TKM Reinforces Commitment To Road Safety, Launches Road Safety Awareness & Health Initiative For 1,250+ Drivers In Mizoram

Reinforcing its commitment to promote safe driving practices, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of awareness and health check-up initiative for over 1,250 drivers in Mizoram. Coinciding with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), the initiative is in response to rising road accidents across the state. The occasion was graced by the distinguished presence of the chief guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl, Mr. Zorammawia Tochhawng, Dealer Principal, Zote Toyota and executives from TKM.

In 2023 & 2024, Mizoram witnessed 106 and 124 road accidents respectively with corresponding fatalities at 96 and 112. Lack of driving discipline, over-speeding, violation of traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement measures have contributed to these accidents. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in collaboration with local authorities, is actively engaging with commercial drivers to educate them on responsible driving behaviours while ensuring their physical and mental well-being through dedicated health screenings.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s comprehensive safety initiative for commercial drivers such as truck, bus and van drivers comprise of two key components:

1. Road Safety Awareness Sessions

Designed to educate and empower drivers, the sessions cover:

Importance of road safety and responsible driving practices

Rules and regulations for commercial drivers

Awareness on penalties for traffic violations

Mental and physical well-being for professional drivers

Importance of vehicle insurance and compliance

2. Comprehensive Health Check-ups

Ensuring the physical and mental well-being of drivers, the initiative includes:

Screening for common health conditions (Blood Pressure, Sugar, Eyesight, Hearing etc) affecting driving performance

Prescription of essential medicines and health advice

Referral to government healthcare centres for further treatment, if needed

Moreover, as part of broader road safety measures, 34 units of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition system) & 20 units of CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations to enhance road monitoring, deter traffic violations, and improve enforcement measures, ensuring a safer driving environment for all. Through this structured approach, TKM aims to equip drivers with the right knowledge and health support, enabling them to make informed, responsible decisions on the road.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Chief Guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl said, “Ensuring safe roads requires a multi-faceted approach that includes awareness, enforcement, and community engagement. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s initiative is a commendable step in educating drivers about responsible driving while also prioritizing their health.  68 percent of road accidents take place due to carelessness of the drivers which can be avoided. Drivers should also focus on the fitness of vehicles as this also leads to accidents. I urge all commercial vehicle drivers, especially truck drivers, to participate in the event. By empowering commercial drivers with knowledge and support for their well-being, we are not only enhancing road safety but also fostering a more disciplined driving culture. Collaborative efforts like these are essential in making a lasting impact, and we appreciate Toyota’s dedication to this crucial cause.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs and Governance, said, “At Toyota, road safety is more than just a responsibility; it is a mission. Our goal is to actively engage with drivers, empowering them with the right knowledge and health support. Through our structured awareness sessions and physical health screenings, we are committed to making a tangible impact on driving behaviour, ensuring safe roads. Our ‘People First’ philosophy drives us to support initiatives that improve lives, and this program is a step forward in our long-term vision for road safety in India.”

Towards reaffirming its commitment to education and road safety, TKM also announced the successful culmination of the second year of its inaugural batch at the Annual Toyota Safety Education Program (TSEP) event, held at Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore. Further strengthening its dedication to fostering road safety innovation, TKM also marked the successful completion of the 24-hour Toyota Hackathon in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore where participants addressed critical road safety challenges, including awareness and education, community engagement, school zone safety, road infrastructure and pollution, IoT/ICT in road safety, traffic easement, and making roads more inclusive. By bringing together students, developers, and innovators to solve real-world road safety issues, Toyota continues to drive forward its vision of creating a safer, more responsible, and technologically advanced mobility ecosystem.

Renault Kiger & Triber MY 25 Augmented With Enriched Features And Smart Upgrades

*  Renault elevates drive experience with the most accessible automatic turbo variant in its segment with Kiger RXT(O) Turbo CVT priced at INR 9.99 lacs

* Renault Kiger and Triber range now equipped with all four power windows & remote central locking as standard across variants.

* Renault Kiger and Triber range enriched with smart features such as 8-inch touch screen infotainment with android auto & apple car play, rear view camera from RXL and upward variants.

* Pushing further the Human First initiative Renault India enriches Kiger and Triber Model Year 2025 with 17 safety features across all variants.

Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, launched the refreshed version of “Kiger” and “Triber”, enhancing their appeal, drive experience and performance with a range of intelligent and well thought upgrades.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Venkatram M, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India, said, "India holds a significant place in Renault's global strategy, and we are committed to making mobility smarter, more accessible, and tailored to the evolving needs of Indian customers. The refreshed Renault line-up brings intelligent enhancements that strengthen their appeal, offering a well-balanced combination of style, comfort, and modern features."

Based on customer and market feedback, the refreshed Kiger and Triber will have features like all four power windows & remote central locking as standard across the range.  The latest in-car technology such as 8-inches infotainment system with apple carplay & android auto and rear-view camera to boost customer convenience and experience have been added from RXL onwards, making the cars more appealing and accessible.

Renault has augmented the Kiger in RXT(O) variant with Turbo Petrol CVT gearbox at INR 999995, offering exceptional and premium value to customers who seek modern design, technology and fun to drive elements.

All Renault models are now E-20 compliant. Pushing further the Human First initiative Renault India enriches Kiger and Triber Model Year 2025 with 17 safety features across all variants.

Renault Kiger upgrades: Smarter Features, Greater Appeal

RXE Variant – Now includes all four power windows and central locking as standard, ensuring enhanced practicality.

RXL Variant – Now equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with android auto & apple carplay, rear view camera, and steering-mounted controls, offering a seamless and connected drive.

RXT(O) Variant – Features flex wheels, while also offering the Turbo engine with CVT at a segment-best price, making it a compelling choice for performance seekers.

RXZ Turbo variant – addition of smart access card with remote engine start further enhancing customer comfort

Renault Triber upgrades: Enhanced Comfort & Technology

RXE Variant – all four power windows and central locking as standard for added convenience.

RXL Variant – Introduces 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with android auto & apple carplay, rear view camera, rear power windows, and rear speakers, elevating in-cabin comfort.

RXT Variant – Now upgraded with 15-inch flex wheels, adding a stylish and sturdy touch.

Renault India has kickstarted 2025 with a slew of customer-centric announcements. Earlier this year, the company launched a Standard 3-Year/1,00,000 km Warranty for all its new customers with the industry's best Extended Warranty Programme of 7 years/Unlimited km coverage. The company recently launched its flagship outlet new'R store in Ambattur, Chennai. The outlet is based on the company's global architecture concept for its network. It is globally first to be launched in India, hinting at the significance of the country in its global strategy.

Mind The Gap: Dale Carnegie Training Unveils “Latest Global Study On Workplace Misalignment”

"We all work at the same company; but is everyone on the same page?” Dale Carnegie Training’s latest global study reveals that for many organizations, the answer is no. Despite shared goals, a significant disconnect exists between leaders, managers, and individual contributors, creating hidden barriers to engagement, trust, and sustainable performance.

The white paper, "Bridging the Gap: Aligning Workplace Perceptions Across Organizational Levels," offers groundbreaking insights from over 3,375 professionals across 18 countries. It reveals a consistent negative trend in perception as one moves down the organizational hierarchy, with far-reaching implications for employee satisfaction, talent retention, and productivity.

Revealing the Disconnect

The study uncovers key areas where misalignment leads to critical challenges:

Trust Erosion: Only 15% of individual contributors feel there is trust in their workplace, compared to 45% of leaders.

Engagement Divide: While 42% of leaders are highly engaged, this number drops to 22% for managers and just 9% for individual contributors.

Goal Clarity Gap: Half of leaders (50%) report a clear understanding of company goals, but only 26% of individual contributors share this perspective.

Perception of Success: Only 35% of respondents collectively said their teams exceeded goals, with leaders reporting significantly higher success rates than managers and individual contributors.

Turnover Signals: Employees consistently cite feeling undervalued and a lack of career advancement opportunities as key reasons for leaving.

A Blueprint for Alignment

Dale Carnegie’s research identifies key drivers of engagement and retention common across roles—such as feeling valued and effective communication—while also addressing role-specific needs:

For Leaders: Clarity in organizational goals enhances strategic alignment and engagement.

For Managers: Career advancement opportunities build loyalty and motivation.

For Individual Contributors: Connecting daily contributions to the company’s success fosters a sense of purpose.

Reflecting on the findings, Pallavi Jha Chairperson and Managing Director of Dale Carnegie India, stated “Alignment across hierarchies is not just a strategic priority—it is the foundation for high-performing teams. Businesses that proactively address these gaps cultivate innovative and inclusive work cultures, driving measurable gains across productivity and growth. For over a century, Dale Carnegie has empowered organizations worldwide to transform cultures and build exceptional teams. This research reaffirms our commitment to equipping businesses with actionable strategies to close alignment gaps- fostering trust, communication, and engagement across all levels.”

Discover How Dale Carnegie India Can Help

To access the full white paper and explore how Dale Carnegie India can help your organization foster alignment and achieve transformational results,

visit website. OR https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/resources/bridging-the-gaps-aligning-workplace-perceptions-across-organizational-levels

PNB Signs MoU With “Indo Tibetan Border Police” ITBP

Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has signed an MoU with Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The MoU was signed by Shri. S P Singh, General Manager PNB and Shri. S.C Mamgain, Inspector General (Admn) at ITBP Headquarters, CGO Complex, New Delhi. The MoU was exchanged in presence of Shri. Binay Kumar Gupta, Chief General Manager PNB, Shri. Vikash Burman DIG (Admn) and other senior officials of Bank & ITBP.

The salient features offered to ITBP personnel are:

1. Personal Accidental Insurance – Rs 100 lakhs

2. Air Accidental Insurance – Rs 150 lakhs

3. Permanent/Partial Disability Coverage – Rs 100 lakhs

4. Additional Cover of Death during Operations – Rs 10 lakhs

5. Cost of imported medicines including transportation – Up to Rs10 lakhs

6. Air Ambulance Cost - Up to Rs 10 lakhs

Apart from this, several other benefits are being offered to the dependents and families of Rakshak Account Holder. Bank is also offering lifetime PAI of Rs 50 lakhs, AAI of Rs 100 lakhs and many other benefits to all ITBP Pensioners who are drawing Pension from PNB.

The Bank is dedicated in its commitment to ‘Himveers’ and will strive to continue doing the same in future as well.

Fossil Opens Doors To Chandigarh's First Franchise Store At Elante Mall, Celebrating Style And Craftsmanship

~ Strengthening its footprint in North India, Fossil brings its signature collections to Chandigarh’s premier shopping destination ~

Fossil, the globally celebrated lifestyle brand known for its timeless craftsmanship and innovation, is excited to announce the launch of its first franchise store in Chandigarh at Elante Mall. This marks the brand’s 30th retail location in India, further fortifying its presence in the country. This strategic expansion aligns with Fossil’s vision of enhancing accessibility and delivering an unparalleled shopping experience to fashion-forward consumers in the region.

Speaking on the launch, Johnson Verghese, Managing Director of Fossil India, said, “Chandigarh, known for its embrace of style and sophistication, presents an excellent opportunity for our retail location. At Fossil, we are dedicated to providing our customers with an immersive shopping experience that reflects our brand’s values. Elante Mall, being a key shopping hub, offers the perfect setting to connect with our customers and showcase our latest collections. We look forward to welcoming Chandigarh’s fashion enthusiasts to explore our range of watches, accessories, and leather goods.”

The store is designed to reflect Fossil’s distinctive blend of modern aesthetics and heritage craftsmanship, creating an inviting and interactive retail space. Customers will have access to an exclusive selection of timepieces, handbags, jewellery and lifestyle accessories, curated to complement their unique style preferences.

This launch marks another significant milestone in Fossil’s journey of expansion across India, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional retail experiences. By establishing a presence in Chandigarh, Fossil aims to engage with local customers through a thoughtfully designed retail environment that showcases the brand’s dedication to innovation and quality craftsmanship.

About Fossil:

FOSSIL

Fossil is a leading global lifestyle accessories brand inspired by creativity and ingenuity, dedicated to connecting people to what matters most: time. Fossil takes pride in creating timeless and exceptionally crafted watches, leather goods and jewelry—designed to accompany you on every journey life presents. As a trailblazer in the industry, Fossil brings innovation and style to its accessories, while also working diligently to Make Time For Good™, a platform created to enact positive change for the brand’s people and communities.

“Sprite Cools Down The Summer With A Refreshing ‘Thand Rakh’ Vibe”

Campaign Film ft. Vedang Raina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGWuuglYJFA

Campaign Film ft. Sharvari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH9yerLunaE

Sprite, the iconic lemon & lime beverage, goes live with it’s legendary ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign with a fresh spin. The all-new films showcase Sharvari and Varun Tej making their debut, while the ever-chill Vedang Raina and Dev Adhikari return, bringing their effortless cool back to the summer. No matter what challenges life throws your way, Sprite’s crisp, fizzy magic serves as a simple reminder to sip, relax, and take it easy.

This campaign puts a unique spin on every day, high-temp situations that happen on the go, capturing the essence of how today’s youth tackle these challenges with wit, humor, and a refreshing bottle of Sprite. It perfectly embodies the spirit of staying cool and refreshed in a fast-paced world.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Senior Category Director, Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia, shared, “For decades, Sprite has been the go-to youth brand, known for its edgy and authentic communication. This summer, the iconic 'Thand Rakh' campaign brings to life how Sprite is a perfectly refreshing ally for teens, always on the go. Launching with a 360 approach – the campaign features all-new films with India’s most loved teen icons. We’re excited to bring this chill philosophy to life and provide the refreshment our young audiences crave.”

In line with this partnership, Sharvari added, “Sprite has always had its finger on the pulse of youth culture. The ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign is no different; it’s witty, fun, and reminds all of us to take it easy and go with the flow. It’s the perfect blend of humor and chill vibes, promising to be exactly what we need when life gives you lemons!”

Varun Tej Adds, "Sprite’s ‘Thand Rakh’ is the ultimate life hack—keep it cool, keep it fun, and let nothing faze you. I love how this campaign brings humor into everyday moments, making sure that no matter what, you always have a sip of chill to fall back on."

Talking about his association, Vedang Raina said, “It’s always a pleasure to be associated with Sprite. ‘Thand Rakh’ is something that I personally relate to because finding your chill in life’s situations is the key to joy. This campaign is sure to match the vibe of audiences who are looking for that one moment of refreshment.”

Dev Adhikari shared, "The ‘Thand Rakh’ vibe is something we all need—whether you’re stuck in a situation or just dealing with everyday chaos. Working with Sprite on this campaign was the right kind of chill, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the fun we had bringing this to life.”

The 360-degree campaign will be amplified across television, and digital touchpoints, bringing Sprite’s zesty punch and playful vibe to the audiences, ensuring that whatever life brings—Thand Rakh, sip Sprite, and stay effortlessly cool!

Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy, remarked ‘With this Sprite ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign we really wanted to bring back the Sprite persona in a way that was refreshing, while staying true to the cool, witty, effortless world of Sprite. We chose on-the-go and outdoor summer moments when things are at their most heated to show people how to keep their ‘thand’ and enjoy the Sprite side of life.’

In the quintessential Sprite fashion, this summer – “Sprite Gatak, Thand Rakh”

About Coca-Cola India

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 4 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Kenstar Launches “BLDC Maxx: A Revolutionary Cooling Solution”

~Ramya Krishnan Leading a Futuristic Campaign for Smarter Summers~

~The pioneer of branded air coolers in India is set for another record-breaking summer~

Kenstar, a pioneer in the Indian air cooler market, announces the launch of its revolutionary cooling solution, the “Kenstar BLDC Maxx”. This cutting-edge innovation, integrated across its newly launched range of air coolers, delivers superior efficiency, longer lifespan, and enhanced reliability for Indian households.

As part of its launch, Kenstar is rolling out an impactful campaign led by Ramya Krishnan, a celebrated actress known for her iconic roles in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema alongside Techie Boy, an anime-inspired character representing futuristic approach, waste-hating and efficiency. The campaign highlights the brand’s commitment to smarter, cooler summers with its eco-friendly and cost-effective technology, while also reinforcing the brand’s deep connection with the South Indian audience.

With the introduction of BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) technology, the BLDC Maxx delivers up to 60% electricity savings, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice for Indian consumers. They also provide effective humidity control, ensuring optimal comfort in all seasons, and feature ultra-quiet operation, making them ideal for homes and offices. With a best-in-class 5-year motor warranty and a 3-year pump warranty, the coolers guarantee extended durability and consistent performance, even in extreme summer conditions.

"Kenstar is all about fulfilling the rapidly evolving aspirations of today's consumers," said Sunil Jain, CEO of Kenstar. "Customers today seek not just high functionality but also advanced aesthetics and technology. The Kenstar badge represents superior quality, attractive design, and long-term durability. Our new BLDC Maxx-powered air coolers are a giant leap forward—both for the industry and for our customers."

Neha Khullar, Head Marketing of Kenstar added, “Techie Boy, along with our brand ambassador Ramya Krishnan, will make this range of coolers more attractive for prospects, reinforcing our brand’s innovative approach. With his forward-thinking mindset, Techie Boy makes advanced cooling technology relatable, helping consumers understand how Kenstar’s latest innovation keeps them cool while keeping electricity bills in check.”

With BLDC Maxx at its core, Kenstar offers a comprehensive range of air coolers, including Tall Boy, TallDe, Arc 3D, and more to redefine cooling, reduce energy consumption, and elevate comfort. This summer, Kenstar, is offering 50+ SKUs of coolers covering Maha Desert, Desert, Personal, Tower, and Window coolers, ensuring that there is a perfect cooling solution for every home and business.

Kenstar is further solidifying its position in the home appliances market with the launch of its new range of Air Conditioners. This strategic move underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering high-performance, stylish, and durable products across a diverse portfolio, including refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters, room heaters, and lifestyle appliances.