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April 30, 2025
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CSR: Delhi Half Marathon 2024 raises 10 Million Meals for Children and Animals Through #RunForZeroHunger

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The CSR Journal
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CSR: Delhi Half Marathon 2024 raises 10 Million Meals for Children and Animals Through #RunForZeroHunger
The third edition of the celebrated Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon concluded today with record participation from over 36,000 runners to support the cause of #RunForZeroHunger.  Vedanta through its social impact arm, The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), pledged to provide one meal for every kilometer run, resulting in raising 10 million meals, this year. The meals raised have doubled compared to the meals raised last year through Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.
In the previous two editions, the contribution of the runners led to the provision of 7 million meals to the children of Nand Ghar, AAF’s flagship Women & Child Development project, which constitutes a network of modern, state-of-the-art Anganwadis. Anil Agarwal Foundation has distributed almost 7.2 million multi-millet bars, so far, at Anganwadis including Nand Ghars, resulting in a significant reduction of 15% in Severely Acute Malnourished cases and 12% in Moderately Acute Malnourished cases, within a concentrated group of Nand Ghars.
In this edition, AAF extended its commitment beyond nourishing children to include animals, recognizing the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment under the ‘One Health’ approach. This ‘Meals for All’ initiative will benefit animals through AAF’s animal welfare project, The Animal Care Organization (TACO), in addition to children across nearly 6,500 Nand Ghars, operating in 14 states across India.
The races were flagged off by Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., in the presence of Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Smt Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Captain of the Indian National Football Team, along with other dignitaries. Hebbar, who also participated in the 10K run, remarked, “Today, we witnessed an extraordinary display of determination and unity as people across the globe came together, not just for fitness, but for a cause that resonates with us all. I am glad to have run and am humbled to contribute to the larger dream of combating malnourishment. With every kilometer run, all marathoners added to the number of meals that will be provided for nourishing children and for feeding animals. I am confident that we have created history by raising 10 million meals, this year. Together we have run for zero hunger.”
Valarie Allman, the current Paris Olympics 2024 Discus Throw Gold Medallist from the United States of America & the International Event Ambassador of VDHM 2024, inspired the runners at the marathon. Many celebrities and influencers including Milind Soman, RJ Naved, Gul Panag, and various Delhi-based cyclist, fitness and runners’ clubs lent their support to the cause of #RunForZeroHunger.
Leading up to VDHM race day, another 36,000 members from the Vedanta community, including leadership, CXOs, employees and business partners participated in activities, to raise meals pledged by Vedanta. While some ran in Delhi, others participated in mini marathons and walkathons held across Vedanta’s 19 business locations, as well as via the StepSetGo app.
A Finisher’s medal was awarded to the runners. The medal is crafted from the purest and highest-grade zinc sourced from Zawar Mines in Udaipur — the world’s largest and oldest mines in the heritage state of Rajasthan. The Zinc is produced by Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s leading zinc producer and a Vedanta Group company.
Vedanta is committed to nurturing grassroot sports and use platforms such as marathons to mobilise communities for fitness and social change. VDHM 2024 is the 19th edition Delhi Half Marathon and third year of Vedanta’s association with it. It looks forward to continuing its #RunForZeroHunger movement in the upcoming marathons across India and be back in Delhi next year!
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Enhances Firefighting Capabilities with MAGIRUS 64 Meter Turntable Ladder

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The CSR Journal
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Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Enhances Firefighting Capabilities with MAGIRUS 64 Meter Turntable Ladder
Virar, India: The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has taken a significant step to strengthen its firefighting infrastructure with the addition of the MAGIRUS 64 Meter Turntable Ladder (TTL-M64L). This state-of-the-art equipment will greatly enhance the corporation’s ability to tackle fire emergencies in tall buildings, improve victim rescue efforts, and support effective fire mitigation strategies.
The TTL-M64L is designed to reach buildings up to 21 stories or higher, overcoming one of the biggest challenges firefighters face-access to tall structures. Key features include an advanced jacking system and computerised stabilisation technology, which ensure minimal vibrations even with fast movements and wind velocity, making it a crucial asset in emergency situations.
As Vasai Virar continues to develop, with an increasing number of high-rise buildings, the MAGIRUS TTL-M64L will play a crucial role in high-rise firefighting and rescue operations. Additionally, the narrow roads and congested areas of VVMC present unique challenges, but the compact design and versatility of the TTL-M64LL allow it to operate efficiently in such environments. This will enable better response times during fire emergencies, significantly improving the city’s firefighting and rescue capabilities.
Commenting on the occasion, Anil Kumar Pawar, Municipal Commissioner of the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation, said, “The safety of our residents is our top priority, and this new addition to our fleet ensures that we are better prepared for emergencies. With the MAGIRUS TTL-M64L, we can now respond more effectively to fire incidents in high-rise buildings and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
MAGIRUS, the German company behind this cutting-edge vehicle, has been a global leader in firefighting solutions since its founding in 1864. The brand is synonymous with innovation, providing some of the most advanced and comprehensive firefighting equipment in the world. The addition of the MAGIRUS TTL-M64L to VVMC’s fleet marks a milestone in upgrading the city’s emergency response capabilities.
The vehicle was delivered to the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation on 16 October 2024 by Unicare Emergency Equipment, MAGIRUS’s partner in India.
Clint Pereira, Managing Director of Unicare Emergency Equipment, added, “We are very happy to see the MAGIRUS TTL-M64L join the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation’s fleet. In an emergency situation, when people need to be rescued, the reliable functioning of infrastructure and equipment is paramount. The MAGIRUS name is synonymous with quality and innovation, when it comes to emergency equipment, there can be no compromise.”
In addition to the new ladder, Unicare Emergency Equipment also conducted its first demo of two advanced robotic firefighting products at the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation. The MAGIRUS TAF-35, a turbine-aided robotic technology, with an ability to create water mist with a reach of 60 to 70 metres. The second product, MAGIRUS WOLF R1, is a robotic firefighting unit designed for hazardous situations where human intervention is too dangerous.

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

Digital classrooms set up in Karnataka’s Davangere with CSR support

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The CSR Journal
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Digital classrooms set up in Karnataka’s Davangere with CSR support
Bengaluru, India: United Way Bengaluru (UWB) in partnership with Zila Panchayat, Davangere supported by Advanced Micro Devices India Pvt. Ltd. (AMD), has set up digital classrooms enhancing coaching for students in Davangere district. These smart classrooms have been set up in 21 Pre-University Government colleges in the district.
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education (MoE), Govt. of India is the basis for students entering the engineering stream. Considered as one of the toughest examinations in India, the JEE is the gateway for pursuing engineering as a career for students. In recent years, the quality of coaching has become a crucial factor in the probability of students getting a college and stream of their choice. Many students have to move cities to get quality training which uproots them from their family and local communities; it is also a large financial burden for the families to sustain such an effort. These barriers are a key reason many students find it difficult to score well in the JEE.
Recognizing this gap in the system, the Zila Panchayat, Davangere embarked on bringing world-class infrastructure available in the metros to Davangere by expanding access to technology with new smart classrooms. The ease of access and locally available infrastructure aim to bring quality training infrastructure to those who otherwise could not afford to travel to metros and to girls who have an interest but could not find coaching infrastructure locally.
It is anticipated that more than 6500 students studying in Davangere will benefit from these digital classrooms.
Speaking on the occasion Ms. Gunjan Krishna (IAS), Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka said, “Enhancing opportunities by providing quality learning is the cornerstone of increasing the per capita income of the district. The children in Davangere have the talent to outshine their peers if we can give them the same infrastructure that the others have. The effort made by United Way Bengaluru and AMD to come together and help enhance the possibilities for children from the district to become engineers is laudable.”
Jaya Jagadish, Country Head, AMD India & SVP, Silicon Design Engineering said, “No child must have to live with the regret that they did not get the opportunity to make their life better. At AMD we draw from the societies we live in and Davangere is a prime example of how companies like AMD can build stronger and more resilient fraternities which contribute to nation building. Through our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, AMD provides many such enablement in STEM leadership for students. We are proud to have this opportunity to give back to society.”
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru said, “United Way connects partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to tackle the root causes of the world’s most complex challenges while making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people. Together we are taking meaningful steps promoting inclusive and accessible education, ensuring that students have the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital age. The initiative of the Zila Panchayat will go a long way in bridging the gap and building talent while scaling the incomes in Davangere.”

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

CSR Project to Enable Business Formalization for 1,500 Women Entrepreneurs in Maharashtra

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The CSR Journal
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CSR Project to Enable Business Formalization for 1,500 Women Entrepreneurs in Maharashtra
BharatPe Group, one of India’s leading names in the fintech industry, has partnered with nasscom foundation to empower women entrepreneurs across multiple districts in Maharashtra. Under the ‘Formal Registration and Digital Market Linkage Program for Women Entrepreneurs’, 1,500 rural women from six districts of Ahmednagar, Beed, Buldhana, Latur, Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur have been provided with the tools to formalize and scale their businesses, facilitating their integration into the formal economy. Additionally, 250 women out of the 1,500 were also provided with market linkages thereby increasing their business opportunities and financial stability. This initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of rural women entrepreneurs by enhancing financial inclusion and enabling the growth of their businesses.
The initiative, launched under the aegis of ‘BharatPe Cares’, a corporate social responsibility initiative by BharatPe Group, is in sync with the brand’s purpose to empower lives through inclusive, innovative and reliable fintech solutions. The initiative rests under the CSR program of PAYBACK, a BharatPe company. The program is designed to support the formalization of MSME documentation and establish connections with the digital market for rural women entrepreneur-led enterprises. As a part of the program, individual women entrepreneurs from the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) ecosystem were identified.  Local Resource Persons (LRPs) were trained on various government schemes as well as relevant formalization and market linkage solutions. The LRPs further conducted training sessions for rural women entrepreneurs and are expected to provide continuous support to enable their business growth. The participants got an understanding of FSSAI licenses, Udyam registration, and Shop Act registration, as well as gained market access through platforms like MSME Global Mart, GEM, UMEED Mart and ONDC.
Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Nalin Negi, CEO, BharatPe, said “We are delighted to partner with nasscom foundation to advance rural women entrepreneurship in Maharashtra. At BharatPe, we are dedicated to promoting financial inclusion and unlocking opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the country. Over the past few years, we have partnered with Women Entrepreneurship Platform to enable women entrepreneurs across India in their journeys of self-reliance and business growth. With this initiative, we have been able to reach out to the rural women entrepreneurs and empower them with the right solutions to formalize their business and expand it to newer markets, enabling their business growth. This partnership marks a pivotal step in BharatPe’s mission to drive inclusive financial empowerment across India. By partnering with nasscom foundation, we continue to contribute positively in further empowering women entrepreneurs, including the rural women, to reach their full potential and contribute to India’s growth story.”
Rostow Ravanan, Chairperson, nasscom foundation, added, “We are thrilled to partner with BharatPe to empower rural women entrepreneurs across Maharashtra by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in business. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to create sustainable livelihoods and drive economic independence for women in rural areas. By providing essential training, digital market linkages, and access to government schemes, we have not only supported these women transition into formal businesses but also enabled them to unlock their full potential and build self-reliance.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Top CSR Projects in Bengaluru

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The CSR Journal
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Top CSR Projects in Bengaluru
Bengaluru is known for being the IT hub of India. The growth of IT sector in the region has made the city an attractive place for corporates of many other sectors, to set up their headquarters in and around Bengaluru. Presence of such major conglomerates has also led Bengaluru and regions around it to be a destination for CSR initiatives of these businesses.
Bengaluru was the largest recipient of CSR funds in FY 2021-22 in the state of Karnataka. The district of Bangalore Urban received a total of Rs.1074.13 crore of CSR funds while Bangalore Rural received Rs 120.57 crore. Let’s take a look at the top CSR projects in and around Bengaluru.

Top CSR initiatives in Bengaluru

CSR support to transform Government Schools

United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) as a part of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka’s Samatva initiative signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the department in August 2024. This partnership aims to enhance the education landscape in peri-urban and rural areas across the state, with a particular focus on strengthening government schools.
Under the initiative called Samatva, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka, envisions strengthening and transforming government schools into model institutions. These Karnataka Model Schools have been conceptualized to provide quality education to students from Lower KG (LKG) to Pre-University College (PUC) levels, all within a single campus. With upgraded infrastructure, facilities, and learning initiatives, the goal is to improve the learning and well-being of students. To achieve this, the DoSE&L has invited NGO and CSR partners for strategic collaboration.

Since 2008, UWBe has been actively working with government and government-aided schools. With the support of CSR partners, it recently strengthened the Karnataka Public School in Nandagudi, Hoskote, Bengaluru. This school serves approximately 1,200 children, primarily from families of migrant and wage labourers. Key enhancements under this initiative included the construction of new classrooms and renovation of existing infrastructure, upgrading of toilet facilities, setting up STEM labs and science laboratories, and the installation of solar panels to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. Additionally, teachers have received training in STEM education, enabling them to integrate innovative teaching methods into their classrooms.

CSR-funded multipurpose facility at Bengaluru school

The Shishu Mandir Education Centre in August this year announced the expansion of its partnership with Boeing India through the establishment of a Boeing-funded multipurpose facility at its Bengaluru school. The 6,000 sq. ft. facility was inaugurated by Chris Raymond, executive vice president of The Boeing Company and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services, alongside Hella Mundhra, Founder of Shishu Mandir.
This new facility is designed to support 850 community beneficiaries daily, enhancing their educational, recreational, and day-to-day activities. “At Boeing, we believe that community service is more than just a commitment – it is central to how we operate as a business within our communities. By contributing to such initiatives, we aim to foster environments where every individual has access to resources that empower them to take flight and achieve their life aspirations,” said Raymond during the inauguration.

The multipurpose facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities, providing students with a conducive environment for learning and personal development. It will include spaces for educational activities, recreational areas, and facilities to support daily needs, ensuring a holistic approach to student and community welfare.
Over the years, Boeing has supported Shishu Mandir School through STEM education programs, scholarships for higher education, and a generous grant for school transportation. Boeing has also installed a state-of-the-art STEM lab designed to nurture curiosity and develop a passion for STEM learning through a real-world applications-based curriculum for the students. Boeing will also train 16 girls from Shishu Mandir to pursue careers in aviation as part of the Boeing Sukanya Program.

NTT CSR

NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, in collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, announced the inauguration of a newly built government school in Lakshmipura, Bangalore in July 2024. This project exemplifies their shared commitment to creating significant long-term social impact through enhanced learning environments and comprehensive nutrition programs for students.

The school features:

– Innovative design: The school features a circular structure that maximizes energy efficiency and sustainability. The total built-up area stands at 902 square meters.
– Enhanced learning tools: Students have access to a computer lab and a well-stocked library, equipped with modern educational technologies.
– Health and nutrition: A kitchen garden on the premises allows students to participate in growing organic produce, encouraging healthy eating and sustainable living practices.
– Physical and security measures: The school is equipped with CCTV systems, modern toilet facilities, and extensive outdoor sports areas, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
– Water conservation: The inclusion of a rainwater harvesting system underlines the commitment to sustainability.

CSR for Lake Restoration

The Indian Army, 3one4Capital, and HandsOnCSR by That’s Eco Foundation annoumced in August 2024 that they have completed the successful restoration of a polluted aquifer, now known as Eagle’s Nest Lake. The 8-acre shallow aquifer was plagued by pollution, invasive species, and diminished water capacity. Recognizing the ecological and community value of the water body, the restoration project, led by HandsOnCSR, began with support from 3one4 Capital. The aquifer is now a thriving, clean lake, showcasing the power of effective environmental restoration.
Kennametal India Limited, together with Planet Sutra, a sustainability implementation partner, completed the Harokethanahalli lake restoration project at Bengaluru, India in June this year. The project spans nearly 18 acres of land, and the lake itself has a capacity of over 140 million litres of water.
Situated amidst agricultural land, commercial orchards and private farmhouses, and yet away from the public water supply system, the main source of water in the region is groundwater that is extracted through deeply dug borewells for consumption. Further, the hard rocky strata and steep slopes make it challenging for rainwater to percolate into aquifer zones and its runoff rapidly erodes the fertile soil. This initiative is expected to restore the quality of water of the lake and free it from garbage, effluents, and other pollutants. It should also raise the groundwater table by eight meters, benefitting up to 5000 people living in and around the Harokethanahalli lake. Another key benefit is the revival of the surrounding flora and fauna.
Addressing the severe water scarcity faced by Bengaluru, Alstom partnered with United Way Bangalore in June 2024 to successfully rejuvenate the Bidare Agrahara Lake, situated in the Doddabanahalli Village, Bengaluru East. The initiative is aligned to the larger ‘Wake the lake’ plan that aims to address the SDG goal 6.
This comprehensive restoration project has increased the lake’s water holding capacity to 18 crore litres, significantly improving the groundwater table and reviving Dakshina Pinakini River. It has led to the removal of 25,800 cubic meters of silt and 8,300 cubic meters of sludge from the lake, significantly improving its water quality and capacity.
To promote biodiversity, an island has been created for bird perching at the centre of the waterbody, and various native tree species were planted using traditional, dense and Miyawaki methods. Community amenities such as walk paths, benches, an adult open-air gym, and play areas for kids have also been established to provide an enhanced recreational space for greater engagement of the community.

CSR to support children of Auto and Cab Drivers

Namma Yatri, India’s open mobility app announced a new initiative to support the education of children of auto and cab drivers in Chennai and Bengaluru in August this year. This scholarship program, called the “Namma Yatri Rising Stars”, provides financial assistance to 10th and 12th-grade students, recognizing their academic achievements and helping them pursue higher education.
The Namma Yatri Rising Stars program aims to uplift over 500 students each year, offering essential support to those who excel academically despite challenging circumstances. Among the notable recipients is Bhavana, daughter of Siddegowda who drives an auto for Namma Yatri in Bengaluru, who scored 625/625 in SSLC exam. Bhavana has been a highly aspirational and a hardworking student despite the financial situation at home and aspires to become an IAS and serve the country. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also open doors to a brighter future for these talented students.

CSR Foundation launches large-scale Miyawaki Forest initiative with BSF

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The CSR Journal
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CSR Foundation launches large-scale Miyawaki Forest initiative with BSF
Cosmo Foundation, a CSR initiative of Cosmo First has launched a major environmental sustainability initiative with a Miyawaki Tree Plantation Drive at the BSF Campus, in Gurugram. The event, which was inaugurated by Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, IPS, Director General Border Security Force (BSF), marks another significant step in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to environmental conservation.
The plantation drive took place at the 95 Bn BSF Campus, Bhondsi, Sohna Road, Gurugram, Haryana. The initiative aims to plant over 15,000 trees using the renowned Miyawaki method, known for creating dense, self-sustaining urban forests and makes green coverage of 5500 square meter of land.
On the occasion of this plantation drive with the BSF, Mr Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman and Managing Director, Cosmo First said, “Sustainability is at the heart of our operations at Cosmo First. We utilise renewable energy and are increasing our capacity to 70% in this front. Additionally, our efforts to enhance product efficiency, reduce harmful emissions and optimize operations and supply chain efficiency not only benefit the environment but also bolster our business. Thus, the plantation drive today gives an impetus to our unwavering commitment towards safeguarding our environment and protecting our vital biodiversity.”
The date of the event, October 19th, holds special significance as it marks the death anniversary of Late Shri Ashwini Kumar, Padma Bhushan, who retired as a Director General of BSF and father of Mrs. Yamini Jaipuria, Managing Trustee, Cosmo Foundation.
“We are dedicating this plantation drive in the memory of my father Ashwini Kumar. His commitment to public service and love for nature inspires our work at Cosmo Foundation. Furthermore, this initiative represents our continued dedication to environmental sustainability and community engagement. By partnering with BSF, we’re creating green spaces and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility in our community,” said Mrs Yamini Jaipuria, Managing Trustee, Cosmo Foundation.
This latest drive builds upon Cosmo Foundation’s successful track record in environmental conservation, following a previous plantation initiative that also saw more than 15,000 native saplings being planted and created Miyawaki Forest with Indian Army at Delhi. The Miyawaki method, known for growing forests 10 times faster than conventional techniques, will help create a dense, native forest that supports local biodiversity.
“This is an excellent initiative by the Cosmo Foundation to plant saplings and promote environmental sustainability. I truly believe we are making a tangible impact today and setting a positive example for future generations,” said Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, IPS, Director General, Border Security Force (BSF).
The event underscores the Foundation’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and its vision of creating lasting green impact in the region and honours the legacy of former IPS officer Shri Ashwini Kumar.
This plantation initiative witnessed the attendance of the Commandant and staff of BSF, retired IPS officers, family of Late Shri Ashwini Kumar, senior employees of Cosmo First, and students of Vidya School, which provides holistic education and life skills to children from slum areas with its state-of-the-art classrooms and curricula, along with students from Jamia Hamdard University who participated and pledged to nurture Mother Earth by planting saplings.
To date, the foundation has planted 1 lakh saplings, including fruit trees with local farmers in Vadodara and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Aurangabad, a Miyawaki forest, and a biodiversity hub in New Delhi and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), respectively. This massive effort has created green cover over 168 acres of land, promoted biodiversity, strengthened the ecosystem, improved air quality, and educated on scientific farming practices to improve farmers’ livelihood.
The foundation has also developed and maintained green spaces under the Karjan flyover at National Highway No. 8 and the Aurangabad Airport, highlighting its commitment to creating sustainable urban environments. Substantial investment is made by creating rainwater harvesting systems and plantation drives with various government schools. Alongside its environmental protection programs, Cosmo Foundation is actively involved in education, health, and sanitation initiatives, demonstrating its holistic approach to community development and sustainable living.
The entire Project of Cosmo Tree Plantation Drive is implemented by a technical partner – Prayas Youth Foundation, which has vast experience and commitment to strengthening the green environment.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

ठाणे – सीएसआर से हुआ तालाब का संरक्षण, सफाई के लिए रोबोटिक नावें उपलब्ध

By
Rahuldeo Sharma
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सीएसआर से हुआ तालाब का संरक्षण,

How to Earn the Most Cashback with Your Credit Card

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The CSR Journal
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How to Earn the Most Cashback with Your Credit Card
In addition to hassle-free transactions and improving your credit score, Credit Cards offer numerous benefits, including cashback rewards. Cashback programs allow cardholders to earn a percentage of their purchases back in various forms. 
By strategically using your regular and instant Credit Card and understanding the nuances of different cashback programs, you can maximize your earnings. In this guide, we will explore effective tips and strategies for earning maximum cashback with your Credit Card. 

How does cashback on Credit Cards work?

Cashback is a reward program where cardholders earn a percentage of their eligible purchases back in the form of cash, reward points, or statement credits. To put it simply, the more you spend, the more cashback you earn. 
Cashback cards typically offer either a flat rate or a tiered rate for different categories of purchases. For example, a flat rate card might give you 1% cashback on all purchases, while a tiered card could offer 3% on groceries, 2% on fuel, and 1% on everything else. 
Once you have earned cashback, you have several options for redeeming it. Here are a few common options: 
– Statement credits – This is the most common method where your cashback is directly applied to your Credit Card balance, reducing your bill. Hence, always check your credit card bill payment to ensure the cashback has been accurately reflected
– Cash – Some cards allow you to withdraw your cashback as cash. 
– Reward point – Cashback can sometimes be converted into reward points, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards. 

Strategies to maximize your cashback potential with your Credit Card

– Choose the right Credit Card
To maximize cashback, it is crucial to apply for a Credit Card that aligns with your spending habits. For instance, if you frequently dine out, a card offering higher cashback on restaurant purchases would be perfect for you.
Likewise, if you are a frequent traveler, a card with travel rewards and cashback benefits will be beneficial. By understanding your spending patterns, you can choose a card that rewards you for the purchases you make often. 
– Take advantage of issuer portals and cashback apps
To maximize your cashback potential for online shopping, consider taking advantage of issuer portals and cashback apps. 
Issuer portals offer additional cashback on purchases made through them. Cashback apps, on the other hand, provide rewards for a wide range of online retailers. 

Use multiple cards

You can optimize your cashback earnings by strategically using multiple Credit Cards. You can use a flat-rate card for everyday purchases and a tiered card for specific categories where you anticipate higher spending, such as fuel.
This allows you to take advantage of both types of cashback strictures and maximize your rewards. 
– Take advantage of special deals
Credit Card companies often introduce limited-time offers and promotions that provide boosted cashback rates for specific categories or merchants. By staying informed about these deals and aligning your purchases with them, you can earn additional cashback on top of your regular rewards. 
– Bundle Credit Cards with loyalty programs
Some instant approval Credit Cards offer cashback benefits in addition to rewards earned through loyalty programs like airline miles or hotel points. By using these cards for your everyday purchases and loyalty program-related expenses, you can accumulate both cashback and loyalty points, providing you with a more comprehensive rewards program.    

Conclusion

By strategically using your Credit Card and understanding the nuances of different cashback programs, you can maximize your earnings. Remember to make the right Credit Card application for your spending habits and take advantage of other options like issuer portals and promotions for maximum cashback.

CPSEs will spend 60% of CSR funds on Internships and Health and Nutrition in FY25

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The CSR Journal
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CPSEs will spend 60% of CSR funds on Internships and Health and Nutrition in FY25
The Government of India has revised the CSR guidelines for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) by including the PM’s Internship Scheme as the common theme for the current fiscal, according to a government official’s statement to PTI.

Theme-based CSR Spending

Currently, CPSEs follow a theme-based approach in utilising their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. CPSEs have to spend 60% of their CSR funds on the theme set for a particular year.
“We have added PM’s Internship Scheme to ‘Health and Nutrition’ as the common theme for CSR activities by the CPSEs for 2024-25. CPSEs will spend 60% of their CSR funds towards ‘health and nutrition’ and PM’s Internship Scheme this fiscal,” said the official.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs started enrolling companies as well as interns under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, as of earlier this month. Over five years, the scheme expects to provide internships to 1 crore youth.
Under the pilot project, which is estimated to cost around ₹800 crore, the 12-month long internship will start on December 2 and expects to cover 1.25 lakh candidates in the current financial year ending March 2025.

PM Internship Scheme

The PM Internship Scheme was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 2024-25 Budget. Under the scheme, top 500 companies will provide internship opportunities to youth within the age group of 21-24 years as well as provide life insurance coverage.
Apart from the monthly financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for one year, there will be a one-time grant of ₹6,000 for the interns.
The monthly assistance would comprise ₹4,500 to be disbursed by the government and ₹500 by the company from its CSR funds.
The official further said that as private sector takes the lead in providing internship opportunities, the CPSEs too would be encouraged to join the scheme.
Under the scheme, candidates can register on the portal by October 25 and the applicants will be shortlisted on October 26.
Later, candidates will be selected by companies from October 27 to November 7. Then, the selected candidates will have time from November 8 to 15 to accept the offer. Up to three offers will be made to a candidate.

CSR: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How Organizations Can Defend Against SQL Injection Threats

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The CSR Journal
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CSR: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How Organizations Can Defend Against SQL Injection Threats
With organizations in India’s education sector facing over 8,000 cyberattacks a week—more than double the global average—cybersecurity has become a pressing concern. This is especially relevant as Structured query language (SQL) injection attacks, ranked the third-most critical security risk by the OWASP Top 10, continue to threaten 21% of businesses, costing them millions in recovery and reputational damage. Amid these growing threats, Google searches for ‘SQL Injection Tutorial’ in India have surged by 190% in the past week, highlighting the increasing awareness of this serious vulnerability.
In response to this, the application security SaaS company Indusface has detailed the potential financial impact of SQL Injection attacks on businesses. Additionally, they offer best practices to help organizations effectively mitigate the risks associated with such attacks.
What is an SQL Injection?
Structured query language (SQL) is a standard language for database creation and manipulation, it communicates with and manipulates this data. Example SQL commands include “SELECT,” “UPDATE,” “INSERT,” “DELETE,” “CREATE,” and “DROP.”
An SQL injection is a cyber-attack that inserts malicious queries through input fields to access, modify, or harm data. The most common type is In-band, which can compromise business operations and data integrity. Other types, like Blind, Error-based, and Out-of-band, exploit vulnerabilities using trial-and-error, error messages, or complex methods to avoid detection.
How costly can an SQL Injection Attack be for an organization?
Listed as the third critical safety risk to organizations by the OWASP Top 10, SQL injections significantly threaten organizational data security. The impact of an SQL injection attack can be severe as it grants attackers full control over databases, allowing them to manipulate or extract sensitive information. This can result in stolen data being sold on the dark web, causing significant financial and reputational damage.
Additionally, data manipulation can lead to business disruptions and extortion attempts, with some of the largest organizations including TalkTalk having been victims of an SQL Injection Attack and were fined over £400,000 ($522,750) after 150,000 customers had their data stolen.
This highlights why developers need to implement robust safeguards to prevent unauthorized access and protect against data breaches.
Venky Sundar, Founder and President of Indusface, outlines how organizations can effectively mitigate the risks associated with an SQL Injection Attack:
“There are many ways to effectively prevent an SQL attack, securing all inputs and server-side processes is the most essential. While it does help to have client-side validation, it is not sufficient against determined attackers. Here’s an 8-step comprehensive approach to prevent and mitigate SQL injection attacks:
1. Implement input validation and proper error handling to secure database interactions.
By validating user input, applications can restrict the data to expected formats and standards, reducing the risk of malicious SQL commands being executed within SQL queries, and ensuring that it adheres to predefined criteria such as format, length, and range. Sanitization is different, it removes or encodes potentially harmful characters from the input.
2. Use parameterised queries and prepared statements to prevent malicious SQL input.
Mitigating SQL injection attacks requires secure coding practices. Developers should use parameterized queries and prepared statements to ensure user inputs are never executed as SQL code.
Another effective coding practice to mitigate the risk of SQL injection is parameterized statements. These separate user inputs from the SQL query, which removes the need for manual escaping, ensuring that user inputs are treated as data, which prevents any potentially malicious code from being executed. The database system identifies placeholders, securing user inputs during execution.
3. Maintain Applications and Databases.
SQL injection vulnerabilities in applications and databases are frequently discovered and publicly disclosed. To mitigate the risk, organizations must stay informed about vulnerability updates and vendor announcements, ensuring that patches or updates are applied promptly.
To prevent SQL injections, all elements of a web application must be regularly monitored and updated, including database servers, frameworks, libraries, plugins, APIs, and web server software. For organizations facing challenges with timely patching, investing in a patch management solution can help alleviate the workload for IT and development teams by streamlining the update process.
4. Monitor Application and Database Interactions and Communications.
Organizations should implement continuous monitoring of SQL statements in database-connected applications, focusing on activity related to accounts, prepared statements, and stored procedures. This enables the timely detection of rogue SQL statements and vulnerabilities, allowing administrators to mitigate risks by removing unnecessary components.
Integrating machine learning and behavioural analysis through tools like Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) further strengthens protection against SQL injection and other database threats.
5. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs).
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) serves as a critical layer of security by monitoring and filtering incoming HTTP traffic, which helps identify and block any potential SQL injection attempts and other malicious activities. Through customizable rules, WAFs detect specific attack patterns, providing an additional safeguard for applications.
In organizations facing challenges such as outdated code, resource constraints for testing, and frequent application updates, a WAF can be especially beneficial. Immediate code fixes aren’t always feasible for organizations, so WAFs enable virtual patching, which offers temporary protection against known vulnerabilities while allowing time for proper updates.
They can also log and alert administrators to suspicious activity, providing insights into potential threats and enabling timely responses.
6. Use Stored Procedures In the Database.
Implementing stored procedures can add a layer of protection by isolating the database from direct user interaction, reducing the risk of certain exploitations. Rather than executing SQL code directly on the database, the application triggers stored procedures, which then return the results. Stored procedures also require variable binding, which further enhances security by ensuring user inputs are handled appropriately.
However, it’s important to note that stored procedures are not entirely immune to SQL injection vulnerabilities, especially if dynamic SQL generation is employed within the procedure.
7. Regularly patch and update your SQL Servers.
Keeping SQL Servers up to date with the latest cumulative and security patches is essential for maintaining security and system performance. Regular updates reduce vulnerabilities and enhance system stability, but it’s critical to test these updates in a non-production environment before deployment to avoid compatibility or performance issues. 
Automated tools like Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) can streamline the update process, though manual testing and troubleshooting remain key practices.
If patching cannot be prioritised immediately, deploy virtual patches on the WAF. These are compensatory controls that buy time for your team until they are ready to patch on code.
By staying current with patches and addressing potential issues proactively, organizations can minimise risks and ensure the ongoing integrity of their SQL Server environments.
8. Educate employees and developers on secure coding practices and attack prevention.
To further mitigate the risks of an SQL injection on your organization, it’s essential to demonstrate to developers the potential impact of SQL injection attacks on both the database and the application. Utilizing tools such as sqlmap or sqlninja can effectively showcase how easily SQL injection vulnerabilities can be exploited to extract data, execute commands, or perform other malicious actions on a database.
Lastly, providing real-world examples of SQL injection attacks that have led to significant data breaches, financial losses, or reputational harm can further underscore the risks.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.
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