Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces Exclusive Edition Of Innova HyCross With Elegant Design And 19 Premium Features

The Exclusive Edition is designed with refreshed styling and dual tone accents to elevate vehicle’s dynamic presence

Feature-rich upgrades for enhanced functionality and comfort

Available in ZX(O) grade for a limited time, with dual tone in two colors - Super White and Pearl White

The Innova HyCross ZX(O) Exclusive Edition is priced Rs. 32,58,000/- ex-showroom (Price will be same across the country at ex-showroom level)

Staying true to its customer-first philosophy, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of the Exclusive Edition of the Innova HyCross available in the ZX(O) grade. Building upon the remarkable success of the Innova HyCross, this new rendition offers distinguished styling and enhanced cabin experience with the below offerings:

Dual Tone Exterior

Black Elements 

Roof

Front Grill

Rear Garnish

Alloy Wheels

Hood Emblem

Front Under Run

Front Grill Garnish

Wheel Arc Moulding

Outside Rear View Mirror (OVRM) Garnish

Exclusive Badge

Rear Under Run

Rear Door Chrome Lid Garnish

Dual Tone Interior

Instrument Panel

Door Fabric

Seat Material

Center Console Lid

Air Purifier

Leg Room Lamp

Wireless Charger

Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition available in ZX (O) Grade

Trusted by over a lakh customers across the country, the Innova HyCross continues to impress with its exceptional spirit of glamor and efficiency. Crafted to make every journey as distinctive as the individual behind the wheel, the Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition of ZX(O) will be available from May 2025 through July 2025, in two colors—Super White and Pearl White, in limited quantity.

Speaking on the introduction, Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “The Innova HyCross has consistently garnered strong customer appreciation for its proportions & poise of an SUV with the spaciousness of an MPV, and we are truly humbled for their continued trust placed in the brand. Today, we are delighted to launch the Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition in ZX(O), thoughtfully crafted to meet the evolving aspirations of our discerning customers. This special variant embodies Toyota’s commitment to exclusivity and elevated customer experience.

With this introduction, we aim to offer enhanced value and added convenience features, while continuing to build on the strengths of the versatile Innova HyCross – perfect for families wanting a car that can deliver a seamless, fatigue-free drive.”

Since its debut in November 2022, the Innova HyCross has emerged as a preferred choice among customers, epitomizing Toyota's renowned Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR). Powered by the 5th Generation Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric System, built on the advanced Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Innova HyCross is much celebrated for delivering outstanding performance, unmatched fuel efficiency, and superior driving dynamics. Equipped with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an e-drive sequential shift, it delivers an impressive power output of 137 kW (186 PS) while offering best-in-segment fuel efficiency. The hybrid electric system is capable of operating the vehicle upto 60% of the time in electric (EV) mode, providing a seamless combination of power, efficiency, and environmental consciousness, giving customers a wise choice for a greener tomorrow.

With its class-leading features such as Powered Ottoman Second Row Seats, Front Ventilated Seats, Dual Zone Air Conditioning, Panoramic Sunroof, Toyota Safety Sense™, and connected infotainment experience, the Innova HyCross has set new benchmarks in the premium MPV segment, delighting our customers across India.

Bookings are now open across all Toyota dealerships. Customers can also book online at https://www.toyotabharat.com/

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Sells 4,80,896 Units In April 2025

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India announced its sales numbers for the month of April 2025.

The company’s total sales for April’25 stood at 4,80,896 units. This includes domestic sales of 4,22,931 units and 57,965 units exports.

HMSI’s Key Highlights of April 2025:

Product: HMSI introduced the updated OBD2B compliant versions of the Dio 125 with advanced new features. Moreover, the company’s premium motorcycle portfolio has been further strengthened with the launch of the 2025 CB350, CB350 H’ness, and CB350RS, featuring vibrant new colours. Aligned with the global market action, HMSI also announced a voluntary recall for its CB300R motorcycle for certain units manufactured between 2018 to 2020.

Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 12 locations across India –Navsari (Gujarat), Yol Cantt. (Himachal Pradesh), Rajapalayam (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Bengdubi (West Bengal), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh), Tiruvallur (Tamil Nadu), Jaipur (Rajasthan) and New Delhi.  Additionally, HMSI celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Traffic Training Park in Hyderabad, advancing its efforts towards responsible road habits.

CSR: Honda India Foundation (HIF) held the valedictory ceremony of Project Buniyaad in Shillong, Meghalaya to mark the successful culmination of the training programme in Shillong, with 30 beneficiaries receiving job letters, paving the way for meaningful employment opportunities.

Motorsports: The MotoGP was held at Qatar and Spain in the month of April 2025. Marini garnered more points in fierce Qatar GP. Already doubling his points from last year, Luca Marini put together an impressive Spanish Grand Prix to make it four straight top ten finishes. Joan Mir was able to again show his undeniable speed but fell prematurely.  

Samsung To Launch 2025 Line-Up Of Vision AI Television On May 7

Samsung, India's largest consumer electronics brand, will launch its 2025 range of premium televisions with Vision AI on May 7.

Samsung will showcase its top-of-the-line premium televisions, including the Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED and QLED, the company said. Samsung is likely to launch more than 10 models of premium televisions across multiple sizes.

The new premium Samsung televisions will come with Vision AI, which will change the way consumers interact with televisions. By incorporating on-device AI capabilities, Vision AI enables televisions to become aware of their surroundings, adapt to user preferences, and act autonomously to enhance the viewing experience.

Samsung has been the global leader in the television market for 19 consecutive years, according to market research firm Omdia. This continued success is driven by the company’s commitment to premium and ultra-large screen innovation, as well as the introduction of cutting-edge, AI-powered TVs.

Gen Forum Ed Conclave 2025 Revolutionizes Education With Cyber Academe Initiative

The Gen Forum Ed Conclave 2025 marked a historic milestone in the field of education, with over 500 Project Carte Blanche schools participating in this landmark event held in Bengaluru, India. The conclave brought together educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss pivotal topics, including Hybrid Learning, Skill Development, and Preventive Health Management, igniting a transformation in the realm of education. 

A stellar lineup of speakers contributed immensely to the discussions across various sessions, including Jaya Mahadevan, Vishakha Arbat, Pallavi Lokesh Shetty, and Adarsh Thompson from Microsoft; Deepak K. from Rotary; Mohammed Nasiruddin from G7CR; Nitika S. from Noventiq India; Syed Sultan Ahmed from School Cinema; Mitesh Gandhi from Marconix Sales Solution Pvt. Ltd.; Balaji Venkataraman from Scholar Labs; Svetlana Rao and Alagaraja Ravindra Raja from Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd.; and Mr. Vincent KV, Ali Sait, Roshini Kumar, Prashant Jha, Shivangini Srivastava, and Shriya Srivastava from Tech Avant-Garde. 

The conclave's highlight was the announcement of a groundbreaking initiative: transforming traditional schools into Digital Schools, termed Cyber Academe, under the aegis of Project Carte Blanche. This transformation will encompass six key pillars of digital transformation in education, 21st-century learning design concepts, Gen Extra Muros digital learning pedagogy, integration of devices such as Passim, Protean, M365, and Lycée integrated with AI and Metaverses, and the formation of the Connected Learning Community. 

Ali Sait, CEO of Tech Avant-Garde, articulated the future of education, stating, "Cyber Academe is the Learning System for the New Millennium. Students, teachers, and parents must be trained for this new genre of learning. Only then can we nurture a workforce suited for the Knowledge Age." 

Eddna Samuel, Global Strategic Partner, Carte Blanche, said, "The future of education is digital, and Cyber Academe is leading the charge. By embracing this innovative approach, we can empower students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world." 

The overwhelming participation and collaborative energy displayed at the conclave underscore the commitment to redefine education in alignment with the needs of our rapidly evolving world. 

For more information, contact - +91 953512332

About Tech Avant-Garde:

Tech Avant-Garde (TAG) is India’s largest Solution Provider in the education segment, supporting all levels of institutes, ranging from K-12 schools to universities. TAG is a part of the Accelerator program of Microsoft and has been certified as a Global Trainer for Microsoft in Education. TAG won the award for the Best Worldwide Training Partner of Microsoft Asia region. TAG, as a co-sell partner and ISV of Microsoft, has implemented the Digital Transformation and Holistic Learning program to help educational institutions to navigate from physical classrooms to digital classrooms. Some of the products and solutions of Tech Avant-Garde include Lycée-Cyber Academe, an ERP Campus Management solution, Efeeonline, an Online Multimode Fee payment solution for educational institutions. TAG also works in the knowledge enhancement of educators through Knowledge L’avenir, the largest social learning platform for teachers and Knowledge Key Foundation, to bring state-of-the-art technology and tools to aid institutions and teachers to enhance their digital teaching and learning skills.

TAG has Partnership and MOUs with the following organizations:

NCERT, AICTE, CBSE, CISCE UNICEF, NIELIT, Microsoft, QCI – NABIT, NPCI to name a few.

Create In India Challenge: WinZO And IEIC Lay The Foundation For The Export Of Indian Gaming Intellectual Property

* The Bharat Tech Triumph program under Create in India Challenge of Waves anchored by WinZO & IEIC—announces 20 winners

* Unlocking India’s Creative Potential: From Local Innovation to IP export, the winners are creating export-ready products to cement India’s global leadership in the gaming Industry.

The brightest creative and tech visionaries have converged in Mumbai, India's creative heartbeat, for the landmark launch of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Marking a new chapter in India's global entertainment narrative, WinZO, India's leading interactive entertainment platform, alongside the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC), proudly revealed 20 groundbreaking winners of the Bharat Tech Triumph Program (BTTP)—the cornerstone of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s ambitious 'Create in India' initiative. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched 4 challenges under the ‘Create in India’ Gaming umbrella to showcase India’s potential to produce content for the world. Shining under this clarion call is the Bharat Tech Triumph Edition (BTTP) Edition 3, by Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC). The 20 winners will be showcasing at Waves starting 1st May 2025.

The success of BTTP lies at the intersection of two powerful trends. Firstly, the global and Indian entertainment industries have decisively shifted towards gaming. The global gaming market, valued at USD 300 billion, already surpasses the combined movie and music industries, while India's USD 3.7 billion gaming sector has become the leading contributor to new-age media, overtaking sectors like movies, music, and cricket. Secondly, Indian gaming companies, exemplified by WinZO, have strategically pivoted from 2023 onwards towards creating and exporting Indian gaming intellectual property (IP) globally.

Chosen from over 2,000 entries, these winners have been guided and mentored by industry luminaries such as Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President - US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Prashant Prakash, Partner - Accel Partners, Archana Jahagirdar, Managing Partner -Rukam Capital, and Rajesh Raju, Managing Partner - Kalaari Capital. Their innovative creations have dazzled international audiences at elite platforms including Game Developer Conference (GDC) 2024, Gamescom LATAM, Gamescom Germany, and this year’s GDC in San Francisco. These visionary developers will also showcase their latest games at WAVES.

BTTP is looking to pick India’s best game developers, provide global exposure and mentoring from the industry, fundraising opportunities, networking among global peers, and fine-tune their products to make them globally consumable. These interventions are aimed at making Indian gaming IP export-ready. India stands uniquely positioned with both significant domestic demand and immense untapped export potential, an advantage illustrated by smaller countries like Finland, Turkey, Israel which, despite its small population, has emerged as a global gaming leader with 90% of export-driven revenue. Leveraging both its large domestic consumer base and rising international opportunities, India is primed for exponential growth in the global gaming landscape while generating high productivity employment, shaping India’s soft power projection, and embedding India deep into the global psyche.  

Among the 20 winners, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage, Brahman Studios unveiled “AUM-The Game,” an immersive philosophical adventure and a unique Karma system. Hyderabad’s 5th Ocean Studios captivated audiences with "Ilavath: Battle Arenas," an innovative strategy game deeply rooted in the eternal war between Devas and Asuras. Speaking on the opportunity, Sowmitri Maluchuru from Brahman Studios stated, "Being selected for GDC, Startup Mahakumbh, and WAVES is a lifetime opportunity for an independent developer like me to share my story and vision on a global platform, connecting with audiences, investors, and mentors worldwide.”

To leverage gaming’s potential for social outcomes, WinZO also partnered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for gamifying healthcare under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge launched by the Ministry of Commerce. Xfinito Biodesigns won recognition for their innovative products MiMo (MindMotion) and ReLive. MiMo is a health-focused gaming console enhancing brain function and rehabilitation, while ReLive is an AI-powered program combining cognitive computing, gamified activities, and digital therapeutics. Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, Former Secretary to the Government of India and Honorary Mentor in the Challenge, remarked, "Effectively addressing modern healthcare challenges demands a multifaceted approach. Gaming, with its immersive content and wide appeal, empowers individuals to manage their health proactively. I'm particularly excited about leveraging gamification, AR, and VR in healthcare professional training and capacity building."

Shri Prashanth Prakash, an eminent venture capitalist and Jury Member of BTTP noted: “India’s startup ecosystem is growing at a galloping speed. Visionary and thoughtful initiatives like the BTTP lay the groundwork to bring the ecosystem together and forever change the direction and acceleration of growth of a sector. Gaming, in India and globally, is undergoing a massive shift, and if India plays its cards right, it has the potential to become a leading global gaming market with a market size of over 50-60 bn by 2034.  The Hon’ble PM urged the sector to export Made in India games and BTTP rose up to contribute to this vision. Now in its 3rd Edition, BTTP shows the untapped talent, remarkable interest in gaming, and the need for scalable programs in the gaming sector.”

Paavan Nanda, WinZO Co-founder, articulated the initiative’s profound mission: "Presenting India’s pioneering gaming talent at global forums like WAVES and GDC is a privilege. These creators symbolize India’s unlimited potential in exporting cutting-edge gaming technology, vibrant culture, and powerful IP worldwide."

‘Create in India’ is a noble and visionary pursuit by the Government of India. The success of such a goal will hinge on India’s ability to capture shifting sands of global consumption, like in gaming, and investing in India’s talent to enable them to make export-ready products. BTTP captures the essence of these two critical factors and will prove crucial in exporting Indian gaming IP.

Manipal Group Of Institutions Honor Visionary Founder Dr T.M.A Pai On 127th Birth Anniversary

Manipal Group of Institutions celebrated the 127th birth anniversary of its founder Dr TMA Pai in solemn and respectful ceremony held at Manipal on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.  Paying rich tributes to the remarkable legacy of Dr TMA Pai on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Hon'ble Justice Shri S Abdul Nazeer, His Excellency the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, described him as a ‘legendary visionary’ whose pioneering efforts in education and healthcare have transformed lives and continue to inspire generations.

He remembered Dr. Pai as a multi-faceted personality, an educationist, banker, philanthropist, and a true nation builder. “Dr. Pai believed that poverty could be eradicated by eliminating illiteracy and ill health. Dr. Pai is a true Karma Yogi. He viewed educated children not just as assets to their families, but as the pillars of a progressive nation,” he added.

On a heartfelt personal note, the Governor also shared his connection to Dr. Pai’s legacy. “I am a proud alumnus of Mahaveera College at Moodbidri, an institution founded by Dr. T.M.A. Pai.  His vision shaped my educational journey and career,” he said.

The celebration was also attended by dignitaries from the Manipal Group comprising of Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Trust, Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust, Registrar, Academy of General Education & Chairman, Manipal Education and  Medical Group (MEMG), Bengaluru, Mr T Ashok Pai, President of Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal, Mr T Satish U Pai, Executive Chairman, Manipal Media Network Ltd., & Vice President, AGE, Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE & President, AGE, Manipal, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal.  The event was also graced by several senior officials from the Manipal Group, making it a significant celebration of Dr TMA Pai's lasting legacy.

Each year Manipal Group of Institutions celebrates Founder's Day on April 30th on his birth anniversary to honor and remember the legacy of Dr TMA Pai, the visionary founder of the Manipal Group, who transformed the once barren hilltop of Manipal into a globally renowned educational hub. This year's celebration featured several programs, beginning with a heartfelt floral tribute to Dr TMA Pai by all the distinguished guests and dignitaries.

Welcoming the august gathering, Dr HS Ballal, President-AGE Manipal & Pro Chancellor-MAHE , said, "We are reminded of the extraordinary vision of our founder Dr TMA Pai that has shaped not just an institution, but an entire educational ecosystem.  Dr Pai's anticipation into establishing self-financing educational institutions in the 1950s was revolutionary for its time and continues to inspire our approach to education today.  Today, as we honor his memory, we entrust ourselves to his principles of accessible quality education, innovation, and service to society that have become the traditional hallmark of the Manipal experience."

Addressing the audience, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said, "As we celebrate the 127th birth anniversary of our founder, Dr TMA Pai, we reflect on a legacy that continues to guide our institution's mission and vision.  Dr Pai's remarkable journey from establishing a single medical college to creating this comprehensive educational ecosystem exemplifies what visionary leadership can accomplish. His basic belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic differences, remains central to the base of our institution.  In the past year, we have further strengthened our commitment to this vision through expanded scholarship programs, research initiatives addressing societal challenges, and international collaborations that provide our students with global perspectives.”

The event featured several award presentations, including the "Kundapur Mohan and Latha Bhandarkars' Merit-cum-Means Scholarships," the "Smt. Sharada M Pai - Dr Padma Rao Memorial Award" for the Best Nursing and Anganwadi Service, the "Smt. Sharada M Pai - Dr Padma Rao A- MMS Diamond Jubilee Award" for the Best Female Warden/Caretaker (Non-Teaching Staff), and the "Smt. Geetha K Nayak Memorial Award" for the Senior Nurses of Kasturba Hospital. The event also honored rank holders from AGE Colleges, recipients of Kadambi Scholarships, and Manipal Scholars.

Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology & Science, MAHE, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to making the celebration a success.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable academic track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life and for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Ajit Prabhu, CEO And Co-Founder Of Quest Global Announces $10M Gift To RPI To Tackle World’s Toughest Engineering Challenges

Quest Global is honored to announce a $10 million endowment to Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute (RPI), aimed at advancing engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. This gift establishes the Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Endowment and the Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Fund donated by the Prahbu family, supporting the Office of Strategic Alliances and Translation (OSAT) to equip RPI students and faculty to solve some of the hardest engineering problems for today and tomorrow.

The Catalyst Fund will support accelerating groundbreaking ideas into proof-of-concept prototypes or market-ready ventures. The Fund will help bridge the gap between lab research and real-world application, allowing RPI’s brightest minds to focus not only on solving today’s challenges but also on anticipating tomorrow's opportunities. This endowment will help translate research into application to benefit society.  

“Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and in particular my mentor Dr. John Brunski in the Biomedical Engineering department shaped my career and expanded my worldview, allowing me to dream of infinite possibilities,” said Ajit Prabhu, CEO & Co-founder, Quest Global. “This gift from our family reflects our commitment to empowering students and faculty to pursue ambitious ideas and develop innovative solutions.  My dream is that this gift will inspire students to tackle the toughest engineering problems and deliver unparalleled value to humanity.”

Dr. Jonathan Dordick, Vice President of OSAT, highlighted the significance of the contribution, “The Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Fund represents a powerful opportunity for RPI’s entrepreneurial community. This fund will enable students and faculty to innovate freely, knowing they have the resources to turn new discoveries into viable products and thriving businesses.”

Ajit Prabhu’s leadership at Quest Global, one of the world’s fastest-growing engineering services firms with over 21,000 engineers worldwide, underscores his dedication to solving the hardest engineering problems across industries including Aerospace, Energy, High Tech, and Automotive. His core belief—that culture and aspiration are as critical as strategy—aligns perfectly with RPI’s mission to inspire the next generation of forward-thinking problem-solvers.

About Quest Global:

At Quest Global, it's not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. We are in the business of engineering, but what we are really creating is a brighter future. For over 25 years, we've been solving the world's most complex engineering problems. Operating in 18 countries, with over 84 global delivery centers, our 21,000+ curious minds embrace the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Using a multi-dimensional approach, combining technology, industry expertise, and diverse talents, we tackle critical challenges faster and more effectively. And we do it across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy, Hi-Tech, MedTech & Healthcare, Rail and Semiconductor industries. For world-class end-to-end engineering solutions, we are your trusted partner. 

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1824 for the application of science to the common purposes of life, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, and entrepreneurs who will define what’s next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world's toughest problems. Learn more at rpi.edu.