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April 30, 2025
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UN forum calls for enhanced role of cities in national climate action, localizing the SDGs

UN forum calls for enhanced role of cities in national climate action, localizing the SDGs
The urban population in Asia and the Pacific is expected to increase by one billion more residents in cities and towns by 2050, bringing greater development pressures such as housing and infrastructure gaps as well as a concentration of many environmental and sustainability challenges, a United Nations forum said this week. But cities are also at the forefront of innovation for sustainability, leading the way in adopting new technologies and sharing knowledge across borders.
“Given the profound and double-sided influence of cities, localizing global and national goals presents a significant opportunity to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals,” said United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.
She added, “By translating the goals into relevant priorities within local contexts, we can harness the innovative capacities of cities and mobilize a broad range of stakeholders to confront the pressing environmental and development issues.”
The eighth session of the Committee on Environment and Development brought together high-levelgovernment officials, urban leaders, top experts and other stakeholders to exchange views on strengthening multilateral cooperation on environment and development challenges facing the region, including through actions taken by cities.
Discussions over the last three days focused on the challenges, opportunities and priorities for localizing action in five priority areas – air pollution; low-carbon transition and low-greenhouse-gas emission development strategies; ocean protection; sustainable urban development; and access to information concerning the environment and public participation in decision-making processes.
“The five priority areas on the agenda are issues that demand coordinated, localized and inclusive solutions,” underscored Bernadia Tjandradewi, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments in the Asia-Pacific Region (UCLG-ASPAC). She further emphasized the importance of building the capacity, skills and resources of local governments to drive sustainable urban development and climate actions.
Angelica Añabeza, Senior Associate, Wadhani Foundation Philippines, and Prajesh Khanal, Sustainability & Child Rights Activist presented a joint statement on behalf of youth representatives, urging for “meaningful and transparent partnerships with young people of all backgrounds to rebuild the trust that has been lost towards decision makers while also creating a collective vision.”
“Local solutions are essential if we are to ensure the region’s growth can positively address these issues. While the challenges being faced in our region may vary by country and local context, we know that effective regional cooperation can support the exchange of solutions and best practices that can be tailored to local conditions,” said Norliza Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of Urbanice Malaysia, who was elected as Chair of the Committee.
During the Committee, ESCAP also launched the Asia-Pacific SDG Localization Platform, which will support national and local authorities to share and learn best practices on how localized approach leads to effective solutions that improves the quality of life for residents across the region.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

जानें क्या है और क्या नहीं है सीएसआर

जानें क्या है और क्या नहीं है सीएसआर
कॉरपोरेट सोशल रिस्पांसिबिलिटी (CSR) एक ऐसी अवधारणा है, जो कंपनियों को समाज और पर्यावरण के प्रति जिम्मेदार बनाती है। भारत देश में 1 अप्रैल 2014 से CSR law को अनिवार्य किया गया है। जिसके तहत कंपनियों को अपने प्रॉफिट का एक निश्चित हिस्सा समाज के उत्थान के लिए खर्च करना होता है। ये सीएसआर कानून कंपनी अधिनियम 2013 की धारा 135 के तहत आता है जो कंपनियों को अपने बिजनेस के साथ-साथ सामाजिक जिम्मेदारियों को भी समझने और निभाने की दिशा में प्रेरित करता है। भारत देश में बड़े पैमाने पर सीएसआर के काम किये जाते है जिसको लेकर कई भ्रांतियां भी है। कई ऐसे काम है जिससे समाज की भलाई तो जरूर होती है लेकिन कानूनन वो सीएसआर नहीं कहलाया जा सकता है। ऐसे में आइये इस विशेष रिपोर्ट में जानने है कि क्या है और क्या नहीं है सीएसआर। (सीएसआर क्या होता है – What is CSR and What is not CSR)
वैसे समाज की भलाई के लिए कई प्रकार से लोग चैरिटी, दान और Philanthropic गतिविधियां करते है लेकिन भारत में ये काम कॉर्पोरेट सोशल रिस्पॉन्सिबिलिटी (CSR) के रूप में मान्यता प्राप्त नहीं हैं। लेकिन इससे पहले कि हम यह समझें कि भारतीय सरकार के अनुसार क्या CSR नहीं है, हमें उन गतिविधियों पर नज़र डालनी चाहिए जो भारत में CSR के अंतर्गत आती हैं। भारतीय कानून के अनुसार, CSR में कौन सी गतिविधियां शामिल हैं?

CSR गतिविधियों की सूची जो आती है सीएसआर के दायरे में (Schedule VII of CSR)

कंपनियों द्वारा CSR के तहत स्वीकृत गतिविधियां बहुत व्यापक हैं, और ये समाज के विभिन्न पहलुओं को छूती हैं। आइए इन गतिविधियों पर विस्तार से नज़र डालते हैं:
गरीबी और भूख का उन्मूलन – यह क्षेत्र न केवल खाद्य सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए है, बल्कि स्वास्थ्य देखभाल और स्वच्छता को बढ़ावा देने का भी काम करता है। इसमें सुरक्षित पेयजल उपलब्ध कराना भी शामिल है।
शिक्षा का सुधार – विशेष शिक्षा और व्यावसायिक कौशल के विकास के साथ-साथ, यह गतिविधियां बच्चों, महिलाओं, बुजुर्गों और विशेष जरूरतों वाले व्यक्तियों के लिए आजीविका संवर्धन परियोजनाओं को भी शामिल करती हैं।
लिंग समानता – CSR के तहत महिलाओं और अनाथ बच्चों के लिए आश्रय और घरों की स्थापना की जाती है। यह उन केंद्रों को स्थापित करने में भी मदद करती है जो बुजुर्गों की देखभाल करते हैं।
पर्यावरण की रक्षा – पर्यावरण के संरक्षण के लिए CSR गतिविधियों पारिस्थितिकी संतुलन, वन्यजीवों की सुरक्षा और प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के संरक्षण पर केंद्रित होती हैं। इसमें नदी गंगा के पुनरुत्थान जैसे प्रयास भी शामिल हैं।
राष्ट्रीय धरोहर और संस्कृति का संरक्षण – ऐतिहासिक स्थलों और कलाओं के संरक्षण के लिए CSR गतिविधियां आवश्यक हैं। यह सार्वजनिक पुस्तकालयों की स्थापना और पारंपरिक कलाओं का विकास भी प्रोत्साहित करती हैं।
सशस्त्र बलों के लिए सहायता – CSR के अंतर्गत पूर्व सैनिकों और उनके परिवारों की भलाई के लिए विशेष उपाय किए जाते हैं, जैसे कि स्वास्थ्य देखभाल और वित्तीय सहायता।
खेल का प्रोत्साहन – ग्रामीण खेलों और राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर खेलों को बढ़ावा देने के लिए CSR कार्यक्रम आयोजित किए जाते हैं, जो युवा प्रतिभाओं को सशक्त बनाते हैं।
आपातकालीन राहत – प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के दौरान राहत और पुनर्वास गतिविधियां CSR के महत्वपूर्ण भाग हैं, जिससे प्रभावित समुदायों की मदद की जाती है।

सीएसआर कानून के तहत नहीं माने जाने वाली CSR Activities

हालांकि CSR का दायरा बहुत बड़ा है, लेकिन कुछ गतिविधियां ऐसी हैं जो CSR के तहत नहीं आतीं। आइए उन पर भी ध्यान दें –
बिजनेस में की गई एक्टिविटीज – जो गतिविधियां कंपनी के सामान्य व्यापार का हिस्सा हैं, जैसे उत्पादन और बिक्री, उन्हें CSR में शामिल नहीं किया जाता।
विदेश में की गई गतिविधियां – भारत के बाहर की गई सभी गतिविधियां CSR में नहीं आतीं, सिवाय भारतीय खेल प्रतिभाओं के प्रशिक्षण के।
राजनीतिक पार्टियों को योगदान – किसी भी राजनीतिक पार्टी को पैसे देना, चाहे वह सीधे हो या परोक्ष, इसे CSR में नहीं माना जाता।
कर्मचारियों को लाभ पहुंचाना – जो गतिविधियां केवल कंपनी के कर्मचारियों को लाभ पहुंचाती हैं, जैसे वेतन वृद्धि या बोनस, उन्हें CSR में शामिल नहीं किया जाता।
मार्केटिंग लाभ के लिए प्रयोजन – कंपनियों द्वारा अपने उत्पादों या सेवाओं को बढ़ावा देने के लिए की जाने वाली गतिविधियां, जैसे विज्ञापन या स्पॉन्सरशिप, CSR नहीं होतीं।
कानूनी दायित्वों का पालन –  यदि कोई गतिविधि किसी कानून के तहत अनिवार्य है, तो उसे CSR गतिविधि नहीं माना जाएगा।
प्रकृति में योगदान का चंदा – CSR गतिविधियों के लिए बनाए गए ट्रस्ट या संगठनों को धनराशि का योगदान, अगर वे CSR गतिविधियों से संबंधित नहीं हैं, तो यह CSR नहीं होगा।
एक बार की गतिविधियां – जैसे मैराथन, पुरस्कार वितरण, या एक बार की अन्य गतिविधियां जो कंपनी के ब्रांडिंग या मार्केटिंग के लिए होती हैं, उन्हें CSR में नहीं गिना जाता।

Know all details of CSR

सीएसआर केवल एक कानूनी आवश्यकता नहीं है, बल्कि यह कंपनियों के लिए समाज के प्रति उनकी जिम्मेदारी को दर्शाने का एक साधन है। कंपनियों को यह समझना होगा कि CSR केवल दान देने तक सीमित नहीं है। यह समाज के विकास में सक्रिय भागीदारी का एक माध्यम है। सीएसआर – Corporate Social Responsibility नियमों का पालन करना आवश्यक है ताकि कंपनियां न केवल अपने व्यवसाय को बढ़ा सकें, बल्कि समाज में स्थायी प्रभाव भी डाल सकें। कंपनियों को चाहिए कि वे अपने सीएसआर प्रयासों को सही दिशा में आगे बढ़ाएं और सुनिश्चित करें कि वे समाज के उत्थान में योगदान कर रही हैं। सही CSR नीतियों के माध्यम से कंपनियां न केवल अपने ब्रांड की छवि को सुधार सकती हैं, बल्कि समाज के प्रति अपनी जिम्मेदारी भी निभा सकती हैं, जिससे लंबे समय के विकास और स्थिरता सुनिश्चित हो सके।

Maharashtra launches scheme for senior citizens, Diwali bonus for women

Maharashtra launches scheme for senior citizens, Diwali bonus for women
The Government of Maharashtra has recently launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Vayo Shri Scheme’ with the aim of benefitting senior citizens. The purpose is to provide financial assistance to senior citizens so that they can live life with dignity.
The state government has also announced that it will provide Diwali Bonus to women as part of the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’. Financial support is bein offered to women, so that they can celebrate Diwali without having to worry about the expenses. The money will be directly deposited into their bank accounts through the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Diwali Bonus 2024 initiative.

Benefits of Mukhyamantri Vayo Shri Scheme and eligibility

The scheme was officially launched by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on October 9, 2024, with Rs 3,000 deposited directly into the accounts of 40,220 eligible beneficiaries in Kolhapur district. The scheme has received huge response from elderly residents across the state with 4,12,000 beneficiaries enrolling by October 14, 2024. As per the government, a total of Rs 123.63 crore has been collected, with each beneficiary receiving a one-time payment of Rs 3,000.

Administered by the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, this scheme provides direct financial assistance to eligible senior citizens to help them purchase necessary aids and equipment. The scheme aims to address age-related disabilities and weaknesses, supporting senior citizens in day to day life. Under this scheme, beneficiaries are encouraged to take part in wellness programs at registered yoga and mental health centres, which will promote their mental well-being.
The beneficiary has to be a permanent resident of the state of Maharashtra and aged 65 years or above.

Maharashtra Govt’s Diwali bonus for women

The Maharashtra government has announced that it will provide Diwali Bonus to women in the state as part of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. As per the government’s notification, eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs 3,000 in the fourth and fifth instalment.
The October and November installments of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will be given by the state in advance as a Diwali Bonus. So far, more than 94,000 female beneficiaries across Maharashtra have received the financial aid.
The state government will release the 4th and 5th Installments of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana ahead of schedule, providing women with Rs. 3000 in October instead of the usual Rs. 1500. The Diwali Bonus will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women who have registered for the Majhi Ladki bahin Yojana and have received the prior installments.

 

Celebrating the First-Year Milestone of ‘Samarth by Hyundai’

Celebrating the First-Year Milestone of
Illuminated Hyundai logo outside a dealership and moon in the night sky in New Delhi, India on Thursday 17 October 2024.
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) proudly marked the culmination of the first year of ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, a holistic social initiative to support people with disabilities in India. Launched in 2023, ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ is aligned with Hyundai Motor Company’s global vision of “Progress for Humanity” and focuses on raising awareness and building a movement for the inclusion of people with disabilities in India.
In the past year, HMIL through Samarth by Hyundai and its wide-ranging initiatives has worked to build awareness, offer support, and provide opportunities for people with disabilities, exemplifying its commitment to inclusivity. The company has made significant strides by creating awareness, accessible environments at HMIL dealerships, launching disabled-friendly vehicle accessories, and forging key partnerships with NGOs, media and other stakeholders to empower people with disabilities.
The culmination event featured:
1. Felicitation of Indian Paralympians: The company felicitated 7 Paralympians supported under ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative for their outstanding achievements.
2. Presentation of Charter of Recommendation to Government: Hyundai Motor India Limited presented its “Charter of Recommendation for Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity” to the government. The charter seeks government support to further the cause of inclusivity in India. HMIL reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for better policies and more inclusive infrastructure for people with disabilities.
3.Samarth Hero Awards: The company announced the launch of the “Samarth Hero Awards” to honor individuals and organizations contributing to the empowerment of people with disabilities.
4.The event, attended by esteemed dignitaries from the Government of India including; Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Sports; Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment & Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship & Minister of State for Education. From HMIL Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director; Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. JT Park, Function Advisor, Sales & Marketing; and several other key government officials, NGO partners and stakeholders celebrated the accomplishments of first year of Samarth by Hyundai initiative.
 Speaking at the event, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “At Hyundai, we believe in making a meaningful impact beyond mobility. ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ is a testament to our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. I am immensely proud of the strides we’ve made in our first year, and I thank our partners, stakeholders, and the government for their unwavering support. Together, we will continue to drive change and provide opportunities for people with disabilities, as we remain deeply committed to India and its people.”
 Hyundai Samarth – Recap: In the past one year through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, Hyundai Motor India Limited and its philanthropic arm Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has initiated multiple initiatives to create a more aware, inclusive and supportive society for people with disabilities.
To spread awareness to masses, HMIL launched a 360-degree media campaign featuring Mr. Shah Rukh Khan as the ambassador for Samarth by Hyundai. The company has created more than 200 content assets which includes inspirational stories, reaching to over 300 million people across India in 2024, celebrating the spirit of inclusivity and raising awareness around the challenges faced by people with disabilities in day-to-day life.
Hyundai Motor India Limited also initiated Internalization efforts to promote inclusivity.
1.Accessible HMIL Dealerships & Website: Under Hyundai Samarth, HMIL has made all its dealerships more accessible across India, ensuring wheelchair access across most locations.
2.Disabled-Friendly Vehicle Accessories: HMIL launched TurnPlus, which is a swivel seat mechanism (manual or electric) for passenger vehicles for the especially able to easily enter and exit in the vehicles at the co-driver seat. This feature is now available across our dealerships and is compatible with most of our passenger vehicles.
3. Awareness Programs: The company also conducted knowledge sessions along with experts for HMIL employees to spread awareness about people with disabilities, creating a more inclusive internal environment.
Strategic Partnerships for Empowerment
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of HMIL partnered with GoSports Foundation and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled to provide holistic support for people with disabilities under ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ Initiative. Under this partnership HMIL & HMIF along with its NGO partner conducted multiple initiatives like:
1. Support to Blind Men’s Cricket Series: In collaboration with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, HMIF organized a five-match International Bilateral Blind Men’s Cricket Series, raising awareness and offering a platform for visually impaired Cricketers. Indian Men’s Blind Cricket Team triumphed over Sri Lanka in this thrilling series. HMIL will continue its commitment to training 50 blind cricketers at the grassroots level each year for the next 2 years and will host an international blind cricket series.
2. Samarth Para-Sports Programme: Samarth by Hyundai, in partnership with GoSports Foundation, launched the Samarth Para-Sports Programme, aimed at identifying and supporting para-athletes. Over the past year, 20 para-athletes were onboarded, receiving financial aid, sports science guidance, assistive devices, and mentorship. Along with this, HMIL along with NDTV partnered with Wheeling Happiness to support 6 Para Athletes. 7 of these 26 athletes represented India at the Paralympics, with 2 winning medals. HMIL plans to further its support to Para Sports in India for next year.
3. The Samarth Assistive Devices Conclave was another significant milestone. The event aimed to raise awareness about assistive technology for the ease of living and featured discussions on inclusivity, assistive tech, and AI in para sports. HMIF in Partnership with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled provided 72 assistive devices during the event and overall distributed 228 devices in 2024. HMIF is committed to delivering 684 assistive devices over three years, with 228 devices planned for the second year.
4. Hyundai Samarth School Engagement Programme: The company along with its awareness partner NDTV reached over 50,000 students across 120 schools, spreading awareness about inclusivity.
5. Samarth Wall for Para Athletes: To motivate the Indian Para Athletes competing at the international events, HMIL organized a corporate visitor wall, garnering 25,000 signatures in support of the athletes. To date, 4.87 lakh individuals have taken the #PledgeForInclusivity, showing widespread support for the Samarth by Hyundai initiative.
Looking Ahead as Hyundai Motor India Limited looks to the future, the Samarth by Hyundai initiative remains dedicated to spread awareness and work towards building more inclusive society. Over the next year, HMIL will continue to support para-athletes & Blind Cricket, deliver assistive devices, and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities. Additionally, the company will focus on two pillars i.e. Technology & Infrastructure in partnerships with NGOs, Media & Government to make society more inclusive for people with disabilities.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Reading and Music on Wheels for the Slum Kids of Mumbai

Reading and Music on Wheels for the Slum Kids of Mumbai
In a heartwarming initiative, heartwarming will be treated to a special event organised by Kamakshi and Vishala Khurana of The Sound Space, with Overbooked India. Giving a boost to their project, The Sound Space on Wheels, this event promises to be an inspiring experience, blending the magic of storytelling with the joy of learning through music.
As part of the event, Kamakshi and Vishala Khurana will engage the children by reading Jungle Jugalbandi, a beautifully illustrated book that connects the essence of Indian Classical music and nature. Overbooked India will follow up with the distribution of these books to these 25 basti kids, ensuring they have stories to take home.
Kamakshi and Vishala Khurana shared their thoughts on the event:”Reading along with teaching and learning through music is one of the best ways to inspire and engage young minds. We are thrilled to put together this beautiful initiative, where we are able to share stories and music with these children, igniting their imagination and passion for learning.”
This initiative is part of Kamakshi and Vishaka’s ongoing collaboration with local communities to inculcate good habits such as reading, nurturing and educating children through music and storytelling.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Hotel Group introduces Braille menus to be more inclusive for visually impaired guests

Hotel Group introduces Braille menus to be more inclusive for visually impaired guests
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the launch of Braille menus across its properties in South Asia, an initiative aimed at making dining more inclusive for visually impaired guests. In partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Young Indians, this launch is part of the Group’s ongoing commitment to creating welcoming environments for all guests. It further reflects the Group’s brand promise of ‘Every Moment Matters,’ ensuring every guest can enjoy an independent dining experience.
Visually impaired guests often face difficulties in navigating traditional menus, which can create a sense of dependence or isolation during dining. By introducing Braille menus across its 125 operating hotels, Radisson Hotel Group empowers these guests to explore meal options and make their own choices with confidence, fostering greater independence. In select properties, the Group is also integrating scannable audio QR codes, allowing guests to listen to the menu at their own pace, further enhancing the dining experience. This will soon be replicated across other hotels in the Group’s operating portfolio.
“At Radisson Hotel Group, we are committed to creating spaces that are welcoming and accessible for all our guests. Introducing Braille menus is an important step toward building inclusive dining experiences, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their abilities—feels valued. Our collaboration with CII’s Young Indians reflects on our broader commitment to diversity and inclusion in everything we do.” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Senior Area Vice President, South Asia – Radisson Hotel Group.
Some of the early adopters under this initiative, include Radisson Blu Marina New Delhi, Radisson Blu Plaza Hyderabad, Radisson Blu Plaza Mysuru, Radisson RED Mohali, and Radisson Blu Resort Kumbhalgarh among others.
“Dining is not just about food; it’s an experience that should be available to everyone, without limitations. The introduction of Braille menus is a significant move in creating a truly inclusive environment where every guest can make their choices confidently. We believe that making small but meaningful changes like this will contribute to a more inclusive world, where everyone can enjoy equal access to experiences, no matter their abilities,” said Chef Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef, Radisson Hotel Group South Asia
“We are proud to partner with Radisson Hotel Group in this impactful initiative. This collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, and we are confident that it will inspire others in the hospitality industry to adopt similar practices. Together, we are creating an environment that truly serves the needs of all individuals, while ensuring that inclusivity becomes a standard practice, not just an initiative.” said Tarang Khurana, National Chairman, CII – Young Indians.
“This collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group highlights our commitment to building more accessible and inclusive environments. By introducing Braille menus, we are making meaningful progress toward ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the experience of dining independently and confidently. This initiative aligns with our broader vision of promoting self-reliance and dignity for all,” said Rohit Puri, National Chair, Accessibility, CII – Young Indians
This initiative not only reflects Radisson Hotel Group’s ongoing dedication to inclusivity but also contributes to enhancing overall guest satisfaction. By empowering visually impaired guests to make independent choices and creating dining experiences that cater to diverse needs, Radisson Hotel Group is setting new standards in hospitality, further establishing itself as a leader in fostering innovation and inclusivity.
Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 194 hotels in operation and development. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in a tier-1 market like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and 3 markets. With hotels in over 114 destinations across India, Radisson Hotel Group has properties located within a 4-hour drive of each other. The Group has successfully introduced various brands to the growing Indian market, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Radisson Individuals and its extension Radisson Individuals Retreats.

 

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CSR initiative works towards plastics circular economy with “Lighthouse Project” in Mapusa, Goa

CSR initiative works towards plastics circular economy with
Solidifying its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Mondelez India has officially launched its ‘Lighthouse Project’ in Mapusa, Goa, in the presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa. This five-year initiative in association with the Goa State Pollution Control Board and the Mapusa Municipal Council aims to address key waste management challenges and contribute to a circular economy. This project redirects over 1,000 metric tons of plastic waste.
 “I am delighted to have launched the Lighthouse Project for Plastics Circularity under the CSR initiative by Mondelez India, in association with the Goa State Pollution Control Board,” said Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa. “The project aims to transform the waste management in Mapusa with a focus on circularity in plastic waste management”
Mr. Samir Jain, President, Mondelez India, said, “Sustainability is one of our company’s strategic growth pillars and the Lighthouse Project reflects our commitment towards plastics circularity in alignment with the government’s vision for sustainable waste management. This project is built on 3 key pillars—behavioral shifts, infrastructure upgrades, and digital innovation. We are laying the groundwork for a scalable circular economy by enhancing waste recovery, promoting sustainability, and engaging communities.”
During the launch event, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa unveiled ‘The Fisherman Casting Net’ – an inspiring art installation created entirely from 100% recycled plastic. The unique artwork depicts the livelihood of communities born and raised by the sea. Shri Aleixo Sequeira, Minister for Law & Judiciary, Environment, Captain of Ports & Legislative Affairs, Government of Goa; Shri Mahesh Patil, Chairman, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Samir Jain, President, Mondelez India and Ophira Bhatia, Vice President, Corporate and Government Affairs, India and AMEA CGA Lead, Mondelēz International were also present at the event. The installation, unveiled in association with the Goa State Pollution Control Board and the Corporation of the City of Panaji reminds citizens to recycle and repurpose plastic waste to protect the environment and planet. It is located at Goa’s Miramar Circle and represents the project’s vision of a cleaner, greener future.
             The Lighthouse Project, in collaboration with the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), is being carried out in partnership with Anubhuti Welfare Foundation (AWF) as the implementation partner and Responsible Earth Foundation (REF) as the operations partner. The initiative focuses on bringing circularity to the plastics waste management practices such as upgrading the existing Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to Smart MRF to boost recyclable recovery, and digitizing waste management to enhance transparency and traceability. Over the next five years, the initiative seeks to establish the MRF as a profitable enterprise by stabilizing operations, creating market linkages for recycled materials, and driving efficiency through digital innovation.
In addition to creating a lasting environmental impact, the project focusses to drive behavioral change through awareness campaigns and sensitization efforts, reaching over 50,000 residents, as well as formal and informal sanitation workers. Over 120 Safai Mitras working in waste management at Mapusa are being socially included through these initiatives, empowering them as key contributors to the circular waste economy.
The Lighthouse Project also includes community-driven activities such as clean-ups and material collection drives, which are designed to engage the public in environmental conservation efforts. The project also has significant touch points with schools and colleges, aiming to build a generation of youth ambassadors committed to the cause of plastic waste circularity. Schools in the area will benefit from educational programs to foster sustainability awareness among students.
The project inauguration event included a plog run to engage the local community, thereby emphasizing the importance of collective action for a sustainable future. It also featured an insightful presentation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and best practices through an informative video by the Goa State Pollution Control Board & The Energy and Resources Institute.
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Empty PET bottles collected under CSR initiative during Mysuru Dasara Festival

Empty PET bottles collected under CSR initiative during Mysuru Dasara Festival
Mysuru, Karnataka: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, in collaboration with Anandana: The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and along with the Mysuru City Corporation, successfully collected empty PET bottles during this year’s grand Mysuru Dasara. With Y4D Foundation as the implementing partner, the “Used PET Bottle Free Dasara Celebration” initiative promoted package collection in one of Karnataka’s largest annual events.
The 10-day Mysuru Dasara, held from October 3 to October 12, 2024, attracted thousands of tourists and devotees from across the country. HCCB launched this initiative to manage empty PET bottles throughout the festivities. Over 30 volunteers actively participated, to support the execution of the waste management drive.
The initiative focussed on placing collection bins and recycling stations at key festival locations, including Chamundi Hills, Aahara Mela, and other prominent sites. The empty PET bottles were collected and transported to designated warehouses for segregation, and then transported to a PET bottle recycling partner.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer at HCCB, said, “Mysuru Dasara is more than just a festival. It’s a vibrant expression of our cultural heritage, uniting communities through devotion, celebration, and environmental responsibility. By collecting and recycling PET bottles, we actively contribute to a circular economy. The ‘Used PET Bottle Free Dasara’ initiative underscores our dedication to building a World Without Waste and advancing a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director– Sustainability and CSR at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said “At Coca-Cola, our ambitious World Without Waste strategy aims to help create a circular economy for our packaging—from how bottles and cans are designed and manufactured to how they’re recycled and reused. As we celebrate our vibrant cultural festivals, we acknowledge our responsibility to take actions that help protect both the environment and local communities. By collaborating with local partners during these moments of celebration. we can help provide collection infrastructure while educating participants on waste segregation and the responsible disposal of solid waste.”

 

 

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CSR: The Akshaya Patra Foundation and Trans Disciplinary University of Health Sciences and Technology join forces to combat India’s Hidden Hunger

CSR: The Akshaya Patra Foundation and Trans Disciplinary University of Health Sciences and Technology join forces to combat India’s Hidden Hunger
The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) and the Trans Disciplinary University of Health Sciences and Technology (TDU) have entered into a strategic collaboration aimed at addressing India’s “hidden hunger” and enhancing nutrition for millions of children. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on October 5, 2024, and was unveiled during the Smart Protein Forum 2024, underscoring the profound impact this partnership will have on public feeding programs across India.
This MoU represents a pivotal step towards enhancing the health and well-being of schoolchildren, with a focus on innovative product development, research, and policy advocacy. The partnership combines Akshaya Patra’s extensive reach in delivering mid-day meals to millions of children across India with TDU’s expertise in nutrition and health sciences.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Atul K. Gupta, Registrar & CFO of TDU, and Mr. Saanil Bhaskaran, Chief Operating Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, signifying the beginning of a profound collaboration in tackling nutrition challenges in India’s public health and education systems.
The partnership will focus on creating cost-effective, protein-rich meals using plant-based proteins like soy and rice, with an emphasis on long shelf life and reduced operational costs. Additionally, it will analyze and enhance the nutritional value of meals to improve nutrient absorption while prioritizing sustainable ingredients such as millets. The collaboration will support policy improvements aimed at integrating nutrient-dense, cost-effective ingredients into public feeding programs like the PM POSHAN Scheme. Furthermore, workshops and training sessions will be conducted, along with the creation of school gardens, to raise awareness and share best practices on sustainable nutrition.
By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients like plant proteins and millets, the collaboration will not only improve the nutritional value of meals but also contribute to the overall sustainability of public feeding initiatives. Additionally, efforts to create food gardens at schools and kitchens will foster greater awareness of nutrition and sustainability among children and communities.
As both organizations continue their journey toward promoting nutrition and education, as well as improving public health, this MoU serves as a beacon of innovation and commitment to addressing India’s hidden hunger.
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CSR Foundation’s ‘Box of Joy’ brightens Diwali for the underprivileged in Jaipur and Gurugram

CSR Foundation’s ‘Box of Joy’ brightens Diwali for the underprivileged in Jaipur and Gurugram
Jaipur, India: To celebrate the festival of lights, Girnar Foundation, the CSR arm of CarDekho Group, conducted a Diwali: Box of Joy distribution drive in Jaipur and Gurugram. The Foundation distributed 500 Diwali hampers, with 250 hampers allocated to each location. The hampers contained sweets, crackers, candles, diyas, LED lights, and clothes designed to light up the festive season for underprivileged people.
In Jaipur, the drive reached underprivileged communities, including slums opposite IIS School, Mansarovar, Pratap Nagar, Jagatpura, and Bambala Government School. In Gurugram, hampers were distributed to the students of Dream Girl Foundation NGO and other slum areas, bringing smiles and happiness to their Diwali celebrations.
Sharing her vision, Pihu Jain, Head of the Girnar Foundation, said, “Diwali is a celebration of light, cheer, and togetherness, and we believe that true happiness comes from sharing and uplifting those around us. Seeing the joy and gratitude in the eyes of the children and families we reached was a powerful reminder of how small gestures can make a meaningful difference. It’s not just about the material gifts but the feeling of inclusion and belonging we aim to foster within these communities.
Going beyond the festivals, we are dedicated to initiatives that address the broader challenges faced by marginalized communities. At Girnar Foundation, we are working towards building a more equitable society, where every individual gets to celebrate festivals, especially during moments that matter most – Happy Diwali.”
The Diwali initiative is part of Girnar Foundation’s commitment to advancing UNSDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, as adopted by the CarDekho Group. By focusing on bringing joy during one of India’s most cherished festivals, the Foundation continues to create a meaningful impact on underprivileged individuals and families, furthering its mission to build a more equitable, inclusive society where everyone can partake in the spirit of celebration and togetherness.
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