Category Archives: Punjab

Panjab University Law students explore colonial legacy of India’s voting rights at National Awaaz Session

Chandigarh, October 30

More than 150 students and faculty members participated in the first National Awaaz Session organised by the Prof Anil Kumar Thakur Debating Society, Department of Laws, Panjab University in collaboration with the Museum of British Colonialism (MBC), at the department’s Moot Court Hall here on Friday. The session examined the colonial roots of India’s voting rights and explored how the legacy of British rule continues to shape the country’s laws, institutions and society.

Themed “Colonial History of Voting Rights”, the session traced the evolution of electoral rights in India under British rule, when voting was restricted to a small section of the population on the basis of property, income and education. The system of separate electorates for different communities also shaped political representation during the colonial period.

Panjab University Chandigarh is a heritage university having its origin from the pre- partition era as Punjab University Lahore. So is the department of laws as old as Panjab University. Prof. Dr. Anil kumar debating Society has been established in 2022 and is doing wonders by organizing multiple events of national repute from multiple streams. The theme of today’s national debate competition ‘SIR’ is also a reflection of law, polity, philosophy and society. 

The best part of today’s event was the first national awaaz session in collaboration with MBC. A relevant connection of SIR with the history of right to vote more specifically the impact of Colonialism on voting rights and other political, legal segments of the country’. The discussion was widely open for the participants across the nation. 

“We are grateful to the vice chancellor of PU, our special guest Sh. Lallan baghel, faculty, staff, students and the participants and MBC.” said Prof. (Dr.) Supinder Kaur of the Department of Laws, Panjab University.

“Colonialism is the most recent chapter of our history, and yet its impact on ordinary Indians is the one we understand the least. We remember our leaders and our freedom struggle, but rarely the millions who lost their lives to famine, debt and repression. Colonial history is widely studied in our universities, but it has never moved beyond the classroom into how we remember as a nation. We still see English as superior to our own languages, which shows how deeply that legacy runs. History is not black and white, and it must be studied with honesty, not reduced to slogans. A National Day of Commemoration would give these victims the place in our memory they deserve. I urge every Indian to sign the petition at indiascolonialstory.org and help make that day a reality,” said” said Chandini Jaswal, India representative, Museum of British Colonisation and student of Department of Laws, Panjab University

Participants discussed how independent India departed from this restricted electoral framework by adopting universal adult franchise under its Constitution, granting citizens equal voting rights irrespective of property, income, education or social background. The session drew lively participation from students, who engaged closely with the theme and spoke candidly about how India’s colonial past still shapes its present.

Language was one of the issues raised. One student observed that while English is useful as a language of convenience, giving it greater importance than Hindi and other Indian languages is itself a legacy of colonial rule, one that still influences how status and opportunity are measured in India.

Another student turned to the legal system, pointing out that many of India’s laws, procedures and courtroom traditions still follow the framework laid down by the British. The student argued that India’s legal system remains deeply shaped by colonial rule, and that it needs to be reviewed and reformed to reflect Indian values and the needs of its people.

The discussion showed that, for the next generation of lawyers, decolonisation is not only a chapter of history but an unfinished conversation about language, law and identity.

The session witnessed an enthusiastic response from students, who raised questions about the colonial origins of India’s legal and political institutions. The discussion encouraged participants to examine the continuing influence of colonial history on contemporary law and society, while also reflecting on how the country remembers its past.

At the conclusion of the session, the Museum of British Colonialism invited students and faculty members to support its public petition seeking the establishment of a National Day of Commemoration for the Victims of British Colonialism in India.

The initiative seeks national recognition for the millions of Indians who lost their lives under colonial rule through famines, economic exploitation, repression and policies that deepened social and communal divisions. MBC highlighted the absence of a dedicated national day to commemorate these victims and urged participants to sign the petition at indiascolonialstory.org to help bring this history into wider public consciousness.

The session was coordinated by faculty coordinators Prof. (Dr.) Supinder Kaur and Dr. Manisha Garg, along with student coordinators Chandini Jaswal (who is also India representative of MBC) and Durgeish Damini.

Livasa Hospital experts stress breast cancer awareness and early detection for better treatment outcomes

Chandigarh: Emphasising the critical role of awareness, timely screening and early diagnosis in improving breast cancer treatment outcomes, a team of oncology experts from Livasa Hospital, Mohali, including Dr. Jatin Sarin, director–medical oncology, Dr. Priyanshu Choudhary, consultant–medical oncology, Dr. Meenakshi Mittal, director– radiation oncology, Dr. Vijay Bansal, director–surgical oncology, Dr. Shubh Mahindru, director–surgical oncology, and Dr. Mukesh Chawla, consultant-clinical haematology & BMT physician addressed a press conference in Chandigarh on Monday.

During the interaction, the experts underlined the need to strengthen breast cancer awareness and encourage women to undergo appropriate screening based on their age, individual risk factors and medical advice. They emphasised that recognising unusual breast changes and seeking prompt medical evaluation can help facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
The experts advised women to remain alert to warning signs such as a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, dimpling of the skin, nipple changes, unusual nipple discharge, or persistent redness and swelling. While not every breast change indicates cancer, they stressed that any unusual or persistent change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, even in the absence of pain.

They also highlighted that breast self-awareness plays an important role in recognising changes but should complement, rather than replace, recommended breast cancer screening and professional medical evaluation. Women were encouraged to avoid self-diagnosis and seek timely consultation instead of delaying medical attention out of fear or uncertainty.
The delays in seeking medical advice can postpone diagnosis and treatment, potentially affecting outcomes. The experts urged women to overcome fear, stigma and misconceptions surrounding cancer and to consult a specialist whenever they notice unusual changes or have concerns about their breast health.

The experts further emphasised that breast cancer awareness is a shared responsibility that extends beyond women to families and communities. They encouraged men to initiate open conversations about breast health with their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, help dispel myths and social stigma surrounding breast cancer, and support women in accessing timely screening and appropriate medical care.

WWICS to hold mega immigration seminars across Punjab and Chandigarh on October 10-11

Chandigarh, October 8, 2026: Canada is emerging as an attractive destination for prospective immigrants, with growing opportunities beyond the country’s major metropolitan centres and increasing focus on regional labour-market requirements, said Lt Col BS Sandhu (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, WWICS Group, at a press conference here today.

Lt Col Sandhu informed that to provide prospective immigrants with a clearer understanding of the evolving global immigration landscape, WWICS will organise mega immigration seminars on October 10 in Amritsar at Hotel Best Western Merrion from 11 am to 1 pm; in Jalandhar at Ramada by Wyndham from 3 pm to 5 pm; and in Ludhiana at Hotel Park Plaza from 5 pm to 8 pm. In Chandigarh, the seminar will be held on October 11 from 11 am to 3 pm at Hotel Aroma.

Lt Col Sandhu added, “Canada is emerging as an attractive immigration destination amid renewed focus on regional opportunities.”

“Canada offers a very different proposition beyond its major metropolitan centres. Provinces such as Saskatchewan have vast land resources, a relatively small population and genuine requirements for skilled workers. This makes regional Canada an important opportunity for prospective immigrants who meet the eligibility requirements,” Sandhu said.

He said that after a period of moderation, interest in immigration to Canada and other major destinations was beginning to pick up. He added that the government led by PM Mark Carney was continuing to position immigration around Canada’s economic and labour-market requirements.

“Immigration opportunities continue to exist for well-qualified and well-prepared applicants. It is just that applicants must prioritise eligibility and compliance,” Sandhu said.

Lt Col Sandhu said the seminars being planned would cover immigration and resettlement opportunities across Canada, Australia, the USA, the UK, Europe and New Zealand, with a focus on eligibility, application processes, documentation, timelines and changing immigration policies. The sessions will cater to skilled professionals, businesspersons, investors and students.

Amit Khanna, Vice President, WWICS Group, who was also present at the press conference, said that immigration was increasingly becoming skill-driven and selective across major destinations.

“Immigration today is no longer about simply choosing a country and applying. It is about understanding where an applicant genuinely qualifies, assessing the requirements and following the most appropriate lawful pathway. Our approach is clear: Eligibility First, Application Second,” he said.

Khanna said Canada continued to offer opportunities in areas including healthcare and social services, STEM, skilled trades, education and transport, besides pathways linked to French-language proficiency and other specialised skills.

Khanna while talking about immigration in countries other than Canada said that Australia’s skilled migration programme continued to provide opportunities for eligible professionals, while New Zealand had introduced changes to its Skilled Migrant Category. The USA continued to have investment-based immigration options such as EB-5 for qualifying investors, while the UK had moved towards a more selective skilled-worker system.

“An immigration application should begin with a realistic assessment of an applicant’s profile rather than with a promise of a particular outcome. The right advice can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays, costs and risks,” said Col Sandhu in conclusion.

It is noteworthy that WWICS, founded in Toronto, Canada, on October 23, 1993, has completed more than three decades in the immigration sector and has assisted over five lakh families in pursuing opportunities in Canada, Australia and other destinations.

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.

Aagman Bhatia an Entrepreneur With Roots in Mohali Develops Oora.ai – An  AI-Based Property Research Platform 

Mohali, October 4, 2026: What if the first step in buying a property was not calling a broker, but asking AI to research the property for you? That is the vision behind Oora.ai , a path breaking AI offering created by 24-year old Mohali based entrepreneur Aagman Bhatia. Unveiled under the banner of Dooritt- a unique AI & VR powered real estate platform, Oora.ai  is positioned as an AI-powered marketplace and research platform for real estate.

According to Aagman Bhatia, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Dooritt, “Oora.ai  aims to replace a prospective property buyer’s first call to a broker. Our vision is that customers should research first and then approach brokers or builders. Oora.ai  can bring together fragmented property information and help buyers ask the right questions before making a major investment. In the next two to three years, we believe AI-based property research can become a normal first step before buying or investing in real estate.”

Oora.ai  showcases  information on properties, builders, amenities, RERA details, unit availability and project parameters, while also offering project reports and builder ratings.

Aagman Bhatia added, “We see an opportunity to change real-estate from a broker first to a research-first industry. Brokers and sales teams will continue to have an important role in transactions, but customers will increasingly want to understand the facts, compare opportunities and do their initial research through AI before making that first call.”

Aagman revealed that Oora.ai  is also being developed to help commercial property buyers assess the potential of a location for their business. An entrepreneur looking to buy a shop for a restaurant, for example, could go beyond checking availability and ask whether the location has the potential to support the business.

“Commercial real estate requires a different kind of intelligence because the question is not merely whether a property is available, but whether the location can support the intended business,” Aagman said.

“We are working towards making AI capable of helping customers evaluate these factors before they commit significant capital,” Aagman added.

Oora.ai  has recorded significant user activity in recent months. Dooritt said its platforms received 2 lakh visitors in September, reflecting growing interest in technology-led property research.

“We at Dooritt are also developing Business to Business(B2B) and Business to Government(B2G) intelligence platforms for builders and governments. These platforms are intended to use AI and data to identify emerging real-estate and infrastructure requirements. These are planned for launch this month.”

Reflecting on the versatility of Oora.ai, KS Bhatia, CEO, Dooritt, said that Dooritt is currently witnessing around 7,000 visitors daily, with at least 2,000 customers every day directly accessing Oora.ai  through the Dooritt website.

“These customers are not just visiting Oora.ai, they are actively using the platform to verify builders, study project details and understand the property before making a buying decision,” revealed KS Bhatia, who personally takes care of Dooritt.

“We are seeing a significant shift in how customers research properties. Oora.ai  is becoming an important part of that journey by providing customers with detailed information before they commit their money,” he said.

According to Bhatia, at the beginning of October, Dooritt, a Punjab grown start-up also signed approximately Rs 1,500 crore worth of exclusive property inventory from Noida alone, further strengthening its presence in India’s real-estate market.

“The future of real estate will not only be about selling properties. It will be about giving customers the right information before they buy,” he said.

ASSOCHAM and PFRDA Organize  Workshop on NPS Benefits for MSMEs at an Exclusive Industry Meet

Patiala, September 26, 2026: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), in association with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), hosted an  awareness seminar focusing on the National Pension System (NPS) and its diverse advantages for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Patiala.

The high-level Industry Meet commenced with an opening address by Sh. Rakesh Bhalla, Chairman, Chandigarh UT Development Council, ASSOCHAM. In his welcome speech, Mr. Bhalla warmly greeted all the participating industry stakeholders from Patiala, highlighting how robust social security frameworks strengthen regional businesses and the local economy. He extended a special welcome to Sh. Ajinkya Deshpande, Assistant Manager, PFRDA, and Sh. Begraj Saini from HDFC Pension Management Company Limited.

Following an introductory round by the participating local MSME owners, a detailed session on the architecture and core benefits of the NPS was conducted by Shri Abhishek Dhiman, Assistant Manager, PFRDA. The collaborative session thoroughly educated the gathered industry leaders on how business owners can leverage NPS for long-term financial security and retirement planning for their workforce.

The Industry Meet also detailed the practical onboarding process, outlining the seamless digital and physical registration journeys managed through Points of Presence (PoPs) to ensure a smooth transition for employers.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session where PFRDA officials and industry experts addressed compliance and operational queries from the attendees, followed by a formal Vote of Thanks extended by ASSOCHAM.

Singer-Actress Sara Gurpal Unveils Hisense India’s 116-Inch 4K Mini RGB TV at LiQO Store, Zirakpur

Zirakpur: Hisense India Pvt. Ltd. has introduced its flagship 116-inch 116UX television in the Chandigarh Capital Region, bringing its ultra-large-screen entertainment experience to consumers across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula. Actress and singer Sara Gurpal unveiled the iconic product at the LiQO Store, Zirakpur. The television is now available at authorised LiQO Stores operated by Amaflip India Pvt. Ltd., at a customer price of ₹21,99,999.

A press conference was held at the launch venue, LiQO Store, Zirakpur. The press conference was addressed by Pankaj Rana, CEO, Hisense India; Satvir Goyal, Managing Director and B2B Strategic Alliances Specialist, Amaflip India Private Limited; and Gaurav Garg, Chief Operations Officer, LiQO, Amaflip India Private Limited. Actress-singer Sara Gurpal was also present at the press meet.
Addressing the press conference, Pankaj Rana, CEO, Hisense India, said, “The ultra-large-screen television category is evolving rapidly as consumers look beyond size and seek a combination of picture quality, technology and a premium viewing experience. We believe the 116UX’s technology proposition and positioning will enable it to stand out in this growing segment. With its Real Mini RGB display technology, 165Hz native refresh rate and AI-powered picture and sound capabilities, the television is designed to deliver an immersive viewing experience for consumers who want a more cinematic experience at home.”

Speaking on the availability of the product, Satvir Goyal, Managing Director and B2B Strategic Alliances Specialist, Amaflip India Pvt. Ltd., said, “The introduction of the Hisense 116UX at LiQO Stores gives consumers in the Chandigarh Capital Region an opportunity to experience one of Hisense’s flagship ultra-large-screen televisions. We will initially make the product available across our stores in the Tricity and surrounding markets, with plans to expand its availability to other key markets.”

Gaurav Garg, Chief Operations Officer, LiQO, Amaflip India Pvt. Ltd., added, “Amaflip India operates LiQO outlets across Chandigarh, Panchkula, Zirakpur, Pinjore, Solan and Kharar. The 116UX will initially be available across the Chandigarh Capital Region and its periphery, following which we plan to expand its presence to major markets including Delhi, Ludhiana, Gurugram and Mumbai.”
Hisense 116UX has been engineered to combine advanced display technology with AI-driven picture, sound and scenario optimisation. The television features AI-powered picture processing and sound optimisation, while its speakers are tuned by Devialet, the French audio technology company.
The 165Hz native refresh rate is another key differentiator of the 116UX, particularly for sports, gaming and other fast-moving content. The higher native refresh rate is aimed at delivering smoother motion and a more responsive viewing experience compared with televisions featuring 144Hz panels.
The 116UX will compete with offerings from leading global brands in the premium ultra-large-screen television segment. The television comes with a two-year comprehensive warranty. Hisense also has five service centres across the Tricity, supporting customers with installation and after-sales service requirements.

Punjab based Tynor to receive $200 million strategic investment from Kedaara Capital

Chandigarh: In a major development for Punjab’s corporate sector, Mohali-based Tynor Orthotics, India’s leading orthopaedic support and rehabilitation brand, is set to receive a strategic investment of $200 million from Kedaara Capital.

Notably, Tynor, is India’s number 1 doctor-recommended orthopaedic supports, mobility aids, sports performance enhancement solutions,  and rehabilitation solutions brand, uniquely positioned at the intersection of med-tech and everyday consumer health. Founded in 1993, Tynor has grown exponentially with an extensive reach spanning over 300,000 retail outlets and 8,000 hospitals across 60 countries. Tynor’s products have supported more than 100 million lives making healthcare affordable and accessible.

Dr. P.J. Singh and A.J. Singh, Promoters of Tynor, said, “With absolute pride and a heart full of joy, we welcome Kedaara Capital. Big aspiration of Tynor to become the leader of global south and an indispensable supply chain partner for Global north shall now be achieved by having Kedaara as a partner. The agility of Kedaara and robust process approach of Tynor shall bring an unprecedented trajectory of growth. Kedaara would further augment what Thuasne® initiated and Lighthouse nurtured. We are excited, indeed.”It is important to state that Tynor also operates three state- of-the-art facilities across 6.5 lac sq. ft. with its best-in- class lean manufacturing capabilities to deliver global- grade products at competitive prices.

Sunish Sharma, Founder and Managing Partner, Kedaara Capital, said, “India’s medical devices sector is among the fastest-growing in the world, and Tynor represents a rare opportunity to partner with a clear category leader in orthopaedic supports and rehabilitation. We have long admired Dr. P.J. Singh and Mr. A.J. Singh for building a company anchored in strong values, robust systems and disciplined processes. We are privileged to partner with them and Thuasne® to unlock Tynor’s full potential.”

Notably, Kedaara will work closely with the promoters, Dr. P.J. Singh and Mr. A.J. Singh, collegium and professional management team comprising Mr. Paras Bafna, Group CFO, Dr. Parmod Lamba, Group CHRO, Mr. Jaspreet Singh, Head-Supply Chain Management(SCM) and long-standing strategic partner Thuasne® to build a leading ortho-focused wellness platform. The strategic investment aims to deepen the brand’s reach across India, expanding its presence in international markets, and continuing to invest in world-class, efficient manufacturing, as the Company enters its next phase of growth.Elizabeth Ducottet, Chairman of the Thuasne® Group, said: “Our partnership with Tynor began more than fifteen years ago, driven by a shared belief in the potential of the Indian market and a common ambition to make high-quality orthopaedic solutions accessible to more patients. Since then, we have seen Tynor develop into an outstanding company and a recognised leader in India.”Delphine Hanton, CEO of the Thuasne® Group, said: “The arrival of Kedaara opens a new chapter in this journey. By bringing together Tynor’s entrepreneurial and industrial strengths, Kedaara’s investment and scaling capabilities, and Thuasne’s international expertise in orthopaedics, we have a strong foundation to accelerate Tynor’s development in India and internationally.

Rochelle Dsouza, Partner, Lighthouse Funds, said, “It has been a privilege to partner with Dr. P.J. Singh, Mr. A.J. Singh and the Tynor team over the past eight years. Their commitment to product quality, and to the doctors and patients they serve, is what has made Tynor the leader it is today. We wish the Company and its new partners at Kedaara every success in the years ahead.”

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.