TKM & TKM-Employees Union Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Competitiveness, Holistic Employee Wellbeing

In the spirit of further nurturing employee welfare, societal progress, and overall company growth, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) on July 24th, 2024 with its Employees Union. The agreement aims to cultivate a positive work environment founded on the principles of "Mutual Trust and Respect" for all stakeholders.

The MoS, encompassing the issues outlined in the Charter of Demand for the fiscal years 2024-2026, was formally ratified before Dr. Manjunath G, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, senior TKM management, and the Office Bearers & Executive Committee members of the TKM Employees Union.

Strongly backed by the Toyota values and principles, both parties expressed commitment to work based on philosophy of Mutual Trust and Responsibility towards promoting maximum flexibility, productivity, good work-life balance, to ensure the making of highest quality of products and services. Key provisions of the settlement include:

Direct wage increase of Rs.16,000/- (for 2 years) for Mid-Batch members, resulting in a Cost to Company (CTC) increase of Rs.19,500 for over a period of two years.

Ex-gratia/Bonus of 25% (90 Days) annual Gross salary.

Expansion of Medical Insurance coverage for employees and their dependants.

Interest free loan of Rs.8 Lakhs for Car purchase, among other benefits.

Continuous improvement of workplace to enhance workplace Safety and ergonomics of employees.

Sustained efforts from Union and Team Members to continue with flexibility and productivity improvement which is essential for success in Automobile industry.

Dr. G Manjunath, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, who presided the signing of the settlement said “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Toyota Kirloskar Motor and the Employees Union for their commendable efforts in smoothly arriving at a mutually beneficial settlement. The seamless coordination by both the parties has set a remarkable example for Industrial Relations in the State of Karnataka.  He also appreciated Toyota’s Philosophy of Mutual Trust & Respect which emphasise the importance of contribution by Employees and thereby achieving the successful results leading to recognition by Management with appropriate benefit in a timely manner. We urge TKM and its Employee Union to continue working together towards sustained excellence and contribute to the overall growth of Karnataka."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive  Vice President, Finance & Administration and Mr B Padmanabha, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing , Toyota Kirloskar Motor reiterated that Toyota Kirloskar Motor remains steadfast in their commitment to create a positive work environment, provide a good work life balance as well as ensure well-being and growth of the employees. Over the last 25 plus years in the country, TKM has always worked together with the people to ensure each member’s opinion and contribution are deeply valued & respected.  Further the people are the most valuable assets for which the Company’s endeavour is to foster a stable environment and world-class working conditions balanced with the progress of the company's vision of “Producing Mass Happiness for all”. Due to commendable joint efforts by both Union and Management, TKM will take a big leap with the introduction of new plant (Plant-3) within the same campus which will create more job opportunities in the State of Karnataka and ensure to grow India and grow with India. 

Mr. S R Deepak, President and Mr. Ravi R, General Secretary of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Union expressed happiness over the successful signing of the Memorandum of Settlement with the Company. As a people centric company, TKM has always prioritized the welfare and growth of its employees. For the first time in the history of TKM with joint efforts of Union and Management they have set the record for best settlement in the History of TKM within fastest duration of 3 months.  Also the Management has recognized the contribution of employees by announcing 90 days bonus (25% wage of annual gross salary) and this will help the Union to motivate their employees to do more and contribute to create a harmonious work environment and progress of both Company and its employees.

SecurEyes' CSR Wing, SE Parivartan Launches Its 'Go Green Go' Clean Campaign In Whitefield

SecurEyes’ latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, SE Parivarthan, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. the CSR event engaged the employees of SecurEyes and the local community in Whitefield, Bangalore, through activities aimed at promoting cleaner, greener living.

Addressing the media Ms. Uma Pendyala, Business Head - Operations, said, "We are incredibly proud of our team's dedication to making a positive impact on the environment. SE Parivarthan is more than just an event; it is a movement that aims to inspire every individual to take responsibility for their surroundings and contribute to a sustainable future.”

Mr. Karmendra Kohli, CEO of SecurEyes, added, “Our CSR initiatives, including SE Parivarthan, reflect our core values of staying connected to our roots and giving back to society. Through these efforts, we hope to remind everyone of the pressing environmental issues we face and encourage collective action to protect our natural resources.”

The event took place at Seegehalli Lake, Whitefield. Employees of SecurEyes and citizens of Whitefield gathered at Seegehalli Lake for an intensive clean-up drive, removing waste and debris to restore the area's natural beauty. This initiative improved the local environment and raised awareness among residents about the importance of maintaining clean and sustainable surroundings.

Captivating the audience, SE Parivarthan highlighted the urgent need to protect our planet and adopt eco-friendly practices.

SE Parivarthan is part of SecurEyes’ broader CSR mission. It includes previous initiatives like SE-Cyber Shiksha, educating students on cyber security, and SE-CARE, supporting underprivileged children and senior citizens. These projects mark SecurEyes’ commitment to societal welfare and its proactive role in driving meaningful change.

Renowned Astronomer And Shaw Prize Winner Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni Delivers Inspiring Lecture At Bangalore Town Hall

The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) hosted a public lecture titled The Dynamic Night Sky by Prof. Shri Kulkarni, the 2024 Shaw Prize winner for Astronomy. Supported by the Murty Trust, the event attracted over 400 attendees on Sunday, 28 July 2024, at the nearly century-old Bangalore Town Hall.

ShriLecturing

Prof. Kulkarni, originally from Karnataka, is the George Ellery Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Caltech. He began his lecture with a brief welcome in Kannada, specifically acknowledging the surprise of meeting his childhood school teachers and classmates in the audience. Moving on to his style of research and its outcomes, he discussed physics versus phenomenology and the groundbreaking discoveries of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), a state-of-the-art robotic camera at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory. Prof. Kulkarni’s talk shed light on the development of the ZTF, its role in exploring the optical night sky, and how advancements in astro-informatics, machine learning, and AI are revolutionizing the study of dynamic cosmic phenomena. After his talk, there was a flurry of audience questions about his work, especially on the life and death of stars. Additionally, Prof. Kulkarni was pleased to answer questions about his childhood in Hubli and his early days as a researcher at IIT Delhi. He encouraged the younger generation to follow their hearts in seeking self-awareness and making the best career choices for themselves.

The audience comprised a diverse mix of astronomy enthusiasts, students, researchers, and the general public. The event was free of charge, and refreshments were served after the talk. Shuttle transportation from the Majestic Metro Station was a popular option for attendees.

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The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) is an initiative of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) that aims to foster scientific research and promote education in the theoretical sciences. The Murty Trust aims to support the restoration of nature, preservation of culture, and advancement of science, all towards the benefit of Indian society.

For more information, visit https://www.icts.res.in/lectures/PLjul2024

Tata Memorial Study Finds Nimotuzumab Significantly Increases Survival In Head And Neck Cancer

A study conducted by Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai has shown that adding Nimotuzumab to the standard treatment regimen significantly improves the 10-year overall survival rate for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The results of the Phase III study on 536 patients confirmed that Nimotuzumab not only improves progression-free survival but also maintains a good quality of life for long-term survivors, making it a potential therapeutic choice for this disease in India.

Patients with head and neck cancer who received Nimotuzumab in combination with concurrent radiotherapy and cisplatin had a 10-year overall survival rate of 33.5%, compared to 22.5% who received only radiotherapy and cisplatin. The median overall survival improved from 2.78 years in the standard treatment arm to 3.69 years in the Nimotuzumab arm. Furthermore, the study found no significant increase in late-term adverse events, highlighting the safety and tolerability of Nimotuzumab.

Head and neck cancers account for one-third of the cancer burden in India with more than 65% of patients presenting with loco-regional advanced disease that is often unresectable and necessitates medical management. In the locally advanced setting, no other targeted therapy can be combined with concurrent chemoradiation with the intent to cure, making this a significant advancement in the management of head and neck cancer.

Dr. Kumar Prabhash, Professor and Head, Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, said, “The findings of this study are promising for patients with head and neck cancer. By adding Nimotuzumab to the existing therapy regimen, we have noticed a significant rise in long-term survival rates while maintaining patient quality of life.”

Dr. K Govind Babu, Senior Medical Oncologist, HCG Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “The first study ‘BEST Trial’ conducted with Nimotuzumab at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, showed encouraging results with 100% overall response rate. More than 50% patients were surviving at five years of follow up, who received Nimotuzumab in combination with concurrent chemoradiation. The long-term follow-up data from TATA study reinforces the findings in a large patient pool with significant survival outcomes at 10 years.”

Dr. Neera Gupta, General Manager, Medical Affairs & Clinical Development, Eris Lifesciences, said, “We are proud to have supported this pivotal study that brings new hope for patients with head and neck cancer. These patients frequently experience a compromised quality of life due to the impact on vital functions, including speaking and swallowing. The findings show that adding Nimotuzumab to concurrent chemoradiation improves progression-free survival and overall survival while also preserving quality of life.”

The Nimotuzumab study supported earlier by Biocon and now Eris Lifesciences was an open-label, investigator-initiated, phase III randomized trial conducted from 2012 to 2018, involving 536 adult patients. It evaluated the benefits of adding nimotuzumab to standard treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC). Patients were randomized to receive either radical radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin (CRT) or the same regimen plus weekly nimotuzumab (NCRT). The long term follow up data evaluated 10-year overall survival, with a median follow-up of 8.86 years. The study found that patients who received the weekly nimotuzumab (NCRT) lived longer overall, with a 10-year survival rate of 33.5% compared to 22.5% for those who received standard (CRT) treatment alone, indicating a significant improvement with nimotuzumab addition. Importantly, adding nimotuzumab did not increase the risk of long-term side effects.

This benefit was particularly noticeable in patients whose tumors were not caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The study concluded that nimotuzumab enhances long-term overall survival without increasing late-term adverse events, particularly benefiting HPV-negative patients.

This study, with its demonstrated efficacy and safety, offers a significant advancement in the fight against head and neck cancer in India. Eris Lifesciences is committed to providing effective treatment solutions to ensure better health and well-being for patients with head and neck cancer.

About Eris Lifesciences Ltd (BSE: 540596, NSE: ERIS):

Established in 2007, Eris Lifesciences Ltd. is a publicly listed Indian pharma company and ranks among the Top-20 companies in the Indian Pharmaceutical Market. The company has a domestic branded formulations revenue of INR 3,000+ crore p.a. as per AWACS. Since inception, the company has been focused on chronic/ lifestyle therapies and on high-end super-specialist doctors and consulting physicians. 17 years into the business, the company retains its fundamental strengths in terms of a chronic and sub-chronic focused brand portfolio (80% of sales) and high prescription ranks with super-specialists.

Eris has a fully integrated business model with WHO GMP manufacturing facilities in Guwahati and Gujarat that cater to ~ 60% of its revenue and a pan-India distribution network of over 2,000 stockists and 5,00,000+ chemists. Over 6,500+ employees work out of its corporate offices, the field and manufacturing facilities.

Eris’ operating revenue and profits have doubled in the last 5 years. The company has invested over INR 3,500 crore inorganically in the last 2 years and successfully diversified into several new therapies including Dermatology, Insulins, Nephrology, Oncology and Critical Care. The business model continues to profitable and cash-accretive with an average operating margin of 35% and cash conversion ratio of over 70% over the last 5 years.

Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation And Indo-Dutch Horticulture Celebrate Success Of Project Unnati Apple In Uttarakhand

~ Felicitating farmers to recognize their relentless efforts~

~ Helping horticulture farmers improve farming, increase yields, and expand income opportunities ~

In a significant celebration of sustainable agriculture, Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in partnership with Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies, recognized the relentless efforts of farmers through Project Unnati Apple in Champawat, Uttarakhand. The event honored 10 farmers for their dedication to adopting sustainable farming techniques, highlighting the transformative impact of these practices on local agriculture.

The Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the event virtually and dignitaries such as Shri. Rajiv Gupta, Director, Coca-Cola India Foundation, Shri Suresh Joshi, Spokesperson BJP, Smt. Jyoti Rai, Chairman, District Council Champawat, Shri. Prakash Tiwari, Representative CM, Shri. Nirmal Mehra, President, BJP Champawat, Shri. Navneet Pandey, District Magistrate, Smt. Rekha Devi, Block Pramukh, Champawat, and Shri. Sudhir Chadha, Director, Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies attended the ceremony in-person.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, said, "I commend Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies for adopting Champawat for their Project Unnati Apple. The success of this initiative is owed to the efforts of its people, and I congratulate them all for making it possible. It is extraordinary that the apple orchards have bore fruit in just 20 months. Such initiatives not only contribute to the growth of the farmers but can possibly help reverse the problem of migration in the state. I urge the Coca-Cola India Foundation to continue contributing to apple production while diversifying into the production of other fruits to realize the vision of Adarsh Champawat and Adarsh Uttarakhand."

At the launch of Project Unnati Apple in Champawat, farmers were provided with over 250 tree saplings for cultivation. After 20 months, each tree produces more than 5 kilograms of fruit, showcasing the project's remarkable success. This achievement has unlocked new opportunities for growing other fruits in the region. With a vision to transform Champawat into an influential agricultural hub, the local authorities, Coca-Cola India Foundation, and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies are committed to offering extensive support to the farmers.

Rajiv Gupta, Director, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, stated, “The success of Project Unnati Apple underscores our commitment to empowering farming communities through sustainable practices. Part of our larger Fruit Circular Economy Initiative, this project aims to uplift farmers by tackling challenges such as poor technology adoption and low productivity. By providing advanced horticulture solutions, we are not only enhancing farmers' livelihoods and contributing to the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision but also driving economic prosperity through improved crop outputs.”

Sudhir Chaddha, Director, Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies, added, "Project Unnati Apple has revolutionized apple farming in Uttarakhand, making farmers 'Atma-nirbhar' through innovative agricultural practices. This successful initiative, a joint effort by our company and Coca-Cola India Foundation, has enhanced apple productivity and yield in the state and reaffirming our commitment to sustainable development.”

Launched in 2018, Project Unnati Apple - The Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, partnered with Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (IDHT) as its implementation partner, to elevate the livelihood of farmers by providing and educating them with advanced agricultural techniques. To ensure the well-being of farmer communities, improve yields, and promote the judicious use of natural resources, Anandana has seen great success in enhancing apple cultivation and farmer incomes in the region.

About Project Unnati: Project Unnati is part of Coca?Cola’s Fruit Circular Economy initiative, which is a key pillar of the Company’s ESG priorities – Sustainable Agriculture. This initiative focuses on driving farm-level efficiencies through the implementation of best-practice techniques, such as ultra-high-density plantation (UHDP) and drip irrigation. Over the past 12 years, Project Unnati has helped empower and enable nearly 4 lakh fruit farmers across 13 states and Union Territories in India. Focused on seven crop varieties Mango, Apple, Orange, Grapes, Litchi, Coffee, and sugarcane, the program is aimed at propelling the horticulture supply chain and building agriculture production capacities across the country.

About Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation: The Coca-Cola India Foundation, a Company registered under Section 25 of the Companies' Act is committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth by focusing on areas that aim to create a better and healthy society, and a strong and resolute India by enabling the common man to better his or her life. In order to promote the Foundation's objectives, monetary grants and other assistance is provided to NGOs, beneficiary organizations, cooperatives, philanthropies and such others who can be suitable partners in implementing projects for social welfare across the country.

About Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies: Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies is a leading organization in agricultural research and development, focusing on transferring advanced horticultural technologies to farmers. The organization plays a pivotal role in enhancing farming practices and promoting sustainable agriculture in India.

Minister MB Patil And Infrastructure, Presides Over Groundbreaking Ceremony Of The Mamadapur Lake Rejuvenation Project

The project will benefit around 30,000 local community members from around 12 surrounding villages through enhanced water security, biodiversity conservation, and economic opportunities.

Mamadapur, Bijapur District, Karnataka | July 30, 2024 – In a significant step towards environmental restoration, Shri MB Patil, Minister for Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure, Govt of Karnataka, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mamadapur Lake Rejuvenation Project today. This initiative by the Sehgal Foundation with support from HCCB, one of India’s leading FMCG companies, aims to restore the historically important Mamadapur Lake, which has been central to the community and ecosystem since the 16th century. Once complete, the rejuvenated lake will benefit around 30,000 people from the local community through improved water security, biodiversity conservation, and economic opportunities.

Mamadapur Lake, originally built during the Adil Shahi period, once spanned a maximum storage height of approximately 7.6 meters with a submergence area of 864 acres and an irrigated command area of about 674 acres. Recent assessments have shown a significant reduction in its capacity due to sediment accumulation, affecting both its ecological balance and water availability.

The rejuvenated Mamadapur Lake will not only address ecological challenges but also bring numerous benefits to the local community. By increasing the water capacity through de-silting, strengthening bunds, and creating additional water control structures, the project would significantly improve the groundwater level of the surrounding villages through water recharge. This in turn would ensure a reliable water supply for domestic and irrigation purposes, enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Shri MB Patil, Minister for Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure, Govt of Karnataka, said, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony not only marks the beginning of the restoration of Mamadapur Lake but also represents our government’s efforts to enhance our natural resources and the quality of life for our people. This project aligns with our vision to preserve our environmental heritage and ensure water security for generations to come.”

"We are glad to participate in the restoration of Mamadapur Lake, a vital resource for the local community. This project not only aims to rejuvenate the lake but also to foster long-term environmental stewardship and community engagement.” said Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer at HCCB.

Restoration efforts will also promote local biodiversity, contributing to a healthier ecosystem and improved groundwater levels, essential for the community’s needs. The addition of new park facilities and public areas will provide spaces for recreation and leisure, enhancing community well-being. Moreover, the project will foster a culture of sustainability through community engagement and environmental education, while the enhanced aesthetic and recreational features of the lake will attract tourists, creating economic opportunities through ecotourism.

Among others present on the occasion were Shri T Bhoobalan, District Commissioner, Vijayapura, Shri Rishikesh Sonawane Bhagawan, Superintendent of Police, Vijayapura, and Shri Rishi Anand, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad. Vijayapura.

About HCCB

HCCB was incorporated on 14th February 1997. Since then, HCCB has come a long way in being able to serve over 23 lakh retailers, ~2,300 distributors, and 5,000+ employees. 2,50,000 farmers grow the agricultural produce that HCCB uses in making its products. The company is headquartered in Bangalore and its operations are spread in 12 states, and 236 districts in South and West India. Through its 13 factories spread across India, it manufactures and sells 37 different products across 8 categories. Its products include some of India’s most loved beverages - Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Minute Maid, Maaza, SmartWater, Kinley, Limca, Fanta, and a lot more.

Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd Announces Q1 Results FY 2024-2025

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of the leading Paint companies in India at the Board meeting announced its unaudited results for the first quarter of financial year 2024-25. For the quarter, the company declared Net revenue of Rs. 2050.4 Crores, a degrowth of 1% over the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

EBIDTA was at Rs.334.4 Crores, a growth of 0.2% over the same quarter of the previous year. PBT before exception item was at Rs 323.4 Crores a growth of 6.2% over the same quarter of the previous year.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Anuj Jain, Managing Director, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd said, “The quarter continued to witness good demand for Automotive Coatings. Demand for Decorative was muted due to unprecedent heat wave, labor shortages and elections. Demand for Performance Coating was subdued however it picked up in June.

A combination of measures like cost control, product mix and procurement efficiencies helped improve gross margins over the corresponding quarter last year. Raw material prices have now gradually started to harden due to various geopolitical issues. The company is actively taking steps to mitigate this cost increase.  The company is also undertaking various initiatives in the digital space to improve its efficiency in the marketplace.

Looking forward, with a favorable monsoon demand should improve for decorative. Given the continued thrust on infrastructure growth, new project and order pipeline we believe demand for performance coatings should be strong.”

Outlook of Indian Paint Industry:

The size of domestic paint industry is estimated at around Rs. 75000 crores as of March 2024. The good growth in infrastructure, core sector as well as automobile and real estate is likely to have a positive effect on the overall demand of paint for the industry in the long run.

About Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd:

Kansai Nerolac Paints now in its 104th year has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Kansai Nerolac is one of the leading paint companies in India and is the leader in Industrial paints. The company has eight strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries. visit www.nerolac.com .