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  • 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

  • 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.

  • Hyundai plants landmark 1 million trees in IONIQ Forest

    Hyundai plants landmark 1 million trees in IONIQ Forest

    Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited, has completed the landmark plantation of 1 million trees under its IONIQ Forest initiative near Talegaon in Pune district.

    The project covers 90.5 acres and incorporates 41 native species using the Miyawaki afforestation method, making it one of India’s most significant single-site, time-bound efforts.

    Work began with site clearance in May 2025, followed by initial planting on World Environment Day in June. The forest was officially inaugurated in September 2025 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

    Each tree is geo-tagged with a QR code for transparency and real-time monitoring.

    “Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s IONIQ Forest project is more than an afforestation effort; it represents a vision to create a greener and more sustainable future,” said Puneet Anand, AVP and Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs at HMIL.

    “By combining environmental restoration with community empowerment, Hyundai is setting a benchmark for sustainable growth in India,” he said in a statement.

    The initiative has created livelihoods for over 150 members of local tribal communities. Over five years, the forest is expected to sequester 63,000 tons of CO2, boost biodiversity and enhance climate resilience.

    It will also serve as an educational hub for schools and communities to promote environmental awareness.

    The effort aligns with HMIF’s Rs 56 crore CSR commitment in Maharashtra, spanning environment, healthcare, road safety and community development.

  • India’s transformative fight against malnutrition via CSR

    India’s transformative fight against malnutrition via CSR

    Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday called for a transformative fight against malnutrition via CSr against malnutrition via CSR, stressing it as a collective national responsibility shared by government, corporates, communities and individuals.

    Addressing the National Conclave on the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Nutrition Security and Malnutrition Mitigation, organised by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Foundation for Nutrition, Goyal said eliminating malnutrition is vital for realising Viksit Bharat by 2047 and ensuring long-term social and economic prosperity.

    He viewed the mandatory 2 per cent CSR spending as a floor, not a ceiling, and framed malnutrition via CSR initiatives as strategic opportunities for businesses to create shared value.

    Goyal praised NDDB programmes like Giftmilk and Shishu Sanjeevani, which deliver fortified milk and supplements to children in schools, anganwadis, aspirational districts and tribal areas via cooperative networks.

    Highlighting inter-ministerial synergy under the Prime Minister’s whole-of-government approach, he noted collaboration among ministries of Commerce, Cooperation, Animal Husbandry, Panchayati Raj, and Women and Child Development.

    NDDB serves as a key facilitator linking industry CSR with grassroots delivery, promoting affordable access to milk and fish as protein-rich foods.

    Goyal emphasised early intervention during pregnancy and childhood to prevent stunting, while advocating saturation coverage to every household.

    He positioned nutrition investments as building India’s future workforce and markets, benefiting corporates through healthier consumers and employees.

    Calling for a people’s movement, Goyal encouraged exceeding CSR obligations and personal contributions to achieve a malnutrition-free India.

  • Zerodha CSR grant boosts SusMafia climate ecosystem

    Zerodha CSR grant boosts SusMafia climate ecosystem

    Brokerage firm Zerodha has awarded a Rs 2 crore CSR grant crore CSR grant to The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a non-profit focused on climate education and early-stage incubation, to boost India’s climate-tech ecosystem.

    The Zerodha CSR grant will enable SusMafia, legally known as The Sustainability Engine Foundation, to expand programs building a skilled climate workforce and supporting startups in sectors like air quality, water sanitation, waste management, carbon reduction, and the circular economy.

    SusMafia addresses gaps in talent readiness, early validation for founders, and connections to capital and pilots.

    Over recent years, the organization has trained over 400 climate professionals via its Climate Ninja program and deployed Rs 1 crore in grants to ventures, fostering a network of more than 80 climate entrepreneurs.

    With the new funding, SusMafia plans to train over 300 additional Climate Ninjas, support more than 20 early-stage startups, and host events like SusCrunch for stakeholder collaboration.

    “Strong climate outcomes emerge when founders, practitioners, and learners have access to the right knowledge and support early in their journey,” said Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha. “SusMafia is building this connective tissue, and we’re pleased to back their work.”

    Ganesh Shankar, Director of SusMafia, added: “This Zerodha CSR grant strengthens our ability to build community, bringing founders, talent, and partners closer to make sustainability the default choice.”

    Zerodha, through its Rain Matter initiative, supports long-term climate and sustainability efforts across India.

    SusMafia collaborates with institutions including the Indian School of Business (ISB), IIT Madras, and Ashoka University, and networks with startups like PadCare, Dexler Energy, and Lucro.

  • Amit Shah to boost malnutrition mitigation with CSR programmes launch

    Amit Shah to boost malnutrition mitigation with CSR programmes launch

    Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to launch two Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at boosting malnutrition mitigation among children in the national capital on Tuesday.

    The programmes — Giftmilk Programme and Shishu Sanjeevani Programme — will be unveiled during the National CSR Conclave titled “Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Nutrition Security and Malnutrition Mitigation”, organised by the NDDB Foundation, an official statement said.

    The Giftmilk Programme, a CSR effort by SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh, will provide flavoured milk fortified with Vitamins A and D to around 4,000 children in government schools in mining areas of Bhilai Steel Plant. The milk will be supplied through the Chhattisgarh Milk Federation, managed by NDDB.

    The Shishu Sanjeevani Programme, supported by IDBI Bank as a CSR initiative, offers nutritional support to approximately 3,000 children at anganwadi centres in rural Nagpur district, Maharashtra. It features an energy-dense, ready-to-eat fortified supplement developed by NDDB and manufactured by the Bhandara Milk Union.

    The conclave aims to discuss collaborative and sustainable strategies to boost malnutrition mitigation in children.

    Several Union Ministers, including Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Annapurna Devi, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Murlidhar Mohol, S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian, will attend the event.

    Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Secretary Naresh Pal Gangwar, Women and Child Development Secretary Anil Malik, NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah and other stakeholders are also expected.

  • Garuda Aerospace reinforcing ESG awareness workshop

    Garuda Aerospace reinforcing ESG awareness workshop

    India’s leading drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace held an ESG awareness workshop, reinforcing its dedication to ethical, accountable and sustainable business practices.

    The session attracted participation from more than 150 employees and stakeholders, highlighting the company’s priority on integrating sustainability into its operations.

    The workshop focused on educating attendees about Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, emphasising responsible practices, data integrity, compliance and skill development.

    Through structured sessions and interactive discussions, participants gained insights into how ESG awareness contributes to long-term value creation, operational transparency and responsible innovation in the aviation and aerospace industry.

    Rithika Agnishwar, Co-founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Garuda Aerospace, stated: “Sustainability starts with awareness and accountability.

    At Garuda Aerospace, we believe that responsible aviation goes beyond technology—it is about people, processes and purpose. This ESG awareness workshop is a step towards building a culture where ethical practices, data integrity and governance are deeply embedded in how we operate and grow.”

    The initiative is part of Garuda Aerospace’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible business conduct and alignment with international sustainability standards.