National, 5^th June  2025— To mark World Environment Day on June 5, Aahwahan Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to social and environmental causes, has launched a Global Tree Plantation Drive. This initiative aims to plant over 100,000 trees across seven countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Finland, and India.

The campaign will run for 30 days. Individuals, schools, universities, businesses, and communities from around the world are invited to join this collective effort to restore nature, improve air quality, and fight climate change. The campaign has already received strong support, with over 1,300 schools, 100 universities and colleges, 50 corporations, and thousands of volunteers pledging their participation.

“Protecting our planet is a shared responsibility.” Said Mr. Braja Kishore Pradhan, Founder and CEO of Aahwahan Foundation and social activist. “This campaign is about more than just planting trees. It is about uniting people across the globe to take meaningful action for our planet. Trees are essential to life on Earth, and through this effort, we can restore ecological balance, purify the air, and create a healthier world for future generations. Together we can leave a lasting legacy for our children and our planet.” 

The initiative reflects Aahwahan Foundation’s long-standing commitment to environmental stability and community development. Established in 2009, the organization has worked to improve lives through education, healthcare, employment generation, and environmental stewardship.

Aahwahan Foundation invites everyone to join the Global Tree Plantation Campaign. Participants can organize local tree–planting events, contribute to reforestation projects, or support the campaign through donations and partnerships. 

In the remote corners of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, where shadows of a dark past and volatile present loom over the villagers, Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) and the Mann Deshi Foundation are ushering in a new dawn. Coordinated efforts, with support from the district administration, are helping shape a sports-empowered future for children, one maidan at a time.

Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), committed to empowering children through sports, in partnership with the Mann Deshi Foundation, have introduced— the Maidan Cup Competition, to give under-privileged children a platform to perform. For this competition, a total of 50 playgrounds across 50 participating villages across the Dantewada district are being carved out of barren lands. Already in action, the initiative is coming to fruition with active support from the District Collectors Mayank Chaturvedi, Kunal Dudawat and the villagers.

For villagers long affected by naxalism, their children getting some scope and exposure for development through sports, is a promising start in their overall stride towards a better future. Over 10,000 children are going to get benefitted from this initiative with a projected 40% participation from girls, signalling a paradigm shift in girl child empowerment and gender equality. Broader impact from the Maidan Cup is aimed at reducing the crime rates in conflict zones by around and above 20% through sports programmes. With zeal and unified spirit from all involved, including the villagers, a grass roots revolution is about to take shape in the conflict-ridden corners of Dantewada.

Empowering Youth, Enabling Growth: North East Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme Launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalduhoma and Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary

Mumbai, 20th May 2025 — Reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive growth and regional empowerment, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), today launched a strategic pilot scheme to promote apprenticeship training in the North Eastern Region (NER). The scheme was jointly launched in Aizawl by Shri Lalduhoma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram and Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Ashta Lakshmi and Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East, the initiative aims to provide structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to youth across the region.

As a key financial support measure, over 26,000 youth from the region will receive an additional ₹1,500 per month for one year under the pilot—over and above the regular stipend provided through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). This support is applicable for apprentices from the North East Region undertaking training both within and outside the North East, ensuring that mobility does not become a barrier to accessing opportunity. A total of ₹43.94 crore has been earmarked for the pilot, including ₹4 crore for outreach, capacity building, and project implementation.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister (I/C), MSDE, stated: “The launch of this special pilot initiative under NAPS marks a defining moment for apprenticeship promotion in the North East. It opens the doors of real industry exposure for our youth—allowing them to step onto the factory floor, understand the dynamics of contemporary industry, and align their skills with real-world demand. For the industry, it offers a transparent mechanism to engage with and evaluate talent early. This is not just a training pathway—it is an accessible, open bridge to employment.

I want to highlight a particularly powerful dimension: the central role of women in this journey. The North East, with its unique cultural ethos, has always stood tall in championing women-led empowerment. At the policy level too, we are committed to reinforcing this. The data emerging from the NAPS implementation in the region clearly reflects higher female participation—turning the North East into a beacon of hope for gender-responsive skilling across India”

Shri Lalduhoma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, expressed: “This collaboration with the Government of India will open new doors for the youth of Mizoram and the wider North East. With financial support, quality training, and strong industry linkages, this initiative empowers our young citizens to find their rightful place in India’s evolving economic landscape—whether here in the North East or across the country. Your presence, Hon’ble Minister, is a strong encouragement to our youth and our government to promote practical, flexible, and employment-oriented skills that equip our people to succeed with strength and dignity. Mizoram has a unique demographic advantage—our high literacy rates, combined with the right skilling interventions, can unlock tremendous potential. Our youth are eager to learn and willing to lead. We take pride in our heritage skills, many of which have been passed down through generations, and are now being aligned with modern professional standards. In WorldSkills 2022, our youth made us proud by participating on the global stage. With MSDE’s continued support—including programmes in correctional facilities and those focused on women—we are ensuring inclusivity and aspiration for all. The state has developed a comprehensive Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Plan to ensure a steady pipeline of capable, confident, and employable youth. Together, we are building a stronger and more empowered Mizoram.”

The implementation will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), supported by State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates (RDSDEs), and local institutions.

This pilot builds upon India’s broader apprenticeship success. Since 2016, NAPS has facilitated more than 42 lakh apprenticeship engagements across the country. The introduction of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has enabled transparent and timely disbursal of over ₹870 crore directly into apprentices’ accounts since 2022. Over 35,000 establishments have participated in apprenticeship engagement, supported by more than 5,000 Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) held nationwide.

The North East Apprenticeship Pilot represents a scalable model for high-impact, region-specific skilling interventions—rooted in local needs, aligned with industry demand, and powered by inter-state mobility.

As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Welspun Living Limited to operationalise a high-impact pilot for apprenticeship-linked skilling in the textile sector. The objective of the partnership is to build a future-ready workforce for operator roles, with a focus on inclusive participation—ensuring that at least 50% of the trained candidates are women. Under the pilot, 1,000 youth will be trained over the next year through a blended training model comprising 120 hours of classroom instruction and 210 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) at Welspun’s state-of-the-art facilities in Anjar and Vapi, Gujarat. Welspun will lead curriculum design, training delivery, and guaranteed captive placement for successful candidates, while NSDC will support mobilization, pre-screening, digital onboarding via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), and funding of classroom training. Upon completion, candidates will receive joint certification from NSDC and Welspun, significantly enhancing their employability.

The event also featured a detailed presentation on the recently approved National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, which has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore and aims to modernise 1,000 government ITIs across the country through a hub-and-spoke model. The session highlighted how the North Eastern Region can strategically benefit from this transformative scheme by upgrading existing ITI infrastructure, aligning training with emerging industry requirements, and fostering state–industry partnerships.

The event was graced by the presence of several senior dignitaries, including Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State, Labour, Employment and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Shri K. Sapdanga, Hon’ble Minister for Home from Govt of Mizoram. Also present was Shri Maotoshi Longkumer, Adviser for Skill Development, Employment, Labour, and Excise, Government of Nagaland, Smt. G. Madhumita Das, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and Shri Shreeshail Malge, Joint Secretary, MSDE.

As India accelerates toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the Government remains steadfast in its mission to create a future-ready, globally competitive workforce. Through this initiative, the North East emerges not only as a participant but as a leader in India’s skills transformation journey.

New Delhi, 19th May 2025: Wishes & Blessings, a Delhi-based NGO dedicated to inclusive social development, has achieved a remarkable milestone – the successful distribution of 1 crore meals to underserved communities across states. In celebration of this achievement, the organization will host community meal events across several states on May 22, 2025.

The meals will be served in regions including Delhi, NCR, West Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, showcasing the NGO’s extensive grassroots reach and pan-India impact. The celebrations are an expression of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the organization enduring commitment to addressing hunger across diverse geographies.

Founded in 2014 by Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Wishes & Blessings has worked tirelessly to ensure that no one sleeps hungry. The organization delivers food through structured initiatives such as daily feeding programs, ration distributions, and emergency relief efforts. While hunger relief is a cornerstone, the NGO also actively works across other critical sectors such as education, elder care, gender empowerment, healthcare, and skill development.

“Serving 1 crore meals is not just a number—it represents hope, dignity, and the right to a full stomach,” said Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Founder and President of Wishes & Blessings. “This milestone is a testament to the collective power of empathy, partnership, and unwavering resolve. But our work is far from over. As long as there’s hunger, our mission continues.”

The celebration comes just days before World Hunger Day on May 29, lending added relevance to the milestone.

India continues to face significant challenges related to food security. The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, placing it in the “serious” category. With 16.6% of the population undernourished and 35.5% of children under five stunted, the scale of the problem remains profound.

Wishes & Blessings has responded robustly during crises, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic when food insecurity surged. The NGO rapidly scaled its operations to serve hot meals, distribute ration kits, and support daily wage earners left jobless. Today, the organization runs multiple feeding programs that are agile, scalable, and tailored to local needs—ensuring that meals reach the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, the homeless, and people with disabilities.

In addition to its core hunger relief mission, the NGO works across more than nine critical intervention areas including education, elder care, gender empowerment, and health support. This holistic approach enables the organization to not only address hunger but also break the cycle of poverty and marginalization that perpetuates it.

As the world reflects on the purpose of museums on International Museum Day, one destination in India is quietly transforming the global conversation. Abhay Prabhavana Museum, envisioned by Dr. Abhay Firodia and developed by the Amar Prerana Trust, stands as a pioneering Museum of Ideas i.e. a place where values, vision, and civilisational thought are preserved and presented as an ode to the past and lively ideas shaping the future.

Situated on a 50-acre campus near the Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana reimagines the very idea of a traditional museum. It is among the largest private museums in the world, yet its significance lies not in its scale, but in its core. Every element across its 3.5 lakh square feet premises has been curated to celebrate India’s civilisational wisdom – right from the timeless principles of ethics, education, enterprise, non-violence, compassion and spiritual inquiry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, and Chairman of the Amar Prerana Trust said, “India’s greatest heritage is the power of its values. Our aim was to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come.”

Thirty immersive galleries form the core of the museum’s narrative journey. Each gallery is a dialogue: through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and storytelling that invites visitors to engage with India’s philosophical legacy. Concepts such as self-restraint, plurality, letting go and inner awakening are presented through engaging experiences, encouraging reflection and inquiry. Interactive technologies, ambient sound, and subtle scenography are employed with restraint and intelligence, ensuring that the medium never overwhelms the message.

Beyond its galleries, Abhay Prabhavana’s architectural and symbolic elements offers equally profound experiences. The Manastambh, a 100-foot pillar depicts the stages of spiritual evolution. On the other hand – the awe-inspiring 43-foot sculpture of Rishabhdev, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, whose vision of order, discipline, and civilisation laid the foundations of Indian values and thought, represents a sense of calm like no other. The Plaza of Equanimity, a contemplative space centred around the Sarvatobhadra statue, anchors the campus in stillness and symmetry.

Abhay Prabhavana means a lot more than a museum for enthusiasts. It is a knowledge centre, with spaces such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library, dedicated to scholarship, dialogue, and cultural programs. From lectures and exhibitions to research and learning initiatives, the museum instills a living engagement with India’s intellectual traditions.

As museums across the world grow into something more significant, Abhay Prabhavana leads with clarity. It does not focus on artefacts alone, but on the values and ideals that give them meaning. On this International Museum Day, it stands tall as a beholder of civilisational wisdom, reimagined for the world we live in today.

India’s leading stock exchange, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance Financial Literacy through Investor Awareness Programs and to implement the Student Skilling Programs for the youth across Odisha.

This MOU was exchanged between Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE and Shri Prashant Kishore Mohapatra, Special Secretary, Govt. of Odisha in the distinguished presence of Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister of State(I/C), Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia language, Literature & Culture, Govt. of Odisha, today at Bhubaneshwar. As part of the understanding, NSE with the support of the Government of Odisha shall conduct awareness drive through seminars, camps, knowledge sessions, road shows, workshops to spread financial literacy and investor awareness. This MoU also aims to empower the youth with industry-relevant skills and enhance their employability in the BFSI sector.

Odisha has an expanding financial ecosystem and it is imperative to empower the students, investors and corporates. This understanding embraces various fabrics of the financial ecosystem targeting various stakeholders. This multifaceted MoU is a step towards enhancing financial literacy, promoting investor awareness and fostering empowerment of the existing and new investors. Additionally, the MoU focuses on preparing youth with essential skills through NSE’s Student Skilling Program—an initiative aligned with the central government’s vision of unlocking human capital and enabling both employability and self-employment in the BFSI sector.

Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister of State(I/C), Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia language, literature & Culture, Govt. of Odisha said, “The Government of Odisha is proud to partner with NSE to drive financial literacy, investor awareness and student skilling in our region. This MoU is not just about expanding financial knowledge; it is about empowering our students with the knowledge and skills they need with respect to financial sector. Together, we are creating a robust financial ecosystem that will pave the way for sustainable growth in Odisha”.

Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE said, “Our collaboration with the Government of Odisha highlights our shared dedication of boosting financial literacy and empowering investors. Through initiatives like investor awareness programs and the Student Skilling Program, we are fostering a well-informed community for both seasoned and new investors. Moreover, we are also committed to equipping the youth of Odisha with the vital skills needed to thrive in today’s ever-evolving financial landscape.”

From April 2024 to March 2025, NSE conducted 14,679 Investor Awareness Programs across all 36 states & Union Territories in 14 languages, reaching more than 8 lakh participants. Under the Student Skilling Program more than 7500 students have been trained across various states.

May 12th 2025, New Delhi – The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), successfully conducted the “Suraksha Sarthi” community disaster preparedness training on May 11 at Pacific Mall, Subhash Nagar, at 4:00 PM. The initiative aims to equip everyday citizens with the necessary skills to respond effectively during emergencies such as air strikes, bomb threats, fire incidents, and medical emergencies.

The event was graced by Dr. Nitin Shakya, SDM DDMA west district , as the Chief Guest, and supported by Dr. Sameer Bhati, Public Health Expert, along with the medical team from IACT, who led the live demonstrations and hands-on training sessions.

Key highlights of the program included:

• Live CPR and First Aid Training

• Demonstration of Fire Extinguisher Use

• Emergency Medical Response Techniques

• Awareness on Air Strike Alerts, Bomb Threat Protocols, and Safe Sheltering Practices

Shoppers, mall staff, and local civilians actively participated, turning the mall into a practical learning ground for disaster response. Through expert-led sessions, attendees were taught how to remain calm, take charge, and potentially save lives in critical moments.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nitin Shakya, SDM Patel Nagar, emphasized, “We are conducting short and easy-to-understand trainings to ensure maximum public participation. Our aim is to cater to the entire district on a fast-track basis.”

Dr. Sameer Bhati added, “Preparedness is prevention. By empowering citizens with the right skills, we are not only saving lives but also building a culture of resilience and responsibility.”

This initiative is part of a broader “Suraksha Sathi” campaign that will be conducted across the West District in schools, RWAs, markets, and metro stations, with in-person sessions led by trained professionals from the medical, civil defence, police, and fire services.

Empowering Citizens. Saving Lives.

This Mother’s Day, Instamart went beyond instant deliveries to deliver something truly heartwarming: the gift of presence. As part of its #AddYourselfToCart campaign, Instamart reunited consumers with their mother, creating unforgettable moments of love, surprise, and connection.

The emotional campaign, conceptualized around the insight that the best gift for a mom is her children’s presence, highlighted how small gestures can lead to the biggest joys. The children, each living in different cities and unable to meet their mother due to distance and commitment, were flown to their hometowns, picked up by Instamart delivery partners and surprised their mothers, all orchestrated seamlessly by Instamart. The initiative struck a chord online with the video of the winners garnering hundreds of shares and emotional responses within hours of release.

It all started with a surprise message Instamart users found while placing their orders last week: “We’ll deliver you to mom this Mother’s Day. (Add yourself to cart.)” In collaboration with IndiGo and MakeMyTrip, lucky winners will be hand-delivered to their moms in surprise reunions. On May 11, selected participants were picked up by an Instamart delivery partner, flown home, and reunited with their mothers—turning the idea of “quick delivery” into something profoundly personal.

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive & Head – Wholesale Bank Coverage & Sustainability, Axis Bank said, “We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to Indian sports as we partner with the Lakshya Shooting Club to establish world-class shooting infrastructure in India. We believe that the Centre will play a leading role in enabling our top shooters to succeed at the Olympic level, and also help identifying and nurturing the next generation of shooting talent in India.’’ 

Speaking on the occasion, Suma Shirur, Olympian & High–Performance Director, Lakshya Shooting Club said, ‘’This partnership with Axis Bank means a lot. It brings us closer to our dream — a centre where talent receives the right support, and every young shooter feels they have a real chance to succeed.”