Microsoft Teams Rolls Out to Office 365 Customers Worldwide

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced the general availability of Microsoft Teams, the company’s new chat-based workspace in Office 365. The new tool for team collaboration is now available to Office 365 business customers in 181 markets and 19 languages.

Customers worldwide are choosing Microsoft Teams to enable collaboration within their organizations.  Since announcing the preview in November, more than 50,000 organizations have started using Microsoft Teams, including Alaska Airlines, ConocoPhillips, Deloitte, Expedia, J.B. Hunt, J. Walter Thompson, Hendrick Motorsports, Sage, Trek Bicycle and Three UK.

Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft said that in a world where information is abundant and human time and attention remain scarce, we aspire to help people and groups of people be more productive, wherever they are. Office 365 is the broadest platform and universal toolkit for creation, collaboration and communication. Today we are adding a new tool to Office 365 with Microsoft Teams, a chat-based workspace designed to empower the art of teams.

Office 365 is designed to meet the unique work style of every group with purpose-built, integrated applications: Outlook for enterprise-grade email; SharePoint for intelligent content management; Yammer for networking across the organization; Skype for Business as the backbone for enterprise voice and video; and now, Microsoft Teams.

According to Laurie Koch, vice president of global customer service at Trek Bicycle, Microsoft Teams is already streamlining the company’s work by providing assets and tasks in context: “Across Trek’s global teams, the integrated collection of Office 365 apps serves up a common toolset to collaboratively drive the business forward. We see Microsoft Teams as the project hub of Office 365 where everybody knows where to find the latest documents, notes and tasks, all in line with team conversations for complete context. Teams is quickly becoming a key part of Trek’s get-things-done-fast culture.

Microsoft has introduced more than 100 new features to Teams since November, including: an enhanced meeting experience, with scheduling capabilities; mobile audio calling, with video calling on Android now and coming soon to iOS and Windows Phone; email integration; and new security and compliance capabilities. The company has also delivered new features to make Microsoft Teams accessible, such as support for screen readers, high contrast and keyboard-only navigation. Guest access capabilities and deeper integration with Outlook and a richer developer platform are targeted for June of this year. For more details on the new features go to the Office Blog.

Hartek Group Appoints Jeet Chhatwal on Board as Director

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- The Hartek Group, one of India’s fastest growing concerns in the power sector, has announced the appointment of power industry veteran Jeet Chhatwal to its Board of Directors.

A noted power sector expert, management consultant and leadership trainer with 37 years of experience in the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) domain in the power, oil and gas sectors, Jeet Chhatwal will be responsible for setting the pace for the Hartek Group’s current operations and scaling up its future growth in his capacity as Additional Director.

The Hartek Group will make the most of Jeet Chhatwal’s rich experience to develop innovative automated systems and procedures for day-to-day activities which further improve productivity and bring more efficiency.

Hartek Singh, Founder and CMD, Hartek Group said that Jeet Chhatwal’s exposure in various multinationals in senior leadership positions will enable the Hartek Group to foster a world-class work culture that meets the avowed objectives of our organization as well as the expectations of our clients.

Excited about his new role, Jeet Chhatwal said that we will adopt the best global systems and practices to take the Hartek Group to the next level. What sets the Hartek Group apart is its diversified portfolio with an integrated model, and we will further build on it.

Jeet Chhatwal started his career with Indian public sector giant BHEL, where he worked for 17 years in various important capacities before switching over to internationally renowned companies like Fluor and Bechtel. He worked as HoD (Electrical, Control Systems) and Manager (Quality) with Fluor for nine years from 1996 to 2005 and as Project Engineering Manager and Chief Engineer (Electrical) with Bechtel India from 2005 to 2010. Jeet Chhatwal took his career graph to a new high in 2010 when he joined SK E&C of the SK Group, a Fortune 100 Korean multinational giant, where he worked for six years as Executive Director and Divisional Head (Engineering).

Food & Supplies and Consumer Affairs Deptt. Holds Seminar for Consumer Awareness on World Consumer Rights Day

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- To mark the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day, the Department of Food & Supplies and Consumer Affairs & Legal Metrology, U.T., Chandigarh in collaboration with the Consumers Association, Chandigarh today organized a seminar at U.T. Guest House, Chandigarh for the awareness of the consumers about their rights, duties and references to the protection of the consumer interests against any kind of exploitation by the trade and industry. V.P. Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T., Chandigarh was the chief guest on this occasion.

Parimal Rai, Adviser to the Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary Food & Supplies and Consumer Affairs, K.P.S Mahi, Additional Director, Food & Supplies and Consumer Affairs, UT, Chandigarh, members of Consumer Association, Chandigarh, Sarbjit Singh Pal Panesar, President District Forum-I, Rajan Dewan, President, District Forum-II, Advocate Madhu P. Singh, Ex-President District Forum, Mohali, Advocate Ajay Jagga, Member District Consumer Protection Council Chandigarh, RK Kaplash, Chairman Consumer Association, Chandigarh and other staff members were also present during the occasion.

During the course of the seminar, lectures on consumer awareness were delivered by the representatives of the Consumer Association, Chandigarh. The representatives expounded the importance of being aware about the rights of consumers. They also addressed the gathering regarding food adulteration, legal provisions and remedies available to the citizens aggrieved by food adulteration.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T., V.P. Singh Badnore said that this year’s theme for World Consumer Rights day is “Consumer Rights in Digital Age”. The use of internet, mobile phones and other digital technologies is spreading widely around the world. As consumers, we are a part of every transaction that occurs on the planet. We are at the heart of many of the challenges and opportunities faced by the world. The need of the time is to educate consumers on various concerns relating to products and services involved in the use of digital systems.

The Governor also shared a famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption of our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider of our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

He further added that he feel happy to share that U.T., Chandigarh has  established District Consumer Protection Council in 2016 where a landmark decision of declaring “Chandigarh-city without service charges on eateries’ was taken. The decision has benefitted each and every consumer of the city visiting hotels, restaurants and other eating joints which used to fleece the customers by imposing illegal/unfair service charge. He also shared that Chandigarh Administration has recently launched Chandigarh Consumer Helpline at Sector 19 where consumers may file complaints at toll free number 1800-180-2079 for guidance and speedy disposal of their grievances.

R.K Kaplash, Chairman, Consumer Association, Chandigarh said that the zeal, efforts, dedication and enthusiasm put up by the members of the forum for public service is commendable. The Chandigarh Administration is ready to extend its support to the forum.

Ajay Jagga praised the Chandigarh Administration for putting ban on levying of service charge on food bills by Hotels & Restaurants and making Chandigarh the first city in India to impose such ban on eateries. 

सुखजीत सिंह जुग्गी बने सेक्टर 20 ऐ रेजिडेंट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन के प्रधान

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- सेक्टर 20 ऐ रेजिडेंट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन के प्रधान पद के लिए चुनाव कराया गया। जिसमें सुखजीत सिंह जुग्गी ने 63 वोटों से जीत हासिल की। एसोसिएशन की कुल 525 वोट हैं। जिसमें जुग्गी को 291 वोट पड़ीं जबकि दुसरे उम्मीदवार डॉ. अनीस गर्ग को 228 मत प्राप्त हुए। 6 वोटें रद्द हो गईं। चुनाव जीतने के बाद सुखजीत सिंह जुग्गी ने कहा कि वह सबको साथ लेकर चलेंगे व सेक्टरवासियों की भलाई हेतु दिन रात एक कर देंगे। इस मौके पर वार्ड पार्षद व चण्डीगढ़ के वरिष्ठ उप महापौर राजेश कुमार गुप्ता बिट्टू ने भी मतदान में भाग लिया व बाद में चुनाव जीतने पर जुग्गी को बधाई भी दी।

“Big Chandigarh Marathon" Season 5 to Be Held on March 26

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- A bevy of runners and long distance athletes from across the globe are ready to flock the roads in Chandigarh & even Chandigarhians have begin to get ready to put on their running shoes for one of the biggest run, the BIG CHANDIGARH MARATHON, on 26th March . This year, with more than 1000 half marathon runners expected to register, a total of 15000 participants are expected be at the Event.

BIG CHANDIGARH MARATHON Presented by Exotic Grandeur & in association with Chandigarh Administration and Chandigarh tourism is coming again on March 26th, 2017 with its 5 successful edition there by providing an opportunity to the people of Tri-city to Run for the City’s Pride, “Our City Our Pride”. BIG CHANDIGARH MARATHON will provide an opportunity for everyone to stand for the City's pride, to salute the efforts of individuals and administration of Tri-City & to recognize people behind Chandigarh's remarkable journey.

Both, Exotic Grandeur and Big FM believe that “BIG CHANDIGARH MARATHON -Season 5”, will act as a platform to recognize & salute the efforts of individuals / start up’s/Corporate & administration of Tri-city–Our city our Pride. There are a lotof things which makes Chandigarh one of the best city in the world .Chandigarh has always been acted as the first to volunteer be it taking initiative for Smoke free city, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Cashless city.

The marathon this year is divided into two parts, one for professional runners i.e. 21.1 kms Half Marathon (Age Group 18 to 50+) and the other 5 km Run for City Pride for Amateurs, Students from Schools & Colleges, Employees, all males & females, General Public including Sr Citizens.

While the 5 km Run for City Pride would start at 7 am, the 21.1 km run would start at 6:00 am, from Chandigarh Club on 26th March 2017.

It was also shared that the registrations to participate in the Marathon have been recently been opened and the organizers are already beginning to see a huge wave of enthusiasm and support from the tri-city residents. Those interested can register by giving a missed call on 18001370927. Registration Charges for the Half marathon is Rs 500 whereas no charges have been kept for the 5km Run for City Pride.  In addition to the above, organizers have also announced a prize money amounting to Rs 2.5 lakh for the winners in different categories of 21 Kms Half Marathon “Big Chandigarh Marathon-Season 5” and lucky draw prizes for 5 kms Run.

•           18-50 (Male): 1st Prize: 50000; 2nd Prize 30000; 3rd Prize 20000

•           18-50 (Female): 1st Prize 50000_; 2nd Prize 30000; 3rd Prize 20000.

•           Sr Citizens (50+ Years) 1st Prize: 25000; 2nd Prize 15000; 3rd Prize 10000

Adventurer & famous actors Jimmy Shergill & Sargun Mehta also joined hands with the Initiative, while addressing the media in the Press Conference today they said that the time has yet again come for all tri-city residents to put their best foot forward and participate in this exciting event. It is the time to celebrate the city’s everlasting spirit and energy. They urged everyone to sign up, train well, go the distance and spread the message of health & fitness, communal harmony to the far corners of our country.

Many Star celebrities from bollywood as well as pollywood including dignitaries are expected to join Chandigarhians in this cause on 26th March.

Speaking on the occasion BIG FM spokesperson said that we as responsible corporate citizens are always at the forefront of taking such initiatives which bring about productive & noble social changes in the growth of the city. The organizers also informed that elaborate traffic and security arrangements will be made to make the marathon successful and smooth.

World Consumer Day:Experts Stress for More Awareness on World Consumer Day

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- Consumer is the driving force behind any business but it is often seen consumer is the most vulnerable part of the chain. Exploitation of consumers because of non-awareness of his rights is common; hence there is a need for consumer movement. This was stated by Pawan Kumar Bansal, former Union Minister while speaking at a seminar on ‘Consumer Awareness on Quality and Services’ held at Chandigarh Press Club, Sector 27 here today on the occasion of World Consumer Day.

Pawan Bansal said that when the Consumer Protection Act came into being in 1985 and many organizations came together to generate awareness. After so many awareness levels have gone up but people still need to know about their rights, and there should be awareness sessions in schools and colleges and they must be made aware of how legal action can be taken by a consumer without much formalities involved.

 Justice K.C. Gupta (Retd.) Punjab & Haryana High Court was a special speaker on the subject and Sashi Rekha, Director, NABCB was the key note speaker who apprised participants with the importance of certification of quality boards.

While speaking on the occasion, Sashi Rekha said that we have an obligation to generate consumer awareness because this country needs such awareness programs. They need to be made aware of certifications, what is quality standard, what is technical regulation, and what are the benefits of accreditation etc. The consumers need to understand their rights as an informed and educated consumer is always powerful. In the technical session Sashi Rekha in detail spoke about voluntary standard and regulation and also told about the complaints handling system.

The inaugural session ended with the vote of thanks by Deepak Dhingra, Vice Chairman, Citizen Awareness Group.

Rajesh Maheshwari, NABCB highlighted Accreditation as well as product Certification. Representative from BIS also made a speech on system product certification by BIS.

Prof. Vandana Kumar from the Law Department, Panjab University, spoke on the need of quality goods and services. The protection and promotion of consumer rights is important function of the government and awareness is a necessity.

The event ended by vote of thanks made by Surinder Verma, Secretary, CCC.

UT & MC Employees Holds Protest Rally & Demonstration

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- The Employees of Chandigarh Administration, Municipal Corporation and other departmentally run establishments under the banner of the Federation of U.T. Employees & Worker Chandigarh today i.e. on dated 15^th March, 2017 held a massive Rally and Demonstration here at Sector 17, (Near Parade Ground) Chandigarh. The protest rally and demonstration was held in support long pending genuine demands of the employees & also against the negative and adamant attitude of the authorities towards the genuine demands including:- Withdrawal of false and fabricated police cases registered against Raghbir Chand Convener & Rajinder Katoch Co-Convener, Coordination Committee of U.T. & M.C. Employees & Workers along with 10 Aganbari Workers, Regularization of all the daily wages and work charge workers, Grant of Basic Pay, DA, HRA, CCA,Medical, Cycle allowance to all the daily workers without any cut of date, Stoppage the privatization of Public Sector & Rescind the decision to corporatize the well running U.T. Electy. Department Chandigarh, Filling up of vacant posts in the various departments and creation of additional posts, Amendments in Recruitment Rules, Grant of offer of appointment to the next kin of deceased employees on Punjab pattern, Allotments of flats to U.T. Employees who remain success in draw & also frame the scheme for unsuccessful, Recruitment of contract workers through department at its own level instead of through outsources agencies to avoide exploitation, Providing T & P, safety devices, Rain Coat, Gumboot, Uniform, Soap & Oil & LTA to field staff. Besides the demands mentioned above the demonstration passed a resolution supporting 16^th March, 2017 strike of Central Government employees for enhancement in pay and perks.

The Rally & Demonstration was addressed by the various Trade Union Leaders amongst them Raghbir Chand President, Gopal Datt Joshi General Secretary, Vijay Singh,  Rajinder Katoch, Bhim Sen, Dhian Singh,  Rekha Sharma, Bishram, Baljinder Kumar, Amrik Singh, Harkesh Chand Behari Lal, Naseeb Singh, Sat Pal, Sikander Sharma, Prem Lal, P. Kam Raj, Barsati, Pardeep Sharma, Jaipal, Kaushliya Devi & others leaders of the federation beside Com. Kuldeep Singh (CITU) Om Parkash (Maha Sangh), N. Marwari, Rajiv Sahgal, Kamaljit Singh (BSNL), Rakhsh Singh  P & T others  leaders of sister organizations.

The Demonstration while supporting the 16^th July strike of Central Govt. Employees unanimously passed a resolutions regarding implementation of the principle of equal pay for equal work and restoration of defined pension scheme to all employees who have appointed after 2004. The Rally further resolve to join 22^nd March, 2017 Rally on the joint call of employees forum and CITU against the hike in LPG and enhancement of parking fees.

Sonalika ITL Continues its Growth Trajectory by Registering 26.9% Growth in February

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 15^th March:- Sonalika International Tractors Ltd, India’s third largest tractor brand, makes remarkable progress by registering a whopping 26.9% growth, with a market share of 13% this February. The company sold 5549 units, combining both domestic and exports sales against a figure of 4372 units, sold in February 2016. The export division of the company has achieved an outstanding growth of 153% by achieving a figure of 1060 units sold compared to 418 units in February 2016.  The company’s commitment to build a strong relationship with its customers has helped to maintain a healthy growth trajectory. ITL has sold 4489 units in the domestic market in February 2017, as compared to 3954 units, in the same month last year. They have registered a growth of 13.5%. To provide the customer with ergonomically advanced products, has helped the company to grow to 27%, in their international business from April 2016 to February 2017.

Raman Mittal, Executive Director-Sonalika ITL shared that we are truly delighted with a growth figure of 26.9%. Company have registered highest market share of 13%, and this all because of our continued commitment to providing the best our products to the farmers, that is most suited to their needs. Our brand initiatives, market strategies and after sale services have helped us to maintain our growth trajectory. Our month on month growth is a testimony to our continued efforts in providing the best available experience to our customers through products and services with complete high-end technical solutions.

Placing India on the world map Sonalika ITL is marketing its products in over 80 countries, including 25 European countries with product range from 20HP to 120HP, which are manufactured in India. Sonalika ITL has established, one of the world’s largest integrated tractor manufacturing plant equipped with world-class technologies at Hoshiarpur, Punjab. The new plant will provide a complete agricultural solution to cater to the needs of the global and domestic markets, matching international standards in quality.

Scottish Golfer Duncan Stewart Scores Hole-in-One in Hero Indian Open India:Drives Home BMW M3

By Tricitynews Reporter

Gurugram15^th March:- BMW awarded a BMW M3 to Duncan Stewart from Scotland, who scored a Hole-in-One in the Hero Indian Open tournament. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW India handed over the keys of the BMW M3 to Duncan Stewart at a Hole-in-One prize distribution ceremony held on the Gary Players Course at DLF Golf and Country Club on 11 March 2017.

The hole-in-one challenge is an extraordinarily tempting offer, but one that most pros have yet to take up. To win the BMW M3, the criteria was to meet two important conditions: first, the golfer must score a hole-in-one; and second, it must be on the specific hole where the BMW M3 was to be awarded as the prize.

Duncan Stewart struck the third Hole-in-One of his professional golf career with a six-iron from 178 yards on the par-three fifth hole at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said that BMW is driven by passion and excellence, the inherent qualities of a winner. BMW celebrates its passion for golf sport by promoting professional and amateur tournaments across breathtaking golf courses. Across the globe, BMW’s association with golf has been a long-standing one and we are delighted to present the sport and its many valuable attributes to a broader audience.

The BMW M3 embodies a blend of motor sport genes and uncompromised everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept. This high-performance sports car sets new standards in terms of overall concept, precision and agility. The design language reflects a harmonious interplay of sportiness and elegance while the beautiful craftsmanship and premium materials create an exclusive ambience in the interior making every drive of BMW M3 a journey of discovery for all the senses. Power, responsiveness and revving ability characterize the sheer driving pleasure of the BMW M3.