Cosmo Foundation, the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Ltd., today announced that Ms. Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee of the Foundation, was felicitated with the coveted ET NOW Impactful Women Leaders of India 2025 award held in Aerocity, New Delhi. She received this recognition for her sustained contribution to strengthening rural education, advancing women empowerment, promoting digital inclusion, and fostering community-led development across underserved regions. This also reflects Cosmo Foundation’s meaningful contribution to national conversations on education, women empowerment, digital inclusion, and community development under her leadership.

Yamini Kumar Jaipuria felicitated with ‘ET NOW Impactful Women Leaders of India 2025’ Award

Over the years, Ms. Jaipuria has transformed Cosmo Foundation into a catalyst for large-scale social change. Under her guidance, the Foundation today works across 155 villages and 55 rural schools, reaching more than 68,000 children through its integrated Education, Environment and Empowerment framework. Her focus on bridging learning gaps, strengthening digital access, and nurturing confidence among first-generation learners has created one of India’s most meaningful rural education models.

Speaking on the recognition, Ms. Jaipuria said, “This award belongs to the extraordinary children, teachers, women, and community partners who make our work possible. At Cosmo Foundation, we believe inclusive progress begins at the grassroots. Every initiative we undertake is aimed at helping individuals unlock their potential and shape their own futures.”

Her work in education is anchored in reimagining how rural India accesses knowledge. She has championed digital inclusion by establishing 29 computer labs across multiple states and launching the Cosmo DigiPathshala, a WhatsApp-based hybrid learning model that has already reached more than 2,300 students. Her commitment to language confidence has driven English learning programmes across rural schools, supported by bilingual digital content that has enabled thousands of students to learn in a format that feels both accessible and aspirational.

Ms. Jaipuria’s leadership in women empowerment has opened new pathways for employability and financial independence. Initiatives such as the EV Assembly Technician Course for Women, along with scholarships and mentorship platforms like the Udayan Shalini Fellowship, have helped young women envision and pursue modern careers with confidence. Her programmes on safety, hygiene and menstrual health have catalysed behavioural change across villages, ensuring that girls remain in school and communities adopt healthier, dignified practices.

Her commitment to environmental stewardship is equally deep-rooted. From leading tree plantation efforts to driving sustainability awareness in schools, she has championed an early understanding of climate responsibility among young learners. The Foundation’s environmental initiatives have strengthened community resilience while encouraging children to think as guardians of the planet.

Today, as India navigates the balance between traditional learning and rapid digital transformation, Ms. Jaipuria offers a distinctly Indian perspective on what the future of learning should look like – one that blends technology with cultural context, community participation, and equitable access.

Her work continues to demonstrate how thoughtful leadership can shape both systems and mindsets, making this recognition from ET NOW a powerful testament to the impact she has created and the possibilities she continues to inspire.

About Cosmo Foundation

Established in 2008, Cosmo Foundation is the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Ltd., working to uplift underdeveloped communities near its operational locations in Karjan (Vadodara District) and Gangapur (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District), as well as in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and the tribal district of Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh). The Foundation’s programs focus on Education, Environment, and Empowerment, impacting more than 7.5 lakh (750,000) beneficiaries through various initiatives.

About Cosmo First Ltd.

Established in 1981 by Mr Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo First Limited is an over four-decade-old global conglomerate. Its consumer vertical comprises Cosmo Consumer, which is into Window Films, Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings for automobiles, and Zigly Pet Care, which provides a digital-first omni channel pet care ecosystem. Its industrial vertical includes Cosmo Films for specialty films for packaging, labels, lamination, and industrial applications; Cosmo Speciality Chemicals for coatings, adhesives and masterbatches, and Cosmo Plastech for rigid packaging. With sustainable innovation, development, and research embedded in its core values, Cosmo First serves customers in 100+ countries.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, was conferred the CII Industry–Academia Partnership Award in the Platinum Category at the CII Industry–Academia Partnership Summit held on December 5, 2025, in New Delhi. Dr. Harish Kumar S, Director – Corporate Relations, received the award on behalf of MAHE.

MAHE Honoured with Prestigious CII Industry–Academia Partnership Award

The Summit brought together leaders from industry, academia, government bodies, startups, technology innovators, and venture capital communities. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event served as a collective platform for science leaders, business pioneers, policy makers, and emerging entrepreneurs.

The CII Global Summit on Industry – Academia Partnership 2025 aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and government. It showcases path-breaking innovations, highlights transformative partnership opportunities, and recognizes institutions demonstrating excellence in industry-aligned research and innovation.

Expressing his happiness on this award, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, “We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from CII. This truly reiterates our commitment of students, faculty and industry partners who work together relentlessly and constantly push boundaries of knowledge and innovation. At MAHE, we are aligned to expand such partnerships so we can contribute towards transformative outcomes.”

Speaking on the recognition, Dr. Harish Kumar S, Director – Corporate Relations, MAHE, expressed that, “the award reaffirms MAHE’s vision of driving purposeful collaboration that delivers real-world impact. He added that MAHE remains committed to fostering partnerships that accelerate research, innovation, and talent development for national progress.”

This milestone reinforces MAHE’s continuing efforts to build strong, future-ready industry connections and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation ecosystem. The recognition enhances MAHE’s visibility as a leading university driving collaborative research, cutting-edge technology development, and impactful academic–industry engagement across sectors.

As 2025 comes to a close, there are major developments that impact both humans and animals and these lead us into 2026 and beyond. These include the deliberation at the recently concluded Conference of Parties (COP 30) in Belem in Brazil, the Conference On International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in Samarkand in Uzbekistan, the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0 (NAP-AMR 2.0) announced in India, announcement of the Global Big Cat Summit in India next year, persistent revelations of wildlife trade, concerning reports of treatment of animals in zoos and exploitation of animals for entertainment, fashion and pets.
 

Gorilla Bua Noi in Pata Zoo in Bangkok in Thailand Photo credit: Shubhobroto Ghosh
 

World Animal Protection strongly presented the case against industrial animal agriculture at the COP 30 event, given the evidence that shows widespread animal abuse and environmental damage. It is a matter of continuing concern that industrial agriculture and factory farming are causing massive cruelty to animals by confining them to inadequate spaces, using antibiotics for their husbandry for greater quantities of meat, fish, milk and eggs and are releasing harmful effluents into marine and air ecosystems. With rising awareness on the destructive and counterproductive characteristics of these industries towards environmental pollution and climate change, it is of pressing urgency to tackle their further growth and institute systemic change to mitigate current practices.
 

The burgeoning global trade in wildlife affects India strongly with a marked rise in the demand for non native exotic pets that are being seized in different parts of the country and also in different parts of the world designated for arrival in India. This is a worrisome trend and graphic visual images have emerged showing captive animals kept in conditions of extreme confinement and enormous cruelty. It is of utmost necessity to recognise that this cruel and counterproductive trade be immediately stopped and international linkages are identified and transnational action is initiated to curb this trade. World Animal Protection has done extensive research on exotic animal pets and is of the strong view that wildlife belongs in the wild and should be cherished there and not exploited for a few greedy people. This point was made very cogently during the recently concluded CITES conference in Samarkand in Uzbekistan.
 

Wild animals in entertainment present a difficult challenge all over the world, with the resurgence of elephant rides in Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand and the continuing spectacle of abuse of elephants in Amer Fort in Jaipur. Tigers are being captivity for tourist photo opportunities at close quarters in many venues in Thailand and several other countries and a very significant number of tourists visit these places and patronise them with tourist revenue and destination guidance. World Animal Protection has an ongoing programme of engaging with tour companies and resorts to take a responsible stance on wildlife tourism by not promoting abusive activities involving wildlife in entertainment. In this regard, World Animal Protection is pleased to have Her Expeditions, Svasara, Indian Wildlife Adventures, Pandav Hotels and Marttik Gardens take the wildlife friendly pledge to promote responsible wildlife tourism in India and beyond. World Animal Protection hopes that the example set by these companies will encourage other groups to follow suit and desist from offering itineraries in their tours and destination guidance to places that exploit wildlife in captivity.
 

Elephant in Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Bangkok in Thailand Photo credit: Abhishek Shankhwar
 

World Animal Protection has also engaged with the Prime Minister’s Office in 2025 to raise awareness on the plight of India’s National Heritage Animal and hundreds of schoolchildren from N K Bagrodia School and Cambridge International School have written letters to the Prime Minister urging him to ban elephant rides in India. Endeavours have also been taken to engage with the Rajasthan Forest Department to obtain the latest update on the status of the riding elephants of Amer Fort in Jaipur. “World Animal Protection is calling upon all stakeholders as well as tourists to take a pledge not to ride elephants in any venue,” says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection in India.
 

10 December, 2025 is World Human Rights Day and International Animal Rights Day. It is not a coincidence that Human Rights Day and Animal Rights Day fall on the same date, 10 December, the date was intentionally chosen by animal rights advocates to highlight the connection between human rights and animal rights and to emphasize that all sentient beings deserve respect and protection from suffering and torture. 

Human Rights Day commemorates the date in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a foundational document in international human rights law and activism.
 

International Animal Rights Day (or World Animal Rights Day) was established in 1998, on the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to call for the recognition of a universal declaration for animal rights, modelled on the principles of the human rights declaration.
 

Across the globe, billions of human beings and animals are suffering in silence, because of systemic injustice.

On this day, we call for all living creatures, humans and non humans, to be treated respectfully and with compassion, with institutional safeguards put in place against their abuse.
 

For more information, please contact: Gajender Kumar Sharma: gajenderksharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in.

Phone: 9313333283

TimbuckDo, India’s leading student-focused gig platform, has announced a strategic partnership with CoverSure, a trusted name in the consumer-first insurtech space, to launch an ultra-affordable, student-first wellness plan priced at just INR 299 annually.

TimBuckDo annd Coversure unveil an affordable INR 299/year wellness plan delivering trusted, judgment-free healthcare support for students across India

With this collaboration, TimbuckDo expands its mission beyond opportunities and income for students evolving into a holistic ecosystem supporting their work, wellness, and everyday needs. The partnership aims to close a critical gap in student life: accessible, reliable healthcare that fits their unique schedules, budget constraints, and well-being challenges.

Designed specifically for college students across India, the wellness plan ensures easy access, zero hidden charges, and complete affordability, empowering students to take charge of their physical and mental well-being.

The student-first wellness plan offers unlimited online consultations with certified general practitioners, along with real doctors on call for instant support whenever students need it. It also provides multi-language consultations, enabling students to speak to doctors in the language they’re most comfortable with, while offering holistic wellness guidance across stress, sleep, nutrition, mental health and general well-being. Additional benefits include free follow-ups and e-prescriptions, along with significant savings such as up to 22% off medicines through Apollo, 1mg and PharmEasy, and up to 30% off diagnostic tests at NABL-accredited labs. Importantly, the plan maintains a 100% student-friendly approach with complete transparency and absolutely no hidden charges, ensuring seamless and affordable access to healthcare and wellness services.

Mythri Kumar, Co-founder, TimbuckDo, said, “This plan reflects what students genuinely need: simple, accessible, dependable healthcare and wellness that understands their lifestyle. CoverSure shares our vision of student well-being, and together, we’re making preventive and everyday healthcare more accessible than ever before. At just INR 299 a year, we’re ensuring every student, regardless of background, can put their health first.”

Apoorv Sharma Prasad, Co-founder, TimbuckDo, added, “Students shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and wellness. With this partnership, we’re closing that gap. Our goal has always been to empower students not just with opportunities to earn, but with the support they need to stay healthy, confident, and secure. This collaboration with CoverSure is a major step toward building a truly student-centric ecosystem.”

Saurabh Vijayvergia, CEO & Founder, CoverSure, said, “Students deserve healthcare that is as agile and ambitious as they are, and this partnership with TimbuckDo helps us deliver solutions built around their real needs. Together, we’re not only redefining accessible, preventive, student-first healthcare – we’re also building greater trust in insurance and wellness among young Indians. With TimbuckDo, we will continue to innovate and shape how students view protection and proactive health as they step into the mainstream of the Indian economy.”

About TimbuckDo
TimbuckDo is India’s fastest-growing student-focused gig platform, built to empower college students with flexible earning opportunities, real-world experience, and essential life-support services. Founded with the mission of helping students become financially independent while developing future-ready skills, TimbuckDo connects students to meaningful, part-time, and project-based work that fits seamlessly into their academic schedules. Beyond gigs, TimbuckDo is evolving into a holistic ecosystem for students, offering support across work, wellness, and everyday needs. With a rapidly growing community and strong partnerships, the platform is shaping a new generation of confident, empowered, and opportunity-ready young Indians.

About CoverSure
Founded in January 2023, CoverSure is building India’s most trusted and unbiased insurance platform – one that empowers users, not pushes products. CoverSure goes beyond just selling policies; it helps users understand, manage, and truly benefit from their insurance. The platform offers a personalized insurance portfolio, democratized risk management, and family-first care tools – making insurance simpler, smarter, and genuinely useful. Whether it’s discovering hidden covers, preparing for claims, or closing critical gaps in protection, CoverSure puts users in control of their coverage.

CoverSure combines AI-driven insights with human-first design to solve real, everyday problems across health, life, and motor insurance. Backed by credible institutions and trusted by 5 lakh+ users, CoverSure is committed to making insurance transparent, unbiased, and consumer-first – the way it should be.

Verification has become an important conversation across Indian cities as more households, landlords, and community associations take safety and compliance seriously. With rising movement, rapid urban growth, and frequent changes in rental and domestic staff arrangements, clarity about the people entering homes and properties is now a practical need rather than an optional step.

Stay safe, stay compliant. DUVerify helps families, landlords, and brokers complete tenant and domestic staff verification online in minutes

Recent cases reported by major city police departments show that lapses in tenant documentation and unverified stays are becoming common. Similar concerns exist for households hiring domestic staff where identity details and background information are often unavailable or incomplete. This reality has encouraged families, landlords, brokers, and Resident Welfare Associations to adopt structured verification processes.

Why tenant verification has become a priority

Tenant verification offers a clear and responsible way for landlords to understand who is moving into their property. Police authorities in several Indian cities now encourage landlords to provide tenant details for record purposes. This process protects communities from potential risks and helps property owners avoid legal difficulties that arise when tenant information is incomplete.

A proper tenant verification typically includes identity validation, address confirmation, and available background screening. These checks provide landlords with essential clarity before finalizing agreements. Tenant verification also reduces the chances of unauthorized occupancy, identity mismatch, and disputes with neighbors or building associations. As rental markets expand around commercial hubs, universities, and transit corridors, property owners are recognizing the value of a structured and transparent verification process.

Why domestic help verification is essential for Indian households

Indian families depend on domestic staff for support in daily routines. Maids, nannies, cooks, drivers, and caregivers enter private spaces, interact closely with family members, and often work in homes for extended periods. Families therefore prefer to ensure that the identity and background of new domestic staff are verified before they begin their duties.

Domestic help verification involves checking identity documents, residential details, and available background information. This gives families peace of mind and helps them create a respectful and safe working environment. It also supports clarity during emergency checks or police documentation requirements in some cities. As more nuclear families and working parents depend on domestic support, the need for reliable verification has grown significantly.

How DuVerify supports safer homes and responsible property management

To make verification accessible, DuVerify offers a digital solution that allows households, landlords, and brokers to complete essential checks without visiting multiple offices or handling complicated paperwork. The platform simplifies identity verification, address validation, and background screening through a secure online process.

Users can upload the required information digitally and receive a clear verification report that is easy to understand and share. DuVerify helps people complete checks quickly, which is particularly helpful during tenant onboarding, staff hiring, or PG admissions where time is limited.

The service is designed for:

• Landlords and individual property owners

• Real estate brokers and channel partners

• Housing societies and RWAs

• Families hiring domestic staff

• PG and hostel operators

“DuVerify supports the wider effort to improve safety and trust within residential communities. As more people move between cities for education, work, and caregiving roles, digital verification provides an important tool for responsible home and property management,” said Manoj Dharmani, Group CEO, DU Global.

A growing national shift

India is witnessing a steady shift towards responsible verification practices. Families want safety. Landlords want compliance. Brokers want transparency. Community bodies want reassurance. Police departments encourage structured documentation. Digital verification brings all these needs together in a way that is efficient, accessible, and easy to adopt.

More information on tenant and domestic help verification is available at:
www.dudigitalglobal.com/tenant-and-domestic-help-verification

About DU Global:

DU Global is a trusted bridge between people, governments, and opportunities worldwide. From visa facilitation and biometric enrollment to workforce recruitment and verification, we simplify the way citizens, businesses, and nations connect. With a footprint across 6 countries and a strong technology backbone, DU Global delivers secure, seamless, and customer-centric solutions that enhance mobility and trust.

Elpro International School, a top ranking international school in Pune hosted Elpro Sports Fest – Season 5, a joyful 10-day celebration that brought together more than 5000+ students from both the Chinchwad and Hinjawadi campuses. This annual fest is all about giving every child a chance to experience the excitement of sports, build confidence, and enjoy learning beyond the classroom.

Elpro Sports Fest – Season 5

The Fest opened on 22nd November at the Hinjawadi campus with an inspiring visit from Shri Sumit Antil, Paralympic Gold Medalist and Khel Ratna awardee. His words on hard work and perseverance set a meaningful start to the celebrations. The same spirit carried into the grand finale on 5th December at the Chinchwad campus, where Indian Cricket Team all-rounder Deepti Sharma joined the students. Her friendly interaction, motivating message, and on-field moments made the day truly memorable. Together, their presence added pride and encouragement to Season 5.

Across both campuses, Elpro Sports Fest brought the campuses alive with diverse and exciting activities, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. At the Chinchwad campus, students brought high energy to the Competitive League, while the Participatory League highlighted that sports are not just about winning but about joy, teamwork, and exploration. Meanwhile, the Hinjawadi campus was equally spirited with three days of participatory events from 2nd to 4th December, where students from Grades 1 to 8 engaged in Chess, Carrom, Badminton, Table Tennis and more – focusing on building skills, confidence, and friendships through play. Families across both campuses also joined in the celebrations for a special Parents Sports Day, adding energy, smiles, and unforgettable memories to the Sports Fest.

The Fest culminated with a proud win for Prithvi House as they lifted the Best House of 2025 title, a moment that captured their hard work and collective spirit.

Led by Dr. Amrita Vohra, Director Principal, and Dr. Pallavi Mukherjee, Principal – Elpro International School Hinjawadi, Season 5 highlighted Elpro’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners. The Fest brought both campuses together, creating wonderful memories and reinforcing the belief that sports shape character, unity, and joy.

For Season 5 highlights, follow on Instagram:

@elpro_international_school (Chinchwad)
@elprointernationalschoolhinjawadi (Hinjawadi)

Established in 1965 with the guiding motto “Service to Society”, Janseva Samiti proudly completes sixty years of dedicated service this year. Beginning with medical camps and the establishment of a public library, the Samiti soon recognised the need for a dedicated educational institution for women. This vision led to the founding of Shri M. D. Shah Mahila College of Arts and Commerce in 1968 at Malad, Mumbai, affiliated with SNDT Women’s University. Later, in 1976, the Samiti expanded its educational initiatives with the establishment of Smt. T. S. Bafna Junior College of Arts and Commerce, further strengthening its mission of providing accessible and affordable education to the girl child. Supported generously by donors, the institution continues to empower communities and create brighter futures for young women.

Janseva Samiti marks its Diamond Jubilee in 2025

The key leadership of Janseva Samiti comprises several senior office-bearers whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s educational and social mission. Among them are late Shri P. U. Mehta and late Dr. Ram Barot, whose efforts remain foundational. The Samiti is currently led by Dr. Mohanbhai I. Patel, an industrialist and former Sheriff of Mumbai, who serves as President, along with Dr. Ranjan Maniar, a well-known medical practitioner and social worker, and Smt. Nisha Sagar Chopra, a celebrated fashion designer and philanthropist, who serve as Vice-Presidents. Together, they form the core leadership responsible for guiding the institutions and initiatives run by Janseva Samiti.

Shri M. D. Shah Mahila College of Arts & Commerce, Malad West, Mumbai

Aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat and the goal of skilling India’s youth, the Dr. Mohanbhai I. Patel Institute of Vocational Studies was founded in 2000. The institute offers a diverse array of skill-based courses designed to prepare students for industry careers. Its programs include Interior Design, Fashion Design, Beauty & Wellness, Food & Beverage Management, Banking & Finance Training, Technology Trainer courses, Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE), along with various short-term vocational and soft-skills programs. These courses emphasise hands-on learning to ensure that students develop strong, job-ready skills.

As Janseva Samiti marks its Diamond Jubilee in 2025, it has curated an exciting lineup of celebratory events at the Dr. Mohanbhai Educational Campus, beginning on 16th December 2025. The inaugural day will feature the launch of the book “Mahadev Desai – Mahatma Gandhi’s Good Fortune” and the intercollegiate competition Arthvichar. On 17th December, a Mental Health Awareness programme will be held to promote emotional and psychological wellbeing among students.

The celebrations on 18th December include the Alumni Meet, graced by alumna Ms. Shivangi Thakur, a senior journalist, followed by the launch of Neo Innovator, an initiative through which students will present their innovative ideas. On 19th December, the Samiti will host TARANG, an intercollegiate administrative staff competition, and inaugurate the 9th edition of AVAAHAN, a major sports event that brings together more than 100 colleges and over 1,000 players from across Maharashtra. AVAAHAN features both indoor and outdoor sports, including traditional games such as wrestling and kabaddi, for both girls and boys. The event continues on 20th and 21st December, accompanied by a talk from economist Dr. Manoranjan Sharma ,chief economist InformericsRating and a session by noted film critic Shri. Ashok Rane.

The celebrations conclude with Junior College Day on 22nd December and Degree College Day on 23rd December, featuring ISRO engineer Smt. Jeyanthi Rajesh as the chief guest.

Reflecting on this historic milestone, Dr. Mohanbhai Patel, President of Janseva Samiti, shares, “Celebrating sixty remarkable years of education and empowerment, our Diamond Jubilee stands as a tribute to the vision, dedication, and resilience that have shaped countless lives. Over the decades, we have remained steadfast in our mission to provide quality education to young women, particularly those from challenged backgrounds, helping them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate leaders. This milestone is not only a reflection of our past achievements, but also a celebration of the bright future we continue to build for our students—empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society and lead with purpose.”

For more information, please visit – www.mdshahmahilacollege.ac.in.

Follow on Instagram – www.instagram.com/shri_m_d_shah_mahila_college.