New Delhi, April 23rd, 2025: KidZania, the global pioneer in interactive edutainment, proudly hosted the inauguration ceremony of its newly inducted CounZil Members for the year 2025-2026 at its Delhi NCR facility with a grand celebration.

The Oath Ceremony, held at KidZania Delhi NCR on April 20, marked the beginning of a new chapter in youth leadership and governance within KidZania’s legislative framework. Ten bright young KidZanians, between the ages of 7 and 12, were officially inducted as members of the KidZania CounZil Delhi NCR. These included Kshrugal Jain, Jiyansh Jain, Kiaan Verma, Akshat Jain, Aradhya Jain, Aradhya Goel, Yuvraj Bhansali, Olivia Saini, Rushita Wadhen and Apoorva Jain.

Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer of KidZania India, sharing his thoughts on the occasion, said:

“The KidZania CounZil stands as a remarkable initiative designed to foster leadership and self-expression among children. The oath ceremony is more than a formal event—it marks a significant step in a young individual’s journey to becoming an agent of change. We take great pride in welcoming our newest CounZil Members and are excited to see the fresh perspectives and ideas they bring to the KidZania community and beyond.”

Histria Books is pleased to announce the paperback release of The Fall (Book 3), Farryn’s War (Book 4) and Rembrandt’s Station (Book 5) in Tales of Tolari Space series, by Christie Meierz. This series is published by Histria SciFi & Fantasy, an imprint of Histria Books encompassing outstanding, innovative works in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

The Fall the third book in the Tales of Tolari Space science fiction series. After watching her husband die on the bridge of the CCS Alexander and being used as bait by Earth’s government, Laura Howard has found a second chance at love on a planet light-year from Earth—until she falls, and a head injury erases her time on Tolar. Angry, frightened, and impulsive, she rejects the Tolari ruler who loves the woman she was before the fall, vowing to live free on Tolar and master the empathic gifts that came with Jorann’s blessings.

The Paran gained Laura’s love once. But the woman before him now is vastly different and determined to have nothing to do with him, even though they are both in grave danger. To save their lives, he may have to choose the one path he never wanted: to fight for the leadership of Tolar’s ruling caste. Farryn’s War the fourth book in the Tales of Tolari Space science fiction series. Farryn had failed. Failed, and lost his honor. His planet had shunned space travel for thousands of years, and he had sworn to shake his people loose from their isolation.

Sharana dares to follow her estranged lover into human space, desperate to find out what had become of him, determined to convince him that she had never betrayed his trust. Unfortunately, Earth’s security teams are watching. When she falls into their hands, Farryn decides to break her out of prison so he can kill her himself. But a brief encounter in her cell restores the empathic bond they had once shared, and Farryn realizes he must either rescue her for real or lose his sanity. Rembrandt’s Station the fifth book in the Tales of Tolari Space science fiction series. Stationmaster and exiled aristocrat Albert St. John Rembrandt—Bertie to his friends—is in love with a provincial ruler he’s always believed he can’t have. Finding out the hard way that some Tolari are as poisonous as their planet is only the beginning of his troubles.

A ship has gone missing. His station is in crisis. Bertie must manage the disaster while still desperately ill, but the only way to recover his health and be with the man he loves is to accept the genetic modification they call the Jorann’s blessing. Retired Linux hacker and perennial language student Christie Meierz writes space opera and science fiction romance set on a world of empaths at the edge of an expanding human empire.

Her published works include her PRISM award-winning debut novel, The Marann, along with five more novels set in Tolari space and a handful of short stories. She is an active member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). The Fall., 308 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-651-5, Farryn’s War., 273 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-655-3, Rembrandt’s Station., 244 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-6552-2 (Tales of Tolari Space Series) by Christie Meierz are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers.

The books are also available as eBooks. Titles published under the various imprints of Histria Books are distributed worldwide by the Independent Publishers Group (IPG). For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com. 7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA HistriaBooks.com (561) 299-0802

 

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings stars players joined FedEx Cares volunteers to meet the “Let’s READ” beneficiaries in Mumbai. Supported by FedEx and United Way Mumbai, the initiative has reached over 1,000 children across Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, strengthening communities through reading and collective engagement.

 

What better way to celebrate World Book Day than by sparking a lifelong love for stories in your little ones? Whether it’s a tale of magical sleepovers, talking puppies, or brave little dreamers, audiobooks open up a whole new world of imagination for children, that helps them discover the joy of storytelling sans the screen time.

This World Book Day, we bring you a collection of children’s audiobooks on Audible written and narrated by some of your favourite celebrities. From Alia Bhatt to Channing Tatum, their stories are packed with life lessons, fun, and just a sprinkle of stardust. Perfect for bedtime, car rides, or quiet playtime, these are true companions for your kids! So press play, and let the stars read to your little stars.

Ed Finds a Home

Written & Narrated by Alia Bhatt

‘Ed Finds a Home’ is the cute tale of a little dog named Ed, who is brimming with hope despite having no home. When he meets Alia, a kind-hearted girl with a secret superpower, their lives change forever. Together, they discover the power of kindness and how small acts can make a big difference. A perfect introduction to storytelling for kids, this audiobook is an uplifting reminder of the hero within all of us, and just the beginning of their unforgettable adventures in Alia Bhatt’s The Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma series.

Busy Betty

Written & Narrated by Reese Witherspoon

The audiobook introduces Betty, a spirited young girl with boundless energy and a heart full of big ideas. When her dog, Frank, needs a bath before her friend Mae arrives, Betty faces a challenge that teaches her the power of teamwork, perseverance, and thinking outside the box. With Reese Witherspoon’s lively narration, this story inspires young listeners to embrace their unique qualities and reminds them that no task is too big when you have the right mindset!

Inni and Bobo Find Each Other

Written & Narrated by Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kemmu

Little Inni adores animals, especially puppies, and when her parents take her to an adoption center, she can’t resist wanting them all. But it’s scruffy, floppy-eared Bobo who captures her heart, and together, they learn the true meaning of friendship and empathy. Perfect for young listeners, the Inni and Bobo series teaches the importance of adopting pets and opening your heart to new experiences—a beautiful, life-affirming story for all ages!

Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries

Written & Narrated by Eva Mendes

This delightful pick brings to life the relatable bedtime struggles every parent and child knows too well. Narrated by Eva Mendes, this audiobook follows Desi, a little girl who battles her nightly worries, including the fear of a monster under her bed. With her loving Mami’s calming guidance, Desi learns how to take charge of her thoughts and face her fears head-on. Packed with soothing music, sound design, and narration, this story is sure to be extra special for both kids and parents alike.

Remember to Dream, Ebere

Written & Narrated by Cynthia Erivo

If you’re looking for something that celebrates love, hope, and imagination this World Book Day, ‘Remember to Dream, Ebere’ is it! Told by Cynthia Erivo, the award-winning actress and singer herself, this gentle story follows a little girl whose bedtime becomes a launchpad for the most magical dreams, all encouraged by her loving mother. With warmth and wonder, it’s a beautiful reminder that no dream is too big when someone believes in you. Let your children tune into this audiobook and it will definitely leave them smiling.

The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan

Written & Narrated by Channing Tatum

Sparkella is gearing up for her first-ever sleepover with her new friend, Tam, and she’s determined to make it perfect. From a glittery outfit to the best tea party setup, she’s got it all, except one thing: a castle fit for two royal highnesses! When things don’t go according to plan, Sparkella’s frustration grows. With a little help from her dad, she learns that patience and creativity can turn setbacks into triumphs. Channing Tatum’s narration adds a special touch to this story of father-daughter love – it is an unmissable listen for the little ones!

New Delhi, 16th April 2025 – Venkateshwar International School (VIS), Sector 10, Dwarka, launched two Socio-Emotional Learning programmes for the holistic development of students. It has introduced ASPIRE for Classes 1 to 5 and CASEL (Collaborative Activities for Socio-Emotional Learning) for Classes 6 to 12 for the current academic year to encourage students to become responsible, reflective and adaptable individuals.

In this new technology era, everything is accessible for children, necessitating the need to imbibe moral values and empathy in them. VIS has taken this initiative, keeping in mind the significance of learning in the developmental stages of children.

As part of the programme, ASPIRE focuses on early emotional literacy, empathy, and confidence-building in younger children through storytelling, role-play, and collaborative activities. It emphasizes nurturing emotional intelligence, social awareness, and positive peer interactions among primary students. Similarly, CASEL, supports adolescents in managing emotions, making responsible decisions, and flourishing in social and academic settings. The program encourages cultural responsiveness, digital awareness, and real-life contextual learning, preparing the students to cope with real-world issues efficiently.

Dr. Manisha Sharma, Principal of Venkateshwar International School, said, “In today’s fast-evolving world, academic excellence must go hand-in-hand with emotional intelligence. With ASPIRE and CASEL, we are not just teaching skills — we are nurturing hearts, building resilience, and preparing students to lead with empathy and purpose. These initiatives are a testament to our belief that education is the art of igniting a mindful, compassionate, and courageous generation,” said Dr. Sharma

The Prem Jain Memorial Trust (PJMT) is proud to announce the winners of the National Green Earth Challenge (NGEC) 2025, a national competition aimed at inspiring undergraduate students in Design, Engineering, and Architecture to create innovative, sustainable solutions to address global climate challenges of today. The event was held in collaboration with Daikin India, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the Association of Designers of India, UNICEF YuWaah, and the National Institute of Urban Affairs.

The Prem Jain Memorial Trust (PJMT), founded in December 2018, continues to honour the legacy of Dr. Prem Jain, a visionary engineer, teacher, leader and ‘Father of the Green Building movement in India’. Dr. Jain’s pioneering efforts helped India achieve an impressive 5.7 billion square feet of green building footprint by 2018. His dream of a Green Bharat lives on through the work of young leaders and sustainability advocates across the country.

The National Green Earth Challenge serves as a platform to identify and nurture India’s brightest minds, engaging students from over 500 partnering technical and design institutions across 19 states of India. This year, 1130 applications were received from passionate students eager to contribute their innovative ideas for climate resilience and energy efficiency. After a highly competitive zonal round across four regions—North, South, East, and West—where 72 teams battled it out, and reached the final stage. The top 16 teams have made it to the national round, marking the exciting culmination of this year’s challenge.

The competition encourages a trans-disciplinary approach to sustainability, with a particular focus on repurposing resources, fostering climate resilience, and enhancing energy efficiency. Students were tasked with creating projects and designs rooted in Dr. Prem Jain’s philosophy of Panchbhutas (five elements), emphasizing harmony between nature and human development.

The National Jury for the NGEC 2025 took place on March 21st and comprised a distinguished panel of experts and leaders from diverse platforms in the fields of sustainability, architecture, design, and engineering. Their collective expertise provided invaluable insights into the innovative solutions presented by the students. Our eminent jury comprised of Ar. K T Ravindran, Mr. V Suresh, Dr. Hariharan Chandra, Ms. Ina Puri, Mr. Rajesh Pratap Singh, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Satyaki Roy, Dr. Shatarupa Thakurta Roy , Ms. Anshu Khanna, Ar. Murlidhar Reddy, Mr Sandeep Narang, Mr. Debasish Mukherjee and Ms. Payal Jain.

We are incredibly proud of the ground-breaking ideas presented by the finalists, including the Model for Self-Sustaining Communities, the Engine Health & Smoke Analyzer for Vehicles, HydroSoleil, the Integrated Photocatalytic-Self-Fenton-PS System for Sustainable Water Treatment, and the Eco-Friendly e-Scooter. These innovations reflect Dr. Jain’s vision of a green and sustainable future, where education, innovation, and action converge to drive positive change. The energy and creativity shown by these students highlight the bright future of sustainability in India.

The winners of NGEC 2025 will receive mentorship from industry leaders, alongside the opportunity to showcase their sustainable designs to global audiences. The projects submitted span a range of solutions, from energy-efficient buildings and waste management systems to innovative water conservation techniques and climate-responsive urban designs.

Dr. Prem Jain’s vision continues to resonate across the country, with a growing community of young professionals and students driving forward the movement for a sustainable India. As the PJMT works to honour his legacy, it is clear that the next generation is ready to carry the torch toward a greener, more sustainable future.