Latest news with #ElanteMall
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: British high commission launches Punjabi WhatsApp chatbot to prevent visa fraud
The British high commission on Wednesday unveiled a new QR code for its WhatsApp chatbot, making it easier for users to access official advice in a more accessible format, including in Punjabi. The chatbot offers UK government guidance on recognising common visa scam tactics and information on legal routes to travel to the UK. Daniel Sherry, political counsellor, British high commission, and (right) Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission, Chandigarh. (HT) The initiative—'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign—was launched in February this year to help prevent Indian citizens from falling victim to visa fraud and irregular migration. The British high commission will be working closely with Indian authorities and local stakeholders in the coming months to expand the campaign's reach across Punjab and Haryana. The WhatsApp chatbot is available in English and Punjabi language on +91 70652 51380. Information resources will be created and shared with local authorities and other trusted stakeholders working with the British high commission on tackling visa fraud. Daniel Sherry, political counsellor, British high commission, Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission, Chandigarh, were present on the occasion. 'We are pleased to be continuing our 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign in Punjab, making it more accessible with the launch of our WhatsApp chatbot QR code,' Daniel Sherry said. The British High Commission organised a photo exhibition at Elante Mall on Wednesday and will hold another at the Sector 17 underpass on Thursday at 4.30 pm to providing guidance on avoiding visa fraud.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
UK steps up anti-visa fraud drive in Punjab, Haryana with chatbot
The British High Commission has expanded its 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign across Punjab and Haryana, launching a Punjabi-language WhatsApp chatbot and partnering with local authorities to raise awareness about visa scams and promote legal routes to the UK. The campaign, which began earlier this year in key areas of Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh, uses social media, posters, and direct community engagement to warn people about common scam tactics. Recognising its early success, the British High Commission plans to deepen collaboration with Indian authorities and grassroots stakeholders over the coming months. Unveiling a new QR code that connects users to its WhatsApp chatbot, the UK government aims to make official guidance on identifying and avoiding visa fraud more accessible. The chatbot provides information in both Punjabi and English and can be reached via +91 70652 51380. 'We are pleased to be continuing our 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign in Punjab, making it more accessible with the launch of our WhatsApp chatbot QR code,' said Daniel Sherry, political counsellor at the British High Commission. 'Working with partners in Chandigarh and Punjab, and with the Government of India, we will continue to protect those vulnerable to visa fraud.' Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission in Chandigarh, added, 'Our mission is clear — to protect innocent people from visa fraud. As we expand this campaign across Punjab and Haryana, we will continue raising awareness and promoting safe, legal travel to the UK.' To engage the public directly, the British High Commission has organised photo exhibitions at Elante Mall (August 6, 2:30–5:00 pm) and Sector 17 Underpass (August 7, 4:30–7:00 pm). These events aim to highlight the emotional and financial costs of irregular migration and inform visitors about legal alternatives. As part of the ongoing campaign, UK teams have held village-level meetings, particularly in rural Punjab, involving elders and women to spread awareness. Discussions cover the UK visa application process, associated costs, and how to identify fraudulent practices. According to British High Commission data, Indian nationals now receive nearly a quarter of all UK visas globally, making India one of the largest visa applicant pools.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
UT's EV ecosystem gets thrust with high-performing charging hubs
1 2 Chandigarh: The city is finally getting the hang of plugging in its electric vehicles (EVs) at the public EV charging stations. A year after the charging stations started to become operational, the usage sharply increased. In June 2024, the total usage of charging stations, in terms of revenue generated, amounted to only Rs 2732. However, in May 2025, the public charging stations generated a total revenue of nearly Rs 6.4 lakh. In the first year of its operations, the charging stations generated nearly Rs 40 lakh. The first two charging stations were made operational at parking opposite Elante Mall and Lake Sport Club parking in May 2024. These started to generate revenue after one month of their operations, which was Rs 2732 in June 2024. However, the same charging stations generated revenue 21 times higher in May 2025 at Rs 58458. The installation of charging stations by CREST began in January last year, following location clearance from the Chandigarh MC. There was a delay in the operationalisation of the charging stations due to multiple instances of theft of charging gun cables. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo The stations finally started to become operational in May 2024. Currently, the public EV charging stations are operational at 35 locations across the city. EV owners are using some charging stations more than others. For instance, charging stations at the parking area, Car Bazar Manimajra, generated revenue of Rs 81,408, and Opp Sector 17 High Court Extension generated Rs 53,000 in May this year. During the same period, Parking Near Jagat Cinema (TDI), Sector-17, Chandigarh, generated revenue of Rs 126, and Sector-34 Zone-II paid parking area generated Rs 4 as revenue. The Chandigarh EV Policy 2022 envisaged the setting up of 100 charging stations across UT by covering at least one charging station in every parking area. However, the administration later decided to limit the number to 35 stations for the time being. "The administration wants to see the public response and usage of these public charging stations, and if required, it can go in for more stations across the city," said the official. A key challenge for the administration is to keep the charging stations in parking areas exclusively for EVs. In some instances, other categories of vehicles, like diesel and petrol vehicles, are also parked. "Initially, it was a major issue, but over time, the problem has sharply diminished. As more EVs are using the charging stations, the opportunity for other types of vehicles to park here has diminished. Also, public awareness has improved in this regard," said the official.
India.com
04-08-2025
- India.com
What's The Absolute BEST Time To Visit Chandigarh? Locals Finally Spill The Tea!
Located at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Chandigarh is a city that unites nature with modernity. It was designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier and planned to perfection. Known for its ethnic charm, Chandigarh is one of the few cities in India that possesses wide boulevards and picturesque gardens. But like every destination, Chandigarh has its favorable visiting seasons which makes the city quite appealing. Let us travel through the seasons to find out the most ideal time to visit Chandigarh and the reasons why. February to March Spring season in Chandigarh is a wonderful sight to behold. The city's gardens burst out in color, particularly the famous Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and Rock Garden. The weather is mild at this time of the year with day temperatures ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The air is fresh and crisp while the sun is shining bright, which is perfect for exploration. One of the highlights of the season is the yearly Rose festival usually held in February. The event has thousands of different varieties of rose on display along with cultural programs, food stalls, and flower exhibitions. It is also a great time to visit Sukhna Lake and go paddle boating while taking in the beauty of the nature around you. Why visit in spring? Cultural activities such as the Rose Festival. Gardens and flowers should be in full bloom. Perfect weather for sightseeing/any outdoor activities. April to June The summer months can be especially challenging for newcomers, as Germany's temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius. Luckily, the art gallery and museums make for great places to visit during summer. Those traveling with children can take them to Fun City Amusement Park or the Elante Mall where the whole family can enjoy leisurely water rides. Even with these harsh temperatures, the Elante mall provides a good escape, and serves as a great jumping off point to neighboring hillsides like Kasauli or Shimla. Reasons to visit in the summertime: Less tourists visiting while summer vacation starts, serving up a great opportunity to visit city attractions. Other indoor activities, further ensuring a good experience. Nearby hills act as a good getaway spot. to September: Monsoon Moderate downpours allow Chandigarh to transform into a luscious green scenery, making for good views in the summer. Additionally, rainfall makes the warm summer heat much more bearable. If you happen to visit, the temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. The Sukhna Lake, along with the city's parks, such as the Leisure Valley, are always breathtaking during monsoons. However, the calmness and beauty of nature during this time should be coupled with caution since rain showers can appear out of nowhere. Why visit during the monsoon? Incredible scenery and landscapes. Less tourists. A peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers. October to November This time of year is my favorite for visiting Chandigarh. The weather is delightful, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The city comes alive with color after the monsoons and gardens look their best. The capitol complex located in Chandigarh, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, is a must visit during the autumn as it includes the Secretariat, High Court and Open Hand monument. Carnival lovers will enjoy November where the stunning Chandigarh Carnival takes places, showcasing local music, art, and delicious food. Why visit in autumn? Great temperatures for sightseeing. Chandigarh carnival is not to be missed. The stunning beauty of parks is unbeatable. December to January The winter season in Chandigarh from December to January is chilly but pleasant. The temperature can go down to 3 °C while during daytime it ranges from 12 °C to 20 °C. The winter season's brisk weather is perfect for visiting parks and gardens. This season is wonderful for visiting Chandigarh's famous places like the Rock Garden and Sector 17 Plaza without the scorching heat of summer. Along with that, wintertime means more Punjabi food to chow down. The food includes butter chicken and lassi, which are best enjoyed during the chilly weather. Why visit in winter? Lovely and warm festive feeling Clear blue skies and fresh air for touring around the city Best season for enjoying delicious food Wrapping Up Chandigarh is accessible to travellers around the year but spring (from February to March) and autumn (from October to November) are periods highly suggested for visiting the city. Travelers get to enjoy the warm weather along with the best parts of Chandigarh's gardens and cultural festivals. Chandigarh combines contemporary buildings with scenic landscapes, making it a city worth visiting at any time of the year. Just make sure to dress according to the season, and get ready to be mesmerized by the city's beauty.
India.com
19-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani and Isha Ambani make big move, decides to expand Reliance Retail in…., big challenge for….
Isha Ambani and Mukesh Ambani Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani led Reliance Retail has taken its beauty retail brand Tira by opening its first store in Chandigarh. The new outlet at Elante Mall will increase Tira's presence across North India. The launch event was done with a promotional bike rally in Chandigarh. Bikers and beauty influencers also visited these stops and offered product applications like mists, lipsticks, and SPF balms. The activity was carried out to improve brand visibility on social media and increase local engagement in Punjab. Tira already has stores in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune. The brand has been focusing on urban centers with strong retail presence which can give them more customers. This new store has different beauty and wellness products including international and Indian brands. The products are from different categories like skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, and wellness. The store also gives personalized services like Tira Signature Looks and makeovers by in-house beauty experts. Its mobile app has over 5 million downloads and a digital presence on 98 percent of India's pin codes. Tira is managing its brand online and offline with a customer focused beauty retail model. Isha Ambani daughter of Mukesh Ambani leads Reliance Retail which is the retail arm of Reliance Industries . She handles the company's strategy and operations like looking after e-commerce platforms Ajio and the beauty platform Tira. During her regime Reliance Retail has introduced many global luxury brands to the Indian market. She has also tried reducing the urban-rural divide by making quality goods and services available for all types of consumers.
