Palo Alto Networks Bolsters SASE Capabilities for Modern Workplace

MUMBAI, India, April 29, 2025 — Palo Alto Networks®,, the global cybersecurity leader, today announced its latest advancements in Prisma® SASE, the industry’s most comprehensive secure access service edge (SASE) solution, including the unveiling of Prisma Access Browser 2.0, the world’s only SASE-native secure browser. Prisma Access Browser 2.0, along with Endpoint Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and expanded cloud presence with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), are new Prisma SASE capabilities designed to secure generative AI (GenAI) usage, improve user experience and enhance operational resilience in the modern workplace.

Eighty-five percent of work today is happening in browsers, leading to potential data exposure and monitoring gaps. Palo Alto Networks 2025 Unit 42 Incident Report found that almost half (44%) of security incidents involved malicious activities initiated or enabled through employees’ browsers, such as phishing, URL redirect abuse and malware downloads.

“A secure browser extends SASE protection to where knowledge workers spend most of their time, securing third-party access, supporting BYOD, and reducing an organization’s reliance on legacy infrastructure like VDI,” said John Grady, principal analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group, now part of Omdia. “Palo Alto Networks unique approach of integrating its Prisma Access Browser with Prisma SASE helps organizations extend the same protection from advanced threats, user experience monitoring, and GenAI app protection from the network into the browser, ensuring users are protected, efficient, and productive.”

Uniquely the combination of Prisma SASE with Prisma Access Browser delivers safe, fast, policy-driven access to everything the modern workforce needs — without compromising experience or security. To further enable enterprises to browse securely from any device or any location, Prisma Access Browser 2.0 includes the following new capabilities:

  • Safely enabling GenAI use and protecting data in real time: Prisma Access Browser 2.0 now helps secure GenAI adoption with real-time visibility, access control and user coaching to accurately secure sensitive data at the last mile (e.g., clipboard, print, screenshots, typing), with LLM-powered context-based classification preventing unintentional leaks or breaches.
  • Defending against new sophisticated web attacks: Prisma Access Browser 2.0 delivers new protection powered by Precision AI® to detect evasive and targeted attacks such as AI-generated cloaking and SaaS-hosted phishing attacks in real time. This includes attacks such as evasive AI-generated code and malicious injections into compromised websites, which cannot be reliably detected outside of the browser.
  • Delivering a reimagined user experience: Prisma Access Browser 2.0 delivers maximum performance for modern web and SaaS applications, yet still provides users with the ability to easily launch legacy infrastructure such as VDI applications from the same browser for a unified experience.

“In the AI-first era, safeguarding customer data and intellectual property is paramount,” said Aathir Ahad, CISO, Wipro Limited. “Prisma Access Browser aligns with our Zero Trust strategy and our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for rapid threat prevention, enhanced user experience, and robust data & privacy protection.”

“Secure browsers are absolutely essential for the modern workforce because today’s work is increasingly remote, cloud-based, and data-intensive,” said Anand Oswal, SVP and GM of Network Security, Palo Alto Networks. “This shift demands a unified, modern approach to security — a SASE natively integrated secure browser — that uniquely safeguards productivity, helps ensure resilience, and does so with a seamless user experience, making it the optimal choice for securing today’s dynamic work environments.”

Additional new advanced features to Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE include:

  • Endpoint Data Loss Prevention (DLP) — to improve shadow data discovery and data classification accuracy as well as provide proactive measures against insider threats to safeguard sensitive information.
  • Extend App Acceleration to Branch — to expand support for new productivity apps and extend enhanced user-to-app performance to the branch with integration into Prisma SD-WAN.
  • Next-Generation Unified SASE Agent — to simplify the IT experience with a unified, next-generation agent for SASE use cases.
  • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) — to broaden the global reach of Prisma SASE and build on the ability to deliver cloud resiliency and industry-leading uptime.

“Our long-standing collaboration with Palo Alto Networks helps organizations across the world securely accelerate their cloud journey,” said Karan Batta, senior vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “By leveraging OCI to run Prisma SASE globally, Palo Alto Networks can provide its customers with operational resiliency, high performance, and an exceptional user experience. In addition, Prisma SASE helps our customers protect their OCI environments against emerging and sophisticated cyber threats.”

CrowdStrike Delivers Industry-First Managed Security Across Third-Party Data

April 29, 2025 – CrowdStrike introduced Falcon® Adversary OverWatch Next-Gen SIEM, the first and only solution to bring managed threat hunting to third–party data. This breakthrough innovation extends the visibility of CrowdStrike’s elite threat hunters into unmanaged attack surfaces adversaries have long exploited. By leveraging third–party data ingested by Falcon® Next-Gen SIEM, CrowdStrike delivers 24/7 expert detection beyond endpoints, identity and cloud environments to stop breaches across every attack surface.  

Adversaries strike from all angles, and once inside, they move laterally with alarming speed. Groups like FAMOUS CHOLLIMA embed malicious insiders to operate from within. Others, like OPERATOR PANDA exploit unmanaged infrastructure, edge devices and siloed systems like firewalls, VPNs and email gateways – where traditional tools lack visibility. By extending managed threat hunting to third–party data, CrowdStrike delivers faster detection, broader coverage and even greater speed in stopping breaches.

“Today’s adversaries move incredibly fast and thrive on the complexity of modern environments.  They exploit the sprawl of IT and security tools to give them an edge, while defenders are left to stitch together disjointed data to try and find signals in the noise,” said Adam Meyers, head of counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike. “With OverWatch now hunting across third–party data, we’re eliminating the blind spots that adversaries rely on, delivering unified visibility, expert-led detection and the early insight needed to stop breaches.” 

Transform the SOC with Falcon Adversary OverWatch and Next-Gen SIEM

CrowdStrike’s latest innovations set a new standard for modern security operations. Powered by the AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon® cybersecurity platform, Falcon Adversary OverWatch uses deep adversary expertise and industry-leading threat intelligence to rapidly uncover evasive threats. Falcon Next-Gen SIEM unifies native and third–party data, real-time intelligence and AI-driven automation to deliver comprehensive visibility, high-fidelity alerts and machine speed response. New innovations include:

 

  • Expert-Led Threat Hunting Across all Attack Surfaces: Integrates real-time, 24/7 threat hunting from Falcon Adversary OverWatch with first–party endpoint, identity, cloud and third–party data from Falcon Next-Gen SIEM. Expands coverage across unmanaged infrastructure that adversaries often exploit to expose hidden threats. 
  • UEBA and Case Management for Falcon Next-Gen SIEM: Analyzes user behavior with advanced machine learning to uncover insider threats and stealthy adversaries once they’re on the network. With AI-driven risk scoring, entity resolution and automated workflows, security teams can reduce false positives, connect related activities across data sources and investigate in a centralized platform to respond faster.
  • Unified Identity Security and Next-Gen SIEM: The powerful combination of Falcon® Identity Protection and Falcon Next-Gen SIEM enables security teams to detect and prioritize identity-based threats in real time, while Falcon Fusion SOAR automates Active Directory actions – like disabling compromised accounts and MFA enforcement – to respond at machine speed.
  • CrowdStrike Pulse Services: To help customers drive SOC transformation, CrowdStrike Pulse Services reduces active risk with targeted offerings such as ransomware readiness planning, high-value asset protection strategies and cyber resiliency uplift. Delivered through modular, expert-led engagements, Pulse helps teams improve response times and build more resilient operations.

CrowdStrike Unveils AI Innovations to Advance Next-Gen SOC

CrowdStrike unveiled Charlotte AI Agentic Response and Charlotte AI Agentic Workflows, marking a leap forward in modern SOC operations. Combined with the previously announced Charlotte AI Agentic Detection Triage, Charlotte AI transcends “ask-and-respond” copilots, delivering autonomous reasoning and action on first- and third-party data. The AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon® platform is now cybersecurity’s intelligent reasoning AI platform, drawing conclusions without human prompts and taking action with bounded autonomy.

Building on Charlotte AI innovation, CrowdStrike extends the power of agentic AI to cybersecurity services. Falcon® Complete Next-Gen MDR with Charlotte AI utilizes the triage decisions of CrowdStrike’s elite analysts to accelerate investigations – creating a powerful, one-of-a-kind feedback loop that supercharges human and AI performance. The winning combination of CrowdStrike’s Charlotte AI agentic model, Next-Gen MDR and CDR, as well as the underlying Falcon platform, delivers the industry’s most advanced AI-native SOC. For the first time, security teams can combine AI-powered real-time detection, expert-informed investigation and automated response within one native architecture. From analyst productivity to full-cycle response, CrowdStrike is redefining how AI protects the modern enterprise. 

“There’s a profound difference between adding AI features and fundamentally transforming how cybersecurity works. Charlotte AI goes beyond augmenting humans with suggestions – it actively investigates, reasons and responds autonomously within expert-defined guardrails,” said George Kurtz, founder and CEO of CrowdStrike. “Our agentic AI innovation represents a fundamental shift from reactive to proactive security – furthering CrowdStrike’s mission of stopping breaches.”

 New Innovations: 

Charlotte AI Agentic Response: Exponentially increases analyst productivity by automatically asking and answering the investigative questions a seasoned security analyst would pose, accelerating root cause analysis, mapping lateral movement and guiding next steps. This translates to hours of time saved weekly across repetitive alert investigations.

 Charlotte AI Agentic Workflows: Delivered through Falcon Fusion SOAR, these drag-and-drop, LLM-powered workflows enable analysts to insert and activate AI reasoning directly within automated playbooks. For example, a workflow can automatically determine whether a device should be contained based on company policies, then generate appropriate communications for different audiences – executive summaries, technical updates or customer advisories – with automatic translation for global teams.

 Falcon Complete with Charlotte AI: Falcon Complete Next-Gen MDR analysts now leverage Charlotte AI to triage alerts and accelerate analysis, combining expert human oversight with intelligent automation to stop breaches more efficiently.

 Charlotte AI Agentic Detection Triage for Identity: Now extended to Falcon® Identity Protection, allowing analysts to prioritize and act on high-risk identity threats alongside endpoint and cloud alerts, reducing noise and surfacing real attacks faster.

 Expanded Protection Across the Digital Estate

CrowdStrike also announced new Falcon platform capabilities that extend protection across critical infrastructure and enhance organizational resilience:

 Falcon® for XIoT with ExPRT.AI: Now validated by 12+ leading ICS vendors, this solution delivers real-time, adversary-driven risk insights, enabling organizations to focus on actively exploited vulnerabilities to protect operational technology and IoT systems without disruption.

CrowdStrike Pulse Services: New expert-led services help security teams operationalize agentic AI through modular engagements that assess readiness, align workflows and fine-tune policies, accelerating security maturity with targeted guidance.

Oxford International Invites Indian Students to Apply for University of Roehampton’s July 2025 Session

Bengaluru 29th April 2025: The University of Roehampton London, in collaboration with its esteemed international partner Oxford International Education Services (OIES), a division of Oxford International Education Group, rolls out admissions for the July 2025 intake across a wide range of postgraduate programmes. Courses available in this special July intake include MBA (Early Career & Healthcare Management), MSc Data Science, Cyber Security, Project Management, Digital Marketing, Banking and Finance, and Global Logistics. These programmes are designed to equip students with future-ready skills and strong industry connections in a globally competitive environment.

Situated on a picturesque 54-acre parkland campus in southwest London—just 30 minutes from Central London—the University of Roehampton offers a unique blend of serene academic surroundings and immediate access to the bustling professional landscape of the UK capital. Its modern campus boasts cutting-edge facilities while preserving the charm of traditional British architecture, making it an ideal destination for international students.

With over 180 years of academic heritage, Roehampton is celebrated for its academic excellence, inclusive community, and strong student support. It is ranked in the top 15% of universities worldwide by the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, and consistently features among the top 10 universities in London. It also holds the distinction of being the 6th best university in the UK for student satisfaction. Home to a vibrant student body representing over 140 countries, Roehampton offers an immersive global learning experience, combining world-class teaching with real-world relevance.

Speaking on the launch of the July intake, Mohit Gambir, Managing Director of Oxford International Education Services, said, “The University of Roehampton has built a reputation for delivering quality education with strong industry links and a student-first approach. For Indian students looking to fast-track their international education, the July 2025 intake offers not just flexibility and scholarships, but access to a vibrant London campus that blends academic excellence with real-world relevance.”

Oxford International Education Services, with over 50,000 successful student admissions to date, specializes in helping universities expand their global footprint and connect students to direct degree programmes, vocational training, and pathway options.

The induction for the July 2025 intake begins from 25 June 2025. Prospective students are encouraged to take a virtual tour of the campus and learn more about student life at Roehampton by visiting the university’s official website.

India’s job market stays strong, eyes freshers and tech for FY26

Bangalore, 29th April 2025: India’s job market is ending the financial year on a high note. Despite global headwinds, employers in India are doubling down on hiring, especially tech talent and freshers. According to Indeed’s latest ‘Hiring Tracker’, 82% of employers actively hired between January and March 2025, and increased overall hiring by 3% compared to October and December 2024. 

“The job market is evolving, and employers are moving ahead with cautious optimism. While fresher hiring remains steady and tech roles continue to grow, especially in areas like software development, data analytics, and AI, there’s also a clear need to bridge the skills gap. As we enter FY26, companies are being more deliberate about who they hire and how they build future-ready teams,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India

Freshers take the spotlight as FY26 planning kicks off

As companies locked in budgets and future-facing teams, fresh graduates emerged as the most in-demand talent, accounting for 53% of new hires last quarter. The top roles driving this demand were Software Developers (29%), Data Analysts and Scientists (26%), and Sales Executives (23%).

Employers are increasingly seeking freshers trained in Data Analytics, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, and Software Development — indicating that India’s hiring momentum is closely tied to the tech and AI boom. From AI developers to Cybersecurity specialists, employers are building teams that can future-proof their business, and freshers are leading the charge.

The skills gap challenge: Fresh talent, but not job-ready

Despite a strong interest in fresher hiring, many employers are grappling with a persistent skills gap. 38% of employers cited this as their top concern. While fresh graduates bring enthusiasm and adaptability, many lack the hands-on, practical experience that’s essential in today’s fast-evolving workplace.

Beyond technical skills, employers are also finding that new hires often fall short of workplace readiness. From communication to collaboration and time management, 27% of employers report that freshers need more support to adjust to professional environments. On top of that, 25% struggle with bridging the gap between candidate expectations and what companies can realistically offer, especially when it comes to compensation.

Yet, most companies still view freshers as long-term investments. What’s clear is that employers are becoming more discerning. They’re looking for candidates who not only have the right technical know-how in areas like AI, software development, and data analytics but also demonstrate flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn on the job.

Freshers’ viewpoint: High hopes, tough competition

On the other side of the table, freshers are navigating their own set of challenges. While many are eager to upskill and prove themselves, competitive pay remains a sticking point. A large share of job seekers say they’re unwilling to settle for low compensation, and employers are taking notice. In fact, 72% of employers say fresher salaries have increased year-on-year. However, nearly 60% admit that the hike has been modest, capped at 5%.

Adding to the pressure, 39% of freshers say the sheer volume of competition makes it hard to get noticed.

“For every job today, there are six freshers vying for the role, and in tech, seven freshers compete for one role. That’s a sign of a young, ambitious workforce ready to work. Now, it’s time for the ecosystem to rise to the challenge. With the right push from new-age tech companies and innovation-led sectors like AI and cybersecurity, we have a real opportunity to turn this energy into impact,” added Mr Kumar.

Employers came close to meeting the salary expectations of the class of 2025 this quarter, offering an average starting salary of ₹3,50,000 LPA against freshers’ hopes of ₹3,80,000 LPA. Around 58% of employers offered packages in the ₹300,000 – 500,000 LPA range, aligning closely with the expectations of 67%. However, despite this near-match, 72% of freshers said they would not compromise on their salary demands, even if attractive learning or growth opportunities were available, underlining once again that pay remains their top priority.

This disconnect between employer expectations and job seeker needs is shaping how talent engages with opportunities. In fact, 62% of job seekers say they are more likely to apply to roles that clearly outline compensation, responsibilities, and work culture.. For employers looking to attract top talent, greater transparency and well-defined expectations may be key to building a stronger talent pipeline in FY26.

Outlook for FY26

The outlook for FY26 is cautiously optimistic. Over 34% of employers surveyed for Indeed Hiring Tracker Q4 FY’25 said they plan to hire freshers in the coming April-June 2025 quarter. Demand remains strong for fresh graduates and tech talent, especially in areas like AI, data, and cybersecurity.

Remo D’Souza Teases Major Twists on Realme Hip Hop India S2

MUMBAI, India–April 29, 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has been topping the charts with India’s first and only hip–hop-based dance reality show, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2. With raw talent, fierce battles, and mind-blowing performances, the show has been making waves week after week, even consistently securing its spot in the Top 3 of Ormax’s ‘Most-watched Streaming Originals in India’ list. Steering the ship this season is the dance maestro Remo D‘Souza, along with the ever-glamorous Malaika Arora. Together, they continue to mentor and encourage contestants through each battle and beat. As the stakes climb higher, the duo teases even more unexpected twists in the upcoming episodes that promise to leave viewers floored.

Each episode of Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 is packed with unpredictable challenges that push contestants beyond their comfort level. Talking about what lies ahead in the coming episodes, Remo D’Souza shared, “All I can say is, expect the unexpected. This season, we’ve added a few curveballs and introduced new layers that do not just test contestants’ technique but also their mental and emotional strength. There are rounds that challenge their ability to adapt, improvise, and collaborate on the spot. From surprise eliminations to high-stakes dance-offs and fresh entries that shake up the competition, it’s going to keep both the dancers and the viewers on their toes.”

Malaika Arora echoed his sentiment, adding, “Let’s just say this season of Realme Hip Hop India is far from predictable. From the first episode itself, we, as judges, have been equally surprised as the contestants.  Every challenge, every twist, and every new round is designed to push them harder, challenging their strength, imagination, and will. In each challenge, the task is different, and before you even think you’re onto it, something new catches you off guard. They’re thrilling, emotional, and will keep your mind guessing every single step of the way.”

 As rivalries heat up and emotions run higher than ever, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to rewrite the rules of competition. New episodes drop every Thursday, only on Amazon MX Player, accessible on the Amazon Shopping App, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

Sundaram Finance Limited Revises Deposit Interest Rates Effective 1st May 2025

Digital Deposit

Chennai/April 29, 2025 — Sundaram Finance Ltd., one of India’s most trusted NBFCs, is revising Deposit Interest Rates effective 1st May 2025, in line with the RBI’s repo rate revision announced recently. Revised rates for Senior Citizens are 7.70% for 12 months and 8% for 24 and 36 months. Similarly, for others, 7.20% for 12 months and 7.50% for 24 and 36 months.

The adjustments reflect Sundaram Finance Ltd.’s measured response to broader economic conditions and market dynamics and are a part of their financial strategy to align with current economic trends.

Recently, the company introduced a Digital Deposit facility, making savings simpler, safer, and more accessible than ever. Customers can conveniently invest and manage their deposits digitally through a seamless and secure process, enjoying peace of mind and attractive returns. This online transaction can be initiated through the company portal.

ABOUT SUNDARAM FINANCE

Sundaram Finance was established in 1954, and the company has today grown into one of the most trusted and diversified financial services groups in India providing financing for commercial vehicles, cars & utility vehicles, tractors and farm equipment, construction equipment, SME finance and a range of working capital products for financing diesel, tyres, insurance.

Through its subsidiaries and group companies, the company offers home finance, loans against property, mutual funds and investment management solutions and the full range of general insurance products and services. It has a nationwide presence of over 700 branches, over 1.1 lakh depositors and over 4.75 lakh lending customers.

Sundaram Finance’s vision is to be the most respected NBFC in the country and its mission is to deliver the Sundaram experience to all customers, big and small, in keeping with the ethos of the Company. Sundaram Finance embraces a philosophy that balances Growth with Quality and Profitability and remains rooted in its ideal of protecting and enhancing shareholder value. The founding philosophy of the company is that everything begins with the customer. Our founder, Late Sri T S Santhanam, enshrined in the company its core values – The Sundaram Way – that have been the company’s guiding light over the decades. The company is deeply rooted in its values and proud of its heritage, also constantly innovating in terms of technology and processes to deliver the unique Sundaram experience to its customers and stakeholders.

Digital Gold Shines Bright This Akshay Tritiya with Amazon Pay Offers

As festive occasions like Akshay Tritiya continue to inspire traditional investments, more customers are turning to digital gold for its convenience, security, and flexibility. Amazon Pay has seen a significant rise in digital gold purchases, with demand during auspicious periods like Akshay Tritiya increasing by 2-3 times in the past year.

In response to this growing trend, Amazon Pay is offering up to ₹1,000 cashback on digital gold purchases this Akshay Tritiya 2025. Customers can also enjoy special deals on gift cards from top jewellery brands like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers, available through April 30.

Industry sources reveal that with recent gold price hikes, 5–7 lakh customers have opted for digital gold via platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Amazon Pay in the last three months.

Amazon Pay remains committed to delivering trusted and rewarding festive experiences to millions across India, making investing in gold easier and smarter than ever.

Shruti Haasan Opens Up on ‘Unlucky’ Tag and Working with Legends on Filmfare Show

One of the most dynamic and versatile artists of her generation, Shruti Haasan has carved a distinct identity across music, films, and television, effortlessly straddling industries from India to Hollywood. Born to legendary actors Kamal Haasan and Sarika, Shruti has embraced both the privileges and pressures of her celebrated lineage while forging her own path in the industry. Over the years, she has navigated the highs and lows of stardom with honesty, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her personal growth.

In a heartfelt and revealing episode of In The Ring With Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel, Shruti sits down for a candid conversation with Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare. She opens about being labelled ‘unlucky,’ addressing early labels, navigating mental health struggles, career struggles, personal milestones, and much more.

Recalling the challenges she faced at the start of her career, Shruti shared, “There was this whole myth in the Telugu industry that I was unlucky because my first two films didn’t work. But what people didn’t realize was that both those films had the same hero. They just decided, ‘We don’t want her, we don’t want her.”

When asked if she ever felt privileged growing up, Shruti voiced, ”No, because a lot of people don’t know what happened to me prior to me joining the film industry. I was humbled by life with my parents’ separation. We were not living in a big mansion, and when my mom decided to leave, we moved from Chennai to Mumbai.”

Opening up about love, relationships, and lessons Learned, she added, “I wish I wasn’t so influenced by my relationships, but it’s something about me that hasn’t changed over the years. When I go in, I go all in — and when I leave, I go all out and run away. Yes, we all have that one dangerous ex, you know, but apart from that, I really do close each chapter with no regrets. I try my best every time. That’s why when people say, ‘Oh, which boyfriend is this?’ they don’t realize — for them, it’s a number, but for me, it’s the number of times I’ve failed at finding the love I want.”

On how her father’s guidance shaped her outlook, Shruti said, “There isn’t a moment when I’m not aware of and proud of my parents’ achievements. But he didn’t raise me to watch every film of his or to be in awe of him — he removed the fear from it. That said, working with him is more nerve-wracking as a daughter. My dad always says, ‘No pain, no gain,’ and that holds true in every aspect of life — professionally, personally, and psychologically. You have to go through tough times to come out stronger on the other side.”

Delving into her mental health journey, she revealed, “I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, especially after long work hours when my anxiety tends to spike. I chose not to go on medication because it didn’t work for me; instead, I focused intensely on talk therapy. Over time, I developed a personal toolkit to manage my anxiety and panic attacks — I actually prefer handling them alone. I believe healing is a continuous process, and real strength comes from understanding yourself and building ways to cope.”

Talking about her experience working alongside the legendary Rajinikanth, she said, “It was really wonderful getting to know him and working with him. I didn’t go in with that sense of being star-struck because I’ve grown up with Papa, so there’s a certain neutrality to it. You just can’t figure Rajinikanth sir out — that’s the best part about him. He’s an amalgamation of so many great qualities. He’s extremely humble yet very sharp and observant. He seems genuinely non-judgmental, but at the same time, he’s very clear about how he does things. Overall, he’s just very kind to everyone.”

Finally, remembering her interactions with Sridevi, Shruti fondly reminisced, “She was peculiarly innocent till the very end. I found her to be so childlike in a real way — pure inside, especially in the way she would talk about stories. But the rest of the time, she was commanding and incredibly powerful on set, like a queen had entered. She carried this quiet, strong grace and humility — just incredible, truly incredible.”

Reflecting on her Hollywood debut in the psychological thriller The Eye, Shruti shared, “It was mostly a women-led crew, and I was the last one to join the mix. I don’t like token feminism — for example, when people say, ‘There’s an all-women crew flying to space,’ I’m like, ‘That’s cool. Whatever.’ This, however, was real sisterhood. In any creative environment, you experience toxicity, ego, humility, creativity, and intellect — it’s all a roller coaster. I found it more challenging to work with a female director. When you’re a woman and you tell a male director, ‘As a female, I believe this is my character’s perspective,’ they usually step back and listen. But that dynamic was different here.”

Childhood Unlocked: Celebrating Karnataka’s Progress in Early Childhood Education

Bengaluru, Apr 28, 2025: Key Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting government systems to deliver quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) for children between the ages of 3-6, hosted the “Childhood Unlocked” event at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. The event brought together 150-200 ECE advocates, including senior government officials, policy experts, teachers, parents, and children, to celebrate the progress made by the state of Karnataka in furthering excellent ECE inside government schools since 2019.

“Our youngest citizens deserve an education system that unlocks their full potential. We’re thrilled to celebrate the progress made by Karnataka in providing quality ECE and look forward to continued collaboration with the government to ensure every child enters school ready to learn and ready for life,” said Swetha Guhan, Co-founder of Key Education Foundation.

“Childhood Unlocked is a platform for us to come together and reimagine what quality learning can look like for our children. We’re proud to showcase the recent progress made by the LKG and UKG model in ensuring quality ECE and share our partnership with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka towards achieving this mission,” added Swetha Guhan.

Event Highlights:

The event featured interactive exhibits, including the Bachpan Manao Stall and playful learning interactions, allowing attendees to experience playful learning and carry it back with them. The agenda included celebrating government officials who ensured quality implementation of the pre-primary program across districts, discussing future priorities for the early years, and showcasing grassroots stakeholders like teachers, parents, and children.

Early childhood is a critical period of growth, requiring nurturing and comprehensive support. Research shows that most brain development occurs in early years, and deficits at this stage can impact a child’s life trajectory. Karnataka has made consistent efforts in refining policy decisions to ensure sustained efforts for providing quality early education to children in the state.

Progress Made by Karnataka:

Karnataka has been among the first few states to pioneer the initiation of Early Childhood classrooms in government schools. Started in 2019, with the introduction of kindergarten sections in 285 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), the state now has early childhood sections in approximately 2700 government schools across the state, with a plan to expand to 5000 schools in the next 1-2 years.

Key Education Foundation’s Partnership with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka

Key Education Foundation works in partnership with Samagra Shishana, Dept. of School Education in the state of Karnataka to strengthen the quality and provision of pre-primary programs in Government Schools. The foundation takes a holistic approach, ensuring enriching classroom environments, equipping teachers with training and support, and empowering parents with resources and awareness to create opportunities for playful learning at home.