Category Archives: Business & Economy

Taj city plan to get HOHO

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Travel

Agra :

The city will have its own air-conditioned Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus service akin to Delhi very soon. With an aim to popularize city’s monuments apart from the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, the UP tourism department plans to connect all such places of interest through this bus service.

A discussion in this regard was held during a high-level meeting in Lucknow on Monday and the Agra regional office was asked to prepare a proposal in this regard. The next meeting of the tourism department is scheduled to be held in Agra on July 20.

Regional tourist officer Dinesh Kumar said there were “several other monuments worth a visit”. He said that the proposed bus service would aim to prevent tourists from leaving the city after visiting the Taj and the Agra Fort. “Easy access to such monuments will tempt tourists to stay in the city for a longer time,” he said.

Mehtab Bagh, Sikandara and Itimad-ud-Daulah are some of the sites the HOHO bus service is likely to make a stop, he added

In Delhi, under the HOHO bus service, tours are conducted in specially designed buses which ply along a route, wherein tourists can board or alight at any of the pick-up or drop points. The route covers all major tourist destinations in Delhi, while monuments’ tickets and guides have been made available to the tourists on the bus itself.

In another decision, the UP tourism department will construct two of the three proposed parking lots in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal, while the other one will be built by the Agra Development Authority.

Directions were also issued to complete the ongoing land-scraping work at Shah Jahan garden, located in front of the Taj, by July-end. Moreover, officials were asked to build an interpretation centre at Fatehpur Sikri in accordance with the Mughal architecture.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / by Aditya Dev, TNN / July 08th, 2014

After 108, CM flags off 102 ambulance service

Business & Economy, Records, All

SUMMARY
In the first phase of the scheme, 800 ambulances were flagged off in January.
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Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday flagged off 300 AC ambulances under National Ambulance Scheme 102 at his official residence. The 102 ambulance service is for pregnant women and newborn in need of medical care.

In the first phase of the scheme, 800 ambulances were flagged off in January. The state government aims to keep a total of 1972 ambulances under this scheme. “Along with 108 ambulance scheme (which provides basic life support), UP now has the largest fleet of ambulances in the whole country.

The 108 service has benefitted 25.58 lakh patients while 102 service has helped 1.99 lakh patients until June,” Nitin Aggrawal, minister of state for medical health, said.

During the flagging-off, Akhilesh said that health parametres of the state have improved under his regime. “State health department has improved the medical facilities. We are currently working to improve the condition of our hospitals by making space for attendants.

“Most of the hospitals do not have any place for them to sit,” the chief minister said. He also praises ministers in the health department — Ahmed Hasan, Nitin Aggrawal and Shankhlal Manjhi.

The CM did not respond on Hafiz Saeed-Vaidik meeting row, saying that the issue is already being discussed in Parliament. He also refused comment on the purchase of Mercedes and Land Cruiser for his fleet, saying “it is an old issue now”.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Cities> Lucknow / Express News Service / Lucknow – July 17th, 2014

CII hosts a conference dedicated to women empowerment in Lucknow

Business & Economy, Leaders
(L-R) Dolly Thakore, Anjum Chopra, Aparna Yadav, Melissa Lee Ohm & Niloufar Pourzand
(L-R) Dolly Thakore, Anjum Chopra, Aparna Yadav, Melissa Lee Ohm & Niloufar Pourzand

A conference dedicated to women empowerment was organised in Lucknow by CII Yi, on Malala Day. Women of substance from different walks of life came shared their journeys with the audience. After Gaurav Prakash wel comed the guests, Dr Kiran Bedi, retired IPS and social activist spoke about the need for women emporwer ment in Uttar Pradesh.

“Hindustan ko badalna hai toh pehle UP ko badalna hoga,” she said. Then former cap tain of the Indian P n of the Indian women’s cricket team Anjum Chopra spoke about being a woman in a man’s world, vis a-vis the game of cricket.

Theatre actor Dolly Thakore and Melissa Lee Ohm, a former US Marine, spoke about what it takes to champion the cause of women em powerment.

But it was Deepa Malik’s heartfelt speech that left every body in tears. The 44-yearold Arjuna awardee holds the distinction of being the first paraplegic Indian woman biker, car rallyist, swimmer and entrepreneur. Her tale moved the next speaker, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor (known for the superhit Baby Doll), so much, that it took her several minutes to compose herself before she could talk.

The conference ended with a speech by protocol minister Abhishek Mishra.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Renu Singh, TNN / July 16th, 2014

Earth Infra launches Rs 1,500 cr housing project

Business & Economy

Earth Infrastructure today launched a Rs 1,500 crore housing project on Lucknow-Rae Bareli road, which is emerging as a major realty hub in the region.

The project ‘Marvel’ spread over 3 lakh sq ft would comprise 900 residential apartments spanning 10 blocks and common amenities for sports, heath, art, entertainment, club and fine dining.

The apartment would be priced at Rs 32 lakh onwards depending upon size, Earth Group’s Marcom head Kalim A Lohar said.

Last year, the company had launched its maiden housing project in Lucknow estimated at Rs 4,500 crore.

The Group has 11 running projects in India with 12 million sq ft under construction.

On Union Budget 2014-15, he noted the realty sector was sanguine about improving business climate.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by B S Reporter / Lucknow – July 15th, 2014

Renuka and Anoop Kumar launched ‘The Oudh Story’ a fashion studio in Lucknow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

The city has another hot-spot for all fashionistas. ‘The Oudh Story’, a designer fashion studio, launched amid huge fanfare at Hotel Clarks Awadh on Saturday, night had all fashion conscious city janta thronging the tastefully done up place.

The chic store was opened by MD Clarks Group of Hotels Anoop Kumar and his wife, the creator of The Oudh Story, Renuka Kumar, who is also a known celebrity stylist and an acclaimed dancer.

Anoop and Renuka Kumar
Anoop and Renuka Kumar

Housing collections from acclaimed Indian fashion designers like Anjul Bhandari, Chetan Chiller, Hemant Ambwani, Anuradha Vakil and Mandeep Negi’s Shades of India, the store is a onestop place for all those looking for the perfect ethnic and western wear for both men and women at affordable rates, Renuka, the promoter of the store, said, “I have conceptualised this place with great care and affection. All the designers who will be showcasing their designs here are very accomplished and known names in the fashion world, not just in India, but internationally.

This is a wo n d e r f u l concept which brings together new designers to Lucknow and most of all, here people can get customised outfit which will be specially made to order. Also, throughout the year, designers will be coming to Lucknow to personally interact with our clients.”

Designer Hemant Ambwani, who has designed for the likes of the Bachchans among other celebrities, said, “Lucknow is a wonderful place to be showcasing my designs. My speciality is the traditional Rajasthani gota-patti and for me to be bringing my designs to Lucknow is a great opportunity. Here people are still inclined towards traditional wear and I’m sure people will like my ensembles. It’s the first day today and already people have shown such great interest in my designs.”

Saturday’s designer trunk-show also had the guests meet the designers in person and talk to them about latest trends and designs. The Oudh Story is located at Hotel Clark’s Awadh, Lucknow.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Entertainment> Events> Lucknow / TNN / April 21st, 2014

Yawar Ali Shah hosts annual day bash for AMA Herbal staff in Lucknow

Business & Economy

A lavish Annual Day party was organised for the entire staff of AMA Herbal in Lucknow on Tuesday . The directors of the company , along with their families and staff, got together to celebrate the occasion.

The evening began with a vote of thanks by Yawar Ali Shah, one of the directors, to all the employees who had helped achieve this success. Awards were given out to all those who had worked hard for this.

Yawar Ali Shah
Yawar Ali Shah

Amid applause and cheers, trophies were given to more than 35 employees of the company . While Anshul Shukla and Neeraj Choubey jointly won the award for Employee Of The Year, while Khalil Ahmed was felicitated for 40 years of continuous service.

Several more awards were announced for excellent performance in administration, production, marketing, etc.

AMA Herbal, is a world renowned company dealing in natural textile dyes and herbal colours, Telling us more about the company , Yawar Ali Shah said, “Our herbal products are the result of our dedicated research and development team, which is responsible for making eco-friendly products for consumers.

Our natural products with Bio Active ingredients are well recognized by dermatologists in India and the world. The credit for our success goes to our team and that is what we are celebrating today .”

The guests again erupted in cheers as the launch of four new products was announced at the party .

AMA is in the process of introducing the Vegetal Bio Hair Colour in the US market in the coming year along with promoting natural dyes and gulal, in the European market.

The company also has plans to expand in the domestic market with wellness clinics and more herbal products.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / July 10th, 2014

HCBL Co-operative Bank extends financial assistance to Chikan karigars in Lucknow as part of financial inclusion

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

Lucknow :

One of the leading banks in the Urban Co-operative banking sector of Uttar Pradesh, HCBL Co-operative Bank Ltd has taken active initiatives to promote financial inclusion among skilled craftsmen.

The Bank said it is committed to preserve and promote the age old art of Chikankari, for which the State of Uttar Pradesh is most famous. Chikankari and Zardoji are the traditional crafts of Lucknow city, which are widely appreciated all over the world. To uplift the social and financial promoting this segment .

KK Gupta, chief general manager of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Lucknow recently distributed the cheques of financial assistance to artisans and craftsmen at the Alambagh branch of the bank. Gupta assured artisans that in the coming Lucknow Festival, five stalls would be provided by NABARD to display and sell their products. He praised the efforts of HCBL co-operative Bank for providing financial and other help to Chikankari workers.

He said that NABARD would also help in providing training to the artisans about latest trend and designs in Chikankari. This is the third phase of financial assistance extended to the artisans by the HCBL Bank. Earlier in August and December 2013 too, the Bank had organized similar events in which a large number of artisans had benefited.

Speaking on the occasion, Anil Vikram Singh, chairman of the Bank said, “The Bank has always taken prompt initiatives to provide substantial financial assistance to the lowest strata of the society, specially the artisans and zardoji workers. We hope such financial assistance will make these artisans financially independent and also aid in preserving the age old craft of chikan karigari.”

He said that in future too, the HCBL Bank also aims at providing point of sale options to these artisans to sell their products at the bank’s branches. This will not only help the artisans to show case their products and art but also earn a reasonable income through such sales.

On the occasion, Pawan Kapoor CEO of the bank along with other directors of the bank – Vandana Mehrotra , Pratibha Thukral and other dignitaries were also present. Staff members and other senior officials of the bank attended the occasion.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Priyanka Singh, TNN / July 03rd, 2014

Babura is first village in UP to enjoy IT benefits

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

Allahabad :

Babura village in Kaushambi district has become the first village in the state where e-governance will be provided with click of a button. The programme has been finalized under ‘E-village’ initiative.

Giving details, informatics officer of Kaushambi Daanish Faizan said: “Various types of services like making of income certificates, caste certificate, domicile certificate will be provided through E-village centre (Jan Suvidha Kendra) established at the Babura village. These certificates will be provided electronically over the counter at the time of filing the application. Any applicant can get the requisite certificate within five minutes.”

This initiative will soon be implemented in the villages all over the state.

This plan will be integrated with the other programmes in the state like public health centre, schools and public distribution system.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / Ashraf Jamal , TNN / June 07th, 2014