Category Archives: Education

Singapore’s Award-Winning Preschool Red SchoolHouse Enters India; Targets 150+ Schools Expansion

Bengaluru, May 11: Singapore-origin preschool brand Red SchoolHouse (RSH) has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first centre in Bengaluru. The brand has partnered with Franchise India as its master franchise partner to drive its expansion across the country. As part of its India growth strategy, Red SchoolHouse is targeting the launch of 150+ schools across India over the next 2–5 years through a franchise-led expansion model.

Founded in 2004, Red SchoolHouse is a multi-award-winning preschool brand from Singapore, known for its globally inspired early childhood education approach and proprietary SPICE™ curriculum focused on Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Emotional development.

India marks a key strategic market for the brand as demand continues to grow for premium and internationally aligned preschool education among urban families.

“India is an extremely important market for us, given the strong demand for quality early childhood education and globally aligned learning models. Through our partnership with Franchise India, we look forward to building a strong and scalable presence across the country over the coming years,” said Rachel Goh, CEO & Founder, Red SchoolHouse.

The Bengaluru launch marks the beginning of the brand’s larger India expansion plans, with the company actively exploring partnerships and franchise opportunities across major metro and high-growth cities.

“India’s preschool and early learning segment continues to see significant growth, particularly among parents seeking international education standards and holistic learning environments. Red SchoolHouse brings a globally established education model with strong long-term expansion potential for the Indian market,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairperson, Franchise India.

With its India entry, Red SchoolHouse aims to build a premium preschool network focused on globally inspired learning and scalable education-led growth across the country.

Tally Education Crosses 1 Million Learners, Strengthening Employer Trust in Job-Ready Talent

May 09, Bengaluru: As India’s skilling ecosystem increasingly focuses on employability and job readiness, Tally Education, the education arm of Tally Solutions, has crossed 1 million learners. This milestone marks a significant step in building a job-ready workforce in accounting and finance across India, backed by certifications that employers trust and hire from.

India’s skilling outcomes have long been constrained not just by access to learning, which is abundant and getting more so in the AI era, but by employer trust in credentials. Tally Education’s certification operates as an employer-trusted signal at the point of hiring. This is particularly relevant in MSMEs formalising under GST and digital compliance, a segment where most of India’s incremental jobs will be created over the next decade.

This milestone also reflects the scale at which learners are engaging with Tally’s structured, outcome-driven skilling that translates into real employment opportunities. Though it represents only a part of Tally’s wider impact, with generations of professionals having built careers and businesses by learning and working on Tally over the years, long before formal certification pathways were introduced in 2016 through Tally Education.

In response to the growing demand for job-ready talent in accounting and finance, the organisation has since expanded access to learning through a strong network of academic and skilling partners, anchored in certification that employers across sectors trust at the point of hiring, ensuring learners not only acquire skills but also demonstrate real-world job readiness.

Today, it reports an average placement rate of approximately 75% across its certified learners, and crucially, the strongest concentration of that reach is in Tier II and Tier III markets, where formal employment opportunities are limited. Many of these learners are entering the workforce as first-generation professionals, accessing employment opportunities across sectors such as BFSI, retail, and MSMEs.

This is supported by a robust ecosystem of over 3,600 partners, including colleges, training institutes, government skilling missions, and CSR/NGO programmes, across more than 500 towns and cities. Through this network, it continues to enable access to both learning and employment opportunities at scale.

Speaking on the milestone, Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions, said: “For years, people have learned Tally in many different ways, but the real challenge was giving employers confidence in those skills. Our focus has been on building that trust through certification, so businesses can hire with confidence and learners can enter the workforce better prepared. This milestone reflects how that shift is playing out at scale.”

Bhuwaneshwari B, Executive Vice President, Tally Education, added: “Learners today are looking for clear outcomes, whether it is a job, career progression, or entrepreneurial opportunity. Our approach has been to support this journey end-to-end, combining accessible learning with credible certification that employers trust.”

Looking ahead, Tally Education plans to deepen its investment in the same model, expanding employer-aligned certification depth, growing its partner network into more towns and government skilling programmes, and strengthening the connection between learner outcomes and the formal accounting and finance workforce that India’s MSME economy is building. As the country’s economy continues to formalise, Tally Education’s continued focus on employer-trusted credentialing positions it as a foundational contributor to India’s evolving skilling architecture.

PMEGP Creates 36.33 Lakh Opportunities, Drives Women and Rural Entrepreneurship Growth: Govt Report

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has generated around 36.33 lakh employment opportunities across the country, reinforcing its role as a key driver of grassroots entrepreneurship and livelihood creation, according to an official statement.

Implemented through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the scheme supports the setting up of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by providing credit-linked subsidies to aspiring entrepreneurs.

During the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26), the scheme utilised its entire approved allocation of ₹13,554.42 crore and facilitated the establishment of over 4.03 lakh micro-enterprises, slightly surpassing its target.

Officials said this performance reflects both strong demand for entrepreneurship support and effective implementation on the ground.

A major highlight of the programme is its focus on inclusion and social equity. Women account for nearly 40% of total beneficiaries, while around 45% of subsidy support has gone to women-led enterprises, encouraging greater participation in business creation.

In addition, about 54% of beneficiaries belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities, underscoring the scheme’s wide social outreach. Nearly 80% of the supported enterprises are located in rural areas, helping boost local employment and promote balanced regional development.

Overall, officials said PMEGP continues to play a crucial role in expanding self-employment opportunities, strengthening small businesses, and supporting India’s broader goal of entrepreneurship-led and inclusive economic growth.

Government School Enrollment Falls to 49.24 pc in 2024–25, Private Sector Expands

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): School enrollment in government institutions has declined to 49.24% in the 2024–25 academic year, while the private education sector continues to expand rapidly, according to concerns highlighted by NITI Aayog.

The findings point to a steady shift in student preference toward private schools, reflecting changing perceptions around quality of education, infrastructure, and learning outcomes. The trend indicates that private institutions are gaining a larger share of new enrollments compared to government schools.

According to the assessment, the decline in government school enrollment raises important concerns for the public education system, particularly in terms of equity and access. Since government schools play a crucial role in providing affordable education, especially in rural and lower-income segments, a continued drop in enrollment could widen educational disparities.

The report notes that the rapid growth of private schooling is reshaping India’s education landscape, with increased household spending on education and rising demand for alternative learning environments.

It further suggests that improving infrastructure, teacher availability, and learning outcomes in government schools will be critical to reversing the trend and restoring confidence in public education.

Overall, the data highlights a structural shift in India’s schooling system, where the balance between public and private education is gradually evolving, raising policy-level concerns about long-term accessibility and inclusiveness in the education sector.

Chandigarh University chefs win big with 13 medals at national culinary meet

May 6 (BNP): Students from Chandigarh University delivered a standout performance at Culinary Art India 2026, bringing home a total of 13 medals and earning recognition on a national stage.

Competing against participants from leading institutes across the country, the student chefs impressed judges with their strong technical skills, creativity, and attention to detail. They took part in a variety of categories, ranging from live cooking challenges to display-based events, where presentation and innovation played a key role.

The team’s success reflects rigorous training, consistent practice, and exposure to real-world culinary standards. Faculty mentorship and hands-on learning also played an important role in helping students refine their techniques and perform under competitive conditions.

This achievement not only highlights the talent of the students but also strengthens the university’s position in culinary education, showcasing its focus on developing industry-ready professionals with both skill and creativity.

Centre Seeks Early PM SHRI Scheme Rollout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu

May 6 (BNP): The Ministry of Education is expected to write to the Chief Secretaries of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, urging them to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the earliest for implementing the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme in state-run schools.

The scheme aims to upgrade selected schools into model institutions aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on improved infrastructure, modern teaching practices, and overall quality enhancement in education.

Officials said the Centre is hopeful of faster progress in adopting the scheme and plans to send formal communications soon. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen school education and improve learning outcomes across states through NEP-based reforms.

The Crimson Crown by Edith Layton now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Crimson Crown by Edith Layton. This novel is published by Histria Romance, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding books in the romance genre.

Set against the paranoid early years of Henry VII’s reign, The Crimson Crown follows Lucas Lovat, an exiled spy summoned back to a cold, unfamiliar England to investigate the royal pretender Perkin Warbeck. But what sounds like a traditional Tudor thriller actually reads like a claustrophobic psychological mystery where the locked room is the royal court itself. Edith Layton strips away the usual pageantry to expose the sheer exhaustion of surviving a regime built entirely on surveillance. Lucas is a brilliantly realized lead. He is cynical, deeply observant, and distinctly unheroic in his ambitions. The novel feels startlingly modern in its exploration of espionage, performative loyalty, and the emotional toll of political manipulation. 

Readers hungry for historical fiction that prioritizes sharp dialogue and moral ambiguity over battlefield glory will find a refreshing, intensely atmospheric, and razor-sharp story that breathes genuine life into a famously treacherous era.

Edith Layton (1938-2009) began her career as a freelance journalist before publishing her debut novel, The Duke’s Wager. She went on to write over 30 novels, winning numerous accolades including the Romantic Times Award for Best New Regency Author. Today, her classic backlist is being brought back to a new generation of readers, along with several never-before-published works.

The Crimson Crown by Edith Layton, 360 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-721-5 is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is available as print on demand through Simon & Schuster. This title is also available as an eBook. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

The Broken Fence by James J. Antonio now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Broken Fence by James J. Antonio. This story is published by Histria Kids, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for children that both educate and entertain.

The Broken Fence follows a ten-year-old boy who inherits an unexpected foal on his grandfather’s thoroughbred farm, tracing their years-long journey from the birthing stall to the starting gates of a high-stakes race. But rather than leaning on the familiar beats of a sports triumph, James J. Antonio’s novel strips away the glamour of the track to focus on the dirt, sweat, and quiet patience of raising a difficult animal. 

 
In a culture obsessed with instant gratification, this book offers a vital retreat into the slow, deliberate rhythm of barn life and intergenerational mentorship. The author writes with an unsentimental precision that captures the tactile reality of mucking stalls and the genuine frustrations of training an anti-social filly. It is a story about the unglamorous daily work of nurturing potential. Readers looking for a grounded, deeply felt exploration of discipline and animal connection will find something remarkably anchoring here.

James J. Antonio, a former French teacher and produce business manager, is now retired and dedicated to his passion for storytelling. Known for his works on numismatics, James has published numerous stories in Canadian coin publications, including the CNA Journal and the Ontario Numismatic Association Journal. His story “Miss Daisy” received an Editor’s Choice Award in Winning Ways, the journal of the Ohio State Numismatic Association. He is the author of Roads Here and There (two novellas in one book) and Stories for Coin Collectors and Everyone, both available on Amazon. 

The Broken Fence by James J. Antonio, 114 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-599-0 is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

The Seekers by Jack Bartley now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Seekers by Jack Bartley, the second volume in the Hilo Dome series. This book is published by Histria YA, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for teens and young adults.

The Seekers takes the framework of a post-apocalyptic survival story and roots it entirely in Hawaiian mythology and Polynesian wayfinding. Generations after a devastating global war, isolated communities on the Big Island must set aside bitter rivalries when the volcano goddess Pele awakens. To escape impending lava flows, a small crew builds a traditional double-hulled sailing canoe to chart a course into the unknown Pacific.

Jack Bartley’s second Hilo Dome novel trades standard dystopian action for a focus on cultural reclamation. The true tension comes not just from navigating a ruined world, but from the painstaking effort of relearning lost ancestral skills. The book asks what happens when a community must resurrect ancient traditions to save its future. It is a localized, community-driven approach to the end of the world that feels vital for readers tired of lone-wolf survival tropes.

Praise for The Seekers:

“The Seekers: Hilo Dome by Jack Bartley is a brilliant, nail-biting adventure that is full of action. It is one of the rare gems that take place on the water, where explorers must navigate uncharted territory to survive. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys an adventure full of suspense, thrills, and the awe of discovery.” — Readers’ Favorite

Jack Bartley is a U.S. Navy veteran, retired University of Delaware ecology professor, and the author of several books, including the 2025 naval memoir Smoke on the Water (Koehler Books) and the young adult series Hilo Dome (Histria Books). His extensive time spent in Hawaiʻi, both during his military service and while leading academic ecology expeditions, heavily influences his writing. Also an accomplished musician and former newspaper columnist, Jack now lives in Ocean View, Delaware, where he focuses on writing, music, and environmental volunteer work.

The Seekers by Jack Bartley, 214 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-733-8, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is also available as an ebook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

DEEP Trust launches flagship initiative “Happy Wheels”; to donate 18-seater TATA Winger to support transportation for special children

 Hyderabad, May 05: DEEP (Disease Eradication Through Education and Prevention) Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventive healthcare, health education, community health screenings, education and livelihood support, and environmental sustainability initiatives, has announced the launch of its flagship initiative — “Happy Wheels.”

As part of this initiative, the Trust will donate a TATA Winger 18-seater school transport vehicle to Sri Vidhyas Centre for Special Children, Hyderabad, at a special function to be held on Wednesday, May 6, at the Centre’s premises in Mahindra Hills, Secunderabad. This meaningful initiative has been made possible with the generous support of Hexagon AB/Octave, the CSR partner sponsoring the vehicle.

Sri Vidhyas Centre for Special Children has long faced transportation challenges despite its dedicated efforts in nurturing and educating children with special needs. For many families, lack of safe and reliable transport has been a major barrier to consistent education and therapy support.The “Happy Wheels” initiative is not merely about donating a vehicle — it is about restoring dignity, independence, accessibility, and opportunity for children with special needs.

The new TATA Winger school vehicle will safely transport children between their homes and school, enabling them to attend classes regularly and participate in educational trips and social outings. The initiative will also significantly reduce the burden on parents and caregivers while improving attendance, continuity in education, and overall access to learning opportunities for children with special needs.

As outlined in the agreement, the vehicle will be used exclusively for the transportation of children with special needs, ensuring that its purpose remains focused and impactful.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, Founder & Trustee, DEEP Trust, said:“Every child deserves access to education, regardless of their challenges. ‘Happy Wheels’ is our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind simply because they cannot reach school.”

Dr. Madhu Vasepalli, Founder & Trustee, added: “This initiative is about compassion in action. When we remove barriers like transportation, we unlock the true potential of these children.”

Ms. Swati Mohanty, CEO, DEEP Trust, said: “‘Happy Wheels’ is a step towards building a more inclusive society where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered.”

While this marks a proud beginning, DEEP Trust emphasized that many more children across India continue to face similar challenges. Lack of transportation and accessibility infrastructure often prevents children with special needs from accessing education and therapy services.

Calling upon corporates, philanthropists, and the public to support the cause, Ms. Swati Mohanty urged greater participation in providing school transport vehicles, improving accessibility infrastructure, and supporting education and therapy for special children.

“A small act of giving can create a lifetime of opportunity for a child,” she added.

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