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At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
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Day: February 11, 2026

Rolls-Royce CEO, Modi discuss expanding India operations

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New Delhi: Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed plans to scale up the British engineering major’s presence in India with a focus on engineering, manufacturing and innovation partnerships.

Sharing details of the interaction on X, the Prime Minister welcomed the company’s interest in strengthening its activities in the country. “It was wonderful meeting Mr. Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce earlier today. We welcome Rolls-Royce’s enthusiasm towards scaling up its activities in India and partnering with our innovative and dynamic youth,” Modi said.

Rolls-Royce India also acknowledged the meeting, noting that discussions centred on the company’s role in supporting India’s long-term development ambitions.

In a statement accompanying a photograph from the meeting, the company said its CEO discussed how Rolls-Royce is scaling up to align with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The statement highlighted plans to expand the company’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India, with the aim of making it the largest within Rolls-Royce’s global network.

The company further indicated its intent to deepen collaboration in complex manufacturing and build high-value engineering capabilities in India.

Rolls-Royce has maintained a longstanding presence in India across aerospace, defence and power systems, with operations spanning engineering services, technology partnerships and supply chain engagements. The latest discussions signal a push towards strengthening India’s role in the company’s global innovation and manufacturing ecosystem.

The meeting comes amid continued efforts by the government to attract global investments and position India as a hub for advanced manufacturing, research and development, and high-end engineering talent.

No further details of specific agreements or timelines were disclosed following the interaction.

India to lead the world in 6G, says Jyotiraditya Scindia

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New Delhi: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Wednesday said India will lead the world in 6G.

The minister, as reported by PIB India, was responding to questions in the Lok Sabha.

Emphasising India’s plans, the minister stated that while the country followed global developments in 4G and kept pace during the 5G era, it now aims to take a leadership position in 6G technology.

He said India’s digital ecosystem has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Scindia credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accelerating the country’s technology push. According to him, India has moved from being a technology adopter to becoming a global digital frontrunner.

He added that the communications revolution now reaches villages and small towns, and is improving access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Scindia told the House that India achieved one of the fastest 5G deployments globally. In just 22 months, service providers launched 5G services in nearly all districts, covering 99.9% of the country. Telecom companies invested close to Rs4 lakh crore to build the network and installed more than five lakh base transceiver stations across India.

He said around 400 million people currently use 5G services. The government expects this number to reach one billion by 2030.

Scindia also spoke about efforts to expand internet access in rural areas. He said the growth of public Wi-Fi networks is strengthening digital access in villages and remote regions. He noted that Maharashtra ranks among the leading states in Wi-Fi hotspot deployment.

He further pointed out that broadband connections in India have increased sharply over the past decade. The number has grown from around 60 million 10 years ago to nearly one billion today. The government plans to further expand and upgrade digital infrastructure by 2030 to support future technologies and services.

New book ‘Gandhi Lautenge’ unveiled at Constitution Club

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New Delhi: Senior political journalist Sudhanshu Patro’s latest book Gandhi Lautenge was launched at a well-attended event at the Constitution Club of India here last evening, drawing politicians, journalists, and public intellectuals. The ceremony sparked discussions on voter rights, democratic institutions, and civic responsibility.

Initiating the book launch, Deepali Rajput, CEO of Pocket News Grou,p which published the book, invited the esteemed guests to share their perspectives on the alternatives available to the Opposition to revive Gandhian ideology and safeguard the Constitution.

Sudhanshu Patro, a senior journalist from Odisha and Editor-in-Chief of Pocket News Group, said his book is based on his experiences during the Voter Rights Yatra in Bihar. Patro and his team were part of the 4,200-kilometre journey across the state, during which they interacted with citizens and documented concerns relating to electoral participation and governance.

Raja Ram Singh, CPIML MP from Bihar, attended the programme as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Devinder Yadav, President of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee; eminent columnist Dr Satya Narayan Sahu; senior political journalist Ashok Wankhade; and Advocate Mohinder Mangla, President of the New Delhi District Congress Committee, along with senior journalists and invited guests.

Speaking at the launch, Patro clarified the intent behind the book’s title. “I did not even try to compare anyone with Mahatma Gandhi by giving my book the title Gandhi Lautenge,” he said, noting that the phrase was meant to evoke Gandhian ideals rather than suggest any personal parallel.

Patro highlighted that electoral transparency remains central to the book’s argument. “Until the Election Commission becomes fully transparent and impartial, and unless there is participation from both the ruling party and the Opposition in the selection process — including restoring the role earlier assigned to the Chief Justice — elections cannot truly be considered free and fair,” he told IndiaVerve.

Referring to debates surrounding the voting process, Patro said institutional accountability is vital to sustaining public trust. “If decisions are treated as final without sufficient transparency, what options remain for the Opposition?” he asked.

Patro said Gandhi Lautenge seeks to widen public discourse on democratic participation. “Through this book, we want to trigger a broader national debate on how democratic processes and institutions can be strengthened,” he said.

Devinder Yadav congratulated the author and described the book as a timely contribution to discussions on democracy and voter awareness. He emphasised the importance of citizen participation in strengthening democratic processes. “At a time when conversations around constitutional values are gaining prominence, such efforts provide insight into public sentiment,” Yadav said.

Senior journalist Ashok Wankhade offered a broader commentary on contemporary political dynamics. He observed that while individual leaders may attract attention, political parties must also undertake organisational introspection and improve their visibility. “There is a need for stronger engagement at district and state levels,” Wankhade said, raising questions about how effectively parties communicate through traditional and digital platforms.

Columnist Dr Satya Narayan Sahu linked the discussion on voter rights with historical struggles associated with Mahatma Gandhi, suggesting that present-day debates on electoral participation echo earlier movements centred on civil and political freedoms.

Speakers at the event collectively underscored the importance of democratic engagement, institutional accountability and informed citizenship, while presenting varied perspectives on the evolving political and media landscape.

Gandhi Lautenge is Sudhanshu Patro’s fifth book. Pocket News Group announced plans to publish the book in ten languages, with the stated objective of expanding its reach and encouraging wider conversations around Gandhian thought, voter rights and democratic values.

Odisha strengthens panchayats with digital push

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken several steps to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as effective units of local self-government. The State has devolved powers on 21 subjects across 11 departments to Panchayats in line with constitutional provisions.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (alias Lalan Singh), as reported by PIB India, said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Odisha has also introduced legal reforms, created new administrative posts, and expanded capacity-building programmes to improve grassroots governance.

Odisha currently has 6,794 Gram Panchayats. As “Panchayat” falls under the State List of the Constitution, the government holds full authority over its functioning and reforms. Article 243G empowers State legislatures to assign powers and responsibilities to Panchayats for planning and implementing schemes related to economic development and social justice.

The Odisha government has strengthened PRIs through participatory planning, improved staffing, and structured training initiatives. It has also improved service delivery through digital governance, financial transparency measures, and grievance redress systems.

At the national level, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is implementing the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) from 2022–23. The scheme supports capacity building of elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries across States, including Odisha, Ranjan Singh added.

Under RGSA, officials conduct orientation, refresher, thematic, and specialised training programmes. Panchayats also receive training on preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plans. The scheme encourages exposure visits to high-performing “Beacon Panchayats” to promote best practices.

The government has partnered with premier institutes such as IIMs and IITs to run Leadership and Management Development Programmes. These programmes aim to improve decision-making and governance skills among elected representatives.

To strengthen financial independence, authorities developed an Own Source Revenue training module in collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad. The Ministry also launched a specialised leadership programme for Women Elected Representatives to enhance their administrative and managerial skills.

From 2022-23 to 2025-26, the Centre released Rs112.23 crore to Odisha under RGSA. During the same period, 7,50,736 participants received training in the State under the scheme.

Odisha’s Rural Local Bodies also receive grants recommended by the Finance Commission. The 15th Finance Commission allocated Rs2,258 crore for 2020–21 and Rs8,800 crore for 2021-26 to Rural Local Bodies in the State.

T20 WC: South Africa edge Afghanistan in double super over thriller

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Ahmedabad: South Africa clinched a dramatic victory over Afghanistan in a match that required two Super Overs after a gripping tie in regulation time at their Group D T20 World Cup encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium here today.

Both teams finished on 187 in their allotted 20 overs, triggering a Super Over that itself ended level, forcing a rare second Super Over to decide the contest.

Afghanistan appeared to be heading for defeat when the final over of their chase began with 13 runs required and only one wicket in hand. However, Kagiso Rabada’s over swung the game unexpectedly. Two no-balls provided Afghanistan crucial lifelines, and despite the mounting pressure, a running error eventually resulted in the scores being tied at the end of regulation play.

The first Super Over did little to separate the sides, with both teams scoring 17 runs. South Africa’s hopes then rested on Tristan Stubbs, who delivered under pressure by striking a six off the final ball to keep his side alive and push the game into a second Super Over.

In the decisive Super Over, Afghanistan were set a daunting target and needed four consecutive sixes to pull off an extraordinary win. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had anchored Afghanistan’s innings with a blistering 84 off 42 balls in regulation time, nearly scripted a memorable finish. He launched three sixes in succession, briefly raising hopes of yet another tie.

But with Afghanistan requiring just a boundary off the final ball to extend the match further, Gurbaz mistimed his shot and hit straight to a fielder at point, sealing South Africa’s win in a contest defined by razor-thin margins.

Earlier, South Africa posted 187 for 6 after solid contributions from Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock. Rickelton top-scored with 61, while de Kock added 59, providing stability at the top. Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the scoring in check during key phases, with Azmatullah Omarzai returning figures of 3 for 41 and Rashid Khan finishing with 2 for 28.

Afghanistan’s response was powered by Gurbaz’s aggressive strokeplay. His 84 formed the backbone of the chase, keeping Afghanistan in contention despite regular wickets. South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi delivered a crucial spell, claiming 3 for 26 to prevent Afghanistan from pulling ahead.

The victory helped South Africa navigate a tense encounter in what has been widely regarded as one of the tournament’s most competitive group stages, while Afghanistan were left to reflect on a match that slipped away after coming within a single boundary of extending the drama even further.

Brief Scores: South Africa 187/6 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 61, Quinton de Kock 59; Azmatullah Omarzai 3/41, Rashid Khan 2/28); Afghanistan 187 all out in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84; Lungi Ngidi 3/26); South Africa won after second Super Over.

Australia vs Ireland: Australia opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 67-run victory over Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. After electing to bat, Australia compiled 182/6 on a slow surface, recovering from an early setback with a brisk PowerPlay that yielded 64 runs despite losing Travis Head. The innings lost momentum briefly as Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis fell, but Matt Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis rebuilt with a crucial 61-run partnership. Renshaw’s patient 37 and Stoinis’ fluent 45 off 29 balls anchored the recovery before late acceleration pushed Australia past the 180 mark. Ireland’s bowlers were disciplined for large phases, but dropped chances hurt their cause.

Chasing 183, Ireland struggled from the outset as Nathan Ellis’ incisive opening spell dismantled the top order. Ellis mixed pace effectively to finish with 3/5 early, leaving Ireland under severe pressure. Adam Zampa then tightened Australia’s grip with an outstanding 4/23, extinguishing any hopes of a revival. George Dockrell’s 41 and Lorcan Tucker’s 24 provided brief resistance through a 46-run stand, but the chase never regained balance. Ireland were eventually restricted to 115, sealing a comprehensive win for the former champions.

Brief Scores: Australia 182/6 in 20 overs (Stoinis 45, Inglis 37; Adair 2/44) beat Ireland 115/10 in 16.5 overs (George Dockrell 41; Nathan Ellis 4/12, Adam Zampa 4/23) by 67 runs.

England vs West Indies: West Indies posted a formidable 196/6 after recovering from early setbacks, with Sherfane Rutherford anchoring the innings through a blistering unbeaten 76. Despite losing Shai Hope and Brandon King inside the first two overs, the middle order rebuilt steadily before Rutherford’s power-hitting transformed the contest. He struck seven sixes and stitched crucial partnerships, while Jason Holder’s late assault (33 off 17) propelled West Indies with a 54-run surge in the final four overs. England’s bowlers made early inroads through Jofra Archer and Sam Curran, but Rutherford’s counterattack proved decisive.

In reply, England began aggressively as Phil Salt raced off the blocks, including a 24-run over off Holder. However, wickets at regular intervals disrupted their momentum. Jacob Bethell continued his impressive run with attacking strokes, helping England register 67/1 in the PowerPlay — the second-highest PowerPlay score of the tournament. The chase faltered in the middle overs as Gudakesh Motie (3/33) and Roston Chase applied the brakes, removing key batters including Jos Buttler and Will Jacks. England slipped to 134/6, with Motie’s spin proving pivotal in tilting the game West Indies’ way.

Brief Scores: West Indies 196/6 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford  76 not out, Roston Chase 34, Jason Holder 33; Adil Rashid 2-16, Jamie Oveton 2-33) beat England 166 all out in 19 overs (Sam Curran 43*, Jacob Bethell 33, Phil Salt 30; Gudakesh Motie 3-33, Chase 2-29) by 30 runs

Odisha records 765 dolphins in 2025-26 survey

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s coastline has achieved a significant conservation milestone, with a total of 765 dolphins and other cetaceans documented during the 2025-26 population estimation survey.

The survey highlights the strong presence of multiple species across the State’s marine and coastal ecosystems. The Chilika Wildlife Division has emerged as a global conservation success story, recording 159 Irrawaddy dolphins.

The sustained growth of this globally significant population highlights the impact of long-term habitat protection, scientific wetland management, and active community participation in and around Chilika Lagoon.

Meanwhile, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary under the Rajnagar Wildlife Division has strengthened its position as a major marine conservation stronghold. The sanctuary reported 474 Humpback dolphins (Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean), marking a significant milestone in coastal biodiversity conservation, according to PCCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden.

Officials said the findings reflect sustained habitat protection measures, active community participation, scientific monitoring, and coordinated conservation efforts undertaken by various wildlife divisions across the State.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha described the development as more than a numerical achievement.

“This is not just a number. It reflects healthier marine and coastal ecosystems, stronger conservation systems, and growing coexistence between people and wildlife along Odisha’s shores,” Jha said in a post on X.

The dolphin population estimation survey was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to assess marine biodiversity and strengthen conservation planning. Authorities noted that consistent monitoring, regulation of fishing activities in sensitive zones, and awareness programmes among coastal communities have contributed to improving conditions for marine species.

Odisha’s coastline, stretching over 480 km, remains one of the most ecologically significant regions on the country’s eastern seaboard, supporting diverse marine life and critical habitats.

Wildlife officials indicated that continued vigilance, scientific tracking, and community-based conservation will remain central to sustaining and enhancing marine biodiversity in the coming years.

Ten dead, many injured in Canada school shooting

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At least ten people, including the suspected shooter, were killed and about 25 others injured in a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia’s Peace region in Canada.

According to GlobalNews, the incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which serves students from Grades 7 through 12. Responding to reports of gunfire, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued an emergency alert warning of an active shooter in the area.

Police said officers entering the school discovered six victims dead inside the building. Two additional victims were located at another site, while another victim died while being transported to hospital. An individual believed to be the shooter was also found dead, with authorities indicating the injury appeared to be self-inflicted.

RCMP confirmed there were multiple victims but did not release specific details regarding the identities of those killed or injured. Supt. Ken Floyd, North District Commander, said the suspected shooter had been identified but that their name would not be made public at this stage of the investigation. He declined to specify how many of the victims were students or adults and did not disclose information about the weapon or weapons used.

GlobalNews reported that two injured individuals were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Approximately 25 others were assessed and treated at a local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was initially described as a female wearing a dress with brown hair.

Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the “horrific shooting.” In a social media statement, Carney said he joined Canadians in grieving with families whose lives had been “changed irreversibly” and expressed gratitude to first responders for their courage and selflessness.

“Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other,” Carney said.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced that Carney would cancel his planned trip to the Munich Security Conference following the tragedy.

British Columbia Premier David Eby described the shooting as an “unimaginable tragedy.”

Tumbler Ridge is a remote town with a population of approximately 2,400 people, located more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border. Provincial data lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as having around 175 students.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the motive behind the attack.

Devnimori Buddha relics return after Sri Lanka exposition

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New Delhi: The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha are on the way back to India on Wednesay following a week-long public exposition at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Holy Relics, which were taken abroad for their first-ever international exposition, were escorted back by a high-level Indian delegation led by Mangubhai Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. The delegation also included senior Buddhist monks and officials.

The ceremonial departure took place at Bandaranaike International Airport in the presence of Sri Lankan ministers and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. The relics had been displayed for public veneration during a seven-day exposition at Colombo’s Gangaramaya Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites.

According to an official release, a large number of devotees from across Sri Lanka visited the temple to pay homage to the relics. Over one million devotees participated in the public exposition during the week, marking the event as a significant spiritual and cultural occasion. Several senior Sri Lankan leaders paid their respects during the exposition, including the country’s Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, former Presidents and other dignitaries.

The exposition was inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Sri Lankan leaders expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and the people of India for facilitating what was described as a historic spiritual event. From the Indian side, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat, and Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Complementing the relic exposition, two special exhibitions — titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa” and “Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India” — were organised. These exhibitions highlighted the shared Buddhist heritage and long-standing civilisational links between India and Sri Lanka.

The historic exposition, announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, has strengthened the centuries old spiritual and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka, the official release stated, adding that it has also reinforced India’s role as a custodian of global Buddhist heritage and its continued commitment to deepening people to people and cultural linkages with Sri Lanka,

With the conclusion of the exposition and the return of the relics to India, the week-long event closed what officials described as a historic chapter in the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka.

Aakriti Dahiya clinches silver at Asian Shooting Championships

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New Delhi: Indian shooter Aakriti Dahiya claimed a silver medal in the women’s individual 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Asian Shooting Championships 2026 in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s results brought India’s total medal tally in senior events to 18, including eight gold, six silver, and four bronze.

The 24-year-old registered a total score of 354.2 across kneeling, prone, and standing rounds at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range. This marked her first individual medal at a continental level, according to Olympics.com.

Two-time Olympian Anjum Moudgil secured bronze with 340.4, while Kazakhstan’s 18-year-old Sofiya Shulzhenko won gold with a world record score of 358.2. Another Indian shooter, Ashi Chouksey, who won bronze at the 2023 Asian Games in the same event, finished fourth with 330.9.

Earlier, Dahiya, Moudgil, and Chouksey combined for a total of 1756-86x in the team qualifying round, helping India win silver. Kazakhstan claimed gold with 1760-90x, and Japan took bronze with 1730-69x.

In individual qualifying rounds, India’s Vidarsa Vinod topped the charts with 590-35x but was competing for Ranking Points Only (RPO). Moudgil scored 587-30x for third, Chouksey 586-32x for fifth, and Dahiya 583-24x for seventh. Ayushi Podder ended ninth with 582-20x (RPO).

CSR spending crosses ₹1.44 lakh crore in last five years

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New Delhi: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure reported by companies totalled over Rs 1.44 lakh crore during the last five financial years from FY 2019-20 to FY 2023-24, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

In a written reply to a question in the Upper House, Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra stated that development-oriented CSR expenditure, based on annual filings made by companies in the MCA21 registry, amounted to Rs 1,44,159.05 crore over the five-year period.

According to the data placed before the House, CSR expenditure stood at Rs 24,965.82 crore in FY 2019-20, Rs 26,210.95 crore in FY 2020-21, Rs 27,141.45 crore in FY 2021-22, Rs 30,932.08 crore in FY 2022-23 and Rs 34,908.75 crore in FY 2023-24.

The minister informed that the government maintains a central database of CSR expenditure reported by companies through the MCA21 registry. All data relating to CSR spending, including state-wise, year-wise, company-wise and project-wise details, is available in the public domain on the official CSR portal.

Under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, CSR is a Board-driven process, and the Board of a company is empowered to plan, decide, execute and monitor CSR activities. The existing legal framework mandates the formation of a CSR Committee, formulation of a CSR policy, preparation of an Annual Action Plan on CSR, certification of CSR expenditure by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and audit of CSR expenditure by statutory auditors to ensure transparency and accountability.

Further, Rule 8 of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 provides that every company having an average CSR obligation of Rs 10 crore or more in the three immediately preceding financial years shall undertake an impact assessment through an independent agency for CSR projects with outlays of Rs 1 crore or more, which have been completed not less than one year before undertaking the impact study. The details of CSR activities, impact assessment and the annual action plan are required to be reported in the ‘Annual Report on CSR’, which forms part of the company’s Board Report.

The minister also clarified that there is no provision for allocation of CSR funds under the CSR legal framework. As per Section 135(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, CSR-mandated companies are required to spend at least 2 per cent of their average net profits of the three immediately preceding financial years on activities specified in Schedule VII of the Act.