The Earthshot Prize, the world’s most prestigious environmental award, in partnership with Brazilian organisation Alana and global youth movement Design for Change, today announced the 15 finalists of the inaugural I CAN Earthshot ChallengeI CAN Earthshot Challenge. The initiative celebrates young changemakers from across India who are creating practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing their communities.

I CAN Earthshot Challenge 2026 finalists driving environmental change

Marking the biggest youth outreach initiative in The Earthshot Prize’s history, the Challenge has reached close to one million students through more than 15,000 schools across 24 Indian states, alongside an open digital platform accessible nationwide. The initiative invited children aged 9 to 17 to look beyond environmental awareness and take meaningful action, empowering them to become part of the generation driving solutions to repair and restore the planet following the five Earthshots: Protect and Restore Nature, Revive our Oceans, Clean our Air, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix our Climate. Children submitted their ideas between June and October.

From tackling air pollution in classrooms and reducing food spoilage to protecting rivers, conserving water and managing waste, the entries demonstrate how young people are developing practical solutions to environmental challenges in their communities. Innovations range from a low-cost air filter that recorded a reduction in AQI from approximately 160 to 98 during testing, to biodegradable, oil-free diyas designed to reduce pollution in the Godavari River, and a student-led initiative that has collected nearly six tonnes of waste paper for recycling.

The finalists will travel to Mumbai this November to participate in The Children’s Earthshot, a dedicated two-day programme at the Museum of Solutions. The finalists will present their ideas and receive feedback and take part in workshops covering all five Earthshots.

The programme will culminate in The Children’s Earthshot Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 17 November at the Museum of Solutions where the five winning teams, one for each Earthshot category, will be announced. Each winning team will receive a US$2,000 grant to help further develop its solution, expand its reach and create lasting impact within its community.

The I CAN Earthshot Challenge brings together The Earthshot Prize’s global mission to identify, celebrate and back environmental solutions, Alana’s commitment to championing children’s rights and participation, and Design for Change’s approach to empowering young people to create positive change.

With one of the world's largest youth populations, India has a significant opportunity to harness the creativity and determination of young people to address environmental challenges. It is already home to more Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists than any other country, including 2026 Finalists Mahindra Last Mile Mobility and Mahila Housing Trust. 

As the country prepares to host The Earthshot Prize Summit in Mumbai this November, the Challenge puts India's next generation of environmental innovators in the spotlight, demonstrating how solutions developed in classrooms and local communities can contribute to wider environmental progress.

Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, said, “The extraordinary ingenuity shown by these young finalists demonstrates that the next generation is not waiting for the future to act; it is already building environmental solutions right now. As we prepare to host The Earthshot Prize Summit in Mumbai, these remarkable children remind us that local community action, driven by youthful optimism and determination, is vital to repairing our planet. We can’t wait to celebrate them in Mumbai for our biggest edition yet.”

Pedro Hartung, CEO of Alana, said, “Children have the right to participate in shaping the world they live in, not simply to prepare for the world they will inherit. The young people recognised through this challenge are identifying problems in their own communities, reimagining and transforming their reality through creativity, empathy and collective action. Supporting their efforts means recognising children as citizens and changemakers today, while creating the conditions for their ideas and contributions to be taken seriously.”

Kiran Bir Sethi, Founder of Design for Change, said, “When children transition from asking ‘Can I?’ to declaring ‘I CAN’, their capacity to transform their surroundings is limitless. Through the Feel, Imagine, Do and Share framework, these finalists have looked deeply at the environmental challenges in their neighbourhoods and taken courageous, practical steps to solve them. They are proving to the world that empathy combined with action creates unstoppable change.”

From classrooms to communities: Young Indians driving environmental change
Through Design for Change’s Feel, Imagine, Do and Share (FIDS) framework, participating students worked in teams to identify environmental challenges in their communities, develop creative ideas and put their solutions into action. Their projects addressed issues aligned with The Earthshot Prize’s five goals: Protect and Restore Nature, Revive Our Oceans, Clean Our Air, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.

Following a two-stage evaluation process involving design professionals, educators, youth advocates, and student representatives, 15 finalist teams from across 9 Indian states and Delhi have been shortlisted. The entries were evaluated on their understanding of local challenges, creativity, practical implementation and demonstrated community impact.

Meet India's young environmental changemakers
The shortlisted projects highlight the potential of children to create meaningful environmental change, with solutions rooted in the everyday challenges faced by their communities.

The finalists of the I CAN Earthshot Challenge are:

Protect and Restore Nature: 

• Boond-Boond Sahejein, Bhavishya Sanwarein | Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust, Sikar, Rajasthan: To address rainwater accumulation that left the school playground muddy and unusable, students developed a rainwater recharge system using pipes and a filtration pit layered with sand, gravel and stones. Implemented over more than 30 days, the system redirected rainwater underground and successfully prevented waterlogging on the playground. The project reports benefiting 280 people and has been shared with over 100 community members. The students now plan to demonstrate the system at parent meetings and encourage other schools and communities to adopt similar groundwater recharge solutions.

• Tiny Actions, Mighty Impact | Kaligi Ranganathan Montford Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu: Students launched a school-wide environmental initiative to address vehicle emissions, water wastage, plastic waste and declining green cover. Over 15–30 days, they established four student-led teams and a Carbon-Neutral School Dashboard to track environmental indicators, alongside initiatives to reuse air-conditioner condensation water, segregate waste, collect plastic for recycling and plant trees. The project reports reaching 23,000 people through school and community activities and plan to maintain daily monitoring, expand student participation and sustain its tree-planting and community outreach programmes.

• SPARC – Sustainable Purification & Agricultural Runoff Control | Brainz Edu World, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: To address groundwater contamination from agricultural runoff, students developed a low-cost, electricity-free filtration system combining bentonite clay settling with gravel, sand, zeolite, ferric oxide and biochar-based filtration. Built and tested over 7–15 days using water samples collected around Village Chhilora, the prototype demonstrated reduced turbidity and improved water clarity. The project reports engaging 20 people, including local farmers and community representatives and the team plans to train farmers and village youth to maintain the system, introduce regular water-quality monitoring and explore deployment across neighbouring agricultural communities.

Revive Our Rivers, Lakes and Oceans:

• A Diya for the River, A Light for Life | Espalier The Heritage School, Nashik, Maharashtra: To address potential oil and solid-waste pollution in the Godavari during the upcoming Kumbh Mela, Grade 8 students developed biodegradable, oil-free diyas using natural, food-based materials and camphor. Over 15–30 days, they experimented with different materials and refined their designs, producing approximately 200 diyas. They submitted 100 to the Kumbh authorities, who appreciated the initiative and accepted the proposal for consideration. The project reports reaching 1,000 people, with support from local vendors and priests. Students now plan to work with the school, authorities and community to encourage adoption during Diya Daan.

• Clean rainwater harvesting by installing a counterweight cover on an unused well | Purva Madhyamik Vidyalaya Ghosiyar, Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh: Students worked with villagers to restore a disused well affected by rubbish and polluted water, while exploring its potential for rainwater harvesting. Over more than 30 days, they cleaned the surrounding area, repeatedly attempted to drain the well and safely relocated turtles to the nearby river. They also built a low-cost plywood-and-bamboo counterweight lid prototype, successfully demonstrating its opening and closing mechanism using water-filled buckets. The project reports benefiting 100 people, although the permanent well-cover system remains incomplete. Students hope to complete the well's restoration and develop it into a rainwater collection resource for irrigation.

• Sunday Mandali – Turn the Tide | Sunbeam Suncity School & Hostel, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: To tackle plastic and other waste along the Ganga's riverbanks and ghats, students established Sunday Mandali, a recurring clean-up movement supported by Kudabazar Foundation. Implemented over more than 30 days, the initiative has mobilised 150+ Sunbeam students and 500+ college student volunteers, who collect, segregate, weigh and map waste. The group reports collecting 800+ plastic waste items and reaching 100,000 people. Activities have included clean-ups on both sides of the river and a Plogathon at Ravidas Ghat. The team plans to continue weekly drives and encourage schools and colleges in other cities to adopt the model.

Clean Our Air: 

• PureVaYu: A Breath of Change | National Public School, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka: To address indoor air pollution in schools and homes near industrial areas, students developed a low-cost, electricity-free air filter using jute, activated biochar, bamboo silica, zeolite and cotton. Over 15–30 days, they tested different material combinations using a smoke-box setup and particulate sensor. Their recorded readings showed AQI falling from approximately 156–160 to 96–98, while PM2.5 readings decreased from 98 to approximately 12–30. The filter was tested for ten days in a community hall and installed in more than four homes and the school. The project reports 127 people impacted and 50,000 reached online. The team plans further installations in schools, hospitals and community spaces, supported by affordable filter-maintenance materials.

• Heal the World | Mother's Pet Kindergarten, Sadar Chhaoni, Nagpur, Maharashtra: Concerned about dust and vehicle emissions from 800+ vehicles entering the school premises during pick-up and drop-off hours, young students introduced two initiatives: encouraging slower driving and promoting FriendPool, a car-sharing arrangement among parents. Over more than 30 days, they used placards and daily interactions to encourage participation. They also developed a prototype exhaust-pipe filter called Smoffler to explore ways of reducing vehicle smoke. The school reports fewer vehicles, reduced visible dust and promising initial prototype results. The initiative reports benefiting 1,000 people. Students now hope to refine Smoffler with automotive engineers and present the concept to transport authorities.

• B-Air, Clean Air, One Small Space at a Time | Jasudben M.L. School, Mumbai, Maharashtra: To address stuffy air and lingering odours in enclosed classrooms and other small spaces, Grade 5 students developed a manually operated air-filtering device using a bicycle pump and a cartridge containing coconut-shell activated carbon, cotton wool and gauze. Following several unsuccessful prototype designs, they tested the device inside a sealed box using incense smoke. After 100 pump strokes, their air-quality monitor recorded an AQI reduction from 500 to 100, alongside a reported reduction in smoke and odour. Developed over 15–30 days, the project reports impacting 30 people, although classroom trials have not yet taken place. Students plan to conduct workshops in schools, refine the device and explore a sensor-enabled version.

Build a Waste-Free World: 

• Decom POSSIBLE | SSATN Panchayat Union Middle School, Ammaiyappan (West), Tamil Nadu: To address mixed waste disposal, plastic pollution and the difficulties faced by sanitation workers, students developed an alternative to polythene waste bags using old newspapers, jute handles and a moisture-resistant coating made from discarded crayons. Over more than 30 days, they conducted household visits, distributed the bags and established a school composting pit measuring 8 × 2 × 3 feet, where segregated organic waste was converted into manure within a month. The initiative reports benefiting 502 people and helped revive a previously inactive community composting centre within two weeks. Following the initiative, the local panchayat announced that separately segregated waste would be required for collection from 1 October. Students plan to sustain the practice through household composting and encourage adoption by neighbouring schools and panchayats.

• RE-Float: From Waste to Life Line | Pokamura Higher Secondary School, Jorhat, Assam: Responding to the twin challenges of plastic waste and flood preparedness in Assam, a team of eight students developed a floating platform designed to hold essential emergency supplies during floods. Over 7–15 days, they collected and reused more than 300 discarded plastic bottles, experimenting with bottle arrangements and testing the prototype in water to improve its buoyancy and stability. The project reports reaching 261 people, including approximately 250 community members, eight teachers and three School Management and Development Committee members. Encouraged by community interest in creating similar platforms, the students plan to continue testing and refining the prototype and work with local families to develop affordable models using reused materials.

• Greenswap | Vidya School, Gurugram, Haryana: To prevent usable paper from being discarded, students launched a notebook and paper collection initiative supported by a developing online platform for swapping, donating and selling unused items. Over more than 30 days, they surveyed 563 students, raised awareness among 1,200 students and mobilised more than 700 participants. Through seven collection drives involving the school and corporate contributors, the project reports collecting approximately 5,990 kg of paper, of which 690 kg had been recycled at the time of submission, with the remainder undergoing processing. The team plans to continue collection drives, strengthen recycler partnerships, introduce participation rewards and expand the GreenSwap platform to additional schools and NGOs.

Fix Our Climate: 

• Cool Crate | Satya Elementary School, Dhulka, Punjab: To help roadside vegetable vendors protect produce from extreme heat, students developed a low-cost cooling crate using wood-wool pads and a small water pump. Over 15–30 days, they tested and refined the water flow, pipe openings and pad arrangement to improve evaporative cooling. The working prototype reduced direct heat exposure around vegetables. The project has reached over 100 people, with positive feedback from local vendors. The team now plans to conduct further trials with vendors, improve portability and water reuse, and explore wider adoption to reduce food spoilage.

• Solar Bloom – Smart Care for Plants | The High Range School, Munnar, Kerala: Students designed a solar-powered automated watering system combining soil-moisture sensors, two small solar panels and a water pump to prevent unnecessary water use. Developed over 7–15 days, the design was tested and refined through Tinkercad simulations, which demonstrated that the system could detect dry soil and activate watering when required. The project reports engagement with 30 people and the team plans to develop and test the system for use in homes, schools and resorts, monitor water conservation and encourage wider adoption.

• Evapocool | Bluebells School International, New Delhi: Responding to uncomfortable classroom temperatures affecting approximately 300 students in Classes 3–5, students developed Clay Ka AC, a low-cost cooling prototype using clay pots and natural evaporative cooling. Over 15–30 days, they raised funds, built the model at school and worked beyond regular school hours to complete it. The project reports 301 people impacted, and the team plans to replicate the model in more classrooms, demonstrate it through school exhibitions and parent meetings, and promote lower-energy cooling solutions.

Canto Press Hub 
A launch video will be available here
 

About The Earthshot Prize 
For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.earthshotprize.org  
Follow The Earthshot Prize on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok 

Founded by Prince William and incubated in The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent organisation, The Earthshot Prize is the world’s most prestigious environmental award designed to identify, back and celebrate groundbreaking leadership in environmental action. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize is designed to mobilise a decade of action for the planet. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate. 

The Earthshot Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 Winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year. 

The Global Alliance Founding Partners are a group of leading global organisations and philanthropists, which act as strategic funding partners to the Prize, including Aga Khan Development Network, AL Philanthropies, Allen Family Philanthropies, Amazon, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Builders Vision, Matt Cohler, Coleman Family Ventures, DP World, Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation, Eleven Eleven Foundation, Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari, Holch Povlsen Foundation, NVIDIA, Sandy and Paul Edgerley, Standard Chartered Bank, Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, Temasek Trust, and Uber. 

Global Alliance Partners are non-profit environment and sustainable development organisations that bring expertise, global reach and serve as nominating organisations each year. For a full list of our Global Alliance Partners, visit: https://earthshotprize.org/people-partners/global-alliance/    

Global Alliance Members are some of the world’s largest and most influential companies and brands that will support The Earthshot Prize, implement ambitious changes within their businesses and accelerate the advancement of the solutions of The Earthshot Prize Finalists and Winners. They are Arup, Bloomberg L.P., British Airways, Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura &Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom Group, and Walmart. 

About Alana
Alana is a socio-environmental impact ecosystem dedicated to improving the living conditions of children in Brazil and around the world. It works across multiple fronts — education, science, entertainment, and advocacy — to protect children’s rights and influence public and cultural policies that shape their present and future. The ecosystem comprises Instituto Alana, Alana Foundation, and Maria Farinha Filmes. Together, they develop initiatives spanning scientific research, advocacy campaigns, cultural content, political engagement, and legal action. All organizations operate in an integrated, convergent manner, with the shared mission of building a more just, sustainable, and inclusive society for all children.

About Design for Change
Design for Change (DFC) is the world's largest movement of change by and for children. Founded in India in 2009 by educator and social entrepreneur Kiran Bir Sethi, DFC was created to nurture in every child the belief that they are not helpless, that change is possible, and that they can drive it. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's call to "Be the Change," DFC developed the simple Feel, Imagine, Do, Share (FIDS) framework that enables children to identify challenges around them, imagine solutions, take action, and share their stories to inspire others.

Through FIDS, children are encouraged to:

• Feel – empathise with and understand challenges around them;

• Imagine – envision ways to make things better;

• Do – work collaboratively to bring solutions to life; and

• Share – inspire others through stories of change.

What began as an idea in Ahmedabad, India, has grown into a global movement spanning more than 69 countries and regions. Working with schools, educators, communities and partners around the world, DFC has enabled millions of children to take action on issues ranging from environmental sustainability and inclusion to health, education and community wellbeing. At its heart is a simple conviction: every child can say, "I CAN," and every child can be a changemaker.

Founded with the vision of reimagining waste management, 3R ZeroWaste was established to challenge the traditional linear economy "use-and-dispose" model by creating circular solutions that maximize resource recovery and minimize landfill dependence. Today, with operations across India and the United Kingdom through the sister concern, the company is enabling organizations to replace virgin and fossil-based resources with recovered materials, creating sustainable value across the waste management ecosystem.

India currently faces one of the world's most pressing waste management challenges, with an estimated 1.8 billion tonnes of legacy waste accumulated since Independence and nearly 80 million tonnes of municipal waste generated every year, out of which 50% is collected and only 25% is processed. A significant portion, equivalent to 60 million tons, still ends up in landfills or is openly burned. This is going to grow exponentially to 5 billion tons by 2100.

Against this backdrop, 3R ZeroWaste has emerged as a trusted sustainability partner, helping organizations and citizens become sustainable by reducing waste, reducing energy consumption, reducing water consumption and approaching a circular economy-type lifestyle, improving ESG performance and contributing meaningfully to national climate goals.

During FY 2025–26, the company achieved several significant milestones that underscore its growing impact:

• 9,63,379 kilograms of waste responsibly managed and diverted towards resource recovery

• Over 18.5 lakh citizens engaged through sustainability and awareness initiatives

• Presence expanded across 50+ cities in India

• 22,83,208 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions avoided

• Rs 1.1 crore in revenue generated, while sustaining 15–20% year-on-year business growth

Beyond waste management, 3R ZeroWaste has evolved into a comprehensive sustainability solutions provider, offering services in Waste Management, ESG Consulting and Reporting, Resource Recovery, Circular Economy Advisory, and Citizen Engagement Programmes.

A key differentiator in the company's approach is KarmaVer$e, its innovative digital sustainability platform designed to transform environmental responsibility into everyday action. The platform uses KarmaCoins, its digital currency, to encourage citizens to adopt sustainable habits such as waste segregation, recycling and responsible disposal. By rewarding sustainable participation through KarmaCoins, KarmaVer$e gamifies sustainability, fosters long-term behavioural change, increases citizen participation and strengthens community ownership of environmental action.

The company's integrated approach combines technology, community engagement and ESG-driven business solutions to help organizations meet regulatory requirements, improve sustainability performance and create measurable environmental outcomes. As global demand for responsible business practices continues to rise, 3R ZeroWaste remains committed to delivering scalable solutions that support both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Commenting on the company's continued growth, Shiv Rao Challa, Founder, 3R ZeroWaste, said,"At 3R ZeroWaste, we believe waste is not a liability—it is a valuable resource waiting to be recovered. Our consistent growth reflects the increasing commitment of businesses, governments and citizens towards sustainable practices. Every kilogram of waste recovered, every citizen engaged and every tonne of carbon emissions avoided brings us one step closer to a truly circular economy. Sustainability is not a destination; it is a continuous journey of responsibility, innovation and collective action. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for generations to come."

As India advances towards its sustainability and climate commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, 3R ZeroWaste continues to position itself at the forefront of the circular economy movement. By combining innovation, responsible resource management and community participation, 3R ZeroWaste is not only helping organizations achieve their ESG goals but also creating lasting environmental and social value.

To view Sustainability Report FY2025-26, click here.

About 3R ZeroWaste

Founded in 2020, 3R ZeroWaste is a circular economy and sustainability company with operations in India and the United Kingdom. The company specializes in integrated waste management, ESG services, resource recovery, circular economy consulting and citizen engagement programmes. Through innovative solutions such as KarmaVer$e, its digital sustainability platform powered by KarmaCoins, 3R ZeroWaste empowers businesses, governments and communities to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and create a more sustainable future.

Tetra Pak, in partnership with Alternative Development Initiatives (ADI), today handed over rejuvenated community ponds in Pur and Rase villages of Khed Taluka, Pune, marking a key milestone under its Integrated Water Resource Development and Management (IWRDM) Programme. The handover, held in the presence of Gajanan Patil, CEO, Zilla Parishad Pune, places the assets in the stewardship of the local communities, following a phased programme of water conservation and community-led interventions undertaken since 2024.

Gajanan Patil, CEO, Zilla Parishad Pune, joined Tetra Pak leaders at the IWRDM Programme community handover in Khed, Pune

Tetra Pak’s first social impact programme in India focused on water conservation, the initiative has enhanced the combined water-holding capacity of the rejuvenated structures to 58.89 million litres and created an estimated annual groundwater recharge potential of 73.61 million litres across Pur and Rase. The programme was developed following a landscape-level assessment of 188 villages across Khed Taluka, of which six villages were shortlisted for detailed assessment and Pur and Rase were selected for implementation. 

Commenting on the occasion, Gajanan Patil, CEO, Zilla Parishad Pune said, “Addressing resource challenges requires collective effort from communities, government and the private sector. Pur and Rase have faced challenges around water availability, and initiatives such as this can make a meaningful difference at the local level. We appreciate the efforts of Tetra Pak and ADI in working with the communities to strengthen water security and create long-term impact.”

• 73.61 million litres annual groundwater recharge potential created

• 58.89 million litres water-holding capacity established

• 61 women mobilised through six self-help groups

• 23 community awareness and capacity-building programmes conducted

• Over 830 cumulative participations recorded

• 20 drip-irrigation pilots planned for 2026-27

A phased approach to strengthening water security
Implemented in phases since 2024, the programme began in Pur, later expanding to Rase, combining water-asset rejuvenation with groundwater, and rainfall monitoring and community-led water management. The interventions have increased water-holding capacity from 11.16 to 32.13 million litres in Pur and from 11.27 to 26.76 million litres in Rase, creating an estimated annual groundwater recharge potential of 40.16 million litres and 33.45 million litres, respectively.

Cassio Simoes, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, said, “Chakan has been central to Tetra Pak’s journey in India, and with that comes a deep sense of responsibility towards the communities around us. For us, sustainability is about creating lasting value- not only through the way we operate, but also by helping strengthen the resilience of the communities and ecosystems we are part of. In Pur and Rase, we have taken a science-led, community-centred approach to water security, addressing both the availability and responsible management of this critical resource. As we hand over these assets to the community, we are reinforcing what has been fundamental to the programme from the outset: building local ownership so that the impact can endure well beyond the intervention itself.”

Building community ownership beyond infrastructure
Community participation has been integral to the programme, with interventions extending beyond water infrastructure to livelihood development and environmental awareness. To date, the initiative has mobilised six self-help groups involving 61 women, with training and guidance across livelihood skills including stitching, soap making, etc. School awareness sessions have also engaged students on water conservation, plantation, environmental awareness and responsible use of local resources. 

Overall, the programme has conducted 23 training, awareness and community activities, recording over 830 cumulative participations, helping build local capacity and ownership to support the long-term sustainability of the interventions.

Sarang Kulkarni, Hydrogeologist, Alternative Development Initiatives (ADI), said, “The IWRDM Programme has been shaped by understanding the local groundwater conditions, existing water resources and the needs of the communities in Pur and Rase. Along with rejuvenation of the village water-harvesting structures, interventions such as open-well recharge and rooftop rainwater harvesting are helping strengthen local recharge and improve the use of available rainwater. The rejuvenated structures have increased the combined water-holding capacity by more than 36 million litres, with an estimated annual groundwater recharge potential of 73.61 million litres. Regular groundwater and rainfall monitoring is helping us better understand seasonal water availability, while our work with farmers, women’s SHGs, youth and schoolchildren is building awareness, skills and local ownership. The next phase will further strengthen this through seasonal water budgeting, farmer capacity building and drip-irrigation pilots, helping communities use water more efficiently and sustain these benefits over the long term.”

The next phase: efficient agriculture and sustained stewardship
The programme will now focus on consolidating the gains made across Pur and Rase through continued groundwater monitoring, community stewardship, livelihood and school-based interventions. It will also strengthen efficient agricultural water use, with 20 drip-irrigation pilots planned for 2026–27, supported by seasonal water budgeting and farmer capacity building. 

The IWRDM Programme adds to Tetra Pak’s growing portfolio of sustainability initiatives in India, spanning climate, circularity and community impact. Through these efforts, the company continues to translate its global sustainability ambitions into locally relevant action and measurable impact in India.

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

Bisleri international partners with meerut cantonment, the H2OMovement, pact to advance responsible water & plastic management warmly

The programme was inaugurated on September 30 in the presence of Major General Sumit Rana, Meerut Cantonment, Mr K Ganesh, Director, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, and Dr Sanjaanaa Jon, Founder PACT & H2Omovement.

As part of the inaugural event, Bisleri unveiled recycled plastic benches and used plastic collection bins to show case post-consumer plastics can be made to useful product and promote circular economy.

Bisleri and H2OMovement teams conducted sessions with school students on water, plastic management, source segregation, four-bin segregation, and recycling.

Speaking at the event, Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Building a circular economy requires collective action by businesses, institutions and communities. Through Bottles for Change, we are focused on making responsible plastic management a part of everyday behaviour. Our collaboration with the Meerut Cantonment and H2OMovement gives us an opportunity to engage directly with students, families and the wider community, while demonstrating simple actions such as segregation at source that can make responsible waste management more effective.”

Major General Sumit Rana, Meerut Cantonment said, “Lasting change in waste management largely depends on informed and responsible participation. Our collaboration with Bisleri International and H2OMovement brings together institutions, families and young people to build greater awareness and encourage practices that can become part of everyday life at the Cantonment.”

Dr Sanjaanaa Jon, Founder PACT and H2Omovement explained, “The youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow -they are the changemakers of today. From the world’s largest democracy, we have an extraordinary opportunity to mobilise millions of young voices around one of humanity’s most fundamental responsibilities: protecting water. Every drop we save is an investment in our collective future. Through the Bisleri H2OMovement and PACT, our mission is to take ‘Walk for Water, Walk for Life’ from a message into a people’s movement -connecting students, families, institutions and communities and inspiring them to become ambassadors for water, sustainability and responsible living. If we can inspire a generation to value every drop and take responsibility for the waste it creates, we can create change that travels from Meerut to India and from India to the world, taking sustainability into homes and communities.”

The outreach extended beyond Schools to Army personnel and their families, with community-level sessions designed to demonstrate how segregation can be practised at the household level. Interactive activities, including door-to-door awareness, demonstrations and street theatre, made responsible waste-management practices more accessible and relatable for participants.

The programme culminated in a clean-up drive involving the Bisleri and H2Omovement team, volunteers, and participants. This was followed by the placement of collection bins and benches. 

Through BISLERI H2OMOVEMENT • PACT, this effort is connected to the larger call for water conservation, youth mobilisation and responsible environmental action, building a culture in which saving water, managing waste responsibly and protecting our planet become everyday actions rather than occasional campaigns.

The collaboration between Meerut Cantonment, Bisleri International and BISLERI H2OMOVEMENT • PACT demonstrates the power of institutions, communities and young people working together to translate sustainability from an idea into a movement.

WARO-C6 unveiled at The Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru

The innovation comes at a time when conventional approaches to urban air pollution management, including road sweeping and water sprinkling, are increasingly being supplemented by technologies that seek to capture pollutants before they disperse into the surrounding environment.

WARO-C6 Brings Innovative, Sustainable Air-Pollution Control Technology to Urban Hubs

WARO-C6 is designed for deployment in high-pollution zones, including roadsides, traffic corridors, industrial premises and other locations where airborne dust and particulate emissions can affect surrounding communities.

Addressing pollution where it originates

Air pollution is a complex environmental challenge arising from multiple sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction, road dust and the burning of fuels and waste. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is a significant concern because its small size allows it to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

While citywide emission controls remain essential to reducing pollution, technologies that capture airborne pollutants at or near their source may provide an additional tool for managing localised pollution hotspots.

WARO-C6 has been developed around this approach. Rather than relying on conventional filtration systems, the device uses a proprietary, software-controlled mechanism designed to draw in polluted ambient air and capture particulate matter.

According to the company, the system operates without traditional physical filters, ionisation, ultraviolet light, magnetic fields or high-voltage components. Its operating mechanism uses static principles, internal air pressure and kinetic energy, managed through a low-voltage electronic chip.

The company positions this filterless approach as a way to reduce dependence on replaceable filter consumables and minimise routine maintenance requirements.

How the technology works

WARO-C6 is designed to draw polluted air into the device, capture particulate pollutants and release treated air back into the surrounding environment.

The company states that each unit can process approximately 30 litres of air per second, equivalent to a claimed capacity of up to 300,000 litres per hour. The system is designed to capture particles across different size categories, including PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10, along with dust and smoke.

These performance figures describe the volume of air processed, rather than the amount of pollution removed. Actual air-quality improvement in an open environment depends on factors such as pollutant concentration, wind speed, atmospheric conditions, device placement and the rate at which new pollution enters the area.

A low-energy, water-free approach

One of the stated features of WARO-C6 is its low-voltage power requirement. The device is designed to operate on 12V DC power, with solar energy, batteries or grid electricity serving as potential power sources.

The company also refers to a 14-volt solar-powered configuration.

Its dry-operation model is intended to avoid water consumption, distinguishing it from water-based dust suppression methods commonly used on roads and construction sites.

The combination of solar compatibility, low-voltage operation and filterless design could make the system relevant to locations where access to conventional power infrastructure is limited or where recurring operational costs are a concern.

Turning captured pollutants into usable materials

A central element of WARO-C6's proposed design is its circular-economy approach.

Instead of treating captured dust and particulate matter solely as waste, the company says the system is designed to collect pollutants for potential reuse in construction materials such as paver blocks and bricks.

This approach seeks to connect air pollution management with resource recovery, potentially reducing the amount of material requiring disposal while creating opportunities for reuse.

AI and real-time environmental monitoring

WARO-C6 also incorporates artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, according to the company.

The system is equipped with environmental sensors intended to monitor parameters such as particulate matter, rainfall and temperature. GPS tracking and a live dashboard are designed to provide information about device locations and operating conditions.

These features could help operators track equipment performance, monitor local environmental conditions and identify locations requiring additional pollution-control measures.

For municipal authorities and industrial operators, the availability of location-specific monitoring data may support more informed decisions about deployment and maintenance.

Multiple deployment possibilities

The WARO technology platform is designed for different operating environments. The company identifies pole-mounted systems, road-divider installations and higher-capacity industrial configurations among its deployment models.

These include STR-101 for pole mounting, DVR-101 for road-divider applications, and THOR-101 and IG-101 for heavy industrial environments.

Such configurations are intended to allow pollution-control equipment to be positioned closer to potential emission sources rather than relying exclusively on centralised infrastructure.

Technology as part of a wider pollution-control strategy

The development of WARO-C6 reflects growing interest in technologies that combine localised pollution capture, energy efficiency and digital monitoring.

Its filterless design, solar compatibility and proposed pollutant-recovery model distinguish it from conventional air-purification systems. Its potential application in open environments also raises a different set of questions from indoor air purification, where air movement and treatment conditions can be more controlled.

Independent evaluation of its performance under varied outdoor conditions will be important in determining how effectively the technology can contribute to ambient air-quality improvement.

Ultimately, devices such as WARO-C6 are not substitutes for reducing pollution at its source through cleaner energy, transport, industrial processes and construction practices. Their potential role lies in complementing those measures by capturing pollutants that are already airborne.

As cities and industries explore additional ways to manage pollution hotspots, technologies that combine targeted capture, low-resource operation and transparent monitoring may become part of a broader portfolio of environmental solutions.

For WARO-C6, the next phase of its journey will depend on demonstrated performance across real-world settings, the safe handling of captured pollutants and the ability to deliver measurable, sustained improvements in local air quality.

About The Art of Living – Sri Sri Naisargik

As a flagship initiative of The Art of Living, Sri Sri Naisargik is an innovation-led enterprise developing sustainable, nature-based and technology-enabled solutions for environmental protection, resource recovery, rural development and climate resilience. Its portfolio addresses land, water, air and odour pollution mitigation, along with solid waste management through practical solutions that combine innovation with measurable environmental, economic and social impact.

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Racold joins the Restore Awards as Earth Partners

The partnership comes at a time when sustainability is increasingly influencing how consumers, businesses and institutions think about the technologies they use every day. As Earth Partner, Racold will contribute to the larger conversation around how innovation can enable more responsible choices, particularly in areas where energy efficiency can have a direct and measurable impact. The partnership brings together Racold’s expertise in efficient heating technologies with a platform focused on positive impact for people and the planet.

Racold’s focus on “Sustainable Comfort For Everyone” is rooted in this intersection of comfort and efficiency. Its portfolio of advanced water heaters and heat pump solutions is designed to optimize energy usage, and reduce energy consumption by up to 70%*, depending on the application and operating conditions. By enabling more efficient heating, these solutions can help households and businesses reduce their energy footprint while continuing to meet their everyday hot water requirements efficiently.

The opportunity extends beyond individual products to the wider built environment. As businesses and institutions increasingly integrate energy efficiency into their infrastructure and operational priorities, technologies such as heat pumps can play a role in reducing energy demand and supporting the transition towards more sustainable systems.

Commenting on the association, Mohit Narula, Managing Director & Country Manager – Ariston Group India Pvt. Ltd, said, “Comfort and sustainability need not be competing priorities. The opportunity lies in using technology to deliver the comfort people need while consuming energy more responsibly. Our association with The Restore Awards reflects our belief that sustainability is also about making better choices in the technologies we use every day. Through our energy-efficient water heating and heat pump solutions, we are working towards making responsible comfort a more practical reality for consumers and businesses.”

As the conversation around sustainable living and infrastructure evolves, Racold remains focused on solutions that bring together performance, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Through its association with The Restore Awards®, the brand seeks to reinforce a simple proposition: the future of comfort is not just about how well we live, but how responsibly we use the resources that make that comfort possible.

About Racold

Racold is one of India's leading premium water heating solutions providers and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ariston Group, the Italian global leader in sustainable thermal comfort. With over six decades of expertise, Racold combines Italian design, global engineering and local manufacturing to deliver innovative, energy-efficient and durable water heating solutions for residential, commercial and institutional applications. Its comprehensive portfolio includes instant and storage water heaters, heat pumps and customized hot water systems equipped with advanced technologies. Backed by Ariston Group's presence across more than 40 countries and its expertise in water heating, space heating and renewable energy technologies, Racold brings global innovation tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. Recognized as the only water heating brand in India to receive the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Award ten times, Racold continues to redefine everyday comfort through innovation, performance, safety and sustainability, supported by a robust nationwide service network.* Up to 70% electricity savings compared to conventional electric water heating solutions.

Left: Holger Thorsten Schubart, Founder and CEO of the Neutrino Energy Group & Right Rahul Tandon, CEO of Helix Energy Group

A Paradigm Shift in Astrophysical Observation

For over a century, modern astronomy explored the universe almost exclusively through electromagnetic radiation —visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. Neutrinos represent a fundamental departure from photon-based observation. Uncharged, nearly massless, and interacting exceptionally weakly with ordinary matter, high-energy neutrinos travel across vast light-years without being absorbed, scattered, or deflected by cosmic magnetic fields. They serve as pristine, uninterrupted messengers from the most violent cosmic environments, including active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts, and blazars.

Under Professor Halzen’s visionary leadership, the IceCube collaboration transformed a full cubic kilometer of ultra-clear Antarctic ice at the South Pole into the world's largest particle detector. Embedded deep within the ice sheet between 1 .5 and 2.5 kilometers below the surface, an array of 5,160 digital optical modules records the fleeting flashes of Cherenkov radiation emitted when high-energy neutrinos collide with atomic nuclei in the ice. This monumental engineering feat established the field of multi-messenger neutrino astronomy, proving that faint, non-visible environmental particles can be captured and systematically analyzed with extraordinary precision.

From Invisible Particles to the Physics of Ambient Energy Harvesting

The Nobel Committee’s recognition carries a profound scientific message that extends far beyond observational astrophysics: physical phenomena do not need to be visible to be real, nor are weak interaction forces beyond the reach of advanced human engineering. Throughout the history of physics, phenomena once thought beyond perception—such as electromagnetic waves, atomic structures, and gravitational waves—eventually transitioned from theoretical abstractions into measurable, harnessable physical realities.

While IceCube utilizes cosmic neutrinos to look outward into the origins of the universe, scientists at Neutrino Energy Group are pursuing a complementary terrestrial challenge: investigating whether ambient energy fields—including non-visible environmental radiation, electromagnetic waves, and kinetic energy transfers from subatomic particles—can be converted into useful electrical power. Through advanced nanostructured metamaterials composed of layered graphene and doped silicon, researchers are engineering solid-state devices that respond to environmental vibrations and ambient field fluctuations, converting microscopic subatomic interactions into continuous electrical current.

Empirical Rigor and the Mandate of Reproducible Science

Neutrino Energy Group stresses that frontier energy science must be governed by uncompromising empirical standards. The validation of any novel energy conversion technology cannot rely on theoretical analogy or public enthusiasm; it demands precise measurement, controlled environmental testing, strict energy accounting, and independent peer verification. Demonstrating a net positive electrical yield from ambient environmental sources requires rigorous characterization of input fields, ambient thermal states, and conversion efficiency under shielded laboratory conditions.

"Professor Halzen and the IceCube collaboration demonstrated what becomes possible when humanity is willing to build instruments capable ofinteracting with what was once deemed unmeasurable. At Neutrino Energy Group, our engineering roadmap is held to that exact same scientific discipline. Harnessing ambient non-visible energy demands verifiable physics, rigorous measurement, controlled experimentation, and repeatable performance. That is the only foundation upon which transformative energy technologies can be built," Holger Thorsten Schubart, founder and CEO of the Neutrino Energy Group

India’s Strategic Leadership in Frontier Science & Energy

This milestone carries profound resonance for India, a nation rapidly establishing itself as a global powerhouse in frontier science and sustainable technology. From lunar exploration and deep-space missions to advanced semiconductor fabrication, quantum computing, and massive solar deployment, India has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to execute complex, large-scale scientific programs.

However, India’s energy landscape presents unique challenges that require innovative, multi-layered solutions. Beyond expanding centralized power grids, there is an urgent strategic imperative for decentralized, continuous, and weather-independent energy generation. Millions of citizens in remote topographies, off-grid agricultural belts, and rural healthcare centers require reliable power that does not depend exclusively on daylight hours, wind availability, or heavy grid infrastructure.

Engineering the Possibilities of Tomorrow

As the global scientific community celebrates Professor Francis Halzen’s Nobel Prize, Neutrino Energy Group India re-affirms its commitment to advancing ambient energy science with diligence and scientific integrity. By bridging theoretical subatomic physics with practical solid-state engineering, the group aims to contribute to India’s long-term energy resilience and technological self-reliance.

About Neutrino Energy Group India

Neutrino Energy Group India is an advanced research and technology organization specializing in solid-state materials, nanomaterials science, and ambient energy conversion systems. Through international scientific collaboration and rigorous empirical testing, the group develops neutrinovoltaic technologies designed to harness non-visible environmental energy fields, offering continuous, decentralized, and carbon-neutral electricity solutions for modern infrastructure. The technology would be available for manufacturing & regional distribution under the brand name RESCUA.

The Earthshot Prize Summit Mumbai 2026 will be a key part of the programme, creating opportunities for leaders across sectors to build collaborations and mobilise support for environmental solutions.

Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, said, “India has an extraordinary track record of turning ambitious ideas into solutions that improve lives at scale. As we bring The Earthshot Prize to Mumbai for the first time, we are delighted to welcome Serum Institute of India as a principal sponsor of the Summit. Their global experience in taking breakthrough solutions from innovation to impact reflects the ambition at the heart of The Earthshot Prize. Together, we want to help environmental innovators connect with the people collaborations and support that can help their solutions go further, faster.”

Adar C. Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India, said: “Some of the world’s greatest challenges can only be addressed when bold ideas are backed with the resources and collaborations needed to make them accessible at scale. We are proud to support The Earthshot Prize Summit in Mumbai and the innovators working to build a healthier and more sustainable future. India has always been a country of ingenuity and enterprise, and we look forward to seeing that spirit come together with global innovation through The Earthshot Prize.”

The sponsorship builds on Serum Institute of India’s wider support for scientific discovery and education. The Mumbai programme will culminate in The Earthshot Prize Awards Night, where five Winners will each receive Euro 1 million to accelerate their environmental solutions. The event will bring together global leaders, entrepreneurs, environmental champions and cultural voices to celebrate the 15 Finalists and their work to protect and restore the planet.

"The Declaration's recognition of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), eco-design, and sustainable public procurement as national policy instruments reflects a direction the beverage industry in India has already embraced," said IBA Secretary General Dr. Gunveena Chadha.
 

Dr. Gunveena Chadha, Secretary General, Indian Beverage Association
 

"Our members have invested significantly in packaging redesign, lightweighting, and PET collection and recycling systems, and we see this Declaration as a strong endorsement of this continued journey," she added.
 

Dr Chadha outlined that India's beverage industry has been an early adopter of EPR frameworks under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's Plastic Waste Management Rules, with member companies actively partnering with waste collection agencies, urban local bodies, and recycling enterprises nationwide. The Association stated that the Declaration's call for enhanced monitoring mechanisms and investment in recovery infrastructure aligns closely with ongoing industry efforts to build robust, traceable, and verifiable circularity systems across the country.
 

The IBA also expressed support for the proposed Network of BRICS Institutions to Advance Knowledge Sharing, Research and Innovation in Sustainable Lifestyles, describing it as a valuable platform for cross-border collaboration on packaging innovation, alternative materials, and recycling technologies. "Learning from and contributing to a shared knowledge base among BRICS nations can accelerate the pace of innovation far more effectively than any single country acting alone," Dr Chadha added.
 

Additionally, the Association welcomed the possibility of a BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week in 2026, noting its potential to raise consumer awareness around responsible consumption and disposal practices.
 

The IBA reiterated its commitment to working closely with policymakers, implementing authorities, and recycling partners to strengthen India's integrated waste management ecosystem, and to supporting national priorities on circularity as India continues to scale its manufacturing and consumption base.
 

"As an industry, we recognise that sustainable growth is only possible through shared responsibility — between producers, consumers, and governments," IBA Secretary General said.

About IBA
The Indian Beverage Association represents leading non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers operating in India, working collaboratively on sustainability, public health, and industry standards.

Anant National University Hosts Mass Timber Workshop 2026, Championing Sustainable Construction and a Greener Future

As the construction sector grows, the need for environmentally responsible building practices becomes increasingly important. Mass timber offers an opportunity to explore alternatives to conventional construction materials and contribute to a more sustainable built environment. The workshop encouraged dialogue and collaboration around the role of such materials in shaping the future of construction.

At Anant National University, sustainability is central to its vision for education and its commitment to creating a better future. The University supports initiatives that encourage students, faculty and industry partners to address real-world challenges through sustainable architecture, responsible material use, climate-conscious design and interdisciplinary research.

The Mass Timber Workshop reflected this commitment by bringing together perspectives from academia and industry through discussions, knowledge-sharing and practical engagement. It provided a platform to explore how mass timber and other sustainable approaches can contribute to a more environmentally responsible built environment. Ahead of the workshop, participating Anant students also visited India’s landmark mass timber project in Umargam, Gujarat, gaining firsthand insights into the material’s practical applications.

By supporting initiatives such as this, Anant continues to create opportunities for its academic community to engage with emerging ideas and contribute to meaningful change. Through sustainability-focused learning, research and collaboration, the University remains committed to nurturing designers, architects and changemakers who can help build a more sustainable future.

About Anant National University

At Anant National University, education begins with a simple belief: the future will not be inherited. It will be purposefully designed.

Guided by the philosophy: Come, Create the New, Anant brings together learners who are curious about the world as it is, but also ambitious about what it could become. The University encourages students to look beyond conventional answers and engage with the complex challenges of our times: Ranging from climate and sustainability to cities, communities, systems and technologies.

Anant offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across design, architecture, climate action and visual arts. Its approach combines academic rigour with studio-based learning, emerging technologies, research, entrepreneurship, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and hands-on engagement with communities. The goal is not only to build practical skills but also to train diligent professionals who can connect disciplines, understand context and create meaningful change.

Recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, Anant received a 5-Star Rating in Architecture and a 4-Star Rating in the University category under the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reflect Anant’s abiding commitment to build an innovating institution where creativity, sustainability, innovation and purpose come together to help shape a more thoughtful and resilient future.

FMC dignitaries and 60+ MSMEs, exporters & stakeholders unite in Panipat to advance sustainable cluster branding and EU sustainability readiness

The workshop aimed to build understanding and facilitate common agreement and acceptance among MSMEs and exporters on the proposed SCB criteria for subsequent adoption, while also sensitising participants to evolving sustainability and regulatory requirements in global markets, particularly the European Union.

The session was organised by the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) in collaboration with its consortium partners, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), with participation from key stakeholders including the Center for Responsible Businesses (CRB) and Conserve India.

The workshop began with opening remarks by Mr. Abhishek Naga, Deputy General Manager, Energy & Environment, FMC, who stressed the importance of MSMEs proactively adapting to evolving global sustainability standards to enhance their competitiveness in international markets. He underscored the vast opportunity presented by the EU market, noting that the region imported approximately EUR 180.5 billion worth of apparel in 2024—of which EUR 79.2 billion came from developing countries. India’s share stood at around EUR 4.1 billion in apparel imports alone, and nearly EUR 7.0 billion when including textiles, apparel, and home textiles combined.

Harshitha Venati, Senior Impact Manager, Global Fashion Agenda, shared key insights on the EU Labelling Regulation. A central highlight of the session was an in-depth discussion on this regulation, complemented by a recap of earlier workshops covering the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR).

Devyani Hari, Senior Director, CRB, further explored the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and the proposed Sustainable Cluster Brand (SCB) criteria, emphasizing their critical role in driving transparency, traceability, and improved sustainability performance across the textile value chain.

The occasion was also graced by Mr. Rakesh Vig, Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), whose presence reaffirmed institutional support for the initiative.

Participants were sensitized to the growing importance of traceability, circularity, resource efficiency, and regulatory compliance—especially as EU sustainability requirements continue to evolve. The discussions directly connected these developments to the real-world challenges and opportunities facing Panipat’s recycled textile MSMEs and exporters, underscoring the need to strengthen sustainable practices and demonstrate end-to-end supply chain transparency.

Over 60 MSMEs, exporters, and stakeholders actively engaged in the session, contributing to dynamic conversations on SCB adoption, energy efficiency, circularity, and alignment with emerging global sustainability standards.

About the EU Switch Asia “Green Threads Project”

The Green Threads Project, supported by the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, aims to accelerate the transition of India’s textile and apparel sector towards more sustainable, circular and resource-efficient production practices.

As global markets—particularly the European Union—introduce and strengthen sustainability-related requirements, MSMEs face increasing expectations to demonstrate compliance, transparency and environmental responsibility across their supply chains.

The project focuses on capacity building, policy dialogue, technical support and stakeholder engagement to help MSMEs:

• Understand emerging EU sustainability requirements, including ESPR, Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and WSR;

• Improve circularity, waste management and sustainable product practices;

• Strengthen their competitiveness in global markets; and

• Build long-term resilience through sustainable and resource-efficient business models.

The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) is implementing the project in India, with a focus on supporting MSME clusters, particularly textile hubs such as Panipat and Amroha, in responding to the global transition towards greener and more sustainable manufacturing.

FMC’s engagement reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting MSMEs in adopting improved business and environmental practices, accessing emerging market opportunities and strengthening their long-term competitiveness.

About FMC

Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), a leading non-governmental, not-for-profit public charitable trust, established in India in 2005. FMC has made remarkable strides in fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental progress through our innovative cluster development approach. Our work spans more than 300 MSME clusters, supporting over 100,000 artisanal and industrial units, ranging from household operations to medium-sized production entities. As an empanelled Nodal Agency with the Ministries of MSMEs and Rural Development, FMC extends support to prominent schemes like SFURTI, and is also providing technical, research, and evaluation support to various organizations such as SIDBI & KVIC. FMC has implemented multiple projects on environment and livelihoods with support from agencies like NABARD, UNIDO, UNDP, EU, ADB, and major corporates such as Cisco, Mahindra Finance, HCL, Yes Bank, and Hindalco.

Bisleri Bottles for Change engages students at the Gomti Book Festival, promoting plastic recycling and responsible waste management
 

Bisleri set up a Bottles for Change stall at the venue, showcasing a range of products made from recycled plastic. Through simple, interactive displays, students will discover how used plastic bottles can be collected, recycled and upcycled into a variety of everyday products, highlighting the many innovative ways plastic can be given a new life.
 

On the occasion, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Our collaboration with the National Book Trust at the Gomti Book Festival reflects our belief that environmental awareness should start at an early age. Through ‘Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission’, we are using storytelling to make responsible plastic waste management simple, engaging and relatable for children. We hope this initiative encourages young readers to understand the importance of responsible post-consumer plastic disposal and embrace simple everyday actions that can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.”
 

Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Bisleri on plastic awareness. Books have the power to shape how children understand the world around them. Through the Gomti Book Festival and the distribution of ‘Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission’, we hope to make environmental responsibility engaging for children and encourage them to adopt simple practices like plastic segregation and recycling.”
 

Bisleri’s Bottles for Change stall at the Gomti Book Festival showcases products made from recycled plastic
 

The nine-day Gomti Book Festival showcase a diverse selection of books across genres and age groups, with more than 120 publishers from across India presenting their publications across over 200 book stalls. Visitors will also have an opportunity to explore the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, India’s national digital library, which offers free access to more than 3,000 e-books across genres and Indian languages. Besides books, the festival offers a range of literary and cultural experiences, including interactions with authors, panel discussions, book launches, cultural programmes and activities for children.

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 90 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 130 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 Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
 

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

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

Bisleri International and Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries College partner to promote plastic recycling and circular economy
 

As part of the collaboration, National Service Scheme (NSS) students from the colleges will work closely with Bisleri’s “Bottles of Change” team to conduct awareness programmes, plastic waste collection, and recycling initiatives, and activities aimed at encouraging responsible waste management.
 

Highlighting the role of the youth in creating lasting change, Mr K. Ganesh, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Bisleri International, said, “Young Champions can play an important role in driving lasting behavioural change around plastic waste management. Through Bottles for Change, we aim to equip students with the awareness and opportunities to participate in responsible plastic collection and recycling. Our collaboration with Dr M.G.R. Fisheries College and Research Institute will help extend these efforts beyond the campus and encourage more sustainable practices within the wider community.”
 

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr S. Balasundari, Dean, Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries College and Research Institute, said, “Through the collaboration with Bisleri, we aim to strengthen awareness around plastic recycling, responsible waste management and environmental conservation among our students, staff and the wider community. The active involvement of our NSS students is a great opportunity to translate environmental awareness into meaningful action and contribute to more sustainable practices.”
 

Bisleri International and Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries College sign a Letter of Association on plastic recycling and environmental awareness
 

The partnership seeks to engage students as active participants in environmental conservation while also building greater awareness within surrounding communities about the importance of segregating, collecting and responsibly recycling used plastic.
 

An integral part of Bisleri’s Greener Promise vision for a more sustainable future, Bottles for Change focuses on promoting responsible plastic management through awareness, collection and recycling. The initiative works with educational institutions, communities and other stakeholders to encourage behavioural change and strengthen systems that help channel used plastic towards recycling.
 

The collaboration with Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries College and Research Institute extends this effort by engaging students in hands-on sustainability initiatives and enabling them to promote responsible waste management practices within the campus and surrounding communities.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 90 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 130 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 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.

Landmark new research from The Earthshot Prize and the University of Exeter’s Green Futures Solutions team, published today, reveals 51 environmental solutions that can trigger rapid and transformative change to repair our planet within the next five years. After a northern summer of extreme heat and fire, and as the world prepares for an unprecedented El Nino, the research provides a new, unifying agenda for positive action.

Positive Tipping Points: Accelerating system change to repair our planet, furthers Professor Tim Lenton’s pioneering research, by expanding positive tipping point science to all five Earthshots: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate. The Earthshot Prize will use the findings to identify solutions with the potential to trigger rapid systems change.

The planet is fast approaching negative tipping points, such as the dieback of Amazon rainforest, where catastrophic harm to ecosystems becomes irreversible. Yet, the same science provides an opportunity with positive tipping points, a threshold where progress can become rapid and self-reinforcing. For example, when adoption lowers costs, success attracts further investment and new policy spreads to other geographies, creating a cascade effect of progress.

Professor Tim Lenton, Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science, at the University of Exeter said, "To reverse damage to our ecosystems before it’s too late, we need to unlock positive tipping points, where progress builds on itself, costs fall with scale, and recovery becomes self-propelling. This is why this research is so relevant and needed, as it identifies the tipping points that collectively represent the best chance of repairing our planet and how we can reach them.”
 

Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, said, “For too long a sense has prevailed that solutions to the climate and nature are out of reach. This new research explodes that myth once and for all. Devastating wildfires, extreme heat and floods are a clarion call for change. We must move faster to repair our planet. This pivotal research gives us reasons for optimism. This is a blueprint for turning ambition into action to place our planet on a path of rapid repair. The Earthshot Prize will apply this latest science to find and back the solutions capable of triggering exponential progress for our planet by 2030. The challenge is immense and, yet, as this research shows, so is the opportunity.”
 

The research highlights where targeted action is already leading to rapid and transformative change, including:

• Clean energy as a master cascade: As solar and wind have become cheaper, the economics of electric transport, clean buildings, industry and cleaner air have improved. Solar power costs have fallen around 90% in the past decade, and as deployment grows, manufacturing costs fall. Falling costs have unlocked further deployment, which has driven costs lower still, attracting more investment and improving the technology. Today, solar is the cheapest source of electricity in most of the world.

• Marine protected areas become self-reinforcing: Well-designed and well-enforced ocean conservation has produced visible recovery of fish stocks and biodiversity within years. As communities have reaped the benefits of marine conservation, protection areas have expanded and progress accelerated. In turn food security for coastal populations and climate resilience has strengthened with examples including The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia. In January, the High Seas Treaty came into force, with the backing of over 140 countries, to close the gap in ocean conversation and protect biodiversity in international waters.

• Clean cooking and household energy: Clean cooking is close to a tipping point in several markets as pay-as-you-go solar and clean cooking businesses scale across East and Southern Africa. In Latin America and parts of Asia, the LPG transition is substantially complete, bringing health benefits to millions. 

Creating the right conditions for a solution area to tip is critical. The research sets out three prerequisites that are needed across all five Earthshots:

• Affordability - the desired solution must be cost-competitive with the damaging incumbent.

• Accessibility - it must be practically and geographically available to those who need to adopt it.

• Attractiveness - it must perform well enough, with enough social proof, to make adoption the obvious choice.

A central finding is that, by design, the five Earthshots are deeply interconnected, sharing the same conditions, infrastructure and risks within a single system. This means that certain interventions, such as the clean electricity cascade, could accelerate positive tipping points across all five Earthshots; while barriers, such as the Global South investment gap, could stall progress in the regions that need it most.

Dr. Steven R. Smith, lead author of the report and Research Fellow in the University of Exeter’s Green Futures Solutions team, added, “We looked at 51 solution areas across nature, oceans, air, waste and climate, and were struck by how progress in one area often depends on progress in another. We're not claiming every system is about to tip. Our report shows where the self-reinforcing mechanisms are, and what governments, investors and innovators can do to unlock them."
 

You can read out the research here:
greenfuturessolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Applying-a-Tipping-Points-Lens-to-The-Earthshot-Prize-External-09-09-26.pdf

Chickens being kept under harsh conditions at the poultry farms

The investigation examined private poultry operations using battery-cage systems, with facilities ranging in estimated capacity from approximately 3,000 to 200,000 hens. The investigation found recurring concerns across multiple locations, suggesting that poor welfare and management practices were not isolated incidents but part of routine operating conditions.

Investigators documented severe overcrowding and fighting among hens, with widespread injuries observed across the facilities. Nearly all observed hens reportedly had injuries around the neck, apparently caused by repeated contact with metal cage bars. Wing injuries, broken legs, bleeding, skin conditions and severe physical weakness were also observed. Some hens were reportedly unable to stand.

Debeaking was identified as a routine practice across the facilities visited. Caretakers reported that hens underwent the procedure, while investigators documented visible injuries and blood loss associated with debeaking. In one facility, a worker was observed performing the procedure and invited the investigator to participate.

The investigation also documented signs of significant distress among the birds. Hens displayed continuous loud vocalisation and pronounced fear responses when people approached. Competition and aggression over limited cage space were observed, with weaker birds reportedly being attacked and, in some cases, killed. Investigators also documented instances of birds being handled roughly by workers, including chicks being thrown and vigorously handled following debeaking.

Hygiene and waste-management practices raised further concerns. Manure was observed accumulating beneath cages, sometimes reportedly remaining in place throughout a production batch. Strong foul odours resembling ammonia, rodents, cockroaches, stagnant water and mosquito larvae were observed at various facilities. Feed in some units showed visible signs consistent with fungal growth or possible contamination.

Waste-management systems varied across facilities. In several locations, manure and wastewater were poorly managed, with waste entering or clogging drains and contributing to stagnant or overflowing wastewater. Large quantities of waste were also observed accumulating in piles at some facilities. Carcass-disposal practices included burial in pits, burning and incineration; in one case, investigators documented a disposal site near a highway where carcasses were reportedly dumped without burial or incineration.

The investigation further found limited implementation of employee and visitor biosecurity measures. Investigators observed apparent biosecurity protocols at only one facility, while masks and other personal protective equipment were not provided or used at the remaining facilities. Flies, rodents, cockroaches and stagnant water were observed across the facilities, raising concerns about vector control and hygiene.

Investigators also observed children working at poultry facilities, including collecting eggs and cleaning premises. Neither adult workers nor children observed during the visits were equipped with masks or other personal protective equipment.

The investigation identified regulatory and compliance concerns in parts of the sector. In Madhya Pradesh, none of the seven facilities investigated reportedly possessed Consent to Establish or Consent to Operate from the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. The investigation also noted that complaints concerning some facilities had reportedly been submitted in 2024, citing alleged violations of applicable siting criteria and the absence of required consents. The 2026 visits indicated limited visible enforcement action beyond issuing a general public notice.

Key Observations

• 21 poultry units investigated across Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

• Facilities had estimated capacities ranging from approximately 3,000 to 200,000 layer hens.

• All facilities investigated used battery-cage housing systems.

• Severe overcrowding and fighting among hens were observed.

• Widespread injuries included neck and wing injuries, broken legs, bleeding, skin conditions and severe physical weakness.

• Debeaking was reported as a routine practice across the facilities visited, with injuries and blood loss documented.

• Dead hens were observed both inside and outside cages, while staff at some facilities reported approximately 5–10 deaths per shed; actual mortality rates could not be independently verified.

• Poor hygiene was documented, including manure accumulation, strong ammonia-like odours, stagnant water, rodents, cockroaches and mosquito larvae.

• Waste and wastewater were poorly managed at several facilities, including drain blockages, stagnant or overflowing wastewater, and accumulated manure.

• Limited employee biosecurity: apparent biosecurity measures were observed at only one facility.

• Masks and other personal protective equipment were generally not provided or used.

• Children were observed working at poultry facilities, including collecting eggs and cleaning premises.

• Some facilities were located approximately 10–400 metres from residential areas.

• All facilities were reportedly located near a national highway.

• In Madhya Pradesh, none of the seven facilities investigated reportedly possessed Consent to Establish or Consent to Operate from the MPPCB.

• Similar husbandry and management practices appeared routine and normalised rather than isolated, according to investigator observations.

• The findings point to the need for stronger monitoring, enforcement, animal-welfare oversight, biosecurity and responsible waste management across poultry operations.

“The consistency of what our investigators documented across 21 facilities is deeply concerning. Practices such as severe overcrowding, routine debeaking, untreated injuries, poor waste management and weak biosecurity should not be accepted as business as usual. The findings point to a systemic gap between the standards that are expected and the conditions animals and workers may actually experience on the ground. Stronger enforcement, regular inspections and meaningful accountability are urgently needed to ensure that poultry production does not come at the cost of animal welfare, hygiene or public health,” said Abhishek Pandey, CEO, Sentient.

Following the investigation, Sentient calls for stronger implementation and monitoring of existing animal welfare, environmental, public health and poultry-sector regulations. The organisation also urges regular inspections of poultry facilities, improved biosecurity and veterinary support, responsible carcass and waste disposal, better protection for workers, and greater accountability for practices that compromise animal welfare and hygiene.

Sentient further recommends continued investigation of poultry facilities and hatcheries, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, to better document practices involving debeaking and the reported sourcing and handling of chicks.

Investigation videos
YouTube Video
 

About Sentient
Sentient is an organisation working to document and expose animal welfare concerns through evidence-based investigations, research and public awareness initiatives. By bringing credible documentation to light, the organisation seeks to strengthen accountability and encourage meaningful improvements in animal welfare standards across sectors.

Bisleri International Partners with State Bank of India to Drive Responsible Plastic Waste Management Under its ‘Bottles for Change’ Initiative
 

“Bottles for Change” is an initiative from Bisleri – India’s leading packaged water brand, through which the company engages institutions, housing societies, corporates, and communities to create awareness on responsible plastic waste management. This partnership between SBI and Bisleri is also aimed to support India’s transition towards a circular economy by fostering sustainable change through responsible plastic waste management and achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2070.
 

Speaking on the partnership, Shri. Ravi Ranjan, Managing Director (Risk, Compliance & SARG), State Bank of India, said, "Our collaboration with Bisleri under the “Bottles for Change” initiative is a step towards embedding sustainable practices into our everyday workplace culture. We believe that when employees are empowered to make responsible choices, that awareness extends well beyond our offices and into the communities that we serve and are a part of. Sustainable development and climate-conscious initiatives are important pillars in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, and partnerships such as this can help translate that larger vision into meaningful action on the ground.”
 

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, “Responsible plastic waste management begins with awareness and collective action. Our partnership with State Bank of India brings together the reach of one of India’s largest institutions and Bisleri’s experience through Bottles for Change to encourage responsible segregation, collection and recycling of used plastic. By engaging employees across SBI offices, we aim to build responsible practices at the workplace that can extend into homes and communities. We believe this collaboration can become a scalable model for corporate participation in advancing a circular economy for plastics.”
 

The partnership reinforces SBI’s commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship, while promoting sustainable practices across its operations and achieve its goal of Net Zero (Scope 1,2 &3) by 2055 - its Centenary Year. By encouraging responsible plastic waste management and recycling, SBI and Bisleri aim to foster greater awareness and contribute to a more resource-efficient and sustainable future for India.

About State Bank of India

State Bank of India is the largest commercial Bank in terms of assets, deposits, branches, customers, and employees. It is the largest mortgage lenders in the country which has so far fulfilled the home buying dreams of over 30 lakh Indian families. The home loan portfolio of the Bank stood at Rs. 9.59 lakh crore mark as of June 30, 2026. The Bank has a deposit base of over Rs. 60 lakh crore with CASA ratio of 39.24% and advances of more than Rs. 50.47 lakh crore, as of June 30, 2026. Adjudged as the World’s Best Consumer Bank for two consecutive years - in 2025 & 2026, by Global Finance magazine, SBI commanded a market share of 28.1% and 18.7% in home loans and auto loans, respectively, at the end of FY26. SBI has the largest network of over 23,000 branches and 65,200 ATMs/ADWMs in India along with around 79,600 business correspondent outlets, as of June 30, 2026. The number of customers using internet banking stood at 12.6 crores, by the end of Q1 FY27 on June 30, 2026. With SBI’s digital strategy right on track, the Bank witnessed 27.1 lakh of new savings accounts being opened through the integrated digital and lifestyle platform YONO in the period between April 2026 to June 2026. YONO, which now has 10.5 crore registered users, also witnessed over 5 crore New YONO registrations as of June 30, 2026 – revamped Yono 2.0 since its launch in December 2025. In terms of digital lending, the Bank disbursed pre-approved personal loans worth Rs. 1,314 crores through YONO during April-June, 2026. As on June 30, 2026, SBI has 27 million followers on Facebook, 4.3 million followers on Instagram, 4.7 million followers on X and 20.9 million subscribers on YouTube. State Bank of India is the most followed Bank globally on Facebook, Instagram & X.
 

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 90 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 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.

M3M Foundation’s plantation drive across Gurugram

Of these, 700 trees have been planted in honour of seven Commonwealth Games 2026 para medallists, with 100 trees dedicated to each athlete, while another 1,000 trees have been planted in honour of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

This special tribute forms part of M3M Foundation’s larger monsoon commitment to plant over 1 lakh trees across 11 Panchayats in Gurugram and Tauru Block. Through this community-led campaign, the Foundation aims to strengthen green cover while taking the message of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ to villages, schools and local communities—encouraging collective responsibility towards a greener and more sustainable future.

The initiative reflects the vision of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India and Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, to take the celebration of para-sport beyond the podium and create meaningful community impact. By connecting sporting excellence with environmental action, the initiative seeks to turn moments of national pride into a legacy that continues to grow.

The seven athletes honoured are Sharmila Dhankar, Shilpa Shyla, Jhandu Kumar, Soman Rana, Shubham Juyal, Dilip Manadu Gavit and Mohammed Basil. The 100-tree tributes have been planted in Kadarpur, Ullawas, Ghata, Shikhopur, Ramgarh, Jhund Sarai and Bajghera, respectively. Sharmila Dhankar won Gold in Women’s Shot Put F57; Shilpa Shyla won Bronze in Women’s Shot Put F57; Jhandu Kumar secured Bronze in Para Powerlifting; Soman Rana won Gold in Men’s F57 Shot Put; Shubham Juyal won Silver in Men’s F57 Shot Put; Dilip Manadu Gavit secured Gold in the Men’s 100m T47; and Mohammed Basil won Silver in the Men’s 100m T47.

The plantations saw participation from Sarpanches and local leaders, government officials, government school students and teachers, Gaushala pandits, grassroots athletes and community members. Their participation transformed the drive into a collective celebration of India’s para champions while creating shared responsibility towards the environment.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India and Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Our para athletes have shown the nation that determination can overcome barriers and create extraordinary possibilities. Their Commonwealth Games achievements are moments of immense pride, but their journeys carry a message that reaches far beyond sport."

“My vision is to ensure that the achievements of our para athletes inspire greater inclusion, participation and possibility across society. By planting 100 trees in honour of each of our seven medallists, along with 1,000 trees in honour of PCI, we are taking their stories beyond the podium and creating a living legacy within communities."

“As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, progress must be inclusive and sustainable. ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ gives us an opportunity to turn that vision into action—celebrating those who inspire the nation while creating something meaningful for future generations.”

As India moves towards the centenary of its Independence, nation-building is also about the legacy we leave behind. These 1,700 trees bring together sporting excellence, inclusion, community participation and environmental responsibility—honouring the India we are today while contributing to the India we aspire to build by 2047.

M3M Foundation will continue to expand this vision through initiatives that connect sport, inclusion, environmental action and community development, ensuring that achievements continue to inspire meaningful action on the ground.

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

As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and community development, Group Legrand India has successfully completed the construction of a Check Dam in Shastrinagar village, Nashik district in partnership with BharatCares (CSRBOX Group). The project has been implemented under the company's social responsibility to address water scarcity, strengthen groundwater resources, and improve the resilience of farming communities in the region. The intervention is expected to benefit residents of both Shastrinagar and Gangamhalungi villages, where water availability has historically been a challenge, particularly during the dry season. The inauguration ceremony was led by Mr. Deepak Patil, COO, Group Legrand India, and Ms. Abida Aneez, CSR Head, Group Legrand India, and was attended by senior representatives from local governance bodies, community leaders, implementation partners, and members of the local community.
 

Group Legrand India representatives at the newly completed Shastrinagar Check Dam, Nashik
 

Located in a drought-prone area where declining groundwater levels and irregular rainfall patterns have increasingly impacted agricultural productivity and household water access, the newly completed structure has created over 94 lakh litres of water storage capacity approximately filled twice a year and an estimated groundwater recharge potential exceeding 8.32 lakh litres annually. The check dam is expected to ensure greater water availability for drinking, livestock, and irrigation needs, ultimately supporting more secure livelihoods and enabling farming families to withstand seasonal water stress more effectively. The project is expected to positively impact more than 3,650 beneficiaries across the two villages.
 

The initiative reflects Group Legrand India's long-term vision of creating sustainable community assets that generate lasting environmental and social impact. Beyond the construction of the water conservation structure, the project also included engagement with local stakeholders and capacity-building efforts to support responsible water management and long-term maintenance of the asset through community participation and Gram Panchayat involvement.
 

Commenting on the project's completion, Abida Aneez, Head – CSR & Sustainability, Group Legrand India, said, "Water is one of the most critical resources for communities, livelihoods and ecosystems. At Legrand, we believe that sustainable development begins with securing access to essential resources and creating infrastructure that can serve communities for generations. The completion of this check dam is more than a water conservation intervention; it is an investment in agricultural resilience, environmental stewardship and the future prosperity of rural families. We remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen climate resilience, conserve natural resources and create meaningful impact at the grassroots level."
 

For the local community, the project represents more than infrastructure; it represents hope for greater stability and improved agricultural outcomes. Chhagan Dive, a farmer from Gangamhalungi village, shared, "Every year, water becomes scarce after the winter months, making it difficult for us to manage our farms and livestock even though we get heavy rainfall due to water runoff. During summer, many families had to travel up to 5 km to fetch water. This Check Dam has been a blessing for us by providing reliable water for our fields and reducing the uncertainty many families face. We are grateful for this support and the positive difference it will make to our village."
 

The project forms part of Legrand India's broader efforts to promote responsible water stewardship and environmental sustainability. Over the years, the company has initiated several programmes focused on water conservation, natural resource management, groundwater recharge, and sustainable rural development. Recognising that water security is fundamental to community well-being and economic development, Legrand continues to support interventions that conserve water resources while strengthening local resilience to climate-related challenges.
 

The completion of the Shastrinagar Check Dam marks another important milestone in the company's sustainability journey. By creating a durable water conservation asset capable of storing and recharging millions of litres of water annually, Group Legrand India is contributing not only to improved water availability but also to enhanced agricultural productivity, stronger rural livelihoods, and a more sustainable future for the communities it serves.
 

About Group Legrand India

Group Legrand India is a leading specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure. Through its CSR initiatives, the company supports programmes in education, healthcare, skill development, environmental sustainability, water conservation, and community development, creating long-term positive impact across India.

L-R: Dr. Rajendra Singh, Vivek Avasthi, Manoj Kumar Singh, CMD BCCL, Dr. Indira Khurana at the National Symposium on Water in New Delhi

Organised by White Dolphin Media under the aegis of IndianPSU.com, the symposium focused on the theme of water conservation and sustainable use, with Coal Neer – From Waste to Wealth: Unlocking the Potential of Treated Mine Water emerging as a key area of discussion. The event highlighted how innovative water treatment solutions and community participation can play an important role in strengthening India’s water security.

Renowned environmentalist and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dr. Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the Waterman of India, was the keynote speaker at the symposium. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that water conservation cannot remain the responsibility of governments alone and must become a collective responsibility involving communities, institutions and citizens.

Dr. Singh highlighted the close relationship between water, women and rivers through the message “Neer–Naari–Nadi = Narayani”, underlining their importance to human civilisation and sustainable development. He also spoke about the importance of community-led conservation and shared the experience of Tarun Bharat Sangh, which over nearly five decades has worked with communities across villages to develop water conservation structures and revive local water sources.

The symposium placed special emphasis on Coal Neer, an initiative of Coal India Limited aimed at treating mine water and making it available as safe drinking water for communities in and around coal mining areas. The initiative was discussed as an example of converting a potential environmental challenge into a useful resource while addressing water scarcity and supporting sustainable development in mining regions.

Indira Khurana, Chairperson of the Indian Himalayan River Basins Council (IHRBC) and Vice Chairperson of Tarun Bharat Sangh, was the Guest of Honour. She highlighted the impact of water scarcity on communities, particularly women in rural areas, and stressed the importance of efficient water management, protection of natural water bodies and stronger policy interventions for long-term water security.

The symposium featured experts from diverse fields, including Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Senior Professor (Retd.), Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; Farrukh R. Khan, former Regional Director, WaterAid and Executive Member, State Ganga Mission; Dr. Avantika Singh, Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi specialising in Gender Studies, Climate Change, Adaptation and Vulnerability Studies; and Utkarsh Sinha, veteran journalist with extensive experience in governance, environmental issues and public policy.

The speakers stressed the need for integrated water management, climate resilience, sustainable use of natural resources and greater participation of local communities in water conservation.The symposium also recognised individuals for their contributions to water conservation, sustainability and leadership.

Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), received the INDIAN PSU Frontline Leadership Excellence Award for his leadership in promoting water sustainability initiatives, particularly the Coal Neer project.

Nilendu Kumar Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), was conferred the INDIAN PSU Dynamic Leadership Excellence Award for advancing sustainable water management practices across coal mining operations. The award was received on his behalf by Sangeeta, General Manager (Environment), CCL.

Sanjay Singh, founder of Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan and widely recognised for his work in Bundelkhand, received the INDIAN PSU Water Conservation Excellence Award for his contribution to watershed development and community-led water conservation.The INDIANPSU Aqua Genetic Award was presented to Sanjay Agarwal, General Manager, BCCL, for his contribution to conceptualising and developing the Coal Neer water treatment and purification plant.

Welcoming the participants, Vivek Avasthi, CEO of White Dolphin Media and Editor-in-Chief of IndianPSU.com, said the symposium was conceived as more than a one-day discussion and aimed to build a wider movement around water conservation and sustainable resource management. He emphasised the need for continued collaboration among policymakers, public sector enterprises, environmental experts, academic institutions and civil society to develop practical and scalable solutions for India’s water challenges.

The symposium concluded with a collective call for sustained efforts towards water conservation and water security, with participants emphasising that protecting India’s water resources requires innovative solutions, responsible resource management and active participation from society at large.

M3M Foundation planting over 1 lakh trees this monsoon taking forward ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’

The Foundation aims to plant 1 lakh+ trees, engaging 11 Panchayats across identified areas of Gurugram and Tauru Block with local communities, including locations in and around the Aravalli landscape.

The initiative will begin across Ghata, Kadarpur, Ullawas, Ramgarh, Bahrampur and Bailyawas, bringing local communities together around a shared vision for greener and more sustainable villages. Local leaders Govardhan from Ghata, Satbir from Ullawas, Sanjeet from Kadarpur and Giriraj from Bahrampur are supporting the initiative and helping mobilise residents to participate in the plantation and take collective responsibility for the trees. Their involvement reflects Sankalp’s belief that lasting environmental change is strongest when it is led and nurtured at the community level.

The initiative is designed to make the most of the monsoon season while ensuring that plantation translates into sustained environmental action. Communities and Panchayats will be mobilised not only to participate in planting but also to take responsibility for the subsequent care, protection and nurturing of the trees, creating a stronger foundation for their long-term survival.

The campaign builds on M3M Foundation’s experience of connecting environmental conservation with an emotional sense of responsibility. Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, Sankalp introduced “Ek Ped Ghar Ke Bachche Ya Bachchi Ke Naam” across villages of Tauru Block in Nuh, Haryana. The initiative encourages families to dedicate a tree to every son or daughter, creating an emotional bond between the family and the tree and encouraging them to nurture it as it grows.

Taking this philosophy forward, the new plantation drive will bring 11 Panchayats and communities together in a wider stewardship effort, extending responsibility beyond the day of plantation and making local participation central to sustaining the green cover created through the campaign.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “The monsoon gives us the opportunity to put thousands of saplings into the ground, but the real responsibility begins once they are planted. A tree needs more than soil and rain, it needs people who are willing to care for it. ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ has shown us the power of connecting environmental action with emotion, and through Sankalp we are turning that connection into community stewardship. With 1 lakh+ trees being planted across 11 Panchayats in Gurugram, we want every sapling to have a story, a community behind it and the opportunity to grow into a lasting green legacy. Our aim is not simply to plant more trees, but to inspire more people to take ownership of the environment around them.”

The initiative adds to the significant environmental footprint of Sankalp, which has facilitated the plantation of more than 6.7 lakh trees across six states, including over 1.70 lakh trees across 54 Panchayats. The programme has also undertaken Miyawaki forests, orchard-based agroforestry, restoration of degraded landscapes, biodiversity enhancement and groundwater recharge, reflecting an integrated approach to ecological restoration.

The latest campaign will contribute to strengthening green cover across Gurugram while supporting the ecological landscape around the Aravallis. By involving communities directly, it also seeks to foster everyday environmental stewardship and reinforce the principles of Mission LiFE and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

With the monsoon planting season underway, 1 lakh+ trees targeted and 11 Panchayats across identified areas of Gurugram and coming together, M3M Foundation aims to turn a seasonal opportunity into a lasting environmental commitment, creating greener spaces today and communities that continue to nurture them tomorrow.

Through Sankalp, M3M Foundation believes that the strongest green legacy is one that communities plant, protect and pass on.

About M3M Foundation

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

India is home to nearly 8% of the world’s recorded biodiversity, making it one of the world’s richest repositories of wildlife and ecosystems. Protecting this natural heritage requires sustained support for conservation efforts across landscapes and species, including many lesser-known flora and fauna that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Through its annual grants programme, THT supports conservation practitioners working at the forefront of these efforts, enabling innovative, science-led and community-driven solutions across the country.

This year’s grants have been awarded across three categories, reflecting the diverse conservation challenges and solutions emerging from across the country.

2026 Grant Categories and Recipients

THT Conservation Grant

Supports organisations addressing India’s conservation challenges, with a focus on lesser-known species and critical habitats.

• Arulagam - One Health Approach for Conserving Critically Endangered Vultures and Hyena in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu

• Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology - Croak, Coexist, and Conserve: Conservation of Threatened Amphibians in Human-Shaped Landscapes of River Catchments with Community Participation in Western Ghats

THT Action Grant

Supports urgent, on-ground conservation projects for lesser-known species and habitats requiring immediate intervention.

• Devvrat Singh - Evidence-Based, Community-Led Conservation of the Indian Wolf in Bahraich’s Intense Human–Wolf Conflict Landscapes: Strengthening OECM Approaches

• Nagpur Centre for Peoples Social Forum - Community-Led Grassland Conservation and Fodder Security Around the Two Protected Areas of Vidarbha

THT Research Grant

Supports interdisciplinary research that informs evidence-based conservation action.

• Centre for Ecology, Development and Research (CEDAR) - Remnant and Restorable Ecosystem (RARE) Assessment: Developing a Blueprint for Conservation and Restoration of Himalayan Oak Forests

• MS Swaminathan Research Foundation - Coastal Habitat Monitoring for Enhanced Resilience, Species Conservation, and Community Well-Being

Congratulating this year’s grantees, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Founder & Trustee, The Habitats Trust, said, “India's biodiversity is far beyond its iconic wildlife. It includes thousands of lesser-known species and ecosystems that quietly sustain ecological balance and support millions of lives. Through The Habitats Trust Grants, we are proud to support the conservationists working tirelessly to protect this natural heritage. Their work not only strengthens biodiversity conservation today but also helps secure a healthier and more resilient future for generations to come.”

Rushikesh Chavan, Director, The Habitats Trust, said, “The quality and diversity of applications this year reflects the growing momentum of conservation efforts across India. From protecting overlooked species and restoring critical habitats to generating research that informs conservation action, these projects show how local knowledge, scientific expertise and community participation can come together to create meaningful and lasting impact.”

This year, The Habitats Trust received 117 applications from all across the country. Following a rigorous five-stage evaluation process, 27 projects were shortlisted for field evaluation, of which 10 finalists presented their proposals before an expert jury.

The jury comprised Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCL Group and Founder & Trustee, The Habitats Trust; Dr. M. K. Ranjitsinh, wildlife expert and architect of India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; Bahar Dutt, wildlife biologist and environmental journalist; and Brian Heath, Founder & CEO, Mara Conservancy, Kenya. Projects were evaluated on their conservation relevance, scientific rigour, feasibility, stakeholder engagement, scalability and long-term impact.

Since its inception in 2018, The Habitats Trust Grants has supported 38 conservation projects across 21 States and 5 Union Territories, disbursing more than Rs. 16.2 crore to strengthen grassroots conservation efforts across India. By investing in research, innovation and on-ground action, the programme continues to empower conservation practitioners working to protect the country's extraordinary biodiversity and build resilient ecosystems for the future.

For more information, please visit www.thehabitatstrust.org/tht-research-grant.php

About The Habitats Trust

Founded in 2018 by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, and Shikhar Malhotra, CEO and Vice-Chairman of HCL Healthcare, The Habitats Trust (THT) is focused on addressing some of the most pressing developmental challenges arising from biodiversity loss, the climate crisis and global water scarcity. It is committed to undertake pioneering work that goes beyond sustainability and offers regenerative models for a thriving world. THT today works in 32 states and UTs of India with over 120 partners covering an area of over six lakh hectares. Over the last six years THT has made innovations for solving complex multidisciplinary challenges by using cutting-edge technology, ecological restoration, and species and habitats conservation.

For more information, please visit www.thehabitatstrust.org

 Bisleri International and Thane Municipal Corporation Launch Bottles for Change in 123 Thane Municipal Schools

A key feature of the launch was a Teachers' Training Workshop, where around 200 teachers, principals and government officials from the 123 participating schools were trained on plastic waste management, source segregation, and the recycling process. A structured school implementation plan was also introduced to the participants.

 Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri, addresses government officials and 200 teachers from Thane Municipal Corporation schools

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, "The greatest environmental change begins with small everyday habits, and there is no better place to build those habits than in our schools. Through Bottles for Change, Bisleri has been working with schools, housing societies and communities since 2019 to promote responsible plastic waste management. Our partnership with the Thane Municipal Corporation marks an important step in taking this movement to every municipal school in the city. By empowering teachers and inspiring students, we are nurturing a generation that understands source segregation, recycling, and the value of a circular economy. Together, we can create environmentally responsible citizens who will lead India's journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

Smt. Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Mayor, Thane Municipal Corporation said, “Partnerships with organisations like Bisleri are vital for moving the needle on plastic waste management. With the industry taking up awareness and training, it becomes easier for communities to better utilise the infrastructure available to them. We hope that this partnership will effectively initiate climate action by young students in Thane.” 

Shri. Saurabh Rao (I.A.S.), Municipal Commissioner, Thane Municipal Corporation, said, "Our children are the custodians of tomorrow's environment, and it is our responsibility to prepare them for it today. By extending Bottles for Change to all 123 municipal schools, we are ensuring that every student in Thane learns the value of responsible plastic waste management from an early age. This partnership with Bisleri International, and the training our teachers have received, will help to build a cleaner and more sustainable place for generations to come."

To translate awareness into action, the collaboration will also facilitate regular plastic waste collection, ensuring that recyclable plastic waste generated on school premises is consistently channelised for recycling and supports the circular economy. Trained teachers will play a central role in sustaining this system, embedding source segregation and responsible disposal as part of students' everyday routines.

First implemented in Thane in 2019, Bisleri’s Bottles for Change has been instrumental in engaging communities and institutions to raise awareness about and improve plastic waste management in the city. The initiative has sensitised 35,000 students and citizens, and collected and channelised 4980 MT of plastic waste for recycling. With its implementation across municipal schools, the initiative will foster environmental responsibility amongst students from an early age and ensure the participation of young citizens in creating a cleaner, greener future for all.

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.

Scientists monitor a deep-sea sampling dive from Mission Control aboard OceanXplorer as an ROV pilot navigates ROV Chimaera
 

Conducted in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation, Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA, the Western Australian Museum, and the Living High Seas Initiative, the expedition surveyed two seamount features within Roo Rise. One lies within the South of Java Island Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA), while the other is located near its southwestern boundary. Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore also participated in the expedition.
 

The research team used high-resolution seafloor mapping and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys to document the structure and biodiversity of the two features. Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, water-column profiling, plankton surveys, and targeted specimen collection produced complementary datasets spanning the seafloor through the upper ocean.
 

Expedition outputs include:

• 12,833 square kilometers of seabed mapped, including 9,333 square kilometers in international waters. Approximately 8,232 square kilometers, or 64 percent of the total area, represents new mapping when compared with existing global and Australian datasets.

• Eight ROV dives, one submersible dive, nine CTD casts, 15 bongo net deployments, and six XBT deployments. The deepest CTD cast reached 3,845 meters.

• 2,365 samples recorded across the expedition’s scientific workstreams, including 329 specimen lots and 528 eDNA samples collected across ROV transects and CTD stations.

• Tissue samples from 243 specimens across nine phyla collected for whole-genome sequencing and the development of genomic reference resources in collaboration with the OceanOmics Centre.
   

Preliminary observations documented extensive sponge gardens and coral communities across Roo Rise, including large habitat-forming species and taxa recognized as indicators of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). Several surveyed areas supported dense coral and sponge assemblages with diverse associated communities of echinoderms, crustaceans, molluscs, annelids, and fishes.
 

Scientists also identified four xenophyophore morphotypes that may represent undescribed species, subject to further taxonomic and molecular review. An unusual seafloor habitat consisting of probable early diagenetic carbonate colonized by abundant agglutinated foraminifera was documented during a Roo Rise dive.
 

“Roo Rise sits within a region that is globally important for ocean productivity and fisheries, yet its deep-sea habitats have remained largely under-characterized,” said Dr. Alexis Weinnig, Science Program Manager and Expedition Coordinator at OceanX. “Over the past 22 days, our team mapped the structure of these seamounts and documented deep-water communities. We also collected samples from the seafloor through the water column. Bringing these datasets together will give scientists and decision-makers a stronger evidence base for understanding this part of the high seas.”
 

The South of Java Island region is shaped by seasonal upwelling and complex oceanographic processes. It is also associated with the only known spawning area for endangered Southern Bluefin Tuna, although this expedition took place outside the species’ peak spawning season. The data collected will help scientists examine how seafloor structure, water-column conditions, and biological communities interact across this productive open-ocean ecosystem.
 

Minderoo Foundation and Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA led environmental DNA sampling and associated tissue sample collections in support of genomic biodiversity research across the expedition. The ship-based program generated 528 eDNA samples from ROV transects and CTD stations, while representative tissue samples from 243 specimens collected in situ via ROV dives will support whole-genome sequencing and the creation of genomic reference resources. At Christmas Island, an adjacent marine protected area under Australia’s jurisdiction, eDNA samples were collected from 90 sites, including 20 locations revisited from a 2023 survey.
 

“This expedition lays the groundwork to support genomics-based biodiversity monitoring in one of the ocean’s most under-studied and difficult-to-reach regions. By combining eDNA and tissue samples from Roo Rise with our growing datasets from Christmas Island, we can compare biodiversity across a clear protection gradient, from a recently established marine park to the less-protected waters of the adjacent high seas. As nations move to implement the BBNJ Agreement, this kind of evidence will be critical for understanding and safeguarding the deep-water habitats that support many vulnerable species. The expedition also gives people a window into places they will likely never see for themselves, offering a way to explore deep-ocean biodiversity in some of the planet’s most remote waters and feel connected to it,” said Dr Shannon Corrigan, Principal Research Fellow and OceanOmics Centre Lead at the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at the University of Western Australia.
 

Western Australian Museum scientists contributed taxonomic expertise and specimen-based research. Voucher specimens will be curated within the Museum’s permanent reference collections, supporting species identification, taxonomic description, and open access to specimens for future deep-sea biodiversity research.
 

The expedition also connected deep-sea science with public audiences through live broadcasts with scientists aboard the R/V OceanXplorer. More than 100 people attended a Live Cross at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, while an earlier event broadcast to Christmas Island brought together approximately 80 to 100 community members and Parks Australia staff. The WA Museum live cross was recorded and is now available on the WA Museum website and YouTube, enabling broader audiences to engage with the research.
 

“The real legacy of expeditions like this lies in the specimens that come back to the Western Australian Museum collections. While the footage is spectacular, it is the specimens that allow us to verify what we’ve seen, describe the species, and provide a permanent record that scientists can return to as new questions and technologies emerge. What stood out was the diversity of coral and sponge habitats we encountered across the deep water environments of Roo Rise. Even for the seamounts that appeared similar on a map, the communities at each turned out to be very different, reinforcing just how diverse and patchy these deep-sea ecosystems are and how much there is still to discover,” said Jennifer McIlwain, Director, Science at the Western Australian Museum.
 

Around Christmas Island, the onshore program combined eDNA sampling with community engagement and local capacity building. Thirteen activities were offered to the community, alongside participation in locally organized events. Total attendance reached approximately 345, reflecting repeat participation by community members across sampling trips, presentations, and education activities.
 

The expedition also collected baseline plankton and microbial data relevant to research into the Milky Seas phenomenon. Bioluminescent bacteria were successfully and consistently isolated from radiolarian and zooplankton material collected through bongo net surveys. Further population genomics and physiological analysis will examine the characteristics of these cultures.
 

The expedition’s scientific datasets may contribute to future assessments of biodiversity, seamount ecosystems, and ecological connectivity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The work may also inform future area-based management discussions under the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). Future designation and management decisions sit with the relevant international processes.
 

The next phase of research will focus on taxonomic review, eDNA metabarcoding, whole-genome sequencing, and the processing of seafloor mapping and oceanographic data. Any observations involving organisms that may represent undescribed species will be communicated following scientific validation and partner approval.
 

Pending a data-sharing agreement, processed bathymetry is intended for submission to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information and global mapping initiatives including GMRT, GEBCO, and Seabed 2030.
 

About OceanX

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and future potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.

For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Minderoo Foundation

Minderoo Foundation is driven by a commitment to create a future where people and the environment we depend on can thrive. Its work focuses on strengthening communities, advancing gender equality, and protecting natural ecosystems. While its approach centers on long-term systems change, when urgent challenges arise, including humanitarian crises, it acts quickly through targeted impact missions. Minderoo Foundation drives change by working alongside those closest to the challenge, advocating for reform, building evidence for what works, and developing solutions when none exist.
 

About Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA (OceanOmics Centre)

As a leading ocean research institute located in the Indian Ocean region, the UWA Oceans Institute harnesses transdisciplinary expertise to drive transformative research, pioneer solutions, collaborate with communities, protect marine and coastal biodiversity, and guide critical decisions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Embedded in the UWA Oceans Institute, the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA integrates advanced genomics infrastructure, specialist expertise, and strong collaborative networks to support large-scale environmental DNA and whole-genome sequencing research characterizing marine biodiversity. Its work establishes a genomics-enabled foundation for biodiversity discovery, ecological understanding, informed conservation management, and the development of innovative biomonitoring solutions.
 

About Western Australian Museum

The Western Australian Museum is the state of Western Australia’s premier cultural organization, housing the state’s scientific and cultural collection. For over 120 years, the Museum has made Western Australia’s natural and social heritage accessible through research, exhibitions, and public programs. Today, the Museum has seven public locations and a Collection and Research Centre that houses more than eight million objects. The OceanXperience exhibition is currently on display at WA Museum Boola Bardip, with activities organized to engage members of the public in person and virtually.
 

NTU, Singapore

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a globally recognized research university with strengths in marine science, environmental engineering, sustainability, and Earth systems science. Through interdisciplinary research and technological innovation, NTU contributes to understanding and conserving marine ecosystems while supporting collaborative initiatives that address regional and global ocean challenges.
 

About Living High Seas Initiative

The Living High Seas Initiative is an international collaboration dedicated to improving scientific knowledge and governance of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. By supporting research, policy development, and international cooperation, the initiative contributes to implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and promotes the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity on the high seas. Its collaboration with OceanX helps generate scientific data that can inform global ocean management.

Bisleri's Bottles for Change volunteers assemble for waste collection during the Pune Wari Pilgrimage, 2026

The campaign reached over two lakh devotees across key locations within the PCMC jurisdiction, including Akurdi, Pimpri, Dapodi and other stretches along the Wari route. Through on-ground information, education and communication (IEC) activities, volunteers encouraged devotees to adopt responsible waste-disposal practices, segregate plastic waste at source, and understand the importance of recycling. Around 300 volunteers participated in cleaning a 15 km stretch during the three-day campaign, helping collect approximately 6 metric tonnes (MT) of plastic waste, all of which will be channelled for recycling, supporting the circular economy. The initiative helped create a cleaner and safer pilgrimage experience for an estimated 2 lakh + devotees.

Bottles for Change volunteers collected 6 MT of plastic waste for recycling during the 3-day pilgrimage

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, "The Wari is not only a celebration of faith but also an opportunity to inspire collective action towards environmental responsibility. Through Bottles for Change, we continue to work with local authorities, volunteers and citizens to demonstrate that large public gatherings can successfully adopt responsible plastic waste management practices. Our focus is on creating long-term behavioural change while ensuring that recyclable plastic is brought back into the circular economy."

Hon'ble Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, said, "The 'Nirmal Wari, Swachh Wari' initiative which conveys the message of cleanliness through action amidst the sacred atmosphere of Jagadguru Santshreshtha Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi procession is highly commendable. The efforts undertaken by Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. and 300 volunteers will certainly help keep the city of Pimpri-Chinchwad clean. Cleanliness is a collective responsibility, and such social initiatives will foster greater awareness among citizens regarding the conservation of Mother Earth.”

The Pune Wari campaign builds on Bisleri's long-term commitment to strengthening plastic circularity in Maharashtra. Under its association with PCMC, Bottles for Change has collected and sent over 310 metric tonnes (MT) of plastic waste for recycling between April 2024 and June 2026. The initiative has also sensitised more than 40,000 citizens on responsible plastic waste management and installed 25 Benches of Dreams across the city.

Bisleri's Bottles for Change initiative has reached over 12.4 lakh citizens through awareness programmes and enabled the collection and recycling of 13,905 MT of plastic waste through its CSR initiatives across Maharashtra. The Pune Wari campaign reinforces Bisleri's commitment to make responsible recycling and plastic circularity a community-led movement.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

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

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

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

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

Bisleri International, in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), Ministry of Education, Government of India officially launched the comic book "Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission" at the Chinar Book Festival 2026 held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The launch is part of Bottles for Change, Bisleri International’s flagship initiative for plastic-waste recycling and responsible waste management. Available in 48 languages, including all 22 scheduled Indian languages, the comic book aims to inspire environmental responsibility among children. As part of the launch, 20,000 English and Urdu copies of the book were distributed in schools across the state.
 

Bisleri and NBT Launch Multilingual Children's Comic Book on Plastic Waste Management at the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar
 

The event was graced by Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convenor, Chinar Book Festival 2026; Shri Waseem Raja, JKAS, Joint Director, Tourism Department, J&K; Shri Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA – Gulmarg, J&K; Shri Mr. Anshul Garg, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Smt. Shobha Kapoor, Senior Lead – Partnerships & Communications along with Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International.
 

On the occasion, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Bisleri, we believe that creating a more sustainable future begins with inspiring the next generation. Through our collaboration with the National Book Trust under our ‘Bisleri Greener Promise’ initiative, we are using the power of storytelling to make environmental responsibility engaging, relatable, and accessible for children across India. We hope ‘Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission’ inspires young readers to embrace simple, everyday actions that can make a meaningful difference for the planet.”
 

Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said, "Comic books are a powerful tool to engage young readers. Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission uses popular, relatable characters to encourage children to adopt simple, sustainable habits and understand how everyday actions make a difference. Our continued association with Bisleri International educates and inspires young minds with an aim to nurture a generation of informed and responsible citizens."
 

Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri with Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival 2026
 

To encourage children to embrace reading, physical activity and environmental responsibility, a 5K Reading Marathon, “Together We Read, Together We Lead” was held on 25 July 2026 along Dal Lake. The Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the marathon. Organized as part of the week-long Chinar Book Festival, the marathon brought together thousands of school children from across Jammu & Kashmir. The event attempted to set a record in the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR) in the category “Maximum Children Participating in a Marathon to Promote Reading and Environment.”
 

The festival also featured a Bottles for Change sustainability stall showcasing products made from recycled plastic. Through interactive exhibits, visitors, including young students learnt how used plastic is collected, recycled and transformed into useful everyday products contributing to a circular economy.
 

Together, the comic book launch, Reading Marathon and the stall combined active participation and practical learning to encourage children and communities to adopt more environmentally responsible habits. The event marked a significant step for Bisleri’s Bottles for Change initiative as it continues to drive awareness around responsible plastic waste management and sustainable living.
 

In partnership with the National Book Trust, the initiative demonstrated how storytelling and education can inspire positive action and empower children to become changemakers for a greener 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 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.

The report, A Decade of Green Spending: What Rs. 17,000 Crores of Environmental CSR Reveals About Corporate India, lands at a moment when India, ranked the 9th most climate-vulnerable nation in the Climate Risk Index 2026, is under growing pressure to align corporate giving with climate resilience goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and its 2070 Net Zero commitment.

Environmental CSR spending fell to a post-pandemic low of 4.4% of total CSR outlay in FY2020-21, as companies redirected funds towards health and relief efforts. It has since recovered, stabilising at 8.4% of total CSR spend in FY2023-24, still well behind enduring priorities such as education and health. The report notes that with an estimated $2.5 trillion needed to meet India's Nationally Determined Contributions by 2030, and $10 trillion required to build a climate-resilient economy by 2047, CSR capital has a distinct role to play in bridging gaps where public systems face capacity or resource constraints.

While environmental CSR is growing, corporate philanthropy is not yet fully aligned with India's highest climate risks, especially sectors with the greatest environmental footprint.

A Concentrated Funding Base

Just one out of five companies that report CSR spending direct any of it towards the environment. Less than a fifth of smallest CSR spenders allocate funds towards climate action. In contrast, nearly all of the companies with CSR budgets over Rs. 50 crore reserve a portion of their outlay for environment-related projects.

European-headquartered MNCs operating in India show markedly higher participation (about two-thirds) than Indian companies (54%), a gap the report links to the influence of stringent European regulatory frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Growth Without Scale

The growth in environmental CSR is being driven almost entirely by a rising number of small and mid-sized projects rather than larger, systemic investments.

The number of environmental CSR projects grew 20% over the past three years, while aggregate spending grew only 6% in the same period, leaving the average project size flat at Rs. 45 lakh. Only 29 projects in FY2024 carried budgets of Rs. 10 crore or more, barely up from 22 such projects in FY2020-21.

Divergence In Environmental Footprint And Funding

The report finds a marked disconnect between industries' environmental footprint and their environmental CSR behaviour. Sectors with some of the largest environmental footprints, including Energy, Mining, and Oil, Gas, Coal & Petroleum, show relatively low participation in environmental CSR. Even where companies in these sectors do undertake environmental initiatives, they allocate only 5-7% of their CSR budgets towards environmental causes, well below several consumer-facing industries. By contrast, consumer-facing sectors such as FMCG, Food and Beverages, and Automotive, despite a comparatively lighter environmental footprint, allocate over 10% of CSR spend to environmental causes, a pattern the report attributes to brand positioning and consumer-facing ESG commitments rather than direct impact alignment.

Climate-Vulnerable Districts Underfunded

 The report's starkest finding concerns geography. Nearly 45% of environmental CSR funding is directed to pan-India or multi-state programmes, and a further 22% flows to Tier-1 cities, leaving just over a third of funding for more localised, place-based interventions.

States including Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, all classified as highly climate-vulnerable, receive less than Rs. 25 per capita in environmental CSR. The pattern sharpens at the district level: among India's 50 most climate-vulnerable districts, 30 of them received only 1% (Rs. 106 crore) of total environmental CSR spending over the past three years, with a handful of districts in Assam alone accounting for 60% of what little vulnerable-region funding exists.

Traditional Themes Dominate

Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions.

The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport and climate.

Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions.

The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport, climate governance and carbon MRV, and circular economy alongside nearly Rs. 500 crore embedded within Health, Livelihoods, and Education CSR programmes that integrate water, clean energy, and climate-resilience programmes.

What This Means For Corporate India

"India's climate ambitions will require every form of capital to work more strategically. As climate risks increasingly affect business operations, supply chains and communities, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from project-based philanthropy into catalytic capital, supporting climate-vulnerable regions, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and complementing broader sustainability and ESG efforts," said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, Co-founder and CEO, Sattva Consulting.

Looking Ahead

The report's authors argue that as ESG disclosure norms tighten and climate risk becomes more immediate for business operations, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from a fragmented, theme-led funding mechanism into a more targeted, catalytic lever for climate resilience. It should align more closely with industry's environmental footprint, channel funding towards India's most climate-vulnerable geographies, and complement existing project-led giving with longer-horizon, systemic interventions in areas such as air quality, circular economy, and climate governance. Realising this shift, the report notes, will require coordinated, collective action across corporates, philanthropy, and ecosystem actors, rather than standalone funding approaches.

The report is based on an analysis of CSR disclosures filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for FY2014-15 to FY2023-24, covering ₹17,377 crore in spending across Environmental Sustainability, Conservation of Natural Resources, and Agroforestry.

The full report is available at www.sattva.co.in/quick-read/environmental-csr-in-india-lessons-from-%e2%82%b917000-crore-of-investments/.
 

About Sattva Consulting

Sattva Consulting is a global impact consulting firm from India. Since 2009, we have engaged with communities, business, and government to achieve societal impact at scale. We believe that Civil society, Business, and Government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our advisory and orchestration services, knowledge and data platforms—built as public goods for the ecosystem, and collaborative solutions and partnerships.

To know more, visit sattva.co.in.
 

About India Data Insights

India Data Insights (IDI), an initiative by Sattva Consulting, aims to empower India’s development sector with actionable, ready-to-use data insights to enable sharper decisions and maximise impact. Built as a public good, IDI consolidates public data across SDG practice areas on one, unified platform, offering insightful visualisations, interactives, blogs and ready-to-use-charts and dashboards.

To know more, visit indiadatainsights.com.

A shared commitment for a water-secure Gurugram
 

Rapid urbanisation has placed Gurugram's urban water bodies under significant stress. Encroachments, unplanned development, sewage inflow, solid waste dumping, the loss of feeder channels, and shrinking catchment areas have contributed to the degradation of the city's lakes and ponds. Many of these water bodies have suffered from siltation, declining water quality, reduced storage capacity, and weakened groundwater recharge, impacting biodiversity, ecological balance, and the city's long-term water security.
 

Recognising the need for scientific and sustainable restoration, MCG has partnered with The Art of Living Social Projects, the social service arm of The Art of Living, which brings extensive experience in pond and lake rejuvenation, watershed management, ecological restoration, and community-led environmental initiatives.
 

Under the partnership, The Art of Living Social Projects will provide technical expertise and implementation support for the rejuvenation of selected urban ponds. The work will begin with detailed technical assessments, including baseline surveys, pond condition assessments, and catchment mapping to develop site-specific restoration plans.
 

The restoration process will include desiltation, removal of accumulated waste, strengthening of pond embankments, restoration of water-holding capacity, and improvements to inlet and outlet systems. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) will be implemented to improve water quality, support native aquatic biodiversity, and strengthen the surrounding ecosystem through native tree plantation and biodiversity enhancement measures.
 

Community participation will remain central to the initiative. Capacity-building programmes, awareness campaigns, stakeholder consultations, volunteer participation, and improved waste management practices will encourage local ownership of restored water bodies while creating cleaner, healthier public spaces for residents.
 

To ensure lasting impact, the initiative also includes periodic water quality monitoring and continuous assessment of restoration outcomes, helping build a sustainable framework for the long-term management of Gurugram's urban ponds.
 

By combining scientific expertise, ecological restoration, and community participation, this collaboration aims to revive urban water bodies, improve groundwater recharge, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance climate resilience, contributing to a healthier and more water-secure Gurugram for generations to come.

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.
 

Follow: www.instagram.com/artofliving.sp/

Like: www.facebook.com/artoflivingsocialprojects

Post: x.com/artofliving_sp

Message: www.linkedin.com/showcase/artofliving-sp

IHCL Entrusts WAE to Advance Carbon-Neutral Water Solutions Across Hospitality

Under the arrangement, WAE will provide glass bottling plant systems integrated with advanced water purification technology, delivering treated drinking water conforming to BIS 10500 specifications. The solution is intended to support IHCL’s broader commitment to responsible operations by enabling a shift away from single-use packaged water towards a more circular, in-house water management model.

At the centre of the partnership is a shared focus on rethinking how water is produced, served and experienced within hospitality environments. By combining on-site purification with reusable glass bottling, the WAE platform is designed to reduce packaging waste, limit the transport footprint associated with externally sourced bottled water, and strengthen control over water quality at the point of consumption. In doing so, it offers hotels a practical pathway towards lower-carbon water service systems—where sustainability is embedded not as an adjunct to guest experience, but as part of operational design itself.

Commenting on the association, Binita Singh, Head – Brand Advocacy, WAE Limited, said, “We are delighted to associate with IHCL, a company whose leadership in hospitality has long been complemented by a deep and visible commitment to sustainability. For us, this engagement reflects a common conviction that the future of premium hospitality will be shaped as much by operational responsibility as by service excellence. Through our glass bottling and purification solutions, we hope to contribute to a water ecosystem that is safer, more elegant in its design, and meaningfully lower in environmental impact.”

The WAE system has been developed for hospitality settings where guest experience, environmental stewardship and operational efficiency must coexist seamlessly. The integrated model enables purified water to be processed and bottled on-site in reusable glass formats, helping properties reduce reliance on conventional packaged water while advancing internal sustainability goals with greater transparency and traceability.

This association also reinforces WAE’s growing role as a sustainability partner to the hospitality industry, with solutions built around water quality assurance, circular packaging, resource efficiency and carbon reduction. Rather than treating water merely as a utility, WAE’s approach positions it as an essential part of the built sustainability architecture of modern hotels and resorts.

WAE’s sustainability credentials are further underpinned by its validation through EcoVadis, one of the world’s most respected business sustainability ratings platforms. The company has been assessed across key pillars including environment, ethics, labour and human rights, and sustainable procurement, reflecting its commitment to responsible business practices and transparent ESG performance.

As the hospitality sector continues to align luxury with accountability, WAE believes water systems will play an increasingly important role in shaping future-ready guest infrastructure. Through its association with IHCL, WAE aims to support this transition by delivering safe, premium, BIS-compliant and lower-carbon water solutions that reflect the next chapter of sustainable hospitality in India.

About WAE Limited
WAE Limited is an engineering and sustainability-focused water solutions company delivering advanced systems across water purification, treatment, dispensing and circular hydration infrastructure. Its solutions are designed to help organisations improve water quality, reduce environmental impact, and transition towards more responsible, resource-efficient operations. WAE works across hospitality, commercial and institutional environments with a focus on innovation, sustainability and measurable outcomes.

During the 1000-Ton recovery milestone announcement of Allianz’s CSR initiative ‘Plastic Waste-Free Rivers Project Thiruvananthapuram’

Since its launch in 2022, This four-year journey has been entirely funded by Allianz Services India and Allianz Technology India, who have together invested more than INR 5 crores (EUR 500,000) from CSR funds in the project.

"Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Kerala are not merely engines of economic growth – they are responsible corporate citizens who invest in the communities and ecosystems that sustain them. This milestone also reinforces a powerful message to global investors: Kerala's industrial growth is inseparable from its commitment to environmental excellence,” said P K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT, AI and Startups.

“What makes the Plastic Waste-Free Rivers Project particularly commendable is its sustained, systematic approach,” said Adv. Mons Joseph, Minister for Water Resources. “I urge corporates, local bodies, and citizens alike to draw inspiration from this model,” he added.

“I call upon our Panchayats, Municipalities, and the Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram to draw inspiration from this model and deepen their collaboration with initiatives of this nature,” said K.M Shaji, Minister for Local Self Government. 

“Reaching the 1,000 ton milestone is incredibly meaningful for Allianz – every piece of plastic removed from rivers is one less harming the ocean. It reflects a clear conviction: to protect biodiversity and ocean health, we must act upstream.  This is about more than cleanup – it’s about lasting change: creating jobs, raising awareness, and transforming how communities manage waste. But we are only at the beginning. Preventing plastic pollution at scale requires deeper collaboration, systemic solutions and long-term commitment – because caring for tomorrow means protecting the ecosystems that sustain life today,” said Barbara Karuth-Zelle, Member of the Board of Management (Responsible for Allianz Services and Allianz Technology) and Group COO, Allianz SE. 

The Plastic Waste-Free Rivers Project deploys low-cost floating barriers called TrashBooms to intercept plastic waste in rivers and urban waterways. Today, 15 TrashBoom systems operate across critical sites – including Thampanoor thodu, Ulloor thodu, Pattom thodu, Thekkinakara canal, Amayizhanchan thodu, Karamana river, Killi river, Kariyil thodu, and Thettiyar canal – collecting and removing plastic waste daily. Allianz Services India and Allianz Technology India run this initiative in association with NGO partners Thanal Trust and Sustera Foundation, deploying technology from Plastic Fischer, Germany. The project provides local employment and is supported by three Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) at Injakkal, Venpalavattom and Vallakadavu, managed by Plastic Fischer's team of 23 professionals responsible for recovery, transportation, segregation and shipping. Collected non-recyclable plastic is transported to the Thiruvananthapuram MRFs and subsequently co-processed at the plants of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited in Tamil Nadu, while recyclable plastic is repurposed locally, including into TrashBins now installed at Veli Beach.  

Globally, nine million tons of plastic reach the oceans every year. In Thiruvananthapuram, 79% of debris on major water banks is plastic, and the Karamana and Killi rivers have the highest microplastic densities in the region. Without intervention, plastic is projected to outweigh fish in the world's oceans by 2050 – a stark reality that makes this milestone all the more significant. 

In 2025, Allianz Services India and Allianz Technology India launched grassroots-level programs in Puthenthope, Kadinamkulam and Veli, in association with NGO partners Thanal Trust and Sustera Foundation, marking a strategic shift towards preventive waste management by extending impact from interception to behaviour change and early intervention. The initiative encourages visitors, local merchants, and residents to dispose of waste responsibly. Employees regularly collaborate with NGO partners to undertake beach cleanup drives and awareness campaigns, while close collaboration with the Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram and the Government of Kerala (Departments of Local Self Government and Water Resources) ensures the initiative complements local governance efforts.

This achievement demonstrates that Thiruvananthapuram-based GCCs are driving environmental initiatives with measurable outcomes through corporate citizenship. The 15 sites span critical urban waterways surrounding Technopark and key industrial zones, and by removing massive plastic blockages, this industry-led initiative helps local authorities mitigate urban flood risks, protecting tech infrastructure and enhancing the liveability index that attracts global talent to the city. The project has also earned endorsement from the UN Ocean Decade. What began in Thiruvananthapuram is now being replicated by others in Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kanpur, and Varanasi – demonstrating that structured, long-term action backed by strong partnerships can deliver real, scalable impact.

Allianz established its Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as one of the early tenants of Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. They are among the first GCCs in Kerala and today employ over 6,600 professionals, making Thiruvananthapuram Allianz's largest GCC location by headcount globally. Allianz Services is the AI-powered value accelerator for Allianz Group, one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers and, Allianz Technology India is a key delivery center for Allianz Technology and a strategic hub within the Allianz Group's global IT and digital transformation strategy.

Climekare Sustainability Private Limited Signs Strategic MoU with European Business and Technology Centre to Accelerate India's Low-Carbon Transition

Climekare Sustainability is a climate and sustainability solutions company that partners with businesses, industries, and institutions to guide them through their sustainability transformation journey. By combining advisory expertise, digital solutions, and implementation support, the company enables organizations to measure, manage, and reduce their environmental impact while building resilient and future-ready operations.

Over the years, Climekare Sustainability has built a strong portfolio of clients across the climate, energy, sustainability, and environmental commodities ecosystem. The company has partnered with several leading organizations, including Tata Power Trading Company Limited, EKI Energy Services Limited, Transport Corporation of India Limited, Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Limited, ReConnect Energy Solutions Limited, Customized Energy Solutions India Private Limited, Climera Carbon Private Limited, Saxon Renewables Pte. Ltd., AFS Energy BV, Stellapps Technologies Private Limited, ESDC Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and several other organizations, supporting them in their sustainability, carbon management, ESG, renewable energy, and decarbonization initiatives.

The partnership with EBTC comes at a time when sustainability has evolved from a compliance requirement into a strategic business priority. Across the globe, governments, investors, and supply chains are increasingly demanding greater transparency in climate risk management, greenhouse gas emissions, ESG performance, and decarbonization commitments. Regulatory developments such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and India's growing emphasis on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) are accelerating this transition and creating an urgent need for credible sustainability frameworks and implementation partners.

Against this backdrop, the collaboration between CSPL and EBTC aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote the adoption of clean technologies, and support organizations in developing practical and scalable decarbonization pathways aligned with global sustainability expectations. By leveraging EBTC's strong Europe-India ecosystem and Climekare's expertise in climate advisory and sustainability implementation, the partnership will enable industries to access innovative solutions that deliver measurable environmental and business outcomes.

The collaboration is expected to benefit a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, real estate, logistics, and export-oriented industries, all of which are increasingly required to align with evolving global sustainability standards and investor expectations. Through this partnership, organizations will be better equipped to navigate regulatory complexities, improve operational efficiency, strengthen ESG performance, and enhance their competitiveness in international markets.

Speaking on the partnership, Saurabh Sainger, Founder of Climekare Sustainability Private Limited, said, "Our collaboration with the European Business and Technology Centre marks a significant milestone in our mission to help businesses accelerate their sustainability transition. Sustainability is no longer just about compliance—it has become a strategic imperative for long-term competitiveness, resilience, and global market access. Through this partnership, we aim to bridge sustainability ambition with practical implementation by bringing together European expertise, clean technologies, and actionable climate solutions that create measurable environmental and business value for Indian industries. We believe this collaboration will empower organizations to confidently navigate the evolving global sustainability landscape while contributing meaningfully to India's Net Zero aspirations."

Poul V. Jensen, Managing Director, European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC), said, "India’s sustainability journey is one of the most dynamic transformations of our time. With its vast industrial base, growing economy, and ambitious climate commitments, the country presents tremendous opportunities for innovation, technology collaboration, and responsible growth. At EBTC, we see this as a pivotal moment to strengthen bridges between Europe and India, ensuring that sustainable solutions are not only envisioned but also implemented at scale.

Our newly announced collaboration with Climekare Sustainability reflects this shared commitment. Climekare is an emerging player dedicated to advancing practical climate solutions, and EBTC brings decades of experience as a trusted facilitator of Europe-India partnerships in clean technologies, green innovation, and sustainable business practices."

The partnership also reflects the growing momentum of Europe-India cooperation in addressing shared climate challenges and accelerating sustainable economic growth. By connecting businesses with innovative technologies, international best practices, and implementation support, CSPL and EBTC aim to contribute to India's Net Zero ambitions while strengthening industrial competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Commenting on the development, Sushil Sharma, Chairman of Marwari Catalysts Group, said, "We are delighted to see Climekare Sustainability taking this strategic step with EBTC. As businesses worldwide accelerate their sustainability commitments, collaborations such as these will play a critical role in enabling innovation, clean technology adoption, and scalable climate solutions. We are proud to support Climekare in its journey towards creating lasting environmental and economic impact."

As organizations continue to navigate increasing climate risks, evolving regulations, and rising stakeholder expectations, the CSPL-EBTC partnership is poised to serve as a catalyst for sustainable business transformation, empowering industries to transition towards a more resilient, responsible, and low-carbon future.

About Climekare Sustainability Private Limited

Climekare Sustainability Private Limited is a climate and sustainability solutions company dedicated to helping organizations accelerate their sustainability transition. The company provides advisory, digital, and implementation support across carbon management, ESG and sustainability reporting, decarbonization strategy, environmental and energy commodities, climate resilience, renewable energy markets, and sustainable business transformation. Climekare works with leading organizations across India and international markets to develop practical, technology-driven sustainability solutions that deliver measurable environmental and business impact.

About European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC)

The European Business and Technology Centre is an India-EU collaboration platform that facilitates business partnerships, technology transfer, and sustainable innovation between Europe and India. EBTC works across sectors including sustainability, climate action, clean technologies, circular economy, and international business cooperation.

UnboxingBLR joins forces with the Bangalore Development Authority's (BDA) plantation drive with its uniquely designed Bloom Avenue project on the Major Arterial Road connecting Mysuru Road and Magadi Road.
 

UBLR planting the first sapling for Bloom Avenue on Major Arterial Road
 

On June 27th, as part of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanthi celebration, the Karnataka government announced a single-day plantation drive with over 50,000 volunteers planting 1.5 million saplings in Bengaluru - targeting a spot in the Guinness World Record.
 

The city-focused not-for-profit UBLR participated in the initiative with its Bloom Avenue project. Along the major arterial Road in Kempegowda Layout and roundabouts, UBLR has begun planting 6000+ saplings across 8 kms.
 

UBLR’s plantation drive is at least partly inspired by the city’s green historical legacy. Bengaluru's identity as India's Garden City was never accidental, it was cultivated. The city's most enduring botanical legacy traces to Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel, the landscape architect who shaped its parks and avenues in the early twentieth century. This received a major boost in the 1980s from the then Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) S. G. Neginhal who played a significant role in expanding Bengaluru's urban tree cover and reinforcing its Garden City identity. Both Krumbiegel and Neginhal have given Bengaluru its defining character of tree-lined avenue roads and seasonal colour. That legacy has shaped how generations of residents relate to their city. Bloom Avenue is a conscious continuation of that tradition by restoring intentional, aesthetically considered greenery to a major urban corridor at a moment when the city's green cover faces sustained pressure from rapid growth and densification.
 

Bloom Avenue concept visualised using AI
 

UBLR’s Avenue Bloom focuses on flowering species that are colour-sequenced and coordinated so that some part of the corridor is in bloom every month of the year. The initiative strikes a delicate balance between aesthetics and native species in its plantation drive. Bloom Avenue is a deliberate greening intervention on a Bengaluru arterial road in recent memory. Further, the green initiative is designed to attract birds and butterflies to the layout when the saplings mature and grow into trees.
 

The Project Bloom is being executed in partnership with BDA, which also supplied the flowering saplings through its Forest Division. UBLR has funded and executed all ground-level operations, including pit digging and planting. UBLR will undertake all protective measures during the growth period and will be responsible for watering and maintenance of these plants for the first three years. 
 

The corridor is divided into eight one-kilometre sub-zones, each planted with a distinct colour pairing drawn from complementary species ensuring that at least one sub-zone is in full bloom at any point in the year. Species selection prioritises indigenous varieties deeply adapted to Bengaluru's climate; where naturalised non-native species are included, they carry strong cultural and botanical ties to the city's history.
 

Phase 2 will extend planting to service roads alongside ongoing maintenance of Phase 1 saplings. The three-year maintenance commitment covers watering, monitoring, replacement of failed saplings, and upkeep to BDA standards.
 

“Long back, German botanist Krumbiegel made Bengaluru bloom all through the year. Decades later, the beauty of his work endures, enriching the city’s natural heritage and enhancing Bengaluru’s aesthetic appeal. Taking inspiration, Project Bloom focuses on both native species and flowering aesthetics to boost Bengaluru’s natural heritage for future generations. What makes this project special is the coming together of citizens, institutions, and government around a shared vision for the city,” Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, UnboxingBLR Foundation.
 

“We are very pleased to see Bloom Avenue move from concept to ground reality. The BDA has been glad to facilitate this, from providing the saplings and granting the necessary approvals, to supporting a model of civic collaboration that we hope will inspire many more such partnerships across the city. The Magadi Road–Mysuru Road corridor will be greener and more beautiful for it,” Major Manivannan P, Commissioner, Bangalore Development Authority.
 

"Bloom Avenue is exactly the kind of initiative Bengaluru needs by being citizen-led, rigorously planned, and built for the long term. A green, blooming corridor along Magadi Road and Mysuru Road will benefit the residents and communities and serve as a model for how our arterial roads can be transformed. We are happy to have it as part of the plantation drive for Kempegowda Jayanthi celebration on June 27th," N. A. Haris, Chairman, Bangalore Development Authority.

About UnboxingBLR Foundation

UnboxingBLR (UBLR) is a Bengaluru-focused not-for-profit platform working with multiple stakeholders to envision and execute city-scale projects. UBLR operates at the intersection of content, culture, and city-building, documenting the city's journey, shaping its civic agenda, and building programmes designed to last. 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, catalyst and an enabler for a range of initiatives.
 

UBLR drives initiatives such as BLR Hubba, a city-wide festival celebrating art and culture; Namma Bengaluru Challenge, a city-focused accelerator program that supports startups and changemakers tackling urban challenges; WeAreCity annual data report that offers multi-dimensional data-led insights on India's top eight cities; Code to Culture, a podcast focused on voices and stories from the city. UBLR in partnership with the Department of IT/BT/DoE is also building India's first Museum of Innovation, Startup and Technology in Bengaluru.

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.