DoubleTree by Hilton Pune celebrated the arrival of Christmas with a uniquely designed eco-friendly tree

Pune - 2^nd December’17

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune hosted its annual tree-lighting ceremony this weekend marking the onset of the Christmas festivities in the city. Thespecial attraction this year was a uniquely designed, eco-friendly Christmas tree put together by the team with only a few natural elements.

Sharing his thoughts behind the ideation of the tree, General Manager, Aditya Shamsher Malla said – “Together the team at the hotel came up withthis initiative as a demonstration of our deep-rooted commitment to the environment. The end product was a beautifully designed tree, put togetherwith just a few natural elements like bamboo, jute and string. It’s a wonderful work of creativity by the team and has become a special attraction atthe hotel.”

Adding to the theme of social awareness, the hotel associated with a local NGO inviting a group of underprivileged children to be a part of the tree-lighting ceremony. The children were seen enjoying the evening and interacting with the hotel staff. A short set of Christmas carols was also performed by the group adding to the festive cheer. This was followed by the lighting of the wonderful tree and a special appearance from Santa Claus who delighted all with a bag of special treats.

The evening came to a close with a warm send off to all the invitees and a vote of thanks from General Manager, Aditya Shamsher Malla.

Mother’s Recipe packs a tasty punch of health in instant mix category with Poha, on the go!

Nationwide launch, bridging the gap of healthy snack option anytime, anywhere

Pune, December 4, 2017: Capturing the emergent wave of healthy living and smart food choices, Mother’s Recipe, India’s leading household name in the ethnic food division, has widened their instant mix category with the nationwide launch of Poha, on the go! Blending the goodness of authentic ingredients like fine quality poha, lemon, curry leaves, cottonseed oil, sugar and other condiments, this new offering will be available in two delicious variants: Regular Poha and No onion No garlic Poha. Packed in an easy to carry container with lid, where you just have to add hot water and it is ready to eat in four minutes. The pack also contains a disposable spoon which makes it an even easier snacking option on the go.

Sharing her thoughts, Ms Sanjana Desai, Head of Business Development, Desai Brothers Ltd – Food Division (Mother’s Recipe), said, “As per the recently published report of Bonafide Research India Ready-To-Mix Market Outlook-2021, the ready-to-mix market was growing with a CAGR of13.22% in the last five years and is expected to double by 2021. This growth can be attributed to the changing lifestyle of our time deficient consumers, coupled with rising number of nuclear families in young India and men & women both shouldering multiple roles. Keeping this in mind, a thoughtfully designed product ticks all the boxes of convenience, nutrition and taste.”

Mother’s Recipe’s Poha, on the go has been specially made to cater the needs of consumers who are looking for a hassle free, tasty and nutritious snack option which is easy to make and can be consumed at any hour. This single serve pack will be available in 70 gm and 75 gm across all hypermarkets, local stores, exclusive brand outlets & Mother’s Recipe e-store and various e-grocers like Big Basket in selected cities. Competitively priced at Rs. 45, the instant mix poha has shelf life of nine months, is free from added preservatives & MSG and retains the authentic taste of a mother’s touch.

Commenting on the consumer behaviour and product packaging in food category, Sanjana further added “We believe the demands of the FMCG segment are evolving every-day and consumers are seeking authentic, convenient and better packaged products. As a result, we need to continuously innovate in line with the growing consumer expectations while providing our customers with the finest quality & tastier products. Innovative packaging is also an integral part of our product development across all categories. Our recently introduced Mom style Poha on the go pack is in line with our aim to liberate our consumers, help them save time while maintaining the taste of mom’s style food”

‘Mother’s Recipe’ has witnessed exponential growth, CAGR of over 25% and has a strong presence across India and the global arena especially in the Middle East, Australia, UK, Europe, US, Canada and Africa, being one of the largest providers of traditional & authentic Indian taste exported to more than 40 countries in the world.(Pls verify) The current product portfolio in India consists of Pickles, Condiments Pastes, Blended Spices, Ethnic Chutneys, Papad, Ready to Cook Spice Mixes and Instant Mixes.

The Mother’s Recipe brand with a robust distribution network across the country caters to diverse formats ranging from mom &pop stores, modern trade outlets, multi-functional outlets, e-commerce, Defense and to Hotel Restaurants & Cafes (HORECA) / Food Service outlets.

With the acquisition of Kolkata based ELMAC brand and company’s foray into the online space, it is eyeing a growth of 25% in the current financial year.

Emami launches ammonia-free Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour nationally

Pune, Sep 22, 2017: Following a successful test launch in West Bengal, Emami Limited launches its all new Emami Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour in the national market.  Glamorous Bollywood Diva, Shilpa Shetty has been roped in to endorse the brand.

Hair Colour is primarily used by consumers for grey coverage or a style makeover. Consumers are thus always on the lookout for hair colours which last longer and reduce the need for frequent ‘touch up’ applications.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Priti Sureka, Director, Emami Limited said “Crème Hair Colour is a sunshine category in the FMCG space. Women today are looking beyond grey hair coverage – they don’t just want to look young, but also feel young and confident. They want to make a statement, want to stand up and be noticed. Unfortunately, most availablehair colours don’t last beyond a couple of weeks, forcing frequent applications. Users feel hassled and it pinches their pockets. To plug this need gap, we have launched Emami Diamond Shine, a technologically superior product created by renowned international and Indian hair colour experts with 11 ayurvedic herbs and diamond serum. It gives colour that lasts 2X longer, superior shade delivery, softness & shine, and comes at a price similar to what users pay for their regularhair colour.”

Emami Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour is ammonia–free, offers 100% grey coverage. Aloe vera conditioners keep hair soft and protect it from damage.

Emami Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour will be launched in Northern, Western and Eastern regions of India. It will be available in 5 shades – 1.0 Natural Black, 3.0 Dark Brown, 3.66 Cherry Red, 4.0 Natural Brown & 4.16 Burgundy, in a sachet pack priced at Rs. 30/-. Each sachet contains 20g colorant and 20ml developer.

deAsra Foundation Organizes Business Funding Workshop

deAsra Foundation on Friday organized ‘Business Funding’ workshop, at Choice Conference Hall, Kothrud, Pune. The workshop was held for people who have an existing business or plan to start a new business, small business and entrepreneurs looking for growth using various schemes available for them.

deAsra Foundation aims at provide right guidance and encouragement to those who wish to start and grow new business.

The workshop touched upon funds and Source of Funds/ Funding schemes from banks. Participant were informed about funding schemes, creating project reports required by banks, cash credit, own capital and term loans. The perfect amount, appropriate investment for the particular businesses, how to apply for loan, find the financing options that fit your specific industry or business needs, to plan and control the finance of the company.

The Chief Guest for the event was Mr. Suresh Rao, CEO of Vidya Sahakari Bank, Pune said, “A big reason people don’t start their dream business is that they don’t think they can get the money or financing. Well there are so many ways to get money you need”

Speaker Mr. Shubhankar Joshi from deAsra foundation said “The first step in the capital budgeting process is identifying which opportunities are available to you at the time, as a business owner or entrepreneurs you are often presented with many different potential opportunities, you could go in number of different directions as a company.”

Inaugural Ceremony – International Relations Conference 2017 – India EU (European Union)

The opening speech of the IRC’s 5 th edition organised by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Symbiosis School of International Studies was delivered by Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor at the Symbiosis International (Deemed University). She stressed upon the international nature of the Symbiosis institution that complemented the aim and purpose of the Symbiosis School of International Studies, which is a young, but prominent branch of the Symbiosis family. She believes Pune is an ideal place to set up the School of European Studies, and invited active collaborations with European educational institutions. Her speech was followed by an address by Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, founder and Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University). Dr. Mujumdar highlighted the importance of education, since education alone is the best medium to promote international understanding and open-mindedness. He stressed that apart from political and economic collaborations with the European Union, quality education would also go a long way in cherishing the motto ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.’ His speech was followed by Ms. Shivali Lawale, Director at Symbiosis School of International Studies, who has been instrumental in developing a dynamic environment with state of the art curriculum for her students, who come from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, again embodying the motto of the Symbiosis family. Amb. (Retd.) Mr. Talmiz Ahmad, then took the stage and expressed his solid belief that the conference would help in giving a wonderful exposure to various thought-provoking ideas on India-EU relations. He mentioned how EU faces a current atmosphere of uncertainty and trusts the conference could throw up some valuable ideas on how the India-EU relationship could be reshaped. Following him was the video address given by chief guest, Shri. Suresh Prabhu, Hon. Minister of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India. The Minister praised EU for being an exemplary example of how different countries have come together, setting aside differences for a higher goal. Prosperity between these two blocs has to be holistic, and not restricted to few key areas.

His Excellency, H.E. Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union to India then stressed on how India and EU are natural partners sharing the same principles. He touched upon key areas through which India and EU could utilise existing opportunities in a better way be it in the field of climate change, technology, research – especially on water management, military or finance. He mentioned how for the first time the EU naval force had a joint collaboration with the Indian navy, highlighting the maritime security paradigm. He also mentioned how both the sides should remain committed on coming up with a mutually beneficial agreement. Following him, Mr. Gitesh Sarma, Additionsl Secretary (Pol), MEA, Govt. of India, mentioned how there is an important need for quality analysis and interpretation in the field of international relations. Lastly, Prof. Furqan Qamar, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities highlighted the importance of globalisation in higher education. Dr. Rajani Gupte concluded the inaugural session with the final vote of thanks. Thus, the IRC is a pioneering venture wherein renounced scholars and academicians brainstorm on how to give substance to the India-EU ties.

Wadhwani Foundation Launches India’s FirstGlobal Network for Entrepreneurs

Launch Announcement at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, GES 2017, Hyderabad

• The ‘Wadhwani Global Network for Entrepreneurs’connects startup and SME entrepreneurs to curated mentors, investors and service providers and offers on-demand mobile access to document templates and learning resources besides offering its own Accelerators and Scalerators programs

• The offerings of theWadhwani Global Network for Entrepreneurs cover the different stages of entrepreneurship from aspiring entrepreneurs, to growth stage entrepreneurs to SMEs

 Pune, November 30, 2017: Wadhwani Foundation’s flagship initiative, the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) today announced the launch of India’s first-everGlobalNetwork forEntrepreneursat the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, GES 2017 inHyderabad International Convention Centre. Dr Ajay Kela, President & CEO, Wadhwani Foundation made the announcement.

Entrepreneurs are not born and paths to success in entrepreneurship are not necessarily akin. What makes a critical difference in the entrepreneurial journey isthe expert guidance, support, and inspiration to avoid pitfalls and enable the elusive quantum leap. With an aim to accelerate the entrepreneurial journey, the ‘Wadhwani Global Network for Entrepreneurs’ is unique in a two-fold manner. Firstly, its support mechanism covers the different stages of entrepreneurship from early growth to growth stage entrepreneurs to SMEs and secondly, it has customized offerings forvarious levels of the entrepreneurial journey.

The ‘Wadhwani Global Network for Entrepreneurs’ is supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, early and growth stage entrepreneurs,and SMEswith Accelerator &Scalerator programs,curated mentors,advisors & consultants, trusted service providers and investors through the mobile apps and a dedicated site www.wfnen.org.

Wadhwani Foundation has nurtured entrepreneurship in colleges in India for 14 years through student courses and launched hundreds of entrepreneurship clubs in campuses.This program inspires students and student outliers by providing facilitated learning through www.wfnen.org and LearnWISE platform.From short videos, blogs to events, webinars, bootcamps and case studies, there’s plenty forstudent entrepreneurs keen on arming themselves with formidable skills required for business success.

Says Dr Ajay Kela, President & CEO, Wadhwani Foundation, “We are very excited to roll-outthe Wadhwani Global Network for Entrepreneurs. This is aone-stop shop for theentrepreneur looking to grow locally and/or globally – providing all necessary resources, guidance, facilitated technology-led learning and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups to succeed, where the failure rates are abnormally high. This is a first-in-world initiative with globaloperations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. I foresee this as playing a major role in fulfilling theWadhwani Foundation’s efforts towards high-value job creation, globally.”

Cadre review of Junior Commissioned Officers approved- Gen. Bipin Rawat

–          1 lack 40 thousand promotions to be implemented from 1st January 2018

Pune, 1 December 2017 : Gen. Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff spoke today at Pune about the cadre review of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO), which was pending with the government for over 10 years. He said that it is now been approved & to be implemented from 1st January 2018. It includes 1 lack 40 thousand promotions of Junior Commissioned Officers, including 457 new  Subhedar Major vacancies.

He was speaking at the program organized by Pune International Centre (PIC). The Book-  ‘Securing India the Modi Way’, authored by eminent Journalist and National Security Analyst Mr. Nitin A Gokhale, was launched at the hands Gen. Bipin Rawat on Friday at College of Engineering Pune (CoEP). Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, Lt. General D. R. Soni, GOC, Southern Command, Prashant Girbane, Hon. Director, PIC were present on the occasion.

Ravat mentioned, ”It’s very tough to get promotions in the army. Only 0.18 percent people rise to the Two Star rank. For the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) & other ranks, the pyramid is even steeper. The cadre review of Junior Commissioned Officers was pending with the government for over 10 years. It is now been approved & to be implemented from 1st January 2018. This includes 1 lack 40 thousand promotions of JCO’s, with 457 new  Subhedar Major vacancies.

Ravat said, ”Development of Infrastructure along the northern borders is moved at the fast pace, Also lot is happening regarding  getting modernized ammunition, and We are getting very good support from the government. ”

No army can be successful if they don’t care for their veterans. We’ll always ensure that anybody who has been a part of uniform will remain a part of the uniform up to his grave, he added.

Netsurf launches All-in-one Anti-Pollution Vitamin Therapy Face Wash for Women & Men by Herbs & More!

Pune, December, 2017:  Netsurf, an indigenous direct selling- FMCG company, today announced the launch of its new All-in-one Anti-Pollution Face Wash for Women & Men, inspired by the Vitamin Therapy.

Herbs & More by Netsurf Network presents a new face wash for females- Herbs & More Vitamin Therapy Face Wash for HER. It is enriched with Honey, Lychee, Neem, Basil, Wheat Protein, etc. The female facial skin is the most delicate, pampered, minutely observed, decorated and nurtured part of their body. Hence, all they need is a solution to protect it from the harsh climate and from the occurrences of blackheads, acne and pigmentations; to nourish it with pure nutrients; to make it look young and glowing; to keep it presentable all the time.

Herbs & More Vitamin Therapy Face Wash for HER helps to absorb and retain moisture in skin, and thus keeping the skin well hydrated, fresh and supple. Protects the skin against oxidative stress caused by environmental pollution and removes blemishes and gives glowing skin. It has nourishing & rejuvenating properties. Vitamin B3 is an anti-acne agent and keeps skin hydrated and also replenishes skin tone. Vitamin E helps to protect and preserve skin cells, resulting in youthful look.

Herbs & More by Netsurf Network worked hard on a few natural ingredients and crafted a special face wash for men- Herbs & More Vitamin Therapy Face Wash for HIM. It is enriched with Avocado, Moringa, Neem, Basil, Wheat Protein, Vitamin B3 etc. Given that their skin structurally different, approximately 25% thicker than women and with a tougher texture, it is obvious that it won’t settle with a unisex or female face wash. It needs something extra, something that understands it better, nourishes it, nurtures it but doesn’t damp it with a feminine floral scent at the same time.

Herbs & More Vitamin Therapy Face Wash for HIM is in rich in natural Vitamin B3 is an anti-acne agent. It keeps skin hydrated and also replenishes skin tone. Vitamin E helps to protect and preserve skin cells, resulting in youthful look. Avocado whitens, moisturize, and soften the facial porters and eliminate acne, Moringa contains great anti-ageing properties. Wheat Protein nourishes skin and helps in reducing wrinkles. Neem helps in treating acne, scars, pigmentation and blackheads. Tulsi helps in treating acne and provides nourishment to the skin and tightens it.

All 2 face washes are available in 100 ml pack and are priced is very attractively at Rs. 220 and it is available online on www.netsurfnetwork.com

You’ve helped us fight HIV. Now, let’s end it. This World AIDS Day join the fight to end the negative impact of HIV.

Times have changed. People don’t wait to be married to have sex. The fact that it is a natural desire that comes with puberty and hormones play a major role in initiating this desire is slowing gaining acceptability. According to Dr. Dhrity Vats, Senior Wellness Consultant, Healthians (www.healthians.com), “Even in today’s era, the word SEX is considered to be a taboo; any open discussion is shunned and people till date prefer to talk in whispers. This fuels the misconceptions about sexual interactions and related complications, if any. But, with thegrowing number of sexual interactions between individuals, safety and awareness should be the top most priority. Rather, safety comes with awareness.” So, if last night you had unprotected sex with a partner whose HIV status is not known, both of you should get tested.

Had unprotected sex? Don’t shy from an HIV test

It is best to have protected sex, but if you were not protected then chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease is very high, especially if your sexual partner is exposed to HIV.

What is unprotected Sex & how is HIV passed during unprotected sex?

Involvement in any sexual activity where a condom is not used is known as unprotected sex. A condom can be used by both or any one partner. A sexual contact with someone who has HIV greatly increases your chances of contracting the virus. Moreover, in the absence of condom, the body fluids come in contact with each other such as the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, pre-cum or anal mucus and the virus transmits to the blood stream of the sexual partner.

It is a myth that STD including HIV/AIDS can only be transmitted through vaginal sex. According to research, it is most commonly spread my anal sex as the lining of the anus is thinner and is torn easily. When the HIV-infected semen comes in contact with the broken skin chances of getting infected are high. Same is in the case of oral sex. If you have ulcers or broken skin, that too can be risky.

HIV is passed via the delicate and absorbent mucous skin of:

• the penis,
• vagina,
• lining of the rectum,
• the mouth and throat (if broken skin area)

What are the methods of protected sex

For protection against HIV/AIDS, it is important to understand that it is the body fluids which should not come in contact. For this, no contraceptive pill or intrauterine device would help. Theonly and preferred way of protection is a condom. Now-a-days condoms are available for both men and women. A condom gives a complete lining of latex and does not let the semen come in contact with the broken skin.

Who is at risk?

Anybody can be affected by the HIV. The way you get HIV can vary. HIV positive people do not generally come to know how they got the virus but its carrier is bloodstream or body fluids. You can be at a risk of having HIV if

• you have multiple sex partners
• you had sex—anal or vaginal—with an HIV-positive partner
• you have been diagnosed with or treated for Hepatitis or Tuberculosis (TB)
• your partner or you have any sexually transmitted infection.
• you take drugs through injections.

How to get tested?

If you had unprotected sex and are worried that your partner might be HIV positive, get yourself tested. You would be counselled and given a questionnaire by the doctor before you are advised for this test. The test is a simple blood test. The phlebotomist shall take a sterile sample of your blood and study it in the laboratory for HIV antibodies. Sometimes, the HIV may be negative in spite of you being exposed to the virus. This is because the virus has an incubation period of 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) called the ‘window period’. In most cases, an individual shows symptoms of being infected by this virus within 6-12 months.

How can HIV be prevented?

The risk of getting the HIV can be lowered by

• limiting the number of sexual partners
• knowing if your partner is HIV positive
• using a condom regularly for all kinds of sex
• getting screened for other sexually transmitted infections
• avoiding using intravenous drugs
• not sharing needles

If you had unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is not known to you, get yourself tested soon to a avoid complications and to begin quick treatment. Since there is no age bar as to when you can or should have sex, similarly there is no age bar for getting HIV. In a homosexual relationship too, you have to be careful not to get any sexually transmitted disease. Prevention is always better than cure, especially in the case when there is no cure. But, if no precautions were used, a timely test is the only option to avoid further complications.

Healthians.com is India’s largest health test @ home service, creating a new benchmark for very high quality and honest prices. Healthians employs state of art 46 touchpoints technology for assuring quality collection and testing across its tightly controlled network of labs and hundreds of full-time phlebotomists. Coolsure ™ and Blackcode technology ensure sample transportation in an environment proof way- safe from heat, sunlight, contamination and human error. Smartprick ™ technology ensures minimum pain by precision laser guided blood collection. It specialises in Diagnostic, Preventive and Chronic Disease Management. We guarantee you the most accurate results for tests like complete hemogram (CBC), blood sugar, liver function test (LFT), kidney function test (KFT), lipid profile, Dengue (NS1 and antigen), Chikungunya (PCR and IgM antibody), Typhoid, HbA1c, Glucose, Iron Serum, Thyroid, Pancreatic profile, Electrolytes profile, Vitamins profile and full body checkup. To know more please log-on to www.healthians.com or to download the app ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.healthians.main.healthians&hl=en)

deAsra Foundation now in Kolhapur to help start and grow small businesses

deAsra Foundation, a not for profit organization formed to contribute to social welfare by enabling entrepreneurship expands its operations to now serve new small business entrepreneurs in Kolhapur. Established by Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Persistent System Ltd. deAsra Foundation aims to generate 1,00,000 jobs by 2020 by facilitating the creation of 25,000 entrepreneurs.

By supporting 2000+ customers, deAsra foundation has established strong roots in Pune. The organization is currently catering to the business requirements of entrepreneurs from most of the parts of Maharashtra through technological and virtual means, now deAsra is set to support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in Kolhapur.

deAsra is known for giving an hassle free approach to those who want to start, manage or grow their businesses by guiding them through the entire process flawlessly, by providing end- to – end facilitation and hand-holding support in their business journey. deAsra has developed an ecosystem by partnering with various banks & financial institutions, educational institutions, vocational training institutes, government and semi-government organizations, and providing mentor consultancy with industry experts.

In Kolhapur deAsra has created partnerships with; Bank of Maharashtra, Mahalakshmi Bank, Kalyan Janata Sahakari Bank, Vishweshwar Bank, Janata Sahakari Bank & Rajarambapu Sahakari Bank, to help entrepreneurs with facilitation of loans to start and grow their businesses.

“As these entrepreneurs start new businesses, we’ve witnessed their power to create new jobs and help to shape local economies. Our entrepreneurship initiatives give young men and women the foundational knowledge, training, and resources to start, lead, and grow small businesses.” Says Mr. Anand Deshpande

deAsra has a robust website – www.deasra.in . The website consists of 70+ business guides that help the user walk –through all stages of business such as Planning, set–up, market and actual execution. At the end the user is left with a clear idea about his position in the business and the action items he must work upon.

deAsra foundation provides a broad array of support services such as ; business planning, Funding legal support, compliances, marketing support, business performance management, professional services & tech. All of deAsra foundations services are simplifies, bench-marked and tech. enabled, with customer friendly functionality convenience and speed.

Truth Labs provides dependable Forensic Services to strengthen and supplement the Criminal Justice System in India

Mumbai , November 2017 : Decennial Celebrations were held at Mumbai in the premises of Mumbai Cricket Association, BKC, Mumbai on 24th November 2017 which was attended by Justice V M Kanade, Former Judge, Bombay High Court; Mr. Subhash Avate, Former DG of Police, Maharashtra State and Former Addl. CP, Mumbai Police; Mr. P. John, Director & Head, Claim Investigations, National Insurance Co. Ltd.; Mr. George E Thomas, Professor, Insurance Institute of India; Mr. Nazeem Khan, Head, Fraud Investigations, ICICI Lombard GIC Ltd; Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Head, Risk Fraud Investigations and several others Bank, Insurance, Finance, Legal and Forensic professionals have attended the meeting.

After a detailed presentation of the salient features of the 10 years services rendered by Truth Labs which were mostly sought by the judiciary, police, individuals of more than 15 states across the country and almost every public, private and foreign Banks and Insurance Companies operating in India and by more than 300 Government, Corporate, MNCs, Financial Institutions as well as 500 Law Firms and Advocates including Supreme Court and High Court Advocates.

The range of services offered like any other government forensic laboratories and the nature of cases were appreciated by Justice Kanade who stated that the country needs such organisations and services need to be expanded to cover the larger sections of people across the country.

Mr. Awate highlighted some of the cases of yesteryears requiring forensic examinations handled by him in Mumbai city during service and highlighted that forensic services are yet to be expanded to cover every police and judicial officer so that more and more use of forensic science can be ensured for improving professionalism in crime investigation.

Other speakers also have underscored the need for expansion of Truth Labs services to the wider sections of the industry, government and the criminal justice system in India besides to the individuals across the country.

A decade of dedicated services leading to examination and report of over 10,000 cases referred by various agencies which include:

§ 25% cases from Courts including 5 High Courts as well as Sessions & Subordinate Courts of more than over 15 States;

§ 15% cases from Police including CBI, NIA, CRPF, NCRB, CPOs and City, District Police, CID, EOW etc. of more than 15 States;

§ 10% cases from over 50 Banks including public, private and foreign Banks;

§ 10% cases from over 40 public, private and foreign Insurance Companies;

§ 5% cases from Central & State Govt. Deptt., PSUs, Corporates and MNCs;

§ 25% cases from Individuals from over 25 States across India as well as Law firms, Advocates, Detective Agencies etc.; and

§ 10% cases from foreign Individuals and Institutions from about 30 Countries.

Speaking on the successful completion of 10 years of service Dr. K. P. C. Gandhi, Former Inspector General of Police and Director, Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Lab “Truth Labs received more than 10,000 cases in the last 10 years, out of which 30% of the cases were referred by courts including High Courts, 20% referred by Central & State Police Agencies including CBI, NIA, CID, EOW, 30% cases are from individuals from 20 states across the country and the remaining are from Central & State Government Agencies, Banks, Insurance Companies, Law Firms, Advocates etc. In more than 3,000 cases, expert testimony has been given in the courts across the country by more than 20 experts covering forensic specialties like Questioned Documents, DNA, Cyber Forensics, Multimedia Forensics, Polygraph, Fingerprints, and Investigations etc”.

Police Agencies from more than 10 States, Judicial Agencies from over 10 States, Individuals from over 10 States, and Foreign Nationals from more than 20 Countries have utilized the services of Truth Labs. Dr K.P.C added.