Latest news with #IMP
Indian Express
03-08-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Mohali's tech rise: From satellite town to digital powerhouse
Written by Shivangi Vashisht Once a quiet satellite town of Chandigarh, Mohali is now a rising IT and (information technology enabled services) ITeS hub, backed by policy, investment, and talent. The city is now reaping the benefits of a movement that started in 2018 when a committee led by veteran economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia highlighted start-ups as job creators. Punjab's new IT policy targeting 55,000 jobs while offering tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure, has given another big push to this digital drive. Ashish Mehta, COO of Innovation Mission Punjab (IMP), a state-supported public-private initiative conceptualised in 2020, says, 'One start-up can generate 10 jobs'. With Rs 10 crore in state funding, IMP has facilitated Rs 33 crore in start-up investment and created 4,000–5,000 jobs in the last three years, he adds. Adding to the momentum, the Centre has committed $1.2 billion to upgrade Mohali's Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), an autonomous MeitY body led by Dr Kamaljeet Singh, signalling strong national backing for Mohali's high-tech ambitions. Start-ups, scale and social impact Global outsourcing firm TaskUs, blockchain pioneer Antier, AI road-safety innovator Road Athena, and digital services company QORWeb are among the plethora of companies redefining the start-up narrative in the city. 'We call ourselves disruptors in the outsourcing market,' says Sapna Bhambani, India head of TaskUs, which now employs over 4,000 people in Mohali, the company's second-largest India site. Bhambani says cities like Mohali offer a unique mix of ambition, humility and opportunity. 'We're not here just to run an operation, we're here to build people. Mohali gives us that canvas.' For Antier, which began operations in 2004 and now employs over 700 people, Mohali offered the right ecosystem from the start. 'We didn't have to be in Bengaluru or Hyderabad to build world-class blockchain products,' says CEO Vikram Singh. 'What we had was clarity of vision, deep execution, and a hunger to build from where we belonged.' Singh, who is self-taught and not a college graduate, is often cited by IMP as a symbol of Mohali's grassroots ambition. 'Stories like his show the power of local determination,' an IMP representative says. Start-ups like Road Athena have shown what's possible with the right support. The AI-based road condition and safety platform grew over 500 per cent year-on-year, bagging accolades from NASSCOM and a World Bank showcase. 'They came to us at MVP stage,' IMP notes. 'Now they've raised Rs 2 crore under the HPCL programme.' 'We didn't need Silicon Valley to build what we're building,' says Road Athena's co-founder Prerna Kalra. 'We needed engineers who could solve local problems, and a city that understood ambition. Mohali gave us both.' QORWeb co-founder Manpreet Singh, who started his digital marketing firm with a single desktop, now has a global client base. 'People used to think talent only came from metros. Mohali just needed to be seen,' he says. Infrastructure that delivers Mohali now boasts infrastructure that rivals India's biggest tech centres. The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Mohali facility features a Tier-III data centre with 10,000 sq ft server space and 160-rack capacity. In the financial year 2020–2021, the region exported IT/ITeS services worth Rs 1,471 crore to clients across the US, Canada, Norway and Australia. Facilities like Quark City, BESTECH Towers, and the upcoming IT city project have made plug-and-play workspaces easily accessible. For Road Athena, having a local data centre made a tangible difference. 'We handle massive volumes of video and image data. Being close to the infrastructure cut our cloud costs and sped up analysis,' Kalra says. Talent that transforms The city's rise is also powered by a strong talent pipeline. Institutions like IIT Ropar, IISER, Panjab University, PEC, Chitkara and Chandigarh University have fed the region with engineers trained in AI, blockchain, full-stack development and more. 'We've trained hundreds of engineers from Tier-2 and Tier-3 backgrounds, they're now leading blockchain deployments worldwide,' says Antier's Vikram Singh. Manpreet Singh of QORWeb adds, 'I've trained people who had zero tech background. Today they're leading projects for US clients. That's the real story of Mohali, it's not just producing talent, it's transforming lives.' Through its PINE (Punjab Innovation and Networking Ecosystem) platform, IMP connects start-ups with 27 incubators and facilitates prototyping, 3D printing and industry-academia collaborations. Its Campus Ambassador Programme reaches over 70 colleges, embedding entrepreneurship into the curriculum. 'There's no dearth of capability here,' says Bhambani of TaskUs. 'We've been able to build high-performing teams from scratch. People just needed a platform that believed in them.' The road ahead 'In the last three years, we've worked with over 6,000 entrepreneurs and changed the orbit of more than 1,000 start-ups,' says IMP's Mehta. 'There's an ecosystem here. Everyone is building something. Everyone wants to stay.' As India's digital economy decentralises, Mohali may no longer be an alternative. It may just be the advantage. The author is an intern with The Indian Express
Time Business News
28-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
The Rise of Personalized Primary Care in Tampa Bay
Healthcare is evolving, and so are the expectations of those seeking it. Today, people want more than rushed appointments and quick prescriptions. They are looking for deeper connections with their doctors, personalized care, and a focus on prevention rather than just treatment. This shift is becoming more evident in communities like Tampa Bay, where many individuals are turning to modern approaches to primary care that prioritize long-term wellness. One model gaining popularity is the Ideal Micro Practice (IMP). This concept reimagines how primary care is delivered by focusing on quality over quantity. Fewer patients mean more time with each one. It's a setup that supports stronger relationships, customized care plans, and better health outcomes over time. Traditional clinics often manage thousands of patients per doctor. As a result, appointments can feel rushed, and care may become reactive rather than proactive. In contrast, the IMP model is intentionally limited to fewer patients. This allows the physician to provide longer visits, more meaningful communication, and continuous follow-up. This is not about replacing conventional medicine—it's about enhancing it. Medications and diagnostics are still part of the care when needed. But they are balanced with lifestyle counseling, nutritional support, and strategies that empower patients to take control of their health. One of the core goals of this model is to strengthen the relationship between the doctor and the patient. In traditional care systems, patients may see different providers at each visit. But with personalized primary care, you often work directly with the same physician over time. This continuity builds trust, which is vital when discussing sensitive health issues or making important decisions. It also ensures that your care is aligned with your personal goals, preferences, and lifestyle—something that's not always possible in busier settings. Preventive care isn't just about screenings and vaccines—it's about identifying health risks early and making informed changes before problems arise. In Tampa Bay, residents are becoming more proactive about their wellness, seeking out care models that encourage long-term health. Doctors who use this approach may review everything from diet and exercise to sleep patterns and stress levels. They offer guidance tailored to each person, which often includes practical advice for daily living and recommendations that support both physical and mental health. Modern medicine is increasingly recognizing the value of holistic strategies. That doesn't mean ignoring traditional treatments—it means expanding the toolbox. In addition to prescribing medications when necessary, doctors may suggest nutritional supplements, movement therapy, or osteopathic techniques to support healing and balance. Osteopathic manipulation, for example, can help address musculoskeletal issues that contribute to pain or poor posture. When combined with advice on lifestyle and habits, it offers a well-rounded way to tackle health challenges from multiple angles. Primary Care in Tampa Bay is no longer just about getting through a checklist of symptoms. People here are seeking more personalized, thoughtful care that aligns with their values and goals. This is especially important in a region where people of all ages are focused on active living, wellness, and staying healthy over the long haul. The Ideal Micro Practice model fits naturally into this mindset. It supports a balanced approach to health that goes beyond the clinic walls. Whether you're managing a condition or simply want to optimize your well-being, the extra time and attention this care model offers can make a real difference. Life can be busy, and health sometimes takes a back seat. But with a personalized care model, your doctor becomes a partner who understands your schedule, your challenges, and your goals. The plan you create together is realistic and supportive, making it easier to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. This approach often includes strategies for staying active, making better food choices, and setting small, manageable goals. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, patients are more likely to maintain long-term improvements in their health. Fewer patients per doctor doesn't just mean longer visits—it also means better access. Many patients in Tampa Bay who have made the switch to personalized primary care report shorter wait times, same-week appointments, and more direct communication with their physician. This kind of availability can be especially valuable when health concerns arise unexpectedly. It offers peace of mind knowing that support is just a call or message away. The truth is, this model of care isn't just for those facing major health issues. It's ideal for anyone who values a personalized experience and wants to take a more active role in their wellness journey. From young professionals to retirees, more people are discovering the benefits of customized, respectful healthcare. In Tampa Bay, where outdoor activities, wellness trends, and health awareness are part of the culture, this kind of care is gaining traction for all the right reasons. Is this model only for older adults or those with chronic conditions? No, this approach is suitable for adults of all ages who want to focus on prevention, wellness, and building a long-term partnership with their doctor. Do doctors still use medications and diagnostic testing? Yes. While the approach is holistic, it still includes traditional tools like prescriptions, lab work, and imaging when appropriate. How long does a typical first visit last? Initial appointments often take 45 to 60 minutes. This allows the doctor to take a full history, perform a physical exam, and develop a tailored plan. Can this model help with general wellness goals? Absolutely. Whether you want to improve energy, lose weight, or reduce stress, your physician will help create a practical plan for progress. Is Primary Care in Tampa Bay widely available? It's becoming more common as demand grows. More providers are adopting patient-focused models that emphasize quality time and preventive strategies. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Implement promises given to Divyangjans: BJP state chief to CM
Hyderabad: BJP Telangana chief N. Ramchander Rao demanded that the state government fulfill its promises outlined in the Congress manifesto released during the 2023 Assembly elections concerning the welfare and development of individuals with disabilities. In a letter to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, he expressed deep dissatisfaction among various groups due to the non-implementation of these promises, despite the Congress government being in power for almost 18 months. He noted that the Congress had pledged to increase pensions for the disabled to Rs 6,000, provide financial assistance of Rs 15,000 to those with over 80% disability, and raise monthly pensions for widows, the elderly, and single women under the Cheyutha program to Rs 4,000. However, since these guarantees have not been implemented, many individuals have faced increased financial insecurity. The delay in awarding pensions to newly applied disabled individuals has raised doubts about the government's sincerity. People had high hopes that these six guarantees would be implemented within 100 days, but 'not a single step has been taken so far.' Given the economic and social challenges faced by disabled individuals across the state, the BJP is demanding immediate action to address these issues. Their key demands include: Increasing the pension for the disabled to Rs 6,000 per month and to Rs 15,000 for those with more than 80% disability. The implementation should be retroactive to the date of the guarantee, and arrears should be paid; Identifying eligible new applicants and granting them pensions, with arrears calculated and paid from the date of application; Amending the law or issuing an ordinance to provide political reservations for disabled individuals in local body elections; Immediately implementing a 4% reservation in government departments; Releasing the SCD G.O. to fill carry-forward posts and granting the Department for Differently Abled Persons more autonomy, with steps to appoint staff at the district level; Offering free travel for differently abled individuals on RTC buses and ensuring the filling of the 4% backlog posts in RTC, along with implementing a 5% reservation in business complexes. And, allocating land for the establishment of the YRRD Trust and providing funds under the Yadagiri Gutta Devasthanam Board. Additionally, he requested the extension of various opportunities and programs for the disabled, including: Implementing the IMP_MEPM self-help program loan waiver and providing fresh loan assistance, incentives, solar projects, RTC bus services, and opportunities for Indira Makhila Canteens. Enforcing the HIR policy and establishing Mani Vikas Kendras in every Mandal. Ensuring special protection under Section 92 of the Differently Abled Persons Act in police and judiciary matters. - Providing health insurance coverage of Rs 50 lakh for every differently abled person and granting job protection to disabled individuals working as Anganwadi teachers and helpers; Appointing experienced disabled persons to government commissions, boards, and nominated positions; Regularizing the services of contract and outsourced disabled persons who participated in the separate Telangana movement, plus providing them with housing sites, Rs 50 lakh grants, and employment opportunities. Moreover, he called for the immediate formation of an independent commission, a state advisory committee, and district committees under the Differently Abled Persons Law of 2016. He also emphasized that the Cheyutha program for widows, the elderly, and single women should provide a pension of Rs 4,000. Ramchander Rao warned that if the promises made in the Congress election manifesto are not implemented promptly, the BJP will initiate a public movement to address these issues.
Toronto Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Immigration grew six times faster over past decade: Study
Fraser Institute study blamed unchecked Trudeau-era immigration policies for recent spike in unsustainable immigration International arrivals at Toronto's Pearson airport. Photo by Jack Boland / Toronto Sun OTTAWA — Canada's immigration levels grew six times faster over the past decade than it did from the turn of the century, says a new Fraser Institute study. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The numbers, which include temporary foreign workers and international students, are contained in a new report entitled Canada's Changing Immigration Patterns, 2000–2024. 'Immigration, after 2000 and especially after 2015, is characterized by substantial increases in the absolute number of immigrants admitted, as well the share admitted as temporary foreign workers and international students,' authors Jock Finlayson and Steven Globerman wrote in the study. Between 2000 and 2014, annual immigration in Canada was around 618,000 people, but between 2016 and 2024 — excluding the pandemic-impacted 2020 — immigration more than doubled to around 1.4 million annually. These increasing numbers can be directly attributed to changes in government policy, the study points out — specifically mentioning 2014's International Mobility Program (IMP), which allowed employers to fill gaps in lower-paying jobs with temporary foreign workers. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'A key development shaping immigration policy under the Liberal government of former prime minister Justin Trudeau was the work done by the Advisory Council on Economic Growth, appointed in early 2016, ' the study states, adding the Trudeau government welcomed their recommendations enthusiastically. The council called for stark increases in permanent immigration to Canada, increasing from 300,000 per year in 2016 to 450,000 in 2021 — as well as increasing the share of economic migrants admitted into Canada. 'At the same time, Ottawa stepped away from providing meaningful policy and administrative oversight of the burgeoning international education 'industry,'' the study continued. 'Thanks to this hands-off approach, Canadian universities, colleges, and technical and language schools ramped up enrollment of international students, essentially without limit.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Unchecked immigration and international student enrollments greatly contributed to Canada's cost-of-living and housing crisis, with foreign students snapping up the limited number of housing rentals and part-time jobs in many cities. Foreign students not fortunate enough to find housing ended up in shelters and even living rough on the streets, relying on social services and food banks to support their studies. As the pandemic response began ramping down in 2021, demand for workers prompted employers and lobbyists to push for even easier measures to hire foreign workers, particularly those in hard-hit industries like hospitality, retail and leisure. Rules limiting employment hours for international students were also loosened, allowing them to work up to 40 hours per weeks. At the same time, the federal government used international students with Canadian credentials and so-called 'temporary' foreign workers with Canadian experience to meet its aggressive permanent immigration targets. 'In fact, more than half a million holders of a temporary visa transitioned to permanent residency status between 2021 and the end of 2023, representing one third of total admissions over that period,' the study stated. bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume Canada Canada Toronto Blue Jays Canada Sunshine Girls
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Tūpuna Maunga Research Scholarship 2025/2026 Opens For Applications
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is now inviting applications for its 2025/2026 research scholarship. Open to students across all disciplines, the scholarship offers up to $10,000 to support research that deepens understanding of the ancestral mountains of Tāmaki Makaurau and helps protect their cultural and environmental values. Applications open on Monday 30 June 2025 and close at 10pm on Sunday 31 August 2025. The scholarship was developed under the Authority's education strategy and is grounded in the values and aspirations set out in the Integrated Management Plan (IMP). Its purpose is to encourage research that fosters innovation, enhances knowledge, and contributes to the ongoing care of the mauri (life force) and wairua (spiritual essence) of the Tūpuna Maunga. Previous recipients have explored diverse topics including weaving, photography, volcanology, anthropology and cultural narratives. All applicants from any area of study are encouraged to apply, however it must align with the Authority's values and strategic plans. 'Our aim is to support research that not only expands understanding but brings real-world insights and solutions,' says Paul Majurey, Chair of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority. 'This is part of how we foster a living legacy and connection with the Tūpuna Maunga'. The scholarship may be awarded to a single applicant or split among multiple recipients depending on the scope and quality of proposals. Applications are submitted via the SmartyGrants platform, with successful recipients receiving funding from November 2025 (subject to processing timelines). Full details, including eligibility and the Tūpuna Maunga Values framework, can be found at 'The Tūpuna Maunga are taonga that connect us to generations past and future,' says Majurey. 'We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and fields. This is a chance to bring fresh thinking to how we care for and live with these sacred landscapes'.
