Talking about the initiative, Manju Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, said, “Environmental consciousness has always been an integral part of our development philosophy. Through consistent green initiatives, we have remained acutely aware of the real estate sector’s responsibility in mitigating environmental issues like pollution and climate change. Supporting the Uttar Pradesh Government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign is not just our duty, but it strongly aligns with our mission to build healthier, greener, and more responsible communities. This plantation drive is another step towards ensuring a more sustainable future for our residents and generations to come.”

Organised by Gaurs Foundation, the CSR arm of Gaurs Group, in association with Raahgiri Trust, the sapling plantation drive was led by students of Gaurs International School. This initiative not only provided a valuable hands-on learning experience but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility in the young participants.

Gaurs Foundation has been instrumental in driving long-term environmental and social initiatives across the Group’s footprint. Over the years, Gaurs Group has implemented a range of CSR initiatives aimed at social welfare and sustainability initiatives, such as the setting up of a 15 MW solar power plant. With each green step, Gaursons India Private Limited reaffirms its vision of fostering environmentally responsible urban living while supporting broader governmental and societal missions for a cleaner, greener India.

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Pune, 11th June 2025: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Mitsubishi Electric India, a recognized world leader in the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of electrical and electronic equipment, has launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with Earthwatch Institute India. Focused on conserving waterbodies and the biodiversity surrounding them, the project is being implemented in the regions of Talegaon Dabhade and Pimpri Chinchwad, near Pune.

This initiative extends beyond waterbody conservation; it seeks to drive lasting change by fostering connections between people, nature, and education. Aligned with Mitsubishi Electric India’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), it champions clean water and proactive climate action.

As climate change continues to impact ecosystems across the globe, this waterbody conservation project is a step towards building environmental resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This initiative is a reflection of Mitsubishi Electric India’s long-standing commitment to bringing “Changes for the Better” by creating a positive and lasting impact.

Key activities include:
● Training 25 Self-Help Groups, including women and fisherfolk communities, to serve as Lake Stewards and lead local conservation efforts
● Tree plantations around the lake in Talegaon Dabhade, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Pulicat to reduce soil erosion, stabilise banks, and improve air quality
● Working on setting up an ecosystem suitable for native species to enhance ecological balance and support biodiversity
● Citizen science programmes and school workshops on water quality, health, hygiene and sanitation
● Experiential learning programmes and Interactive educational resources to build a science-based understanding of the possible impact of climate change on waterbodies and the need to take greater care of waterbodies
● Digital field guides to connect people with biodiversity surrounding the lakes and wetlands.

“Conserving waterbodies is essential in the face of growing climate risks. Through this initiative, we are not only working to restore vital ecosystems, but also inspiring people, especially the younger generation, to adopt environmentally responsible practices,” said Atsushi Takase, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Electric India. “Our focus on clean air, water, and green spaces reflects our long-term commitment to building a healthier living environment for all.”

“Through this initiative, this partnership will engage multiple stakeholders to promote the conservation of waterbodies. Lakes and wetlands act as nature’s climate buffers, and their long-term conservation depends on education & awareness and active community participation,” said Raghuvansh Saxena, CEO, Earthwatch Institute India, emphasizing the value of community-led initiatives.

The initiative will continue until March 2026, focusing on combining a wide range of programmes with diverse stakeholders and community networks to conserve these waterbodies, while increasing awareness about climate change. It highlights Mitsubishi Electric India’s commitment to meaningful and inclusive CSR efforts and its belief in contributing to a better tomorrow.

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This project fund raising will support their “Young Youth Leadership Programme” enabling it to plant saplings, establish kitchen gardens and conduct climate education trainings with domain experts with an outreach and benefit to over 45,000 student earth leaders.

The successful fundraise marks a significant milestone for both Council for Green Revolution and the NSE SSE platform as it has attracted over 150 retail donors contributing to the issuance with as small as Rs. 1,000/- This is a testament to the SSE’s potential to unlock large pools of retail investment and democratise philanthropy.

NSE-SSE has recently enabled e-IPO via both ASBA and UPI mechanisms. Following the same, this ceremony also acknowledged and felicitated the efforts and initiatives of one of trading members – Fyers, which has championed this initiative by developing and enabling the UPI mechanism on NSE-SSE, resulting in over 50 organic donations in the current issuance. This will inspire and encourage other trading members to enable the UPI mechanism and donation seamlessly.

Speaking on this momentous occasion and the impact of the project of Council for Green revolution, Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE elucidated, “To contribute to the vision of the Government of India to bring capital markets closer to the masses and to facilitate social inclusion through NSE’s SSE, the exchange platform under the guidance of SEBI has been taking steadfast and concrete steps to this effect. The listing of the Council for Green Revolution is a significant milestone, as it represents the first environment and climate action-focused initiative on the platform, reinforcing our dedication to sustainability and social impact”.

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MUMBAI: All professionals, and especially accountants, need to gather and use insights to better understand the relationship between sustainability-related matters and business activities if businesses are to survive, according to Making Information Connections for Sustainable Value Creation, the latest release in ACCA’s sustainability reporting research series.

Those that fail to do so are at risk of not being alert to challenges impacting their resilience and future survival, and could also miss good opportunities, says ACCA.

Unfortunately, connectivity for sustainability-related matters is not common practice among organizations in their corporate reporting activities, including the publication of annual reports. Frequently the connections are not communicated – risking poor-quality decision-making by all stakeholders. A survey of over 1,000 finance professionals from around the world (see notes to editors) revealed that only half (49%) of their organizations explain how sustainability is reflected in their operations and only 38% explain how they manage sustainability risks.

ACCA is recommending corporate disclosures built on the rules already laid down by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). This research has identified an opportunity for sustainable value creation by expanding the ISSB definition of connectivity and connected information to provide better information that will create more resilient business models.

Report author Sharon Machado, head of sustainable business at ACCA said: ‘Successful organisations have always worked to make connections but if we’re to make the progress on sustainability that the world needs then we’re calling on businesses to supercharge those connections. Currently, there is a real risk that progress will not be swift enough. Professional accountants are uniquely placed to connect sustainability-related information to financial information.’

The ISSB and some of ACCA’s network of business experts shared their valuable insights to help connect information for quality decision-making and sustainable value creation. Many of their recommendations call for professionals to leverage core ‘business as usual’ activities – but incorporate sustainability-related insights central to the organization’s survival.

The research was launched in the same month that ACCA was recognized with a special nomination in the international category of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) Honours 2024. The award recognized ACCA’s 360-degree approach to building capacity for sustainable business through high-quality, connected sustainability and financial information. 

ACCA has shared the research and guidance it has produced on a range of sustainability issues at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan.

The research includes real-life examples and suggested activities to help professional accountants become the connectors that organizations need to create sustainable value. Read the research on the ACCA website.

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The highlight of the celebration was a Panel Discussion on “Climate Risk Management and Banking.” The panel featured esteemed experts including Dr. Trupti Mishra, Professor at IIT Bombay, Shri Santosh Kumar Singh, MD of Intellecap, and Dr. Sat Singh Tomer, CEO of Satyukt (Start-up). The discussion was adeptly moderated by Shri Vivek Adhia from BCG. In addition, several significant publications were released, and a short film was launched to mark the occasion.

Laying out a brief timeline of the organization, NABARD Chairman Shri Shaji K. V. discussed NABARD’s journey over the past 4 decades. He said, “Over the past four decades, NABARD has been a cornerstone of rural development in India. From pioneering the SHG-Bank Linkage Program to supporting JLGs and FPOs, our initiatives have empowered millions of rural households and farmers. Our interventions have fostered financial inclusion, enhanced productivity, and driven sustainable development. Embracing digital transformation, we are helping GOI in computerizing 65,000 PACS and integrated Core Banking Solutions in numerous rural cooperative banks. As we continue to innovate and adapt, our mission remains the same: to uplift the rural economy, ensuring prosperity and resilience for all rural communities.”

Mr G.S. Rawat, DMD of NABARD, emphasized on the need to address the issues related to the agri and rural sectors of the country. “Despite the geographical and infrastructural limitations, our country is among the top 5 producers of agri-commodity in the world. There is still a credit gap in the northeastern regions of the country that needs to be addressed. NABARD is dedicated to working towards finding solutions to the challenges and bridging the gap by leveraging technology. We need innovations to ensure the credit flow to small farmers from remote areas of the country. Innovation will be a catalyst in enhancing the efficiency of the existing agri value chain”

Highlighting NABARD’s key role in the development and prosperity of rural India, Dr. A.K. Sood, DMD of NABARD, said, “Nothing delivers results like success, and we have consistently increased our credit flow to agriculture, delivering impactful results and touching the lives of millions of farmers over two-and-a-half decades. We are also embracing technology to explore new frontiers in financial inclusion, leveraging fintech for underserved rural India. Our challenges now are new—climate change, water scarcity, and an unceasing spiral of indebtedness among farmers. But shoulder-to-shoulder with all stakeholders, we will continue to strive to build a more inclusive and resilient rural India.“

Concluding the event, Shri Shaji K.V. reiterated the pivotal NABARD has to play in realizing the dream of ‘Vikasit Bharat’ by 2047. “We are also looking forward to strengthening the other sectors like fisheries and we believe that our initiatives will help in the growth of rural GDP to support the growth of our country. NABARD has an important role to play in strengthening the foundation of the vision of ‘Vikasit Bharat’ by 2047”.

The 43rd Foundation Day celebration of NABARD was a resounding success, reflecting its enduring legacy and future aspirations.

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The book — with 9 sustainability experts writing on the threat of climate change and the way forward — was launched by the authors, along with Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, event Chairperson, and President, PIC; Dr. Ajit Ranade, Special Guest, and Vice-Chancellor, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics; and Abhay Vaidya, Director, PIC.

Tracing the history of World Environment Day to 1972, Prof. Amitav Mallik said we knew back then that we were running into trouble with the climate. The problem is “real’ and we “are bringing our doom,” he warned. “Unfortunately, everybody is chasing GDP,” he said, and stressed evolving a “green GDP”. Pointing to PIC EECC’s “India’s Youth Manifesto for a Climate Secure Future” brought out two years ago, he said it is the youth’s future that matters. “It is high time we gave climate action good thought.” He said awareness about climate change has increased but climate action is not happening and that without clean renewable energy, our survival is not possible.

Dr. Ajit Ranade said the messaging should be to “stop the theft”, as we are “stealing from the future generation”. “Sustainable development is about morality and the unborn generation,” he noted.

Referring to the 50-plus degree Celsius heat experienced in Delhi and elsewhere, Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar said we are feeling the impact of climate change. Agreeing with Dr. Ranade’s views, he said we are “stealing from our children”. “We cannot have development with humans as bystanders. New development should balance economics, equity, ethics and environment,” he added.

After the book launch, six of the authors came together for a panel discussion and shared their concerns about climate change and its solutions. The discussion, moderated by one of the authors, Dr. Gurudas Nulkar (Senior Fellow at PIC), featured Dr. Nitant Mate (Partner at SeeGreen Solutions), Dr. Priyadarshini Karve (Founder Director of Samuchit Enviro Tech), Aditi Kale (Director at CCP Environmental Foundation), Megha Phadkay (who worked as Climate Policy researcher at PIC), and Shalvi Pawar (who worked as Research Associate at PIC). Two authors, Mr. Ejaz Ghani (former Lead Economist at World Bank) and Ajay Shankar (Distinguished Fellow at TERI), were not present. The programme was anchored by Sanika Potnis, Research Assistant, PIC.

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The event will be chaired by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, President, of PIC. Dr. Ajit Ranade, Vice Chancellor, of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, will be the guest of honor. Among others present will be Dr. Amitav Mallik, Founding Member & Trustee, PIC, Head of EECC, and book authors.

The book comes at a crucial moment in India’s development trajectory with the climate crisis looming over the sub-continent. With increased instances of extreme climate events like raging heat waves and destructive floods, the country is grappling with tremendous loss of lives and livelihoods.

As Dr. Vijay Kelkar, Vice President, PIC, notes in the Foreword: “Rapidly growing India is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate-change associated adversities…”  Prof. Mallik notes in the book that “(H) humanity seems to have entered a new ‘Climate Challenged World’ (often called the ‘Age of Consequences’) for the foreseeable future…”.

The volume offers insightful perspectives from 9 authors in the field of sustainability on the threat of climate change and the way forward.

There appears to be a new acceptance that no conflict exists between economic progress and caring for the environment. Hence, future development will essentially be green technologies and clean methods.

“Dedicated to the youth of India and the World over, whose future is in danger”, the book conveys the core message that the future of sustainability and human development should be more nature-centric. It underscores that Net-Zero is only half the story and that the final solution must include restoring the Earth’s carbon balance and ecological conservation.

Date: June 5, 2024 (World Environment Day)

Time: 5 PM to 7 PM

Venue: Sumant Moolgaokar Hall, A Wing, ICC Trade Tower, SB Road, Pune

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In response to the significant decline in milk yield, estimated at 30-35% during severe heat waves, IBISA’s Heat Stress Solution utilizes advanced climate metrics and satellite technology to provide vital protection for dairy farmers. By offering compensation for revenue losses incurred due to heat stress, this unique solution serves as a lifeline for dairy farmers across India.

Since its introduction in 2024, the Heat Stress Solution has already safeguarded over 100,000 livestock within a mere fortnight, spanning 14 districts in Kerala. Notable beneficiaries include farmers associated with the Trivandrum, Malabar, and Ernakulam Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Unions (TRCMPU, MRCMPU, and ERCMPU respectively).

Furthermore, the product is currently operational in select districts of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. IBISA anticipates expanding its reach in the coming months through collaborations with multiple milk unions and key partners within the dairy value chain. Strategic partnerships with Dehaat, a leading Agritech firm, and Behtar Zindagi, an online agri marketplace platform provider, further enhance the product’s accessibility and impact.

IBISA’s expertise in developing, distributing, and overseeing effective climate insurance solutions is unparalleled. As an Insurtech firm, IBISA collaborates with local insurers, providing comprehensive support in insurance risk modeling, design, assessment, and technological infrastructure, ultimately enabling insurers to underwrite and deliver tailored insurance products efficiently.

“Identifying and addressing a critical necessity, we’ve brought to the fore an insurance model that is not just accessible but also comprehensible to our clients,” remarks Balachandran MK, IBISA’s Head of Growth for Asia. “The surge in our solution’s adoption is a clear indicator of the heightened awareness and demand for such protective measures amidst climatic adversities.”

Recognizing the impact of climate change on various sectors, IBISA is committed to addressing insurance gaps in the poultry industry as well. Through strategic collaborations and grassroots awareness initiatives, IBISA aims to redefine India’s agri-insurance landscape, empowering farmers and enterprises to navigate climate uncertainties effectively.

As pioneers in climate-focused Insurtech, IBISA’s approach emphasizes innovative tech applications and simplicity, fostering sustainability and agricultural security for the future.

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PUNE: Twelve start-ups have converted innovative plastic waste management solutions into new business models, saving a whopping 124,360 tons of Carbon Dioxide emissions collectively in the last 12 months.  These startups are part of the Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF)’s plastics portfolio that was featured in the ‘Innovation in Plastics: The Potential and Possibilities’ playbook, in January 2023.  MIF released this and other data points at the Plastics Program Roundup 2023-24, a day-long event, here today. This stock-taking reviewed the impact of MIF’s focused intervention in the plastic waste management value chain providing opportunities for innovators to address the plastics problem.

According to the MIF’s playbook, India’s plastic consumption growth has been alarming, increasing from 14 million tonnes in 2016-17 to 20 million tonnes in 2019-20. During the same period, the plastic waste output also doubled. What is more disturbing is that despite generating 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, India only recycles 30%.

In this context, it is notable how MIF-supported startups have made significant strides in developing innovative solutions to address the challenge of plastic waste. For instance, Ibanss and Dharaksha have effectively managed 60 tons of agricultural waste using biocraft innovation technology and mycelium respectively. Other startups, including Ishitva, Ibanss, Ricron, Padcare, Bintix, Dharaksha, and Angirus have collectively saved 124,360 tons of CO2 emissions, validating MIF’s focus on innovations that create social, economic, and environmental impact.

Then, there are others in the portfolio like Padcare which has recycled 37 tons of sanitary pads, preserving 74,000 km of landfill area. Ishitva Robotics’ AI-based sorting machine has sorted 100,000 tons of plastic waste, significantly impacting energy conservation by saving 265,000 tons of oil barrels. Innovators like Ricron Panels and Angirus have recycled 1,338 tons of plastic waste through innovative construction products. Bintix, which focuses on household waste management, has collected 360 tons of plastic waste, contributing to biodiversity conservation and waste reduction while preserving 8,300 trees.

Harsh Mariwala, Founder, of Marico Innovation Foundation, said, “MIF is at the forefront of the innovation journey in plastic waste management.  Our commitment to innovation is what drives us to identify and address challenges for the short, mid, and long term. This initiative can be a game-changer for India as we move ahead in addressing the plastics problem.  I believe that by providing a nurturing environment that goes beyond capital, we can build a prototype for plastic waste management for the rest of the world to deploy.”

Amit Chandra, Honorary Chairperson of the Governing Council of Marico Innovation Foundation, added, “Our Plastics Program has supported innovative solutions poised to revolutionize the waste management sector. As consumerism continues to surge, there is immense scope for innovations to address challenges across the value chain.”  He added, “MIF is proud to support the journey of disruptive innovators and contribute to ecosystem building for sustainable innovations.”

Suranjana Ghosh, Head of Marico Innovation Foundation, highlighted MIF’s instrumental role in nurturing innovators in the plastic waste management sector. “Since the launch of the playbook, MIF has taken the lead in following its recommendations, prioritizing the support, and nurturing of startups. This commitment has led to significant strides, with our interventions resulting in multi-crore deal orders alongside other value-driven initiatives for entrepreneurs. These endeavors underscore our dedication to driving tangible outcomes and fostering a thriving ecosystem for sustainable innovation,” she remarked.

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PUNE: The India Science Festival 2024 (ISF 2024) which concluded recently at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune on January 20 and 21, 2024 has marked another milestone in the celebration of scientific discovery and innovation. Organized by the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India) in partnership with Bajaj Auto, the festival provided a platform for scientists, researchers, students, and the public to engage in various scientific activities, discussions, and demonstrations.

ISF 2024 was inaugurated by Varun Aggarwal (Cofounder – FAST India, Founder – Aspiring Minds and The Change Engine), Prof. K Vijay Raghavan (Chief Scientific Advisor to ISF, former Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI), Atul Kirloskar (Chairman, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited), Gauri Kirloskar (Managing Director, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited), Ajay Mehta (Director, Deepak Nitrite Limited) and Prof Sunil Bhagwat (Director, IISER Pune).

The festival this year, under the theme “Towards Infinity | Mind, Machines, and the Endless Frontier,” brought together over 60 speakers from prestigious organizations like MIT, Harvard, IISc, IIT, AIIMS, IISER, and Ashoka University. These experts shared their insights on a range of pertinent topics, including Climate Change Solutions, AI & Robotics, and Space Research.

The Keynote speaker for this year was Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder of Infosys. Kris Gopalakrishnan was felicitated as the Industry Science Leader 2024 by Raghunath Anant Mashelkar and Prof K Vijay Raghavan in recognition of his dedication to promoting scientific research and its translation in India, evidenced by his advocacy, generous funding, and instrumental role in founding key scientific institutions.

Kris Gopalakrishnan said, “The potential of talent in India knows no bounds; I truly believe that the 21st century holds immense promise for India, as reflected in the theme of ISF – Towards Infinity. Our strengths lie in the vast population, a market of 1.4 billion people, and a robust education system. Over the next 30 years, the transformation of India will be driven by the students present here. We can cultivate the next generation of multinational corporations and facilitate world-class research right here in India, all thanks to the incredible talent at our disposal.”

In a significant announcement, it was declared that Pune will serve as the permanent venue for all future editions of the India Science Festival, reinforcing the city’s growing status as a hub for scientific discourse and innovation.

One of the highlights of ISF 2024 was “The Best of Unbounded Science – India (BoUnSc India)” with Rannvijay Singh Singha. This segment showcased a fusion of creative talks, photography, and science fiction storytelling, celebrating science uniquely and engagingly. The finale of the ISF flagship competition Talk Your Thesis, held as part of BoUnSc India, saw talented research scholars Spatika Jayaram (PhD student at the University of Cambridge), Parijat Banerjee (BS-MS student at IISER Pune), Ria Vaishampayan (Project fellow, IIT Bombay), and Deepanshi Karwall (MSc student, University of Manchester) compete live – portraying their research in innovative and fun ways. The event concluded with Parijat Banerjee bagging the position of the Talk Your Thesis champion.

The festival featured more than 30 exhibits and workshops, providing hands-on experiences in diverse fields such as prosthetics, AI, automated robots, mental health, food chemistry, and DIY technology. These interactive sessions catered to a wide range of participants, from school students to professionals, emphasizing the practical application of scientific knowledge. In addition, six JC Bose Science Policy Dialogues were conducted featuring 30+ luminaries including Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Dr. Arabinda Mitra, Dr. Thomas Barlow, and Dr. Priya Nagaraj.

ISF 2024 successfully underscored the importance of science in daily life and its role in shaping the future. The event not only facilitated the exchange of groundbreaking ideas but also inspired participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of science and technology.

Varun Agarwal, Co-Founder of FAST & Founder of ISF, said, “The India Science Festival achieved tremendous success, drawing over 23,000 attendees. Scientists were enthusiastically approached by attendees, treating them like celebrities, eager to ask questions and take selfies. We are confident that we have motivated numerous young individuals to consider a career in science. We also had targeted discussions on science policy, involving participation from industry representatives, scientists, policy experts, and government officials. The aim was to collaboratively develop mechanisms that would propel India to become one of the top three nations in science and technology.”

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