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  • Swachhata Mela 2026: Massive cleanliness drive in Noida

    Swachhata Mela 2026: Massive cleanliness drive in Noida

    In a massive show of community spirit for Swachh Bharat goals, HCLFoundation teamed up with Noida Authority to host Swachhata Mela 2026 here on Wednesday.

    The event, held under the guidance of Noida Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh IAS, brought together over 5,000 people — school students, teachers, RWAs, sanitation workers, urban village residents, NGOs and officials — to celebrate the city’s strides in cleanliness and sustainable living.

    Vandana Tripathi IAS, Additional CEO of Noida Authority, graced the occasion as chief guest. She stressed that lasting cleanliness needs strong systems, efficient services and active public participation. “In partnership with HCLFoundation, we are strengthening waste management while honouring sanitation workers. Swachhata Mela offers a key platform to engage communities and promote responsible behaviour for long-term clean-city goals,” she said.

    The mela featured lively panel discussions and expert talks on waste segregation, circular economy and changing citizen habits. Students and community groups enthralled the crowd with cultural performances.

    A special Swachhata Exhibition spotlighted the achievements of HCLFoundation’s My Clean City programme, showing real progress in sanitation, waste handling and behaviour change — thanks to strong backing from Noida Authority.

    A moving highlight was the felicitation of sanitation workers (safai karamcharis), school students, teachers and Waste Champions for their tireless efforts in keeping Noida and Greater Noida spotless. Sanitation kits were handed out to more than 5,100 safai karamcharis.

    Participating schools under the My Clean City Waste Champion programme were also honoured for spreading awareness and inspiring young citizens to act.

    Dr Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR at HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation, said: “Sustainable urban change comes from strong partnerships and empowered people. Cleanliness goes beyond infrastructure — it’s about shared responsibility, dignity and trust. Through My Clean City, we drive large-scale behaviour change, and Swachhata Mela 2026 shows our dedication to inclusive, citizen-led solutions for resilient cities. I express heartfelt thanks to all Noida sanitation workers who keep our city shining.”

    My Clean City is transforming urban sanitation in Noida and Greater Noida with science-based waste practices and wide community involvement. So far, it has sensitised nearly 750,000 citizens on good waste habits, trained over 61,000 stakeholders, and managed more than 50,000 tons of waste.

    Key tech boosts include the Integrated Control and Command Center (ICCC) for operations, HomoSep robots for safe manhole/septic tank cleaning, and E-garbage loaders for efficient collection. Over 2,400 school students are active in the My Clean City Waste Champions Club.

    The event reinforced how collective action can create cleaner, greener urban spaces across India.

  • Adani Foundation Irrigation Uplifts Himachal Farmer

    Adani Foundation Irrigation Uplifts Himachal Farmer

    In a significant boost to rural livelihoods, the Adani Foundation has transformed irrigation access for farmer Sandeep Kumar in Ropa village in Himachal Pradesh through the Dhounkothi Watershed Project, implemented in collaboration with ACC, the cement major of the Adani Portfolio.

    The initiative involved constructing 335 meters of cemented RCC channels to augment traditional ‘kuhls’, ensuring consistent water flow, reduced maintenance efforts, and enhanced water use efficiency. Previously, Sandeep and his family faced challenges in irrigating their fields due to erratic water supply and frequent repairs.

    With the upgraded infrastructure now in place, Sandeep has diversified into high-value cash crops including lady finger, brinjal, turmeric, garlic, and more. This shift has boosted his annual agricultural income from Rs 31,600 to Rs 40,100, while saving valuable time and labour for other activities such as livestock rearing.

    The project exemplifies how targeted infrastructure interventions can drive sustainable change. By partnering closely with local communities, panchayats, and grassroots organisations, the Adani Foundation and ACC are empowering farmers, building resilient villages, and promoting long-term agricultural productivity and resource access in underserved areas.

    Such efforts highlight the growing role of corporate social responsibility in uplifting rural India and fostering inclusive growth.

  • Community Pure Water Annual Fundraiser 2026: Safe Water Triumph

    Community Pure Water Annual Fundraiser 2026: Safe Water Triumph

    Hyderabad’s iconic Chowmahalla Palace hosted the Community Pure Water Annual Fundraiser 2026, a transformative charity dinner that brought together philanthropists, business leaders, CSR executives, and government officials committed to safe drinking water as preventive health infrastructure in rural India.

    Race2Win Foundation served as title sponsor, reinforcing the urgent need to address water contamination that hinders education, economic progress, and gender equity.

    Founded by Ravi Reddy under the Community Development Foundation, Community Pure Water operates over 550 ISO-certified community water centres, delivering more than 9 lakh litres of purified water daily to 1.2 million people across villages and schools with 97% uptime. These micro-utilities combine technology, automation, and community ownership to eliminate health hazards from polluted water and support stronger nutrition and livelihoods.

    Under the leadership of Mrs. Pratiksha Prashant, Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, the event achieved its goal of providing safe water to 25 additional rural schools through generous support from attendees, including Chief Guest Mrs. Pinky Reddy, Special Guest Speaker Ms. Nandita Das, and distinguished figures from defence, police, government, and civil society.

    The fundraiser underscored safe drinking water as a powerful catalyst for community development. By prioritising clean water, Community Pure Water empowers healthier, more resilient, and thriving rural communities, advancing sustainable progress across India.

  • Eco Survey: Southern states lead green ease of doing biz

    Eco Survey: Southern states lead green ease of doing biz

    Ease of doing business got a major green upgrade in southern India, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh emerging as trailblazing models, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26.

    The pre-Budget document presents clear evidence that these states have dramatically improved ease of doing business by slashing environmental clearance timelines under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) — while smartly weaving sustainability right into their industrial and economic strategies. This shows that faster approvals and stronger environmental protection can — and do — coexist.

    Kerala used BRAP 2024 to turbocharge ease of doing business through streamlined business registration, digitised land and tax records, and simplified environmental clearances. Simultaneously, the state accelerated renewable energy adoption, rolled out carbon-neutral gram panchayats and launched large-scale waterbody rejuvenation — delivering quicker business setup alongside meaningful ecological gains.

    Tamil Nadu strengthened its ease of doing business ranking with single-window clearances, fully digitised approval processes and progressive land reforms. It is aggressively promoting massive solar parks, district-level decarbonisation plans and statewide energy efficiency programmes.

    The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board maintains rigorous oversight of industrial effluent treatment and actively facilitates Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) for pollution-intensive clusters like tanneries and textiles, ensuring treated wastewater consistently meets strict discharge standards.

    Andhra Pradesh advanced ease of doing business under BRAP 2024 with single-window industrial clearances, online land registration and electronic environmental approvals. The state expanded its Online Consent Management & Monitoring System, allowing businesses to apply for consents digitally, track real-time progress and significantly reduce delays — while greatly improving transparency and coordination between industries and the Pollution Control Board.

    “Some evidence suggests that states streamlining processes to boost ease of doing business while embedding sustainability can cut delays, increase transparency and deliver better environmental outcomes at the same time,” the Survey notes.

    These pioneering and balanced efforts send a strong signal: enhancing ease of doing business no longer means compromising on green goals — it can actually reinforce renewable energy growth, tighter pollution controls and digital-first governance.

  • 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