Press Release
SMX CSR Leadership Summit & Awards 2023: Shaping a Sustainable Future Together at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The SMX CSR Leadership Summit & Awards 2023 was hosted at the iconic India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 22nd September 2023 in a resounding celebration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a commitment to creating a sustainable future. The summit was organised by NextGeninnov8 and made possible by their prestigious Ecosystem Partners The Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and Manthan, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. Several organisations showcased their successful CSR initiatives, inspiring others to follow suit. These initiatives demonstrated the positive impact of CSR on communities and businesses. Over 200 delegates from diverse industries attended the event, including representatives from the corporate sector, non-governmental organisations, government bodies, policymakers and academia. Distinguished speakers and thought leaders shared their insights during panel discussions and keynote sessions.
Inaugural Session: Setting the Tone for CSR Excellence
The Inaugural Session, a pivotal moment in the summit, began with a warm Welcome Address by Mr. Rahul Jain, the Managing Director of Innoserv Group, the driving force behind this remarkable gathering. Dr. Sandeep Pachpande, Chairman of the ASM Group of Institutes, then delivered the Theme Address, setting the stage for the day’s discussions in the heart of India’s capital.
Insights from Visionary Leaders in the Heart of India
The summit’s first session featured luminaries from various sectors. Mr. Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer of Digital India’s Bhashini Division, shared his invaluable insights into the digital transformation landscape. Dr. Sapna Poti, Director of the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, offered her virtual perspective on CSR’s role in shaping a better tomorrow. Mr. Kartikeya A, OSD to Minister of Finance & Skill, Government of Andhra Pradesh, delved into the intersections of finance, renewable energy, education, and skill development. Mr. Ram Chauhan, CEO and founder of Ginni, rounded off the session with his entrepreneurial perspective.
Initiative Launch: Innovative CSR Technologies
Mr. Ram Chauhan, CEO and founder of Ginni, took this opportunity to launch the Most Impactful CSR Technology initiative by Ginni Group, known as B-Vocal, demonstrating the power of innovation in the CSR landscape.
Industry Presentation
Industry presentations at the summit played a vital role. These presentations served as valuable sources of knowledge and inspiration, helping attendees stay updated on industry trends and fostering networking opportunities. Here are three noteworthy industry presentations from their event:
A series of presentations featuring prominent CEOs and Founders:
- Mr. Sumit Tayal, CEO of Give Grants, introduces philanthropic initiatives.
- Mr. Ram Chauhan, CEO and founder of Ginni, discusses their sponsorship involvement.
- Mr. Dinesh Badagandi, CEO and founder of Taare Zameen Par, shares insights into their contributions.
- Ms. Yasmin Riaz, Director of Resource Mobilization and Corporate Partnerships at Bal Raksha Bharat, presents their partnership endeavours.
- Mr. Neeraj Tayal, Head of Sales at TaxiVaxi, highlights their support within the community.
Panel Discussions: Exploring Key CSR Themes
The summit featured engaging panel discussions, each focusing on critical CSR topics:
Panel 1:
Importance of CSR in building the nation – Moderated by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, CEO of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, this panel discussed the profound impact of CSR with industry leaders.
Panellists:
Mr. Nikhil Pant, CEO – Reacha
Ms. Geetanjali Gaur, Associate Leader CSR & ESG – Kyndryl
Mr. Vinod Pande, Former MD – SBI Foundation
Mr. Vivek Prakash, Head CSR – Jubilant
Ms. Priti Srivastava, Mentor Advocacy & CSR – Reliance Industries
Panel 2:
India’s Approach to ESG & CSR – Moderated by Mr. Vikas Verma, Regional Head North Region – United Nations Development Programme, this panel explored India’s approach to ESG and CSR.
Panellists:
Mr. Kumar Anurag Pratap, Vice President Digital Inclusion and Sustainability leader – Capgemini
Mr. Praveen Karn, Head Group CSR – Spark Minda
Mr. K V Dipu, Senior President – Bajaj Allianz
Mr. Shikhar Jain, Executive Director – CESD, CII – ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development
Panel 3:
Recent Changes in CSR-Related Regulations – Moderated by Dr. Y Suresh Reddy, CSR Lead – SRF Limited, this panel examined the evolving CSR regulations in India.
Panellists:
Mr. Bijay Chowdhury, Head CSR & Philanthropy (Asia Pacific) – Synopsys Inc.
Mr. Vivek Sood, Senior Advocate – Supreme Court of India
Mr. Mathew Mathai, Director – Deloitte
Ms. Mitali Srivastava Hough, Senior V.P. & Head of Planning, McCann Worldgroup, Mumbai
Panel 4:
Emerging Technologies in CSR – Moderated by Mr. Rajesh Das, CSR Head – Somany Impresa Group, this discussion featured experts discussing the future of CSR through emerging technologies.
Panellists:
Mr. Raj Gupta, GM HR – Tata Consultancy Services
Mr. Raj A Kapoor, Founder – India Blockchain Alliance & Blockchain Governance Council
Mr. K N Sanjeev Kumar, Head HSSE and CSR – Sembcorp
Mr. Ram Chauhan, Founder & CEO – Ginni Group of Companies
Mr. Arun Arora – Head of Chetak Foundation
Panel 5:
Building CSR Leadership – Dedicated to exploring the qualities and skills of effective CSR leadership, moderated by Dr. Kshemendra Kumar Upadhyay, Professor and Chairperson at the Center for Sustainability & CSR at BIMTECH.
Panellists:
Dr. Lopamudra Priyadarshini, AVP CSR, ESG – Hindalco Industries Limited
Ms. Shilpa Jaiswal, Head CSR – JK Cement
Dr. Supriya Sharma, Executive Director, Brainglow Business Services Pvt Ltd
Ms. Saloni Bharadwaj, Co-Founder & CTO – Lotus Petal Foundation
Prof. Ravi Kumar Jain, Founder Director – Sparsh Global Business School
Closing Presentation: A Day of Inspiration
The event concluded with a truly inspirational presentation by Smt. C Nagarani, IAS, whose leadership and insights served as the perfect finale for the CSR Leadership Summit & Awards. Her words resonated with the audience, emphasising the importance of CSR in building a brighter, more sustainable future.
Valedictory and Awards: Celebrating CSR Excellence
As the day drew to a close, a special Valedictory Session and Awards Ceremony took place, celebrating the achievements of organisations and individuals in the realm of CSR. Esteemed guests, including Smt. C Nagarani, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Director of Technical Education & Chairperson of State Board of Technical Education & Training, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Kartikeya A, OSD to Minister of Finance & Skill, Government of AP, Finance (Renewable ENERGY| Education & Skill), Mr. Rahul Jain, MD of Innoserv Group, and Dr. Sandeep Pachpande, Chairman of ASM Group of Institutes, graced the occasion.
The below table showcases the list of People and Organisation vested with SMX CSR Awards 2023, for their outstanding contributions in the field of CSR
Name | Category | Organisation |
Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee | Lifetime Achievement Award | CEO – Anil Aggarwal Foundation |
Bijay Chowdhury | Emerging CSR Leader of the Year | Synopsys Inc |
HDFC Bank Parivartan | Best Sustainable Livelihood Training Program in CSR | Orion Education Society |
NPCI | Best Sustainable Skill Development Initiative of the Year | Orion Education Society |
Orion Education Society | Best Sustainable Skill Development NGO of the year | Orion Education Society |
Portia Putatanda | NGO Leadership of the Year | Planet Spiti Foundation |
Little India Foundation | Best CSR Impact of the Year | Little India Foundation |
Icreon Communications | Best CSR Impact of the Year | Icreon Communications |
Synopsys Inc. | Best CSR Project for LGBTQ Community | Synopsys Inc |
JITO | Best CSR Impact Award | JITO |
The Kalgidhar Society | Best NGO of the Year | The Kalgidhar Society |
The Kalgidhar Society | Best CSR Impact Award | The Kalgidhar Society |
Hewlett Packard India | Best CSR Impact Award | Hewlett Packard India |
Adaar Poonawala Clean City Initiative. | Best CSR Impact Clean City Initiative Award | Villoo Poonawala Foundation |
Nirmaan Foundation | Best NGO leadership of the year | Rajashree Bhosale |
Hindware Ltd. | Best Innovative CSR Project Award 2023 | Hindware Ltd |
AGI Greenpac Ltd. | Best CSR Impact Award | AGI Greenpac Ltd |
Ginni (B Vocal) | Best Technology Initiative in CSR | Ginni |
Manas Foundation | Best CSR Impact Award Sustainable Agriculture | Manas Foundation |
Conclusion: A Day of Inspiration
The SMX CSR Leadership Summit & Awards, hosted at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, provided a vibrant forum for fostering cooperation, creativity, and outstanding achievements within the realm of corporate social responsibility. Attendees left with a revitalised dedication to effecting positive change in society. The SMX CSR Leadership Summit & Awards 2023 stood out as an exceptional gathering of CSR visionaries and professionals, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange and the recognition of transformative projects. The event’s triumph underscores the crucial role of corporate social responsibility in shaping a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.
NextGeninnov8 Partners
The event would not have been possible without the support of its partners representing a diverse range of industries but sharing a common commitment to corporate social responsibility. Audi – Driven by Partner, leads the pack with their dedication to innovation and excellence. Eyecan – Social Impact Partner, brings a vision for positive change. Taxi Vaxi – Travel Partner, ensures smooth journeys on this meaningful path. Bajaj Allianz – Insurance Partner, provides a safety net for their endeavours. Orion Education Society, Ginni, Taare Zameen Par, NAPED, Save the Children, Lotus, and Planet Spiti Foundation, as well as The Ayurveda Company, Give Grants, Little India Foundation, Icreon Communications Pvt Ltd, Kalgidhar Society, Adar Poonawala Foundation, Nirmaan Organisation, and Manas Foundation, all as the award and recognition partners, further enriched the summit with their unwavering support and commitment to making a difference. Together, they are poised to make this event an extraordinary celebration of CSR leadership and impact.
About NextGeninnov8
NextGenInnov8 is an innovation-driven company founded by Aditya Pachpande, a Young Innovator and Entrepreneur, with a dedicated mission to equip the new generation with 21st-century skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. We achieve this through our NGI EdTech platform, offering high school students worldwide personalised IVY-league quality programs tailored to their unique interests. Beyond academics, we foster networking and collaboration by providing opportunities through events, clubs, and communities that various stakeholders from around the globe. With offices in Pune, Delhi, and Bangalore, India, as well as a presence in California, USA, NextGenInnov8 is a global force committed to empowering the youth to become critical thinkers and innovative entrepreneurs.
About SMX Network
SMX Network is an emerging community platform with a focus on sales professionals, marketers, entrepreneurs and business leaders, and focuses on technology adoption and performance enhancement. The platform aims to help the community learn, engage, network and recognise the upcoming trends and leverage the right tools so that they can gain an advantage and remain future-ready for success. The SMX network focuses on technology adoption and performance enhancement and also caters to stakeholders in various industries such as Automobile, Real Estate, Manufacturing, FMCG, BFSI, IT-ITES, Academia, Media and entertainment. In a time when technology is an essential component in business success, the SMX community platform focuses on technology adoption and performance enhancement which provide unique insights into the trends and tools to help organisations gain an advantage and remain future-ready for success.
For more information, please visit https://smx.network/smx-csr-leadership-summit-and-awards-2023/
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Press Release
New Study Reveals Majority of Indians Prioritize Nutrition Over Taste, Surpassing Global Average

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Based on a recent survey of urban Indian consumers:
-
Nine out of 10 consumers are searching for protein-rich food compared to seven out of 10 global shoppers. -
The top four qualities consumers look for when buying snacks are (1) natural, (2) heart-healthy, (3) protein-rich and (4) energy-source, all of which come before satisfying cravings. -
Nuts have emerged as one of the most popular snacking choices, with 86% of Indian shoppers report having purchased them in a span of 6 months. -
Urban Indians read nutrition labels more than the global average, reflecting a growing trend towards informed purchasing. -
69% of urban dwellers surveyed have the opinion that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein, exceeding the global average of 55%.
Wonderful Pistachios, the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios and distributor of California Pistachios in India, released today, World Nutrition Day, the findings of a new global study that sheds light on the snacking habits of urban Indians. The study, commissioned with Material, a leading global research consultancy, included 10 countries and over 12,400 respondents, revealed a new behavioural trend that urban Indian consumers prioritize nutrition over taste when it comes to snacking. This growing preference for healthy snacking emphasizes the importance of good nutrition for overall well-being.
For the India market specifically, the study delved into the snacking habits of 2,415 shoppers across six Indian cities, which represented a population of approximately 35.9 million consumers. Remarkably, a majority of urban Indians (58%) reported basing their food purchasing decisions on nutritional benefits more than taste, exceeding the global average of 52%. Delhi and Ahmedabad lead with over 60% of urban shoppers preferring nutrition in their food. Bengaluru and Chennai follow closely, indicating a nationwide shift towards smarter snacking preferences. In India, Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in health-conscious purchasing decisions, with more than 83% of consumers in these age groups reading nutritional labels before buying.
Indian consumers prioritize four key factors when shopping for nutritional snacks: natural (free of artificial colours and preservatives), heart-healthy, protein-rich, and provides energy. Nine out of 10 urban shoppers consciously seek protein-rich food options, compared to the global average of seven out of 10. The focus on nutrition has fueled the rise of nuts as a preferred snack choice, becoming essential to daily eating habits. The study found a staggering consumption of nuts, with 86% of Indian shoppers report purchasing them in a span of 6 months, compared to just 75% globally. With 6g of protein in per 28g serving, California Pistachios are a smart snack choice that provides benefits without sacrificing taste.
Shail Pancholi, Country Director, India, Wonderful Pistachios, commented on the study, saying, “Nuts were traditionally used as garnishes and consumed during festivals, but have now become a popular snack in India, indicating a notable shift in dietary habits. Pistachio consumption in India has doubled in the last six years, as consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits that pistachios offer has grown. Consumers are discovering that pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free, rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, and provide over 30 different vitamins and minerals.”
Interestingly, the study found that nuts are the second most preferred snack among urban Indian consumers, with 64% of Baby Boomers and 59% of Gen Z prioritizing nutrition over taste when selecting food. This indicates a growing focus on health across generations, with Baby Boomers focusing on senior wellness and Gen Z reflecting the rise of mindful purchasing. Though on opposite ends of the age spectrum, these two generations take the lead in seeking protein-rich options, as well as preferring natural snacks.
Mumbai tops most of the consideration sets when choosing a snack. Residents opt for natural ingredients (35% vs. the national average of 30%), heart-healthy options (33% vs. 30%), and protein (33% vs. 29%). Chennai residents look for energy-boosting snacks (31% vs. the national average of 29%).
The fact that 69% of urban Indians surveyed have the opinion that that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein reflects a positive shift towards varied dietary preferences. Pistachios are a good source of high-quality complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. A 28g serving of pistachios provides 6g of protein, which is 11% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) according to FSSAI.
The Wonderful Pistachios study unveils a compelling shift in Indian snacking habits. Nuts are evolving from festive treats to a daily snacking staple, fueled by a nationwide preference for more nutritious options. The trend transcends generations, resonating with Gen Z and Baby Boomers alike, underscoring the growing importance of mindful eating in urban India. As consumers increasingly seek natural, heart-healthy, protein-rich, and energy-boosting snacks, the future of Indian snacking appears to be firmly rooted in nutrition and well-being.
Wonderful Pistachios
Wonderful® Pistachios is the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios, with a global presence in over 70 countries. As a vertically integrated operation, they are experts in every step of the process from tree to shelf, ensuring the highest-quality product every time. In tandem with its Grower Partners, Wonderful Pistachios harvests 125,000 sunny acres (50,000 hectares) of land in California that receive warm days and cool nights, which work in harmony with the rich, natural soils to create the perfect growing climate for high-quality pistachios. They ship 600 million pounds (204 million kg) of nuts worldwide from their advanced processing facilities to ensure the highest standards are met. When it comes to pistachios, Wonderful® Pistachios expertise is unmatched in scale and capacity, paired with warehouses and sales teams worldwide that are well-equipped to provide support at every step of the way.
California Pistachios
California Pistachios are grown and distributed by The Wonderful Company, the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio processor and marketer located in California’s Central Valley. California Pistachios are Non-GMO, providing a smart, healthy choice for consumers around the world. Sun-ripened in the moderate Mediterranean climate of California, these distinctively green nuts pack taste and contain antioxidants and over 30 different nutrients. California Pistachios in India are available under leading brands and private labels at retail outlets, grocery stores, and online platforms.
For more information about California Pistachios India, please visit www.b2b.wonderfulpistachios.com
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Press Release
Singapore Prepares Ahead to Leverage Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future

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SINGAPORE, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How launched the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) 2024 today. The Blueprint will enable SMEs to harness technology, optimise the way they work, and strengthen digital resilience and cybersecurity across the ecosystem. 50,000 SMEs are expected to benefit over the next five years through four key focus areas:
- Empower enterprises to be smarter by adopting AI-enabled solutions
- Enable enterprises to scale faster through cloud-based and integrated solutions
- Equip enterprises to be safer through improved cyber resilience
- Support enterprises to upskill workers to make full use of digital capabilities
Seven partners have come onboard to pledge their commitment, including Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Computer Society, SGTech, Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and Salesforce.
In collaboration with IMDA and the TechSkills Accelerator for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance, SGTech is launching the Tech Apprenticeship Programme to expand the career pathways of graduates by providing access to industry apprenticeships that offer on-the-job training and development opportunities. Over the next two and a half years, SGTech aims to facilitate the placement of at least 300 apprentices who are fresh or mid-career professionals from polytechnic or ITE backgrounds, and drive the adoption of similar practices that promote more inclusive hiring and career agility.
IMDA and the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) signed an MoU aimed at uplifting the legal sector’s productivity through the use of GenAI. As part of this partnership, GPT-Legal, a new large language model which is contextualised for Singapore’s legal sector, will be co-developed. The model will be integrated into SAL’s research platform LawNet, which is accessible by 75% of Singapore’s lawyers. SAL will also be penning an MoU with the National University of Singapore and AI Singapore to develop its AI capabilities and create a certification to recognise AI specialists in the legal profession.
Additionally, Tribe and Digital Industry Singapore announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to launch the Ignition AI Accelerator for AI startups to create and bring to market the next wave of advancement in AI solutions. This programme will nurture 15 high-potential startups, equipping them with well-rounded support covering business and technical needs. NVIDIA and Tribe will also collaborate with EnterpriseSG to offer qualified AI startups funding support through the Startup SG Tech scheme, and assist them through the IMDA Accreditation process.
Singapore hosted the final meeting of the UN Secretary-General’s Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) from 28-29 May. As part of the agenda, Singapore facilitated an engagement session between AIAB and the Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS). Digital FOSS Fellows exchanged views with AIAB members on the topic of AI governance, particularly on the implications and challenges faced by small states. Through such efforts, Singapore aims to promote a more inclusive approach towards shaping global AI and digital governance.
Contact:
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Press Release
One in Six Globally Concerned About Colorectal Cancer Screening Costs

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SHENZHEN, China, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — By 2040, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year representing a 66% and 71% rise in new cases and deaths respectively relative to 2020.

To better address the global burden of CRC and reduce its impact, BGI Genomics has launched the second edition of its global CRC awareness report, covering 1,938 respondents from Brazil (306), China (367), Poland (300), Saudi Arabia (300), Thailand (362), and Uruguay (303):
CRC Screening Gaps Vary Globally: Nearly half (49.3%) of global respondents have never undergone CRC screening, with the highest proportions in Saudi Arabia (62.0%) and Poland (61.0%).
Preference for Fecal Testing Over Colonoscopy: Although colonoscopies are more recognized (33.4%), fecal tests at healthcare facilities are preferred (31.8%), reflecting a trend towards non-invasive methods.
Cost and Fear are Determinants of Screening Choice: Fear of colonoscopy (18.2%) and screening costs (17.7%) are major barriers to CRC screening. Poland (24.7%) and Uruguay (21.0%) show the highest fear of colonoscopy, while Thailand (24.5%) and Brazil (20%) indicate the most concern about costs.
Medical Advice and Family History Drive CRC Screening: Doctor’s recommendations are a major driver for CRC screening (30.5% globally), with Uruguay showing the highest adherence (44.1%). Additionally, those with a family history of CRC are more proactive in screening (64.5%), compared to the general population (35.0%).
Prof. Varut Lohsiriwat from Mahidol University offers his insights to this report. He suggested: “The essence of effective cancer screening lies in the acceptance and adherence of the patient to the screening method. The best screening method is the one that the patient accepts and adheres to because that’s the method that will actually benefit them.”
Dr. Zhu Shida, BGI Genomics Deputy GM, notes: “At BGI Genomics, we focused our efforts on developing advanced molecular biology testing techniques to close the gap [between acceptance and accessibility]. The ultimate goal is to transform colorectal cancer from a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition through widespread, early screening and intervention.”
For more region-level comparisons, access the full BGI Genomics 2024 State of CRC Awareness Report.
All data involved in this report come from the results of an online survey project conducted by BGI Genomics. It only surveys awareness related to colorectal cancer and does not involve personally identifiable data.
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