Metropolis Healthcare wins ‘Diagnostic Services Company of the Year’ Award

Mumbai, Sep 30: Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, India’s only multinational chain of pathology centers has won the VCCircle Healthcare Awards for The Best Diagnostic Services Company of the Year Award for 2015.

In its 7th edition now, the VCCircle Healthcare Awards evaluates companies on their outstanding performance and by rewarding outstanding healthcare providers who have not just made real differences in the patient’s life but have also created a culture of innovations & excellence across the Indian healthcare industry.

Metropolis is one of the very few NABL and CAP accredited diagnostic chains, equipped with cutting edge technology, innovative work equipment, expansive logistics network and rigorous processes. Metropolis ensures and delivers precision and accuracy in every single test; each time, every time.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Ameera Shah, Promoter, Managing Director & CEO, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd said, “We are delighted to receive the recognition, this award is a testament to the efforts, ingenuity, and vision of my entire team. At Metropolis we are guided by a single motto: Quality is not an act but a habit. There is no place for error and we strive to achieve and maintain highest standards of excellence.”

The Awards selection criteria involved an esteemed panel of judges and followed a rigorous methodology in short listing and thereafter selecting the organizations that are transforming the Indian healthcare industry. With 34 years of experience in delivering accurate reports, Metropolis has earned the reputation of being India's only multinational chain of diagnostic centers with presence in UAE, Sri Lanka, Dubai, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius & Ghana.

Metropolis Healthcare - the Pathology Specialists deliver over 30 million tests a year, catering to more than 20,000 Laboratories, Hospitals, Nursing homes and 2,00,000 doctors. Metropolis Laboratories offers in excess of 4,500 tests and test combinations, ranging from routine screening tests to super specialized molecular and genetic assays.

Metropolis has always been in the forefront in employing latest technology and automations, adopting stringent internal and external quality control mechanisms and making planned investments in research and development.

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CredR clocks Sale of over 1400 Units in a Month

In a record breaking move, CredR - India’s leading online marketplace for listing and purchasing verified, pre-owned vehicles at the fairest value, sold over 1,400 bikes in one month.

In less than a year, CredR has witnessed an aggressive surge in the sales and popularity among the bikers’ community. The lead conversion of sales through the website increased from 31% to a whopping 45%, by just servicing in three cities – Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.

Recently, CredR also extended its disruptive service of enabling a platform for buying and selling of used bikes to Delhi. The company further plans to expand their reach to more than six cities in this financial year.

Buoyed by the initial response it received from the bike enthusiasts, CredR had unveiled a one of its kind referral programme ‘Captain Campus’ for its young patrons. The pre-designed 6 weeks initiative kicked-off from Pune popularly known as the ‘Detroit of India’. The initiative was launched simultaneously in several colleges of Pune, where students were asked to enroll themselves as referees, to help connect potential buyers with CredR. This programme shared incentives with both the buyer and referrer on the closing of a deal, through CredR. Within a short span of two weeks, the activity garnered enrollment from over 450 students that led to an unprecedented spike in its overall sales.

Through the Captain Campus programme, referees get a chance to earn Rs 1500/- on each bike sold through CredR and a win cash prizes of up to Rs. 75000/- along with a grand Trip to Bangkok on the reference of 50th bike sold. CredR also promises to give away a bike worth Rs. 30,000/- free of cost on the reference of 30th bike sold through CredR.

With the growing popularity and outstanding response gained for ‘Captain Campus’ in Pune, CredR plans to take this activity further to its young patrons residing in other parts of the country too.

Talking about the success of this initiative, Mr. Sumit Chhazed, Co-Founder, CredR.com commented, “We are overwhelmed with the phenomenal response received from our patrons, across markets. Increasingly, we are looking at strengthening our approach towards listing verified and tested bikes for buyers. Our Captain Campus initiative, along with the exclusive services offered by CredR, has been as a catalyst in enhancing the overall experience of buyers and sellers of used bikes. This will help us build trust amongst our valued patrons, and thereby, increase our customer-base across markets in India.”

CredR deals in pre-owned two wheelers that are tested and certified after rigorous checking using 80+ parameters. It aims to make the experience of buying used bikes as convenient and transparent as buying a new one. While buying a bike from CredR one can avail free test ride, free six months warranty and free 1-year roadside assistance. All bikes listed on CredR are expert approved.

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CEO of ATDC Gurgaon Wins Global Award

World Education Congress (WEC) a major congregation and platform of Vice Chancellors and Leading Educationists from all over the World has conferred the “Outstanding Contribution to Education Award” for the year 2015 to Dr.Darlie Koshy, DG&CEO, ATDC & IAM at the World Education Congress & Awards at Taj Lands’ End, Mumbai.This is an international recognition given to Dr. Darlie Koshy for his exemplary role in Leadership, Innovation, Academic and Industry Interface in the education.

The award was conferred by Mr. Debashish Biswas CEO, (CIMA). in the presence of Dr. C. M. Dwivedi, Dr. R. L Bhatia, Dr. Aditya Shastri Vice-Chancellor Banasthali University, Brig (Dr.) Surjit Pabla Vice-Chancellor Mangalayatan University, Prof. R. M. Zinyemba, Vice-Chancellor Catholic University in Zimbabwe, Prof. Anglelica M. Baylon External Relations Director, Martime Academy of Asia and the Pacific –Philippines and other dignitaries.

This award was given to Dr. Darlie Koshy DG & CEO ATDC and IAM for his outstanding contribution for Knowledge,skill development and leadership for the upliftment of the society. Dr. Darlie Koshy’s pioneering contributions to Fashion & Design Education over the last quarter of a century has been well acknowledged by the academia, industry and policy makers alike. A Doctorate from IIT Delhi in Management and an MBA from CUSAT, Dr. Koshy has been also trained at FIT New York in Fashion Marketing & Merchandising during 1987-88.Dr. Darlie Koshy as the DG & CEO over the last 5 years (since Nov. 2008) are spearheading the advancement of an education and training Eco-system for Fashion – Apparel & allied sectors having won “UK-India Skill Forum Award 2011”, and “ASSOCHAM Award” for Best Vocational Institute 2014 for ATDC & National “Education Leadership Award” from Dainik Bhaskar (2013) for Institute of Apparel Management (IAM).

“I am pleased to know about this significant recognition of “Outstanding Contribution to Education 2015” conferred on me by WEC and accept the award with all humility and dedicate the same to not only the teams of different Education Institutions, I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the last 2 decades which include NIFT Delhi, NID Ahmedabad and the teams of ATDC & IAM Gurgaon but also to the stake holders who have extended support and cooperation over the years” said Dr. Darlie Koshy, DG & CEO, ATDC & IAM.

The WORLD EDUCATION CONGRESS 2015 is governed by Global Advisory Council which guides the strategic intent of the congress to its logical success. The aim of the Awards is to recognize the Best of Best, organized for a professional cause. The objective at core is benchmarking educational practices. World Education Congress presents awards to institutions and individuals who have achieved high levels of excellence and who provide exemplary leadership and are a role model.

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Third Mr. Icon India 2015 Auditions start

Mumbai: After the tremendous success of Mr. Icon India 2013 and Mr. Icon India 2014, WhtNexthas announced the auditions for third Mr. Icon India- 2015 to be commenced from 22 August 2015 till 13 September 2015. The auditions will be organized in 28 cities including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Agra, Lucknow, Dehradun, Jammu, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Patna, Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Indore, Bhopal, Goa, Vadodara, Gwalior, Raipur and Jabalpur. Grand Finale will be organized on 17 October in the presence of popular personalities from Mumbai.

Third Mr. Icon India 2015 invites youngsters between 17 years and 28 years of age. The show will be telecasted on a large scale at local, regional and national channels as well as online mediums.The event will shape the confidence and personality of participants through grooming sessions so as to make them aware of their talent. Special attention will be given to their intelligence and presence of mind. All the participants taking part in audition will be awarded a certificate along with a high quality professional portfolio.

Mr. AtulMalikram, Director, Whtnext Event Private Limited said, “This event is a great opportunity for youngsters. The selected models will get a chance to work with well-known brands. Mr. Icon is a golden opportunity for youngsters to show the talent beyond the limits of words.

“Mr. Icon India is a modelling platform, where well-known personalities from this industry assemble. To get more information about Mr. Icon India mail at mriconindia@gmail.comor call at 8818887256or visit www.mriconindia.in.The event is being promoted through 360 Degree Marketing Campaign including TV, Radio, Newspaper, Magazines, Hoardings and digital mediums like blogs, social media and online mediums.  Mr Icon India has organized two successful events. It’s the third event of WhtNext.

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Khushi organizes Marathon over Autism Awareness, 800 participated

Every year, April is seen as the World Autism Awareness Month and to respect that, Khushi, A Pediatric therapy center located in Mumbai held Cause-a-thon a special 7-kilometer and 1-kilometre Marathon at Taj Lands End on 5th April as a part of their Autism Awareness Campaign.

Initiated by an NGO, Khushi Pediatric therapy centre started Cause-a-thon in 2013. Celebrities like Shaan, Nawaz Modi Singhania and NGO like Being Human has extended their support to the cause. Bank of India and Striders also came together to support this cause. Mrs India 2015, Priyanka Goyal conducted the warm up before the race for all runners while Shaan gave the flag off to the run and the yester year actress Anita Raj gave away the prizes.

Unlike earlier years, this year the kids with Autism and other children with special needs conducted the event. The kids had taken up the responsibility of escorting guests and conducted the event through compering and giving away medals to the winners and refreshments to all participants.

According to Khushi founder Reena Singh: Cause-a-thon is just about appreciating the strengths of kids with Autism while accepting their differences without being judgmental about Autism or any developmental disability. It is about sensitizing the society so that they accept Autism and become more aware about it.

Cause-a-thon, is a free event for special children, It had over 325 participants in 2013 and about 505 runners in 2014 and this year they had around 800 registrations. Khushi mainly work with children with Autism and other disorders occurring with autism, eg - Autism and Celebral Palsy, Autism and Mental Retardation etc.

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University Rankings: Significance, Pitfalls and Implications for India

University Rankings: Significance, Pitfalls and Implications for India – Presentation to be Held on Sunday January 4 at the 102nd Indian Science Cong

MUMBAI, January 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -

India''s universities and research institutions account for 10% in the THE Top 100 University Rankings for BRICS Countries and Other Emerging Economies (2015), but did not make the cut for the Top 10. Why not?

In THE Top 100 University Rankings for BRICS Countries and Other Emerging Economies (2015), India's top institutes only rank 25 or higher. Research based on SciVal*, presented at the 2015 ISC, shows that Indian institutes would benefit significantly from stronger collaborations, either internationally or between academia and industry.

Some key findings include:
Academic - corporate collaborations are shown to have a very strong, positive influence on citation impact: 5 x for IIS, 3-12 x for IITs, and 14 x for India overall.
Impact of international collaboration is very positive: 1.5-4 FWCI for the highest ranked institute, IIS (ranks #25), with a significant jump in citation impact for collaborations with Cambridge (x2), UC Berkeley and Harvard (x3), Ohio State (x4).
Panjab University, is the highest ranked Indian university (ranks #39), benefitting strongly from its international collaboration in high-energy physics.
For international articles from India, esp. India-EU and India-US there is steady growth: 50% in 5 years, and doubling forIndia-China but from low level.

Overall conclusion by Dr. Michiel Kolman, SVP Global Academic Relations Elsevier; "Collaboration (international or corporate-university) can significantly boost India's research performance and will impact rankings positively. Leading science nations, such as US, China and EU have strong high-impact collaboration potential for India."

Why are university rankings important? What variables influence university rankings? On which of these variables do Indian universities and research institutes perform well? On which points should they focus on to boost their overall position in the rankings next year?

During his presentation Dr. Kolman will zoom into the BRICS ranking results, using research data from Scopus to further analyse the research performance of Indian universities and research institutions. He would provide valuable insights on publication output, impact, the influence of international and corporate collaboration, patents, and compare results to universities from other BRICS countries.

Presentation details

Indian Science Congress, University of Mumbai, 3-7 January 2015

Presentation: University Rankings: Significance, Pitfalls and Implications for India

Presentation date: Sunday January 4, 9:15 am, Green Technology Auditorium (GT-001)

By: Dr. Michiel Kolman, SVP Global Academic Relations, Elsevier

Current standing of Indian research institutions in THE BRICS and Emerging Economies Ranking (2015)

Rank 25: Indian Institute of Science: Score 37.6

Rank 37: Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay: Score 33.3

Rank 38: Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee: Score 33

Rank 39: Panjab University: Score 32.9

Rank 43: Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur: Score 31.6

Rank 44: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras: Score 31.5

Rank 56: Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi: Score 29

Rank 71: Jawaharlal Nehru University: Score 25.9

Rank 74: Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur: Score 25.8

Rank 78: Aligarh Muslim University: Score 25.4

Rank 98: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati: Score 22.6

More information on the THE BRICS and Emerging Economies Ranking:

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2015/brics-and-emerging-economies

*SciVal is a research metrics analysis tool, part of the Elsevier Research Intelligence portfolio of integrated tools and services.

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Intensifying Demand for Municipal Water Supply Drives Indian Water Treatment Systems Market, finds Frost & Sullivan

Intensifying Demand for Municipal Water Supply Drives Indian Water Treatment Systems Market, finds Frost & Sullivan

Desalination, recycle and reuse systems to dominate the market

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

As India eases into an exciting stage in its economic development, associated opportunities are unfolding in the country’s water and wastewater sector. After power generation, water supply and sanitation is the next high-growth industry, as the need for municipal water expands steadily. With more than 20 metros expected to mushroom by 2032, the water stress will only increase, creating huge demand for water and wastewater treatment systems in the Indian municipal segment.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of the Indian Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Market, finds that the market earned revenue of INR 31,260 million in 2013 and estimates this to reach INR 49,000 million by 2018. Market growth is attributed to the rising population and urbanization. The study covers water treatment technologies such as desalination, clarification, filtration and activated sludge process.

For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: http://corpcom.frost.com/forms/EBT_IWTSM

“Widening water-supply demand is the key driver for the municipal water and wastewater treatment market,” said Frost & Sullivan’s Environment & Building Technologies Analyst. “Of the 32 major cities in India, 22 are facing water shortages. Even in cities with comparatively narrower demand-supply gap, shortages are registered due to significant water loss during transmission.”

While demand drives the market, growth will be tempered the lack of proper planning and funds for infrastructure. Municipalities are unable to generate sustained revenues due to low water tariffs, poor meter connections, and a high share of non-revenue water supply. "With water being highly subsidized in India, most municipal corporations are unable to recover the cost of water supply,” stated the analyst. “Alternate sources of water, such as recycle and reuse water for various non-potable municipal applications, is very limited.”

In order to meet the growing water demand, two sustainable options are available – desalination and wastewater recycle and reuse. While desalination has strong potential, treatment of wastewater for recycle and reuse is still in the nascent stage in India. Unlike most of Europe and America, the wastewater recycling and reuse concept is gaining currency in India only now. However, the sector presents tremendous potential, as only 30 percent of the wastewater generated is currently being treated.

“Latest developments in the global desalination segment can be brought to India through joint ventures (JVs),” mentioned the analyst. “In such JVs, domestic water and/or infrastructure companies can meet the civil and structural development needs of desalination plants. These companies can also contribute with relevant technological insights, along with offering operation and maintenance expertise.”

Analysis of the Indian Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Market is part of the Environmental (http://www.environmental.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: Point of Use Water Purifier Market in India, Analysis of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Membrane Elements Market, Analysis of the North America Tertiary and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market, Produced Water Treatment Market in Southeast Asia, Global Residential and Light Commercial Water Treatment Equipment Market. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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VBHC- The Affordable Housing Major Completes its Mumbai Project

VBHC- The Affordable Housing Major Completes its Mumbai Project

• Hands over 350 homes at its Vaibhav -Palghar project in a record time of 20 months 
• VBHC is the first developer to offer a fast growing township in Palghar

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
 

The pioneer of quality affordable housing - Value & Budget Housing Corporation (VBHC) has reiterated its commitment of bringing affordability to the country’s most unaffordable market with the delivery of over 350 homes at its Vaibhav -Palghar project in Mumbai.

VBHC is the first real estate developer in the entire Palghar area that has delivered 350 apartments in a record period of 20 months. Also, the organization is the only developer in the region that offers such a large-scale residential development equipped with all modern amenities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. P.S. Jayakumar, Managing Director, Value and Budget Housing Corporation (VBHC) said “This is a proud moment for us at VBHC to have been able to deliver homes for possession to 350 owners within the promised period. At VBHC, we believe in creating a sustainable communities for our customers. The Palghar project is a testimony to our endeavor towards the same.”

The project is spread across an area of 47 acres with 70 per cent of open space with landscaped gardens and a kid’s play area. Vaibhav- Palghar like other projects of the company has used the reliable FORM based construction technology. The project has also incorporated various sustainable elements like dual plumbing, solar water heating, bio gas plant & sewage treatment plant along with recreational facilities like club house, shopping complex as well as other amenities.

With pan India presence, VBHC is one of the few developers in the country dedicated to serving the low cost housing segment and has simultaneous projects being lined up in Tier I, II & III cities to cater to the increasing demand for affordable housing. The company is in various stages of identification and procurement of land for developing affordable housing in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to expand its national footprint. VBHC has large scale expansion plans and promises to deliver 18,000 homes in the next 3 years as it expands its footprint across India.

About VBHC: Value & Budget Housing Corporation Pvt. Ltd. (VBHC), is an ISO 9001:2008 certified professionally managed real estate company which believes that good quality living should be within everyone’s reach. The company was co-founded by former Mphasis Chairman, Mr. Jaithirth (Jerry) Rao and former Citibank Consumer Banking Head, Mr. P. S. Jayakumar.

With marquee investors like HDFC, IFC, Carlyle and Caspian Advisers, VBHC has large scale expansion plans and promises to deliver 18,000 homes in the next 3 years as it expands its national footprint across India.

VBHC's objective is to provide housing that meets high quality construction standards, ensures speedy completion and delivery at low cost. These objectives are best met through the application of contemporary building technology, computer aided design methods, a lean manufacturing process and the adoption of ingenious industrial engineering processes. VBHC has been able to transform real estate development into a lean industrial process with the use of 'form' technology.

VBHC homes are meticulously planned and designed to give one’s family the true experience of modern living. At present, VBHC has projects in Bangalore, Chennai, NCR and Mumbai. VBHC has received the much acclaimed EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) green building certification from IFC for its apartment buildings the only company in India to achieve this certification.

For more information log on to: www.vbhc.com

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Real Estate Giant One Avighna Park ropes in White Rivers Digital to Handle Digital Marketing Duties

Real Estate Giant One Avighna Park ropes in White Rivers Digital to Handle Digital Marketing Duties

Mumbai :The luxury real estate boom is upon us and properties such as One Avighna Park have set the precedent for such firms to take their digital media presence seriously. The Lower Parel based high end apartment complex has roped in Mumbai's fast growing White Rivers Digital to handle this key portfolio

White Rivers Digital will help One Avighna Park curate it's digital identity on social media platforms. The key challenge for the agency will be creating relatable campaigns that helps breaks the monotony of everyday real estate talk.

Shrenik Gandhi, co-founder of WRD believes that this move marks the increasing importance of creating social stories for luxury real estate brands

"Real estate is about people. It's about those who build it, it's about the people for whom they build it. In that sense, One Avighna Park is not just prime property, it is a place where life happens. We are very excited to be handling Digital Marketing for market leaders in this space & look forward to some great digital stories!"

Shalini Dixit, General Manager – Marketing & Sales from One Avighna Park agrees with Gandhi and shares her enthusiasm for digital media promotion

Digital Media today is connecting well with the fastest growing segment of buyers aged between 30-45 years. Besides being cost efficient , this platform is an enabler to reach the right target audience and is also measurable. One Avighna Park being a Premium residential “By Invitation” project has entrusted White Rivers Digital to devise and implement a strategy to identify the right digital channels to enhance our brands web presence and gradually result in select web conversions.

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Chota Pakistan in Mumbai as mentioned on Electricity Bills

Electricity bills carrying name of 'Chota Pakistan' were given to Muslim electricity customers of  slum area in Thane district in Mumbai suburb, according to new aired by NDTV news channel.

Mumbai is the financial capital of India, which witnessed biggest terror attack in 2008.

The official swung into action after the news flashed. Taking action over the issue, the  Maharashtra state minority commission has summoned electricity officials on Thursday and asked for their clarification over the bills addressed mentioned as 'Chota Pakistan' and 'Laden Nagar'.

The Power Minister Ajit Pawar has assured to take action over the issue.

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Salute to Bala Saheb Thackery, the great hero of Maharastra

By Jyoti Parida

On 17th November 2012 at 4.55 pm the announcement of the death of the great hero Bala Saheb Thackery brought Mumbaikers came to a halt. Mumbai the city that never sleeps has given a break to mourn for the king. All the shops, vehicles, malls, offices were closed after hearing the sad news. This is very sad news for all the Indians because we have lost a great cartoonist and politician.

He was born on January 23, 1926, and the second of four children of Kesav Sitaram Thackery, a writer. The 86 year old Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackery started his journey as a cartoonist at the English daily Free Press Journal in the late 1950s. His cartoons also published in the Japanese daily newspaper Asahi Shimbun and in the Sunday edition of The New York Times. In the 1960s he began to involve into politics and in 1966 he founded the Shiv Sena.

In the early 1990s he led a successful campaign to drop the name Bombay- a Portuguese derivation of “beautiful bay”- and replace it with Mumbai for the goddess Mumbadevi- the name by which the city is known in the Marathi language. He was said to be the Mascot and the God father of the Marathi pride and the Hindutva. With many ups and downs he still maintained to hold his fame. No matters either he is alive or dead the lesson he taught will be always remembered in the minds of everybody.

Today his body will be taken from his residence Matoshree at Bandra to Shivaji Park (where he gave his first speech on 1966). He will end his journey today there from where he first started. He gave more than what Maharashtra and also the Nation required. His last rituals will be at 6 pm and more than 20 lakh people are expected to come to pay their honour to the great hero of Maharashtra.

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Mumbai Police gets 'Solid Leads' in 13/7 Mumbai Serial Blasts

The Mumbai police claimed to have 'solid leads' in the recent Mumbai triple blasts on July 13.

One of the senior police office said that the investigation into the blasts were on proper direction and anytime the sketch of a suspect will be released.

Police have been observing the cc footage from the blast site and might get through deriving some solid clues about the blasts.

The death toll in the Wednesday's blasts at Dadar, Zaveri Bazar and Opera House mount to 19 and 100 others were injured.

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Rakesh Maria denied to pinpoint any particular group for these three blasts in Mumbai.

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Canadians caught up in bloody Mumbai attack

Militants holed up at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, the embattled city where terrorist attacks have killed more than 100 people, have called an Indian television channel to offer talks with the government for the release of hostages.

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