Delhi High Court Intervenes to Revive Rare Disease Crowdfunding Platform

In a landmark move to address India’s rare disease treatment crisis, the Delhi High Court has ordered the formation of a four-member expert panel to oversee and revamp the national crowdfunding platform hosted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The platform, designed to support patients with life-threatening rare diseases, has so far failed to mobilize adequate public and corporate donations.

Judicial Trigger: A Mother's Plea for Life-Saving Treatment

The court’s intervention was prompted by a petition filed by the mother of an infant diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)—a genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle wasting and respiratory failure. The child requires Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy injection costing ₹17.5 crore, available only overseas. Despite being registered on the government’s crowdfunding portal, the family had received negligible financial support.

Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the case, expressed concern over the platform’s underperformance. Of the 3,981 patients registered, only ₹3.91 lakh had been raised in total—highlighting a systemic failure in public outreach and donor engagement.

Understanding Rare Diseases and Their Costs

Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, affect a small percentage of the population but often require high-cost, precision therapies such as gene replacement, enzyme infusions, or biologics. These treatments are typically not covered under standard insurance or public health schemes due to their exorbitant costs and limited availability.

India’s National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 aims to address this gap by enabling innovative funding mechanisms, including public donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.

Panel Composition and Mandate

The newly constituted committee includes:

• A Joint Secretary from the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance
• Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Experts in CSR strategy and public health policy

The mandate:

• Boost CSR and public donations through strategic outreach
• Ensure transparency in fund allocation and patient prioritization
• Enhance platform credibility to attract sustained donor engagement

Crowdfunding Platform: How Donors Can Help

The official portal—https://rarediseases.nhp.gov.in—allows individuals and companies to:

• View verified patient profiles with medical documentation
• Donate securely via UPI, net banking, or card
• Receive tax benefits under Section 80G (subject to eligibility)
• Contribute under CSR mandates with official acknowledgment

Why This Matters

India faces a growing burden of rare diseases, with thousands of families unable to afford life-saving therapies. While government schemes offer partial support, crowdfunding can bridge the financial gap—but only if platforms are well-managed, transparent, and widely promoted.

The Delhi High Court’s directive is a critical step toward systemic reform, ensuring that India’s rare disease patients are not left behind due to funding failures.

Sindri Goes Solar: ACC and Adani Foundation Build a Blueprint for Rural Self-Reliance and Clean Energy Access

• ACC and the Adani Foundation install solar-powered irrigation and drinking water systems in Chhatatand and nearby villages of Sindri.
• Solar irrigation systems enable uninterrupted farming on 15+ acres, saving ₹30,000 per farmer per season.
• Solar water pumps ensure clean drinking water access for 150 families, improving health and reducing daily hardship.

ACC, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, has implemented solar-powered irrigation and water systems across the Gram Panchayat of Chhatatand and nearby villages in Sindri, Jharkhand.

ACC Sindri - solar drinking water

These clean energy interventions are helping small farmers reduce irrigation costs, boost productivity, and are also ensuring safe drinking water access for more than 150 families in the region.

Until recently, erratic electricity and rising diesel prices made farming unreliable, while daily access to clean water remained a major challenge for many households. To address this, ACC installed 5 HP solar irrigation pumps across 15 acres of farmland in Chhatatand and Samlapur, enabling low-cost, uninterrupted irrigation.

At the same time, six 2 HP solar drinking water systems were installed across five villages, including Simatand, Kushberia and Jamadoba Basti. The systems pump water into overhead tanks, offering families a sustainable and safe source of drinking water close to home.

By integrating renewable energy into rural infrastructure, ACC and the Adani Foundation are advancing long-term self-reliance, improved health outcomes, and climate-friendly livelihoods in Jharkhand’s Sindri region.

ONGC Completes Baltal Pilgrim Facility Ahead of Amarnath Yatra; Petroleum Minister Puri to Formally Inaugurate the Mega Facility on Friday

Energy major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is developing Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complexes at four key locations in Jammu & Kashmir, viz. Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. These assets will be operated by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board under the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

These facilities will provide safe lodging, sanitation, and emergency support to people undertaking Amarnath Yatra. Over five lakh people undertake this Yatra every year. This permanent infrastructure will also benefit the local population throughout the year.

The Baltal Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex, spread across 6,315 square metres, is now fully operational and includes a Yatri Niwas, VIP guest house, security infrastructure, and disaster-response facilities. The Baltal facility will be formally inaugurated on 4 July 2025 by Hon'ble Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, in the presence of ONGC Chairman and CEO Shri Arun Kumar Singh.

Construction is progressing at Nunwan (8,500 sq. m) and Bijbehara (7,640 sq. m), with both sites expected to be completed by September 2025. The Sidhra complex in Jammu, designed to serve as a vital hub for boarding, emergency management, and logistical coordination, is targeted for completion by September 2026.

In 2024, ONGC also constructed permanent 100-bed hospitals at Baltal (Ganderbal) and Chandanwari (Anantnag), in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. These facilities, which include ICUs and staff accommodations, replacing the earlier temporary medical camps and now serve as year-round Primary Health Centres for yatris and local residents alike.

Carlsberg India and Water.org Unite to Boost Clean Water Access Across Ganges Basin

The partnership will empower more than 112,000 people with access to safe water or sanitation, providing an estimated 247 million liters of water across the region.

Carlsberg Group in India today announced a new partnership with Water.org to improve access to safe water and sanitation in communities across the Ganges River Basin, including the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The collaboration reinforces Carlsberg’s commitment to responsible water stewardship by investing in sustainable, measurable solutions that empower local communities.

Water.org helps tackle India’s water and sanitation crisis by making access affordable. Through its WaterCredit solution, launched in India in 2004, the organization partners with microfinance institutions, banks, and government programs to provide small, affordable loans for water and sanitation improvements to families in need. This approach has enabled more than 30 million people to get access to safe water or sanitation. Water.org continues to scale its impact by developing financial solutions at both household and community levels, supporting India’s goal of providing tap water for all.

Through this initiative, Carlsberg Group and Water.org will enable access to 247 million liters of water in the Ganges River Basin, helping people in areas that need safe water the most. The partnership aims to provide safe water or sanitation solutions to more than 112,000 people by March 2028. In addition to providing access to safer water, the partnership will engage communities in awareness efforts to drive long-term behavior change and local impact.

The partnership is an important step towards Carlsberg Group’s target of replenishing 100% of the water consumed at its breweries and beverage production sites in high water risk areas by 2030.

"At Carlsberg India, we understand that water is not just a resource — it’s a lifeline for communities," said Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Carlsberg India. "Our partnership with Water.org reflects our commitment to sustainable water management and community well-being. By supporting access to safe water, we’re helping families build healthier lives, strengthen their resilience, and secure a better future. Investing in water is, ultimately, an investment in people, in sustainability, and in long-term progress."

"This collaboration with Carlsberg helps scale the impact of our proven solution. One that’s empowered millions of people to finance their own safe water and sanitation solutions," said Gary White, CEO and Co-founder, Water.org. "As part of an important network of partners, Carlsberg is helping accelerate that momentum in India, where access to safe water or sanitation can change everything for families in need: improving health, regaining time, and building bright futures."

Water access drives measurable improvements in health, household resilience, and gender equity. This partnership will help create lasting impact across the Ganges River Basin, ensuring that local communities can thrive, even in the face of climate challenges.

Amazon Taps Yamuna Watershed for India’s Biggest Replenishment Push

Amazon is funding its first-ever water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, upstream from New Delhi, tackling water scarcity and over-extraction of groundwater.

This initiative adds to Amazon's growing portfolio of water conservation projects across India, which already includes major lake restoration efforts and community water solutions benefiting over 1 million people since 2020. The project is expected to replenish more than 400 million litres of water annually once completed, and will help Amazon make progress toward its commitment to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027.

New Delhi faces significant water management challenges, with water supply issues impacting the daily lives of residents and operations of businesses throughout the capital region. Amazon’s project in New Delhi, featuring a groundwater recharge programme, was announced at Amazon's inaugural Water Dialogues today. The event is a thought leadership initiative that puts together key stakeholders in the water industry, such as Ramveer Tanwar, The Pondman of India, Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration, Manoj Singh, Associate Director - Climate, Agriculture & Food Systems, The Nature Conservancy among others, to deliberate on challenges and initiatives regarding water as a scarce resource. The event also featured a keynote address by Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

The New Delhi water project, in cooperation with social enterprise and developer of ecosystem restoration projects, Hasten Regeneration, combines the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure—including check dams and ponds—with the construction of new water-saving structures, like percolation pits and recharge shafts. Additionally, planting vegetation around these structures can help to prevent erosion, increase the moisture in soil, and improve local landscapes. Sites will be selected within the Yamuna River watershed with the goal of maximizing direct benefits to New Delhi's water security.

Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) said, “The inaugural Water Dialogues 2025 in Delhi marks an important step in advancing collaboration around India’s pressing water challenges. Amazon’s funding of its first water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, expected to return more than 400 million litres of water annually is a commendable contribution. It reflects the growing recognition that water stewardship is a shared responsibility. We welcome this effort and see it as an opportunity to encourage greater private sector engagement in delivering inclusive, community-driven solutions, especially in water-stressed urban and peri-urban regions.”

"Our country faces critical water challenges, with groundwater levels in New Delhi declining at an alarming rate," said Abhinav Singh, Vice President, Operations, Amazon India & Australia. "Our project with Hasten Regeneration focuses on revitalizing the Yamuna basin through strategic infrastructure rehabilitation and new construction. This watershed-level approach not only aims to capture monsoon runoff and replenishes critical aquifers but also empowers local communities as stewards of these vital resources. This initiative represents a significant step toward our goal to replenish more water than we use in India by 2027."

For this groundwater recharge water project, Hasten Regeneration will collaborate with India-based non-governmental organization Arpan Seva Sansthan, winner of India’s ‘National Water Award’ in 2023, and Clear Water Dynamics, a Bangalore based consultancy firm specialising in water engineering infrastructure projects.

“This collaborative action is exactly what New Delhi needs to help address its water crisis. By blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigour, we're building both water systems and community resilience,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration. “Our aim is to ensure Amazon’s funding is at its catalytic best, inviting communities as active participants and not just beneficiaries. The 400 million litres we expect to replenish annually represents a vital lifeline for communities across the Yamuna watershed.”

In 2024, Amazon announced a goal to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027. The new goal builds on Amazon’s work over the last several years to improve water efficiency at its sites in India, and on investments in projects that return water to critically water-stressed communities. For example, Amazon is collaborating with SayTrees, a local environmental organisation, to undertake a comprehensive restoration of Yamare and Sai Reddy Lakes.

The projects, undergoing since January 2025, involve desilting the lakes, restoring bund formations, and repairing inlet and outlet structures. These efforts, once finished, are expected to replenish annually more than 270 million litres of water to Yamare Lake, and close to 300 million litres of water to Sai Reddy Lake, tripling its size. Investments previously made by Amazon in India since 2020 have already enabled long-lasting, climate-resilient water and sanitation solutions to benefit more than 1 million people.

More information about Amazon’s commitment to water conservation and restoration can be found on Amazon’s Water Stewardship website

Ambuja Cements Empowers Rural Youth with EV Assembly Training at SEDI Bhatapara

• Ambuja Cements introduces Electric Vehicle Assembly Operator Trade at its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh.
• Initiative aligns with green energy goals and builds on Ambuja Cements’ legacy of impactful skill development in the region.

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, has launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Assembly Operator Trade at its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. The initiative, driven by Ambuja Cements’ CSR arm aims to prepare rural youth for the fast-evolving electric mobility sector—equipping them with future-ready skills that align with the growing demand for green transportation across the nation.

A state-of-the-art EV lab has been set up at SEDI Bhatapara, offering hands-on training on electric rickshaws, scooters, cars, battery systems, and motor controls. Building on earlier skilling efforts in the region—such as training over 700+ local youth in trades like welding and tailoring—this new-age program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities with livelihood opportunities that are both relevant and sustainable.

The initiative not only opens up promising employment avenues for trainees but also inspires them to be part of the country’s clean energy transition. By introducing this green technology skilling programme, Ambuja Cements continues to foster inclusive growth while helping young individuals from underserved backgrounds drive positive change—for themselves, and towards a greener future.

Undekha Eye Test: How Naga Sadhus Turned Into Live Eye Vision Testing Charts at Maha Kumbh Mela

A joint initiative by Eyebetes Foundation and Godrej Consumer Products Ltd

For over 125 years, Godrej has led the way in India on being Good and Green. Upholding this commitment, the group’s FMCG arm - Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) has consistently driven impactful social initiatives. The company’s social programs like Project EMBED (Elimination of Mosquito-Borne Endemic Diseases) have been dedicated to preventing and controlling malaria, positively impacting 28.4 million lives across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh since 2016. GCPL achieved a historic milestone in 2024, by getting featured in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), ranking among the top 3 global FMCG companies for sustainability.

Building on this commitment, GCPL joined forces with the Eyebetes Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to creating awareness about diabetes and preventable blindness, to introduce the ‘Undekha Eye Test’, a unique eye vision testing that required people to read alphabets on the back of naga sadhus. This free eye check-up camp is created at Triveni Sangam site of Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Conceptualized by Godrej Creative Lab, the in-house creative studio of GCPL, this unique initiative turned Naga sadhus into living eye vision testing charts, with bold Hindi letters painted on their bare backs in Devanagari script, transforming them into powerful ambassadors for vision awareness.

India is home to nearly 100 million diabetics, of which over 60% remain undiagnosed. Diabetes is also the largest cause of preventable blindness. As one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, Maha Kumbh Mela saw an influx of over 60 crore devotees. GCPL and Eyebetes Foundation introduced the ‘Undekha Eye Test’ at Maha Kumbh Mela bringing this critical issue to the forefront using India’s deep-rooted traditions to connect with people in a meaningful and memorable way.

Partnering with the revered Naga Akhara, the initiative provided free eye screenings and diabetes tests while distributing over 50,000 free eyeglasses to pilgrims and police personnel. Staffed with over 100 personnel, the Eyebetes camp has served over 40,000 people and making it one of the largest public health efforts at Kumbh 2025. For the naga sadhus, this was more than just a medical initiative—it was a spiritual duty.

Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and CEO, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “Kumbh is a mela of big brands and big spends. To get people’s attention on a shoestring budget was a challenge. But in that challenge, the team found an opportunity to partner with the naga sadhus. For the first time ever, the naga sadhus, found it in them to support a social cause. As science and spirituality shook hands, the awareness drive encouraged over 50,000 people to get checkups in just 10 days, and the queues continue to grow.”

“The naga sadhus are only seen publicly at the Kumbh every 12 years. They're worshipped, revered and most importantly, stared at by everyone. So, we thought-why not turn every stare into an eye test. The Nagas were our spiritual influencers, the likes of which no brand in the world has ever seen before” said, Swati Bhattacharya, Global Head of Godrej Creative Lab, the in-house creative studio of GCPL.

Dr. Nishant Kumar, Founder, Eyebetes Foundation, said, “For me, the cause of preventable blindness is deeply personal. Diabetes-related blindness is preventable, yet millions remain unaware until it's too late. Bringing vision tests to the Maha Kumbh in a culturally resonant way turned awareness into action. We witnessed naga sadhus deliver a message that could indeed change people’s lives. We are thankful to Godrej Consumer Products for supporting the cause with a creative approach and amplifying the message to a wider audience. Sudhir Sitapati of Godrej Consumer Products believed in the cause of Eyebetes and put his creative team behind us to device this Naga sadhu Undekha Eye Test campaign which helped us reach lakhs of pilgrims at the Mahakumbh. This is a perfect example of people who share a concern for humanity working together selflessly to impact lives.”

The Maha Kumbh, which attracts millions of pilgrims, served as the perfect setting for this visual intervention. The impact of ‘Undekha Eye Test’ will extend beyond the Maha Kumbh. Striking photographs of naga sadhus sporting vision tests on their backs will now be turned into posters and distributed across temples and ashrams nationwide, ensuring continued awareness. By leveraging India’s deep-rooted traditions and cultural influencers in an innovative way, ‘Undekha Eye Test’ connected deeply with people at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

Amazon Announces $1.2 Mn Investment to Preserve Mumbai’s Flamingo Habitat, Restoring Mangrove Forests, Removing Plastic Waste and Supporting Local Communities

Amazon today announced a US$1.2 million investment to restore the mangrove forests and mudflats that are critical foraging for Mumbai’s iconic flamingo population. Working with Hasten Regeneration, a social enterprise and developer of ecosystem restoration projects, the investment will fund the clean-up along the settlements on the Thane Creek in Mumbai and plant mangroves in the nearby state of Gujarat. Amazon is supporting the initiative through its $100 million Right Now Climate Fund, which promotes climate resilience, biodiversity, and nature conservation projects in communities where it operates.

The project will tackle plastic pollution by installing a trash boom that blocks plastic waste from entering the Mumbai basin, where more than 1 million migratory birds – among them flamingos and over 180 other species – stop to feed each season. The goal is to remove at least 150 tons of plastic waste and replant the flamingo feeding grounds, including the stopover sites on the way to the nesting areas in neighbouring Gujarat province. The project also aims to improve the quality of life for the slum settlement on the bank of the Thane Creek, who will benefit from a cleaner environment.

Mangroves can sequester and store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than mature tropical forests, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mangrove planting work will also generate employment and opportunities for the rural community in Gujarat, especially female-led planting companies.

“The preservation of Mumbai's flamingo habitat is paramount, not only for the biodiversity it sustains, but also for the communities whose livelihoods depend on it,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India. “By joining forces with Hasten Regeneration on this landmark project, we aim to safeguard Mumbai’s flamingo habitat for future generations.”

“This collaborative effort between Amazon and Hasten Regeneration is a game changer for the Mumbai basin. The project cleans up the polluted banks of the Thane Creek, which is one of the most polluted waterways in the world. We are also creating a positive social impact, employing women to replant mangroves in critical stop-over sites for the precious flamingos on the way to their nesting grounds,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration’s India branch and Director of Alaap.

"This initiative, aligned with the government's goals under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes, will significantly contribute to protecting the habitat of flamingos and other migratory birds by planting 375,000 mangrove shrubs and trees. And with that, it will, over time, build climate resilience for local communities by protecting against storm surges, rising sea levels, and erosion, while also creating multiple sustainable livelihood opportunities” said Shri Mukeshbhai Zinabhai Patel, Minister of Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources and Water Supply, State of Gujarat.

In 2023, Amazon announced a US$15 million investment from the Right Now Climate Fund to support nature-based projects in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Amazon has launched three projects in India including this one, supporting the Centre for Wildlife Studies to plant 300,000 trees in the Western Ghats on the border of tiger and elephant habitat; and working with ICLEI South Asia to launch a network of 75 school gardens to support urban biodiversity and combat child malnutrition, with the aim of providing 15 million meals for children in India’s municipal schools.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit aboutamazon.in and follow @AmazonNews.

CapitaLand Launches Inaugural S$3 Mn Community Resilience Initiative

• This is the first time a regional grant call for social resilience projects is held as part of the initiative
• Funding will be provided for projects by non-profit organisations across Singapore, India, China and Vietnam focused on education, health and well-being of vulnerable children and youth

CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group, today launched its inaugural S$3 million CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative that sources for social resilience projects. This is the first time a regional grant call is held for such projects as part of the initiative. The launch, in collaboration with AVPN, is a significant milestone as part of CHF’s 20th anniversary celebration this year. AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, and the grant call was announced at the AVPN Southeast Asia Summit 2025 held in Singapore.

The CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative aims to equip vulnerable children and youth with the skills, knowledge and support systems needed to thrive in the face of adversity, strengthening their resilience to ensure a stronger, more adaptive and equitable future. CHF has been committed to building caring, inclusive and resilient communities and forging meaningful partnerships to impact the lives of many since 2005. AVPN will contribute their network and expertise in managing philanthropic funds and support in identifying impactful organisations to ensure quality solutions for the vulnerable in Asia.

Non-profit organisations across China, India, Singapore and Vietnam with sustainable projects focused on improving the education, health and well-being of children and youths can submit their applications from now till 25 April 2025. The applications will be assessed based on the social impact and potential outcomes. They should also be scalable and effectively implemented across any of the four countries where CapitaLand operates.

Mr Miguel Ko, Chairman of CHF and Chairman of CapitaLand Investment, said: “In our 20 years of giving since CHF’s inception in 2005, we have been unwavering in our commitment to uplift lives and make a difference. At CapitaLand, we believe that building a resilient community is fundamental to sustainable growth. Through the launch of our inaugural S$3 million CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative, we aim to empower individuals and families with the resources and support they need to navigate challenges and emerge stronger. The initiative enables us to source for like-minded partners and stakeholders in the region in supporting social capital, social infrastructure, and social inclusion solutions as they embark with us in this giving journey. We look forward to amplifying the positive impact across the communities we operate in together with selected organisations.”

Ms Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, said: "Community resilience is the foundation for long-term stability. CHF’s strong commitment to philanthropy through its community-focused programmes is in line with AVPN’s mission to strengthen the ecosystem and direct capital towards meaningful outcomes in Asia. With our extensive network and expertise in managing philanthropic funds, AVPN is well-positioned to support CapitaLand’s mission by identifying impactful organisations, providing due diligence support, and ensuring the fund's strategic effectiveness. Together, we aim to create lasting, positive change across the region with the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative.”

Focus impact areas of the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative

Participants can submit their proposed projects for the initiative which addresses any of the three focus impact areas established by CHF to meet the needs of the vulnerable groups.  The three focus impact areas are education, skills development and physical/mental health and well-being.

For more information on the submission criteria and application, please visit: https://avpn.asia/philanthropic-fund/capitaland-community-resilience-initiative/

Submissions will close on 25 April 2025, 2359h Singapore Time (GMT +8).

CapitaLand’s giving efforts

Through the eventual implementation of suitable projects identified through the initiative, CapitaLand strives to deepen its efforts in building the resilience of the communities and cultivate like-minded organisations to amplify the collective impact in uplifting the lives of the vulnerable groups it supports through CHF.  Since 2005, CHF has supported more than 520,000 beneficiaries including children, youth and seniors in need.  The Foundation has also donated more than S$64 million and funded over 150 initiatives with partners across geographies as of 31 December 2024.

Adani Commits ₹2,000 Cr to Open Affordable, World-class Schools Across Metros and Tier 2 to 4 Cities

Adani Foundation Pledges Education Temples Across India

• Collaborates with GEMS Education to create the initial network of 20 schools in the K-12 segment
• 30% seats in CBSE curriculum to be free for under-served and deserving children 

The Adani Foundation has collaborated with GEMS Education, a global leader in private K-12 education, to establish temples of education across the country. With an initial donation of INR 2,000 Cr from the Adani family, the partnership will prioritize making world-class education and learning infrastructure affordable to people from all strata of society. The Foundation is the CSR arm of the Adani Group – India’s largest infrastructure portfolio.

In line with Chairman Gautam Adani’s social philosophy सेवा साधना है, सेवा प्रार्थना है और सेवा ही परमात्मा है, the partnership will also give rise to best-in-class research institutions focused on developing teaching competencies supported by innovation and capability development.

The first ‘Adani GEMS School of Excellence’ will come up in Lucknow in the academic year 2025-26. Over the next three years, at least 20 such schools in the K-12 segment will be rolled out across India’s primary metropolitan cities and, subsequently, also in Tier II to IV cities. In these schools, 30% seats in CBSE curriculum will be free for under-served and deserving children. Leveraging the Adani Group’s pan-Indian presence and extensive infrastructure capabilities and also GEMS’ educational expertise, the partnership plans to develop a scalable, affordable and sustainable model for quality education for students across India.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to making world-class education affordable and widely accessible,” said Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. “By adopting global best practices and innovative digital learning through our partnership with GEMS Education, we aim to equip the next generation of change-makers to become socially responsible leaders in India.”

“Our vision has always been to make quality education accessible to every learner, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” said Sunny Varkey, Founder & Chairman of GEMS Education. “The collaboration with the Adani Foundation will strengthen us to expand our reach and impact, bringing our global educational expertise to learners and teachers in diverse regions of India.”

The collaboration believes that transforming a nation needs a diligent and committed focus on building its youth. This association will help build upon the objective of creating a highly skilled and value-based talent pool. The Adani-GEMS schools will benefit from a global curriculum combined with the best of Indian study boards.

To recall, last week Adani Group announced a massive Skill and Employ initiative to support the Make in India movement. The group announced partnership with Singapore's ITE Education Services (ITEES) to build the world's largest finishing school in Mundra, Gujarat.

Coca Cola, PepsiCo and Nestle, Top 3 Contributors of Plastic Pollution Globally

Global producer responsibility for plastic pollution is a concept that focuses on the role of producers in managing the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle. This approach, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), encourages manufacturers to design products with minimal environmental impact and take responsibility for the collection, recycling, or disposal of their products once they become waste.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been working on enhancing national and local capacity to implement EPR to reduce plastic pollution and improve resource efficiency. This includes developing global EPR guidelines and supporting toolkits to harmonize EPR approaches.

A recent study highlighted that fewer than 60 multinational companies are responsible for more than half of the world's plastic pollution. It was found that the top five brands globally, including The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria, accounted for 24% of the total branded count of plastic pollution. This data underscores the importance of EPR schemes to hold companies accountable for the environmental impact of their products.

Notably, from 2018 to 2022, brand audit events were conducted across six continents with over 100,000 volunteers following a consistent protocol. These audit events have suggested that the largest companies in the food and tobacco sectors were the largest polluters in their region.

Global producers of branded plastic pollution identified

Thirteen companies have an individual contribution of 1% or more of the total branded plastic observed in the audit events. All 13 companies produce food, beverage, or tobacco products. The top company, The Coca-Cola Company, was responsible for 11%, significantly greater than any other company.

The top 5 companies were responsible for 24% of the branded plastic; 56 companies were responsible for greater than 50% of the branded plastic; and 19,586 companies were responsible for all of the branded plastic. It is important to note that the contributions of the top companies may be an under-estimation because there were brands that were not attributed to a company, and there were many unbranded objects.

Branded plastic pollution and production relationship

To understand the relationship between producer plastic production and pollution, the researchers compared two independently collected datasets — the audit event dataset — and — the plastic production dataset derived from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

These datasets suggests that larger companies are not doing any better or worse than smaller companies at preventing the plastic they produce from entering the environment. The relationship between production and pollution, production (%) = pollution (%), suggests that production is a very strong lever on pollution. Alternative scenarios could exist where larger companies are doing much worse.

This data underscores the importance of EPR schemes to hold companies accountable for the environmental impact of their products.

EPR policies are being developed and implemented globally to address the urgent issue of plastic pollution. These policies are designed to improve the efficiency and transparency of data management, financing, collection, and recycling of plastics. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has partnered with various organizations to increase capacity to develop and implement EPR approaches for plastic products, aiming to harmonize these approaches globally. 

EPR policies are based on the "polluter pays" principle and are generally implemented by governments through a set of rules and targets. These policies aim to hold manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life impacts of their plastic products and packaging, and to encourage eco-design in the business sector.

The concept is gaining support from global companies and organizations as a mechanism to provide dedicated funding to increase recycling rates and reduce plastic pollution. Phasing out single-use and short-lived plastic products by the largest polluters could greatly reduce global plastic pollution.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India is a significant environmental policy that mandates producers, importers, and brand owners to manage the disposal of plastic packaging waste. This initiative is part of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and aims to ensure that plastic packaging waste is processed through recycling, reuse, or end-of-life disposal methods such as co-processing, waste-to-energy, plastic-to-oil, road making, or industrial composting.

In India, the 2022 Brand Audit analysis by 'Break Free From Plastic' found that PepsiCo, CG Foods India Pvt Ltd, and Perfetti Van Melle were the top three plastic polluters in 2022. The audit events documented more than two lakh (201,543) plastic items, with PepsiCo contributing 19,093 pieces of plastic waste. In previous years, other companies like the Karnataka Milk Federation and Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd were identified as the biggest plastic polluters in India.

These findings underscore the importance of implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies to hold companies accountable for the environmental impact of their products. EPR policies in India are designed to ensure that producers are responsible for the lifecycle management of their products, including the collection and recycling of plastic waste. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has developed an online portal for the registration of producers, importers, and brand owners to improve accountability and transparency in fulfilling EPR obligations. 

While companies like Coca-Cola have pledged to make all packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and Nestlé is said to be working to reduce virgin plastic usage, the study suggests that these measures alone are insufficient. The strong linear relationship between plastic production and pollution indicates that reducing plastic production is pivotal in curbing plastic pollution. Therefore, a fundamental change in regulating plastic producers is crucial in addressing the issue of plastic pollution in India and globally.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India has taken steps to streamline the implementation process of EPR by notifying 'Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging' in the Schedule II of the Rules on February 16, 2022. These guidelines are designed to strengthen the circular economy of plastic packaging waste, promote the development of new alternatives to plastics, and provide a roadmap for businesses to move towards sustainable plastic packaging.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has developed an online centralized portal for the registration of Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) who operate in more than two states, while those operating in one or two states/UTs are registered with the concerned State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). The portal is intended to improve accountability, traceability, and transparency in fulfilling EPR obligations.

The EPR regime in India also includes a market mechanism for the sale and purchase of surplus extended producer responsibility certificates, which is a significant step in formalizing and developing the plastic waste management sector. The implementation of EPR is supported by a customized online platform that acts as the digital backbone of the system, allowing for tracking and monitoring of EPR obligations and reducing the compliance burden for companies through online registration and filing of annual returns.

Overall, EPR in India is a comprehensive approach to tackling plastic pollution by involving producers in the lifecycle management of their products, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.

Infosys' CSR Arm Commits ₹33 Cr to Strengthen Cybercrime Investigation Capabilities of the Karnataka Police

Renewal of 2018 grant for the setting up of the Centre for Cyber Crime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR)

Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic and CSR arm of Infosys, has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D) of Karnataka and Data Security Council of India (DSCI), to renew the collaboration for the Centre for Cyber Crime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) at C.I.D Headquarters, Bengaluru.

Infosys Foundation has committed a grant of over INR 33 crore to strengthen the cybercrime investigation capabilities of the Karnataka police, by extending its association with CCITR for four more years. Building on the collaboration established in 2018, the new MoU will bolster the state police force’s cybercrime prosecution capabilities through training and research in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation.

In addition, the joint initiative will bring together innovators, large enterprises, user enterprises, academia, and the government to fulfil the following objectives:

• Capacity building of the police, prosecution, and judiciary in handling investigations, and development of SOPs in cybercrime investigations.
• Performing research in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation that would improve the prosecution of cybercrime cases investigated by Karnataka Police.
• Fostering entrepreneurship for development of indigenous cyber forensics products and solutions.T
• raining and certification for police staff in their core areas like cybercrimes and digital forensics.
• Collaboration with national and international organizations working in digital forensics domains.

Dr. M A Saleem IPS, Director General of Police, CID, Economic Offences & Special Units, Karnataka, said, “The strategic initiatives for capacity enhancement undertaken by the Criminal Investigation Department of Karnataka have been substantially bolstered by the collaborative efforts with the Infosys Foundation and the Data Security Council of India. In addition to training police officers, CCITR has also extended its activities to other stakeholders in the criminal justice delivery system, viz., the prosecution and judiciary. With the renewal of the collaboration, we expect more thought leadership in digital forensics that would improve the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime cases. At this juncture, I take this opportunity to thank the Infosys Foundation and Data Security Council of India for partnering with us in our efforts to combat the growing menace of cybercrimes.”

Mr. Vinayak Godse, Chief Executive Officer, Data Security Council of India, said, “On this special occasion of renewing our commitment, I would like to acknowledge and express our profound gratitude towards the Infosys Foundation and the Criminal Investigation Department of Karnataka for their pivotal partnership through CCITR. This collaboration has set an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can effectively contribute to handling cybercrime threats. Looking ahead, this renewed collaboration will enable us to develop even more advanced training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.”

Sunil Kumar Dhareshwar, Trustee, Infosys Foundation, said, “We are very happy with the work DSCI and CCITR have collaboratively achieved. With the digital landscape evolving every day, this renewed engagement will bring in newer dimensions to Karnataka Police’s cybercrime handling capabilities through innovative solutions. This initiative signals a pivotal step towards safeguarding our digital future.”

Boeing Inaugurates 30 Libraries, and 3 Innovation Studios with Learning Links Foundation, in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh

Minister Smriti Irani Dedicates Two Boeing Literacy Programs to Empower ‘Sukanyas’ of Amethi

• Launched under the flagship Boeing Sukanya Program guided by PM Modi’s vision.
• Inaugurates 30 Boeing Room to Read Libraries and three Boeing Innovation Studios with Learning Links Foundation in Amethi schools.

The Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs of the Government of India, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, on February 28th, inaugurated 30 libraries under Boeing’s Room to Read literacy program and 3 Boeing Innovation Studios by Learning Links Foundation in the Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh.

Minister Irani launched the Boeing literacy programs in Amethi district to help advance female literacy and empower girl children in the district. The Hon’bleçto the nation the Boeing Sukanya Program, which aims to provide opportunities for girls and women from across India to learn critical skills in STEM fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector.

“Foremost, I am grateful to our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his vision in helping advance the participation of our country’s daughters in India's aviation sector through the Boeing Sukanya Program. I am equally delighted that under this program, we expand the literacy outreach by setting up 60 Boeing – Room to Read libraries and Boeing STEM labs in Amethi, of which 30 libraries and three STEM labs are fully operational for children in Amethi today,” said Smt. Irani. “Programs such as these not only make education accessible and employment inclusive for our girls and women but empower every woman to be the center of decision-making in the family, community, and country – and that is a vision we drive for the district and nation,” she added.

Minister Irani was accompanied by senior Government and district officials, Boeing India Chief of Staff and Boeing Global Engagement Lead, India and South Asia, Ms. Praveena Yagnambhat, Mr. Sudeep Dube, senior vice president, Learning Links Foundation, and Mr. Rishi Rajvanshi, Director, Innovation and Donor Engagement, Room to Read India at the opening ceremonies in Amethi today.

“We are proud of the commitment we made as part of the Boeing Sukanya Program to set up the infrastructure and enable access to education, guided by PM Modi’s vision for greater participation of more girl children into the country’s growing aviation sector, and pleased to have Minister Irani to expand the outreach in Amethi district today,” said Mr. Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia. “We also thank our partners Room to Read and Learning Links Foundations for their focus and dedication.” added Salil.

Launched in 2023 in the Amethi district, the Boeing Room to Read literacy program will touch 60 primary schools for the next few years in Amethi to help nurture independent readers and lifelong learners. The libraries are equipped with modern amenities and resources including books, reading tables, open bookshelves, display units, and other educational materials. In addition, the program will also drive family and community engagement and awareness through community meetings, events, summer camps, parental orientation, school management committee training, and reading campaigns. The program will also enable professional development training for educators and faculty. The initiatives will help create awareness among families, communities, and educators about the right ways to support children at home and in school.

Speaking on the partnership, Ms. Poornima Garg, Country Director, Room to Read India said, "In Amethi, our partnership with Boeing bolsters support for 60 schools, reinforcing our enduring collaboration that has positively influenced the lives of more than 20,000 students nationwide. We firmly believe that education is a fundamental right for all, and together with Boeing, we are dedicated towards advancing state government’s Mission Prerna to improve quality of education, especially children’s foundational learning skills in Uttar Pradesh.”

Similarly, in partnership with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), a renowned not-for-profit organization, Boeing sets up three Innovation Studios that will enable collaborative and hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning among the children in the district. Built with a commitment to advance education in adherence to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these Innovation Studios are designed to enhance 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among the children.

Mr. Sudeep Dube, Senior Vice President, Learning Links Foundation said, “STEM learning is essential for preparing students to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world, equipping them with the skills needed for building future careers and for contributing to the overall development of a nation. At Learning Links Foundation, we prioritize STEM initiatives to empower students with the tools and knowledge necessary for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, and we "c¥" cc"cccfcffff"are pleased with today’s launch aligned with LLFs vision.”

As a socially responsible business leader, Boeing is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities among which it operates. Through focused programs in skilling, education and nutrition, healthcare and sanitation, workforce development, and veterans’ welfare, Boeing has positively impacted more than 13 lakh lives in India over the years.

First Students' Batch of ‘Samsung Innovation Campus’ in Delhi Graduate with Certificates in Coding, Programming & IoT; Flagship CSR Program Aims to Make Students Job-Ready with Future Tech Skills

First batch of Coding & Programming course culminated with a Hackathon in Delhi NCR

Total 3,000 students will be imparted skills in AI, IoT, big Data and Coding & Programming in 8 cities across India in 2023

Samsung India’s flagship CSR program Samsung Innovation Campus concluded the Coding & Programming and IoT courses for its first batch of 78 students in New Delhi, reiterating Samsung’s commitment to being a strong partner of India and working alongside the Government in its mission to empowering the country’s youth and #PoweringDigitalIndia.

The students, who were mentored and trained at National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), New Delhi were presented with certificates at a ceremony held on Friday.

ESSCI, which is a National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) approved entity, is executing the program through its nationwide network of approved training and education partners.

Student teams who are part of the Coding & Programming course took part in a 3-day Hackathon in which they developed codes based on problem statements given to them.

The problem statements included topics such as developing a citizen feedback on road maintenance, creating a knowledge management portal, automation of reforestation efforts, a GST calculator, chat support for e-governance and an early warning system for farmers to protect crops from pests. The teams presented their prototypes to a jury consisting of engineers from Samsung R&D Institute, Noida and Samsung R&D Institute, Delhi.

Samsung India had launched its Samsung Innovation Campus program at eight campuses across the country with the aim of upskilling 3,000 less-privileged youth in future tech domains such as AI, IoT, Big Data and Coding & Programming and helping them get relevant job placements.

Samsung Innovation Campus aims to upskill youth aged 18-25 years in future technologies and enhance their employability. These are key technology skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

During the course of the program, participants receive instructor-led blended classroom and online training through approved training and education partners of ESSCI across the country.

Youth enrolled for the program are undergoing classroom and online training and complete their hands-on capstone project work in their selected technology areas from among Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data and Coding & Programming. They will also be imparted soft skills training to enhance their employability and provided job placements in relevant organizations.

Those opting for the AI course will undergo 270 hours of theory training and complete 80 hours of project work while those doing the IoT or the Big Data course will undergo 160 hours of training and complete 80 hours of project work. Participants opting for the Coding & Programming course will do 80 hours of training and be part of a Hackathon.

Samsung Newsroom: First Batch of Students of ‘Samsung Innovation Campus’ in Delhi Graduate with Certificates in Coding & Programming & IoT; Flagship CSR Program Aims to Make Students Job-Ready with Future Tech Skills

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry, and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN

India CSR Launches the Inaugural ‘ESG for All: Sustainability First’ Summit

India Sustainability Awards by India CSR India ESG Summit in Mumbai

India CSR – a leading organisation on sustainable development and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on May 31 organised its maiden India ESG Summit 2022 ‘ESG for All: Sustainability First’ in Mumbai.

The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration landscape is evolving more quickly than ever. The Summit provided the platform for bringing together industry stalwarts to discuss critical aspects concerning ESG. Essar supported the event as its principal sponsor. ESG considerations are now being adopted in decision making processes to mitigate risk and identify opportunities. India ESG Summit 2022 had been envisioned to focus on ESG issues and to discover new avenues and ideas in the sustainability space.

The global forum was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Chief Guest Hon’ble Narhari Zirwal Deputy Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Special Guest Dr. Rajiv Sharma, IAS (Retd.), Chief Advisor to Government of Telangana and Sunil Jain, Operating Partner – Energy Transition, Essar Capital and Rusen Kumar, Founder, India CSR Network.

Rusen Kumar, during his opening remarks, highlighted the need of an ESG platform to bring together all stakeholders across industries and future business leaders to explore, learn and engage in constructive dialogue on creating more awareness about ESG.

Rajeev Sharma Rusen Kumar Narhari Zirwal Sunil Jain (Left to Right)

Delivering the keynote address Sunil Jain, Operating Partner – Energy Transition, Essar Capital enlightened the audience on ESG and its importance at an individual and corporate level. He emphasised on the importance of the concept of ESG i.e., Environment, Social and Governance and the need for it to be integrated and inter-related. Jain, with his views and recommendations, urged the government to emphasise on ESG being a part of the balance sheet of companies, social metrics being linked to the balance sheet, and separation of ownership and management to improve governance.

He also said that even though it is ESG, the more important factor is ‘G’ and it ranks first and all starts with Governance. Talking about transformation, he touched upon how Essar is transforming all its carbon intensive businesses through three investment themes – Decarbonisation, Decentralisation and Digitisation. He also highlighted the diligent work done by Essar in uplifting the social fabric in the areas of its business operations.

This was followed by a thought-provoking speech by Chief Guest Hon’ble Narhari Zirwal, Deputy Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly who appreciated the efforts of India CSR for organising the event to address the issues of ESG. He remarked that the government is taking efforts in making policies towards ESG, but policies will be successful only when passionate people take the onus for better implementation. Zirwal emphasised that it is already late to curtail environmental damage, but asserted that “Better late than never”, and further added that the ecological imbalance done over past 40 years cannot be undone in just five-six years. It will take sustained efforts to mitigate the perils of climate change.

The inaugural session was followed by a leadership talk session on the ESG Vision for India where leaders initiated thought-provoking discussions on the ESG mission, vision, roadmap, strategy, policy evolution, challenges and limitations, evolving business models, solutions and much more.

The panel included Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas, Academic, Author, Campaigner, Conference Speaker, Corporate Adviser & Chairman, UK; Ashish Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Seros Logistics Group; Rajesh Dahiya, Founder & CEO, Good Govern; and Chirag Balyan, Head, Centre for Arbitration and Research Editor-in-Chief, Indian Review of International Arbitration Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai. The session was moderated by Dr. Rana Singh, Director, Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP).

This was then followed by an interesting panel discussion on “ESG in Action” with dialog on defining Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the India market; What global sustainability disclosure standards mean in the India market. The panel deliberated upon identifying challenges and opportunities and adding value through ESG and DEI. The key speakers in the panel included Parul Soni, Founder and Global Managing Partner, Think Through Consulting; Deepika Mogilishetty, Chief, Policy and Partnerships at Ekstep Foundation & Others; Rohit Arora, Founder & CEO, Biz2Credit; Ms Gayatri Divecha, Head – CSR and Sustainability, Godrej Industries Limited, and the session was moderated by Angela Chitkara, Founder & CEO, US-India Corridor.



The panel discussion next in line shed light on enabling ESG at grassroots to fight against climate change and secure Net Zero by 2070. Here the panellist shared their plans, experiences, case studies and key learnings on how to meet India’s COP26 goals. The panel included Mukundan Iyer, CEO, Ultra Gas & Energy Limited; Kiran Sarkar – Head Sustainability, Mahindra & Mahindra (Automotive & Farm Business); Rishi Pathania, Corporate Head CSR, UPL Limited and Naved Ahmad, Co-Founder, Carbon Negative Company. The session was moderated by Arun Arora, Director, Chetak Foundation.



Another intriguing panel discussion moderated by Abhishek Ranjan, Director & Global Head – Sustainability, Brillio, sparked conversations on the integration of CSR, Sustainability and ESG, explaining the difference between the overlapping concepts of CSR and ESG and Sustainability, and how each can be incorporated, measured, and refined. The panellist included Mitesh Pandya, Chief Sustainability Officer, Vedanta Ltd.- Aluminium Business and Vivek Prakash, VP & Head, CSR, Jubilant Ingrevia Limited, Jubilant Bhartia Group.

The last panel discussion gathered valuable inputs and suggestions by experts including Satish Ramchandani, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer Updapt and Abhirup Das, COO & Co-founder, Oren, on deploying ESG digital and technology solutions to comply with regulations. The panel touched upon how using innovative thinking, tech-enabled ESG recordkeeping and data analysis can provide transparency, build trust, and help go deeper and act faster.

The sessions at the event helped recognise corporate sustainability best practices, and learn from change makers and champions in the field of ESG, sustainability and CSR. India ESG Summit triggered a key global concern for governments, corporates and individuals, and has initiated a dialogue that must continue between leaders and policymakers to build a sustainable future.

India Sustainability awards also given for the ESG and Sustainability good practices. India Sustainability Award jury was chaired by Brand and

STEM for Kids Workshop – A CSR Activity by Play Learn Foundation to Enhance Interest in Science amongst Govt School Students

A STEM learning CSR workshop was conducted by the Play Learn Foundation in association with AI School of India and Robotix India | USA for the underprivileged children of Chennai Higher Secondary School. Chennai, Tamilnadu, India The 3-day workshop was held between 25th to 27th April 2022 at Alwarpet Circle Library, Chennai. Tamilnadu, India.

Students from Grades 5-10 participated in this fun and engaging workshop where they created science models with their hands and learned various STEM concepts.

At the end of workshop, participating students were handed over certificates and prizes in a special valedictory function presided over by Mr V Arun, Manager – CSR of the Muthoot Group. During his address to students, Mr. Arun cited that science is present in our daily life and developing the basic idea of science helps us in handling our daily tasks also.

 

Ms. Revathy, Principal of the Chennai Higher Secondary School, Chennai, Tamilnadu who supported the project right from start, recalled her experiences as educator and urged the students to dream and work towards achieving the dream.

Mr. Jatin Sharma, Business Head, AI World School, spoke on how our mind has all the power and Technology and when we tinker with our little brain, it enables us to dream big and find solutions to problems around us. Every one of us has a scientist inside of us; all you have to do is feed him knowledge and curiosity and he will awaken and accomplish marvels beyond our expectations.

 

Mr. Elango, Librarian, Alwarpet Circle Library, Chennai, Tamilnadu motivated the students to always show interest to learn something new and Mr. AC. Rengaswamy, Study Circle Member, Alwarpet Circle library, Chennai, Tamilnadu suggested to use the provided opportunity for the betterment of attaining knowledge. Both of them ensured good support for students who attended the CSR Workshop

How did the STEM CSR Workshop benefit kids who participated?

• Playful and experiential learning of STEM concepts
• Interactive learning environment
• Practical applications and knowledge of scientific concepts

Need for STEM and AI

• Fosters creativity, imagination, and encourages the use of technology.
• Takes the students into a journey beyond the textbooks and theory.
• Students can solve real-world complex problems using STEM.

Tamil Nadu is all for promoting STEM learning

Tamil Nādu Government in recent times has been focussing more on enhancing the tech skills and employability of students. The construction of smart classrooms, computer coding labs, robotics lab, and holding state level hackathon events are some of the initiatives by the Tamil Nadu Government to encourage the use of technology and make the students industry-ready.

Mr. Ramana Prasad, the chairman of AI School of India and Robotix India | USA mentioned that STEM learning workshops lays the foundation for new ideas, creativity, and innovation. He also thanked Play Learn Foundation for giving AI School of India the opportunity to conduct STEM workshops for the underprivileged children of Chennai Higher Secondary School.

Bry-Air and DRI Bring About Education Unification Ahead of International Day of Education

Bry-Air CSR Pathshala initiative

Ahead of the International Day of Education to be observed on the 24th of January, Bry Air and DRI, the flagship companies under the Pahwa Group bring about the unification of providing quality education to children and improving the employability of youth through skill development programs.

Under the initiative of the Education program, the companies have been working relentlessly throughout the pandemic to ensure seamless continuity of learning. They have provided the students with laptops and tablets which helped them to pursue their education without any hindrance during the lockdown. Looking at the disruption due to immobility, they switched to digital mode through Gyantantra Digital Dost that connected approximately 400 students together.

Bry-Air CSR Pathshala initiative

Bry-Air and DRI along with their NGO partner, Literacy India have adopted a few learning centers to provide free-of-cost education to underprivileged children. Operating as Bry-Air Pathshala and DRI Pathshala in Dharam Colony and Carterpuri village respectively, the centers facilitate holistic child development by stimulating a healthy and secure learning environment. The centers create a primary school environment conducive for non-school going children and have been operational since 2011 and 2014 respectively. The centers come with the backup of a computer lab, a library and support the students with learning aids such as books, stationery, etc. They also conduct remedial classes for school-going children who are weak in their studies.

Watch a brief video on the initiatives undertaken in the Education field -

Bry-Air and DRI are also providing various skill development courses in diversified fields (like Electrician Training, Computer Training, Spoken English, Beautician and Tailoring) for the youths in Gurugram, Udaipur and Moga for their gainful employment. The youth (including the women workforce) is provided training through DRI Udaan Skill Development Center for Computer Training, DRI Spoken English Course, DRI Udaan Skill Development Center Dr Mathra Das Pahwa Learning Center for Beauticians & Tailoring and Bry-Air Udaan Skill Development Center for Electricians etc.

To date, the initiative by the Pahwa Group has provided primary education to 6000+ children, scholarships to 100+ students and has rendered 2000+ youth skilled in electronics, computer training, beautician and tailoring and benefiting 700+ students from the library facility.

Speaking on the occasion, Anandita Pahwa, Head -CSR Initiative, Pahwa Group said, “We want to render a progressive society by imparting quality education to the underprivileged and securing a bright future ahead for the children and youth”

About Pahwa Group:

The Pahwa Group is the fastest-growing Adsorption Technology group in the world today.

‘With Desiccant at its core, in relation to air’, the Pahwa Group is a group of knowledge-based and technology-driven companies offering advanced environmental control solutions to a wide array of companies.

The Group employs a strong team of over 1500+ persons in 6 continents and has 13 manufacturing units. The Group has filed 132 patents applications worldwide on 13 new technologies, since 2007, out of which 58 patents granted/ already allowed for energy smart technologies and has set up 9 state-of-the-art test labs to give the cutting edge to our R&D and product offerings. The group companies are involved in manufacturing products like dehumidifiers, resin dryers, product dryers, gas phase filtration systems, dry rooms, energy recovery and fresh air treatment systems.

Bry-Air and DRI (Desiccant Rotors International) are the two flagship companies of the Pahwa Group.

About Bry-Air:

Bry-Air, the leader in dehumidification…worldwide, is a global solution provider for dehumidification and drying, gas phase filtration, plastics drying, conveying & mould dehumidification, high-temperature waste heat recovery, dry rooms critical for lithium battery production and adsorption chillers, with subsidiaries in China, Malaysia, Brazil, Nigeria and Switzerland, and an associate plant in the USA.

About DRI:

Desiccant Rotors International is a global solution provider of components, products and systems for energy recovery, IAQ, fresh air treatment, evaporative cooling, humidification, RH control and green buildings.

Vedanta Jharsuguda Wins FICCI CSR Award for its Subhalaxmi Cooperative Project

Vedanta Jharsuguda's Subhalaxmi Co-operative

Vedanta Jharsuguda, India’s largest producer of aluminium and value-added products, has bagged the prestigious 19th FICCI CSR Award 2020 in the women empowerment category for its flagship community development project – Subhalaxmi Co-operative, a 4100+ member strong all-women co-op society operating in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The FICCI CSR award recognizes the efforts of companies in integrating and internalizing Corporate Social Responsibility in their operations.

Conceived in 2008, Subhalaxmi Co-op is engaged in promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities among rural women, creating avenues for entrepreneurship through skill development and providing financial assistance to the members for furthering their livelihood. Started with only 10 women and their initial contribution of INR 1000, Subhalaxmi Co-op has grown in strength over a decade to support more than 4100 women today, with a fund base of over INR 3.5 crores. With presence in 72 villages of Jharsuguda, it is one of India’s largest rural women’s cooperatives. At its core, Subhalaxmi Co-op has four basic components – Capacity Building and Livelihood Promotion, Financial Services (savings & credit facilities), Social Development, and Collaboration & Partnership.

Receiving the award, Mr. Deepak Prasad, Dy. CEO-Vedanta Ltd., Jharsuguda said, “Being India’s largest aluminium producer, Vedanta Jharsuguda is a proud contributor to India’s journey of self-reliance. We are equally proud partners in the progress of our local communities. Our Subhalaxmi Co-operative is a shining example of what corporate and community partnership can achieve. These trailblazing women are prime testaments of true empowerment, and we are humbled to have played a role in their success. We dedicate the prestigious FICCI CSR Award to all the members of Subhalaxmi Co-operative and we will continue to enable them to become an inspiration to women across the globe. Vedanta Jharsuguda continues to march on in its endeavours to include more women in the socio-economic mainstream through this co-op and enable them pursue their aspirations."

To ensure alternate means of livelihood for the women of the region, Subhalaxmi Co-op provides need-based financial services in terms of savings, credit and insurance; promotes micro enterprises through business development services; links potential entrepreneurs and enterprises with suitable market opportunities; trains and educates the members, elected representatives and managing committee to ensure effective functioning of the society; and works for the sustainable development of the members.

Expressing her delight, Mrs. Pushpanjali Seth, former President of Subhalaxmi Co-operative, said, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to see our Subhalaxmi Cooperative win the coveted FICCI CSR award. I am thankful to Vedanta Jharsuguda for providing this platform to thousands of women to grow and be empowered. Each one of our women members is a shining example of true empowerment that happens when one’s will to progress is enabled through skill development, financial literacy, financial inclusion and welfare schemes. This is just the beginning and we hope to evolve into a movement of great transformation that will stand as a beacon of empowerment for women all over the world.”

Highlights of Subhalaxmi Co-operative’s journey so far:

• Over 4100 women members associated with ~340 Self-Help Groups (SHG), hailing form 72 villages of Odisha
• Fund base of over INR 3.5 crores, including member savings and share capital, welfare fund, and profits earned by the co-op
• Supporting 1360+ micro entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, service trades, petty business shop and vending, animal husbandry, etc., whose income levels have increased by 50%.
• Till date, the co-op has done business of over INR 30 crores through microfinance services alone.
• A unique social welfare fund ‘Subhalaxmi Mahila Kalyan Panthi’ has been created to provide financial support to expecting mothers, scholarships to meritorious students of matriculation, support in case of demise of spouse, etc.
• Nearly 94.7% of Jharsuguda’s population has been directly or indirectly positively impacted by Subhalaxmi Co-op.

Owned and governed by a Board of Directors, who are democratically elected members for a tenure.
Partnership with Government Line Departments, Research and Extension Institutions for various developmental initiatives.

Vedanta Aluminium Business, a division of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest manufacturer of aluminium, producing half of India’s aluminium at 1.96 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY21. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class Aluminium Smelters, Alumina Refinery and Power Plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.