Monday 30 October 2017

Amitabh Bachchan to Be The Face of Mankind’s Promise of Affordable Healthcare

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- Mankind Pharma, a quality driven Indian pharmaceutical company announces Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador with the launch of its latest commercial featuring the legendary Superstar. Amitabh Bachchan, who has been a household name for generations and this strategic alliance resonate with Mankind’s philosophy of ‘Serving life’. Through this partnership Mankind Pharma will emphasise the importance of good health and affordable treatment for all.
This is the first time Mankind has appointed a new brand ambassador and this association will be showed by a new TVC. The new corporate advertisement will be released on 1st November packing Mankind’s commitment towards healthier and happier world. The association with Big B comes at a point when the brand is growing rapidly across India and abroad.
Speaking on the partnership,  Rajeev Juneja, CEO, Mankind Pharma said that we are honoured to announce Amitabh Bachchan as our 1st  brand ambassador for Mankind Pharma. Amitabh  Bachchan holds poise  in society and is a renowned personality who exudes reliability and dependence. We believe this association will further add confidence to the brand and strengthen the Mankind brand image among consumers. We welcome Mr. Bachchan to the Mankind family.
Commenting on same, millennium star Amitabh Bachchan said that it has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the Mankind family and he is delighted to be associated with the brand known in the country for its work of serving life.

Yes Bank unveils BHIM YES PAY: First Wallet to Fully Integrate with IndiaStack APIs and NPCI Products

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- Yes Bank, India’s fifth largest private sector Bank unveiled a superior payment wallet service, BHIM YES PAY by fully integrating the application with all the IndiaStack APIs and NPCI Products. Yes Bank has over 5.5 lakh registered users on BHIM YES PAY and more than 2 lakh users have already availed either UPI or Virtual Card Services to carry out P2P payments and online shopping. Since launch we have witnessed over 2 million transactions valuing close to INR 700 million.
The freshly updated application, BHIM YES PAY, which is available for Android Users and will soon be made available for iOS users, integrates three other products of National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI)– RuPay Virtual Card, BharatQR and BBPS in addition to other payment infrastructure like UPI and  IMPS.
With the RuPay virtual card integrated in their BHIM YES PAY wallet, users can also utilize their wallet balance to make payments across websites and applications online, similar to how they currently use their debit cards but without the hassle of carrying one along.
BharatQR aims to eliminate the need for point-of-sale terminals by allowing users to pay using their cards simply by scanning a QR code at any retail outlet. The advantage is two-fold - customers need not carry their cards anymore and shopkeepers need not invest in point-of-sale machines to read cards at their end.
Also, with the third service, the Bharat Bill Payment Service (BBPS), a centralized one point bill payment service, BHIM YES PAY users can directly pay all their bills instantly at once, from their mobile app.
Announcing the new BHIM YES PAY, Ritesh Pai, Chief Digital Officer, Yes Bank said that we are happy to launch Yes Bank’s payment wallet’s new avatar ‘BHIM YES PAY’ to mark the full-suite integration of the IndiaStack APIs and NPCI Products. The BHIM YES PAY wallet now offers unparalleled options to the users and merchants for payments in multiple use cases making it a comprehensive solution. We will soon launch FastTag too which will facilitate easy toll payments and look forward to widespread adoption of the digital payment products bolstered by superior customer experience on BHIM YES PAY.”
India Stack is a set of APIs that allows governments, businesses, startups and developers to utilize a unique digital Infrastructure to enable India to move towards presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery.
The BHIM YES Pay application is available for download at   https://onelink.to/bhimyespay


Organic World Congress Comes to India for First Time

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- For the first time in 40 years, the Organic World Congress (OWC) is coming to India. This mega event will take place at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, NCR from 9-11 November 2017. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to inaugurate the 19th Organic World Congress on November 9, 2017.
Addressing a press conference here today, Dr. Claude Alvaries, Director, Organic Farming Association of India and Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission said that the 19th IFOAM Organic World Congress will write a new chapter to the country’s efforts to encourage agriculture without damaging soils, plants, water, wildlife and people’s health. Around 3,000 organic farmers, scientists, agricultural research agencies, institutions of the Government of India and State Governments, including registered delegates from over more than 110 countries, will take part in the grand event. In addition, Organic trade missions from some 40 countries are attending the trade fair.
They said further that the Organic World Congress will play a critical role in strengthening the world organic farming movement and tilting India’s agricultural policy firmly in the direction of organic farming. Demand for organic farming is steadily increasing in the Hindi-speaking states. A large numbers of farmers will benefit from the 3-day event.
The OWC 2017 is co-organized with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Further official support has come with the participation of The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the major organic export arm of the Ministry of Commerce, as the Principal Partner of the Congress. Several other Ministries and State Governments are joining the congress as partners including Kerala, AP and Sikkim. The Ministry of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh, is hosting the event (Greater Noida falls in UP). Chief Minister of Sikkim will attend the event. All other Chief Ministers have been invited for the inauguration. Ministers of Agriculture from Bhutan, Odisha, Kerala and UP have confirmed their participation. Agriculture Minister of Haryana, Om Prakash Dhankar, is also keen to attend the event.
Organic World Congress is a global sammelan dealing exclusively with organic farming. This global event is held once every three years in a different country. The last Congress was held in Istanbul, Turkey in October 2014. India won the bid to host the 19th IFOAM Organic World Congress against stiff competition from Russia, China and Brazil. The venue of the next OWC will be decided in Delhi on November 13 at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, Chanakyapuri.
The other unique aspect of this OWC is the huge effort made by the Indian organisers to bring organic farmers for the first time centre stage at the event. This will lead to a massive exchange of organic agriculture innovations, particularly advanced organic techniques. The event will witness 150 photographic PPTs from organic farmers; 160 papers on scientific research into organic agriculture; 120 presentations from organic traders and business. This year, in fact, the OWC has received more than 300 papers for consideration from scientists across the world.
The venue for the event is being designed by Orijit Sen. The splash of India culture that will envelop the venue will be enjoyed in the form of Indian classical dancers and drummers from the farming community. Besides, he OWC food menu will enable delegates to taste original and traditional Indian foods that they have never tasted in their lives, all organically grown.
Daily visitors do not need to pay any entry charges. The seed exhibition, plus demonstrations of how to generate recipes for living soil (jaivik khad) and other innovations will take place outside the halls, in the open compound of the India Expo and Mart, and will be free and open to the general public. The entry to the state and commercial (BIOFACH) pavilions is also free.

Infosys Recognises for Leadership on Climate Action

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- Infosys has been identified as a global leader in the corporate response to climate change and has been awarded a position on this year’s Climate A List by CDP, a non-profit global environmental disclosure platform. Infosys is the only Indian company across all sectors to make to the leadership Index this year.
The 2017 Climate A List comprises of 112 global companies, and is published alongside similar lists for corporate leadership on water and forests. The Climate A List has been produced at the request of 827 investors with assets of over US$100 trillion. Thousands of companies submit annual climate disclosures to CDP for independent assessment against its scoring methodology.
Infosys is among 5% of companies participating in CDP’s climate change program to be featured on the 2017 Climate A List. This is in recognition of its actions in the last reporting year to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy.
Infosys takes great pride in building sustainability into the foundation of the company. Infosys became the first company in the IT sector to commit at the UN to becoming carbon neutral. Infosys is not only reducing its energy consumption and increasing the dependency on renewable energy, but also investing considerably on carbon projects, to offset emissions outside Infosys’ control. .

The Climate A List is released alongside the Water A List and Forests A List on CDP’s website, accompanied with case studies from leading companies. This is the first year that CDP has announced company scores across all three areas simultaneously, reflecting a holistic approach to corporate sustainability.

VR Punjab Announces Inaugural Art Festival

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- Virtuous Retail South Asia’s regional flagship center, VR Punjab, has  announced the inaugural edition of an annual festival, 'Punjab Art Initiative' (PAI), that seeks to highlight the regions unique heritage, art & culture and catalyze civic pride.
The 45 day long art festival will be open to visitors from 1st November till 15th December. The inaugural edition will featurea unique collection of installations and fine art work created by both some of the most prominent, and promising artists from across India, including George Martin an award winning artist, Murali Cheerooth, Vikash Kalra, Nilesh Kinkale, and Yati Jaiswal among others. Importantly, students from the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, the College of Architecture, Lalit Kala Akademi, College of Art, Delhi, and JJ School of Art, Mumbai will also share space with the independent artists over the duration of the festival. PAI will also host a variety of art related entertainment events and activities like the Basement Art Project, Live Portrait Making, a Children’s Art Competition and Performance Art by Chandigarh based Manjot Kaur who recently showcased her work at the Swiss Biennale 2017.

To mark the launch of PAI on Wednesday, 1st November, 2017, VR Punjab will unveil the VR Art Car Project that features a Mercedes Benz painted by renowned artist Gigi Scaria, followed by a performance art feature by Murali Cheeroth. The launch event will also host a music concert by The Local Train, a leading Indian Rock Band originally from Chandigarh. The concert will commence at 7 p.m at the Amphitheatre at VR Punjab.

Couples Dance to the Tunes of ‘Videocon WallCam Connect Super Jodi Season 5’

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- Connect Broadband, market leader in wire-line and broadband segment and Videocon Wallcam, a fast growing brand in End-to-End Security & Surveillance solutions, after the stupendous success of last four seasons of Super Jodi a highly popular talent platform for married couples conducted their audition rounds in Chandigarh Tricity, Patiala and Amritsar
The audition rounds in the three cities got more than 600+ registrations. The performing couples enthralled the audiences.  
City finale winners are;
Patiala:  Pardeep Kumar & Charu, Sushil Kumar & Sonia, Kuldeep Singh & Dilpreet Kaur, Sahil & Isha, Harvinder  Singh & Suchwant Kaur & John & Monika  .The event was judged by Tajinder Kumar from Eve& Adam Shine Dance Academy & Rajat Duggal from Versatile Dance Academy .
Chandigarh Tri- city : Vikas & Prisha Goyal, Yogesh & Ruchika Arora, Harshdeep Singh & Jaspreet Kaur, Satish & Rani, Harpreet Singh & Harpreet Kaur, Jatin & Preeti  Kalia .The Auditions were judged by Ms Jagdeep Kaur (Chief Choreographer-Dance Pe Chance) & RJ Golmaal Gagan & RJ Manav.
Amritsar: Vicky & Aman, Bhupinder Singh & Maninder Kaur, Harpal & Seerat, Chetan & Mahima, Ravneet & Simar, Gurnam & Harinder .The Judges for the event were Ms Garima (RJ-94.3 My FM ) & Mr Gaurav Choreographer from D4U dance academy.
The success of 'Videocon Connect Super Jodi' witnessed over the last four seasons continues to excite the audiences like never before. Memories of the stupendous gala evenings with Punjabi legend Gurdaas Mann,  Comedy Super Jodi- Krishna and Sudesh Lahri, Raja Sagoo, Punjabi rock star Gippy Grewal, Jassi Gill and Bollywood diva Gauhar Khan are still live in the minds of its followers. 
This year, Videocon WallCam has joined hands with Connect Broadband to make the event bigger than the earlier four seasons. The Winning Jodi will take home an exotic foreign tour to Singapore; Runners-up to get Gold jewellery, and there are lots of exciting prizes for participants. The event is being partnered by Hindustan Times, 94.3 MY FM, Sunder Jewellers, Ozi Gym & Spa, Strands.
Commenting on the Videocon Wallcam Connect Super Jodi, Arvind Bali, CEO, Connect Broadband & Videocon Wallcam, said that we believe in a vibrant brand engagement with our customers. Videocon Connect Super Jodi and Videocon Telecom Young Manch created huge vibes around our brands. Videocon Wallcam Connect Super Jodi is the only one of its kind contest for couples where they can showcase their talent and get rewarded as well.
Super Jodi is one of the most spectacular contests ever staged by a corporate and a unique customer engagement initiative. Designed to signify the ‘CONNECTION’ between two people, it is a unique platform that showcases their compatibility and talent. The three month long event opens doors for all contestants willing to showcase their flair for performing arts, also giving them a chance to win exciting prizes.
The event is structured in three tiers including audition rounds, city finales and the grand finale. The Chandigarh and Punjab-wide Mega Contest this year will hunt the Super Jodi-5 and will span for over 3 months to conduct audition rounds across all major cities of Punjab. Couples can participate in the city auditions to be held at all major shopping malls of Punjab and Tricity. The couples will be judged on the basis of their compatibility, unique talent and confidence. Three Couples will be selected from each audition round through on-ground activities by a panel of judges for the next round. Grand Finale shall see couples chosen across Punjab participating in the final contest, competing against each other for the grand prize.
This contest is open for all married & engaged couples. Registration process is very simple. To participate you just have to give a missed call to 1800 137 2020 or couples can register online at www.connectsuperjodi.com. This season couples can also participate by uploading their videos on the website and the shortlisted couple will get direct entry into City Finale round.
Super Jodi season-2 contest was won by Rahul and Anjali from Chandigarh, who besides having a bollywood Jodi name have shown tremendous chemistry. Super Jodi Season-3 was won by Inderpreet and Upma who won the all paid luxurious trip to shopping paradise Dubai. Season 4 was won by Ludhiana based couple Kamal and Bhawna who won an all expense paid luxurious foreign vacation of three nights and four days to Istanbul (Turkey) which is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.
To participate in this Contest, give a missed call at 1800-137-2020 or visit www.connectsuperjodi.com


Ola Brings its Proprietary ‘Auto-Connect Wifi’ to Auto-Rickshaws

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- For the first time ever, one of the country’s oldest and most traditional modes of transportation gets a tech upgrade as Ola brings its industry-first innovation ‘Auto-Connect Wifi’ to the Ola Auto category. Launched in 2014, Ola Auto brought a facelift to the existing ecosystem of India’s three wheeled vehicles, allowing millions of citizens to book, track and pay for auto-rickshaw rides through their Ola app. With its tremendous success and rapid expansion across the country, Ola has also launched a TVC campaign that reinforces popular public opinion of Ola Autos being synonymous with Auto Rickshaws across the country.
Adding seamless Wifi internet connectivity to truly valuable propositions such as on demand service, transparent pricing, cashless payments, door-to-door pickup and drop, GPS tracking and more for customers, Ola has taken commuting by the country’s most ubiquitous platform to the next level. Communicating the same through the TVC and in a bid to deliver this value to a much larger base of customers, it tells the viewer that they can get an auto anywhere and anytime they want it, with just a few taps on the app.
Siddharth Agrawal, Sr. Director & Category Head - Auto  said that we have already disrupted the transportation sector by bringing one of the most traditional means of commute online for commuters and driver partners. With Auto-Connect Wifi, we are reinventing the 3-wheelers and enabling a connected experience for our customers. He further added that our Auto-Connect Wifi experience is built on the foundations of key government initiatives such as Digital India. Through this first-of-its-kind innovation, we want to not only improve the quality of time spent while on the road, but also help build easy access to millions of users across the country.
Following the massive popularity of Ola Auto-Connect Wifi for the Prime category, Ola soon expanded this offering to other categories including Mini, Lux, and Micro. Given that commute in an Indian city averages around 40 minutes, Ola sees the vehicle the as the ‘third place’ apart from home and office where customers spend a considerable amount of their time and would like to make it productive. With innovations such as ‘Auto-Connect Wifi’ and Ola Play that cater to this customer need efficiently, Ola aims to usher in a digital revolution that has the potential to transform the experience of mobility for millions of users across the country.
Similar to other categories, Wifi connects seamlessly to internet for existing Ola customers as soon as the trip starts. First time users need to connect to the Wifi through a one-time authentication key on their phones and enjoy the seamless auto-connect experience, every time they book a new ride.
Ola Auto’s TVC campaign ‘Auto Means Ola Auto’  [Auto Bole Toh Ola Auto (Hindi) , Auto Andre Ola Auto (Kannada) Auto Anthe Ola Auto (Telugu), Auto Na Ola Auto Than (Tamil)] has already been launched through various regional language TV channels earlier last week,  reaching out to millions of customers across the country.



Indian Terrain’s ‘ChampionsSportive Series’–Widely Appreciated in Chandigarh

By Tricityews Reporter
Chandigarh 30th October:- The Champion Sportive Series, an 8-city amateur cycling championship by Indian Terrain Fashions Limited and ChooseMyBicycle.com witnessed the completion of the competitive leg of the race at Chandigarh on 29th October 2017.
The Indus Valley Sportive saw a fabulous turnout of over 198 participants, who had gathered by 5:15 AM at the Track and Trail store on Sector 8C. The 82km race started at 6:00 AM while the 57km race started at 6:10 AM.
The winners from the Men’s 82km race were Swapnil Kumar Mishra who completed the race in 2 hours and 5 minutes followed by Shiven (2 hours and 6 minutes and 27 seconds) and Khushwinder Singh Pannu (2 hours and 6 minutes and 28 seconds). The winners of the Women’s 82km race was Sudhulika Sangi who completed the track in 2 hours and 56 minutes and 21 seconds followed by Misha Brar (2 hours and 56 minutes and 40 seconds) and Kamaljot Brar (3 hours and 36 minutes).
The next leg of the race, ‘The Champions Sportive-Grand Finale’, is scheduled for 3rd November 2017 at Delhi and is expected to see a good response. Indian Terrain’s Champions Sportive Series is a competitivcycling event foamateur cyclists spread across 8 cities in India. The winners (Men and Women) from all the city edition will battle it out to be India’s fastest amateur cyclist. The event is conducted in line with international sportive standards anboasts of the bestof safety and ridmeasures across the routes.
Speaking on the occasion  Rohit Kuttappa, Chief Executive Officer, ChooseMyBicycle.com said that the growth of cycling as a sport over the years has been phenomenal. We consider The Champions Sportive Series as the ideal platform for motivated amateur cyclists across India to part-take in this 7 city cycling championship, towards the endeavor of positioning cycling as a mainstream sport for all.