The valedictory function of Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act 1947 and the Rubber Grower’s Conference at Mammen Mappillai Hall, Kottayam will be inaugurated by George Kurian, honourable Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, on 16 January 2025. Members and officials of the Rubber Board, farmers, representatives of rubber stakeholders, labourers, technical experts, legislators and others will all be attending the event.

The occasion will be presided over by Member of Parliament Advocate K Francis George. Member of the Legislative Assembly Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan will be a special guest at the gathering. N Hari, a member of the Rubber Board; G. Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Rubber Board and Bincy Sebastian, Chairman of the Kottayam Municipality, will offer congratulations at the meeting. Dr Jessy M D, Director of Research I/C; Dr T Siju, Rubber Production Commissioner and M Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, will also be present at the event.

In his presentation, Vasanthagesan will discuss the important subject of creating a digital platform that links growers and organisations interested in harvesting rubber plants in an unexplored region. A matter of great relevance, the preparedness of the EUDR process for Indian NR exporters, will be explained by Manoj Vembu, Director of TRST01, the Rubber Board's technology partner to implement EUDR in the nation. Additionally, panel discussions on ‘Handholding stakeholders through schemes & policies’ and ‘Sustainable farming practices’ will be held, which will be moderated by Sheela Thomas (Chairperson of Kerala Rubber Limited and former Chairman of the Rubber Board) and James Jacob (Managing Director, Plantation Corporation of Kerala), respectively.

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THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 commences tomorrow, marking the premier gathering for the global tyre and wheel sector. The opening day promises a dense schedule of industry-shaping events, from political discussions to technical innovations, as the trade fair becomes the central hub for professionals seeking solutions to contemporary market challenges.

A total of 388 exhibitors representing 34 countries will showcase products and services across the entire value chain. The first day alone features three press conferences addressing current and future industry hurdles. Attendees can expect a mix of political impulses, international conferences, practical demonstrations and extensive networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration.

Key highlights begin with a morning session on North Rhine-Westphalia’s role as a leader in tyre circular economy, where Environment and Transport Minister Oliver Krischer will present the ‘Roadmap Tyre Circular Economy North Rhine-Westphalia 2030’ alongside real-world research examples. Later, the Global OTR Conference will focus on safety and efficiency for off-the-road tyres, while the ‘Runderneuert’ initiative at the AZuR Netzwerk pavilion demonstrates how modern retreading combines economic benefits with sustainable cycles.

Additional first-day attractions include the debut of Vipal V SUPER HYBRID remoulding technology on the SERVICE STAGE, engineered for varied usage conditions to improve mileage and reduce operating costs. Visitors can also participate in the WALK OF SERVICES, exploring workshop concepts throughout the fair area for chances to win daily prizes from sponsors including Bartec, Corghi, ALCAR and ALZURA based on station visits.

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World Environment Day should not only remind us about the environmental challenges we face today but also make us realise how urgently we need to change the way we produce, consume and manage waste across industries and communities. For decades, waste has continued to accumulate faster than our ability to process it responsibly, which has directly impacted our ecosystems, natural resources, public health and the future of coming generations. The reality is that environmental sustainability can no longer remain limited to discussions, annual reports or long-term commitments because the planet needs immediate and measurable action.

One of the biggest changes we need today is a shift in mindset where waste is no longer viewed as something to discard but as a resource that holds economic and environmental value when managed through the right systems and technologies. Countries across the world are moving towards circular economy models because they understand that sustainable growth will only be possible when industries reduce landfill dependency, recover value from waste and invest in cleaner processes that protect the environment while supporting economic progress.

India has made significant progress in building awareness around sustainability, recycling and environmental responsibility over the last decade, and government is leaving no stone unturned to formalise this sector in terms of infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation and collective participation.

To support the government’s initiative, we all must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices and create long-term environmental impact through real execution rather than temporary solutions.

As someone who has spent years working closely with the recycling industry, I strongly believe that technology will play one of the most critical roles in solving future environmental challenges because efficient recycling systems can help recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, lower landfill burden and conserve energy for a more sustainable future. This belief is also deeply connected to our motto, ‘Committed to Create a Green Future’, which reflects the responsibility we all share towards protecting the environment through meaningful and long-term action. However, technology alone cannot create change unless it is supported by intent, awareness and collective responsibility.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet where environmental progress is driven by action, innovation and responsibility for future generations.

Jignesh Kundaria
Director and CEO, Fornnax

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TyreSafe has issued an urgent appeal for motorcyclists to prioritise tyre maintenance as new government data shows a worrying rise in rider deaths. The safety organisation is backing the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Operation Apex, a road safety initiative running from 1 to 14 June.

According to provisional casualty figures from the Department for Transport, motorcycle users recorded the largest percentage increase in fatalities among all major road user groups across Great Britain. An estimated 384 riders lost their lives in 2025, representing a 13 percent rise compared to the previous year and marking the second consecutive annual increase.

Although motorcyclists make up a small fraction of overall traffic, they remain heavily overrepresented in serious and fatal collision statistics. In response, TyreSafe is using Operation Apex to promote a simple pre-ride tyre check known as ACT, which covers air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Riders are advised to check air pressure when tyres are cold using an accurate gauge and to follow manufacturer recommendations, adjusting for luggage or passengers. Visual inspections before every ride should look for cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear or signs of ageing. For tread depth, motorcycles over 50 cc require a minimum of one millimetre across the central three quarters of the tyre, while smaller mopeds need all original grooves clearly visible.

TyreSafe recommends performing these checks before each journey, especially after storage, bad weather or long trips. The organisation has released free resources including a guide, leaflet, poster, videos and social media assets to support Operation Apex and encourage safer riding habits.

These materials are available for riders, instructors and safety groups to download from the TyreSafe website throughout June. The initiative aims to reduce preventable incidents by helping motorcyclists recognise warning signs and maintain their tyres properly.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “The latest casualty figures are a stark reminder that riders remain among the most vulnerable people on our roads. For many riders, motorcycles and scooters provide freedom, independence and essential transport – but that freedom depends on machines being safe, sustainable and roadworthy. Tyres are too often overlooked, yet they play a critical role in how a motorcycle brakes, corners and responds in an emergency.

“Our message during Operation Apex is simple: ACT before every ride by checking Air pressure, Condition and Tread. A few moments spent checking tyres can make a significant difference to safety. Tyre safety should become part of every rider’s routine, just like checking fuel or putting on protective equipment. ACT is easy to remember and empowers riders to take control of their own safety before setting off. Tyre safety is not about fear – it is about preparation. You cannot control every hazard on the road, but you can control whether your motorcycle is ready to respond safely when the unexpected happens.”

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The Goodyear Blimp has redefined its century-long legacy of hovering over major pop culture moments by hosting a first-of-its-kind music festival inside an airship hangar. Dubbed BANGR at the HANGR, the event marked the brand’s second annual birthday celebration, transforming the massive space into a high-energy bash.

Festivalgoers experienced a series of exclusive attractions, including a ride aboard the Wingfoot One blimp itself. A headlining DJ set from Noizu was delivered from a stage built with Goodyear tyres, while guests also browsed signature merchandise and attended an after-party in a uniquely blimp-worthy atmosphere.

The event featured an eclectic roster of attendees, from nostalgic mascots to local sports icons. Participants included the Care Bears, puppies from Kind Paw Rescue wearing Fi GPS wearables, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, an inflatable Flo from Progressive, Rainforest Cafe’s Cha! Cha! The Tree Frog, Geoffrey from Toys“R”Us and Vita Coco’s Coco Man.

Swensons Drive-In also made an appearance, alongside Ohio-based sports mascots such as Chomps from the Cleveland Browns, Flash from Kent State University and Zippy from the University of Akron. From chaotic dance floor moments to oversized photo opportunities, the birthday celebration was a blend of fun and charm as intended by the high-flying guest of honour.

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