30, Jul 2026
HDFC Bank’s CSR footprint touches 10.77 crore lives till date across all States and Union Territories
Mumbai, July 30: HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, has impacted over 10.77 crore lives through its CSR initiatives. Parivartan, the umbrella for these programmes, now spans all 28 States and 8 Union Territories of India. The Bank works in partnership with NGO partners, local administrations and community institutions to ensure that interventions remain locally relevant, scalable and capable of delivering sustainable long‑term impact.
The Bank reported a spend of ₹1,316.18 crore on its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in Financial Year 2025-26, as disclosed in its Integrated Annual Report for the year. This marks an increase of over ₹248 crore over the previous fiscal, taking the Bank’s cumulative CSR investment under its umbrella programme, Parivartan, to approximately ₹7,492 crore since inception.
The Bank’s flagship Holistic Rural Development Programme has expanded its reach to more than 11,000 villages across the country, up from over 10,430 villages a year earlier. Through an integrated approach spanning water stewardship, agriculture, livelihoods, education, healthcare, sanitation and community infrastructure, the programme continues to improve quality of life while strengthening rural ecosystems.
During the year, the Bank also deepened its work in remote and hard-to-reach geographies, extending its coverage to 498 border villages — up from 298 villages in the previous year — in keeping with the national priorities under the Border Area Development Programme and the Vibrant Villages Programme of the Government of India. Interventions in these areas span rural electrification, livelihood enhancement and improvement of basic infrastructure in agriculture, education and health.
Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank, said,
“Our CSR Initiatives through Parivartan continue to be guided by our belief that lasting change is built village by village, family by family, in close partnership with the communities we serve. This year, our efforts to deepen the Holistic Rural Development Programme and extend our reach into border villages reflect our commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind. As we look ahead, we remain focused on building on this journey with the same philosophy that has guided us from the start — that development must be inclusive, locally relevant and future focused.”
Key Focus Areas of Parivartan
The Bank’s initiatives under Parivartan continue to be organised across six core focus areas:
●Rural Development: The Bank’s flagship CSR initiative — the Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) — follows an integrated, cluster-based approach driving improvements across rural infrastructure, education, natural resource management, health and sanitation. HRDP now covers over 11,000 villages, with the Bank’s outreach to border villages growing to 498.
●Promotion of Education: This focus area strengthens quality education through scholarships, school infrastructure and digital learning initiatives. HDFC Bank had disbursed 36300+ scholarships, set up 3460+ SMART schools and built 930 community libraries
●Skill Training & Livelihood Enhancement: The Bank equips youth, women and individuals with vocational training and entrepreneurship support to help them secure sustainable livelihoods, reaching over 9.6 lakh individuals till date.
●Healthcare & Hygiene: This focus area expands access to preventive care, maternal and child health, and hygiene awareness through mobile clinics and community health initiatives, over 3 lakh individuals had benefitted from these initiatives.
●Financial Literacy & Inclusion: Under this focus area, the Bank empowers individuals with financial awareness, promotes savings, and provides access to banking and insurance services, including through its flagship ‘Vigil Aunty’ digital fraud awareness campaign, which had reached 75 lakh+ followers across platforms .
●Natural Resource Management: This focus area promotes sustainable practices in water conservation, afforestation, solar solutions and biodiversity conservation. HDFC Bank has created 16,091 water conservation structures and installed over 80,527 solar lights, till date.
Aligned with 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, these six focus areas reflect HDFC Bank’s integrated approach to inclusive and sustainable development.
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- By Neel Achary
30, Jul 2026
Esports Foundation and adidas Announce Landmark Partnership to Outfit Every Team at the Inaugural Esports Nations Cup
- Over 100 countries and territories will wear custom adidas national jerseys at the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), equipping every team competing across 16 of the world’s most popular esports titles.
- The inaugural four-week event is set to take place starting November 2, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. National team jerseys will be revealed in the coming weeks.
- The partnership directly supports the ongoing convergence of esports, culture, entertainment and sports, creating a defining moment for the esports industry and the global sport landscape.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia and HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports Foundation (EF) and adidas made sports history today, announcing a landmark partnership that will see the sportswear company outfit every national team at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), the first nation-based esports event of its scale, set to debut November 2, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The partnership directly supports the ongoing convergence of esports, culture, entertainment and sports, creating a defining moment for the esports industry and the global sport landscape.
As Official Kit Partner and a Global Partner of ENC, adidas will design and produce custom competition apparel for the more than 100 participating countries and territories, with each delegation – including 2,000 athletes and coaches – receiving uniquely tailored jerseys and tracksuits that reflect their national identity while celebrating the global spirit of esports competition. National team jerseys will be revealed in the coming weeks. Fans can follow the national team jersey reveals at esportsnationscp.com/jerseys.
“National team jerseys carry identity, pride and the ambition of an entire country or territory,” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer, Esports Foundation. “By partnering with adidas, one of the most iconic brands in global sport, we are giving esports athletes the opportunity to represent their nations on the world stage with the same sense of meaning and prestige seen across traditional sport. This partnership will help the Esports Nations Cup create powerful national moments and inspire a new generation of players and fans.”
“At adidas, we’ve spent decades outfitting athletes at the world’s biggest sporting events, and we understand the role a jersey plays in identity, belonging and competition,” said Phillip Waller, adidas SVP Brand Development. “The Esports Nations Cup gives us the opportunity to bring that experience into esports at a global scale.”
The Esports Nations Cup introduces nation-based competition to the global esports calendar in a structured and recurring format. By enabling countries and territories to organize their teams, develop talent pathways, and compete on a global stage, the ENC provides a framework for expanding participation and strengthening esports ecosystems worldwide.
The Esports Foundation has worked to establish the global structure of the ENC through the appointment of Official National Team Partners, National Team Managers, and more than 700 national team coaches across 100 countries and territories. Drawn from over 90 leading esports organizations, the coaches oversee player selection and team development across the world’s top esports titles, helping bring the first large-scale national team ecosystem in esports to life ahead of the event in Riyadh.
For the latest information about the Esports Nations Cup, visit esportsnationscup.com, and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
About the Esports Nations Cup
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is a biennial global esports competition created by the Esports Foundation (EF) that brings national pride to the world stage. Launching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026, the ENC will feature the world’s best players competing not for their clubs, but for their countries and territories, across a lineup of leading esports titles. Built in collaboration with game partners, clubs, and esports organizations, the ENC establishes the first recurring, large-scale platform for national teams in esports. Beyond competition, it aims to fuel fandom, inspire heroes, and provide sustainable pathways for nations, players, and partners to grow within the global esports ecosystem. esportsnationscup.com
The ENC features a $20 million prize pool with equal pay per placement, ensuring players and coaches receive the same prize money for the same finishing position across all 16 titles. Backed by a $45 million overall funding commitment, the ENC also includes a $20 million Development Fund that supports National Team Partners, local esports ecosystem development, travel, and national team operations.
About the Esports Foundation
The Esports Foundation (EF) is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the global esports industry. Through the annual Esports World Cup (EWC) and the biennial Esports Nations Cup (ENC), EF brings together the world’s top players, leading clubs, and millions of fans for the biggest stages in competitive gaming. Beyond hosting tournaments, the Foundation works year-round to grow the esports ecosystem, support talent development, and create lasting opportunities for players, teams, and partners worldwide.
About adidas
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the company employs more than 65,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 24.8 billion in 2025.
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30, Jul 2026
Mithu Chakraborti’s Debut Book Anatomy Of Misery: Part I – Men’s Misery Launched, Sparking Conversations On Men’s Emotional Well-Being
Kolkata, July 30: Pages And Chapters launched Ms Mithu Chakraborti’s debut book, Anatomy of Misery, Part I: Men’s Misery at Oxford Bookstore. The launch brought together eminent personalities from literature, cinema and psychology for a thought-provoking discussion on men’s emotional well-being, mental health and the culture of silence surrounding male vulnerability.
The evening featured a panel discussion moderated by Ms Oindrila Dutt, arts curator, broadcaster and writer, with legendary actor-author Mr Barun Chanda, National Award-winning filmmaker Mr Ashoke Vishwanathan, and Dr Nilanjana Bagchi , a veteran in the field and Head of Department, Psychology, Bethune College, joining the author in an engaging conversation that explored the central themes of the book and the urgent need for empathy-driven conversations around men’s emotional struggles.
Anatomy of Misery, Part I: Men’s Misery is a work of narrative nonfiction and popular psychology comprising twelve interconnected case narratives revolving around veteran psychologist Dr Leela Menon and the men who seek her counsel after years of suppressing their emotions behind the familiar phrase, “I’m fine”. Through these narratives, the book examines themes such as loneliness, emotional isolation, domestic abuse against men, the pressures of being a provider and the personal cost of a society that often expects men to remain emotionally silent.
“For over twenty years in corporate India I watched men break quietly and get promoted for it. I wrote this book because the man who most needs to hear this conversation will rarely pick up a self-help book, but he may choose to read a story. Empathy is not a limited resource. Extending compassion to men does not diminish it for women”, said Author, Mithu Chakraborti.
The author also shared that the second volume of the series, Anatomy of Misery, Part II: Working Women’s Misery, is currently in progress – a book about two jobs, one guilt, and everything a woman carries between them – reinforcing her larger vision of creating conversations rooted in empathy across gender.
The book has already drawn comparisons to the narrative sensitivity of Mitch Albom and the case-study tradition of Oliver Sacks, while its consulting-room framework evokes the storytelling architecture associated with Arthur Conan Doyle.
The launch concluded with a discussion with readers, reinforcing the growing relevance of conversations around emotional well-being and mental health in contemporary society. Anatomy of Misery, Part I: Men’s Misery, priced at INR 499/-, will be available at all leading bookstores and online platforms for purchase.
30, Jul 2026
Leica India Hosts Legendary Photographer Steve McCurry for an Exclusive India Visit
July 30: Celebrating over 100 years of pioneering craftsmanship and visual storytelling, Leica India hosted an exclusive evening with legendary photographer Steve McCurry at The St. Regis Mumbai, commemorating the brand’s continued journey in India following the launch of its operational store in Mumbai and Delhi. Staying true to Leica’s vision of Creating Meaningful Moments, the event brought together photographers, creators, artists, and members of the creative community for an intimate conversation on photography, storytelling, and human connection.
The evening featured an engaging conversation between Steve McCurry and acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan. The discussion explored McCurry’s remarkable four-decade career, the stories behind some of his most iconic photographs, and the enduring power of visual storytelling. The event was attended by several distinguished names from the worlds of photography, cinema, art, and culture, making it a celebration of creativity and shared experiences.
The event was attended by Leica India Brand Ambassador Ranveer Brar, alongside celebrated actors and filmmakers including Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap and Anubhav Sinha, making it a memorable gathering of some of the country’s most influential voices across cinema, photography and culture.
Speaking at the event, Steve McCurry said,
“Photography has always been about people and the stories they carry. Every image is an opportunity to preserve a moment that may never exist again. It has been wonderful to engage with India’s passionate photography community and share experiences that continue to shape my journey behind the camera.”
Reflecting on the evening, Kabir Khan said,
“Storytelling, whether through cinema or photography, has the power to transcend borders and connect people through emotion. Listening to Steve speak about the journeys behind his images was both inspiring and a reminder that the most memorable stories are often the simplest and the most human.”
Speaking on the occasion of Steve McCurry’s visit in India, Sunil Kaul, Managing Director, Leica Camera Asia Pacific, said,
“With Steve McCurry’s visit to India, we are proud to further Leica’s commitment to creating platforms that celebrate visual storytelling and meaningful creative exchange. For over a century, Leica has remained committed to empowering photographers who shape the way we see the world. Steve’s work embodies the values that define our brand, authenticity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to human stories. His visit offers a unique opportunity to engage with India’s vibrant creative community and celebrate the enduring power of photography.”
Reflecting on Leica’s vision Manish Nichani, Managing Director of FCE Lifestyles, Leica’s official representative in India, said,
“Steve McCurry’s visit to India reflects Leica’s continued commitment to celebrating the art of photography and fostering meaningful engagement with the country’s creative community. As Leica strengthens its presence in India, our focus extends beyond products to creating platforms that inspire creativity, encourage dialogue, and bring photographers closer to some of the world’s most influential visual storytellers. We are proud to continue building a community that shares Leica’s passion for craftsmanship, storytelling, and visual excellence.”
Steve McCurry’s visit reflects Leica India’s continued commitment to fostering meaningful experiences that celebrate visual storytelling and bring the country’s creative community closer to some of the world’s most influential photographers. Through initiatives such as these, Leica continues to honour its enduring legacy while inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
30, Jul 2026
Kolkata Police Boosts Festive Security with Upgraded Durga Suraksha Squad Gear
Kolkata, July 30: Kolkata Police has introduced new uniforms and helmets for its Durga Suraksha Squad as part of preparations to enhance safety and security during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
The upgraded equipment will help squad members remain easily identifiable while managing crowds, assisting visitors, and responding quickly to emergencies during the festival. The move is aimed at improving coordination and strengthening security arrangements at crowded locations across the city.
The Durga Suraksha Squad plays an important role in ensuring a safe and smooth experience for devotees and citizens during large public gatherings. The introduction of new safety gear reflects the police department’s focus on better preparedness, visibility, and public support.
Kolkata Police has advised citizens to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with security personnel during the festive season. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to make Durga Puja celebrations safer and more organised for everyone.
30, Jul 2026
Texmaco Rail, Touax and TrinityRail Plan 100 New Rakes to Strengthen India’s Freight Network
New Delhi, July 30: Texmaco Rail & Engineering, in collaboration with Touax and TrinityRail, has announced plans to invest in 100 rail rakes in India over the next three to five years, marking a major step towards strengthening the country’s freight transportation infrastructure.
The partnership aims to increase the availability of modern rail freight assets, improve logistics efficiency, and support the growing movement of goods across industries. The investment is expected to help businesses access more reliable and sustainable transportation solutions while contributing to India’s expanding rail ecosystem.
By combining Texmaco Rail’s manufacturing expertise with the global experience of Touax and TrinityRail in rail asset management, the collaboration seeks to develop efficient freight solutions tailored to India’s evolving logistics needs.
The initiative comes as India continues to focus on improving supply chain connectivity, reducing transportation bottlenecks, and increasing the role of railways in freight movement. The expansion of rail capacity is expected to benefit sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and logistics.
The partnership reflects growing confidence in India’s rail infrastructure growth and highlights the importance of private sector participation in building a stronger, more efficient, and future-ready freight network.
30, Jul 2026
Ethanol Fuel Push to Support Cleaner Mobility as Government Rules Out Inflation Concerns
New Delhi, July 30: The government has clarified that the use of broken rice for ethanol production has not contributed to inflation, as India continues to expand its ethanol blending programme to support cleaner energy and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
The initiative is expected to benefit the automobile sector by promoting the use of ethanol-blended petrol and encouraging manufacturers to develop vehicles that support cleaner fuel technologies. Higher ethanol blending can help reduce emissions while improving India’s energy security.
Officials said the programme is being implemented with proper monitoring to ensure a balance between fuel requirements, food security, and consumer interests. The move is also expected to create new opportunities for farmers by increasing demand for agricultural products used in ethanol production.
As India moves towards sustainable transportation, the growth of ethanol-based fuels is likely to play an important role in shaping the future of mobility and supporting greener vehicle solutions.
30, Jul 2026
CII Telangana to Host 8th Edition of CFO Conclave 2026
Hyderabad, July 30: The Confederation of Indian Industry , Telangana, will organize the CII Telangana CFO Conclave 2026 on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Hotel ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad. The conclave will bring together leading Chief Financial Officers, finance leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and business executives to discuss the evolving role of finance leadership in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven business environment.
The theme of this year’s conclave, “The Future-Ready CFO: Navigating Disruption | Driving Intelligence | Shaping Tomorrow,” reflects the transformation of the Chief Financial Officer’s role from financial stewardship to strategic leadership. As organizations navigate rapid technological disruption, AI-driven decision-making, evolving regulatory landscapes, sustainability imperatives, and global economic uncertainties, CFOs are emerging as key architects of business resilience and long-term growth.
Shri Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Planning & Energy, Government of Telangana, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest and deliver the inaugural address.
The conclave will feature keynote sessions, expert panel discussions, and interactive conversations.
The event is expected to witness participation from senior finance professionals representing leading corporates, multinational companies, startups, financial institutions.
29, Jul 2026
India’s Rail Safety Milestone: Train Accidents Drop Nearly 90 pc in a Decade
New Delhi, July 29: India’s railway network has achieved a significant safety milestone, with train accidents declining by nearly 90% over the past decade. The remarkable improvement reflects sustained efforts to strengthen railway infrastructure, adopt advanced safety technologies, and enhance operational practices across the country.
The decline in accidents marks a major step forward in making train journeys safer for millions of passengers who depend on the railway network every day. From improved track maintenance and modern signalling systems to stronger safety protocols and regular monitoring, multiple initiatives have contributed to creating a more secure rail environment.
The government has continued to prioritise passenger safety through focused investments in infrastructure upgrades, technology-driven solutions, and workforce training. These measures have helped Indian Railways improve reliability while ensuring safer and smoother travel experiences for passengers.
Behind this achievement are the continuous efforts of railway personnel working across stations, tracks, and operations to maintain safety standards and protect travellers. The progress reflects a collective commitment towards building a stronger and more dependable railway system.
With continued focus on innovation, modernisation, and safety-first practices, Indian Railways is moving ahead with the vision of providing safer, efficient, and world-class travel experiences for citizens across the country.
29, Jul 2026
Powering Dreams: EDF Fuels Growth of 128 Indian Startups
New Delhi, July 29: India’s startup ecosystem has received a significant boost as the government-backed Electronic Development Fund (EDF) has mobilised ₹1,335.77 crore to support 128 startups and technology companies. The milestone highlights the growing momentum behind innovation-led businesses and the country’s efforts to nurture entrepreneurs building solutions for the future.
The funding support has enabled emerging companies to accelerate research, strengthen product development, expand operations, and bring innovative technologies closer to the market. From ambitious startups to growing technology ventures, EDF’s backing has helped entrepreneurs turn ideas into impactful solutions.
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to creating a strong and sustainable innovation ecosystem where startups have access to the financial support and resources needed to grow. By encouraging investment in technology-focused enterprises, EDF is helping drive entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth.
Industry experts believe that such initiatives play a vital role in supporting India’s deep-tech and technology startup landscape by bridging the gap between innovation and commercial success.
With continued focus on empowering entrepreneurs and promoting technology development, EDF aims to further strengthen India’s position as a global destination for innovation and startup growth.
