• Three in ten employers (30%) spend more than eight hours each week compensating for workforce skills gaps.

• More than half (56%) of employers say entry-level workers aren’t prepared for work.

• 77% of employers in frontline-heavy industries say their skills training is effective – but 71% of employees say it had no impact on their pay or role.

• 45% of employers and more than one-third (35%) of employees say they have considered quitting due to stress caused by understaffing or skills gaps.

• More than one-quarter (26%) of employers say the skills gap in their sector is “serious” or at “crisis level.”

New research from Chegg, a global learning and workforce skilling company, reveals a significant skills gap that is placing pressure on employers and employees in frontline-heavy industries across the U.S. The consequences are already being felt: three in ten employers (30%) say they spend more than eight hours every week compensating for workforce skills gaps.

Chegg’s Frontline Workers Skills Index is based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. employers and 1,005 U.S. employees

Chegg’s Frontline Workers Skills Index, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. employers and 1,005 U.S. employees across ten frontline-heavy industries, including retail, manufacturing, and finance, uncovers a widening perception gap between employers and employees on skills gaps, AI adoption, and training effectiveness, suggesting that traditional approaches are no longer enough. By employers, the survey refers to respondents who are fully or partly involved in hiring decisions at their organization; employees refer to those with no responsibility for hiring.

“The most important finding in this research is that employers and employees are often looking at the same workforce challenges but diagnosing completely different problems,” said Dan Rosensweig, Chief Executive Officer of Chegg. “Employers are focused on AI readiness, adaptability, and operational performance, while employees are focused on career mobility, leadership, and advancement. Neither side is wrong – but most training programs were never designed to bridge that gap.”

“What workers are telling us very clearly is that generic training without practical application or measurable career impact no longer works. At a time when AI is rapidly reshaping the workplace, organizations need training that helps employees perform better in the roles they have today, while building the capabilities needed for tomorrow. That is exactly the problem Chegg Skills was built to solve.”

The Business Costs of Skills Gaps
The research shows that workforce skills shortages are already creating significant operational and human costs across industries. Nearly one-third of employers (30%) say they spend more than eight hours per week, the equivalent of a full working day, compensating for workforce skills gaps. In manufacturing, that figure rises to 46%.

The consequences are being felt across day-to-day operations. Employers identified increased mistakes and rework (34%), increased stress and burnout (33%), heavier workloads or covering for others (31%), and overtime or longer shifts (29%) as some of the most common impacts of skills shortages at their organization.

The strain is also affecting morale and retention. Nearly half of employers (45%) and more than one-third of employees (35%) say they have considered quitting due to stress caused by understaffing or workforce capability gaps. In food service and hospitality, 57% of employers and 43% of employees reported they had considered leaving their role, the highest among all sectors surveyed.

Training Programs Are Failing Workers – And Employees Know It
The workforce skills shortages begin before employees even enter the workplace. More than half of employers (56%) say entry-level workers are not adequately prepared for work, while more than one-quarter (26%) describe the skills gap in their sector as either “serious” or at “crisis level.”

Once employees enter the workforce, the picture does not improve. While employers overwhelmingly believe workforce training programs are working, employees are less convinced, pointing to a deeper problem in how training is designed and delivered.

More than three-quarters of employers (77%) say training programs are effective overall, compared to 58% of employees. However, most employees (71%) say that training has led to no change in their pay or role.

The findings suggest the issue is not a lack of investment or motivation, but a lack of relevance and practical impact. From those who say it was not effective, 51% of employees say their training is too general or not connected closely enough to their day-to-day responsibilities. Employees also cite not enough hands-on practical learning (39%), insufficient coaching (34%), and weak managerial support (27%) as barriers to successful training outcomes.

Employers and Employees Agree There’s a Skills Problem, But Not on What It Is
The research reveals a growing perception gap between employers and employees about which skills are most urgently needed in today’s workplace.

While both groups agree that workforce capability gaps exist, they differ significantly on where the problem lies. Employers identified AI and automation skills (36%) and digital or IT capabilities (24%) as the most lacking in their workforce, reflecting the growing pressure to adapt to rapidly changing technologies.

Employees, however, pointed to leadership and people management (25%) as the biggest deficiency in their workplace, followed by communication and teamwork skills (24%). The findings suggest many workers see the challenge not only as a technical skills issue but also as a management and workplace culture issue.

At the same time, employers ranked problem-solving and critical thinking (36%) and communication and teamwork (34%) as the two most important skills for long-term success – highlighting demand for both durable human skills and technical fluency.
 

AI Is Accelerating Faster Than Workers Are Adapting
The report also reveals a disconnect between how quickly employers are embracing AI and how slowly employees are adapting to it in their day-to-day work.

While 83% of employers say they feel confident using AI tools in their current role, only 44% of employees say the same. The divide is even more striking when it comes to career urgency: surprisingly, just 3% of employees believe AI proficiency is becoming critical to advancement in their role, compared to 18% of employers who say the same.

The findings suggest the biggest challenge may not simply be an AI skills gap but an awareness gap. Many employees do not yet recognize how rapidly workplace expectations are changing around them. More than half of employees (52%) say AI is not currently used in their role at all, meaning they have little opportunity to build practical fluency with the technology on the job.

At the same time, employers are integrating AI into workplace operations and decision-making. Only 14% of employers say AI is not currently used in their role at all, and one-quarter (25%) say AI use is already becoming expected in their role.

Following its participation at the India International Cargo Show (IICS) 2026, held in New Delhi from June 04th–06th, 2026, Parekh Global today announced its strategic transition into a unified global platform, marking a defining milestone in positioning the organisation for accelerated international expansion, governance-led scale, and technology-driven transformation.

L-R: Yogesh Parekh, Naresh Parekh and Yash Parekh, Directors, Parekh Global

The India International Cargo Show (IICS) is one of India’s leading logistics, cargo, and supply chain industry events, bringing together policymakers, logistics providers, freight forwarders, infrastructure developers, technology innovators, and global trade stakeholders to discuss emerging opportunities, industry challenges, and the future of integrated logistics. The event serves as a key platform for fostering collaboration, showcasing innovations, and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains.

The move represents a structural evolution of the legacy enterprise into an integrated global identity designed to enhance operational agility, strengthen compliance frameworks, and align more closely with shifting global trade dynamics and evolving client expectations. As supply chains realign and regulatory landscapes grow increasingly complex, the company is restructuring to operate with greater cohesion and responsiveness across markets.

“This is not merely a transition exercise; it is a strategic recalibration for the future,” said Mr. Naresh Parekh, Director, Parekh Global. “For over 70 years, Parekh legacy has been deeply rooted in India’s trade and logistics ecosystem, building a legacy founded on trust, resilience and expertise. Today, we are leveraging that strong Indian foundation to scale confidently into global markets.

As international trade corridors evolve and client expectations become more sophisticated, we are expanding our geographic reach, upgrading our technology infrastructure, and actively evaluating strategic acquisitions to align with global benchmarks. India remains a significant growth engine for us, but our vision now extends far beyond domestic boundaries. We are strengthening our talent pool, enhancing operational capabilities, and investing in advanced systems to ensure we not only meet but exceed international standards. Our goal is clear — to transform Parekh Global into a future-ready, globally competitive enterprise that delivers integrated, world-class solutions across markets.”

The unveiling of Parekh Global marks the consolidation of diverse capabilities under a single global platform designed to drive operational efficiencies, standardise governance processes, and present a cohesive market-facing identity. The integrated structure is expected to enable faster decision-making, strengthen cross-border coordination, and support disciplined capital allocation, while preserving the entrepreneurial strengths that have long defined the organisation’s legacy.

As geopolitical shifts reshape global trade and compliance requirements intensify across jurisdictions, Parekh Global is positioning itself as a structured, compliance-first enterprise capable of navigating volatility with resilience. Strengthened governance architecture and enhanced risk management frameworks form a central pillar of the transition.

“Scale must be accompanied by structure,” said Mr. Yogesh Parekh, Director, Parekh Global. “Our evolution into Parekh Global strengthens our governance architecture while enhancing our ability to operate seamlessly across markets. This integrated model allows us to balance growth ambitions with robust oversight.”

The company emphasised that the transition ensures continuity of leadership, operational teams, and long-standing client relationships. Existing stakeholders will experience seamless integration under the new identity, now supported by enhanced capabilities designed to foster long-term strategic partnerships rather than transactional engagements.

Over the next five years, Parekh Global plans to expand into priority international markets, forge strategic partnerships, accelerate digital transformation initiatives, and deepen investments in leadership development and sustainable growth practices. The company aims to leverage India’s expanding role in global trade while building operational depth across key overseas regions.

“Our objective is to build a globally integrated organisation that can scale responsibly,” Mr. Yash Parekh, Director, Parekh Global said. “We remain committed to delivering value with integrity while shaping an enterprise that reflects both our heritage and our forward-looking ambitions.”

By combining legacy strength with structural modernisation, Parekh Global is seeking to position itself as a resilient Indian enterprise with growing global relevance.

About Parekh Global

Parekh Global is a legacy-driven enterprise with over 70 years of industry experience. The organisation has evolved into a unified global platform focused on governance-led growth, innovation, and client-centric service integration, with a long-term strategy centered on international expansion and digital transformation.

A new robotaxi partnership involving VinFast highlights four major shifts transforming the automotive industry, from software-defined vehicles to the growing push for autonomous mobility in emerging markets.
 

The automotive industry is moving away from an era where value was defined mainly by engines, mechanical engineering and factory scale. Instead, cars are becoming rolling computers, with software controlling everything from entertainment and navigation to safety systems and autonomous driving.
 

Vietnam’s VinFast announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and AI company Autobrains to develop a Level 4 robotaxi platform for Southeast Asia
 

One of the clearest signs of this transition arrived recently from an unexpected corner of the world. At NVIDIA GTC Taipei 2026, Vietnam’s VinFast announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and AI company Autobrains to develop a Level 4 robotaxi platform for Southeast Asia. Built on NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion 10 and powered by Autobrains’ Agentic AI software, the program aims to tackle one of the world’s most challenging traffic environments while making advanced autonomous mobility more scalable and cost-effective.
 

Beyond the announcement itself, the deal shines a light on several big changes happening all at once, from software-defined vehicles and AI-powered mobility to new partnerships and the push to bring autonomous driving into the real world.
 

Software-defined vehicles are becoming the industry’s next battleground

For much of automotive history, competition revolved around engines, manufacturing efficiency and mechanical engineering. Increasingly, however, vehicles are becoming software platforms that can continuously evolve through over-the-air updates, AI-driven features and cloud connectivity.
 

According to IoT Analytics’ Software-defined Vehicles Adoption Report 2026, 45% of automotive OEMs and suppliers now rank software-defined vehicles (SDVs) as their top strategic priority, ahead of both autonomous driving and electrification.
 

This shift is particularly significant for EV manufacturers. Unlike internal combustion vehicles, EVs already rely heavily on software-controlled systems for battery management, energy optimization, thermal management and vehicle performance. In many ways, today’s EV is starting to look less like a traditional car and more like a smartphone with seats and wheels.
 

As vehicles become software-defined platforms, competitive advantage is increasingly determined by computing power, AI capabilities and software architecture, creating new opportunities for EV-first brands such as VinFast.
 

Emerging markets are becoming the next frontier for autonomous mobility

The first generation of robotaxis largely focused on cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, Shanghai and Beijing, where infrastructure is relatively structured and regulations are more mature.
 

Now comes the harder test: proving autonomous driving can work reliably in dense, highly unpredictable environments filled with motorcycles, informal driving behavior, pedestrians and mixed traffic conditions.
 

Southeast Asia represents challenges, but also a substantial commercial opportunity. According to IMARC Group, the Southeast Asian autonomous vehicle market reached approximately US$4.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to US$27.3 billion by 2034.
 

For VinFast, this presents an opportunity to develop autonomous driving systems tailored to the realities of emerging markets while remaining equally effective in Western urban environments. The company itself highlighted this point when announcing the partnership, describing Southeast Asia’s dense traffic, diverse road behavior and highly dynamic urban environments as a demanding validation ground for autonomous driving.
 

Think of it this way: teaching a robotaxi to drive on wide, orderly roads is one thing. Teaching it to handle a busy Southeast Asian intersection, where scooters seem to appear from every direction at once, is an entirely different challenge.
 

If autonomous systems can succeed in Southeast Asia, they may become significantly easier to deploy across many other developing markets.
 

The industry is moving from standalone automakers to technology ecosystems

Autonomous driving has become too complex for any single company to master alone. Successful programs increasingly combine multiple areas of expertise:

• Automakers for vehicle integration and production

• AI specialists for autonomous software

• Semiconductor companies for computing platforms

• Mapping, simulation and cloud providers for supporting infrastructure
   

The VinFast-NVIDIA-Autobrains collaboration reflects this growing industry model. For newer EV brands, these ecosystems offer a shortcut to innovation by allowing them to leverage world-class technology partners rather than building every capability from scratch.
 

The future of EV innovation is increasingly being built through strategic technology ecosystems, and VinFast is leveraging global partnerships to accelerate the development of advanced autonomous capabilities.
 

The robotaxi industry is moving from experimentation to commercialization

Perhaps the most important trend is that robotaxis are moving beyond experimentation and toward commercial scale.
 

The evidence is increasingly visible. Fully autonomous ride-hailing services are now completing hundreds of thousands of paid passengers trips every week across multiple cities, while operators continue expanding into new markets. At the same time, industry analysts project strong growth for the global robotaxi sector over the coming decade as more cities transition from pilot programs to commercial deployments.
 

Yet much of this progress remains concentrated in developed markets or relatively controlled operating environments. Large-scale deployment in emerging markets, where traffic patterns are more complex and less predictable, remains one of the industry’s next major challenges.
 

This is where VinFast’s approach stands out. By developing a Level 4 robotaxi platform specifically for Southeast Asia, the company is targeting a region that could become one of the most demanding proving grounds for autonomous mobility. And rather than positioning autonomous driving solely as a luxury technology, the company is pursuing an approach centered on broader deployment and real-world usability.
 

That aligns with a wider industry movement toward democratizing advanced mobility technologies and making autonomous transportation accessible to a larger population. After all, technologies tend to have the biggest impact not when they stay in premium products, but when ordinary people can use them in everyday life.

Pramerica Life Insurance today announced the launch of Pramerica Life Invest Shield, a hybrid life insurance plan that combines term-level life protection with a unit-linked investment component in a single policy. The plan is structured so that the life cover operates as a separate term insurance layer, while the investment component functions as a ULIP with nine fund options across equity, debt, and balanced allocations.

Pramerica Life Insurance Launches ‘Invest Shield’

Invest Shield is designed for individuals aged in their early 30s to mid 40s who want both life protection and long-term wealth creation within a single policy, rather than managing a standalone term plan and a separate investment product. The plan offers a life cover of up to 100 times the annualised premium, though the actual multiple depends on the policyholder’s age at entry, chosen premium level, and policy term. Premium payment terms and policy duration are customisable.

Key Features

• Upto 100x Life Cover: Financial protection through a life cover of up to 100 times the annualised premium, ensuring substantial coverage for the family throughout the policy tenure. 

• Return of Charges: Return of mortality charges and premium allocation charges to the policyholder, helping enhance the overall fund value. 

• Loyalty Boosters: Persistency boosters and maturity benefits that reward customers for remaining invested over the long term. 

• Flexible Investment Options: Flexibility to choose between two investment strategies and nine fund options across equity, debt, and balanced allocations, catering to diverse risk profiles and investment preferences. 

• Customisable Premium Payment Terms and Policy Duration: Flexibility to align the plan with individual life stages, financial priorities, and long-term financial goals. 

Pankaj Gupta, MD & CEO, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “Pramerica Life Insurance Invest Shield reflects where we believe the life insurance conversation in India needs to go. For too long, customers have been asked to make a choice that should not exist – between protecting their family and building their wealth. Customers today think about their financial future as a whole. Pramerica Life Invest Shield is built for that mindset. This launch also reflects our commitment to listening closely to evolving customer needs and responding with solutions that are genuinely differentiated. We are at an exciting point in Pramerica Life’s journey – three consecutive years of strong, quality growth across every pillar of our business. That foundation gives us both the confidence and the responsibility to bring genuinely differentiated products to market.”

Karthik Chakrapani, Chief Business Officer, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “Pramerica Life Invest Shield has been designed for customers who are looking for a more integrated approach to financial planning — one that combines meaningful life protection with long-term wealth creation at a stage in life where both priorities become increasingly important. At Pramerica Life, we remain committed to expanding insurance access across India through solutions that are relevant to evolving customer needs and supported by a diversified distribution ecosystem. Through our channels Prahri and Param, catering to the armed forces and paramilitary services respectively, our agency network across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, broker and corporate agent relationships, and our direct-to-consumer channel, we are making Pramerica Life Invest Shield accessible to customers across markets and geographies through the mode of engagement that best aligns with their preferences and financial needs.“

The launch arrives at a moment of sustained momentum for Pramerica Life – three consecutive years of double-digit growth, built on the quality and sustainability of the business being written. New Business Premium grew 19% year-on-year to Rs. 1,471 crore, while Annualised Premium Equivalent rose 29%. Assets under Management expanded 12% YoY and individual New Business Premium grew 30%. Through this period of growth, the company has maintained a Claims Paid Ratio of 99.29% – rising year-on-year for three consecutive years – a measure of the discipline and customer commitment that has accompanied the scale. 

Alongside this growth, the company has remained focused on societal inclusion and extending financial protection to traditionally underserved customer groups and regions. With an average ticket size approximately 42% lower than the industry median, Pramerica Life has consciously built offerings aimed at broadening accessibility across customer segments. The company’s long-standing association with the armed forces and paramilitary community is reflected through specialised protection solutions and second-career opportunities, with more than 60% of individual lives covered belonging to the defence forces community and over 8,500 veterans employed since inception. Nearly 90% of lives covered by Pramerica Life are from rural India, reflecting its continued focus on deepening penetration across underpenetrated and hard-to-reach regions. Pramerica Life Invest Shield is a direct extension of this philosophy — a product built around genuine customer relevance and long-term value creation.

About Pramerica Life Insurance Limited

Pramerica Life Insurance Limited is a joint venture between DIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Finance Limited (erstwhile Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited) and Prudential International Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (PIIH), a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). It represents the coming together of two renowned financial services organizations with a legacy of business excellence spread over decades. Pramerica Life Insurance Limited, started operations in India on September 1, 2008 and has a pan India presence through multiple distribution channels which have been customized to address the specific insurance needs of diverse customer segments. The Company is committed to providing protection and quality financial advice to its customers. Pramerica is the brand name used in India and select countries by PFI.

For more details, please visit www.pramericalife.in

About Piramal Finance Limited

Piramal Finance Limited is a retail-led upper-layer NBFC with a pan-India presence, having served over 5 million customers across 26 states. The company manages Assets under Management (AUM) of over Rs. 1,00,000 Cr and operates a distinctive phygital model – combining high-touch engagement across 13,000+ pin codes with high-tech capabilities including machine learning models, agentic AI tools and real-time dashboards. In retail lending, Piramal Finance offers home loans, loans against property, used car loans, personal loans, digital loans and small business loans, with a strong focus on metro-adjacent, semi-urban and rural markets. In wholesale lending, the company provides asset-backed, data-driven solutions across real estate and select non-real estate sectors, with a focus on mid-segment residential projects and capital solutions for mid-market corporates. With its digital-first approach and AI-enabled platforms, Piramal Finance is committed to expanding access to affordable credit and driving inclusive growth across India.

For more information visit: piramalfinance.com

About Prudential Financial, Inc.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately USD 1.4 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better by creating financial opportunities for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for nearly 150 years.

For more information, please visit news.prudential.com

As Indian families diligently monitor their parents’ blood pressure, administer medications, and schedule cardiology appointments, one question consistently goes unasked: What are we doing for their brain?
 

A team of physicians led by Dr. Sweta Sahu is determined to change that — one daily activity at a time.
 

A doctor-led brain wellness initiative designed to support healthy ageing
 

Their initiative, ActiveMind Daily — part of the healthcare venture BlueprintRx — is now inviting 50 founding families to join a 10-day pilot of a doctor-designed brain wellness programme built specifically for older adults in Indian homes. Simple, screen-free, and grounded in science, the programme delivers one short daily activity targeting memory, language, attention, reflection, and family connection.
 

Filling a Need Families Don’t Know they have
India’s elderly population is expanding at an unprecedented rate — yet conversations around brain health prevention remain largely absent from everyday elder care. Clinically, conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are routinely managed. Cognitive engagement, combating loneliness, and meaningful mental stimulation rarely receive the same attention — until decline becomes impossible to ignore.
 

Built for Real Indian Families
Unlike conventional wellness applications, ActiveMind Daily requires no login and no screen time from seniors. The programme is designed around the rhythms of Indian family life. Activities can be completed independently, with light family support, or through a brief phone call between a parent and an adult child living away from home.
 

Daily prompts draw on culturally familiar themes — childhood festival memories, beloved songs, regional proverbs, and food traditions — crafted to feel like conversation, not clinical exercises.
 

Reminders are delivered via WhatsApp or phone call, and progress is easy to track. Families who remain consistent through the first seven days receive a surprise gift. And if a day is missed, the programme accommodates catch-up sessions — because the goal, as the team emphasises, is rhythm, not perfection.
 

A Doctor-led Team with a Long-term Commitment

ActiveMind Daily is built by physicians who share a common belief: that brain health deserves the same everyday attention we give to the heart.
 

Dr. Sweta Sahu, Founder, is a physician and researcher with research and clinical experience at Johns Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award and has contributed to over 100 publications spanning cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, and population health.
 

“Brain wellness cannot wait for symptoms. Our goal is to make daily cognitive engagement as natural as a morning cup of chai — familiar, effortless, and something the whole family looks forward to.’”

Dr. Sri Sravya Thungathurthi, Physician and Co-founder of ActiveMind Daily, combines clinical training with a strong interest in healthy aging and preventive medicine. Through her exposure to healthcare systems in both India and the United States, she became increasingly interested in how early, proactive approaches to health can improve quality of life long before disease develops. Through ActiveMind Daily, she is helping raise awareness and build practical tools that promote cognitive wellness and meaningful family engagement for older adults in India.
 

“We designed these activities to meet families where they are—not in a clinic, but in their living rooms, around their dining tables, and in their everyday moments. Brain health is one of the most overlooked aspects of healthy ageing in India. In a world increasingly driven by short-form content, constant distractions, and passive consumption, we risk losing curiosity, creativity, and meaningful mental engagement. To me, ActiveMind Daily is a way to encourage a culture where keeping the mind active becomes a daily habit—not out of fear of decline, but as a celebration of lifelong learning, curiosity, and connection.”
 

ActiveMind Daily is supported by an expanding network of doctors, young medical interns, and students of Indian origin studying in U.S. high schools who work alongside its physician leadership team to contribute to research, programme development, participant feedback, and ongoing improvements. Together, they help ensure the initiative continues to evolve, adapt, and remain deeply relevant to the real-world needs of Indian seniors and their families.
 

The programme’s activity framework is guided by evidence-based public health guidance on cognitive health and healthy ageing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute on Ageing (NIA).
 

Join the founding pilot
The 10-day founding families pilot is now open and strictly limited to 50 families in the first batch. Families may begin with a free 30-second brain wellness check and sample three activities at no cost, or register directly through the ActiveMind Daily website.

Website: activeminddaily.in/check

EuroSchool, one of India’s leading K-12 school networks, commemorated 15 years of educational excellence at its Thane campus, celebrating a legacy of academic achievement, holistic development, and meaningful community impact. The milestone event brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, and distinguished guests to reflect on the school’s journey and achievements over the past decade and a half.

EuroSchool Thane celebrates 15 years

Guided by EuroSchool’s philosophy of “Discover Yourself“, the school has consistently focused on creating a balanced learning environment that extends beyond academic achievement. Through a blend of academic rigour, experiential learning, leadership opportunities, sports, arts, and life skills development, EuroSchool Thane has empowered students to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and develop into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.

The milestone celebration brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, staff members, and distinguished guests to commemorate the school’s journey and celebrate the community that has contributed to its success over the past decade and a half. The event reflected the strong partnerships and shared commitment that have helped shape EuroSchool Thane into a trusted institution for generations of families.

Distinguished guests included Mr. Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder and CEO, Lighthouse Learning; Ms. Perin Bagli, Secretary and Treasurer, Association of ICSE Schools in Maharashtra (AISM) and Regional Coordinator for Maharashtra, Goa and UAE, CISCE; Mr. Sadashiv Nayak, CEO – K-12, Lighthouse Learning; and Ms. Natasha Mehta, Head – Central Education Team (CEdT).

The programme featured a welcome ceremony, leadership addresses, a keynote session on the evolving relevance of the ICSE curriculum and future-ready education, and a special presentation chronicling EuroSchool Thane’s 15-year journey. The event also recognised board toppers and outstanding student achievers. 

Jyotsna Mayadas, Principal, EuroSchool Thane, said, “This milestone is a celebration of every student, parent, educator, alumnus, and staff member who has contributed to making EuroSchool Thane what it is today. Over the last 15 years, we have remained committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and discover their unique strengths. We are grateful for the trust of our parent community and look forward to continuing our journey of educational excellence together.”

Ms Perin Bagli, Principal- Activity High School & Secretary and Treasurer of the Association of ICSE Schools in Maharashtra (AISM), said, “I am delighted to have been invited to EuroSchool Thane for this special occasion. Having previously visited EuroSchool Airoli and been deeply impressed by the institution’s commitment to holistic education, I was eager to be here once again. Celebrating 15 glorious years is a remarkable milestone, reflecting the dedication, perseverance, and collective efforts of the teachers, leadership team, parents, and the entire school community. I would also like to commend Mr. Rajan, Co-founder and Group CEO of this institution whose progressive vision and educational philosophy have played a pivotal role in shaping its journey. Today, he introduced us to the powerful concept of grit, a value that I am confident will continue to inspire and empower future generations of learners.” 

Over the last 15 years, EuroSchool Thane has remained focused on fostering academic excellence while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and character development. The school’s balanced approach to education has enabled generations of students to excel not only in academics but also across sports, performing arts, leadership initiatives, and community engagement programmes.

As EuroSchool Thane embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to building on its legacy of excellence while continuing to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of learners. With a strong foundation rooted in academic quality, holistic development, and community trust, the school will continue to nurture confident, responsible, and future-ready individuals.

Today, EuroSchool nurtures more than 30,000 students with the support of over 1,800 educators across campuses in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat.

About EuroSchool
EuroSchool is one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, with campuses across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat.

30,000 students | 1,800+ educators | 1000+Digital Classes | 480+ GPS Buses | 111,000+ Library Books

Guided by the philosophy of “Discover Yourself”, EuroSchool empowers children to explore their potential and discover their dreams and talents. From Nursery to Grade 12, EuroSchool is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and preparing every child for a rapidly evolving world.

Its Balanced Schooling approach — anchored in the proprietary Learn–Reinforce–Practice–Apply–Experience (LRPAX) methodology — seamlessly blends academic excellence with co-curricular and extracurricular learning. It offers an extensive range of opportunities to develop life skills, creativity and leadership. With a strong focus on child safety – being India’s first school network to earn the global ‘Safe School’ certification, EuroSchool provides secure spaces where children can truly flourish.

All EuroSchool campuses are affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), ensuring globally benchmarked academic standards with the flexibility and care that today’s learners need.

For more information, visit: www.euroschoolindia.com.

About Lighthouse Learning Group
Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India’s leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which include leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool and Billabong High International, Mother’s Pet Kindergarten, Centre Point School, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Finland International School, Maldives and Phoenix Greens School of Learning, Hyderabad. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasises a ‘Child First’ philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 1,850 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,650 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 22,000 people.

Crizac Limited, one of India’s leading technology-driven international student mobility platforms, today announced a strategic investment in Edument Consultancy Private Limited, the operator of ForeignAdmits, an AI-first student mobility platform that has served over 100,000 students and facilitated more than INR 1,500 crore in education loans. The investment, structured through Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs) and Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS), marks a significant milestone in Crizac’s ongoing evolution as a technology-led, full-stack student mobility platform, extending its reach into AI-powered financing and visa solutions that serve students at every stage of their journey.

Nikhil is founder and CEO Of  Edument Consultancy Pvt Ltd (Trade Name – ForeignAdmits, VisaMonk)

With this investment, Crizac strengthens its ability to support students and counselling partners at the most consequential stages of the study-abroad journey: choosing a destination, securing financing, and clearing the visa, each powered by AI-enabled technology that delivers speed, accuracy, and scale. ForeignAdmits will continue to operate as an independent entity under its existing brand and management, preserving the organisational agility and student-first culture that underpins its growth.

From Mobility Platform to Full-Stack, AI-Enabled Student Infrastructure
Crizac has consistently invested in technology and partnerships that keep it at the forefront of international student mobility, connecting a global network of counselling partners with 400+ institutions across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The ForeignAdmits investment is the next major step in that journey: bringing AI-powered, direct-to-student capabilities in financing and visa preparation into the platform, and giving counselling partners the tools to serve students more completely than ever before.

Dr. Vikash Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Crizac Limited

ForeignAdmits brings a proprietary, award-winning technology stack to the combined entity:

• LoanMonk: India’s first pre-admission loan eligibility engine, with 80,000+ assessments completed across 17+ lending partners, giving students financial clarity before they even apply.

• VisaMonk: An AI-powered visa interview simulation tool trusted by 3,000+ students globally and winner of The PIEoneer Awards 2025 for Digital Innovation of the Year in Student Recruitment.

“As a market leader, our responsibility has always been to stay ahead of what students and counselling partners need. ForeignAdmits brings a level of AI-enabled capability in financing and visa that, combined with our institutional strength, creates a truly integrated platform; one that sets a new benchmark for what this industry can offer,” Dr. Vikash Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Crizac Limited.

Nikhil Jain Will Join Crizac as Chief Product & Marketing Officer
As part of the transition, Nikhil Jain, Founder and CEO of ForeignAdmits, will join Crizac’s senior leadership as Chief Product & Marketing Officer. An IIT (BHU) Varanasi graduate, Stanford SEED Spark alumnus, and former doctoral researcher at the IIT Bombay–Monash Research Academy, Jain brings a rare combination of research rigour and at-scale product execution. He will lead product strategy and consumer brand across the combined platform.

“We built ForeignAdmits to remove the friction that stops capable students from accessing the education they deserve. Joining Crizac means that mission now has the institutional reach, global distribution, and counselling partner network to reach every student who needs it. This is not an exit; it is an acceleration,” Nikhil Jain, Founder, ForeignAdmits.

This investment reflects Crizac’s continued commitment to staying at the forefront of international student mobility. With 400+ institutional partnerships, a global counsellor network, and ForeignAdmits’ AI-powered technology now integrated, Crizac is positioned to offer counselling partners and students a genuinely end-to-end experience, from first search to first day of class.

About Crizac Limited 
Crizac Limited is a leading B2B international student recruitment platform, connecting a global network of education agents with 400+ premier institutions across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Headquartered in Kolkata and listed on the NSE and BSE, Crizac is committed to ethical recruitment and tech-driven student success. www.crizac.com.

About Edument Consultancy Private Limited (ForeignAdmits).
ForeignAdmits, operated by Edument Consultancy Private Limited, is an AI-first student mobility platform providing end-to-end infrastructure for university discovery, admissions, education financing, and visa preparation. Its flagship tools have collectively supported over 100,000 students globally across 15+ countries, empowered 800+ partner consultancies, facilitated more than INR 1,500 crore in education loans, and assisted over 3000 students in Visa Preparation. 

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, continued its strong claim settlement performance with a Claim Settlement Ratio of 99.7% (for individual death claims) in FY’26. HDFC Life continues to consistently deliver on its promise made to its customers, which is also reflective in this year’s high claims settlement ratio declared.

Claim settlement is the moment of truth in the life insurance industry and is the critical differentiator amongst the life insurers. HDFC Life is committed to ensuring that all claimants have a smooth and stress-free experience at every touch-point.

Sameer Yogishwar – Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life

“Timely and hassle-free settlement of every genuine claim will continue to be our priority,” said Sameer Yogishwar – Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life. “Our customers trust us when they buy a policy, and HDFC Life is dedicated to living up to that trust by making every effort to provide them and their families with financial security at the time when they need it the most. We are continually enhancing our capabilities and using technology to create an easier, more seamless, and more effective claim settlement process to enable for faster turnaround times.”

HDFC Life has undertaken several customer-focused initiatives to improve the claims process for both policyholders and beneficiaries. The Company is leveraging digital workflows, automation, AI-led validation, and analytics to simplify claims assessment and processing. Claimants can now initiate and track claims digitally, upload documents online, and receive timely communication updates throughout the process. Digital claims journeys reduce dependency on physical visits and manual paperwork, which can be emotionally and operationally difficult during stressful situations. Under Project Inspire, HDFC Life is driving Zero‑Touch Processing (ZTP), Fast‑Track processes, and real‑time payment enablement in the claims domain.

To ensure claimants have a hassle-free experience towards processing the claims, they can reach HDFC Life through the multiple channels available to them – from walking into their nearest HDFC Life branch, connecting with their agent, or even by logging into the Company’s portal.

Remember: To every customer buying a policy, here are some essential steps to follow:

1. Kindly disclose all health-related information accurately and truthfully, as it plays a critical role in the claim settlement process

2. Do fill the details of the nominee/nominees for the policy, as this ensures that the proceeds go to the rightful recipient

• Nomination can be done anytime during the lifecycle of the policy

• Nomination can be changed and multiple nominees can be added to an existing policy

3. Policyholders should share the policy details with the nominee/ nominees, so that they are able to initiate the claim process when the need arises

4. Always keep all contact details of self, and nominee, updated with the life insurer, for easy communication

Claim settlement ratio is 99.7% for individual death claims settled in FY’26.

At a time when the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is leading India’s global innovation outreach through the prestigious “Bharat Innovates” initiative in Nice, France, a parallel movement to nurture India’s next generation of innovators is taking shape in the nation’s capital.

Policy makers, industry, academia and innovation leaders unite to launch hackFront India, accelerating Bharat’s innovation decade and empowering the next million innovators

The hackFront India Leadership Forum, being hosted at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, marks the official launch of hackFront India, a nationwide innovation league designed to identify, nurture and accelerate student innovators, entrepreneurs and technology creators from across the country. hackFront India is the initiative of leading innovation tech startup Where U Elevate.

The timing of the event is particularly significant. As India showcases over 120 deep-tech startups, premier institutions and breakthrough innovations before global investors and industry leaders through “Bharat Innovates” in France, hackFront India seeks to strengthen the grassroots innovation pipeline that will produce the next generation of such success stories.

Inspired by the Vision of “Bharat Innovates”
hackFront India draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent call for building an innovation-led India where technology serves humanity, entrepreneurship drives prosperity and young minds become creators rather than consumers of technology.

The launch of hackFront India reflects the spirit of PM Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global innovation powerhouse by connecting talent, technology, academia, industry and government.

Building Bharat’s Innovation Decade
Organized by Where U Elevate, the hackFront India Leadership Forum brings together leaders from industry, academia, startups, government and the investment ecosystem to deliberate on the future of innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies in India. 

The initiative aims to create a structured, pan-India league of hackathons, innovation challenges, startup accelerators and mentorship programs that will empower students and young entrepreneurs to solve real-world problems through technology and innovation.

Leadership Driving the Movement
hackFront India is spearheaded by Mr. Rishab Ilwadi, Co-Founder & CEO of Where U Elevate, whose vision is to create a nationwide platform for innovation, entrepreneurship and youth leadership. He is supported by an accomplished Executive Council comprising leaders from academia, industry, technology, startups and public policy.

The initiative is guided by an esteemed Advisory and Mentorship Council that includes industry veterans Mr. Amresh Khar and Mr. Dhiraj Tripathi, Founder & CEO of AutoBridge Ventures, Academic Leader Dr. Alok Nikhil Jha, Coordinator & Head, Innovation, IIIT Delhi. Together, they bring strategic expertise, industry insights and mentorship to help nurture India’s next generation of innovators.

Leadership Voices
Speaking at the launch, the distinguished Guests of Honour and thought leaders attending the forum—including Dr. Vinod Bind, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Anshoo Pandey, Director, Ministry of Mines, Dr. Pankaj Tripathi, Thought Leader, Shri Vinit Goenka, Secretary, Centre for Knowledge Sovereignity and Ms. Malgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director, Polish Institute, New Delhi – emphasized that India’s innovation journey cannot be built solely in boardrooms and research laboratories. It must be powered by millions of young minds across schools, colleges, universities, and startup ecosystems.

They underscored the critical need to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by enhancing youth employability, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating pathways for meaningful careers in both the corporate and public sectors.

The industry and academia leaders including Mr. Manish Gurnani, CTO, Ksolves India Limited, Mr. Praveen Dwivedi, VP-Public Sector, iLink Digital, Mr. Bhavesh Kataria – CEO, Telio Talent, Mr. Mukesh Bansal, Deputy General Manager – Renewable Energy, Havells, Mr. Om Prakash Maurya, Delivery Head, Ksolves India Limited , Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Vice Chancellor, Metro University, Imran Yusuf, COO, Electropreneur Park – STPI, Dr. Sunita Yadav, Dean, Computer Science, Inderprastha Engineering College, Dr. Anjani Kumar Bhatnagar, Additional Director – Placements, Amity University, Dr. Abhinav Juneja, Director, CRPC, KIET University, also highlighted the importance of providing structured mentorship, incubation support, industry exposure, and investor access to promising innovators emerging from the six-month hackFront India Innovation League. The initiative aims not only to identify talent but also to help transform innovative ideas into scalable ventures, employment opportunities, and nation-building solutions.

“While Bharat Innovates is showcasing India’s innovation excellence to the world, hackFront India aims to discover, nurture, and empower the innovators who will represent India on such global platforms in the years ahead. By strengthening employability, entrepreneurship, and incubation support, we are contributing to the creation of a future-ready workforce and building Bharat’s Innovation Decade.“

Event Details
Event: hackFront India Leadership Forum
Date: 13 June 2026
Venue: Constitution Club of India, New Delhi
Theme: Building Bharat’s Innovation Decade – A National Dialogue on Talent, Technology and Entrepreneurship 
The forum witnessed participation from distinguished leaders representing industry, academia, startups, government institutions, investors and innovation ecosystems from across India.

About hackFront India
hackFront India – an initiative of Where U Elevate – is a national innovation league dedicated to nurturing young builders, entrepreneurs and technology innovators through hackathons, innovation challenges, mentorship, incubation support and industry engagement. The initiative seeks to create a nationwide platform that transforms ideas into impactful ventures and contributes to India’s emergence as a global innovation leader.

Special Public Prosecutor for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Advocate Gautam Khazanchi, engaged a packed auditorium of law students at Galgotias University in a detailed discussion on bail jurisprudence, constitutional safeguards under Article 22, PMLA, and the evolving complexities of criminal litigation in India.
 

An insightful session with Advocate Gautam Khazanchi, bridging legal theory with real-world criminal litigation for Galgotias University law students

The distinguished lecture examined contemporary issues surrounding criminal justice, liberty, due process, economic offences, and the interpretation of state powers within the Indian legal system. The session brought students into discussion with one of the most debated areas of contemporary criminal law, particularly the judicial balancing of individual liberty with the interests of justice.
 

During the lecture, Advocate Gautam Khazanchi discussed the constitutional foundations governing bail in India and explained how judicial interpretation has evolved through landmark precedents. Referring to courtroom practice and contemporary legal developments, he examined the principles that guide courts while granting or refusing bail in criminal cases.
 

The discussion also examined constitutional safeguards under Article 22 of the Indian Constitution, including protections relating to arrest, detention, legal representation, and procedural rights available to accused persons within the criminal justice system.
 

A major focus of the lecture was the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the role of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in financial crime investigations. The session explored the stringent “twin conditions” governing bail under the PMLA, recent judicial developments, procedural complexities in financial crime litigation, and the practical challenges faced by defence lawyers while representing clients in such matters.
 

Drawing from professional experience, he also discussed the changing nature of investigation processes, the increasing complexity of economic offences, and the growing importance of constitutional safeguards in cases involving financial and national security-related matters.
 

Students listened with rapt attention throughout the session and actively participated in an engaging question-and-answer discussion on constitutional rights, ED investigations, judicial interpretation, bail jurisprudence, and courtroom strategy.
 

The lecture closely follows the recently concluded International Conference on Comparative Law organised by the School of Law at Galgotias University in collaboration with the School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Australia. The conference brought together Supreme Court judges, legal scholars, senior advocates, academicians, and practitioners to deliberate on constitutional law, arbitration, governance, technology, business regulation, human rights, and international legal frameworks.
 

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “This lecture closely follows the International Conference on Comparative Law at Galgotias University and continues our effort to provide students regular opportunities to engage with leading judges, legal scholars, senior advocates, and practitioners working on contemporary legal and policy issues. Discussions around criminal law today increasingly involve constitutional rights, financial regulation, technology, digital evidence, and national security. Exposure to such conversations helps students better understand how legal principles are interpreted and applied within real judicial and investigative contexts.”
 

The School of Law at Galgotias University has been steadily expanding its academic and industry engagement initiatives through lectures, moot courts, policy discussions, legal aid programmes, research conferences, and interactions with judges, senior advocates, policymakers, and legal practitioners.
 

The lecture is one more step in the School of Law’s continuing focus on building a contemporary, practice-oriented, and globally engaged legal education ecosystem that exposes students to real-world legal developments, courtroom realities, and evolving judicial discourse.
 

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.
 

In the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 15th among private universities and 43rd among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.
 

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,100 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.