75 Years of Supreme Court: India To Welcome New CJI Justice Khanna
As the honourable Supreme Court of India completes its 75 years of judicial service, the country is all set to appoint its new chief justice. Justice Sanjiv Khanna was appointed the 51st Chief Justice of India on 24 October 2024. He is to succeed 65-year-old Justice DY Chandrachud in November after an oath ceremony.
“In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the honourable President, after consultation with the honourable Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, judge of the Supreme Court of India, as Chief Justice of India with effect from 11 November 2024”, said the law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on a post over social media website X.
Knowing the New Chief Justice
Justice Khanna began his legal career by enrolling in the Bar Council of Delhi, in 1983 and started his practice in district courts to later work in the High Court of Delhi. His expertise is in various fields of law, including constitutional law, direct taxation, commercial law, company law, arbitration, land law, medical negligence and environmental legalities. He was also a senior standing counsel for the income tax department.
Justice Khanna’s father, Justice Devraj Khanna, is a retired judge from the Delhi High Court. His uncle Justice, Hansraj Khanna is also an esteemed judge, remembered for his dissenting judgement on the ADM Jabalpur case during the emergency time.
In the year 2005, Justice Khanna was elevated as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court. The following year, he was made a permanent judge. In January 2019, Justice Khanna was promoted to the judge of the Supreme Court and was ranked 33 in the combined seniority list of High Court judges on an India basis. Despite many judges surpassing him in this seniority list, the then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi recommended him over all the others on grounds of merit and integrity.
During his career, he has practised in many district-level and state-level courts. Currently, Justice Khanna is the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority and is also a member of the governing council of the National Judicial Academy of Bhopal.
His name is associated with many historic judgements like the 2024 ruling that declared the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional. His argument in the case was that the scheme violated the right to information as ‘donor identities were asymmetrically known to bank officers’. Another important judgement of his career was the 2023 abrogation of article 370 which ended the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Justice Khanna was part of the five-judge bench and argued that Article 370 represented ‘asymmetrical federalism and that its removal would not affect India’s federal structure’. In the same year, his notable judgement to directly grant a divorce under Article 142 based on the ‘irretrievable breakdown of marriage’ was also a landmark judgement in the history of feminist legal empowerment in India.
Justice Khanna’s Tenure
The vast legal career that Justice Khanna has is a marker of his commitment towards transparency and justice, which places him as a very important figure in the judicial operations of India. It is because of this consistency in his arguments in the court, that he was appointed as the new Chief Justice of India. He will hold the office for a six-month tenure and is to retire on May 13, 2024.
His appointment comes after the incumbent Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, formally recommended Justice Sanjiv Khan as the new CJI. Justice Chandrachud wrote to the centre proposing Justice Khanna’s appointment before he demitted the office on November 11, 2024. Justice Chandrachud was appointed as the Chief Justice in 2022 for two years, making it one of the longest terms ever served by any chief justice in the recent past. This falls in line with his father, former Supreme Court judge YV Chandrachud, who has been the longest-serving chief justice for seven long years.
CSR collaboration to support startups in Climate-Smart Agriculture & Plastic Circularity
Bengaluru, India: NSRCEL, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of IIM Bangalore announced the launch of the second cohort of its Circular Economy program, with continued support from the Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) as the lead program partner. This year, the initiative will also welcome Yunus Social Business as an Impact Readiness & Alternative Financing Partner. The initiative will focus on 4 key areas of climate smart agriculture, plastic circularity, alternate materials and green tech with special emphasis on the first 2 sectors.
PRIF, a global non-profit organization, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard India Private Limited (PRIPL) which has worked across different sectors in water, healthcare, education, environment, and livelihoods. PRIF’s programs are strongly aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals and situated around national indicators and targets laid by NITI Aayog SDG index.
The second cohort has received 180+applications, out of which 26 were selected for incubation. The cohort cuts across sectors like Climate Smart Agriculture, Plastic Circularity, Innovations in Waste management and Green Tech and alternate materials. The top 10 ventures will receive grant funding support from PRIF. Additionally, top 2 ventures will also receive debt funding from Yunus Social Business Fund.
The program builds entrepreneur capacity, provides mentorship, industry networking, and exposure to showcase their solutions at national and international level in the larger ecosystem.
At the launch, Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, stated, “Through our partnership, NSRCEL, PRIF and Yunus Social Business remain committed to supporting circular economy startups by fostering innovation and creating ideal conditions for scaling. This cohort’s focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Plastic Circularity tackles urgent challenges, and we look forward to supporting the next wave of entrepreneurs as they build sustainable solutions for the future.”
“At Pernod Ricard India, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving initiatives that not only ignite innovation but also nurture programs essential for building a circular economy. Our strengthened partnership with IIM Bangalore and NSRCEL aligns seamlessly with our sustainability roadmap, centered on the vision of creating ‘Good Times from a Good Place.’ By empowering visionary entrepreneurs who are leading the charge in waste reduction and resource optimization, we are collectively paving the way toward a more resource-efficient future. Together, we are dedicated to creating lasting positive impacts on society and the environment, ensuring that our efforts resonate well into the future.” said Gagandeep Singh Sethi, Senior VP Integrated Operations, Pernod Ricard India and Director Pernod Ricard India Foundation.
“We are proud to partner with NSRCEL and Pernod Ricard India Foundation as the Alternative Financing Partner for the Circular Economy program. At Yunus Social Business Fund, our focus is on providing impact-driven startups with access to innovative financing options. By offering debt funding, we aim to support ventures in climate-smart agriculture, plastic circularity, and green tech, enabling them to scale their solutions and drive sustainable impact.” said Sai Kumar, Principal – Investments, Yunus Social Business Fund
The first cohort of the program achieved a reduction of 0.36 KT in carbon emissions, created livelihoods for over 867 individuals, and successfully raised more than Rs 12 crore in funding.
Here is a list of ventures which will be incubated over the next few months
MyHarvest Farms, Blockceuticals Private Limited, Fuloni, Apratima Biosolutions, VAPAC Bio-plastics, Green Trek Research and Development Private Limited, Kashhith Innovations Private Limited, Greenovate Solutions, Newcycl, Centre for Grower-centric Eco-value Mechanisms, Ecoveda Ventures, gohemp agro ventures pvt ltd, GoFig, SisourcePrivate Limited, VGFS Technologies Private Limited, Urban Trash, Khadyam Speciality Foods Pvt Ltd, Echo Friendly Acoustics, Ukhi, Crop Domain Private Limited, Rechain Technologies Private Limited, Agrozee Organics Pvt Ltd, econscious®, Mavron Tech Pvt. LTD, Unbubble and Azeedo.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.
HelpAge India and Sharmila Tagore’s message of ‘age inclusivity’ on Diwali
New Delhi, India: In keeping with the spirit of upcoming festivities, HelpAge India rolled out its Diwali 2024 campaign, titled #SabkiDiwali (#DiwaliForAllAges), spreading the message of ‘age inclusivity’. Giving voice to the campaign, was HelpAge’s Honorary Brand Ambassador, distinguished artist Sharmila Tagore, who urges us to spare a thought and support elders who are alone, abandoned and in need.
“Diwali signifies joy, surrounded by family and friends, with all ages coming together. It is also a festival of giving. A time for celebrations. Yet, there are so many elders, who are unable to participate in these celebrations, who do not have any family, friends and are struggling to put food on the table and cannot afford even basic medication. HelpAge India’s campaign #SabKiDiwali resonates deeply with me. I know the value of having family with you, of generations being there for each other, supporting you. This Diwali, we should all extend the warmth beyond our own homes and help an elder in need, let’s be their extended family,” says Sharmila Tagore.
In line with the campaign and making this festival ‘age inclusive’, HelpAge will be celebrating the festival with more than 1500 disadvantaged and destitute elders, across the nation in nearly 40 locations, in 17 States/UTs, covering the length & breadth of the country, from Leh to Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to West Bengal. The celebrations will be centered largely in senior care homes, encouraging people across generations to visit these homes, and participate. The aim is to ensure our elders have a fun-filled day, participating in various activities, such as lighting diyas, making rangolis, music & dance and so much more.
“Diwali is a time for togetherness. Social isolation is growing concern amongst our elders. This time, we are encouraging all society to be age inclusive and through the #SabKiDiwali campaign, we aim to involve all ages and reach out disadvantaged & destitute elders at senior care homes and other locations, and hope to bring some joy into their lives.
Our teams will be visiting these homes and celebrating with the elder residents, engaging them in fun cultural activities & games. Diwali is for everyone and we are inviting many to join us in the celebrations, including school children, youth and employee volunteers, as part of our #generationstogether initiative,” says Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.
The Complete CSR Report of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) for FY 2023-24
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is a Public Sector Undertaking engaged in mining of coal and allied activities. A subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), BCCL produces bulk of the coking coal mined in the country. BCCL meets almost 50% of the total prime coking coal requirement of the integrated steel sector.
BCCL was incorporated in January, 1972 to operate the 214 coking coal mines operating in the Jharia & Raniganj Coalfields, taken over by the Govt. of India on 16th October, 1971 to ensure planned development of the scarce coking coal resources in the country. Currently, the Company operates 36 coal mines which include 11 underground, 16 opencast and 9 mixed mines.
Bharat Coking Coal Limited – CSR Policy
BCCL’s CSR Policy broadly covers the following areas while executing its CSR activities, which is framed after incorporating the features of the Company Act, 2013 and Coal India Limited’s CSR Policy:
Eradicating hunger, poverty and malnutrition; promoting health care including preventive health care and sanitation and making available safe drinking water.
Promoting education, including special education and employment enhancing vocation skills, especially among children, women, elderly and the differently abled, and livelihood enhancement projects.
Promoting gender equality, empowering women, setting up homes and hostels for women and orphans; setting up old age homes, day care centres and such other facilities for senior citizens and measures for reducing inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups.
Ensuring environmental sustainability, ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna, animal welfare, agroforestry, conservation of natural resources and maintaining quality of soil, air and water including contribution to Government of India’s ‘Clean Ganga Fund’ for rejuvenation of river Ganga.
Protection of national heritage, art and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art; setting up public libraries, promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts.
Measures for the benefit of armed forces veterans, war widows and their dependents.
Training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports and Olympic sports.
Contribution to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund or Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) or any other fund set up by the Central Government for socio economic development and relief and welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities and women.
Contribution to incubators or research and development projects in the field of science, technology, engineering and medicine, funded by the Central Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertaking or any agency of the Central Government or State Government
Contributions to public funded Universities; Indian Institute of Technology (IITs); National Laboratories and autonomous bodies established under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE); Department of Biotechnology (DBT); Department of Science and Technology (DST); Department of Pharmaceuticals; Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and other bodies, namely Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), engaged in conducting research in science, technology, engineering and medicine aimed at promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Contributing to Rural development projects
Contributing for Slum area development
Contributing for Disaster Management, including relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities
CSR spent by BCCL in FY 2023-24
BCCL has been a responsible corporate striving to benefit the society through its various CSR activities. Since the past years, BCCL has made efforts to benefit the society through its CSR activities related to health, education, rural development, skill development etc.
BCCL has been the major social development driver in its area of operations i.e. Dhanbad district in particular as well as Jharkhand State as a whole. The following graph indicates the CSR budget (as per CSR Policy) versus expenditure of BCCL from FY 2022-23 to FY 2023-24:
Out of the CSR Budget Allocation of Rs 10.09 Cr., an amount of Rs 7.77 Cr. has been spent from CSR budget of FY 2023-24 and an amount of Rs 2.31 Cr has been deposited in the ‘Unspent CSR Account’ for ongoing projects of FY 2023-24.
CSR activities of BCCL
Some of the major CSR activities undertaken in FY 2023-24 are as follows:
1. Skill Development
Training of Youths at CIPET
BCCL has undertaken a project in which training is provided to youths in various plastic engineering courses through Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Ranchi. A total of 80 youths are undergoing the training at CIPET, Ranchi. The estimated expenditure for this project is Rs 56.00 Lakh.
Healthcare training
Training in healthcare and paramedics under National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) approved course is being provided to 120 female candidates; 80% of whom are SC/ST/OBCs. The project costs roughly Rs 29.64 Lakh.
Financial training
BFSI- Credit Processing Officer – Residential Training in Banking, Financial, Service and Insurance sector is being provided to 150 candidates, majorly from underprivileged background at an expenditure of Rs 41.75 Lakh.
Technician training
Skill Development Training on various trades through Indo Danish Tool Room – Training on the trades CNC Milling, Room Air Conditioner and Home Appliances Technician, Hand Held Products Technician etc. is being provided to 30 candidates at IDTR Varanasi including boarding and fooding facilities at an expenditure of Rs 24.49 Lakh.
Multi Skill Development Institute
A multi skill development Institute (MSDI) through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is being set up at Belgaria Rehabilitation Township to facilitate skill development training to 60 women of the region on ‘Fashionpreneurs (Apparel + EDP)’ at an expenditure of Rs 86.54 Lakh.
2. Supporting Schools: Health & Education
Mini Science Labs
Mini Science Labs are being installed in 05 Govt. schools of Dhanbad in collaboration with Child Rights and You (CRY) Foundation. Estimated expenditure for this project is Rs 22.96 Lakh.
Infrastructure development work
A library is being constructed at Shahid Shakti Nath Mahato Smarak Uchh Vidyalaya in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad at an expenditure of Rs 24.36 Lakh.
A Hostel is being constructed at Premiya Rishikesh Vishwavidyalaya, Amlabad, Chandankeyari at an expenditure of Rs 27.38 Lakh.
Separate toilets for male and female students are being constructed at Bhuneshwar Yadav Sukhdeo Narayan Inter College Dhanbad at an expenditure of Rs 8.13 Lakh.
A common room is being constructed at Chetna Maha Vidyalaya, Sehraj Govindpur (A tribal school) at an expenditure of Rs 11.79 Lakh.
Sanitary Pads procured through Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra at an expenditure of Rs 3.6 Lakh has been distributed to female students of Govt. schools of Dhanbad with an aim to promote menstrual health and hygiene.
3. Supporting the underprivileged
Multi-Purpose Hall
A multipurpose hall is being constructed at Pragha Village, Belgaria to facilitate social gatherings, celebrations of the locals at an expenditure of Rs 45.34 Lakh.
Drinking Water Facility
Water Supply facility has been fixed at Ghutway Village under Damoda Colliery, Barora Area at an expenditure of Rs 13.71 Lakh.
BCCL’s Commitment to Sustainability
Cleanliness
BCCL has undertaken extensive cleanliness efforts, identifying 110 sites for the campaign. As of now, 66 sites have been successfully cleaned, covering an area of 35,363 sq. ft. The remaining 44 sites are on track for completion, with further initiatives to enhance workspace hygiene and safety.
Scrap Disposal Efforts
BCCL aims to dispose of 230 metric tonnes of scrap materials. So far, 164 metric tonnes have been successfully disposed of, generating revenue of Rs 62.14 lakh against the expected Rs 88.02 lakh. The scrap disposal efforts have freed up critical space for operational efficiency and sustainability.
Waste to Art Initiative
As part of its Special Campaign 4, BCCL has launched an innovative ‘Waste to Art’ initiative, transforming discarded materials into creative installations. This project, showcased at the company’s PB Project Office at Jharkhand’s Loyabad, highlights BCCL’s commitment to environmental sustainability by promoting the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.”
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Initiative
As a tribute to motherhood and nature, BCCL has launched the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, under its ongoing Special Campaign 4.0. This plantation drive encourages employees and local communities to plant saplings in honour of their mothers, symbolising the nurturing care that both mothers and nature provide. The initiative has already seen the planting of over 28,000 saplings across BCCL’s operational areas, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.