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  • HDFC Bank boosts Parivartan Startup Grants with Rs 20 crore

    HDFC Bank boosts Parivartan Startup Grants with Rs 20 crore

    HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector lender, on Monday announced the launch of the FY26 edition of its Parivartan Startup Grants programme, committing Rs 20 crore in non-dilutive grants to boost social impact-driven innovations.

    The initiative will support 10 strategic programmes across key sectors including climate innovation, agriculture and sustainable livelihoods, manufacturing and MSME innovation, financial inclusion, gender diversity and inclusion, as well as emerging fields such as AI and deep technology.

    Grants will primarily fund pilots, validation and early-stage scale-up for selected startups.

    The programme operates on an incubator-led model, with partners handling outreach, evaluation, mentoring and impact reporting. FY26 emphasises deeper sector focus, with collaborations including IIT Madras Incubation Cell for deep-tech, IIM Bangalore-NSRCEL for financial inclusion, and BITS Pilani for climate innovation.

    It also includes ecosystem-building efforts in Punjab and a nationwide incubator capacity programme in partnership with the Indian STEP and Business Incubator Association (ISBA).

    “Parivartan Startup Grants has evolved as a benchmark in the industry that works closely with institutions to support innovation addressing clearly identified social and environmental challenges,” said Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank.

    Arup Rakshit, Group Head – Treasury, added that the programme provides structured institutional support through leading incubators.

    Since 2017, Parivartan Startup Grants has backed over 500 startups via more than 130 incubators, deploying over Rs 85 crore. Nearly 40% of supported startups are from Tier II and III cities, with supported ventures raising over Rs 900 crore externally.

    Applications will be handled through partner incubators.

  • Mankind Pharma unveils Digital Smart Classrooms in Ghaziabad

    Mankind Pharma unveils Digital Smart Classrooms in Ghaziabad

    Mankind Pharma Limited has launched transformative digital smart classrooms in Ghaziabad as part of its flagship CSR platform KindCare, underscoring its dedication to empowering technology-driven education in government schools.

    The initiative, implemented in partnership with SEEDS Impact, was inaugurated by Sunil Kumar Sharma, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Electronics, alongside Sheetal Arora, Promoter and CEO of Mankind Pharma Limited.

    This marks a significant step in Mankind Pharma’s Digital Smart Classroom Initiative, which aims to enhance access to quality education via interactive digital environments. With a community-first strategy, the program targets district-level rollout for lasting grassroots impact.

    The broader effort covers 400 schools in Uttar Pradesh, with 460 digital smart classrooms now operational. These use tools like the K-Yan device for audio-visual teaching, boosting student engagement in resource-limited settings.

    Teacher empowerment is central to sustainability. Over 2,400 educators have received training, including hands-on sessions, simulations, and ongoing support via helplines and digital networks.

    Sharma praised the effort: “Mankind Pharma’s Digital Smart Classroom Initiative addresses key gaps in digital literacy and access, with a sustainable focus on teacher empowerment.”

    Arora added: “Through KindCare, we adopt a community-first approach to empowering underserved students and teachers in a digital world, ensuring dignity and opportunity.”

    R Purushotham, CEO of SEEDS Impact, said the partnership nurtures India’s youth and could scale further with continued commitment.

    The Digital Smart Classroom Initiative anchors KindCare’s focus on education, alongside health, hygiene, environment, and livelihoods.

    Mankind Pharma, a leading Indian pharmaceutical firm, emphasizes affordable quality products across formulations and consumer healthcare.

    SEEDS is a non-profit advancing inclusive development in education, skills, farming, and health.

  • BrahMos CEO flags alarming digital dementia in youth

    BrahMos CEO flags alarming digital dementia in youth

    In an era of rapid technological advancement, the alarming rise in digital dependency among youngsters and teenagers is triggering serious psychological impacts, akin to symptoms of digital dementia – a term describing cognitive decline from excessive screen time, including memory loss, reduced attention span, and impaired focus.

    Dr Jaiteerth R. Joshi, Managing Director and CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, sounded this warning while inaugurating the fourth edition of Manappuram Foundation’s mental health awareness programme on digital dementia at ITC Kakatiya Hotel in Hyderabad.

    Dr Joshi stressed the urgent need to address these psychological consequences, emphasising that mental health protection and psychological safety must be given equal importance alongside technological progress.

    Leading the session was Dr Manoj Sharma, a renowned de-addiction expert on technology dependence and Professor at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Dr Sharma detailed various mental ailments emerging from overdependence on digital devices and advocated for judicious use, including regular breaks to maintain health.

    The event, organised by Manappuram Foundation and supported by Manappuram Finance Ltd, received widespread appreciation.

    During the programme, V P Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd, honoured Dr Joshi for his outstanding contributions to India’s defence technology sector.

    “Under Dr Joshi’s leadership, BrahMos Aerospace continues to achieve remarkable technological breakthroughs and global recognition,” Nandakumar noted.

    BrahMos, the India-Russia joint supersonic cruise missile, symbolises national technological excellence with its superior speed, precision, and multi-platform capabilities.

    Approximately 200 prominent business leaders and professionals attended. K M Asharaf, Senior PRO of Manappuram Finance, welcomed the guests, while Lion’s Club International leader Saju Antony Pathadan delivered the vote of thanks.

  • Ambuja Cements drives transformative nutrition awareness in Bathinda

    Ambuja Cements drives transformative nutrition awareness in Bathinda

    Ambuja Cements, the cement and building materials arm of the Adani Group’s diversified portfolio, is advancing transformative nutrition awareness in rural Bathinda through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

    In villages where wheat-based meals have long been the staple, residents are increasingly turning to maize and millet flour, signalling a marked improvement in dietary patterns driven by the company’s health outreach.

    At a local flour mill, owner Balveer Singh has observed surging demand for maize flour year-round, beyond its traditional winter consumption. This shift stems from heightened nutrition awareness under Ambuja’s CSR health programme, educating villagers on how millet and maize aid in managing blood sugar levels, bolstering heart health and boosting daily energy.

    Adapting to these evolving preferences, Singh has introduced multigrain blends, transforming his mill into a community hub for healthier food options and empowering families to prioritise nutritious staples.

    This grassroots change underscores the impact of combining education with accessible solutions. By engaging local entrepreneurs and championing food-based interventions, Ambuja Cements is fostering a sustainable wellness culture rooted in daily habits.

  • Tenneco Clean Air India kicks off landmark tree plantation drive in Pune, plants 5,000 saplings

    Tenneco Clean Air India kicks off landmark tree plantation drive in Pune, plants 5,000 saplings

    Tenneco Clean Air India on Sunday launched its landmark tree plantation drive, known as Vriksharopan Abhiyan, in collaboration with the 15th Battalion of the Jat Regiment and Vaghmi Foundation, planting 5,000 saplings at the regiment’s premises in Lullanagar, Pune.

    The sustainable initiative includes 18 months of maintenance to ensure sapling survival, with each plant tagged for geo-monitoring, survival tracking and quarterly reporting by the Vaghmi Foundation.

    Tenneco leadership, regiment officers and foundation representatives attended the event, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental conservation.

    “The Vriksharopan Abhiyan is a meaningful step in Tenneco’s larger ambition to contribute to India’s environmental priorities,” said Rishi Verma, President of Tenneco India. “Our focus is on nurturing long-term green cover through structured care, protection and scientific monitoring to create healthier, more resilient ecosystems.”

    Tenneco employees and foundation members will conduct periodic revisits to support ongoing care.

    Tenneco Clean Air India, part of the global Tenneco Group, supplies clean air, powertrain and suspension systems to automotive original equipment manufacturers in India, operating 12 manufacturing facilities and two R&D centres.

  • Habitats Trust Grants 2026: Rs 3.5 Cr for strategic conservation

    Habitats Trust Grants 2026: Rs 3.5 Cr for strategic conservation

    The Habitats Trust, a non-profit organisation tackling biodiversity loss, climate crisis and water scarcity, on Wednesday opened applications for the 9th edition of the strategic Habitats Trust Grants, totalling Rs 3.5 crore.

    Applications for the Habitats Trust Grants are accepted from January 10 to February 10, 2026, with recipients announced in the first week of August 2026.

    India hosts 7-8% of global biodiversity, but many species and ecosystems outside protected areas remain underfunded. The grants target holistic, innovative and replicable projects focused on lesser-known species and underrepresented habitats.

    “India’s conservation challenges are complex and interconnected with climate and governance issues,” said Rushikesh Chavan, Director of The Habitats Trust. “The strategic Habitats Trust Grants aim to support models that address urgent needs while ensuring sustainability and replicability, especially for overlooked species.”

    The grants are divided into three categories:

    • THT Conservation Grants (Rs 1 crore each, over three years): Awarded to two organisations for comprehensive efforts on critical habitats.
    • THT Research Grants (Rs 40 lakh each, over two years): Awarded to two organisations for interdisciplinary research informing on-ground action.
    • THT Action Grants/Action Service Projects (Rs 25 lakh each, over two years): Awarded to three organisations or individuals for urgent interventions.

    A 12-member expert panel will evaluate applications based on relevance, impact, stakeholder engagement, scalability and sustainability.

    Since 2018, the programme has supported 38 projects across 21 states and union territories, disbursing over Rs 16.2 crore. In 2025, eight grantees received Rs 3.8 crore, including Grameen Sahara and Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology (Conservation Grants), Coastal Conservation Foundation and Wildlife Institute of India (Research Grants), and others for Action Grants.

    Founded in 2018 by Roshni Nadar Malhotra and Shikhar Malhotra, The Habitats Trust operates in 32 states and union territories, partnering with over 120 entities across more than 600,000 hectares.

    Application forms and details are available at the official website: www.thehabitatstrust.org or apply directly via registrations.thehabitatstrust.org.

    For inquiries, contact: grants@thehabitatstrust.org

  • bigbasket farmer empowerment: heartwarming stories from India’s fields on Kisan Diwas

    bigbasket farmer empowerment: heartwarming stories from India’s fields on Kisan Diwas

    On Kisan Diwas, as India honours its hardworking farmers, there’s a quiet revolution unfolding in villages across 16 states—one that’s putting smiles on faces and money directly into pockets. bigbasket, a TATA Enterprise, is at the heart of this change, empowering over 50,000 farmers through a network of more than 120 collection centres right at the farm gate.

    Imagine a farmer in rural Karnataka, waking before dawn to harvest crisp vegetables. Instead of haggling with middlemen who take a big cut, he loads his produce onto a truck heading to a nearby bigbasket centre. By evening, the payment hits his bank account—within just 48 hours. No delays, no uncertainty. This simple shift has brought stability to thousands of families who once worried about unpredictable income.

    It all started small in 2015, with one collection centre in Malur near Bengaluru. Over the past decade, bigbasket has strengthened this model, building trust one harvest at a time. Today, a dedicated team of over 400 agricultural graduates, including agronomists at every centre, works hand-in-hand with farmers. Using the in-house Farmus app, they geotag fields, forecast harvests, and advise on growing high-demand crops that fetch better prices.

    “Our relationship with farmers is central to everything we do,” says Seshu Kumar Tirumala, chief buying & merchandising officer at bigbasket. “It’s about long-term trust and shared success, not just buying produce.”

    For organic farmers, the support goes even deeper. Through 12 exclusive centres, bigbasket helps around 6,300 growers get certified—at no cost to them. Trained local youth, called Jaivikmitras, visit farms to teach natural methods, like preparing Jeevamruth and Beejamruth, traditional elixirs that enrich the soil without chemicals.

    These stories aren’t just numbers—they’re about real people gaining dignity, security, and hope. As bigbasket continues to revolutionize farmer empowerment, it’s proving that a fairer food chain benefits everyone: fresher produce on our tables, and brighter futures in India’s fields.

  • Maruti launches WagonR Swivel seat for inclusive mobility

    Maruti launches WagonR Swivel seat for inclusive mobility

    Maruti Suzuki India Limited launched a revolutionary Maruti WagonR swivel seat option on Thursday, marking a pioneering step toward inclusive mobility in India’s mass market automobile segment.

    The WagonR swivel seat is specifically designed to provide greater convenience for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 on reducing inequality.

    “Swivel seat will make daily travel more convenient for senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” said Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India.

    “This initiative reflects our vision of inclusive mobility and reinforces our commitment to customer-focused solutions,” he said in a statement.

    The automaker partnered with Bangalore-based startup TRUEAssist Technology Private Limited through its incubation program with NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore to develop the Maruti WagonR swivel seat solution.

    RETROFITTING AND AVAILABILITY

    Customers can order the swivel seat as a retrofitting kit at Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships. The seat can be installed in new WagonR models or retrofitted in existing vehicles, according to the company statement.

    The product initially will be available at more than 200 Arena dealerships across 11 cities, with plans to scale up based on customer demand.

    WagonR’s tall-boy design offers spacious headroom and legroom, facilitating easier entry and exit, making it suitable for this innovative mobility solution. The model ranks among India’s top 10 selling vehicles.

    SAFETY AND WARRANTY

    The WagonR swivel seat kit has undergone safety testing at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and meets required safety standards, Maruti Suzuki said.

    Installation does not modify the vehicle’s structure or core functioning. The swivel seat comes with a three-year warranty.

    “By integrating our innovation into a model loved by the masses, we can ensure that inclusive mobility becomes a mainstream reality,” said Naina Padaki, founder of TRUEAssist Technology Private Limited.

    The initiative draws inspiration from Suzuki Group’s corporate slogan “By Your Side,” embodying the group’s commitment to customer-focused solutions rooted in founder Michio Suzuki’s vision.

  • Empowering Youth: ACC’s skill development transforms lives

    Empowering Youth: ACC’s skill development transforms lives

    In the rural hamlet of Gagal in Himachal Pradesh, ACC, a unit of the Adani Group’s diversified portfolio and India’s fastest-growing building materials firm, is bolstering youth livelihoods via targeted, community-driven skill development programs.

    Sakshi, 22, hails from a humble family in Gagal village, where early tragedy struck: her father died young, leaving her mother and elder brother to shoulder the financial load. Her sibling, a heavy machinery operator, toiled long hours to fund the household and Sakshi’s schooling amid mounting pressures.

    Eager to ease the strain, Sakshi turned to the Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC), a joint initiative of ACC and the Adani Foundation. She joined the Retail Sales Associate program, honing key competencies in communication, customer interaction and sales techniques. The rigorous curriculum fortified her self-assurance and primed her for the competitive retail job market.

    Upon graduation, Sakshi landed a position at Royal Signet, a Bhatinda-based retailer, drawing a monthly salary of Rs 12,000 plus meals and lodging. Her ascent underscores the potent ripple effects of ACC‘s skill development efforts, which arm disadvantaged youth with tools to surmount barriers and forge stable prospects.

  • Signify illuminates 100 Indo-Nepal border villages to boost safety, livelihoods

    Signify illuminates 100 Indo-Nepal border villages to boost safety, livelihoods

    Lighting company Signify on Monday launched an initiative to install energy-efficient LED streetlights in 100 villages along the 1,700-km Indo-Nepal border, aiming to enhance nighttime safety and support local economies.

    The project, part of Signify’s “Har Gaon Roshan” corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, targets communities facing mobility and security challenges after dusk. Each village was selected based on local input regarding footfall, safety risks and evening activities such as markets and school commutes.

    “At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations to communities across India,” said Nikhil Gupta, head of marketing, strategy, government affairs and CSR for Greater India. “Through this initiative, we aim to bring long-term safety, sustainability and confidence to border communities. This partnership reflects our commitment to using light to positively impact lives in India, fostering sustainable growth and community empowerment.”

    The effort, developed in collaboration with the Tarq Foundation, addresses practical needs in remote areas where poor illumination hampers women’s safety, children’s education and small-scale trade.

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

    The Indo-Nepal border lighting project marks a milestone in rural infrastructure, with installations expected to reduce energy use while promoting stronger social networks. Signify, a global leader in sustainable lighting solutions, said the rollout will continue monitoring community feedback for future expansions.