MAM
Mumbai Mirror launches the 2nd leg to the city-wide campaign ‘Operation Khataara’
MUMBAI: Mumbai Mirror, the city’s favorite daily, takes its civic campaign ‘Operation Khataara’ to the next level by launching a multimedia campaign. Since the last 4 months, the city newspaper has been waging a war against these abandoned cars, with a series of investigations on the intensity of the problem of ‘Khataaras’ left on the streets of Mumbai. The newly launched communication talks to the residents of Mumbai to report the location of these Khataaras, so that the menace can be quantified and presented to the civic bodies for suitable action.
The campaign ‘Operation Khataara’ identifies the abandoned vehicles that are left to rot on the streets as the most-wanted abettors of crime in the city, that the residents need to report. In addition to being an eye-sore and a prime reason for traffic congestion in many parts of Mumbai’s busy streets, these dead-cars also foster criminal activities on the road. They are a breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread life-threatening diseases like dengue and malaria. Mumbai Mirror calls attention to this menace and urges the concerned authorities, encouraging them to take corrective actions to tackle the challenge.
Besides a series of articles, investigations and videos, the campaign intends to empower Mumbaikars to create an information network via a WhatsApp number 9372772277, where readers can share details about any abandoned vehicles in their vicinity along with photographs. In a city that grapples with space issues, abandoned cars raise the burden on the city by adding to parking issues. With the participation of citizens and authorities, Mumbai Mirror hopes to create a ‘Khataara’ free city and effectively serve the people of the city. The campaign will be communicated across media platforms including print, radio and digital media via engaging content formats and innovative ad-elements.
Speaking about the civic awareness campaign, Sanjeev Bhargava, Director, Brand TOI & Mirror said, “We at Mumbai Mirror consistently strive to dig below the surface and bring those issues to the notice of our readers that have not been addressed by anyone else and yet are important to the society we live in. And #OperationKhataara is an extension of our brand promise that focuses on the betterment of the city and its citizens. We believe in making a difference in the society and through this campaign we hope to encourage authorities in Mumbai as well as other cities to undertake similar initiatives.”
Through years, Mumbai Mirror has launched several impactful campaigns to make the city stronger and better. Campaigns like ‘I Am Mumbai’ brings forth the spirit of Mumbai and properties like ‘Mumbai Heroes’ felicitates the strong men and women who are changing the city for better. The journey to highlight the pressing issue of abandoned cars in the city began with an incident in Kandivali, which sparked into a city-wide movement reaching out to Ghatkopar, Juhu and Bandra leading to the full-fledged campaign – ‘Operation Khataara’ by Mumbai Mirror. Join the campaign and lend a helping hand to create a better Mumbai. Drop a line at operationkhataara@timesgroup.com
MAM
Continental Tires appoints Nevin Aslan-Özkan as Managing Director for India
Finance leader to drive growth in passenger vehicle segment from 6 April 2026.
MUMBAI: Continental Tires has put a fresh pair of tyres on its Indian leadership and this time, they’re rolling with strong financial horsepower. The premium tyre manufacturer has announced the appointment of Nevin Aslan-Özkan as managing director of Continental Tires India, effective 6 April 2026. She succeeds Samir Gupta, who stepped down on 5 April 2026 for personal reasons.
Nevin joined Continental in 2017 and has held key leadership roles in Mergers & Acquisitions and Strategy & Business Development across EMEA and APAC. Since May 2025, she has served as Chief Financial Officer for Continental Tires India, shaping the company’s financial strategy and performance.
In her new role, she will lead the company’s growth agenda in India, with a sharp focus on accelerating its presence in the passenger vehicle segment. This appointment comes at a pivotal time, following the recent launch of the CrossContact A/T² tyre, the first market globally to receive this product and a €10.5 million (approximately Rs 100 crore) investment to strengthen Continental’s position, particularly in the ultra-high-performance (UUHP) segment.
Nevin Aslan-Özkan said, “India continues to be a strong focus market for Continental Tires. Guided by our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we will continue to deliver products and technologies designed for Indian roads.”
Samir Gupta, who joined Continental in 2012 and served as managing director since January 2022, was recognised for his significant contribution to expanding the brand’s footprint in India.
Continental is a leading global tyre manufacturer founded in 1871. The company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and employs around 78,000 people across 54 countries. Its Tires group sector, which includes premium car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tyres, recorded sales of €13.8 billion in fiscal 2025 and employs more than 56,000 people worldwide.
With Nevin Aslan-Özkan at the wheel, Continental Tires India is clearly gearing up for a smoother and more aggressive drive in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The road ahead looks promising.
