New Delhi, Sep 1 : R. Madhavan on Saturday took charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned Indian aerospace and defence company headquartered in Bengaluru.

Madhavan, 56, took over from incumbent T. Suvarna Raju for the next five years. He was earlier heading the HAL's Accessories Division in Lucknow as an Executive Director.

"Maintaining the numero uno position of HAL in aerospace industry while delivering world class products and services through increased indigenisation would be my key focus areas," a HAL statement quoted Madhavan as saying.

The emphasis would be to build on the core competence of the Company and emerge as the preferred supplier in the aerospace industry, said Madhavan, adding partnership, collaboration and support of all the stake holders is the key for HAL's success in future.

Born in 1962, Madhavan did his Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, and is an M.Tech. from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

He joined HAL as a management trainee in July 1982. Madhavan's diverse skill-sets in varied fields like production, quality, customer services and management fetched him key positions within the organisation, said the HAL statement.

"Madhavan spearheaded successful absorption of technology for production of Su-30 airframe and engine accessories from raw material phase at HAL's Accessories Division, Lucknow.

He has contributed to "Make in India" drive by developing MSME vendors for aerospace manufacturing. His focus would be on Design and Development, order book position and product mix to meet customer requirements.

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Kodagu: A wild elephant, accompanied by a baby elephant, attacked a canteen in Nellihudikeri, located in the Somwarpet taluk, early on Tuesday morning. The couple running the canteen narrowly escaped the attack, managing to flee in time.

The elephant, crossing the road near Attimangal Estate with the baby, suddenly charged towards the nearby canteen. The animal overturned tables, utensils, and snacks before causing a ruckus. The elephant eventually retreated after hearing the commotion from villagers at the nearby bus stop. It continued its journey towards Nallattikere village, where it attempted to attack a parked car.

The canteen owners, Jabbaar and his wife, survived the attack, though Jabbaar sustained minor injuries. The wild elephant's sudden appearance caused panic among the villagers, students, and workers in the area. Locals have demanded that the forest department initiate an operation to safely capture the elephant.