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Terre des hommes India Organises 'Children and Climate 2025', Calls for Integrated Child-Responsive Climate Action

Terre des hommes (Tdh) India, a child rights organisation that has deepened its understanding of how climate change affects children by actively listening to young people in the Sundarbans region and in Jharkhand, organised Children and Climate 2025 on 11th December 2025, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Insights from these communities helped Tdh recognise the direct link between environmental stress and the fulfilment of children’s rights. The event convened donors, researchers, practitioners, youth speakers, and policymakers for an in-depth dialogue on how climate change is rapidly emerging as one of the most urgent child-rights challenges of our time.

 

Children and Climate 2025 conference organised by Terre des hommes (India)

 

In India, the impact of climate change is accelerating, with over 85% of districts exposed to recurring extreme climate events such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. These shocks directly affect children’s nutrition, education, protection, mental health, and long-term development.

 

At the Children and Climate conference, participants explored these intersections through an integrated, child-sensitive lens. Discussions focused on designing climate programmes that strengthen social protection systems, embed child-sensitive health responses, and support families facing climate-induced migration. Manavi Bhardwaj from India Climate Collaborative, Sarbjit Singh Sahota from UNICEF India, Harini Kannan from J-Pal, Pragya Vats from IPE Global, and Dr. Sudeshna Chatterjee from WRI were some of the panelists. The event also amplified community voices, highlighting how local experiences must inform larger climate-resilience frameworks.

 

The conference structure drew from the project cycle management approach, enabling a step-by-step examination of how child-centred climate interventions should be planned, financed, implemented, and evaluated. Panel discussions and breakout sessions encouraged funders, practitioners, and researchers to collectively identify gaps, share evidence, propose innovative financing models, and understand the practical challenges of mainstreaming climate considerations into existing child-focused programmes.

 

Speaking at the event, Anindit Roy Chowdhury, Multi-country Director (India & Nepal), Terre des hommes, said, “Children are not merely victims of the climate crisis, they are essential actors in shaping resilient and inclusive futures. Yet the systems meant to support them still respond in fragments. Climate risks intersect with health, protection, and migration in a child’s life, and our solutions must reflect that. Through this convening, we aim to strengthen the collective resolve to design truly integrated programmes that prioritise children’s rights, safety, and well-being”.

 

Children and Climate 2025 reinforced the need for multi-sectoral partnerships and sustained cooperation across development, climate, and social systems. Tdh India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing integrated solutions that safeguard children in India’s most climate-vulnerable contexts, and to collaborating with stakeholders to shape a more inclusive, resilient future for every child.

 

About Terre des hommes (Tdh) India

Terre des hommes (Tdh) India is a leading child-rights organisation working to strengthen health, protection and resilience systems for vulnerable children, youth and communities across high-risk geographies. With a deep focus on digital innovation, climate-resilient child protection, safe mobility and maternal and child health, Tdh collaborates closely with government departments, frontline workers, and community institutions to drive long-term structural change. Since 2016, Tdh India has reached more than 500,000 children, families, and community members, advancing safer childhoods, stronger systems, and equitable access to care and opportunity.

India Fintech Forum Flagship Event IFTA Focused on BFSI Concludes its 10th Edition; Launches Mentorship Program Mentor Chronicles

  • Digital mentorship program is aimed at early stage founders to handhold them in navigating product, compliance and market challenges

  • The program will create an indexed library of recurring founder challenges and practical responses across payments, lending, wealthtech, insurtech, regtech and embedded finance.

  • Program commences in Jan 2026

  • The IFTA platform also concluded its fintech awards initiative with Sahi winning Fintech Startup of the Year and Pine Labs winning Excellence in Payments award

  • 3rd edition of Fintech Olympiad registered participation from 70,000 students from over 4000 colleges pan India

 

The India FinTech Forum concluded the 10th edition of the India FinTech Awards (IFTA) on 10 December 2025 at Aurika, Mumbai. Supported by Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Clearing Corporation Limited (ICCL), this year’s event brought together policymakers, financial institutions, technology firms, and investors for discussions on regulatory priorities, digital infrastructure, and sector trends.

 

Celebrating IFTA’s 10th milestone as the longest running fintech event bringing top industry leaders together and honoring excellence, talent, and fintech innovation

 

Sougata Basu, Founder, CashRich, said, “As an Executive Committee Member of India FinTech Forum and the Founder of Fintech Olympiad, I am proud that the India FinTech Awards (IFTA) has become the only fintech event in India to achieve a continuous 10-year journey. This milestone reflects the trust of our fintech community and the growing strength of the ecosystem. With 70000+ participants, the Fintech Olympiad has become a uniquely impactful initiative that builds financial literacy and digital fluency for India. Together, these efforts show how India is shaping the future of finance.”

 

The multi-track event featured keynote addresses from Mr. Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Managing Director, State Bank of India; Mr. Vishal Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, Bandhan AMC Limited; Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO, National Stock Exchange of India (NSE); and Ms. Vaisshali Babu, Managing Director and CEO, ICCL. Their remarks covered developments in banking, capital markets, asset management, and market infrastructure, with a shared focus on stability, governance, and the role of technology in strengthening financial systems.

 

The India FinTech Forum announced the launch of Mentor Chronicles Fintech Edition at IFTA 2025, introducing a structured digital mentorship series aimed at early-stage founders navigating product, compliance, and market challenges. The initiative responds to a tougher operating environment marked by higher customer acquisition costs, longer compliance cycles and intensified investor scrutiny. The programme collects and curates real founder questions, which are then addressed in focused conversations with experienced operators, investors and sector specialists. Positioned as a long-term knowledge resource, Mentor Chronicles will create an indexed library of recurring founder challenges and practical responses across payments, lending, wealthtech, insurtech, regtech and embedded finance.

 

Beginning January 2026, selected founders will participate, with organisers with an objective of not just funding access but sharper decision-making, better product prioritisation and improved regulatory preparedness. The Forum noted that as the fintech sector enters a phase of consolidation and compliance-driven growth, accessible and experience-led guidance has become a critical gap the programme aims to fill.

 

The Forum received over 1,500 applications for IFTA 2025. Shortlisted firms showcased solutions in payments, lending, compliance, insurance, and wealth management, with a jury assessing them for relevance, impact, and scalability.

 

The event also featured the Fintech Olympiad, aimed at strengthening financial and digital literacy among students. Organisers reported rising participation and noted that early exposure to payments, savings, risk, and digital finance is increasingly important as the sector grows. 70,000 students from across the country registered for the Fintech Olympiad from 4000+ colleges. Around 120 students were shortlisted over 10 online and 21 Regional Rounds for the National Finals held in Mumbai at IFTA.

 

IFTA 2025 also announced winners of the year across categories.

 

Winners at IFTA 2025:

  1. Fintech Startup of the Year: Sahi

  2. Fintech Rising Stars: Riskcovry, SaveIN, OnFinance AI, Navanc Data Sciences

  3. Fintech Scaleup of the Year: Timble Technologies

  4. Most Innovative Fintech Product: Fam

  5. Best Innovation in Digital Lending: GetVantage

  6. Best International Fintech in India: Valocity

  7. Best Fintech Initiative For Social Impact: Spice Money

  8. Excellence in Payments: Pine Labs

  9. Best Use of AI in Fintech: GreyLabs AI

  10. Best Innovation in RegTech: CAMS

  11. Best Innovation in WealthTech: Aspero

  12. Excellence in InsurTech: Perfios

  13. Best Technology Company for Fintech Solutions: Falcon

  14. Best Initiative for Financial Literacy: PayNearby

The winners of the National Finals of the Fintech Olympiad 2025 were announced during IFTA.

Students Category:

  1. Winner: Tejas Sayli, JBIMS Mumbai

  2. 1st Runner up: Dhruv Garg, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

  3. 2nd Runner up: Dhruv Patel, Tolani Motwane Institute of Management Studies

Professionals Category:

  1. Winner: Rohan Khanna, Director, Barclays

  2. 1st Runner up: Madhur Tike, Data Analyst, Morningstar

  3. 2nd Runner up: Shashank Rakesh, Regional Manager, BriskPe

About India FinTech Forum:

The India FinTech Forum, a nonprofit platform fostering collaboration among over 4,500 companies and 37,000 individuals, remains dedicated to making India a global fintech leader. Since its founding in 2016, the Forum’s flagship event, IFTA, has spotlighted groundbreaking ideas, bringing together fintech startups, investors, and thought leaders. The Forum launched the Fintech Olympiad, a national initiative for digital and financial literacy in 2023.

 

More details at: www.indiafintech.com and www.fintecholympiad.org

Bisleri International Conducts Mega Cleanliness Drive with Katalytic Charter Educational Foundation in Sikkim

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading packaged drinking water company, organized a Mega Cleanliness Drive in partnership with the Katalytic Charter Educational Foundation (KCEF). The activity was held across three charter schools and brought together total approximate 125 participants, students, teachers, volunteers, Bisleri representatives, and collected around 560 kg of waste across a stretch of 11 kms. The drive is part of the ongoing collaboration between Bisleri and KCEF to encourage students to build simple, everyday habits around waste management and recycling.
 

Bisleri International and Katalytic Charter Educational Foundation came together to conduct a Mega Cleanliness Drive
 

The event was attended by Mrs. Chimi Donka, Chief Education Officer, Gangtok District, Mr. Anugrah E Rai, Joint Director, School Education, Education Department, Mr. Tshering Yangchen Joint Director, IT, Education Department, Mr. N. B Chettri, Assistant Director, SE, Education Department and Ms. Choeki CEO of  Katalytic Charter Educational Foundation, Community members were also present and encouraged students to look after the environment around them.
 

The day began with a short opening ceremony, followed by the distribution of cleanup kits. Volunteers then spent two hours collecting and sorting waste from selected areas. Students were provided with gloves, masks, trash bags, and safety kits. The event included a small discussion on plastic waste management, and a photo session with students, followed by distribution of certificates to all the participants for their involvement.
 

Speaking about the activity, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd, said, “At Bisleri, we try to involve young people and communities in simple actions that build long-term habits. This drive with KCEF is another step in that direction. We want students to feel confident about taking small but meaningful steps for the environment.”
 

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Chimi Donka, Chief Education Officer, Gangtok District said, “I am delighted to see students taking such an active role in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness. Initiatives like this not only instils a sense of responsibility among young minds but also inspire our communities to embrace sustainable practices. I commend Bisleri International and KCEF for their continued efforts in nurturing a cleaner and greener Sikkim.”
 

The collaboration reflects Bisleri’s wider work on responsible plastic use, recycling, and community participation. Together with KCEF, the company aims to nurture a sense of shared responsibility and encourage young people in Sikkim to lead by example.

 

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.
 

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
 

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

OTTplay Declares 12/12 as Rajinikanth Day; Pays Full-page Tribute in Hindustan Times on 75th birthday of the Indian Film Phenomenon

OTTplay has designated 12th December as “Rajinikanth Day” going forward. Marking the Superstar’s 75th birthday, the platform today unveiled a special full-page tribute in Hindustan Times, headlined “12/12 Happy Rajinikanth Day” to commemorate the birthday of cinema’s biggest phenomenon.

 

A full-page tribute in Hindustan Times marks the 75th birthday of Indian cinema’s biggest phenomenon

 

As India’s living treasure, a presence that has lit up single screens, living rooms and hearts for five decades, turns 75, the tribute had to be fitting. The creative is a powerful salute to a cultural icon whose influence cuts across languages, regions and generations. It’s not only a hat tip to his unmatched stardom but also to generations of fans who have grown up whistling at his entries, copying his style and finding courage in his larger-than-life onscreen avatars.

 

The print tribute is the centrepiece of a wider OTTplay campaign across digital and social platforms, inviting fans across India to celebrate Thalaivar’s milestone by streaming his most iconic performances. At the heart of the celebration is OTTplay, India’s leading OTT aggregation platform, which brings together content from more than 30 streaming platforms under a single subscription, powered by an AI-led discovery engine. Fans can explore Rajinikanth’s legacy across classics and contemporary blockbusters, including Baashha, Muthu, Kabali, Petta,and more available across partner platforms such as SunNXT, JioHotstar, Z5, and more.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Avinash Mudaliar, CEO, OTTplay, said, “Rajinikanth is not just a superstar. He is a feeling, a memory and a part of growing up for millions of Indians. On his 75th birthday, this tribute is our way of saying a collective thank you to the man who still unites families, generations and geographies like no one else. Through OTTplay, we want every fan, from the ones who first saw him on grainy prints to today’s streaming natives, to discover, revisit and celebrate his cinematic journey.

 

The birthday tribute reflects OTTplay’s mission to make great stories easier to discover, rewatch and celebrate, bringing fandom, legacy and everyday viewing together on one platform. With this campaign, OTTplay invites audiences to honour Rajinikanth not only with nostalgia, but by rediscovering the films that made him a cultural force whose appeal continues to endure.

 

About OTTplay

OTTplay is India’s leading OTT aggregator that leverages AI-driven recommendations to personalise content discovery. Through its partnerships with 30+ leading OTT platforms, OTTplay delivers a curated, seamless, one-stop entertainment experience across languages, genres, and platforms.

Chitkara Law School Marks Constitution Week 2025 with Insightful Events and Keynote by Justice Gyan Sudha Misra

Chitkara Law School, Chitkara University, Punjab, successfully celebrated Constitution Week from 24th to 26th November 2025, a three-day academic initiative designed to deepen constitutional awareness and engage students in meaningful discourse on democratic values. The celebration featured an Open Public Discourse Competition, a vibrant Poster Making Competition, and an exciting Quiz Competition on Constitutional Law, all of which saw enthusiastic participation and showcased students’ creativity, knowledge, and analytical skills.

 

Students and faculty of Chitkara Law School unite in celebrations of Constitution Week 2025, marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution


The highlight of the Week was the Constitution Day Celebration on 26th November 2025 at Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Block, marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Guest Justice Gyan Sudha Misra (Retd.). A ceremonial Guard of Honour and lamp-lighting marked the beginning of the program, followed by a welcome address. 


Justice Misra delivered a powerful keynote address on “75 Years of Justice and the Evolving Position of Women in India.” She highlighted constitutional safeguards for women, key legislative reforms such as amendments to the Hindu Succession Act, and the journey of women’s empowerment across physical, emotional, and equality-based dimensions. Her reflections on the evolution of women’s rights from ancient times to modern India resonated deeply with the audience. The address was also broadcast live by Radio Chitkara.


Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, lauded the initiative, stating, “Constitution Week reflects our commitment to nurturing informed, responsible, and socially conscious young citizens. At Chitkara University, we aim to instill in every student the values of justice, equality, and democracy that form the foundation of our nation.”


The celebrations concluded with the announcement of competition results. In the Open Public Discourse Competition, Ms. Hatendar, Ms. Hanspreet, and Ms. Arshpreet Kaur secured the top three positions. In the Poster Making Competition, Ms. Suvercha emerged first, followed by Yashasvi Sharma and others. In the Quiz Competition, Team Kaushal (Arshpreet Kaur, Avantika, and Jashanjot) stood first, while Team Samriddhi (Khushi, Garima, and Gundeep) secured second place.


The Week concluded on an inspiring note, celebrating active student participation and reaffirming the university’s commitment to constitutional literacy and civic learning.


About Chitkara University
Chitkara University is a distinguished private institution known for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, research, and innovation across various disciplines. With a focus on creating leaders of tomorrow, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.


For more information visit : www.chitkara.edu.in

Oakridge Gachibowli Hosts City-wide 'Leading with AI: Shaping the Future of Education' Conference for School Leaders

With AI reshaping classrooms, assessments, and school leadership worldwide, Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, recently hosted “Leading with AI: Shaping the Future of Education,” a first-of-its-kind conference for educators across Hyderabad. The conference brought together senior leadership from leading schools across Hyderabad to explore how Artificial Intelligence can be used meaningfully and responsibly to transform teaching, learning and leadership.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/34082_Oakridge_Gachibowli_image.JPG

Participants collaborate on innovative, AI-powered approaches to teaching at Oakridge Gachibowli’s leadership conference


The conference featured a high-impact keynote and workshop by international leadership coach Ann Palmer, who guided delegates through practical frameworks on AI-enabled leadership, change management, and preparing students for an AI-powered future.


We explored leadership in the context of our school, with staff diving deeper into their roles, reflecting, setting intentions and actions to make leadership more visible across school. We focused on AI in education the myths, realities, anxieties, and how to use AI sustainably while keeping data protection, organic thinking, and student safety in mind,Dipika Rao, Principal, Oakridge International School, Gachibowli.


Designed as a working forum rather than a conventional seminar, the conference gave delegates the opportunity to understand global trends in AI in education and their implications for Indian schools, explore real classroom use cases spanning personalised learning, assessment, and data-informed decision-making, reflect on ethics, wellbeing and safeguarding considerations around use of AI in schools, network and collaborate with peers on shared challenges and opportunities. 


In this changing framework of AI, leaders need to develop skills to steer the community safely while incorporating AI practices in school. Collaboration between industry and schools can replace fear with enthusiasm and positivity as we walk into the future together,” Added Dipika Rao.


A highlight of the conference was Ann Palmer’s session on meaningful AI leadership, where she urged school leaders to move beyond viewing AI as a “tool” and instead treat it as a catalyst for rethinking pedagogy, leadership culture and school operations. Delegates explored how AI can support differentiated instruction, reduce teacher workload in planning and assessments, and help schools design more intentional student wellbeing strategies.


The key is recognising the potential that AI brings along. As lead learners, we have to understand its capabilities and embrace technology now. I hope Oakridge will adapt and evolve its leadership within AI framework to be the leaders in education fraternity. I’ve chosen to come to Oakridge because they have fabulous staff and considerable potential, and I look forward to seeing how leadership training transforms practice and impacts children, leaders, parents, and everyone in the school,” said Ann Palmer, international leadership coach and keynote speaker for the conference.


The conference also highlighted Oakridge Gachibowli’s journey toward AI readiness, with purposeful use of digital tools to personalise learning and support student growth. Platforms such as Raz-Plus, ManageBac, Turnitin, Revision Village, New Scientist, CPOMS, JSTOR and JCS Online are integrated across year levels to build literacy, track progress, encourage academic honesty, support wellbeing, and connect learners to global resources.


With Leading with AI: Shaping the Future of Education, Oakridge Gachibowli has taken a significant step in convening Hyderabad’s education leaders around a shared agenda, ensuring that AI serves as a force for deeper learning, greater inclusion, and future-ready skills for every child.


About Nord Anglia Education
As a leading international schools organisation, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.


Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.


No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.


Our Nord Anglia global family includes 89 day and boarding schools in 37 countries, teaching over 100,000 students from ages 3 to 18.


To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of our schools, go to www.nordangliaeducation.com

Shreyas Shibulal Sells Shares of Infosys Limited

Today, Shreyas Shibulal (son of Infosys Limited Co-founder and Former CEO, SD Shibulal) announced that he and his wife, Bhairavi Madhusudhan Shibulal, have sold a portion of their holding in Infosys Limited on the stock exchanges over the last two days (December 10-11, 2025).

 

The sale was executed by Cholamandalam Securities Limited as the Sole Broker.

 

The Co-founders of Infosys Limited have nurtured the company for over three decades, transforming it into one of the most professionally-run companies in India with a global presence. Proceeds from the partial stake monetization will be utilized for a combination of personal and philanthropic activities.

 

This press release is for information purposes only and is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the shares described herein. The shares have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “US Securities Act”), or in any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the US Securities Act. There has not been and there will not be any public offering of the shares in the United States. 

Education Pioneer Sunny Varkey Calls on Content Creators to Submit Entries for '1 Billion Acts of Kindness' Campaign, in Partnership with MrBeast

  • Content creators worldwide are encouraged to submit their acts-of-kindness videos before 15 December 2025 to join the global 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign, organised in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and MrBeast 

  • The top 10 creators will be announced at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest gathering of digital creators, taking place in Dubai from 9-11 January 2026 

  • They will then travel to Ghana with MrBeast to help build an entire village, transforming lives for generations to come – with the journey shared on MrBeast’s YouTube channel 

 

Education pioneer Sunny Varkey, Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, has today called on content creators to submit their entries for the ‘1 Billion Acts of Kindness’ campaign, ahead of the 15 December deadline. The groundbreaking movement, launched in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, philanthropist and creator MrBeast, and the 1 Billion Followers Summit, aims to inspire one billion acts of kindness worldwide and amplify social impact through education, empowerment, and community development.

 

The campaign encourages content creators across the globe to mobilise their audiences and spotlight real stories of compassion – such as volunteering at a local shelter, visiting a care home, donating blood, or raising awareness for a local charity. 

 

Creators can participate by posting videos of their acts of kindness and social impact work on their platforms, using the hashtags #1BillionSummit #1BKindness and tagging @1billionsummit @varkeyfdn @mrbeast @mbrinitiatives. They must then submit their posts through the official campaign page before 15 December 2025. Submissions will be evaluated by the 1 Billion Followers Summit, MBRGI, the Varkey Foundation, and Beast Industries.  

 

At the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai – taking place 9-11 January 2026 – MrBeast will announce the top 10 content creators chosen to join him on the ground in Ghana. There, they will help build a village – which will include schools, clean water, and access to life-saving healthcare – to transform the lives of future generations to come. Their journey will be shared on MrBeast’s YouTube channel – which counts over 450 million subscribers – to inspire others around the world to take action in their communities and beyond. 

 

The 1 Billion Followers Summit is the world’s largest gathering of digital creators. In 2025, it welcomed creators representing over 2.3 billion followers, making it the ideal platform to mobilise a movement of this scale. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit explores how new media can drive positive societal change and fuel sustainable economic growth for nations. It is a key component of the Emirates’ drive to foster a vibrant content creator community. 

 

Sunny Varkey – Founder of the Varkey Foundation

 

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, said, “Education is the greatest gift we can give – it transforms lives, families, and entire communities. Through this campaign, we want to celebrate stories of kindness and compassion, and showcase the many imaginative ways education can open doors, create hope, and expand opportunity. That’s why I’m calling on content creators everywhere to step forward, share their acts of kindness, and use their platforms to help ignite a global movement for good. 

 

 “By uplifting inspiring creators and their stories, we aim to remind the world that even small acts of compassion can spark extraordinary change. We’re proud to share our expertise and support the projects that will grow from this global movement for good.” 

 

At the heart of this initiative is the Varkey Foundation’s decades-long expertise in delivering quality education to underserved communities. Through global programmes such as the Global Teacher Prize, Global Student Prize, and Global Schools Prize, the Foundation has helped elevate the transformative power of education and amplify the voices of those driving change in classrooms and communities. This campaign builds on that legacy – championing compassion, community action, and the belief that every individual has the power to make a difference. 

 

Notes for editors 

About the Varkey Foundation 

The Varkey Foundation, founded by education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, believes every child deserves a vibrant, stimulating learning environment that awakens and supports their full potential. The foundation believes nothing is more important to achieving this than the passion and quality of teachers. They support global teaching capacity and seed excellence and innovation in the next generation of educators. They founded the Global Teacher Prize to celebrate the incredible work of educators worldwide—now joined by the Global Student Prize and Global Schools Prize, completing a powerful trilogy honouring teachers, learners, and schools as forces of innovation and change.

 

For further details: www.varkeyfoundation.org   

 

About GEMS Education 

GEMS Education is one of the world’s leading private K-12 education providers, educating more than 200,000 students from 176+ nationalities across its global network of owned and managed schools. With nearly half a million alumni, GEMS has built a legacy of impact that spans generations and continents. 

  

Established in Dubai in 1959, GEMS remains a family-founded and family-led organisation, guided by its visionary founder and chairman Sunny Varkey, and his sons Dino Varkey (Group CEO) and Jay Varkey (Deputy Group CEO). 

  

With a focus on delivering high-quality education to students from all walks of life, GEMS offers a wide range of curricula and learning pathways. Each year, GEMS students graduate into the world’s top universities, including all eight Ivy League institutions and every UK Russell Group university, and go on to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers in every sector. 

  

Through its expanding school network and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to its mission: to put a quality education within reach of every learner, everywhere. 

  

Learn more at www.gemseducation.com 

 

About Beast Industries 

Founded by YouTube creator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), Beast Industries is a global entertainment powerhouse known for its groundbreaking content, viral challenges, and large-scale philanthropic initiatives. With over 450 million subscribers, MrBeast became the most-subscribed YouTube channel in the world in June 2024 and now generates more than 2 billion views each month. The Prime Video series Beast Games became the streamer’s most-watched unscripted series ever and broke 44 Guinness World Records, further cementing MrBeast’s impact beyond digital platforms. Season 2 of Beast Games is out on January 7, 2026. Donaldson was named the #1 creator on Forbes’ 2025 Top Creators List and has been featured on both the TIME 100 and the inaugural TIME 100 Climate list. In 2022, he launched Feastables, a snack brand that quickly became one of the fastest-growing CPG companies in history. A leader in digital-first philanthropy, Donaldson has spearheaded major global campaigns, including #TeamTrees, which raised over $23 million to plant 23 million trees, #TeamSeas, which removed 30 million pounds of waste from oceans, rivers, and beaches, and #TeamWater, which raised over $40 million to provide clean water to people around the world. In 2020, he founded Beast Philanthropy, a 501(c)(3).

 

About the 1 Billion Followers Summit 

With a goal of reaching over a billion people worldwide, the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest summit dedicated to the content creator economy, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, brings together top global social media influencers across all online platforms. The summit explores how new media can drive positive societal change and fuel sustainable economic growth for nations. It is a key component of the Emirates’ drive to foster a vibrant content creator community. Alongside business support services, and a globally connected, secure multinational environment, the UAE has committed resources and facilities specifically to fostering content creation, including a million-dollar content creator award being announced at the summit, which takes place from 9 to 11 January 2026.

 

For more information, please visit www.1billionsummit.com  

Glow by Kirtilals Announces 'Nature & Dreams' Young Winners and Launches New Diamond Necklace Edit

Glow by Kirtilals concluded its nationwide ‘Nature & Dreams’ Drawing Competition, inviting children aged 5 to 14 to illustrate their vision of nature and the world they dream of. Submissions from across south reflected vibrant imagination and fresh perspectives.

 

Glow by Kirtilals “Dazzle and Draw” contest Winners

 

After a detailed review, three young artists were selected across each Glow stores and Online:

  • First Award: The winning child received a one-of-a-kind diamond jewellery piece crafted by the Glow design studio.

  • Second & Third Awards: The finalists received premium Piano Players to encourage their creative pursuits.

 

The contest was conducted under Lil Dazzle, the brand’s kids-focused initiative, reinforcing Glow by Kirtilals’ commitment to nurturing young creativity and building meaningful engagements with families.

 

In parallel, the brand unveiled The Necklace Edit, a contemporary collection of diamond necklaces featuring refined silhouettes and modern craftsmanship. To mark the launch, Glow by Kirtilals announced a special 30% offer on Diamonds, giving customers exceptional value on thoughtfully designed pieces.

 

As a brand shaped for Gen Z, Glow by Kirtilals continues to blend expressive design, youthful modernity, and fine craftsmanship—creating jewellery and experiences that resonate with today’s generation.

 

For more information or to explore the collection, visit the Glow by Kirtilals showroom and also shop online at www.glowjewels.com.

AI and Cybersecurity Leader, SecureAuth, Appoints Geoffrey Mattson to Help Enterprises Secure Complex Human, Machine, and AI-agent Identities

SecureAuth, a leader in AI-driven identity security, today announced the appointment of Geoffrey Mattson as Chief Executive Officer. Mattson’s appointment marks the beginning of the company’s next phase of growth as enterprises confront a rapid rise in AI agents with real authority, a shift that is increasing the complexity of business relationships and driving urgent demand for modern identity security.
 

Geoffrey Mattson, Chief Executive Officer, SecureAuth
 

The Board of Directors thanks outgoing CEO Joseph Dhanapal, who will remain as a strategic advisor. During his tenure, SecureAuth invested heavily in creating a next generation security platform, featuring our market leading, AI-driven risk engine. With this platform in place, SecureAuth is positioned to capture accelerating demand for identity and access management as agentic AI transforms identity from a static access check into a dynamic control plane for managing complex human, machine, and AI-driven relationships.
 

Mattson is a globally recognized cybersecurity and AI engineer and executive with a track record of scaling high-growth security companies and delivering advanced identity and threat-detection technologies to global enterprises. He previously served as CEO of Xage Security, co-founded and led MistNet.ai (acquired by LogRhythm), and held product and engineering leadership roles at organizations ranging from high-growth startups to Juniper Networks, Huawei, Nortel, and Bell Labs across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. He holds a master’s degree in computer science and is the inventor of multiple patents in AI, cybersecurity, and networking.
 

“Geoff combines deep technical credibility with proven operator experience in exactly the markets where SecureAuth is poised to lead,” said Vik Verma, Chairman of SecureAuth’s Board of Directors. “Identity is no longer just about logging people in; it’s becoming the control plane for how humans, machines, and AI agents collaborate. Geoff has spent his career building and scaling platforms at that intersection of security, networking, and AI. He is the right leader to help customers safely harness the expanding mesh of AI agents, workflows, and services acting on their behalf; and to translate that need into explosive growth for SecureAuth.”
 

SecureAuth delivers AI-driven identity security that continuously evaluates risk and adapts authentication in real time, combining strong protection with a seamless user experience. Its platform spans workforce, customer, and agentic identity across cloud and hybrid environments and includes innovations such as Biometric Continuous Identity Assurance (BCIA) and the Microperimeter Authorizer, which extend Zero Trust controls from human users to AI agents, services, and automated workflows.
 

“SecureAuth is already tackling some of the hardest problems in identity and relationship security, helping organizations move faster, deepen digital relationships, and still know exactly who and what they can trust,” said Geoffrey Mattson, CEO of SecureAuth.The rise of AI agents is turning identity into a live, continuously updated map of relationships and authority. As enterprises give agents real power to read sensitive data, move money, and change systems, they need a strong identity control plane that can define, delegate, and continuously verify who or what is acting, what they are allowed to do, and on whose behalf. That is exactly what SecureAuth is building. I’m excited to partner with our customers, our team, and our investors to scale that impact worldwide.”
 

For further information, please contact: Kristen Grossi at kristen@talktechcomm.com.
 

About SecureAuth
SecureAuth is an award-winning leader in AI-driven identity security, delivering intelligent, continuous, and frictionless authentication for workforce and customer access. Its platform combines an AI-driven risk engine with innovations such as Biometric Continuous Identity Assurance (BCIA), fine-grained authorization, and the Microperimeter Authorizer that extends Zero Trust protections across human and AI agents and workflows. SecureAuth serves some of the largest organizations in the world, including leading global banks, healthcare organizations and major retailers, authenticating millions of identities every day. The company is shaping the future of identity security for modern digital and AI-powered environments.

Learn more at www.secureauth.com.