Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Celebrates Its Platinum Jubilee

Kasturba Medical College,  Manipal (KMC, Manipal), the flagship institution under MAHE, marked its 70 years of establishment (1953-2023) through platinum jubilee celebrations with grandeur and festivity at KMC Greens, Manipal. The event, a reflection of KMC's longstanding commitment to medical education and healthcare services, was a vibrant confluence of students, alumni, faculty, and dignitaries.

The Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr. Kishore Mulpuri, MBBS, MSc, FRCSC, Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at The University of British Columbia, Canada and an esteemed alumnus of KMC, graced the event with his presence. Dr. Mulpuri, in his address, shared his journey and experiences, highlighting how KMC played a pivotal role in shaping his career. He also paid tribute to Dr. TMA Pai and his family for their invaluable contributions to the institution and the field of medicine.

The celebration was further elevated by the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour including Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, and key figures from MAHE such as Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr. P Giridhar Kini, Registrar, and Dr. P.L.N.G. Rao, Advisor.  Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, presided over the event alongside Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean & Team KMC, Manipal.

The jubilee event unfolded with an array of activities including the presentation of "Memoirs of Manipal," a heartfelt welcome address by Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, and a poignant floral tribute to the late Dr. TMA Pai by Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai. The program also featured felicitations of heads of various departments and hospital administrators, the unveiling of the Platinum Jubilee Logo, and insightful discussions about KMC's historic achievements and its vision for the future.

KMC, Manipal acknowledged the following Past Deans and their immense contribution to KMC, Manipal since its inception – Dr. N Mangesh Rao (1953 - 1955), Dr. RP Koppikar (1956 -1963), Dr. A Krishna Rao (1963 -1985), Dr. P Laxminarayana Rao (1985 -2001), Dr. RSP Rao (2001 -2007), Dr. Sripathi Rao (2007-2013), Dr. G Pradeep Kumar (2013 -2015), Dr. Poornima Baliga B (2015 -2017), Dr. Pragna Rao (2017-2019)  and Dr. Sharath Kumar Rao  (2019 -2022) and felicitated the past Deans/ their representatives on this historic event for leading KMC, Manipal to being ranked the best medical college in private sector.

While Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor spoke about the illustrious growth of KMC in the past 70 years, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor mentioned about the outstanding achievements of KMC that places it in the top in academics and health care sector.

Dr. Sharath K Rao , Pro Vice Chancellor (Health sciences) spoke about the vision of KMC for future, re-enforcing its commitment to advancing medical education and health care.

Adding to the academic and commemorative elements were cultural and entertainment programs, encapsulating the spirit and legacy of KMC, Manipal. The event was not only a celebration of the past seven decades but also an affirmation of KMC's unwavering dedication to excellence in medical education and healthcare services.

The event ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean and Associate Deans Dr. Anil K. Bhat, Dr. Krishnananda Prabhu, Dr. Kanthilatha Pai and Dr. Naveen Salins to all the faculty and students involved for the success of the platinum jubilee celebration.

For further details about the event and KMC, Manipal,  contact the Deputy Director of PR and Communications at 7338625909 or dpr.mu@manipal.edu.

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles Partners With Indiegaga For Celebration of Independent Music Artists In Bengaluru

Most need a celebration to ride, while for some, hitting the open road is the celebration. Riding to the marching tune of rock-n-roll, the Jawa Yezdi Kommuniti arrives in Bengaluru to attend another epic music festival – Indiegaga (born in 2019)! This traveling music festival, which opened in Bengaluru, will travel across south India over the next four months, with the next chapter scheduled to kick-off in Chennai on December 16, 2023.

Continuing their association with the music scene in India, like at iRock, and Covelong 2023, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles along with a platoon of our Kommuniti riders on their Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles rode into the festival on November 18 to enjoy a fun filled evening with electrifying performances from bands like Thaikkudam Bridge, Agam, Bhayanak Maut, Arya Dhayal Live, Lavi & Foenix, All Ok, Oorka and Sanjith Hegde. The brands’ foray into cultural partnerships such as these exemplifies its commitment towards enabling the ‘what’s new’ while also cherishing good old traditions that keep the spirit of motorcycling alive! 

Mr. Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles spoke about the Brand's participation in these cultural partnerships: "Given how strong our community is in the South, Indiegaga Music and Arts Festival offers a great platform for our Kommuniti to experience the top artists of South India. Keeping to the spirit of the brand’s commitment towards supporting festivals that enable independent artists while creating new avenues for our Kommuniti to ride to and explore. We believe in creating authentic and memorable experiences for our customers, and what better way to do that than by immersing ourselves in the vibrant world of independent music?”

The prominent line-up for the Bengaluru edition included: Thaikkudam Bridge, Agam, Bhayanak Maut and Sanjith Hegde. While the former will be touring all five legs of this year’s Indiegaga with Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles. In fact, to make it even more special for music lovers, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles partnered with Thaikkudam Bridge to offer one lucky die-hard fan a chance to meet the band and get a signed LP. The audience, drawn into the music, experienced a night filled with unity, celebration, and the sheer joy of live performances, making the Bengaluru edition a memorable stop on the festival's 5-city tour.

The success of this collaboration with the Indiegaga Music and Arts Festival reinforces the brand's dedication to creating authentic and memorable experiences. As motorcycles continue to evolve, and music remains a timeless companion, the harmony between these two passions will undoubtedly persist, creating an everlasting soundtrack for the journey.

The Jawa motorcycle line-up includes - Jawa, Jawa 42, Jawa 42 Bobber and Jawa Perak.

The Yezdi motorcycle line-up includes - Yezdi Roaster, Yezdi Scrambler and Yezdi Adventure.

Tata Motors And Inchcape Plc Usher In A New Era of Commercial Vehicle Excellence In Thailand

Key highlights:

*      Introduces innovative and segment-defining commercial vehicles in varied segments

*      Commence sales & service of commercial vehicles in Thailand

*      Launches Tata Super Ace, Ultra T.9, Ultra T.14 and Prima 5038.S with value-added services: Tata Protect and Tata OK

*       Inchcape plc to strategically establish 13 customer touchpoints across Thailand

Tata Motors, one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers, is reaffirming its dedication to delivering class-leading commercial vehicles to the Thai market. The company, along with its authorised distributor Inchcape – a leading global automotive distributor, announced it has commenced the sales and service of its commercial vehicles across Thailand. This endeavour marks Tata Motors' commitment to revolutionising the landscape of commercial transportation in Thailand. The company also launched an impressive line-up of new-age trucks, including Tata Super Ace, Tata Ultra T.9, Tata Ultra T.14 and the flagship Tata Prima 5038.S, with a gamut of value-added services, such as Tata Protect and Tata OK.

Best-in-class range of Tata Motors CVs

• Tata Super Ace: a proven and versatile vehicle with 1-tonne payload capacity, addressing various applications like food truck, e-commerce, FMCG and intra-city logistics, among others. 

• Tata Ultra T.9: based on the world-class Ultra platform, offering 5-tonne of payload perfectly suited for short-haul and intra-city applications 

• Tata Ultra T.14: a perfect blend of technology and economy of operations for multiple applications like FMCG, fruits & vegetables and e-commerce, among others.

• Tata Prima 5038.S: flagship Tata Motors’ heavy commercial vehicle offering the best comfort, technology and features, ideal for logistics, industrial and construction applications. 

In April 2023, Tata Motors announced a strategic partnership with Inchcape plc – as its distributor for commercial vehicles in Thailand. To ensure that customers have easy access to support and services across Thailand, Inchcape plc will also establish an extensive network of 13 customer touchpoints including sales, service and spare parts, strategically located to provide seamless assistance to its customers.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Anurag Mehrotra, Head, International Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said “We are delighted to commence our operations in Thailand. Tata Motors has been one of the leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles that offers functionality, productivity, connectivity, safety and performance. With deep experience in catering to commercial vehicle customers across the globe, our products are engineered to offer the highest profitability and reliability to the fleet owners. These solutions are not mere commercial vehicles, but a testament to our dedication to safety and innovation. Our unwavering commitment to customer centricity is at the heart of everything we do. Jointly with Inchcape, we are confident of delivering a complete peace of mind to our customers with our strategically located sales and service touchpoints in Thailand. With Inchcape’s global leadership in vehicle retail, we are poised to set new standards and drive progress in the Thai transportation industry.”

Expressing their enthusiasm at the announcement, Mr. Charnchai Mahantakun, Managing Director of Inchcape (Thailand) Company Limited, said, “With the cooperation of Tata Motors and Inchcape Thailand, we are confident of creating value for the transportation industry and the Thai commercial truck market. Tata Motors has a worldwide reputation for reliability, wide vehicle portfolio, high quality of vehicles that are designed to meet all types of usage needs; from short distance transport using small trucks to long-distance transportation using large trucks. Combining it with Inchcape's understanding of the automotive business and experience both, in Thailand and abroad, we are poised to revolutionise the Thai logistics and commercial vehicle industry.”

At the outset, Inchcape will offer the Tata Super Ace, Tata Ultra T.9, Tata Ultra T.14 and the flagship Tata Prima 5038.S to address the varied requirements in the industry. These vehicles are perfectly suited for Thailand and will offer the best-in-segment performance, fuel efficiency, reliability and comfort. The vehicles have been developed with deep market research, focusing on the dynamic customer needs. Going forward, the company will widen its vehicle portfolio in line with the evolving requirement of the market.

Along with the class-leading vehicles, the company will also offer value-added services for hassle-free vehicle lifecycle management including; Tata Protect – an all-encompassing maintenance and service package for customers, comprising a warranty, roadside assistance, genuine parts availability and on-site maintenance and Tata OK – pre-owned vehicle program that encompasses buyback and sales services. The Ultra and Prima range will come equipped with Tata Motors Fleet Edge – a connected vehicle platform powered by data analytics. 

With more than seven decades of expertise, Tata Motors is present in 44 countries spread across Africa, Middle East South and South East Asia, South America and CIS, among others. The company’s state-of-the-art research and development facilities have steadily worked to engineer innovative mobility solutions powered by alternate fuel technology, including battery-electric, hybrid, CNG, LNG and Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations include 88 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, three joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

About Inchcape

Inchcape is the leading global automotive distributor, with operations across six continents. Through the unique expertise of our people, our suite of cutting-edge technology products, and our approach to advanced data analytics, we provide the platform for the world’s leading mobility companies to accelerate their ambitions in markets where we and our partners want to succeed.

Our distribution platform connects the products of mobility companies with customers, and our responsibilities span from product planning and pricing, import and logistics, brand and marketing to operating digital sales, managing physical sales and aftermarket service channels. Inchcape is driven by its purpose of ‘bringing mobility to the world’s communities, for today, for tomorrow and for the better’. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate, for our people, for society and for the planet.

Inchcape’s modern presence in Asia-Pacific started in 1967 with the acquisition of Borneo Motors, a company founded in 1925 to distribute vehicles in Singapore. Inchcape APAC has since expanded significantly across the region and today distributes new vehicles and parts in Australia, Brunei, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, New Zealand, Saipan, Singapore and Thailand for a large portfolio of OEM brands: Toyota Motor Corporation, Subaru, Suzuki, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW Group, Chevrolet, Great Wall Motors, Peugeot Citroen, Harley-Davidson, Daimler Trucks and Buses, Hino and other commercial vehicle partners.

Inchcape was appointed as a Jaguar Land Rover distributor for Thailand since 2016. Inchcape Thailand won accolades from JLR such as Retailer of the Year FY16/17 and FY17/18, and Best Experiential marketing activities in 2022. In July 2022, the team also launched Bravoauto Thailand, Inchcape’s used vehicle business and the first set-up in Inchcape Asia-Pacific.

Inchcape APAC is headquartered in Singapore and employs around 3,400 people across the region. The Group is headquartered in London and employs around 19,000 people globally.

Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai Wins The Cummins India REDEFINE 2023 B-School Case Study Competition

* SP Jain Institute of Management And Research, Mumbai Won The Runner-Up Award

One of the leading power solutions technology providers in the country, Cummins India, today announced the winners of its flagship B-school case study competition – REDEFINE 2023. The remarkable Team Vision from the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai emerged as the competition champion clinching the coveted trophy and cash prize. Team Comeback from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai earned the runner-up award. Both winning teams will also be enrolled in an enriching mentorship program with the Cummins India leadership.

Themed around ‘Unlocking the Power of Digitalization in the Aftermarket’, this year’s edition of the annual competition drew participation from a staggering 3752 students across 938 teams representing 18 of the country’s premier B-schools. Following rigorous evaluation rounds, six finalist teams were selected and flown to Pune to partake in the two-day grand finale. The event featured enriching leadership talks and networking opportunities, exclusive tours of the Cummins Technical Centre India and the Kothrud Engine Plant and culminated with the jury evaluation round hosted at Cummins India Office Campus (IOC).

At the grand finale ceremony, the finalists presented their solutions to a panel of jury members from Cummins India that included Anupama Kaul, Human Resources Leader; Subramanian Chidambaran, Strategy Leader; and Vivek Malapati, Vice President, Distribution Business Unit and New and Recon Parts Organization. The event was attended by senior leaders and employees of the company.

Speaking on the occasion, Anupama Kaul, HR Leader, Cummins India, said, “My heartiest congratulations to all winners, finalists, and participants for their outstanding contributions, which have once again made REDEFINE a resounding success for the seventh consecutive year. REDEFINE, is designed to encourage students to tackle real-world business challenges with creativity and forward-thinking solutions. This annual event is a testament to Cummins India’s rich history of nurturing young minds and fostering a growth mindset. As a jury member, I had the privilege of witnessing the exceptional talent and ingenuity that emerging young talent brought to the table. The modern solutions and creative insights presented by the competing teams were sublime. It reaffirms our strong faith in the incredible potential and capabilities of the potential leaders.”

Subramanian Chidambaran, Strategy Leader, Cummins India, added, “REDEFINE is aimed at presenting complex business scenarios to aspiring business leaders, stimulating their intellect to solve real-world challenges with a blend of creativity and acumen. Year after year, REDEFINE provides us with the invaluable opportunity to engage with the brightest minds and the future stars of the business world. Their innovative thinking and visionary solutions consistently serve as a wellspring of inspiration for us. The winning teams of REDEFINE 2023 demonstrated not only analytical skills, but also strategic thinking, and an exceptional ability to present their solutions with clarity and persuasion. I extend my heartfelt wishes to the winners and hope this competition was an enriching experience for all participants.”

Leading up to the grand finale, the company organized a series of activities designed to engage the students and pique their curiosity. Cummins India also hosted a REDEFINE video podcast featuring jury members, Vivek Malapati and Subramanian Chidambaran. The podcast delved into the intricacies of the Aftermarket Distribution Network, and the operational dynamics of the On-Highway Distribution and shed light on this year’s case study theme. To familiarize the students with the company's mission, vision, business strategy, and technology, an interactive leadership session was arranged. Adding another layer of engagement was a quiz competition that evaluated participants’ knowledge of industry trends, business dynamics, technological advancements, and their understanding of Cummins.

The six shortlisted teams who participated in the grand finale included:

Hellios from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow

The Benchwarmers from Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune

Vision from IIM, Mumbai

Synergy from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai

Inquisitors from NMIMS, Mumbai

Comeback from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai

To learn more about REDEFINE 2023, visit Cummins REDEFINE | Cummins Inc and follow Cummins India on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Cummins India Limited:

Cummins India Limited, part of the Cummins Group in India, is headquartered in Pune since 1962 and is one of the leading manufacturers of diesel and natural gas engines for power generation, industrial, and automotive markets. Cummins India Limited has a country-wide network of 18 exclusive 4S dealerships with over 480 service points that provide parts, services, and after-market solutions for the uptime of Cummins equipment and engines to customers in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

About Cummins Group in India:

Cummins in India, a power leader, is a group of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute, and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, air handling, filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. With its recent Meritor acquisition, Cummins has expanded its portfolio to include drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket, and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicles, and industrial markets. Its technology and pioneering initiatives are bringing innovative solutions and dependable services at the best possible value to users across the country. Its high-performance outlook is based on the customer focus, integrity, and the capability of its people. Part of the $28.1 billion Cummins Inc. USA, Cummins in India is a group of various entities with its presence in over 200 locations and 10,000+ employees.

IMDb Announces The Most Popular Indian Stars of 2023

*  Shah Rukh Khan is the Most Popular Indian Star of 2023, followed by Alia Bhatt 

*  Rankings are determined by the actual page views of the hundreds of millions of IMDb customers worldwide

IMDb, the world's most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV, and celebrities, today announced the Top 10 Most Popular Indian Stars of 2023, a unique list which is determined based on the actual page views of the more than 200 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide. Shah Rukh Khan, the IMDb No. 1 Indian celebrity of 2023, appeared in two blockbusters (Pathaan and Jawan), generating unrivaled, worldwide fan interest this year.

“From Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the big screen with two blockbusters, to Alia Bhatt starring in international thriller Heart of Stone, the IMDb Most Popular Indian Stars of 2023 list reveals the Indian stars who generated the most fan excitement and engagement across the IMDb global audience this year,” said Yaminie Patodia, head of IMDb India. “Our unique year-end top 10 list is compiled based on the page views of hundreds of millions of fans globally who rely on IMDb to discover, decide what to watch, and learn more about their favorite stars.”

Thanking her fans, Alia Bhatt (ranked No. 2) said: “IMDb is the true representation of the audiences’ choices. I’ve always believed that they are the real kings and queens, and nothing is beyond them. I thank my audience for bringing me to the position that I am at. While I hope to continue entertaining them, I am filled with only love and gratitude. I also promise to keep working hard and bringing more inspiring stories and characters on screen.”

Wamiqa Gabbi (ranked No. 4), reflecting on her inclusion on the definitive IMDb Top 10 list for the first time, said: “This is my debut on the IMDb Most Popular Indian Stars list, and I am delighted! The fact that IMDb represents the sentiment of the global audience makes this even more special for me. From Vishal Bhardwaj's spy thriller Khufiya and Vikramaditya Motwane’s period drama Jubilee, to the heartwarming web series Modern Love Chennai, and as well as the Punjabi film Kali Jotta, I’ve had a busy year working across genres and languages, and it makes me happy and grateful that my fans have appreciated that. I look forward to working with the same dedication on my upcoming projects and returning the love showered upon me.”

IMDb Top 10 Most Popular Indian Stars of 2023*

Shah Rukh Khan

Alia Bhatt

Deepika Padukone

Wamiqa Gabbi

Nayanthara

Tamannaah Bhatia

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Sobhita Dhulipala

Akshay Kumar

Vijay Sethupathi

*The IMDb Top 10 Most Popular Indian Stars of 2023 list is comprised of stars who consistently ranked the highest on the IMDb weekly rankings throughout 2023. These rankings are based on the actual page views of the more than 200 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide. 

Additional information about this year’s Most Popular Indian Stars:

Alia Bhatt ranked No. 2 for the second year in a row, starring in two big releases in 2023, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Heart of Stone. She also made her Met Gala debut earlier this year, while her 2022 film RRR went on to win an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Nayanthara (No. 5) made her Hindi film debut in Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan (No. 1), whereas Deepika Padukone (No. 3) also starred with Khan in Pathaan and Jawan. Padukone’s appearance on the chat show Koffee with Karan with her husband Ranveer Singh also made headlines.

Tamannaah Bhatia (No. 6) worked across regions, languages, and platforms. She starred in streaming films Lust Stories 2, Jee Karda, and Aakhri Sach, starred in the theatrical release Bholaa Shankar, and made a cameo appearance in Jailer.

Kareena Kapoor Khan (No. 7) made her OTT debut with Jaane Jaan, and her movie The Buckingham Murders had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.

Vijay Sethupathi (No. 10) made two debuts this year—his first Hindi film, Jawan, and his first Indian web series, Farzi.

To learn more about this year’s IMDb Most Popular Indian Stars, watch this video:  https://www.imdb.com/video/vi4130326297/ and view the full list here: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls526076995/

About IMDb

IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows, and celebrities. Products and services to help fans discover and decide what to watch and where to watch it include: the IMDb website for desktop and mobile devices; apps for iOS and Android; and, X-Ray on Prime Video. For entertainment industry professionals, IMDb provides IMDbPro and Box Office Mojo. IMDb licenses information from its vast and authoritative database to third-party businesses worldwide; learn more at developer.imdb.com. IMDb is an Amazon company. For more information, visit https://www.imdb.com/press and follow @IMDb_in.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Inks MOU With Government of Karnataka For Next Round of Investments Towards Setting-Up of A New Plant

Highlights

New plant to be completed in 2026, with investments of around INR 3,300 crores.

New Plant is expected to ramp-up production capacity by 1,00,000 units, annually.

Expected to generate around 2000 numbers of additional employment

Investments aimed at building on TKM’s 25-years of remarkable journey in India

Staying true to its commitment of “Make in India” and producing “Mass Happiness for All”, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to enhance its existing operations in the country through fresh investments.

The investments of around INR 3,300 crores, coinciding with the landmark occasion of TKM’s 25-years of operations in India, involves setting-up of a new plant thus adding to capacity thereby resulting in a substantial boost to the local manufacturing eco-system, along with ushering new technologies to create “mobility for all”. This will be the company’s third plant in India, all situated at Bidadi near Bangalore, in Karnataka. This development also brings with it, potential for further investments and job creation given the expected growth in the supplier ecosystem.

The Memorandum of Understanding with the Karnataka government was signed and exchanged today by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah, Government of Karnataka and Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor in the august presence of Shri M. B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Swapnesh R. Maru, Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President, Mr. Sudeep Santram Dalvi, Senior Vice President & Chief Communication Officer, and other top executives of Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

This investment is a part of TKM’s continued long-term commitment of building upon 25 years of its history, by participating towards the next 25 years, which manifests the company’s strong contribution towards “Make in India” and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” missions leading towards Prime Ministers vision of “Amrit Kaal” (Golden Era). The new investments will also add impetus to the augmentation of the local ecosystem by spurring growth of its supplier base, further job creation and support to local community development in the State of Karnataka.

“Karnataka, as the pioneer in releasing a dedicated EV policy in 2017, updated in 2021, stands as the leader in attracting investments of Rs 25,000 crore, spanning the entire EV value chain. With approximately 2 Lakh EVs registered in the State, Karnataka is steadfast in reshaping the mobility landscape, Shri M. B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka.

Furthermore, the Government is coming up with a new clean mobility policy that aims to position Karnataka as the premier destination for Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, spanning the entire value chain from battery and cell manufacturing, component production, original equipment manufacturers, charging and testing infrastructure, to research and development. With this, the government aims to attract investments of Rs 50,000 crore across the entire EV value chain, generating approximately 100,000 new jobs, and establishing a comprehensive and supportive EV ecosystem in the State”, Shri Patil added.

Commenting on India’s strategic importance, Mr. Masahiko Maeda, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Region, said “The Indian market has always been of great importance to us. We are confident that with the new investments in India, we will further elevate TKM’s role in our global vision for a more promising future by creating sustainable mobility solutions that enrich people’s lives worldwide.

We believe carbon is the real enemy and globally, we will continue to challenge the approach of transforming mobility with focus on ‘Diversity, Intelligence & Electrification’ with the ultimate goal of Carbon Neutrality. We will continue to focus on each region’s mobility goals with greater agility, by introducing and supporting clean technologies considering various factors such as the country’s energy mix, infrastructure readiness, unique consumer profile and needs.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As a future ready mobility company, we are certain that today’s significant MOU with the State Govt. of Karnataka for the new plant will positively contribute through consequent employment generation and expand adoption of advanced clean technologies. We will continue to work together with the government to develop a world-class local ecosystem that promotes the best solutions for India by focusing on improving energy security, promoting economic growth & achieving Carbon Neutrality.

Importantly, Toyota continues to be highly positive on the Indian market. we have steadily grown our business and supply chain in line with making India a global hub for manufacturing. For over a decade, TKM has been spearheading the skilling efforts for students from economically challenged backgrounds, enabling to create world class skilled technicians and enhancing employability thus making a difference to the surrounding communities and contributing to ‘Skill India’ through its initiatives of Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and Toyota Technical Education Program (TTEP). As of now, TTTI has trained close to 1,000 students from Karnataka and through TTEP 12,000 students have been trained from 63 Institutes across 26 states of India. Going forward, we remain committed to the mission of providing world-class skills training and fostering the development of skilled professional thereby bringing ‘mass happiness to all’.     

As a further boost to the company’s contribution to “Make-in-India”, we are very pleased to state that the new investments will enhance TKM production capacity by 1,00,000 units and adding around 2,000 new jobs. The new development also brings with it the potential for further growth in the supplier ecosystem. As we celebrate TKM’ s 25 years in India, this journey is a testament to the passion, hard work and dedication of our Toyota team and various stakeholders. I thank and congratulate each of them for their valuable contribution in creating a sustainable future for all, with no one left behind”

Last year, Toyota Group of companies that constitutes of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP) had signed and announced their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest INR 4,100 crores aimed at making deeper cuts in CO2 emissions and enhance electrification and fast pace shift towards greener technologies. TKAP is the best-case point of India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub of strategic importance through continued commitment for mass electrification by producing not only for India but for exports as well. 

Journey of past 25 years embodies TKM’s contribution to India and the State of Karnataka:

Over the last 25 years, Toyota has well established itself as a bedrock for sustainability and innovation in manufacturing in the state of Karnataka. Thriving on the belief of ‘Grow India – Grow with India’, which showcases strong commitment to India, Toyota Group of companies, including Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts and Toyota Industries Engine India has invested more than INR 16,000 crores and created close to 88,000 jobs in the entire value chain, including supplier and dealer partners. Underlining its philosophy of making in India not only for India but for the world, Toyota’s cumulative export contributions also stands at approx. INR 30,000 crores.

Furthermore, TKM alone has already touched approx. 2.2 million lives through its strategic Corporate Social Responsibility interventions in the country.

TKM going strong in India:

As a trusted mobility partner, TKM has sold over 2.3 million units of vehicles in India with its strong and versatile product line-up. The journey began with the iconic Qualis to its recent offerings of the New Rumion, New Vellfire. Models produced include the iconic Hilux, Camry Hybrid and the Glanza, the people’s car Innova HyCross and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, to segment leaders of the Fortuner, Legender and the New Innova Crysta.

Future focus - TKM’s continued commitment towards clean and green technology for India

Toyota has integrated CO2 reduction effort throughout the vehicle life cycle, aiming to achieve Toyota Environmental Challenge and Carbon Neutrality targets for 2050. One such significant step towards energy management was the adoption of alternative Renewable Energy (RE) sources. The company has achieved 100% RE in grid electricity from June 2021.

Looking ahead, Toyota will continue to focus on building ever better and greener cars thus delivering ‘Mass Happiness to All’ for meeting the evolving customer’s needs by adopting multiple pathways to enable energy shift away from fossil fuel and aiming for CO2 mitigation in the fastest possible manner.

Photo Caption - Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah, Government of Karnataka; M. B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, TKM; along with the Management of TKM.

Çelebi India Elevates Ground Handling Excellence In Ahmedabad

Çelebi India, a cornerstone of the aviation services industry, proudly announces the expansion of its ground handling operations in Ahmedabad, marking a new chapter in its commitment to operational excellence and sustainable practices.

Çelebi India showcased its world-class capabilities by servicing Thai Air Asia's inaugural flight from Bangkok to Ahmedabad. This event not only symbolized Çelebi's unwavering dedication to service but also reinforced its position as the preferred ground handling partner for leading airlines.

With a robust infrastructure and a proficient team of over 6,000 employees, Çelebi Ground Handling India stands at the forefront of managing the increasing flux of flights and passengers. The company's eco-conscious approach is embodied in its adoption of electric tarmac coaches, cargo towing tugs and most of its ground support equipment, contributing to the aviation industry's journey towards a greener future. Çelebi India is aligned with Adani Airports' vision of reshaping airports with the aim of transforming passenger experiences while being mindful of environmental conservation and bringing in elements of sustainability across the value chain. Along with the Adani airport management in Ahmedabad, Çelebi India is committed to providing world-class ground handling services.

Tauseef Khan, CEO of Çelebi Ground Handling India, articulates this vision: “The resurgence of air travel demand at Ahmedabad airport calls for unparalleled service and infrastructure. Our collaboration with Thai Air Asia epitomizes our pledge to facilitate regional aviation growth while steadfastly pursuing sustainability.”

In response to this collaboration, Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer, Thai AirAsia, said, “India is currently experiencing one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. We are excited to announce that we have now commenced our operations in Ahmedabad. We want to extend our warm congratulations to Çelebi for establishing a sophisticated and efficient ground-handling infrastructure in Ahmedabad. We are confident that their excellent services will provide our passengers with seamless on-ground experiences. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them as we expand our presence in India.”

Complementing its extensive operations across major Indian hubs, Çelebi India's latest service extension to Chennai Airport underscores its strategic expansion and influence in shaping India's aviation service sector.

About Çelebi: With a strong legacy spanning over 65 years, Çelebi's global presence moves across several countries, including Tanzania, Germany, Hungary, Turkey and India. As a prominent full-service ground handling service provider, Çelebi stands tall with over 13,000 dedicated employees, supporting 300+ customers across 44 airports worldwide.