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  • Muthoot Finance hikes CSR spend to Rs 174 crore for FY27

    Muthoot Finance hikes CSR spend to Rs 174 crore for FY27

    Muthoot Finance, India’s largest gold loan non-banking financial company, said on Monday it will boost its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending to Rs 174.03 crore for fiscal year 2027, extending programmes in healthcare, education and housing to underserved communities nationwide.

    The Muthoot Finance CSR outlay follows FY26 spending of Rs 106.42 crore, which the company said reached approximately 3.37 million beneficiaries through initiatives spanning education, healthcare, livelihood support, community development and sports promotion.

    “At Muthoot Finance, we believe sustainable growth must go hand in hand with meaningful social impact,” Managing Director George Alexander Muthoot said in a statement.

    He said the FY26 results reflected the company’s commitment to underserved communities through healthcare, education, housing and social inclusion programmes.

    Education remained a central focus of the Muthoot Finance CSR strategy, with flagship programmes including the Muthoot M. George Excellence Awards, higher education scholarships and the Muthoot Shiksha Jyothi initiative supporting nearly 11,900 students, including first-generation learners, the company said.

    Muthoot Finance has also established several educational institutions, including Sanskara School in Kochi, the Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science, and the newly launched Kalaivani School in Tamil Nadu.

    On healthcare, the company said its Muthoot Snehasraya programme and related interventions benefited more than 100,000 people in FY26 through medical outreach, rehabilitation support and community healthcare services.

    The company’s housing initiative, Muthoot Aashiyana, has built more than 270 homes for vulnerable and disaster-affected families since its 2018 launch, providing shelter and stability to underserved households, Muthoot Finance said.

    Muthoot Finance also expanded its Soundscape Project, which provides digital hearing aids to children with hearing impairments, reaching 267 beneficiaries across Kerala, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

    Separately, the company’s prison rehabilitation programme, Radio Parvaaz, supports emotional wellbeing and informal learning among inmates, alongside initiatives for children of incarcerated parents.

    Other community programmes included Box of Hope for fisherwomen’s livelihoods, a maritime safety programme for coastal communities in Tamil Nadu, and Pedal for Progress, which distributes bicycles to tribal students.

    Deputy Managing Director George Muthoot George said the company aims to move beyond addressing immediate needs toward empowering communities for long-term self-reliance.

  • River lift irrigation empowers 5,700 farmers in Bengal

    River lift irrigation empowers 5,700 farmers in Bengal

    A River Lift Irrigation initiative led by Ambuja Foundation has transformed farming livelihoods for more than 5,700 farmers across 23 villages in Farakka, Murshidabad district, West Bengal.

    The foundation, working with partners, installed 25 River Lift Irrigation systems covering nearly 747 hectares of farmland, addressing chronic water scarcity that had confined local agriculture to a single crop cycle, the Foundation said in a statement.

    The River Lift Irrigation systems draw water from a nearby river, lift it to higher elevations and distribute it through an underground pipeline network, minimizing land loss and reducing maintenance costs compared with conventional irrigation infrastructure, according to the foundation.

    To sustain the project, Ambuja Foundation established Water User Groups in all 23 villages to manage operations, finances and maintenance, while engaging local pump operators to keep the systems running. The community-led model generates enough revenue to cover operational costs and wages, while building surplus funds for future upkeep, the foundation said.

    The River Lift Irrigation project has lifted cropping intensity in the region from 100% to 250%, while irrigation efficiency has improved by nearly 30%, the foundation said. Farmers who previously grew a single paddy crop are now cultivating Rabi crops such as mustard, wheat and maize, alongside vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, potato and tomato, enabling two to three harvests a year.

    The economic impact has been significant. Average annual income per acre in the project area has risen to between 80,000 rupees and 150,000 rupees, from 25,000-30,000 rupees before the systems were installed, marking more than a twofold increase, the foundation said. Agricultural land values in the area have also climbed by nearly 20%, strengthening household assets.

    “Ambuja Foundation is committed to bring a meaningful change in rural India. Therefore, we supported rural communities in Farakka with River Lift Irrigation systems which allow families to secure sustainable livelihoods within their own villages,” said Chandrakant Kumbhani, CEO of Ambuja Foundation.

    “We look forward to collaborating on more projects under our sustainable agriculture program to strengthen and support rural communities on their journey toward economic resilience.”

    The initiative forms part of Ambuja Foundation’s broader sustainable agriculture program aimed at improving rural incomes and water resource management across India.

  • Chouhan urges industry to boost CSR in agriculture

    Chouhan urges industry to boost CSR in agriculture

    Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday urged Indian corporations to expand CSR in agriculture, calling on industry leaders to channel a share of their profits into farmer welfare, rural development and agricultural research.

    Speaking at the CSR Conclave 2026, organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi, Chouhan said companies have a duty to act as “trustees” of national wealth rather than mere profit-makers, invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of trusteeship.

    “While the nation provides opportunities for growth, it is the responsibility of industry to become an active partner in nation-building,” Chouhan said, adding that research must move beyond laboratories to directly benefit farmers.

    The minister strongly urged companies to prioritise climate-resilient farming, soil health, nutrition-secure food systems, and skill development for rural youth and women. He cited jute-processing technology as an example of innovation that needs faster commercialisation with private-sector backing.

    Chouhan also urged support for agri-tech startups, drone-pilot training, and women-led initiatives such as “Drone Didi,” describing rural women’s self-help groups as central to the next wave of agricultural entrepreneurship.

    While Indian law mandates that companies spend 2% of profits on CSR, Chouhan said the obligation should be viewed as a moral commitment rather than a legal formality. “True life belongs to the one who gives life to others,” he said.

    The event at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium was also attended by Ministers of State Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, alongside senior ICAR officials and corporate representatives.

  • HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change National Finals empower 600 athletes

    HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change National Finals empower 600 athletes

    HCLFoundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of HCLTech, on Tuesday said it hosted the eighth edition of the Sports for Change National Finals 2026 at Gautam Buddha University, bringing together 600 young athletes from 15 states over three days.

    The Sports for Change National Finals empower grassroots talent by giving underserved children a platform to compete at the national level, the foundation said in a statement.

    The three-day event featured 300 boys and 300 girls who had qualified through district, state and zonal competitions in football, kabaddi, volleyball, kho kho, archery, badminton and table tennis.

    Participants represented states and union territories including Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim and Nagaland, the foundation said.

    “At HCLFoundation, we believe every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and pursue their aspirations,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR at HCLTech and Director of HCLFoundation.

    “By nurturing grassroots talent and fostering an environment where young athletes are encouraged to dream bigger, build resilience and strive for excellence, we hope the National Finals inspire every participant to realize that their circumstances need not define their future.”

    The Sports for Change programme has reached more than 74,000 children and youth across India since inception, including 474 para-athletes, the foundation said.

    More than 12,000 young athletes took part in this year’s competitions, and over 30 sports scholarships covering coaching, equipment, nutrition and training access will be awarded to top performers.

    The initiative has enabled more than 490 athletes to advance to national-level competitions, with 38 going on to represent India internationally, the foundation said.

    Notable alumni include badminton player Jerlin Anika, sprinter Preeti Pal, rugby player Akshaya, powerlifter Rajkumari and chess player Kanishri.

    HCLFoundation said it has positively impacted more than 8.5 million lives to date through programmes focused on education, grassroots sports, health, sanitation, skill development, livelihood and environmental initiatives.

    HCLTech, its parent company, employs more than 223,000 people across 60 countries and reported consolidated revenues of USD 14.8 billion for the 12 months ended June 2026.

  • VISL skilling initiatives transform 1 lakh lives in India

    VISL skilling initiatives transform 1 lakh lives in India

    Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL) said on World Youth Skills Day that its skilling programmes have reached more than 100,000 people across India, as part of a broader push to build a future-ready workforce through technical education, digital learning, entrepreneurship and sports development.

    The VISL Skilling Initiatives, aligned with this year’s World Youth Skills Day theme of “Skills for a Shared Future,” span operations in Goa, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha, the company said.

    In Goa, the Sesa Technical School has trained more than 2,100 youth over three decades with a near 100% placement record, the company said, adding that the programme places particular emphasis on encouraging girls to pursue technical training. In Bokaro, the Vedanta ESL Skill School has trained over 700 youth since 2022 in trades including solar photovoltaic installation and home appliance repair, with more than 400 placed in formal sector jobs.

    The company also operates 25 Vedanta Computer Centres and Computer Labs across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, alongside learning hubs under Project AAS Vidyalaya in rural Jharkhand. Combined, the digital literacy initiatives have benefited more than 80,000 students and young people, the company said.

    “The youth of our Nation are the driving force behind India’s growth story, and investing in their skills is an investment in the nation’s future,” said Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of VISL.

    “At VISL, our approach to skilling goes beyond employment by enabling aspiration, nurturing potential and creating pathways to long-term socio-economic progress,” he said in a statement.

    Sports development remains a core pillar of the company’s youth outreach. The Sesa Football Academy in Goa has produced over 230 graduates through its residential training programme, including 14 international players, while engaging more than 8,000 young footballers through grassroots initiatives.

    Its men’s and women’s teams compete in national leagues including I-League3 and the Indian Women’s League. Separately, the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy in Bokaro has trained more than 50 young archers who have collectively won over 200 medals at district, state and national competitions.

    On women’s economic empowerment, the company’s Project JIVIKA has supported more than 280 self-help groups and benefited nearly 4,000 women across five states through vocational training in tailoring, handicrafts, mushroom farming and footwear manufacturing.

    VISL operates iron ore and steelmaking assets across India and Liberia, including Sesa Iron Ore, ESL Steel Limited and Western Cluster Limited, alongside associated industrial businesses.

  • Belstar Microfinance empowers Anandam Trust with van

    Belstar Microfinance empowers Anandam Trust with van

    Belstar Microfinance Limited, a subsidiary of Muthoot Finance Limited, had donated a Maruti Eeco van to Anandam Trust, a home for senior citizens, as part of a community outreach programme aimed at improving emergency healthcare access for elderly residents.

    The Belstar Microfinance Van Donation will help more than 110 elderly residents at the trust reach nearby hospitals quickly during medical emergencies, the company said in a statement.

    Anandam Trust also runs daily tuition classes for underprivileged schoolchildren with learning difficulties, and the vehicle will additionally be used to transport students between locations.

    Company executives said timely access to transport can be critical for elderly residents without family support or independent income, and that the initiative reflects Belstar’s broader focus on community welfare beyond its core lending business.

    “At Belstar, we believe that meaningful progress extends beyond financial services and is reflected in the positive difference we create in the communities around us,” said J. Balakrishnan, Whole Time Director and Chief Executive Officer of Belstar Microfinance Limited.

    “Supporting initiatives that address essential needs, especially for senior citizens, is a step towards building stronger and more caring communities.”

    Bhageerathy Ramamoorthy, Managing Trustee of Anandam Trust, thanked Belstar Microfinance and its leadership for the contribution, saying the van would directly support the healthcare and emergency transportation needs of residents at Anandam Old Age Home.

    Belstar Microfinance, ranked among India’s top 10 NBFC-MFIs, holds an “AA/Stable” credit rating from CRISIL and operates across 19 states and two union territories, offering micro-enterprise, education, consumer and emergency loans, along with gold loans in select southern states.

    The company said its business model follows a double bottom line approach, balancing financial performance with social impact, particularly through women’s economic empowerment.

  • Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath leads 35cr tree plantation drive

    Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath leads 35cr tree plantation drive

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday stressed the critical importance of tree plantation, warning that indiscriminate felling could trigger water shortages and food grain crises.

    “A single tree absorbs and retains thousands of litres of water. Rivers remain perennial only where there are forests or a large number of trees,” Adityanath said after planting a Maulsari sapling along the Tal Ring Road near RKBK as part of the Paudharopan Mahayagya 2026 campaign themed ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.

    He noted that environmental imbalance disrupts rainfall patterns, harming farmers, and called on every citizen to not only plant but also protect saplings to restore ecological balance.

    The state government has set an ambitious target of planting 35 crore saplings in a single day, supported by over 57 lakh nurseries. Adityanath said robust protection measures have already led to visible increases in forest cover.

    “Expressing gratitude is a hallmark of Indian culture. Through large-scale tree plantation, we can secure a brighter future for generations to come,” he added.

    Adityanath also admired the scenic beauty of Ramgarh Tal and took a selfie at the site.

    Present on the occasion were MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, and other BJP leaders and councillors.

  • Maruti Suzuki Commissions 1 MWh BESS at Kharkhoda

    Maruti Suzuki Commissions 1 MWh BESS at Kharkhoda

    Maruti Suzuki India Limited has commissioned a 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Kharkhoda manufacturing facility, advancing its commitment to a robust green energy ecosystem.

    The company installed a 20 MWp solar power project at the facility in 2025. The innovative BESS stores surplus solar energy generated during holidays and low-demand periods for later use, while also enhancing grid stability. The pilot project is integrated into the plant’s internal electricity distribution network.

    “Maruti Suzuki is strongly aligned with India’s focus on building self-reliant energy ecosystems,” said Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited. “The introduction of this Battery Energy Storage System at our Kharkhoda facility is part of these continued efforts. With a lifecycle of about 15 years, BESS will help reduce nearly 54 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.”

    Takeuchi added that despite rising production volumes, the company remains committed to lowering absolute Scope 1 & 2 emissions in line with parent Suzuki Motor Corporation’s target of a 42% reduction by FY 2030-31 compared to FY 2022-23.

  • IIT Kharagpur study proves speed management cuts crashes

    IIT Kharagpur study proves speed management cuts crashes

    New research from IIT Kharagpur has proved that scientific speed management interventions can significantly cut fatal crash risk, fatalities and crash severity on Indian highways, offering crucial evidence for policymakers as India seeks to halve road crash deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

    The findings were presented at a high-level road safety dialogue organised by the Road Safety Network (RSN) in partnership with IIT Kharagpur, as the country continues to grapple with a severe road safety crisis. More than 1.8 lakh lives were lost in road crashes in 2024.

    The study, carried out on a 51-km stretch of National Highway 16 between Balihati and Kolaghat in West Bengal, examined how design-based speed management measures affected vehicle behaviour and crash outcomes.

    Researchers found the interventions cut operating speeds by 39-45% for cars, 29-33% for heavy vehicles and 18-28% for two-wheelers.

    The study also recorded significant reductions in fatal crashes, fatalities, crash severity and the likelihood of a crash turning fatal at locations where speed management measures were applied.

    Speeding remains a leading cause of road crashes in India. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Road Accidents in India 2024 report, over-speeding accounted for 62% of all road crashes and more than one lakh fatalities nationwide. Pedestrians, among the most vulnerable road users, accounted for 20.6% of all crash fatalities.

    Prof. (Dr.) Bhargab Maitra, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, and a Road Safety Network member, said the Safe System approach recognises that while people make mistakes, roads, policies and systems must be designed so those mistakes do not result in death or serious injury.

    He said scientific speed management is central to this approach, and that aligning speeds with road function and the needs of all users, particularly vulnerable ones, significantly improves safety outcomes. He called for greater emphasis on evidence-based interventions as India pursues its road safety targets.

    The findings were unveiled at a dialogue convened by RSN and IIT Kharagpur at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park, bringing together government officials, public health experts, researchers and road safety practitioners to discuss evidence-based approaches to reducing fatalities and serious injuries.

    RSN also presented recommendations to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and state and local authorities to strengthen speed management nationwide.

    These included rationalising speed limits based on road function and user risk, adopting context-sensitive speed zoning, strengthening infrastructure and access control, expanding technology-enabled enforcement, improving crash data systems and enhancing coordination across transport, enforcement, health and urban development sectors.

    The recommendations stressed aligning speed management policies with the safety needs of vulnerable road users to support India’s road safety goals.

  • Coromandel, IICARE launch Jawali watershed plan in Maharasthra

    Coromandel, IICARE launch Jawali watershed plan in Maharasthra

    Coromandel International Limited, one of India’s leading agri-solutions companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IICARE Foundation, a not-for-profit working on ecological restoration and climate resilience, to launch the landmark Jawali Watershed programme in Phaltan taluka, Satara district, Maharashtra.

    The agreement, announced on Tuesday, covers an integrated watershed, agro-forestry, nursery and landscape restoration initiative.

    The companies said the partnership would build a scientifically designed, community-driven and scalable model for sustainable land management, combining watershed development, agro-forestry, nursery planning and ecological restoration under one programme.

    Under the deal, IICARE Foundation will act as the lead implementation partner, coordinating with local communities, farmer groups, government bodies and technical agencies, the company said in a statement.

    Coromandel will contribute expertise in agronomy, soil and nutrient management, crop suitability, nursery design and watershed interventions, supporting the Jawali Watershed effort with scientific and strategic input.

    The programme will roll out in phases. The first stage involves site validation, soil and water assessments, contour studies, nursery planning and a detailed project report.

    Later phases will include pilot projects, nursery establishment, soil and water conservation structures, native plantations, agro-forestry demonstrations and farmer training, building toward a replicable, large-scale restoration model.

    Organisers said the initiative would follow a “nursery-first” and “pilot-to-scale” strategy, prioritising native and mixed-species plantations, groundwater recharge, soil health and long-term community stewardship.

    Performance will be tracked through indicators such as area restored, sapling survival rates, species diversity, water conservation and farmer participation.

    “This collaboration reflects Coromandel’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and strengthening the resilience of rural ecosystems,” said Narayanan Vellayan, Executive Director – Nutrient Business, Coromandel International Limited.

    “The programme aims to develop a practical and scalable model for restoring degraded landscapes and supporting sustainable livelihoods.”

    Dr Santosh Bhosale, Director, IICARE Foundation, called the Jawali Watershed programme a landmark step bringing together ecological restoration, watershed management and climate-resilient agriculture.

    “Coromandel’s technical capabilities and agricultural expertise will strengthen the programme’s scientific foundation and support a credible model that can be replicated across similar geographies,” he said.