MIT-WPU’s Dr. Rahul Karad Honoured With “2025 Global Business And Interfaith Peace Award” At International Forum In Washington, D.C.

Dr. Rahul Vishwanath Karad, Executive president MIT World Peace University, was recently awarded the “2025 Global Business and Interfaith Peace Award” at the Inaugural IRF Builders Forum & Roger Williams IRF Awards Dinner held in Washington, D.C. 

Organized by the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, the two-day forum brought together individuals and institutions working to promote religious freedom and mutual understanding across communities and cultures. The award recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions at the intersection of business, education, and interfaith peacebuilding.

This prestigious global honour places Dr. Karad in the distinguished company of past awardees including the CEO of Intel, Chair of Tyson Foods, CCO of American Airlines, Chairman of Godrej Industries, and other global business leaders. Instituted in 2016 in partnership with the UN Global Compact and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Business for Peace initiative, the award has previously been held in Rio de Janeiro, Seoul, Tokyo, New Delhi, and Washington D.C.

Dr. Karad was recognised for his work at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), particularly in advancing peace education through initiatives that bring together values, dialogue, and practical skill-building.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Karad said: “This is my motherland — the sacred land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha. I thank you for recognizing me, but it is my father who is the true champion of world peace. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s timeless vision — that the unification of science and spirituality alone can bring peace to mankind — he devoted his life to this cause. His monumental creation, the World Peace Dome, stands as a global symbol of unity, housing statues of 54 spiritual and philosophical leaders from all faiths.

At MIT World Peace University, we have embedded this ethos into our academic framework through a six-credit Peace Studies program. Over 85,000 students are engaging with teachings of all religions, fostering interfaith harmony from a young age. I invite you to visit the World Peace Dome and join us in this ongoing journey.”

Since 2016, the Global Business & Interfaith Peace Awards have recognized leaders from across the world, including from companies like Intel, Tyson Foods, Godrej Industries, and American Airlines. The awards originated in collaboration with the UN Global Compact and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s Business for Peace initiative, and have been hosted in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Seoul, New Delhi, and Washington, D.C.

For Dr. Karad and MIT-WPU, this recognition is an opportunity to further conversations around peace, ethics, and education — both in India and beyond.

Michelin India Expands Its touchpoints In Bengaluru With Michelin Tyres & Services Store In Partnership With Cherry Tyre Park

Michelin, the world’s leading tyre technology company, inaugurated its Michelin Tyres & Services Store in Bengaluru, strengthening its presence in the region. Strategically located in Indiranagar, the new store is opened in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park, India’s largest and fastest-growing tyre retail network.

The new Michelin Tyres & Services Store offers a comprehensive range of tyres for the growing premium vehicle ownership in the city. Spanning across 3000 sq. ft., the store is equipped with cutting edge infrastructure for all the tyre-related services for the customers including precision tyre fitment, wheel balancing, and alignment.

The expansion in Bengaluru reflects Michelin’s continued commitment to enhancing its retail network and customer service capabilities in the southern region. Strategically located in the prime location of Indiranagar, the store is well-positioned to become the go-to destination for all tyre and wheel service needs of the neighbourhood. With an ever-growing market for premium and luxury cars in Bengaluru, there is a demand for high-performance and premium quality mobility solutions.

The store was inaugurated by Siddharth Mehta, Marketing Director at Michelin India, along with the team from Cherry Tyre Park.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “Bengaluru has always been a key market for us with our consumers valuing quality, innovation, and performance. The launch of this new Michelin Tyres & Services store in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class services and a premium experience for our customers in this dynamic and fast-growing market.”

Cherry Tyre Park has been trusted partner of Michelin for over 12 years. The new exclusive Michelin Tyres & Services store strengthens the deep-rooted partnership with the brand with its robust technology and well-established market presence catering to premium customers.

With Michelin’s focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, the company’s premium tyre offerings are tailored to complement the advanced performance and design aesthetics of luxury and premium vehicles, meeting the evolving expectations of discerning customers in Bengaluru.

About Michelin

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences.Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.

Dassault Aviation partners With Tata Advanced Systems To Manufacture Rafale Fighter Aircraft Fuselage For India And Other Global Markets

* First-ever Rafale fuselage production in India

* Dedicated manufacturing facility to be set up in Hyderabad

Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. This facility represents a significant investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing.

Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.

The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.

"For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, “This partnership marks a significant step in India’s aerospace journey. The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.”

The signing of these contracts reflects Dassault Aviation’s strong commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and AtmaNirbhar initiatives. This partnership aims to strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance.

ABOUT DASSAULT AVIATION:

With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,700 Falcons) delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, production, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones and space systems. In 2024, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €6.2 billion. The company has 14,600 employees. dassault-aviation.com

ABOUT TATA ADVANCED SYSTEMS LIMITED

Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player for aerospace and defence solutions in India. TASL offers a full range of integrated solutions across:

Aerostructures & Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms & Systems, Defence & Security, and Land Mobility. Tata Advanced Systems has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms, making it an integral partner in the international supply chain and in some instances, a global single source provider for leading aerospace and defence OEMs. With the requisite capabilities, resources and scale, Tata Advanced Systems is equipped to deliver end-to-end innovative solutions throughout the entire aerospace and defence value chain from design to full platform assembly, and is well positioned in areas that include satellites, missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, artillery guns, command and control systems, optronics, homeland security and land systems, in addition to aircraft and helicopters.

MIT-WPU Launches “India’s First Private University Battery Research Center Focused On Advanced Li-ion And Na-ion Technologies”

* The facility enables comprehensive end-to-end battery development, including material synthesis, coin cell fabrication, and electrochemical performance evaluation.

In a significant step toward advancing sustainable energy solutions, MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has launched a state-of-the-art battery fabrication and research facility focused on lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) technologies. This pioneering initiative, established for the first time by a private state university, is aligned with national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aiming to contribute meaningfully to India’s energy independence.

The facility is designed for end-to-end battery development, featuring comprehensive in-house capabilities ranging from active material synthesis to coin cell fabrication and electrochemical performance evaluation. The MIT-WPU research team is actively engaged in the development of advanced electrode materials to enhance key battery performance parameters, including energy density, cycling stability, and operational safety. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to develop next-generation solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), focusing on materials with high ionic conductivity and thermal stability. These SSEs offer safer and more efficient alternatives to conventional liquid electrolytes, marking a significant leap in energy storage technology.

Innovative approaches such as the use of glass-polymer composite electrolytes and the development of paper-based batteries are also being explored. Additionally, the facility has initiated work on the synthesis of high-purity solvents and electrolytes for Li-ion batteries an important step toward supporting Indian battery manufacturers with high-quality raw materials.

Equipped with the latest tools and instrumentation, the facility supports both academic research and collaborative projects with industry and research institution helping translate cutting-edge ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. Soon, the facility will also be equipped to manufacture cylindrical and prismatic cells, expanding its capabilities for a wider range of battery applications.

Prof. Dr. Bharat Kale, Director, Centre of Excellence in Materials Science at MIT-WPU and former Director of C-MET, MeitY, Govt. of India, MIT-WPU, said: “The launch of this state-of-the-art battery fabrication and research facility marks a major milestone in MIT-WPU’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies. As the first such initiative by a private state university in India, it aligns with national missions like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aiming to strengthen India’s energy independence. With end-to-end capabilities—from material synthesis to cell fabrication and electrochemical evaluation—we’re developing advanced electrode materials and solid-state electrolytes for safer, more efficient lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries and Lithium sulfur as well.  The grropu is also working on paper batteries in collaboration with MID Sweeden   This facility not only fosters academic and industry collaboration but also serves as a vital platform for training future talent. With greater support from national funding agencies like ANRF and others, private institutions like ours can significantly contribute to India’s clean energy future.”

Beyond research and innovation, the facility is committed to nurturing future talent. It serves as a dynamic platform to train engineering and science students and offers exciting opportunities for Ph.D. scholars and researchers to pursue advanced work in battery technologies.

This visionary initiative reflects the integral mission of Dr. Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, to empower MIT-WPU students with creative competence in future-forward technologies, ensuring they are well-equipped for impactful and successful careers in India’s clean energy transition.

Introducing The Limited-Edition Shelby X Fossil Grand Tourer

Blending speed with style, Fossil is excited to introduce its newest collaboration: an officially licensed, limited-edition timepiece inspired by the iconic performance cars of Shelby American. Fossil captures the spirit of Shelby’s classic automobiles in a striking new watch, designed for both car lovers and watch collectors alike. Founded by the legendary Carroll Shelby, Shelby American is globally renowned for manufacturing high-performance vehicles, including authentic Cobras, from its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The collaboration consists of the Grand Tourer Watch (INR 31,995), Fossil’s most elevated chronograph to date that pays tribute to Shelby’s automotive legacy. Crafted in silver-tone stainless steel, the watch features a Japanese chronograph movement with subdials for minutes and seconds. The dial features Shelby’s distinctive striped finish in their signature shades of Guardsman Blue and Wimbledon White, accented by the Shelby logo—a coiled cobra ready to strike. Finishing touches include the Shelby logo and cobra detail engraved on the caseback with limited-edition numbering, making this timepiece collectible and functional.

The custom packaging is inspired by a car mechanic’s metal toolbox and finished in Shelby's iconic racing stripes. Inside, collectors will find a certificate of authenticity, as well as an interchangeable leather strap inspired by the perforated driving gloves worn in the 1960s.

Visit Fossil.in and select Fossil retail stores to shop Shelby x Fossil beginning June 2, and follow @Fossil.in to stay current on future launches. 

Greener Choices, Healthier Planet: India Inc Commitment This World Environment Day

“On this World Environment Day, we urge everyone to work together to achieve a plastic-free planet, in line with the theme ‘Ending Global Plastic Pollution’. Plastic waste—from industrial activities to everyday single-use items—ends up in oceans and rivers, harming ecosystems and communities. It’s time to embrace alternatives and foster sustainable habits at every level.

At Aarthi Scans and Labs, we’ve reduced PVC film usage by 7%, cutting down about 2,600 kg of plastic films through digital sharing of CT and MRI scans. We have also retrofitted our diagnostic centres with LEDs, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and solar panels, reducing energy bills by 12%.

We must all go beyond this by promoting reusable materials such as jute, glass, steel, and paper, and by strengthening recycling systems. Together, we can make a real difference and create a greener, cleaner world,” says V. Govindarajan, Founder and Managing Director, Aarthi Scans and Labs

Srinivas Chamarthy - Senior Vice President Engineering, Site lead and Country Head, Diligent India. “World Environment Day acts as a reminder that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility, giving both individuals and institutions the opportunity to be agents of change. That said, at the heart of everything we do at Diligent India is our commitment towards supporting environmental sustainability and contributing to community welfare.

We believe in encouraging our employees to support the local communities and take small steps towards preserving the environment. Recently, as part of Global Day of Service, we initiated a lake restoration project at Iblur Lake in Bellandur, Bengaluru. Over 180 employees came together to help restore the lake by installing floating gardens - an ecological intervention designed to de-silt the waterbody, improve water quality, and revive biodiversity.

Building on this momentum, and in line with World Environment Day, we are also engaging employees through an awareness session focused on the importance of waste segregation and sustainable practices. As part of this, we’re hosting a hands-on workshop on making planters from discarded plastic bottles—promoting recycling and reusing everyday materials. Through these ongoing efforts, we aim to foster a culture of responsible citizenship and environmental stewardship within our organization.”

India’s Heart Once Again Beats To The Iconic ‘Namak Ho Tata Ka…Tata Namak’ Jingle

* Campaign takes a leap forward with Iodine’s role in mental development

Inspired by the overwhelming consumer love for its ‘Namak ho Tata ka… Tata Namak’ campaign last year, India’s No.1 iodized salt brand, Tata Salt, returns with a fresh new edition of ‘Namak Ho Tata Ka… Tata Namak’. This 2.0 version builds on the deep emotional connect forged with households across the country, reimagining the iconic jingle to spark renewed love, connection, and purpose.

The new campaign features eight heartwarming and playful brand films, that elevate the nostalgic melody while delivering a powerful message: Tata Salt, with the right amount of iodine, supports children’s mental development, building a sharper generation for future. Reinforcing its position as Desh Ka Namak, the campaign celebrates Tata Salt’s unmatched product trust and functionality in an entertaining, engaging, and musical format.

Conceptualized by Ogilvy, the multi-asset campaign captures slice-of-life moments, from lullabies and classrooms to kitty parties, weddings, and everyday family scenes, portraying Tata Salt as an inseparable part of Indian homes.

The films reflect everyday life across Hindi heartland families, expressive Bengali homes, and emotionally rich Marathi households. The storytelling also resonates across generations, celebrating real, authentic moments.

In one film, a teacher uses a nostalgic jingle to teach the importance of iodine in a familiar school setting, blending education with emotion. Another showcases a lively Hindi-speaking household, where Tata Salt quietly supports every culinary tradition and loving exchange. With its nostalgic yet catchy tune, the campaign proudly reaffirms Tata Salt as Desh Ka Namak, reaching millions with its rhythm and timeless message with the initial release of four films during IPL.

Commenting on the campaign, Ms. Deepika Bhan, President – Packaged Foods, Tata Consumer Products Ltd., said, " This is a beautiful, natural follow-up to our last year's campaign, presenting the iconic jingle again in a refreshing way. ‘Desh ka Namak’ is more than just an emotion, it’s a promise built on quality, integrity, and generations of trust built over four decades. This campaign will deepen our bond with consumers and reaffirm our commitment to happiness, and trust in every home.

Anurag Agnihotri, Chief Creative Officer - Mumbai & Kolkata, Ogilvy, added, “Tata Salt wanted to tell people about building sharper minds through iodine addition. But how do you make something as vital as child's mental development impossible to ignore? So, we turned to the 80’s, an era that made everything unforgettable through a jingle. We took our iodine story, dressed it in 80s flair, and sent it through every corner of Indian life, from vidaais, to classrooms to kitty parties. This is our love letter to a golden era of advertising, reimagined for today’s India.”

Watch the films here: https://youtu.be/43olT6Pj6GY

About Tata Consumer Products: Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 263 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 15,206 Crs with operations in India and International markets.

For more information, visit www.tataconsumer.com