U.S. Postal Service Selects Mahindra to Produce Next Generation Delivery Vehicle Prototypes

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced that Mahindra & Mahindra, a part of the USD 17.8 billion Mahindra Group, has been selected to deliver NGDV prototype vehicles for testing as the result of a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) issued in October, 2015.  Mahindra is one of six vehicle manufacturers the USPS has selected to produce prototypes for testing and evaluation.  The awardees will have approximately one year from contract award to design and deliver their prototypes. Production requirements and future vehicle replacement awards will be determined by USPS after NGDV Prototype testing. 

Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, said that we are excited to be part of the USPS NGDV prototype program. The USPS has recognized Mahindra’s engineering proposal and selected us for vehicle development and prototype delivery. This is a strategic development in Mahindra’s ambition to become a global mobility player.

Anand Mahindra further said that the USPS is looking for a modern, safe and efficient vehicle to meet their daily delivery and operational needs”, said Rick Haas, President and COO, MNATC in Troy, Michigan.  Our team has significant global experience engineering some of the best trucks ever produced.   We’ve spent thousands of hours ensuring this proposal will optimize driver and pedestrian safety and provide the USPS with a modern and reliable vehicle architecture that can easily adapt to a broad variety of future scenarios.

Andhra Pradesh Attracts 9.78 Cr Tourists in the First 8 Months in 2016

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- The sunrise state of Andhra Pradesh, which is blessed with some of the most spectacular tourist destinations in the country, has registered 20% growth in tourist arrivals in the first 8 months of 2016 over the corresponding period last year. The state which has some of the most pristine beaches, hill stations, temples, backwaters etc. have recorded 9.78 Cr tourist footfalls till August in this year.

The figures reflect a massive increase in foreign tourist arrivals; till August as many as 2. 32 lakh foreigners visited the state which is a whopping growth of 122% compared to the corresponding data last year. Anantapur district which houses the famous Puttaparthi and Lord Veerbhadra temple at Lepakshi, became the most visited destination by foreign tourists. Majority of the foreign tourists were from the South – East Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Middle East countries such as Dubai among others.

Andhra Pradesh also registered domestic footfalls of 9.76 Cr during the period as against 8.14 Cr in the last year, which is an increase of 20%. The state has witnessed a lot of traction from tourists who came for business, education and pilgrimage.

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the government has embarked upon a drive to create an ecosystem in the state which nurtures and sustains tourism. Special emphasis has been laid upon enhancing the tourist amenities which boosts the comfort and convenience of visitors.

Dr. Srikant Nagulapalli, I.A.S., Secretary to Government, Tourism & Culture, said that the tourist arrivals in to the state is very encouraging and will motivate us to work harder to progress towards our endeavor of creating a tourism friendly environment in the state. Our focus on fast tracking projects will eventually enhance infrastructure and engagement at tourist sites.

Dr. R P Khajuria Commissioner Tourism said that in 2015 we had registered 30% growth over 2014 reaching 122 million tourist footfalls. And this year we have already reached 98 million when our main tourist season is yet to begin. We are confident that we will reach 150 million this year. In coming months we are organizing mega festivals such as Visakaha Utsav, Leapakshi festival, Araku festival and Flamingoo festival which will attract large number of tourists from far and wide. We have introduced lots of water sports activities in Vizag beaches as well in Bhavani Island in Vijaywada which have become major tourist attractions already.

ACCA Crowns ‘Best Global Professional Body’ at International Industry awards

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) won the hotly contested ‘Professional Body of the Year’ award at the prestigious ‘The Accountant & International Accounting Bulletin Awards’ in London.  

ACCA pipped fellow nominees CIMA, CPA Canada, CPA Ireland and the IMA to win the award in front of a packed crowd of industry leaders. On accepting the award, Alan Hatfield, ACCA’s executive director of strategy and development paid tribute to ACCA’s people around the globe: “I am particularly proud to accept this award on behalf of everyone at ACCA because it is in recognition of the breadth of the work our employees, members and students are doing right across the world.”

According to Alan Hatfield, ACCA’s integrated report was integral to winning the award, along with a host of key developments in learning and a new strategic alliance with CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand).

Our integrated report illustrates the work ACCA does around the world and provides clear insight into our strategy, governance and performance and how ACCA works in the interest of the public in everything we do. As a resource, it ensures everything we do is transparent, accessible and understandable to all our stakeholders. 'We are also especially proud of the key developments in education and learning we have launched this year, including the move to four exam sittings a year, the launch of the revolutionary ACCA-X online learning solution, and our unique global partnership with University of London on a Masters in Professional Accounting.

As well as winning the award for Professional Body of the Year, ACCA also received nominations for ‘Thought Leadership Initiative of the Year’ for its flagship research project ‘Professional accountants the future’ and ‘Capacity Building Champion of the Year’ for its pioneering work in international development.

Uber organises UberShaan Mela at Chandigarh for Entrepreneurship Opportunities

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- Uber, the smartphone app that connects riders with drivers at the push of a button, hosted an ‘UberSHAANMela’ in Chandigarh to drive micro entrepreneurship opportunities through UberSHAAN- Uber’s flagship initiative to create 1 million entrepreneurship opportunities by 2018.

The objective of this unique UberSHAANmela was to provide economic opportunities to the people of Punjab and Haryana to become driver-partners on the Uber platform. The event saw attendance of more than 700 people in the day long ‘UberSHAANMela’. The biggest Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tata, Maruti, Hyundai, Toyota and others were present to provide vehicles and attractive discounts to the interested participants. Top financiers in the country such as SBI, Mahindra Finance, IndusInd Bank and others were also there to offer finance options.

UberSHAAN is Uber’s flagship initiative that is aimed at creating 1 million livelihood opportunities as micro-entrepreneurs in India by 2018. UberSHAAN will focus on expanding economic opportunities across the spectrum and will provide access to skill development and driver training to the unskilled. The initiative will also aim to help trained drivers receive commercial licenses and support the entrepreneurial ambitions of licensed drivers through vehicle financing and leasing solutions through Uber’s partners. Several stakeholders including National Skill Development Corporation, Maruti, National SafaiKaramchari Development Corporation have been partnered with, in support of this vision.

 Arun Sood, Mayor, Chandigarh felicitated existing driver-partners on the platform and said that in line with government of India’s Skill India campaign, UberSHAANMela is a wonderful initiative by Uber to create economic opportunities in Chandigarh. I am hopeful that Uber’s technology and support will provide livelihood opportunities as well as convenient, reliable and seamless travel options for people of Chandigarh.

Nitish Bhushan, General Manager, Uber Punjab added that as part of our recently launched pan-India initiative UberSHAAN, this initiative is a window of opportunity to tap aspirations of people across the state. Our objective is to provide a platform to support the entrepreneurial ambitions of people and to offer an unmatched and quality experience to our riders in Chandigarh.

Fem Announces Hunt for Miss North India Princess 2016

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- Fem Fairness Naturals, India’s most trusted fairness and facial bleach brand, today announced the launch of its mega model hunt-Fem Miss North India Princess 2016. The pageant is being organized to discover the most beautiful and fresh new face of North India, a face that embodies the values of Fem soft, fresh skin with a natural glow.

Dabur India Ltd Consumer Division, Head Sunil Sharama said that as a brand offers its consumer the promise and satisfaction of delivering natural glow to her skin and enhances her beauty. On this occasion, we are delighted to introduce our all new product – Fem Gold Ultra- “Ab Glow Nahi, UltraGlow”. Sunil Sharama further added that the brand has always been associated with beauty and this mega model hunt is another step forward in that direction. With Fem Miss North India Princess, we are seeking to offer young girls across cities of North India, a platform to showcase their beauty and also enter the world of mainstream modeling.

The hunt for North India Princess- “Kya aapke paas haiSone se Sunhara Ultra Glow?”Would be conducted across colleges and institutes in North India. The on-ground activation will cover cities across states -- Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.Girls from the age group of 18 to 25 can participate in this contest by registering herself either at the on-ground kiosks being set up in their colleges or onwww.missnorthindia.in.

The shortlisted contestants would be invited for a city audition to be held across North Indian cities, including Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Dehradun and Delhi where from an independent jury will pick 20 finalists. The 20 girls would undergo a special grooming programme in Chandigarh under the guidance of professionals from the fashion and beauty industry, to prepare them for the Grand Finale which will be held at Chandigarh in December 2016. The Grand Finale would be judged by leading names from the beauty, fashion and entertainment industry.

Dinesh Kumar  of Dabur India Ltd said that Fem Fairness Naturals has been adding glow to the faces of millions of young girls for decades now. Fem Miss North India Princess 2016 is an initiative that will also serve as a unique way of spreading beauty awareness among the young and college-going girls of North India.

Padmaja Chakraborty’s Soothing Vocal Recital Enthralls the Audience

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- Pracheen Kala Kendra, an organization dedicated  for the promotion , preservation and dissemination of Indian Classical Art and Music has  organized its 227^th Monthly Baithak Programme here today at its Bhaskar Rao Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35-B, Chandigarh when Delhi based renowned Vocalist Padmaja Chakraborty mesmerized the city audience with her melodious Vocal recital.

Topper from Rabindra Bharti University, Padmaja Chakraborty is a renowned vocalist of Hindustani Classical Vocal, Banaras in the Khayal genres. After initial training, Padmaja was later groomed by Eminent Gurus like, Pandit Dinanath Mishra, Vidushi Sumitra Guha, Pandit Samaresh Choudhury. She got added exposure and blesses to have training under Living Legend Padma Bhushan Girija Devi. With her dedication to music and quality performance, she has won the hearts of music listeners all over India.  Besides being a recipient of several awards, she regularly performs from All India Radio and Doordarshan. She is an A grade Artist of All India Radio.

Endowed with a resonating and soulful voice, Padmaja began her recital with Raga Bhopali.   The opening composition in Vilambit ek Taal “Hey Prabhhu Suno Data.” was developed with soothingly inserted alap badhat. It was followed by a Madhya laya teen taal bandish “Mahadev Deva Maheshwaraye”.  After this invocatory piece she doled out with drut ek taal bandish  “Ayye man moh liya” amidst thunderous applause.  She chose Thumri set to raga Mishra Kafi Pilu with bandish “Piya bina mori katat na kari raina” as her next rendering which was laced with rhythm deployed variations.

Padmaja provided a befitting finale to her recital with a Bhajan in Bhairavi  “Hari tum kahe preet lagai amid applause displaying her musical capabilities in a highly impressive manner.

The excellent accompaniment on Tabla by Mehmood Khan and Rakesh Sharma   provided support on Harmonium.  Kendra Registrar Smt. Shobha Koser honoured the artists. 

ਜਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਚ ਚੱਲ ਰਹੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਿੱਥੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਤੇ ਮੁੰਕਮਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ:ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਪਾਲ ਸਰਮਾ

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- ਸਾਹਿਬਜਾਦਾ ਅਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਗਰ ਜਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਚ ਚੱਲ ਰਹੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜਾ ਨੂੰ ਸਮੇ ਸਿਰ ਮੁੰਕਮਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਇਨਾਂਹ ਕੰਮਾਂ ਦਾ ਆਮ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਲਾਭ ਮਿਲ ਸਕੇ| ਇਨਾਂਹ ਵਿਚਾਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਵਾ ਚੇਅਰਮੈਨ ਜਿਲਾ੍ਹ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਪਾਲ ਸਰਮਾ ਨੇ ਜਿਲਾ੍ਹ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕੀ ਕੰਪਲੈਕਸ ਸਥਿਤ ਜਿਲਾ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਦਫ.ਤਰ ਵਿਖੇ ਸੱਦੀ ਗਈ ਵੱਖ ਵੱਖ ਵਿਭਾਗਾਂ ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਜਿਲਾ੍ਹ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਮੈਂਬਰਾ ਦੀ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨਗੀ ਕਰਦਿਆ ਕੀਤਾ|

 ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਪਾਲ ਸਰਮਾ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਜਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਦੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਲਈ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਗਰਾਂਟਾਂ ਦਿੱਤੀਆ ਗਈਆਂ ਹਨ| ਜਿਨਾਂਹ ਨਾਲ ਪਿੰਡਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਹਿਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜ ਕਰਵਾਏ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ| ਉਨਾਂਹ ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੀ ਅਣਗਹਿਲੀ ਨਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਵੀ ਆਖਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਿਆਰੀ ਹੋਣਾ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਵੀ ਆਖਿਆ ਉਨਾਂਹ ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਜਿਲਾ੍ਹ ਯੌਜਨਾ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਮੈਬਰਾ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਚੱਲ ਰਹੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜਾ ਤੇ ਖੁਦ ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਰੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਕਿਹਾ| ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਪਾਲ ਸਰਮਾ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਜਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਚ ਛੋਟੇ ਛੋਟੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜ ਜਿਹੜੇ ਕਿ ਅਧੂਰੇ ਪਏ ਹਨ| ਜਿਨਾਂਹ ਦੇ ਮੁੰਕਮਲ ਹੋਣ ਨਾਲ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਫਾਇਦਾ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੋਵੇ ਉਨਾਂਹ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪਹਿਲ ਦੇ ਆਧਾਰ ਤੇ ਮੁੰਕਮਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ| 

ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਪਾਲ ਸਰਮਾ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਘਰ ਨਹੀ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਕਿ ਪਾਖਾਨਾ ਨਾ ਹੋਵੇ| ਉਨਾਂਹ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਜਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਦੇ ਪਿੰਡਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਖਾਨਾ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਜੰਗੀ ਪੱਧਰ ਤੇ ਚੱਲ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ| ਉਨਾਂਹ ਹੋਰ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਜਿਲੇ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਸੈਕੰਡਰੀ ਸਕੂਲ , ਹਾਈ ਸਕੂਲ, ਮਿਡਲ ਸਕੂਲ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਇਮਰੀ ਸਕੂਲ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਨਹੀ ਰਹੇਗਾ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਪਾਖਾਨਾ ਨਾ ਹੋਵੇ ਅਤੇ ਸਕੂਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਲੜਕੀਆਂ ਲਈ ਵੱਖਰੇ ਪਾਖਾਨੇ ਬਣਾਏ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ| ਉਨਾਂਹ ਹੋਰ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਜਿ.ਲ੍ਹੇ ਦੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਯੋਜਨਾਬੱਧ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾਣਗੇ|ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਜਿਲਾ੍ਹ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੀ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਕਰਮਜੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਸਮੇਤ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਹੋਰ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਅਤੇ ਦਫਤਰ ਉਪ ਅਰਥ ਅੰਕੜਾ ਸਾਲਾਹਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ ਵੀ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਸਨ|

Youth Leaders to Play a Big Role in MC Elections:Abhishek Sharma 'Shanky' Apply Ticket from NSUI Quota

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 12^th October:- As MC elections are approaching closer and everyone who is seeking tickets from their parties, working very hard not only to get tickets but are seen to be working hard in their respective wards. Similarly 26 year old youth leader and lawyer Abhishek Sharma 'Shanky' is being seen as the new face in the upcoming MC elections from ward no. 15 against SAD leader Harjinder kaur who has never lost from this ward. Abhishek Sharma 'Shanky' is seen working for the ward from the last couple of years.

According to the Abhishek Sharma 'Shanky' that AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi issued statement that in the election 04 tickets will be given to the Youth Congress and 01 Ticket will be given to the NSUI candidate. He is applied ticket for MC election for Ward No.15 under NSUI quota. He is very much sure to win the seat.

Abhishek Sharma 'Shanky's father Lt. Satish Sharma was a senior leader of congress party and had a very huge support in ward no. 15 but he got unlucky when it was announced as women ticket in 2006. Now his son wishes to carry on the legacy. Abhishek shanky who is very close to Manish Bansal and Punjab Youth Leader Kanwar Bajwa Nephew of MP Partap Singh Bajwa may be seen as contesting elections from ward no. 15 under Youth quota. He has major contributions in Youth congress and NSUI and has a huge following in sector 44. He was also seen the main face behind the recent victory of NSUI state president Gurjot Sandhu second consecutive time last week. It is expected that congress party will give a fair chance to only deserving youth candidates under youth quota which maybe anywhere less