Category: News

  • Mission Billion Summit to build 100 non-profit unicorns by 2030

    Mission Billion Summit to build 100 non-profit unicorns by 2030

    Change Engine on Wednesday announced the transformative Mission Billion Summit, scheduled for January 29, 2026, at the India International Centre in Delhi, with the ambitious goal of building 100 non-profit unicorns by 2030.

    India’s social sector is at an inflection point, with emerging founders tackling large-scale challenges. The Mission Billion Summit seeks to unite fragmented ecosystems, providing patient capital and partnerships to scale interventions beyond pilots.

    “We need a movement towards non-profit unicorns in India, similar to the startup boom a decade ago,” said Varun Aggarwal, co-founder of Change Engine. “The transformative Mission Billion Summit will convene stakeholders to address pressing developmental issues, centering founders on evidence-driven national impact.”

    Shubham Bansal, another co-founder, described the event as a “startup school for non-profits,” offering toolkits on government partnerships, evidence-building and capital raising. “Our aim is to empower founders to build nationwide solutions,” he added.

    The one-day summit features two parallel tracks with over 25 speakers, more than 12 sessions and three workshop-style masterclasses.

    The “Building Nonprofit Unicorns” track covers evidence-building beyond randomized controlled trials, fundraising for innovation capital, government partnerships and community-led scaling.

    The “Tackling Wicked Problems” track examines effective approaches in welfare, social protection, education and governance.

    A highlight will be the launch of Change Engine’s inaugural “Ease of Doing Non-profits” report, based on surveys revealing barriers to scale, particularly the shortage of flexible, high-risk innovation capital.

    Participants include philanthropists such as Sanjeev Bikhchandani of Info Edge, Aakanksha Gulati of ACT Grants and Murugan Vasudevan of Veddis Foundation, alongside leaders from scaled organizations like Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, Central Square Foundation and Rocket Learning.

    Change Engine supports founders in creating non-profit unicorns impacting over one million lives through data leverage, government ties, tech expertise and seed capital.

    For details and registration, visit the Change Engine website or the summit page at missionbillion.changengine.in.

  • 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.

  • Gates Foundation Appoints Archna Vyas as India Director

    Gates Foundation Appoints Archna Vyas as India Director

    The Gates Foundation appointed Archna Vyas as its Gates Foundation India Director, the organization said on Tuesday, making her the first woman to lead its operations in one of its most significant country partnerships.

    Vyas will oversee the foundation’s collaboration with Indian government agencies, philanthropists and private sector partners on healthcare, sanitation, gender equality and agricultural development initiatives aligned with India’s development goals, the foundation said in a statement.

    The foundation has operated in India since 2003, working on issues ranging from digital public infrastructure to financial empowerment as the country has lifted millions out of poverty over the past two decades.

    As the new Gates Foundation India Director, Vyas previously served as global director for the foundation’s Global Policy and Advocacy division, leading work on growth, opportunity and empowerment. She joined the organization in 2014 and has worked across its health and poverty alleviation programs.

    “India is our most significant country partnership,” Vyas said in the statement. “I look forward to working closely with governments, communities, philanthropists, and our partners to support the Government of India’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047.”

    Before joining the foundation, Vyas led communications and digital marketing for Reckitt across South and Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree in physics from the University of Delhi and a postgraduate diploma in business administration from the Institute of Management Technology.

    Ankur Vora, the foundation’s chief strategy officer, said the Gates Foundation India Director brings deep understanding of India’s development landscape and a track record of building impactful partnerships.

    Vyas succeeds Hari Menon, who led the India office since 2019 and will transition to a global leadership role in January 2026, the foundation said.

  • 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.

  • Ambuja Foundation hosts dialogue on empowering skill building for Viksit Bharat

    Ambuja Foundation hosts dialogue on empowering skill building for Viksit Bharat

    Ambuja Foundation, an independent pan-India social development group focused on rural transformation, convened an open dialogue on empowering skill building for Viksit Bharat at Bharat Mandapam here on Thursday.

    The event drew over 150 stakeholders, including government officials, global academics, industry leaders and on-ground practitioners, to explore how skill building can reshape tomorrow’s workforce and boost India’s economic trajectory.

    Keynote speakers, among them Dr Rashmi Singh, secretary for women and child development and art, culture and languages in the New Delhi government; Raman Wadhwa, deputy director of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana under India’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission; and Col Gunjan Chowdhary, director of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, outlined national skilling initiatives, access to opportunities and the need for cross-sector collaboration to realise Viksit Bharat.

    Swiss vocational education expert Urs Keller highlighted his country’s dual system, where two-thirds of training occurs on the job and nearly 66% of youth pursue vocational paths, backed by strong parental support and career guidance.

    Two panel discussions followed: one on corporate, agency and academic investments in skill building strategies; the other on industry leaders’ views of evolving sector needs and partnerships between government, business and academia.

    Attendees heard success stories from two graduates of Ambuja’s Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (SEDI), which have trained 1.34 million rural youth across 51 centres in 13 states for sustainable livelihoods. The event also launched a report on SEDI’s impact.

    “These discussions reaffirm our conviction that skill building will lead the path to Viksit Bharat,” said Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation. “Empowering individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds demands collaboration among social organisations, corporates and government for systemic change.”

  • HCLTech Grant adds water, biodiversity themes in second decade

    HCLTech Grant adds water, biodiversity themes in second decade

    HCLTech‘s grant program will expand its focus to include water and biodiversity as it enters its second decade, building on initiatives that have impacted over 300,000 individuals across India, the company said.

    The HCLTech Grant, which has supported community-driven development projects over the past 10 years, will add the new themes in its 11th edition alongside existing areas of health and education, according to a statement.

    The grant program has aligned interventions with 12 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing challenges in government and rural schools, maternal and child health in remote regions, and ecological restoration in forest-dependent communities, the company said.


    “Sustainable change is not achieved by charity alone, but by coupling research with empathy, technology with trust, and resources with measurable results,” the HCLTech Grant statement said.

    The grant program’s strategic roadmap through 2030 includes three phases: consolidation and scaling through 2027, deepening impact and diversification until 2029, and institutionalization and sustainability by 2030.

    The HCLTech Grant will strengthen its research framework by implementing Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodologies to quantify outcomes and expand digital monitoring tools for real-time impact tracking, according to the announcement.

    Technology integration within the grant program will include satellite-based water mapping, AI-enabled health diagnostics and digital learning platforms to scale community solutions, the company said.


    The water theme under the HCLTech Grant will align with India’s Jal Jeevan Mission and SDG 6, developing a national model for integrated water resource management, the statement added.

    HCLTech plans to establish a Centre for Social Research and Innovation through the grant program to synthesize learnings and contribute to sectoral policy dialogues, while creating an alumni network of grantees for peer learning and mentoring.

    The grant program has collaborated with state health departments and the National Health Mission to strengthen public health systems across multiple states, impacting thousands of students and educators across districts.

    In environment interventions, the HCLTech Grant has worked with rural and forest-dependent populations to restore degraded ecosystems, revive water bodies, and promote biodiversity-friendly livelihoods, contributing to climate adaptation and ecological resilience.

  • Empower CSR Careers in India: 2025 Prosperity Surge

    Empower CSR Careers in India: 2025 Prosperity Surge

    By Eldee

    Within the busy corridors of India’s corporate world, CSR careers in India are not a specialty field, but an exciting ecosystem with plenty of opportunities. With the national mandated CSR spend exceeding Rs 25,000 crore in FY 2024-25, young professionals have taken to these career paths, blending ethical impact with enviable paychecks.

    Consider a graduate from an underprivileged background finding a way into a CSR careers in India job description, entering as an officer in a fintech space in Mumbai at Rs 4-6 lakh per year, making it to manager in 5 years at Rs 15 lakh. This is not aspirational marketing; this is a real opportunity in CSR careers in India, when purpose and profit create options with 15-20 % job growth annually.

    However, as climate considerations and the demands for social equity ramps up, one insists, can CSR careers in India democratize access or remain locked in privilege, only the urban elite create value from?

    The magnetic pull of CSR careers in India stems from regulatory firepower and market evolution. The Companies Act 2013’s 2% profit directive has morphed into a strategic imperative, with education gobbling 30% of funds, healthcare 25%, and sustainability initiatives claiming 20%. This fuels diverse CSR careers in India, from impact analysts crunching data for SEBI’s BRSR reports to coordinators spearheading rural skilling programs in Gujarat’s arid belts.

    Salaries for CSR careers in India are better than in many traditional sectors: entry-level CSR careers in India are between Rs 3-6 lakh, mid-management salaries are at Rs 8-15 lakh, and C-suite management salaries in the tech corridors of Bengaluru are Rs 25-40 lakh, with raises at 9.5% that are substantially over the national average. When reviewing LinkedIn’s job pulse report for CSR careers in India, over 600 live opportunities exist for a wide range of matters, including renewable energy in Chennai to community outreach in Delhi, catering for Gen Z’s quest for SDG careers.

    What makes CSR careers in India must have? Digital disruption – we are no longer phenomenon-driven philanthropy, nor CSR careers in India. CSR careers in India require full fluency in the use of technology for social change whether it is estimating community change outcomes using artificial intelligence or engaging in blockchain interaction with NGOs towards accomplishing a transparency agenda to raise aid. In this hybrid, new CSR careers begin to appear: ESG specialists auditing supply chains, or sustainability leads on circled economy initiatives.

    Salaries in CSR careers in India are superior to that of many more traditional career sectors: starting salaries for beginners in CSR careers in India range from Rs 3-6 lakh; mid-career salaries for managers are Rs 8-15 lakh; and senior executives or C-suite roles in tech hotspots in Bengaluru can make Rs 25-40 lakh with annual raises of 9.5% that outpace national averages. LinkedIn’s data shows there are over 600 live resumes in the CSR careers in India field of practice—ranging from renewables in Chennai to community outreach programs in Delhi—symbolizing some of the most exciting employment opportunities for Gen Z students looking to advance careers in CSR and the SDGs.

    What makes CSR careers in India exciting? The answer is digital disruption. Gone are the days of executing passive philanthropy. CSR careers in India today require a level of fluency in technology—using AI to track outcomes in communities or employing blockchain to work with NGOs. This technical fusion is creating exciting and innovative CSR careers in India, such as ESG (environmental, social, governance) specialists working to assess supply chains of products or sustainability lead working with companies on circular economy projects in Maharashtra.

    Further, CSR careers in India that focus on climate action will continue to be a growth area due to India’s goal of net-zero by 2070—everything from training in renewable energy to community drive for water conservation, all straddling corporate priorities with national goals. Newly emerging locations like Bihar offer a wide-open frontier for students seeking CSR careers in India, and the potential of jobs that shape policy and increase mobility and world exposure is very exciting.

    Although CSR careers in India are seen as exciting, there are important factors that take away from the experience. There are not enough qualified people for CSR careers. Seventy percent of the CSR jobs are in the Rs 15-50 lakh salary category. Barriers for entry also prevent many people from Tier-3 towns or non-elite institutions from getting CSR jobs. Examples of barriers include extensive certifications like GRI and field experience with NGOs.

    While women dominate social change work at the grassroots level, many get stuck in glass ceilings in senior CSR jobs in India. Regulatory hurdles can lead to long decisions that help organizations accomplish their CSR goals. Corporations express the need for more analytical and engagement skills, yet underinvest in training initiatives, leading to underwhelming outcomes from well-intentioned plans.

    Reforms are necessary to strengthen CSR careers in India. Governments should finance the establishment of CSR academies within public colleges that will provide ample education, combining analytical frameworks with hands-on programs, improving both the number of people in the CSR pipeline and knowledge. Companies should establish and uphold diversity of talent mandates, shifting gaps in CSR talent to a workforce pipeline of diverse talent.

    For prospective pioneers yearning for CSR careers in India, the formula is straight forward: Start with an internship from Tata Trusts or an initiative with HUL on sanitation; take examples from free Coursera modules on ESG frameworks, and include data informed wins like “I orchestrated a Rs 5 crore initiative that impacted 10,000 lives” in your CV. The compassion and execution in the context of CSR careers in India is not replaceable in a world shape by AI.

    With CSR spending expected to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2030, India is gearing up to create lakhs of CSR careers that will connect urban prosperity with rural resilience. And this green-collar transformation is not only economic; it’s cultural, changing the notion of work toward the lens of equity. For India’s youth, CSR careers in India beckon not as a sideline, but as the main event: Wear the mantle, and lead the legacy.

  • Western Financial, Wawanesa Donate $100,000 to Boost Manitoba Healthcare

    Western Financial, Wawanesa Donate $100,000 to Boost Manitoba Healthcare

    In a significant boost to Manitoba healthcare, the Western Communities Foundation, the charitable arm of Western Financial Group, and Wawanesa Insurance have jointly donated USD 100,000 to the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Foundation’s Operation Excellence Campaign.

    Announced on Wednesday, this contribution will fund state-of-the-art surgical equipment at Manitoba’s largest hospital, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and advance surgical innovation.

    The donation reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to foster healthier, stronger communities across Canada, ensuring that Manitobans have access to top-tier medical care when they need it most, the company said in a statement.

    The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg is a cornerstone of Manitoba healthcare, serving countless families, friends, and neighbours across the province.

    Evan Johnston, President and CEO of Wawanesa, emphasized the personal connection many feel to the hospital. “As a company that calls Manitoba home, we all know someone who has relied on HSC’s care, whether it be a family member, friend, or neighbour,” Johnston said.

    “This donation continues our 129-year tradition of supporting Manitobans. By partnering with Western Financial Group, we’re helping ensure our community benefits from cutting-edge healthcare that saves lives and improves wellbeing.”

    Grant Ostir, CEO of Western Financial Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the human impact of the donation. “At the Western Communities Foundation, we’re dedicated to standing by Canadians in moments that matter,” Ostir said.

    “This $100,000 gift will support HSC’s investment in advanced surgical tools, leading to better patient care, higher survival rates, and stronger communities. We’re proud to work alongside Wawanesa to support the frontline healthcare teams who make excellence in Manitoba healthcare possible every day.”

    The donation is part of the broader mission of the Western Communities Foundation, established in 2001, to build safer and stronger communities across Canada.

    In 2025, the Foundation has continued its impactful work, from aiding wildfire recovery efforts to funding youth education through bursaries and supporting vital infrastructure projects nationwide.

    Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over USD 9 million to community initiatives, creating spaces where Canadians can thrive. For more details on their efforts, visit www.westerncares.ca.

    Wawanesa Insurance, a mutual insurer founded in 1896, also plays a significant role in community support, investing USD 3.5 million annually through its community impact program. This includes initiatives like Wawanesa Climate Champions, which funds projects to build climate resiliency, as well as other programs that strengthen the communities where their members, employees, and broker partners live and work.

    With over USD 4 billion in annual revenue and USD 11.5 billion in assets, Wawanesa serves 1.87 million members across Canada through its subsidiaries, Wawanesa Life and Western Financial Group. Learn more about their community efforts at www.wawanesa.com/canada/community-impact.

    The USD 100,000 donation to HSC’s Operation Excellence Campaign is a lifeline for Manitoba healthcare, ensuring that patients receive world-class treatment during critical moments.

    The campaign focuses on equipping the hospital with advanced technology to improve surgical precision and patient recovery, directly impacting lives across the province. For more information about the campaign and its goals, visit https://www.operationexcellence.ca.

    This partnership between Wawanesa and the Western Communities Foundation underscores the power of collaboration in addressing community needs. By investing in Manitoba healthcare, these organizations are not only enhancing medical care but also reinforcing their commitment to the people of Manitoba. Whether it’s a life-saving surgery or a routine procedure, this donation ensures that HSC remains a beacon of hope and healing for all Manitobans.

  • India’s USD 120 mln e-Waste Management Plan for Circular Economy

    India’s USD 120 mln e-Waste Management Plan for Circular Economy

    India’s e-waste management initiative: A step toward sustainability

    India has launched a USD 120 million initiative to tackle e-waste management through a circular economy approach in its electronics sector, supported by the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    The five-year e-waste management project aims to address unsafe recycling practices in the world’s third-largest generator of electronic waste, where more than 80% of discarded electronics are processed informally using methods that release toxic chemicals.

    “The project comes at an important time when the Indian electronics sector is seeing rapid growth and development,” said S. Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    “The initiative will help us drive innovation in eco-design, recycling and circular business models.” The GEF approved USD 15 million in financing, unlocking over USD 105 million in co-financing from the Government of India and industry stakeholders for comprehensive e-waste management reforms.

    Addressing Informal Sector Risks

    Formal recycling infrastructure remains limited in India, exposing workers and communities to serious health risks from hazardous materials including mercury, lead, cadmium and persistent organic pollutants that do not break down easily.

    “Environmental and health risks from unsafe e-waste recycling practices are rising,” said Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in India. “We are working with government and industry partners to ensure resources are used efficiently, workers are protected, and the sector grows sustainably.”

    The e-waste management initiative will strengthen institutional mechanisms and enforcement of regulations, support innovation in eco-design with manufacturers, pilot safe recycling and battery management systems, and improve infrastructure for valuable material recovery.

    A Global E-Waste Challenge

    Electronic waste now exceeds 60 million tonnes globally each year, growing five times faster than recycling rates, according to UNDP data.

    “This flood of discarded devices contains toxic chemicals which cause long-term damage to ecosystems and people’s health,” said Xiaofang Zhou, UNDP Chemicals and Waste Hub Director. “Addressing e-waste is central to building the circular economy we need for a healthier planet.”

    Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, GEF Chief Executive Officer, said the project could serve as a model demonstrating how toxic chemicals can be designed out of production and safely managed when products are discarded.

    Project Scope and Impact

    The e-waste management project will build India’s capacity to advance objectives of the National Policy on Electronics and implement E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

    “This project will strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility and Resource Efficiency to meet critical minerals requirement of the Electronics Sector,” said Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    The initiative will strengthen collection and recycling systems, pilot eco-design and valuable material extraction technologies, test replacement-rebate business models, and implement gender-responsive schemes for upgrading the informal sector.

    The project expects to benefit 6,400 people directly while preventing release of 8,000 tonnes of toxic heavy metals, eliminating 25 tonnes of hazardous flame retardants, and cutting 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions.

    India’s electronics market is expanding rapidly, making effective e-waste management critical for sustainable growth and protecting public health and the environment from hazardous recycling practices.