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The numbers are not only staggering but coupled with the concerning uptick in recent years on account of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, climate-induced displacement, and conflicts they assume grave proportions. The agriculture sector accounts for 70% of child labour and the services and industry including manufacturing and mining follow closely Many children are exposed to long work hours in unsafe conditions in return for minimal or no payment in most cases. Apart from robbing them of their childhood, this also creates cycles of poverty and inequality.  The Pivotal Role of Corporates in addressing the ills of Child Labour It is important to note that apart from governments and NGOs, businesses with global supply chains can

Since its inception in 2015, International Yoga Day (IDY) has become a global movement promoting health, well-being, and sustainability. Recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), IDY is celebrated annually on June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. With participation from over 190 countries, this day underscores the holistic benefits of yoga in achieving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yoga and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Yoga is more than just a physical exercise—it is a transformative practice that aligns with multiple SDGs, including: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Yoga enhances mental and physical health, reducing stress, anxiety, and lifestyle diseases. SDG 4:

The signs are no longer subtle. The climate crisis is not looming—it is here. Glaciers are retreating, wildfires rage through forests more fiercely and frequently than ever, and rising sea levels are swallowing coastal lands inch by inch. From flash floods in Germany and India, to historic droughts in Africa and the American Southwest, the world is reeling under the impact of a destabilized climate system. Behind this turmoil lies a disturbing truth: human activity, unchecked and relentless, has disrupted nature’s equilibrium. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that we are rapidly nearing the point of no return. Carbon emissions, industrial pollution, deforestation, and unsustainable consumption have warmed the planet by over 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era.

In recent years, Indian corporations have significantly elevated their commitment to environmental sustainability through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. With the Companies Act, 2013 mandating CSR spending, many organizations have gone beyond compliance to embed sustainability into their core strategies. This report examines the environmental CSR efforts of some of India’s most influential companies, highlighting their innovative approaches and measurable impact. Tata Group has long been a pioneer in CSR, and its environmental initiatives continue to set benchmarks. Tata Steel’s flagship programs focus on water conservation, afforestation, and waste management. The company has implemented large-scale rainwater harvesting systems and aims to achieve zero effluent discharge across its operations. Tata Power, through its “Act for Mahseer” campaign, has also contributed to

India is at the brink of remarkable transformation towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, marking a century of independence. As we carve out the path towards fulfilling the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is a moment for introspection and collective action. The journey towards a developed India that will be prosperous, self-reliant, and inclusive, is not merely the prerogative of government policies or economic indicators. It is, fundamentally, a shared endeavour where every stakeholder, especially the corporate sector, must play a pivotal and proactive role. The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is multidimensional, encompassing robust economic growth, advanced technological leadership, comprehensive social empowerment, unwavering environmental sustainability, and good governance. At JSW Foundation, we believe that development

The Evolution of CSR in India In 2013, India became the first country in the world to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the Companies Act, making it compulsory for certain companies to contribute 2% of their average net profits towards social development. More than a decade since its enforcement, CSR has become an integral part of India’s developmental landscape. Both Public Sector Units (PSUs) and Private Companies have embraced the mandate, but questions remain: Who is leading the charge in terms of impact, innovation, and sustainability? Do PSUs bring more value to national development goals due to their alignment with state priorities, or is the private sector’s agility and access to technology placing them ahead? CSR Spend and

        “It is time to ask not just how much was spent, but how much was changed.” India made history in 2013 by becoming the first country in the world to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through Section 135 of the Companies Act. Since then, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have been among the largest contributors to India’s CSR landscape, often hailed as the backbone of social investment. But as the law enters its second decade, one question looms large: Are PSUs truly committed to nation-building through CSR, or merely fulfilling a statutory obligation? What the CSR Law Demands As per the Act: Companies having a net worth of ₹500 crore or above, or a turnover of

Choose a lifestyle that neither burns your pockets nor the planet The discounted prices you relished on black Friday sales may have cost the planet gasping for air and workers earning less than a thread on your sleeve. The new religion of online shopping has eased the retail shopping experience by bringing runways of fashion to the palm of your hand but at a social and environmental cost, not to be realized in the glittery malls and shopping plazas but in the mounting landfills and the hands of underaged and underpaid workers bleeding in to keep up with the pace of consumerism. The $2.4 trillion global industry, employing approximately 300 million people across the value chain, is the third-largest polluting