1. Introduction

Paryavaran Aayog ("we," "us," or "our") believes in being clear and open about how we collect and use data related to you. In the spirit of transparency, this policy provides detailed information about how and when we use cookies on our website (paryavaranaayog.com) and connected portals. This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

2. What is a Cookie?

A cookie is a small file containing a string of characters that is sent to your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. When you visit the site again, the cookie allows that site to recognise your browser. Cookies may store user preferences, login sessions, and other information to make your browsing experience smoother, faster, and more secure.

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to enhance your experience, understand how our website is used, and secure our portals. Specifically, we use cookies for the following purposes:

• Authentication and Session State: To identify you when you log in to our training verification portal or student corner and keep you logged in as you navigate between pages.
• Security: To enable and support our security features, and to help us detect malicious activity and violations of our Terms & Conditions.
• Preferences: To remember your preferences, such as your preferred language or region, so you don't have to set them on every visit.
• Performance & Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our website (e.g., pages visited, loading speeds, error messages). This helps us improve our online services.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

We use both session cookies (which expire once you close your web browser) and persistent cookies (which stay on your device until you delete them or they expire). The cookies we use fall into these categories:

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: These cookies are essential for our website to function properly. Without them, services like secure login, course enrolment, and payment processing cannot be provided.
• Performance & Analytical Cookies: These cookies collect information about how you use our site. We use this data to analyze traffic patterns and identify areas of improvement. The data is anonymized and aggregated.
• Functional Cookies: These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make (such as your username or region) and provide enhanced, more personal features.

5. Third-Party Cookies

In addition to our own cookies, we may also work with third-party service providers who place cookies on your device when you visit our website. These third-party services include:

• Payment Gateways (e.g., Razorpay): To facilitate secure processing of donations and course fees.
• Analytics Partners (e.g., Google Analytics): To help us measure website traffic and user engagement patterns.
• Media Players (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo): To render embedded educational videos and campaign documentaries.

6. How to Control and Delete Cookies

Most web browsers are configured to accept cookies by default. However, you have the right to choose whether or not to accept cookies. You can manage or block cookies through your browser settings:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Third-party cookies.
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection.
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Prevent cross-site tracking / Block all cookies.
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions.

Please note that if you choose to reject or disable cookies, some portions of our website (including certificate verification, user dashboard, and checkout pages) may not function correctly.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to check this page periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.