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  • HCLFoundation seeks NGO applications for Rs 24 Crore HCLTech Grant Edition XII

    HCLFoundation seeks NGO applications for Rs 24 Crore HCLTech Grant Edition XII

    HCLFoundation has invited applications from non-profit organisations across India for Edition XII of the HCLTech Grant, Rs 24 crore initiative targeting transformative rural development across four themes — water, biodiversity, health and education.

    The corporate social responsibility arm of global technology company HCLTech is accepting submissions at www.hclfoundation.org/hcltech-grant until June 30, 2026, the Foundation said in a statement on Thursday.

    Four winning organisations, one from each theme, will receive Rs 5 crore each. Eight additional NGOs will receive Rs 50 lakh each for proposed projects across the same categories.

    “Some of the most transformative solutions emerge from grassroots organisations deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Dr Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCLFoundation.

    “Through this edition of HCLTech Grant, we aim to provide a platform for NGOs to unleash their potential, scale innovative ideas and create sustainable change.”

    The HCLTech Grant has to date reached 2.3 million lives across 61,000 villages in India. Funded initiatives have resulted in the planting of more than three lakh saplings, rejuvenation of over 68,300 hectares of land and a reduction of more than 67,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Total commitments under the programme now exceed ₹203 crore.

    Winners of Edition XI included Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti from Rajasthan, Live Foundation from Jharkhand, Goodwill Foundation from Mizoram and Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti from Rajasthan, each receiving Rs 5 crore for projects spanning water harvesting, biodiversity conservation, healthcare access and gender equality through education.

    HCLFoundation also announced the HCLTech Grant Edition XII Pan India Symposiums 2026, scheduled in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Nagpur and New Delhi, to bring together NGOs, government bodies, corporates and policymakers on the role of CSR in nation building.

    HCLFoundation has positively impacted over 8.4 million lives through long-term programmes in education, health, sanitation, skill development, environment and disaster risk reduction.

  • West Bengal CM launches 1.1cr tree plantation drive

    West Bengal CM launches 1.1cr tree plantation drive

    West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday pledges a massive West Bengal tree plantation campaign named ‘Ekti Gaach Mayer Naame’, targeting 1.10 crore trees by March 2027, while raising alarm over rapid concretisation of Kolkata and shrinking green cover.

    Speaking at a state-level World Environment Day event at Nalban in Bidhannagar, Adhikari said unchecked urban expansion under the previous regime had turned Greater Kolkata into a “concrete jungle”, ignoring mandatory green space norms in construction projects.

    “Greater Kolkata region is gradually turning into a concrete jungle… We have created vast stretches of concrete and will have to pay the price for this injustice in the future,” he said.

    Adhikari announced that the new government would strictly enforce rules requiring at least one-third of construction project areas to be maintained as green spaces. He also expressed concern over declining forest land in North Bengal and its impact on ecological balance.

    The West Bengal tree plantation initiative, coordinated by the forest department, will involve large-scale sapling plantation across the state over the next 10 months. The drive was symbolically launched with Adhikari planting an indigenous sapling along the Nalban waterbody, followed by the release of fish fingerlings to restore aquatic ecosystems.

    The Chief Minister said educational institutions, clubs and social organisations forming eco-clubs would receive financial assistance from the state government. He urged citizens, especially the youth, to make environmental protection a way of life beyond just observing Environment Day.

    Senior officials, including the chief secretary and department heads, along with 50 student ‘environment ambassadors’ under Mission LiFE, participated in the event.

  • Andhra CM Naidu leads bicycle ride in Vizag on World Environment Day

    Andhra CM Naidu leads bicycle ride in Vizag on World Environment Day

    Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu led an Andhra CM bicycle ride in Visakhapatnam on Friday to commemorate World Environment Day and promote sustainable living.

    Donning a light green cap, Naidu pedalled from Andhra University to a nearby hotel where he was scheduled to attend a workshop on seafood exports. Public representatives, officials and local residents joined the Chief Minister on bicycles.

    “Today is Environment Day and to increase awareness among people I will travel on a bicycle. Cycling should become a lifestyle,” Naidu told reporters before starting the Andhra CM bicycle ride.

    The Chief Minister directed officials to transform Andhra University into a net-zero campus and commits to developing solar energy and planting trees across its 450-acre land bank. He highlighted the environmental imbalance evident from rising temperatures and frequent cyclones.

    Naidu also pledged a dedicated cycling track in Visakhapatnam, increasing the port city’s green cover to 50 per cent, and measures to reduce pollution from the port and other institutions.

    Source: PTI

  • Rajasthan CM launches greening campaigns on World Environment Day

    Rajasthan CM launches greening campaigns on World Environment Day

    Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday launched two major greening initiatives — ‘Hariyalo Rajasthan’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ — by planting a banyan sapling at the World Forestry Arboretum in Jhalana on World Environment Day.

    Extending greetings on the occasion, Sharma urged citizens across the state to actively participate in plantation drives during the upcoming monsoon season and contribute to environmental conservation.

    The chief minister said the state government is committed to a clean environment and sustainable green development. He emphasised that collective efforts are key to nature conservation, water preservation, afforestation and maintaining ecological balance.

    “We must work together to make Rajasthan environmentally strong and secure a better future for coming generations,” Sharma said.

    He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as ‘Vande Ganga’ for water conservation and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ for widespread tree plantation. The state budget for 2026-27 has set a target to plant and conserve 10 crore saplings to transform Rajasthan into a green state.

    Sharma stressed the importance of public participation in environmental protection, water conservation and increasing green cover.

    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma, MP Manju Sharma and senior officials were present on the occasion.

  • Kharge accuses Modi govt of dismantling forests on World Environment Day

    Kharge accuses Modi govt of dismantling forests on World Environment Day

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday used World Environment Day to launch a sharp attack on the Modi government, alleging it is dismantling forests and weakening India’s environmental governance framework.

    In a post on X, Kharge claimed natural forests are being steadily eroded while the government uses “manipulated definitions and selective accounting” to project an illusion of progress.

    He alleged that nearly 1,91,922 hectares of forest have been cleared in the last 11 years and over 1.6 crore trees destroyed since 2014.

    Kharge highlighted specific projects: the Great Nicobar project threatening nearly 10 lakh trees, mining in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand felling lakhs more, and highway expansions in multiple states destroying additional forest cover.

    He criticised the India State of Forest Report for including plantations, orchards and commercial tree cover in “forest cover” figures, arguing this masks the loss of dense, biodiverse natural forests.

    “This government has weakened and dismantled India’s environmental governance framework built over decades,” Kharge said.

    He credited earlier Congress-led governments with creating key laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Forest Rights Act and the National Green Tribunal, which he said the current government has diluted through faster clearances and regulatory relaxations.

    Kharge called for environmental policy based on rule of law, community participation and recognition that ecological protection and development are interconnected.

  • McDonald’s for youth empowerment program creates 1500 jobs in Delhi NCR

    McDonald’s for youth empowerment program creates 1500 jobs in Delhi NCR

    McDonald’s India – North and East has achieved a major milestone in McDonald’s for Youth Empowerment program, creating meaningful employment opportunities for over 1500 young individuals across Delhi NCR.

    Implemented in partnership with local NGOs and community organisations, the flagship McDonald’s for Youth Empowerment initiative has provided first-job opportunities to youth from less privileged backgrounds in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad.

    The program delivers structured training through McDonald’s global curriculum, covering customer service, communication, restaurant operations, food safety, teamwork, and professional development – equipping participants with transferable skills for long-term career growth.

    Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “Through McDonald’s for Youth Empowerment, we have supported over 2,500 young individuals in taking their first steps into the workforce. This powerful initiative transforms lives and builds stronger communities.”

    Rajesh Soundararajan, Director, Katha, added, “Our partnership with McDonald’s has successfully connected youth with meaningful employment, fostering confidence and financial independence.”

    The McDonald’s for Youth Empowerment program has expanded across multiple states including Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. McDonald’s now plans to scale the initiative further and invites interested NGOs to collaborate by reaching out at hiring.ngo@del.in.mcd.com.

  • NEEV Summer relief deploys 60 vans for heat relief

    NEEV Summer relief deploys 60 vans for heat relief

    NEEV Foundation has launched a powerful NEEV Summer Relief campaign, deploying 60 relief vans across six states to combat extreme heat conditions affecting millions of outdoor workers.

    The initiative provides clean, cold drinking water at high-footfall public areas and directly to frontline workers including traffic police personnel, delivery executives, construction workers, street vendors and autorickshaw drivers. Alongside water, the vans distribute ORS pouches and protective caps to help replenish minerals and counter heat exposure.

    Recognising the impact on all living beings, NEEV Foundation has also installed water tanks for stray animals and placed bird feeders and water trays across multiple locations.

    “The thirsty always come to the well. This summer, we decided to take the well to the thirsty,” the Foundation stated.

    Mr. Vivek Patni, Director – Wonder Cement and Founder of NEEV Foundation, said, “India’s summers are becoming increasingly harsh for people who spend most of their day outdoors. Through this NEEV Summer Relief campaign, we wanted to create immediate, accessible relief for those who keep our cities functioning despite extreme weather conditions.”

    He added, “Sometimes the most meaningful interventions are the simplest. We hope this campaign encourages citizens to participate in small acts of care and collective compassion.”

    The NEEV Summer Relief drive, titled “Iss Garmi, Farq Nazar Aayega,” is being implemented across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra.

    The seasonal campaign forms part of NEEV Foundation’s broader development mandate, which includes women skill development under Hunar, community infrastructure through Sanrachna, education under Udaan, healthcare via Arogyam, and sustainability under Eco Green.

  • Fixderma sun protection drive aids Hyderabad traffic police

    Fixderma sun protection drive aids Hyderabad traffic police

    Fixderma, a leading dermatologist-prescribed skincare brand, launched a sun protection drive to support Hyderabad Traffic Police personnel who endure prolonged sun exposure while on duty.

    The company distributed reusable water flasks and its bestselling Shadow Sunscreen range to traffic officers across the city. The initiative aims to combat dehydration and sun-related skin damage amid rising summer temperatures and intense UV exposure.

    Traffic police personnel, who manage public safety for extended hours in harsh outdoor conditions, are among the most vulnerable to heat-related issues. Fixderma’s drive underscores the vital importance of daily hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection for frontline workers.

    “Traffic police personnel work tirelessly every day to keep the city moving smoothly, despite challenging weather conditions,” said Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder of Fixderma & FCL.

    “Through this Fixderma sun protection initiative, we express our gratitude and contribute to their well-being. Sun protection should be an essential part of everyday health and preventive care.”

    Fixderma’s Shadow sunscreen range is widely recommended by dermatologists for its lightweight, broad-spectrum protection tailored to Indian skin and climate. The brand, founded in 2010, is trusted by over 15,000 dermatologists and exports to more than 40 countries.

  • IFAD launches transformative India rural development roadmap worth USD 4.2 billion

    IFAD launches transformative India rural development roadmap worth USD 4.2 billion

    The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of India have launched a transformative eight-year rural development strategy, committing to scale investment, strengthen climate resilience and accelerate inclusive agricultural growth across the country’s vast rural economies.

    The new Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2026–2033 was unveiled at the IFAD–India Partnership for Rural Prosperity event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on April 12, bringing together senior government representatives, IFAD leadership, development partners and private sector actors.

    The strategy sets two core objectives: enhancing the social, economic and climatic resilience of rural communities; and strengthening knowledge systems to scale proven models domestically and share them across the Global South.

    The announcement marks a pivotal expansion of one of IFAD’s largest country partnerships. Across 35 projects, USD 1.36 billion in IFAD financing has mobilised more than twice as much from partners, for a total investment of USD 4.2 billion.

    A senior IFAD delegation led by Associate Vice-President Donal Brown held talks with officials from India’s Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development. Discussions covered smallholder support, digital agriculture, climate-resilient crops such as millets, and expanding farmer producer organisations.

    Brown said the partnership goes beyond individual projects and focuses on building systems that connect institutions, finance, infrastructure and markets for long-term rural development, IFAD said in a statement.

    The strategy places significant emphasis on strengthening grassroots institutions including self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and cooperatives, expected to play a key role in linking finance, technology, infrastructure and markets.

    On the financing front, IFAD signed a strategic partnership with NABARD on the sidelines of the event to expand rural finance and innovation. NABARD Chairman Shaji K V said the two institutions share a conviction that rural financial systems work best when built from the community up. International Fund for Agricultural Development

    The new strategy also positions India as a knowledge leader in rural development, with plans to share successful models in digital agriculture, inclusive rural finance and climate-resilient value chains with partner countries across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

    The IFAD delegation also undertook field visits to Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district to review community-led initiatives under the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project, and held talks with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on future agricultural cooperation.

    India and IFAD have partnered for nearly 48 years, financing 35 rural development projects worth approximately USD 4.2 billion, with six ongoing projects focused on market linkages, climate-resilient agriculture and training programmes.

    “India is not only transforming its own rural economy — it is generating solutions that are relevant globally,” said Reehana Raza, IFAD Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

  • Gates, Wadhwani sign MoU for India Innovation Network

    Gates, Wadhwani sign MoU for India Innovation Network

    Wadhwani Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate India’s push from laboratory research to commercial deployment, backing a national-scale programme called the National Innovation Network (NIN).

    The partnership targets translational research in health, nutrition, biotechnology, genomics and medical technology — sectors the Indian government has identified as national development priorities.

    Under the agreement, the Gates Foundation will fund five NIN Centres of Excellence over five years, with two centres receiving support in the current year. The centres will help researchers move innovations past the laboratory stage toward real-world applications, covering prototyping, validation, pilot deployments, intellectual property management and venture creation.

    The India Innovation Network builds on the Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 29, 2025. Since its debut, WIN has backed more than 50 high-potential projects spanning healthtech, medtech, biotechnology and quantum technologies, establishing research hubs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, the Indian Institute of Science and C-CAMP.

    Two flagship “Super Hubs” are under development: the Wadhwani School of AI & Intelligent Systems at IIT Kanpur and the Wadhwani Health & Bio Hub at IIT Bombay.

    “WIN has demonstrated that India’s innovation potential can be unlocked when researchers, institutions, industry and capital come together with a shared mission,” said Ajay Kela, Chief Executive and Board Member of Wadhwani Foundation. “Through NIN, we now have the opportunity to democratize innovation across India and help position the country as a global leader.”

    Archna Vyas, Director of the Gates Foundation’s India Country Office, said the most consequential health and nutrition breakthroughs of the next decade would likely originate in Indian institutions. “Our collaboration with Wadhwani Foundation will help support the opportunity for these innovations by investing in translational pathways,” she said.

    NIN aims to establish more than 250 Centres of Excellence across India within three to five years, drawing participation from government agencies, corporate partners, philanthropies and academic institutions under a shared governance framework managed by the Wadhwani Foundation.

    The network’s longer-term targets include translating thousands of innovations annually from research settings to market-ready products, with projected impact across millions of jobs and livelihoods.