Category: Lifestyle

Chandigarh: An event ‘Utkarsh – 100 Days of Unstoppable Rotary 3080’ was held at the CII Auditorium, Sector 31, Chandigarh, to showcase the Rotary District 3080’s achievements. District Governor Dr. Rita Kalra informed that Rotary District 3080 has earned two India Book of Records honours for mobilising the maximum number of blood donors and organising the maximum number of blood donation camps in a single day. These recognitions were earned by the District at the Raktdaan Mahakumbh which was held on Sep 25, 2026.

Dr Rita Kalra addressed the media on the sidelines of ‘Utkarsh’ and was joined by Deepak Gupta, District Secretary; Nalin Kapur, District Executive Secretary ; Dr Sanjay Kalra, International Service Chair and Mohit Singla, District Secretary.

District Governor Dr. Rita Kalra while addressing media persons said, “The two India Book of Records recognitions earned by Rotary District 3080 belonged to every individual who contributed to the success of the Raktdaan Mahakumbh. The recognition is not merely about setting records or achieving a number. It reflects our collective commitment, teamwork and the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self. Every blood donor has the potential to give someone another chance at life, and that is the real significance of this achievement.”

Notably, the recognitions were presented at an event ‘Utkarsh – 100 Days of Unstoppable Rotary 3080’, held to mark the completion of the first 100 days of Dr. Kalra’s tenure as District Governor.It is noteworthy that the record-setting Raktdaan Mahakumbh brought together more than 100 Rotary clubs, nearly 100 blood banks, partner organisations, volunteers and thousands of donors. A total of 90 blood donation camps were organised in a single day, collecting more than 6,000 units of blood and surpassing the earlier benchmark of 3,400 units.

Dr Kalra informed that the campaign was backed by extensive planning, field-level coordination and a systematic verification mechanism. Eleven dedicated teams were deployed across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to coordinate with Rotary clubs and blood banks, monitor activities and facilitate reporting. Geo-tagged photographs, blood bank certificates and donor records were collected to ensure transparency and authenticity in the final submission.In another significant stride, Rotary District 3080 recorded one of the highest membership growth figures in Zone 4 India. Notably, Dr. Kalra recently, was also recognised as a Social Impact Leader by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.

Public outreach and communication received a boost with the launch of the Rotary Basics Audiobook, the publication of Rotary Marg Darshika and six Rotary books, and the continued development of the district website, media outreach and digital engagement.In vocational education and livelihood generation, more than 50 Hunnar and Rotary Vocational Training Centres are providing employment-oriented skills to youth and women. The AI Champions initiative has equipped over 2,500 students with future-ready knowledge, while driver-skilling programmes, micro-loans, job fairs and internships have expanded opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Vocational initiatives across more than 50 centres are collectively reaching over 5,000 young people across six states.

Environmental conservation has remained another priority, with Miyawaki forests, Nanovans, Oxy Walls and plantation drives undertaken across the region. More than one lakh trees have been planted, while over 30,000 moringa plants have been distributed.

Rotary’s healthcare interventions have covered screening and eye-care camps, cataract surgeries, cleft lip and palate corrections, Project Aastha for HPV vaccination and cancer screening, and nutritional support for tuberculosis patients.Under Project Annapurna, more than 200 service events have provided over 50,000 meals to people in need. Project Chetna, focused on menstrual hygiene management.

The Utkarsh celebration brought together Rotarians, partners and community leaders for an evening of interaction, recognition and fellowship. The India Book of Records honours provided a significant highlight of the first 100 days, reflecting the collective efforts of the Rotary fraternity.

Chandigarh: Aakash Education Services Limited, one of India’s leading test- preparation providers, has announced the strengthening of its Engineering preparation ecosystem through Aakash INVICTUS-Engineering 2.0, a new performance-driven academic architecture designed to create a structured pathway for students preparing for JEE Main, JEE Advanced and State CETs. A 360-degree preparation experience, built on six pillars Students will see the INVICTUS difference at every step in the classroom, in their books, in their tests, and in the mentorship they receive.

The program stands on six pillars:

• Outcome-Focused Academic Approach: Every class, practice session, and revision cycle is planned with one aim — the best possible rank in JEE Advanced, JEE Main, BITSAT, and state engineering entrance exams.
• Rank-Proven Faculty Team: The faculty team is Aakash INVICTUS’s greatest strength. It is this academic team that has elevated the INVICTUS curriculum, books, and testing mechanism.
• Scientifically Designed & Research-Backed Study Material: The books have been rewritten by this academic team using learning science and deep research into exam patterns, taking students step by step from basic concepts to the toughest problems.
• Intelligent Testing. Deep Analysis: A fully redesigned testing mechanism including testing frequency, depth and rigor where every test gives the student a clear picture of strengths, gaps, and the exact areas to improve.
• A Transparent Growth Map: Students and parents can clearly see where the student stands today and the path to where they want to reach. 
• Mentorship and Ecosystem Beyond the Classroom: Continuous mentorship including JoSSA Counselling Guidance, doubt support, and guidance that stay with the student well beyond classroom hours, so that no student is left behind.

With the national launch, Aakash INVICTUS also introduces four focused Batches — Ace, Achiever, Accelerator, and Apex. Each is an equally strong pathway, shaped around how a student learns best and their aspiration. The purpose of all four is the same: to make sure every student reaches their maximum potential in a stress-free manner. 

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 program 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. After all “Why should excellence remain exclusive.”

The rollout covers all Aakash branches across India and begins immediately. Existing Aakash students will be the first to move to the INVICTUS system, followed by every new student who joins. Branches are also conducting orientation sessions for students and parents to help understand this program in detail.  For more information, parents and students can reach out at 7303759494 or email support.invictus@aesl.in.

1. Eat a well balanced diet with a variety of food items and nutrients to support your body functions. Choose a diet that is moderate in sugars, salts and oils.
2. A low calorie diet, increased physical activity and lifestyle modifications should be done. A balanced energy controlled diet is the most widely prescribed method of weight reduction.Balance your calorie intake with what your body burns.
3. Take small frequent meals. When you eat every two hours you should eat small portions at the main meal time.Snacking between the meals should be well defined to avoid intake of excessive or empty calories.
4. Food items containing empty calories, nil useful nutrients like soft drinks, chips and excess of sugar or other packet containing foods should be avoided.
5. Go for the best diet foods which are low at fat, complex carbohydrates, fast burning and rich in vitamins and minerals. These foods are also high in bulk, which means you can feel full on fewer calories.
6. Drink plenty of water or other calorie-free beverages. People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. So you can end up eating extra calories when an ice-cold glass of water is really what you need.
7. “If you don’t like plain water, try adding citrus or a splash of juice, or brew infused teas like mango or peach, which have lots of flavor but no calories.
8. Alcohol and foods high in sugar should be limited as unnecessary source of energy.
9. Beverages like unsweetened juices, butter milk, low fat milk, soups, lemon water etc with controlled sugar are healthier options to be added between meals.
10. Skipping meals is not recommended for weight loss. Instead a control intake as per your body requirement is very important.
11. Start by focusing on getting the recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
12. “It sounds like a lot, but it is well worth it, because at the same time you are meeting your fiber goals and feeling more satisfied from the volume of food. You’re also less likely to overeat because fruits and vegetables displace fat in the diet.
13. Fruits, salads or steamed vegetable should be taken as snacks between the meals.
14. Fiber containing foods like whole cereals, whole legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables should be preferred than refined and processed foods for better nutrition and satiety.
15. Breakfast should be an important meal of the day and dinner should be lighter than other meals to support your metabolic rate function.
16. Mindless eating occurs most frequently after dinner, when you finally sit down and relax. “Sitting down with a bag of chips or cookies in front of the television is an example of eating amnesia, where you mindlessly eat without being hungry, but out of habit.
17. Food combining can be very effective for losing weight. The basic idea behind food combining is that foods digest better when eaten in combination with certain other foods. Some foods require different types of enzymes for their digestion. When foods that use different digestive juices and enzymes are eaten together they may not break down properly and nutrients won’t be completely absorbed. Enzymes help digest food more effectively, so combining foods compatibly will ensure optimal digestion.
18. Do not eat acid or sub/acid fruits with sweet fruits at the same meal. Some acid or sub/acid fruits include grapefruits, strawberries, pineapple, apples, grapes and peaches. Some sweet fruits include bananas, dates and raisins.19. Always fine tune your eating habits to your physical activities.

Many of us think that even after dieting all the time, we are not losing weight because of some exotic disease. Starvation is an act of punishment, like being angry at ourselves.

The plan truth is we are taking in more calories than we expend, and, therefore, we gain weight. Record the foods you eat and the number of calories those foods contain. You will soon realize that only exotic ailment you have is an over-active elbow. If you change your entire approach to eating you can mostly get success in losing weight. If you want to loss weight permanently means a lifetime eating plan that features variety, which is well balanced nutritionally and which adds up to more calories expended than is consumed.

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.

Chandigarh: Cleopatra Chain of Spas and Salon showcased the latest bridal beauty and fashion trends at its Sector 9 salon, bringing together makeup, hairstyling, saree draping, bridal dressing, nail art and mehendi.

The showcase was presented by Richa Agarwal, Founder, Cleopatra Chain of Spas and Salon, along with beauty expert Harveen Kathuria, while models brought the upcoming season’s bridal looks to life.

Highlighting the trends, Richa Agarwal and Harveen Kathuria said, “For the upcoming winter wedding season, rich red and gold tones will be prominent in bridal fashion, while makeup will remain subtle, elegant and sophisticated. The focus will be on creating a glamorous look without overpowering the bride’s natural beauty.”

Traditional hair elements will also be prominent, with parandis, chotis, gajras, florals and ghungroo-inspired hair accessories adding a distinctive touch to bridal hairstyles. The showcase also featured stylish, understated gel nails designed to complement the overall bridal look.

“The modern bride will embrace tradition with a contemporary finish. From mehendi and hair to nails, makeup and saree draping, every detail will come together to create a glamorous yet elegant look that complements her personality,” said Richa Agarwal and Harveen Kathuria.

Chandigarh, September 30, 2026: Motorsport enthusiasts are gearing up for the Hero SJOBA TSD (Time Speed Distance) Rally-2026, which will feature a new Bikers Class, a first-ever Night Stage and challenging new routes across Punjab.

The rally, being organised by St John’s Old Boys Association(SJOBA), under the aegis of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), will have a ceremonial flag-off from St John’s High School at 5 pm on October 2, followed by the formal start from Doaba Group of Colleges on October 3. The rally will return on October 4 and conclude with the prize distribution ceremony at the Chandigarh Golf Association (CGA).

Sharing details at a press conference, SJOBA President Nikhil Deep Singh Jaspal said the introduction of the Bikers Class was aimed at making the event more inclusive and providing motorcycle enthusiasts an opportunity to participate.

“Introducing a Bikers Class for the first time will bring a new dimension to the SJOBA TSD Rally and provide motorcycle enthusiasts with an opportunity to participate in the event,” Jaspal said.

Clerk of the Course (COC) SPS Ghai said a Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally requires competitors to follow a prescribed route while maintaining specified average speeds and reaching designated checkpoints at stipulated times. “Unlike conventional speed rallies, where outright speed is central, TSD rallies place emphasis on navigation, time management, accuracy and coordination between the driver and co-driver,” said Ghai.

Additional COC Dr Rahul Dutta said, “The Night Stage is being introduced for the first time this year. Driving and navigating at night will present a different challenge for the competitors, testing their concentration, coordination and decision-making abilities.”

Deputy Clerk of the Course (DCOC) Nagendra Singh said new tracks had been identified for the rally. “We have explored and identified new tracks for this year’s rally. These sections will feature sharper turns and unfamiliar challenges, requiring competitors to demonstrate greater precision, control and adaptability,” said Nagendra.

It is worth noting that the rally will traverse parts of Mohali, SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur and Garhshankar, taking competitors through varied terrain and changing road conditions.

SJOBA Secretary and Competitor Relations Officer (CRO) Danish Singh Mangat said the event had received strong participation this year.

“We have 35 cars and 15 bikes participating in this year’s rally, which is a huge response. The participation reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the SJOBA TSD Rally and makes this edition particularly exciting,” Mangat said.

Club Steward Nipun Mehan said the organisers were focused on ensuring that participants received a challenging but well-regulated rallying experience, with all rules and procedures being followed properly.

Safety arrangements have also been strengthened for the event. Chief Medical Officer Dr Utkarsh Singh Anand said, “Coordination had been undertaken with Fortis to ensure ambulance support, while First Intervention Vehicles(FIV’s) would carry medical kits and oxygen cylinders.”

Dr Vivek Kapoor, who is part of the medical team said “We are overseeing the deployment of ambulances and FIV’s along the route to ensure that immediate medical assistance is available whenever required.”

Chief Safety Officer Navkiran Singh said safety remained the foremost priority, adding that the organisers have coordinated with local hospitals and the district administration. Local hospitals have been put on alert and an evacuation plan has also been prepared.

In reply to a question, Jaspal said that Hero is the title sponsor of the rally, while Bridgestone is the tyre sponsor. Punjab Tourism is the co-sponsor and Vamcy Merla the additional sponsor. Kandhari Beverages, Fortis, Doaba Group of Colleges, Tynor & Paul Merchants are among the other partners, he added.

The SJOBA president said that the event will culminate on October 4 with the prize distribution ceremony at the Chandigarh Golf Association, where winners will be presented with cash prizes and trophies.

Chandigarh, September 27, 2026: A special Nature Photo Walk was organised at Forest Hill Resort(FHR) to mark World Tourism Day – September 27 and Big Butterfly Month. Over 60 nature lovers and photography enthusiasts participated in the event. The participants explored the beautiful natural surroundings of Forest Hill Resort and captured photographs of trees, plants, birds, butterflies and other natural sights.

Devinder Sandhu, Founder, Forest Hill Resort, said, “Nature is an important part of our lives, and it is very important to observe and understand it closely. Through the Nature Photo Walk, our effort was to connect people with the beautiful natural surroundings of Forest Hill and give them an opportunity to observe the trees, plants, birds, butterflies and the rich variety of flora & fauna found here. The event organised on the occasion of World Tourism Day and Big Butterfly Month was an effort to bring nature, tourism and photography together. We were happy to see the enthusiastic participation of guests, who captured the beautiful sights of nature through their cameras.”

The walk was coordinated by an expert panel comprising Dr. Arun Bansal, Dr. Abhijeet, Gurpartap Singh, Parveen Jaggi, Deepak Arora, Dinesh Verma and Parveen Nain.

Dr. Arun Bansal said, “The Nature Photo Walk was organised in two groups — a Trekking Group that explored the trails, terrain and natural landscapes of the Shivalik foothills, and a Photography Group that captured its rich biodiversity, including butterflies, birds, insects and other fauna. This combination of exploration and documentation offered an engaging way to connect with nature while encouraging greater awareness of conservation and responsible ecotourism.”

Devinder Sandhu added that the objective of the event was to bring people closer to nature and give them an opportunity to understand the natural surroundings and capture their beauty through photography. Guided by experts, the participants explored the natural areas around the resort. During the walk, they photographed different varieties of trees and plants, colourful butterflies, birds and other natural scenes.

Sandhu said that Forest Hill Resort had been making continuous efforts to promote nature-based tourism. Such events give people an opportunity to come closer to nature and understand the environment better. They also help in showcasing the natural beauty of Forest Hill Resort to a wider audience.

The nature enthusiasts spent around three and a half hours exploring the natural surroundings, and then returned to the FHR’s plush Club House. This was followed by a get-together with refreshments and live music.

Forest Hill Resort (FHR) is a nature retreat located on the outskirts of Chandigarh. FHR is an eco-sanctuary which is an adventure destination where guests can experience the outdoors through activities such as off-roading, trekking, horse riding, boating, fishing and bird watching. Forest Hill Resort also boasts of FHR Wilderness Lodge by The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC), this offers opportunities to golf tourists to play golf at the FHR and stay at the lodge amidst serene natural surroundings. It is an ideal destination for relaxation and memorable getaways. What’s more, adventure activities by TUTC are of a very high standard.

Chandigarh, September 25, 2026: Thirty-one (31)-year-old second-generation entrepreneur Shubham Gupta, who is also a real estate developer, has unveiled his maiden book- ‘The Dark Secrets of Real Estate, What The Industry Doesn’t Want Buyers to Know’ at the Chandigarh Press Club. The book explores hidden challenges confronting property buyers in the country.

The 215-page book, written over a period of around one-and-a-half years, seeks to educate homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers, about the legal, technical and financial aspects they should examine before purchasing a property.

Shubham said buyers often visit several properties, meet builders and are presented with attractive amenities and offers, but may not know what questions to ask before committing a substantial amount of money.

“My objective in writing this book is to educate and inform homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers, so that they understand what they should look for and what questions they must ask before purchasing a property,” he said.

Shubham has emphasised in the book that buyers should examine the builder’s profile and track record, the technical quality of construction and the project’s legal and regulatory status. They should also verify RERA registration and quarterly progress reports and make physical visits to project sites rather than relying solely on presentations at sales offices.

Shubham said that he has given a low down on what prospective buyers should also examine in construction specifications, including the structural framework, RCC construction, concrete grades such as M25 and M35, cement and concrete quality, and the quality of steel used in the project.

“Luxury and presentation at a builder’s sales office should never substitute for due diligence. A buyer has to look at the actual project, its construction quality, documentation, approvals and the financial standing of the developer,” he said.

The author & real estate expert said documentation was another critical area requiring careful scrutiny. The book impresses upon buyers to verify ownership and title records, the mother deed, non-encumbrance certificate, relevant government records, the registry in the builder’s name, and the applicable ‘khasra’ number and the agreement to sell, wherever applicable.

He also cautioned buyers against making decisions solely on the basis of claims surrounding “pre-launch prices”, limited availability or artificial urgency created during the sales process.

“Real estate is not automatically a good investment merely because it is real estate. Buyers need to assess the location, legal status, developer’s credentials, financial position, pricing and future prospects before committing their money,” Shubham said.

Shubham Gupta, has been associated with the real estate sector since 2018. He said that his experience had been built through working closely with civil engineers and other professionals and through independent research into development and construction practices.

Calling for greater transparency in the sector, he said relevant project information and major builder-related transactions should be accessible through appropriate public platforms.

“There is a need for greater transparency and stronger systems to monitor project-related funds. The objective should be to create a real estate ecosystem where transactions are transparent, legitimate and accountable, with no scope for black-money transactions,” he said.

Gupta added that his book educates buyers about taxation, available tax benefits and rebates and verifying their eligibility before making investment decisions.

“If buyers are better informed and ask the right questions, it will not only protect their individual interests but also contribute to a more transparent, accountable and quality-driven real estate industry,” concluded Shubham.