Goa, January 23, 2026 — Gourov V. Pokle, Founder of YIMBY, has been honoured with the “Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award in recognition of his commitment to developing practical waste management solutions and creating sustainable environmental impact at the grassroots level.
The award was presented by Minister Mauvin Godinho in the presence of the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Minister Rohan Khaunte, at a prestigious ceremony organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation in association with the Government of Goa. The event brought together leaders from government, industry, and social enterprises to celebrate young changemakers driving meaningful change.
The recognition highlights YIMBY’s work in designing and implementing decentralised waste management systems that empower communities to manage waste responsibly at the source. Through infrastructure development, awareness programmes, and capacity-building initiatives, YIMBY has consistently worked to reduce landfill dependency while promoting sustainable, scalable environmental practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Gourov V. Pokle said the award represents a collective belief that sustainability begins at the community level. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind YIMBY’s journey and dedicated the honour to the organisation’s team, mentors, partners, and family for their continued support.
The award marks a significant milestone in YIMBY’s mission-driven journey, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible growth. As the organisation continues to expand its reach, YIMBY remains focused on building resilient, community-centric solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Panaji, January 2026: The 118th Board Meeting of the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) was chaired by Dr. Deviya Rane, in the presence of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Kamal Datta, Managing Director GFDC K. Ramesh Kumar, General Manager GFDC Amar Heblekar, along with other members of the Board.
The meeting included detailed deliberations on the successful conduct of the recently held Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026, whose wide impact and outreach resonated across the State of Goa. Members reviewed the outcomes of the festival and discussed strategies to further build on its success in promoting forest conservation, biodiversity awareness and public engagement.
Key discussions also focused on strengthening and upgrading infrastructure at GFDC’s cashew plantations and ecotourism sites. Emphasis was laid on enhancing visitor facilities and activities, while exploring new avenues to expand sustainable ecotourism initiatives across the state.
Additionally, the Board deliberated on the rejuvenation of rubber plantations, with the objective of improving productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability. These initiatives are expected to contribute to enhanced livelihoods while maintaining ecological balance.
The discussions reflected GFDC’s continued commitment to conservation-driven development, livelihood generation and responsible eco-tourism, aligned with Goa’s broader vision of sustainable and environmentally conscious growth.
Davos, 2026: Maharashtra strengthened its global academic and innovation footprint at Davos 2026 with the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Maharashtra (MMRDA) and the University of California, Berkeley.
The five-year partnership aims to foster deep academic and research collaboration to enhance metropolitan planning and urban transformation across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The collaboration reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to integrating global best practices into city governance and infrastructure development.
Key focus areas of the partnership include Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Policy Innovation, all aligned toward building a sustainable and circular urban economy. The MoU envisions leveraging cutting-edge research and technological expertise to address complex urban challenges such as mobility, housing, climate resilience, and infrastructure efficiency.
As part of the collaboration, MMRDA and UC Berkeley will jointly undertake research initiatives, hackathons, capacity-building programs, and accelerator initiatives. These efforts aim to translate academic insights into real-world policy solutions and innovation-led urban governance models.
Officials highlighted that the partnership will also help nurture future-ready urban professionals while positioning Maharashtra as a leader in data-driven, innovation-led metropolitan development.
The MoU signed at Davos underlines Maharashtra’s growing role on the global stage as a hub for smart cities, sustainable development, and international academic collaboration.
HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, has released its first-ever standalone annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, marking a significant milestone in its decade-long journey of social impact through its umbrella initiative, Parivartan. The report highlights the Bank’s sustained commitment to inclusive and sustainable development across the country.
In FY 2024–25, HDFC Bank spent ₹1,068.03 crore on CSR initiatives, reflecting an increase of nearly ₹123 crore over the previous year. As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s cumulative CSR investment stands at ₹6,176 crore. Over the past ten years, Parivartan has touched 10.56 crore lives across 28 states and eight Union Territories, with projects implemented in 102 of the 112 Aspirational Districts identified by the Government of India. The Bank has also extended its rural development initiatives to 298 border villages.
The CSR Report outlines HDFC Bank’s work across six core focus areas that address critical social and environmental needs. Its flagship Holistic Rural Development Programme follows an integrated, cluster-based approach to improve infrastructure, education, natural resource management, health and sanitation, positively impacting over 14.92 lakh households. In education, the Bank has strengthened access and quality through scholarships, digital learning and infrastructure, disbursing over 29,000 scholarships, setting up more than 2,600 SMART schools and establishing 930 community libraries.
Through skill training and livelihood enhancement programmes, HDFC Bank has enabled 7.2 lakh individuals, including youth and women, to secure sustainable livelihoods. Its healthcare and hygiene initiatives have expanded access to preventive care, maternal and child health services and hygiene awareness, benefiting over three lakh individuals through mobile clinics, cancer care support and maternal health initiatives. Financial literacy and inclusion efforts have empowered individuals with banking awareness and digital safety, with the Bank’s Vigil Aunty campaign on fraud awareness reaching over 21 lakh followers online.
The newest focus area under Parivartan, natural resource management, promotes sustainability through water conservation, afforestation, solar energy solutions and biodiversity conservation. To date, the Bank has created 14,520 water conservation structures and installed more than 69,000 solar lights, supporting long-term environmental stewardship.
Aligned with 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, HDFC Bank’s CSR initiatives reflect an integrated approach to development that balances economic progress with social equity and environmental responsibility. Commenting on the milestone, Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank, said that Parivartan represents the Bank’s sustained effort to work alongside communities in unlocking their potential, guided by a philosophy of inclusive, locally relevant and future-focused development.
Junior Chamber International (JCI), one of the world’s largest networks of young active citizens, has officially launched its new global logo during the 2025 World Congress — a landmark moment as the organization enters its 110th year of driving positive change and cultivating young leaders worldwide.
The refreshed logo represents far more than a visual upgrade. It embodies JCI’s renewed direction as the leading global leadership organization for emerging changemakers, blending its rich heritage with a progressive, future-centric identity.
For over a century, JCI has empowered young people to create sustainable impact through leadership, community action, and innovation. As social and technological landscapes evolve, the organization saw the need for a brand identity that reflects its growth and redefined mission.
The rebranding journey included a comprehensive global evaluation involving creative agencies worldwide. Several design concepts were presented, each aiming to capture JCI’s legacy while elevating its relevance for the next generation. The result — a modern emblem rooted in heritage and purpose.
Building a Brand for a Changing World
Insights from the JCI Youth Leadership Survey played a key role in shaping the rebrand. The findings revealed the aspirations of today’s young leaders: authenticity, relevance, and innovation.
With generative AI reshaping industries and leadership expectations shifting rapidly, JCI recognized the need to distinguish itself through a unified global brand — one that communicates purpose, trust, and forward momentum.
The Meaning Behind the New JCI Logo
The refreshed identity retains JCI’s iconic blue palette, honoring its legacy while presenting a modern, cohesive global image.
Key elements of the new logo include:
The Shield Symbolizing strength, legacy, and continuity — a nod to JCI’s century-long commitment to building responsible leaders.
The Ripple Effect Representing the personal development journey and the positive impact each member creates in their communities.
Integrated J C I Lettering A subtle but powerful element reinforcing unity and instant recognition across borders.
Four Core Elements Signifying JCI’s four global regions and its four Areas of Opportunity: Individual Development, Community Action, International Cooperation, Business & Entrepreneurship.
Together, these elements create a modern, meaningful, and globally united emblem.
A Unified Brand for a Global Movement
As JCI steps into its 110th year, the new logo strengthens its global voice and positions the organization as a forward-thinking leadership platform. The updated visual identity will also reinforce JCI’s partnerships with institutions such as the United Nations, driving collaborative efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
The rebrand symbolizes JCI’s ongoing promise: to evolve, inspire, and empower young leaders who are ready to create lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
The global rollout of the new identity will continue beyond the World Congress in Tunisia. JCI will soon release new brand guidelines, communication materials, and implementation resources to ensure a consistent and seamless global transformation.
Acknowledgments
JCI extends appreciation to:
Pavlov Brand Consultancy for leading the visual identity development.
Dr. Rolf Claessen for guiding the global trademark process.
The JCI Special Committee on Rebranding, 2025 Board of Directors, JCI World Headquarters, and JCI Advisers for steering the project from evaluation to approval.
JCI members worldwide, whose feedback and passion continue to shape the movement’s future.
The new brand reflects the spirit, energy, and vision of millions of young leaders united under one global mission — to act for impact.
