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May 22, 2025
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CSR News: ₹10 Crore Committed for Scholarships to Equip Indian Nurses for Global Careers

Inauguration of Kochi Centre by Ashish Labroo, Business Head, India at BorderPlus

This International Nurses Day, BorderPlus, a leading workforce mobility platform, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the nation’s healthcare champions. Recognising the importance of nurses and the world’s urgent need for their expertise and skills, BorderPlus today announced a significant investment in their future, committing Rs 10 crore in scholarships over the next 2 years. The initiative will support deserving and aspiring nurses, enabling them to build successful international careers.

Marking a key milestone in this mission, BorderPlus also unveiled its first regional Training & Support Center in Kochi, a hub aimed at nurturing nursing talent from the southern region through personalised guidance and resources. The center currently supports over 120 candidates, with plans to expand this capacity to more than 500. It offers in-person exam preparation, personalised counseling, and comprehensive documentation support. Through this center, BorderPlus will also provide digital offerings, directly supporting nurses across Kerala and neighbouring regions. The Kochi center will be operated by a trusted local franchisee partner and enrollments have already started.

Mayank Kumar and Ayush Mathur, Co-founders of BorderPlus said, “The global healthcare sector faces a significant nursing shortage, presenting a unique opportunity for India’s vast pool of skilled and dedicated nurses. At BorderPlus, our mission is to empower these professionals by providing structured, ethical, and transparent pathways to international careers. This scholarship initiative is a powerful testament to our commitment to supporting Indian nurses in realising their global aspirations, ensuring they are equipped to make meaningful and valued contributions to healthcare systems worldwide.

Despite India’s rich nursing talent, candidates exploring global career pathways often face hurdles such as end-mile skilling gap, prohibitive exam costs, complex documentation requirements, and a lack of reliable guidance. The scholarship, open to Indian nurses, aims to address these fundamental barriers by offering crucial financial support and structured guidance enabling Indian nurses to pursue overseas careers with greater confidence and clarity. Empowering Indian nurses to pursue global careers not only enhances their professional growth but also contributes to India’s remittance economy, as they continue to support their families back home.

Candidates will be carefully selected based on their merit, clear intent, and long-term career alignment. Each applicant will undergo a thorough screening and interview process, ensuring that the support reaches those with both strong potential and a well-defined vision for their global journey.

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

Yogi Adityanath’s 8-Year Overhaul Makes UP a National Stronghold Against Terrorism and Extremism

In a comprehensive crackdown on terrorism and anti-national activities, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has overhauled internal security since 2017, setting a new precedent for law enforcement nationwide.

Over the past eight years, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has dismantled 142 sleeper cells across the state, neutralised one terrorist during an encounter, and unearthed 131 active terror modules involved in providing logistical aid, intelligence sharing, and shelter to extremists. These cells were reportedly affiliated with both international and domestic outfits such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, ISI, PFI, SIMI, LeT, JeM, AQIS, JMB, ABT, HM, IM-SIMI, and even Naxal networks.

UP Govt’s Efforts Busts Terror Funding

The state government’s intensified focus on curbing illegal infiltration and extremist funding has also led to the exposure of 11 terror-financing modules and the seizure of Rs 47.03 lakh in counterfeit currency. Moreover, 41 individuals were arrested for their role in the counterfeit racket. Officials have also detained 173 Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals suspected of illegally entering the country and posing potential security threats.

The Yogi administration has also made significant strides in breaking up religious conversion networks, with over 20 syndicates dismantled. Cybercrime too has come under strict scrutiny, resulting in the apprehension of 19 digital offenders, including four Chinese nationals involved in SIM card fraud and identity scams.

Ram Mandir Unrest Plot Thwarted in UP

Authorities further thwarted plans to incite unrest surrounding the Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya. Intelligence-driven operations successfully prevented attempts to provoke disorder through religious gatherings and demonstrations, showcasing the state’s firm resolve in maintaining communal harmony.

This strong, multi-pronged approach combining technological surveillance, ground intelligence, and zero-tolerance policies has dramatically improved the state’s law and order environment. The success of these measures has not only disrupted active terror operations but has also made UP a challenging ground for any subversive entity.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s unwavering stance against organized crime and terror has effectively transformed Uttar Pradesh into a fortified state against internal threats. His leadership has propelled UP to the forefront of India’s counter-terrorism efforts, now widely regarded as a benchmark model for other states aiming to strengthen their internal security apparatus.

Delivery and Outcome-Led Sustainability Platform for Business Transformation Solutions launched 

Hyderabad, India: Re Sustainability Limited (ReSL), one of Asia’s leading environmental and sustainability solutions providers, today announced the launch of Integrated Sustainability Solutions (ISS)—India’s first execution-driven platform that empowers businesses to fully integrate sustainability across their operations, infrastructure, and investment strategies.

ISS is designed to eliminate the fragmentation that has historically hindered effective sustainability implementation. Instead of managing multiple vendors and disjointed programs, businesses can now rely on a single, trusted partner to implement their sustainability agenda—from early-stage strategy and compliance solutions to infrastructure development, resource recovery, operations, and ESG disclosures.

Built on ReSL’s robust operational presence—across 99+ sites in 11 countries—and driven by India’s largest team of environmental professionals, ISS brings together decades of expertise in environmental services, engineering, permitting, analytical, digital ESG systems, and circular economy implementation.

ISS also houses netZERO, Re Sustainability’s specialized arm focused on EPR, carbon credits, and circular economy implementation. netZERO provides end-to-end compliance and circular economy solutions across plastics, e-waste, batteries, tyres, and used oil. With deep expertise in EPR regulations and pan-India operational capabilities, netZERO helps brands and PIBOs seamlessly meet their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations, while also accessing carbon credit pathways aligned with global, national climate targets and voluntary programs.

Through ISS, ReSL offers a comprehensive and modular suite of services, adaptable to the specific needs of industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metals, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, ports, IT, real estate, healthcare, and consumer goods.

The range of services includes:

Sustainability & ESG Advisory – Strategy development, Net Zero roadmaps, materiality assessments, ESG maturity diagnostics, and implementation planning

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance – Complete support for environmental clearances, impact assessments, licenses, audits, multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance, and comprehensive environmental monitoring and testing services

Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation Services – Assessment of environmental liabilities, risk evaluation, site investigations, and deployment of remediation strategies to address contamination and ensure full compliance

Environmental Infrastructure Solutions – Turnkey development of water and wastewater treatment systems, air emission control facilities, solid and hazardous waste management infrastructure, and decarbonisation and green energy systems

Operations & Maintenance (O&M) – Performance-based management of environmental assets with service-level agreements (SLAs), condition monitoring, and continuous optimization

Decarbonisation & Climate Action – Carbon accounting, reduction strategies, energy efficiency solutions, and access to carbon markets and climate finance instruments

Resource Recovery & Circular Economy – Advanced recovery of materials and energy through recycling, RDF, biogas, composting, and alternate fuels integration

Sustainability Reporting & Assurance – ESG impact tracking and disclosure aligned with GRI, BRSR, CDP, TCFD, EU-CSRD, and other leading frameworks, with independent assurance

Digital & Analytical Tools – Real-time ESG dashboards, monitoring platforms, AI-powered compliance tools, and data-driven performance analytics

Sustainable Financing & Delivery Models – Flexible implementation through capital-light co-financing, joint ventures, revenue-sharing arrangements, BOT (build-operate-transfer) formats, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) tailored to sustainability infrastructure

“ISS is our strategic response to the on-ground implementation gap that so many businesses face today when it comes to sustainability & ESG programs,” said Masood Mallick, Managing Director & Group CEO of Re Sustainability.

“Sustainability cannot be an isolated initiative. It needs to be integrated, funded, operated, and measured across the value chain. ISS is designed to do exactly that—with the technical depth, institutional scale, and financing flexibility needed to drive transformational outcomes.”

By integrating advisory, implementation, and ownership models under one platform, ISS helps businesses unlock synergies between climate goals, regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, and long-term business value. Through flexible engagement formats, organizations can choose outcome-linked models that align performance incentives with environmental and social impact.

With India accelerating its climate and ESG mandates, and global investors demanding greater transparency and accountability, ISS positions Re Sustainability as a long-term partner for forward-looking organizations aiming to lead with responsibility and resilience.

 

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

Corporate Donations to Gujarat Swachchta Nidhi Get 80G Tax Relief: ITAT

CSR Donation

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Ahmedabad, has delivered a significant ruling, stating that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donations made to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Swachchta Nidhi are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This judgement is likely to provide much-needed clarity and relief to companies fulfilling their CSR obligations while also seeking tax benefits.

The case involved a company that donated ₹3.57 crore to the Gujarat CM Swachchta Nidhi as part of its CSR expenditure. The company claimed a 50% deduction of the donation under Section 80G in its income tax return. However, the tax authorities initially questioned the eligibility of such deduction, arguing that CSR expenses are a statutory requirement under the Companies Act, 2013, and may not qualify as voluntary donations for the purpose of Section 80G.

Ruling in Favour of Taxpayer

The ITAT, after examining the facts and legal provisions, ruled in favour of the taxpayer. The tribunal observed that there is no specific bar in Section 80G which disallows deduction for donations made as part of CSR obligations. The law only requires that the donation be made to a fund or institution approved under Section 80G, and the Gujarat CM Swachchta Nidhi is such a notified fund. The tribunal relied on similar decisions by other benches, including the Mumbai and Delhi ITATs, which have held that even though CSR expenditure is mandatory, it does not lose its character as a donation if made to an eligible fund.

The ITAT also referred to the Finance Act, 2014, which clarified that CSR expenses are not allowed as business expenditure under Section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act. However, this restriction does not extend to deductions under other sections, such as Section 80G, provided the prescribed conditions are met. The Ahmedabad ITAT’s decision aligns with the broader judicial trend, where tribunals have increasingly allowed 80G deductions for CSR donations made to specified government funds, such as the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund and now, the Gujarat CM Swachchta Nidhi.

Tax experts note that this issue has been a point of litigation across India, with authorities often denying deductions on the ground that CSR donations are not voluntary. However, tribunals have clarified that the absence of a reciprocal benefit to the donor, and the fact that the donation is made to an approved fund, are sufficient grounds for deduction under Section 80G. There is also no express intent in the law to deny such benefits for all CSR expenditure.

To claim the deduction, companies must ensure that the donation is made to a fund notified under Section 80G and obtain the necessary receipt mentioning the PAN and registration number of the fund. It is also important to note that companies opting for the new concessional tax regime may not be eligible to claim such deductions.

This ruling is expected to encourage more companies to contribute to government-led cleanliness and social welfare initiatives, knowing that their CSR donations can also bring tax savings. It also sets a precedent for similar cases, reducing uncertainty and potential litigation on this issue. The decision is a positive step towards aligning tax incentives with national development goals, especially in areas like sanitation and public health.

CSR News: CSR collaboration with Swachha Andhra Corporation for Sustainable E-Waste Management in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, India: Swachha Andhra Corporation (SAC), under the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Re Sustainability Reldan Refining Private Limited (ReSRRPL), a leading entity in sustainable waste management and E-waste recycling, to build a robust E-waste collection and processing ecosystem in the state.

The initiative aims to enable scientific collection, segregation, and environmentally sound disposal of electronic waste while building awareness among citizens and empowering local communities. It aligns with the state’s vision of making Andhra Pradesh a model state in responsible E-waste management.

Under this partnership, SAC will provide key infrastructure support, including a dedicated 5,000 sq. ft. warehouse, facilitate coordination with the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), and engage Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for collection drives. ReSRRPL will deploy its technical expertise to ensure compliant, transparent, and efficient E-waste handling through high-efficiency resource recovery technologies.

The initiative will also be scaled to other districts of Andhra Pradesh in a phased manner, ensuring statewide impact. The program includes outreach to municipalities and government agencies for sourcing E-waste through a structured phase-wise plan.

This MoU was signed in the presence of senior leadership from SAC:

• Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram, Chairman of Swachh Andhra Corporation Limited (SACL)

• Dr. P. Sampath Kumar, I.A.S., Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration

• B. Anil Kumar Reddy, I.A.S., Managing Director of Swachha Andhra Corporation Limited (SACL)

The signing ceremony was also graced by all District Commissioners of Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the administrative will and unified commitment to the cause.

Pattabhi Ram, Chairman of Swachh Andhra Corporation, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said “This MoU is a significant step toward transforming Andhra Pradesh into a national leader in circular economy and sustainable waste management. By fostering public-private collaboration, we are building not just infrastructure, but a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation.”

Masood Mallick, Managing Director and Group CEO, Re Sustainability, added “This collaboration represents a critical move toward a more sustainable future—one where discarded electronics are not seen as waste, but as a resource. Through responsible E-waste recycling and high-efficiency resource recovery, we can close the loop, reduce pressure on virgin material extraction, and support a regenerative, low-carbon economy. We’re proud to work alongside SAC in enabling this model of environmental stewardship and circularity.”

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

As War Clouds Loom Over the Subcontinent, A Son of the Soil Marches Forward From a Quiet Village to the Call of Duty

With the spectre of war once again darkening the skies between India and Pakistan, patriotism in its purest form emerged from a quiet village by the Teesta River. Amid the growing military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Manoranjan Roy, a young man from Panbari village in Jalpaiguri district, left home to join the Indian Army as an Agniveer—a modern-day soldier trained under India’s reformed recruitment model.

War-like Situation Escalates Across India-Pakistan Border

On the intervening night of May 8–9, Pakistani drone and missile attacks targeted civilian and strategic zones in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, triggering nationwide alerts and heightening war readiness across India. With air raids, border skirmishes, and rising casualties dominating headlines, the Indian armed forces have initiated retaliatory strikes deep across the Line of Control. In this charged and volatile climate, Manoranjan’s decision to join the military is not just timely—it is emblematic of the spirit of sacrifice that defines India’s sons and daughters.

A Village’s Pride, A Family’s Sacrifice

As the red vehicle carrying Manoranjan departed his village early Friday morning, hundreds of villagers lined the narrow, dusty path—some waving, some crying, but all united in pride.

“This is what true patriotism looks like,” said his father, a farmer with calloused hands and a heart now heavy with emotion. “My son has chosen to serve the nation when it’s needed the most. That is the greatest honour any father can ask for.”

His mother, tearful yet proud, held his hand one last time before he boarded the vehicle bound for Bengaluru, where his military training will begin. “I gave birth to him, but now the nation calls him. May Durga protect him,” she said.

North Bengal on High Alert

The entire Maynaguri block has been on high alert since war-like conditions emerged. Surveillance drones, increased troop movement, and blackout drills are becoming part of daily life in Bengal’s northern belt. Yet, in the middle of this uncertainty, Manoranjan’s departure stirred something deeper: a collective belief that India will endure, not only because of its missiles and might, but because of the spirit of its citizens.

Agniveer: A New Generation of Warriors

The Agniveer scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2022, aims to recruit young Indians into the armed forces for a four-year period, with a focus on agility, technology, and modern warfare. For youths like Manoranjan, it is not just a career—it’s a call to protect the sovereignty and dignity of Bharat Mata.

A Farewell Etched in Memory

As the car carrying him disappeared down the village’s last bend, children stopped playing, elders folded their hands in silent blessings, and hundreds of villagers raised their hands in farewell—a poignant reminder that while war is waged by armies, it is endured, supported, and made meaningful by people.
In this charged moment of history, Manoranjan Roy is no longer just a village boy from Teesta’s banks—he is a soldier of India.

10-Year-Old Boy Killed in Guwahati: Mother and Her Lover Arrested After Body Found in Suitcase

In a chilling crime that has stunned the city, a woman and her partner have been arrested for the brutal murder of her 10-year-old son, whose body was discovered stuffed in a suitcase and dumped near the Forest Department office in Guwahati on Sunday.

The victim, identified as Mrinmoy Barman, was a Class V student at Navodaya Jatiya Vidyalaya. His body was located by a scrap collector near a bush along an isolated stretch of road. Alongside the suitcase, police also recovered the child’s schoolbag.

Authorities began probing the case after Mrinmoy’s mother, Dipali Rajbongshi, filed a missing person report on Saturday, claiming her son had not returned from tuition. However, discrepancies in her statements quickly drew suspicion. During questioning, police discovered that Dipali had recently filed for divorce and was in a relationship with Jyotimoy Haloi, a temporary employee at the Accountant General’s office.

Both Accused Confesses to the Crime

Upon further interrogation, both Dipali and Haloi confessed to the murder. Police said the pair had conspired and carried out the crime in a particularly “gruesome manner.” They were taken to the crime scene for a reconstruction of the events, and a magistrate visited the spot to inspect the evidence.

Deputy Commissioner (East) Mrinal Deka confirmed that the suitcase containing the boy’s body was found near Basistha temple. He added that a forensic team and CID officials had examined the location and collected material evidence. The boy’s remains were sent for a post-mortem examination, scheduled for Monday.

Mother Held for Further Investigation

The boy’s father, who lives separately from Dipali, has also provided his statement to the police. Meanwhile, Haloi remains in custody, and Dipali is being held for further interrogation regarding her role in the crime.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have promised a thorough probe to ensure justice is served in what they described as an unthinkable betrayal of a child by those he should have been able to trust most.

British Government Outlines New Plan To Control Immigration

British Border Control Sign View

The British government has outlined a new plan to end its ‘failed free market experiment’ in mass migration, by restricting skilled worker visas to graduate-level jobs and forcing businesses to increase training for local workers. The new plans were announced on Sunday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, because of the pressure on his party to cut net migration after the success of Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party in local elections.

According to the government’s new plan, the skilled visa will only be granted to people in graduate jobs. Visas for low-skilled roles will only be issued in areas critical to the nation’s industrial strategy.  Companies within the care sector will no longer be able to see a visa for workers recruited abroad. In turn, British businesses will have to increase the training of British workers and companies, according to the government‘s plan.

Policy Change

This policy change will be part of a policy document known as white papers, which will be published on Monday. The publication will set out how ministers will plan to reduce immigration. While British employers have expressed concerns about the government’s plan to tighten the rules for foreign workers, there is also a need to fill the shortage in the job market in the UK.

Countries of the global South like India and Nepal offer an abundance of cheap labour force that helps the country in bridging its business gaps.

Awami League Rejects Ban by Bangladesh’s Interim Government

Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena led Awami League rejected the interim government’s decision to ban the party and voted to continue operating despite restrictions. On Saturday night, Mohammad Yunus, led interim government’s council of advisors, or the cabinet, slapped a ban on all activities of the Amami League, including digital activities, under an anti-terrorism law.

Reacting to the same, the Awami League posted its official statement on the social media platform X and said, “We are rejecting and protesting the fascist autocratic Yunus government’s decision with disgust… Awami League will carry on its activities in an appropriate course, defying the decision of the fascist government.” The Awami party considers this band, under an undemocratic fascist government, illegitimate and regrets that the government now runs the country ‘without the people’s mandate, while the country earned independence and sovereignty under’ the Awami League‘s leadership.

The ban by Bangladesh’s current interim government is meant ‘to exile the spirit, ideals and core values of the liberation war and to empower the vulgar resurgence of anti-independence elements’.

“We strongly believe that the people of Bangladesh will deliver a resounding response to this reckless decision by the fascist regime. We call upon all leaders and activists of the Amami league to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people and build a strong resistance against this incoherent and anti-people decision.”

Anti-Maoist Operations in Karregutta Hills Halt After 20-Days

Maoist Operations

Intensive operations to counter insurgency in the Karregutta hills of the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border have been put on hold within 20 days, after it began operations on April 21. The massive counter-insurgency operation involved 28,000 personnel assisted by the IAF. The operation was targeted at capturing topmost Maoist leadership in the Karregutta hills, a region guarded by the most dreaded armed wing of the insurgents, Battalion One, of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). The same wing was involved in the major attack on security personnel in the Sukma and Bijapur areas. Three persons of the elite Greyhound forces specialised in anti-Maoist operations and at least six personnel from the CRPF district reserve guard in the special task force suffered injuries because of the landline blast during the course of the operation.

Reason For Halt Unclear

The operation also involved Central and State police forces camping and marching inside 700 m thickly forested hills, rigged with IEDs (landmines). At least 20 drones were deployed for the operation.

There has been no official word on the reason behind the calling off of the 20-day-long anti-insurgency operation in the Maoist area. The police personnel are scheduled to address the media over the matter on Tuesday. The operation was considered a major step towards the March 2026 deadline set by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to end violence in the red corridor area of India.

The death of four Maoists was also confirmed during the operation, and around 2 tonnes of explosive material with 400 IEDs and 40 weapons were recovered by the officials during the operation. However, the official says 129 Maoists have been gunned down in Bastar this year, while 146 maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh.

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