has also risen over the past 10 years. The number of students from Asia joining UK public schools between school year 2005/2006 and 2015/2016 increased by 41%. Students enrolling in UK schools from India rose by 19% during the same period.

Radio Mirchi Back with Fourth Edition of The Royal Stag Mirchi Music Awards Punjabi

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Chandigarh 29^th November:- Radio Mirchi, India's leading radio station is back with the fourth edition of the 'Royal Stag Mirchi Music Awards Punjabi'. The awards are aimed at recognizing and celebrating excellence in the Punjabi music industry. The nominees and winners are selected through a rigorous process by an eminent jury comprising music directors, singers, composers, lyricists and film directors. This year the Jury Meet for the awards took place on 27^th& 28^th November, '17 at the Lalit Hotel, Chandigarh. The Jury was led by living legend Charanjit Ahuja who was joined by personalities like Atul Sharma, Manmohan Waris, Babu Singh Maan, Jaidev Kumar, Jaani, B Praak, Kulwinder Billa, Miss Pooja, Harjit Harman and Kumaar among others.  

This year, the awards will honour winners across 6 categories in the film and non-film categories.  Best Song, Best Album, Best Singer (Male), Best Singer (Female) Best Composer, Best Lyricist.  The winners will be announced and felicitated at a grand show on 22^nd December, 2017 in Chandigarh. 

Sharing his excitement Bhanu Pratap Singh, Senior Vice President and Cluster Head– Upper North, Radio Mirchi said that with the tremendous response received over the last 3 years, Mirchi Music Awards is only getting bigger and better this year. This year, we hope to continue to commemorate the various artists and their work and reciprocate what our fans have showered on us.

To know more about Mirchi Music Awards tune in to Radio Mirchi or visit www.mirchimusicawards.com

 The list of the Jury members,  Atul Sharma (Chairman), Charanjit Ahuja, Baabu Singh Maan, Manmohan Warris, Vijay Dhami, Sarabjeet Kaur, Inderjit Nikku, Tejwant Kittu, Kuljit, Jaidev Kumar, Navaniat Singh, Sanjeev Anand, Dheeraj Rattan, Kumaar, Rohit Jugraj, Harjit Harman, Jaani, B Praak, Feroz Khan, Kulwinder Billa, Sukhpal Sukh, Nachatar Gill, Preet Harpal, Davinder Khannewala and Hardeep Singh.

Magma HDI Forays into Health Insurance Business

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Chandigarh 29^th November:- Magma HDI General Insurance Co Ltd (Magma HDI), a joint venture between Magma Fincorp Ltd and HDI Global SE, Germany, forayed into the health insurance business with the launch of OneHealth, the next generation health insurance policy. 

OneHealth is the generation-next health insurance which covers various significant medical conditions as well as lifestyle diseases which are covered rarely in the industry. The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative's Report released recently states that lifestyle diseases now kill more people than communicable ones like tuberculosis or diarrhoea in every state in India. Very few of the existing health insurance policies cover lifestyle ailments like lasik, bariatric surgery, psychiatric treatments etc. OneHealth is a first of its kind health insurance policy that covers all such ailments which are not yet considered medical conditions in the industry.  

Speaking about the launch of the new policy, Rajive Kumaraswami, MD & CEO, Magma HDI, said that here is an increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases in India where one out of four Indians is at risk of dying from non-communicable diseases. But hardly are these lifestyle diseases covered under any insurance policy. Therefore, keeping in mind the modern lifestyle and the increase in lifestyle diseases we designed this policy to meet the need of the customer and his entire family. OneHealth, along with covering all major lifestyle diseases will also offer additional benefits like restoration benefit, cumulative bonus, free annual health check up, loss of income etc.

 

Star Cast of Tera Intezaar Team Reach Chandigarh to Promote Film

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Chandigarh 29^th November:- Wednesday: A press conference is organised today at JW Marriott, Chandigarh in the presence of renowned Actor Aarya Babbar, Actress Bhani Singh and Producers Aman Mehta and Bijal Mehta for upcoming film Tera Intezaar starring Arbaaz Khan, Sunny Leone, Aarya Babbar and Bhani Singh.

During the conference Actor Aarya Babbar who is performing a role of Anti-hero (Art Dealer) shared his views about his role in Film Tera Intezaar, he is playing a role of antagonist you can call it Anti-hero, he is an Art Dealer, who uses his power to achieve anything he wants to, basically a go-getter in the film opposite Arbaaz Khan who is a natural painter.

On being asked about his challenging role in a film he shared challenging shots in action and there is one shot where he had to perform a back summersault on a charcoal road in Mauritius and another when he was pulled out of the moving car. He also shared that this film has elements of mystic, romance and thrill and it's a complete fun mastic film."

Actress Bhani Singh said little about herself, she said that she is new in this industry and it's been two years. She is working in this industry.  In film Tera Intezaar she has opposite - antagonist role with Aarya Babbar. She feels very happy to be part of this film and working with talented actors of the industry. Aarya Babbar and Arbaaz Khan have always been supportive to her; she never felt that she is a new person in the team. She wishes this movie to be huge success and liked by our audience.

Further elaborating about the film Tera Intezaar Songs, Producer Aman Mehta & Bijal Mehta said that this is for the first time we have worked in Bollywood and It has been a great experience for us to be part of it. Song like Khali Khali dil sung by Armaan Malik has been a huge hit & loved by the listeners adding to the huge list of hit songs of Armaan Malik. The singers who have are Shreya Goshal, Arman Malik, Kanika Kapoor, Ahmed Hussain-Mohd Hussain, Yasheer Desai, Swati Sharma, Payal Dev, Raja Hassan & Little Golu.

​​Chitkara International School organizes CineMaestro: One of a Kind Filmmaking Festival Cum Awards Event for Tricity Students

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Chandigarh 28^th November:- Chitkara International School's pioneer event: CineMaestro – Shaping Future Filmmakers culminated today with the screening of magnificent short films made by students of the city schools. In this unique event an unprecedented perception of using Filmmaking as a learning tool was used and introduced to more than 250 students of tricity schools. The aim of this event is to unleash students' filmmaking skills through Cinevidya – a path breaking Social Enterprise initiated by Amitabha Singh (Director – Chillar Party, Cinematographer – Khosla Ka Ghonsla fame). 

It all started with Amitabha Singh and his crew training the students on all the aspects of filmmaking ranging from script writing, shooting, editing, directing to acting during a 3 day hands-on workshop held earlier this month at Chitkara International School. The students were given valuable experience on using professional equipments and tools and then were mentored to make their own short films.

Amitabha Singh on asking about the vision behind conducting this workshop cum Awards festival said that there are very few films being made in India on Children who are the future and are full of unique and beautiful ideas. CineMaestro is the platform to find and propagate these ideas and in turn give boost to production of Children focused films in our country. 

The day of the Award Ceremony saw projection of outstanding short films submitted by the students of various schools.

Yashpal Sharma, Bollywood actor and theatre artist and best known for his film 'GangaaJal', also graced the event with his presence as the Chief Guest, said that the platform which Cinevidya and CineMaestro jointly provided to the students will surely magnify their filmmaking comprehension and skill. 

In addition to this, the school also had the provision of Online Category for the students who wanted to participate in the festival independently.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Niyati Chitkara, Principal of Chitkara International School expressed that CineMaestro helped CIS to see filmmaking as a learning tool and Cinevidya in that way assisted us to magnify that vision.

THE QUEST CONTINUES: LOST HERITAGE-The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan Released

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Chandigarh 28^th November:- Art Historian Dr B.N. Goswami released Amardeep Singh's second book on the legacy of Panjabis, THE QUEST CONTINUES: LOST HERITAGE-The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan at Hotel Aroma here today.

The book is a seminal work in documenting the extensive legacy of Panjab's heritage in Pakistan, which ex-American Express executive Amardeep Singh has painstakingly chronicled in his coffee books.

His first book took him four years of research and 36 days trip into Pakistan which he travelled, exploring the hitherto forgotten monuments of Indian rich culture and photographed them.

The second book "The Quest Continues…" was completed in just 9 months and 9 days, says Amardeep Singh, for which he travelled to Pakistan for 40 days from Balauchistan to Peshawar to Sindh and discover forgotten facets of the Indian culture, Amardeep said.

The first edition of the 500 page illustrated book went into four reprints and was widely accepted by diaspora, and has been accepted by world's leading libraries in US, Canada and Singapore.

These are not the books but my rich experience to showcase and make the younger generation understand the richness and diversity of culture and how the people living across the border are so closely connected with their roots as human beings, he remarked.

Though the first book is priced at Rs.3999 while the second one is around Rs.5,000, the said part is that Panjabis would spend that much amount in a restaurant in the evening but would not spend to buy the book for their children to share this knowledge, he lamented.

He shared as to how the people in Sindh and Balauchistan still follow Nanakpanthi where all religions congregate and the practice is into Nanak's teachings and they follow Guru Granth Saheb in their lives.

During the 15^th century, Sikh philosophy emerged as a reformist movement in the north-west of the Indian subcontinent. Over the next two centuries, it evolved as a defense cohort against oppressions of those times. In the early 18^th century, this movement grew stronger and successive decades saw the rise of an indigenous kingdom as the bulwark against foreign intrusions. By the 19^th century the Sikh kingdom became the custodians of the Punjab and established a strong secular rule.

It was such a formidable empire that the fast-expanding British East India Company which had acquired most of India was firmly stalled on the banks of the river Sutlej from further westward advances.

Seven decades after the searing partition of 1947, the Sikhs visiting Pakistan today have limited their interests to the realm of religion and remain uninterested to explore beyond the few functional gurdwaras.

 

Liver Transplant Clinic Launched at PGIMER

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Chandigarh 28^th November:- Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh launched Liver Transplant Clinic (LTC) to provide comprehensive care to the patients requiring liver transplantation and those who have undergone liver transplantation.

Liver clinic was inaugurated at New OPD 4^th Floor, PGIMER Chandigarh by Prof Jagat Ram, Director PGIMER, Chandigarh. He said that patients with liver diseases is a specialised group and require focussed care with dedicated time and service. He further said that beginning of liver transplant clinic will give such platform for these patients and to boost the liver transplant program of the institute. He congratulated the liver transplant team which included hepatologists, liver transplant surgeons, anesthetists, pathologists, radiologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, etc for starting this special clinic.  Liver Clinic OPD is busy with patient load of more than 500-600 liver patients per day and sometimes stretching upto 7-8 pm, hence Liver Transplant Clinic  is the need of the hour to meet the requirements of prospective liver  transplant patients with end-stage liver disease said Prof. R.K. Dhiman, Head , Deptt. of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

The focus of the liver clinic is to provide special attention to the pre- and post-transplant care to the patients with end-stage liver disease. It has been estimated that there are around 2 lac people with end-stage liver disease in our country who require liver transplant as the liver transplantis the only option available for these patients. Hence a patient with end-stage liver disease would attend Liver Transplant Clinic for both pre-transplant work up as well as post-transplant follow-up. This would result in increased number of patients registered for liver transplant as well as better follow-up. The clinic would also take care of patients  who have undergone liver transplant elsewhere, e.g., Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc.

Liver can be taken either from deceased- or live-donor. While maximum transplants in India are happening from live donors in which portion of liver is taken from the near relative and transplanted in the recipient (LDLT), most of the liver transplantation in the West is from deceased donor (DDLT). In PGIMER, presently all liver transplantations are DDLT. PGIMER has performed >35 DDLT. The launch of liver transplant clinic will also help in identifying potential and in starting the LDLT program in the Institute. While the average cost of liver transplantation in PGIMER is approximately 10 lac, it 30-40 lac in the private sector. This clinic is expected to give further boost to liver transplant in a public sector like PGIMER.

 

Sur Sangam Brings Alive the Zeenat Aman Era

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Chandigarh 28^th November:- When you remember songs like 'Haseena se mulaquat ho gayi', 'Chura Liya hai tumne jo dil ko', there is no other face but that of Bollywood's original poster girl, Zeenat Aman. She was here for 17^th Bollywood Nite, 'Sur Sangam 2017', an event organised by Doctors Talent Hunt Organisation here at Sector 5 Indradhanush Auditorium.

Her presence at the event added glamour at the event where the audience was awe-struck to see the star of yesteryears who is still remembered for her dare-to-bare roles and memorable songs, which are still cherished by those of her generation. The songs sung by the talented singers not only won an applause but it left the audience spellbound when Zeenat Aman in her words shared her experiences while she had shot for these evergreen songs.

Sur Sangam president, Dr Pradeep Bhardwaj, an Allergy specialist, informed that bollywood Night is organised every year and has been entertaining song lovers since last 16 years. Every year the night is dedicated to one Bollywood star and this time it was Zeenat Aman. In the previous editions, the night has been dedicated to actor Dharmender, Bappi Lehari, Uttam Singh, to name a few and has been getting tremendous support from music lovers.

When hit song Khai ke paan banaras wala was sung by Dr., Pradeep Bhardwaj, the audience joined the singers by dancing on the number.  Some of the other memorable songs were Dekho o deewano by Dr.Pardeep Bhardwaj, Apke kamre mein by Dr.Pardeep Bhardwaj and Ms.Sonalika, Bheegi bheegi raaton mein( Dr.Pardeep Bhardwaj and Ms.Chayanika, Hum dono do premi by Dr.Pardeep Bhardwaj and Mrs.Manju Arora, Kahe paise pe itna by Dr.Pardeep Bhardwaj, to name a few. Regular performers included bureaucrats like Ram Niwas, SS Parsad, Ranju Parsad, Rajbir Deswal IPS (Retd.), Roshan Lal IAS (Retd.) and many more.

WABAG Ranked Among Top 10 Global Private Water Companies: Global Water Intelligence Study

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Chandigarh 28^th November:- VA Tech WABAG Limited, a leading pure play water technology Indian multinational player in water and waste water treatment, has emerged as the only Indian company to be listed in the top 10 water companies globally. The ranking was announced by the Global Water Intelligence, the leading publication for the International water market, in their latest survey published in November 2017. This recognition reinforces WABAG's position as a global water leader after Rajiv Mittal, MD & Group CEO, was ranked as the 2^nd Most Influential Global Water Leader by WWi (Water Wastewater International) early this year.

The ranking assumes significance since it is solely based on the population served by WABAG's currently operational water and wastewater plants, which cater to over 20 million people worldwide. It would be worthwhile to mention that WABAG has blazed ahead of some of the noteworthy players in the global water market and is the only South Asian company in the top 20 with a global reference base comprising mainly of DBO (Design Build Operate) jobs.

Rajiv Mittal, MD & Group CEO, VA Tech WABAG Ltd said that this recognition is in line with our vision to be a reliable partner for governments and urban local bodies across the globe for sustainable water infrastructure, thus ensuring the wellbeing of mankind and economic prosperity. The recognition further validates our tagline: Sustainable Solutions for a better life. WABAG aspires to become one among the top three water companies globally and I am sure this recognition and the unflinching support from our respected clients, investors, partners, bankers and vendors would motivate us to achieve this audacious goal.

Some of the major orders won by VA Tech WABAG this year includes, A repeat order from a key client which testifies to the trust reposed in WABAG's capabilities:  To design, build and operate a 150 MLD Wastewater Treatment Plant in K&C Valley, Bengaluru, A contract in Philippines for a value of US$ 60 Mn for retrofitting a 900 MLD water treatment plant. Continuing its success in Vietnam, WABAG bagged an order for a 150 MLD Water Treatment Plant with a value of USD 13 Mn. This significant project aims to meet clean water need for about 3 million people in 8 districts of Hanoi, as well as Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces.

 

मट्टरू टिक्की वाला पर परोसी जाएगी अम्बाला की मशहूर पूड़ी पाँच सब्जियों के साथ

By 121 News

Chandigarh 28^th November:- अम्बाला का ज़ायका व वहाँ की मशहूर पूड़ी और गोलगप्पे उत्तर भारत ही नहीं बल्कि पूरे देश में प्रसिद्ध है। अब वही जा़यका और स्वाद ट्राई सिटी के लोगों के लिए मट्टरू टिक्की वाला चंडीगढ़ में लेकर आए हैं। सेक्टर 19 स्थित सदर बाजार के बूथ न. 1 में मट्टरू टिक्की वाला  विशेष तौर पर अम्बाला के कारीगरों द्वारा पकाई पूड़ी पाँच सब्जियों के साथ ट्राई सिटी के लोगों चखाने के लिए तैयार है। पूडी व गोलगप्पे के शौकीनों को अब अम्बाला जाने की जरूरत नहीं।

मट्टरू टिक्की वाला के प्रो.राजेश गोयल के अनुसार अम्बाला चार चीजों "पूड़ी, गोलगप्पे, पूरण सिंह का ढाबा और कपड़ा मार्केट" के लिए मशहूर है। उन्होंने बताया कि ट्राई सिटी के व्यंजनों व खाने पीने के शौकीन लोग आज भी वीकेंड पर नाश्ते के लिए अम्बाला जाते हैं। ऐसे लोगों की चाहत को देखते हुए अम्बाला से विशेष चार कारीगर बुलाए गए हैं। उन्होंने बताया कि नाश्ते में पूड़ी पाँच सब्जियों " आलू तरी, चना, कद्ध (पेठा) और आलू सूखा, गाजर का आचार, हरी चटनी " के साथ परोसी जाएगी।  राजेश गोयल के अनुसार गोलगप्पे सात स्वाद/पानी के साथ उपलब्ध है। चंडीगढ़ में सात स्वाद के गोलगप्पे केवल एक जगह ही मिलते हैं और वो भी काफी महंगे दाम पर , लेकिन अब हमारे यहाँ यही सात स्वाद (ज़ीरा, लेमन केवड़ा, पौदीना-धनिया, अनार-गुलाब, पेरू(अमरूद) आदि) के गोलगप्पे का स्वाद मात्र 20 रुपये में चखा जा सकता है।

राजेश गोयल के अनुसार ये व्यंजन अम्बाला में करीब 150 साल पुराने हैं। आज भी नाश्ते के लिए अम्बाला में मशहूर दुकान पर भीड़ लगी रहती है। उन्होंने बताया कि वे उम्मीद संस्था के मंद बुद्धि बच्चों को काम सिखा कर सक्षम बनाने में समाज सेवा में योगदान भी देते हैं।

Pearl Academy Hosts 7th Edition of its Annual Event “What’s Next”

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Chandigarh 27^th November:- Pearl Academy, India's leading institution in design, fashion, business and media, hosted the 7th edition of 'What's Next', a World Café style confluence at its Rajouri Garden campus yesterday. Eminent influencers and thought leaders gathered to discuss "Education for Tomorrow", this year's theme, with Gen Z learners and academicians.

The day-long confluence included three sessions around the themes–Setting the context, Building a shared perspective and Preparing the learner for future – in which 110 change makers debated skills, essential for today's learners.

The first session started with the introduction of the two eminent speakers Biju Dominic, CEO, Final Mile Consulting, and Geetanjali JB, Head, Academics, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, who spoke about the importance of changing skills needed for the future. The second session entailed a 30-minute table discussion, wherein the participants were divided into 10 groups dispersed around 10 tables. Each table had a representative who presented five different skills and came out with several ideas and solutions to prepare students for the future. A few top skills included - Collaborate & co-create, Critical Thinking & Creativity, Emotional Intelligence, Building Value system, Ability to Contextualize, Motor and Sensory skills and Learnability.

The third session began with the unveiling of the institution's new learning model – Pearl Total Learning System, which was presented by Prof. Nandita Abraham along with other faculty members. The interactive sessions saw principals, leaders of high school education, industry experts and career counsellors like Pervin Malhotra, Director - Career Guidance India (CARING), Vinita Kher, DPS Society, Ashok Wadia, Jai Hind College, Mumbai, Dr. Rajpal Shripat Hande,  Mithibai College, Mumbai, Balasubramanian Murali, DPS Srinagar, Michael Thompson, JBCN International School, Mumbai, Sr. Jessy SND, Notre Dame Academy, Patna to name a few. All the participants came up with interesting and practically implementable ideas to build connected communities, empower learners and prepare them for future.

Biju Dominic, CEO, Final Mile Consulting said that education goes far beyond schools and colleges. The last few years have seen a fundamental shift in human behaviour. What we learn today becomes outdated in the next five years. Today we take emotional decisions that are based out of our non-conscious minds. We, however, need to change this and understand the importance of taking rational decisions. There is a dire need to mould the minds and behaviours of our kids and help them develop love for acquiring knowledge.

Geetanjali JB, Head Academics Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh said that the future of education depends on how we help humans in building qualities like love, inspiration, meditation and so on. The next revolution is going to be an intellectual revolution and the next currency is going to be common sense. We need to understand that we can't teach creativity to robots. The purpose of education should be having awareness about the internal as well as the external realities of life.

She further added that students need to realise that ability to fail and rebound is what will drive them towards success. They need to be equipped with applied knowledge, which will further prepare them to deal with real-time challenges. And it is important for us to catch their curiosity, empower them to ask questions and answer them all. Let us not make education a utilitarian figure just to get good jobs.

Speaking at the event, Professor Nandita Abraham, CEO Pearl Academy said that it's a special day and a very special year for Pearl Academy. It has been an inspiring 25-year journey for us and today we have gathered here to collaborate, discuss and come out with newer opportunities and solutions to prepare our students for the next 25 years. I am extremely delighted to host 100 fabulous minds here to present various innovative concepts and ideas to enhance the existing skill-sets of our Gen Z learners. Going forward, we will continue to take such initiatives with an aim to prepare our students for the future and emerge as leaders in the coming years.

Claudio Moderini, Head of Academics, Pearl Academy, gave the vote of thanks to all participants and faculty members.

DCB Bank Announcement on Capital Raising

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Chandigarh 27^th November:- DCB Bank Ltd. (BSE: 532772; NSE: DCB) is pleased to announce that it has successfully concluded a Capital raise of INR 300 Crore from the recent Tier II issue.

The Bank's Tier II Capital now stands at INR 536.6 Crore.

Prior to this Tier II issue, as of September 30, 2017 DCB Bank's Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) was 14.65% (of which Tier I Capital was 12.90% and Tier II was 1.75%) as per Basel III norms.

While commenting on the capital raising Murali M Natrajan, Managing Director and CEO of DCB Bank said that as planned, we have raised Tier II Capital. This will further help us to pursue our growth journey for Retail and SME & MSME Banking.

HONOUR FOR REGION: CHANDIGARH'S PUMPKART SELECTED FOR YONO APP

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Chandigarh 25^th November:- Chandigarh's online company Pumpkart.com has received a rare honour. It has been selected to be a part of banking major State Bank of India's mobile app-Yono. Yono App was launched by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi in presence of Chairman of SBI-Rajnish Kumar & Pumpkart's Founder & CEO K S Bhatia  also attended the mega event. 

KS Bhatia said that to be part of this enviable platform is a proud moment for us, as Pumpkart is the only company that has been selected from the North West region. We will come up with the complete range of products on the portal. It will include appliances, electronics & a wide array of small appliances as well. We at Pumpkart are quite upbeat about this new & exciting 'channel' for our business to grow. 

It is noteworthy that Yono app is now India's largest digi bank marketplace. 60+ E - commerce players like Amazon, Uber, Ola, Myntra, Jabong will be involved & city's Pumpkart is also part of this powerful list. Yono stands for 'You Only Need One' which defines the App's USP well. It is a multitask App which will be the only App needed to cover most of the products & services in which separate apps were needed to be downloaded. It will offer services like lifestyle products, entertainment, medical needs, banking, investment, insurance and booking of tickets etc. Now opening an account in SBI is going to be just a 5 min task.

Pumpkart's entry into the path- breaking digital innovation by SBI -Yono is a major achievement, which has put Chandigarh on the National E Commerce map.

Ambika Group of Colleges Kharar Holds Sparkle Winter Fete

By 121 News

Chandigarh 25^th November:- Sparkle a winter Fete was held at Ambika Group  of  Colleges  Kharar, Mohali . It provided a great day out for all the students' parents and their friends. Several organizations were involved in staging the fete .Students also actively kept their stall and had lot of funs. The competitions for the open the students were held at the open stage.

Different traditional dance performed by the college students.

The different competitions also were there in the stall which was actively played by the students. All the students were thankful to Mrs. Vibha Pandey, Managing Director for organizing such a wonderful fete.

Dikshant International School Celebrates 16th Annual Day

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Chandigarh 25^th November:- In a spectacular show of talent, the junior students of Dikshant International School brought to life the myriad shades of human emotions and experience. Held at Inderdhanush Auditorium, Panchkula, the event was marked by a range of heart-winning performances.   The kids stole the limelight with their presentation of the Navras – the nine different sentiments which art is capable of evoking in the audience.

Mitul Dikshit, Chairman, Dikshant International School said that the Annual Day saw 'Navras' presentation by Junior Wing & a riveting stage performance of the popular musical 'The Sound of Music' by the Senior Wing. The presentations kept the audience glued to their seats.

Vatsalya rasa was depicted by the students of grade 2 in the form of the love which exists between a mother and her child. This love was symbolically represented through the relationship between Yashoda and Krishna. Hasya rasa was presented by grade 4 through humorous dialogues and poetry. The girls of grade 5 were at their graceful best in their portrayal of Sringaar rasa. The children of grade 1 were successful in creating an eerie atmosphere which underlies Bhayanak rasa. Dance showing Shiva's tandava by grade 5 boys evoked raudra rasa. Veer rasa could be seen to be naturally dripping from the dance performance by the students of grade 3 which glorified the courage of Rani Lakshmibai and Emperor Ashoka. The students of grade 3 also mesmerized the audience with the depiction of shant rasa through yoga and meditation. Adbhut rasa was brought forth in all its grandeur when the students of grade 1 enacted the incredible legend of the creation of the universe.

The tiny tots of kindergarten ended the extra-ordinary performance with the portrayal of  Bhakti Rasa. The students won the admiration of the audience with the serious philosophic message which their show tried to convey. They vouched for the oneness of God, religious tolerance and national integration. Their appeal for peace brought tears in the eyes of fond parents. 

 

Preparation of Street Vending Plan in Haryana: REPL Gets Consultancy for 80 Towns of 4 Clusters

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Chandigarh 25^th November:-Rudrabhishek Enterprises Ltd. (REPL), leading infrastructure consultants, has been given the consultancy assignments for survey of street vendors and preparation of Street Vending Plans for four clusters in Haryana, Viz., Gurugram, Ambala, Hisar and Rohtak. The project is awarded by the State Urban Development Authority (SUDA) through the Department of Urban Local Bodies, Haryana. This will cover 80 Municipal Corporation, municipal councils and municipal committee areas from 16 districts, viz., Faridabd, Gurgaon, Palwal, Rewari, Mohindergarh, Mewat, Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kuruksehtra, Kaithal, Bhiwani, Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa and Jind.

Harish Kumar Sharma, Chief Business Officer of REPL said that this project brings a lot of responsibility on us for devising befitting solutions for the street vendors in large part of Haryana. The scale is really huge and it will entail massive survey for proper identification and mapping. Our prior experience in preparing street vending plans for Jhansi (UP) and Bhatinda (Punjab) will come quite handy to us. We are extremely happy to become part of this important drive by the Haryana government. Street vendors constitute an important segment of unorganized sector in the country, especially the urban areas.

Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has issued guidelines Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV) under National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM). SUSV- NULM seeks to address the concerns of urban street vendors by facilitating access to suitable spaces for vending, institutional credit, improved skills and social security linkages.  The objective of the component is to address the vulnerabilities of the urban street vendors, which includes Survey of street vendors and issue of Smart Identity Cards, Development of city Street Vending Plans, Infrastructure development of vending zones in the city, Training and Skill Development, Financial Inclusion, Access to credit and Linkages to social security schemes.

Security of Tourists to be Taken up with Union Home Ministry on Priority: Satyajeet Rajan

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Chandigarh 25^th November:- We will soon meet the Union Home Minister to take up the issue of setting up of a Tourism Police as well as deployment of paramilitary forces at heritage buildings to instill a sense of safety and security among tourists. This was stated by Satyajeet Rajan, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India,while addressing the day two of CII Hospitality Summit 2017 at CII headquarters here today.

Satyajeet Rajan said further that the presence of CISF in buildings under protection of Archeological Survey of India will deter crime. Tourism being a state subject, he would urge the state governments to take up initiatives to boost tourism in a big way.

He added that to expedite tourism projects, states must also set up an online system to issue all clearances. Providing amenities on our highways is of utmost importance to boost tourism for which the Ministry of Tourism has tied up with National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and oil companies to provide amenities for tourists.

Satyajeet Rajan said that private sector can also play an important role in projects such as adopting heritage buildings or tourist spots like Hampi and Ellora caves are being supported by companies such as Yatra.com is a step in this direction. States and Centre must also work towards bringing down costs for foreign as well as domestic tourists to boost the sector.

He also interacted with members of the hotel industry at the summit.

ManMohan S Kohli, Chairman, CII Hospitality Summit 2017, & CEO, The Aroma Group of Hospitality Establishments, emphasized on creating tourism zones to deal with the very high cost of land, which often makes projects unviable.

The Summit provided a platform for participants to explore business opportunities with international and national hotel and food & beverages chains willing to expand their footprint in the North. Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Tree of Life, Summit Hotels, Mango Hotels, Burgill, Barcelos, Paratha Express, Cheesy Fries and Nutrabite are among participants.

Besides interactive sessions, learning sessions focusing on new trends, technologies and innovations for greater returns on investments, and exclusive CEOs Forums were also held.

A product display on the hospitality sector was the key highlight of the two-day Summit. Products put on display included equipment for kitchen, bar, gym, spa, laundry and banquet, kitchen and bar supplies, cold room and kitchen refrigeration, décor, room furnishing, housekeeping, besides support services and solutions. Hotel Restaurant & Resorts Association, Punjab; Patiala Hotel Association; Amritsar Hotel & Restaurant Association; and Association of Hospitality Professional took part in the summit-cum-display.

Tenali Rama Reaches Benchmark of 100 Episodes

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Chandigarh 24^th November:- Its celebration times on the set of Sony SAB much popular show Tenali Rama. The folklore series which has touched the hearts of its viewers have achieved yet another benchmark. The show completes its 100^thepisode. The occasion was celebrated with a cake cutting with the entire cast on the set.  

The cast which includes Krishna Bhardwaj, Manav Gohil, Pankaj Berry, Nimisha Vakhariya and Priyamvada Kant were all in a jovial mood. The character of Tenali Rama has become one of the favorites among the viewers in no time. With his wit and intelligence Rama has not only managed to win his King Krishnadevraya recognition but has also made a place in SAB viewers' hearts. The show has consistently been receiving overwhelming response for its stories, apt cast and their acting skills. All we can say is 'Sabse Sayana…T… T… T…Tenali Rama'! Here are too many more milestones for the show.

Krishna Bharadwaj who plays the character of Tenali Rama said that it's a good achievement for the show but still we have many more milestones to reach. It is a wonderful experience as Tenali Rama and he hope the audience will always continue showering their love.

Manav Gohil who plays the character of King Krishna Dev Raya said that he still remember the first day of his shoot, where he thought portraying the character of the king will be very difficult. But now the journey is really fun as well as challenging, and he is enjoying being a part of the show. He wishes the show achieves many such milestones.

Usha Strengthens its Heating Appliances Range

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Chandigarh 24^th November:- Usha International, leading consumer durables company, strengthens its range of water heaters and room heaters to meet the demand of evolving consumers.

 In addition to the existing range of water heaters, the company has introduced two new water heaters, 'Usha Instano' and 'Usha Quado'.

The Usha Instano instant water heaters are compact, sleek and extremely energy efficient. This latest offering has a leak proof single body tank, high-grade ABS material on outer body and a brass fusible plug for added protection. Usha Instano water heaters come in 2 colours, Macaroon Beige and Moonlight White.

Usha Quado water heaters are equipped with vitreous enamel MS tank with 0.5 mm coating best suited for areas with hard water or poor water quality. The range is loaded with six safety features and whirl-flow technology for faster heating.  Usha Quado water heaters are certified with a 5-star BEE rating for lower energy consumption.

Usha Instano water heater range comes  with a 2 years warranty on product and 10 years on tank and is priced from INR 3490/- onwards. Usha Quado range comes with 3 years warranty on the heating element and 7 years warranty on the tank  and is priced from INR 8090/- onwards

The wide range of energy efficient Usha room heaters are available in six technologies including fan heaters,  quartz heaters, halogen heaters, carbon heaters, ceramic heaters and oil filled radiators. Usha fan heaters come with super-silent swing function for even and efficient heating across the room. Usha ceramic heaters are powered with PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) technology for maximum energy efficiency and have a timer and remote for digital temperature control.

Usha carbon heaters use a carbon fibre heating element that emits long, medium and short rays of infrared heat which are beneficial for health.  Usha oil filled radiators are equipped with up to 13 fins thus providing faster heating and maintaining optimum humidity levels in a room.

Usha room heaters are priced from Rs. 2349/- onwards.