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  • Schneider Electric India Foundation Launches Climate Smart Village in Jharkhand

    Schneider Electric India Foundation Launches Climate Smart Village in Jharkhand

    Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF), the social impact arm of Schneider Electric, inaugurated a Climate Smart Village in Kocha, Khunti, an aspirational district in Jharkhand, in partnership with NGO PRADAN, the company announced on Monday.

    This marks SEIF’s third such initiative in the state, following projects in Gumla district, aimed at bolstering food security and fostering self-reliant rural communities through sustainable energy access.

    The launch was led by Jharkhand’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Dipika Pandey Singh, alongside Khunti MP Kali Charan Munda, Torpa MLA Sudeep Gudhiya, and Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Strategy, M&A, and CSR, Damini Chaudhari.

    In Kocha, a 40 kW solar-powered mini-grid with smart energy management now powers irrigation pumps, agro-processing units, households, streetlights, a Primary Health Center, and an e-vehicle.

    Previously reliant on a single rain-fed crop, farmers are transitioning to multi-crop cultivation, processing produce locally, and marketing through a women-led Farmer Producer Organization, Torpa Mahila Krishi Bhagwani Saykari Swalambhi Samiti. This shift is boosting agricultural productivity, local value addition, and community livelihoods.

    “Access to sustainable livelihood is the first step towards empowering communities,” said Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO of Schneider Electric India.

    “The Kocha initiative shows how renewable energy, combined with digital technologies and local entrepreneurship, can transform rural economies, fostering resilient, self-reliant communities.”

    Kocha previously faced low farm productivity, limited livelihood options, and reliance on monsoon rains, restricting farmers to one crop cycle annually. The lack of three-phase power prevented agro-processing, while absent streetlights compromised safety, and migration was common due to insufficient local jobs.

    “The Climate Smart Village in Kocha demonstrates how decentralized energy models can unlock long-term rural prosperity,” said Damini Chaudhari.

    “By integrating solar power with digital technologies, we’re addressing energy gaps and creating a sustainable platform for entrepreneurship and community well-being.”

    SEIF’s initiative aligns with Schneider Electric’s broader commitment to scalable models for energy equity and inclusive growth, supporting India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

  • India’s Green Giants: Wipro, Tech Mahindra Lead Global Sustainability Charge

    India’s Green Giants: Wipro, Tech Mahindra Lead Global Sustainability Charge

    By Eldee

    When TIME Magazine and Statista rolled out their 2025 World’s Most Sustainable Companies list in June, two Indian IT powerhouses stole the spotlight. Bengaluru’s Wipro (53rd, score: 75.83) and Pune’s Tech Mahindra (57th, 75.13) didn’t just make the global top 100—they were India’s sole representatives there.

    But the story’s bigger: eight other Indian firms, from Mahindra (201st, 66.77) in automotive to Dr. Reddy’s (417th, 59.36) in pharma, also cracked the 500-strong list, signaling India’s rising clout in the global green race.

    As climate alarms blare—from Delhi’s choking smog to Kerala’s relentless floods—this isn’t just a feather in India’s cap; it’s a rallying cry for Corporate India to power our 2047 Viksit Bharat vision of a developed, sustainable nation.

    For years, India’s IT sector was written off as the world’s code mill, churning out software for Western giants. Wipro and Tech Mahindra are torching that stereotype. Wipro’s Lab45 AI platform slashed water use by 40% for US farmers in 2023 with smart irrigation—vital tech for a nation where 600 million battle water scarcity. “Sustainability drives our innovation,” CEO Thierry Delaporte told TIME.

    In 2025, Wipro’s FullStride Cloud tie-up with Pure Storage is supercharging clients’ green transitions, dovetailing with Budget 2025’s push for AI-driven clean tech. Tech Mahindra’s EcoForge platform, meanwhile, helped telecom majors like Vodafone cut emissions by 35% by linking data centres to renewables, while their 1-million-mangrove drive in Maharashtra shields coasts from erosion. “We’re redefining tech for a sustainable future,” CEO Mohit Joshi said, a vision reinforced by their 2025 Terra Carta Seal. These aren’t just firms; they’re India’s green vanguards.

    The list’s ten Indian stars—Mahindra, Airtel (223rd, 65.87), HCLTech (233rd, 65.51), WNS (290th, 63.37), Hindustan Zinc (313th, 62.49), Syngene International (364th, 61.08), Infosys (374th, 60.84), TCS (383rd, 60.65), Godrej Properties (413th, 59.54), and Dr. Reddy’s—show India’s green push spans sectors.

    Mahindra’s electric vehicles, Airtel’s renewable-powered towers, and Dr. Reddy’s eco-conscious drugs prove we’re not just followers but pacesetters. India’s 99th rank on the 2025 SDG Index—our first top-100 finish—rides on 42% renewable energy (we’re the world’s third-largest producer) and a tech market zooming to $60 billion, per Nasscom, with 126,000 new AI and ESG jobs in 2025. But the road’s bumpy: data centres guzzle power, supply chains stay opaque, and EY warns we’ve met just 25% of green investment needs. With net-zero by 2070 in focus and Budget 2025 boosting solar and battery storage, Corporate India must shift gears fast.

    While Schneider Electric (France, 93.85), Telefónica (Spain, 87.68), Brambles (Australia, 86.14), Temenos (Switzerland, 85.95), and Moncler (Italy, 85.87) top the list with European flair, India’s ten-strong contingent, led by Wipro and Tech Mahindra, shows we can hold our own.

    Global trade hiccups like tariffs may sting, but they underline India’s edge: affordable, scalable green tech that the Global South hungers for.

    For 1.4 billion Indians, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s do-or-die. Wipro and Tech Mahindra have cracked the code; now Mahindra’s EVs, TCS’s low-carbon IT, and others must follow. The world’s watching, and India’s ready to lead—not just on rankings, but in scripting a greener future.

  • Hemant Malik: ITC’s 15-Year Carbon Positive Triumph vs. Climate Crisis

    Hemant Malik: ITC’s 15-Year Carbon Positive Triumph vs. Climate Crisis

  • Haribol Revives Ancient Water Mills: Eco-Flour Magic in Uttarakhand!

    Haribol Revives Ancient Water Mills: Eco-Flour Magic in Uttarakhand!

  • India’s Rs 30,000 cr CSR funds: Why It’s Pouring Billions into the Wrong Places!

    India’s Rs 30,000 cr CSR funds: Why It’s Pouring Billions into the Wrong Places!

    According to the Development Intelligence Unit’s (DIU) August report, “Investing in Tomorrow: Need for Realigning CSR Spends with Status of Development in Districts,” in FY 2022–23, India’s CSR spending hit Rs 29,989.92 crore, up 12.8% from the prior year, signaling post-pandemic recovery. Yet, deep flaws undermine its impact: geographical skews, poor evaluations, sectoral biases, opacity, overlap with government efforts, and minimal community involvement.

    Despite CSR being a statutory obligation for over five years, 70% of companies still lack a structured strategy for implementation, raising concerns about the CSR fund allocation and its lack of convergence with India’s commitment towards meeting SDG targets by 2030.

    Geographical Imbalance

    CSR funds chase corporate footprints—headquarters and operations—favoring industrialized states like Maharashtra (Rs 2,250 crore in FY 2021–22, 15% of total), Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Delhi. In contrast, high-need areas like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Northeast states—home to >60% of NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts—get <20% of funds. This starves underserved regions, eroding CSR’s equity role.

    Sectoral Skew and Lack of Impact Assessment

    Spending clusters in familiar areas (e.g., education, health), ignoring broader gaps. Worse, few projects face rigorous evaluation—relying on outputs (e.g., toilets built) over outcomes (e.g., sustained hygiene). This breeds unaccountable, inefficient choices, blocking data-driven tweaks and long-term value.

    Duplication and Coordination Gaps

    CSR often echoes government schemes (mid-day meals, sanitation, skills training), with multiple firms redundantly funding classrooms or health camps sans local sync. Resources waste on overlaps, bypassing critical “last-mile” needs like maintenance, tribal outreach, or supply chains for vulnerable groups (e.g., single-woman households).

    Top-Down Design Lacking Innovation

    Projects roll out via corporate templates, sidelining community input or deprivation data—turning CSR into branding over real change (e.g., flashy classrooms amid unchecked dropouts).

    Rare innovations like multi-year, place-based partnerships or outcome financing foster short-term fragmentation, missing systemic wins.

  • Matix Fertilisers wins Mahatma Award for CSR work in Bengal

    Matix Fertilisers wins Mahatma Award for CSR work in Bengal

    Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, promoted by Nishant Kanodia, has been awarded the Mahatma Award for CSR Excellence, becoming the only recipient from West Bengal this year. ‘

    The company was selected from over 2,100 entries for its community development initiatives around its Panagarh manufacturing facility.

    The crop nutrition company’s CSR programmes, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, have impacted over 52,000 beneficiaries across health, education and livelihood sectors.

    Under Project Dhadkan and Project Suraksha, the company has provided free medical treatment to 49,000 people.

    Its education initiatives, including a Mini Science Centre and Digital Education Project, have reached 3,265 students, while Project Shakti has trained 565 women in animal husbandry and other skills.

    The company’s Mobile Soil Testing Van has analysed over 9,500 soil samples across five states, supporting farmers with scientific guidance.

    “This recognition validates our belief that our responsibility extends beyond business to the communities we serve,” said Nishant Kanodia, Chairman of Matix.

    “Our CSR initiatives are a voluntary and heartfelt commitment to making a lasting difference.”

    Managing Director Manoj Mishra said the award would inspire the team to expand their community-focused work further.

  • SEBI’s ESG Reforms Usher in Transparency, Face Teething Issues

    SEBI’s ESG Reforms Usher in Transparency, Face Teething Issues

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) April 29, 2025, circular on ESG Rating Providers (ERPs) has reshaped India’s capital markets, with its key provisions now in full swing, as per the July 11 Master Circular (SEBI, April 29, 2025; SEBI, July 11, 2025).

    By mandating public disclosure of ESG scores on stock exchanges and company websites, requiring ERP registration, and enforcing strict rating withdrawal rules—such as bondholder consent or minimum three-year coverage—SEBI is driving unprecedented transparency (SEBI, April 29, 2025).

    This empowers investors, particularly retail ones, to weigh sustainability alongside profits, while pushing companies to prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

    The rules are clear: subscriber-pays ratings can only be withdrawn if there are no active subscribers or if firms skip their Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR).

    Index-linked ratings, like those tied to the Nifty 50, remain in place as long as the index has subscribers. For issuer-pays bond ratings, withdrawal requires 75% bondholder approval or coverage for half the bond’s tenure. Mergers or repaid bonds allow withdrawals, but only with proper documentation (SEBI, April 29, 2025).

    Yet, challenges loom large. SEBI has flagged inconsistent data quality and a shortage of assurance providers for ESG/BRSR reports, raising concerns about the reliability of ratings (SEBI, September 2025).

    Some ERPs are still refining their methodology disclosures, though efforts to standardise are ongoing (SEBI, July 2025). Smaller companies, in particular, struggle with BRSR compliance, which could undermine the system’s effectiveness.

    Looking ahead, SEBI is eyeing alignment with global frameworks like ISSB and TCFD by 2026, aiming to make ESG a strategic cornerstone rather than a compliance burden (SEBI, July 2025).

    These reforms position India’s markets as a hub for sustainability-focused investors, but addressing capacity gaps and data inconsistencies is critical to sustaining this momentum.

    For now, SEBI’s bold push is setting a new benchmark for transparency, even as it navigates early hurdles.

  • India’s Bold Crackdown on Greenwashing: A Wake-Up Call for Corporate India

    India’s Bold Crackdown on Greenwashing: A Wake-Up Call for Corporate India

    In an era where sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a boardroom imperative, India’s regulatory blitz against greenwashing marks a pivotal shift towards genuine accountability. As we navigate the complexities of climate change and ethical governance, the Enhanced Sustainability Reporting (ESR) mandates, rolled out in 2024 and fortified through 2025, stand as a beacon of progress.

    Yet, they also expose the stark reality: nearly 80% of green claims in the Indian market are misleading or unsubstantiated, eroding consumer trust to a dismal 29%. It’s high time corporate India heeds this warning—greenwashing isn’t just bad PR; it’s a betrayal of stakeholders that could torpedo long-term value.

    Greenwashing, the insidious art of inflating environmental credentials to dupe investors and consumers, has long plagued global markets. In India, it’s particularly rampant in high-impact sectors like energy, manufacturing, and fashion, where vague promises of “eco-friendly” practices often mask business-as-usual pollution. The fallout? Not only does it undermine genuine sustainability efforts, but it also distorts market competition, favoring slick marketers over true innovators.

    Enter the government’s decisive intervention: starting October 2024, every environmental claim must be backed by verifiable documentation and third-party certification. Mandating digital tools like QR codes linking to audited evidence is a masterstroke—it democratizes transparency, empowering consumers to scan and scrutinize in seconds. This isn’t overregulation; it’s smart governance that aligns corporate narratives with verifiable actions.

    The teeth in these rules come from the penalties, which are refreshingly severe. Repeat offenders face fines up to ₹5 million (about USD 60,000) and even criminal prosecution. Such measures send a clear message: sustainability isn’t optional; it’s enforceable.

    Coupled with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework, which demands detailed ESG disclosures from top listed companies, these steps are reshaping corporate governance. Non-compliance doesn’t just invite fines—it risks reputational carnage and investor flight. In a market where ESG funds are surging, companies ignoring this could find themselves sidelined by discerning global capital.

    But enforcement is only as good as its oversight. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance’s push for a dedicated ESG body with forensic powers is spot-on. By embedding ESG into directors’ fiduciary duties, it ensures that sustainability isn’t siloed in CSR reports but woven into core strategy.

    Imagine auditors with the tools to dissect claims, much like forensic accountants probe financial fraud—this could be the game-changer India needs to lead in the global green economy.Of course, challenges remain. Smaller firms might struggle with compliance costs, and the risk of overzealous enforcement could stifle innovation. Policymakers must balance rigor with support, perhaps through subsidies for certifications or streamlined digital platforms. Ultimately, though, these reforms are a net positive. They compel businesses to walk the talk, fostering a culture where ESG compliance drives competitive advantage, not just checkboxes.

    India’s ESR crackdown isn’t mere regulatory muscle-flexing; it’s a strategic pivot towards a resilient, trustworthy economy. For corporate leaders, the choice is clear: embrace authentic sustainability or face the consequences. In the end, true green progress will benefit not just the planet, but the bottom line too.

  • India’s CSR-1 Overhaul: New Rules Lock in Transparency for NGOs

    The reforms aim to enhance transparency, prevent fund misuse, and boost confidence in India’s CSR ecosystem.

    India’s updated CSR-1 requirements, effective July 14, 2025, mandate NGOs, trusts, and Section 8 companies to register via a fully web-based CSR-1 eForm on the MCA21 portal to implement corporate CSR projects.

    Eligible entities—public trusts, societies, Section 8 companies, or government bodies with valid 12A/80G registrations—must provide entity type, registration date, address, PAN, key office bearers’ details, and proof of eligibility. The shift from PDF to real-time web filing eliminates physical uploads, ensuring faster approvals and better record-keeping.

    Approved entities receive a unique CSR registration number, enabling them to access corporate CSR funds. The reforms aim to enhance transparency, prevent fund misuse, and boost confidence in India’s CSR ecosystem.

  • SEBI Tightens Rules for Social Stock Exchange to Boost Transparency

    SEBI Tightens Rules for Social Stock Exchange to Boost Transparency

    Capital markets regulator SEBI introduced stricter regulations for the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) on September 19, 2025, aiming to enhance governance and transparency for not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) and social enterprises, according to a circular (SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/129).

    The updated framework mandates that NPOs registering with the SSE must be Indian trusts, societies, or Section 8 companies with a valid registration certificate held for at least 12 months. New annual disclosure requirements cover governance, finances, donor lists, and social impact, due by October 31 or the income tax return deadline, whichever is later.

    Social enterprises raising funds via the SSE must file an Annual Impact Report (AIR), verified by SEBI-registered Social Impact Assessors, covering at least 67% of program expenditure. SSEs can also enforce additional disclosure parameters to ensure compliance.

    The reforms aim to protect investors, ensure accountability, and align SSE operations with SEBI’s broader capital market regulations, such as the ICDR and LODR frameworks. By mandating independent impact assessments, SEBI seeks to drive measurable social outcomes and foster confidence in India’s growing social finance sector.

    “These changes strengthen the SSE ecosystem, ensuring funds serve genuine social purposes while maintaining regulatory oversight,” a SEBI spokesperson said.

    The rules reflect SEBI’s push to mainstream social investment while mitigating risks of fraud and enhancing credibility in the evolving social sector.