Steps To Be Taken To Improve English Language Teaching:Education Minister, Punjab

By 121 News

Chandigarh 24^th June:- Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab has asked the teachers to ensure the academic standards of the government schools and improve the education system. Presiding over a meeting of 10 English teachers from each district, Dr. Cheema reviewed current academic years' matriculation result in which around 80,000 students failed in English language. To reach to a logical conclusion of this massive failure, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema prepared a questionnaire for the English teachers in which he has asked them to write down the reasons of the failure and also sought suggestions regarding further improvement in result of especially English language.

Meanwhile he had an in person communication with the teachers for such a low result. The scanned copies of questionnaire were projected on screen and Dr. Cheema directly discussed the questionnaire and subsequent replies of the teachers with the senior officers of the department of Education. Most of the suggestions and reasons given by the teacher were inappropriate like student belonged to poor families, inadequate staff, students not willing to attend the classes etc. The Minister expressed concern over the deteriorating academic standards in the schools and said the teachers were more responsible for the decline than the students. It was a matter of grave concern that the replies given by the teachers projected on the screen were full of grammatical errors and lower standard of English, which signified that even teachers were not capable of giving good lessons of English to the students.

He directed all the officials related to education department to collect the suitable suggestions and reasons so that the system could be rectified as soon as possible and better results in the field of education could be drawn. The Minister also said if any changes required in the academic syllabi or in the current policies regarding education that should also be brought under consideration.

During the course of the meeting, Dr. Cheema said also said that the department of education was always opened to suggestions and would cooperate and support the teachers for the betterment of the students. He also mentioned that student's poor economic conditions, areas backwardness and assigning the teachers to other duties could not be the reasons behind such a massive failure of the students. He argued further saying that there were some schools which had the same infrastructure and conditions but have shown comparatively better results. Concluding the meeting, the Minister said that the teachers would be given proper training session especially teaching English language and appealed to the teacher to ensure right type of teaching so as to improve the academic standards in government schools.

 

Summer Workshop Concludes at Shemrock School

By 121 News

Chandigarh 24^th June:- The Summer Camp at Shemrock Sr. Sec. School concluded today . It lasted for 3 weeks during the club the children got an opportunity to hone their skills in various activities. On the last day of the camp a Grand Finale was organized for the parents. Different dances and songs were performed by students. A special exhibition was organized in which all the creative items were displayed which was made by the students during the summer camp. Kids put up a great show on western dance, Bhangra, Music, dramatics, Yoga etc. The parents were invited to see their children performing. The kids began the show with prayer –'God's love is so wonderful'. The children enthralled the audience by dancing on the tunes of peppy numbers choreographed by Mumbai choreographers. The 'Bhangra' – the lively dance of Punjab and play on 'healthy diet' by children were liked a lot by parents. The beautiful articles made by students in craft were displayed and children were given certificates and refreshment. The children had great fun and wonderful experience with new friends from different schools.

Shemrock School's Director Education SK Sharma said that this is the time when even introvert children shed their shy nature and shows their talent which is not possible in normal routine. Prizes were distributed and children were advised to remember the things learnt at the camp and make them part of their lives. Chairman A S Bajwa appreciated the efforts of  the staff and the students.

 

Mercedes-Benz Introduces the New Model MY 16 E-Class for India

By 121 News

Chandigarh 24^th June:- Continuing the strategy of providing customers with an enriched portfolio and value driven products, Mercedes-Benz India today introduced the new MY 16 E-Class. The 'Intelligent Superpower', the new E-Class now features additional equipment to make it more appealing and derive more value for the customers. The E-Class retains the dual distinction of being the highest selling luxury sedan in India and also the highest selling product in Mercedes-Benz India's portfolio in India, with over 30,000 units on Indian roads.

 Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented on the introduction of the MY 16 E-Class that the E-Class remains our highest selling luxury sedan in India and with the introduction of the refreshed MY 16 E-Class, we offer our discerning customers additional value in form of enhanced equipment. We are confident; with the MY 16 E-Class we will continue to consolidate our lead in the segment. Introducing the latest products and technologies and periodically refreshing the existing ones is vital to winning customer confidence. At Mercedes-Benz, our key focus is aligned to offer our customers feature rich, top-end product that embodies modern luxury to its core. He added that the MY 16 E-Class is equipped with the New Telematics multimedia system that combines entertainment, infotainment and communication. This Audio 20 Telematics is equipped with internet capability, pre installation for navigation, radio, Bluetooth and CD player. The latest Telematics version also introduces the high resolution colour media display (20.3 cm).

The new MY 16 E-Class is equipped with a reverse camera which facilitates comfortable reverse parking and manoeuvring. The dynamic guide lines assist the driver with driving manoeuvres and adds to the convenience while parking.

The E 200 is priced at 48.50 lakhs, the E 250 CDI is priced at 50.70 lakhs and the E 350 CDI is priced at 59.90 lakhs (prices ex-showroom Delhi) and available for sales in dealerships across the country.

 

Crime Branch Arrest one Person with 500 gm Charas

By 121 News

Chandigarh 24^th June:- Crime Branch of Chandigarh Police arrested Charan Dass @ Chaman Dogra of Sector-56, Chandigarh from backside ISBT-43, Chandigarh and recovered 500 Gram of Charas from his possession on 23.6.2015. A FIR No. 225 U/S 20 NDPS Act has been registered against him in PS-36, Chandigarh. Police starts further investigation

Maneka Sanjay Gandhi Inagurates Vedanta’s First “Nand Ghar”

By 121 News

Chandigarh 24^th June:- To develop and modernise the Anganwadi infrastructure in the country, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, in a first-of-its-kind Public Private Partnership, has joined hands with the Vedanta Group.  Every year, the Ministry keeps a separate budget to develop infrastructure of Anganwadis so as to improve the overall functioning. Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) has been emphasising the need for these buildings, as places where the women in the villages can gather and discuss their issues and find solutions through collective action.

Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Hon'ble Union Minister for Women and Child Development said that the problem of malnutrition is a huge national challenge and the ministry is going to launch the national nutrition mission. This Nand Ghar model will provide targeted delivery of supplementary nutrition services along with related healthcare services for both mother and child including skill training for women. She stated that, training of Anganwadi social workers and construction of Anganwadi buildings are essential components of the mission.  And we are delighted that corporates as Vedanta have entered into this unique partnership to construct 4000 Anganwadis," said Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Hon'ble Union Minister for Women and Child Development. She has also stressed on the need of having toilets in these buildings for women to further the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta said that the 'Nand Ghar' is an extension to the existing Anganwadi initiative and will be Vedanta Group's endeavour to provide a better environment to the children of India. Healthy children and empowered women will eradicate poverty and malnutrition, and make a prosperous nation. Our Nand Ghar project aligns with our honourable Prime Minister's vision and commitment to providing quality education for children and skill development for women, in the entire country.

Under the Anganwadi programme, supplementary nutrition is provided to children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years and to pregnant/lactating mothers. The main objective of ICDS is to fight the problem of malnutrition. In order to reach out to every corner of the country, a network of over 14 lakh Anganwadis have been established in every village, town, city and other habitations. These are manned by social workers who are trained for delivery of nutritional services and are paid an honorarium. In this unique partnership, WCD and Vedanta will share the cost of construction of the buildings, which are prefab structures with solar power. The land for the Anganwadis will be provided by the Gram Panchayats and the construction will be undertaken by NBCC. These Anganwadis have been named as "Nand Ghar" by the Prime Minister and a singular design will be followed for these Anganwadis at all locations. Through Vedanta Foundation – the philanthropic arm of the Group, Vedanta has already collaborated with over 3000 Anganwadi Centres in Rajasthan and Odisha by supplementing the services of the government and addressing the nutrition and as well as the educational needs of over 1 lakh children. This number is set to rise in the years to come.

 

 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Visits Emami Agrotech's Haldia Plant

By 121 News

Chandigarh 24^th June:- Emami Agrotech Limited (formerly Emami Biotech Ltd) , the bio-diesel and edible oil arm of the diversified Rs 10,000cr Emami Group of Companies and the largest manufacturer of bio-diesel in Eastern India hosted the visit of  Nitin Gadkari, Hon'ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping, Government of India at the Company's Haldia facility today. Nitin Gadkari was accompanied by Aditya V Agarwal and Shri Manish Goenka, Directors, Emami Group, on a tour of the bio-diesel facility with an installed capacity of 300 tonnes per day followed by a ceremonial "sapling planting" programme within the precincts of the EAL Haldia Unit. 

 India has a bio-diesel capacity of around 1.2 MnT (Million Tonnes) / year. However, due to lack of awareness, the current operating capacity is only a meagre 0.1 MnT per year. Bio-diesel is both environment-friendly and cost effective which is why the Union Government is supporting its increased usage. Recently, the government has allowed private manufacturers of bio-diesel to sell the fuel directly to consumers which is expected to remove the bottlenecks to a large extent for the manufacturers like Emami Agrotech.

Aditya V. Agarwal, Director, Emami Group Said that we are privileged to have Nitin Gadkari amidst us. Bio-diesel is emerging as the alternative fuel with the benefits of a cleaner environment which accrues on account of its lower carbon emission. Witnessing this potential, this facility was set up at a cost of Rs 150 crore in 2008. Now, with support from the Union Government for bio-diesel, we are planning to up our ante with advanced R&D to maximize the manufacturing to its optimal level.  With the continued support from the Central Government, we hope for increased adoption of bio-diesel in ports, transport sector and railways. It is also a cost effective and greener alternative for the farmers of India who will get highly benefitted with the increased use of bio-diesel in this country.

Manish Goenka, Director, Emami Group, said that with Emami Agrotech supplying bio-diesel to the Haldia port, we are hopeful that it would generate interest amongst allied quarters also for bulk orders. Currently there is a growing international demand for bio-diesel as well and we supply to Europe, Singapore and China.

Emami Agrotech Limited set up a state-of-the-art multi-feed Biodiesel plant at Haldia in technical collaboration with Desmet Ballestra, an Italian major. The plant manufactures biodiesel conforming to EN and BIS standards. It has daily production capacity of 300 tonnes of biodiesel presently. The plant is well connected with Haldia Port and state highways for easy transportation to international and domestic market.

 

 

Grewal Eye Institute Celebrates Fathers Day: Honors 05 fathers

By 121 News

Chandigarh 24^th June:- To commemorate Fathers Day,  Grewal Eye Institute (GEI), announced a series of eye-care offers and concessional schemes at a special program conducted at the institute's auditorium.  On this occasion Grewal Eye Institute honors 05 fathers. The objective of this special program was to enlighten the attendees with beneficial eye care tips and honour fathers having distinctive contribution in their children's life. This special event is one of the CSR events organised by GEI to reiterate their commitment towards the society. Around 150 members attended the programme which was organized to spread awareness on eye care. Dr. SPS Grewal, CEO, Grewal Eye Institute himself made a presentation on eye care tips and facilities available at GEI.  

Dr. SPS Grewal said that fathers are the backbone of the family and children need them as much as they need their mothers. Not only do they provide stability to the family, but also strength and direction to their children. In the course of running the family they often neglect their health and sufferings. It's the duty of the children to ensure that they pay equal attention to their fathers' health and encourage them to undergo regular health checkups. It has always been our endeavour to conduct such activities so as to spread awareness which is of great use to mankind.

Grewal Eye Institute (GEI) is the world's fourth JCI accredited and India's first ISO 9001:2000 certified eye care hospital. GEI is the single stop for all eye care needs under one roof. The institute offers internationally benchmarked, premium quality eye care with many cutting edge techniques available at single premises. GEI has been at the forefront of bringing new technological and medical tools not only to the India, but also to Asia. GEI became the first institute in the entire Indian Sub-Continent to offer the revolutionary C3R Treatment for the dreaded Keratoconus disease.

 

Shemaroo Entertainment Launches New Singing Sensation of the Digital world ‘Azaan Sahab’

By 121 News

Chandigarh 23^rd June:- Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., launches the new singing sensation of the digital world "Azaan Sahab" with his single 'Sari sari raat..', a melody devoted to every person whose heart has felt love for someone. Azaan Sahab is a true Punjabi and comes across as a very humble and a passionate artist. He is blessed with dulcet and versatile voice. Azaan became an instant hit in the digital world with the release of his cover songs on digital platforms. Azaan's passion for music inspired him to learn several instrument including drums, piano, guitar, harmonium and beat-box. His chocolate boy looks have helped him become a YouTube sensation too. You can catch up with Azaan on http://www.facebook.com/azaansahab as well. Now, he all set to unleash his first solo album "The Loneliness - Saari Saari Raat".

Azaan Sahab shared his thoughts that he feels blessed today, as his dream finally comes true. He is thankful to his family for their unconditional support and Shemaroo Entertainment for putting their trust on his talent and giving him a platform so big. Last but not the least, he would like to thank his audience from the bottom of his heart for loving and appreciating his songs and being a constant source of encouragement in his journey. Your comments and likes on his songs motivate him.  

According to Babli Singh, Head of Punjabi Entertainment Division, Shemaroo Entertainment, that Shemaroo was in search of new talent like Azaan. We are glad to announce him as our artist. Looking at his popularity in the digital world and his stage presence during performances, we can certainly say that his innings in the music industry would be iconic. This is just the beginning for him, he is getting ready to rock in time to come.

The Loneliness - Saari Saari Raat", the album has been done by Tarun Rishi.  Kulwant Garaia has penned the lyrics. The video for the title track has been done by I Think Films and directed by Kawaljeet Prince. You can enjoy the video on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO4WulUXjFs

 

Quest Group of Institutions organises 10 Days Camp for Civil Students for Survey at Manali

By 121 News

Chandigarh 23^rd June:- To impart the practical training in all aspects of surveying like traversing, levelling, chain surveying, compass traversing and theodolite traverse, Quest Group of Institutions organised 10 days camp at Manali for  civil students. The total area surveyed was hilly terrain, an ideal site.  Students also learnt to fix various stations in a closed traverse so that the whole area to be surveyed. Then, they were assimilated with the instruments to be used and procedure and precautions to be followed in using them. Then whole traverse was plotted using theodolite and plane table. With theodolite interior angles and external angles were measured. Later, the traverse was plotted along with the physical features of the whole area. Whole area was divided in smaller grids and levels of various points were taken and at the same time another team plotted the point. Process was repeated in whole area. Then the reduced levels were calculated and marked on sheet plotted for the drawing the contour map. The compass traverse was also done.

While Speaking at the moment Chairman D S Sekhon said that in this 10 Days camp efforts were made to introduce camp life as well as practical training to the students. It was an enlightening experience for the students. After completing the field work a local sightseeing excursion was organized to various tourist spots around Manali.  

 

Sitting on Agitation:Police Registered Case Against Anganwadi Workers

By 121 News

Chandigarh 23^rd June:- Police Station sector 17, Chandigarh registered a case against the workers of 'Anganwadi' workers, who was sitting on agitation (dharna) and raising slogans against Chandigarh Administration in front of Director Social Welfare Office, Sector-17, Chandigarh today. A FIR No. 213, U/S 188, 353, 34 IPC has been registered in this regard. Police starts Further investigation.

 

Ballantine’s Scotch Appreciation Evening at Ireo Waterfront

By 121 News

Chandigarh 23^rd June:- In keeping with its commitment to providing its residents the finest life has to offer 'Ireo Waterfront', the premium 500-acre township on Sidhwan Canal Road, today hosted an exclusive red-carpet evening with a scotch-tasting session. The highlight of the evening was a talk by Ballantine's brand ambassador and whisky connoisseur, James Arney, who shared his knowledge on whisky appreciation with guests. The invite-only evening was attended by 50 of the city's most high-profile couples.

After the welcome address James Arney came on-stage for an introduction. James then proceeded to conduct tastings of Ballantine's Finest, 12, 17 and 21-years whiskies. Guests got the opportunity to explore how the range of Ballantine's whiskies pair with diverse gourmet finger-foods. This was followed by an interactive question and answer session. The evening wound-up after a gala cocktail and dinner get-together. The high-end luxury watch brand, Ethos Watch Boutiques (Omega's authorized retailer) backed the event by displaying some of its swanky pieces for the guests. 

Addressing the attendees, James Arney shared that it's always a pleasure coming to Punjab, the hospitality and warmth that you get from the locals is unrivalled. Plus the well known drinking of the Patiala peg is one to always bring me back. The match between drinking luxury whisky in such a luxurious environment is attained remarkably at the Ireo water front property. During my travels I have not yet stumbled upon such an exciting concept.

Commenting on the event Madhukar Tulsi, President at Ireo said that at Ireo, we are committed to providing our customers quality lifestyles and quality homes.  This is evident in the world-class club facilities that we provide at all our residential developments. With a plethora of leisure and entertainment options on offer, Ireo Waterfront is emerging as an epicenter for social and cultural activities in Ludhiana.

 

Chandigarh Dials in on Cleartrip Mobile:63% Bookings from Chandigarh Come from Mobile Devices

By 121 News

Chandigarh 23^rd June:- India's planned city sure carries travel at its fingertips. Hotel bookings made on Cleartrip Mobile (Cleartrip.com/mobile) from Chandigarh, have seen a magnificent 912% y-on-y growth, according to an insight shared by Cleartrip (Cleartrip.com) – India's foremost, simple, no-fuss and sexy travel portal for flight, hotel and rail bookings. Similarly, Air bookings made on Cleartrip Mobile from Chandigarh, have seen an exceptional 185% y-o-y growth.   

While interacting with media, Amit Taneja – Chief Revenue Officer at Cleartrip sadid that Chandigarh plans travel on-the-go. At Cleartrip, we're seeing extraordinary uptake in bookings made from mobile devices. According to Cleartrip's Insight on Mobile Travel Behaviour in Chandigarh, over 63% bookings from Chandigarh come from Mobile devices. The mobile growth on hotels for Chandigarh has been the highest across the country, and we're very excited about the adoption of our Mobile app, here. He further added that impulse travel lies at the core of Chandigarh as we know it. For Advance Purchase Patterns in Chandigarh, we've witnessed a steady graph around last-minute travel. A noteworthy highlight in Cleartrip's insight showed that over 38% bookings from Chandigarh happen 0-7 days from the actual date of travel. Pegging travellers from Chandigarh as last-minute bookers, this average is pretty close to the National Average of 43% last-minute bookers across India, which indicates that Chandigarh travels much at the last minute.

Giving more detail about Cleartrip he said that Company has 500+ employees, four major offices in the big cities of India. Cleartrip has operational offices in the 07 countries. Amit Taneja said that cleartrip's annual Turnover is 800 millions. In terms of visitors it has 100 millions visitors, whereas 70% customers are repeated customers. Chandigarh welcomes Bangkok, Toronto, and Dubai amongst the top few International destinations from the city. Other International holiday spots from Chandigarh that make it to the top 10 include Hong Kong and San Francisco. Closer to home, Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi are the top 3 domestic destinations from Chandigarh, while New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bhopal are not too far from the list.

Entrepreneurs, corporates or home-makers, Chandigarh knows when and how to take its well-deserved breaks. Weekend Getaways therefore become the perfect 'power-nap' in-between hectic, stressful, work-lives. Fortunately, Chandigarh is quick in waking up to the benefits of short breaks and extended weekends. While most of the city heads to Jaipur, Manali and Mussoorie for their weekend break, other destinations like Chail and Kullu are also witnessing strong y-o-y growth.