The Caravel Group's 5th Annual ESG Report Outlines Strategic Resilience in Global Shipping
 

Guided by the four core pillars of the Encompass strategy—Navigating Responsibly, Evolving Environmental Stewardship, Safeguarding People and Working Together—the 2025 report demonstrates how the Group has successfully translated high-level ESG ambitions into measurable, accountable day-to-day operational practices across ship and shore.

Dr. Harry S. Banga, Founder & Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group, said, “Five years ago, we established Encompass as our guiding compass. This fifth annual report is a testament to how we have built a business trusted to perform responsibly, adapt with discipline and remain relevant in a volatile maritime industry. By formally embedding ESG metrics into performance reviews for all onshore employees and establishing strategic initiatives like our LNG bunkering joint venture, we have ensured that responsibility and performance are no longer separate conversations.”

Key Sustainable Milestones in 2025

1. Evolving Environmental Stewardship & Accelerated Decarbonisation

• The Group achieved a 42% reduction in managed ship GHG emission intensity from its 2008 baseline, significantly exceeding its established 2030 target of a 30% reduction.

• Currently, 74% of the managed fleet is equipped with advanced Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), including high-performance hull paint, Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCFs) and variable speed motors, keeping the Group firmly on track to equip 100% of its fleet by 2030.

• The Caravel Group entered a strategic joint venture with Celsius Shipping to co-own and operate a new fleet of high-specification LNG bunkering vessels, supporting the maritime sector's wider transition towards cleaner fuels.

2. Navigating Responsibly & Digital Innovation

• The Group continued the active pilot deployment of Captain’s Eye, an AI-powered maritime safety solution using onboard CCTV to detect smoke, leaks and safety hazards in real-time.

• Upgrades to PARIS (integrated fleet management platform) and NOVA (data analytics) provided vessel owners with real-time financial, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance reporting, bolstering transparency and proactive risk management.

3. Safeguarding People & Safety Excellence

• Port State Control (PSC) detentions across the fleet plummeted from 22 in 2023 to just 5 in 2025, driven by the Group’s increasingly rigorous safety protocols and strengthened reporting discipline.

• The Group recorded an exceptional 91% wellbeing score in its annual employee survey, surpassing its 78% target set for 2028 ahead of schedule.
   

4. Working Together, Talent & Community Engagement

• Following its landmark acquisition of the International Maritime Institute (IMI) in India, the Group integrated a highly reliable, Group-aligned talent channel, welcoming over 500 job-ready cadets to Fleet Management in 2025.

• The Caravel Group recorded a 92% employee engagement score and a 93% Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) score.

• In line with its pledge to commit at least 2% of average net profits over the previous three years to social causes, the Group contributed USD 1,529,993 to community partnerships, education initiatives and disaster relief programmes.

Mr. Angad Banga, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Caravel Group, added, “In today's market, sustainability is no longer a future consideration—it is an active operating condition. Regulatory frameworks like FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS carry real economic consequences, and our clients look to us for the systems, judgment and commercial depth to navigate this landscape. By pairing digital tools with a robust talent pipeline through the IMI, we are building organisational capability before the moment it is needed, creating a lasting competitive advantage.”

To explore the detailed performance data, future targets, and the full version of the Encompass: Responsibility Report 2025, please visit The Caravel Group Website: www.caravel-group.com/our-impact/responsibility-reports

About The Caravel Group Limited

The Caravel Group, headquartered in Hong Kong, is a privately held and globally diversified group with operations across maritime services, dry bulk commodity trading, institutional investment management, and philanthropy. Its maritime division includes Fleet Management Limited, one of the world’s largest third‑party ship managers, with more than 500 vessels under management, and strategic investments, including a major stake in Pacific Basin (HKEX: 2343). Caravel also owns the International Maritime Institute (IMI) in India, reinforcing its commitment to maritime talent development. Through Caravel Asset Management, the Group invests globally across public markets and private equity, while its philanthropic arm, The Caravel Foundation, supports the education and well-being of underprivileged youth across Hong Kong, China, and India.
 

Learn more: www.caravel-group.com.

About Fleet Management Limited

Fleet Management Limited, part of The Caravel Group, is one of the world’s largest third‑party ship managers, with more than 500 vessels under management. This scale bears testament to the resilience and commitment of thousands of seafarers and onshore maritime professionals serving shipowners worldwide.
 

Fleet manages a range of vessels, including bulk carriers, containers, car carriers, oil tankers, gas carriers and chemical tankers from 600 to 320,000 DWT in size – with many being young and energy-efficient with an age profile below the industry average. The company also has a dynamic newbuilding supervision department.
 

Learn more: www.fleetship.com.

Mr. K. Ganesh, Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, represented India at the South Asian Cooperative Environment Program at Kathmandu

Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International participated as a key resource person and industry representative, sharing India's practical experience in implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging. The programme brought together government officials, ministers, regulators, producers, brand owners, recyclers, waste operators and sustainability experts from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to exchange knowledge and strengthen circular economy frameworks across South Asia.

As part of the programme, Mr. Ganesh led a practitioner session titled "Experience Sharing: How Indian PIBOs Operate under EPR", that provided first-hand insights into how Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) navigate India's evolving EPR ecosystem. The discussion covered registration and compliance management through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal, engagement with recyclers, aggregators and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), documentation and verification processes, as well as practical challenges relating to data quality, recycler capacity, cost and regulatory compliance. The session formed part of the conference agenda focused on demonstrating India's EPR framework and operational learnings for South Asian Nations exploring on strengthening similar systems.

 Representatives from South Asian countries discussed circular economy frameworks at SACEP

Mr. Ganesh also contributed to a high-level discussion on the alignment between EPR regulations and emerging plastic credit mechanisms, highlighting opportunities for collaboration between governments, industry and waste management stakeholders to accelerate circularity and improve plastic waste management outcomes across the region.

Commenting on his participation, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "Extended Producer Responsibility has emerged as one of the most important policy instruments for creating accountability, improving traceability and driving investment into waste management infrastructure. India's EPR journey has generated valuable learnings on collaboration between producers, recyclers, regulators and the informal sector. Platforms such as SACEP provide an important opportunity for South Asian countries to share experiences, strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. As sustainability challenges increasingly transcend borders, collective action and robust EPR frameworks will play a critical role in building resource-efficient and environmentally responsible societies."

Bisleri has consistently championed sustainable waste management practices through its initiatives in plastic circularity, recycling partnerships and responsible packaging. Through participation in regional and international forums, the company continues to contribute to policy dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaborative solutions that support a more sustainable future for the region.

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 a 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.

Wings of Change - a unique art installation by Bisleri & Bhamla Foundation created from 2,000 PET bottles at Carter Road, Bandra

Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that sustainability is a continuous journey that requires collective action. Plastic, when disposed of responsibly, can become a valuable resource that can be recycled into useful items. Through our Bottles for Change initiative, we continue to work with communities, institutions, and civic bodies to build awareness around responsible plastic disposal and strengthen recycling systems. ‘Wings of Change’, created from 2,000 used Bisleri PET bottles in partnership with the Bhamla Foundation, is a powerful reminder about how small actions, when taken together, can create meaningful impact.”

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra, felicitates Dr. Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International

Asif Bhamla, Founder, Bhamla Foundation, said, "Art has the power to move people in ways words alone cannot. With Wings of Change, we invite every person who sees this installation to reflect on their own role in the plastic journey. Formalizing our collaboration with Bisleri into a year-long partnership is something we are truly excited about. Together, we hope to reach more communities, spark more conversations, and prove that environmental responsibility is an opportunity to build something beautiful."

On-ground activations at the event reflected Bisleri's holistic approach to sustainability. Benches crafted from recycled Bisleri bottle caps were placed across the venue, while attendees and dignitaries were gifted plant pots made from recycled plastic. Together with Wings of Change, they symbolizes that single piece of plastic can lead many lives when managed responsibly. As part of the Bottles for Change initiative, collection bins were placed across the venue to divert plastic waste from landfills and channel it for recycling. Trained volunteers engaged attendees on waste segregation practices, the inherent value of plastic waste, and how to upcycle it into useful, meaningful products.

Wings of Change is part of Bisleri’ s flagship Bottles for Change programme, which is active across 52 municipal corporations and has reached over 10.09 million citizens in last eight years. Complementing awareness efforts, Bisleri's six Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) create efficient channels for collecting and processing dry waste, ensuring plastic is given not just another life, but a purposeful one.

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 a 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 marked World Environment Day 2026 with a series of community-led initiatives across Maharashtra. Under its Bottles for Change programme for plastic waste management, Bisleri engaged citizens, educational institutions, corporates, local communities, and civil society organisations through awareness sessions, clean-up drives, collection initiatives, and public installations.

Experiential visit to Bisleri’s Resource Recovery and Sustainability Inspiration Centre, Mira Road, for students

On World Environment Day 2026, Bisleri installed 'Wings of Change' - an artwork created using 2,000 used PET bottles at Carter Road, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Bhamla Foundation. The installation highlighted the importance of recycling and circularity in addressing the plastic waste challenge.

Bisleri conducted clean-up drives in Uttan Beach

Commenting on the occasion, Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful environmental progress is only possible through collective action. Through Bottles for Change, we are continuously working with citizens, institutions, and communities to foster long-term behavioural change. From the 'Wings of Change' installation in Mumbai to awareness campaigns, collection drives, and experiential visits to our Material Recovery Facility, these initiatives reflect our commitment to creating impact at the grassroots and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy for plastic.”

Extensive door-to-door awareness sessions conducted across Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira Road reached over 35,000 residents with messages on plastic segregation and recycling. To promote cleaner public spaces, awareness stalls at prominent spots on the Mira Road were set up. Awareness sessions were conducted at AB Goregaon School. Bisleri also facilitated guided experiential visits to the Resource Recovery and Sustainability Inspiration Centre at Mira Road, providing students with first-hand exposure to the journey of plastic waste from collection to recycling.

In Pune, Bisleri organised multiple awareness and collection initiatives in collaboration with corporates, educational institutions and local communities. Awareness stalls were set up at IIC Devi IT Park, Aai Garden in Dapodi, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Football Ground, engaging over 4,500 participants. Additionally, plastic collection drives conducted with State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and other stakeholders resulted in collection of over 750 kilograms of plastic waste.

In Nagpur, community-focused awareness activities were conducted through door-to-door outreach programmes, encouraging citizens to adopt responsible plastic waste management practices. Additionally, a Bottles for Change stall at Walkers Street was set up to raise awareness about plastic segregation, recycling, and sustainable waste disposal. The activities collectively engaged over 1,500 citizens.

In Goa, two clean-up drives were organized in Panaji and Harvalem, engaging over 200 students and citizens.

These efforts are part of Bisleri's ongoing Bottles for Change programme, which has reached over 10 million people across the country and continues to drive awareness on plastic segregation, collection, and recycling through sustained community engagement initiatives.

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 a 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 organised plantation & cleanup drives at Sabarmati Riverfront

In Delhi, an awareness session and a painting competition were held at EDM Mall in Kaushambi. Rose Udaan Home for Girls, an NGO managed by Salam Balak Trust, also hosted a painting competition in Dilshad Garden. The activities collectively engaged over 320 participants.

Bisleri conducted awareness session at Indroda Nature Park with GEER Foundation

In Ludhiana, Punjab, a large-scale plogging drive convened in collaboration with the DC Office and more than 30 government and institutional partners, drew over 1,500 citizens onto the streets to collect and segregate plastic waste. In Chandigarh, a two-day plastic collection drive with the Market Welfare Association of Sector 19D brought together 100 residents. Additionally, an awareness-led painting competition with Yuva Stambh at Babu Dham Colony engaged 50 young participants in a creative exploration of plastic waste and its impact.

Best Out of Waste Plant Pot-Making Competition organized by Bisleri & Gram Bharti Samiti

In Lucknow, Bisleri set up an exhibition stall at the State-Level Workshop on Environment, organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, at Indira Gandhi Pratisthan. Bisleri’s stall showcased the importance of recycling through a display of products made from different categories of recycled plastics. The team also distributed comic books and resource kits to raise awareness. To reiterate the importance of waste segregation, they conducted an interactive segregation-based game for visitors. The event was attended by around 800 officials and policymakers. Underscoring Bisleri's commitment to protecting the region's natural water bodies and green spaces, a cleanup drive was conducted at the ecologically sensitive Ekana Wetland in partnership with the Gomti Task Force, and a dedicated awareness session was held at Kudiya Ghat in collaboration with Lion Securities.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "World Environment Day is a powerful moment to initiate action, and this year we set out to make our presence felt in every corner of the communities we serve. From plogging drives in Ludhiana to plantation campaigns in Gujarat and awareness sessions at the Ekana wetland, each initiative under Bottles for Change reflects our belief that lasting change is built at the grassroots. We are grateful to the state government bodies, institutions, NGOs, and citizen who stood with us to preserve the environment."

Plantation drives, cleanup campaigns, and awareness sessions were conducted in Gujarat across five locations including Indroda Nature Park with GEER Foundation, the Sabarmati Riverfront with SRDCL, Pansar Village with Kiran Fitness Centre, RAF Camp Cantonment, and HNGU Patan. Together, these events collectively engaged over 525 participants, bringing together students, defence personnel, and local communities in a shared commitment to tackling plastic pollution. A Letter of Association was also signed with HNGU, deepening Bisleri's institutional partnerships in the state.

In Rajasthan, Gram Bharti Samiti partnered with Bottles for Change for a Best Out of Waste plant pot-making competition on June 4, followed by a Run for a Change programme on June 5 in Jaipur. Together, both events mobilized 140 participants.

These efforts are part of Bisleri's ongoing Bottles for Change program, which has reached over 10 million people nationwide and raised awareness on plastic segregation and recycling.

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 a 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 marked World Environment Day 2026 through a series of on-ground activities with citizens and communities across South & Central India. Under its Bottles for Change programme for plastic waste management, Bisleri mobilised communities, government departments, defence establishments, educational institutions, and civil society organisations across Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh. Collectively, the campaign recovered over 18 metric tonnes of plastic waste, turning responsibility into shared action.

Bisleri conducted plantation and plastic collection drives across South and Central India on World Environment Day 2026

Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "Managing plastic waste demands grassroots solutions. Through Bottles for Change, we have always sought to raise awareness and create pathways for communities to adopt responsible plastic use and disposal. From cleanup drives in Pondicherry to awareness campaigns in Kerala, we remain committed to scaling this mission and are grateful to every partner who continues to make it possible."

150 saplings were planted under tree-plantation drives by Bisleri

In Pondicherry, Bisleri partnered with Sri Venkateshwaraa College of Engineering and Technology for a rally advocating a plastic-free society. Alongside this, a collection drive was conducted at Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College during which 520 kg of plastic waste was collected. Both activities together engaged 250 participants.

Bisleri conducted clean-up drives in the national wildlife parks

The campaign’s geographic reach was the widest in Tamil Nadu. A total of 150 saplings were planted around local ponds as part of a tree plantation campaign conducted in partnership with the Tiruvallur Urban local Bodies and clean-up drives were initiated at Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in partnership with Forest Department and Pollution Control Board, Tiruvallur. Cleanup drives in Ooty from Kallar check post to Barliyar Brigde and Vellingiri Hills recovered over 850 kg of plastic waste.

In Coimbatore, a Climate Corridor event at AIC-Rise, in partnership with the Rathinam Group of Institutions, drew 200 participants. In Trichy, Bisleri partnered with the City Corporation and YI-CII to install waste collection bins. A similar initiative was carried out in Dindigul in collaboration with the Pollution Control Board and the District Administration to promote responsible plastic waste management.

In Karnataka, A large-scale cleanup drive in partnership with CII and Mysore Corporation mobilised 2,000 citizens and recovered 15,000 kg of plastic waste. A collection drive at the Karnataka Police Academy engaged 300 personnel. Cleanup and plantation drives at Hoodi Lake and Nexus Mall resulted in the collection of 600 Kg of plastic waste and planting of 100 saplings, respectively.

In Chhattisgarh, in collaboration with the Chhattisgarsh Forest Department set up a Bottles for Change exhibition stall at Nandanvan Jungle Safari in Raipur, attracting around 2,000 visitors. At the same venue, a cleanup and plantation drive engaged 100 participants, who collectively planted 100 saplings.

Hyderabad and Vizag anchored the campaign across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. A door-to-door awareness campaign in partnership with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad reached 5,000 households, while a Bottles for Change exhibition stall at Aparna RWA engaged 500 residents. A collection drive conducted with Samprabhav Foundation and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University recovered an impressive 2,000 kg of plastic waste.

In Calicut, Kerala, the campaign concluded with a seminar and rally on plastic waste management. Organised in partnership with Farook College and NSS, the event saw the participation of 250 students and community members.

The World Environment Day activities by Bisleri are a part of Bisleri's ongoing Bottles for Change programme reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future. Thus far, Bottles for Change has reached over 10 million people nationwide and raised awareness about plastic waste segregation and recycling in a bid to promote effective plastic waste management.

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 a 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.

Inauguration of the pathway and Cartons to Creatures initiative

The launch event was attended by Mr. Yogesh Desai, Assistant Commissioner, G North Ward, who inaugurated the initiative. At the heart of the activation is an innovative pathway developed using paver tiles made from polymer-aluminium (polyal) - a material recovered from used beverage cartons - replacing a conventional concrete surface. These tiles showcase how the polymer-aluminium layer of cartons can be repurposed into a lightweight, weather-resistant, and durable infrastructure solution. 

The initiative also featured the unveiling of “Cartons to Creatures,” a series of large-scale interactive animal installations that highlight the power of recycling. Aligning with the 2026 World Environment Day theme -Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future - the Cartons to Creatures installation features life-sized animals designed as playful, immersive photo opportunities. Constructed entirely from recycled aseptic cartons, the installations will demonstrate how everyday waste can be transformed into creative and durable products. By placing the exhibits in high-footfall public spaces, the initiative seeks to spark conversations around sustainability and encourage greater participation in carton recycling across Mumbai.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Yogesh Desai, Assistant Commissioner, G North Ward, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said “Mumbai has always led from the front in building an environmentally progressive city, and initiatives like this demonstrate what strong public-private collaboration can achieve. The innovative pathway made using paver tiles recovered from used beverage cartons is a powerful example of how everyday waste can be transformed into durable, real-world infrastructure. At the same time, installations like ‘Cartons to Creatures’ play an important role in making this idea visible and engaging for citizens. When people see recycled materials not just under their feet, but also brought to life in their neighbourhood parks, it changes how they perceive waste and its potential. The BMC is proud to support this initiative and we encourage every Mumbaikar to participate, because a sustainable Mumbai is not built by policy alone, but by collective action.”

Mr. Kiran Singh Patil, Assistant Engineer, Solid Waste Management Department, G North Ward, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, said, "Effective waste management goes beyond collection and processing, it requires citizens to understand the value of the materials they discard every day. Initiatives such as this help bridge that gap by demonstrating how used beverage cartons can be transformed into useful and durable products. We hope these efforts encourage more citizens to segregate waste responsibly and participate actively in Mumbai’s growing recycling ecosystem."

"At Tetra Pak, we believe that sustainability becomes most powerful when it moves beyond concepts and becomes something people can experience in their everyday lives. By bringing these installations into public spaces, we hope to inspire citizens to see recycling not as a separate activity, but as a simple action that contributes to a larger circular economy. Every carton recycled is an opportunity to conserve resources, reduce waste, and create a more sustainable future for our cities” added Kamlesh Kholiya, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak India.

Accompanying the animal installations will be the larger-than-life Carton Recycling Relay collection bin, first introduced during World Environment Day campaign in 2025, giving visitors an immediate opportunity to act on the inspiration they encounter.

The campaign is being run by RUR Greenlife, Tetra Pak's long-standing recycling partner in Mumbai, and has been implemented in close coordination with the Solid Waste Management Department and Garden Department of G North Ward, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Volunteers from RUR will be present at the installations to engage with visitors, share information about carton recycling, and encourage participation in the Go Green with Tetra Pak programme. The initiative will highlight Mumbai's growing carton recycling ecosystem. Citizens can decide to recycle their used beverage cartons through more than 50 collection points located across Reliance Smart and Sahakari Bhandar stores, along with over 200 other collection points across the city.

Launched in 2010, the Go Green with Tetra Pak Programme has encouraged thousands of Mumbaikars to recycle used beverage cartons by providing convenient collection infrastructure and demonstrating the value of recycled materials through community-focused projects. Over the years, collected cartons have been transformed into useful products such as school desks, garden benches, and awareness installations that are donated back to society.

As the Cartons to Creatures installations travel across Mumbai over the coming weeks, the initiative aims to inspire citizens to take simple but meaningful steps towards sustainability, showing how everyday actions can help protect nature, support climate action, and create a better future for all.

About Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak is a world leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working with our customers and suppliers, we provide access to safe, nutritious food for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries every day.

With over 24,000 employees worldwide, we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com

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

Reflecting SOCOMEC’s strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Project Edu-Sustain has effectively integrated education, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to deliver long-term and scalable impact.

Key Focus Areas:

• Clean & Green Energy: Installation of solar panel systems in seven government schools – 2 In Chennai, Tamil Nadu and 5 in Noida and Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh across Chennai and Delhi-NCR, generating approximately 35,000–50,000 kWh of renewable energy annually. This intervention has significantly reduced carbon emissions while enabling energy-efficient learning environments.

• Education for Underserved Communities: Ongoing educational centres established in 2024, and successful continue operations supporting over 80 primary-level children from high-risk and underserved communities. These centres have provided structured after-school academic support, mentoring, and creative learning spaces, contributing to improved learning outcomes and reduced dropout rates which aims to ensure that the children complete their schooling successfully.

• Zero Plastic Waste Management: Adoption of Prabhadevi and Dadar beaches in Mumbai under a comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste Management initiative, resulting in the collection and recycling of over 15,000 kg of marine plastic waste annually. The initiative has also supported upcycling efforts, creating livelihood opportunities for local waste pickers.

• Awareness & Employee Engagement: As part of the project launch, over 35+ employees from SOCOMEC Group and IFCCI actively participated in engagement activities at the educational centres in Dwarka, Delhi, and at Prabhadevi Beach in Mumbai. These initiatives, along with continued community outreach and sustainability awareness programs, have fostered environmental consciousness among students, employees, and local communities.

Leadership Speak-

Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “At Socomec, sustainability is not just a commitment, it is a responsibility we actively live by. Through Project Edu-Sustain, we are proud to create meaningful impact by integrating clean energy, education, and environmental stewardship in the communities we serve. What truly makes this initiative special is the enthusiastic participation of our Socomec team volunteers, whose passion and dedication have brought these efforts to life on the ground. We remain committed to building a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future for generations to come.”

Ms. Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “Recent volunteering drive by our colleagues for Beach Clean-up drive and visit to education center at Mumbai and New Delhi showed personal commitment towards CSR. Through our meaningful partnership with IFCCI, we were able to bring our corporate values to life. From removing waste on the shoreline to engaging with minds at the education center, this proves that sustainable change starts with collective vision and passion people bring together as team.”

Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), added, “Education and sustainability are key drivers of long-term social transformation. Through Project Edu-Sustain, alongwith Socomec Group, we are working towards creating meaningful impact by integrating quality education, environmental responsibility, and clean energy solutions within communities. These initiatives are empowering communities while building a more sustainable future.”

About SOCOMEC

Established in 1922, Socomec is a globally renowned specialist in Low Voltage (LV) Power Switching, Monitoring, and Power Conversion products, dedicated to managing power and safeguarding people, equipment, and installations. Offering 24/7 Expert Services, Socomec ensures the reliability and optimization of end-users' equipment.

With a workforce of 4400 employees, 12 production sites, and over 30 subsidiaries spanning five continents, Socomec Group is a key player in the industry. In India, we have a strong presence with 12 branch offices and operate a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Gurugram, Haryana, designed with a flexible structure and advanced technology to support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Leveraging over a century of expertise, the Group is committed to constant innovation, enhancing energy performance in Data Centres, Healthcare, Infrastructure, as well as industrial and commercial sites. As a recognized expert, Socomec delivers state-of-the-art solutions, ensuring the highest availability of electrical power supply to critical and non-critical facilities. Tailored to customer needs and fully compliant with international standards, the company consistently upholds excellence in power management.

About IFCCI

Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the most active bilateral chambers in India. IFCCI represents a dynamic business platform of over 800 members companies, and 17 Sector & Function led Committees offering an extensive range of business services and giving access to people and information.

The Chamber belongs to a global network of 126 French Chambers spread across 95 countries with over 37,000 companies with the mission:

• To facilitate business and networking opportunities between Indian and French companies

• To develop trade relations between our members and the Indo-French business community

• To encourage economic, commercial and investment relations between France and India

Today, that story is changing.

Before & After, the land tells Jalna's story

With support from the Save Groundwater Foundation (SGF), USA, Project JalTara by The Art of Living Social Projects through Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI) is helping recharge groundwater across villages in Jalna. The initiative uses scientifically designed recharge structures to capture rainwater and restore underground aquifers, improving water availability and farm resilience.

Turning Rainwater into a Resource

Jalna, in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, is highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall, recurring droughts, and groundwater depletion. Despite seasonal rains, much of the water is lost as surface runoff due to hard basalt rock formations, black cotton soil that limits infiltration, and shallow rocky terrain. Over time, excessive groundwater extraction has further reduced borewell levels and agricultural productivity.

Project JalTara addresses this through a decentralised, low-cost, community-led water conservation model. It uses simple recharge structures made of gravel, sand, and stones that filter rainwater and allow it to percolate into the ground, replenishing aquifers.

Reviving Water Security Across Villages

The project was implemented across 10 villages in Jalna district, including Ambhor Shelke, Khandvi, Khandviwadi, Kirtapur, Pashta, Watur, Sondeo, Shrishti, Swargaon, and Pimprula.

Earlier, these villages faced dry wells, drinking and irrigation shortages, barren fields, and heavy dependence on tanker water.

Post-implementation, communities report improved groundwater levels, better soil moisture, and increased water availability. Farmers who earlier managed one crop cycle are now able to cultivate up to two in several areas, with reduced dependence on external water sources.

Additional benefits include improved vegetation, reduced soil erosion, better soil moisture retention, and increased awareness of water conservation. Women, in particular, have seen reduced burden from long water-fetching journeys.

Community Participation at the Core

A key strength of Project JalTara is strong community participation. Villagers were actively involved in site selection, construction, and maintenance, ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability. The model’s simplicity and low maintenance make it easily replicable in other drought-prone regions.

The initiative also demonstrates how traditional ecological knowledge, when combined with scientific design, can deliver scalable water solutions.

Challenges on the Ground

Implementation in Jalna’s semi-arid terrain came with challenges, including hard rocky soil, extreme heat, and tight pre-monsoon timelines. Mobilising remote communities and coordinating sustained participation required continuous effort and planning.

Despite these constraints, the project was successfully completed through collaboration and efficient execution.

A Scalable Pathway for Rural Water Security

Project JalTara shows that meaningful solutions to water scarcity do not always require large infrastructure. Simple, locally adapted interventions can restore groundwater, strengthen agriculture, and improve rural livelihoods.

By capturing rainwater and replenishing aquifers, the initiative offers a scalable model for long-term water security in climate-vulnerable regions.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

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

To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India.

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Hands in the soil, hearts with the planet

Implemented by The Art of Living through Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI), with CSR support from Dynapac Company, the tree plantation initiative brought together corporate employees, volunteers, and local communities in a collective act of environmental responsibility. More than a plantation drive, the project was designed as a long-term ecological intervention - one that combines environmental restoration with community participation and sustainable rural development.

Planting for Resilience, Not Just Green Cover
As climate change, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation continue to impact rural landscapes across India, increasing green cover has become both an ecological necessity and a community priority.

The plantation project focused on species that could deliver long-term environmental, social, and livelihood benefits. A total of 12 native and ecologically significant species were planted, including Neem, Arjuna, Bamboo, Tamarind, Mahua, Jackfruit, Karanja, Amla, Banyan, Audumbar (Indian Fig), and Jamun varieties.

These species were carefully selected not only for their ecological resilience, but also for their ability to support soil conservation, groundwater retention, biodiversity, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.

For example:

• Karanja improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation

• Arjuna supports soil and water conservation

• Neem contributes to natural pest control and air purification

• Bamboo helps bind soil while offering livelihood potential

• Mahua, Jamun, Tamarind, and Jackfruit provide nutritional and economic value to rural communities

Together, the plantation creates a more resilient ecological landscape capable of withstanding heat stress and changing climate conditions.

A Community-Led Green Initiative
The plantation activity was carried out in Hanumanthapura village, Karnataka, after assessing soil suitability, water availability, and local community participation.

Employees of Dynapac Company actively participated in the plantation drive alongside VVKI volunteers and local residents, turning the initiative into a collaborative environmental effort rather than a one-day event.

The implementation followed a structured process:

• Site preparation and pit digging

• Soil enrichment using organic inputs

• Plantation using appropriate spacing techniques

• Watering and protection measures

• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance

Local volunteers and community members also participated in awareness activities focused on environmental protection and long-term stewardship of the saplings.

Environmental Impact

• Increased green cover

• Improved biodiversity

• Better soil moisture retention

• Reduced soil erosion

• Enhanced climate resilience

Social Impact

• Greater awareness around environmental conservation

• Increased youth and volunteer participation

• Stronger community ownership of ecological initiatives

Long-Term Economic Benefits
Several of the planted species are fruit-bearing or economically useful, creating future livelihood opportunities for local communities. Species such as Bamboo and Mahua can also contribute to supplementary rural income over time.

Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
A key focus of the initiative has been post-plantation care and community ownership.

Regular watering schedules, periodic monitoring, organic fertilisation, and local protection mechanisms have been put in place to improve sapling survival rates and healthy growth. Community participation has also helped prevent grazing-related damage and strengthened accountability at the local level.

The project demonstrates how relatively small-scale interventions, when thoughtfully designed and collectively implemented, can contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration.

By planting 1,360 trees across three acres, the initiative has laid the foundation for long-term ecological benefits while reinforcing the importance of collaboration between NGOs, corporates, volunteers, and local communities in addressing climate and environmental challenges.

About the Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living’s holistic approach to environmental conservation is transforming crisis into opportunity. Through large-scale afforestation, the restoration of degraded and polluted waterways, and the promotion of natural farming to enhance soil health, its initiatives sustainably revitalise ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and influence community practices and policy. 

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

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KCG College of Technology and Urbaser Sumeet signed an MoU to promote sustainability and waste management initiatives for students in Chennai

The collaboration aims to create a long-term industry-integrated sustainability model that will actively engage students in solving real-world urban environmental challenges in Chennai.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the KCG campus in the presence of Mr Albert Gleiser Ignacio, Managing Director; Mr S. Shankar, Zonal Manager; Ms Komal Gotham Chand, Head – IEC; and Mr Vignesh, Manager – IEC, representing Sumeet Urban Services, alongside Dr Annie Jacob, Director, and Dr G. Prabhakaran, Principal In-Charge of KCG College of Technology. The event also saw the participation of faculty members, Heads of Departments, students, and institutional representatives.

The partnership will focus on sustainability initiatives, waste management awareness, green innovation, social responsibility, and practical exposure for students in environmental systems and urban sanitation management.

As part of the initiative, students are expected to participate in clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, sustainability workshops, internships, innovation challenges, and field-level waste management activities over the coming academic cycles.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anand Jacob Varghese, Chairman, Hindustan Group of Institutions, emphasised the importance of developing civic consciousness and environmental responsibility among students from an early stage.

“Engineering education today must go beyond laboratories and classrooms. When our students walk alongside conservancy workers, manage waste drives, and design recycling solutions for their own city, they are not just learning — they are becoming the kind of engineers and citizens Chennai needs. This partnership with Urbaser Sumeet is a step towards making that the norm, not the exception,” said Dr Anand Jacob Varghese.

He noted that institutions must play an active role in nurturing socially responsible engineers and innovators capable of contributing to sustainable urban development.

Dr Annie Jacob, Director, KCG College of Technology, highlighted the role played by Urbaser Sumeet in Chennai’s conservancy and sanitation ecosystem and expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to meaningful student-led environmental engagement programmes.

“Urbaser Sumeet manages one of Chennai’s most critical urban services, and having that expertise embedded into our campus programmes is a significant advantage for our students. From internships in waste vehicle operations to the Edubridge initiative for conservancy workers’ children, this collaboration is built around real impact — not just awareness,” said Dr Annie Jacob.

She further noted that the collaboration will help bridge classroom learning with practical environmental problem-solving through direct industry exposure and community participation.

Under the MoU, students of KCG College of Technology will participate in clean-up campaigns, awareness drives, workshops, and internships related to waste management systems and vehicle operations.

The collaboration will also include hackathons, innovation challenges, practical training sessions, and professional certification opportunities focused on environmental sustainability and circular economy practices.

The partnership is also expected to encourage research-oriented projects in areas such as waste segregation, recycling systems, circular economy models, and smart urban sustainability solutions.

One of the major initiatives under the collaboration is “Edubridge,” a programme aimed at supporting the education and empowerment of children of conservancy workers.

The initiative also seeks to create stronger community engagement and social inclusion by recognising and supporting the families of frontline sanitation workers.

Urbaser Sumeet will additionally serve as the hygiene partner for major institutional events at KCG and will demonstrate best practices in source segregation, solid waste management, and urban cleanliness systems.

Mr Albert Gleiser Ignacio, Managing Director, Urbaser Sumeet, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to collaborative environmental action.

“We operate on the ground every day across Chennai’s neighbourhoods, and we know that lasting change in how a city handles its waste begins with how the next generation thinks about it. Partnering with KCG gives us the opportunity to bring that ground reality into an academic setting and build a pipeline of professionals who are genuinely invested in sustainable urban systems,” said Mr Albert Gleiser Ignacio.

The collaboration promotes the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) and aims to foster environmentally conscious practices among students and the larger academic community.

Both organisations also expressed their commitment to building a scalable and replicable model for sustainable campus-community partnerships in the future.

TRST01 Climate intelligence platform

The announcement coincides with the appointment of Dr. Ivano Iannelli as strategic lead for TRST01's UAE operations, a climate finance and development economics professional with over two decades of experience across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Dr. Iannelli will lead the development of the Carbon Intelligence discipline from Dubai, through the institutionalisation of purpose-built AI infrastructure, carbon intelligence algorithms, and the TRST01 digital MRV architecture serving Global South sovereign markets at scale.

India - Technology Hub: AI-native analytics, digital MRV systems, and the TRST01 blockchain traceability architecture. Enabled by the India-UAE CEPA technology services corridor.

Singapore - Green Finance Hub: Structured green finance, ITMO buyer networks, Article 6 transaction mechanisms, and access to global premier capital markets and carbon registry infrastructure.

Dubai - Climate Intelligence Hub: Regional deployment centre where technology, finance, and policy converge into Carbon Intelligence products for governments, corporates, and sovereign registries across the Global South.

Platform Architecture
India (home to TRST01's core technology capability) provides the engineering foundation for the platform's AI-native analytics, digital MRV systems, and the TRST01 blockchain traceability architecture. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since May 2022, enables technology services flow between the two hubs. Singapore serves as the green finance architecture hub, connecting carbon asset origination to institutional capital and ITMO buyer networks. Dubai functions as the climate intelligence deployment centre, where technology, finance, and policy converge for governments, corporates, and sovereign registries across the Gulf, Africa, and the broader Global South.

"The carbon market does not need more brokers. It needs infrastructure: systems that turn raw emission data into auditable, bankable, and policy-aligned assets at the speed Article 6 now demands. The UAE is where technology, finance, and climate policy connect at global scale," Dr. Ivano Iannelli, Strategic Lead, TRST01 UAE.

About Carbon Intelligence
TRST01 uses the term "Carbon Intelligence" to describe the convergence of carbon market expertise, AI-native data analytics purpose-built for carbon market applications, digital MRV infrastructure, and institutional policy advisory. The three-hub architecture reflects this model in practice: technology built in India, capital structured in Singapore, intelligence deployed from Dubai.

Operational Deployments
TRST01 served as technology partner for the Democratic Republic of Congo's National Digital Carbon Credit Registry, one of two sovereign African registries launched within 72 hours at COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November 2025, built on the TRST01 architecture. TRST01 is also a joint venture partner in Malawi's emerging carbon credit ecosystem. Both the DRC and Malawi are Global South sovereign markets engaged in active Article 6 implementation, where the TRST01 platform is currently deployed.

About TRST01
TRST01 is a global carbon intelligence and digital MRV firm operating across the UAE, India, and Singapore. The firm develops sovereign carbon registries, Article 6 technical advisory services, and AI-native emissions monitoring systems for governments, development finance institutions, and corporate clients, with a focus on Global South sovereign markets.

About Carbon Intelligence
Carbon Intelligence is the convergence of carbon market expertise, AI-native analytics, digital MRV infrastructure, and institutional policy advisory, enabling governments, corporates, and investors to convert emissions data into auditable, bankable, and policy-aligned assets. TRST01 is establishing Dubai as a dedicated Carbon Intelligence Centre serving the Global South.

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, in partnership with DPIIT's Startup India initiative, invites applications for ENTICE 3.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge) from clean-tech innovators to tackle two pressing grid-level challenges. The Global Energy Alliance’s flagship program in India, ENTICE, enables innovators to test solutions within real utility environments, alongside providing mentorship, technical support and ecosystem partnerships.
 

ENTICE 3.0
 

ENTICE has evolved from an innovation challenge into a platform focused on translating promising technologies into deployable solutions within regulated energy systems. It helps generate the evidence and institutional alignment needed for adoption. Its first edition in 2023-24 drew over 400 applications, engaged 20 investors, and built 30+ ecosystem partnerships. ENTICE 2.0 represented a shift from an innovation challenge to an ecosystem builder: two utility partners (Delhi & Jaipur), an MoU with DPIIT, 5 MoUs with VC partners, and DISCOM pilots with Delhi and Jaipur for the four winners.
 

Building on the success of the first two editions, ENTICE 3.0 takes a systems-level approach, targeting two specific problem statements:

• Non-lithium energy storage systems deployable at the distribution transformer (DT) voltage level for local peak demand management

• Hyperlocal, AI-driven forecasting platforms that enable DISCOMs to accurately predict net grid demand by modelling distributed renewable energy generation alongside weather-sensitive consumption patterns.
   

These problem statements have been carefully crafted after deliberation with ecosystem partners to encourage clean-tech innovation and entrepreneurship in the energy sector. Winners stand to receive up to $100,000 in technical assistance grants, real-world deployment opportunities with BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL), funding consideration from investment partners, and mentorship from leading sector experts.

ENTICE 3.0 will be evaluated by an eminent jury panel including Govind Iyer (Distinguished Patron for ENTICE 3.0, Independent Director, Infosys & Member of the Board of Trustees, The Rockefeller Foundation), Alok Kumar (Jury Chair, President, All India DISCOMs Association), Ashish Khanna (Jury Co-Chair, Director General, International Solar Alliance), Abhishek Ranjan (CEO, BRPL), and senior leaders from Vena Energy, India Energy Storage Alliance, Transition VC, RMI Energy Solutions India Foundation, Green Marble, Networks for Humanity, Hero Future Energies, and Spectrum Impact.
 

Underlining the importance of a platform such as ENTICE, Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA), commented, “The energy transition is powered by innovators who turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. ENTICE is designed to enable this journey, connecting deep-tech innovators with the realities of energy systems and creating the confidence needed for solutions to scale. At a time when the urgency of accelerating innovation has become an essential enabler for energy independence, by bridging innovation and deployment, the programme empowers the next generation to build smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy systems. Through strong innovation ecosystems and deployment partnerships, solutions can emerge that respond to real-world needs and offer valuable pathways for the Global South. We are proud to support these innovators as they help shape the future of the global energy transition.”
 

Highlighting the need for investments in the clean-tech sector, Seema Chaturvedi, Founder & Managing Partner, AWE Funds, stated, “The climate imperative is no longer a conversation about the future; it demands capital allocation today. Clean technology has moved from a niche interest to an essential investment frontier, offering both the returns and the impact that define smart capital. ENTICE, which de-risks deep-tech solutions by embedding them within real utility environments, is exactly what bridges the gap between promising ideas and investable enterprises. We look forward to partnering with ENTICE 3.0, and are proud to back the next generation of entrepreneurs who will power India’s grid.”

The application for ENTICE 3.0 is currently open. Shortlisted solutions will participate in an immersive 3-day bootcamp. Founders will receive hands-on guidance to refine their pitches before presenting to an eminent jury, engage with mentors and sector experts, and get the opportunity to engage directly with investors through the Investor Marketplace. From interactive workshops to real-time feedback, the bootcamp will offer actionable insights, networking opportunities, and pathways to scale, equipping startups to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions.
 

Commenting on the application launch, Woochong Um, CEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, said, “At the Global Energy Alliance, we believe that the path to a sustainable and inclusive future lies in accelerating the transition to renewable energy, particularly in emerging markets that are poised to drive global change. Through ENTICE 3.0, we deepen our commitment to finding and scaling the deep-tech innovations that can make India's grid smarter, more resilient, and ready for a clean energy future. Central to this is our conviction that the most durable solutions are built on local knowledge, local expertise, and local ownership, because what works must be rooted in the context it serves. India's example offers both inspiration and practical models for emerging and developing economies to accelerate an equitable and inclusive energy transition.”
 

With ENTICE 3.0, the Global Energy Alliance intends to foster an ecosystem to solve real-life energy sector challenges and scale innovative solutions that will accelerate the energy transition. Please click here to access the ENTICE application form.
 

About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet Inc. (‘Global Energy Alliance’) builds transformative public, private, philanthropic partnerships to end energy poverty and accelerate green economic opportunity. Founded in 2021 by The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation and Bezos Earth Fund, we work to unlock finance, strengthen institutions and transform markets, delivering progress that goes beyond individual projects to drive lasting systems change. Through our two interconnected global pillars, Grids of the Future - focused on innovation and infrastructure - and Powering Opportunity - with a focus on jobs and livelihoods - we work toward our vision: a world where everyone has access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity and the means to use it to improve their lives.
 

With work in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, our alliance aims to reach 1 billion people with clean electricity, prevent 4 billion tons of carbon emissions and create or improve 150 million jobs.

For more information please check out our website energyalliance.org.

Chief Guest Veditha Reddy (IAS, Edu.& Sports, Delhi); Aditi Haldar, Vimlendu Jha, Justice Michael Wilson, Shashank Shah, Ripu D. Bevli, Namrta Bangia; BSG Chairperson Vishesh Gupta

As nature’s limits become starkly evident, just last year in 2025, India faced extreme weather on 99% of days, claiming 4,419 lives (up 45% in 4 years), damaging 17.4 million hectares of crops (up 9x), destroying 181,459 homes, and killing 77,189 animals – underscoring that urgent action is needed.

The conclave, held at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium in New Delhi, brought together thought leaders, experts, and sustainability enthusiasts to explore the challenges and opportunities for creating a sustainable future.

In his inaugural address, BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta said, “Sustainability has to be more than a survival manual; it has to be a celebration of our shared life, our shared struggles, and our shared resilience. We don’t need a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly. We do need millions of people who may not be doing it perfectly, but are committed to doing it together”.

Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS – Director, Education & Sports, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, was the Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker at the conclave. In her keynote address, she said “sustainability is often taken in a negative connotation and associated with sacrifice. But sustainability is a mindset. Small daily actions come together to make a difference in our lives. It is also true that we need to have right policies and each and every stakeholder needs to rise to the occasion whether it is the policy maker, implementers, the public or students. Every action really matters.”

The conclave included a panel discussion by renowned speakers such as Justice Michael D. Wilson (Adjunct Faculty – Jindal Global Law School); Dr. Shashank Shah (Senior Public Policy Specialist, Author); Mr. Vimlendu Jha (Environmentalist, Founder – Swechha); Mr. Ripudaman Singh Bevli (Plogman of India); and Dr. Aditi Haldar (Director, South Asia – Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)). The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Namrta Bangia (Senior Director – Global Mass Transit).

“The climate emergency upends the historically gradual evolution of the rule of law to address injustice.  Faced with the climate emergency, Judges have little time—perhaps seven years—to apply the rule of law to protect the rights of citizens to a life sustaining climate.  Absent unprecedented judicial independence, climate injustice will persist, and the rule of law will erode as cascading environmental catastrophe ensues.”, said Justice Michael D Wilson, who believes in the power of the rule of law to advance climate justice.  

Mr. Vimlendu Jha said, “Climate change is no longer a theory—it’s a lived reality affecting our lives and ecosystems every day. The crisis demands urgent, responsible leadership, especially from young people. This is not a distant threat—it’s here and now. There is no Planet B.”

“Happy to be part of the Conclave, contributing to conversations on building a more resilient future. We often discuss climate resilience at policy tables. But on the ground, communities can’t afford to wait. My work focuses on enabling climate resilience through community-led governance where young people step up to solve challenges of their places instead of waiting for government action. Because resilience isn’t built in frameworks alone. It’s built on ground.” said Mr. Ripudaman Singh Bevli. 

Dr. Aditi Haldar said, “Economic growth and environmental responsibility are no longer opposing goals. If a billion citizens make mindful choices every day, India’s path to a $1 trillion economy becomes not just achievable, but sustainable”.

Ms. Namrta Bangia added, “Climate resilience begins with people—the same people who design our systems, shape our policies, build industries, and imagine the future. When individuals, communities, and institutions move together, even small actions can create a transformative impact”.

As a testament to the power of small actions, two young changemakers from Mothers’ Mount Global School shared how their BSG-supported SDG Club reduced paper use by 30–40%, cut waste, and conserved energy, extending these practices into homes and communities. Another individual spoke of her inner transformation, which led her to start a skills training centre in Bihar, enabling 20 women to build livelihoods and uplift their communities.

In conjunction with the conclave, BSG arranged a sustainability exhibition titled ‘Seeds of Hope & Action: Making the SDGs a Reality’, to bring home the message about the ’Power of One’ to create a more sustainable world, and about adopting ‘Sustainable Human Behaviour’ as a way of life. With this conclave, BSG is determined to advance towards achieving the SDGs by 2030 without leaving even a single person behind.

About Bharat Soka Gakkai

Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) is an organization dedicated to promoting the values of happiness and peace for all, under the umbrella of peace, culture, education, and sustainability. BSG has more than 290,000 members who are spread across 600 towns and cities of India and belong to all age groups. To build a sustainable age by 2030, BSG launched the ‘BSG for SDG’ initiative in 2021, with the motto: ‘Towards 2030: Achieving SDGs through Sustainable Human Behaviour.’

For further information please visit www.bharatsokagakkai.org

BSG for SDG www.bsgforsdg.org/about-bsg-for-sdg

Bisleri International and Ministry of Earth Sciences Mark Earth Day 2026 with a Pan-India Pledge Drive

The campaign resonated deeply at the grassroots level, with multiple pledge-taking events held across 130 institutes. An overwhelming 54,860 participants from schools, colleges, and public institutions took an oath to act sustainably in their daily lives. The pledge called upon citizens to use energy responsibly, conserve water and natural resources, and adopt sustainable practices, recognizing that environmental protection is essential for the benefit of Mother Earth and future generations.

Over 54,000 students, one pledge: Bisleri’s nationwide youth movement with the MoES

Aligning with this year’s theme, 'Our Power, Our Planet,' the campaign successfully placed citizens at the heart of climate action. To mark the occasion, Bisleri representatives were invited to the MoES headquarters. The event was graced by Chief Guest Padma Shri Dr. Shailesh Nayak, alongside Dr. M. Ravichandran (Secretary, MoES), Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (Director General), and Dr. Jagvir Singh (Senior Scientist).

Mr. K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, "Our collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, GoI, reflects the scale of collective responsibility we all share towards our planet. With over 54,860 individuals, citizens, and institutional partners coming together to commit to energy conservation and sustainable living, this campaign is a testament to the power of community-led action. At Bisleri, we believe that meaningful environmental change is driven not just by policy, but by people, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering every Indian to be a catalyst for a cleaner, greener future."

The Earth Day campaign reinforces Bisleri's Bottles for Change initiative, a movement that has long championed the responsible use and recycling of plastic, transforming post-consumer waste into opportunity. By fostering citizen-led action and building lasting partnerships with government bodies and communities alike, Bottles for Change continues to drive India towards a more circular, sustainable future.

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 a 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

DS Group HQ earned recognition with LEED Platinum (No.1 globally existing buildings) and LEED Zero Carbon from USGBC, setting a benchmark in sustainable, carbon-neutral operations

This rigorous audit covers the full spectrum of emissions, including direct operations, purchased energy, and critical supply chain activities. By identifying the most significant emission drivers across its entire value chain, DS Group is moving from broad intent to focused, data-backed interventions. This scientific approach ensures that the DS Group can address its carbon footprint with precision, offering tangible relief to the environment while hardwiring climate considerations into its internal governance and future decision-making processes.

Announcing this, on the Earth Day, Mr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group said, “This multi-dimensional strategy prioritizes decarbonization and resource integrity as non-negotiable metrics. The DS Group is accelerating its transition toward renewable energy to decrease the carbon intensity of its products and services, while simultaneously advancing circular economy principles to manage water and materials with maximum efficiency. Furthermore, by engaging supply chain partners in sustainable sourcing, DS Group is mitigating the indirect environmental impacts that often go unaddressed. This commitment goes beyond mere compliance, actively shaping the DS Group’s identity and ensuring that every strategic decision is fueled by a clear, intentional drive to create meaningful impact. Every future expansion will now be screened through a climate-risk lens to ensure that growth remains aligned to India’s updated NDC Goals.”

In the Indian industrial landscape, the proactive stance of DS Group serves as a vital blueprint for how private enterprises can catalyze the nation’s green transition. By voluntarily adopting high standards for carbon accounting, the DS Group proves that leadership driven by internal values creates a lasting ripple effect for the community. The progress is anchored in a robust governance framework, with zero regulatory non-compliance, stakeholder complaints, product recalls on account of quality issues, 100% pay parity and zero data breaches, besides focussed commitment towards renewable energy adoption. Going forward, DS Group will evaluate all investments through a climate-risk lens while advancing renewable energy adoption, circularity and responsible sourcing across its ecosystem.

About DS Group
The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a Multi-Business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC. DS Group has aligned its financial performance with global ESG priorities with the launch of a pioneering Double Materiality Assessment across all businesses. Further demonstrating its environmental leadership, the DS Group has a water positivity index at 1.8 across its business units in 30 locations of India.

The GADCC will develop transparent benchmarks that define what “green” genuinely means for data centers, helping investors, operators, communities and policymakers cut through greenwashing and direct capital toward facilities that reduce emissions while protecting water resources, energy systems and local communities.
 

Founding members are the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the Climate Bonds Initiative, the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) — combining expertise in building certification, performance benchmarking, green finance and sustainability standards.
 

The need for sustainable data centers

Cities around the globe are increasingly challenged by the rapid growth of data centers powering artificial intelligence applications due to concerns about their heavy electricity and water use, their effects on local utility costs, noise pollution, and the relatively small number of long-term jobs they create.
 

Data centers currently consume roughly 1.5–2% of global electricity, and the International Energy Agency projects demand will more than double by 2030. Their water footprint is growing just as fast, so much so that it intensifies the pressure on local water supplies — with facilities in some regions consuming as much water as a small city. Unchecked expansion risks straining local grids, driving up consumer energy costs and crowding out renewable energy access for other users.
 

The rapid growth of AI data centers has made the challenge of greening digital infrastructure increasingly urgent. If new data centers are powered by fossil fuels or draw heavily on scarce water resources, they could slow global decarbonization efforts and undermine the long‑term viability of AI itself. With investor interest in green data centers rising, there is a growing need for clear, consistent definitions of what “green” AI infrastructure truly means — backed by transparent data and credible benchmarks that protect communities, energy security and the environment.
 

What the GADCC will deliver

The coalition’s initial program of work will focus on two priorities:

• Common sustainability criteria: Developing an internationally aligned framework of environmental and social performance standards for data centers, covering energy, carbon, water, waste, biodiversity and community impact.

• Market enablement: Supporting the development of credible green finance instruments — including green bonds and sustainability-linked loans — for data center investment that meets the coalition’s standards.

Peter Templeton, President and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), “We are proud to be a founding member of this coalition to accelerate sustainable design and operations in data centers worldwide. As a strategic asset class, data centers are central to technological innovation and economic growth. Through this coalition, we are committing our collective expertise to balancing this growth with responsible development that protects energy affordability, local resources, and quality of life.”

James Fisher, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Building Research Establishment (BRE), “BRE is pleased to be part of the Greening AI Data Centers Coalition, bringing together organizations with shared expertise across the built environment. As AI infrastructure continues to expand, collaborative approaches grounded in recognized standards such as BREEAM will be essential to support more sustainable outcomes for buildings, infrastructure and the communities they serve.”

Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative, “Trillions are going into building AI data centers, but without clear standards, it risks becoming a climate disaster. The solutions are simple: use clean energy, recycle water and re-use heat. This coalition is about setting the rules to get that right.”

Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO, German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), “Data centers are becoming an increasingly significant subject in Europe too, requiring comprehensive and sustainable planning and implementation in order to minimize any negative implications for climate protection. In this context, the link to the municipal context plays a particularly important role. Developing common standards in a timely manner that work on a global scale is a key task, making our coalition particularly significant.”

Dr. Chris Pyke, Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), “Data centers are the fastest-growing, most impactful category of real estate. GRESB shares the Greening AI Data Centers Coalition goal of providing investors with the information they need to constructively engage with developers and operators to protect financial value and improve social and environmental outcomes. Investors – equipped with timely and relevant information – can play a key role in making essential data center development safe and sustainable.”

Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), “Artificial intelligence is driving rapid growth in data centers around the world, including here in Australia. As this infrastructure expands, we need clear expectations for sustainability that protect energy systems, water resources, and communities. This coalition will bring global expertise together while recognizing that local conditions, from climate to grid dynamics, must shape how sustainable data centres are delivered.”

Mr K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), “Greening AI data centers is no longer a choice; it is an imperative for a sustainable digital future. For over two decades, IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) has championed green data centers, proving that energy efficiency, resilience, and scale can go hand in hand. India has total 1.4 GW of total Designed IT Load out of which more than 850 MW of IT load is Green Certified. As AI accelerates demand, sustainability must accelerate innovation. The future of AI must be powerful, responsible, and truly green.”

Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), “Data centers are rapidly becoming part of the physical fabric of our built environments, with significant impacts on energy systems, water resources and local communities. As a founding member of the Greening AI Data Centers Coalition, the World Green Building Council is proud to help bring together global expertise from across the building and construction sector to define what truly sustainable data centers look like. By setting clear, credible standards, this Coalition will help ensure the growth of AI infrastructure supports climate goals, community resilience and long‑term sustainability.”

Georgina Smit, CEO Designate, Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), “GBCSA is proud to join this collective effort to develop an internationally aligned framework for greening data centers. As Africa’s primary digital infrastructure hub, South Africa hosts over half of the African continent’s installed capacity. A standardized definition for ‘green data center’ is essential to ensure that expansion aligns with national climate commitments, infrastructure capacity, and long-term economic resilience. This is necessary for the market to adopt a ‘build-right’ rather than a 'build-fast’ approach, resulting in a more resilient, investable, and future-fit digital infrastructure ecosystem.”

The GADCC is open to additional partners, including investors, data center owners and operators, and climate and water advocacy organizations, to help scale credible action across the global data center market. These organizations are very welcome to apply to join.

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. 

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.

Students of CS Academy led the Green-A-Thon, uniting 900 participants for community fitness, and climate action, turning a marathon into a movement for a greener Coimbatore
 

The initiative was conceptualized in response to a growing real-world concern which is the steadily rising temperatures being experienced in Coimbatore. Recognizing that climate change is no longer a distant global conversation but an immediate local reality, students began exploring ways in which a school community could contribute meaningfully to protecting and sustaining the ecosystem.
 

As a result, the Green-A-Thon incorporated an impactful environmental gesture: every participant received a native sapling. Native plant species are better suited to the local soil and climatic conditions, require minimal maintenance, and play a significant role in supporting biodiversity. By encouraging each participant to plant and nurture their sapling, the initiative aimed to create a ripple effect across households and neighborhoods, contributing to the rebuilding of ecosystems and the preservation of the city’s green cover.
 

The event brought together nearly 900 participants, including students, parents, teachers, administrators, and members of the public. The gathering symbolized the strength of community engagement in addressing environmental challenges. Running together, cheering one another on, and committing to plant the saplings fostered a shared sense of responsibility and optimism, reinforcing the idea that sustainability thrives when communities act collectively.
 

Aligned with the school’s theme for the year which is to build a consistent and sustainable fitness regime, the Green-A-Thon also promoted healthy living amongst all those who participated. Primary students brought infectious enthusiasm as they cheered participants along the route, while senior students, parents, teachers, and administrators actively joined the run.
 

A defining aspect of the initiative was its student-led execution. The Student Council and the ISP Changemakers team coordinated extensively with multiple stakeholders to ensure the smooth functioning of the event. Students worked closely with relevant authorities to secure necessary permissions, collaborated with medical teams to arrange ambulance support, organized refreshment counters, and implemented comprehensive safety protocols for the participants.
 

Managing a gathering of nearly 900 participants required meticulous planning and coordination. The students demonstrated remarkable leadership, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility throughout the event. A police official present at the venue commended the organization of the marathon, remarking that it was one of the most meticulously planned events of its kind and expressing surprise that it had been executed by first-time student organizers.
 

The initiative also served as a powerful example of learning beyond the classroom. Members of the public who participated witnessed firsthand the leadership, confidence, and organizational capabilities of CS Academy students, making the event a living illustration of experiential learning in practice.
 

CS Academy extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, authorities, and community members who supported the initiative. The Green-A-Thon stands as a testament to how education, when guided by purpose and responsibility, can empower young minds to drive meaningful change.
 

To know more about CS Academy Coimbatore, visit csacademy.in/coimbatore.

Gharni River: Desilted. Revived. Alive
 

With groundwater declining and monsoons often turning rogue, the response is bold, structured, ambitious, and practical - building resilience, restoring water bodies, and securing long-term water stability for the state.
 

A Nation Running on Empty

India’s water crisis is no longer a distant warning - it’s an everyday challenge. Nearly 80% of the country’s agricultural and domestic water needs rely on groundwater, while only about 20% come from rainfall and surface sources like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. For more than two decades, extraction has outpaced natural recharge, causing water tables to fall. Disruptions in the hydrological cycle and increasingly erratic rainfall have intensified stress.
 

The imbalance is stark: an estimated 239 trillion litres of groundwater is extracted each year, yet only around 6% of rainfall is effectively stored, while nearly 78% flows into rivers and eventually the sea. Aquifers remain under severe strain, highlighting the urgent need for structured conservation, storage, and recharge systems.
 

Between Drought and Flood

For years, large parts of Maharashtra have swung between extremes - drought and flood. Failed or uneven monsoons bring acute scarcity, while heavy rainfall rushes away unchecked, causing damage instead of relief. Streams and rivers that once held water longer are now shallow and silted, reducing storage and weakening groundwater recharge. Increasing reliance on borewells and deeper wells further lowers water tables.
 

Communities face frequent droughts, declining agricultural productivity, crop losses, flood damage, and dependence on tanker water. This cycle - scarcity, over-extraction, runoff, and loss - reveals that the problem is not rainfall alone, but how water is managed. Structured, long-term conservation became not just necessary, but urgent.
 

Jalyukt Shivar 2.0: Turning Rain into Security

The initiative is driven by a single, practical goal: make Maharashtra drought-resilient through systematic water management. Its core objectives:

• Capture and store rainwater efficiently

• Strengthen groundwater recharge

• Stabilise and improve agricultural productivity
   

By rebuilding natural water-holding systems, Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 converts short-lived monsoons into year-round security - benefiting farmers, villages, and future generations.
 

Reviving Maharashtra’s Waterways

Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 revitalises rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes by desilting, deepening, and widening channels. Pond and lake silt is reused on marginal farms, improving soil fertility.
 

Maharashtra faces a challenging reality: 80–90% of rainfall falls within just a few months, and most of it runs off without recharging groundwater. Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 changes this, raising infiltration from 6% to 25–35% through scientific, phased interventions:
 

• Phase I (2013 - 2019): Focused on drought-prone regions, desilting, stream deepening, and water storage

• Phase II (2024 - 2026): Expands coverage, consolidates long-term water security
   

Scale & Impact

• 2,90,64,668 cubic metres of silt removed from rivers, including Gharni, Tavarja, Jana, Mudgul, and more

• 16,716 million litres of water conserved since 2013

• 12,38,175 total beneficiaries
  ​

Farm-Level Benefits:

• Higher yields: Consistent water and soil moisture support better cultivation and crop rotation.

• Stronger incomes: Multiple crop cycles and diversified farming reduce risk and stabilise earnings.

• Flood resilience: Wider, desilted streams prevent waterlogging, erosion, and crop loss.

• Lower drought risk: Recharged aquifers provide water even during dry spells.
   

National Recognition

In November 2025, The Art of Living Social Projects was honoured by the Ministry of Jal Shakti with two national awards - Best Civil Society at the 6th National Water Awards 2024 (for the second consecutive year) and Best NGO award under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB 1.0).
 

These accolades recognise the scale, innovation, and measurable impact of Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 - a model for science-driven, community-led, long-term water resilience across India. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said, “Our survival depends on water; it is the basis of our life force. We need to protect and nurture the sources of water.” This insight underlines the very ethos of Jalyukt Shivar 2.0: protecting water is protecting life.

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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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. 

David Kennedy, CEO of Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

Mounting pressures on global food systems, where more frequent droughts, heatwaves, and shifting growing seasons threaten harvests and drive annual agricultural losses of $123 billion worldwide. In Asia, these climate-related disasters equate to nearly 4% of agricultural GDP, cascading impacts through food security, livelihoods, and economic stability.

David Kennedy, CEO of Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), during his recent visit to India, positioned the Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) sector’s reliance on ecosystems as a call to invest in regenerative practices, reduce food waste and deforestation, and build resilience through diversified sourcing, traceability, and stronger supplier partnerships.

By end-2024, 85% of companies with validated SBTi FLAG targets implemented regenerative farming to slash agricultural emissions, while 75% tackled land-use change and deforestation, proving science-based targets drive tangible operational shifts for sustainable supply chains. Over 10,000 companies and financial institutions globally, including 290 in India, have set SBTi targets, representing more than 40% of global market capitalization across major sectors and regions.

David Kennedy, CEO of SBTi said, "Indian companies are at the forefront of food systems transformation in the Global South. More than 400 food value chain companies globally now have science-based targets covering FLAG emissions. Embedding these targets into core strategy can unlock long-term cost efficiencies, strengthen resilience, reduce regulatory risks, and improve access to capital. The opportunity now is to scale credible, low-emission systems that deliver for business, smallholders and the planet with urgency and integrity."

Arun Nanda, Trustee on the SBTi Board, stated, "India's corporate climate moment is here. Extreme weather is already disrupting supply chains and productivity, but science-based targets offer a clear pathway to turn these pressures into competitive advantages. Indian firms, deeply embedded in global markets, can lead by adopting SBTi frameworks to cut costs through efficiency, secure green financing, and build resilience across food systems. The time to act is now, shaping a sustainable economic future for the nation."

SBTi research shows companies with science-based targets gain benefits beyond emissions cuts, including stronger risk management, competitive advantage, and deeper supplier relationships. The revised Corporate Net-Zero Standard (V2) adds tailored criteria for medium companies across upper-middle, lower-middle, and low-income countries, and for small and micro-enterprises globally, improving accessibility despite size, location, or financing constraints. Scope 3 targets drive collaborative supplier engagement through capacity building and transition planning. Both V1.3 and draft V2 also stress climate justice, urging greater support for vulnerable countries and affected communities.

For Indian companies, Kennedy stressed that adopting SBTi routes insulates against sourcing volatility, cuts long-run costs via efficiency and resilience, and positions firms as leaders in equitable food transitions, recognizing "survival emissions" while prioritizing adaptation co-benefits like nutrition security and livelihoods.

About SBTi

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) drives ambitious corporate climate action by providing science-based emissions reduction targets. Over 10,000 companies and financial institutions use SBTi standards to align with the Paris Agreement, fostering resilient, net-zero economies.

Learn more at www.sciencebasedtargets.org.

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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Hon’ble CM of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta at the Bisleri, Bottles for Change stall
 

PLAST INDIA 2026 brought together more than 2,000 exhibitors, including nearly 500 international exhibitors from 80 participating countries, spread across approximately 20 exhibition halls. The six-day event attracted over 6,00,000 visitors. The global platform provided an ideal setting for Bottles for Change to engage industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and sustainability advocates, amplifying conversations around scientific waste management and scalable circular solutions.
 

The stall was visited by Smt. Rekha Gupta, Honourable Chief Minister of Delhi, who was presented with the educational book “Towards Responsible Use of Plastics”, developed by Bisleri International in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE). The publication promotes responsible plastic usage, waste segregation, and circular economy principles and is being distributed in multiple Indian languages to reach students nationwide.
 

Shri Chirag Paswan, Honourable Cabinet Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, also visited the Bottles for Change stall and was presented with the recently launched comic book “Chhota Bheem and Vidya’s - Big Green Mission”, published by Bisleri International in collaboration with NBT, Government of India, Ministry of Education. The comic leverages engaging storytelling to educate children about waste segregation, recycling, and sustainable consumption habits.
 

Mr. K Ganesh, Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, "PLAST INDIA provides a powerful platform to demonstrate that plastic, when managed responsibly, is a valuable resource within a circular economy. Through Bottles for Change, we are focused not only on collection and recycling, but on driving awareness and behavioural change at scale. Our presence here reflects our belief that industry collaboration, policy alignment, and citizen participation must work together to build a truly sustainable plastic ecosystem for India."
 

Bisleri Greener Promise: Bottles for Change at PlastIndia
 

The Bottles for Change stall creatively demonstrated how post-consumer plastic waste can be transformed into functional, everyday products offering visitors a tangible example of circularity in action. The installations across the venue encouraged responsible disposal while visibly embedding sustainability within the event infrastructure. Through its participation at PLAST INDIA 2026, Bisleri International further reinforced its focus on awareness, education, infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration to accelerate scalable plastic waste solutions in India.
 

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.

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.

IVCA Announces Second Edition of #VC101

Over the last two years, India’s venture capital landscape has shown renewed resilience, with funding rebounding to approximately $13.7 billion in 2024, driven largely by increased deal activity and smaller-ticket investments, which accounted for nearly 95% of all VC deals. Even as overall VC and PE investments remained steady at around $49 billion in 2025, the early-stage ecosystem has continued to deepen, supported by the rapid expansion of alternative investment platforms.

Cumulative commitments across Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) structures have crossed INR 15 lakh crore, underscoring the growing role of institutional and strategy-led capital. Within this landscape, India’s Micro VC ecosystem has scaled sharply to over 250 active funds as of early 2026, up from about 200 just two years ago, with these funds increasingly acting as critical first-cheque investors at the pre-seed, seed, and early Series A stages.

Commenting on the programme, Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA, said, “India’s venture ecosystem has reached a stage where institutional capability is as critical as access to capital. As first-time fund managers and Micro VCs scale and move towards subsequent fundraises, the focus must shift to building credible structures around regulatory compliance, governance, portfolio discipline, and LP engagement. Through #VC101, IVCA aims to support this transition by promoting best practices and strengthening the foundations of emerging venture platforms, contributing to India’s ambition of becoming a leading global fund management ecosystem.”

The programme is supported by ecosystem partners who bring complementary expertise across regulation, data, and venture-building experience.

Speaking on the regulatory and structural considerations shaping first-time fund managers today, Tejesh Chitlangi, Managing Partner, IC RegFin Legal, said,  “Venture capital (VC) landscape is undergoing a pivotal phase, marked by significant regulatory developments and growing acceptance among a broad spectrum of investors. For first-time fund managers (FTFMs), the process of building a fund platform extends well beyond deploying capital. It involves navigating a complex interplay between regulatory frameworks and regulatory expectations on the one hand, and fund-raising dynamics and investor requirements on the other. #VC101 serves as an ideal platform for FTFMs to gain practical insights from leading practitioners and experienced industry participants, for the right head start to build and scale a resilient VC set up.”

Reflecting on the growing need for structured, end-to-end fund-building capabilities as India’s domestic VC ecosystem matures, Himanshu Mandavia, Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP, said, "#VC101 is a very useful initiative that provides a comprehensive overview of all the aspects that a fund manager needs to consider for raising and running a fund. Apart from the various tax and regulatory nuances, this program helps them get candid insights on various commercial aspects as well, which is a unique value proposition of this franchise. With the increased number of fund managers and maturing of the Indian domestic fund industry, this kind of an institutionalized program helps provide a platform for a well-rounded and future‑ready fund‑building journey."

Emphasising the broader maturity of India’s entrepreneurial and capital ecosystem, Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Peak XV Partners and Co-Chair, VC Council, IVCA, said, “There has never been a better time to build in ​India: we have a new generation of battle-hardened, seasoned founders at the helm​, IPOs are delivering massive exits, our public markets are getting deeper. With domestic capital opening up, the fuel for India’s next decade of growth is ready.​ ​That is why #VC101 is so ripe for this moment. It is a high-octane masterclass where first-time managers gain real, practical insights directly from leading practitioners who have lived through every cycle. As the stakes get higher, we have to up our game to build world-class institutions from the ground up. The time is now.”

Highlighting the importance of early institutional thinking for first- and second-time fund managers, Vikram Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures said, “As the Indian venture ecosystem evolves, the focus is steadily shifting from just deal-making to building enduring institutions. A programme like #VC101 is timely because it addresses a critical gap—helping emerging fund managers think deeply about governance, discipline, capital stewardship, and long-term fund building. As more first- and second-time managers enter the ecosystem, institutional readiness and maturity will define who can sustain through cycles. Initiatives like this play an important role in shaping that mindset early, which is essential for the next phase of India’s venture capital journey.”

The second edition of #VC101 brings together Micro VCs, first-time fund managers, and emerging venture platforms from across the country, creating a focused forum for learning, peer exchange, and long-term network building. Anchored in lived experience and current market realities, the programme is designed to help participants navigate a more exit-aware, disciplined, and institutionally aligned venture environment.

UnboxingBLR - Namma Bengaluru Challenge '26 winners with jury

NBC '26 is turning Bengaluru into a sandbox for finding solutions to climate-triggered challenges that the city faces. The challenge aspires to test ideas that can be piloted on real streets, real buildings and real communities before scaling up across cities.

The five winners were selected from nearly 600 registrations from across India, making NBC ʼ26 one of the country’s most competitive and high-impact climate innovation challenges.

Over the next six months, the startups will pilot solutions that directly address Bengaluruʼs most urgent environmental challenges across construction, water and waste—a few critical pillars of the cityʼs Bengaluru Climate Action and Resilience Plan (BCAP).

“Bengaluru is running out of time on climate, but not out of ideas. What NBC ʼ26 proves is that when entrepreneurs, government and industry come together, we can move from pilots to real solutions that change how the city is built, powered and sustained,ˮ said Prashanth Prakash, Chairman and Co-founder, UnboxingBLR.

NBC '26 is powered by a strong consortium of partners committed to systemic change.

Challenge Partners

• Bangalore International Airport Limited

• Brigade Group

Program Partners

• Bangalore Climate Action Cell (Climate Action Partner)

• WRI India (Knowledge Partner)

• Brigade REAP

• CoEvolve Estates (Pilot Partner)

• Biome Environmental Solutions (Pilot Partner)

• GoodEarth (Pilot Partner)

Why this matters now:

Bengaluru has lost 93% of its lakes and green cover to urban expansion, while construction has grown by over 1,000% in the last two decades. The result: worsening water shortages, rising heat, polluted air and fragile waste systems — all hitting the cityʼs most vulnerable
communities the hardest.

NBC ʼ26 bridges this gap by moving climate innovation out of labs and into neighbourhoods, backed by government, industry and investors working together.

“We are thrilled to see the exciting diversity of innovators selected in the Namma Bengaluru Challenge ʼ26, with solutions spanning sustainable construction materials, effluent treatment, and circular materials. This reflects a growing recognition that impactful climate-tech solutions must be as varied as the urban challenges we face. The pilots enabled through this challenge will help de-risk promising technologies, strengthen pathways to scale, and accelerate real-world impact in Bengaluru and beyond. We look forward to partnering with this cohort as they move from bold ideas to demonstrable outcomes that advance urban sustainability and resilience,ˮ said Manoj Kumar, Founder, Social Alpha.

The Five NBC ʼ26 Winners

1. Carbon Craft Design

Category: Sustainable Construction

Founder: Tejas Sidnal

Carbon Craft Design is reinventing building materials using low-carbon blocks and panels made from industrial waste and recovered carbon. Their products can replace conventional bricks, tiles and facades—cutting emissions where Bengaluru produces them the most: in construction.

2. SatiQ Concrete Manufacturer

Category: Low-Carbon Concrete

Founders: Shantanu Bhattacherjee, Smrati Jain

SatiQ Concrete Manufacturer develops next-generation cement binders that dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of concrete. By working directly with ready-mix plants, precast manufacturers and builders, Satiq is helping decarbonise the backbone of Indiaʼs urban growth.

3. Tellus Habitat

Category: Water & Sanitation

Founders: Dr. Seema Sukhani, Naveen Janardhana

Tellus Habitatʼs R3H2O system treats sewage locally using advanced bio-filters, making wastewater reusable for gardening, flushing and cleaning. This reduces dependence on freshwater while easing pressure on Bengaluruʼs overburdened sewage network.

4. Go Do Good

Category: Plastic-Free Packaging

Founders: Khushboo Gandhi, Chanakya Medh, Ronak Gandhi

Go Do Good has created 100% plant-based coatings and inks that replace plastic layers in food packaging. Their technology keeps food safe and fresh—without adding to the mountains

of plastic waste choking Bengaluruʼs landfills.

5. Sunbird Straws

Category: Circular Biomaterials

Founders: Chirag M G, Saji Varghese

Sunbird Straws makes fully compostable straws from fallen coconut leaves—strong enough for hours of use, yet completely biodegradable. The model also creates income for rural women, linking climate action with livelihoods.

A model for Indian cities

As Indian cities grapple with heat waves, floods, water shortages and waste crises, NBC ʼ26 offers a new blueprint—where government, corporates and climate entrepreneurs move in lockstep from pilot to policy to scale.

“Cities donʼt become climate-resilient through intent — they become resilient through evidence. The pilots under NBC ʼ26 will generate exactly the kind of data cities need to scale what works and move faster on climate action,ˮ said Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Group.

“The real challenge in climate innovation is not invention, itʼs adoption and scale-up. NBC ʼ26 creates that missing bridge — by backing bold solutions that can be piloted and scaled up at a city-level. The challenge brings capital, founders and the city together to solve problems in the startup capital Bengaluru,ˮ added Malini Goyal, Co-Founder & CEO, UnboxingBLR.

“Urban climate challenges demand solutions that are practical, scalable, and rooted in collaboration. Platforms like the Namma Bengaluru Challenge create the conditions for innovation to move from concept to real-world application. At BIAL, we are committed to supporting solutions that are evidence-led and capable of delivering lasting environmental impact for the city,ˮ said Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).

UnboxingBLR

UnboxingBLR (UBLR) is a Bengaluru-focused collaborative platform dedicated to celebrating and shaping the city’s culture and identity. Founded in 2023 by Prashanth Prakash and Malini Goyal, UBLR brings together people, communities, and institutions to co-create Bengaluru’s story, serving as a city champion, idea catalyst, and collaborative platform.

UBLR drives initiatives such as the Namma Bengaluru Challenge, an accelerator that supports startups and changemakers tackling urban challenges; BLR Hubba, a city-wide festival celebrating art and culture; the annual We Are City Data Report, a data-driven snapshot of how citizens experience and engage with Bengaluru; and Code to Culture, a podcast exploring the city and its people. Together, these initiatives highlight citizen-led innovation and showcase Bengaluru’s cultural vibrancy in action.

In a bid to amplify agroforestry’s contribution in India, the Centre for International Forestry Research - International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is all set to host TREESCAPES, the first South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests Congress from (5th - 7th) February 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), Pusa Campus in New Delhi. With a vision to establish Agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) as mainstream and scalable solutions supporting climate-resilient landscapes, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth across South Asia, the three-day regional congress will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, civil society, farmers, and youth from across South Asia to exchange knowledge, showcase best practices, and deliberate on innovative solutions to mainstream and scale AF-TOF systems in the South Asian region in the esteemed presence of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Madan Prasad Pariyar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal, Ahmed Hassan Didi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Republic of Maldives, Rao Narbir Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Government of Haryana and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the need for such a Congress, Mr. Manoj Dabas, India Country Director, CIFOR-ICRAF stated, “Tree-based systems account for 19.3% of the country’s carbon stocks and could help abate over 2 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030. This is just a fraction of the potential. With 86.1% of Indian farmers classified as marginal, unlocking this potential will depend on aligning carbon finance frameworks and policy instruments with India’s fragmented landholdings and locally adapted agroforestry practices. India is already importing more than 7 billion USD worth of wood and wood-based products from other countries, with a CAGR of 15%. This needs to change. With TREESCAPES 2026, we at CIFOR-ICRAF aim to spearhead dialogue on more effective implementation of agro-forestry in India and chart a collective pathway for mainstreaming AF-TOF systems across the region in line with India’s climate and net-zero goals.”

TREESCAPES 2026 aims to highlight the policy, regulatory, and institutional gaps related to agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests. Through various panel discussions and thematic sessions, the Congress will facilitate various dialogues on scaling agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests using digital tools, water-secure landscape approaches, and farmer-led innovation while simultaneously deliberating on crucial aspects of financing, certification, and value chains, in addition to climate and ecosystem services, seed and genetic systems, bioeconomy opportunities, and carbon finance mechanisms to make tree-based systems viable at scale across South Asia.

According to The State of Food and Agriculture 2025 (FAO), nearly 1.7 billion people globally live in regions where crop yields are declining due to human-induced land degradation, posing a direct concern to agricultural productivity and food security. In India, agroforestry is emerging as a critical response to this challenge, offering measurable gains for climate mitigation, rural resilience, and farmer incomes. From a South Asian lens, agroforestry has helped reduce deforestation across Southeast Asia by an estimated 250,319 hectares (618,552 acres) per year between 2015 and 2023, preventing between 43.3 million and 74.4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, as per a study published in Nature Sustainability.

The benefits of agroforestry far outweigh its cons, especially where a country like India is concerned. A 9-year study by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) in Eastern India found in 2025, that one-acre farms under agroforestry sequestered up to 154.5 megagrams (Mg) of carbon dioxide equivalent over nine years, while maintaining food production and generating substantial income for farming families.
 

TREESCAPES 2026 is being organised jointly by CIFOR-ICRAF and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), with the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, as Organising Partners.
 

The Thematic Partners for TREESCAPES 2026 include GIZ, Haryana Forest Development Corporation, ITC Limited, The Nature Conservancy, Intellecap, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Indian Society of Agroforestry, and IORA Ecological Solutions. The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) are the Knowledge Partners in the Congress.
 

With India’s push towards a green economy in sync with its 2070 net-zero goals buoyed by the country’s reforestation drive (recently driven by Gujarat), TREESCAPES 2026 positions itself as a pivotal platform in encouraging further effective implementation of agroforestry as a means of increasing tree cover and improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods as we move towards a more climate-resilient future.

In-depth details of participating speakers in TREESCAPES 2026 may be accessed here www.cifor-icraf.org/event/treescapes-2026/speakers
 

About CIFOR-ICRAF

CIFOR-ICRAF The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (www.cifor-icraf.org), harnesses the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to address the most pressing global challenges of our time - biodiversity loss, climate change, food security, livelihoods and inequality. CIFOR and ICRAF are CGIAR Research Centers. CIFOR-ICRAF delivers demand-driven evidence of the ways trees can revitalize both landscapes and livelihoods. Born of the merger of the most trusted research organizations on forests, trees and agroforestry - the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) - CIFOR-ICRAF harnesses a combined 70 years of expertise and extensive partnership networks across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

For more information, please visit www.cifor-icraf.org/event/treescapes-2026.

Elephant in Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Bangkok in Thailand Photograph credit: Abhishek Shankhwar

Nearly two in three captive elephants are still living in poor conditions, despite some limited progress since the last assessment in 2019.

Elephants continue to endure short chaining, inadequate diets, dirty living conditions, lack of veterinary care and forced tourist interactions including riding, washing and shows.

The research, led by World Animal Protection elephant expert and wildlife veterinarian Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, assessed 236 tourism venues housing 2,849 elephants across Thailand between February 2024 and January 2025. Encouragingly, observation-only elephant experiences with no direct human contact are increasing.

In 2024, 7.3% of captive elephants were kept at venues offering observation only experiences, compared with 4.6% in 2010.

The findings are published in Bred to Entertain - A new assessment capturing 15 years of Thailand's elephant tourism industry, released on 12 January 2026. Link:

Using nine animal welfare criteria, the study found persistently low welfare standards across venues, with results almost identical to those recorded in 2019. World Animal Protection has long documented the severe physical and psychological harm caused by elephant rides and shows, driven by harsh training methods and restrictive living conditions that prevent elephants from expressing natural behaviours.

This study is of cardinal importance to the elephant riding situation in India given the status of riding elephants, especially the eighty elephants in Amer Fort in Jaipur in Rajasthan, the restarting of elephant rides in Corbett National Park (Tiger Reserve) and the tragic death of an elephant safari elephant named Swarnimoyee in Kaziranga on 11 December, 2025. The current situation is untenable and continuing research like the recent study in Thailand continue to show that captive elephants suffer in confined spaces and that the current tourism policy worldwide that somehow finds it acceptable that wild animals in captivity are entertainers needs to change.

In India, we are faced with massive issues of habitat loss and human animal conflict and the need of the hour is to address these in situ, rather than bring in more elephants into captivity and add to the wildlife trade and wildlife entertainment problem.

We understand that in a fast changing world, business models are adapting to new demands and tastes, and there is a very significant trend toward humane animal treatment that moves away from traditional practices of treating animals as commodities and commercial resources rather than sentient beings.

Regarding sentience, we are increasingly seeing very big strides in recognition of sentience in all animals, with debates becoming increasingly prevalent on whether all forms of animals, including invertebrates and forms of animals that have traditionally not been considered as being particularly sentient fit the sentience category and if sentience can extend to artificial intelligence in the advanced learning models that are now being developed. 2026 is being considered a cardinal year for discussions on the subject of sentience, with New Zealand making significant strides in this area. Sentience in animals like elephants and great apes now clearly show that their cognitive and behavioral abilities make them candidates for many rights that are accorded to humans.

World Animal Protection has been working on several levels to address the problem of sentient animals like elephants being mistreated: by lobbying and advocating for policy changes with the government, by convincing corporates to come out of offering cruel elephant rides and by engaging people to pledge not to take elephant rides anywhere, in any venue.

It is hoped that with emerging consciousness on the nature of animal sentience and emerging research that shows that breeding and maintaining elephants in captivity represent unscientific and immoral attitudes to our relationship with other life forms, wildlife tourism practices will change. In this regard, World Animal Protection is pleased to welcome Wildpaw Adventures and North East Travels under the wildlife friendly tourism initiative with the hope that other travel companies will follow their suit to move to more responsible travel practices.

“We hope the Thailand report research will encourage outbound Indian tourists to avoid low welfare venues abroad and exercise responsible travel choices in India to respect sentient animals like elephants. With India assuming the Presidency of BRICS in 2026, it is important for governments to recognize the role of sentience in framing policies toward tourism involving animals, wildlife trade and treatment of farm animals with regard to health and zoonoses as well,” says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection in India.

The report lays out solutions that could reduce PM2.5 levels significantly, mitigate business losses and support the creation of new jobs

Air pollution continues to create a significant burden for the economy through reduced productivity, unplanned absences, lower consumer activity, and increasing healthcare expenditure.

This report follows a previous study from 2021 by Dalberg Advisors, Air Pollution in India and the Impact on Business, which quantified the economic losses due to particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution levels in India. The 2021 study estimated these economic losses at USD 95 billion annually, equivalent to 3% of India’s GDP.

Despite recent improvements due to initiatives by national and state governments and city authorities, average PM2.5 levels in many cities remain significantly above national standards.

The new report evaluates high-impact solutions across key economic sectors: transport, industry, agriculture, waste, power, construction, and residential combustion. If implemented effectively, these solutions could:

• reduce PM2.5 levels by ~20% by 2030 from current levels;

• generate USD 220 billion in economic opportunity;

• avert USD 85 billion in business losses by 2030;

• avoid nearly 10 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) annually

• support approximately 1.4 million job transitions and new jobs

Speaking on the launch of the report, Jagjeet Sareen, Partner and India Head, Dalberg Advisors said, “Clean air is not only a public health priority but also an economic imperative. This analysis highlights where targeted investments can deliver measurable returns for businesses, workers, and the broader economy.”

Clean Air Fund’s recent report, The State of Global Air Quality Funding 2025, shows an increase in air quality investments from development finance institutions flowing to South Asia. This growing priority for development donors is an opportunity for South Asian countries to unlock further public and private capital that will deliver economic, health and environmental benefits.

Shirish Sinha, Executive Director of Programmes at Clean Air Fund added, “Asia’s development financial institutions and agencies are some of the biggest players in international public finance, and countries across the continent are working to tackle air pollution. Development donors recognise that funding clean air measures is an opportunity to see multiple returns on investment through climate and health co-benefits, while catalysing private capital in South Asian countries. India has demonstrated significant progress through the National Clean Air Programme. The next step is to scale proven solutions and align clean air more closely with India’s economic and development priorities.”

The report also outlines five enabling actions critical for scale:

1. crowding in private capital;

2. prototyping solutions in priority regions;

3. building a skilled green workforce;

4. strengthening community participation; and

5. investing in digital public infrastructure.

Together, these steps can help position clean air as a driver of growth and resilience. Integrating clean-air action into India’s economic planning can improve public health, enhance productivity, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

For the full report, see here: dalberg.com/our-ideas/the-business-case-for-clean-air-unlocking-economic-opportunities-for-india/

About Dalberg Advisors

Dalberg Advisors is a strategic advisory firm that combines the best of private sector strategy skills and rigorous analytical capabilities with deep knowledge and networks across emerging and frontier markets. We work collaboratively across the public, private and philanthropic sectors to fuel inclusive growth and help clients achieve their goals.

About Clean Air Fund

Clean Air Fund is a global philanthropic organisation working with governments, funders, businesses and campaigners to create a future where everyone breathes clean air.

Laxmi Organic Lote Plant compliant with applicable laws

The Company categorically states that the recent media reports drawing comparisons between the Company’s Lote operations and those of [erstwhile] Italian company Miteni S.p.A (Miteni) are inaccurate and misleading from perspectives of (i) effluent treatment and disposal practices, and (ii) product portfolio. The Miteni incident involved the direct discharge of wastewater into rivers over several decades, leading to significant environmental and health impacts. Such practices are not permissible under India’s stringent regulatory framework, which mandates rigorous environmental clearances, continuous monitoring, and strict compliance standards.

The Company’s Lote manufacturing facility operates closed-loop systems that prevents the release of any harmful substances into the environment. The hazardous waste and effluents are sent to a State Government approved common hazardous waste treatment storage disposal facility, where they are scientifically disposed, including incineration. The Company adheres to standardized procedures for hazardous waste management with full digital traceability, supported by advanced safety systems, high-capacity effluent treatment infrastructure, containment measures, and impervious flooring, ensuring strict regulatory compliance and prevent any harmful environmental impact.

The Company’s Lote site is a multi-technology and a multi-product site encompassing fluorinated and non-fluorinated products. These products are essential for several new-age and existing industries like semiconductors, defence, power grids, electric vehicles, medical devices, electronics, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc. The Company would also like to emphasise that fluorinated products are produced in India and globally at scale in a responsible manner. 

The Company remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and continues to actively engage with all relevant stakeholders and government authorities.

About Laxmi Organic Industries Limited
Laxmi Organic Industries Limited (NSE: LXCHEM | BSE: 543277) is a global supplier of Essentials and Specialty chemicals. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, the Company has a strong focus on innovation, quality, safety, and sustainability, serving over 750 clients across key industries including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, life sciences, pigments, and coatings, and delivering high-performance chemical solutions to customers in more than 55 countries.

The Company’s product portfolio spans essential acetyl products and advanced specialty chemistries, backed by state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a DSIR-accredited R&D centre that continually develops innovative, customer-centric processes and chemistries. The Company maintains a global footprint through its subsidiaries and offices in Europe and China, strengthening its ability to serve diverse international markets. 

With four manufacturing sites across India and a diversified product portfolio, the Company is committed to operational excellence, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this document concerning our future growth prospects are forward looking statements which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward looking statements. The risk and uncertainties relating to the statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fiscal policy, competition, inflationary pressures and general economic conditions affecting demand /supply and price conditions in domestic and international markets. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

Children and Climate 2025 conference organised by Terre des hommes (India)

In India, the impact of climate change is accelerating, with over 85% of districts exposed to recurring extreme climate events such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. These shocks directly affect children’s nutrition, education, protection, mental health, and long-term development.

At the Children and Climate conference, participants explored these intersections through an integrated, child-sensitive lens. Discussions focused on designing climate programmes that strengthen social protection systems, embed child-sensitive health responses, and support families facing climate-induced migration. Manavi Bhardwaj from India Climate Collaborative, Sarbjit Singh Sahota from UNICEF India, Harini Kannan from J-Pal, Pragya Vats from IPE Global, and Dr. Sudeshna Chatterjee from WRI were some of the panelists. The event also amplified community voices, highlighting how local experiences must inform larger climate-resilience frameworks.

The conference structure drew from the project cycle management approach, enabling a step-by-step examination of how child-centred climate interventions should be planned, financed, implemented, and evaluated. Panel discussions and breakout sessions encouraged funders, practitioners, and researchers to collectively identify gaps, share evidence, propose innovative financing models, and understand the practical challenges of mainstreaming climate considerations into existing child-focused programmes.

Speaking at the event, Anindit Roy Chowdhury, Multi-country Director (India & Nepal), Terre des hommes, said, “Children are not merely victims of the climate crisis, they are essential actors in shaping resilient and inclusive futures. Yet the systems meant to support them still respond in fragments. Climate risks intersect with health, protection, and migration in a child’s life, and our solutions must reflect that. Through this convening, we aim to strengthen the collective resolve to design truly integrated programmes that prioritise children’s rights, safety, and well-being”.

Children and Climate 2025 reinforced the need for multi-sectoral partnerships and sustained cooperation across development, climate, and social systems. Tdh India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing integrated solutions that safeguard children in India’s most climate-vulnerable contexts, and to collaborating with stakeholders to shape a more inclusive, resilient future for every child.

About Terre des hommes (Tdh) India

Terre des hommes (Tdh) India is a leading child-rights organisation working to strengthen health, protection and resilience systems for vulnerable children, youth and communities across high-risk geographies. With a deep focus on digital innovation, climate-resilient child protection, safe mobility and maternal and child health, Tdh collaborates closely with government departments, frontline workers, and community institutions to drive long-term structural change. Since 2016, Tdh India has reached more than 500,000 children, families, and community members, advancing safer childhoods, stronger systems, and equitable access to care and opportunity.

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.”

Namma Bengaluru Challenge '26 Shortlists Top 15 Finalists from Record 600 Applications to Tackle Urban Climate Crisis

The finalists were chosen from a record-breaking pool of close to 600 registrations, demonstrating the nation’s vibrant entrepreneurial response to environmental sustainability. A technical evaluation now awaits the shortlisted startups, with an expert technical jury meticulously assessing each of the 15 startups ahead of the final round. The top selected startups will then advance to the final stage, where they will pitch live before a distinguished final jury on January 24, 2026, to compete for implementation grants of up to INR 25 lakhs each.

A Rigorous Selection Process
The journey to the top 15 involved a meticulous evaluation by Social Alpha. The criteria framework in which the evaluation happened were areas such as innovation, go-to-market strategy, implementation, etc. The technical jury will play a very crucial role in assessing each of the 15 shortlisted startups before the final round. The technical jury comprises:

• Vineet Prasani, Chief Information Officer at Social Alpha

• Vishwanath S, Director at Biome Environmental Solutions

• Sridhar L, Head of ESG at Bangalore International Airport Limited 

• Jagan Shah, CEO at The Infravision Foundation

• Aarathi Kumar, Senior Manager, Executive Office at WRI India

• Suhail Rahman, Managing Director and CEO at CoEvolve Estates 

The application breakdown highlighted the city's key concerns: Waste Management (44%), Water & Sanitation (32%), Sustainable Construction (18%), and Air Pollution (6%)

The Final Showdown & a Consortium for Impact
The finalists will present their solutions to the Final Jury comprising:

• Prashanth Prakash (Co-Founder and Chairperson, UnboxingBLR)

• Malini Goyal (Co-Founder and CEO, UnboxingBLR)

• Manoj Kumar (Founder, Social Alpha)

• Hari Marar (Managing Director and CEO, BIAL)

• Pavitra Shankar (Managing Director, Brigade Group)

The winning startups will receive grant funding of INR 25 lakhs and crucial support for 6-month pilot deployments with government, private sector, and civil society partners in Bengaluru.

"NBC '26 bridges the critical gap between innovation and implementation. The Top 15 represent solutions with the highest potential for real-world impact in Bengaluru. We are now one step closer to deploying these technologies on the ground, in partnership with government and private stakeholders," Prashanth Prakash, Co-Founder and Chairperson, UnboxingBLR.

"The overwhelming quality and volume of applications for NBC '26 signals a powerful shift. Innovators are actively building the toolkit for urban climate resilience. Selecting only 15 startups from nearly 600 brilliant ideas was a formidable task, and we congratulate those moving forward to the final pitch," Malini Goyal, Co-Founder and CEO, UnboxingBLR.

“The Namma Bengaluru Challenge reflects our commitment to advancing science and technology-led solutions that can meaningfully shape Bengaluru’s urban transition. In anchoring the technical jury process, our role has been to ensure a rigorous evaluation framework, one that prioritises solution robustness, pilot feasibility, impact potential, and scalability, while drawing on the expertise of distinguished subject matter experts in the ecosystem. This stage is crucial in surfacing solutions that are both visionary and deployable in real-world conditions, ahead of the final jury deliberations,” Manoj Kumar, Founder, Social Alpha.

“Bangalore has been home to many a startup and has long served as India’s natural sandbox for innovation. As India rises as a global startup hub, the city is at the heart of it, offering founders not just access to talent but an entire collaborative ecosystem. NBC presents a unique opportunity to plug into a platform designed to bring together government, corporates and entrepreneurs to create solutions that address local challenges. With climate change and unplanned rapid growth impacting the future of cities, aligning innovation with environmental responsibility is imperative. As an organisation with deep roots in Bangalore, Brigade is focused on creating sustainable spaces that serve the needs of our individual customers and community at large. There is nothing more important than channelling this collective effort to build a future-ready Bangalore,” Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Group.

NBC '26 is powered by a strong consortium of partners committed to systemic change:

Challenge Partners

• Bangalore International Airport Limited

• Brigade Group

Program Partners

• Bengaluru Climate Action Cell (Climate Action Partner)

• WRI India (Knowledge Partner)

• Brigade REAP

• CoEvolve Estates (Pilot Partner)

• Biome Environmental Solutions (Pilot Partner)

• GoodEarth (Pilot Partner)

About UnboxingBLR
UnboxingBLR (UBLR) is a Bengaluru-focused collaborative platform dedicated to celebrating and shaping the city’s culture and identity. Founded in 2023 by Prashanth Prakash and Malini Goyal, UBLR brings together people, communities, and institutions to co-create Bengaluru’s story, serving as a city champion, idea catalyst, and collaborative platform.

UBLR drives initiatives such as the Namma Bengaluru Challenge, an accelerator that supports startups and changemakers tackling urban challenges; BLR Hubba, a city-wide festival celebrating art and culture; the annual We Are City Data Report, a data-driven snapshot of how citizens experience and engage with Bengaluru; and Code to Culture, a podcast exploring the city and its people. Together, these initiatives highlight citizen-led innovation and showcase Bengaluru’s cultural vibrancy in action.

For more information, please log on to www.unboxingblr.com.

Launch of Used Beverage Carton (UBC) Management Study at the conference themed Closing the Loop: Advancing Carton Recycling for a Circular Economy
 

Recycling of post-consumer cartons has seen a significant rise, with the latest study showing an increase from 29% in 2011 to 63.66% in 2025 across 24 surveyed cities. When extrapolated to a national level, this translates to a 48% recycling rate for India. This progress is largely attributed to sustained efforts by Tetra Pak and the broader industry - ranging from investments in collection infrastructure and partnerships with recyclers to widespread consumer awareness campaigns.
 

In comparison, the previous study published 2022 reported a 62% recycling rate across 22 cities, which extrapolated to 45% nationally. The current findings reflect continued momentum, even in the face of rising consumption. When extrapolated nationally, the study estimates that one in every two cartons in India is now being recycled, marking a major milestone in waste management.
 

The highlights of the study were presented by Dr. Suneel Pandey, Director, Circular Economy and Waste Management Division, TERI. Key insights from the study include:

• Recycling rates have increased to 63.66% in 2025 across 24 surveyed cities

• Cities like Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru show very high recycling rates, supported by robust collection centres and active recycler networks.

• The volume of cartons recycled in a pure stream has increased over time, thanks to strengthened dedicated collection and recycling systems.

• A growing network of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), substations, and waste dealers is contributing to improved collection and recycling outcomes.
   

Cassio Simoes, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, added, “These findings reaffirm that long-term partnerships and consistent investment can deliver real environmental impact. While it’s encouraging that nearly half of all cartons are now recycled, our ambition is to go further - to ensure every carton finds its way to a recycler. Together with our partners, we remain committed to advancing circularity and strengthening the recycling value chain across India.”
 

TERI recommends further actions to boost recycling

• Innovate new products from recycled cartons to expand end-use markets.

• Strengthen the waste dealer network with better economic incentives.

• Enhance paper mill capacity and technology to process multi-material packaging.

• Promote source-level segregation and awareness to improve collection efficiency.

• Strengthen the EPR policy framework to catalyze more investment from industry.
   

The report was launched at a conference titled “Closing the Loop: Advancing Carton Recycling for a Circular Economy.” The event focused on strengthening India’s beverage carton recycling ecosystem and identifying collaborative pathways to accelerate circularity.
 

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. N. Subrahmanyam, Scientist ‘E’, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), who remarked, “The recycling system is bound to improve - from collection to recycling - as producers increasingly invest a portion of their revenues to purchase EPR certificates. This revenue will enable recyclers to adopt more advanced technologies and improve overall recycling efficiency.”
 

Sharing a global perspective on beverage carton recycling, Ms. Kinga Sieradzon, Vice President, Sustainability Operations, Tetra Pak, emphasized, “Social Responsibility and Extended Producer Responsibility are not just about ticking boxes. It is about real transformation - getting engaged and collaborating to transform the entire value chain of collection and recycling.”
 

Two thematic panel discussions formed the core of the dialogue. The first, moderated by Mr. Jaideep Gokhale, CEO of the Action Alliance for Recycling Beverage Cartons, brought together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to deliberate strategies for scaling UBC recycling through collaboration, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. The second panel focused on policy direction, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and industry collaboration as key enablers to mainstream circular practices and drive large-scale implementation.
 

The report combines scientific rigour with on-ground insights, mapping collection flows, analysing formal and informal sector dynamics, and quantifying recycling rates. It serves as a data-backed roadmap for accelerating India’s transition to a more inclusive, circular, and low-carbon future.
 

Access the full report here: Used Beverage Cartons Management Study 2025.

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.

The report captures a comprehensive view of the firm’s real estate private credit portfolio, its ESG integration practices, measurable environmental and social outcomes, and the expanding role of private capital in accelerating India’s sustainability transition.

At a time when climate risks, rapid urbanisation, and widening socio-economic gaps are reshaping investment priorities, Sundaram Alternates’ report demonstrates how responsibly deployed private credit can deliver both risk-adjusted returns and meaningful community-level impact.

“Private credit can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable change. At Sundaram Alternates, we are focused on financing businesses and projects that combine performance with purpose. The launch of our Impact Report at the IVCA GreenReturns Summit highlights how disciplined lending and responsible investing can accelerate India’s transition towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.” said, Karthik Athreya, Managing Director, Sundaram Alternates.

Sundaram Alternates Launches its ESG & Impact Report at IVCA GreenReturns Summit 2025

A Data-Backed View of Impact: Environment, Social and Governance Outcomes

The report provides verified performance and impact metrics across Sundaram Alternates’ portfolio, showcasing how the firm integrates ESG at every stage—from investment screening to monitoring, stewardship, and exits.

Key Highlights from the Report

Environmental Impact

• ~20 million sq. ft. of green-built projects

• ~837,000 tCO₂e in embodied carbon savings

• ~268,000 tCO₂ in lifetime operational carbon savings

• ~579,000 MWh in lifetime energy savings

• ~28.9 million m³ in lifetime water savings

• Green homes designed to meet globally recognised certification standards

• Focus on heat-resilient construction, water security, and waste circularity

Social Impact

• 50,000+ jobs created (direct + indirect)

• 1.32 million people positively impacted

• 1,000+ women positively impacted

• Over 50% of residential units designed with universal accessibility features

• Emphasis on worker safety, fair wages, skilling, and community-level inclusion

Governance Excellence

• 100% of projects undergo ESG due diligence

• ~25,000 site workers trained in safety & environmental awareness

• Zero tolerance towards labour rights violations

• Annual ESG reporting and strong oversight through a dedicated ESG governance framework

A Structured Framework for Responsible Private Credit

The report outlines Sundaram Alternates’ integrated ESG policy anchored in five core principles:
sustainable construction practices, workforce health & safety, climate and environmental resilience, corporate governance, and transition to low-carbon pathways.

The firm’s governance architecture — comprising its ESG Steering Committee, independent advisors, fund managers, analysts, and board oversight — ensures that ESG obligations are embedded across term sheets, monitoring processes, green-building certifications, and sustainability reporting.

This structured approach helps investors evaluate not just financial performance but measurable outcomes aligned with SDGs, global ESG standards (GRI, SASB, EDGE), and India’s national climate goals.

Positioning India for a Climate-Resilient Future

The report emphasises that India stands at a generational inflection point: the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global emissions and over a third of natural resource consumption. Sundaram Alternates’ work demonstrates how sustainable real estate, backed by private credit, can drive measurable climate outcomes and equitable urban development.

Across projects, the portfolio has delivered stronger tenant demand, enhanced operational efficiencies, reduced long-term risk exposure, and strengthened local supply chains—while channeling capital to underserved markets where the need is greatest.

About Sundaram Alternates
Sundaram Alternate Assets Ltd., part of the Sundaram Finance Group, manages approximately Rs. 7,000 crores across private credit, corporate credit, and thematic equity funds. A rapidly growing alternate asset management platform, Sundaram Alternates specializes in differentiated investment solutions spanning private credit, fixed income, PMS equity strategies, and bespoke equity portfolios. Built on the core values of transparency, governance, and long-term value creation, Sundaram Alternates is actively expanding its footprint in India’s dynamic investment ecosystem.

For more details, visit: www.sundaramalternates.com

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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Rooted in the belief that human wellbeing and environmental harmony are inseparable, The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP) and Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (AOL-SSIAST) have joined hands with Ashirvad by Aliaxis to unite compassion with sustainability.
 

Native tree plantations transforming 50 acres of dry land in Cuttack
 

From reviving lakes and restoring forests to rebuilding schools and empowering nursing caregivers, this partnership nurtures both people and the planet -creating ecosystems where life in every form can flourish.

In Cuttack, Odisha, stretches of once-dry land are coming back to life through an extensive afforestation project spanning 50 acres, with over 14,000 native tree species including Arjuna, Neem, Sirish, Jamun, Karanj, and Raktha Chandan.

Each sapling is individually guarded and nurtured for three years - a gesture of patience and purpose. Local community participation ensures that the forest flourishes not only as an ecosystem but as a shared legacy of environmental stewardship.

Water Body Restoration through Nature-Based Solutions (JalShudhi)

At the Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru, polluted water bodies are being rejuvenated through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The initiative combines JalShudhi bioculture, constructed wetlands, and aeration systems to naturally purify water using plants and microorganisms.
 

Scientific studies assess the role of vegetation in bioremediation while documenting the site’s biodiversity. Early findings show improved dissolved oxygen levels (8 mg/L) and the return of fish and bird life - clear evidence of ecological recovery.
 

JalShudhi is an AOL-SSRDP initiative that restores polluted water bodies through bioremediation, ecological restoration, and community-driven sustainability.
 

Empowering future healthcare heroes at Sri Sri Institute of Nursing to serve with excellence and empathy
 

Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP and AOL-SSIAST, stated, “This partnership is helping us breathe life back into forests and lakes, bring dignity to children through better schools, and support young nurses to serve with skill and compassion. ”

Rebuilding Dreams in Rural Karnataka

In Anekal Taluka, Karnataka, educational infrastructure is being revitalised across seven government schools, benefitting over 1,000 students and teachers. Classrooms are repaired, roofs reconstructed, and STEM and computer laboratories established to ignite curiosity and innovation.
 

For students who once studied in dilapidated classrooms, the transformation brings confidence, dignity, and renewed enthusiasm for learning. Teachers are also being trained to enhance instructional quality and adopt innovative methods.

Nurturing Healers at the Sri Sri Institute of Nursing

At the Sri Sri Institute of Nursing, young healthcare aspirants are being empowered to serve with both skill and compassion. The collaboration supports first-year and continuing students through financial aid, technical training, and mentorship, enabling uninterrupted pursuit of nursing education.
Each trained nurse becomes a ripple of healing, extending care to families, hospitals, and communities nationwide.
 

Sudeep Agrawal, CFO & CSR Head, Ashirvad by Aliaxis, shared, “At Ashirvad by Aliaxis, progress is about people - nurturing their learning, their environment, and their future. Together with AOL-SSRDP and AOL-SSIAST, we’re bringing this belief to life — reviving schools, restoring ecosystems, and uplifting communities with hope and resilience.”

Partnership with Purpose
The partnership between AOL-SSRDP, AOL-SSIAST, and Ashirvad by Aliaxis embodies a shared commitment to reviving ecosystems, empowering communities, and advancing sustainable development through impactful initiatives across India - turning vision into verifiable change.
 

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects - implemented through the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP) and the Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (AOL-SSIAST) - are driving one of India’s most far-reaching movements for sustainable transformation.
 

From reviving ecosystems and empowering farmers to skilling youth and transforming rural education, these initiatives touch millions of lives across India and beyond. Through JalShudhi, over 152 polluted water bodies have been rejuvenated. More than 3 million farmers have been trained in natural farming; 4.75 lakh youth have gained employable skills; 473 Smart Schools have been established; 50 Medetel Health Units are serving communities; 665 border villages have been developed; and over 100 million trees have been planted - nurturing people, planet, and prosperity for generations to come.

Support the Mission

Contribute to the Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programs and help expand these initiatives: ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp.
 

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This week at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, USGBC will showcase the practical use of LEED v5 and feature exclusive presentations, workshops and hands-on training for the new system.
 

“Since releasing the rating system and launching LEED v5 registration earlier this year, we have seen interest in using the new rating system spread across the industry,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO, USGBC. “Recognizing that LEED v5 is a significant step forward, we are committed to helping our community understand and apply the new elements by providing USGBC members and LEED users with detailed resources and enhanced support.”
 

LEED v5 offers clear steps for buildings to achieve near-zero carbon status while prioritizing physical resilience and the health and well-being of people and communities. Additionally, projects that invest in LEED certification see a return on investment through higher asset values, increased occupancy rates, and higher rents, according to a Cushman and Wakefield report.
 

Latest LEED v5 Tools and Resources
LEED users can now certify projects under the new rating system. Scorecards focused on LEED v5’s core impact areas – decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration – are available to help guide project teams in planning goals and intent. A wide range of tools, including calculators, a scorecard builder, recertification guidance, and a decarbonization workbook, support the success of project teams in achieving certification.

The newest editions of the LEED v5 Reference Guide build on the April launch previews, adding greater detail, examples, and context to support project teams. Informed by user feedback and community input, the guides will be paired with additional educational resources through 2026 to help practitioners master the new rating system.
 

Additionally, USGBC has released updated LEED v5 crosswalks to help streamline the process for projects pursuing multiple certifications. These include the LEED v5 and WELL crosswalk developed in collaboration with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and the LEED v5 and SITES crosswalk.
 

A Clear Path for Decarbonization
With LEED v5, USGBC continues its decades-long mission to promote green building leadership while creating opportunities and encouraging more projects to participate. For the first time, Platinum projects require minimum carbon reductions that set them apart as models for net zero trajectories. At the same time, the new rating system is intentionally designed to expand access, enabling more project teams to pursue ultra-low carbon, healthy, and restorative buildings that enhance quality of life and dramatically improve efficiency. 
 

Through beta testing of the LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) system, more than 20 early adopters have already achieved certification, proving transformative change through strategic decarbonization, significant cost savings, and high occupant satisfaction. As part of the rating system’s Decarbonization and Capital Planning requirements, projects target significant reductions in onsite energy use, direct emissions, and water usage.
 

“LEED certification represents not only a technical standard, but also a true symbol of prestige within the community,” said Felipe Flores, Director of Operations, Reichmann International and administrator of Torre Diana, a LEED v5 Platinum certified project in Mexico City. “We have seen how this recognition generates trust and admiration among visitors, users, and industry leaders. Furthermore, tenants feel proud to be part of the project and develop a much stronger sense of belonging, which translates into more stable and lasting relationships. Torre Diana has become an exemplary case of what can be achieved when a structured and strategic commitment to decarbonization is made, demonstrating that sustainability, performance, and a vision for the future can go hand in hand.”
 

The annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo will take place Nov. 4-7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Learn more about USGBC’s sessions on the Greenbuild Content Hub.

The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP) signs MoU with Svenska Institute of Technology

The initiative aims to equip youth with practical expertise to meet the growing demand in India’s heavy vehicle and logistics sectors. Under this partnership, AOL-SSRDP will identify, counsel, and prepare candidates from rural, semi-rural, and urban areas, while Svenska Institute of Technology will provide certified, industry-aligned training in Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operations, mechanics, and engineering — including excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and dump trucks. The collaboration will enable training and placement of over 500 youth in leading companies every year.

The programme combines classroom learning with hands-on training, using Svenska’s state-of-the-art simulators and actual heavy vehicles to provide real-world, industry-relevant experience.

Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST, with Shri Mangesh Vaidya, Managing Director, Svenska Institute of Technology

Speaking on the collaboration, Shri Prasana Prabhu said, "The Heavy Earth Moving Machinery sector is vital to India’s infrastructure growth, yet faces a severe shortage of skilled professionals. This partnership with Svenska bridges that gap — creating pathways for youth to gain hands-on expertise and contribute to the nation’s development."

Shri Mangesh Vaidya added, "We are delighted to collaborate with AOL-SSRDP. With advanced infrastructure and practical training modules, the initiative ensures world-class technical learning.”

Nationwide Impact Through Skill Development

Across India, AOL-SSRDP is transforming lives in rural, semi-rural, and urban areas through skill centres, prison training hubs, Sri Sri Kaushal Vikas Kendras, and Centres of Excellence. Training spans solar energy, drones, EV technology, carpentry, plumbing, cybersecurity, and now HEMM operations, creating a skilled, self-reliant workforce ready for high-demand industries.

From Dreams to Reality: Youth Transformed by AOL-SSRDP

Ritika Tidke from Odisha joined The Art of Living – SSRDP with just a 10th-grade education. Today, she holds a degree and is a certified DGCA Drone Trainer. “I never imagined working in such an advanced field. This programme opened doors I never thought possible,” she says.

Papu Buniya from Maharashtra, the son of a security guard, gained hands-on skills in solar and electrical work and now earns in lakhs annually. “This training changed my life completely. I can support my family and dream bigger than ever,” he shares.

Siddhesh Hardas from Karnataka, trained in EV technology, adds, “The programme revealed new career horizons and inspired me to explore entrepreneurship.”

Beyond technical skills, the programme equips youth with entrepreneurial, leadership, and employability skills, with a strong focus on women’s empowerment.

Watch how AOL-SSRDP is transforming lives: “Another Youth Empowered, Millions Are Waiting – Will You Step In…” Watch here

Holistic Growth: Skills for Life and Leadership

At AOL-SSRDP, learning goes beyond technical skills. Participants practice Sudarshan Kriya, a world-renowned breathing technique, meditation, and yoga, enhancing concentration, resilience, and well-being. The programme also cultivates leadership, decision-making, and teamwork, ensuring that youth emerge as confident, balanced, and self-reliant individuals ready to thrive in all aspects of life.

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects (through AOL-SSIAST and AOL-SSRDP) is transforming rural India and beyond. To date:

• Skill Development & Livelihoods: Over 4.75 lakh youth trained at 147+ centres; 45+ ITIs upgraded; 25 FPOs formed.

• Education & Health: 473+ Smart Schools benefit 95.5K+ children; 50+ AOL Medetel Health diagnostic units operate nationwide.

• Rehabilitation & Community Development: 10K+ inmates skilled in 49+ prisons; 700+ border villages developed.

• Waste Management & Sustainability: Zero-waste energy converts waste to electricity; the Jagapawani initiative reduces pollution.

• Water Pollution Mitigation: 152 water bodies restored through JalShudhi.

• Agriculture & Environment: 3 million farmers trained in natural farming across 24 states; 100 million trees planted in 36 countries.

Through these initiatives, Art of Living Social Projects nurtures people, planet, and future generations.

Support the Mission: Join us in transforming lives — your contribution empowers youth with skills, confidence, and a brighter future.

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Shri Anand Kumar Tembhare, General Manager (NHPC), Shri Miren Kumar Verma, HOD (CSR), NHPC and Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman – Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST), and Shri Anand Kumar Tembhare, General Manager – NHPC, in the presence of Shri Miren Kumar Verma, HOD (CSR), NHPC.

Once operational, the IBADC will serve as a comprehensive development hub, focusing on education, healthcare, livelihoods, wellness, sports, culture, and community capacity building. The initiative aims to improve quality of life and foster self-reliance in Jammu’s border communities.

See how AOL-SSRDP is transforming lives in India’s border villages:
 Watch the inspiring story on YouTube

Shri Prasana Prabhu and Shri Uttam Lal, Director (Personnel), NHPC

During the event, Shri Prasana Prabhu presented The Art of Living Social Projects compendium to Shri Uttam Lal, Director (Personnel), NHPC, highlighting nationwide impact across skill development, sustainable livelihoods, water pollution mitigation, natural farming, afforestation, renewable energy, Smart Schools, community well-being, and water conservation.

Sharing their thoughts on this milestone collaboration, the leaders emphasized collective action and sustainable transformation in India’s border regions.

Shri Prasana Prabhu said, “This partnership with NHPC marks a pivotal step in holistic border area development. The IBADC will be a catalyst for positive change—strengthening education, healthcare, and livelihoods while nurturing self-reliance and well-being among border communities.”

Shri Uttam Lal added, “NHPC is committed to inclusive and sustainable development. Partnering with AOL-SSRDP for the IBADC initiative reflects our shared vision of empowering communities in Jammu’s border regions and fostering long-term socio-economic resilience.”

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to advance inclusive growth and sustainable transformation in India’s border regions.

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects (through AOL-SSIAST and AOL-SSRDP) is transforming rural India and beyond.

Key Impact Highlights

• Skill Development & Livelihoods: 4.75 lakh youth trained through 147+ centres; 45+ ITIs upgraded; 25 Farmer Producer Organizations formed.

• Education & Health: 473+ Smart Schools benefiting 95,500+ children; 50+ Art of Living Medetel health diagnostic units operational nationwide.

• Rehabilitation & Community Development: 10,000+ inmates trained across 49 prisons; 665 border villages developed.

• Agriculture & Environment: 3 million farmers trained in natural farming; 100 million trees planted across 36 countries.

• Water Conservation: 1,05,000+ recharge structures built; 174+ billion litres of water conserved; benefiting over 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.

• Water Pollution Mitigation: 152 water bodies rejuvenated through JalShudhi, including temple ponds, drains, and major rivers.

• Waste Management & Sustainability: Pioneering zero-waste energy solutions converting waste to electricity; pollution reduction through Jagapawani.

Support the Mission

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Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

The company uses the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework as a reference to structure and expand its environmental and social disclosures, ensuring transparency and alignment with globally recognized standards. Sustainability is deeply embedded across its design, materials, community initiatives, and contractor practices, reflecting strong performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management — underscoring Signature Global’s dedication to building a resilient and responsible future.

Signature Global continues to set new benchmarks in sustainable development and responsible real estate practices. The company was recently honoured with multiple prestigious accolades, including ‘Sustainable Business Leader of the Year’ at the 17th Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Awards 2025, ‘Most Environment-Friendly Residential Project’ for Signature Global Titanium SPR, and recognition at The Economic Times Real Estate Awards for Signature Global Park under the Environment-Friendly Residential category. Further, Signature Global Titanium SPR also earned the ‘Best Green Development (India)’ title at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2024, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global excellence.

Sharing his views Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “It gives us immense pleasure to be recognized for our firm commitment to sustainability and responsible development. From design and materials to community initiatives and operational practices, we at Signature Global aim to incorporate ESG principles at every step. This recognition motivates us to continuously raise the bar and deliver projects that are not only high-quality but also environmentally and socially responsible.”

As global markets move toward responsible and transparent sourcing, India is positioning itself at the forefront by embedding sustainability and inclusion into its growth story. Reflecting this commitment, IDH, with Palladium and NISCOPS as Strategic Partners and Sattva Consulting as Knowledge Partner, hosted the third edition of its flagship event, SUTRA 2025 – Sustainable Trade Summit, at Le Méridien, New Delhi. Themed “Sourcing with Purpose: India’s Commitment to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” the summit concluded after two days of vibrant discussions, solution-driven dialogues, and global collaboration.

Mr. Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, IDH India (left) with Mr. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI (right) at SUTRA 2025

Speaking on the significance of the platform, Mr. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, shared that, “SUTRA 2025 reflects India’s growing leadership in building a sourcing revolution that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally influential. By bringing together farmers, FPOs, financiers, innovators, and industry, this platform truly embodies its name, SUTRA, the thread that connects us all. Collaboration is the cornerstone of transformation, and through initiatives like this, India is demonstrating how sustainability can move from compliance to competitiveness, from intent to impact. The Ministry of Textiles remains deeply committed to advancing circularity, strengthening farm-to-factory linkages, and positioning Indian textiles as a global model of responsibility and resilience. With the right partnerships, investments, and innovations, we can weave a future that is not only equitable and climate-resilient but also defines India’s leadership in sustainable growth."

The event convened over 500 delegates and 60 speakers representing government, industry, development institutions, academia, and farmer organizations. Together, they explored how purpose-led sourcing can accelerate India’s transition to climate-resilient and socially equitable trade systems. The summit underscored India’s growing leadership in embedding sustainability and inclusion into the fabric of its trade and agricultural systems. Conversations across 13 sessions focused on themes such as responsible sourcing, climate finance, gender empowerment, living incomes, and technology-enabled transparency. Delegates shared practical models of regenerative agriculture, landscape approaches, and traceable value chains that demonstrate how economic progress, and environmental stewardship can advance together.

This year’s edition also featured a Sustainability Experience Centre, where organizations showcased innovations in traceability, regenerative farming, and circular production. Interactive demonstrations and solution pitches enabled participants to explore how emerging technologies and data-driven systems can enhance transparency and accountability across supply chains.

Reflecting on the summit, Mr. Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, IDH India, said Mr. Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, IDH India, said, “SUTRA 2025 reflects IDH’s core belief that sustainable growth can only be achieved through collaboration and shared accountability. Our work has always been about creating spaces where governments, businesses, financiers, and farmer institutions come together to design solutions that are practical, scalable, and inclusive. Through partnerships, we aim to translate sustainability commitments into tangible action, strengthening value chains, improving livelihoods, and driving measurable impact on the ground. The conversations at SUTRA 2025 reaffirm that collaboration is not just a principle of our work, but the pathway to building resilient markets and a more equitable future."

Industry leaders including Mr. Sougata Niyogi (Godrej Agrovet); Mr. Sudhakar Desai (Emami Agrotech & IVPA); Ms. Sagarika Bose, Regional Head – CSR, India and APAC, SAP; Mr. Prabhakar Lingareddy, Executive Vice President & Head – Social Investments, ITC Limited; Mr. Mandeep Singh Tuli, Head – Foods Procurement, Hindustan Unilever Limited; and Dr. Arpita Mukherjee (ICRIER) shared perspectives on aligning business competitiveness with climate action and social responsibility. Ms. Marije Boomsma (IDH Global) further underscored IDH’s commitment to building partnerships that translate sustainability ambitions into scalable global impact.

Over the past three editions, SUTRA has evolved into one of India’s foremost platforms for advancing sustainable trade and responsible sourcing. The 2025 edition built on this legacy by deepening cross-sector partnerships and setting a forward-looking agenda for inclusive growth. As the summit concluded, participants reaffirmed their shared vision to align trade, technology, and sustainability, driving collective action towards a fairer and greener global economy.

About IDH

IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 15 years of operation, IDH has mobilised private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.

For more info, visit: idh.org/contact/india

The Jal Kalash ceremony which symbolizes India’s timeless reverence for water as a sacred, life-sustaining resource
 

The Suvarnamukhi River Rejuvenation Project, a collaboration between The Art of Living Social Projects, the Government of Karnataka, and IIM Bangalore’s Centre for Public Policy, stands as a model for participatory, science-driven river restoration. Conceived by Dr Lingaraju Yale, National Director of River Rejuvenation Projects at The Art of Living Social Projects, the initiative integrates science, spirituality, and community action to revive a vital lifeline of Bengaluru’s southern landscape.
 

Jointly guided by Prof. Gopal Naik (Jal Jeevan Mission Chair Professor, IIM Bengaluru), Shri Prabhash Chandra Ray, IFS (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer), Dr Lingaraju Yale, and Bhavyata Jethva, Project Lead, the programme is setting new benchmarks in participatory water management in the peri-urban space.
 

With the insightful vision of Smt. Uma Mahadevan, IAS (Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka), and her commitment to taking the project forward, the workshop reaffirmed a collective resolve to turn the action plan into tangible, on-ground transformation.
 

Rooted in Reverence, Driven by Science

The event opened with the Jal Kalash Ceremony, where water from five sacred rivers - Kumudhvati, Arkavathi, Vrishabhavathi, Suvarnamukhi, and Palar - was sanctified and brought together. Students from the Vaidic Gurukul at the Center recited the Apah Sukta from the Rig Veda, invoking the sacredness and life-giving power of water. This moment symbolised the seamless blend of India’s spiritual ethos with modern environmental science.
 

As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose vision continues to inspire The Art of Living Social Projects’ groundbreaking initiatives, reminds us, “Rivers and rains are the cradle of life. Safeguarding Bengaluru’s depleting water sources and disappearing green cover is an urgent priority. We have always used the water from the holy rivers to purify ourselves, but today we have reached a point where we have to purify this water. The roadmap prepared jointly by government bodies and the Art of Living River Rejuvenation Team is a promising beginning. We must now translate this into sustained action on the ground and ensure lasting water security for people, trees and all forms of life.”
 

Policy, Ecology and People: The Trifecta of Change

Smt. Uma Mahadevan observed, “Rapid urban expansion is necessary for economic growth, but it has depleted the water table. Covering a peri-urban area of 216 square kilometres with a storage capacity of 65 million cubic feet, this reservoir and its 110 associated water bodies and 332 streams can potentially restore groundwater, capture rainwater, and become a sustainable water source for 69 surrounding villages. This project not only becomes a model in Karnataka but also in other states across India.”
 

Shri Prabhash Chandra Ray, IFS, elaborated on how ecological restoration is being balanced with wildlife conservation. “In this project, The Art of Living can play a major role in community engagement of residents in gated communities and RWAs. Alongside, we are ensuring that biodiversity and wildlife are preserved while water systems are revived.”
 

From the academic sphere, Prof. (Dr.) Gopal Naik emphasised behavioural change as central to success, “Behavioural changes are required to make this project successful. The Art of Living is the best place for driving this shift in mindset.”
 

Integrating Natural and Technological Solutions

Adding a scientific perspective, Dr. Y. Lingaraju noted, “In the name of urban development, nature is weeping.” Advocating for nature-based solutions, he urged replacing high-energy sewage systems with simple, ecological interventions such as bio-bridges, pollution-absorbing vegetation, and natural rainwater recycling, which deliver maximum impact with minimal engineering.
 

The workshop also showcased emerging innovations, including nanobubble technology presented by Dr. Jagjeet Singh Kochar, a water conservationist from Punjab, alongside nature-based pollution mitigation models shared by Dr. Prakash Kulkarni, President of Bhageerath NGO, and Shri Kris Madhusudan, Managing Director, Prithvi Eco Sciences Pvt. Ltd.
 

A Model for Replication

The Suvarnamukhi initiative is part of The Art of Living’s nationwide movement to rejuvenate India’s rivers and restore groundwater. Since 2013, the organisation has been reviving 72 rivers and streams, enhancing water security and livelihoods for more than 3,45,00,000 people.
 

In Bengaluru, the project will revitalise 110 water bodies across a 216 sq. km catchment, directly benefitting 69 villages and 9.3 lakh residents.
 

As discussions concluded, one message stood out - collaboration is the cornerstone of conservation. With science providing precision, governance ensuring accountability, and communities sustaining long-term impact, the Suvarnamukhi River Project is emerging as a replicable model for sustainable water management and a scalable solution for water crisis.
 

About The Art of Living Social Projects 

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through its large-scale River Rejuvenation Projects, the organisation works to mitigate water scarcity by restoring rivers, reviving ecosystems, and improving the quality of life for communities across the country. Get involved, donate now: NGO for Water Conservation in India, Top NGO in India for Social Projects.
 

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The overall result of this recharge well is a significant increase in ground water levels
 

A 2018 NGO survey revealed that nearly half of Bundelkhand’s four million farmers had already migrated in search of survival. Borewells drilled in desperation only hastened the depletion of groundwater. Rainwater, instead of replenishing the aquifers, rushed away through seasonal nullahs, leaving the land dry once more.
 

Against this backdrop of crisis, a turnaround is now underway. Farmers are seeing groundwater return, irrigation costs fall, and agriculture regain viability, thanks to a large-scale scientific river and aquifer rejuvenation project led by The Art of Living Social Projects under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This initiative stands as a model solution for water crisis, blending scientific precision, community participation, and spiritual commitment to restore balance and hope to rural lives.
 

A Scientific Response to a Human Crisis

At the peak of Bundelkhand’s water distress, Hon. Member of Parliament Shri Anurag Sharma invited The Art of Living Social Projects to design a sustainable solution. A team of geologists and hydrologists identified managed aquifer recharge as the key intervention - a method that slows rainwater runoff and directs it into underground reserves.
 

Over the past two years, the project has been implemented in 42.82 square kilometres of the Gobind Sagar catchment area in Lalitpur district, with support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Ashirvad Pipes, and the local administration.
 

The results are measurable and significant. 238 recharge wells, boulder checks, and bore recharge structures have been built, enabling rainwater to infiltrate the ground rather than flow away unused. According to official district reports, groundwater levels in parts of Birdha block have already risen by five to six feet.
 

Impact on Farming Communities

For Bundelkhand’s farmers, these numbers translate into a tangible rise in livelihoods. With groundwater reserves replenished, irrigation has become more dependable. Diesel expenses for water pumping have dropped, and crop security has strengthened. Water pump sets that once ran for barely an hour now operate for five to six hours at a stretch. For communities long accustomed to uncertainty, this is a transformative change - one that makes farming viable again and reduces the compulsion to migrate.
 

This Bundelkhand boulder check helps slow down rainwater runoff, increasing soil moisture & minimizing soil erosion
 

Beyond Water: Reviving the Ecosystem

The impact of the project extends beyond agriculture. By restoring underground water reserves, Bundelkhand’s fragile ecology is showing signs of revival. Retained water is improving soil fertility, reducing erosion, and supporting vegetation growth. Biodiversity - from trees to bird species - is slowly returning, aided by more consistent water availability.
 

Crucially, the initiative is not limited to infrastructure. It has fostered a sense of ownership among local communities, ensuring long-term sustainability. Farmers are no longer passive recipients of aid but active partners in restoring their land.
 

A Model for Replication

Bundelkhand’s water crisis is far from resolved, but the early outcomes of this intervention are encouraging. By combining scientific expertise, community participation, and institutional support, the project demonstrates a replicable model for regions facing similar challenges.
 

The story of Bundelkhand is shifting. Where headlines once chronicled drought, debt, and despair, there is now evidence of renewal. Fields are being cultivated again, migration is slowing, and groundwater - long thought lost - is beginning to return.
 

As this work expands, it offers a powerful reminder: the solutions to India’s water and agrarian crises lie not in short-term relief, but in systematic, science-based restoration of the very ecosystems on which farming depends.

About The Art of Living Social Projects 

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through its large-scale River Rejuvenation Projects, the organisation works to mitigate water scarcity by restoring rivers, reviving ecosystems, and improving the quality of life for communities across the country. Get involved, donate now: NGO for Water Conservation in India, Top NGO in India for Social Projects.
 

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Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of Art of Living Social Projects
 

The committee, chaired by the Minister-in-Charge of Housing & Urban Affairs and comprising senior officials and representatives from key local bodies such as the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, will oversee the regulation, protection, cleaning, beautification, conservation, reclamation, regeneration, restoration, and construction of water bodies. Through this platform, Art of Living Social Projects will provide its expertise in pollution mitigation and ecological revival, strengthening Assam’s efforts in sustainable urban water management.

Welcoming his appointment to the state-level Committee, Shri Prasana Prabhu said, “This appointment reinforces our commitment to restoring water bodies and enhancing water security across India.”

Driving Water Conservation Across India

The Art of Living Social Projects is leading major water conservation initiatives across India, enhancing water security and restoring ecosystems in states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. Rivers rejuvenated include Naganadhi, Palar, Kumudvathi, Vedavathi, and Kosi across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Community engagement is key, with locals trained in water conservation and afforestation drives that enhance groundwater recharge, support biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and provide a multitude of ecosystem services. To date, over 174 billion litres of water have been conserved through the restoration of 72 rivers, rivulets, streams, and tributaries, supported by over 1,05,000 recharge structures, benefiting more than 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.
 

Nature-Based Solutions for Water Pollution

Art of Living Social Projects is also advancing water pollution mitigation through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Its flagship JalShudhi initiative is a decentralized, eco-friendly wastewater treatment system that leverages phytoremediation, bioculture and physical interventions.

JalShudhi Bioculture is a fermented plant-based extract that removes odour in a very short span of time. It effectively reduces the key parameters like BOD, COD, and TSS by over 90%. Phytoremediation using wetlands is an approach that treats polluted water including heavy metals and micropollutants.

The wetlands with plants like Vetiver, Canna, Colocasia and Cyperus among others support biodiversity along with improving the dissolved Oxygen content of water. First piloted at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru, JalShudhi has rejuvenated more than 152 water bodies across India.

JalShudhi: A decentralized, eco-friendly wastewater treatment using phytoremediation, bioculture, and physical methods
 

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects (through AOL-SSIAST and AOL-SSRDP) is transforming rural India and beyond. To date:

• Water Conservation: Over 1,05,000 recharge structures built and over 174 billion litres of water conserved, benefiting 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.

• Water Pollution Mitigation: 152 water bodies restored through JalShudhi including 102 temple ponds in Chennai, 11 drains in Agra, 24 drains in Pune, and the Barapulla drain in Delhi-NCR.

• Agriculture & Environment: 3 million farmers trained in natural farming across 24 states; 100 million trees planted in 36 countries.

• Skill Development & Livelihoods: Over 4.75 lakh youth trained at 147+ centres; 45+ ITIs upgraded; 25 FPOs formed.

• Education & Health: 473+ Smart Schools benefit 95.5K+ children; 50+ AOL Medetel Health diagnostic units operate nationwide.

• Rehabilitation & Community Development: 10K+ inmates skilled in 49+ prisons; 665 border villages developed.

• Waste Management & Sustainability: Zero-waste energy converts waste to electricity; Jagapawani reduces pollution.
   

Through these initiatives, Art of Living Social Projects nurtures people, planet, and future generations.
 

Support the Mission

Contribute to the Art of Living Social Projects and help expand these initiatives ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp.
 

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BPTP Ltd. receiving the award for 'Excellence in Design' for Amstoria Verti Greens at ET Now Swadesh Awards - Gems of North India

GAIA Residences has been awarded “Excellence in Best Innovative Design” for its visionary architectural approach combining modern aesthetics with energy-efficient technology, setting new benchmarks on the Dwarka Expressway with its sustainable and future-ready design. GAIA Residences is the first residential project on Dwarka Expressway to feature glass and metal façade towers, improving energy efficiency and reducing external noise for a more comfortable, sustainable environment. The project holds IGBC Platinum pre-certification for eco-friendly living and is built to Seismic Zone V standards for maximum safety. Residents have access to premium amenities, including sky gardens with a yoga deck at 400 feet, a library lounge at 300 feet, and a co-working lounge at 200 feet, offering dedicated spaces for wellness, relaxation, and productivity.

Amstoria Verti-Greens won “Excellence in Design”; the project is celebrated for its signature vertical gardens, expansive club and amenity zones, and meticulous planning that blends functionality with serene green living spaces, redefining luxury urban lifestyle in Gurugram. Amstoria Verti Greens transforms the Gurgaon skyline while setting new benchmarks in sustainable urban luxury. Thoughtfully designed to blend elegance with functionality, the project offers an elevated living experience featuring an expansive 1.75 lakh sq. ft. club and amenity zone. With 15 Sky Gardens spread across five towers, residents enjoy tranquil green spaces and stunning views. The development boasts a comprehensive range of modern, state-of-the-art amenities designed to enhance comfort and quality of life.

Mr. Harinder Dhillon, National Sales Head,  BPTP Limited, commented, "We are delighted to be recognized at the ET Now Swadesh – Gems of Delhi NCR Awards 2025. These awards are a testament to our vision of creating sustainable, world-class communities that enrich urban living. Both GAIA Residences and Amstoria Verti-Greens embody BPTP’s commitment to design innovation, quality, and environmental consciousness. This recognition motivates us to continue raising the bar in real estate development and make meaningful contributions to shaping the future of the NCR.”

Both projects exemplify BPTP’s vision of creating integrated urban lifestyles with excellent connectivity and premium amenities, enhancing Delhi NCR's real estate landscape.

About BPTP
BPTP is one of India’s most trusted and leading real estate developers, with a strong presence in the Delhi-NCR region. Led by Chairman and MD Kabul Chawla, the company has delivered over 25,000 homes, as well as numerous landmark residential and commercial projects that blend cutting-edge design, modern architecture, and sustainable living solutions. Known for its innovative and customer-centric approach, BPTP continues to redefine urban luxury through future-first development, premium amenities, and a commitment to excellence, transparency, and elegant, efficient living.

The desilting of the Mauda river benefitted 2,00,000+ people across several villages

At the centre of this movement is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision - that caring for nature is caring for life itself. Under his guidance, The Art of Living Social Projects has ignited one of India’s largest people-led water revival initiatives. From Tamil Nadu’s plains to Karnataka’s highlands, from drought-hit Maharashtra to Uttar Pradesh’s thirsty fields, rivers are being rejuvenated, empowering communities along the way.

Tamil Nadu: Naganadhi - A River Reborn
Once a dry scar across Vellore, the Naganadhi River was on the verge of being lost. Farmers watched crops wither, women walked miles for water, and villages faced scarcity. The Art of Living Social Projects, in collaboration with the district administration and under MGNREGA, launched a transformative project.

• Structures built: 354 recharge wells, 207 boulder checks

• Direct participation: 1,050 women

• Groundwater rise: 1 - 8 metres

• River flow: uninterrupted for over three years

The project revitalised agriculture, enabling three crops a year and strengthening local economies. Its success at Naganadhi motivated a larger movement: from the 1,050 women directly involved, over 44,000 women across 14 districts later participated in constructing 6,500+ recharge structures, turning water conservation into a community-wide initiative.

Recognition:

• PM Narendra Modi praised the initiative multiple times on Mann Ki Baat

• Vellore was awarded Best District in the Southern Region for River Revival (2019)

• The Governor of Tamil Nadu honoured Dr. Chandrashekhar Kuppan

• TN Government recognised the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats; District Administration won three additional awards

Karnataka: A Tapestry of Rivers Revived
Across 12 districts and multiple basins, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision inspired the Antharjal Chetna / Jal Sanjeevini Project. Thousands of recharge structures restored groundwater and rejuvenated rivers.

• Recharge structures: 9,778

• Talukas with groundwater rise: 39+ (2019–2023)

• Rural youth trained: 1,500+

Rivers revitalised: Vedavathi, Kumudvathi, Krishna, Cauvery, Palar, Uttara Pinakini, Malaprabha, Tungabhadra

Case highlights:

• Kumudvathi River (Bengaluru Rural): 2,513 recharge structures and 86,000 saplings restored a 460 sq. km watershed

• Vedavathi River (Chikmagalur & Tumkur): Pilot project in 2013 expanded to a basin-wide rejuvenation with 17,224 recharge structures

• Palar River (Chintamani Taluk): 788 recharge structures and 40,000 saplings revived one of Karnataka’s driest belts

These rivers are more than channels of water; they are veins of prosperity, sustaining agriculture, livestock, and communities.

Uttar Pradesh: Farmers Find Water Again
Rampur district, declared an ‘overexploited zone’ by the state groundwater authority, faced severe water scarcity. Wells ran dry, diesel pumps failed, and farmers struggled. Guided by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision, the Bhujal Shakti Project brought relief:

• Structures built: 351 recharge shafts, 122 ponds, 1 sub-surface dyke across 88 villages

Groundwater levels gradually rose, pumps resumed operation, and farmers regained confidence. In Bundelkhand’s Lalitpur district, a parallel initiative with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited constructed 175 recharge structures in the Gobind Sagar catchment, strengthening water resilience for drought-affected families.

Maharashtra: Transforming Water-Scarce Landscapes
Maharashtra has long faced severe water scarcity. Guided by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision, The Art of Living Social Projects initiated large-scale rejuvenation programmes, including Jal Jagruti Abhiyan, Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0, and JalTara. Since 2013, these efforts have:

• Revived 33 rivers, streams, and tributaries across 27 districts

• Built 57,000+ recharge structures

• Desilted 29 crore cubic metres of riverbeds and canals (over 1,383 km across 19 districts)

• Planted 7.28 lakh trees

• Benefited 2,000,000+ people. The desilting of the Mauda river alone benefitted over 2,00,000 villagers.

Landmark projects:

• Mauda (Nagpur District): In partnership with NTPC Limited, 29 micro-watersheds covering 150 villages and 29,000 hectares transformed a water-stressed region into a water-surplus one. Awarded the Water Sustainability Award 2021-22 by UNDP, TERI, and India’s Ministry of Water Resources

• JalTara Project (Jalna District): 20,000 recharge pits raised groundwater by 14 feet, increased crop yield by 42%, and eliminated waterlogging. Programme scaled to 80 villages with 25,000 additional structures

Recognition and Ripples
The river revival efforts have gained national recognition:

• PM Narendra Modi praised the 44,000 women who led Naganadhi’s revival on Mann Ki Baat

• The Governor of Tamil Nadu honoured Dr. Chandrashekhar Kuppan

• The Jal Shakti Ministry awarded the initiative twice on National Water Day

• Universities and independent researchers continue to validate project impact

When Rivers Rise, Life Rises
River revival is never just about water. It is about farmers planting again, children drinking clean water, women finding dignity through leadership, and youth discovering purpose in conservation.

When we heal rivers, we heal ourselves. When rivers rise, life is rejuvenated.

About The Art of Living Social Projects
The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through its large-scale River Rejuvenation Projects, the organisation works to mitigate water scarcity by restoring rivers, reviving ecosystems, and improving the quality of life for communities across the country. Get involved, donate now: NGO for Water Conservation in India, Top NGO in India for Social Projects.

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