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  • Uttar Pradesh to plant 35 crore saplings on July 12

    Uttar Pradesh to plant 35 crore saplings on July 12

    Uttar Pradesh will launch a massive plantation drive on July 12, aiming to plant 35 crore saplings in a single day as part of the state’s Vriksharopan Mahabhiyan 2026 campaign, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday.

    Reviewing preparations via video conference, the CM said the Uttar Pradesh plantation drive was intended to function as a public movement rather than a routine government exercise, with success measured by sapling survival rather than volume planted alone, an official statement said.

    The state has set a target of raising green cover to 15% by 2030 and 20% by 2047, the statement said. To meet that goal, authorities plan to plant 35 crore saplings annually over the next five years, a pace they say could help absorb nearly 72 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

    The CM directed departments to complete verification of plantation sites, ensure sapling availability, carry out geo-tagging and arrange irrigation ahead of the drive. He called for participation from citizens, students, farmers, elected representatives and voluntary organisations.

    Officials from the departments of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Rural Development, Agriculture, Horticulture, Panchayati Raj, Revenue and Urban Development presented their action plans during the review.

    The CM also directed that beneficiaries of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme be linked to the campaign, and said a mix of fruit-bearing, shade-giving, medicinal and timber species should be planted.

    State data show Uttar Pradesh added about 3.38 lakh acres of forest and tree cover between 2017 and 2023, with total cover rising to 9.96% from 9.18% over that period. The state has planted 242 crore saplings since 2017, compared with 51.48 crore between 2009 and 2016, according to the review.

    The campaign also includes several themed initiatives — Mission Chhaya, Samaras Van, Samriddhi Van, City Van, Kapi Van, Maharshi Charak Aushadhi Van, Urja Van, Pauranik Van and Aviral Dhara Van — designed to support biodiversity, reduce heat stress and promote agroforestry across the state.

  • HCLFoundation expands My Clean City for sustainable waste management

    HCLFoundation expands My Clean City for sustainable waste management

    HCLFoundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Urban Development Department of Uttar Pradesh to advance sustainable waste management practices in Hardoi, Prayagraj, and Agra under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

    The partnership will focus on strategic planning, pilot projects, policy reforms, and IT-enabled solutions to strengthen urban sanitation across the three cities.

    As part of the My Clean City initiative, HCLFoundation flagged off 10 E-drain carts and 10 E-garbage loaders donated to Hardoi Nagar Palika Parishad and unveiled three reverse vending machines.

    The Foundation is also undertaking city beautification through wall art and developing model markets and wards in Hardoi.

    “My Clean City is a citizen-led program aimed at reclaiming urban spaces with technology inclusion and innovative solutions. This partnership will strengthen efforts in Agra, Hardoi, and Prayagraj—our three new expansion cities in FY26,” said Alok Varma, Project Director, Samuday and My Clean City, HCLFoundation.

    Anuj Kumar Jha, Secretary, Urban Development Department and State Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Government of Uttar Pradesh, welcomed the collaboration, saying it will accelerate urban sanitation, strengthen waste management practices, and create replicable models for city transformation.

    Launched in 2018, My Clean City has sensitized nearly 750,000 citizens, trained over 100,000 stakeholders, managed 22,000 plus tons of waste, and engaged more than 3,500 school students through its Waste Champions Club in Noida and Greater Noida.

  • 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.

  • Ambuja Foundation empowers children with autism via sensory integration room

    Ambuja Foundation empowers children with autism via sensory integration room

    Under its inclusive development program, Ambuja Manovikas Kendra in Ropar, Punjab has empowered 15 children with autism by establishing a new Sensory Integration Room.

    The facility, set up following a 2024 fund-raising campaign, provides a controlled environment to improve sensory processing, regulation, and communication skills for children with autism, while also supporting those with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities.

    The Sensory Integration Room features advanced equipment including bubble tubes, optical fibers, lighting effects, auditory stimuli, a wall climber, ball pool, textured panels, and outdoor sensory pathways.

    These tools stimulate multiple senses and help enhance motor skills, body awareness, and adaptive responses to everyday stimuli. Additional sensory tools such as fidget items, picture cards, and structured workbooks further support engagement and learning outcomes, the Foundation said in a statement.

    This initiative strengthens Ambuja Foundation’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural development. Ambuja Manovikas Kendra, spread across a 2.5-acre campus, has been providing special education, therapy, and rehabilitation services to children with special needs for over 25 years.

    “Ambuja Foundation is committed to the development of all segments of society. Through Ambuja Manovikas Kendra, we have been empowering differently abled children for the past 25 years,” said Chandrakant Kumbhani, CEO, Ambuja Foundation.

    “We set up the Sensory Integration Room to empower children with autism by providing a structured environment where they receive regulated sensory input and improve their performance.”

  • TCSRD boosts Shala Praveshotsav 2026 in Gujarat with school kits and volunteering

    TCSRD boosts Shala Praveshotsav 2026 in Gujarat with school kits and volunteering

    Reinforcing its commitment to education and community development, Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) is supporting Shala Praveshotsav 2026 across Okhamandal from June 23 to 25.

    The annual enrolment drive, organised by the Government of Gujarat and District Administration, welcomes children into Class 1, Balvatika, and Anganwadi centres.

    TCSRD will distribute school bags and educational kits to newly enrolled students in government schools across the Okhamandal block. The initiative is expected to benefit 2,534 students.

    Employees from over 20 Tata Chemicals departments will volunteer, contributing more than 350 hours to engage with students and parents and build excitement for learning.

    The programme brings together state government representatives, district officials, village leaders, parents and corporate volunteers in a collaborative effort to promote education, especially for girls, and ensure every child gets access to quality early education.

    “The first day of school is a special milestone in every child’s life. Through our support to Shala Praveshotsav, we aim to warmly welcome young learners with encouragement and enthusiasm,” Rino Raj, Vice President and Site Head, Mithapur, said in a statement.

    “Together with schools, parents and the community, we remain committed to strengthening access to quality education and building a strong foundation for every child’s future success.”

  • Gujarat emissions model goes global as Rio launches first South America market

    Gujarat emissions model goes global as Rio launches first South America market

    The state of Gujarat, an Earthshot Prize 2025 finalist, is taking its pioneering emissions trading model global through a new partnership with the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    The Emissions Market Accelerator (EMA) will help Rio explore South America’s first particulate matter emissions market, adapting proven lessons from India to cut pollution while supporting economic growth.

    The announcement was made at The Earthshot Prize Impact Assembly, co-hosted with Bloomberg Philanthropies during London Climate Action Week.

    “The Rio de Janeiro City Hall is taking a bold step forward in spearheading this innovative approach to reducing pollution,” said EMA Co-Chair Michael Greenstone, Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics at the University of Chicago.

    “We are thrilled to work with government leaders to ensure this market successfully reduces pollution while fostering continued economic growth.”

    Once launched, Rio’s emissions market would be the first of its kind in South America.

    Gujarat’s groundbreaking work on market-based pollution control spurred the launch of the Emissions Market Accelerator. The state has since launched a second market and is developing two more for sulfur dioxide and wastewater pollution. The EMA is also working with other Indian states and expanding globally.

    “This partnership with Rio marks an exciting step toward globalizing the success of market-based pollution control,” said Kaushik Deb, Executive Director of the EMA. “In Gujarat, we demonstrated that emissions trading can dramatically reduce pollution without compromising industrial productivity. Now we can take those lessons global.”

    Eduardo Cavaliere, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, said: “Rio de Janeiro is proud to partner with the Emissions Market Accelerator (EMA) to bring market-based solutions to air pollution in South America for the first time. Gujarat’s emissions trading scheme, recognized by the Earthshot Prize, proves cities can harness innovative tools to protect people and the future.”

  • HCLFoundation, Pearson launch ‘Discovery Science Center’ in Bengaluru to empower students in STEM

    HCLFoundation, Pearson launch ‘Discovery Science Center’ in Bengaluru to empower students in STEM

    HCLFoundation, the CSR arm of global technology company HCLTech, and Pearson on Wednesday launched the Discovery Science Center in Bengaluru, a state-of-the-art STEM lab designed to empower underprivileged students through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning.

    The Discovery Science Center will equip underserved students with critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills via immersive, application-based experiences. Supported by year-round STEM clubs, competitions, and workshops, the initiative aims to reach more than 1,500 students annually, fostering curiosity and early innovation capabilities.

    This launch strengthens the strategic partnership between HCLTech and Pearson to advance skills development using AI-powered technology. It builds on the success of a similar center in Noida that has already delivered impactful hands-on STEM learning to underserved communities, the Foundation said in a statement.

    “Every student should have the opportunity to explore science and technology through hands-on learning. This Discovery Science Center gives students in underserved communities a place to explore, build skills and unlock their potential,” said Vishaal Gupta, India Chair and President, Enterprise Learning & Skills at Pearson.

    “This partnership demonstrates what is possible when technology expertise, the science of learning and grassroots execution come together. By strengthening digital learning ecosystems and embedding inclusion at the core, we are building pathways for the most underserved learners to access quality education,” said Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President and Global Head, CSR at HCLTech.

    Earlier this year, HCLFoundation and Pearson supported 400 students in underserved areas by establishing smart classrooms with smart boards and laptops, along with tailored assistive devices for children with special needs, including visual impairments.

  • Maruti Suzuki signs Gujarat MoU for five ITI labs

    Maruti Suzuki signs Gujarat MoU for five ITI labs

    Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Directorate of Employment and Training (DET), Government of Gujarat, to establish Advanced Manufacturing Labs (AMLs) at Industrial Training Institutes in Palanpur, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Godhra, and Dahod, the company announced.

    The initiative, developed under Maruti Suzuki’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, is aligned with the Government of India’s Skill India mission and aims to build a future-ready automotive workforce across the state.

    The Advanced Manufacturing Labs replicate real-world shop-floor conditions and provide hands-on training in assembly, welding, painting, machining, mechatronics, and industrial safety — areas directly relevant to modern automotive manufacturing.

    EXPANDING MANUFACTURING FOOTPRINT

    The Skill India push in Gujarat coincides with a significant expansion of Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing operations in the state. The company is set to commission a fourth production line at its Hansalpur facility this year, raising total annual capacity there from 750,000 units to 1 million units.

    In addition, Maruti Suzuki is constructing a new plant at Sanand with a capacity of 1 million units annually. Once operational, the company’s combined annual production capacity in Gujarat will reach 2 million units.

    EXECUTIVES SPEAK

    Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said the company’s Skill India alignment was central to creating livelihood opportunities for young people.

    “Through Advanced Manufacturing Labs, we are equipping students with experiential learning and confidence in modern equipment, nurturing professionals who can seamlessly integrate into the evolving automotive ecosystem,” Bharti said.

    He added that each manufacturing expansion brought with it a demand for skilled, job-ready talent, and that the AMLs were designed to meet that need directly.

    Ms. Stuti Charan, IAS, Director, DET, Government of Gujarat, said the initiative bridges a longstanding gap between classroom instruction and industry expectations.

    “This initiative will empower our youth and strengthen Gujarat’s position as a hub for the automotive sector, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat and the Chief Minister’s guidance toward Viksit Gujarat 2047,” Charan said.

    NATIONAL SCALE

    Maruti Suzuki currently supports 31 ITIs across India in manufacturing-related trades. The company has established 18 AMLs nationwide to date. With the five new Gujarat labs, the total will rise to 23 AMLs operating across seven states and union territories — Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Chandigarh.

    The company also operates four Japan-India Institutes for Manufacturing in Gujarat, at Mehsana and Gandhinagar, and in Haryana, at Manesar and Sonipat. The institutes were established as a bilateral initiative between the Governments of India and Japan to develop a skilled manufacturing workforce.