CSR News: ‘Power of 5 Program’ Drives Impactful Change in Addressing Childhood Malnutrition

By

The CSR Journal

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April 7, 2025

Reinforcing its commitment to combating childhood malnutrition, Amway India, one of the leading companies supporting health and wellbeing needs, on World Health Day (WHD) released the impact report of its nutrition program, ‘Power of 5’. Aligned with the theme of WHD, ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ the program aimed to build strong and healthy communities, with a focus on children, by imparting essential knowledge on nutrition and wellbeing and nutrition intervention. The impact report highlighted significant progress in Mumbai and Kolkata, benefiting close to 1,75,000 individuals, including mothers, caregivers, and 18000+ children. Notably, as part of a structured nutrition and education intervention, 40% of children with iron deficiency have shifted to the normal category, indicating substantial improvement.

Mr. Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, remarked, “At Amway India, we firmly believe that good nutrition is fundamental to building a healthier and brighter future. Aligned with our core vision of helping people live better lives, the Power of 5 program embodies our mission to drive meaningful change. Since its launch, this initiative has successfully reached and benefited over 730,000 individuals. Our program aligns with the Government’s Swasth Bharat vision and complements its health initiatives, such as Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan Abhiyan 2.0, bolstering support for millions of children, mothers, and adolescent girls. Inspired by this shared vision, we remain committed to expanding our reach, empowering communities with the right knowledge and resources, and contributing to a malnutrition-free India.”

Mr. Chandrashekhar Pandey, Program Director, ChildFund India, said, Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are often referred to as ‘hidden hunger’ and may impact a child’s growth and development. Addressing these deficiencies is critical to ensuring children grow up healthy, strong, and with the opportunity to reach their full potential. Amway’s Power of 5 program is helping us make significant strides in combating malnutrition and creating healthier futures for children.

According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index, India continues to grapple with one of the highest child malnutrition rates, with 18.7% of children experiencing wasting and 35.5% suffering from stunted growth, leading to long-term health complications. To tackle these issues, Amway initiated the Power of 5 program, which aims to empower mothers and caregivers through targeted nutrition education while providing children with Nutrilite Little Bits, a specialized micronutrient supplement.

During this phase of the project, Nutrilite Little Bits was distributed as part of community nutrition program to 8,500 children aged 3 to 6 in Mumbai and Kolkata, which contains micronutrients to support the nutritional gaps in their daily diet. This led to effectively addressing micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency and anaemia.

A baseline and endline study involving 3,000 children showed a measurable health improvements, including a 40% increase in children with normal haemoglobin levels and significant reductions in underweight children —39% in Mumbai and 22% in Kolkata. By addressing critical nutritional gaps in underserved communities, Amway India continues to drive meaningful change, fostering healthier futures for children across the country.

Power of 5 Program Period – December 2023 till November 2024
End-line survey++ results basis intervention with Nutrilite Little Bits to 3,000 malnourished children along with nutrition education to their mothers & caregivers from Mumbai and Kolkata
Children with iron deficiency shifted to normal category.	40%
Overall % shift of malnourished Underweight children to normal category	39% in Mumbai 22% in Kolkata
Overall decrease in Average Hazard Ranking Score^^ of malnourished children Total Hazard Ranking Score is calculated as average score of Underweight, Stunting and Wastage	From 3.79 to 1.89 (50% decrease) in Mumbai From 3.75 to 3.17 (15% decrease) in Kolkata
Behavioural Changes in Children – Surveys conducted with 250 children each in Mumbai and Kolkata (Baseline vs. Endline) showed significant improvements.
Three meals a day intake improved from Mumbai: From 57% to 68% Kolkata: From 30% to 48% Improvement in Handwashing practice (Before and after eating meals) improved from: Mumbai: from 38% to 99% Kolkata: From 6% to 82% Improvement in Handwashing practice (After Defacation), improved from: Mumbai: From 59% to 98% Kolkata: From 58% to 96%

Endline study by partner NGO, ChildFund India, measured Power of 5 program impact, including improvement with Nutrilite Little Bits. Results observed under controlled community intervention studies. Nutrilite Little Bits is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The Power of 5 program, with its holistic approach combining nutrition education, targeted supplementation, and behavioural change reinforcement, has significantly improved childhood nutrition and fostered healthier habits among underserved communities. By addressing both immediate nutritional needs and long-term behavioural changes—such as better dietary choices, regular meal consumption, and enhanced hygiene practices—the initiative is creating a sustainable model for community health improvement. Amway India remains committed to building a healthier nation. Encouraged by the success of the Power of 5 program, the company plans to expand its reach, driving lasting impact in its fight against childhood malnutrition.

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

Rs 50 LPG Price Hike: How Rising Gas Costs Will Affect Indian Households

By

Hency Thacker

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April 7, 2025

The Indian government has announced a significant increase in gas prices, affecting millions of households and industries. Effective from April 8, 2025, the price of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders will rise by Rs 50 per cylinder. This marks the first hike in domestic LPG prices this year, adding pressure to household budgets amidst rising inflation and global economic uncertainties. Additionally, the administered price mechanism (APM) for natural gas has been increased by 4 per cent, reflecting broader adjustments in India’s energy pricing policies.

LPG Price Hike

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed the Rs 50 increase in LPG cylinder prices during a press conference on April 7, 2025. For non-subsidised consumers, the price of a standard 14.2 kg LPG cylinder will jump from Rs 803 to Rs 853, while beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) will see rates rise from Rs 500 to Rs 550 per cylinder.

This price hike is expected to impact over 30 crore households across India, particularly those in lower-income groups who rely heavily on LPG for cooking. The increase translates into an additional annual cost of Rs 600 per cylinder for families using one cylinder per month. This comes at a time when inflation and rising energy costs are already straining household budgets.

The government has justified the hike as necessary to align domestic LPG prices with global fuel market trends and balance subsidy burdens. However, this decision has raised concerns about affordability, especially for PMUY beneficiaries who represent economically vulnerable sections of society.

In addition to domestic LPG price adjustments, excise duties on petrol and diesel have been raised by Rs 2 per litre. Despite this hike, retail fuel prices are expected to remain unchanged as oil marketing companies absorb the increased costs in the short term.

Natural Gas Price Hike

The government has also revised the administered price mechanism (APM) for natural gas, increasing it by 4 per cent for the April-September 2025 period. The new rate stands at $6.75 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), up from $6.50 in the previous quarter. This adjustment follows recommendations by the Kirit Parikh Committee, which proposed gradual increases to align domestic gas prices with market trends while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The natural gas price hike will have mixed effects across sectors. Upstream producers like ONGC and Oil India are expected to benefit from higher earnings per unit sold. Similarly, city gas distributors such as GAIL and IGL may experience improved margins but could pass on increased costs to consumers. On the other hand, industries reliant on natural gas—such as fertiliser production and power generation—will face higher input costs, potentially affecting profitability unless these costs are transferred to end-users.

India’s reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), which constitutes about 50 per cent of its total gas consumption, further complicates the situation. Global factors like extreme weather events, currency depreciation, and volatile spot market prices have contributed to rising LNG costs. With the Indian rupee trading weak against the US dollar, import expenses are amplified, exacerbating challenges for industries dependent on natural gas.

The dual price hikes—LPG for households and APM natural gas for industries—underscore India’s balancing act between fiscal stability and affordability amidst global economic pressures. While these measures aim to stabilise revenue streams and support domestic producers, they also risk burdening consumers and businesses with higher costs during uncertain times.

Financial frauds top the list of cyber crimes, police needs to be tech-savvy: Devendra Fadnavis

By

The CSR Journal

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April 7, 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis raised a concern about financial frauds topping the list of cyber crimes in Mumbai on Monday. Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the government is continuously strengthening the network of cyber labs to curb cyber crime.

Speaking at a Mumbai Police event where he inaugurated the Nirbhaya Cyber Lab at D B Marg police station, the Chief Minister emphasised that we the police needs to be “technology-savvy” in tackling cyber crimes. The Chief Minister also flagged off hi-tech Mumbai Police vehicles at Monday’s event, which will be used to investigate cyber crimes.

Financial frauds top the list of cyber crimes

CM Fadnavis said that criminal minds are trying their best to execute cyber frauds, and highlighted the need to create capabilities to tackle them. He said the rate of cyber crimes will increase in future, more than other kinds of crimes. While dealing with cyber crime, “We need the force that deals with such criminals effectively,” he said.

The CM, who also heads the state home department, praised Mumbai Police’s efforts in tackling cyber crimes. “The Mumbai Police started three centres for cyber security, and I will say these are centres of excellence where advanced technology has been used,” he said. “In cyber crimes, financial frauds are at the top, offences like threatening and extortion are at the second place and sexual crimes at the third spot,” he further said.

Important to arrest accused ASAP: CM

The CM emphasised that it is important to arrest the accused as fast as possible to solve such kind of cases. In one case of cyber fraud, the victim had lost Rs 12 crore, but the Mumbai Police took action in time and saved around Rs 11.20 crore, the CM pointed out.

Digital transactions make us more vulnerable: CM

“We are number one in digital transactions in the world, due to which vulnerability has also increased,” Fadnavis said. While Indian citizens now have access to multiple platforms for digital transactions, this also gives cyber criminals an opportunity to breach the (financia)l gateways, he reminded.

“The war between them has already begun,” the CM added. “The best and most advanced technology labs are important, and I have seen the Mumbai Police’s capabilities in these labs,” he said. This will help in dealing effectively with the cyber criminals, the chief minister said. There are five cyber labs proposed in the city, Fadnavis said, expressing confidence that the facilities will help in solving cases of cyber crimes against women.

CM virtually inaugurated various initiatives

The Chief Minister on Monday virtually inaugurated several initiatives, including the Central Region Cyber Police Station at Worli, East Cyber Police Station at Govandi, forensic vans for women victims, and interceptor and speed guns to check over-speeding of vehicles. Now, 87 police stations in Mumbai have dedicated woman and child assistance cells which Fadnavis also inaugurated virtually.

Minister State for Home Yogesh Kadam, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar and other senior police officials were present at the event.

Delhi: बिक सकता है केजरीवाल का ‘शीशमहल’

By

Anju Singh

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April 7, 2025

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ने एक बार फिर साफ किया है कि वह उस बंगले में नहीं रहेंगी जिसमें बतौर मुख्यमंत्री AAP मुखिया Arvind Kejriwal रहा करते थे। BJP इस बंगले में सुख-सुविधा के नाम पर करोड़ों रुपए खर्च का आरोप लगाती रही है और इसे ‘शीशमहल’ के नाम से पुकारती है। Delhi की मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा है कि ‘शीशमहल’ का इस्तेमाल जनता के हित में ही किया जाएगा। उन्होंने इसके लिए 3 विकल्प गिनाते हुए यह भी कहा कि इसे नीलाम भी किया जा सकता है।

Delhi में नहीं है एक भी सरकारी Guest House

दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान ‘शीशमहल’ काफी चर्चा में रहा। ‘शीशमहल’ दिल्ली के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री Arwind Kejriwal का आवास था। इसे ‘शीशमहल’ नाम BJP ने ही दिया था। अब इस आवास को कथित तौर पर राज्य अतिथि गृह (STATE GUEST HOUSE) के रूप में इस्तेमाल करने पर विचार किया जा रहा है। एक सरकारी अधिकारी ने कहा कि दिल्ली में आने वाले गणमान्य व्यक्तियों के लिए एक राज्य अतिथि गृह की आवश्यकता है। अधिकारी ने कहा, “अन्य राज्यों की तरह शहर में एक भी Guest House नहीं है। संपत्ति (6, फ्लैग स्टाफ रोड) को इस तरह की सुविधा में बदलने पर विचार किया जा रहा है। अंतिम निर्णय का इंतजार है। फ्लैग स्टाफ रोड सिविल लाइंस क्षेत्र में आता है, जहां राजभवन, Delhi Parliament और सचिवालय स्थित हैं।” अधिकारी ने बताया कि 1990 के दशक में 33, शाम नाथ मार्ग नामक संपत्ति को राज्य अतिथि गृह के रूप में स्थापित किया गया था। तीन-चार साल बाद, इस विचार को छोड़ दिया गया। तब से दिल्ली में ऐसा कोई अतिथि गृह नहीं है।” इससे पहले यह संपत्ति वरिष्ठ कांग्रेस नेता चौधरी प्रेम सिंह का घर था, जिन्होंने दो बार दिल्ली विधानसभा के अध्यक्ष के रूप में कार्य किया। तब यह बंगला Delhi सरकार में सेवारत नौकरशाहों को आवंटित किया गया था। 2020 के मानसून के दौरान छत गिरने के बाद आप सरकार ने इसके रिनोवेशन का फैसला किया।

9 साल तक आवास में रहे केजरीवाल

Kejriwal, 2015 में अपने माता-पिता, पत्नी और दो बच्चों के साथ इस संपत्ति में रहने चले गए और अक्टूबर 2024 तक इस पर रहे। Delhi के सीएम पद से हटने के कुछ दिनों बाद उन्होंने इसे खाली कर दिया और अपने परिवार के साथ 5, फिरोजशाह रोड, बंगले में चले गए, जो आधिकारिक तौर पर Aap Punjab के राज्यसभा सांसद अशोक मित्तल को आवंटित किया गया था। कुछ दिनों तक केजरीवाल की उत्तराधिकारी AAP सीएम आतिशी इस घर में रहीं। लेकिन फिर 9 अक्टूबर को PWD ने उन्हें परिसर खाली करने के लिए कहा। PWD ने इस साल जनवरी में आतिशी को आवंटन का अपना प्रस्ताव रद्द कर दिया। इस साल की शुरुआत में दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनाव के प्रचार के दौरान, BJP और कांग्रेस, दोनों ने रिनोवेशन पर खर्च किए गए धन के बारे में AAP पर आरोप लगाए। BJP ने घोषणा की कि अगर वह सत्ता में आई तो उसका सीएम ‘शीश महल’ में नहीं रहेगा।

Delhi CM ने दिया म्यूज़ियम बनाने का सुझाव

Delhi CM रेखा गुप्ता ने कथित शीशमहल को लेकर पूछे गए एक सवाल के जवाव में कहा, ‘जरूर जनता के हित में उस प्रॉपर्टी का इस्तेमाल करेंगे। बहुत सारे विकल्प आ रहे हैं, जनता सुझाव देती है। इसे State Guest House बना दिया जाए, क्योंकि दिल्ली का अपना कोई स्टेट गेस्ट हाउस नहीं है, ऐसा भी मन में है। इसकी नीलामी करा दी जाए और जितना पैसा मिलेगा उसे वापस सरकारी खजाने में जमा करा दिया जाए, ऐसा भी हम सोचते हैं। इसको जनता के लिए खोल दिया जाए, लोग आएं और देखें। कुछ भी संभव है। हम विकल्पों पर विचार कर रहे हैं।’ इससे पहले रेखा गुप्ता यह भी कह चुकी हैं कि शीशमहल को म्यूजियम बनाने पर भी विचार चल रहा है।CM रेखा गुप्ता ने इस इंटरव्यू के दौरान यह भी साफ किया कि वह शीशमहल में नहीं रहेंगी। उन्होंने कहा, ‘शीशमहल रहने लायक नहीं है, हमारी आत्मा यह गवाही नहीं देती है। जनता को नोंचकर इकट्ठा किए गए धन से शीशमहल बनाया गया है। उस घर में रहना संभव नहीं है।’ मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि वह अपने पुराने घर में ही रह रही हैं। वहीं से अपना ऑफिस चला रही हैं। सीएम ने कहा कि यह छोटा जरूर है, लोग ज्यादा आने लगे हैं। गली में ही टेबल चेयर लगा लेते हैं। सरकारी घर जब मिलेगा, तब मिलेगा, तब तक अपने घर से काम चल रहा है।

India Faces Severe Heatwave as Temperatures Hit Record Highs

By

Saniya Patel

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April 7, 2025

India is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in several states. On Monday, Delhi reached 40.2°C at Safdarjung, the highest recorded temperature of the season, which was 5.1°C higher than normal. Similarly, Palam recorded 39.5°C, surpassing the expected seasonal average. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures predicted to remain between 40°C and 42°C until Wednesday.

Apart from Delhi, Other Cities Affected Too

The heatwave has affected other cities across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha, where 21 cities recorded temperatures over 42°C. Barmer in Rajasthan hit a new milestone, registering 45.6°C on Sunday, the highest ever recorded in the first week of April. The severe heat has been attributed to reduced wind speeds, with the IMD noting that winds are expected to decrease significantly, exacerbating the already high temperatures.

Heatwave conditions are also expected to persist in various regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The IMD has forecast that heatwave conditions will continue through April 7-10, with certain pockets of Gujarat and Rajasthan experiencing severe heat. This weather pattern has triggered significant deviations in the usual seasonal temperatures, with many cities seeing temperature spikes ranging from 3°C to 6.9°C above normal levels.

Delhi Faces Poor Air Quality Amid Ongoing Heatwaves

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category, adding to the discomfort caused by the scorching heat. As temperatures rise, public health officials are urging citizens to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The ongoing heatwave is expected to affect daily life and further strain resources in the coming days.

Varanasi: 19-Year-Old Allegedly Gang-Raped by 23 Men for Over 7 Days

By

Akanksha Yadav

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April 7, 2025

A very shocking incident has come to light from Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. A 19-year-old Class 12 student alleged that she was gang-raped by 23 men between the period of March 29, 2025 to April 4, 2025.

Following her ordeal the Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against the suspects. So far, six people have been detained, while 11 others remain unidentified. The Uttar Pradesh Police also informed that further investigations are ongoing.

Details of the Alleged Crime

According to reports, the victim was preparing for admission to a sports course when she went missing on March 29. She had been allegedly taken to a hookah bar in Pishachmochan area by a friend. The victim claimed that she was drugged with a spiked drink and then taken to multiple hotels in Sigra.

She further disclosed horrifying details of the crime alleging that she was gang-raped by 23 men. According to the victim’s ordeal some of the accused were reportedly known to her. The known ones include acquaintances from Instagram and former classmates.

“As per her statement, on March 29, a friend took her to a hookah bar in the Pishachmochan area, where other men also joined. The girl alleged that she was drugged with a spiked cold drink and then taken to different hotels in the Sigra area, where she was gang-raped,” senior police official said.

Investigation and FIR

After the girl went missing her family filed a missing persons report on April 4 but she returned home the same day. However, it wasn’t until April 6 that a formal complaint was made to the police. Based on the complaint by the victim, an FIR was filed with charges of gang rape, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation, and administering harmful substances.

Following the complaint the police began with the investigation analyzing the CCTV footage from the hookah bar. The police are actively questioning the staff at the hookah bar as part of the investigation.

Statement of DCP Varuna

According to DCP Varuna Zone Chandra Kant Meena, “The girl had initially left willingly with her friend. A missing person report was filed by her family on April 4, and she was found the same day. At that time, no complaint of sexual assault was made by her or her family.”

Meanwhile the police clarified that the victim is 19 years old, not a minor as some reports had initially stated. According to DCP Varuna Zone, Chandrakant Meena, the girl had initially left willingly with her friend. She later reported the assault to her family, leading to the police complaint.

Current Status of the case

Six of the accused have been arrested, and further legal procedures are underway. Additional teams have been deployed to capture the remaining suspects. The Police are committed to bringing the responsible individuals to justice.

Amid Supreme Court Ruling Mamata Banerjee Stands by Sacked Teachers: “Eligible Candidates Won’t Lose Jobs”

By

Ujjal Roy

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April 7, 2025

Kolkata, India: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed firm support for a group of school teachers whose appointments were recently annulled following a Supreme Court verdict. Speaking at a gathering at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Banerjee assured that no “eligible candidate” would be rendered jobless, even if it meant personal repercussions.

“I can even be jailed for saying this, but I don’t care,” she declared, affirming her commitment to stand by the affected educators.

Supreme Court Verdict on SSC Recruitment Irregularities

On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld a Calcutta High Court ruling that canceled 25,752 teaching and non-teaching appointments made through the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment process. The decision was based on findings of tampered OMR sheets and manipulated merit lists.

The original recruitment had received nearly 23 lakh applications for 24,640 sanctioned posts. However, more appointment letters were issued than there were approved vacancies, leading to widespread allegations of corruption and procedural fraud.

“Not All Were Corrupt”: Banerjee Distances Herself

While acknowledging the court’s concerns, Banerjee emphasized that not every recruit was involved in malpractice. “Please don’t think we have accepted this silently. We are not stone-hearted. We have a plan to ensure that eligible candidates don’t suffer a break in service,” she stated.

She also sought to disassociate herself from the alleged scam, saying, “My name is being dragged into something I have no inkling about.”

A Symbolic Show of Support

The Chief Minister was joined on stage by Education Minister Bratya Basu and 20 teachers selected from a core group she had personally formed. This was widely viewed as a gesture of solidarity with those affected by the verdict.

Opposition Criticism and Protests

Banerjee’s stance drew strong criticism from the Opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari led a protest march to Banerjee’s Kalighat residence, accusing her of bias. “She is acting as the TMC leader, not as the Chief Minister of the state. If she truly represented the people, she would have met all dismissed teachers, not just a handful,” he remarked.

In the state assembly, Adhikari and several BJP MLAs staged a sit-in protest, holding placards that read “Mamata Chor” (Mamata is a thief).

Voices of the Affected Teachers

Outside the stadium, many dismissed teachers shared their frustration and despair. “We are victims of a system we had no hand in manipulating,” said Yasmin Parveen, a former teacher. “We don’t want sympathy or charity—just our jobs back.”

A Deepening Political Crisis

The 2016 SSC recruitment scandal has become one of the most significant political and legal controversies in recent West Bengal history. With thousands now facing unemployment, the issue has further fueled tensions in the state’s already volatile political landscape.

Kunal Kamra Issues Open Letter to BookMyShow: Demands Audience Data or Reinstatement

By

Saniya Patel

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April 7, 2025

Kunal Kamra, the stand-up comedian at the center of controversy after his jokes against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has demanded that the ticketing portal BookMyShow hand over the contact information of the audiences who attended his shows. The portal, which had removed Kamra’s content and delisted him due to the row, has now been called out by the comedian for controlling access to his audience.

Kamra posted an open letter on X (formerly Twitter) addressing BookMyShow, expressing understanding of the platform’s need to maintain good relations with the state government. He acknowledged that events like Coldplay and Guns N’ Roses concerts depend on such cooperation. However, Kamra criticised the ticketing platform’s exclusive right to list shows, pointing out that it has blocked artists like him from directly reaching their audience. The comedian said that he has been performing since 2017, and now, he no longer has access to his audience due to the delisting.

How the Controversy Erupted

The controversy erupted when Kamra performed a parody of the popular Bollywood song “Bholi Si Surat” at a Mumbai comedy show, targeting Shinde and referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor). This angered Shinde’s supporters, leading to the vandalisation of the Habitat studio, where the show was held. This venue, popular among stand-up comedians, was later shut down, with some speculating that the action was tied to Kamra’s performance. Kamra, who skipped three summons, has been granted interim protection from arrest by the Madras High Court.

In his letter, Kamra also highlighted the business model of BookMyShow, which takes a 10% cut from ticket sales. He argued that comedians, regardless of their fame, end up spending significant amounts between Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 on advertising to reach their own audience. This additional burden, according to Kamra, is a challenge for solo artists like him.

Kamra Demands Audience Data or Reinstatement from BookMyShow

Kamra’s letter ended with a simple request: either reinstate him on the platform or provide him with the contact details of his audience from the shows he performed. He stressed that as a solo artist, he should be entitled to the data generated through his performances. He also noted that while BookMyShow might raise concerns about data protection, the issue of who controls the data is far more complex and requires broader discussion.

Earlier, Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal had urged BookMyShow to remove Kamra’s content, calling it a move to protect the platform from controversial figures. After the delisting, Kanal thanked BookMyShow for keeping such artists off the platform, asserting that while Mumbaikars love art, they don’t support personal agendas.

World Health Day 2025: Top CSR Projects for Healthcare in India

By

The CSR Journal

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April 7, 2025

The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations. The relevance of the day and the need for taking proactive measures to maintain health, improve healthcare systems and infrastructure.

On World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization kicked off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The campaign, titled “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, will urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.

On this World Health Day, let us look at the top CSR initiatives for healthcare in India.

Top CSR Projects for Healthcare in India

MANSI initiative by Tata Steel Limited

Lack of easy access to institutional care and low level of awareness about proper care for mothers and babies lead to high mortality among and infants in remote rural areas. With an aim to address the same, Tata Steel Limited launched its initiative ‘MANSI’ (Maternal & Newborn Survival Initiative) which reduces mortality among neonates and infants by enhancing the capacity of Government health volunteers (ASHAs/Sahiyas) in the Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) system.

Tata Steel, the National Health Mission (NHM), American India Foundation (AIF) and the Society for Education Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH) – the pioneer of HBNC in India – have collaborated for the implementation of this project in public-private partnership. The project is being implemented in 12 blocks across Jharkhand and Odisha. The project has been successful in reducing the Neonatal Mortality Rate and Infant Mortality Rate.

Healthcare Initiatives by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

Project Dil Without Bill: Project Dil without Bill is aimed at supporting heart surgeries, free of cost, for people with heart ailments from low-income group, particularly children. Under the project, the organisation organised health camps to raise awareness and identify patients with heart ailments. This project has given life and hopes to thousands of families over the years.

Project Dhanwantri: Project Dhanwantari is focused on providing basic healthcare facilities and services in remote rural areas and urban communities through 25 Mobile Medical Vans. The Mobile Medical Van facility reached the doorsteps of people in remote rural and urban locations. The majority of beneficiaries were women, children and the elderly whose general health is neglected due to poverty and lack of resources and awareness.

Project Suraksha: Project Suraksha is focused on the prevention of HIV/AIDS among truckers and surrounding communities by educating them about safe-sexual behaviour practices and providing diagnosis and treatment of STIs through seven ‘Khushi’ clinics on highways.

National Cancer Institute by ONGC

At Nagpur, ONGC has supported for setting up of National Cancer Institute, a 455 bedded quaternary care oncology centre. The institute will provide a world-class oncology treatment facility at affordable rates to the general public of Central India. The state of the art radio diagnostic equipment and construction of the first floor and ground floor of the institute has been funded by ONGC.

The centre provides comprehensive cancer treatment, patient care and research through sustainable charity. In addition to providing general cancer care, the institute also creates speciality groups of highly skilled professionals who are masters in the treatment of a select group of cancers. The institute also plans to start University recognized training courses for nurses, paramedical staff and medical fraternity including super speciality training in Oncology and PhD programs.

CSR Initiative strengthening healthcare access in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra

Mondelez India, through its CSR program, Shubh Aarambh, helped strengthen primary healthcare by supporting 200 Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) across four states – Solan (Himachal Pradesh), Bhind (Madhya Pradesh), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) & Pune (Maharashtra), the company said in a statement. This effort has strengthened essential medical services in over 800 villages, reaching more than 1.45 million people who previously had limited access to healthcare, the statement mentioned. By improving maternal and child health, supporting the management of non-communicable diseases, and encouraging community involvement, the initiative makes a tangible difference in people’s lives, ensuring more families receive the care they need.

“Aligned with the Government of India’s Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative, the brand has presented a landmark impact report to relevant government authorities, highlighting key insights from managing these 200 Health & Wellness Centres. The program has led to a 58% increase in patient footfall, with 11,618 high-risk pregnancies identified and referred for specialized care. Additionally, over 7,800 children under five were referred for advanced treatment, while 160 Jan Arogya Samitis were equipped with tools to enhance community-driven healthcare monitoring,” the statement reads.

CSR Initiative Expanding Rural Healthcare Access in Madhya Pradesh with ‘Phygital’ Model

Medyseva recently launched its first flagship Doctor’s Consortium model – MedySwaasth. Under this, Medyseva Narmada Consortium has been started in Madhya Pradesh, in an attempt to address the acute shortage of healthcare professionals in rural India. With over 60% of rural residents traveling up to 100 km for basic medical services, Medyseva’s innovative ‘phygital’ telemedicine model is designed to bridge this gap by combining digital consultations with in-person care, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable, the company mentioned in a statement.

The Medyseva Narmada Consortium has been introduced across villages like Ashta, Khategaon, Sonkatch, Tarana, and Badnagar. These villages, with populations ranging from 1.7 lakh to over 2.6 lakh residents, are located 72 km to 120 km from Indore, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable medical services.

The initiative operates on a hybrid healthcare model that integrates digital consultations with on-ground support from trained nurses and paramedics. Through its mobile app, rural patients can consult with over 1,000 doctors and across 20 medical specialties, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment. The platform also collaborates with 25 private hospitals and five medical colleges, ensuring access to specialist referrals and advanced care.

CSR Project to Strengthen Healthcare Support in Andhra Pradesh

Xiaomi India partnered with the Sood Charity Foundation to enhance Healthcare support to the Andhra Pradesh government in February this year. As part of this initiative, four Type B (Patient Transport Vehicles) ambulances were donated to enhance emergency response capabilities and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across underserved districts in Andhra Pradesh.

The formal handover ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Actor and Philanthropist Sonu Sood, Founder of the Sood Charity Foundation, Mr. Varun Madan, Chief People Officer, Xiaomi India, and other dignitaries. The ambulances were officially presented to the Andhra Pradesh government to bolster critical medical services in remote areas, ensuring timely and efficient patient transport during emergencies. These ambulances are equipped with medical equipment and life-saving tools to provide immediate care to those in need.

Free Health Check-ups for pilgrims through CSR at Maha Kumbh

Mankind Pharma set up a comprehensive healthcare camp at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, offering essential medical services and support to thousands of pilgrims. The camp, which commenced on 13th January, operated daily from 12 PM to 4 PM, offering free health check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and first-aid facilities, addressing the diverse medical needs of pilgrims participating in the sacred gathering.

Mr Sheetal Arora, CEO of Mankind Pharma said, “Through our health camp and product distributions, we aim to ensure that attendees have access to essential healthcare services and products, promoting their well-being throughout the event. By providing free medical consultations, distributing critical health supplements, and offering first-aid support, we strive to address the specific health challenges pilgrims face during this sacred gathering, ensuring their safety and comfort during such an important occasion.”

Ambulance for Rural Healthcare Development in Maharashtra

SBI General Insurance has partnered up with Creative Group, an NGO dedicated to enhancing community healthcare, to roll out the “Ambulance for Rural Healthcare Development” initiative. As part of the collaboration, the project will provide a specially equipped Force Basic Life Support ambulance to transport patients from remote villages to Shree Mahaganpati Hospital in Titwala, Maharashtra ensuring timely access to emergency medical care.

This project aims to deliver essential healthcare services to rural areas around Titwala, Murbad, Khandavali, and approximately 68 nearby villages. A significant challenge for residents in these regions has been the lack of timely medical transportation. Without reliable access to healthcare facilities during critical emergencies, many patients have struggled to receive the care they need.

CSR Strengthening Rural Healthcare in Karnataka

In a step towards rural empowerment, NMDC Ltd, India’s largest iron ore producer, has provided ten fully equipped Medical Mobile Vans in Sandur Taluk, Karnataka. NMDC has spent Rs 7 crores to provide ten mobile medical vans for 2 years period in partnership with District Authorities, ensuring seamless healthcare access to the rural population across 97 villages in Sandur Taluka.

Each mobile medical van, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by a team of trained professionals, including a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and lab technician, are expected to bring critical healthcare services directly to doorstep, eliminating the need for arduous travel to the district headquarters hospital in Bellary.

The vans are equipped to conduct vital diagnostic tests such as those for pregnancy, typhoid, diabetes, haemoglobin levels, and more. Emergency provisions like oxygen cylinders further enhance their utility. These medical vans will visit all 97 villages in the region on a weekly rotation, ensuring timely medical attention at the doorstep of the residents.

Uttar Pradesh Govt Accelerates Development Plans for Kanpur & 8 other Districts

By

Akanksha Yadav

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April 7, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government is accelerating the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across key regions, including the capital city Lucknow. This aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of transforming Uttar Pradesh into ‘Uttam Pradesh’.

The initiative is a part of this broader vision, development in Kanpur and its eight neighboring districts. The upcoming project is being planned on the lines of Delhi-NCR to meet future urban and industrial needs.

Kanpur Development Authority

Kanpur, one of the state’s oldest and most prestigious industrial cities, is at the heart of this transformation. To bring CM Yogi’s vision to life, the Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) has initiated the process of preparing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Master Plan-2051. This plan will guide long-term development while ensuring systematic urban growth and improved quality of life.

A major focus is the establishment of the Kanpur Region Integrated Development Authority (KRIDA), which will oversee development across an expansive area of 20,094 square kilometers encompassing Kanpur city and countryside, along with Banda, Hamirpur, Fatehpur, Jalaun, Auraiya, and Kannauj.

Imbalanced urbanisation

Despite its industrial legacy, Kanpur and its surrounding areas have long suffered from imbalanced urbanisation. The government is leveraging the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region and Other Area Development Authority Act, 2024 to promote coordinated and balanced urban development The authority will implement integrated policies promoting ease of living and industrial progress.

Master plan 2025

The upcoming Master Plan 2051 will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable growth. It will focus on land-use regulation, infrastructure development, and preventing unplanned urban sprawl. It will also open up avenues for structured investments and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.

The plan will foster industrial and urban development and guide the creation of residential and non-residential structures to meet future demands. A dedicated team is assembled to execute this ambitious vision, and preparations are underway.

Future ready Kanpur

With KRIDA and Master Plan-2051, the Yogi government aims to lay the foundation for a future-ready Kanpur region that drives economic growth, offers improved living standards, and becomes a model of planned urbanization for the entire state.

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Power of 5 Program

Period – December 2023 till November 2024

End-line survey++ results basis intervention with Nutrilite Little Bits to 3,000 malnourished children along with nutrition education to their mothers & caregivers from Mumbai and Kolkata

Children with iron deficiency shifted to normal category.

40%

Overall % shift of malnourished Underweight children to normal category

39% in Mumbai

22% in Kolkata

Overall decrease in Average Hazard Ranking Score^^ of malnourished children

Total Hazard Ranking Score is calculated as average score of Underweight, Stunting and Wastage

From 3.79 to 1.89 (50% decrease) in Mumbai

From 3.75 to 3.17 (15% decrease) in Kolkata

Behavioural Changes in Children – Surveys conducted with 250 children each in Mumbai and Kolkata (Baseline vs. Endline) showed significant improvements.

Three meals a day intake improved from

Mumbai: From 57% to 68%

Kolkata: From 30% to 48%

Improvement in Handwashing practice (Before and after eating meals) improved from:

Mumbai: from 38% to 99%

Kolkata: From 6% to 82%

Improvement in Handwashing practice (After Defacation), improved from:

Mumbai: From 59% to 98%

Kolkata: From 58% to 96%

Endline study by partner NGO, ChildFund India, measured Power of 5 program impact, including improvement with Nutrilite Little Bits. Results observed under controlled community intervention studies. Nutrilite Little Bits is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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

LPG Price Hike

The government has justified the hike as necessary to align domestic LPG prices with global fuel market trends and balance subsidy burdens. However, this decision has raised concerns about affordability, especially for PMUY beneficiaries who represent economically vulnerable sections of society.

In addition to domestic LPG price adjustments, excise duties on petrol and diesel have been raised by Rs 2 per litre. Despite this hike, retail fuel prices are expected to remain unchanged as oil marketing companies absorb the increased costs in the short term.

Natural Gas Price Hike

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis raised a concern about financial frauds topping the list of cyber crimes in Mumbai on Monday. Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the government is continuously strengthening the network of cyber labs to curb cyber crime.

Financial frauds top the list of cyber crimes

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