Chandigarh: “Stroke is emerging as the new epidemic worldwide with 1.5 to 2 million new stroke cases being reported across the globe every year. The reason for increased incidence in India, which accounts for 60 % of all stroke patients globally is lack of awareness about the disease per se and the methods of prevention,” said Dr Vineet Saggar, Senior Neurosurgeon, Livasa Hospital, Mohali.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Saggar, said that stroke remains a silent epidemic despite it being responsible for more deaths annually than those caused by AIDS, TB and malaria.

Dr Pradeep Sharma, Neurologist, said that now with a new mechanical thrombectomy technique the stroke patients can be treated in selected cases till 24 hours. In this technique the clot is either aspirated or taken out of the brain with the help of a stent without opening the brain.

Dr Jaspreet Randhawa, Neurosurgeon said,” Recently the American Stroke Association has also modified its guidelines and has recommended mechanical thrombectomy treatment for stroke patients. Thus, it is very important to be aware of the hospitals which can offer these treatments. Merely reaching the hospitals is not enough, one needs to reach a stroke ready hospital,”

Dr Swati Garg, Neurologist said, “In Indian cities including metro cities, only 3% of the eligible stroke patients receive thromboembolic drugs to remove clotting as they are brought to hospital on time. The rest are paralyzed as they are brought in late to super specialty hospitals and cannot be administered clot buster drugs,”

Thus, the stroke patient needs to rush to a hospital with comprehensive stroke care, a multidisciplinary team of emergency physicians, neurologists, interventional neuro-radiologists, neurosurgeons, anesthetists and critical care physicians, Dr Jaslovleen Kaur, neurologist, maintained.

Tips to prevent brain strokes:

1. Maintain blood pressure

2. Maintain optimum weight

3. Exercise more

4. Drink alcohol in moderation

5. Take a baby aspirin

6. Maintain diabetes

7. Quit smoking

8. Be Aware about stroke

9. Maintain healthy BMI and hips to waist ratio

Chandigarh: Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday jointly unveiled the coffee table book titled ‘Haryana Raj Bhavan – Ek Drishti’ at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.  Dattatraya highlighted the significance of the book, stating that this publication serves as a lasting testament to the values, heritage, and traditions that Haryana stands for, connecting our citizens with the state’s administrative and cultural legacy. Saini praised the Coffee Table book as an important achievement that encapsulates the spirit of Haryana’s rich cultural ethos and the Raj Bhavan’s pivotal role in governance. This commemorative book captures the architectural grandeur of the Haryana Raj Bhavan, cultural events of the state and important programmes attended and addressed by Dattatraya.

Chandigarh, October 25: Haryana Chief Secretary Dr. TVSN Prasad chaired the 21st meeting of the Standing Committee of the Northern Zonal Council today at Hotel Lalit, Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Sh. K. Moses Chalai, Secretary of the Inter State Council Secretariat (ISCS), Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh Sh. Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary of Rajasthan Sh. Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary of Punjab Sh. KAP Sinha, and senior officers from the participating States, Union Territories (UTs), and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Participating states included Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, along with the UTs of Ladakh, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Various important matters discussed in the meeting of NZC held under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister  Sh Amit Shah at Amritsar last year were also discussed in the meeting.

Councils facilitate discussions on a wide range of issues, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation

In his welcome address, Dr. Prasad highlighted the importance of Zonal Councils in promoting cooperative federalism, which empowers states and enhances coordination between the Centre and the states within the policy framework. He said that these councils facilitate discussions on a wide range of issues, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the Zonal Council meetings enable a coordinated approach to address critical social and economic development issues. This collaborative environment aids in resolving pending matters amicably between the Centre and the states, as well as among the participating states, and allows them to share and adopt best practices.

Dr. Prasad  invited participants to explore Rakhigarhi and to visit the holy land of Kurukshetra

Dr. Prasad also expressed pride in Haryana’s rich cultural heritage, inviting participants to explore Rakhigarhi in district Hisar, the site of one of the oldest civilizations, and to visit the holy land of Kurukshetra, where Lord Krishna delivered the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Speedy investigation of cases of rape and sexual offences  against women and children

The meeting also stressed upon the need of speedy investigation of cases of rape and sexual offences  against women and children. The Government in 2018 approved the Criminal Law ( Amendment ) Act 2018 prescribing stringent provisions for sexual offences including award of death penalty in the rape of a girl below the age of 12 years of age. In order to ensure compliance to the two months timeline for completion of investigation under the the Criminal Law ( Amendment ) Act 2018, advisories are being issued to all the States, UTs along with compliance reports urging them for hundred percent compliance in order for the effective implementation of the Act, the measures to strengthen investigation and prosecution machinery will instill a sense of security amongst women.

Several important inter-state issues discussed

Several inter state issues were also discussed in the meeting including need for neighbouring states to shift to cleaner fuels such as piped natural gas in their industries, complete ban on manufacturing, storage, sale ( including delivery through online marketing platforms) and bursting of all kinds of crackers in NCR , vehicular pollution control : BS VI vehicles registration and electric vehicle promotion and discourage entry of non-destined truck into Delhi.

A total of 69 issues were discussed in the 21st meeting of the Standing Committee of Northern Zonal  Council. Out of these several issues have been identified as important topics at the national level, these are being regularly discussed and monitored in the meetings of various zonal councils. These included Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana , effective implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer for Social Security Schemes, addressing malnutrition among girl children through Poshan Abhiyan, dropout rate of school children, Sahakar-se-Samriddhi, good practices of States and UTs,  improving banking services in rural areas, speedy investigation of  cases regarding rape and sexual offences against women and children and setting up of fast track court for such cases.

States/UT shared best practices

During the meeting, the participating states and UTs gave presentations on the good practices adopted by them. From Rajasthan, Special Secretary Planning Anupama Jorwal  gave presentation on Smart shift from paper to pixel and Rajasthan Jan Aadhar Yojna, from Chandigarh SP Head Quarter Chandigarh Ketan Bansal on Implementation of New Criminal Laws, from Haryana Additional Chief Secretary Raja Shekhar Vundru on AHD Department ,  Dr Saket Kumar on Energy Department and Amneet P Kumar on WCD Haryana.

From Himachal Pradesh Secretary Ashish Singhmar gave presentation on Child Protection Schemes and Director Fisheries Vivek Chandel on Trout Fish Farming in Cages, a new step towards blue revolution, from Ladakh Sajad Mufti on India’s first dark sky reserve ‘Hanle’ and from Punjab Ajoy Sharma gave presentation on Door Step Service Delivery, Barnala Pahunch and Future Tycoons.

In his closing remarks Chief Secretary Dr. TVSN Prasad praised the innovative practices shared by the states, emphasizing that the meeting served as an excellent platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Vote of thanx was presented by Special  Secretary Monitoring and Coordination Dr Priyanka Soni .

Chandigarh: The MSME credit access in India is only 14%, whereas it stands at 72% in the U.S. and between 40-50% in other countries. Hence, expanding credit by empowering MSMEs is crucial. This was stated by Rajat Chopra, Founder and CEO of BankersKlub, during a press conference here today.

He provided insights into the innovative FinTech platform, BankersKlub, explaining how they are working to bring a transformation in the financial advisory field with the help of experienced bankers.

He shared plans to expand into northern Indian states and central regions like Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, with the leadership of the organization’s first co-partner, Rajiv Puri, a seasoned banking expert and former Executive Director of the Central Bank of India. BankersKlub is strengthening its regional efforts with a goal of engaging more than 1,000 bankers in these regions. Under its expansion plans, the organization has opened a new branch office in Chandigarh, located in Sector 17. The operations for this region will be run from this office. Through the assistance of qualified former bankers, the company will offer numerous strategic corporate financial advisory services and solutions to small businesses, MSMEs, and startups.

Rajiv Puri brings deep experience in the banking sector, having held significant positions in PNB and Central Bank. He will now contribute his expertise to BankersKlub. Born in Punjab, Puri has a strong local network and deep understanding of northern India’s market. He will drive growth in markets like Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal.

The new office in Chandigarh will strengthen the growing network in northern India, ensuring smooth operations. With Rajiv Puri’s leadership and broad network, we are now well-positioned in this emerging business hub and will directly engage with local corporates, MSMEs, and the startup ecosystem.

Rajiv Puri, Director and Co-Partner at BankersKlub, expressed his excitement at being part of BankersKlub’s mission to bridge the gap between experienced banking professionals and growing businesses in India. He stated that with the Chandigarh office, they will be able to provide customized financial advisory services and strengthen their ties with industries in northern India. Leveraging decades of banking experience, they will help businesses seize growth opportunities, improve their financial standing, and face financial challenges more effectively. As a co-partner, Puri is eager to advance this mission and contribute to BankersKlub’s expansion across the country.

Rajat Chopra emphasized that capital availability for enterprises can only be provided by expanding into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where there is a lack of awareness about funding opportunities, transaction flow, and available financial facilities. At BankersKlub, the aim is to act as a catalyst in bridging the gap between capital providers and those in need of capital in smaller cities.

BankersKlub offers services in debt and equity fundraising, debt restructuring, international expansion, NPA resolution, mergers and acquisitions, MSME advisory, regulatory compliance, and more. It contributes not only to financing but also to the broader economic development in the region. The platform’s goal of reutilizing human capital aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, aiming to boost GDP through the expertise of Indian advisors for corporates in both domestic and international markets.

The startup plans to engage over 1,000 bankers on its platform by March 2025, incorporating retired bankers from across India. The platform is rapidly expanding and is establishing its presence in key business centers, offering its services to MSMEs and the corporate ecosystem.

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Administration on Monday launched an 8-day awareness campaign, inaugurated by Rajiv Verma, Adviser to UT Administrator at the UT Secretariat. The campaign focuses on eliminating beggary in the city and promoting a more compassionate way of supporting those in needs. Various departments are actively participating in this drive. The Department of Police, in collaboration with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit and the Union Territory Child Protection Unit, will conduct rescue operations. The Department of Excise will increase vigilance in market areas to curb street begging and exploitation. The Department of School Education will raise awareness across schools to educate children on the social implications of beggary. Additionally, NSS volunteers will engage the public through flash mobs to spread awareness and discourage giving alms. Citizens are encouraged to contribute by donating winter essentials such as new socks, gloves, shoes, mufflers, scarves, and school supplies at designated ‘Neki ki Deewar’ locations: Nari Niketan, Sector 26; Old Age Homes, Sectors 15 and 43; and Snehalaya, Sector 39, from 21st to 28th October 2024.

The Adviser to Administrator urged the citizens of Chandigarh not to give alms to beggars and not to buy things from children on roads, traffic signals and round abouts so as to curb problems of begging, child trafficking and child labour. He further said that the donations made at the designated ‘Neki Ki Deewar’ locations would bring happiness in the lives of needy women, children and senior citizens. Sh. Rajiv Verma also urged the citizens that such acts of benevolence may be captured on camera and selfie be posted on social media, tagging the Social Welfare Department, UT Chandigarh with hashtag ‘Beggar free Chandigarh”. He said that let us all come forward to make the City Beautiful as beggar free city.

This campaign has been initiated by the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Chandigarh Administration. Present during the occasion were Anuradha Chagti, Secretary Social Welfare, Ajay Chagti, Secretary Health and Prerna Puri, Secretary Education along with other officials of Chandigarh Administration.

Chandigarh : Indo-Pak relations need a fresh renewal to nourish the bonds of neighbourhood as much as to reignite the spirit of cultural and social affinity, said Rahul Singh, director of the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival here today.

Talking to the media persons to deliver his curtain-raiser address for the 13th edition of the Litfest that takes off from Oct 18 in Kasauli, Rahul said there was an urgent need to revive people-to-people contact between the two Punjabs.

Recalling an epic novel, Train to Pakistan, that his father Khuswant Singh wrote, Rahul said the thaw between India and Pakistan can be broken by rebuilding cultural and social ties.

The 13th Edition of the Khushwant Singh Litfest takes off from Oct 18 to 20, 2024 to celebrate the ideas and values that celebrated writer, litterateur and journalist, Khushwant Singh, cherished.

This time the theme of the Litfest is ‘Resilience and Renewal’   which  resonates deeply with the times we live in. The last few years, as we all know, have been a tribute to the enduring human spirit, its ability to adapt,overcome and flourish among challenges, said Rahul Singh.

The KSLF is basically a celebration of literature with a niche for Punjab and Punjabi ethos to pay tribute to the values and vision of accomplished writer Khushwant Singh.

As usual this year’s Litfest also promises to have a remarkable gathering of literary minds, cultural voices, and thought leaders.

The galaxy of speakers taking part in the Litfest would include William Dalrymple, Imtiaz Ali,Arundhathi Subramaniam ( one of the finest poets writing in India today), L. Subramaniuam (God of Indian violin),Amitabh Kant, Anindya Roy, Devdutt Pattanai, and Manish Tiwari., MP.

Since this can only flourish with  corporate assistance, Rahul expressed gratitude to the Vianaar group, which is into eco-friendly homes, much keeping in tune with the green fest, would be an integral part of the Litfest. It’s an outstanding group that has excelled in redefining the eco friendly second home concept across the country.

He underlined that the corporate assistance was very integral to carry forward the flavour of art and literature in the society

Sheetal Chadha, Director (Sales), Vianaar group echoed the thematic similarities that the KSLF and the Vianaar group shares for eco-friendly commitment and child education.

Background

The Khushwant Singh literary festival (KSLF) began 13 years ago in the tiny hill station of Kasauli, where Khushwant Singh would articulate his ideas and vision in his villa here.

Khushwant Singh was the most widely read English columnist in India, with several of his newspaper columns syndicated across some twenty publications all over India, translated into 17 Indian languages, as well as a hundred and fifty books, fiction and non-fiction.

The Litfest  has been  a meeting of minds to celebrate the power of ideas that can transform our lives. And raise awareness for causes he believed in. Ranging from women’s roles in society to improving Indo-Pak ties and saving the environment.

The KSLF is a not-for-profit as earnings from the Festival are ploughed back into preservation of Kasauli and its environs, as well as education of the girl child.

The Khushwant Singh Litfest London began as a pop-up in 2018 when we were invited there by the Indian High Commission. Subsequently King’s College invited us over to their campus in 2019 as Khushwant Singh was an alumnus there. Over the last couple of years SOAS has had us over.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi, commenting on the exit polls for the Haryana Assembly elections, said on Sunday that a wave of support for Congress is sweeping through the state and the public is against BJP. 

“If Congress wins 70 to 75 seats, I wouldn’t be surprised,” said the Congress leader further adding that wherever the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power, it exploits religion and plays the Hindu-Muslim card.

“The BJP has no concern for development or addressing public issues, it has ruled Haryana for 10 years, but they haven’t done any significant work,” alleged the Congress leader.

Regarding the Chief Ministerial candidate for Haryana, Rashid Alvi said, “Congress never decides on a CM face before the elections. The elected members will give their recommendations, and based on their input, the party will decide who will become the Chief Minister.”

Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Prime Minister Modi, the Congress leader remarked, “The BJP’s Chief Ministers and Governors continuously undermine the Constitution. One Governor claims that secularism is a foreign concept, yet they take an oath on this very Constitution. In Gujarat, bulldozers are used in defiance of Supreme Court orders. Is this not tampering with the Constitution? The BJP shows no respect for the country or the Constitution.”

On the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative and former President Ram Nath Kovind’s comments, Alvi stated, “Former President said it would not violate the Constitution. If that’s the case, why is there a need to amend the Constitution? The government is already talking about making amendments in the upcoming winter session. If an amendment is required, it implies that the Constitution needs to be altered to accommodate this.”

“The government has no clear blueprint for this initiative; it’s all guesswork. Such moves are a mockery of both the Constitution and democracy,” he added.

Commenting on the Shimla High Court’s decision to demolish parts of a mosque deemed unauthorised, the Congress leader remarked, “If the mosque is unauthorised and has not been regularised, then the court’s decision should be accepted. However, if regularisation is possible, it would be better to go that route. The mosque’s representatives have already expressed willingness to comply with the court’s order.”

On Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s proposal to include Kannada as a business language, Rashid Alvi said, “Every language deserves respect, and the entire nation should honour that. India is a vast country with diverse languages and religions. It is our collective responsibility to keep India united. Unfortunately, the BJP neither respects other religions nor other languages. They are on a path that seeks to divide the country.”

Reacting to the tragic incident in West Bengal where a 4-year-old girl was raped and murdered, the Congress leader called it “extremely unfortunate.” He added, “Such incidents cause immense pain, but this is not limited to Bengal. In Amethi, people are being attacked in their own homes. Why doesn’t the BJP discuss those incidents? There is no law and order in the state where the BJP governs. However, if such a crime has occurred in Bengal, strict action must be taken against the culprits.”

Lastly, responding to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comments on Hindu unity, Alvi expressed surprise, saying, “On one hand, the RSS chief claims that everyone in the country is a Hindu, but on the other hand, they talk about religious unity. What exactly is their ideology? What do they want? They say everyone in India has the same DNA but then issue statements like this.”

He further added that it reveals their true intentions, using religion for political gain, consolidating one community to keep power in the BJP’s hands. Which is against the Constitution. AGENCIES