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Champions of sustainability honoured at much-anticipated ‘ESG India Leadership Awards’ by ESGRisk.ai

Infosys leads India.inc in overall ESG Performance Hindustan Zinc and Godrej Consumers lead the initiatives in Environment and Governance respectively Axis bank leads in Social category and transparency in disclosures & reporting standards MUMBAI, India, Oct. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ESGRisk.ai, India’s first ESG rating agency and an Acuité Group company, has felicitated companies that have achieved excellence in the sustainability space. The much awaited ‘ESG India Leadership Awards’ ceremony, was held virtually today after months of meticulous screening processes to select the winners from India’s top 500 listed companies across 55 industries.
The ESG winners presented in 21 categories were announced after rigorous research that included collecting and analysing disclosures, stock exchange releases, annual reports, news and controversies.
Mr. Sankar Chakraborti, Chairman, ESGRisk.ai and Group CEO, Acuité, said, “These ESG champions deserve a standing ovation. Not too long ago, ESG was an idea that was expected to take shape sometime in the not-so-near future. And now, ESG is not only here with us, it has reached a tipping point, courtesy the enterprise and vigour shown by these companies to make sustainability a way of businesses. The ESG India Leadership Awards gave us a chance to highlight their uplifting stories and inspire corporates to integrate sustainability consciously and unconditionally into the core of their businesses.”
An award committee was constituted to independently evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology and whether the data and results are consistent. The awardees did not have to nominate themselves or pay a fee to be considered for the awards.
What made the event an overwhelming success was the number of registrations, which stood at 2000. Not to forget the general public interest and the curiosity the awards ceremony created. Of the 2000 registrations, 200-plus were directors from different industries and across wide-ranging sectors. In addition, 50 sustainability and risk officers, 300-plus banking professionals including RBI, World Bank and over 25 international agencies participated to make, what should be, a landmark event in India’s ESG history. 
Thanks to the ESG-driven organisations that made it a momentous occasion. 
Infosys Limited, not only won the Overall ESG Leadership award, it was also crowned winner in Leadership in Equal Opportunities category. The ceremony acknowledged Infosys Limited’s excellent practices in diversity and inclusion based on age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, qualification, nationality and ethnicity of employees.
Hindustan Zinc Limited was declared Environment leader for initiatives in reducing carbon footprint, managing waste effectively, minimising air pollution and managing environmental impact. In GHG Emissions Reduction too, Hindustan Zinc Limited was an outright winner for excellent practices in reducing carbon footprint.
The effort of another stalwart of the environment couldn’t have gone unacknowledged. Page Industries Limited won the leadership award in Green Supply Chain.
Among others, Axis Bank scored the most on Social Impact. It stood out in community services, product quality and safety, employee development and data privacy. Not just that, Axis Bank emerged winner in transparency in disclosures and reporting standards.
Keeping up with the group’s rich tradition, Godrej Consumer Products Limited was crowned champion for strong Governance practices.
And if board diversity is strongly being recommended as a tool to enhance corporate governance, Blue Star Limited can be proud of its policies in including board members with different ethnic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. It deservingly won the award in Board Diversity. Kudos to Mindtree too for winning the leadership award in Board Independence.
Many such outstanding achievements were honoured like that of Vedanta Limited that won the Waste Management award and ACC Limited, a worthy winner in the Water Efficiency category. 
Proactive measures to tackle pollution is the key to achieve progress in sustainable living. In this regard, NTPC Limited demonstrated excellent practices in monitoring air pollutant emissions to win the award in the Air Pollution Management category.
And at a time when homes are increasingly going green, Brigade Enterprises Limited was acclaimed for its energy-efficient real estate portfolio and was declared victor in Green Product and Service.
Developing management practices and strategy for energy-efficiency and biodiversity mirror a company’s ESG approach. In this field, UltraTech Cement Limited won the leadership in Energy Efficiency award while Reliance Industries Limited clinched the best leadership title in Biodiversity Impact Reduction.
Awards were also bestowed on Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited in Community Support and Development, Vakrangee Limited in Data Privacy and Security and Bajaj Electricals Limited in Product Quality. Bajaj Electricals Limited has laid the template for efficient quality management systems, communicating product defects, product recall, measuring customer satisfaction and retention rate.
Unsurprisingly, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, keeping up with the tag of being a people’s organisation, topped the scores in Leadership in Employment Quality. The company stood out for initiatives in fair compensation, flexible work schedules and promoting a positive work culture. Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited too deserve applause for winning the Employee Development award for providing training, reskilling and upskilling opportunities and performance appraisals.
Mr. U K Sinha, Former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI); Mr. S S Mundra, Former Deputy Governor, The Reserve Bank of India; Mr. Dinesh Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India; Mr. Sanjeev Kaushik, Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India; Ms. Aruna Newton, Assoc. Vice President, Head – Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability Governance & Reporting, Infosys Ltd. and Mr. Felix Suntheim, Financial Sector Expert, International Monetary Fund addressed the participants and covered various aspects of ESG Landscape.
About ESGRisk.ai:
ESG Risk Assessments & Insights (ESGRisk.ai) is India’s first ESG rating company and an Acuité Group Company. ESGRisk.ai provides objective, independent and unbiased opinion and assessments on the companies’ ability to mitigate emerging risks associated with Environment, Social, and Governance issues that have a material financial impact. Our ESG assessments foster informed decision-making while choosing ESG investments, assessing a particular company or industry’s performance, reviewing ESG business strategies and identifying the need for policy interventions. To know more, visit: https://esgrisk.ai/
About Acuité Group:
Acuité Group comprises Acuité Ratings & Research Limited, a SEBI registered, RBI-accredited bond rating agency, and its two wholly-owned subsidiaries, SMERA Ratings Private Limited, a pioneer in rating SMEs, and ESG Risk Assessments & Insights Limited, India’s first ESG rating company. The shareholders of Acuité Ratings & Research are SIDBI, D&B (India), State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Indian Bank, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, and Standard Chartered India. To know more, visit: https://www.acuite.in/
Disclaimer: This release is sent to you for the sole purpose of dissemination through your newspaper / magazine / media / website / agency. The release may be used by you in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof but with due credit to ESGRisk.ai. However, only ESGRisk.ai has the sole right of distribution of its releases through any media. ESGRisk.ai has taken due care and caution for writing this release. Information has been obtained by ESGRisk.ai from sources, which it considers reliable. However, ESGRisk.ai does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of information on which this release is based. ESGRisk.ai is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this release. ESGRisk.ai has no liability whatsoever to the users / distributors of this release.
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From Rural Roots to Global Impact: Ruma Devi on Women, Craft and Purpose on Herbalife India’s Podcast Live Your Best Life, Unscripted

BENGALURU, India, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, has unveiled a new episode of its podcast Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, featuring renowned social entrepreneur and women’s empowerment champion Ruma Devi.

Titled ‘Threads of Change: From Local Hands to Global Hearts’, the episode captures Ruma Devi’s inspiring journey from rural Rajasthan to global platforms, highlighting resilience, grassroots leadership and the transformative power of skill-based livelihoods.In conversation with Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, Ruma Devi shares how her journey began with a simple need for income and gradually evolved into a movement empowering thousands of women through handicrafts, training and community-driven opportunities. She reflects on building trust within conservative households, enabling women to work from home, and fostering financial independence that reshaped perceptions within families and communities.Speaking about her journey, Ruma Devi said:”Every woman carries a doubt within, that she may not be educated enough, or that her language might become a barrier. But confidence and skill can open doors anywhere. Art flourishes the more it is shared.”The episode also sheds light on the work of the Ruma Devi Foundation, which focuses on skill development, education support, healthcare initiatives and cultural preservation in rural communities. From livelihood training to scholarships and health interventions, the foundation continues to drive meaningful social change at the grassroots level.Commenting on the episode, Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said:”Ruma Devi’s journey is a powerful reminder that sustainable change begins at the grassroots and grows through courage, purpose and community collaboration. Her story perfectly reflects the spirit of Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, authentic conversations that inspire individuals to believe in their potential and build a better future.”Through her experiences, Ruma Devi reinforces a simple yet powerful message, that transformation starts the moment individuals choose to believe in themselves and take the first step forward.Watch the Full EpisodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSedbvqh2UIAlso streaming on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sAv4ewhQObo3kjOkpNi3V?si=kWMsSm1wSAKyNpb7HKUbQQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts/id1808386057?i=1000753523579Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a53233b6-84b5-43ce-a34a-5230c769168b/episodes/c38d5074-13f1-4ee0-82c1-591a5ad184e6/live-your-best-life-unscripted-threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts-ft-ruma-devi-live-your-best-life-unscriptedAbout Herbalife Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935791/Ruma_Devi_Herbalife_podcast.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2238437/5868011/Herbalife_Logo.jpg  

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Manipal Hospital Varthur Road Celebrates World Kidney Day 2026 by Honouring ‘Kidney Champions’

BENGALURU, India, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road marked World Kidney Day 2026 with an inspiring community event focused on awareness, prevention, and celebrating the extraordinary resilience of patients living with kidney disease. The highlight of the event was the felicitation of several ‘Kidney Champions’—patients whose journeys reflect courage, perseverance, and hope despite the challenges of chronic kidney disease.

The event saw a full house of senior citizens from nearby communities, along with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, creating a lively atmosphere of learning and engagement.The program began with Dr. Garima Aggarwal, Lead Consultant – Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, who delivered an engaging talk on ‘What Do Kidneys Do and How Can We Protect Them?’ She explained the vital functions of the kidneys—from filtering toxins and maintaining fluid balance to regulating blood pressure and supporting bone health—while highlighting the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing kidney disease.Speaking at the event, Dr. Garima Aggarwal said: “Kidney disease is often silent in its early stages. Awareness, early testing, and simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in protecting kidney health.”This was followed by Dr. Manoharan B, Senior Consultant – Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, who spoke about chronic kidney disease and how patients can continue to lead meaningful and healthy lives even after diagnosis. He emphasized the importance of controlling diabetes and blood pressure, maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, staying physically active, and seeking timely medical care.Next, Dr. Abhigna Panda, Consultant – Urology and Renal Transplant Surgeon, spoke about urological and bladder health, addressing common concerns among elderly individuals such as urinary infections and prostate enlargement, and highlighting the importance of timely evaluation and treatment.The talks were followed by a highly interactive discussion session, with enthusiastic participation from the audience who asked numerous questions on kidney health, diet, medications, and preventive care.The most emotional moment of the event came during the felicitation of the hospital’s ‘Kidney Champions.’ These patients shared powerful stories of resilience that deeply moved the audience.One young transplant recipient, who continues to work at the hospital even after her illness, spoke about overcoming early rejection after her transplant and returning to work with renewed determination.Another patient who has lived with kidney disease for nearly three decades inspired the audience by continuing to run marathons and go on treks despite being on dialysis.A young father who developed kidney failure after suffering a stroke shared how the birth of his daughter renewed his motivation to keep fighting while he awaits a transplant.The audience also heard from a patient who has lived with physical disability all her life and has been on dialysis for over a decade, yet continues to pursue her career and maintain an extraordinarily positive outlook.Another transplant recipient shared how his life changed suddenly soon after marriage when kidney failure struck, and how perseverance, family support, and help from the Manipal Foundation eventually helped him receive a life-saving transplant.The stories were so powerful that many in the audience rose to give standing ovations, celebrating the courage and spirit of these individuals who refuse to let illness define their lives.The program concluded on a joyful note with a music therapy session, bringing together patients, caregivers, and doctors in a moment of shared positivity and emotional connection.Through initiatives like these, Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road continues to strengthen its commitment to patient-centered care, community awareness, and advanced kidney treatment, while reminding everyone that awareness, early care, and compassion can transform lives.For more information, please visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935873/Kidney_Champions.jpgPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935874/World_Kidney_Day.jpg  

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Breaking Language Barriers: Shriram One Making Financial Services Accessible to Every Indian

UPI payments, loans, investment and more—now simpler in seven Indian languages.MUMBAI, India, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shriram One, the UPI-based financial services app from Shriram Finance, has been helping Indians manage their money in the language they are comfortable in. Built to remove barriers in digital finance, the app is today widely used across the country in seven languages—English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Gujarati.

Multi-language Access for Everyday FinanceFor many Indians, digital finance has always felt challenging because most apps rely heavily on English. Shriram One, however, gives users the option to navigate and transact in their preferred language. With access to seven Indian languages, the app makes routine tasks like sending money, paying bills, investing or even applying for loans, more approachable.The All-in-One SolutionThe app stands out as a single platform where users can manage most of their financial needs. So what does Shriram One bring together in the platform?UPI payments for instant transfers, recharges and utility billsFixed Deposit, Fixed Investment Plan and Mutual Fund investments from Shriram FinanceAccess to personal, business and vehicle loansInsurance solutions for various protection needsAccount monitoring for payments, EMIs and depositsWith a host of financial features, Shriram One removes the need for juggling multiple apps, providing clarity and consistency in a familiar language.Expanding Reach Beyond MetrosThe real impact of Shriram One has been in smaller Indian towns and cities, where local language support has encouraged more people to embrace digital transactions. Traders, small business owners, students and families who once avoided financial apps because of the language barrier can now carry out daily transactions and more confidently on Shriram One.Simple and Trusted DesignThe interface of the app keeps instructions clear and uncluttered. This ensures that even people using Shriram One for the first time can manage payments and accounts without any hassle. Older customers, who traditionally hesitate with digital apps, are also finding the language support helpful in carrying out transactions independently. The long-standing trust of Shriram Finance strengthens this experience, reinforcing safety and reliability.Supporting the Vision of Digital IndiaIndia’s move towards a digital-first economy is built on inclusivity. Shriram One continues to contribute to this vision by making sure that financial services are not restricted to English-speaking users. By combining UPI and other financial products in seven other languages, the app truly creates a pathway for millions to join the digital economy confidently.The Way ForwardShriram Finance is committed to expanding Shriram One with more regional languages and adding more services over time. The app’s purpose remains the same as when it was first introduced. To bring every Indian closer to financial access and independence through simplicity and local language support.About Shriram Finance Limited:Shriram Finance Limited is the flagship company of the Shriram group which has significant presence in Consumer Finance, Life Insurance, General Insurance, Stock Broking and Distribution businesses. Shriram Finance Limited is one of India’s largest retail asset financing Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) with Assets under Management (AUM) above Rs. 2.91 trillion. Established in 1979, Shriram Finance is a holistic finance provider catering to the needs of Small Road Transport Operators and small business owners and is a leader in organised financing of pre-owned commercial vehicles and two wheelers. It has vertically integrated business model and offers financing number of products which include passenger commercial vehicles, loans to micro and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tractors & farm equipment, gold, personal loans and working capital loans etc. Over last 46 years, it has developed strong competencies in the areas of loan origination, valuation of pre-owned commercial vehicles and other assets, and collections. It has a pan India presence with network of 3,225 branches and an employee strength of 77,724 servicing to 97.62 lakhs of customers.Shriram One, the company’s flagship mobile app, has 21.3 million installations and currently serves approximately 2 million active customers, providing them with convenient access to a suite of financial services including loans, insurance, investments, and more.Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927044/5860668/Shriram_One_Logo.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870300/5860588/SFL___Logo.jpg 

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