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May 3, 2025
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Sustainable Transport: Indian Army partners with Indian Oil for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

By
The CSR Journal
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Sustainable Transport: Indian Army partners with Indian Oil for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus
In a sustainable step towards cleaner and greener transport solutions, the Indian Army has entered into a partnership with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for demonstration trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology.
“Earlier this week, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and the IOCL in presence of General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Mr Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil. The MoU aims at commitment to fostering innovation and advancing sustainable transport solutions for the future,” as per a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.
During the event, Indian Oil presented a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus to the Indian Army. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus has a seating capacity of 37 passengers. It promises an impressive mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of Hydrogen fuel.

What is Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology?

Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology offers a clean and efficient alternative by converting Hydrogen gas into electricity through an electro-chemical process. Under this process, by combining hydrogen and air in the presence of a catalyst, a fuel cell generates electricity to drive an electric motor, with water vapour as the only by-product, thus ensuring zero emission.

Indian Army procuring Electric Vehicles (EV)

However, this is not the first time that Indian Army is displaying its focus on innovation and environmental responsibility. The Indian Army in February this year, proposed to introduce phased induction of a limited number of Electric Vehicles in its ‘Peace Stations’ across the country. The aim and objectives are to adapt to latest technological advancements, give impetus to green energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The Indian Army will be inducting Light Electric Vehicles, Electric Buses and Electric Motor Cycles at peace stations.
The Indian Army is acquiring more than 110 electric vehicles (EVs) with an investment of about Rs 175 crore. Although currently introduced only in Delhi, there are plans to expand the fleet of EVs across other regions in the next few years. Another 60 electric buses, 415 electric cars, and 423 electric motorcycles are under various stages of procurement and are likely to be introduced by the end of 2025, as per reports.

Indian Army’s MoU with NTPCREL

On 21st March 2023, the Indian Army signed a MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited (NTPCREL) for installation of Green Hydrogen based Microgrid Power Plants along the Northern Borders. A pilot project is being setup at Chushul, where a 200 Kilo Watt Green Hydrogen based Microgram will provide 24×7 clean electricity to troops deployed in inhospitable terrain and extreme climatic conditions.

How AI is helping control Traffic Lights and reducing congestions

By
Hency Thacker
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How AI is helping control Traffic Lights and reducing congestions
A Mumbaikar loses 121 hours in traffic every year. A Delhite spends 110. Talking about traffic to a person living in Bengaluru is like touching a raw nerve. This is the same story for all the urban dwellers in the world.
Traffic congestions are a major source of frustration for so many people in the world. In addition to this, they are also a cause of noise pollution, air pollution, fuel wastage, and carbon emissions. Research has shown that pollution at intersections is 29 times more than open roads. Most of it is caused because of slowing and then abrupt accelerating of vehicles.
While it is impossible to completely eliminate stop and go at intersections, the traffic at intersections can be optimised significantly with use of technology. With an aim to do that, Google has deployed the use of Artificial Intelligence for improving efficiency of traffic light timings and configurations through Project Green Light.

What is Project Green Light?

Project Green Light is aimed at optimising the traffic light timings in a way to avoid or reduce congestions, thus reducing the stop and go instances at intersections. It makes use of Google AI and Google Maps driving trends with some of the strongest understandings of global road networks. Using this, it creates models of traffic patterns and build intelligent recommendations for city traffic engineers to make traffic flow more efficient. Early evaluations have indicated that there is a potential of reduction in stops by up to 30%, along with 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Through this method Google has claimed that it is possible to optimise each intersection and coordinate between adjacent intersections to create waves of green lights to further reduce stop and go traffic in the cities.
Project Green Light is now live in 70 intersections in 12 cities, 4 continents, from Haifa, Israel to Bangalore, India to Hamburg, Germany. This has allowed in lowering of emissions and fuel wastage for up to 30 million car rides every month.
Vineet Kumar Goyal, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata has said, “Green Light has become an essential component of Kolkata Traffic Police. It serves several valuable purposes which contribute to safer, more efficient, and organized traffic flow and has helped us to reduce gridlock at busy intersections. Since November 2022, we have implemented suggestions at 13 intersections. The outcome is excellent as per the feedback from commuters and traffic personnel.”

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence has been so far viewed as a villain that can cost millions of people their jobs. However, when deployed effectively, it can not only solve problems that were otherwise too complicated to solve manually, but also do it in an affordable manner.

The Role of Cryptocurrencies in Sustainable Business Practices

By
The CSR Journal
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The Role of Cryptocurrencies in Sustainable Business Practices
Imagine a world where every transaction you make is a step towards a greener planet, sounds surreal, doesn’t it? This isn’t a far-off dream anymore. Welcome to the world of cryptocurrencies, where blockchain technology is redefining sustainability in business practices. By minimizing paper waste, decentralizing energy grids, and enhancing traceability, cryptocurrencies are revolutionizing the way businesses operate. But how exactly does this work? Stick around, and you’ll discover how this digital currency could be the key to accessing a more sustainable future for business operations worldwide.

Understanding Cryptocurrencies and Sustainability

Essentially, the digital world of cryptocurrencies can contribute to sustainable business practices by understanding the connection between cryptocurrencies and sustainability. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security. They aren’t issued by a central authority, which means they’re theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation.
But how does this relate to sustainability? Well, it all boils down to resource efficiency. Cryptocurrencies, being digital, don’t require physical resources like paper or metal for production. They’re created and stored electronically, reducing the need for physical storage spaces and transportation. This inherently decreases the carbon footprint associated with traditional currencies.
Moreover, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies can contribute to economic sustainability. It eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks, reducing costs and improving efficiency. This democratization of finance can lead to more inclusive economic growth, enhancing overall sustainability.
However, it isn’t all positive. Cryptocurrencies have been criticized for their high energy consumption, particularly Bitcoin. Yet, with the advent of more energy-efficient protocols and the increasing use of renewable energy in crypto mining, these challenges are being addressed.
Ultimately, with responsible use and continued innovation, cryptocurrencies can indeed contribute to sustainable business practices. Moreover, Bitcoin trading price volatility, often scrutinized in financial discussions, also impacts sustainability efforts.

Reducing Paper Waste With Digital Currency

Switching to digital currency like Bitcoin or Ethereum can greatly reduce the production and disposal of paper waste, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. You’re probably aware of the sheer volume of paper used to print traditional currency. It’s not just the notes themselves; consider the countless receipts, invoices, and transaction records that businesses generate daily.
By adopting cryptocurrencies, you’re effectively eliminating the need for these paper-based systems. Transactions are recorded digitally on the blockchain, a transparent and secure public ledger. You can trace every transaction, identify every participant, and confirm the validity of each transaction without needing a single piece of paper.
Moreover, digital currencies encourage a shift towards online banking and digital wallets, thereby reducing the need for physical bank branches and ATMs, which again cuts down on paper usage. Not only does this mean less deforestation for paper production, but it also results in fewer carbon emissions from the transportation and disposal of paper waste.
However, it’s important to remember that this is just one aspect of sustainability.
There’s a lot more to sustainable business practices than just reducing paper waste, and it’s essential that we address these other areas as well.

Decentralization and Energy Efficiency

Beyond reducing paper waste, embracing decentralized cryptocurrencies can also lead to notable improvements in energy efficiency for your business. Traditional banking systems are energy-intensive, requiring massive data centers and multiple branches to function effectively. On the other hand, decentralized cryptocurrencies operate on a distributed network of computers, eliminating the need for such physical infrastructure.
You might think that maintaining a network of computers worldwide would consume more energy. Surprisingly, it’s not the case. The key lies in the technology behind cryptocurrencies – blockchain. Blockchain technology’s decentralized nature allows transactions to be processed by different nodes on the network, spreading out the energy usage. This distribution of tasks reduces the overall energy consumption significantly.
Moreover, as cryptocurrencies mature, they’re becoming more energy-efficient. Innovations like proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms, implemented by cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, are less energy-intensive than their predecessor, proof-of-work (PoW). PoS selects validators based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to ‘stake’ as collateral, thereby reducing the computational power needed for transaction verification.

Cryptocurrencies and Carbon Footprint

While cryptocurrencies can indeed contribute to energy efficiency, you might wonder about their impact on the environment, specifically their carbon footprint. It’s true, the process of mining cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, is energy-intensive and can result in significant carbon emissions. But the story doesn’t end there.

Energy Source:

The carbon footprint of cryptocurrencies greatly depends on the energy source used. If the process is powered by renewable energy, the carbon footprint can be drastically reduced.

Efficiency of Mining Equipment:

As technology advances, mining equipment is becoming more energy-efficient. This means less energy is consumed, reducing the associated carbon emissions.

Geographic Distribution of Miners:

The carbon intensity of the power grid varies globally. Miners located in regions with cleaner energy can have a lower carbon footprint.

Blockchain’s Role in Green Business

Exploring the green business landscape, it’s crucial to comprehend how blockchain technology can serve as a powerful tool for promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. The decentralized nature of blockchain guarantees transparency and accountability, key pillars in driving eco-friendly initiatives.
Blockchain’s immutable ledger can track and verify sustainable business practices from raw material sourcing to product delivery. You can confirm that the materials utilized in your business are ethically sourced and that waste management adheres to eco-friendly principles.
Blockchain technology also aids in energy conservation. By decentralizing energy grids using blockchain, you can facilitate peer-to-peer energy transactions, thereby reducing the need for energy middlemen and cutting down on energy loss.
Moreover, blockchain’s smart contracts automate processes, reducing the need for paper, thus contributing to deforestation reduction. The technology’s traceability can also help in waste management, allowing tracking of waste from production to disposal, promoting a more efficient and environmentally friendly waste system.
In the era of green businesses, blockchain’s role is pivotal. Its potential to revolutionize sustainable practices is immense, providing a gateway to a more eco-friendly and transparent business world.

Case Studies: Crypto in Sustainable Companies

Let’s explore some compelling case studies that highlight the innovative use of cryptocurrencies in sustainable companies. Here are three such instances:
– Power Ledger, an Australian start-up, uses blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer trading of renewable energy. They’ve implemented their own cryptocurrency, POWR, to facilitate these transactions, allowing for more efficient and transparent energy trading.
– Plastic Bank is a social enterprise that’s tackling plastic pollution by incentivizing the collection of plastic waste. They reward collectors with a digital token, tradable for goods and services, creating a circular economy and promoting sustainability.
– Poseidon Foundation uses Stellar’s blockchain to track carbon footprints and offset emissions. Their native cryptocurrency, OCEAN, is used to purchase carbon credits, promoting responsible carbon usage.
These cases show that cryptocurrencies aren’t just digital assets; they’re tools that can drive sustainable change. They offer enhanced traceability, incentivize green practices, and can create new sustainable economies.
While these are early examples, they’re indicative of the potential of cryptocurrencies in sustainable business practices. It’s clear that cryptocurrencies are playing an increasingly important role in the shift towards a more sustainable future.

Future Outlook: Cryptocurrencies and Sustainability

Given the promising examples of how cryptocurrencies are currently being utilized in sustainable practices, you might be wondering what the future holds for this innovative convergence. It’s essential to say, the emerging synergy between cryptocurrencies and sustainability presents a counter-narrative to the often negative environmental discourse surrounding this digital asset class.
In the future, we’ll likely see a wider adoption of cryptocurrencies in sustainable operations. The transparent and decentralized nature of blockchain technology, which underpins cryptocurrencies, will enable a more accountable and efficient resource allocation. It’ll empower companies to track their sustainability efforts accurately, fostering trust with stakeholders and customers alike.
Moreover, innovators are already working on energy-efficient consensus algorithms, like proof-of-stake, which consume considerably less energy than the traditional proof-of-work. This advancement could notably reduce the carbon footprint associated with cryptocurrency mining.
However, for this potential to be realized, it’s vital that regulations evolve to support these advancements. Policymakers need to create a conducive environment that fosters the growth of cryptocurrencies while ensuring sustainability. This interplay will shape the future dynamics of cryptocurrencies and sustainability, potentially mainstreaming sustainable business practices within the crypto world.

Conclusion

You’ve seen how cryptocurrencies can revolutionize sustainability efforts.
A surprising fact? If blockchain technology was a country, it would rank 59th when considering energy consumption, according to the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance.
But with its potential to streamline operations, reduce waste, and promote transparency, it’s clear that embracing cryptocurrencies could be a game-changer for sustainable business practices.
The future looks bright, and it’s digital.

How Indian Travellers are Finding Value in Sustainable Travel

By
The CSR Journal
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How Indian Travellers are Finding Value in Sustainable Travel
Indian travellers today are seeking mindful experiences that allow them to travel and discover new places while being conscious of the environment. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2024, travelling inspires 75% of Indian travellers to be more sustainable in their everyday lives and 93% want to ensure that trips they’re taking over the next year are more mindful and environmentally conscious.

Balancing travel with environmental responsibility

The desire to travel sustainably is evident among Indian travellers as 76% of Indian travellers feel the environmental impacts of travel are important to them. At the same time, they are also cognizant that their travel has a broader impact on the environment as well as the destinations they visit. 73% of Indian travellers are most likely to recognise the impact of their travel on the natural environment followed by local economies (62%) and local communities (50%). Travellers are also looking at destinations that complement their desire to support local businesses, embrace different cultures and provide opportunities for walking, using bicycles or public transport for travel.
With World Environment Day around the corner, Booking.com shares a list of destinations across India with a noteworthy number of accommodations with a credible third-party certification**. From quaint coastal cities to cyclable towns, there’s a destination for every type of traveller that can help them have a more positive impact with their next trip, from check-in and beyond.

Top destinations with independent third-party sustainability certification in India*

Recognising the growing desire for mindful travel experiences, here are some of the destinations across India with the highest number of properties holding independent third-party sustainability certification (not ranked).
Bandipur
Coonoor
Kozhikode
Candolim
Agra
Jodhpur
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Vadodara
Chennai

Silver linings to clouds of doubt around sustainability

New areas of research in this year’s report have found that Indian travellers who are adopting and making more mindful travel choices feel that more sustainable travel experiences are adding value to their trips. Additionally, they believe that the potential for countering environmental impacts of travel/tourism comes from travel services like airlines and hotels (42%) as well as travellers (41%) and major sites and apps (38%). This acts as a silver lining that can support travellers in balancing the adventure of exploration while still making responsible choices.
The Best Version: 74% of Indian travellers recognise that they are the best version of themselves when they travel more sustainably and consequently take home this positivity.
Feeling Inspired: 75% feel that witnessing sustainable practices while travelling inspires them to be more sustainable in their everyday life.
Experiences: Local and Authentic: 95% of Indians who did tours or activities for authentic, local and cultural experiences. Such local and cultural experiences help foster connections and take forward cultural exchange.
Shopping Choices: 94% of travellers shopped at small and independent stores which helps them experience the unique options available within the locality, along with being able to support the livelihoods of small-scale entrepreneurs.
Conscious Travel Planning: 93% of Indian travellers planned their trips so that they could walk, bike or take public transport allowing them to immerse themselves in the local experience completely. It also allows slowing down and taking in the culture, while being able to minimise the environmental impact. Additionally, 72% of Indians also felt access to nature added value when staying at accommodations with sustainable practices.
According to Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, “Today for Indian travellers, sustainable practices not only enhance their travel experience but also inspire them to adopt similar habits in their daily lives. There is a desire to have a positive impact, with travellers more forthcoming in exploring activities that are driven by sustainability, whether it is indulging in cultural experiences or exploring local markets. Through collective efforts and a shared vision for sustainable tourism, we at Booking.com aim to make it easier to experience the world in a more mindful and responsible way.”

 

 

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

 

 

CSR collaboration with Rapper Saniya MQ on Menstrual Hygiene Day 

By
The CSR Journal
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CSR collaboration with Rapper Saniya MQ on Menstrual Hygiene Day
Mumbai, India: Ujaas, at the forefront of menstrual health advocacy led by Advaitesha Birla, has forged a dynamic collaboration with young rapper Saniya MQ to unveil a poignant and enlightening rap song titled “Ye Laal Rang – Periods,” marking the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The initiative aims to dismantle entrenched societal taboos and dispel misconceptions surrounding menstruation. In a vibrant display of solidarity, Saniya and a team of volunteers orchestrated a flash mob at Bandra station, captivating the public eye and amplifying awareness for menstrual health.
Available on both Saniya MQ’s and Ujaa YouTube channels, the rap composition confronts prevailing myths head-on, advocating for a progressive shift towards open dialogue and informed perspectives on menstrual health. By targeting younger demographics, this innovative endeavour strives to foster awareness and understanding, empowering individuals to engage in open conversations about menstrual health and challenging prevailing misconceptions.
Speaking on the collaboration, Advaitesha Birla, Founder of Ujaas, emphasized on the critical need for increased awareness about menstruation among Indian girls, highlighting the cycle of anxiety and confusion caused by misinformation. She underlined that Ujaas’ collaboration with Saniya MQ aims to engage youth effectively through mediums like rap music, inspiring action and fostering dialogue. Further stressing on the necessity for collective effort to bring about change in the menstrual health space, stating that it goes beyond just women and adolescent girls. “Men too must be included in this dialogue to foster societal change, only through widespread awareness and education can we create an environment where girls are truly empowered to embrace their menstrual health journey with confidence and dignity. Highlighting this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day theme, ‘Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,’ we underscore the imperative for collective efforts. Ujaas is committed to cultivating a period-friendly ecosystem, dismantling societal barriers, and reshaping perceptions surrounding menstrual hygiene through robust awareness and education initiatives. The hope is that this rap song will drive awareness amongst the youth and catalyze positive change in attitudes towards menstruation.”
Saniya MQ, the young female rapper who brought the menstrual health music symphony to life, shared her thoughts on the initiative, saying, “I am incredibly honoured to collaborate with Ujaas on this powerful project. Menstrual health is a vital issue that affects millions of women, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and misinformation. Through my educational rap, I hope to reach young people and spark open, honest conversations about periods. Together, we can break down these barriers and promote a healthier, more informed society.”
Earlier this year Ujaas launched a Menstrual Health Express initiative. The Ujaas Van is traveling across 25 states and 107 cities, conducting informative menstrual health workshops in partnership with local NGOs. The aim was to dismantle menstrual taboos and promote hygiene.
As we commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, Ujaas reaffirms its commitment to promoting dignified menstrual health for all women. The rap song launch this year aims to be a powerful reminder to engage in open conversations, challenge norms, and foster an inclusive society.

 

 

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

 

 

चंदन खुशबू से महकेगी मथुरा, अयोध्या में लगेंगे मेडिसिनल प्लांट

By
Rahuldeo Sharma
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चंदन खुशबू से महकेगी मथुरा, अयोध्या में लगेंगे मेडिसिनल प्लांट

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Top CSR projects working towards menstrual health and hygiene in India

By
The CSR Journal
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Menstrual Hygiene Day: Top CSR projects working towards menstrual health and hygiene in India
Menstruation is a natural phenomenon that every woman goes through. However, lack of proper knowledge about menstrual hygiene is a major issue for women living in slum areas. It often leads to poor hygiene, infections, and other health problems, further exacerbating their struggles and hampering their overall progress.
Even though we are progressing as a nation and winning accolades on the global stage, rural India continues to battle challenges like poor menstrual hygiene, taboos, superstitions and lack of awareness.
It is a shocking fact that menstruation acts as a major barrier to girls’ education and women’s participation in the workforce in rural area even today.
On April 10, 2023, the Supreme Court of India called for a ‘uniform national policy’ to be developed by the Central Government, in consultation with States and Union Territories, to ensure menstrual hygiene in schools. The policy aims to provide sanitary pads, vending and disposal mechanisms, and exclusive washrooms for girl students in schools.
On Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, The CSR Journal takes a look at some of the latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives which aim to spread awareness around menstrual health and hygiene in India thus empowering adolescent girls and women.

Top CSR projects working towards menstrual health and hygiene in India 

CSR of Union Bank of India

Union Bank of India is running a CSR initiative to promote menstrual hygiene and maintain a hygienic waste management system. The bank is installing sanitary pad vending machines and sanitary pad disposal machines in government or government-aided schools under the jurisdiction of its 134 regional offices. This initiative aims to raise awareness among girls about sanitation and hygiene while reducing absenteeism among female students.
As part of its commitment to improving infrastructure in schools, Union Bank of India has also announced that it will construct more than 134 girls’ toilets across the country, with contributions from all regions. This initiative seeks to provide young girls with clean and safe sanitation facilities, ensuring their comfort and dignity.

CSR of TVS Motor Company

Srinivasan Services Trust (SST), the social arm of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram-Clayton Limited, has been working for women empowerment in the rural belts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh for the past 27 years, through formation of Women Self-help groups, and helping them sustain through interventions in diverse sectors such as training, credit linkage, livelihood programmes and nudging them towards development of their community. SST has established a hygiene programme that focuses on menstrual health, benefiting over 1000 girl children annually, as per a recent announcement made by the trust.
Flipkart Foundation and Pinkishe Foundation teams at Govt. Higher Primary School Parappana Agrahara Bengaluru for the launch of Project Udaan

CSR of Flipkart – Project Udaan

The Flipkart Foundation and Give Foundation in August 2023 announced partnered with Pinkishe Foundation, a non-profit organisation working towards improving the lives of women and girls in India, towards spreading awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. The initiative – ‘Project Udaan’ – aims to create period-positivity while addressing the challenges girls and women from marginalized communities face, especially in rural areas. By providing essential information and eco-friendly period products, the project endeavors to foster better reproductive health and behavioural practices. The project will be executed across multiple locations in four states, including Gandhinagar and Mehsana in Gujarat, Gurugram in Haryana, Bengaluru in Karnataka and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
‘This collaboration aims to empower and encourage adolescent girls and dismantle the taboo around periods. Besides promoting appropriate menstrual health practices, the project also envisions nurturing a sense of dignity and confidence among young girls and women. The programme seeks to cater to girls aged 10 to 18 years, benefiting 1,600 girls directly and an additional 3,200 girls and women indirectly, covering 20-25 schools identified with the help of local teams,’ as per a statement from the company.

CSR of Amrutanjan Health Care Limited

On the occasion of International Women’s Day in March this year, Amrutanjan Health Care Limited launched a campaign #PowerToBeYou to address the critical issue of period poverty in India and to spread the message that every woman has the right to manage her periods with dignity and confidence.

Menstrual hygiene brand Amrutanjan Comfy, under its Project Disha, this year, has reached out to 10 states, 900 towns, 400 schools, 4.8 Lakh students and 100 Anganwadi centers across India to create awareness around menstrual hygiene and dismantle the barriers that hinder access to essential menstrual hygiene products, as per an announcement. #PowerToBeYou aims to transform communities by empowering women with access to affordable and high-quality menstrual hygiene products.

CSR of Aditya Birla Group – Ujaas

Aditya Birla Education Trust’s social initiative, Ujaas, is working towards creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene in India. Founded by Advaitesha Birla, Ujaas has been actively engaged in driving awareness in the menstrual health space.
“To date, we have reached out to over 254,654 girls through 8,516 educational sessions on menstrual health. Furthermore, we have distributed over 4,349,652 sanitary pads free to girls in rural Maharashtra across 1,228 schools in 17 districts,” as per a statement issued on 28th May 2024.
Ms. Advaitesha Birla Founder Ujaas and Dr. Neerja Birla Founder and Chairperson Aditya Birla Education Trust flagging of the Ujaas Menstrual Health Express in Mumbai
In addition to these efforts, Ujaas launched its Menstrual Health Express initiative in February this year. The Ujaas Van has started traveling across 25 states and 107 cities, conducting informative menstrual health workshops in partnership with local NGOs. The aim was to dismantle menstrual taboos and promote hygiene. Over 250,000 free pads were distributed to local communities where access to hygienic products was limited. Moreover, Ujaas has launched a Self-Help Groups (SHGs) program and a manufacturing unit for sustainable cloth pads. This initiative not only provides access to cloth pads in rural markets but also creates livelihood opportunities for 25 SHG women in the first phase.

CSR of PNB Housing Finance

PNB Housing Finance has undertaken a mission to create awareness and train rural women about the importance of menstrual hygiene. A program on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) was inaugurated on 19 January 2023 under which the Company, in association with the Desai Foundation, has set up a sanitary napkin production unit at Sitapur Road in Lucknow.
PNB Housing Finance’s CSR arm, the Pehel Foundation, has taken this initiative to eliminate a key barrier to girls’ education and women’s participation in the workforce. The programme aims to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene among rural women and provide them with easy access to quality and affordable sanitary napkins. A three-pronged approach, i.e., creating awareness, establishing a local production unit, and building a robust distribution network of female sales representatives, will help foster a sustainable ecosystem and boost their financial empowerment.
PNB Housing Finance’s menstrual hygiene programme for rural women
While this programme aims to help provide livelihood opportunities to rural women, the company is confident that the direct distribution model will increase access to menstrual hygiene, which can prove to be a catalyst for change in the entire community.

CSR of PepsiCo

With a focus on three priority campaigns of Government of India – the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Shakti Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission – the PepsiCo Foundation announced in March 2023 that it will invest USD 400,000 in partnership with Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial FORCE Trust to expand its safe water access and sustainable sanitation program in Uttar Pradesh.
As part of the program, the PepsiCo Foundation and Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial FORCE Trust will help provide improved access to fresh water for drinking and domestic purposes, impacting more than 20,000 people and 3,000 children across 13 villages in Mathura district over a period of three years.
The partnership will also create WASH awareness (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) focusing on sanitation, solid waste management, and hygiene practices with water quality, safety and personal health behaviors impacting 50,000 people and 3000 children. As part of the WASH efforts, the program will identify 400 women and girls as Menstrual Hygiene Management Guides and 400 youth as WASH Guardians to create a strong support ecosystem in their communities.

CSR of o9 Solutions

– o9 Solutions, a leading enterprise AI software platform provider is working to ensure the enhanced sanitation and hygiene of the women of the Sathyamangalam community in Tamil Nadu. The company also funded a menstrual health project under which the women of the same tribal community are trained to manufacture low-cost sanitary pads. In collaboration with Read India team, o9 will help them connect them with marketplaces and assist them in selling the product in and around the communities, announced the company. The girls’ students at the school will get free sanitary pads. This would improve the overall condition of hygiene among women in the community. Several awareness programs are planned to be conducted by the resource persons and the employees of o9 to raise the awareness level of girls and women in the community.

18-Year-Old E-Rickshaw Driver from Uttar Pradesh Receives the Amal Clooney Women Empowerment Award

By
Hency Thacker
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Rickshaw Driver from Uttar Pradesh Receives the Amal Clooney Women Empowerment Award
An 18-year-old e-rickshaw driver named Arti from Uttar Pradesh was recognised with the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award. Arti, from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh was honoured with this prestigious award at the hands of King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

Arti, a single mother with a 5-year-old daughter, drives a pink e-rickshaw which has enabled her to not only be financially independent but also play a role in ensuring safety of female passengers in her village.
The award ceremony was held in the iconic Buckingham Palace, where Arti arrived in her pink e-rickshaw.

Aarti and her pink e-rickshaw

“Arti’s determination to create a safer world for her daughter and her relentless efforts in a traditionally male-dominated field exemplifies the spirit of resilience and empowerment we seek to celebrate,” said Amal Clooney, Human Rights Lawyer, during the award ceremony.

Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award

The Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award is an accolade that was established with the purpose of recognising remarkable women that have made major contributions in the field of women’s empowerment and gender equality. It is named after the renowned British international human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney.
The award does not come with any geographic restrictions for its nomination or selection process. It is sponsored by the British Charity Prince Trust International, founded by King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales.
Arti was recipient of this award for her work through the Pink E-rickshaw initiative of the government, through which she is inspiring young girls in her locality to become strong and independent.

What is E-Rickshaw Initiative?

The government of Uttar Pradesh launched Mission Shakti in 2020 in order to empower women in the state with focus on safety, security, and self-reliance. The initiative provides a secure platform for women where they can learn, get skilled for various vocations, and access different livelihood schemes. In this manner, the women can transform their lives and become self-reliant and productive members of the society.
As part of this mission, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had launched Pink E-rickshaw scheme, wherein women are provided training to drive e-rickshaws and navigate traffic rules and regulations. Once they receive the necessary training, the scheme also help women with getting e-rickshaws at a low-interest rate loan, along with a subsidy of Rs. 49,500.
Arti was introduced to this initiative under Project Leher, launched by Prince’s Trust International in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation.

Top Picks: SBI Mutual Funds vs DSP Mutual Funds for 2024

By
The CSR Journal
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Investing in a mutual fund is a process that requires one to pay attention to a lot of factors due to the many mutual funds available in the market. The two major mutual fund companies in India are DSP Mutual Fund and SBI Mutual Fund. They are very old companies, and they have different investment plans; therefore, they are the best for obtaining high revenues in 2024. Here is what each of them has to shed and how it differs from the others.

DSP Mutual Fund:

DSP Mutual Fund is part of the history of mutual funds in India. DSP Group is one of the long-run companies that was established in the 1860s, well before computer science began. DSP BlackRock, which commenced its operation in 1997, was known as DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund; it was a venture of DSP Merrill Lynch. It is now and soon called the DSP Mutual Fund that has managed the BlackRock stakes.
DSP Mutual Fund administers 46 schemes, of which 22 offer equity funds, another 22 offer debt funds, and the rest are hybrid instruments. Specifically, it is acclaimed for focusing on the quality and creativity of products as well as providing accruals to clients, including exchange-traded funds and global funds. 

SBI Mutual Fund:

SBI Mutual Fund is an amalgamation of SBI and Amundi Pioneer Investment Management, a global investment management company based in France that was established in India. It was established in 1987 and, since then, has continued to be a helping hand for investors in financing their dreams financially in India. Over the years, SBI Mutual Fund has grown tremendously, and as of now, SBI Mutual Fund offers potential clients 146 types of funds.
Another area in which SBI Mutual Fund has a competitive advantage is innovation. It was the pioneer in India adapting the ‘Contra’ fund and the ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) fund to meet the emerging need for sustainable wealth management investments. 

Comparing the two giants

When deciding between DSP Mutual Fund and SBI Mutual Fund, investors should consider several factors:

– Investment philosophy:

DSP Mutual Fund follows a disciplined and quality-management investment strategy; on the other hand, SBI Mutual Fund refers to innovation and pioneering products.

– Fund variety:

Both stock trading platforms offer a comprehensive list of funds, but SBI Mutual Fund seems to have a larger assortment that may be more suitable for targeted portfolios.

– Performance history:

Each has a good history; however, investors ought to try and focus on the performance of particular funds in the two over a given period.

– Investor trust:

Having the support of the largest public sector bank in India from where it gets funds to invest, SBI Mutual Fund has high credibility amongst investors.

– Conclusion

DSP Mutual Fund is ranked among the best mutual fund companies in India in 2024, as is SBI Mutual Fund. This is why DSP Mutual Fund is highly recommended for those who are disciplined, patient, and seeking only quality investment with minimal risk involved. While contemplating competition, SBI Mutual Fund has more novel products in its portfolio and has a larger range of funds. Therefore, which of the two—DSP Mutual Fund or SBI Mutual Fund—is a good option will be determined by the investment direction, concern with risks, and preference of the investors.

Financial support provided to students through ‘Ubharte Sitare’ CSR Programme

By
The CSR Journal
-
Financial support provided to students through
Srikalahasti, India: Electrosteel Castings Limited (ECL), a leading manufacturer of Ductile Iron Pipes and Fittings globally, has introduced a pioneering initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio, the ‘Ubharte Sitare’ program.
The Ubharte Sitare program aims to provide financial support and resources to deserving students in schools as well as junior colleges. The program is specially designed to assist those who have exhibited consistent performance and talent not only in academics but also in extracurricular areas such as sports, music, and singing.
‘Education is a fundamental right for everyone. Our goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder education and dreams of talented students who have the potential to excel in their respective fields. We believe that by empowering our youth, we are contributing to the sustainable development and long-term prosperity of our society’, stated Mr. S N Goswami, CEO of Electrosteel – Srikalahasthi Works.
Through Ubharte Sitare program, the Organisation will work closely with educational institutions to identify candidates who demonstrate merit and need. Selected students will receive scholarships and funding necessary to continue their education at higher levels.
Electrosteel is dedicated in its effort to support and uplift communities. The Ubharte Sitare program is a perfect example of its enduring commitment.

 

 

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

 

 

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