CSR: Cricket match organised with visually impaired persons in Bengaluru to promote inclusivity
Bengaluru, India: Amazon.in, with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, a leading non-profit organization committed to empowering persons with disabilities organized a unique cricket match for the persons with visual impairment in Bengaluru, today. The event was held as part of Amazon’s Global month of volunteering being observed in May, demonstrating the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment.
As part of the initiative, the team participated in two matches where the first featured a mix of Amazon volunteers and visually impaired players, while the second was between Amazon volunteers and persons with visual impairment. Samarthnam team was awarded the winning trophy and a cash prize of INR 1 lakh for their exceptional performance, sportsmanship and refined skills demonstrated throughout the matches.
Among others, one of the distinguishing features of this match was the use of a specially designed cricket ball embedded with sound-generating components to aid players with visual impairments, making the game more accessible and engaging for them.
While Global Month of Volunteering is being observed in May 2024 through multiple volunteering engagement initiatives across various geographies in India, Amazon remains dedicated to fostering a culture of volunteerism and community engagement throughout the year. The spirit of giving back continues to thrive within company’s culture, and are committed to making an enduring positive impact in the communities it serves.
The Global Month of Volunteering (GMV) is an annual global event where Amazon’s leaders, employees, partners and even some customers all over the world come together to support causes that can make a difference. In its third year in India, GMV 2024 focuses on Amazon’s key themes of education, food security, sustainability, and women empowerment.
With its three-fold mission of educating, inspiring and connecting, GMV 2024 will run through May 2024. Amazon has curated over 150+ volunteering events across India in partnership with over 40+ non-profits including DonateKart, Rosy Blue Foundation, Way For Life, GIVE Foundation, Bhumi, Robin Hood Army, CRY, Helping 2 hands, Indian Roots Foundation, Ramp My city, Vedanshi Foundation and KHUSHI.
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Nissan Motor India completes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Smile Train India
Gurugram, India: Nissan Motor India marked the successful completion of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Smile Train India with a celebratory event at Sant Parmanand Hospital in New Delhi with the children and their families. The event, which was attended by Mr. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India along with representatives from Smile Train India, and renowned plastic surgeon Dr SC Sood, highlighted the impact of their joint efforts in supporting cleft surgeries for underprivileged individuals.
Over the course of the partnership, Nissan’s support enabled 290 cleft surgeries in the fourth quarter of FY23, enabling individuals from economically weaker sections of society to receive the life-changing treatment. These surgeries were conducted at Smile Train India’s partner hospitals, ensuring access to quality care for those in need.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “Our association with Smile Train India exemplifies Nissan’s commitment to corporate citizenship, social responsibility and inclusion. Through this partnership, we aimed to address this critical healthcare need and make a meaningful and compassionate difference in the lives of those affected. We have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of access to quality healthcare, and we are immensely proud of the positive change we have collectively achieved.”
Mamta Carroll, Smile Train’s Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia, expressed her gratitude towards Nissan Motor India and their support for the cause. She said, “Supporting free, safe, and quality cleft treatment is Smile Train India’s number one priority. Our CSR partners hold a pivotal role in our ecosystem, and the collaboration with Nissan Motor India has not only enabled cleft affected children to lead healthier and fuller lives but has also significantly enhanced the quality of life of their parents and immediate families.”
Cleft, a gap in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate), is a facial birth difference which affects one in 700 babies and 35,000+ children are born with clefts in India annually. Without treatment, children have difficulty in eating, breathing, hearing, speaking and may face social isolation.
The impacted children, of whom 42% are female, will now have a better chance to attend school, pursue careers, and enjoy gainful employment. Surprisingly, even today, many girl children born with clefts are often abandoned at birth. Through Nissan’s support, these girls have not only received a new smile but also the chance of a new life, free from stigma and social isolation.
Additionally, over half 56% of the beneficiaries (161 individuals), are infants aged two years and below. By addressing cleft conditions at a young age, Nissan and Smile Train India have contributed to reducing the disability-affected life years of these individuals. Additionally, 38% (110 individuals) of the beneficiaries fall within the age group of two to 18 years, while 6% are above 18 years, emphasizing the urgency to address the backlog of cleft patients who struggle to find help in time.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.
Cyber crime: Govt asks telecom operators to block 28,200 handsets and reverify 20 lakh mobile connections
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued directions to telecom service providers for blocking 28,200 mobile handsets and to carryout immediate reverification of 20 lakh mobile connections linked to these mobile handsets across India. If these mobile connections fail in the re-verification, then they will be disconnected as per orders of DoT. The purpose is to ensure a secure digital environment.
This comes after a recent analysis by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and State Police which has revealed that 28,200 mobile handsets were misused in cybercrimes. The DoT further analyzed and found that a staggering 20 lakh numbers were used with these mobile handsets, as per an official statement.
The Government of India has been persistently making efforts to check cyber frauds under the secure India project at three levels: national, organisational, and individual. DoT, MHA and Police have joined hands for curbing the misuse of telecom resources in cyber crime and financial frauds. This collaborative effort aims to dismantle networks of fraudsters and protect citizens from digital threats.
Mobile connections disconnected
Till 30th April 2024, DoT has disconnected 1.66 crore mobile connections for reasons such as users’ feedback and exceeding the individual limit to buy new SIM cards. DoT has also blocked 1.58 lakh unique mobile device identification number (IMEI), due to involvement in cyber crimes and financial frauds or mobile connections taken on fake or forged documents.
Through digital interventions to combat fraud and crime, the Department of Telecom Services has successfully prevented citizens from losing approximately Rs 1000 crore in last one year.
Cyber crime in India – Where to report
The department of Telecommunication has taken many initiatives to spread awareness so that citizens can make use of such tools for addressing their grievances as well as protect themselves from cyber-frauds.
Anyone who has lost money due to financial fraud or is a victim of cyber-crime, can report at cyber crime helpline number 1930 or website https://www.cybercrime.gov.in.
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
Ministry of Home Affairs operationalised the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal www.cybercrime.gov.in to provide a centralized mechanism to the citizens for online reporting of all types of cyber crime incidents, with a special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. Incidents reported on this portal are automatically routed to the State/UT law enforcement agency concerned for taking further steps as per the provisions of the law. A toll-free helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.
Chakshu Portal
Launched in March this year, the Chakshu portal is a platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to report suspicious communication, such as fraudulent calls, SMS, or messages on social media like WhatsApp. The Chakshu portal introduced under the Sanchar Sathi initiative allows users to report fraudulent activities. These include fraudulent calls, messages regarding lottery or job offers, and potential leaks of phone numbers by businesses.
Digital Intelligence Platform
Another initiative launched by the Government in March this year is the Digital Intelligence Platform, which is a secure and integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing, information exchange and coordination among the stakeholders, including telecom operators, Law Enforcement Agencies, banks and financial institutions, social media platforms, identity document issuing authorities, among others. The portal also contains information regarding the cases detected as misuse of telecom resources.
Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children Scheme
The Ministry of Home Affairs provides financial assistance under the ‘Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children Scheme, to states and Union Territories for their capacity building such as setting up of cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories, hiring of junior cyber consultants and training of Law Enforcement Agencies’ personnel, public prosecutors and judicial officers. So far, cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories have been commissioned in 33 States/UTs, as per an announcement.
Fuelwood Dependence Persists in Jalpaiguri Despite LPG Push, Raising Environmental Concerns
A recent study has shed light on the continued reliance on fuelwood as a primary cooking fuel in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, despite government efforts to promote the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The findings underscore the complex interplay between energy access, affordability, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the urgency for locally acceptable and sustainable solutions.
Fuelwood Reliance and Its Impacts
The study revealed that local communities in Jalpaiguri heavily depend on forests for fuelwood due to limited access to alternative cooking fuels. Although the government has implemented schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to facilitate the transition from fuelwood to LPG, the subsequent increase in LPG prices has posed a significant challenge.
According to the research, the cost of commercial LPG cylinders, priced at over Rs 1500, is considered exorbitant for many households, particularly those below the poverty line. As a result, despite efforts to increase LPG penetration in rural areas, many households only refill their cylinders infrequently due to the high cost.
The dependence on fuelwood has far-reaching environmental and social implications. It contributes to forest degradation, jeopardizing wildlife habitats and local livelihoods. Furthermore, the study highlights the increased risk of human-wildlife conflicts, particularly encounters with elephants, as communities venture deeper into forests to collect fuelwood.
Efforts Towards Sustainable Solutions
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, collaborative efforts are underway between the West Bengal Forest Department and Joint Forest Management Committees. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable forest management practices, including planting saplings of high fuelwood value in villages, promoting efficient cooking stoves, optimizing shade tree density in tea plantations, and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement for resource governance.
However, the study emphasizes that addressing the fuelwood dependency issue requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond short-term solutions. Developing locally acceptable and sustainable alternatives to fuelwood is crucial to securing forests, wildlife, and livelihoods in the region.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the Indian government has made notable efforts to increase LPG adoption in rural households, such as launching the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak scheme, initiating direct benefit transfers, and implementing direct home-refill deliveries, the high prices of LPG remain a significant barrier. In fact, LPG prices in India were reportedly the highest among 54 countries in 2022, at around ₹300/liter.
The study underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach that considers the economic constraints faced by rural communities while promoting sustainable energy solutions. Promoting renewable energy sources, improved cookstoves, and alternative fuels derived from agricultural waste could potentially reduce the demand for fuelwood and mitigate its environmental impact.
Ultimately, community involvement and engagement with relevant stakeholders are crucial for the success and adoption of alternative cooking fuels and forest conservation efforts. By addressing the root causes of fuelwood dependence and fostering locally tailored solutions, Jalpaiguri and regions facing similar challenges can pave the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future for both people and the environment.
Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi, Shivsena (UBT) on Bharat Ka Bhavishya: Lok Sabha Election 2024
Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi, Member of Pariament – Rajya Sabha and Deputy Leader – Shiv Sena (UBT) joins us in an exclusive conversation with The CSR Journal for our Lok Sabha Elections 2024 special programme “Bharat Ka Bhavishya”.
Priyanka feels India is currently experiencing a “Russian style of democracy” where the voice of the opposition and media are silenced and Indian citizens are not getting enough chance everywhere to exercise their democratic right of voting.
Priyanka talks about inflation, cooking gas cylinder price, questions what the BJP government is doing to actually empower India’s women and explains why she feels Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a “dictator”.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also shares her views about Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and current CM Eknath Shinde. To watch her full interview click here:
Ahana Bhattacharya can be reached at ahana@thecsrjournal.in
Shri. Amol Kirtikar, Shivsena (UBT) on Bharat Ka Bhavishya: Lok Sabha Election 2024
Shri. Amol Gajanan Kirtikar, Shivsena (UBT) Candidate for the Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha constituency, engages in an exclusive conversation with Shri Amit Upadhyay, Editor-in-Chief of The CSR Journal, on our exclusive show #BharatKaBhavishya: Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Tune in to learn about his important insights on Maharashtra politics and his vision for the community’s welfare future. Discover how he intends to revolutionize sectors such as employment and agriculture, and introduce the ‘Goa model’ for Mumbai beaches. He talks about his experiences, especially regarding the Enforcement Directorate, and his family’s support during crucial times.
Building a Greener Future: The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Construction
In our rapidly changing world, sustainability has become a buzzword across various industries. One crucial area where sustainability is making significant strides is in construction. Sustainable construction practices not only benefit the environment but also bring economic advantages.
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One of the primary benefits of green building is its emphasis on energy efficiency. Sustainable construction practices integrate technologies and design strategies that significantly reduce energy consumption. Features like energy-efficient lighting, well-insulated windows, and advanced HVAC systems help minimize energy wastage. As a result, green buildings consume less energy, resulting in a significant rise in cost savings on utility bills for homeowners and businesses. Over time, these savings can accumulate, making green buildings more financially viable in the long run.
Apart from this, sustainable construction has become a critical aspect of building design and construction as we strive to create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable world. Sustainable construction focuses on reducing the environmental impact of buildings and their construction, operation, and end-of-life phases. It aims to minimize waste and promote resource conservation. This involves implementing strategies such as recycling construction materials, reducing water consumption and using environmentally friendly materials. By embracing these practices, construction companies contribute to the preservation of natural resources and reduce the strain on landfills.
According to reports, the Indian real estate sector is predicted to be worth $1 trillion by 2030 and account for 13% of the country’s GDP by 2025. Green constructions are anticipated to offer a remarkable complement to this extraordinary increase. Because investors are beginning to realize the long-term advantages of eco-friendly initiatives, the future of sustainable real estate is bright.
Moreover, the focus that green architecture places on energy efficiency is one of its main advantages. Energy-saving design techniques and technology are integrated into sustainable construction practices because green buildings use less energy, both businesses and homeowners can save a lot of money on their electricity costs. These savings can add up over time, making green buildings more feasible financially.
Here are a few reasons why building a greener future through sustainable construction is vital –
1. Environmental Benefits
Sustainable construction minimizes environmental impact in several ways:
a. Reduced Resource Consumption
Traditional construction often leads to excessive use of natural resources like wood, water, and energy. Sustainable construction employs techniques that reduce resource consumption, such as using recycled materials and energy-efficient designs.
b. Lower Carbon Footprint
Sustainable buildings produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions by using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies. This helps combat climate change, a critical environmental issue.
c. Preservation of Ecosystems
Sustainable construction practices prioritize protecting ecosystems. For example, building designs may incorporate green spaces, such as rooftop gardens, which support biodiversity and help mitigate urban heat island effects.
2. Economic Benefits
Contrary to the misconception that sustainable construction is costlier, it offers long-term economic advantages:
a. Lower Operating Costs
Sustainable buildings are energy-efficient, leading to reduced utility bills over time. Features like solar panels, efficient insulation, and water-saving fixtures contribute to lower operating costs, making sustainable buildings more economically viable in the long run.
b. Enhanced Market Value
As environmental concerns become more prevalent, the market demand for sustainable buildings increases. Properties with green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) often command higher resale and rental values, providing a competitive edge in the real estate market.
c. Regulatory Incentives
Governments worldwide are implementing policies to encourage sustainable construction. Incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and expedited permit processes incentivise developers to adopt eco-friendly building practices, further boosting the economic feasibility of sustainable construction projects.
3. Social Benefits
Sustainable construction also brings about positive social impacts:
a. Improved Health and Well-being
Sustainable buildings prioritize indoor air quality, natural lighting, and thermal comfort, creating healthier living and working environments. Studies have shown that occupants of green buildings report higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and better overall well-being.
b. Community Engagement:
Sustainable construction projects often involve community engagement initiatives, fostering collaboration and empowerment within local communities. This inclusivity strengthens social ties and promotes a sense of ownership and pride in the built environment.
c. Long-term Resilience
By considering factors like climate change adaptation and disaster resilience in design and construction, sustainable buildings contribute to the long-term resilience of communities. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks associated with natural disasters and other environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Sustainable construction is not merely a trend but necessary for building a greener, more prosperous future. By embracing eco-friendly building practices, we can mitigate environmental degradation, unlock economic opportunities, and enhance social well-being. As stakeholders in the construction industry, it is our responsibility to prioritize sustainability and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Together, let’s build a future where economic prosperity goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
In summary, sustainable construction offers a triple bottom line: environmental preservation, economic viability, and social well-being. It’s not just about building buildings; it’s about creating a better world for future generations.
Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.
Ms. ManjuYagnik has been associated with Nahar Group for over three decades now. Having graduated from Kurukshetra University, it was in 1990 that she decided to enter the real estate industry by joining Nahar, a profession that was challenging but matched her passion. She is known for her core expertise viz. project planning, product development, and marketing strategies. From creating unique land spaces or coming up with unique initiatives for consumers to understanding consumer behavior, being a decision-maker, managing people, she has spearheaded every activity in this group since then.
CREDAI Hyderabad celebrates the ‘Labour’s Week’, donates creche for on-site labourers’ children
Hyderabad, India: CREDAI Hyderabad the apex body of the private real estate developers in India organized special initiatives for the benefit of the workers celebrating the ‘Labour’s Week’. As a part of the CREDAI Cares initiative, they donated at a ‘CRECHE’ for labourers kids on the site of one of the esteemed Founder Member Dr. M. Satchidananda Rao. Also, a health checkup camp was organized in association with Anantha Rehab to monitor and ensure the well-being of the labour at the site. CREDAI Leadership team led by Mr. V. Rajashekar Reddy – President, Mr. N. Jaideep Reddy – President Elect, Mr. B. Jagannath Rao – General Secretary, CREDAI Hyderabad and other Members of Managing Committee were present on the occasion.
According to Mr. V. Rajashekhar Reddy, President, CREDAI Hyderabad said, “Real Estate and Construction Industry is the 2nd largest employment generator after agriculture. A large number of labourers from different parts of the country work on sites and are essential to execute the projects. We at CREDAI Hyderabad and our members take several initiatives to improve the skill and ensure a safe work environment for onsite labourers. As a part of this initiative, we sponsored the CREDAI Creche to ensure the safety of the kids, while their parents work on the site. Apart from this we have donated Safety Kits to the workers and conducted a health check-up camp to ensure the wellbeing of the staff. We are also willing to work closely with the Labour commissioner to ensure better skilling and work environment for the on-site labour.”
Mr. N. Jaideep Reddy – President Elect, CREDAI Hyderabad, said “CREDAI Hyderabad takes several initiatives to ensure safety and wellbeing of the labourers on site of various projects. We also conduct proper training and skilling sessions to upgrade the skills of the on-site staff and introduce them to learn and adapt the latest technologies for faster, better and safer construction practices by our member developers. This initiative on the Labour’s Week was a step towards the objective of building safe and secure work place for all.”
Adding to this Mr. B. Jagannath Rao – General Secretary, CREDAI Hyderabad said, “The On-site Labour is pivotal to a project’s timely execution. We at CREDAI celebrated the Gratitude Week towards the Construction Labour from 1st to 7th of May 2024. During this week our endeavor was to Empower the Labour with safety training, distribution of essential safety kits, organize health checkup camp and skill development to provide a suitable work environment. We will continue the efforts to improve the skills and working condition of the teams of our member developers for an ‘Empowered Tomorrow’ and inclusive development of the city.”