Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), today unveiled recycled plastic benches and plastic collection bins at a ceremony held at the PCMC premises. The initiative, part of Bisleri's flagship Bottles for Change programme, underscores the company's commitment to plastic waste management via collection and recycling.

As part of the Greener Promise campaign, Bisleri has installed benches made from recycled plastic and plastic collection bins at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation along with senior officials from PCMC's Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department and CSR Cell. Bisleri was represented by Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs.

Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "Through sensitisation about waste segregation at source, awareness drives and engaging with institutions, Bisleri and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation have demonstrated a successful, practical avenue for waste management. Bisleri is committed to forging meaningful collaborations with various institutions to ensure that proper waste management becomes a norm rather than an exception in India.”

Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) spoke about Bisleri’s continued partnership with the PCMC Municipal Corporation, “Our partnership with Bisleri is a testament to what corporations and governance bodies can achieve when they work together. The company’s initiatives in the city will deflect a significant amount of waste from landfills, raise citizens’ awareness about waste management, and build a foundation for a circular economy.”

Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation added, “Our focus has been on building robust systems for efficient waste management at scale. Bisleri’s ‘Bottles for Change’ initiative is accelerating our progress towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient urban ecosystem.”

The Mayor accompanied by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner – Health, presented certificates of recognition to 8 educational institutions across Pimpri-Chinchwad in acknowledgement of their sustained commitment to collecting plastic waste on their campuses throughout the year.

A highlight of the event was a presentation of the impact of Bottles for Change programme in FY 2025–26. Through Bisleri’s partnerships with municipalities, institutions, and citizens across India, 30,309 metric tonnes of plastic waste has been collected and sent for recycling.

The partnership with PCMC represents Bisleri's continued expansion of its municipal collaborations that engage and enable communities to adopt good waste management practices. These initiatives are a part of the company’s Greener Promise campaign that include driving plastic circularity, enabling community-led recycling practices, supporting water conservation, and building sustainable waste management ecosystems.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. 

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com. 

MS Dhoni joins Cars24’s Crashfree India to drive a nationwide shift towards safer roads

Dhoni’s decision to join Crashfree India gives the initiative something more valuable than visibility. It gives it conviction. For years, he has stood for a rare kind of leadership in public life: measured, disciplined and deeply trusted. He is not associated with noise or impulse. He is associated with judgment. That makes his presence in Crashfree India especially significant, because road safety is, at its core, a question of judgment: when to slow down, when to hold back, when to stay alert and how to remember that every decision on the road carries consequences far beyond the driver.

India continues to face a profound challenge regarding road safety, currently recording the highest number of traffic fatalities globally. In 2024 alone, 1,80,000 people lost their lives on Indian roads, one every three minutes, every day of the year. India has roughly 1% of the world’s vehicles, yet accounts for 11% of global road fatalities. This data suggests that these losses are not inevitable accidents of fate but rather a call to action for improved safety frameworks and increased public awareness to prevent further loss of life.

The burden falls hardest on the young. In 2024, 66% of those killed in road accidents were between 18 and 34 years old, the country’s most productive generation. Nearly 10,000 school students were among the dead. Seven in ten fatalities were linked to overspeeding. These are not abstract statistics. They describe a national failure of behavior, enforcement, design, and urgency. They also describe why Crashfree India cannot be a campaign in the usual sense. It has to become a movement with staying power.

What makes Dhoni’s involvement especially powerful is that he had already said the uncomfortable part out loud before any formal role was announced. In his conversation with Cars24, he did not dilute the truth.

“I have spent a big part of my life around cars, bikes, and roads. When you love driving and riding, you also learn to respect them. You understand that control matters, judgment matters, and patience matters. A vehicle gives you freedom, but it also gives you responsibility. On our roads, too many people still see safety as a rule to follow only when someone is watching. That mindset has cost us far too much. We already know what is going wrong. We know how many lives are being lost. We know the habits that put people in danger every day. What we need now is not more excuses. We need more responsibility, more discipline, and more respect for life," Dhoni said.

That is precisely why his joining matters. Dhoni is not lending his name to an issue he barely understands. He is stepping into a mission he already believes in. His diagnosis is clear-eyed. His language is unambiguous. And his credibility makes the message harder to dismiss. In a country where dangerous driving is too often mistaken for confidence, his voice brings back a more serious idea: that control is strength, discipline is intelligence and safety is not caution for the timid, it is responsibility for the grown-up.

On his decision to take on this role, he added: “Roads may be beautiful, but they come with real risks. As much as we love them, they can be dangerous. We have the data. We know what the problem is. We know what needs to change. The only thing missing is the will to make it a priority. This isn’t something I was asked to do. This is something I decided to do.”

For Cars24, Crashfree India reflects a deeper sense of responsibility that comes with being at the centre of millions of car decisions in India. The company has spent years making car ownership more accessible, transparent and convenient. But access without safety is incomplete progress. Through Crashfree India, Cars24 aims to make road safety a more visible and more influential part of the mobility conversation, not just in moments of tragedy, but in the everyday decisions that shape how people drive, what they value in a vehicle and what they teach the next generation to normalise on the road.

“Some missions need encouragement. This one needs scrutiny. Crashfree India cannot be built by people who only know how to say the right things. It needs someone who sets a harder standard: someone strict, deeply observant, unwilling to indulge comfortable language and clear enough to call out the truth without softening it. Dhoni is exactly that. He does not mince words and that is one of the most valuable things about him. His understanding of Indian roads is grounded in lived experience rather than theory alone. Years of navigating them have given him insights into driver behavior, road conditions, and the split-second decisions that matter most.Every meeting with him has been inspiring, not in a superficial way, but in a way that leaves you sharper, more serious and less satisfied with easy answers. Dhoni holds us to a higher standard and his involvement challenges us to push this mission further.. That changes the seriousness of the work. And that is exactly what this mission needs,” added Vikram Chopra, Founder and CEO, Cars24.

Dhoni joining Crashfree India is therefore bigger than a brand association. It is a public alignment with an issue that has been neglected for too long despite its scale and consequence. It signals that road safety deserves stronger champions, sharper public attention and a much higher place in the national conversation. It also signals that this mission is not about token concern. It is about shifting culture, from carelessness to accountability, from reaction to prevention and from accepting road deaths as routine to treating them as the urgent national failure they are.

With Dhoni on board, Crashfree India enters a more consequential chapter. Not louder, but stronger. Not symbolic, but serious. Because when someone of his stature chooses to stand behind a mission like this, it does more than attract attention. It raises the standard of the conversation itself.

Road safety in India has been tolerated as an unfortunate cost of movement for far too long. Crashfree India exists to challenge that acceptance. And with Dhoni joining the mission, that challenge now has one of the country’s most trusted voices behind it.

About Crashfree India

Crashfree India is a Gurugram-based, technology and research-driven non-profit committed to achieving zero road fatalities in India by 2040. Working at the intersection of behavioural science, systems thinking, and civic collaboration, it advances a Safe System approach through data-led interventions, community programmes, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, building a national movement for safer mobility.

About Cars24

Since its inception in 2015, Cars24 has been on a mission to simplify car ownership for everyone. Offering services such as buying, selling, loans, insurance, servicing and more, Cars24 is building an integrated automotive platform for Indian consumers. Through Cars24 Financial Services, the company also provides vehicle lending solutions.

As part of the Greener Promise campaign, Bisleri has installed benches made from recycled plastic at the Dwarkadhish Temple
 

The recycled plastic benches demonstrate how post-consumer plastic can be transformed into functional infrastructure rather than discarded as waste. Each bench has been crafted using approximately 40,000 recycled plastic bottle caps, showcasing the potential of sustainable innovation in everyday environments. Adding a meaningful social dimension to the initiative, the backdrop of the benches is painted by The Mouth & Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). Their perspectives give the benches an aesthetic appeal and reflect creativity, inclusion and empowerment.
 

Mr Himanshu Chauhan, Administrator (Mamlatdar), Dwarkadhish Temple, said, “The recycled plastic benches at the Dwarkadhish Temple not only provide functional infrastructure for devotees but also encourage people to adopt sustainable practices and contribute towards a cleaner and greener future. We appreciate Bisleri’s efforts in promoting sustainability and bringing their efforts closer to communities.”
 

Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability stating, “Bottles for Change continues to serve as a key pillar of Bisleri’s sustainability efforts. The installation at Dwarkadhish Temple aims to encourage thousands of devotees visiting the temple to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and become active participants in recycling efforts. By placing sustainable infrastructure in high-footfall public spaces, Bisleri continues to drive behavioral changes and strengthen community participation in environmental conservation.”
 

Through these meaningful initiatives, Bisleri International continues to lead in sustainability and champion the circular economy, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
 

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bisleri International Supports Expansion of The Live Love Laugh Foundation’s Rural Mental Health Programme in Madhya Pradesh

Launched in January 2023 in the Sausar block of Chhindwara, the programme began with outreach across 60 villages and has since expanded to cover 134 villages, reaching 1,595 beneficiaries. This year, the initiative has expanded into the Bichua block, extending its reach to 42 additional villages supporting 200 people living with mental illness (PwMI). With the support of Bisleri International, the programme will strengthen its outreach across Chhindwara district, while building systems that enable communities to sustain these efforts independently over time.

Dr. Shyam Bhat, Chairperson, The Live Love Laugh Foundation and Deepika Padukone, meet beneficiaries of LLL’s Community Mental Health Program

Speaking about the CSR partnership, Ms Jayanti Chauhan, Vice Chairperson, Bisleri International, said, "At Bisleri, we believe that enduring change is rooted in empowering communities with the awareness and resources to shape their own futures. Mental health, though integral to overall well-being, continues to remain under-recognised, particularly in rural India. We are proud to support The Live Love Laugh Foundation’s work in Chhindwara, and hope this initiative fosters greater understanding, accessibility, and a more compassionate ecosystem of care within the community."

Deepika Padukone, Founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, said, "Since its inception, The Live Love Laugh Foundation has been committed to creating awareness about the importance of mental health as well as improving accessibility and affordability of mental healthcare across the country. Our rural programme is an important part of that effort. We are pleased to have Bisleri International join us in strengthening our work in Chhindwara. Their support enables us to scale the programme and move closer to our goal of building a sustainable, community-led mental health system." 

The collaboration underscores Bisleri International’s enduring commitment to initiatives that foster meaningful community participation and create lasting social impact. Across India, the company has championed a diverse range of community-led efforts that inspire responsible practices, advance sustainability, and encourage active citizen engagement- shaping a more conscious and collective future.

The Live Love Laugh Foundation’s rural community mental health programme currently operates across several districts in Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The programme supports Persons with Mental Illness (PwMI) and their caregivers through an integrated model that combines awareness, early identification, access to treatment, caregiver empowerment, and strong community participation. Through structured support systems, including village-level caregiver groups, block-level federations, and trained community volunteers, the programme equips communities with the knowledge and tools to sustain mental health support systems independently. Over time, this approach enables the programme to evolve into a self-sustaining model driven by community ownership.

About The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL)
Since inception in 2015, The Live Love Laugh Foundation has built pathways of care through its flagship Rural Community Mental Health Program for more than 30,000 Persons with Mental Illness (PwMI) and their caregivers, in 19 districts in eight states. LLL has also led pioneering nationwide public awareness campaigns, such as "Dobara Poocho" and "#NotAshamed". LLL recently launched a corporate mental health and well-being program that equips organizations with data-driven knowledge and a roadmap to enable mentally resilient workplaces. 

For more information, visit: www.thelivelovelaughfoundation.org.

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In a remarkable display of grit, discipline, and sporting excellence, athletes supported by M3M Foundation under its flagship Lakshya Sports Program delivered an outstanding performance at the Kettlebell Sport Haryana State Championship 2026, held at The Shriram Millennium School, Gurgaon.

M3M Foundation Trustee and Chairperson, Dr Payal Kanodia with athletes at Kettlebell Sports Haryana State Championship 2026

Organised by the Kettlebell Sport Haryana Association under the aegis of Kettlebell Sport India Association, the championship witnessed participation across Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior, and Veteran categories, bringing together top kettlebell athletes from across the state.

20 athletes represented M3M Foundation’s iMpower Club, collectively secured an exceptional tally of 30 medals, including 18 Gold, 9 Silver, and 3 Bronze, reaffirming the transformative impact of structured sports training and opportunity on underserved youth.

The championship also marked a historic moment with the participation of Haryana’s first Para Kettlebell Athlete from iMpower Club, reflecting M3M Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that sporting platforms remain accessible to talent across all abilities.

Young athletes such as Rohit, Rajnish, Sajid, Resham, and others delivered extraordinary performances, with several participants completing over 105 kettlebell lifts in a single go—a feat that demonstrated not just physical strength, but immense determination, stamina, and mental resilience. Coming from families of migrant workers and economically vulnerable communities, these children exemplified how talent, when nurtured with the right support, can transcend barriers and expectations.

Further elevating the spirit of the championship, Dr. Payal Kanodia, two time Gold Medallist at the world kettlebell championships, an accomplished international kettlebell sportsperson, joined the event alongside her sons, Master Kian Kanodia and Master Krishiv Kanodia, in an inspiring demonstration of encouragement and solidarity with the young athletes. Their participation reflected a powerful message of family-led inspiration and support for grassroots sports.

Adding to the prestige of the event, distinguished IUKL (International Union of Kettlebell Lifting) judges also participated in ceremonial kettlebell lifts during the championship, lending international sporting recognition to the event and inspiring athletes through their presence and engagement.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strength and pursue excellence, regardless of their background. Witnessing our iMpower athletes—especially children from migrant worker families and our para athlete—compete with such confidence and determination is truly inspiring. Their achievements reinforce our belief that when young talent is nurtured with the right platform, mentorship, and encouragement, they can achieve extraordinary milestones. At M3M Foundation, we remain committed to building champions both on and off the field.”

The championship performance stands as yet another milestone in M3M Foundation’s ongoing mission to democratize access to quality sports training and competitive exposure for underserved communities. Through its Lakshya Program, the Foundation continues to nurture grassroots talent, empower young athletes, and create pathways for inclusive sporting excellence. 

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Signify Khel Jyoti Initiative for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

As part of its commitment to supporting sports development in India, Signify has successfully illuminated four Kabaddi and Kho-Kho centers in rural Haryana, with industry leading energy-efficient LED sports lighting. This intervention is aimed at strengthening the sports ecosystems, enabling inclusive participation, and creating safer, more accessible spaces for athletes to train and compete after sunset.

Signify Khel Jyoti Initiative for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

Well-illuminated sports grounds significantly extend usable hours, allowing athletes to practice beyond sunset and during early mornings. Enhanced lighting improves visibility, safety, and performance conditions, while encouraging greater participation from youth, women, and local communities. By creating safer and more inclusive spaces for sports, Signify continues to champion accessibility, talent development, and community well-being through the power of light.

Signify Khel Jyoti Initiative for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

Speaking on the initiative, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Signify, Greater India said, “Sport has the power to bring communities together and create opportunities for young talent, especially in underserved regions. At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations across India, through Signify Khel Jyoti, we are enabling access to safe and inclusive sporting spaces by improving infrastructure at the grassroots level. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to driving long-term social impact through innovation and sustainability for brighter lives and a better world.”

Divyanshu Singh, CEO, JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers added, “Through Signify Khel Jyoti, we are seeing how an intervention like lighting can unlock significant potential at the grassroots level. In a state like Haryana, where Kabaddi is part of everyday life, extending training hours and improving safety can directly influence participation and performance. At JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that create real, measurable impact and strengthen the future of Indian sport from the ground up.”

The initiative has created meaningful impacts at the community level. With the availability of light extending, playing hours have led to increased participation across age groups, with a notable rise in girls’ participation and overall enrollment. These centers have historically produced athletes who have gone on to represent India and compete at the highest levels, including the Pro Kabaddi League, underlining the importance of strengthening grassroots infrastructure in regions like Haryana.

The centers were identified through a structured selection process with input from JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers team focusing on active training ecosystems, presence of coaching support, and potential for long-term impact. The project was executed by Pro Sport Development, ensuring effective on-ground execution and alignment with local community needs.

Signify Khel Jyoti CSR initiative has illuminated over 200 grassroots sports centers across India, reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystem.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We proudly bring to market the world’s best lighting brands, from Signify, Philips, Philips Hue, Signify Interact, Philips Dynalite, Color Kinetics and many more. Our advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. In 2025, we had sales of EUR 5.8 billion, approximately 27,000 employees, and a presence in over 70 markets. We are in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating.

News and updates from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

Teams from Spiti, Nubra Valley, and Sarvoday supported by M3M Foundation showcase their products at Kisan Kumbh 2026, IIT Delhi

The M3M Foundation’s stalls featured enterprises from regions including Laddakh, Spiti, and other rural geographies, with active participation from teams from Spiti and Nubra Valley, along with Sarvoday products, enabling beneficiaries to showcase, market, and sell their products like cold pressed mustard oil, hand grind spices, Sea buckthorn juice, pulp, berries, roasted barley, products made from yak wool. These products were widely appreciated by visitors for their quality and authenticity. The stalls attracted over 2,500 visitors, providing significant exposure and direct market access to grassroots producers.

The participation resulted in strengthened market linkages, increased visibility for rural enterprises, and direct customer engagement, reinforcing the importance of such platforms in bridging the gap between producers and consumers.

In a proud moment, M3M Foundation was appreciated on stage by Shri Shyam Singh Rana, Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Haryana, in the presence of General V. K. Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram. The event was also graced by Shri Nitin Gadkari ji, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.

Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, M3M Foundation, said, “M3M Foundation is currently working across 8 states with over 10,000 farmers, including in remote regions such as Laddakh and Spiti. In areas like Nubra Valley, we have enabled food processing systems, ensuring that farmers are not only engaged in cultivation but also in value addition. More than 5,000 women farmers are actively involved in both farming and processing, strengthening rural livelihoods.”

The Foundation’s initiatives continue to focus on enabling market access, promoting value addition, and strengthening women-led agricultural enterprises across diverse geographies.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, added, “At M3M Foundation, our approach is to work closely with farmers, especially women, and strengthen their role as decision-makers in agriculture. We are not only supporting them in cultivation but also enabling value addition, market access, and sustainable practices, so that farming becomes more resilient and profitable. Platforms like Kisan Kumbh help amplify their efforts by connecting them directly with larger markets and opportunities.”

M3M Foundation’s participation at Kisan Kumbh 2026 reflects its continued commitment to strengthening grassroots enterprises and creating meaningful, market-driven opportunities for farmers across India.

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, successfully concluded its ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ program at the K.L.E. Society's Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi. In a partnership with Aatm Nirbhar, a social enterprise and women's mobility training organisation, LTF empowered over 100 women to achieve true independence and mobility.

L&T Finance's ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ program's felicitation ceremony at the K.L.E. Society's JG College of Commerce, Hubballi

The initiative serves as a strategic touchpoint for LTF, reinforcing its commitment as a trusted enabler for the next generation. By facilitating the shift from public transit to personal two-wheeler mobility, the program instilled lasting independence and self-reliance among young commuters.

The program saw its women participants transform into confident and independent riders. Beyond the mechanical skill of riding, LTF assisted every participant in securing their official learner’s licenses.

To ensure a safe, sustainable, and modern learning experience, the program utilised popular, beginner-friendly models for hands-on training. Beyond physical riding skills, the curriculum prioritised responsible citizenship; the felicitation ceremony was preceded by an intensive Road Safety & Driving module. This session educated women on traffic regulations and the ethics of the road, ensuring they are not just mobile but also safety-conscious. Upon completion, participation certificates were presented to the learners. 

Mr. Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets & Third-Party Products at LTF, shared, “At LTF, our role extends far beyond traditional lending; we are the architects of enablement. The 'Pillion Rider to Rider' initiative serves as a powerful testament to our commitment to driving mobility and empowering the next generation to take control of their own journeys. By training over 100 women for two-wheelers, we are ensuring they hit the road as disciplined, safety-conscious drivers."

"This commitment to responsible mobility is mirrored in our business excellence. Our Two-Wheeler Finance business is one of our top three fulcrum products, and as a leading financier in this segment, we take pride in maintaining a prime-dominant portfolio with a superior zero DPD (Days Past Due) record compared with the industry. We extend this same level of empowerment to all our customers through our broader Two-Wheeler Finance offerings, featuring instant approvals, maximum loan eligibility, and competitive EMIs starting at Rs. 2,199 per lakh. This industry-leading underwriting speed is driven by ‘Project Cyclops,’ our proprietary Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning three-dimensional credit risk assessment engine that evaluates creditworthiness in real-time.”

In the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), LTF’s Two-Wheeler Finance business achieved an all-time high quarterly disbursements of Rs. 3,217 Crore, representing a significant 33% Year-on-Year (YoY) growth. Consequently, the total book size reached Rs. 13,913 Crore, marking a 10% YoY increase.

K.L.E. Society’s Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi is a premier, NAAC A++ accredited institution established in 1947. Affiliated with Karnataka University, the college offers B.Com. and M.Com. programs, with a focus on comprehensive education in commerce, including specialised training in taxation and computer applications. The college is known for a strong, experienced faculty and active placement support for students.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

X: x.com/LnTFinance

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#A2ZOfMedicalAesthetics is a consumer education initiative by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company to empower them make informed choices in their aesthetic treatment journey

With growing interest in medical aesthetic treatments across India, many consumers actively seek information online. While a lot of information available can be complex and difficult to navigate, Allergan Aesthetics has proactively addressed this by introducing the A–Z of Medical Aesthetics, providing consumers with a reliable and easily understood source of guidance.

The initiative addresses common consumer concerns and treatment options within medical aesthetics, presenting information in an accessible and straightforward way. By enhancing consumer understanding, the program seeks to foster more meaningful and productive discussions between consumers and aesthetic healthcare professionals.

As medical aesthetics becomes an integral part of many consumers self-care and confidence journeys, being well-informed is more important than ever. Empowered consumers who understand their options can approach treatments with confidence and clarity, enabling aesthetic physicians to focus on delivering personalized care and meaningful guidance.

Commenting on the initiative, Kalyan Sattaru, Country Manager Allergan Aesthetics India, said, “As medical aesthetics continues to evolve in India, access to credible, science-backed information becomes critical. With A–Z of Medical Aesthetics, we are setting a benchmark for responsible consumer education by helping address misinformation and improve awareness. Our intent is to empower consumers to make informed choices and enable more meaningful, transparent consultations between patients and aesthetic physicians—ultimately elevating the standard of aesthetic care in the country.” 

Siddharth Hundoo, Head – Marketing, Allergan Aesthetics India, said, “There is a growing need for genuine, easy-to-understand information in medical aesthetics. A–Z of Medical Aesthetics is our effort to support consumers with reliable knowledge so they can have more informed and confident discussions with their doctors. When patients come prepared and aware, it helps doctors too, making consultations more effective and transparent.”

With the launch of A–Z of Medical Aesthetics, Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company continues its commitment to responsible education and consumer empowerment, ensuring that consumers have access to authentic information especially when misinformation is significant.

Consumers can access and download A–Z of Medical Aesthetics to begin their learning journey and take a more informed approach to aesthetic consultations by visiting this link here: allerganaesthetics.co.in/az.

About Allergan Aesthetics*
At Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, we develop, manufacture, and market a portfolio of leading aesthetics brands and products. Our aesthetics portfolio includes facial injectables, body contouring, plastics, skin care, and more. Our goal is to consistently provide our customers with innovation, education, exceptional service, and a commitment to excellence, all with a personal touch.

For more information, visit allerganaesthetics.co.in.

About AbbVie*
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics* portfolio. 

TaskUs Marks International Women’s Day with Diversity Hiring Drive and Women Focused Initiatives Across India

A key highlight of the celebrations was a large-scale International Women’s Day recruitment drive designed to expand opportunities for women professionals and accelerate gender diversity within the organisation. The initiative brought together aspiring professionals and hiring leaders for a day focused on talent discovery, mentorship and meaningful career conversations. The event combined structured interviews with interactive engagement formats including strategy and focus based challenges, a storytelling led “Women Talk” session and speed mentoring interactions with hiring managers. Participants also showcased their creative talents during a vibrant talent segment reinforcing the diverse strengths women bring to the workplace.

The drive saw 351 candidates participate with interviews conducted throughout the day resulting in 63 immediate joiners and offers extended to 43 additional professionals. The initiative also strengthened TaskUs’ future hiring pipeline with 84 high potential candidates identified for upcoming roles. Participation from individuals across diverse communities including candidates from PWD and LGBTQ+ groups further reinforced the organisation’s commitment to inclusive hiring.
Across its India sites including Mohali, Navi Mumbai and Gurugram, TaskUs teams also came together to celebrate International Women’s Day through employee engagement gatherings and interactive sessions that recognised the contributions of women employees while encouraging conversations around wellbeing, leadership and growth.

A key highlight of the Gurugram celebrations was the launch of MystiqHER, a dedicated initiative aimed at strengthening support systems and development opportunities for women employees at the Mystiqa site. The program introduced a range of initiatives including wellness sessions, self-care workshops, mentorship opportunities, financial literacy sessions and women’s health awareness programs. TaskUs also outlined plans to introduce structured career pathing programs to further support women as they grow within the organisation. As part of the celebrations, employees also participated in a wellness session titled “Beyond Superwoman: Redefining Resilience for the Modern Woman”, which explored themes of stress management, wellbeing and identity beyond professional roles. Interactive activities encouraged participants to reflect on personal wellbeing priorities and build practical tools for resilience.

Commenting on the initiatives, Sapna Bhambani, SVP of Operations and Country Leader, TaskUs India, said, “At TaskUs, we believe that building a truly inclusive workplace requires sustained commitment and meaningful action. Our International Women’s Day initiatives reflect our focus on expanding opportunities for women while strengthening access to mentorship, wellbeing support and career development. We remain committed to creating an environment where women are empowered to grow, lead and thrive at every stage of their professional journey.”

Through initiatives such as inclusive hiring programs, leadership engagement and the launch of MystiqHER, TaskUs continues to strengthen its commitment to building a workplace where women have equal access to opportunity, support and long-term career growth. India is the second largest operations base for TaskUs with more than 15,000 teammates across 6 cities. TaskUs India was recently certified as Great Place to Work(R) for 2025 and was named one of the Top 10 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia for 2025 by Inspiring Workplaces Group.

About TaskUs
TaskUs is a leading provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to the world’s most innovative companies, helping its clients represent, protect and grow their brands. Leveraging a cloud-based infrastructure, TaskUs serves clients in the fast-growing sectors, including social media, e-commerce, AI, gaming, streaming media, food delivery and ride-sharing, technology, financial services and healthcare. As of June 30, 2025, TaskUs had a worldwide headcount of approximately 61,400 people across 30 locations in 13 countries, including the United States, India and Philippines.

PwC India Foundation strengthens climate resilient livelihoods for more than 400 farming households through flood recovery initiatives

In Moga, the initiative begins at the household level. PwCIF is supporting more than 90 beneficiary households, with kitchen gardens and backyard poultry, to move towards natural farming, boosting household income and improving nutritional outcomes. Each garden, of about 600 sq. ft., provides year-round access to safe, chemical free vegetables and enables families to save an estimated INR 1,500–2,000 per month on vegetable purchases.

At the same time, the project is building proof points for scale. Ten multi-crop model farms are demonstrating how natural farming, intercropping and soil friendly practices can improve farm economics, with model farmers targeted to increase their incomes by 40%. As these practices gain traction, neighbouring farmers are beginning to replicate them, creating a growing circle of indirect beneficiaries.

To further strengthen farm-based livelihoods, the initiative includes a community-based jaggery processing unit that supports value addition to locally grown sugarcane and better price realisation for farmers. Shared fossil fuel‑free multi-seeding drills are also being used as village-level tool banks to enhance farm efficiency and encourage climate-smart cultivation practices.

As part of the ongoing efforts, the PwC India leadership team visited Moga to engage with farmers and community groups, assess the progress of natural farming and livelihood diversification projects, and reaffirm the organisation's long-term dedication to disaster resilience and livelihood restoration programs.

"PwC India Foundation's role in Punjab is centred around helping farming communities transition from crisis to resilience," said Jaivir Singh, Vice Chairman, PwC India Foundation. "By merging natural farming, diversified livelihoods, and robust village institutions, we aim to support farmers in Moga and Tarn Taran to rebuild with dignity with these initiatives in turn creating replicable models that can be curated to different local contexts across more districts in the country."

The successful implementation in Moga laid the foundation for an extension of the initiative to Tarn Taran. In this flood-affected border district, PwCIF is collaborating with more than 325 households to restore agricultural land, integrate natural farming, and strengthen village disaster response and resilience committees.

Beyond Moga and Tarn Taran, PwCIF’s broader engagement across India focuses on restoring livelihoods, strengthening critical local infrastructure and building community-led disaster preparedness across districts affected by floods. The Foundation aims to create integrated, scalable models that can support farming communities in navigating future climate and livelihood risks, while contributing to India’s long-term sustainable development.

Deepika T C, captain of India’s Women’s Blind Cricket Team, receives a warm hometown welcome after leading India to the historic T20 World Cup victory

A former student at Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled in Mysuru, Deepika led Team India to an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, demonstrating exceptional leadership, talent and determination at a global level. Her interaction highlighted the importance of perseverance and access to inclusive educational spaces.

Deepika has always stood out as a bright student with a strong passion for sports. Her school years not only nurtured her academic excellence but also instilled in her the confidence to lead life independently. While her choice to pursue cricket may surprise some, her teachers recognized early on her determination and talent, making this step a natural progression in her journey.

At a special event organised following Deepika’s return at her home town, she spoke in detail about her journey starting from her early years at RMSD to leading the national side at a historic global tournament. She reflected on the challenges she overcame, the discipline and unity that defined the team’s campaign, and the pride of representing India in women’s cricket. Her address offered powerful insights into resilience, perseverance and the role of inclusive education in shaping her path.

Deepika T.C., Captain, Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, said, “This victory belongs to every girl who has ever been told that her limitations define her. It is proof that with the right support, opportunity and belief in themselves, any girl  can dream without boundaries and excel in their career path. The education and values I received from Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled have shaped me not just into a cricketer, but into a better human being. This win is for my country, and I will continue to give my best to make it proud.”

Mr. R Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation added, “Deepika’s achievement reflects the power of inclusive education and sustained mentorship. When students are given the right environment and encouragement, they are able to discover their strengths and pursue their aspirations with confidence. We are very proud to host Deepika in her hometown who we know will inspire million girls like her.”

Supported by the NR Foundation, RMSD has for over three decades empowered visually challenged girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through free residential education and vocational training. Deepika’s success is a moment of immense pride for the institution and reinforces RMSD’s commitment to enabling visually impaired girls to excel in all spheres, including sport at the highest international level.

Nippon Paint India Partners with Humble Bee

The collaboration brings together high-performance, eco-conscious coatings expertise and precision-engineered hive manufacturing to strengthen India’s apiculture infrastructure from the ground up. The initiative focuses on enhancing the durability, safety, and longevity of wooden beehives, thereby supporting healthier bee colonies and improved rural incomes.

Mr. Mark Titus, President-Decorative Coatings Business, Nippon Paint India, said, “The beehive represents productivity, interdependence, and resilience. By extending our expertise in durable and environmentally responsible coatings to this ecosystem, we are contributing beyond product performance, supporting livelihoods, strengthening biodiversity, and enabling long-term rural sustainability.”

As a GreenPro-certified brand, Nippon Paint India adheres to stringent environmental benchmarks, ensuring its coatings are free from harmful VOCs and safe for surrounding ecosystems. The low-VOC formulations provide structural protection while maintaining a bee-safe environment within the hive.

Humble Bee’s beehives, manufactured at its Varanasi facility, India’s first precision-engineered beehive manufacturing unit, are crafted using sustainably sourced Southern Yellow Pine. These hives are coated with Nippon Paint’s low-VOC, weather-resistant formulations designed to withstand India’s diverse climatic conditions.

Ms. Monika Shukla, CEO and Co-founder of Humble Bee added, “Every color on these hives tells a story, of a woman reclaiming her agency, of crops that flourish, and of biodiversity that revives.”

Across tribal and rural regions, particularly among first-generation women farmers, these painted hives are being introduced to improve productivity, resilience, and livelihood stability. India continues to face a significant gap in pollination capacity, even as global honey markets increasingly demand traceable and ethically produced products. This partnership seeks to address both challenges by strengthening the foundation of sustainable apiculture at the hive level.

Field trials will be conducted over the coming months to assess bee compatibility, coating durability, and performance under varying environmental conditions, after which the initiative is expected to scale across key regions in India. As part of the collaboration, Nippon Paint and Humble Bee have also co-developed a distinctive ‘Blobby’ hive design, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and community impact.

Bisleri International Partners with Observer Research Foundation to Launch Report on Water Governance at Raisina Dialogue 2026

Authored by noted experts Nilanjan Ghosh and Ambar Kumar Ghosh, the report presents a forward-looking framework for India’s water governance as the country works toward its vision of a developed nation by 2047. As India advances toward its Viksit Bharat vision for 2047, the report calls for stronger collaboration between governments, institutions, and industry to build resilient water governance systems that can support economic growth while safeguarding natural resources.

Speaking on the significance of the book, Mr Angelo George, Chief Executive Officer, Bisleri International, stated, “The Sustainable Development Goals created a powerful shared global ambition. The next phase must focus on delivering local relevance and measurable impact. For this to happen, industry needs to move from being a participant to becoming a co-designer of solutions. Sustainable development ultimately depends on financing, execution, and measurement - areas where industry brings scale and capability. Through this collaboration on the report, we hope to foster a change in how industries manage their water footprint and contribute towards building a water-resilient future.”

Building on last year’s launch of the book on Water Credits Valuation with the Observer Research Foundation at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, this new publication represents the next chapter in Bisleri International’s ongoing efforts to strengthen water governance and contribute towards a greener, water-positive future.

“In pursuit of the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, water governance will be central to ensuring the attainment of economic growth, ecological sustainability, social equity and distributive justice. The challenge before India is not simply managing water as a resource but governing a complex socio-ecological system that spans river basins, sectors, and institutions. This report underscores the need to rethink water governance through integrated basin management, stronger institutional frameworks, and innovative market-based instruments that can align economic incentives with environmental protection and resource-use efficiency,” said Dr. Nilanjan Ghosh, Vice President, Development Studies, Observer Research Foundation, and co-author of A Vision of Water Governance for Viksit Bharat@2047.

The launch was followed by a high-level discussion on the theme ‘Development by Design: Scripting the Next Global Growth Story.’ The panel featured global leaders and policy experts, including D. N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan; Ngwaru Jumanne Maghembe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanzania; Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Director of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability; and Archna Vyas, Country Director, Gates Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Chandrika Bahadur, CEO, The Antara Foundation.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. 

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com. 

As nonprofits across India work with lean teams to serve large and often geographically dispersed communities, many are looking for new ways to scale their impact amid rising demand, talent constraints, and operational complexity. AI agents present a powerful opportunity to extend their reach by autonomously handling routine tasks like program management, volunteer management, donor communications, and tailored fundraising support. This allows teams to focus on what matters most: direct beneficiary engagement and program delivery across India's vast and diverse landscape. The challenge lies in accessing the technology and expertise needed to make this vision a reality.

The Salesforce Accelerator — Agents for Impact addresses this need by providing nonprofits with technology, grants, and pro bono expertise to build and deploy AI-powered agent solutions. Through a customized six-month program, selected organizations receive comprehensive support including one-on-one and group coaching from Salesforce experts and flexible grants of up to INR 6.8 crores, distributed across a cohort of four nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the selected nonprofits will receive free access to Salesforce technology for up to 18 months, and technical consulting from employee volunteers.

India Cohort Pioneering AI Solutions

The inaugural India cohort brings together four pioneering organizations developing innovative AI agent solutions to address critical social challenges:

• Antarang Foundation is developing a Career Facilitator Agent that generates personalized career counseling sessions with specific next steps based on each student's profile data, enabling scalable, customized career guidance.

• Foundation For Excellence is creating a Scholarship Agent that supports review  and processing of student applications for scholarships, helping more students get access to critical funding.

• Latika is building a Legal Navigator Agent (Asli Intelligence) that generates clear, step-by-step roadmaps for individuals to acquire disability certificates, pensions, scholarships, and tax relief—making complex legal processes accessible to all.

• Teach for India is implementing a Teaching Assistant agent that will be trained on resources from its teacher training platform, Firki. It will serve as a personal assistant to answer queries and guide teachers to relevant courses through intuitive chats and clicks.

Comments on the news:

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Salesforce, South Asia, said, “We believe organizations closest to India's most pressing challenges shouldn't be furthest from the tools that multiply their impact. Nonprofits are drowning in admin work when they should be focused on transformation. AI agents represent a fundamental shift: technology that doesn't just optimize workflows but reclaims human capacity for what matters most.

At Salesforce, we’ve long believed that business is the greatest platform for change.  That belief guides how we build and deploy AI as a force for good that strengthens communities. Through the Salesforce Accelerator — Agents for Impact, we're proving a new equation: when intelligent systems handle complexity, people multiply impact. Not by working harder, but by working on what only humans can do — building trust, making judgment calls, and showing up with empathy where it counts. The future of impact isn't choosing between humanity and scale. It's architecting them together."

*Salesforce, the #1 CRM, powered by AI technology and capabilities.

About Salesforce

Salesforce helps organizations of any size become agentic enterprises - integrating humans, agents, apps, and data on a trusted, unified platform to unlock unprecedented growth and innovation.

Visit www.salesforce.com/in for more information.

CA Grameen has cemented its position as a frontrunner in the NBFC space by raising funds from global markets in a bid to diversify its liability franchise. With this transaction, the Company has secured over USD 300 million in commitments from global banks, development financial institutions and impact investors in FY 2025-26, strengthening trust and leadership in the microfinance sector. The Company has met over 15% of its borrowing requirements in FY 2025-26 through foreign sources. 

The proceeds from the facility will be deployed under CA Grameen’s Social Loan Framework, aligned with the Social Loan Principles 2023, ensuring transparency in the use of funds, clearly defined social development goals, and strong governance standards. Sustainalytics provided a second-party opinion, validating the credibility and impact of the Framework. The facility will support eligible social projects, advancing CA Grameen’s mission of inclusive and resilient development across communities.

Speaking about the fundraise, Mr. Nilesh Dalvi, Chief Financial Officer, CreditAccess Grameen, said, “We are pleased to partner with HSBC, having successfully secured offshore financing that further strengthens our global funding reach. The foreign currency borrowings with a tenure of 3–5 years, significantly enhance our asset-liability management (ALM) profile and liquidity position. Our sustained efforts to build strong relationships with leading global lending institutions have enabled us to increase the share of foreign borrowings from 9% to 24% over the past five years, while consistently reducing our incremental cost of funds. This disciplined approach allows us to extend affordable financing solutions to our microfinance customers and deepen our commitment to financial inclusion.”

Sharing their views, Ms. Lalitha A Lodaya, Regional Director – International Mid-Market, South India, HSBC said “We are delighted to have successfully closed this syndicated financing for CreditAccess Grameen Limited, one of India’s leading NBFC-MFIs. Strong participation from diverse group of lenders underscores market’s confidence in sector’s resilience and company’s robust asset quality and growth strategy. This transaction reflects HSBC’s leadership position in Indian NBFC space, as well as our strong structuring & distribution capabilities.” 

About CreditAccess Grameen Limited
CreditAccess Grameen Limited is a leading Indian microfinance institution headquartered in Bengaluru, focused on providing micro-loans and retail lending solutions to women customers predominantly in rural areas across India. The Company is now operating across 450 districts in 16 states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal) and one union territory (Puducherry) through 2,222 branches. The Company’s Promoter is CreditAccess India B.V., a multinational company specializing in micro and small enterprise financing. It is backed by institutional investors and has a micro-lending experience in India of more than a decade.

Rotary Club of Chennai Legends and Rotary District 3234 Donate 225 Sewing Machines to Women

Prior to the distribution of the sewing machines, the Rotary Club of Chennai Legends conducted a two-month vocational training programme for the beneficiaries in stitching kids’, men’s and women’s garments at its Rotary Skill Development Centre located at Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women.

AKS Rtn. Er. Muruganandam M, RI Director (2025–27) and RI Vice President (2026–27), attended the event as the Chief Guest, while AKS Rtn. Vinod Saraogi, District Governor (2025–26), was the Guest of Honour. The event was also graced by Rtn. Ravi Sundaresan, District Governor Nominee (2028–29); PDG Rtn. Sridhar J, RRFC (2026–27); Rtn. NS Saravanan, Immediate Past District Governor; Rtn. Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Project Chair, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends; and Rtn. Dr. M. Durga Mohan, Chair – CSR, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends.

The Rotary Club of Chennai Legends had donated 200 sewing machines under the Rotosew initiative last year and plans to make the programme an annual feature. The club is also seeking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from corporate houses to expand the reach and impact of the initiative.

In her comments, Rtn Dr. Durga Mohan said, “Rotosew is not just about donating sewing machines; it is about enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods with dignity. Through our two-month vocational training programme, the beneficiaries are trained in stitching kids’, men’s and women’s garments, equipping them with practical skills that are immediately marketable. With the growing demand for tailoring and customised apparel, this skill offers strong opportunities for self-employment and income generation. Beyond training and equipment, we are also working to create market linkages by connecting these women with corporate customers and bulk orders, helping them establish steady income streams.”

Recently, the Rotary Club of Chennai Legends in association with Rotary Dist 3234 had organised Gift of Mobility, an initiative under which 225 bicycles along with helmets were distributed to school-going girls to support continuity in education and ensure their safety while commuting. As part of the initiative, the club also conducted a hands-on road safety programme to equip the students with the knowledge and confidence to ride safely.

For more details: cl@ri3234.org

On the occasion of Women’s Day, L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, is proud to announce the launch of Spoorthi, a specialised program designed to empower women entrepreneurs by facilitating finance for the purchase of house property or providing Loan Against Property (LAP) for business expansion and working capital.

 L&T Finance accelerating the rise of emerging women-led businesses

This initiative recognises the critical role women play in the economy and aims to support those who are solely or jointly running a business or profession. Under the Spoorthi program, LTF offers a range of specific relaxations and benefits, including extended loan tenors of up to 25 years for Home Loans and LAP for specific profiles. Furthermore, Industrial LAP tenors are offered for up to 12 years, and the program introduces enhanced eligibility norms such as higher debt-to-income ratios to provide greater financial flexibility.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF, said, “Our Company is deeply committed to supporting women borrowers because they consistently demonstrate a disciplined and strong repayment history, which makes them ideal borrowers. By launching Spoorthi, the firm aims to harness this reliability while providing women with the necessary capital to scale their enterprises and secure their personal assets, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem.”

The program is initially rolling out in major metropolitan hubs, including Mumbai MMR, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. To be eligible, the woman borrower must be a key person managing the business with at least a 50% stake in non-individual entities, and her income must constitute at least 50% of the total appraised income when clubbing with other borrowers. Additionally, the business must show an annual cash profit of at least Rs. 5 Lakhs as per the latest Income Tax Return (ITR) and must not have incurred a net loss in the last two years.

Mr. Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets & Third-Party Products, LTF, said, “Spoorthi is built upon a foundation of relaxed eligibility criteria and better pricing specifically tailored for women. The program offers lower interest rates to ensure that financial barriers are minimised. By reducing the business vintage (i.e., age of a company) requirement to just two years for loans up to Rs. 75 Lakhs, LTF is making it easier for emerging women-led businesses to access the high-value credit they need to thrive.”

In the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), LTF's Home Loan and LAP segment recorded disbursements of Rs. 2,879 Crore, reflecting a 16% Year-on-Year and 6% Quarter-on-Quarter increase. The total book size grew to Rs. 28,682 Crore, a rise of 22% Year-on-Year and 5% Quarter-on-Quarter, driven by robust distribution networks and new partnerships.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

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Seeds of change were sown as 700 farmers gathered at The Art of Living Ashram, Vasad for a Natural Farming Awareness Seminar

In Anand district, agriculture is not merely an occupation; it is inheritance, memory and survival. Farming here is largely passed down through generations - land transferred within families, seasons remembered instinctively, soil understood by touch. Farmers can sense when the earth begins to lose vitality. They recognise subtle shifts in rainfall patterns. They feel the strain when fertiliser bills rise faster than crop returns.

The Anand initiative was designed to address these realities from the ground up.

From Conversations to Change
The programme began quietly with door-to-door engagement. Trained Local Resource Persons (LRPs), supported by The Art of Living Social Projects trainers, visited villages and spoke directly with farmers. They discussed cropping patterns, input expenditure, pest pressures and debt cycles. They assessed how many were already experimenting with natural methods and how many were open to transition. 

Villages have so far been systematically covered through surveys and awareness sessions. Training combined conceptual clarity with practical application. Farmers were introduced to: *Indigenous seed preservation *Cow-based formulations using desi breeds *Preparation of Beejamrut, Jeevamrut and Ghanjeevamrut *Natural pest management techniques *Soil regeneration methods *Post-harvest handling and improved market linkages.

Economic viability remained central. By preparing biological inputs from locally available resources, farmers reduce dependency on purchased chemicals. Lower input costs mean reduced financial risk and greater stability. Intercropping and diversification were encouraged not as trends, but as proven strategies to strengthen soil ecology and stabilise income streams.

Restoring Scientific Confidence
One of the most practical interventions was the distribution of five portable soil-testing devices to two FPOs.

Previously, soil samples were sent to distant laboratories, with results taking several days. Now, farmers receive detailed reports within 30 minutes. Nutrient deficiencies and imbalances become visible immediately. This shift is significant. When decisions are informed by real-time soil data, natural farming becomes evidence-based rather than perception-driven. It allows farmers to calibrate inputs and manage land scientifically.

Collaboration with Anand Agriculture University further strengthened this approach. Technical sessions on nematode control using natural formulations such as Neemastra and Agniastra reinforced that traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation can complement one another.

Building District-Level Momentum
Awareness extended beyond formal training. Village meetings were supplemented by street theatre (nukkad nataks), educational film screenings and distribution of structured Gujarati manuals. At a major district-level natural farming conference held at the Art of Living Ashram in Vasad, 700 farmers gathered to engage in detailed discussions, more than 500 manuals were distributed, providing participants with structured guidance to support implementation at the field level.

Youth engagement added further depth. Members of the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP) supported mobilisation efforts, while school-level initiatives such as “Chote Kisan - Nurturing Nature” introduced environmental responsibility at an early age through plantation drives and seed-ball preparation.

Institutional Alignment
The project team met Honourable Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar. He expressed strong support for the initiative and emphasised the urgency of reducing chemical dependency in agriculture. Subsequent review meetings under his leadership have ensured alignment with state-level priorities and strengthened institutional backing for the campaign.

Such support has reinforced both credibility and continuity.

Evidence of Impact
The outcomes are measurable:

• 1,500+ farmers trained

• More than 70% actively practising natural farming methods

• 45+ farmers recognised with the ‘Krushi Ratna Award’

• Model farms emerging across the district

• Value-addition equipment provided to FPOs

Farmers report reduced cultivation costs, improved soil fertility, enhanced moisture retention and greater resilience.

During the excessive rainfall experienced across Gujarat in 2024, natural farming practitioners were better able to protect and salvage crops compared to neighbouring conventional fields. While no agricultural system is immune to extreme weather, healthier soil biology and diversified cropping provided tangible advantages.

Perhaps most telling is the shift in perception. Natural farming is increasingly assessed on performance, cost-efficiency and soil response - not dismissed as experimental. Conversations about chemical-free produce are taking place within households and village gatherings, indicating a broader cultural shift.

A Structural Transition
“Agriculture is the backbone of human existence. For any civilisation to prosper, agriculture has to be healthy and sustainable. We need to get our focus back on agriculture which is the primary industry,” shares Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In Anand, this perspective is steadily translating into practice.

The Natural Farming Awareness Campaign in Anand is not positioned as a short-term scheme or a simple replacement for chemical fertilisers. It addresses three interconnected challenges: ecological degradation, rising cultivation costs and declining farmer confidence. By integrating grassroots engagement, scientific tools, institutional collaboration and youth participation, the initiative offers a structured model for transition rooted in field realities.

For Anand district, the process is ongoing. But the direction is unmistakable. When farmers regain control over inputs, understand their soil scientifically and work collectively, agriculture moves beyond survival.

It becomes viable and sustainable - by design.

About The Art of Living Social Projects
The Art of Living Social Projects, inspired by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing peace, well-being, and humanitarian service. 

By advancing sustainable practices, fostering conservation efforts, and nurturing a deeper connection with nature, The Art of Living Social Projects works towards a healthier planet and a sustainable future for generations to come.

To learn more about the initiative or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India,
 

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Dr payal Kanodia sharing a vibrant moment with Irular Tribe Womern

The Irular tribes, a Dravidian indigenous community officially recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India, have long been celebrated for their ancestral prowess in snake catching-a skill honed over generations in the arid terrains near Chennai. However, modernization and socio-economic shifts have eroded these traditions, leaving many families grappling with poverty, limited education, and health vulnerabilities. Dr. Kanodia's visit was no mere oversight; it was a hands-on pledge to uplift these resilient women under the Foundation's guiding principle: "Empowering each and every woman."

Through intimate conversations amid dusty village lanes and modest homes, Dr. Kanodia gained profound insights into their daily realities-from foraging for survival to balancing childcare with meager incomes. Her presence reinforced M3M Foundation's ongoing partnership with Makkal Villipunarvu Kalvi Sangam (MVKS), which is delivering transformative programs in 20 villages. Over 150 Irular women have been trained in high-demand skills including jute bag making, Aari embroidery, eco-friendly candle production, and tailoring-crafts that blend tradition with market viability.

Complementing these efforts, evening tuition centers offer after-school support to dozens of Irular children, bridging educational gaps and nurturing the next generation's potential. Dr. Kanodia didn't just observe; she celebrated milestones by personally handing over certificates to 100 women who excelled in skill training modules on Aari embroidery, jute bag making, basket weaving, and tailoring. These certificates symbolize not just completion, but pathways to sustainable livelihoods, enabling women to sell handmade products locally and online.

Reflecting on the trip, Dr. Kanodia shared, "Traveling this far to hear their stories firsthand was humbling. These women are natural innovators—their hands that once caught snakes now weave futures for their families. Our commitment is ironclad: skills, education, and dignity for every Irular woman."

This initiative aligns with M3M Foundation's broader mission in social development, including rural livelihoods, environmental conservation, and special needs empowerment. Under Dr. Kanodia's visionary leadership, the Foundation is scripting success stories that resonate from Tamil Nadu's tribal hamlets to national platforms, proving that true empowerment begins with showing up.

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ( Center ), Tourism minister Kapil Mishra (Left) Mr Dheeraj Hinduja Chairman of Ashok Leyland (Right) in the presence of his wife Shalini Hinduja (Extreme Right)

The curated full-day route begins at Dilli Haat - INA at 9:00 a.m., guiding passengers on a thoughtfully planned journey through the heart of New Delhi. The tour begins at Vijay Chowk, with a photography stop at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by visits to the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya. It concludes with an evening at the National War Memorial and India Gate, before returning to Dilli Haat - INA for shopping and dinner at 6:00 p.m.

Powering this experience is the SWITCH EiV 22 - India’s first electric double-decker AC bus - designed, developed, and manufactured in India, showcasing the deep engineering expertise and manufacturing legacy of Ashok Leyland. The bus is equipped with a 231 kWh NMC battery pack, offering a range of up to 250 kms, optimized seating for 65 passengers, and a lightweight aluminium body that delivers best-in-class comfort. The SWITCH EiV 22 stands as the world’s first standard-floor, air-conditioned, electric double-decker, featuring a wider rear door and staircase - a true testament to Indian engineering meeting global standards.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland said, “The double decker bus has always held a special place in India’s public transport story - it is an icon of belonging, of shared journeys, and of city life. Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to breathe new life into that legacy, right in the heart of our national capital. The ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ experience is our way of giving back to the communities we serve - offering people a beautiful, emission-free way to rediscover Delhi’s magnificent heritage. At SWITCH Mobility, backed by Ashok Leyland’s strong mobility foundation, we are committed to advancing green mobility not just as a business proposition, but as a responsibility to society and the environment.”

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ganesh Mani CEO - SWITCH Mobility and COO - Ashok Leyland, said, “The Hinduja Group has always believed that progress must be purposeful - that growth and giving back must go hand in hand. We are not just offering a ride; we are offering a renewed connection to our history, our culture, and our shared pride as Indians - all while treading lightly on our planet. We are proud to see the SWITCH EiV 22 carry not just passengers, but the spirit of a greener, more purposeful India - one landmark, one journey at a time. SWITCH Mobility's electric-first vision, backed by the scale and strength of Ashok Leyland, makes moments like these possible - where innovation is not just future-ready, but people-ready.”

The SWITCH EiV 22 features a 650V architecture, dual-gun charging capability, and liquid-cooled battery technology, positioning it as a robust and future-ready solution for urban India. With bus components manufactured domestically to achieve FAME II compliance, the SWITCH EiV 22 is a testament to the ‘Make in India’ ethos applied to the future of clean mobility.

With 100 tourist hop-on hop-off buses electric double-deckers already serving cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and Chennai, Vizag, Hyderabad, Kochi across India, SWITCH Mobility continues to drive the nation’s electric public transport revolution - one iconic journey at a time.

The programme prioritises science-led dog population management, institutional strengthening, and sustainable workforce development in high-need regions.

The programme integrates sterilisation and rabies vaccination efforts with mobile veterinary clinics, hands-on training for professionals, and meaningful partnerships with communities. Through these efforts, the project aims to deliver large-scale preventive care, public health interventions, and sustained community action helping animals across targeted geographies.

“Delivering impact starts with listening to communities and partnering with organisations that understand local needs,” said Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, Mars Impact Fund. “Our partnership with Humane World for Animals reflects this approach by helping expand access to veterinary care and training in communities where it is needed most.”

India is home to one of the world’s largest free-roaming dog populations. While the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, provide a clear legal and scientific framework for humane management, implementation across municipalities remains uneven due to funding constraints, limited veterinary infrastructure, and inconsistent operational capacity. Rapid urbanisation has intensified human–animal conflict in several cities, reinforcing the need for sustained, structured, and science-led solutions. Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Report highlights that millions of dogs globally lack secure homes and underscores that sustained sterilisation coverage, often benchmarked at 70 per cent or higher, is essential to stabilise and humanely reduce street dog populations over time. In many Indian cities, achieving this threshold stays a structural challenge. This initiative seeks to close that gap through coordinated, systems-based intervention rather than episodic response.

In India, the partnership will work in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to deliver high-quality spay-neuter services and professional training for veterinary professionals, while fostering strong partnerships with communities and local governments. Humane World for Animals will facilitate the launch of the country’s first dedicated National Animal Birth Control Training Center in Lucknow and a Mobile Training and Capacity-Building Program for animal welfare NGOs across the country.

In Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, Humane World for Animals will launch a pet welfare initiative to improve access to vaccinations and encourage formal registration of owned dogs. This program will deliver a large-scale, city-supported pet welfare and rabies vaccination campaign, complemented by a targeted communications effort designed to raise awareness, increase registration, and promote long-term owner commitment.

Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition India, said, “India is at a defining moment in how it manages human–animal coexistence. According to Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Report 2023, nearly 69 million dogs and cats in India are without secure homes. These figures reinforce that free-roaming dog populations cannot be addressed through fragmented or short-term measures. Through this initiative, we aim to advance sterilisation coverage, vaccination access, and professional capacity building in alignment with the widely recognised 70 per cent sterilisation benchmark necessary for long-term population stability. This initiative is more than a grant; it represents a long-term blueprint for building safer, healthier, and more resilient cities for both people and animals.”

“What better partners than Mars to work together to address one of the biggest challenges surrounding street dogs - human - dog conflict. We are delighted to be partnering with them! By promoting science-led Animal Birth Control programs and strengthening human-dog interactions through community engagement, we are working towards long-term solutions. Through high-volume sterilisation, vaccination, and community engagement initiatives in states like Uttarakhand and cities like Lucknow, we are demonstrating how these programs effectively reduce conflict, dog bite incidents and rabies risks,” said Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director, Humane World for Animals India. “Our expansion of mobile animal clinics in underserved regions is further supporting community-driven solutions that make our neighbourhoods safer and healthier and addresses street animal welfare.”

As a family-owned, principle-driven company, Mars has long believed that business should be a force for good. Building on this legacy, the Mars Impact Fund is designed to complement existing sustainability efforts and foundation activities with strategic, long-term investments. The Mars Impact Fund will contribute $85 million between 2025 and 2027. From 2028 onward, the company expects to distribute $50 million annually in philanthropic capital.

About Mars, Incorporated www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Humane World for Animals - Global Animal Welfare Org | Humane World for Animals.

Kosala, the social enterprise of Hindalco Industries Limited, has opened its flagship retail store in Greater Kailash (N Block), New Delhi, marking a key expansion milestone in its Kosa silk value-chain initiative in Chhattisgarh.

L–R: Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries Ltd; actor Yami Gautam Dhar; Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives & Rural Development;  Saurabh Khedekar, CEO Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Ltd & Director, Kosala Foundation, and  Neeta Shah - CEO Kosala at inauguration of Kosala Boutique in Delhi

Kosala was launched in 2021 to restore and expand the indigenous Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community. Today, Kosala reached a key milestone with the launch of its first flagship store. The boutique was inaugurated by Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in the presence of Mr. Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Limited, Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation with actor Ms. Yami Gautam Dhar marking the occasion.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Rajashree Birla- Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development said, “Kosala reflects our deep commitment to trusteeship, nurturing communities while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. By revitalising the art of Kosa silk, we are empowering artisan families, especially women, with sustainable livelihoods and renewed pride in their craft. This store serves as a bridge between rural skill and global appreciation.”

Kosala’s impact at the grassroots level has been measurable and transformative. In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, while 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom processes, strengthening integration across the value chain. Full-time weavers now benefit from assured year-round engagement, resulting in a 63% increase in income, significantly enriching their livelihoods. During the year, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 were newly skilled, reinforcing household stability and enabling the Dewangan community to move forward with renewed confidence and dignity. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation, said, “Kosala is anchored in two core beliefs, reviving the indigenous legacy of Kosa silk and restoring economic dignity, recognition, and continuous skill advancement to its original custodians, the Dewangan community. This store is not merely a retail milestone; it reaffirms our long-term commitment to strengthening the artisan ecosystem and enabling weaver families to thrive with pride and purpose.

We continue to prioritise the well-being of artisans and their families by extending individual life insurance coverage, expanding structured training to bring more weavers into the fold, and reimagining Kosa through a thoughtful blend of time-honoured techniques and consciously designed collections for the modern consumer.”

Capacity-building initiatives include training 25 rural youth in professional natural colour dyeing; providing sewing and embroidery skills to 100 women in partnership with the International Labour Organization and the Foundation for MSME Clusters; certifying 50 Dewangan women in Kosa reeling; and offering advanced weaving training to 25 artisans through the Weavers’ Service Centre, Raigarh. In 2024, Kosala introduced the Kosala Artisan Shilp Unnati Yojana, instituting annual recognition and incentive structures for master weavers.

Kosala was instituted as part of Hindalco’s sustainable mining initiatives in Chhattisgarh. Over the years we have built a scalable rural enterprise model that integrates market access, skill development and infrastructure investment positioning heritage textiles within a sustainable luxury framework while delivering measurable economic outcomes at the grassroots level.

About Hindalco Industries Limited

Hindalco Industries Limited is the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. A $28 billion metals powerhouse, Hindalco is the world’s largest aluminium company by revenues, and the world’s second largest Copper rods manufacturer (outside China). Hindalco operates across the value chain, from bauxite mining, alumina refining, coal mining, captive power plants and aluminium smelting to downstream rolling, extrusions, and foils. Along with its subsidiary Novelis, Hindalco is the global leader in flat rolled products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminium.

Hindalco is India’s largest copper producer, serving more than half the country’s copper requirements. Its copper facility in Gujarat, India, comprises a world-class copper smelter and refinery complex, downstream facilities, and a captive jetty. Hindalco’s global footprint spans 48 manufacturing units across 10 countries. Hindalco has been ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminium company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for six consecutive years– 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

About Kosala

Kosala is a social enterprise initiative by Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, launched to revive and advance the ancient Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community in Chhattisgarh. Conceptualised in association with Xynteo Vikaasa, a multi-stakeholder coalition working to build sustainable growth models, Kosala blends heritage with innovation to preserve a 5,000-year-old art form while strengthening the economic resilience of artisan communities. Kosala, which supports craftsmen in weaving, reeling, and dyeing, prioritizes the development of sustainable livelihoods, women's empowerment, skill enhancement, and access to international markets. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans across Chhattisgarh, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

An MoU between The Art of Living Social Projects & Autocracy Machinery signals the launch of a nationwide mission to revive India’s water bodies
 

Responding to a Growing Need

The Art of Living Social Projects has received an overwhelming number of requests for lake and pond rejuvenation from across the country. In many inhabited areas - from expanding cities to small towns and villages - untreated sewage continues to flow into local water bodies. The consequences are stark: water turns dark and foul-smelling, oxygen levels plummet, fish perish, algal blooms spread unchecked, and once-thriving ecosystems slide into slow, suffocating decline.
 

The new partnership ensures that The Art of Living Social Projects can undertake scientifically designed restoration projects anywhere in India, supported by appropriate funding and technical capacity.
 

Autocracy Machinery in Action: Innovation on Water, Under Water and On Land

Autocracy Machinery, an emerging Indian start-up, brings specialised equipment designed to operate on water, under water and on land - enabling thorough, end-to-end restoration. From removing invasive weeds and decades of silt to clearing sludge and stabilising lake beds, the machinery tackles the visible damage head-on.
 

Mechanical cleaning is the critical first step. Years of pollutants and sediment must be cleared before a water body can recover.
 

Nature-Based Healing: Bio-remediation and Phyto-remediation

Following the physical cleaning process, The Art of Living Social Projects will introduce ecological restoration measures to ensure long-term sustainability.
 

Bio-remediation involves using beneficial microorganisms to naturally break down sewage, organic waste and harmful pollutants present in the water.
 

Phyto-remediation uses carefully selected aquatic plants to absorb toxins, heavy metals and excess nutrients, thereby restoring water quality in a natural and environmentally friendly manner.
 

Advanced Oxygenation through Nano Bubbles

To strengthen natural restoration methods, The Art of Living Social Projects will introduce nano bubble technology - an advanced system for water oxygenation and purification.
 

These ultra-fine oxygen bubbles, less than 200 nanometres in size, remain suspended in water instead of rising to the surface. Containing over 95% oxygen, they disperse evenly and release oxygen gradually, boosting dissolved oxygen levels, supporting beneficial microbes and accelerating the breakdown of pollutants.
 

The result is clearer water, healthier aquatic life and stronger ecosystem recovery.
 

By combining mechanical, biological and technological solutions, this approach shifts restoration from a one-time clean-up into lasting ecological renewal.
 

Reviving Communities Through Water

India’s lakes and ponds are not idle waters; they are living ecosystems, climate buffers and anchors of community life. When a water body comes back to life, the impact reaches far beyond its banks - groundwater recharge improves, biodiversity returns, health risks decline and livelihoods strengthen, as communities reclaim spaces that once shaped their identity. Their restoration is not just an environmental priority, but a social and ecological necessity.
 

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is deeply committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through large-scale water conservation initiatives, the organisation works to alleviate water scarcity, restore ecosystems and enhance the quality of life for communities across the country.
 

To learn more about the initiative or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India
 

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NR Foundation donates 14 three-seater metal sofa sets to the District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru, enhancing patient comfort and supporting community healthcare

The donation was formally handed over in the presence of District Surgeon, Dr. Sathish N. V, Resident Medical Officer Dr. Hariprasadh J. and NR Foundation Chairman Sri R. Guru. The support comes in response to a requisition from the Office of the District Surgeon, which highlighted the urgent need for seating arrangements in outpatient departments and wards. With hundreds of patients and relatives visiting the hospital daily, the availability of proper seating is critical to easing their experience during long waiting hours.

“At NR Foundation, we believe that true service lies in addressing the everyday needs of people with dignity and compassion. Healthcare is not only about medicines and treatment, it is also about the environment in which patients and their families spend their time. By providing these metal sofa sets, we hope to ease their experience, offer comfort during difficult moments, and reinforce our commitment to community welfare. This initiative is a small step in our larger vision of supporting healthcare and uplifting lives across Mysuru and beyond,” Sri R. Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. R Guru and NR Foundation for their generous support. The support of 14 three-seater metal sofa sets will greatly improve the comfort and dignity of our patients and their families, especially those who spend long hours waiting in the OPD and wards. Such contributions directly strengthen public healthcare facilities and reflect the compassion and commitment of the Foundation towards community welfare,” Dr. Sathish N. V, District Surgeon, District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru

This initiative builds on NR Foundation’s long-standing support for healthcare, including its critical contributions during the pandemic. At that time, the Foundation provided cots to the District Hospital, along with sanitizers and face masks, supporting both the community and the district administration in their fight against COVID-19. These efforts underscored NR Foundation’s commitment to standing by society during times of crisis.

Today, through the support of medal sofa sets, NR Foundation continues to reinforce its belief that small, thoughtful interventions can create meaningful change. The Foundation remains dedicated to healthcare, education, women empowerment, and skill development, ensuring that its legacy of compassion and service touches lives across Mysuru and beyond.

About NR Foundation

NR Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the NR Group, the makers of Cycle Pure Agarbathi. Guided by the values of compassion, community service, and sustainability, the Foundation is dedicated to creating meaningful impact across healthcare, education, women empowerment, and skill development. Over the years, NR Foundation has supported initiatives ranging from rural healthcare camps and livelihood programs to educational scholarships and cultural preservation projects. Rooted in Mysuru yet reaching communities across India, NR Foundation continues to uphold the Group’s legacy of service by fostering dignity, opportunity, and long-term social transformation.

Youth Red Cross Students and Kauvery hospital joined forces to organize a World Cancer Day awareness programme in Tirunelveli

The highlight of the event took place at the Sarah Tucker College grounds 650 Youth Red Cross students forming a massive human ribbon to symbolize cancer awareness. This visual formation served as a powerful symbol of solidarity and a collective pledge to raise awareness about oncology care and healthy lifestyle choices.

Participating in the event, Dr.S.FELICIA GLADYS, Principal of Sarah Tucker College for Women, stated that such awareness programmes play a vital role in educating students and are essential for the well-being of society.

Dr. Monisha (Consultant General Surgeon): In her keynote address, she stated, “Awareness is the first and most crucial step toward a cure. Most cancers are treatable if detected early through regular screenings and lifestyle modifications.”

Dr. K. Lakshmanan (Medical Administrator): Welcomed the gathering and spoke about the advanced, high-quality cancer treatments available at Kauvery Hospital, reaffirming their commitment to serving the Tirunelveli community.

The program’s success was ensured by the seamless coordination of Mr. P. Varaimuthu (Unit Head), Mr. Abdul Riyaz (Marketing Manager) and Youth Red Cross. The event concluded with a strong message of hope, successfully inspiring the student community to become ambassadors for health and cancer awareness.

NDMC Students Bring Book Series “Smiles That Shine” to Life Through Theatre for National Cleft Day

As part of this initiative, Smile Train India rolled out "The ABCs of Change" (Awareness, Behaviour, and Confidence) across 10 NDMC schools, using storytelling, interactive learning, and creative engagement to build early awareness, empathy, and inclusion among primary school children. The programme integrates cleft awareness into classrooms, positioning children as active participants and ambassadors of change within their schools, families, and communities.

Central to the initiative is Smile Train India's picture book series, "Smiles that Shine," the first-of-its-kind children's series designed to promote empathy, kindness, and understanding around facial differences, including cleft lip and palate. Through imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, the books normalise differences, encourage conversations around self-confidence and identity, and help reduce stigma from an early age.

The school programme concluded with a three-day creative theatre workshop led by Rahul Khanna, a renowned theatre practitioner and storytelling facilitator. Primary school students from NDMC schools developed and performed short plays inspired by the "Smiles that Shine" stories, bringing the narratives to life through expressive enactment and reinforcing messages of empathy, inclusion, and acceptance.

Cleft lip and palate is a treatable birth difference, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 children. However, lack of awareness, social stigma, and misinformation often delay treatment, impacting a child's health, speech development, confidence, and social integration. By embedding awareness within schools, Smile Train India and NDMC aim to encourage a more inclusive environment for children with facial differences.

Speaking on the initiative, Kritika Choudhary, Director, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said, "Schools are not only places of learning but also where empathy and inclusion are shaped. This partnership with Smile Train India brings together health awareness and creative learning. By engaging children through stories and theatre, we hope these values extend beyond classrooms into homes and communities."

Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia Smile Train India, added, "Cleft care goes beyond medical treatment; it is about building confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Through initiatives like Smiles that Shine, The ABCs of Change, and the culminating theatre workshops, we are using storytelling to help children understand and embrace differences, and to grow up with empathy, kindness, and inclusion at their core."

By anchoring cleft awareness within classrooms and creative expression, Smile Train India and NDMC reaffirm their shared commitment to early intervention, inclusive education, and community-led advocacy, ensuring every child born with a cleft has the opportunity to grow up healthy, confident, and included.

Over 35,000 babies with cleft conditions are born in India each year, and many of them go untreated because of social stigma, misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the treatment that is available, by improving community level awareness. Smile Train’s school outreach program aims to spread awareness amongst the young minds.

For cleft treatment related query or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.

Sapna Bhambani, SVP of Operations and Country Leader, India at TaskUs, unveils the company’s new EV transportation program in Gurugram, advancing greener commutes and reducing carbon emissions

The EV transportation program starts in Gurugram at the TaskUs Mystiqa site, where approximately 20% of the existing fleet will be replaced with environmentally-friendly electrical vehicles. The company plans to electrify nearly half of its Indian fleet by the end of 2026, targeting an interim milestone of 100 EVs by July and a total of 300 units by year-end. Overall, TaskUs plans to transition 45%-50% of its transportation fleet to EVs this year.

TaskUs estimates that more than 35% of all teammates that use the company’s transportation program will benefit from the introduction of EV transportation. Each EV in the fleet will cut carbon emissions by approximately 3.2 metric tons per year, and this initiative in the first year will reduce carbon emissions by nearly 360 metric tons.

“The TaskUs People-First ethos extends far beyond our immediate team; it embraces the communities and cities where we operate. This initiative represents our dedicated contribution to reducing carbon emission and noise pollution in the urban environments we call home,” said Sapna Bhambani, SVP of Operations and Country Leader, India at TaskUs.

This program marks a significant milestone in TaskUs India’s sustainability journey and reflects the company’s continued focus on operational excellence aligned with environmental responsibility. As TaskUs expands its green initiatives, it remains committed to integrating eco-friendly solutions that support both its growth trajectory and its responsibility to the planet.

For more information about TaskUs’ Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) initiatives and commitment to teammate well-being, please visit TaskUs.com and download our 2025 ESG Report.

India is the second largest operations base for TaskUs with more than 15,000 teammates across 6 cities. TaskUs India was recently certified as Great Place to Work(R) for 2025 and was named one of the Top 10 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia for 2025 by Inspiring Workplaces Group.

About TaskUs

TaskUs is a leading provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to the world’s most innovative companies, helping its clients represent, protect and grow their brands. Leveraging a cloud-based infrastructure, TaskUs serves clients in the fast-growing sectors, including social media, e-commerce, AI, gaming, streaming media, food delivery and ride-sharing, technology, financial services and healthcare. As of June 30, 2025, TaskUs had a worldwide headcount of approximately 61,400 people across 30 locations in 13 countries, including the United States, India and Philippines.

One of the World's Biggest Rubik's Mosaics - 9840 Cubes

The campaign aims to spotlight the overlooked narratives of mothers and give visual form to their silent struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering presence in everyday life. Each cube in the mosaic symbolizes a fragment of a mother’s story, collectively forming a striking representation of unity, endurance, and emotional depth.

The creation of the mosaic was a remarkable feat in itself. The team spent 14 days solving the cubes to achieve the precise color combinations required, followed by over 10 hours of continuous arrangement to assemble the final installation for the shoot.

Despite facing multiple challenges - including unpredictable weather conditions, time constraints, and the urgent need to complete the setup within a limited window - the campaign was successfully executed, demonstrating the same resilience and determination the project seeks to honor.

“This campaign is our way of standing with every mother whose voice goes unheard and whose efforts often go unseen. Through this mosaic, we wanted to visually express the complexity, beauty, and strength that define motherhood,” said the team of Gold Winner.

The campaign film and visuals are now live across digital platforms as "Unga Kural", inviting audiences to reflect on the silent strength of mothers and engage in a broader conversation about recognition, empathy, and support.

PeanutButterJelly (PJELLY), a community-driven digital initiative, today announced the launch of a commerce-driven marketplace designed to support scholarship funding through a structured commission allocation model.
 

The newly launched marketplace enables users to access third-party products and services through standard affiliate links. Commissions generated through marketplace activity are allocated to scholarship funding in accordance with the project’s publicly stated allocation policy, which applies through 2028. The marketplace is designed to scale without incremental operating costs, allowing scholarship funding to grow proportionally with platform usage. The marketplace is now live and accessible worldwide, launching with initial categories that include consumer goods, technology, books, and academic supplies.
 

Operational Independence

The marketplace operates as a curated portal, allowing students to access a diverse ecosystem of technology, academic resources, and lifestyle essentials. While the marketplace facilitates access to these globally recognized brands, it operates independently of the broader ecosystem and does not involve formal endorsements or joint ventures with the featured third-party retailers.
 

Participation in the marketplace is optional, and no purchase is required to engage with other aspects of the platform. In addition to commerce-based funding, the platform also supports peer-to-peer (P2P) scholarship contributions, allowing community members to direct funds toward individual students or scholarship initiatives.
 

Supporting Education Access

Allocated scholarship funds may be used by eligible students toward educational materials, including books, through third-party retailers accessible via the platform’s affiliate marketplace.
 

“This launch reflects a deliberate effort to align platform activity with a defined social objective,” said a project representative. “By allocating marketplace commissions to scholarship funding and supporting optional peer-to-peer contributions, we are formalizing multiple pathways to support education through the platform.”
 

The project expects to share additional updates related to scholarship eligibility, allocation processes, and future platform developments in subsequent announcements.

About PeanutButterJelly (PJELLY)

PeanutButterJelly (PJELLY) is a community-driven digital initiative focused on exploring platform features aligned with social impact objectives, including efforts related to education access and hunger relief. The project is independently operated and is not affiliated with or endorsed by third-party brands referenced through standard affiliate programs. PeanutButterJelly is a brand and trademark of Veritas Network Holdings.
 

Important Notice:

This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or investment recommendation. 

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SOURCE: Veritas Network Holdings

Mpower Team at Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026
 

Over 700 participants - including employees and senior leadership from Mpower and Aditya Birla Group companies, along with college students from across Mumbai - came together at the Tata Mumbai Marathon to spotlight the importance of mental health through collective, visible action. While many joined the Dream Run, others took on the half marathon (21 km) and full marathon (42 km), reflecting a strong personal and organisational commitment to mental wellbeing. Student volunteers lined the route, cheering runners and amplifying mental health messages, reinforcing the belief that mental wellbeing is a shared responsibility across generations and communities.
 

Over the past decade, Mpower has built an integrated mental health ecosystem spanning prevention, early intervention, and clinical care, with 14 clinical units including mental health centres, affordable care foundations, and counselling cells embedded in college campuses across India. Through its partnerships with government and public institutions, Project Samvedana strengthens rural mental health screening and referrals through district hospitals and Primary Health Centres - saving an average of 410 hours and Rs. 3,754 per individual by reducing delays and access-related costs.
 

Mpower works closely with frontline and vulnerable populations through targeted, high-impact interventions. Project Saksham, implemented with the Mumbai and Maharashtra Police, provides trauma-informed counselling and mental health support to survivors of violence, police personnel, alleged perpetrators, and their families - integrating mental health care into routine policing processes. Project Masoom supports children in state-run Child Care Institutions through trauma-focused counselling and caregiver sensitisation, while Project Mann, in partnership with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), delivers mental health literacy, psychological first aid, screening, counselling, and dedicated helpline support across high-stress security environments. At the national level, Mpower supports the Government of India’s Tele-MANAS initiative and operates the Mpower 1-on-1 Mental Health Helpline (toll-free: 1800-120-820050), a 24×7 free counselling service, while COPE Clubs across colleges train peer supporters to normalise mental health conversations and enable early help-seeking among young people.
 

Since its inception in 2016, Mpower has reached over 7 million beneficiaries, with impact spanning awareness, counselling, clinical care, and crisis support. Its work has contributed to measurable improvements in mental health literacy, increased utilisation of services, and stronger institutional responses across education, healthcare, and public systems.
 

The Tata Mumbai Marathon provided a fitting moment to reflect on this decade-long journey - underscoring Mpower’s belief that mental health must be embedded into everyday life and supported through continuity, collaboration, and long-term engagement rather than episodic interventions.
 

As Mpower completes 10 Mindful Years, the focus remains on building responsibly and sustainably, while ensuring that mental healthcare in India continues to be credible, ethical, accessible, and trusted.
 

About Mpower
Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming India approach to mental health. Founded 10 years ago, Mpower has emerged as a leading force in spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and delivering holistic mental health care. With a robust team of over 200 trained professionals, Mpower impacts more than 121 million lives across seven cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, Kota and Pune. Operating through five key verticals - Movement, Clinical Care, Outreach, Academia, and Mpower 1 on 1 - Mpower offers a comprehensive range of services. The Movement focuses on changing cultural perceptions and alleviating stigma. Clinical Care provides world-class mental health services through the Centre, the Foundation, and the Cell, catering to various needs from holistic care to affordable support for the underprivileged. The Outreach vertical drives awareness and capacity-building through IGNITE Programs for schools, colleges, NGOs, and corporates. Academia equips individuals and professionals with skills to handle mental health crises and foster empathy. The Helpline offers 24/7 multilingual support, while special projects like Samvedana enhance mental health care in primary health centers. Mpower’s integrated approach and collaboration with government agencies underscore its commitment to creating a supportive and stigma-free mental health landscape.

Kauvery Hospital, a leading network of multi-specialty hospitals across South India, has been named among India’s Most Preferred Workplaces 2025-26 in the healthcare, pharma and biotech sector by Team Marksmen, a media, research and insights organisation.

Most Preferred Place to Work

The recognition forms part of Team Marksmen’s annual Most Preferred Workplace initiative, which celebrates organisations known for high-trust, high-performance cultures driven by strong leadership and people-first values. The evaluation was independently carried out by LeadCap Ventures, a leading global research, advisory and consulting firm.

The assessment combined in-depth market research with anonymous employee perception studies across key workplace dimensions, including leadership, culture, employee wellbeing, learning and development, inclusion, and digital transformation. This recognition reinforces Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to creating a future-ready, human-centric workplace while delivering exceptional care to patients across South India.

Notably, nearly 70 per cent of the survey respondents were former employees, along with current employees, ensuring unbiased and credible feedback that provided authentic insights into Kauvery Hospital’s workplace practices and culture.

In his comments, Dr S Manivannan, said, “Being recognised among the Most Preferred Workplaces in Healthcare 2025–26 is a meaningful affirmation of our belief that exceptional care begins with empowered people. At Kauvery Hospital, we have consciously invested in our culture, our people and technology to build a workplace where collaboration, learning, inclusion and wellbeing thrive. The fact that this recognition is shaped by insights from both current and former employees makes it especially significant, as it reflects the consistency of our workplace practices and the values we stand by. This honour truly belongs to our teams, whose dedication and commitment enable us to innovate, lead and deliver compassionate care every day.”

Bisleri & NBT Launched a Comic on Waste Management at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026

To ensure accessibility, inclusion, and relevance across India's diverse linguistic landscape, the comic book will be translated in 48 languages, including 22 listed languages under Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution. Through engaging storytelling and relatable characters, the book introduces young readers to key concepts such as waste segregation, recycling, and sustainable consumption, encouraging them to adopt responsible waste practices from an early age. Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., the creators of the iconic Chhota Bheem universe, extended creative support in script development and visual design to ensure engagement, visual appeal, and suitability for young audiences.

Bisleri & NBT Launched a Comic on Waste Management at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026

Speaking at the launch, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, “The collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Bisleri International and NBT towards promoting environmental awareness and responsible behaviour through educational content. Designed to be both informative and engaging, the comic seeks to encourage children and young adults to incorporate sustainable waste management practices into their everyday lives.”

Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India expressed, “This book will inspire children to adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives and actively contribute towards building a sustainable future. Our continued collaboration with Bisleri International allows us to not only address waste management but also show how partnerships with responsible organizations can help shape positive values among children and youth.”

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., through its continued focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, has played a key role in shaping the publication’s concept and themes. The partnership brings together socially relevant messaging and age-appropriate learning, making environmental education accessible and impactful for young readers. The narratives, supported by vibrant illustrations and familiar characters, highlight how small individual actions can collectively contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. The stories emphasise that environmental stewardship begins early and is fostered when children are equipped with knowledge and positive examples.

Recently, Bisleri International collaborated with the NBT to set a Guinness World Record for environmental pledges, in association with the Pune Book Festival. In 2025, the two organisations also signed a MoU with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) to launch an educational book on plastic waste management for schools in 48 languages. Based on their firm, long-standing association, Bisleri International and National Book Trust continue to work together on initiatives that leverage education and storytelling to engage India’s youth on critical sustainability issues, reinforcing their shared vision of nurturing environmentally conscious future generations.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

According to the Ecolab Watermark Study, awareness of AI’s resource demands is high in India, with 70% of consumers recognising its water footprint and 86% associating AI with high energy use. As AI-driven infrastructure, such as data centres and advanced manufacturing, expands across the country, expectations on business are rising in parallel. More than two-thirds of respondents in India believe water conservation and reuse are essential to long-term business growth. Nearly 64% of Indian consumers believe that water used to power AI is diverting resources and contributing to water scarcity for people. The findings underscore the need for the industry to embed water reuse, recycling and AI-enabled water management into the core of India’s growth strategy.

“By 2050, the world will have nearly 30% more people and require 47% more energy. Water demand will continue to surge, yet by 2030, the world already faces a projected 56% water deficit,” said Christophe Beck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Ecolab. “The AI boom is helping to shape this future, unleashing the potential for new business growth and transformative innovation. At the same time, every week a new data center opens, and every month a new fab comes online. While we can create more of the energy these facilities need, we cannot create more of our most vital resource – water. For India, where both industrial expansion and digital infrastructure are accelerating, water circularity must become a core business strategy.”

The study also finds strong public confidence in technology as part of the solution. Among IMEA respondents, about 82% agree with investing in such technologies and infrastructure to mitigate water impacts from climate change. “Global consumers recognize smart water management is essential for a resilient future, and they expect businesses to lead with both transformative technologies and transparent action to make it a reality,” said Emilio Tenuta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab. “Businesses have an opportunity to harness the power of AI and deliver impact-driven water solutions that meet the needs of local communities, while also driving innovation and business growth.”

According to the study, 76% of Indian consumers agree that governments are reducing, reusing, recycling, restoring and recovering water in their daily operations, while 71% say the same of businesses. Consumers overwhelmingly say that smart water management should be a top business priority, alongside energy efficiency and climate adaptation. Across geographies, belief is low -U.S. (43% and 42%), Europe (44% and 41%), Asia Pacific (48% and 48%) and Latin America (48% and 46%).

India’s expanding digital economy, from data centres to electronics manufacturing, represents both a growth engine and a stress test for water infrastructure. With industrial and energy demand set to surge, Ecolab’s findings underscore the need for cross-sector collaboration to close the water reuse gap, which globally remains below 20% and under 10% in the microelectronics sector.

“AI can make India’s water systems intelligent. When every litre is measured, analysed, and reused, water stops being a constraint and becomes a competitive advantage. Water security isn’t just an environmental goal, it’s an economic imperative for India’s next phase of growth,” said Manish Khandelwal, Managing Director, Ecolab India. 

Ecolab is already partnering with industries across India to deploy AI-driven water management systems that reduce freshwater withdrawal, enable near-zero liquid discharge operations, and improve cooling tower efficiency. These technologies can help facilities achieve up to 40% lower water use per unit of output while maintaining reliability in water-stressed regions.

About the study
The 2025 Ecolab Watermark™ Study was conducted by Morning Consult, starting in March 2025 across fifteen countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa. The India/IMEA sample represents urban and industrial consumers aware of sustainability issues. The online study included a selection of countries within each region to provide a global overview of water stewardship where it matters most. 

For India-specific results, visit: www.watermark.ecolab.com/ecolab/2025country/india.
For Global results, visit: www.watermark.ecolab.com/ecolab.

About Ecolab
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $16 billion, employs more than 48,000 associates, and operates in more than 170 countries worldwide. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. www.ecolab.com.

Follow us on LinkedIn @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook @Ecolab.

SAP

SAP Learning Hub is a flexible and versatile digital learning platform, packed with self-paced learning journeys, expert-led sessions, and globally recognized SAP Certifications. It gives learners the resources to acquire knowledge (both technical and business process related), making them industry-ready from day one.

The world economy increasingly relies on talent that is competent in data-driven decision-making and digital business models. However, many students graduate without any exposure to enterprise software and tools that a business leverages daily. SAP’s initiative addresses this issue and provides equitable access to certified training, no matter the geography or background of the learner.

Digitally skilled graduates are also a critical driver of India’s economic growth. A digitally enabled workforce supports GDP acceleration, new innovations by start-ups, and promotes local businesses on the global stage. SAP is ensuring students graduate with job-ready knowledge, to contribute to a stronger economy in India’s long-term growth.

“India is at the cusp of a talent transformation,” said Tine Vandenbreeden, Global VP SIX Partner Solution Enablement, SAP. “By giving every student free access to SAP Learning Hub, we are ensuring they have the same opportunities to gain skills the industry needs and employers value.”

The program offers:

• World-class SAP training, accessible anytime, anywhere.

• Two free attempts at SAP Certification exams.

• Guided SAP Learning Journeys with expert and peer community support.

• Content designed for students across business, technology, and other streams.

This initiative fosters equality for students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Typically excluded from elite training programs, these students can now aspire for the same SAP Certifications and opportunities they would obtain in Tier 1 cities, therefore increasing the talent pool in India.

SAP Learning Hub is closing the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. Students get experience that prepares them for roles in supply chain, finance, HR, consulting, and more. When they graduate, they have both a degree and an industry-recognized certification that makes their resume stand out.

In the short term, SAP expects to see thousands of students certified through the program. In the long term, the initiative is expected to contribute to India’s national growth by producing a tech-enabled workforce that supports the government’s Skill India mission and strengthens the country’s global competitiveness.

For more information on the free SAP Learning Hub, student edition, visit learning.sap.com/free-student-edition

 About SAP

As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

Starting with an impactful Never-Drink-and-Drive campaign in Lucknow and Chandigarh earlier this year, the movement now expands its national footprint, leveraging digital media to drive a sustained behavioural change.
 

To create wider awareness and build on this momentum, the ‘I-pledge’ movement invites citizens across India to voluntarily commit to ‘Never Drink and Drive.’ Hosted at the ISWAI’s website (pledge.iswai.in), the campaign enables citizens to take a simple online pledge and receive a personalized certificate acknowledging their commitment to this important cause. A real-time pledge counter highlights growing public participation, while social sharing with #NeverDrinkAndDrive helps amplify the message nationwide.
 

Speaking on the roll-out, Sanjit Padhi, CEO, ISWAI, said, “The ‘I-pledge’ movement is not just a digital initiative, it is a collective call for responsible behaviour. By empowering individuals to make a conscious commitment to never drink and drive, we aim to build a culture where safety is prioritised. The power of ‘I-pledge’ reinforces the fact that ‘change begins with you’.”
 

Sanjit Padhi further added, “Driving under the influence continues to be a leading cause of road accidents in India. Through the ‘I-pledge’ platform, we encourage citizens to choose safer alternatives, such as a designated driver, a cab, or not driving after drinking at all. With over 1,800 citizens already committed, the campaign calls on many more to take the pledge, spread awareness, and help make our roads safer for everyone.”
 

As a responsible industry body, ISWAI continues to create awareness among the public on safe consumption and safe driving through various campaigns, especially during festive seasons and celebrations, when socialising is common.
 

ISWAI calls upon citizens across India to take the I-Pledge and be part of this important movement.

 PayU conducted engaging sessions on cybersecurity for students in partnership with DSCI’s Cyber for Youth Program

"PayU's commitment to social impact goes beyond financial inclusion – we're building digitally safe and economically empowered communities from the ground up," said Richa Mukherjee, Senior Director – Corporate Affairs and Public Policy. "These programs represent our belief that technology and entrepreneurship can transform lives. When we see rural students mastering cybersecurity concepts or women launching sustainable businesses, we're creating lasting change that supports the Digital India mission."

Pioneering Digital Safety Education
In partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) for its Cyber for Youth Program, PayU revolutionized cybersecurity education in rural Karnataka. Through engaging activities such as interactive quizzes, poster competitions, and live demonstrations conducted in local languages, covering critical topics including cyberbullying prevention, social media safety, and digital payment fraud awareness. The program's impact was validated through rigorous pre- and post-assessments, with students showing knowledge improvement rates ranging from 62.5% to 82.3% across different schools.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Sustainable Livelihood Programs
By collaborating with NeevJivan NGO, PayU implemented its ‘Model Village Program’ focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the Nashik, Dahanu, and Jawhar regions of Maharashtra. The initiative introduced sustainable livelihood projects including bee-keeping, mushroom farming, poultry farming, and vermicomposting, providing women with viable alternate income sources.

The program provided comprehensive support including 30-45 days of entrepreneurship training and strategic branding assistance, with products like "Madhu" for honey and "Mastshroom" for mushrooms. The initiative successfully established 14 sustainable projects, with every participating household gaining access to new income-generating opportunities, demonstrating PayU's commitment to economic empowerment through innovation.

Leadership-Driven Educational Impact
PayU further strengthened its educational commitment through a strategic partnership with Teach for India. PayU's senior leaders engaged directly with over 450 students and educators through extended mentorship sessions, facilitating knowledge sharing and providing real-world insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and career development. This initiative reinforced PayU's belief in leadership-driven social change and the power of direct engagement in shaping young minds.

All these initiatives build upon PayU's established track record of impactful CSR programs. Last year, the company successfully implemented two major initiatives: the Village Adoption Program under RBI's framework, which brought digital payment literacy to 5,000 beneficiaries across five villages in Uttar Pradesh under the theme ‘Har Payment Digital’ and the Digital Vans initiative in partnership with MeITY's CSC, which delivered financial and digital literacy training to over 50,238 citizens in remote areas around Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. These programs demonstrate PayU's consistent commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing financial inclusion across India's rural landscape.

About PayU
PayU, India's leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers).

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

Dr. Payal Kanodia of M3M Foundation, Pankaj Bansal of M3M India and Aishwarya Bansal of Smart World with the World T20 Champion Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team

Led by Captain Deepika T. C. of Karnataka and Vice-Captain Ganga S. Kadam of Maharashtra, and accompanied by Team Manager Ms Shika Shetty, the undefeated Indian team scripted history by winning the world’s first-ever global cricket championship exclusively for women cricketers with visual impairment. In a commanding final against Nepal, India restricted the opposition to 114/5 and chased the target in just 12.1 overs, showcasing confidence, skill, and teamwork.

The champions were welcomed and felicitated at M3M IFC, Gurugram, where Dr Payal Kanodia interacted closely with the team, acknowledging their extraordinary discipline, mental strength, and commitment to excellence. A World Kettlebell Champion herself, Dr. Kanodia shared reflections on the power of perseverance, focus, and self-belief—drawing parallels between elite sport and para-sport, and reaffirming the Foundation’s belief in sports as a powerful tool for dignity, confidence, and social inclusion.

The interaction also spotlighted M3M Foundation’s Lakshya Programme, a flagship initiative dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and supporting talented athletes across Olympic, Paralympic, and grassroots sports. Through structured mentorship, training support, and holistic development, Lakshya continues to empower sportspersons to compete and excel at national and international platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, M3M Foundation, said, “These champions have not only created sporting history, but have also inspired the nation by redefining resilience and inclusion. Their achievement reinforces our belief that when opportunity meets determination, limitations dissolve. We are proud to celebrate women who embody courage, excellence, and equality.”

The visit concluded with an engaging dialogue, exchange of experiences, and a shared commitment to strengthening India’s para-sports ecosystem. The champions’ presence served as a powerful reminder that when opportunity meets courage, history is created.

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Signify to illuminate 100 Indo–Nepal border villages, enhancing safety and livelihoods

Stretching across 1700 km, the Indo–Nepal border is home to resilient and vibrant communities whose daily lives often unfold against infrastructural and safety-related constraints. Limited street lighting has long impacted mobility, economic activity, and community safety after dusk. The introduction of energy-efficient LED streetlights across these villages marks a significant step towards addressing these ground realities, creating safer evenings, supporting local livelihoods, and promoting stronger community networks.

Mr. Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR - Signify, Greater India said, “At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations to the communities across India, through our Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative. Through this initiative, we aim to bring long-term safety, sustainability, and confidence to border communities. This partnership reflects our commitment to using light to positively impact lives in India, fostering sustainable growth and community empowerment.”

Building on this vision, the project has been designed to meet practical ground-level needs. Each village was identified based on community input, footfall patterns, and specific safety concerns.

Manoviraj Singh, Founding Partner at Tarq Foundation, stated, “Real development starts by listening to the people it is meant to serve. Border communities have their own unique rhythms: evening markets, long walks home from school, and the daily movement of women whose sense of safety is directly shaped by how well-lit their surroundings are. This initiative responds to these lived realities. In these villages, light is not symbolic; it is practical, protective, and deeply empowering.”

The LED streetlighting of 100 Indo–Nepal border villages stand as a significant milestone in improving rural safety and community well-being. The partnership reinforces a long-term commitment to building resilient border communities.

About Signify 
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page. 

Representatives of the Indian Army, M3M Foundation and local schoolchildren at the school infrastructure handover ceremony in the LoC region of Poonch

The handover ceremony took place during the Mendhar Festival and was graced by Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, Sena Medal, Indian Army, symbolising the strong collaboration between M3M Foundation and the Indian Army in improving community development and child welfare in border regions. The event drew the participation of over 2,000 students, teachers, community members, government representatives, NGO partners, and Army officials, demonstrating widespread support and collective responsibility for strengthening education in LoC districts.

Through this initiative, the Foundation has provided enhanced classroom infrastructure, digital learning tools, basic utilities, and co-curricular resources—addressing long-standing gaps in these institutions. These improvements are expected to boost attendance, strengthen teaching outcomes, increase digital readiness, and uplift morale among students and teachers. For families living in frontline areas, better school infrastructure represents not just improved learning conditions, but also stability, safety, and hope for a stronger future.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Children in border communities grow up with extraordinary challenges, yet their aspirations remain limitless. Strengthening schools along the LoC is our commitment to ensuring they receive the same dignity, opportunity, and safe learning spaces as any child in the country. Education must be inclusive, resilient, and accessible—and we are honoured to stand with these communities in building a brighter future.”

This initiative reinforces M3M Foundation’s broader mission of promoting inclusive and quality education, aligned with India’s development priorities and global commitments such as SDG 4 (Quality Education). By strengthening schools in the LoC region, the Foundation continues its endeavour to reach the last mile and empower communities that face the greatest barriers to progress.

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group and is committed to bringing equitable development that ensures a life of dignity for every individual. The Foundation works on key areas such as education, healthcare, environment, disaster management, skill development, and community welfare. Programs like iMpower, Lakshya, Sarvoday, Saakshar, and Sankalp are empowering communities across India with sustainable, inclusive development models.

Bisleri International and Katalytic Charter Educational Foundation came together to conduct a Mega Cleanliness Drive
 

The event was attended by Mrs. Chimi Donka, Chief Education Officer, Gangtok District, Mr. Anugrah E Rai, Joint Director, School Education, Education Department, Mr. Tshering Yangchen Joint Director, IT, Education Department, Mr. N. B Chettri, Assistant Director, SE, Education Department and Ms. Choeki CEO of  Katalytic Charter Educational Foundation, Community members were also present and encouraged students to look after the environment around them.
 

The day began with a short opening ceremony, followed by the distribution of cleanup kits. Volunteers then spent two hours collecting and sorting waste from selected areas. Students were provided with gloves, masks, trash bags, and safety kits. The event included a small discussion on plastic waste management, and a photo session with students, followed by distribution of certificates to all the participants for their involvement.
 

Speaking about the activity, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd, said, “At Bisleri, we try to involve young people and communities in simple actions that build long-term habits. This drive with KCEF is another step in that direction. We want students to feel confident about taking small but meaningful steps for the environment.”
 

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Chimi Donka, Chief Education Officer, Gangtok District said, "I am delighted to see students taking such an active role in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness. Initiatives like this not only instils a sense of responsibility among young minds but also inspire our communities to embrace sustainable practices. I commend Bisleri International and KCEF for their continued efforts in nurturing a cleaner and greener Sikkim."
 

The collaboration reflects Bisleri’s wider work on responsible plastic use, recycling, and community participation. Together with KCEF, the company aims to nurture a sense of shared responsibility and encourage young people in Sikkim to lead by example.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.
 

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
 

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

SOCOMEC and IFCCI Launch Multi-Faceted CSR Initiatives Promoting Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management

Reflecting SOCOMEC’s enduring commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Project Edu-Sustain integrates education, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to create long-term, scalable impact.

Key Focus Areas:

• Clean & Green Energy: Installation of solar panel systems in 7 government schools across Chennai and Delhi-NCR, generating over 35,000–50,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy-efficient learning environments.

• Education for Underserved Communities: Establishment and running of two educational centres supporting over 80 primary-level children from high-risk and underserved communities and ensure least drop out. These centres provide after-school academic support, mentoring, and creative learning spaces to strengthen learning outcomes and prevent school dropouts.

• Zero Plastic Waste Management: Adoption of two beaches – Prabhadevi and Dadar in Mumbai – under a comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste Management initiative, targeting the collection and recycling of over 15,000 kg of marine plastic waste annually. The collected plastic is upcycled into useful products, generating livelihood opportunities for local waste pickers.

• Awareness & Employee Engagement: Through employee volunteering, community outreach, and sustainability awareness programs, the initiative promotes environmental consciousness among students, corporate employees, and local residents.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Partnership for Goals) — Project Edu-Sustain underscores SOCOMEC’s dedication to integrating sustainability with social progress.

Leadership Speak

Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “At Socomec, sustainability is a core part of our business strategy and culture. We are committed to advancing carbon footprint transparency, upholding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, and advancing eco-design practices. Through Project Edu-Sustain, in collaboration with IFCCI, we bring this vision to life by integrating clean energy solutions, enabling education for underserved communities, and championing zero-plastic initiatives. These efforts are creating resilient ecosystems that empower people and protect the planet, ensuring that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Ms. Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “Socomec’s commitment to social and environmental sustainability extends both inside and outside the organization, fostering an inclusive and safe workplace, empowering communities through sustainable actions. Over the past few years, we have successfully collaborated with IFCCI on strategic CSR projects. We are taking this partnership forward through Project Edu-Sustain, operating two education centers for children of female sex workers, installing solar panels in seven government schools across Chennai and Delhi NCR to promote renewable energy, and adopting two beaches in Mumbai under the Zero Plastic Model to drive environmental awareness and community participation.”

Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), added, “We are proud to partner with SOCOMEC Group in driving projects that deliver measurable and lasting impact on both people and the planet. Through initiatives such as solarizing government schools, empowering children from underserved communities, and reviving beaches through zero-plastic interventions, we are collectively building ecosystems of change. These efforts represent a true convergence of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. 

We are also deeply thankful to SOCOMEC Group for their continued partnership with IFCCI’s CSR Department since its inception in 2023. Their commitment to community development and sustainability has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that empower underserved communities and promote a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future.”

Streax Professional Strengthens Skill Development in Beauty & Wellness Through Knowledge Partnership with Krishnashray Gurukul

The visit marked the inauguration of the newly established Assistant Beauty Therapist (ABT) Lab, developed under the technical guidance of Streax Professional. Designed to mirror real-world salon environments, the lab will enhance hands-on learning and ensure industry-ready skills for all trainees. Rochelle toured the facility, appreciated the detailed setup, and provided valuable input to enhance the practical training infrastructure.

During her interaction with trainees and alumni, she discussed the services they provide, the clients they serve, and the challenges they face. She addressed queries on products, techniques, and new trends in hair and skin. Rochelle highlighted that “At Streax Professional, we believe skill is the foundation of confidence, independence, and lifelong opportunity. Our partnership with Krishnashray Gurukul is not just about technical education—it is about unlocking careers, shaping futures, and giving young women the chance to thrive in an industry that is evolving every day. The passion and determination I witnessed among the trainees truly reaffirm our belief in the power of skill development.”

As a special announcement, Rochelle shared that the top performers from every batch will receive an exclusive 3-day specialised training program at Streax Professional Academies in Delhi or Mumbai. She further outlined that a formal MoU will be signed to reinforce the Knowledge Partnership & discussed long-term initiatives to strengthen skill development at Krishnashray Gurukul.

Krishnashray Foundation Representatives expressed their appreciation, saying, “We are honored to have Streax Professional as our Knowledge Partner. Mrs. Rochelle Chhabra’s visit brought immense inspiration to both students and faculty. Her strategic guidance and the initiatives announced will significantly elevate the quality of training and expand career opportunities for our trainees. This partnership strengthens our mission of enabling dignified livelihoods through skill and self-reliance.”

About Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI

Nestled in the once-quiet village of Jatipura in Govardhan Tehsil, Mathura, Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI began its journey as a Silai Sewing School in collaboration with USHA, with a mission to empower women and children through skill-based learning. What started as a small initiative for the local community gradually expanded its impact, today reaching beneficiaries across nearly a 60 km radius.

To broaden opportunities for youth, the Gurukul partnered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA) to introduce accounting and Tally programs, enabling young individuals to enter the workforce with practical, industry-ready skills.

As the scale and ambition of the institute grew, Krishnashray Gurukul joined hands with the Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) in June 2019 to establish a professionally run, structured skill development ecosystem. ACF brings decades of expertise, operating 33 skill training institutes across India and having trained more than 40,000 candidates in various trades—of which an impressive 75–80% are gainfully employed.

Today, Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI stands as a committed centre for livelihood development, creating meaningful pathways for education, employment, and self-reliance in the region.

About HRIPL

Hygienic Research Institute Private Limited (HRIPL) is a prominent Indian leader in beauty and personal care products, specializing in hair care, skin care, and salon services. With over 60 years of legacy since 1957, HRIPL has grown from a single-brand promoter-owned entity to a multi-brand, multi-category organization backed by private equity and is known for brands like Vasmol, Streax, and Streax Professional, along with Florozone in skin care. Committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, HRIPL operates with a vision to offer excellent products and services globally while fostering growth and spreading happiness. The company boasts a robust manufacturing legacy across six locations, adhering to international quality standards. HRIPL is honored with accolades such as Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Innovation, and recognition in the FMCG sector, underscoring its commitment to excellence in workplace culture and innovation.

Indo-French CSR Excellence Celebrated at IFCCI’s 7th Annual CSR Conclave & Awards

The annual CSR Conclave brought together over 120 CEOs, policymakers, CSR and Sustainability leaders, CSR foundations and NGOs from the Indo-French business community to share best practices while recognising the efforts of the most significant CSR projects.

The theme of the Conclave this year, “Local Frameworks, Global Goals, Digital Pathways”, reflects the growing convergence between India’s pioneering CSR framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, creating opportunities to align domestic priorities with global sustainability imperatives. The discussions explored how the future of CSR lies in collaboration rather than competition, while reimagining CSR through the lenses of inclusive growth and global responsibility.

On this occasion, Mr Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in India, remarked “The annual CSR Conclave and Awards – a flagship forum for the CSR ecosystem between India and France – is an important pillar of our bilateral engagement. Today’s event illustrates that CSR is a driver of responsible corporate leadership, social equity, sustainability, employee engagement and innovation. I congratulate all the companies and IFCCI members who submitted impactful and well-executed CSR projects across the award categories, and applaud the winners for their exemplary initiatives and encourage all participants to continue striving for deeper, scalable and more sustainable impact. I would like to reaffirm France’s long-term commitment to supporting India and the French business community in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.”

Speaking at the event, Mr. Yohann Samuel. Regional Director – South, IFCCI expressed, “IFCCI is proud to celebrate the remarkable journey of its CSR Department, which in a span of 2 and a half years, is currently supporting 102 high-impact projects across 11 states, reaching over 1,45,000 beneficiaries in India, including nearly 29,000 direct beneficiaries. Through collaborative partnerships, IFCCI continues to strengthen CSR efforts by uniting member companies and delivering end-to-end project management that drives inclusive socio-economic development. The IFCCI CSR Conclave and Awards embody this commitment, bringing together leaders from French and Indian companies to inspire meaningful and scalable change.”

The event also featured a fireside chat moderated by Ms Lise Breuil, Country Director, French Development Agency (India), on “Domestic Roots, Global Goals: Aligning India’s CSR with the SDGs” with Ms Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India; Ms Anna Roy, Programme Director, NITI Aayog, and Dr Nidhi Pundhir, SVP Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation as panelists.

Other speakers at the event were:

• Mr Anurag Pratap, CSR Leader, Capgemini India & Chairperson, IFCCI CSR Committee

• Ms Priyam Dhamankar, Legal and Compliance Director, Company Secretary, Servier India & Vice Chairperson, IFCCI CSR Committee

• Dr Kavita Chaudhari, Deputy Director – CSR & ESG, Sanofi & Vice Chairperson, IFCCI CSR Committee

• Ms Manisha Dubey, Head of IDEMIA India Foundation & VP Marketing Communications & Brand, IDEMIA

• Ms Anuradha Suvarna, Chief Sustainability Officer, L'Oréal India

• Mr Huzefa Salim, Executive Director, Dassault Systèmes Foundation

• Ms Chhavi Bajpai, Director, STMicroelectronics Foundation India

• Dr Ketan Deshpande, Founder & Chairman, FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives)

• Ms Manasi Diwan. Vice President, Impact Practice, CSRBOX Group and

• Mr Adarsh Trivedi, Assistant Vice President, Government & Technology, CSRBOX Group

Winners – IFCCI CSR Conclave and Awards 2025

Education & Skilling - EDF power solutions India Pvt. Ltd. (Project: Shaping Young Minds with Brighter Lives) and Capgemini Technology Services India Limited (Project: Youth Employability through Digital Academies)

Environment & Climate - Khushiyaan Foundation (Project: Trash to Treasure)

Healthcare and Wellbeing - Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Project Name: Home Away from Home) and Pernod Ricard India Foundation (Project: UDAAN)

Inclusive Growth and Empowerment - Sonepar India Pvt. Ltd. (Project: GBV Prevention for Women with Intellectual Disabilities through Sports) and Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd. (Project: APML Nidra Daan Kendra – Restoring Sleep, Saving Lives)

CSR Project of the Year - STMicroelectronics Foundation India (Project: Digital Unify)

Jury Special - Alliance Française de Delhi (Project: Alliance Grand Ball - French as a life changer)

Jury members – IFCCI CSR Conclave & Awards 2025

• Ms Payal S.Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI

• Mr Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Niti Aayog Atal Innovation Mission, Govt. of India

• Mr Nicolas de Labrusse, Political Counsellor, Embassy of France in India

• Dr Nidhi Pundhir, SVP Global CSR, HCLTech & Director, HCLFoundation

• Dr Kavita Chaudhari, Deputy Director - CSR & ESG, Sanofi & Vice Chairperson, IFCCI CSR Committee

• Ms Sukhman Randhawa, Partnership and Development Finance Lead, UN Resident Coordinator's Office, United Nations India

• Mr Shailesh Tyagi, Partner, Sustainability & Climate Leader, Deloitte South Asia

About IFCCI

Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) is part of a global network of 124 French Chambers (CCIFI) across 94 countries, representing over 37,000 companies. One of India’s most active bilateral chambers, IFCCI promotes trade and investment between India and France through a network of 800 member companies and over 7,000 business leaders. Headquartered in Mumbai, IFCCI has offices in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad.

In the presence of Gurudev, Sri Sri Naisargik LLP and Unique Organic Inputs exchange an MoU to advance scalable production of Sri Sri Naisargik PROM in India

For many years, India has relied heavily on chemical Di Ammonium Phosphate for crop nutrition. Chemical DAP is imported in large quantities, placing a substantial financial burden on national resources. A large portion of the product becomes fixed in the soil and remains unavailable to plants. This reduces efficiency and disturbs the natural balance of the soil. Continuous and long term use has contributed to altered soil pH levels, increased electrical conductivity, loss of organic carbon and a decline in microbial activity. These changes have gradually degraded soil fertility and large areas of farmland have become dependent on repeated chemical application. As yields begin to decline, farmers are required to apply increasing quantities of chemical DAP each season simply to maintain the same output. This cycle places economic pressure on farmers and contributes to long term deterioration of agricultural land, while also increasing the subsidy burden on the government and affecting national economic stability.

While organic PROM products are present in the market, Sri Sri Naisargik PROM stands apart because of its manufacturing method and biological integrity. It is produced using a patented cold press technology that preserves the activity of fourteen beneficial microbial consortia added during production. No high temperature machinery, boilers or chemical accelerators are used, which ensures that the microorganisms remain alive and functional when the product is applied to fields. Many PROM products available commercially rely on heat based or rapid processes in which the beneficial microbes cannot survive. In some cases, microbes are added after processing, which does not allow them to integrate with the organic base. Sri Sri Naisargik PROM undergoes a carefully structured forty day microbial enrichment cycle that strengthens its biological quality and ensures consistent soil restoration. The product has been reviewed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which has stated that it is an organic replacement for chemical DAP. It is also approved by the National Biodiversity Authority, confirming its scientific and ecological compliance.

Sri Sri Naisargik PROM is created using desi cow dung as the primary medium, which establishes a sustainable economic pathway for gaushalas. Many gaushalas face challenges in caring for non milking cows and bulls due to limited economic value. By ensuring a consistent demand for cow dung, the initiative supports their financial stability and strengthens long term cattle care. A structured utilisation system for cow dung can also reduce the presence of stray cattle on roads, contributing positively to public safety and rural harmony.

The benefits for farmers are significant. Sri Sri Naisargik PROM contributes to soil regeneration by improving soil structure, increasing organic carbon and enhancing microbial activity. These elements support stronger root development and healthier crop growth. By offering a natural source of phosphorus, the product helps restore long term fertility and reduces dependence on chemical inputs. As the product will be produced within India, its pricing and availability are expected to remain stable, enabling farmers to avoid the fluctuations associated with global fertiliser markets and imported chemical inputs.

The environmental benefits are equally important. The  patented cold pressed technology used for production consumes significantly less energy compared to high temperature chemical processes. Since no heat based machinery is used, the production process does not release smoke or high temperature emissions. When applied to soil, Sri Sri Naisargik PROM does not trigger harmful reactions that release toxic gases, which is a common concern with chemical fertilisers. It increases the organic carbon content of soil and supports natural carbon sequestration, contributing positively to long term climate resilience. As cow dung is processed through a controlled aerobic method, methane emissions that would otherwise escape from open accumulation in gaushalas are reduced, creating a measurable environmental benefit.

The government also stands to benefit from the adoption of Sri Sri Naisargik PROM. The substantial subsidy burden associated with chemical DAP can be reduced as this product provides a lower cost organic alternative that is produced entirely within the country. Reduced dependence on imported fertilisers saves foreign exchange and contributes to greater national self reliance. A cost effective organic input allows the government to support farmers while improving economic efficiency across the fertiliser sector.

The MoU between Sri Sri Naisargik LLP and Unique Organic Inputs reflects a forward looking commitment to healthier soil, more resilient farming systems and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. The partnership aims to strengthen farmers, support gaushalas and contribute to a more sustainable and self-reliant future for Indian agriculture. Sri Sri Naisargik PROM represents an effort to unite scientific innovation with natural resources in order to create long term benefits for the nation’s agricultural landscape.

Bisleri joins hands with Manorama Hortus in Kochi

As part of the on-ground experience, Bisleri has set up Bottles for Change (BFC) and Bisleri stalls at the festival, along with benches made from recycled plastic, strategically placed recycling bins, and a specially designed bookshelf constructed entirely from recycled plastic. These installations not only enhance the visitor experience but also demonstrate practical and creative ways to repurpose used plastic, reinforcing the message of circularity.

Speaking on the association, Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International said, “This partnership with Manorama Hortus is a natural extension of our ‘Bottles for Change’ mission - bringing sustainability into the heart of community life. By turning recycled plastic into thoughtful installations, we’re not just reducing waste — we’re sparking conversations, inspiring creativity, and helping people see how small actions can have a big impact. The possibilities of recycling are immense, and our ‘Bench of Dreams,’ made from recycled plastic, is a simple reminder of that. Together with Malayala Manorama, we are helping people realise that recycling can be both beautiful and impactful, inspiring more individuals to join us in shaping a greener future.”

This partnership reinforces Bisleri’s mission to drive behavioural change through meaningful collaborations and immersive initiatives that inspire communities to adopt greener, more responsible lifestyles. Through its ‘Bottles for Change’ initiative, Bisleri continues to educate and empower citizens to segregate and recycle plastic responsibly. By embedding plastic waste management into ecologically significant areas, the campaign advances conservation and encourages responsible recycling within local communities.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bisleri International Secures Two-Year Partnership as Official Beverage Partner of the TATA Women’s Premier League

Launched in 2023, the Tata Women’s Premier League has rapidly elevated the visibility and aspirations of women’s cricket in India, uniting top domestic and international talent on one premier stage. 

Commenting on the bid win Jayanti Khan Chauhan, Vice-Chairperson, Bisleri International, said, “We at Bisleri are proud to partner with the TATA Women's Premier League as Official Beverage Partners for the next two years. Excited to witness this exceptional generation of women cricketers from across the world championing an indomitable spirit for sporting excellence.”

BCCI Secretary, Devajit Saikia added, “Tata WPL is built on a vision of excellence, opportunity, and world-class sports entertainment. Bisleri, our new partner, brings exceptional value and diverse strengths to this ecosystem. This partnership will play a critical role in shaping the fan experience and supporting the growth of women’s cricket.”

The tournament, which is set to kick-off from January 2026, will be amplified through limited-edition packs, followed by strong on-ground visibility via visicoolers and iceboxes in team dugouts, while also engaging fans with in-stadium hydration support. The brand is further exploring experience-led interventions and a roll-out of exciting digital content to extend the excitement beyond the stadium. 

Bisleri International today has one of the largest sports marketing portfolios across India and the UAE, with 60+ associations across various genres of sports - cricket, hockey, tennis, badminton, marathons, rugby, table tennis, golf, and more. This association further strengthens Bisleri’s growing presence in the sports ecosystem, reinforcing its dedication to fostering a culture of fitness, resilience and hydration excellence for athletes and fans alike.

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading packaged drinking water company under its flagship sustainability initiative Bottles for Change, has partnered with the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to roll out a holistic plastic waste management project across the city.

Bisleri and MBMC unveil a first-of-its-kind Plastic Recovery and Sustainability Experiential Centre in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra

This initiative includes a dedicated Plastic Recovery centre & a Sustainability Inspiration Centre that is a unique Plastic Recycling Museum. Together, the two facilities will help raise awareness and sensitize people on responsible plastic disposal, while enabling an efficient system for the collection and recycling of plastic waste from hotels, restaurants, corporates, institutions, and housing societies. 

The Plastic Recovery Centre is a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) set up to strengthen the city’s recycling infrastructure and ecosystem. Equipped with a conveyor belt, baling machine, and other essential machinery provided by Bisleri, the centre will streamline collection, segregation, and processing of plastic waste for recycling.

This marks a significant step toward the shared vision of achieving “Zero Plastic to Landfill” and building a cleaner, greener Mira Bhayandar.

The newly developed Plastic Recycling Museum, known as the Sustainability Inspiration Centre is a first-of-its-kind for the region. Built entirely from recycled materials, the museum offers an experiential learning environment for children and citizens. Its main attraction, “Binny the Bird”, a striking installation created using 2,000 recycled plastic bottles. The museum also features interactive exhibits showcasing the journey of plastic from waste to valuable products. Additionally 70 public benches built entirely from recycled bottle caps will be installed across the city, serving as lasting symbols of community driven recycling and responsible environmental practices.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “At Bisleri, our commitment to sustainability is about creating systems that inspire action. Our collaboration with the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation is a significant milestone in strengthening community participation and advancing circular economy at the city level. With the Plastic Recovery facility & the Sustainability Inspiration Centre, along with public benches made from recycled caps, we aim to pave responsible pathways for plastic usage and disposal. Together, we are working toward a future where every citizen becomes an active partner in achieving a cleaner, greener Mira Bhayandar.”

Shri Radhabinod Sharma, IAS- Municipal Commissioner & Administrator, MBMC, added, “Effective plastic waste management is a key focus area for the Municipal Corporation. The Plastic Recovery & Sustainability Inspiration Centre supports our efforts to build a more organized and responsible system for the city. The centre, along with the Recycling Museum, will help improve awareness about segregation and recycling among citizens, especially students. We value this partnership with Bisleri International, as it strengthens our ongoing initiatives and helps Mira Bhayandar move toward a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.”

The event was also graced by K Ganesh, Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, Dr Sachin Bangar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Dr Sambhaji Panpatte, Additional Commissioner and Assistant Municipal Commissioners: Yogesh Gunijan and Priyanka Bhosale.

Together, these efforts represent a pioneering step toward building a robust circular economy model, one that inspires, educates, and empowers citizens to manage waste effectively. This collaboration underscores Bisleri’s long-standing commitment to promoting responsible plastic use, recycling, and community participation. 

A step towards better healthcare in Odisha, blessed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Signing the MoU for Project SWASTHYA KIRAN

The MoU was signed by Shri Chaman Jaggi, Vice President, HR & CSR, HURL, and Br. Pragyachaitanya, Chairman, The Art of Living Social Projects and witnessed by Dr Siba Prasad Mohanty, MD, HURL. The moment was blessed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose commitment to accessible, compassionate healthcare continues to inspire service initiatives across the nation.

Revolutionising Diagnostics with Advanced CT Imaging

Under the partnership, a proposal has been rolled out for the procurement and installation of a state-of-the-art Revolution™ Aspire Select CT Scanner at the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital (SSCASRH) in Cuttack, Odisha. Operating from the Sri Sri University campus in Bidyadharpur, SSCASRH is poised to evolve into a key diagnostic centre for the region.

The introduction of this advanced CT system will dramatically expand the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat critical conditions, supporting specialties such as neurology, cardiology, oncology, trauma care, emergency medicine.

This transformative upgrade is expected to benefit thousands of patients annually, particularly those facing life-threatening conditions like stroke, trauma, and cancer - situations where time is often the deciding factor.

Addressing Odisha’s Urgent Diagnostic Gaps

Odisha continues to grapple with serious gaps in diagnostic healthcare, including:

• Limited availability of CT scanners

• Long waiting times for diagnostic imaging

• One of India’s lowest hospital-bed ratios

• Patients traveling 2 to 4 hours for essential scans

For emergency cases, these delays can escalate risks dramatically.

Project SWASTHYA KIRAN seeks to bridge these gaps by creating timely, accessible, and affordable diagnostic services for more than 1.5 lakh residents across 50+ surrounding villages.

Impact at a Glance

The installation of the Revolution™ Aspire Select CT Scanner will:

• Reduce waiting time and travel.

• Patients will receive faster access to essential imaging - especially vital for emergency scenarios such as stroke and trauma.

• Provide affordable, high-quality diagnostics

• The facility will offer cost-effective CT scanning services, minimising financial strain on rural and underserved communities.

• Strengthen hospital readiness for emergencies.

• Enhanced imaging capacity will empower doctors to diagnose swiftly, intervene earlier, and improve patient outcomes.

A Step Toward Health Equity

Through this collaboration, HURL and The Art of Living Social Projects reaffirm their shared commitment to community well-being. SWASTHYA KIRAN marks a new chapter of reassurance - bringing cutting-edge diagnostic healthcare closer to the people who need it most.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, founded by humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to transforming lives through community-centred initiatives. Working across healthcare, conservation of water resources, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental restoration, it partners with governments, NGOs, corporations, and local communities to bring meaningful change. Through its compassionate, service-driven approach, The Art of Living continues to strengthen well-being and nurture a culture of peace and responsibility worldwide.

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Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. 

Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup

Strengthening India’s coffee value chain from bean to cup
Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, India’s coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from India’s key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee.

The FSP will set up technical “model farms” in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency.

The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing “model farms” within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team.

Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives.

The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen India’s entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years.

During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, “India is one of our fastest-growing markets. We’re partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. It’s a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup.”

Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, “Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape India’s thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tata’s footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India.”

Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences
Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for India’s ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the company’s plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). 

The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve® coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve® experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating India’s coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations.

As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the world’s finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of India’s coffee landscape.

Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, “As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening India’s coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks.”

About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com.

About Tata Starbucks Private Limited
Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.