Trehan Iris, a pioneering name in Indian real estate for over seven decades, has announced a major strategic initiative to embed holistic wellness at the core of all its upcoming developments. Aligning with its guiding philosophy “Nourish Your Being” the company is integrating biophilic design elements, nature-led environments, and mindful community amenities to create living and working ecosystems that elevate everyday well-being. 

Trehan Iris onboards Milind Soman as its Wellness Advisor

In a significant step toward strengthening this vision, Trehan Iris has appointed an actor, model, film producer, fitness and a wellness icon ‘Milind Soman’ as its Wellness Advisor. Widely regarded for promoting holistic health, endurance, and sustainable lifestyle practices, Milind will consult on the wellness framework for Trehan Iris’ upcoming projects in Gurugram and Noida. His guidance will help shape-built environments that inspire residents and professionals to adopt healthier, more mindful ways of living.

Speaking about the collaboration, Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, said,“At Trehan Iris, we believe that wellness is the ultimate luxury. Our partnership with Milind Soman marks a significant step in translating this belief into built environments where every design element, amenity, and experience fosters holistic well-being. His philosophy of balanced, mindful living aligns seamlessly with our vision for the future of real estate.”

While Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris adds, “Real estate must evolve to meet the changing needs of people, and wellness is central to that evolution. With Milind Soman onboard, we’re bringing sharper insight into designing spaces that encourage healthier lifestyles, from the architecture to the everyday experiences. This partnership reinforces our mission to build the next generation of wellness-led developments.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Milind Soman commented, “Wellness is not about doing something extra, it’s about integrating healthy habits and mindful choices into everyday life. I’m glad to associate with Trehan Iris as their Wellness Advisor to shape communities that make well-being an intrinsic part of how people live, move, and connect.”

With this collaboration, Trehan Iris reinforces its commitment to redefining luxury real estate by placing holistic wellness at the heart of its design philosophy and community planning. The company continues to craft future-ready spaces that promote harmony, balance, vitality, and a deeper connection with nature.

About Trehan Iris

Building on a legacy of over 7 decades, Trehan Iris is now reimagining urban development through the lens of wellness. With more than 15 million sq. ft. delivered across 100+ landmark projects—including IRIS Broadway Gurgaon, IRIS Broadway Greno West, an ongoing 1 million retail led, mixed use development, IRIS Tech Park, and IRIS Cyber Tower—the company has consistently demonstrated innovation, quality, and trust. Moreover, Trehan Iris is also expanding its presence in the south with a 5-star hotel and IT Park in Bangalore along with other upcoming residential projects in Gurgaon and a commercial & retail development in Noida. Additionally, these upcoming projects will focus on wellness, further enhancing lifestyle and ecosystem. With this new chapter, Trehan Iris is committed to make wellness an integral part of all future developments.

SOCOMEC Group, in collaboration with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), has launched Project Edu-Sustain – Education, Environment & Sustainability Initiative, a series of impactful CSR interventions focused on Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management. The initiative aims to promote holistic and sustainable community development across Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi-NCR, contributing to a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future.

SOCOMEC and IFCCI Launch Multi-Faceted CSR Initiatives Promoting Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management

Reflecting SOCOMEC’s enduring commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Project Edu-Sustain integrates education, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to create long-term, scalable impact.

Key Focus Areas:

• Clean & Green Energy: Installation of solar panel systems in 7 government schools across Chennai and Delhi-NCR, generating over 35,000–50,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy-efficient learning environments.

• Education for Underserved Communities: Establishment and running of two educational centres supporting over 80 primary-level children from high-risk and underserved communities and ensure least drop out. These centres provide after-school academic support, mentoring, and creative learning spaces to strengthen learning outcomes and prevent school dropouts.

• Zero Plastic Waste Management: Adoption of two beaches – Prabhadevi and Dadar in Mumbai – under a comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste Management initiative, targeting the collection and recycling of over 15,000 kg of marine plastic waste annually. The collected plastic is upcycled into useful products, generating livelihood opportunities for local waste pickers.

• Awareness & Employee Engagement: Through employee volunteering, community outreach, and sustainability awareness programs, the initiative promotes environmental consciousness among students, corporate employees, and local residents.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Partnership for Goals) — Project Edu-Sustain underscores SOCOMEC’s dedication to integrating sustainability with social progress.

Leadership Speak

Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “At Socomec, sustainability is a core part of our business strategy and culture. We are committed to advancing carbon footprint transparency, upholding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, and advancing eco-design practices. Through Project Edu-Sustain, in collaboration with IFCCI, we bring this vision to life by integrating clean energy solutions, enabling education for underserved communities, and championing zero-plastic initiatives. These efforts are creating resilient ecosystems that empower people and protect the planet, ensuring that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Ms. Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, “Socomec’s commitment to social and environmental sustainability extends both inside and outside the organization, fostering an inclusive and safe workplace, empowering communities through sustainable actions. Over the past few years, we have successfully collaborated with IFCCI on strategic CSR projects. We are taking this partnership forward through Project Edu-Sustain, operating two education centers for children of female sex workers, installing solar panels in seven government schools across Chennai and Delhi NCR to promote renewable energy, and adopting two beaches in Mumbai under the Zero Plastic Model to drive environmental awareness and community participation.”

Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), added, “We are proud to partner with SOCOMEC Group in driving projects that deliver measurable and lasting impact on both people and the planet. Through initiatives such as solarizing government schools, empowering children from underserved communities, and reviving beaches through zero-plastic interventions, we are collectively building ecosystems of change. These efforts represent a true convergence of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. 

We are also deeply thankful to SOCOMEC Group for their continued partnership with IFCCI’s CSR Department since its inception in 2023. Their commitment to community development and sustainability has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that empower underserved communities and promote a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future.”

HONG KONG SAR
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) today announced the distinguished laureates of the DFA Awards 2025, honouring their transformative design achievement with global impact. This year, the DFA Awards features the debut of DFA Asian Design Vanguard, an award programme established to honour a designer with whose work resonates powerfully across the international design landscape.

Launched in 2003, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the lead sponsor, the DFA Awards continues its mission to honour extraordinary individuals and projects that have made a lasting impact in Asia, recognising the industry giants whose work has fundamentally shaped our world. The 2025 awardees represent a diverse spectrum of design excellence, including Don NORMAN, DFA Lifetime Achievement Award (DFA LAA) winner; Christina ONG, DFA Design Leadership Award (DFA DLA) winner; MA Yansong, DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer (DFA WOCD) winner; André FU, DFA Designer of the Year (DFA DOY) winner; and Rahul MISHRA, DFA Asian Design Vanguard (DFA ADV) winner.

This year, the DFA Awards introduced the new accolade of the DFA Asian Design Vanguard with the aim to honour the contributions of Asian designers in any region of the world, who have strong vision to redefine global demand through design. This designer demonstrated the innovation of creativity, impacting market with significant commercial success locally and globally. Parallelly, has created cultural influence through design or cross-industry reach. To synchronise the new award programme, the trophy, designed by esteemed designer Mui KINOSHITA, features a triangular cut-out at its centre that symbolises A-D-V, dramatically frames light and shadow to create dynamic views from every angle to distinguish the Award’s eminent status.

Mr. Joseph LO, Chairman of HKDC, said, “This year’s cohort of laureates represents a powerful convergence of legacy and future-forward thinking. We see a profound depth of contribution, from Don NORMAN’s foundational theories that inspired us on how to interact with the world through design, to Christina ONG’s visionary leadership in designing global lifestyle empires that seamlessly bridge fashion, hospitality and wellness. We also celebrate the distinct design languages of MA Yansong and André FU blending the modern and cultural element to a stylish living. The inaugural DFA Asian Design Vanguard award allows us to honour a unique creative force, Rahul MISHRA, whose work is fundamentally influential and setting a new benchmark for what Asian design can connect social change and cultural preservation.”

DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 (DFA LAA)
Don NORMAN
Founding Director emeritus
Design Lab, University of California, San Diego
 

Don NORMAN, Founding Director emeritus Design Lab, University of California, San Diego​
 

Don NORMAN is a visionary leader who has profoundly shaped how we interact with technology. Renowned for championing the principle that design must serve people, his work seamlessly bridges the gap between social sciences and engineering, bringing a deep human perspective to product creation. His influential career includes pivotal leadership roles in the industry, such as Vice President of Advanced Technology at Apple, Executive at Hewlett Packard, and Founding Director of the Design Lab at the University of California, San Diego, which has inspired generations of designers, engineers, and business leaders worldwide. His ideas have been so transformative that Business Week (now known as Bloomberg Businessweek) once named him one of the world’s 27 most influential designers.

NORMAN’s exceptional contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including lifetime achievement awards from ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. His ongoing global impact is reflected in his advisory roles at leading institutions like Tongji University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 celebrates Don NORMAN’s profound legacy – a career dedicated not just to humanising technology, but to empowering us all through design that is intuitive, accessible, and deeply respectful of human experience. His pioneering concepts have become the foundational lexicon for the entire field, ensuring that his principles will continue to guide the creation of meaningful technology for generations to come.

DFA Design Leadership Award 2025 (DFA DLA)
Christina ONG
Founder
COMO Group

Christina ONG, Founder, COMO Group​
 

Christina ONG is a visionary of global luxury, renowned for building an empire that seamlessly spans fashion, hospitality, and wellness. As founder of the COMO Group, her impeccable taste and astute leadership have established her as Singapore’s preeminent style icon and a powerful shaper of international lifestyle trends across five decades.

Her journey began in 1972 with Club21, a single Singapore boutique she expanded into a global network of luxury stores across Asia and beyond. Her strategic acumen drove the celebrated revival of British luxury brand Mulberry. Her transformative vision extends to hospitality, where her Group owns a collection of award-winning Asian properties including Metropolitan Bangkok, Uma Ubud in Bali, and Uma Paro in Bhutan. Central to her philosophy is COMO Shambhala, a pioneering wellness brand that integrates holistic well-being focused on balancing mind, body and spirit into each property, from urban retreats to resort sanctuaries. These achievements have earned her honours including the Italian Cavaliere del Lavoro award and the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame.

The DFA Design Leadership Award 2025 celebrates Christina ONG for masterfully curating a global lifestyle aesthetic that merges commerce with culture, and architecting complete ecosystems of luxury that empower artisans, champion wellness and set timeless standards of excellence. Her career stands as a powerful testament to how visionary leadership can redefine an industry through design and conscious enterprise.

DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer 2025 (DFA WOCD)
MA Yansong
Founder
MAD Architects

MA Yansong, Founder, MAD Architects
 

Beijing-born MA Yansong is synonymous with the leading voice in a new generation of architecture. His vision is to create a future where cities balance humanity, nature, and the environment through futuristic, organic designs that reflect a contemporary Eastern affinity for nature.

Notable projects that embody this philosophy include the sprawling Quzhou Sports Park, the dynamic Shenzhen Bay Culture Park, the visionary Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, and the immersive Tunnel of Light in Japan. His significant contributions have been recognised with honours such as being named to the ’20 Most Influential Young Architects’ list by ICON, a British design and architecture magazine, in 2008, receiving the RIBA International Fellowship in 2010, being selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum in 2014, and being named one of the TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2025.

The DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer 2025 honours MA Yansong for his groundbreaking contributions to architecture and urban design, celebrating his visionary approach that integrates humanistic values, the poetic essence of nature, and cutting-edge technological innovation. His work continuously reshapes the future of our urban environments and demonstrates exceptional creative leadership, establishing a new paradigm for what Chinese designer can achieve on the global design stage.

DFA Designer of the Year 2025 (DFA DOY)
André FU
Founder
André Fu Studio

André FU, Founder, André Fu Studio
 

Renowned Hong Kong-based interior designer and architect André FU has established himself on the global stage by revolutionising modern luxury with a signature style that seamlessly blends cultural sensibilities, art, and craftsmanship.

For the past fifteen years, his vision has drawn equally on European principles of beauty and Oriental qualities to create timeless and resonant spaces. His influential portfolio includes iconic hospitality projects such as The Upper House in Hong Kong, the Waldorf Astoria in Osaka, and most recently, the Dusit Thani reopened in Bangkok and Capella Taipei. His collaborations extend to furniture for Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades and his own lifestyle brand, André Fu Living.

He has also received numerous awards, including Designer of the Year by Maison & Objet Asia, “Interior Designer of the Year” by Elle Décor China, Robb Report’s Icon of Luxury and the AHEAD Special Contribution Award.

The DFA Designer of the Year 2025 honours André FU for his unique vision that masterfully weaves together culture, craft and opulence. He is celebrated for creating a universe of iconic, cross-cultural spaces that are shaping the present and defining the future of modern luxury. Through his holistic practice, FU is establishing a new design chronology, offering a profoundly resonant aesthetic language that speaks to our moment and signals what is to come.

DFA Asian Design Vanguard 2025 (DFA ADV)
Rahul MISHRA
Founder & Creative Director
Rahul Mishra

Rahul MISHRA, Founder & Creative Director Rahul Mishra
 

Rahul MISHRA, a pioneering Indian designer, is renowned for integrating traditional craftsmanship with global haute couture. He made history as the first Indian designer invited to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, following his 2014 International Woolmark Prize win. In 2023, the French government also honoured him with the “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” for his contributions.

MISHRA champions “mindful luxury,” using fashion as a force for empowerment. Through his couture line and ready-to-wear brand, AFEW Rahul Mishra (AFEW), he creates sustainable employment for over a thousand Indian artisans. His work has drawn acclaim from industry legends; fashion critic and former International Vogue editor Suzy Menkes calls him a “national treasure.” AFEW offers effortless luxury inspired by nature’s elements—Air, Fire, Earth, and Water—blending timeless style with modern wearability. Both his couture and ready-to-wear collections are available at his flagship stores in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, and through international retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, cementing his influence on the global fashion stage.

The inaugural DFA Asian Design Vanguard 2025 celebrates Rahul MISHRA as a visionary who is redefining the fashion industry, proving that design can be a powerful vehicle for social change, cultural preservation, and ecological responsibility. By creating a sustainable bridge between Indian artisans and the global fashion market, he demonstrates how luxury can be both beautiful and benevolent. His work offers a compelling blueprint for a more conscious and interconnected design future.
 

About DFA Awards (www.dfaawards.com)
Since 2003, the Hong Kong Design Centre has launched the DFA Awards to underpin the role of designers in society, to celebrate design leadership and exemplary designs and projects with commercial success or impact in Asia, as well as to recognise the rising force of emerging designers in Hong Kong. The DFA Awards, through its seven major award programmes, has grown in its international influence in Asia. The seven award programmes include DFA Lifetime Achievement Award, DFA Design Leadership Award, DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer, DFA Designer of the Year, DFA Asian Design Vanguard, DFA Design for Asia Awards and DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award.

About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government, harnessing the city’s distinctive East-meets-West position to create value through design.

To achieve our goals we

• Cultivate a culture of design

• Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the power of design

• Promote excellence in various design disciplines

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (www.ccidahk.gov.hk)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to some of HKDC’s activities/projects only, and does not otherwise take part in such funded activities/projects. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and relevant materials/events (or by members of the project teams) are those of HKDC only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Anant National University hosted its 7th Convocation, conferring degrees on 299 students from the Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Design, Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment, MSc in Sustainability and Built Environment and Anant Fellowship in Climate Action. Padma Shri awardee and Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation, Dr Sridhar Vembu, was the Chief Guest. Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, and the members of the board were present during the convocation. “Coming to Anant National University has truly been a joy. The creativity and purpose-driven designs by Anant students blew my mind. I saw remarkable work—the kind of innovation our nation urgently needs,” Dr Vembu shared, drawing the audience of students, faculty and families into deep engagement. He reflected on India’s evolving design landscape, emphasising the importance of future-oriented thinking. “We often celebrate the achievements of our past, yet rarely do we pause to honour what we are building in the present. We must think beyond our own lifetimes and create for the future, and Anant is clearly teaching its students to do exactly that.”

Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost Anant National University while addressing the graduates in the 7th convocation

Dr Vembu, who Co-founded Zoho in 1996 and led it as CEO for over twenty years, now helms the company’s cutting-edge AI and deep-tech research—an evolution he describes as “the joy of building for tomorrow.”

Following his address, Mr Piramal, President of Anant National University, spoke about design as a powerful force for national transformation. “Design gives us the tools to reimagine industries, rebuild communities and renew our environment. It is how we transition from ‘Make in India’ as an aspiration to ‘Design for India’ as a philosophy,” he said.

Provost Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi then addressed the 299 graduands from programmes spanning design, architecture, sustainability, climate action and fellowship tracks, situating their journey within India’s moment of accelerating growth. “As you enter this new chapter, remember that there couldn’t have been a better time to begin. India stands in a moment of remarkable opportunity. We are growing, innovating and moving with purpose toward becoming Viksit Bharat within just a few decades.”

He reinforced the generational responsibility the young designers carry, “You will be the builders of the Viksit Bharat, a sustainable, inclusive and globally recognised country. An India where design thinking shapes governance, industry and everyday life.”

This year’s convocation also honoured exceptional achievers across Academic Excellence, Innovation, Best Graduation Project, Best Thesis, Best Live-Action Project and Best Student categories.

To mark the graduating cohort’s creative journey, the university transformed its entire campus into a vibrant, immersive exhibition space. Studios, galleries and auditoriums showcased an array of student-led innovations—from design prototypes and sustainability solutions to architectural models and climate-action initiatives—turning the university into a living museum of ideas shaping India’s future.

Learn more at www.anant.edu.in.

About Anant National University
Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.

Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.

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)