Author: Team

Over 40 Percent of Non-Premium Students Delay or Default on Fees Due to Financial Gaps Flashaid Report

New Delhi, India: According to Flashaid’s recent user research conducted across tier 2 and tier 3 colleges in India, over 40% of students in non-premium institutions either delay or default on their tuition fees due to the lack of accessible financial support. This finding highlights a growing affordability crisis within India’s education system, where rising costs and limited financing options are becoming significant barriers to higher education.

 India’s education sector is grappling with rising costs, and 44% of Indian parents report facing fee hikes of 50% to 80% over the last three years. Education inflation is running at 11% to 12%, well above the national average for consumer inflation, according to a LocalCircles survey. This is particularly concerning for families in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions where access to affordable financial support is limited. In addition to this, even tier 1 colleges are witnessing significant dropouts. As per a survey by the Ministry of Finance(Economic Survey 2024-25), 4.33 crore students enrolled in 2021-22 in higher education in India.

 The dropout rate is also higher in India’s centrally funded technical institutions, Rajya Sabha data show. Almost 40% of dropouts were from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, forming 88% of IIT Guwahati dropouts and 76% of IIT Delhi dropouts from reserved categories.

The highest dropouts were witnessed from Pune, Delhi/NCR, Noida, Lucknow and Karnataka and the courses that witnessed the most dropouts are Higher Education Courses like Engineering, Vocational Courses, Online Courses, and Professional Executive course.

 Given the same, Flashaid has introduced Flashaid Smart Fee, a loan-free, auto-EMI-based tuition payment solution designed to make education more accessible for students across India. This innovative platform enables colleges, coaching centres, and vocational institutions to offer flexible fee payment plans without the burden of interest or lengthy approval processes.

 In this context, Flashaid Smart Fee is developed to bridge the financial gap, especially for students in Tier-2 cities who often struggle to pay their tuition fees due to difficulties in securing traditional bank loans. By offering an easy, loan-free solution with automated EMI payments, Flashaid Smart Fee makes education accessible to a wider pool of students, while also helping institutions streamline their fee collection process.

 “Education should be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Yet today, millions of students are being forced to choose between aspiration and affordability. With Flashaid Smart Fee, we’re not just offering a payment solution, we’re creating a financial safety net that empowers families to invest in education without fear or compromise. This is about unlocking opportunity, one EMI at a time”, says Mr. Manoj Gupta, Founder & CEO, Flashaid

 

With the potential to increase admissions by up to 25%, Flashaid Smart Fee is set to redefine how India’s education ecosystem handles tuition fees, providing a brighter future for students and educational institutions alike.

Chloride Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete: Key Insights on Prevention and Repair

By Pushpam Kumar

Imagine moving into a brand-new high-rise apartment, built with the highest standards and boasting superior concrete strength. Everything looks flawless. But within a few years, cracks begin to appear, rust stains seep through the walls, and chunks of concrete start falling. What went wrong? The culprit is often an invisible yet relentless enemy: chloride corrosion.

Across India, from Delhi NCR to Chennai, even well-constructed buildings are suffering from premature deterioration due to chloride-induced corrosion. This isn’t just an Indian problem; it’s a global challenge, with major infrastructure projects facing chloride attacks. The good news? It’s entirely preventable, and the solution is proactive maintenance.

Chloride-related damage typically emerges over a longer period, often years after construction. The process involves chloride ions penetrating the concrete and reaching the steel reinforcements. This penetration can take time, depending on factors such as the presence of cracks and environmental conditions. Once the chloride ions reach the steel, they break down the protective oxide layer, leading to corrosion. The rust formed from this corrosion expands, causing internal pressure that can crack and weaken the concrete. This gradual process means that significant damage might not be visible until years after the initial exposure to chlorides. Corrosion can occur due to rainwater infiltration, plumbing leaks, or prolonged exposure to moisture. If left unchecked, corrosion weakens the structure and reduces its load-bearing capacity, making repairs both costly and unavoidable. Making regular maintenance is the only effective means of prevention.

Ensuring a building’s longevity depends on the developer’s commitment to proper maintenance and regular assessments of the building’s strength and other related issues. Even a well-built structure that meets Indian Standard codes at the time of construction / possession can suffer severe corrosion if maintenance is neglected. To prevent this, developers must implement stringent maintenance plans, educate residents on early detection, and ensure timely repairs.

Given that chloride contamination is inevitable, continuous monitoring and preventive maintenance are essential to safeguarding buildings. Regular inspections remain essential to detect early signs of damage, such as rust stains, cracks, or surface deterioration. Advanced testing methods, such as electrical resistivity, Half-Cell Corrosion Potential Mapping etc. allow engineers to check for chloride damage without drilling into the concrete. If corrosion is detected, various repair techniques can be used. Concrete Repair involve removing damaged concrete, treating reinforcement, and applying chloride-resistant concrete. Cathodic Protection applies a small electrical current to the steel reinforcement to prevent corrosion. Re-alkalization restores the concrete’s alkalinity to rebuild its protective properties, while Concrete Protection slow chloride penetration, extending structural life. Specialized products, like Sika® FerroGard®-903, penetrate concrete and form a protective layer around steel reinforcements, delaying corrosion and improving durability.

Addressing chloride corrosion is not just about repairing damage; it is about ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of our infrastructure. The responsibility extends beyond construction to the ongoing upkeep of the structures. Without proper maintenance, no building is immune to chloride attacks. Regular inspections and timely repairs must be prioritized to prevent deterioration. Residents also have a crucial role to play. They should promptly report any signs of damage and insist on swift action. If their concerns go unaddressed, they should escalate the matter to local authorities to ensure necessary intervention.

Pushpam Kumar, National Target Manager, Engineered Refurbishment, Sika India Private Limited.

Vahan.ai Empowers Tier 2/4 Recruiters; Launches Vahan Premier League to Reward Top Partners

National, India | 23 April, 2025:  Vahan.ai, India’s leading AI-powered recruitment platform for the blue-collar workforce, continues its mission of building entrepreneurship and enabling economic growth in Tier 2/4 cities with the Vahan Leaders Platform (VL Platform). As part of this initiative, the company recently recognised top-performing recruitment partners in Bhopal and Hyderabad, awarding them with high-value rewards, including a Mahindra Thar and a Tata Punch, respectively, in appreciation of their outstanding achievements.

These recognitions come at a time when India’s non-metro cities are becoming central to the country’s employment engine, especially within the gig and logistics sectors. Vahan.ai, through its VL Platform, empowers small and mid-sized recruitment agencies in these regions to place over 40,000 workers every month across leading employers such as Swiggy, Zepto, Zomato, Blinkit, Flipkart, and others.

Commenting on the events, Madhav Krishna, Founder and CEO of Vahan.ai said, “We are witnessing a new wave of grassroots entrepreneurship emerge in Bharat. By enabling recruiters in Tier 2/4 towns with technology, access, and support, we’re not only solving the problem of job creation but also helping build lasting businesses in places that have historically lacked such opportunities.”

In line with its philosophy of engaging, incentivising high performance, and in the spirit of IPL, Vahan.ai has launched the Vahan Premier League (VPL)—a gamified business competition that motivates recruiters on the VL Platform to push their boundaries, unlock higher earnings, and win exciting prizes, including cars. “With VPL, we’re making growth exciting, measurable, and rewarding,” said Madhav Krishna. “It’s a celebration of how far these entrepreneurs can go with the right support and incentives.” 

The Vahan Premier League is designed to drive meaningful employment by facilitating stable, long-term job opportunities for lakhs of job seekers across India. Recruitment agencies that consistently deliver high-quality job opportunities and be able to maximize the number of retained riders, will be eligible for a range of performance-based recognitions. These include top-tier rewards such as brand-new cars and bikes, with three cars and four two-wheelers being awarded to the multiple highest-performing partners.

At its core, Vahan.ai is building ‘tech for good’—using cutting-edge AI to solve systemic employment challenges at scale. By making job discovery simple, localised, and accessible and by empowering a distributed network of recruiters through the VL Platform, Vahan is not just placing workers into jobs—it is creating a sustainable ecosystem of opportunity, dignity, and digital inclusion for India’s emerging workforce.

Embark on a Flavor-Packed Anime Quest at Miyuki’s Otaku Kai

Miyuki, the Japanese Teppanyaki specialty restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, brings a vibrant twist to traditional Japanese dining with Otaku Kai – A Culinary Journey Through Your Favorite Anime, happening from April 14th to 30th. “Otaku” – meaning anime fans, and “Kai” – a gathering, sets the tone for this unique food festival that merges beloved anime worlds with authentic Japanese flavors. Whether you’re an anime enthusiast, a foodie, or both, this festival promises a nostalgic yet fresh experience for your palate.

Guests can indulge in an exciting menu inspired by iconic dishes seen in popular anime series. Start with the Onigiri Trio, crispy Takoyaki Delight, or Gyoza. Slurp your way through soulful noodle bowls like Ichiraku Miso Ramen, Spicy Mapo Tofu Ramen from Shokugeki no Soma, or Ghibli’s Chicken Ramen. For those who crave hearty comfort, the Japanese Curry Rice, and Omurice offer warm, familiar flavors. Wrap up with whimsical desserts like the Chocolate Cornet or the silky Tofu Cheesecake with pineapple vanilla ice cream!

So, gather your fellow anime enthusiasts and step into this limited-time celebration of flavor, fandom, and fun at Miyuki, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad.

STAR Rice Unveils Sealed Purity in New Kitchen-Ready Packaging

National, 23rd April 2025: Ghodawat Consumer Ltd. (GCL), the FMCG arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, recently unveiled the new packaging for its STAR Rice range, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. While the original STAR Rice packaging remains in the market, this newly designed pack offers consumers more choice in how they experience one of their daily essentials. What sets it apart is what’s inside the pack as much as the packaging itself. Using advanced Swiss technology, the grains are sorted by size, shape, and texture through a fully automated, contactless system ensuring quality, hygiene, and consistency in every bite. This modern process eliminates human touch and prevents adulteration, setting a new benchmark for how daily staples should be handled.

Salloni Ghodawat, CEO, Ghodawat Consumer Ltd., stated, “For generations, rice has been the backbone of Indian meals that was purchased in open sacks from local stores. While familiar, this practice came with hidden risks: exposure to dust, insects, rodents, and adulteration. But in an era where health and hygiene matter more than ever, packed rice is no longer a luxury, it’s a smarter and safer choice. Our focus has always been on delivering staples that people can rely on. This new packaging, it’s about reimagining how a daily product like rice reaches households with more care, more clarity, and more confidence. We believe staples can be simple yet smart, traditional yet future-ready.”

The newly designed 5 kg STAR Rice packs are now available in three popular variants—STAR Jeera Rice, STAR Sona Masoori, and STAR Lachkari Kolam—across Mumbai, Pune, South Maharashtra, and North Karnataka.

Packed rice offers several advantages that go well beyond convenience. It is tamper-proof and ultra-hygienic, processed in clean, controlled environments that safeguard against contamination. The advanced grain-sorting system ensures only the finest grains make it to the final pack, offering purity and authenticity with every serving. Each batch undergoes strict quality checks to maintain consistent taste, texture, and aroma—making it ideal for both everyday meals and festive occasions. Designed with the modern kitchen in mind, packed rice is also easier to store, pour, and trust, bringing simplicity and assurance to daily cooking.

This initiative aligns with GCL’s broader ambition of becoming a leader in the staples segment by combining modern processing with consumer-first thinking. With a growing portfolio across essentials and impulse categories, the company is working towards a ₹5,000 crore topline in the next five years.

India Tops APAC in AI/ML Deals: Zscaler Study

BENGALURU, INDIA – APRIL 23, 2025 – Zscaler, Inc., the leader in cloud security, today announced the release of its ThreatLabz 2025 AI Security Report, which draws on over 536 billion AI transactions analyzed globally on the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ between February and December 2024. The report reveals a staggering 3,465% year-over-year increase in AI/ML transactions showcasing 36x usage over a year. This report also explores recent developments in areas that will undoubtedly influence AI in 2025 and beyond, including agentic AI, the emergence of DeepSeek, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

The report reveals a 3,000+% year-over-year growth in enterprise use of AI/ML tools, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI technologies across industries to unlock new levels of productivity, efficiency, and innovation. Enterprises are sending significant volumes of data to AI tools, totaling 3,624 TB, underscoring the extent to which these technologies are integrated into operations. However, this surge in adoption also brings heightened security concerns.

Enterprises blocked 59.9% of all AI/ML transactions, signaling enterprise awareness around the potential risks associated with AI/ML tools, including data leakage, unauthorized access, and compliance violations. Threat actors are also increasingly leveraging AI to amplify the sophistication, speed, and impact of attacks—forcing enterprises to rethink their security strategies.

“As AI transforms industries, it also creates new and unforeseen security challenges,” said Deepen Desai, Chief Security Officer at Zscaler. “Data is the gold for AI innovation, but it must be handled securely. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, powered by AI with over 500 trillion daily signals, provides real-time insights into threats, data, and access patterns—ensuring organizations can harness AI’s transformative capabilities while mitigating its risks. Zero Trust Everywhere is the key to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving threat landscape as cybercriminals look to leverage AI in scaling their attacks.”

Key Insights from the ThreatLabz 2025 AI Security Report

India leads in APAC, ranks second globally

India emerged as the second-highest contributor to global enterprise AI/ML traffic, trailing only the United States. Within the APAC region, India was the highest, accounting for 36.4% of all AI/ML transactions — more than double Japan’s share of 15.2% and nearly triple that of Australia (13.6%). The rest of APAC, including the Philippines (6.5%), Singapore (5.6%), and New Zealand (4.6%), collectively accounted for less than 20%.

ChatGPT Dominates AI/ML Transactions, But Security Concerns Remain

ChatGPT emerged as the most widely used AI/ML application, driving 45.2% of identified global AI/ML transactions in the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange. However, it was also the most-blocked tool due to enterprises’ growing concerns over sensitive data exposure and unsanctioned use. Other most-blocked applications include Grammarly, Microsoft Copilot, QuillBot, and Wordtune, showing broad usage patterns for AI-enhanced content creation and productivity improvements.

DeepSeek and Agentic AI: Innovation Meets Escalating Threats

AI is amplifying cyber risks, with usage of agentic AI and China’s open-source DeepSeek enabling threat actors to scale attacks. So far in 2025, we’ve seen DeepSeek challenge American giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta, disrupting AI development with strong performance, open access, and low costs. However, such advancements also introduce significant security risks.

Finance & Insurance Lead Enterprise AI Traffic by Industry

The Finance & Insurance sector accounted for 28.4% of all enterprise AI/ML activity, reflecting its widespread adoption, and indicative of the critical functions supported by the industry, such as fraud detection, risk modeling, and customer service automation. Manufacturing was second, accounting for 21.6% of transactions, likely driven by innovations in supply chain optimization and robotics automation. Additional sectors, including Services (18.5%), Technology (10.1%), and Healthcare (9.6%), are also increasing their reliance on AI, while each industry also faces unique security and regulatory challenges posing new risks and possibly impacting the overall rate of adoption.

“India’s rise to the top spot in APAC’s AI/ML adoption underscores a thriving innovation landscape but it also highlights the growing attack surface,” said Suvabrata Sinha, CISO-in-Residence, India at Zscaler. “With GenAI tools becoming integral to everyday workflows, enterprises need real-time visibility, precise controls, and scalable protection. Zscaler’s Zero Trust solutions enable Indian organizations to safeguard users, workloads, and data with policy-driven access rather than outdated network assumptions. Our platform leverages AI to combat AI-driven threats—be it AI-powered attacks, shadow AI, or data leakage delivering predictive breach insights, automated segmentation, and continuous risk assessments. This allows India’s digital leaders to innovate quickly without compromising trust.”

The report also identified how agentic AI and open-source tools such as DeepSeek have unlocked efficiencies and new avenues for threat actors. A surge in AI-powered phishing, fake AI platforms, and deepfake-driven fraud marks a new phase of cyber threats in India and beyond. Malware campaigns like “Flora AI” have already begun exploiting enterprise interest in GenAI by mimicking legitimate AI tools to deliver infostealers.

Methodology

Analysis of 536.5 billion total AI and ML transactions in the Zscaler cloud from February 2024 to December 2024. The Zscaler global security cloud processes over 500 trillion daily signals and blocks 9 billion threats and policy violations per day, delivering over 250,000 daily security updates.

Unlock a Summer of Confidence and Creativity with British Council’s Summer School 2025

Summer holidays are the perfect time for children to explore, create, and grow beyond the classroom. To help young learners make the most of their break, the British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, is delighted to launch Summer School 2025. This lively, theme-based programme is designed for children aged 6 to 17 and combines learning with creativity and fun.

Held in a friendly, low-pressure classroom setting, Summer School 2025 strikes the ideal balance between developing language skills, nurturing confidence, and encouraging self-expression.

This year’s programme features two dynamic themes:

• Communicating with Clarity – Helping students express themselves confidently in both speech and writing. Lessons focus on articulation, vocabulary building, and the ability to share ideas with precision and flair.
• Engaging with Confidence – Through writing, pitching, and discussion-based tasks, students learn to analyse and present content effectively—skills they can apply both in and out of the classroom.

With age-appropriate tracks tailored to different age groups, children will be supported at every step of their learning journey. By the end of the course, learners will walk away with stronger communication skills and greater confidence that extends far beyond the summer.

AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Program Wins ‘Best Conceived Cohort 2025’ at Startup Mahakumbh

23 April, 2025: T-Hub, one of the world’s leading startup incubators, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), has been awarded the prestigious “Best Conceived Cohort 2025” for its AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Program at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The accolade recognizes the program’s strategic depth, robust incubation model, and transformative impact on India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Launched on October 14, 2022, the AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Program has emerged as a benchmark in deep-tech incubation. It has conducted three cohorts to date, with the third currently in progress. To date, 20 startups have graduated from the program, with 8 more nearing completion, operating in cutting-edge sectors such as automotive and EV, 5G and wireless communications, biomedical devices, data and video analytics, and semiconductor IP design.

These startups are also innovating across key semiconductor sub-sectors, including:

• Fabless design – chip design, verification, and testing
• Chip equipment manufacturing – fabrication and packaging infrastructure
• Chip manufacturing – including microfabs and supporting tech
• Semiconductor materials – such as silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide
• Tool development – Electronic Design Automation (EDA) solutions

 The program’s robust framework, deep-tech orientation, and tangible outcomes helped it earn top honors at Startup Mahakumbh. Among the program’s measurable achievements are ₹40.29 Cr in grants received, ₹21.48 Cr in investments raised, ₹19.28 Cr in orders secured, 35 pilot projects completed, and 4 chips successfully taped out. The program offers access to Multi Project Wafer (MPW) shuttles for affordable, rapid chip prototyping; EDA tool support for VLSI design and validation platforms; direct interfaces with semiconductor foundries and assembly houses for real-world manufacturing and testing; as well as mentorship from top industry experts, researchers, and global partners. Startups also benefit from structured startup, market, and funding gap analyses; investor demo days; corporate AMA sessions; and roundtable discussions, making it a comprehensive and high-impact incubation experience.

The award was presented in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT; Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT; Shri Amit Kumar, Deputy GM, ECGC; Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India ACT Grants; Sunali Rohra, Senior EVP, HDFC; Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, Info Edge; Aman Gupta, Co-Founder, boAt; Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Actor-Entrepreneur; Rikant Pittie, CEO, EaseMyTrip; and Archana Jahagirdar, Founder, Rukam Capital. Their presence highlighted the vital role of innovation-led incubation programs in shaping India’s tech future.

Speaking on the recognition, Rajesh Adla, CEO of AIC T-Hub Foundation, said, “Winning the ‘Best Conceived Cohort 2025’ is a proud moment and a strong validation of our deep-tech focus and strategic execution. The AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Cohort was uniquely designed with a deep-tech focus, unlike typical startup programs. It offered access to MPW shuttle services for chip prototyping, EDA tools for VLSI design, and direct interfaces with foundries and assembly houses. The cohort also integrated structured startup and market analyses, expert-led sessions, and strong industry-government partnerships to drive innovation, compliance, and commercialization in the semiconductor space.”