Partnership to integrate ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and community participation into climate-resilient policies, addressing Maharashtra’s water scarcity and agricultural vulnerability.

Pune: The Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, has signed an MoU with the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) and its research arm, WOTR Centre for Resilient Studies (W-CReS), to integrate Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) into the State’s policy and programmatic framework. The collaboration will embed ecosystem services in planning, involve communities in co-creating solutions, build capacities of farmers and strengthen institutions to tackle climate risks. Backed by WOTR’s three decades of work in climate-resilient rural development, the initiative is also featured in the Maharashtra State Action Plan on Climate Change (MH SAPCC): Pathways for 2030.

Maharashtra, home to over 112 million people, is heavily dependent on agriculture, employing nearly half the workforce and contributing 11% of the state’s GDP. Yet, with vast drought-prone areas and increasingly erratic rainfall, water scarcity and crop losses pose growing threats. By embedding EbA into policies and programmes, the State aims to strengthen resilience in farming, conserve biodiversity, and reduce disaster risks.

The MoU focuses on three pillars: regenerating ecosystems and conserving biodiversity; communities managing natural resources in a sustainable, inclusive and equitable manner; and enhancing adaptive capacities of rural institutions and communities to generate resilient incomes and livelihoods.

WOTR brings decades of expertise in integrated watershed development, water management, climate-resilient agriculture and resilience building while W-CReS will provide research-backed insights to drive evidence-based action. The collaboration will align with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering an all-of-society approach involving the state, corporates, civil society and rural communities.

“Ecosystem-based Adaptation must become the backbone of Maharashtra’s development journey. Only by undertaking adaptive and risk-mitigating action and weaving nature into policy and practice, can we build climate resilience and secure both incomes and biodiversity for the future,” said Marcella D’Souza, Director, W-CReS.

According to Abhijit Ghorpade, Director, State Climate Action Cell, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, “EbA should become the bedrock of public policy. Sustainability is the lens through which all our developmental projects, schemes and programmes should be viewed and analysed. By working with WOTR and W-CReS, we aim to embed resilience into every layer of Maharashtra’s development agenda and action. This collaboration will ensure that vulnerable communities are better prepared for droughts, floods, and other climate shocks.”

WOTR and W-CReS have restored over 3.84 million hectares of degraded land and improved water security for 8.4 million people in drought-prone and rainfed districts across 10 states of India. This partnership with the Government of Maharashtra will strengthen Maharashtra’s preparedness for a changing climate by expanding the scope of people-centric ecosystem-based adaptation solutions.

The post Government of Maharashtra Signs MoU with WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies (W-CReS) appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

• Proposed investment of INR 2,000 crore with a potential to generate an estimated employment of 2500.
• Phase 1 investment of approximately INR 500 Crore on a land area of roughly 10 acres.

Bengaluru, May 05, 2025: Godrej Fund Management executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra at the WAVES Summit 2025, Mumbai. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the growth of art, media, and television across Maharashtra by developing a state-of-the-art film and media campus built to global standards of technology, safety, and sustainability.

Under this MoU, the Government of Maharashtra will facilitate Godrej Fund Management and Investment Advisers Private Limited to obtain necessary permissions, registrations, approvals, and fiscal incentives from related state departments, as per the existing policies, rules, and regulations of the Government of Maharashtra for the development of the campus.

Located at Godrej City, Panvel, an integrated Golf Township, the campus will house AA studios, which will serve as a hub for artists, musicians, and filmmakers, providing state-of-the-art amenities and world-class production facilities. Leading international experts are engaged to design a cutting-edge, future-ready facility equipped with the latest technologies, including AI. As the world’s largest content producer with a skilled workforce, India stands to gain significantly as the studio aims to harness this talent and drive storytelling excellence. The facility is expected to generate a significant economic impact by creating employment across content production, hospitality, and technical services, while also boosting tourism and foreign exchange, which will further support leveraging the Government of India’s progressive new incentive policy for foreign film productions.

It will further catalyze growth in ancillary industries, positioning Panvel as a vibrant hub for creative entrepreneurship and innovation. This development also aligns seamlessly with Mumbai 3.0’s vision of progressive urbanization and sustainable development and aims to accelerate economic growth across the state.

Karan Bolaria, MD & CEO, GFM said, “This initiative marks a meaningful partnership with the Government of Maharashtra to foster innovation, creativity, and employment. Aligned with the Mumbai 3.0 vision, we aim to build a vibrant ecosystem that attracts global talent, empowers local creators, and positions Panvel as a cultural and commercial hub.”

Godrej City, Panvel is a self-sustaining golf township spread across ~145 acres, anchored by a 30-acre, 9-hole golf course. The development integrates key urban conveniences, including a reputed school, healthcare facilities, commercial zones, and popular food outlets. Strategically located, it offers excellent connectivity—just a short drive from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The operational Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) further reduces travel time to South Mumbai. Its seamless access to both natural landscapes and urban infrastructure makes it an ideal destination for film shoots, music videos, and commercial productions of all scales.

The post Godrej Fund Management and the Government of Maharashtra sign MoU at the WAVES Summit 2025 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Titled ‘Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country’, the report provides a strategic framework to integrate sustainability, circular economy principles, and resource efficiency across the textile value chain—from farm to foreign. The opportunity to address textile waste is valued at $3.5 billion over the next five years, requiring robust policy support, industry collaboration, and active consumer engagement.

Dignitaries and leaders from Maharashtra, including Chief Minister Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri. Eknath Shinde and Shri. Ajit Pawar, Industry Minister Shri. Udit Samant, Textile Minister Shri. Sanjay Savkare, and the Principal Secretary of Textiles, Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles Department Smt. Anshu Sinha, contributed invaluable insights to the report. They emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to transforming India’s textile sector through sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Additionally, input from government officials, industry leaders, and academics provided a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in making India a global hub for zero-waste fashion.

Emphasizing Maharashtra’s proactive approach, Mr. Virendra Singh, Secretary of Public Health and Former Secretary of Textiles, outlined the state’s initiatives to promote sustainable practices. He highlighted key measures such as fiscal incentives, research initiatives, and skill development, encouraging the sector to adopt these advancements for a greener and more competitive future.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis identifying key barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices, based on a survey conducted among industries and citizens. These challenges include financial constraints, limited adoption of green technologies, skill gaps, low awareness and demand for sustainable products, and fragmented policies. Additionally, the growing influence of ultra-fast fashion, driven by social media trends, has further exacerbated the issue of textile waste.

The report integrates the 5F approach—Farm, Fiber, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign—to ensure sustainable practices are embedded at every stage of the textile value chain. By addressing key sustainability challenges, it promotes organic farming, eco-friendly fiber production, waste-reducing manufacturing techniques, circular fashion principles, and alignment with global sustainability standards. This holistic strategy not only minimizes environmental impact but also strengthens India’s position as a leader in sustainable textiles.

The report outlines key recommendations to drive sustainability in India’s textile industry. It emphasizes financial incentives and support, including subsidies for green initiatives and the establishment of a dedicated fund for circular economy projects. To enhance textile-waste infrastructure and market development, it proposes setting up Textile Waste Collection Centres. Strengthening the policy and regulatory framework, the report calls for a National Policy for Sustainable Textiles and an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme for the sector. Additionally, it highlights the need for transparency and awareness through revised textile labelling regulations, public education campaigns on eco-friendly fashion, and skill development initiatives to position Inida to lead globally in zero-waste fashion, setting a benchmark for the world.

Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Primus Partners, expressed his optimism and commitment to a sustainable future while also expressing his gratitude, stating,” We are incredibly optimistic about the future of India’s textile industry and deeply grateful for the invaluable support of Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Shri. Eknath Shinde, Shri. Ajit Pawar and the highly accomplished industrial leaders and academicians. With their backing, we are not just envisioning a zero-waste future – we are making it a reality. To tackle India’s textile waste issue, a comprehensive approach is essential, including a unified B2B digital marketplace for pre-consumer waste, consumer education, revised textile labelling, and skill development. The introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will also be transformative, holding producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products and positioning us at the forefront of a sustainable, circular economy.”

The post Primus Partners and Government of Maharashtra releases Report on “Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country- A $3.5 billion Economic Opportunity creating 1 Lakh Jobs” appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Bengaluru, January 22, 2025: Essar Renewables Ltd (ERL), Essar’s venture into the green energy sector, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The MoU paves the way for Essar Renewables’ proposed investment in the state, with plans to develop 2 GW of renewable energy capacity for its green mobility initiative.

Under the terms of the agreement, Essar Renewables will invest approximately ₹8,000 crore in a mix of round-the-clock renewable energy projects, primarily aimed at supporting the Electric Vehicle truck charging ecosystem of Blue Energy Motors and Greenline.

This investment is expected to generate direct employment for over 2,000 individuals, contributing to the state’s transition to green energy and economic growth.

The proposed projects are slated to commence in the fiscal year 2026-27.

Commenting on the partnership, Ankur Kumar, CEO, Essar Renewables said, “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with the Government of Maharashtra. This collaboration represents a crucial milestone in our renewable energy projects and also establish us a formidable player in the sector.”

Prashant Ruia, Director, Essar, added, “As we navigate the global energy transition, this partnership with the Government of Maharashtra is a critical step in reshaping the future of sustainable energy for green mobility. With our investment in renewable energy and green mobility solutions, we are driving the state’s growth while positioning India as a global leader in the green economy.”

The partnership aligns with Essar Renewables’ ambitious goal of surpassing 8 GW of renewable energy capacity over the next five years.

The post Essar Renewables signs MOU with Government of Maharashtra to develop 2GW of Renewable Energy for its green mobility initiative appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

The High Level Committee (HLC) under the Chairmanship of the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, has approved additional Central assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to six States, which were affected by cyclone/ floods/ landslides during this year.

HLC has approved additional Central assistance of Rs 4,381.88 crore to six States from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

• For cyclone ‘Amphan’, Rs 2,707.77 crore has been approved for West Bengal and Rs.128.23 crore for Odisha.
• For cyclone ‘Nisarga’ Rs 268.59 crore has been approved for Maharashtra.
• For floods and landslides during the South-West monsoon, Rs.577.84 crore has been approved for Karnataka, Rs 611.61 crore for Madhya Pradesh, and Rs 87.84 crore for Sikkim.

In the aftermath of cyclone ‘Amphan’, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had visited the affected States of West Bengal and Odisha on 22nd May 2020. As announced by the Prime Minister, financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 crore to West Bengal and Rs 500 crore to Odisha were released, in advance, on 23rd May 2020 for immediate relief activities in these States. In addition, the Prime Minister had also announced Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the dead and Rs. 50,000 for the injured, which was over and above the ex-gratia provided through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the NDRF.

In all the six States, the Central Government had deputed Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) immediately after the calamities, without waiting for the receipt of Memorandum from the affected State Governments.

In addition, during the financial year 2020-21, till date, the Central Government has released Rs 15,524.43 crore to 28 States from the SDRF.

The post Additional Central assistance to six States appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

And Prime Minister of India asks people to light lamps & candles. Is this some kind of a joke? Not a word on where the country stands in this war. It’s preparedness, additional financial aid, new facilities created, diagnostic centres added, what his government proposes to do with gargantuan problem of stranded migrants. Shame!

His so called address to nation this morning was irresponsibility and incompetence personified. It was the most apt example of how a prime minister of the country should not be. He never does his homework. It was desired he will at least at this hour. But no. Is he not aware that 50% people in this country do not possess ration cards? Those among the middle class hopping from one rental house to another every 11 months never get any. Where will they procure food grain to feed their families?

All he is consistently giving people is sedatives such as clap, bang the utensils and light the lamps like celebration or an events. His blind, irrational followers will do it dutifully, oblivious that they too are being cheated. They will not think even for a minute how this will help to tide over the alarming situation. His cockamamie & gimmicks is a narcotic they are addicted to. On his part, PM is more than happy to peddle this drug as it hides his bankruptcy of will and ability to take any concrete action.

On my part, I vow not to indulge into this stupidity. I will share the cost of same oil with some poor and needy. Let Modi know one cardinal truth that you can not fool all the people all the time.

Dr. Jitendra Awhad
Minister for Housing,
Government of Maharashtra.

The post ….. I m not a fool… appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.