Kamdhenu Jeevandhara: Basic Computer Skills for All
Gurugram, 15th April, 2025: Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Kamdhenu Group has awarded completion certificate to top 5 underprivileged youths of the Basic Computer Course. The program covers essential computer operations, popular software applications, and internet skills. The course is designed to match current industry skill demands and offers a pathway to gainful employment within the formal corporate sector.
Ms. Radha Agarwal, Chairperson, Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation said, “Delivering Basic Computer skills to the underprivileged youths equips them with the necessary tools to navigate the digital world that we live in today. In a short span of 6 years, the initiative had delivered this essential life skill to hundreds of youths, making them ready for gainful employment in suitable roles in the corporate world. We are delighted to have played an important role in facilitating and equipping them with this important milestone that will have a lasting impact on their lives. It is our long standing commitment to drive positive community engagements so that we play our part in uplifting communities as we drive business growth and contribute towards a Viksit Bharat in the near future.”
With AI making deeper inroads into our lives, the Basic Computer Program introduces young minds to the world of computers and lays the foundation for further skill development in the field. Kamdhenu Jeevandhara imparts valuable, lasting skills that empower participants to contribute meaningfully to the society.
Anil Agarwal Foundation’s flagship Nand Ghar Reaches 8,000
Chandigarh, 9th April 2025: Nand Ghar, the flagship initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), has achieved a significant milestone by transforming 8,044 Anganwadis into modern centres of holistic development for women and children. Spread across 15 states in India, this expansion underscores Vedanta’s commitment to rural development, impacting over 3 lakh children and 2 lakh women with early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development.
Nand Ghars are modernised anganwadis with provision of state-of-the art facilities. In addition to enhanced infrastructural facilities, Nand Ghar incorporates smart education tools, interactive e-learning modules, BaLA designs, and smart TVs to make learning engaging for children aged 3-6 years. Each center is equipped with child friendly furniture, access to electricity, safe drinking water, and hygienic sanitation facilities, fostering a safe and nurturing environment. Beyond education, Nand Ghars combat malnutrition by facilitating fortified meals to children and essential nutritional support for pregnant and lactating mothers. Integrated healthcare services, including immunization drives and routine check-ups, further strengthen community well-being. Nand Ghar is also strengthening women empowerment by engaging community women in skill-building activities such as handicrafts, food processing, and retail, enabling them to earn an average monthly income of up to INR 10,000.
As Nand Ghar continues to scale its impact, last year marked significant achievements for the program. To combat malnutrition, Nand Ghar launched a two-phase distribution of protein-rich millet shakes, benefiting children across six states. Patented and FSSAI certified, this millet shake contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals and is crafted from a blend of ragi, bajra, foxtail and kodu millets. With the government’s focus on promoting the consumption of millets in daily diet, Nand Ghar’s initiative reaffirms its alignment with the national vision of fostering nutritional security through sustainable and locally sourced superfoods.
In March this year, AAF proudly inaugurated Maharashtra’s first-ever Nand Ghars, launching 25 new centers in Thane. Expanding its reach further, the Foundation is committed to establishing 20,000 more Nand Ghars across Rajasthan over the next two years, transforming rural communities on a scale.
The initiative is well-aligned with the Government of India’s vision for women and child development. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) empowers and supports mothers and their children under six years through various programs ensuring comprehensive childcare support in a secure environment with trained staff, educational resources, nutritional support, and activities for holistic child development. With around 14 lakh Anganwadi centres serving over 7 crore children under six years across the country, Nand Ghar’s model contributes significantly to enhancing the existing ecosystem and amplifying the government’s efforts in ensuring the well-being of children and women in rural India.
Speaking on the achievement, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd., stated, “The journey of building 8,000 Nand Ghars reflects our deep commitment to transforming lives at the grassroots. These centers are not just reimagined Anganwadis, they are spaces of opportunity where children learn, grow, and thrive, and where women gain the tools to lead empowered, self-reliant lives. It is incredible to witness how Nand Ghar is evolving into a nationwide movement- one that is creating real change. Our partnership with the Government and the Ministry of Women & Child Development continues to strengthen this mission, helping us scale with purpose and bring meaningful change to communities across India.”
Adding to this, Mr. Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar, commented, “At Nand Ghar, we are committed to holistic community development, where impact is measured not just in numbers but in the lives we transform. By integrating smart learning, digital tools, and sustainable nutrition programs, we are redefining the Anganwadi ecosystem in India. Over the past year, we have introduced cutting-edge digital learning modules and expanded nutrition programs to ensure that every child receives a balanced meal daily aligned with the Poshan 2.0 guidelines. Flagship initiatives such as Khaana Khaaya Kya?, the millet bar and shake distribution drive, and our digital smart learning model have further reinforced our commitment to child development and women’s empowerment. We will continue to deepen our impact within communities, ensuring that early childhood education, nutrition, and women empowerment drive for meaningful and sustainable change.”
WCD’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Department is celebrating its 50 years in 2025, and Nand Ghar continues to set benchmarks in early childhood care and women’s empowerment. With this milestone, the program is reaffirming its mission to uplift India’s rural communities, ensuring that the nation’s children and women have access to quality resources for a brighter and healthier future.
Hindustan Zinc Recycles 18 Billion Litres of Water Saving 1 Lakh Households
Udaipur, 24th March 2025: Ahead of World Water Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s second largest integrated zinc producer, announces the recycling of more than 18 billion litres of water in FY24 roughly equivalent to the annual water usage of nearly 1 lakh households in Rajasthan. Operating in Rajasthan, one of the India’s most water stressed regions, Hindustan Zinc remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable water management, reinforcing its position as a 2.41 times water positive and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) company. The company has maintained a zero liquid discharge approach that ensures process water & effluent is treated, recycled, and reused, significantly reducing its reliance on freshwater while eliminating liquid discharge.
As the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company, Hindustan Zinc’s approach to water conservation encompasses operations and community led water stewardship initiatives. Ahead of World Water Day, Hindustan Zinc unveiled major water management initiatives in progress at operations and community level across various districts of Rajasthan. The company is set to inaugurate a 4,000 kilolitres per day (KLD) Zero Liquid Discharge plant at Rampura Agucha, home to the world’s largest underground zinc mining operations in the coming week. The company has maintained a zero liquid discharge stance and with this new facility, alongside existing zero liquid discharge plants at Zinc Smelter Debari, Dariba Smelting Complex, Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter, and Zawar Group of Mines – across its operations in Rajasthan – further propels the company’s vison of responsible water management.
Speaking on the occasion of World Water Day, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, we recognize that water is the foundation of a sustainable future. Our water stewardship approach extends beyond operational efficiency to ensuring long-term water security for both communities and industries. As a 2.41 times water-positive company, we are actively replenishing and fortifying water resources. By embedding sustainable water management at the core of our strategy, we continue to demonstrate that industrial growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Beyond its operational commitments, Hindustan Zinc is driving large-scale community water initiatives to enhance groundwater recharge and improve rural water access. At Agucha, in Bhilwara district, Hindustan Zinc has undertaken pond renovation work covering Agucha panchayat. This project will revitalise the biodiversity around villages, enhance the availability of water and positively impact nearly 25,000 people. In Rajsamand district, the company has undertaken pond deepening activity for 4 ponds covering 4 villages that is benefitting more than 10,000 people by collectively augmenting the capacity of these ponds by 55,000 m3 or 55 million litres. Plans are in place to extend this initiative to two more ponds in the next fiscal year. In Chanderiya, Hindustan Zinc launched a lift irrigation scheme benefiting over 100 farmers, supporting cash crop cultivation across 50 acres, ensuring efficient water usage for sustainable agriculture.
As a pioneer in sustainable water management, Hindustan Zinc has established Udaipur’s first sewage treatment plant (STP) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, a pioneering initiative in Rajasthan that treats 60 million litres of wastewater daily. This initiative plays a crucial role in keeping the lakes of Zinc City Udaipur free from polluted water while supplying treated water to Hindustan Zinc’s operations via a state-of-the-art pipeline network. This reduces freshwater consumption significantly.
Expanding its community impact, Hindustan Zinc has undertaken a large-scale artificial groundwater recharge project in Bhilwara district, spanning four blocks. Through desilting of ponds, strengthening embankments, and constructing 358 recharge shafts across 84 ponds, the initiative has created a groundwater recharge potential of 87 lakh cubic meters (or 8700 million litres)—a critical intervention in Rajasthan’s arid landscape. Hindustan Zinc’s community development initiative also includes providing potable drinking water in Rajasthan that has ensured supply of nearly 4 million litres of safe water to communities through water ROs (reverse osmosis plants) and water ATMs.
At Rajsamand the company has also launched a first-of-its-kind Jal Sakhi initiative that fulfils the triple goal of women empowerment, entrepreneurship and availability of clean water wherein this women-led enterprise has provided clean water to nearly 50,000 people by operating the water ATMs for the community. Additionally, Hindustan Zinc has also supplied over 15 million litres of water to more than 20 water-scarce villages in FY24 across Rajasthan through tankers. According to community members, the availability of the potable drinking water has marked a decrease in water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery etc.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company also launched EcoZen Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc, produced using renewable energy, that has a carbon footprint about 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.
Ashoka University Offers Scholarships for Young India Fellows Apply by 10th March
New Delhi, February 25, 2025: Ashoka University, India’s premier interdisciplinary higher education and research institution announces that the second and final round of applications for the Young India Fellowship (YIF) Class of 2026 is now open. All Fellows selected for the upcoming cohort of the Young India Fellowship (Class of 2025-26) will receive scholarships ranging from 25% to a full 100% waiver covering tuition, residence, and meals along with stipends for additional financial assistance. The prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship will also continue to be awarded in the Class of 2026. The final deadline for applications is 10th March 2025.
Instituted in 2011, the flagship YIF programme is a year-long residential postgraduate diploma that educates and nurtures Fellows to solve the most pertinent problems that will ultimately create a better world. Each year, around 100 driven individuals are immersed in a multidisciplinary education, exploring diverse fields, engaging in interdisciplinary learning, and collaboratively solving real-world problem statements.
Currently, 81% of the Young India Fellows are either partially or fully funded with 60% of the cohort benefiting from a full tuition waiver or more. Notably about one-third of the Class of 2025 Fellows identify as first-generation college goers, and 61% as female. From the next year, Ashoka University is furthering its commitment to making the Fellowship more accessible to exceptional and deserving individuals coming from all walks of life. The increase in scholarships for the current and next cohort has been made possible primarily through the generous support of HDFC Bank.
“We are glad to be supporting Ashoka’s flagship programme through scholarships, making education more accessible to many deserving students. We wish all success to Young India Fellows.” shared Nusrat Pathan, CSR Head, HDFC Bank.
Reflecting on these developments, Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University, said, “The YIF has always been close to my heart, given that it predates the formation of Ashoka University. With increased scholarships thanks to generous contributions by HDFC Bank, we want to truly attract the best and brightest, to experience what this unique programme offers.”
Commenting on the YIF’s future, Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University said, “I am greatly enthused and excited about this new chapter where the programme is evolving its mission and funding. I look forward to supporting this ambitious programme and to teaching future generations of Fellows, which continues to be among my most cherished experiences.”
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process: YIF Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 will comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates of all age groups and nationalities, across diverse academic, professional, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds, who have a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline by July 2025 or earlier (can be a final-year student at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the YIF.
The final round of admissions for the class of 2025-26 are ongoing. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, even within a round, to partake in the rolling personal interview process.
Aspiring candidates can apply by visiting apply.ashoka.edu.in to register and complete the online application. Following holistic assessment of applications, a number of candidates will be shortlisted for personal interviews. Additionally, some of these shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview for the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship.
All Fellows who receive an offer of admission are guaranteed a minimum 25% tuition waiver, with some also being awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship. All admitted and waitlisted candidates will have the opportunity to apply for need-based Financial Aid, which goes upto a full-waiver on the entire fee along with stipends for additional assistance.
90% of India CEOs Confident in Growth: PwC Survey
Chandigarh, 22 January 2025: As global leaders converge to discuss the theme of “Collaboration in the Intelligent Age” at the WEF meeting in Davos, PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey: India Perspective, released here today, underscores the pivotal role played by the country in shaping the future of global innovation, sustainability, and reinvention.
According to the survey, which polled more than 4,700 CEOs across 109 countries, of which more than 75 were from India, 87% of India CEOs are upbeat about the country’s economic growth, surpassing the global average of 57%, while 74% are very confident about their respective companies’ revenue growth in the next three years. From a macro perspective, India’s robust economic growth, improved ease of doing business (EoDB), infrastructural developments, and its young and skilled workforce continue to attract investors.
However, this confidence is tempered by certain challenges. Of these, technological disruption remains top of mind for India CEOs, followed by macroeconomic volatility and inflation, and low availability of skilled labour. Disruptive technology was also listed by India CEOs as one of the top two factors influencing their company’s low economic viability.
Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC in India, said, “For CEOs today, the challenge is to envision the ecosystem in which their company will operate in the future. This includes thinking through the impacts of megatrends like climate change and AI, evolving customer needs, shifting value pools, and the roles that their company will play.”
Optimism around GenAI, but trust is a concern
Businesses across the world have witnessed efficiency gains and increased revenue with GenAI in the last 12 months. In India too, while 51% of India CEOs are positive about GenAI’s impact on profitability, trust remains an issue, with only a third of India CEOs having high trust in AI’s integration into business processes. Expectations for higher revenue growth are in turn prompting companies to increase hiring, with 68% of India CEOs planning to hire more staff, compared to 57% last year. Globally, 42% of CEOs will increase headcount in the next 12 months, and this is perhaps more on account of, rather than in spite of, AI.
“It’s clear from our survey that GenAI is not just a technological evolution but a strategic revolution, reshaping the landscape of global business. India CEOs should embrace GenAI’s potential while also taking steps to manage risks. Responsible AI practices can mitigate many issues and are most effective when baked into GenAI strategy from the start,” added Krishan.
The climate agenda
Back in 2019, few India CEOs were concerned about using data on the impact of climate change on business to make decisions around long-term success and durability of their businesses, nor did they consider climate change as a threat to their organisation’s growth prospects. The needle has moved considerably as organisations in India are now making investments to address climate change. The survey finds that more than one-third of India CEOs noted revenue increases from climate-friendly investments over the past five years. In addition, more than 60% said these investments had either reduced cost or had no significant cost impact.
More than half of global CEOs (56%) polled said their personal incentive compensation was linked to sustainability metrics. In India, the percentage of CEOs who said that a certain proportion of their personal incentive was determined by sustainability metrics was slightly higher at 58%. The higher the percentage of CEO compensation at stake, the higher is the revenue likely to be generated from climate-friendly investments.
Many companies, however, are yet to convert climate-friendly investments – which include transitioning to energy-efficient operations, developing greener products and services, and implementing emission-reducing technologies – into additional revenues. Be that as it may, sustainability is being increasingly built into the fabric of businesses across geographies, not only as a stakeholder management issue, but also as a vector of investment.
The reinvention imperative
The interplay between macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical reconfigurations, and other external and internal threats is poised to shape the future of business and society, and fuel intelligent reinvention for business viability in the decade to come. Our survey indicates that some CEOs have already commenced on this reinvention journey. Four in ten CEOs in India and across the world said their companies have started to compete in at least one new sector/industry in the last five years. Of these, 50% of India CEOs (as against 58% globally) stated that 1–20% of their revenue came from entering a new sector or industry in the last five years.
The most common reinvention actions taken by four in ten India CEOs over the last five years are developing innovative products and services and targeting new routes to markets – for example, selling directly to consumers rather than through intermediaries. Further, 38% of India’s CEOs, as against 32% globally, have aimed at acquiring a new customer base. Collaboration with other organisations has also been a strategy for 26% of CEOs both in India and globally.
On how staying the course on the reinvention track will be key to responsible business viability, Krishan concluded, “To drive transformation, business leaders must be willing to question deeply ingrained beliefs about their organisations’ business models, even when those beliefs were the foundation of past successes. This involves not only introspection within the organisation but also a keen focus on external dynamics, exploring how a rapidly evolving environment can unlock fresh opportunities.”