Youth Empowerment: Apprenticeship Scheme Launched in Mizoram
Empowering Youth, Enabling Growth: North East Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme Launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalduhoma and Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary
Mumbai, 20th May 2025 — Reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive growth and regional empowerment, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), today launched a strategic pilot scheme to promote apprenticeship training in the North Eastern Region (NER). The scheme was jointly launched in Aizawl by Shri Lalduhoma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram and Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Ashta Lakshmi and Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East, the initiative aims to provide structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to youth across the region.
As a key financial support measure, over 26,000 youth from the region will receive an additional ₹1,500 per month for one year under the pilot—over and above the regular stipend provided through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). This support is applicable for apprentices from the North East Region undertaking training both within and outside the North East, ensuring that mobility does not become a barrier to accessing opportunity. A total of ₹43.94 crore has been earmarked for the pilot, including ₹4 crore for outreach, capacity building, and project implementation.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister (I/C), MSDE, stated: “The launch of this special pilot initiative under NAPS marks a defining moment for apprenticeship promotion in the North East. It opens the doors of real industry exposure for our youth—allowing them to step onto the factory floor, understand the dynamics of contemporary industry, and align their skills with real-world demand. For the industry, it offers a transparent mechanism to engage with and evaluate talent early. This is not just a training pathway—it is an accessible, open bridge to employment.
I want to highlight a particularly powerful dimension: the central role of women in this journey. The North East, with its unique cultural ethos, has always stood tall in championing women-led empowerment. At the policy level too, we are committed to reinforcing this. The data emerging from the NAPS implementation in the region clearly reflects higher female participation—turning the North East into a beacon of hope for gender-responsive skilling across India”
Shri Lalduhoma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, expressed: “This collaboration with the Government of India will open new doors for the youth of Mizoram and the wider North East. With financial support, quality training, and strong industry linkages, this initiative empowers our young citizens to find their rightful place in India’s evolving economic landscape—whether here in the North East or across the country. Your presence, Hon’ble Minister, is a strong encouragement to our youth and our government to promote practical, flexible, and employment-oriented skills that equip our people to succeed with strength and dignity. Mizoram has a unique demographic advantage—our high literacy rates, combined with the right skilling interventions, can unlock tremendous potential. Our youth are eager to learn and willing to lead. We take pride in our heritage skills, many of which have been passed down through generations, and are now being aligned with modern professional standards. In WorldSkills 2022, our youth made us proud by participating on the global stage. With MSDE’s continued support—including programmes in correctional facilities and those focused on women—we are ensuring inclusivity and aspiration for all. The state has developed a comprehensive Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Plan to ensure a steady pipeline of capable, confident, and employable youth. Together, we are building a stronger and more empowered Mizoram.”
The implementation will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), supported by State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates (RDSDEs), and local institutions.
This pilot builds upon India’s broader apprenticeship success. Since 2016, NAPS has facilitated more than 42 lakh apprenticeship engagements across the country. The introduction of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has enabled transparent and timely disbursal of over ₹870 crore directly into apprentices’ accounts since 2022. Over 35,000 establishments have participated in apprenticeship engagement, supported by more than 5,000 Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) held nationwide.
The North East Apprenticeship Pilot represents a scalable model for high-impact, region-specific skilling interventions—rooted in local needs, aligned with industry demand, and powered by inter-state mobility.
As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Welspun Living Limited to operationalise a high-impact pilot for apprenticeship-linked skilling in the textile sector. The objective of the partnership is to build a future-ready workforce for operator roles, with a focus on inclusive participation—ensuring that at least 50% of the trained candidates are women. Under the pilot, 1,000 youth will be trained over the next year through a blended training model comprising 120 hours of classroom instruction and 210 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) at Welspun’s state-of-the-art facilities in Anjar and Vapi, Gujarat. Welspun will lead curriculum design, training delivery, and guaranteed captive placement for successful candidates, while NSDC will support mobilization, pre-screening, digital onboarding via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), and funding of classroom training. Upon completion, candidates will receive joint certification from NSDC and Welspun, significantly enhancing their employability.
The event also featured a detailed presentation on the recently approved National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, which has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore and aims to modernise 1,000 government ITIs across the country through a hub-and-spoke model. The session highlighted how the North Eastern Region can strategically benefit from this transformative scheme by upgrading existing ITI infrastructure, aligning training with emerging industry requirements, and fostering state–industry partnerships.
The event was graced by the presence of several senior dignitaries, including Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State, Labour, Employment and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Shri K. Sapdanga, Hon’ble Minister for Home from Govt of Mizoram. Also present was Shri Maotoshi Longkumer, Adviser for Skill Development, Employment, Labour, and Excise, Government of Nagaland, Smt. G. Madhumita Das, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and Shri Shreeshail Malge, Joint Secretary, MSDE.
As India accelerates toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the Government remains steadfast in its mission to create a future-ready, globally competitive workforce. Through this initiative, the North East emerges not only as a participant but as a leader in India’s skills transformation journey.
Adidas and Arsenal Launch 2025–26 Home Kit
New Delhi, May 20th, 2025 – adidas and Arsenal today proudly unveil the Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt. The new shirt explores “The Heart of Arsenal”, using the human heart as a creative device to take supporters on a journey to the source of life behind the badge. Starring a host of players from both the men’s and women’s team, the launch film reveals the players’ internal monologues and is set to the sound of their real heartbeats, with a special musical composition. As the club celebrates Arsenal in the Community’s 40th anniversary this year, the film also features young participants from a number of Arsenal’s local community programmes, including Premier League Kicks, Primary Stars and Football Plus – all of which use the power of football to develop and educate children and young people.
Arsenal‘s Myles Lewis-Skelly said, “I love our new kit, it looks fresh – I’m excited to wear this in front of our incredible supporters. Their energy lifts us and when we step out in the shirt, we feel it more than ever.”
Arsenal‘s Kim Little said, “Supporters are at the heart of everything we do, and this new kit connects to that so deeply. We carry our supporters with us, and they carry us with them, no matter where they are. They push us forward.”
Arsenal’s men’s, women’s and youth teams will take to the pitch in a kit that fuses cutting-edge performance materials and apparel technology alongside an emblem representing Arsenal’s past, with one of the most iconic crests in club history being integrated into the design. Taken from the ‘Victoria Concordia Crescit’ crest, first seen on match day programmes in the 1949/50 season, the ‘A’ of ‘Arsenal’ is rendered in a Gothic font and features as a repeating print throughout the shirt. The gothic ‘A’ has grown to be synonymous with Arsenal’s identity, notably featuring on the classic 1990-91 league-winning home shirt worn at Highbury and is reimagined again today through the 2025–26 home kit.
Each authentic Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt uses adidas HEAT.RDY technology for improved comfort, fit and moisture management, including the incorporation of structured mesh fabric material in key areas and 3D engineered fabric in the nape to provide consistent ventilation. Supporters will also be able to enjoy the same design on the AEROREADY version of the Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt, which includes the incorporation of recycled materials.
The Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt is complemented by all-white home shorts with red detailing, and red socks featuring the same gothic ‘A’ as the shirt, completed with the adidas signature Three stripes. Arsenal’s men’s team will wear the new 2025–26 shirt for the first time in their final game of the domestic league season against Newcastle United on May 18 at Emirates Stadium.
Panasonic Smart Factory Solutions India Launches Advanced Welding Machine and Cooling Unit
New Delhi, 20th May 2025: Panasonic Smart Factory Solutions India (PSFSIN), a division of a global leading diversified technology company – Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) – today launched its next-generation welding solution portfolio, including the Welding Power Source (YD-400AT3DJU) and Water Cooling Unit (YX-09KJ1DJF). Developed and manufactured at the state–of–the–art facility in Jhajjar, Haryana, these Made-in-India heavy-duty smart factory solutions reaffirm Panasonic’s commitment to enabling localized manufacturing excellence for India’s industrial ecosystem. PSFSIN’s Technopark facility in Haryana is among the largest producers of manual welding equipment in India, catering to sectors like automotive, infrastructure, oil & refinery, construction equipment, process equipment, amongst others.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vishal Dahiya, Director, Panasonic Smart Factory Solutions India (PSFSIN), PLSIND, said, “At Panasonic, we are committed to accelerating India‘s manufacturing competitiveness through innovative and reliable solutions. The latest additions to Panasonic’s cutting-edge and smart welding ecosystem represent our deep understanding of customer needs and our engineering excellence rooted in Panasonic’s Japanese expertise. These solutions are designed to support India’s growing need for precision manufacturing, especially across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, automotive components, shipbuilding, and heavy engineering. With our focus on quality, reliability, and long-term support, these products aim to improve welding performance, productivity, and operational safety.”
IGBT Controlled DC TIG Welding Power Source (YD-400AT3DJU)
The newly launched robust IGBT-controlled DC TIG Welding Power Source is designed to deliver high weld stability even at low output current (such as 4 amp) levels. Intended for durability and precision, it features a hermetically sealed chamber and a unique dust-proof and waterproof structure, ensuring reliable performance even in rugged environments. The unit supports a wide range of base metals such as mild steel, low alloy steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, and Cu-Ni alloys, making it ideal for critical applications in petrochemical plants, power generation units, pressure vessel manufacturing, and stainless-steel product fabrication. Equipped with advanced functions such as arc force control, crater and slope timers, electric shock prevention switch, and remote operation compatibility, the new welding power source empowers welding professionals with greater safety, flexibility, and control.
Water Cooling Unit with Integrated Flow Switch & Overload Protection
Complementing the welding power source is the Water Cooling Unit—an innovative solution devised for high-amperage welding tasks. With a compact, lightweight build and powerful cooling capacity, the unit ensures uninterrupted welding operations by preventing overheating of the torch and unit during extended use. The water cooler features a high-performance force-air-cooled radiator, integrated flow switch for safety, overload protection, and user-friendly elements such as quick connectors, easy water refill access, and maintenance-free operation. It offers a 9-litre tank capacity and operates at a low noise level of just 67 dB, enhancing usability in various industrial settings.
Backed by an all-India support network and dedicated service infrastructure, PSFSIN ensures long-term product support through dedicated sales, service, and spare parts availability. PSFSIN offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes welding machines, surface mount technology (SMT) equipment, robotic systems, and Industrial IoT platforms.
Samsung Launches AI-Powered Best Load Washing Machines in India
GURUGRAM, India –May 20, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announced the expansion of Bespoke AI to its Top Load Washing Machine category, following the remarkable consumer response to Bespoke AI Front Load Washing Machines. Designed to redefine laundry care with intelligent and efficient solutions, the new range brings advanced AI-powered features for enhanced fabric care, energy efficiency, and seamless convenience. With this expansion, Samsung reinforces its commitment to innovation, offering consumers a smarter and more effortless washing experience.
The new Top Load Washing Machines, available in 8KG, 10KG, 12KG, and 14KG capacities, are designed to offer seamless and efficient laundry experience with Bespoke AI. The lineup is available in a range of elegant colours like Black Caviar, Lavender Gray, and the newly introduced Deep Charcoal and Brushed Navy, designed to complement any modern home aesthetic.
Equipped with AI Wash and its 3-step sensing, these machines intelligently detect the fabric type and weight to automatically recommend the optimal settings for each load. Leveraging an advanced AI algorithm, the cycle adjusts key parameters—such as water level, agitation intensity, and wash and rinse duration—delivering up to 25% more fabric care and taking good care of fabrics. Building on this technology, features like Eco bubble, Hygiene Steam (with inbuilt heater), Super Speed, AI Energy Mode, and SmartThings integration, AI VRT+™ (Vibration Reduction Technology) further elevate the laundry experience – enhancing fabric protection, ensuring superior hygiene, optimizing energy efficiency, and providing seamless connectivity for added convenience.
“The launch of our Bespoke AI Top Load Washing Machines reflects our commitment to innovation that meets evolving Indian consumer needs. The remarkable success of our Bespoke AI Front Load range reaffirms the growing appetite for AI-powered appliances. We are now driving the technology expansion to top load models. Consumers can now experience fabric care, convenience, and efficiency with our new Top Load Washing Machines. From optimizing wash cycles to saving energy and providing effortless control through SmartThings, our latest range is designed to make everyday laundry smarter, more intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into modern lifestyles,” said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances, Samsung India.
Intelligent Innovations for Smarter, Faster, and More Efficient Laundry Care
The new Top Load Washing Machines elevate everyday laundry with intelligent innovations that enhance efficiency and convenience. Ecobubble ensures up to 20% better fabric care reducing wear on clothes by effectively dissolving detergent, delivering a powerful yet gentle wash. For a deeper clean, Hygiene Steam, powered by an in-built heater, eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria and allergens, ensuring superior hygiene. With Super Speed technology, users can complete a wash cycle in just 29 minutes, saving time without compromising on cleaning efficiency. Stain Wash, on the other hand, gives users the option to use either warm or hot water to remove dirt and stains effectively. It can clean everyday marks like sweat at 40°C. AI Energy Mode, available through the SmartThings App, optimizes energy consumption, reducing usage by up to 20% while maintaining powerful performance. Users can track their daily, weekly, and monthly power consumption, with the app even estimating monthly energy bills.
AI VRT+™ technology ensures quieter operation while adapting to various floor conditions. This advanced version of the VRT+™ system gathers multiple signals from the washer and sends them to an AI server, that analyzes the type of floor the washer is placed on. Using an AI algorithm, the server determines the optimal settings for a stable and quieter operation, ensuring a seamless and peaceful laundry experience for users.
Further enriching the experience, SmartThings connectivity allows for seamless control, enabling users to remotely manage cycles, access Bixby voice assistance, and utilize Home Care features for enhanced convenience, making laundry effortless and intuitive.
Like the Front-Load Washing Machines, this new range of Top Load washing machines is equipped with Digital Inverter Technology (DIT), ensuring quieter operation, enhanced durability, and improved energy efficiency. Utilizing strong magnets, DIT delivers powerful performance while consuming less energy than conventional motors, making it both efficient and long-lasting.
Aman Sharma makes a Comeback in Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri, says ‘Deep inside had a feeling it might happen’
While speaking about his comeback, he said, “Honestly, I never expected to make a comeback, but somewhere deep inside, I had a little feeling it might happen. The storyline was so strong, and I also wanted Virendra to return. So yes, I always wanted to come back to the show because I had connected with it from the start.”
The Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri actor further added, “I’m feeling super good, excited, and full of energy! The character I’m playing now—Virendra—is exactly the kind of role I always wanted to do. It’s a strong character with many layers, and you get to do so much while playing it. For me, it’s something different and refreshing. So yes, I’m really excited.”
Speaking about his character’s purpose after comeback, he said, “Now, talking about Virendra’s real aim—his goal is to gain power no matter what. The grandmother had already established herself as the village head, and Virendra wants to take that position into his own hands. He wants to become the village leader, the authority figure—not Rudra, but himself. This is exactly the character’s purpose and his main goal. And to achieve this goal, he is making all the moves carefully.”
MediaTek Showcases AI Vision From Edge to Cloud at Computex 2025
TAIPEI, Taiwan – May 20, 2025 – At Computex 2025, MediaTek will present its latest advancements in AI computing under the theme “AI for Everyone: From Edge to Cloud”. Dr. Rick Tsai, Vice Chairman and CEO of MediaTek, will deliver a keynote on May 20, the opening day of the exhibition, offering key insights into the roles of AI, 6G, edge and cloud computing in digital transformation and demonstrate how MediaTek’s vision is empowering a connected, intelligent world – from edge to cloud — for everyone.
“We are looking forward to highlighting MediaTek’s long-standing expertise in connectivity, computing, and multimedia products and technologies,” said Joe Chen, President and COO of MediaTek. “These comprehensive solutions from edge to cloud demonstrate our cutting-edge portfolio and its collaborations with global ecosystem partners, aiming to offer AI-driven experiences across multiple applications and promote the broader adoption of generative AI.”
Hybrid Computing Integrates Computing and Connectivity, Empowering a New AI World
To address the issue of information silos in the era of generative AI, MediaTek has proposed a hybrid computing concept that integrates both computing and communications. This approach fosters greater collaboration among various AI agents and facilitates smoother interaction throughout the AI ecosystem. In line with this vision, MediaTek will showcase the world’s first 5G Generative AI Gateway as a conceptual hybrid computing solution. This device merges MediaTek’s leading 5G FWA platform with on-device generative AI capabilities in a single device, delivering high performance, robust privacy, substantial bandwidth, and low latency. Having completed proof-of-concept (PoC) trials with a leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, it was selected for this year’s Computex Best Choice Award.
Building on this concept, MediaTek will demonstrate a fully connected smart home vision through AI Hub to connect household devices, with on-device AI agents collaborating as customized personal assistants. MediaTek and NVIDIA will also co-present an “edge cloud” that consists of a “RAN-cloud” (combining Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes with computing resources) and a “device cloud” (consisting of device-based computing resources). The result is low latency, carrier-grade privacy, and personal data governance in agentic AI and dynamic resource allocation scenarios.
Transforming AI for the Cloud: MediaTek’s Impact and Innovation
MediaTek is revolutionizing the AI and cloud technology ecosystem through its strategic collaboration with NVIDIA, resulting in the creation of the NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip for NVIDIA DGX Spark. This partnership has led to the creation of the world’s smallest AI supercomputer for cloud developers, delivering an unprecedented 1000 TOPS performance. DGX Spark is designed to run AI models with up to 200 billion parameters locally, bringing the power of NVIDIA AI directly to the desktop.
MediaTek’s custom ASIC solutions are tailored for AI accelerators and datacenters, addressing the evolving complexities of dense compute and high-speed networking in custom silicon design. Our world-class roadmap includes advanced solutions utilizing cutting edge process nodes and high-speed interconnects to meet demanding AI networking speeds, along with adopting modern packaging and custom HBM integrations. These advancements are driving significant enhancements in performance and efficiency, underscoring MediaTek’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering leading-edge solutions for the most demanding applications.
MediaTek Dimensity Auto Brings Together 5G and AI for Next-Gen Automotive Applications
The MediaTek Dimensity Auto platform continues to push innovation forward in smart, connected, software-defined vehicles. The Dimensity Auto Cockpit solutions offer scalable hardware and software platforms with advanced AI capabilities. Its flagship Dimensity Auto Cockpit C-X1 chipset integrates the latest generative AI models with AI acoustic technologies for personalized virtual assistant service. The Dimensity Auto Cockpit platform also supports 8K and Dolby Vision HDR, alongside Dolby Atmos, for a truly exceptional in-vehicle entertainment experience.
The flagship Dimensity Auto Connect MT2739 features the world’s first in-vehicle 5G DSDA 3Tx technology, intelligent driving scene recognition, and AI-powered network optimization, automatically switching between connectivity modes based on real-time needs. This substantially improves connection speed and stability, enhancing the overall user experience. MediaTek will also demo a 5G NG eCall feature; in the event of a severe collision, the vehicle will automatically initiate a call for emergency assistance.
MediaTek Genio Platform Opens a New Era of IoT AI
Designed for a broad range of IoT devices spanning smart homes, smart retail, and industrial and commercial applications, MediaTek’s Genio IoT platform supports the latest generative AI models, human-machine interfaces (HMI), multimedia, and connectivity technology. Together with various partners, MediaTek will showcase vertical applications including motorcycle control boards, robotic arms, retail, healthcare, and service robots. Addressing the fragmented IoT market, the Genio platform provides a one-stop development toolkit. It integrates NVIDIA TAO, a model training toolkit in MediaTek’s NeuroPilot AI development tool, creating a comprehensive edge AI development environment that supports Android, Yocto Linux, and Ubuntu operating systems. The newly introduced Genio 720/520 platform features generative AI capabilities for added value in vertical applications. MediaTek has already engaged in co-development projects with major domestic and international IoT players, such as Advantech, ADLINK, and VIA.
Connectivity Technology to Support Hybrid AI Computing
Smartphones and wearables often suffer reduced antenna configurations due to size constraints, compromising connectivity performance. MediaTek’s device collaborative multi-antenna technology allows a wearable to aggregate and receive 5G/6G signals through another device nearby, drastically boosting throughput—especially indoors where base station signals may be more prone to blockage—a boon for low-latency applications. Meanwhile, the MediaTek Filogic Wi-Fi optimizes user experiences with AI-enhanced features. It accurately detects interference sources, automatically adjusts settings, and identifies different applications across multiple devices to intelligently allocate bandwidth. These capabilities ensure smoother operation for low-latency scenarios. Additionally, MediaTek’s industry-leading, next-generation 5G-Advanced LEO NR non-terrestrial network (NTN) over the Ku-band will be showcased in Taiwan for the first time.
Multimedia Technologies That Elevate Smart Display Experiences
MediaTek leverages extensive multimedia expertise to bolster edge computing. Highlights include its world’s first 15,000+ zone RGB mini-LED local-dimming control SoC for large screens. It offers high brightness, a wide color gamut, low power consumption, and compatibility with large screen sizes. Compared to OLED, RGB mini-LED increases brightness by 276%, expands the color gamut by 18%, saves 20% power at the same size, and surpasses OLED’s size limitations by 18%. Compared to White mini-LED, RGB mini-LED improves viewing angles by 14%, expands the color gamut by 16%, and reduces power consumption by 10%. In addition, MediaTek introduces the world’s first 8K 60Hz AI-enhanced scaler, featuring pixel-based processing for zero-frame latency and intelligent scene-detection for ultra-realistic visuals, with no separate operating system required. This solution suits both consumer and commercial displays.
Why Is University Selection Challenging for Students Planning to Study Abroad?
By Mr. Manohar Malhotra, Head of Admissions at Merrakii
It is the dream of many students to study abroad, but deciding on the correct university is a multifaceted and confusing Task. University selection can appear challenging at first sight but in fact, the procedure is based very deeply on an even more crucial and basic choice: selecting the correct country.
Country First, University Second
Before a student compares universities, they need to analyze which country will best fit their long-term interests and objectives first. This includes learning about the norms of the country’s education, cultural setting, immigration policies, employment opportunities and political landscape. For example, recent debates in the United States regarding possible policy shifts for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program has raised alarm among international students, especially those from nations such as India. If such shifts cut or nullify opportunities for students to pursue work after graduation, it might encourage them to look for alternative destinations. Once the country is selected, students can focus on finding the right university. Several key factors influence this decision:
1. Course Offerings and Curriculum
The foremost concern needs to be about the availability of the preferred course. The students need to take care that the universities provide the appropriate subjects and specializations reflecting their interests as well as long-term career aims. The curricula framework, credit system and the professional expertise of faculties also significantly impact a student’s educational experience.
2. Scholarships and Financial Support
For most families, budget is the key deciding factor. Tuition and living costs differ greatly from one university to another and one country to another. Thus, obtaining scholarships or financial assistance often becomes crucial. A substantial scholarship package can strongly sway the decision especially among middle class-income families.
3. Location and Career Opportunities
Education in industry-focused cities can greatly increase post-graduation prospects. Being close to potential employers means greater opportunities for internships, networking and placements, so university location becomes a key consideration in the selection process.
4. University Reputation and Exposure
Elite universities like the Ivy League may gain students even when they do not offer financial aid given their brand value in the long run. Yet most students will have to balance between elite and affordability, particularly given options outside of elite colleges that offer good programs and significant scholarship money.
5. Faculty and Research Opportunities
For students seeking higher degrees or academic careers, it is essential to take into account the expertise of the faculty, research opportunities available, and the ability to pursue further studies under the same mentorship from master’s to PhD.
Simplifying the Application Process
To minimize the intricacies involved in applying to foreign universities, students need to take a few strategic steps:
Early Planning
Plan at least 12 months before the university course commencement. It gives sufficient time to collect documents, appear for standardized tests, and do comprehensive research on universities.
Clarity on Goals
Having clear goals for the desired course and country narrows down the list of universities effectively.
Balanced Application Strategy
Students should categorize their options into three groups: Dream (aspirational choices), Reach (within realistic possibility), and Safe (safe choices). This balanced strategy minimizes risk and maximizes acceptance opportunities.
Organized Documentation
Students must make all necessary documents—transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), CV and test scores—well ahead of time to prevent the eleventh-hour rush.
Role of Visa Assistance
It’s an equally important and sometimes intimidating part of the study abroad process to obtain a student visa. Visa requirements and application processes vary by country. Professional visa assistance services can prove to be hugely beneficial in assisting students:
– Know evolving visa policies and qualification criteria
– File correct documents within specified timelines
– Get ready for visa interviews
– Adapt to policy changes with ease and confidence
Having recent facts and professional guidance can markedly lower stress and enhance the likelihood of a successful visa result.
Universities are not solely ranked by their academic status—it’s a complex choice based on factors such as location, course options available, cost implications and future career goals. With proper planning, awareness and advice the student can successfully navigate the process and make decisions that will establish them for academic and professional success overseas.
Ice Make FY25 Revenue Hits INR 480 Cr with 64% Q4 Surge
Mumbai/Ahmedabad, May 19, 2025: Ice Make Refrigeration Limited , a leading manufacturer of 50 plus commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment, has reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2025.
Financial Highlights
For the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Q4 FY25), the company reported consolidated revenue from operations of ₹180.82 crore, marking a robust 26.76% year-on-year increase from ₹140.14 crore in Q4 FY24. This is a 29.02% quarter on-quarter sequential growth. EBITDA for the quarter stood at ₹21.85 crore, compared to ₹20.93 crore in the same period last year.
However, EBITDA margin softened to 12.08% from 14.93% on account of higher input costs. Profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter was ₹11.66 crore, down from ₹14.27 crore in Q4 FY24, while earnings per share (EPS) stood at ₹7.42 versus ₹9.06 in the previous year’s corresponding quarter.
For the full financial year ended March 31, 2025 (FY25), Ice Make achieved consolidated revenue from operations of ₹480.42 crore, an increase of 26.76% year-on-year compared to ₹379.00 crore in FY24. The company reported EBITDA of ₹43.44 crore in FY25, up from ₹41.39 crore in FY24, although the EBITDA margin slightly declined to 09.04% from 10.92%. The full-year PAT stood at ₹22.90 crore as against ₹26.14 crore in FY24, with a corresponding EPS of ₹14.65 compared to ₹16.64 a year earlier.
The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of ₹2.25 per equity share (22.5% of face value ₹10), subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming AGM.
Management Commentary
“We are pleased to report a strong close to the year, with a 64% sequential revenue growth in Q4 FY25, demonstrating the strength of our underlying business and recovery in order execution. While we delivered robust revenue growth during FY2025, reaching nearly ₹480 crore, we narrowly missed our internal milestone of ₹500 crore due to delayed execution of certain product order in the 1st 9 months of FY25. These delays, along with the timing mismatch of input costs already accounted for, impacted full-year profitability. Despite these headwinds, our operations remained resilient, supported by our strategic investments in innovation, capacity expansion, and a customer-centric approach. We also saw continued momentum in our commercial and industrial refrigeration verticals, including ammonia refrigeration and cold chain solutions. The Board’s recommendation of a final dividend reflects our unwavering commitment to long-term shareholder value and sustainable growth.”— Mr. Chandrakant Patel, Chairman & Managing Director
Q1 2025 Real Estate Sentiment Index Shows Cautious Outlook: Knight Frank-NAREDCO
Mumbai, May 19, 2025: The 44th edition of the Knight Frank – NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index Q1 2025 (January–March 2025) report reflects a cautiously optimistic mood among real estate stakeholders. The Current Sentiment Score in Q1 2025 dipped slightly to 54 from 59 in Q4 2024, down from 59 in Q4 2024, while the Future Sentiment Score eased to 56, compared to 59 in the previous quarter. Though both scores, remain in the optimistic zone, signal growing stakeholder caution amid global trade tensions, economic recalibration, and regional volatility. Despite this, positive momentum in commercial real estate and sustained activity in high-value residential segments continue to support sentiment resilience. According to the survey findings, residential outlook leans toward stability amid cautious launch plans. In Q1 2025, 93% of stakeholders expect residential prices to remain stable or improve, while 67% anticipate stability or growth in new launches. Residential sales sentiment, however, has moderated with only 50% expecting it to either improve or stay the same compared to 88% in Q1 2024.
The office segment remains a bright spot, supported by robust leasing activity and stable rental growth. In Q1 2025, 82% of stakeholders anticipate office leasing volumes to either hold steady or increase, while 91% expect office rents to remain stable or rise—signalling sustained occupier confidence and healthy demand.
The quarterly Knight Frank-NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index report captures the current and future sentiments towards the real estate sector, as well as economic conditions and funding availability as perceived by the supply-side stakeholders and financial institutions. A score of 50 represents a neutral view or status quo; a score above 50 demonstrates a positive sentiment; and a score below 50 indicates a negative sentiment.
Sentiments of Developers and Non-Developers
The Developer Future Sentiment Score dropped to 53 in Q1 2025 from 58 in Q4 2024, as developers recalibrate supply strategies amid slowing low to mid ticket size segment demand in the residential sector and rising costs.
The Non-Developer Future Sentiment Score (including banks, financial institutions, and PE funds) moderated to 57 from 60, reflecting a wait-and-watch approach on capital deployment, while remaining optimistic on office and high-ticket size residential segments.
Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, “Q1 2025 marks a phase of strategic recalibration for the real estate sector, shaped by evolving global trade dynamics, softening consumption, and heightened geopolitical sensitivity. Despite these shifts, India’s office market remains resilient, and the continued strength of the premium residential segment affirms the sector’s underlying robustness. As macroeconomic indicators adjust, real estate is displaying its capacity to adapt with stability and long-term potential.”
“Residential market outlook
The residential sentiment in Q1 2025 reflected a clear shift toward stability and cautious optimism. While overall enthusiasm has moderated compared to the highs of 2023 and early 2024, the market continues to show resilience, particularly in higher ticket size segments. Only 22% of stakeholders expect residential sales to increase, marking a notable decline from 73% in the same period in last year. This softening is driven by moderation in demand within the mid and lower ticket-size segments, where affordability concerns and truncated supply led to demand deceleration.
Launch activity has also moderated, with 28% of stakeholders anticipating an increase and 39% expecting stability. Price sentiment remains largely positive, with 93% of stakeholders expect prices to either rise or stay stable. The share of those anticipating a price increase stands at 50%, compared to 82% in Q1 2024, suggesting a shift away from aggressive price growth toward a more measured and sustainable pricing environment.
Hari Babu, President-NAREDCO, said, “While the Knight Frank Q1 2025 Sentiment Index shows a marginal decline in both current and future sentiment scores compared to Q4, this slight dip amidst global uncertainties reflects the strength and adaptability of India’s real estate sector. The industry continues to move forward with optimism and long-term conviction.
The Indian real estate sector is showcasing robust performance in the commercial segment, driven by the demand from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and tech-enabled enterprises — reaffirming India’s growing stature as a global business hub. On the residential front, developers are adopting a more mature, demand-led approach by focusing on high-ticket projects while rebalancing supply in the mid and affordable segments.
This is a sign of steady evolution. We see this as a phase of mindful progress, where Indian real estate is not just expanding, but doing so with greater purpose and prudence. Government-led infrastructure development and the expansion of real estate in Tier 2 and 3 cities will continue to support the sector. Additionally, the recent repo rate cut by the RBI has boosted liquidity and improved buyer sentiment, giving further momentum to the industry. We remain confident in the sector’s potential and its pivotal role in India’s economic journey.”
Office market outlook
The office sector continued to display strength in Q1 2025, backed by robust occupier demand and rental resilience. 82% of stakeholders expect leasing activity to either increase or remain stable, driven by sustained expansion from Global Capability Centres, third party IT services firms, and flex space operators. While only 24% foresee an increase in new office supply, 41% anticipate stability, reflecting developers’ calibrated approach amid high office space absorption. Rents remain on a firm footing, with 91% of respondents expecting them to stay stable or rise.
In Q1 2025, 55% of stakeholders expect economic momentum to either improve or remain stable, down from 91% in the same period in last year. The moderation reflects concerns over global trade volatility, and recent cross-border developments. However, the Reserve Bank of India’s consecutive repo rate cuts in February and April are expected to support consumption and investment, providing a foundation for economic recovery in the months ahead.
Funding sentiment remains steady, with 79% of stakeholders expecting availability to either improve or remain unchanged. While 35% foresee improved access, slightly lower than the previous quarter, the recent rate cuts have enhanced liquidity and reduced borrowing costs.
Vietjet to Deploy 50 Boeing Aircraft to Thailand in Regional Expansion Drive
Mumbai, May 19, 2025: Vietnam’s leading new-age airline Vietjet and Boeing have announced an agreement to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand—marking a strategic initiative to strengthen aviation and tourism connectivity between Thailand, Vietnam, as well as other countries in the region. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the latter’s first official visit to Vietnam.
Under the agreement, Vietjet will allocate 50 aircraft from its existing order of 200 Boeing 737s to Vietjet Thailand. The first deliveries are scheduled for October 2025. This move will significantly expand Vietjet Thailand’s domestic and international flight network, particularly enhancing connections between Vietnam and Thailand.
“We are pleased to partner with Vietjet and Vietjet Thailand to expand Boeing 737 operations in Vietnam and Thailand,” said Penny Burtt, President of Boeing Southeast Asia. “Together, we aim to connect communities and drive economic development, paving the way for a prosperous future in Vietnam and the dynamic growth region that is Southeast Asia.”
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, stated at the event: “The transfer of 50 modern and efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand demonstrates our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation development in the region. We are determined to implement the ‘Three Connects’ Strategy between the two countries – encompassing supply chains, businesses, and localities.”
As part of the agreement, Boeing will also provide Vietjet Thailand with comprehensive technical support, including pilot, maintenance and engineer training, and product services—ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the new fleet in Thailand.
This new agreement marks a new milestone in the robust and effective cooperation between Vietnamese, Thai, and U.S. enterprises, with shared priorities in digital transformation, sustainable development, and narrowing development gaps among member states.
Vietjet currently operates 10 India-Vietnam routes, offering a total of 78 flights per week—making it the airline with the most extensive flight network between the two countries. These routes connect New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru with Vietnam’s key destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.
Vietjet Thailand, established in 2014, is a new-age joint venture airline of Vietjet in Thailand, symbolizing the success of ASEAN aviation economic cooperation. Over more than a decade of development, Vietjet Thailand has continuously expanded its fleet and flight network, becoming one of the most dynamic airlines in the Thai market—highly regarded by both local passengers and international travelers in the Land of Smiles.
Headquartered at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Vietjet Thailand currently operates 33 domestic and international routes, connecting Thailand’s economic and tourism hubs with Vietnam, Japan, China, India, Cambodia, and other destinations across the region. The airline has served more than 30 million passengers, making significant contributions to tourism, trade, and ASEAN regional cooperation, particularly between Vietnam and Thailand.