Overview The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) , in collaboration with WNS Global Services , launched the IICA–WNS Ybrant CSR, ESG & Sustainability Program on November 11, 2025 . This program aims to nurture a new generation of sustainability-driven and socially responsible leaders by integrating CSR, ESG, and sustainability into mainstream management education. Key Developments Launch of the YBRANT Program The YBRANT Program was officially launched on November 11, 2025 , with the goal of aligning business performance with positive social impact. The program is a strategic collaboration between the government, corporate sector, and academia. India's CSR Expenditure Growth Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh , Director General & CEO of IICA, highlighted that India’s CSR expenditure has grown significantly, from ₹10,065.93 crores in FY 2014–15 to ₹34,908.75 crores in FY 2023–24 . Over the past 10 years , companies have spent more than ₹2.2 lakh crores on CSR activities. Program Structure and Content Duration: The program spans six months . Learning Model: It employs a blended learning model that combines academic rigor with industry insights. Content: The program includes 22.5 hours of academic sessions and 18 hours of fieldwork. Modules: It comprises 15 modules , covering topics from the basics of CSR and sustainability to global CSR trends, Indian CSR laws, impact assessment, ESG reporting, corporate governance, and leadership. Accessibility: The program is hosted on IICA’s online Learning Management System, making it accessible from anywhere in India and abroad. Participating Institutions The event saw participation from over 250 students from five premier academic institutions: IIM Shillong CHRIST University Bengaluru Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University) Pune St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangalore Statements from Key Figures Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh emphasized that the program aims to nurture a new generation of sustainability-driven and socially responsible leaders, viewing business as a force multiplier for sustainable and inclusive development. Mr. Gopal Agarwal stated that the YBRANT Program is a strategic collaboration among the Government, Corporate sector, and Academia, designed to instill the perspective of sustainable development in future CEOs. UPSC Relevance This initiative is relevant to GS3 (Economy) , focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) , Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, and sustainable development . It also touches upon GS4 (Ethics) by promoting ethical business conduct and societal impact. The program's emphasis on governance aligns with GS2 (Governance) . Important Facts The YBRANT program is a joint initiative by IICA and WNS Global Services . The program aims to integrate CSR , ESG , and sustainability into management education. India's CSR expenditure has seen substantial growth over the past decade. The program includes a blended learning model with academic sessions and fieldwork. Participating institutions include prominent management and academic institutions across India.