Category Archives: Haryana

Aakash Education Services Limited launches Aakash INVICTUS – Engineering 2.0

Chandigarh, October 8, 2026: Aakash Education Services Limited (AESL), one of India’s leading test-preparation providers, has announced the launch of Aakash INVICTUS – Engineering 2.0, strengthening its engineering preparation ecosystem with a performance-driven academic architecture designed to create a structured pathway for students preparing for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT and State CETs.

Speaking on the launch, Mr Chandra Sekhar Reddy Garisa, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said: “Aakash INVICTUS – Engineering 2.0 has been built by our best teachers, the people with decades of experience in producing top ranks year after year. They rebuilt our curriculum, rewrote our books, and redesigned our testing mechanism from the ground up. We first ran the programme at select centres, and the results in JEE 2026 have been remarkable. Today, we are bringing Aakash INVICTUS to every student at every Aakash branch in India, starting with our existing students. We believe this system will help our students achieve their best possible ranks in JEE Advanced, JEE Main, BITSAT and state engineering exams, and we are confident that JEE 2027 and 2028 will be the best results in the history of Aakash.”

A 360-degree preparation experience, Aakash INVICTUS – Engineering 2.0 brings together six key pillars across the student’s academic journey. The unique aspects of INVICTUS include an Outcome-Focused Academic Approach, where every class, practice session and revision cycle is aligned to improving performance in competitive examinations; a Rank-Proven Faculty Team with extensive experience in preparing students for JEE and other engineering entrance examinations; Scientifically Designed & Research-Backed Study Material, rewritten by the academic team using learning science and detailed research into examination patterns to take students from fundamental concepts to advanced problems; Intelligent Testing & Deep Analysis, with a redesigned testing mechanism focused on the frequency, depth and rigour of assessments and providing students with a clear understanding of their strengths and learning gaps; a Transparent Growth Map that enables students and parents to track progress and understand the pathway towards their academic goals; and Mentorship & an Ecosystem Beyond the Classroom, encompassing JoSAA counselling guidance, doubt support and personalised academic guidance to help students stay on track throughout their preparation.

As part of the national launch, Aakash INVICTUS also introduces four focused batches — Ace, Achiever, Accelerator and Apex. Each batch is designed as an equally strong pathway, shaped around different learning styles and student aspirations, with the common objective of helping every student realise their maximum potential in a structured and stress-free manner.

The rollout covers all Aakash branches across India and begins immediately. Existing Aakash students will be the first to transition to the INVICTUS system, followed by new students joining the organisation. Branches will also conduct orientation sessions for students and parents to provide a detailed understanding of the programme and its academic framework.

Pkl doc represented India in 7th World Union of Wound Healing Societies Cong

Panchkula: Dr RK Batra, Associate Director of Surgery at Park Hospital Panchkula, represented India in the 7th World Union of Wound Healing Societies Congress 2026, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.
Often described as the ‘Wound Olympics’, this flagship global gathering marked the 25th Silver Jubilee of the organization and brought together over 5,000 clinicians, researchers, and policymakers from more than 100 countries.
The Congress focused on accelerating the global formal recognition of wound care as an official medical specialty under the theme- Global paradigm shift: wound care specialty and recognition.

Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan Meets Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Chandigarh, October 2

Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi on Thursday evening. The two presiding officers held detailed discussions on the Samvidhan Pakhwada (Constitution Fortnight) to be organised by the Haryana Legislative Assembly in November, besides various legislative and parliamentary matters.

Speaker Harvinder Kalyan briefed Om Birla about the programmes proposed to be organised by the Haryana Legislative Assembly during Pakhwada and invited him to attend the programme. The Lok Sabha Speaker consented to participate in the programme. He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in creating greater awareness about the Constitution and further strengthening democratic institutions and parliamentary traditions.

The two presiding officers also discussed various aspects of the functioning of legislatures, parliamentary practices and legislative business, as well as ways to create greater public awareness about these subjects.

Speaker Harvinder Kalyan also shared his experiences of the recently concluded 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa. He briefed the Lok Sabha Speaker about the deliberations held during the conference on the functioning of parliaments in different countries, parliamentary procedures and issues concerning democratic institutions.
Harvinder Kalyan said presiding officers have an important role to play in strengthening parliamentary democracy. He said continuous dialogue and exchange of experiences among different legislatures help in making parliamentary functioning more effective.

Later, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan also met Union Minister and Karnal MP Manohar Lal during his visit to Delhi. Discussions were held on development works in Haryana, particularly various regional development projects related to the Karnal area. They also discussed matters concerning the progress of development projects and the future requirements of the region.

Paddy and Bajra Not Being Procured in Mandis; Farmers Distressed: Hooda

Rohtak, September 27

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has demanded the immediate commencement of paddy procurement. He said while the arrival of paddy and Bajra is in full swing at the mandis, the failure to start government procurement is forcing farmers to sell their crops at rates up to ₹400 per quintal lower than expected
“Farmers are being deprived not only of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) but also of basic amenities in the mandis.

The government has not made proper arrangements for storing the crop, no weighing scales, and no provisions made for lifting or handling the produce. To make matters worse, the government has once again imposed limits, forcing farmers to endure long waits,” he said.
Hooda addressed the public today in the villages of Nandal, Chiri, Katwara, Khidwali, Ghuskani, Jindran, and Titauli in his constituency. Upon his arrival, people accorded him a rousing welcome and pledged their full support for the upcoming struggle against the BJP. Hooda expressed his gratitude to everyone and affirmed that this struggle would certainly yield results.
Speaking on the occasion, Hooda noted that the BJP had come to power promising farmers a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy. Yet today, farmers’ paddy is being sold in the mandis at rates even lower than the MSP, as the government has neither initiated procurement nor honored its election pledge.

He asserted that the BJP ascended to power by making false promises and stealing votes. “This is precisely why the government has completely lost the public’s confidence. Today, every section of society in the state is disillusioned with this government and is taking to the streets to fight for their rights,” he stated.
“Farmers are agitating for MSP, the youth for employment, women for safety, employees for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), contract workers for job security, and athletes for dignity and respect. However, the BJP, blinded by the arrogance of power, is ignoring them all,” he added.

Hooda Demands Immediate Commencement of Paddy Procurement

Rohtak: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday demanded the immediate commencement of paddy procurement. He said while the arrival of paddy and Bajra is in full swing at the mandis, the failure to start government procurement is forcing farmers to sell their crops at rates up to Rs 400 per quintal lower than expected. “Farmers are being deprived not only of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) but also of basic amenities in the mandis. The government has not made proper arrangements for storing the crop, no weighing scales, and no provisions made for lifting or handling the produce. To make matters worse, the government has once again imposed limits, forcing farmers to endure long waits,” he said in a statement.

Hooda addressed the public today in the villages of Nandal, Chiri, Katwara, Khidwali, Ghuskani, Jindran, and Titauli in his constituency. Upon his arrival, people accorded him a rousing welcome and pledged their full support for the upcoming struggle against the BJP. Hooda expressed his gratitude to everyone and affirmed that this struggle would certainly yield results.

Speaking on the occasion, Hooda noted that the BJP had come to power promising farmers a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy. Yet today, farmers’ paddy is being sold in the mandis at rates even lower than the MSP, as the government has neither initiated procurement nor honored its election pledge.

He asserted that the BJP ascended to power by making false promises and stealing votes. “This is precisely why the government has completely lost the public’s confidence. Today, every section of society in the state is disillusioned with this government and is taking to the streets to fight for their rights,” he stated.

“Farmers are agitating for MSP, the youth for employment, women for safety, employees for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), contract workers for job security, and athletes for dignity and respect. However, the BJP, blinded by the arrogance of power, is ignoring them all,” he added.

CM Flags Off ‘Drug-Free Haryana Faridabad Namo Marathon-2026’ at Surajkund

Chandigarh, September 27- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday flagged off the ‘Drug-Free Haryana Faridabad Namo Marathon-2026’ from the historic Surajkund, with more than 1.35 lakh people participating in the mega event and raising a collective voice against drugs.

Addressing the participants, the Chief Minister said, “A resounding voice against drugs has risen from the land of Faridabad through the Namo Marathon today.” He said that the steps taken forward in the marathon were not merely a run on the roads, but were carrying forward Haryana’s collective consciousness and resolve against drugs.

More than 1.35 lakh people registered for the grand marathon organised in Faridabad, and almost all the registered participants reached the venue to take part in the event. The massive participation transformed Surajkund into a magnificent reflection of the collective resolve for a drug-free society. Since early morning, the enthusiasm of youth, women, senior citizens, sportspersons, students and people from different sections of society was clearly visible at the venue.

The event went beyond a marathon and emerged as a broad public message of de-addiction, fitness, healthy lifestyle, youth power, social unity and nation-building. A large number of young people participated in the marathon with great enthusiasm, conveying the message of staying away from drugs and channelising their energy in a positive direction. The notable participation of women and senior citizens further underlined that the fight against drugs is not the resolve of any one section, but a shared commitment of the entire society.

*Different Distances, One Destination—Drug-Free Haryana*

Participants took part in different categories of the marathon covering 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres and 5 kilometres. The distance was different, the pace varied and the participants belonged to different age groups, but the destination was the same for everyone—Drug-Free Haryana.

The Chief Minister showered flower petals on the participants and encouraged them. He said that Haryana’s identity is defined by hard work, medals and valour. The youth of Haryana are known not for drugs, but for their hard work, talent and dedication towards their goals. He called upon the youth to firmly say ‘No’ to drugs.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that drugs not only weaken the body, but also snatch away dreams, affect families and hollow out society. He called upon the youth to channelise their energy and talent not into drugs, but into sports, education, skills, employment, innovation and nation-building.

*Surajkund Echoes with Chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’*

During the marathon, the Surajkund complex was imbued with a strong spirit of patriotism and social resolve. The entire atmosphere echoed with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. The countless steps moving forward together conveyed the message of a healthy society, drug-free youth and a strong nation.

The Chief Minister said that the day’s run was not merely a race to move forward on the road, but a run to advance social awareness against drugs. He extended his greetings to every runner, sportsperson, student, daughter and volunteer participating in the event.

*Chief Minister Administers Pledge for a Drug-Free Society*

During the programme, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini administered a pledge to the large number of participants present, urging them to stay away from drugs and play their role in building a drug-free society. The participants pledged that they would themselves stay away from drugs and also motivate their family members, friends and other people in society to stay away from drugs.

The collective pledge transformed the Namo Marathon from merely a sporting event into a major campaign for social change and public awareness.

The Chief Minister said that the fight against drugs is not the responsibility of the government or the police alone. It is a collective fight involving every household, every school and every village. He urged parents and teachers to maintain open and regular communication with children.

*Call to Transform Youth Energy into the Power of Nation-Building*

The Chief Minister said that youth is the greatest strength of any nation. Therefore, it is essential to protect youth power from the grip of drugs and channelise their energy towards nation-building. He called upon young people to take up sports, adopt a healthy lifestyle and work hard to achieve their goals.

He said that the youth of Haryana have always brought glory to the State and the country on the sporting field. If the State’s youth power remains away from drugs and channels its energy into positive activities, Haryana will achieve new heights of development.

*Message of Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle Also Delivered*

The Faridabad Namo Marathon delivered a strong message of fitness and healthy lifestyle along with the message of de-addiction. The participation of people from different age groups demonstrated that age is no barrier to living a healthy life.

The enthusiasm of youth, participation of women and active involvement of senior citizens emerged as special features of the event. Through the marathon, people conveyed the message of adopting regular exercise, physical activity and a positive lifestyle.

*De-Addiction Message Linked with Seva Sankalp Abhiyan*

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the inspiration for service and resolve comes from Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. To mark the completion of 25 years of Prime Minister’s public service, the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ is being organised from September 17 to October 17. As part of this campaign, the message of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ is being taken to the people. The Faridabad Namo Marathon is a strong link in this chain of service, resolve and social awareness.

He said that the message of de-addiction is being taken to every district and village of the State through ‘Haryana Uday’. If any family requires assistance related to drug addiction, it should not hesitate to seek help. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of courage.

*Participation of Over 1.35 Lakh People Creates a New Chapter of Collective Resolve*

The registration of more than 1.35 lakh people for the Faridabad Namo Marathon, with almost all registered participants reaching the venue, became a testimony to the enthusiasm and widespread public participation in the event.

The coming together of such a large number of people with a common objective was the most significant feature of the marathon. Every participant moved forward carrying three clear messages: distance from drugs, proximity to health and participation in nation-building.

The event brought sports, fitness, social awareness and public participation together on one platform and helped take the message of de-addiction to a wider section of society.

*Faridabad Namo Marathon Emerges as an Event with Notable Public Participation at the National Level*

The Chief Minister said that the manner in which every section of society participated in the Faridabad Namo Marathon was special in itself. More than 1.35 lakh registrations, near-complete participation, a large presence of youth, and enthusiastic participation by women and senior citizens have made the event notable for its wide public participation.

He said that the marathon is not merely a one-day event, but the message emerging from it will continue to inspire society in the times to come to stay away from drugs, adopt a healthy lifestyle and contribute to nation-building.

*Resolve to Move from a Drug-Free Haryana towards a Developed India*

The Chief Minister said that the resolve for a Drug-Free Haryana is not limited merely to giving up drugs. Its broader objective is to make the youth healthy, educated, capable, self-reliant and responsible citizens. When the youth of the State remain healthy and channelise their energy into constructive activities, it will strengthen the goal of a Developed India.

He said that protecting youth power from drugs and connecting it with sports, education, skills, employment and nation-building is a priority responsibility of both the government and society.

Calling for a collective resolve, the Chief Minister said, “We will neither consume drugs ourselves nor allow anyone else to do so. We will channel the energy of our youth not into drugs, but into nation-building. A drug-free Haryana is our resolve, a healthy Haryana is our identity, and a developed India is our goal.”

The Chief Minister said that the real success of the event would be when the voice for de-addiction raised from Faridabad reaches every district, every village and every household of Haryana. ‘Nasha nahi, ab sapnon ka ujala hoga—Hamara Haryana, Nashamukt Haryana hoga’, he said.

*Prashant Chaudhary Wins Men’s 21.1-Km Event; Vikram Singh Finishes First Runner-Up*

Participants delivered impressive performances in various events of the ‘Drug-Free Haryana Faridabad Namo Marathon-2026’. In the 21.1-kilometre men’s category Prashant Chaudhary emerged as the winner, Vikram Singh secured the first runner-up position, while Anuj Meena finished as the second runner-up.

In the 21.1-kilometre women’s category, Sonika emerged as the winner, while Manav Rana secured the first runner-up position and Bhumika finished as the second runner-up.

In the 10-kilometre men’s category, Rohit Kumar emerged as the winner, Gaurav secured the first runner-up position and Nishant Karhana finished as the second runner-up. Similarly, in the 10-kilometre women’s category, Neeru Rani secured the first position, Sonia Upadhyay finished as the first runner-up and Reema Patel secured the second runner-up position.

Union Minister Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sh. Vipul Goel, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Minister of State for Sports Sh.Gaurav Gautam, Ballabhgarh MLA Sh. Mool Chand Sharma, Badkhal MLA Sh. Dhanesh Adlakha, Faridabad NIT MLA Sh. Satish Kumar Phagna and Media Advisor to  Chief Minister Sh. Rajeev Jaitly, along with several other dignitaries, public representatives, sportspersons, youth, women, senior citizens and a large number of citizens, were present on the occasion.

From Skills to Market: Initiative to Connect Women Entrepreneurs with National and International Markets

Chandigarh, August 21: A women entrepreneurship programme under the banner of ‘Desi Craving’ was organised on Friday at Himachal Bhawan, Sector 28, Chandigarh. Around 50 women entrepreneurs and women associated with Self-Help Groups from various districts of Haryana participated in the event, showcasing their products and sharing their inspiring success stories. Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan was the chief guest.

Congratulating the organisers of ‘Desi Craving’, Harvinder Kalyan said there was a need to equip women working at the district level and in villages and towns across the state with modern skills in entrepreneurship, packaging, marketing and sales. He said women should be trained in a manner that enables them to take their products to national as well as international markets on their own.

He said women in rural areas possess immense talent and create high-quality products, but often lack access to proper packaging, branding, marketing and market-related knowledge. Such initiatives, he said, can play an important role in empowering women, making them self-reliant and connecting their products with larger markets.

Senior Chandigarh BJP leader Sanjay Tandon was also present on the occasion. He personally visited almost every woman entrepreneur at the venue, interacted with them and enquired about their products. He also discussed the quality of the products, the process of making them and their marketing and sales.

Tandon was so impressed by the products and the talent of the participating women that he called his wife and daughter-in-law on the spot and invited them to visit the venue so that they could personally see the products and learn about the work being done by the women entrepreneurs.

Women entrepreneurs who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of food processing and food products were felicitated during the programme. The top three participants were also provided financial incentives. The participants were given information about product marketing, increasing sales and availing benefits under various government schemes.

Desi Craving founder Ruchita Bansal and NITI Aayog’s Anna Rai said the programme was organised under the patronage of Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhary, with the guidance of NITI Aayog.

Speaker Harvinder Kalyan Reviews Preparations for Monsoon Session

Chandigarh, August 20

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan on Thursday reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha at a meeting with senior officers of the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. He reviewed various arrangements related to the session in detail and issued necessary directions to the officials.

The Speaker said that all preparations should be undertaken with utmost seriousness and responsibility, keeping in view the dignity of the House and the smooth conduct of its proceedings. He directed all branches of the Secretariat to discharge their respective responsibilities in a time-bound manner and ensure that all arrangements are fully in place before the commencement of the session.

“Small improvements lead to big changes,” Kalyan said, stressing that every officer and employee should have clarity about their respective responsibilities. “Our endeavour should be to make every session better than the previous one. We must live up to the expectations placed on us in our capacity as the custodians of the House,” he said.

The Speaker directed the officials to review all arrangements well in advance to ensure that members, media personnel and visitors do not face any inconvenience during the session. He laid particular emphasis on close coordination among different branches and departments and directed officials to identify potential requirements beforehand and ensure their timely resolution.

He also stressed that Vidhan Sabha employees should maintain courteous and dignified conduct while dealing with members and visitors.

Kalyan said there should be no scope for negligence or shortcomings at any level in the preparations for the session. All officers should accord priority to their respective responsibilities so that the proceedings of the House are conducted smoothly and uninterruptedly as per the scheduled programme.

The Haryana Government has announced that the Monsoon Session of the Vidhan Sabha will commence on August 27. In view of the session, preparations have been intensified at various levels in the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.

Vidhan Sabha Secretary Dr. Virendra Kumar Dahiya, Advisor to the Speaker Ram Narayan Yadav and several other senior officers were present at the meeting.

82% of Indians Have Damaged Their Smartphone. Only 1 in 15 Protects It.

Chandigarh:

OneAssist, India’s highest-rated InsurTech platform, today unveiled findings from its latest consumer insights report, The Great Indian Smartphone Protection Crisis commissioned in collaboration with Hansa Research, a full-service global market research agency. The report examines smartphone usage, accidental damage and protection adoption across India.

The report highlights a growing disconnect between consumers’ increasing dependence on smartphones and their relatively low adoption of protection plans, despite frequent accidental damage, rising device costs and longer ownership cycles.

As smartphones become central to how Indians work, bank, shop, communicate and entertain themselves, they have also become one of consumers’ most valuable everyday assets. With smartphone prices continuing to rise and consumers holding on to their devices for longer, the financial impact of accidental damage and repairs has become increasingly significant.

Yet, accidental damage remains commonplace. The study found that 82% of consumers have accidentally dropped their smartphone at least once, while 72% have experienced accidental damage. Accidental drops and screen damage emerged among the common causes of damage, reflecting the everyday risks associated with prolonged and frequent smartphone usage. The emotional dimension of damage is equally significant: 35% of Indians panicked immediately after dropping their phone, 24% fought with someone over the incident, and 15% cancelled plans as a direct result of device damage. Among women, the panic response is sharper with 43% reported panic after a drop, compared to 33% of men. Accidental drops and screen damage emerged among the common causes of damage, with the study specifically noting that phones slipping out of pockets or bags account for 36% of all accidental damage incidents, making the most mundane, everyday moment one of the most financially costly, reflecting the everyday risks associated with prolonged and frequent smartphone usage. Despite this widespread exposure, only 36% of consumers report having used a smartphone protection plan at some point during their device ownership journey while current active protection adoption stands at just 6–8%. The gap between lifetime awareness and active coverage is striking, and points to a market where consumers try protection once and do not renew, or abandon it before a claim is ever made.

While awareness of smartphone protection plans is widespread, consumers continue to cite affordability concerns, limited understanding of product benefits and lack of trust in the claims process as key barriers to adoption. The study also reveals the lengths to which Indians go to manage damage on their own: 29% have used rice to treat water-damaged devices, and between 20–32% have used tape or other temporary fixes to hold damaged phones together, improvisations that underscore both the reluctance to seek formal repair and the normalisation of living with damage. The findings point to a significant opportunity for the industry to simplify protection offerings, improve transparency and build greater consumer confidence throughout the ownership journey.

The report also highlights notable behavioural differences across consumer segments. Women emerged as the most dependent and most vulnerable smartphone users: 79% use smartphones for social media (vs 69% of men), 94% have accidentally dropped their device (vs 80% of men), and 79% have suffered accidental damage (vs 71% of men). The emotional cost is also higher as 43% of women panicked after dropping their phone, compared to 33% of men. Damage among women is more likely to be linked to domestic settings, with child- or pet-related incidents occurring at three times the rate reported by men. Meanwhile, consumers aged 26–30 were identified as India’s most connected cohort, demonstrating the highest dependence on smartphones for communication, digital payments, shopping and entertainment.

Beyond new smartphone purchases, the research points to the growing importance of India’s evolving refurbished and pre-owned smartphone ecosystem. As consumers increasingly retain, exchange or purchase pre-owned devices, and ownership cycles continue to lengthen, warranty and protection solutions are becoming increasingly important to building trust and confidence across the broader smartphone lifecycle. The data is clear: 70% of consumers believe protection plans are more important for pre-owned devices than for new ones, and 30% say the availability of a warranty or protection plan would make them consider purchasing a pre-owned device, a significant unlocking factor for the refurbished market. Notably, 54% of non-metro consumers have purchased pre-owned smartphones, versus 30% in metros, pointing to a circular device economy that is already well-established outside India’s major cities.

The findings underscore a significant opportunity for smartphone brands, retailers, financiers and protection providers to bridge the gap between awareness and adoption through simpler, more transparent and accessible protection solutions.

Subrat Pani, Co-founder, OneAssist, said, “The research reflects an interesting consumer contradiction. Smartphones have become indispensable to how people communicate, transact, work and access entertainment, and accidental damage is clearly a common experience. Yet, a large number of consumers continue to navigate device ownership without any form of protection while constantly worrying about damage and breakdown. As devices become more valuable and ownership periods lengthen, consumers are increasingly looking for confidence and peace of mind throughout their ownership journey. This makes it important for the industry to better address their concerns around affordability, simplicity and trust.”

The findings from The Great Indian Smartphone Protection Crisis come at a pivotal moment for India’s consumer technology landscape. With over 650 million smartphone users, rising device prices, and ownership cycles extending beyond three years, the gap between device value and protection adoption has never carried a higher financial cost for Indian consumers. The report calls on smartphone brands, retailers, insurers and protection providers to collectively address the barriers of affordability, claims complexity and consumer trust and to reimagine protection as an integral part of the device ownership journey, not an afterthought at the point of sale.

About OneAssist

India’s highest rated InsurTech company efficiently delivering Innovative, Technology powered, Assistance & Protection solutions for the things that matter to consumers. Founded in 2011 by Gagan Maini and Subrat Pani, OneAssist protects over 3 crore active consumers with a pan-India service network and a diverse ecosystem of over 3,000 partners spanning e-commerce, Fintech, NBFCs, Modern Trade, General Trade and Enterprise. Backed by Lightspeed ventures and Peak XV partners (formerly Sequioa), OneAssist delivers a bouquet of solutions offering complete peace of mind across personal electronics, Consumer durables, motor, financial protection, furniture and lifestyle. OneAssist is the consumer’s first choice for Assistance and Protection solutions with its range of innovative research backed products, strong tech stack and best in class consumer experience.

Independence Day, Charak Jayanti Celebrated with Enthusiasm by Doctors in Chandigarh

Chandigarh: The Tricity Unit of Vishwa Ayurved Parishad organised a joint celebration of Independence Day and Charak Jayanti at Sector 43 in Chandigarh on Saturday. The programme brought doctors together to mark the two occasions with enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. The event was presided over by Tricity President Dr Geeta Joshi, while Unit General Secretary Dr Rajesh Tayal conducted the proceedings and kept the gathering engaged throughout the programme. Prof. (Dr) Satya Dev Pandey, State Senior Vice President, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the significant contributions of Maharishi Charak to the field of medicine and underlined the relevance of his legacy in the promotion of Ayurveda.

Dr Geeta Joshi said that Charak Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of revered Ayurvedic scholar Acharya Charaka, was also observed highlighting his contribution to Ayurveda and the enduring relevance of the Charaka Samhita. Charak Jayanti is traditionally associated with Nag Panchami, the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shravan.

Acharya Charaka is regarded as one of the principal contributors to classical Ayurveda and is associated with the Charaka Samhita, one of the foundational texts of Ayurvedic medicine. The work deals with areas including health, diagnosis, treatment and principles for maintaining well-being. On the occasion, experts use the occasion to underline the importance of preserving India’s traditional knowledge while encouraging research and contemporary understanding of Ayurveda. Celebrations such as Charak Jayanti also help keep the historical and cultural legacy of Ayurvedic learning connected with younger generations.

Dr Geeta Joshi thanked all the doctors for participating in the celebration and expressed gratitude to Aristo Pharma for sponsoring the event. The programme concluded with patriotic songs, creating an atmosphere of national pride and camaraderie among the participants.