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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Beyond on size fits all: Industry-specific CSR takes root in India

    Beyond on size fits all: Industry-specific CSR takes root in India

    In a significant shift from one-size-fits-all approaches, Indian companies are increasingly adopting industry-specific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.

    This sector-wise adaptation has emerged as companies recognise that effective social responsibility must address unique industrial challenges while meeting stakeholder expectations.

    Leading the charge is the manufacturing sector, where giants like Hindalco and Tata Steel have made environmental sustainability their cornerstone. At its Belagavi plant, Hindalco has implemented zero-liquid discharge systems while supporting 200 local schools. Tata Steel’s CSR initiatives in Jharkhand and Odisha have become a blueprint for community development in industrial belts.

    The technology sector presents a contrasting picture. While global tech majors like Microsoft operate in India with carbon-neutral commitments, homegrown firms like TCS and Infosys have pioneered digital literacy programmes. TCS’ Adult Literacy Programme has reached over 5 lakh beneficiaries across 12 states.

    In retail, Future Group and DMart have prioritised sustainable sourcing and waste management. Future Group’s skills training programme has empowered over 10,000 youth from underprivileged backgrounds, while DMart focuses on supporting local vendor ecosystems.

    The pharmaceutical sector’s approach reflects unique healthcare challenges. Dr. Reddy’s Foundation works extensively on healthcare accessibility in rural areas, while Cipla Foundation’s ‘Caring for Life’ initiative provides palliative care support across multiple states.

    Energy sector players like ONGC and Indian Oil Corporation have embraced renewable energy investments alongside traditional CSR. ONGC’s solar chulha initiative has impacted 1,000 households in remote areas, while Indian Oil’s Smokeless Village programme has transformed rural cooking practices.

    In the food and beverage sector, companies like ITC and Britannia have focused on sustainable agriculture. ITC’s e-Choupal initiative has reached 4 million farmers, while Britannia’s dairy development programme has enhanced rural livelihoods in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

    The banking sector, led by State Bank of India and HDFC Bank, emphasises financial inclusion. SBI’s youth skill development programmes have trained over 1 lakh candidates, while HDFC Bank’s Sustainable Livelihood Initiative has created 2 million sustainable livelihoods.

    Industry experts note that this sectoral approach has enhanced CSR impact.

    The success of these targeted initiatives suggests that the future of CSR lies in industry-specific solutions rather than generic approaches. As India pushes towards its sustainable development goals, such tailored strategies may prove crucial in addressing sector-specific challenges while contributing to national development objectives.