Latest news with #JaswantSingh
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Cancer: Stem cell therapy offers hope
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: David Thien Text Size: Dr Jaswant (left) receiving a memento from Dr Su. Kota Kinabalu: Side effects of chemotherapy can be treated with stem cell therapy, part of regenerative medicine that is touted as the future of healthcare to cure various diseases, including leukaemia. Oncologist at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital Dato' Dr Jaswant Singh, said immunotherapy helps in destroying or slowing down and shrinking cancerous tumours. Advertisement 'It stimulates or modifies the immune system. Stem cell therapy and immunotherapy can be combined to create new approaches for treating cancer,' he said. He was speaking on the 'Future of Regenerative Medicine' at a 'Generative Medicine & Biotech' seminar themed 'Restoring Health Naturally' at Hakka Hall on Monday, organised by Biolive, AIBTL Biopharma and ABVC Biopharma. Stem cell therapy is known as regenerative medicine that promotes the repair response of damaged tissues or organs. "These stem cells grow in a lab and can be manipulated to specialise in specific types of cells. 'Potential diseases that can be treated with stem cell therapy include heart disease, stroke, COPD, respiratory infections, Alzheimer's diseases, Parkinson's diseases, and diabetes,' he said. 'Regenerative medicine aims to replace damaged tissues or organs due to age, diseases, and trauma. Examples of regenerative medicine include stem cell therapy, 3D tissue engineering, and regenerative injection therapy,' he said. The panel of speakers included former Director-General of Health, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Prof. Dr Su Yung Tsun, the Director of Taiwan Anti-Aging Medical Association and Associate Prof. Dr Angela Ng of UKM Medical Centre's Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Dr Jaswant Singh noted that Malaysians like badminton icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei went to seek treatment for cancer in Taiwan, which has proton beam radiotherapy that is sometimes used for very rare sinus cancers. Many other countries have yet to set up such expensive equipment. For example, the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Proton and Radiation Therapy Centre is the largest proton therapy centre of Southeast Asia and is also the first proton therapy centre in Taiwan, with costs lower than that of Singapore. Prof. Dr Su Yung Tsun, the Director of Taiwan Anti-Aging Medical Association said the government is very supportive of new treatments. Proton therapy uses protons (positively charged particles) to treat cancer. It may also be called proton beam therapy. It uses proton beams instead of x-ray beams. Protons release more energy after reaching a certain distance and then stop, while x-ray beams release energy before and after they hit their target. So protons cause less damage to tissues they pass through before reaching their target. Proton therapy causes the least amount of damage to nearby healthy tissues. In other words, unlike x-rays, which go through the patient and expose the body to radiation both before and after they hit the tumour, protons stop moving after traveling a certain distance. So the tissues behind the tumour are almost protected from radiation and even tissues in front of the tumour are exposed to less radiation than the tumour. This means that proton beam radiation can deliver radiation to the cancer while doing less damage to nearby normal tissues. Because there are so many critical structures close by, proton beam radiation can be used to treat certain tumours of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. Right now, proton beam therapy is not widely available. The machines needed to make protons are very expensive, and they aren't available in many countries now.
Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Of six vintage beauties in Chandigarh, a 1945-registered Austin 8, a 1967 Rajdoot
Among six vintage vehicles — five cars and a two-wheeler —registered in Chandigarh, 'AUSTIN 8', manufactured by Austin Limited, is the oldest car registered with the Registration and Licensing Authority (RLA) before Independence. According to the RLA, Chandigarh, the Austin 8 was registered as a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) on January 25, 1945. Other vintage cars registered with the Chandigarh Regional Transport Authority (RLA) include an Austin 40, registered on May 25, 1948; a Fiat 1100, manufactured by FCA India Automobiles Private Limited, registered on April 1, 1956; a Morris Minor 1000, produced by Morris Motors Limited, registered on February 24, 1964; and a Standard Gazel, manufactured by General Motors India Private Limited, registered on September 3, 1970. Also, a two-wheeler 'Rajdoot', was registered with the RLA on May 31, 1967. Jaswant Singh, a member of the Vintage and Classic Car Club, Chandigarh, said, 'My father Balbir Singh owns a Standard Gazel registered with RLA, Chandigarh. I own a Plymouth Savoy 1955 model, manufactured by Chrysler Corporation. It's registered with the Mohali RLA.' Divulging how expensive it is to maintain a vintage car, Jaswant Singh said, 'Initially, it needed some maintenance, but thereafter it just needs timely service like any other car.' Baljeet Singh, secretary of the Vintage and Classic Car Club of Chandigarh, who owns a 1948-registered Austin 40, said, 'Club members showcase their vintage cars during different events in Chandigarh, including the Rose Festival in February, and Chandigarh Carnivals in November.' 'At present, only five vintage LMV cars are registered with the Chandigarh RLA. We have urged the Chandigarh administration to register more vintage cars,' Baljeet Singh added. Talking about the registration of vintage cars, an RLA official said, 'A 50-year-old car is registered under the vintage car category.' According to the RLA, for the registration of vintage vehicles, an application for the registration or re-registration of a vintage vehicle shall be made as per Form 20 and every application for registration shall be accompanied by a policy of insurance; an appropriate fee as specified in Rule 81, which is Rs 20,000 for registration and Rs 5000 for re-registration; a bill of entry in the case of imported vintage motor vehicles; and old Registration Certificate in case of already registered vehicle in India. As per the RLA's provision, a Vintage Motor Vehicle means any vehicle classified under vintage vehicle category — L1 and L2 categories for two-wheelers and M1 category for four-wheeler — which is more than fifty-year-old from the date of first registration after the first sale, including any vehicle imported into India, but subject to the condition — such vehicles should be maintained in its original form and should not have undergone any substantial overhaul, which includes any modification in chassis or body shell or engine. The State Registering Authority will issue a certificate for a Vintage Motor Vehicle registered by it to the owner. In addition to mechanically registered vintage cars, the city is home to several antique models. These are not registered with the RLA and are not driven. Manmohan Singh Kohli, owner of Hotel Aroma in Chandigarh and a vintage car owner, said, 'I have three vintage cars, two 1930-1940 models, an Austin, and another is a Morris Minor. These were previously registered with the RLA. Now, we do not drive them; we bring them out for exhibition.'
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Vintage charm: Registered over 77 years ago, Austin 8 and Austin 40 among oldest running vehicles in Chandigarh
Among the six vintage category vehicles in Chandigarh, an Austin 8, manufactured by the British company Austin, is the oldest and was registered before Independence with the city's Registration and Licensing Authority (RLA). Records reveal the car was registered on January 25, 1945, as a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV). According to RLA, other classic cars on its records include an Austin 40 registered on May 25, 1948; a Fiat 1100, manufactured by FCA India Automobiles Pvt Ltd, registered on April 1, 1956; and a Morris Minor 1000 manufactured by Morris Motors Ltd, registered on February 24, 1964. The records also list a Standard Gazel, manufactured by General Motors India Pvt Ltd and which was registered on September 3, 1970; besides a two-wheeler, Rajdoot, that was registered on May 31, 1967. Jaswant Singh, a member of the Vintage and Classic Car Club, Chandigarh, said his father Balbir Singh owns the Standard Gazel. 'I own a 1955-model Plymouth Savoy manufactured by Chrysler Corporation. It is registered with the Mohali RLA,' he said. Talking about the expense involved in maintaining a vintage car, Jaswant added, 'It initially needs some maintenance, but once repair works are done, it just needs timely service like other cars.' Baljeet Singh, secretary of Vintage and Classic Car Club of Chandigarh, who owns the 1948-registered Austin 40, said, 'Club members showcase the vintage cars during various events in Chandigarh, including the Rose Festival in February and the Chandigarh Carnival in November. At present, only a few vintage LMVs are registered with the Chandigarh RLA. We have requested the administration to register more.' An RLA official said that a car is considered vintage if it is at least 50 years old. An application for registration or re-registration of the vintage vehicle should be submitted under Form 20 of the RLA and every application shall be accompanied by an insurance policy; an appropriate fee as specified in rule 81 – which is Rs 20,000 for registration and Rs 5,000 for re-registration; a bill of entry in case of imported vintage motor vehicles; and old Registration Certificate in case of vehicle that was already registered in India. As per RLA's guidelines, a 'Vintage Motor Vehicle' refers to any vehicle more than 50 years old, calculated from the date of registration after its first sale, including any vehicle imported into India, subject to the condition that such vehicle should be maintained in its original form and should not have undergone any substantial overhaul, which includes any modification in chassis or body shell or engine. Apart from the mechanically fit and running vintage cars, there are many vintage cars in the city that are maintained as antique models but not driven around, and these are not registered with RLA. Manmohan Singh Kohli, owner of Hotel Aroma in Chandigarh, said, 'I have three vintage cars, two are 1930-1940 model Austins, and the other is a Morris Minor. These were previously registered with the RLA. Now we do not drive these around, but just bring them out for exhibition. For us, these cars serve as conversation-stirrers and induce nostalgia.'
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- New Indian Express
50-year-old woman from Punjab dies following Pak drone attack; first reported civilian death outside J&K
Kaur sustained 100 per cent burn injuries, while her husband suffered 70 per cent burns. They were both referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana. Their son, Jaswant Singh, sustained injuries but remains admitted at Ferozepur hospital and his condition is stable. A family relative said Kaur died and added that the condition of both Lakhwinder and Jaswant is fine. "The police will be going to DMCH in Ludhiana to bring the body of the deceased back to Ferozepur," the relative added. The state police said the car's light was on, due to which this incident might have happened. On May 9 evening, several drones were spotted in the Ferozepur cantonment and nearby areas amid the India-Pakistan tension following Operatation Sindoor.
Scroll.in
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
‘We are very afraid': Hours before ceasefire, Punjab village hit by drone filled with dread
On the evening of May 9, residents of Khai Pheme Ki village in Punjab's Ferozepur district were far from anxious about the India-Pakistan conflict. Despite the blackout and the official orders to stay indoors, Jasgeer Singh, 30, had stepped out to meet his neighbours and banter about the crisis, Around 9 pm, all that changed with a sudden flash and a deafening explosion. 'Everyone panicked and ran home,' said Singh. Moments later, more than a dozen red lights appeared in the night sky, said Tek Chand Uppal, a resident of the village. 'They kept blinking and they made no noise,' he said. 'It seemed like they could fall on you any time.' These were Pakistani drones and one of them had crashed into the home of Singh's neighbour, Jaswant Singh. Jaswant Singh and his parents, Lakhwinder and Sukhwinder, were having dinner on the verandah when it happened. The son, 27, ended up with minor injuries to his leg. But his parents suffered severe burns and were rushed to a hospital in Ferozepur town. One of their cows was also burnt badly. 'The war has already started for me and my family, though we did not want a war,' Jaswant Singh told Scroll at the hospital. Hours later, on Saturday evening, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to stop all firing on land, air and sea. The announcement came minutes after United States President Donald Trump said on social media that India and Pakistan have agreed to a 'full and immediate ceasefire ', claiming that the talks were mediated by his administration. Since May 8, India and Pakistan have alleged that the other side has conducted drone strikes in their territory. That day, Pakistan's military said it shot down about 25 Indian drones over major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Attock. India said that this was a response to Pakistani drones hitting 15 Indian locations in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Hours after Khai Pheme Ki was attacked, the Indian army reported 26 drone sightings across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan. With the international border just 10 km from the village, and no signs of de-escalation, the attack had left behind fear, confusion and dread in this village of 4,000 residents. Ferozepur was last attacked by Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when its forces launched an assault from the Hussainiwala border, 12 km from Khai Pheme Ki. 'My seven-year-old son was so afraid that he developed a fever,' said Jasgeer. 'We took him and our 6-year-old daughter to a nearby dargah and stayed there till midnight.' The following day, the children were so afraid that they had refused to step out of the house. 'Usually, they are always playing outside,' said Singh. The drone attacks were targeted at the army cantonment in Ferozepur town and went on till five in the morning, two security officials from the cantonment told Scroll. While most of them were intercepted, the officials were unsure how one of them landed in Khai Pheme Ki. At the hospital, Jaswant was still at a loss of words to describe the events of the previous night. 'It happened out of nowhere,' he said, more than once. 'I have never seen anything like this.' The consequences were grave for this family of farmers, especially his mother, Sukhwinder Kaur. Saurabh Bhagi, the chief executive officer of Anil Bhagi Hospital in Ferozepur, told Scroll that Kaur had suffered 80% burns. 'Her condition has improved in the last 12 hours,' he said. But given the burns, he was wary about her prognosis. Her husband, Lakhwinder, had suffered 60% burns but he was out of danger, according to Baghi. At noon on May 10, the two were shifted to the Dayanand Medical College in Ludhiana. The fear of a full-scale war was a new experience for many in the village. 'Our parents told us stories of seeing jets flying over them' in 1971, said Harmeet Singh, a farmer in the village. 'And we see these red lights in the sky.' Prince, 18, is one of those rattled by the drone attack. He travels 5 km every day from his village to work at an automobile agency in Khai Pheme Ki. Everyone in his village had seen the Pakistani drones above the nearby Border Security Force camp late on Friday night, before they were taken down by surface-to-air missiles. Naturally, his parents asked him to skip work on May 10. 'But my boss asked me to come,' said Prince. 'When I got here, he asked me to go back. Everybody is tense today.' Prince said that most people had one question on their minds: will there be a war? 'Humein jung nahi chahiye,' he said. 'Humein bahut dar lagta hai. We do not want a war, we are very afraid.' Harmeet, too, added that the villagers wanted peace over war. 'We cannot live with the fear of attacks every night,' he said. 'But if there is a war, just finish everything for once and for all.'
