Spire Hospitality Institute Hosts Vibrant Freshers’ Party at Velvet Clarks Exotica, Zirakpur

Spire Hospitality Institute, Dera Bassi, hosted a vibrant and memorable Freshers’ Party at Velvet Clarks Exotica, Zirakpur, welcoming its new students and celebrating the beginning of their academic journey.

Mr. Saransh Sharma, Managing Director of Spire Institute, was the host of the entire event. An educator and ex-hotelier, Mr. Sharma brings with him 21 years of experience in the hospitality and education sector.

Established in 2019, Spire Institute has been working towards providing students with industry-oriented education and practical skills. The institute conducts Summer and Winter batches, with a focused batch size of around 20 students, enabling personalised learning and professional development.

Spire Institute is approved and affiliated with the Ministry of Skill Development, reflecting its commitment to skill-based education and employability. The institute has also achieved an important milestone, with more than 100 of its students now working internationally, highlighting the global opportunities available to its graduates.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Saransh Sharma congratulated the management, faculty and students of Spire Institute and encouraged the freshers to make the most of their learning years. He emphasised the importance of discipline, attitude, communication skills, practical knowledge and a passion for hospitality in building a successful career.

The event was graced by Mr. Maninderjit Singh, General Manager, Velvet Clarks Exotica, as the Chief Guest. His presence added great value and encouragement to the young students as they embarked on their professional journey in the hospitality and service industry.

The Freshers’ Party featured a lively atmosphere with student performances, interaction, entertainment and activities, giving the new students an opportunity to connect with their peers and faculty members.

The event concluded on a positive note, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the students of Spire Institute and reinforcing the institute’s vision of preparing young professionals for successful careers in India and abroad.

About Spire Institute:
Spire Institute, Dera Bassi, was established in 2019 with the objective of providing quality, industry-oriented education and skill development in the hospitality sector. With its experienced leadership, practical approach and growing international placement record, the institute continues to prepare students for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry.

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Flagship 116-inch Hisense 116UX brings ultra-large-screen entertainment and advanced display technology to the Chandigarh Capital Region

The 116-inch Hisense 116UX is now available at LiQO Stores across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula at ₹21,99,999

Chandigarh, 25^th August, 2026: 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, which is now available at authorised LiQO Stores operated by Amaflip India Pvt. Ltd., at a customer price of ₹21,99,999.

The launch marks Hisense India’s continued focus on the premium television segment, as consumers increasingly seek larger screens and more immersive home-entertainment experiences.

A press conference was held at the launch venue – LiQO Store, Zirakpur. This 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.”

The 116UX is positioned particularly for consumers seeking a premium home-entertainment setup, with its ultra-large screen designed to enhance the experience of watching movies, sports and other fast-moving content, as well as gaming.

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.

With the launch of the 116UX, Hisense India aims to further strengthen its presence in the country’s premium television segment and expand its portfolio of ultra-large-screen and technologically advanced home-entertainment products.

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Chandigarh: A delegation of Chandigarh’s ice hockey players met Sanjay Tandon, Chairman, Sports Advisory Committee, UT Administration and apprised him of the challenges being faced by players in pursuing the sport and sought greater infrastructure and institutional support to promote ice hockey in Chandigarh.

The players shared their experience of participating in the ice hockey championship held in June 2026 at the Himadari Skating Rink, Dehradun, where they showcased exceptional skill, determination and team spirit to win the Gold Medal. The delegation also highlighted that Chandigarh-based players often have to travel to Dehradun even for trials and training, owing to the limited availability of suitable ice hockey infrastructure in the city.

The players requested Tandon to explore the possibility of developing and strengthening ice skating and ice hockey infrastructure in Chandigarh, including access to suitable facilities for regular training, trials and competitions. They said that better infrastructure and consistent training opportunities would help nurture young talent and enable more players from Chandigarh to compete successfully at the state, national and international levels.

The delegation also acknowledged the contribution of their coaches,  Chetanpreet Singh, Unnatveer Singh and Gaurav Raheja, whose dedicated training and guidance have played an important role in developing the players’ skating and ice hockey skills.

Tandon congratulated the players and coaches on their Gold Medal achievement and appreciated their dedication and perseverance. He assured the delegation that their concerns regarding infrastructure and facilities would be taken up at the appropriate level and emphasised the need to create better sporting opportunities for young athletes in Chandigarh.

He said that Chandigarh has considerable sporting talent and that providing the right infrastructure and facilities is essential to ensure that promising athletes do not have to travel outside the city for basic training and trials.

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Maspar, India’s leading premium home furnishings brand, has announced the launch of its latest collection, Serene Haven – made for moments that matter. Inspired by the art of soft living, Serene Haven is thoughtfully crafted in calming hues, breathable fabrics, and gentle textures that invite comfort, care, and rituals of rest. This collection embodies quiet luxury and a softer way of living, offering a retreat into serenity within the home.

Positioned at the intersection of everyday wellness, material science, and sustainable design, Serene Haven introduces a complete ecosystem of home comfort that spans bedroom and bath essentials. By leveraging Maspar’s world‑class, vertically integrated manufacturing infrastructure – trusted by global retail giants such as Galeries Lafayette, Marks & Spencer, and Williams‑Sonoma – the brand now brings eco‑certified product engineering directly to the domestic modern consumer. This launch marks a strategic milestone for Maspar as it expands its footprint in India’s fast‑growing conscious luxury and organic home décor markets.

Abhinav Mahajan, Director Retail, Maspar said, “Serene Haven is more than just a home textile collection; it is a direct manifestation of our corporate philosophy, ‘Care, Thoughtfully Made.’ We recognised a distinct macro trend where consumers are seeking home environments that actively facilitate quiet wellbeing and slower everyday rituals. From a business and production perspective, this collection marks our commitment to leading the domestic eco‑luxury textile space. By blending the organic purity of bamboo and plant‑based fibers with our signature craftsmanship, we are offering the market products that serve a clear purpose – delivering uncompromised aesthetic value, durability, and sustainable purpose.”

The foundation of Serene Haven lies in its rigorous material engineering, prioritising lightweight comfort, breathability, and skin‑friendly properties to enhance daily rest rituals. The collection leverages advanced material science, focusing primarily on two organic, OEKO‑TEX® certified pillars. First, the 100 percent plant‑based fiber range features a premium, four‑hundred thread count and one‑hundred‑and‑thirty‑six GSM fabric extracted from sustainably sourced, eco‑friendly wood pulp. This specific composition delivers supreme silk‑like softness, natural thermal regulation, and high moisture‑wicking capabilities engineered specifically for deep comfort in warm weather. Despite its delicate texture, the fiber is surprisingly strong, highly resilient, and designed to withstand repeated machine washing without losing its lustrous finish.

Second, the eco‑friendly bamboo‑cotton blends offer naturally hypoallergenic, resilient, and antimicrobial fabrics that provide a luxurious, inviting weight while maintaining an exceptionally gentle skin feel. Reflecting the brand’s end‑to‑end commitment to sustainable luxury, items in the collection are packaged in reusable drawstring bags, offering consumers a functional and plastic‑free solution for convenient storage and organisation.

Designed around the philosophy of “The Art of Soft Living,” Serene Haven intentionally rejects harsh sensory inputs or distracting patterns in favor of calming neutral tones, elegant detailing, and refined textures that foster a peaceful, sophisticated retreat. Highlighted by flagship design lines such as the Serene Haven Noemi Blue, the collection unifies the home aesthetic across multiple touchpoints, appealing directly to interior design professionals and homeowners seeking spatial harmony. The bedroom sanctuary is anchored by solid bedsheets with matching pillowcases, quilted bed covers, lightweight duvets, duvet covers, quilts, and plush accent throws. The bath ritual incorporates premium, ultra‑absorbent towels, coordinating bath mats, and tailored bathrobes engineered to elevate daily grooming into a spa‑like experience. Completing the space are hypoallergenic, décor‑focused cushion covers that seamlessly integrate into existing living layouts.

The Maspar Serene Haven collection is available starting today across all flagship Maspar boutiques, including its newly reimagined eye‑level experience store at DLF Mall of India, Noida, leading premium multi‑brand home décor spaces, and globally via the official e‑commerce platform. With transparent pricing reflective of its premium fabrication, the collection is competitively positioned within the luxury home segment, beginning with the hypoallergenic bamboo décor cushion cover at ₹1,699 and extending to high‑performance bedding components such as the 100% plant‑based fiber quilted bed covers at ₹19,999.

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The four-day Orientation Programme and Talent Hunt, organized for the newly admitted students of B.Ed. and PGDG&C at Government College of Education, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh, concluded on 22nd August 2026 with enthusiastic participation and a vibrant display of talent and learning by the students. The programme was held from 19th to 22nd August 2026 and included academic orientation, co-curricular activities, Talent Hunt, sports and recreational activities, and an orientation on Universal Human Values (UHV).

The programme commenced with lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana. Dr. Sapna Nanda, Principal, welcomed the students and Chief Guest Swami Bhitiharananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh. Addressing the students, Swami Bhitiharananda congratulated the students on becoming part of the prestigious institution and highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in nation building. He highlighted teachers’ vital role in self-reflection, joyful learning and the Indian ideal, “Acharya Devo Bhava,” inspiring future educators.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Srivastava, Dean, introduced students to the college and its academic environment. Faculty members briefed them on the scheme of studies, assessment, examinations, scholarships, attendance, library rules and other academic requirements. Students were also acquainted with various institutional cells, clubs and support mechanisms, including the Red Ribbon Club, UHV Cell, NSS Cell, Skill Development, Cultural Activities, Grievance Redressal Cell, Anti-Ragging and Equal Opportunity Cell, Internal Complaints Committee, Guidance and Counselling Unit, Alumni Association, Legal Literacy and Cyber Swachhta Mission, Eco Club, Electoral Literacy Club and Placement Cell along with opportunities for participation in co-curricular, cultural, sports and extension activities.

The NSS Cell of the college organized a special programme on “Spiritual Awakening for a Drug-Free Society” with Brahma Kumaris, Chandigarh, featuring Sister Rekha and Sister Sarla. ASI Babita and Head Constable Navin Kumar from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Chandigarh Police, along with NSS Programme Officers Dr. Balwinder Kaur, Dr. Aarti Bhatt and Dr. Upasna Thapliyal, sensitized students on substance abuse, self-discipline and responsible choices.

The Outline of the Orientation Programme was prepared by Dr. Lilu Ram, Staff Secretary, while it was implemented by the Cultural Committee under the guidance of Dr. Vandana Aggarwal and Dr. Ravinder Kumar. The UHV orientation was organized by the UHV Cell under the coordination of Dr. Sheojee Singh, Coordinator, with Dr. Nisha Singh and Dr. Ravinder Kumar as members. The academic session of UHV was facilitated by Dr. Garima Joshi, Co-Coordinator of the UHV Cell, Panjab University.

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Paras Health Panchkula has successfully performed its first MitraClip procedure on 66-year-old Saroj Uppal of Panchkula, who was suffering from severe Mitral Regurgitation, recurrent heart failure and a weakened heart.

The patient, who had diabetes and a history of two heart attacks followed by angioplasty and stenting, had been hospitalised three times due to heart failure and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Due to her weakened heart and high surgical risk, conventional open-heart surgery was considered unsuitable.

The patient underwent Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair using the MitraClip technique, guided by 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography and fluoroscopy. The 1.5-hour minimally invasive procedure was completed successfully without complications.

Dr. Anurag Sharma, Chairman – Cardiology – Interventional, Paras Health Panchkula, said, “MitraClip offers a minimally invasive treatment option for carefully selected high-risk patients who may not be suitable for conventional surgery. In this case, the severe valve leakage was reduced to trivial, with the patient showing excellent improvement.”

At three-month follow-up, the patient reported no breathlessness, with improved blood sugar and blood pressure control and a significant improvement in quality of life.

Vineet Aggarwal, Group COO, Paras Health, said the introduction of MitraClip marks an important step in strengthening the hospital’s structural heart programme and expanding access to advanced minimally invasive cardiac care.

The successful procedure highlights Paras Health Panchkula’s growing expertise in advanced structural heart interventions and complex cardiac care for high-risk patients.

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OneAssist–Hansa Research Study – The Great Indian Smartphone Protection Crisis Reveals India’s Deepening Device Protection Crisis

Chandigarh, 19th August, 2026: 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.

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.

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The Department of Paediatrics at NIIMS Hospital recently conducted an Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Workshop under the aegis of the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).

The one-day workshop brought together 24 resident doctors, nursing officers and interns, focusing on strengthening their practical skills and preparedness to manage neonatal emergencies at birth.

The programme included simulation-based training, skill stations, interactive sessions, hands-on demonstrations and structured assessments, enabling participants to develop practical competencies in evidence-based neonatal resuscitation.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Ruchira Maheshwari Gupta, Honorary Secretary General, CIAP, in the presence of senior NIIMS leadership and medical faculty. Experts from leading institutions across Greater Noida and Noida also conducted specialised training sessions.

Dr. Avinash Kumar Jha, Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, NIIMS, highlighted the importance of timely neonatal resuscitation training in enabling healthcare professionals to respond effectively during the critical moments immediately after birth.

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