HCLFoundation and Uttar Pradesh government extend Samuday partnership until 2031 to accelerate and scale rural transformation

HCL Foundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility agenda of HCLTech in India, announced the renewal of its partnership with the Department of Rural Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, for its flagship rural development program Samuday for another five years through 2031.

Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the renewal of the partnership at an event in Lucknow today. Shri Keshav Prasad Marurya, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Rural Development, Uttar Pradesh; Shrimati Vijay Laxmi Gautam, Minister of State, Rural Development, Uttar Pradesh, top government officials and other dignitaries attended the event.

“The Uttar Pradesh government is committed to integrated rural development. In partnership with HCLFoundation, the Rural Development Department has done monumental work in Hardoi district over the past 11 years through the Samuday program. With this MoU, we together aim to usher in similar transformation across other districts of Uttar Pradesh,” said Shri Keshav Prasad Marurya, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Rural Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2015, Samuday by HCLFoundation has evolved into one of India's largest government-CSR partnerships. Since its inception, the program has expanded from Hardoi district to 579 Gram Panchayats across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh, benefiting more than 3 million people. The program is also implemented in 95 Gram Panchayats in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district, impacting over 140,000 people.

The renewed partnership will focus on strengthening livelihoods and rural economic opportunities, improving education and healthcare outcomes, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, advancing water and sanitation initiatives, strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions, enhancing convergence with government schemes and expanding the program to other districts across Uttar Pradesh.

“HCLFoundation works closely with communities and government institutions to strengthen rural ecosystems, build local ownership and develop scalable development models that can be replicated across geographies. Over the last decade, Samuday has demonstrated how government, communities and the private sector can work together to create lasting impact at scale. We look forward to deepening this partnership and accelerating rural transformation across Uttar Pradesh,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCLFoundation.

 Samuday’s achievements (2015-2026):

1.99 million+ individuals reached through health and nutrition interventions

534,000+ students benefited from improved learning environments

113,000+ farmers supported through improved agricultural practices

85,000+ youth and women supported through livelihood initiatives

2,224 kWp renewable energy infrastructure created

2,300+ households supported through waste management interventions

 

25 Young Chess Aspirants Live Their Dream, Take on Magnus Carlsen

The clocks were ticking, the boards were set, and across them sat some of the biggest names in chess. 25 young chess players from Bengaluru and Chennai, aged 13 to 19, got the chance fulfill their dream and play against World No. 1 and five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen, Indian chess icon Koneru Humpy, Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi and Indian Grandmaster Pravin Mahadeo Thipsay at the YiPPee! Checkmate Challenge, held at ITC Windsor, Bengaluru.

Vivaan Sachdev was named the best player of the YiPPee! Checkmate Challenge by Grandmaster Pravin Thipsey, coach of the Alpine APL Pipers, after holding the strongest board position against three Grandmasters. For the other young players, it was a chance to step into an environment where every move mattered and put their own skills to the test. The challenge was about more than finding the right move. It was about holding their nerve, trusting their instincts and staying composed under pressure, bringing the intensity of high-level chess closer to a new generation of players.

 

Magnus Carlsen from Alpine APL Pipers said, “It is always nice to see the joy that kids have in chess. The young players here were very good, and you could see the amount of energy and effort they brought to the games. It was great to see them get the opportunity to play and experience chess in this way.”

 

While the children walked away with memories that will last a lifetime, the event was equally special for their parents and coaches. Watching their children sit across the board from global champions such as Magnus Carlsen, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh was a proud and gratifying moment.

 

Atul Pujar, Head of Marketing, Snacks and Noodles, Foods Division, ITC Ltd., said, “It was wonderful to see the excitement and confidence of the young participants as they played against some of the biggest names in world chess. As a brand it is our constant endeavour to support and inspire young minds of India, and we are happy to have played a small part to bring these kids closer to their dreams”.

 

The opportunity was created through YiPPee!’s Cook. Share. Checkmate! contest, which ran from August 26 to September 2 across Bengaluru and Chennai. Chess enthusiasts aged 13 to 19 were invited to make a bowl of YiPPee! noodles and share a memorable chess moment, with 25 finalists selected for the Checkmate Challenge. The initiative is also part of #BeyondTheMove, YiPPee!’s campaign celebrating the passion, stories and experiences that go beyond every move on the chessboard.

"கடலில் நீந்துவது ஒரு தனி கலை": அலைகளின் சவாலை முறியடித்து தங்கம் வென்ற அஷ்மிதா சந்திரா விளக்கம்.

சென்னை : ஓபன் வாட்டர் அல்லது கடல் நீச்சல் என குறிப்பிடப்படுவது பொதுவாக சகிப்புத்தன்மையுடன் கூடிய ஆற்றல் மிக்க நீச்சலில் கவனம் செலுத்துகிறது, இது பல தசாப்தங்களுக்கு முன்பு ஆங்கிலக் கால்வாயைக் கைப்பற்றிய மிஹிர் சென் மற்றும் புலா சவுத்ரி போன்றவர்களால் பிரபலப்படுத்தப்பட்டது. அப்போதிருந்து, நீச்சல் ஆர்வலர்கள் அலைகளைத் துணிந்து கடந்து தரம்தரில் இருந்து இந்தியாவின் கேட்வே வரை நீந்தி கடந்து வருகின்றனர், கடலை வென்று, அந்த தூரத்தை நீந்திக் கடந்து சென்ற வயதில் இளையவர் என்ற சாதனையை முறியடித்து தங்களுக்கு என ஒரு பெயரைப் பெற வேண்டும் என்ற நம்பிக்கையில் முயற்சிக்கின்றனர்.

2026 ஆம் ஆண்டு கேலோ இந்தியா கடற்கரை விளையாட்டுப் போட்டியில், உத்தரப் பிரதேசத்தைச் சேர்ந்த அனுராக் சிங் மற்றும் கர்நாடகாவைச் சேர்ந்த அஷ்மிதா சந்திரா ஆகியோர் ஆண்கள் மற்றும் பெண்கள் 10 கி.மீ. ஓட்டப்பந்தயங்களில் தங்கப் பதக்கங்களை வென்றனர். இவர்கள் கடந்த காலங்களில் கேலோ இந்தியா இளைஞர் விளையாட்டுப் போட்டிகள் மற்றும் கேலோ இந்தியா பல்கலைக்கழக விளையாட்டுப் போட்டிகளில் பதக்கங்களை வென்றவர்கள்.  அனுராக் மற்றும் அஷ்மிதா இருவரும் நீச்சல் குளத்தில் இந்தப் போட்டிக்காகப் பயிற்சி செய்தனர், ஒரு நாளைக்கு இரண்டு அல்லது மூன்று முறை தண்ணீரில் கிட்டத்தட்ட ஆறு முதல் ஏழு மணி நேரம் வரை செலவிடும் ஆற்றல்மிக்க பயிற்சியில் கவனம் செலுத்தினர். தங்கத்தை வெல்ல அனுராக் 2:22:02 வினாடிகளை நிர்ணயித்தாலும், அஷ்மிதா 2:46:34 வினாடிகளில் இறுதிக் கோட்டைத் தொட்டார்.

ஏற்கனவே நான்கு ஓபன் நீச்சல் உலக சாம்பியன்ஷிப் போட்டிகளில் பங்கேற்றுள்ள அஷ்மிதா, குளத்திலும் கடலிலும் நீந்துவதற்கு இடையிலான தொழில்நுட்ப வேறுபாடுகள் குறித்து விளக்கினார்.  "கடலில் தூரத்தை விட அலைகளும், ஓட்டப் பாதையும் தான் மிகவும் சவாலானது. பந்தயத்திற்கு ஒரு நாள் முன்பு, மோசமான நிலைக்குத் தயாராக இருக்குமாறு நானே எனக்குள் சொல்லிக் கொள்கிறேன். பொதுவாக அலையைப் புரிந்துகொள்ள எனக்கு ஒரு சுற்று ஆகும், அதன் பிறகு நான் என் வேகத்தில் கவனம் மீது செலுத்துகிறேன்."

ICWO Distributes Sports Apparel to 150 Marginalized Children with Support from CAUSE India

The Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) distributed sports shoes, hoodies, track suit and T-shirts on 3 January 2026 to 150 children from marginalized communities 90% of them are girls at its office in Anna Nagar, Chennai, with the support of CAUSE India (Changing Attitudes Using Social Energy) under its flagship campaign “Right to Play.”

The sports apparel, through CAUSE India’s initiative, was provided to children who have limited or no access to sports wears due to socio-economic challenges. The initiative aims to promote physical fitness, nurture sporting skills, and create opportunities for holistic development through sports.

Mr. Sathish Nagappan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CAUSE India, highlighted the vision behind the initiative, stating that “Right to Play focuses on creating a sports platform for underprivileged children where their sports skills can be identified, developed, and supported. Through this initiative, CAUSE India strives to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive the right sportswear support to grow and excel in sports.”

Ms. V. Neeta Maria, Director – Operations, CAUSE India, emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusion, stating that “Our focus is on children who are vulnerable and have limited or no opportunities. By empowering them with access, support, and encouragement, we aim to help them discover their potential and excel beyond their circumstances.”

The initiative is further strengthened by the support of SG Sports (Sanspareils Greenlands), a globally recognized sports brand and one of the major international sports equipment suppliers. Through its social initiatives, SG Sports actively supports grass root sports development and has extended significant support by sponsoring sports apparel for CAUSE India’s ‘Right to Play’ campaign, ensuring quality equipment reaches children at the community level.

Mr. A. J. Hariharan, Secretary, Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), said, “Building strong, physically fit, and healthy young people is essential, as they are the future of our nation. This support will go a long way in nurturing their confidence and competitive spirit, helping them prepare, face challenges, and succeed in life. ICWO is proud to be part of this initiative, and I sincerely thank CAUSE India and SG Sports (Sanspareils Greenlands) for their invaluable support in empowering children through sports.”

Children’s Voices from the “Right to Play” Initiative;

One of the beneficiaries shared, “I always wanted to play sports like other children, but I did not have proper shoes. Today, I feel very happy and confident.”, said Miss.Nandhini

Another child expressed, “This is my first sports shoe. I never thought I would get one like this. Now I can play without fear and participate in competitions.” Said Miss.Jeevitha 

A young recipient said with excitement, “I am very happy. I have been asking my mother for sports shoes for a long time, and today I finally received them.” Said Miss.Karthika

The program directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by promoting physical activity, life skills, and social inclusion among children from under served communities.

Both ICWO, CAUSE India & SG Sports reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaborations that empower children, promote healthy lifestyles, and build inclusive communities through sustainable, sports-based interventions.

Bharti Airtel Announces Leadership Changes

Gopal Vittal has led Bharti Airtel as Managing Director CCEO for the last thirteen years. As part of a structured succession process, Gopal, in addition to being the Managing Director, was appointed Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd in October 2024. Shashwat Sharma was appointed CEO designate of the Company.

In line with the planned succession, Gopal Vittal will move into the role of Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel on the 1st of January2026 overseeing Bharti Airtel and all its subsidiaries.

Following a well-structured and successful transition process, Gopal will be succeeded by Shashwat Sharmaas MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel India on the1st of January2026.

Additionally, Soumen Ray, currently the Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India, will be appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer reporting to Gopal.

AkhilGarg, currently Financial Controller, Bharti Airtel will be appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India.

RohitPuri, currently Joint Company Secretary CCompliance Officer, will be appointed as Company Secretary CCompliance Officer for Bharti Airtel. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel said:‘I am extremely pleased with the succession and transition of leadership at Airtel and there could not have been a better time, where change and continuity will go hand in hand. I have no doubt both Gopal and Shashwat will continue to build on the momentum and I wish them much success in their roles."

AM/NS India wins top innovation award at NECA 2025

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has been awarded the prestigious Best Innovator Award at the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Power and implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

The award was jointly presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the Hon’ble Minister of Power, Shri Manohar Lal Khattarat Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday. On behalf of AM/NS India, the award was received by Mr. Baiju Masrani, Chief of Hot Metal Delivery at Hazira plant in Gujarat. The event also marked National Energy Conservation Day 2025 celebrations.

The NECA is among India’s highest recognitions for energy efficiency; it recognises achievements across seven categories, including innovation. AM/NS India was selected in the Energy Efficiency Innovation – Industry category for its Steel Making Plant-2 project (SMP-2) at the Hazira plant.

The award is a tribute to AM/NS India’s leadership in decarbonising steel making and setting benchmarks through operational innovation. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to its promise: ‘Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures’, and delivering sustainable solutions.

Cognizant Unveils Next-Gen Cyber Defense Center in Bengaluru

Cognizant  announced the launch of its Next-Gen Cyber Defense Center (CDC) in Bengaluru. This center is key to the company’s worldwide CDC network and isCognizant’slargest facilitydesigned to deliveradvanced AI powered platform centric cybersecurity managed services, engineering and transformation services to clients globally.

Cognizant has a strong cybersecurity practice with longstanding experience, driven by seasoned professionals with deep expertise. At the Bengaluru CDC, these specialists aim to provide round-the-clock monitoring and rapid response to security incidents, supporting clients across diverse industries and geographies.The center features an integrated threat research lab, supported by strategic alliances with leading technology companies.

“Cybersecurity is entering a new era where hyper-connected enterprises and AI-driven threats outpace traditional defenses,”said Ravi Kumar S, CEO, Cognizant. “Our new Cyber Defense Center in Bengaluru reflects our commitment to delivering intelligence-led cybersecurity engineering and operation services that help enable clients to predict, prevent and mitigate advanced cybersecurity threats.”

The Bengaluru CDC is built on a multi-layered technology architecture that combines Cognizant’s proprietary innovations, such as Cognizant Neuro® Cybersecurity, with industry-leading platforms from technology partners to deliver advanced cybersecurity capabilities. To support a steady pipeline of skilled talent, the center has partnered with leading academic institutions to train next-generation cybersecurity professionals.

Through its global network of Cyber Defense Centers, Cognizant is expanding its capabilities aimingto deliver comprehensive enterprise cybersecurity services, assisting clients build risk resilience while advancing innovation in cyber defense strategies.