Air India Enhances Travel Experience On All Mumbai-USA Routes With Newly Inducted Boeing 777s

·         Newly inducted B777 aircraft deployed between Mumbai and all US destinations 

·         B777 with First Class configuration also introduced between Mumbai and London 

Air India, India’s leading global airline, has deployed its newly inducted B777 aircraft to all three US destinations it serves non-stop from Mumbai: New York JFK Airport, Newark Liberty Airport (New Jersey), and San Francisco.   This ensures that, for the first time, all North American cities served by Air India from Mumbai have been upgraded to aircraft with modern-generation seats and inflight entertainment systems in all classes. 

In addition, one of the two daily Air India flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow (AI130/AI131) will now also operate on the new B777 aircraft offering modern generation interiors, as well as introducing First Class cabins. 

The B777-200LR aircraft serving San Francisco and New York-JFK comes with 28 Business, 48 Premium Economy and 212 Economy Class seats, whilst the B777-300ER serving Newark-Liberty and London offers 8 First Class, 40 Business and 280 Economy Class seats. 

Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India said, “We are delighted to now offer an elevated experience on all routes from Mumbai to the United States, and to upgrade one of our London services.  This is part of the ongoing product transformation underway at Air India, with 7 new B777s inducted over the last year to be followed by 4 more, along with 6 new Airbus A350s, over the coming months.  All of these aircraft feature much-improved interiors and pave the way for the full interior upgrade of our entire widebody fleet commencing in the middle of 2024.” 

Bookings for the flights on the all-new product are available on all channels, including Air India’s website: (www.airindia.com), mobile apps, and through travel agents (including online travel agents). 

About Air India:

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others.

A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world. 

Air India Announces Senior Management Appointments

Air India has announced the appointment of Capt Klaus Goersch as in a newly created role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer that will oversee Flight Operations, Engineering, Ground Operations, Integrated Operations Control (IOCC) and Cabin Crew functions.

Capt Goersch is a licensed B777/787 pilot who has previously held similar positions in both British Airways and Air Canada, and will be based out of Air India’s new headquarters in Gurugram. Incumbent Chief of Operations Capt RS Sandhu, who had already extended his service with Air India beyond his superannuation date, will transition to an advisory role with particular focus on the harmonisation of the four Tata airlines’ operating procedures, the Airbus A350 entry-into-service program and assisting the team establishing Air India’s new Training Academy.

Welcoming Capt Goersch onboard, Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director of Air India said, “We are pleased to have Klaus join the Air India family. Having worked at some of the best airlines in the world, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that is valuable to the ongoing transformation at Air India. At Air India, we remain committed to building top leadership as we continue to invest in all the resources that are required to take the airline to the upper echelons of global aviation.”

Air India also announced other senior announcements to further strengthen its management team. Capt Manish Uppal, who transitioned from Air Asia India a few months ago, has been appointed as Senior Vice President Flight Operations, while Capt Henry Donohoe’s Corporate Safety, Security and Quality role will be expanded to include Emergency Response, and be retitled Senior Vice President Safety, Security and Quality.

Mr Pankaj Handa joins to lead Ground Operations, Mr Choorah Singh joins as Divisional Vice President Integrated Operations Control and Ms JuLi Ng joins as Divisional Vice President Cabin Crew.  Mr Handa, Mr Singh and Ms Ng will report to Capt Goersch, as will Capt Uppal and Mr Sisira Kanta Dash, Senior Vice President Engineering. 

Concurrently, the Inflight Product & Service Design functions headed by Mr Sandeep Verma will move to Mr Rajesh Dogra's Customer Experience portfolio so that the latter has oversight of all customer interfaces.

Capt Goersch, Mr Dogra and Capt Donohoe will report directly to Mr Wilson, as will existing Management Committee members Mr Nipun Aggarwal, Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Dr Suresh Dutt Tripathi and Mr Vinod Hejmadi, whose roles remain unchanged.

“These changes have been made with a view to managing succession, streamlining the organisation, optimising talent from within the Tata airline group and positioning it strongly for future growth and success,” Mr Wilson added.           

About Air India:

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022. 

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others. 

A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world. 

Auto Awards Season 3: Driving India's Global Automotive Ambitions for 2030

Brace yourselves for the automotive event of the year as Auto Awards Season 3 by Zee Media makes its triumphant return!

Following the resounding success of Season 2, which attracted over 9 million enthusiastic users to the microsite and generated an astounding 22 million ad impressions, Season 3 is all set to celebrate the extraordinary journey of India's automotive industry. This year's overarching theme, ‘India's Automotive Industry Set to Rise to Global Dominance by 2030’, encapsulates the industry's remarkable evolution, the electrifying transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and the strategies shaping future growth. It will serve as a tribute to the unwavering spirit of individuals and organizations driving the industry forward, and a formal recognition of the journey towards global leadership.

The Auto Awards Season 3 event is scheduled to take place on Monday 30th October 2023 in New Delhi, will be graced by Keynote Speaker - Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Chairman of Bharat Web3 Association and Former Secretary General of FICCI and will also be attended by Industry stalwarts. It is all set to ignite discussions on critical industry topics with panel discussions addressing the gravity of safety concerns and the pivotal role of electric vehicles (EVs) in shaping automotive trends.

The upcoming awards will also encompass four-wheeler and two-wheeler award categories. For four-wheelers, the awards will recognize excellence across varied segments, such as mass-market facelifts, budget car designs, luxury car designs, SUVs, luxury cars, electric vehicles, luxury electric cars, high-tech cars, and the most trusted brand in the four-wheel category. Additionally, a spotlight will be cast on the most promising car of the year.

In the two-wheelers category, awards will also be presented for budget motorcycles, electric two-wheelers, outstanding scooters, premium motorcycles, and the most trusted two-wheeler brand, showcasing the breadth of innovation in the Indian automotive industry. The winners will be selected based on the highest votes received online and through a rigorous evaluation done by eminent jury members- Garima Avatar- Athlete, Extreme rally driver, Ranojoy Mukerji – Veteran Auto Journalist, Former SIAM DY Director and Simranjeet Singh- Professional superbike racer, Automobile reviewer.

Dr. I.M Loya (Chief Technology Officer, Essel Group) eloquently expressed, "AUTO AWARDS SEASON 3 serves as a distinguished platform for recognizing and applauding the relentless dedication and contributions of individuals, companies, and organizations within the Indian automotive industry throughout the year. We acknowledge the challenges and stand committed to forging effective solutions. This year's theme reflects the industry's innate potential to ascend to global dominance by 2030."

Ms. Mona Jain (Chief Revenue Officer, Zee Media Corporation Limited) said, "As we surge ahead into the future, AUTO AWARDS SEASON 3 will embark on a profound exploration of India's automotive industry growth, the ever-evolving preferences of our discerning customers, and the swift and compelling embrace of electric vehicles. It promises to be an electrifying journey, an adrenaline-pumping experience, and an earnest tribute to the trailblazers and industry leaders who are actively shaping the sector's dynamic landscape."

Auto Awards Season 3 will by TATA CAPITAL (Financial Partner) and TATA AIG (Insurance Partner) and will broadcast LIVE on the Facebook and YouTube platforms of DNA and Zee News.

About IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited

IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited (formerly Zee Digital) is one of the largest digital media publishing company in India. IDPL’s distinctive digital Products are amongst the fastest-growing websites and applications worldwide, with over 32 digital properties.

The Phoenix Mills Limited Announces Opening Of “Phoenix Mall of Asia” At Hebbal, Bengaluru From Oct 27, 2023

Highlights 

*This luxurious experiential development is poised to become North Bengaluru's premier consumption hub, delivering an extensive, stylish and immersive shopping experience, complemented with wholesome dining and entertainment choices.  

* Immersive luxury development spanning over 12 lakh sq. ft. of gross leasable area. 

* A distinct blend of fashion, leisure, and experiences, bringing together a selection of over 440 brands, including over 160 international labels and over 50 debut brands to Bengaluru. 

* Thoughtfully designed with five distinct interior themes across floors.  

* Showcasing an impressive entertainment zone of over 250,000 sq. ft. comprising a 14-screen INOX Megaplex, and ScreenX - a pioneering 270-degree panoramic theatre experience. 

* Expected to generate over 5,000 job opportunities in the city. 

* Parking facilities for over 3,400 vehicles with EV charging stations and bicycle bays available for visitors. 

* This regional consumption centre will be further enhanced by addition of ~8 lakh sq. ft. of modern offices which will start operating later this year. 

The Phoenix Mills Limited (PML), India’s leading destination retail mall developer and operator, has opened doors to its second mall in Bengaluru, “Phoenix Mall of Asia” at Hebbal, Bengaluru. This sprawling retail destination spread across ~13 acres and encompassing over 12 lakh square feet (sq. ft.) of gross leasable area, is in the expanding consumption centre of Northern Bengaluru. 

The mall has been developed by PML under its joint venture with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”). PML today has an operational retail portfolio of over 1.1 crore sq. ft. of leasable area across 12 retail consumption hubs in 8 major cities of India. 

Says Mr. Atul Ruia, Chairman of The Phoenix Mills Limited, "In 2011, we entered the Bengaluru market with launch of Phoenix MarketCity in Whitefield, which swiftly established itself as one of the best performing retail assets in our portfolio. Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of our second retail destination in Bengaluru, “Phoenix Mall of Asia” at Hebbal. The interiors of this mall exude opulence, with each floor meticulously crafted to encapsulate a distinctive theme, promising the visitors a unique and visually enthralling experience.  

We have created two grand transformative digital experiences for the shoppers, first being the “Luxe Atria”, a remarkable four-storey LED digital display zone, to welcome the patrons with cascading crystallized falling water elements. Then, we have “Eden Arcadia," spanning five floors, set to captivate the visitors with exclusive displays focused on tranquillity and natural splendour.  

Our themed zones continue with F&B zones like “The Oasis”, which houses open plan restaurants, luxurious cafés and “Foodthopia” which houses over 50 dining options.  

We have also curated an entertainment zone of over 250,000 sq. ft. with wide array of offerings for fun outings with family and friends.  

We are confident that “Phoenix Mall of Asia”, our latest world-class and contemporary retail destination will leave a lasting mark in the landscape of this city and create a legacy of its own.  

Says Mr. Shishir Shrivastava, the Managing Director of The Phoenix Mills Ltd, "With the launch of “Phoenix Mall of Asia”, we continue our path of continuously evolving, adapting, and elevating experiences for patrons with every new destination. This new development in North of Bengaluru is spread across a gross leasable area of ~12 lakh sq. ft., integrated with modern Grade-A commercial office spaces of ~12 lakh sq. ft.  

The commercial offices will be developed in phases, with ~8 lakh sq. ft. in Phase 1 expected to become operational soon. This development is strategically located amidst growing residential areas, IT Parks and office development sites in a rapidly developing area of the city. With easy access from the airport and seamless connectivity to other city centers through means like the new metro, Phoenix Mall of Asia is set to become Bengaluru’s ultimate new-age luxury retail destination.  

With the launch of this mall, we are excited to create more than 5,000 jobs in the city and make an impact in the economy of Bengaluru. This is the third retail destination to become operational under our Joint Venture with our partners CPP Investments and I would like to extend my gratitude to the entire team at CPP Investments for their support through this journey.” 

A Shopping Extravaganza 

In a world of shopping excellence, Phoenix Mall of Asia stands as a beacon of luxury, offering an unparalleled retail experience that caters to the most discerning shoppers. With a curated selection of 440+ brands, this retail haven hosts 200+ beloved national labels, 160+ coveted international luxury brands, and an exclusive collection of 50 debut brands. This mall  is tailor-made for those who appreciate the finer things in life, whether it's the allure of high-end luxury or the thrill of high street fashion.  

Phoenix Mall of Asia is home to brands across a diverse spectrum of categories, encompassing women's, men's, and children's apparel, fashion accessories, beauty and wellness products, exquisite luxury jewellery, electronics, and a myriad of other offerings.  

Beacon of Luxury: 

Phoenix Mall of Asia will house a diverse array of international luxury brands, including Ferragamo, Canali, Boss, Emporio Armani, Versace, Tods, Villeroy & Boch, Michael Kors, Tumi, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Bottega Veneta, Zegna, Coach, Bally, Paul Smith, Brooks Brothers, Diesel, Golden Goose, Karl Lagerfeld, Hackett, Ralph Lauren and few more star brands, that are poised to elevate the mall's status as a luxury shopping destination. Furthermore, this mall is also set to be home to the highly anticipated flagship stores from sportswear giants such as Adidas Originals, Nike, Reebok, Puma, Sketchers, and a host of other iconic brands.  The introduction of these renowned names will undoubtedly draw a discerning clientele and significantly enhance the overall shopping experience. It's an exciting time for both the mall and its visitors. 

Watches cluster: 

This is truly a game-changing addition to Mall of Asia's tenant mix. The inclusion of the country's largest international watch cluster featuring brands like Rolex, Panerai, Jaeger LeCoultre, Bell & Ross, IWC, Hublot, Breitling, Ethos Summit, Tudor, Longines, Rado, Tissot, Seiko, Daniel Wellington and few more in pipeline is a testament to the mall's commitment to offering a world-class shopping experience. This collection of esteemed watchmakers will undoubtedly attract enthusiasts and collectors, elevating the mall's status as a hub for luxury timepieces. It's an exceptional development that will undoubtedly draw a discerning clientele. 

Says Rashmi Sen, Chief Operations Officer of The Phoenix Mills Ltd, “Over the past three years, our commitment to pushing boundaries has been evident in every pioneering retail destination we have delivered, from Lucknow and Indore to Ahmedabad and Pune. Our latest offering, “Phoenix Mall of Asia”, stands as another testament to our goal of crafting unique, world-class retail experiences. Through Phoenix Mall of Asia, we present the visitors with an opulent shopping experience with over 440 brands and various flagship stores from iconic brands across the globe. The shopping experience is further enhanced with an exquisite mix of dining options, top-notch invigorating entertainment experiences comprising a vibrant Fan Park, a 14 screen Inox Megaplex, ScreenX etc and mesmerizing interiors creating a luxurious ambience for the visitors. Phoenix Mall of Asia is not just about shopping, but it embodies a realm of luxury, indulgence, and multifaceted wholesome experiences.  

The Empirical Precincts 

The prominent and social media worthy "Luxe Atria", stands as a remarkable four-storey feature, capturing attention with cascading crystallized falling water elements and a transcendent LED digital display zone. This space welcomes shoppers and provides a transformative digital experience, elevating the mall into a significant vertical nexus. 

Prepare for a delightful surprise at "Eden Arcadia", a mystical gateway through a 3D digital forest of tranquillity and natural splendour spanning five stories. This zone enthrals visitors with exclusive anamorphic LED content, immersing them in opulent natural beauty. Enhanced with plants and flowers, it synchronizes sensory well-being with vertical richness, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop experience. 

“The Oasis”, inspired by nature, serves as the heart of the Mall, intersecting at all levels of the building. This node effortlessly transports visitors to a realm where the boundaries between nature and urban elegance harmoniously blend. Open-concept restaurants within this zone offer a tantalizing culinary journey with global flavours, set in an eco-friendly environment infused with natural light, inspired by the tropical beauty of Asia and Bengaluru's botanical splendour. Surrounded by renowned international cafes like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Perch, Fyole, COCO Café & Third Wave Coffee, it becomes a bustling central hub adorned with lush greenery. Bridging the gap between city life and the natural world, this oasis offers an exclusive international café lounge experience, cocooned in luxury. 

“Foodthopia”, a culinary marvel at the very soul of this retail destination, beckons connoisseurs with its collection of over 50 exclusive F&B outlets.  It sets the stage for an unparalleled lifestyle experience, ideal for gatherings on game days and leisurely dining occasions. This gastronomic wonderland boasts 19 meticulously curated F&B establishments and culinary concepts, redefining the very essence of dining. For those seeking respite from the mundane, Phoenix Mall of Asia offers a dining extravaganza at bars with terraces overlooking the vibrant Fan Park. 

A Plethora of Entertainment Delights 

The entertainment arena features 14 screens from INOX Megaplex, touted as the city's largest and finest, delivering an unparalleled cinematic experience. The introduction of ScreenX, the city's first 270-degree panoramic theatre, injects a pioneering innovation into the entertainment offerings. Spanning over 250,000 sq. ft., the mall's expansive and invigorating entertainment zone promises a diverse range of experiences for every visitor.  

The vibrant ambiance of the “Fan Park”, the tiered atrium fosters a strong communal vibe while offering high-level semi-private zones that can be reserved for hosting celebrations and special events. It's a fantastic place to connect with friends, catch thrilling games, or get work done.  

At the heart of the mall, one will discover the Family Entertainment Zone (FEZ), meticulously designed to be the ultimate destination for families and friends seeking moments of fun, laughter, and cherished memories together.  

An environmentally responsible haven 

At the Phoenix Mills Limited, we are conscious of our responsibility to the environment and are devoted to continually improving our efforts to minimize our impact on it. We are targeting to achieve the prestigious USGBC LEED Certification with a Gold Rating for Phoenix Mall of Asia and Asia Towers, and a WELL Gold Rating for Asia Towers. Moreover, we are dedicated to implementing sustainable practices such as installation of EV charging stations, supply of piped gas for commercial cooking, rainwater harvesting and integration of solar power. These collective initiatives are guiding us towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.  

Accelerating economic activity 

As Phoenix Mall of Asia prepares to open its doors, behind the hustle and bustle is a story of potential, vision and opportunity that is being realised in no small measure. 

Strategically located on the North Bangalore Airport Corridor, it is set to usher in unprecedented economic activity that will significantly add to the State exchequer. By boosting employment and career growth for thousands of people, it will significantly improve their quality of life. 

With over a million sq. ft, it is planned with world-class amenities and forward-thinking infrastructure. With a Gold-rated LEED certification, meticulous thought has gone into every detail. From Automatic Organic Waste Converters to Fastag and ANPR technology that provide easy ingress and egress to the two storey parking for 3100 cars, from wide driveways with multiple drop zones and designated pick up zones for taxis, the Mall is set to elevate shopping like never before. 

As the pride of Karnakata, Phoenix Mall of Asia is set to be a model of inspiration and the blueprint for mall development across the nation. 

About The Phoenix Mills: 

PML (BSE: 503100 | NSE: PHOENIXLTD) including its subsidiaries and group companies (PML Group) is a leading retail-led mixed use asset developer and operator in India and is the pioneer of retail-led, mixed-use developments in India with completed development of over 2 crore sq. ft. spread across retail, hospitality, commercial offices, and residential asset classes. With the opening of Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru, PML Group has an operational retail portfolio of about 1.1 crore sq. ft. of retail space spread across 12 operational retail destinations in 8 major cities of India. PML Group is further developing 2 new retail destinations in 2 major cities of India and expanding 2 of its existing retail destinations which will together add approximately 30 lakh sq. ft. of retail space. PML Group is also densifying its retail-led mixed-use destinations with Grade A offices and currently has an operational commercial office portfolio with gross leasable area of over 20 lakh sq. ft. and under development office portfolio of over 50 lakh sq. ft. PML group also has an exclusive residential project with saleable area of about 35 lakh sq. ft. in Bengaluru and a premium project in Alipore Kolkata with a saleable area of over 10 lakh sq. ft. PML Group also owns and operates two hotels – The St. Regis, Mumbai and Courtyard by Marriot, Agra and currently has a Grand Hyatt hotel under planning at Whitefield Bengaluru. 

Auto Awards Season 3: Driving India's Global Automotive Ambitions For 2030

Brace yourselves for the automotive event of the year as Auto Awards Season 3 by Zee Media makes its triumphant return!

Following the resounding success of Season 2, which attracted over 9 million enthusiastic users to the microsite and generated an astounding 22 million ad impressions, Season 3 is all set to celebrate the extraordinary journey of India's automotive industry. This year's overarching theme, ‘India's Automotive Industry Set to Rise to Global Dominance by 2030’, encapsulates the industry's remarkable evolution, the electrifying transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and the strategies shaping future growth. It will serve as a tribute to the unwavering spirit of individuals and organizations driving the industry forward, and a formal recognition of the journey towards global leadership.

The Auto Awards Season 3 event is scheduled to take place on Monday 30th October 2023 in New Delhi, will be graced by Keynote Speaker - Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Chairman of Bharat Web3 Association and Former Secretary General of FICCI and will also be attended by Industry stalwarts. It is all set to ignite discussions on critical industry topics with panel discussions addressing the gravity of safety concerns and the pivotal role of electric vehicles (EVs) in shaping automotive trends.

The upcoming awards will also encompass four-wheeler and two-wheeler award categories. For four-wheelers, the awards will recognize excellence across varied segments, such as mass-market facelifts, budget car designs, luxury car designs, SUVs, luxury cars, electric vehicles, luxury electric cars, high-tech cars, and the most trusted brand in the four-wheel category. Additionally, a spotlight will be cast on the most promising car of the year.

In the two-wheelers category, awards will also be presented for budget motorcycles, electric two-wheelers, outstanding scooters, premium motorcycles, and the most trusted two-wheeler brand, showcasing the breadth of innovation in the Indian automotive industry. The winners will be selected based on the highest votes received online and through a rigorous evaluation done by eminent jury members- Garima Avatar- Athlete, Extreme rally driver, Ranojoy Mukerji – Veteran Auto Journalist, Former SIAM DY Director and Simranjeet Singh- Professional superbike racer, Automobile reviewer.

Dr. I.M Loya (Chief Technology Officer, Essel Group) eloquently expressed, "AUTO AWARDS SEASON 3 serves as a distinguished platform for recognizing and applauding the relentless dedication and contributions of individuals, companies, and organizations within the Indian automotive industry throughout the year. We acknowledge the challenges and stand committed to forging effective solutions. This year's theme reflects the industry's innate potential to ascend to global dominance by 2030."

Ms. Mona Jain (Chief Revenue Officer, Zee Media Corporation Limited) said, "As we surge ahead into the future, AUTO AWARDS SEASON 3 will embark on a profound exploration of India's automotive industry growth, the ever-evolving preferences of our discerning customers, and the swift and compelling embrace of electric vehicles. It promises to be an electrifying journey, an adrenaline-pumping experience, and an earnest tribute to the trailblazers and industry leaders who are actively shaping the sector's dynamic landscape."

Auto Awards Season 3 will by TATA CAPITAL (Financial Partner) and TATA AIG (Insurance Partner) and will broadcast LIVE on the Facebook and YouTube platforms of DNA and Zee News.

About IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited

IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited (formerly Zee Digital) is one of the largest digital media publishing company in India. IDPL’s distinctive digital Products are amongst the fastest-growing websites and applications worldwide, with over 32 digital properties.

Over 60 Lakh Lives Positively Impacted By Tata Motors' CSR initiatives In The Past Decade

~ Unveils 9th Annual CSR Report for FY23 ~

Tata Motors, India's leading automobile company, today released its 9th Annual CSR Report, highlighting its extensive efforts towards addressing some of India’s most critical and social challenges across the domains of Health (Aarogya), Education (Vidyadhanam), Employability (Kaushalya) and Environment (Vasundhara). Collectively, these efforts have benefitted more than 60 lakh lives over the past 10 years, with a significant percentage of beneficiaries belonging to the marginalised communities.

In 2014, Tata Motors designed and adopted a comprehensive 4-pillar approach to harmonise its CSR initiatives across the country. Capabilities, experience and expertise acquired by individual units and teams in each identified fields led to the creation and execution of focused interventions with clearly defined outcomes and remarkable results. By harmonising programmes across locations, leveraging digital technologies, fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and strengthening trust with the communities, the company effectively surpassed its projected impact.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinod Kulkarni, Head of CSR at Tata Motors, said, “At Tata Motors, our CSR efforts are deeply rooted in our unwavering commitment to promote inclusive growth, thus contributing to nation-building. We are humbled to have positively impacted millions of lives through our efforts. In fact, several of our CSR ideas and programmes have grown to become marquee projects, worthy of being emulated as models for community development. Using the novel approach of ‘More for Less for More’, we have narrowed the gap between our aspirations and the available resources, achieving pan-India scale for numerous projects.  Our commitment to advancing our CSR agenda remains steadfast, as we strive to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable India. By meticulous planning and effectively utilising our financial and human resources, we aspire to make a progressively greater impact with each passing year.”

Here's a quick glance into the company’s select marquee projects in the areas of Health, Education, Employability, and Environment, that have made a significant impact in terms of convergence, scale and reach, over the last ten years.

Addressing Malnutrition Through Community-based Interventions

Tata Motors has made significant strides in addressing the issue of malnutrition among children. By shifting its focus from institutional-based clinical approaches to community-based health interventions, the company has been able to create a sustainable impact. Despite having high levels of severely acute malnourished and moderately acute malnourished children in some of the targeted states, the company has successfully moved more than 91% of malnourished children to healthy zones in the past decade.

Empowering Leprosy Patients with Early Detection and Care

Tata Motors has been actively involved in raising awareness about leprosy and providing early detection and care to affected individuals. Through annual door-to-door awareness campaigns in hard-to-reach villages, the company has screened thousands of households, identified and treated over 4,000 leprosy patients. The company's community-based Leprosy programme in Jharkhand, a state with a high incidence of the disease, is the first of its kind initiative in the country to eradicate the disease.

Bridging the Educational Gap through Digital Empowerment

Tata Motors' flagship remote learning programme, ENABLE, has helped talented students from over 550 Jawahar Navodya Vidyalayas access resources and guidance for admission to the top engineering and medical institutions. Over the past decade, this programme has benefitted over 20,000 aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds, many of whom have secured admissions in prestigious institutions such as in IITs, AIIMS and government-run engineering and Medical colleges. Additionally, support classes are being conducted for students in grades IX and X in state-run government schools, utilising both digital and in-person modes. This approach has proven to be effective in improving the pass rates and academic performance. Notably, this model has been successfully implemented in about 200 schools under the Thane and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Maharashtra.

Skilling Unemployed Youth for a Brighter Future

The LEAP programme, part of the Kaushalya initiative by Tata Motors, focuses on skilling unemployed youth, especially in Automotive courses and facilitating their entry into the workforce. This programme has also enabled young women to overcome stereotype barriers and attain financial independence. Over the past decade, this skilling initiative has grown from 2 to 60 institutes. About 85% of the trainees have secured placement with an average salary ranging between Rs. 15000 to 18000, thereby creating a positive impact on their lives and the economy.

Restoring and Expanding Rural and Urban Forest Cover

With the objective of creating sustainable livelihoods for the farmers through Agro-Forestry plantation and transforming unused land into cultivable areas by prioritising government convergence, the company has successfully planted nearly one million trees, ensuring the survival of over 90% of them. In FY24, an additional one million trees are planned to be planted. 

In collaboration with the Forest Department (GOI) and TERRE Policy Center, a significant expanse of 16.5 hectares of forest land in Warje (urban Pune) has been reforested. This initiative has led to the creation of micro-habitats that support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Over the past decade, the project has expanded to cover an area of 200 hectares, contributing to the restoration of urban forest cover and the preservation of biodiversity.

Water Security

This year, the company announced an ambitious project of creating 100 Amrit Sarovars with a capacity of storing one crore litres of water each, leading to enhanced water availability in 75 sites in Palghar district and 25 sites in Pune  & Satara district.

Kotak White Credit Card To Present A ‘Perfect’ Evening With Ed Sheeran

* 48-hour pre-sale window exclusively for Kotak Credit Card holders now LIVE on BookMyShow

* Kotak White and White Reserve Credit Card customers to enjoy 20%* off on tickets

Building on the recent successes of Backstreet Boys’ DNA World Tour – India; Trevor Noah’s Off The Record Tour – India; and WestLife’s upcoming The Wild Dreams Tour - India. Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”/“Kotak”) will present a ‘Perfect’ evening at pop music sensation, Ed Sheeran’s much-awaited ‘+ - = ÷ x’ Mathematics Tour – India.

The India leg of this best-selling tour will be the final stop in the Asia Tour and will be held at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in the heart of Mumbai on March 16th, 2024. The special guest for the show will be singer-songwriter Calum Scott.

Kotak White Credit Card is the official sponsor of the show. The bank today announced an exclusive 48-hour access to the pre-sale of the tour’s tickets for Kotak Credit Card customers starts at 11 AM on 25th October (today) and ends at 10:59 AM on 27th October. The general sale of tickets for the tour go live on 27th October, 2023, 3 pm onwards.

Additionally, Kotak White and White Reserve Credit Card customers will get an exclusive 20% off on tickets up to Rs 4,500. Given the expected high demand, this benefit shall be offered on a first come-first-serve basis. The discount would be applicable only on first transaction and only on tickets.

BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment division of BookMyShow will bring Ed Sheeran’s + - = ÷ x Tour to India as promoters for the tour along with AEG Presents. The India leg of the tour is sponsored by Kotak Mahindra Bank to offer its credit card customers privileged access to the concert of one of the most loved artists in the world.

Frederick Dsouza, Business Head - Credit Cards, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. said, “Indians are more globally connected now than ever before and desire the best of the world, right here in India. At Kotak, we appreciate the growing demand in India for premium live entertainment featuring International Artists. Our discerning clientele have shown a great appreciation for our earlier association with Backstreet Boys’ DNA World Tour – India, Trevor Noah’s Off The Record Tour – India and WestLife’s The Wild Dreams Tour - India. So, we are really thrilled to present Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour in India as the sponsor. Our White and White Reserve clients would also enjoy exciting discounts on tickets!”

Are you ready for the musical extravaganza? Tickets will be available exclusively on BookMyShow

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited:

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 30th September, 2023, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,850 branches and 3,170 ATMs, and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).  For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/.