Author: csr-admin

  • Water Access Transforms 15 Rajasthan Villages

    In Sambhar, Rajasthan, the Royal Rajasthan Foundation’s (RRF) Access to Water project, launched in 2020, is changing lives across 15 villages. Partnering with Gram Chetan Kendra, Muthoot Pappachan Foundation, and Danish Power, RRF has built farm ponds to conserve rainwater, boost irrigation, and lift farmer incomes, while empowering women to lead community efforts.

    For the first time in generations, families are growing a second crop, ending distress migration. Key impacts include:

    • 100% of farmers now grow a second crop, with 24% earning over ₹1.2 lakh extra annually.
    • Households save ₹1,000–2,000 monthly on water, with many accessing fluoride-free drinking water.
    • 91% of families with fruit trees save ₹200–300 monthly and report better nutrition.
    • Chemical fertilizer use dropped from 43% to 13%.
    • 96% of farmers learned efficient water use, improving soil and reducing pests.
    • 95% of families invest savings in children’s education.

    “Water isn’t scarce—it’s mismanaged,” says Ranjit Barthakur, RRF Chairperson. “With women leading, we’re building resilient, thriving communities.”

    In 2025, RRF will add 400 farm ponds, reaching over 1,470 families, and launch a Khejri tree plantation drive. This project shows how water, women’s empowerment, and climate action can transform rural lives.

  • UNESCO Designates Cold Desert as India’s First High-Altitude Biosphere Reserve

    UNESCO Designates Cold Desert as India’s First High-Altitude Biosphere Reserve

    Spanning 7,770 square kilometers across the trans-Himalayan region at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 meters, the reserve includes Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, Sarchu, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.

    UNESCO has added India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), marking the country’s first high-altitude cold desert reserve and its 13th UNESCO biosphere site, the organization announced at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China.

    Spanning 7,770 square kilometers across the trans-Himalayan region at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 meters, the reserve includes Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, Sarchu, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. It features glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and one of the world’s coldest, driest ecosystems, hosting 732 vascular plant species, including 30 endemics, and iconic fauna like the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and golden eagle.

    Home to 12,000 people in scattered villages, the region sustains traditional practices such as yak herding, barley farming, and Tibetan herbal medicine, guided by Buddhist monastic traditions and community resource management.

    “This designation highlights India’s commitment to balancing conservation with sustainable development in fragile, culturally rich ecosystems,” said Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for South Asia. “Biosphere reserves are learning hubs for fostering harmony between people and nature.”

    Announced during the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, the Cold Desert joins 26 new sites in the WNBR, now totaling 785 globally. The MAB promotes interdisciplinary approaches to biodiversity conservation, sustainable economic development, and research, with biosphere reserves serving as models for local solutions to global challenges.

    The 5th World Congress, attended by over 3,000 participants from more than 100 countries, marks the first time the event has been held in Asia, underscoring the MAB’s growing global inclusivity.

  • Bright Futures: New Classrooms Transform Rural Karnataka

    Bright Futures: New Classrooms Transform Rural Karnataka

    In Kolkunte village, 13-year-old Priya beams as she enters her new classroom—bright, airy, and sturdy. Thanks to a partnership between Aahwahan Foundation and Huawei India, modern learning spaces are rising in remote Karnataka villages like Kolkunte (Davanagere), Hirekeruru (Haveri), and Thuraganuru (Mandya), where old schools lacked basic facilities.

    These spacious, well-ventilated classrooms are more than buildings—they’re hope for kids like Priya and 15-year-old Anil, who no longer worries about leaking roofs. “School feels like a place to grow now,” Anil says.

    “We’re building spaces where kids can dream big,” says Aahwahan’s CEO Braja Kishore Pradhan statement. The initiative bridges the urban-rural education gap, creating inclusive environments for underserved communities.

    “Every child deserves a chance to learn,” says Satish Hampali of Huawei India. “We’re proud to support rural students and build a brighter future.”

    With plans to reach more villages, Aahwahan and Huawei India are transforming lives, one classroom at a time. For Priya, it’s simple: “This place makes me believe I can be anything.”

  • APOA, CPOPC, Solidaridad Sign MoU to Boost Sustainable Palm Oil in South Asia

    APOA, CPOPC, Solidaridad Sign MoU to Boost Sustainable Palm Oil in South Asia

    The Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), and Solidaridad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration between palm oil producers and consumers, aiming to advance sustainability and stabilize supply chains across South Asia.

    The agreement, signed in Mumbai, establishes a framework to align national sustainability standards, address market volatility, and promote smallholder inclusion, with a focus on India, a key market serving over 1.5 billion consumers.

    “This partnership provides a platform for producers and consumers to tackle shared challenges like food security and price stability,” said Atul Chaturvedi, chairman of APOA.

    The MoU commits the parties to harmonize frameworks such as Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO), and the Indian Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) Framework, while respecting national regulations.

    It also emphasizes traceable, No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE)-compliant sourcing, using tools like Solidaridad’s SoliTrace and remote-sensing technology for supply chain transparency.

    A Joint Working Group, co-chaired by APOA and CPOPC with Solidaridad as the Technical Secretariat, will oversee implementation, monitor progress, and coordinate advocacy efforts.

    Focus on Resilience and Inclusion

    The initiative aims to ensure a stable supply of affordable edible oils amid price fluctuations and logistical challenges. Pilot projects will introduce digital traceability and importer-facing dashboards tailored for Indian buyers, alongside training for smallholders on regenerative farming practices.

    “Indian consumers deserve clear information on palm oil’s affordability and sustainability,” said Dr. B. V. Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, which hosts APOA’s secretariat.

    CPOPC’s Secretary General Izzana Salleh highlighted the role of fair trade and evidence-based dialogue in building market confidence, with smallholder livelihoods as a priority. Solidaridad Asia’s Managing Director, Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, stressed delivering “practical sustainability” for producers and buyers.

    Broader Implications

    The partnership will advocate for fair recognition of national sustainability standards in global trade discussions and explore minimum sustainability criteria for Indian public procurement. By addressing policy risks and promoting climate-smart practices, the MoU seeks to enhance economic resilience and environmental stewardship across the region.

    APOA represents vegetable oil associations from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. CPOPC, founded by Indonesia and Malaysia, advocates for producer nations. Solidaridad provides technical expertise in traceability and smallholder support.

  • INOX India unveils FY25 sustainability report: growth and green pledges in focus

    INOX India unveils FY25 sustainability report: growth and green pledges in focus

    INOX India Ltd, a leader in cryogenic equipment, launched its Sustainability Report 2024-2025, spotlighting environmental strides and robust financial growth amid a global push for clean energy solutions.

    The report, overing April 2024 to March 2025 and aligned with Global Reporting Initiative standards, highlights a 19 percent renewable energy uptake, mitigating 1,808 tonnes of CO2 equivalent with new solar and wind installations.

    Scope 1 emissions dropped to 716 tonnes CO2e from 724, though Scope 2 rose to 9,550 tonnes due to expansion, with intensity improving 12 percent to 0.00000079 tonnes per rupee turnover.

    Chairman Pavan Kumar Jain called FY25 a “turning point,” with revenue up 16.2 to Rs 1,354 crore (USD 161.8 million), EBITDA rising 18.3 percent to Rs 330 crore, and PAT increasing 15.4 percent to Rs 224 crore.

    Exports hit Rs 692 crore (53 percent of total), boosted by a Bahamas LNG terminal and the world’s first liquid air energy storage project in Manchester, UK.

    Energy use climbed 28.7 percent to 65,397 GJ (intensity up 7.9 percent), while water fell 5.3 percent to 109,243 KL (intensity down 20.5 percent) with zero liquid discharge at Savli. Waste rose 6.3 percent to 3,406 tonnes (intensity down 10.3 percent), with 2.8 million litres of rainwater harvested.

    CSR efforts invested RS 4.5 crore in girls’ education and healthcare for 5,200 elderly. The 1,332-strong workforce includes 6 percent women (up from 5.7 percent), with 9,689 training hours and a lost time injury frequency rate of 0.23.

    Governance features a diverse eight-member board (25 percent women) and sustainability committees. Lacking Scope 3 data, it focuses on India operations.

    INOX targets 30 percent renewables by FY27 and net-zero by 2040, aligning with its ISO 14001-certified eco-strategy.

  • From darkness to dignity: Murlidhar’s journey of hope with ACC’s MSMM Program

    From darkness to dignity: Murlidhar’s journey of hope with ACC’s MSMM Program

    In the quiet village of Parmadoh, Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Murlidhar Waralu There — a farmer from an economically weaker family — faced a fading world due to an eye disease. Surgery was the only solution, but financial barriers stood in the way—until ACC, a leader in the Adani Portfolio, and the Adani Foundation brought hope through their Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika (MSMM) program.

    A Champion for Change

    Mamatai Vabhitkar, a dedicated Sangini under the MSMM initiative, discovered Murlidhar’s struggle during a village meeting. With compassion and determination, she introduced him to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, guiding him through enrollment and documentation. Thanks to her efforts, Murlidhar’s surgery was fully funded, saving him Rs 20,000 and restoring his vision.

    With his eyesight back, Murlidhar resumed his work and regained his independence. His story inspired over 160 villagers in Parmadoh to enroll in the scheme, unlocking access to vital healthcare.

    Building Stronger Communities

    The MSMM program empowers women like Mamatai to bridge the gap between rural communities and government welfare schemes. Through ACC and the Adani Foundation’s efforts, families in Chandrapur are gaining access to healthcare, financial stability, and a brighter future.

  • Modi’s Independence Day Announcements: 8 Big Takeaways

    Modi’s Independence Day Announcements: 8 Big Takeaways

    In his longest Red Fort address yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday turned India’s 79th Independence Day into a bold blueprint for the nation’s future, announcing a slew of ambitious initiatives ranging from homegrown semiconductor chips to a Rs 1 lakh crore employment scheme.

    1. India’s First Semiconductor Chip by 2025

    Modi announced India will produce its first ‘Made-in-India’ semiconductor chip by end of 2025. He said attempts to set up chip factories 50-60 years ago were “killed at birth” but India is now on “mission mode.”

    2. GST Reforms Coming on Diwali

    Next-generation GST reforms will be announced on Diwali 2025. These will reduce taxes on essential goods and provide relief to MSMEs, local vendors, and consumers.

    3. Nuclear Power Capacity to Increase 10x

    Work is underway on 10 new nuclear reactors. India aims to increase nuclear power generation capacity by over 10 times by 2047 as part of energy independence goals.

    4. Rs 1 Lakh Crore Employment Scheme

    The PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana will provide Rs 15,000 monthly to newly employed youth. The scheme targets 3 crore young Indians.

    5. Reform Task Force for $10 Trillion Economy

    A dedicated task force will drive reforms to accelerate growth, cut red tape, and prepare India for a $10 trillion economy by 2047.

    6. Challenge to Build Jet Engines

    Modi asked scientists and youth to develop indigenous jet engines, comparing it to India’s success with COVID vaccines and UPI payments.

    7. Demography Mission for Border Security

    A High-Powered Demography Mission will address demographic imbalances caused by infiltration and illegal migration in border areas.

    8. Ocean Resource Exploration

    The National Deepwater Exploration Mission will tap ocean resources while expanding solar, hydrogen, hydro and nuclear power to reduce dependence on fuel imports.