Archives 2025

Dec 13:-Venue Bella Vista Campus, ASCI, Hyderabad  The Administrative Staff College of India  Hyderabad, and the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 12, 2025, at the ASCI Bella Vista Campus, Lok Bhavan Road, Hyderabad.

This partnership aims to foster synergy between the two institutions in the areas of training, research and knowledge creation, with a shared commitment to advancing capacity building in governance and public administration. The collaboration covers a wide range of initiatives, Capacity-Building Programmes, Research Projects, Consultancy Assignments, Faculty Exchange, Mission Karmayogi initiatives, Resource Sharing, and other mutually agreed activities.

The MoU establishes a framework for enhanced professional, academic and scholarly engagement in the domains of public policy, governance, administration, data analytics, data protection, digital transformation, crime analysis and related fields. It seeks to promote the generation and dissemination of knowledge based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.

The MoU was signed by Dr. O. P. Singh, Registrar & Secretary, ASCI, and Dr. J. S. Tomar, Deputy Director General, NSSTA, MoSPI. Dr. Janardhan Reddy, IAS (Retd.), DoRS ASCI; Dr. Valli Manickam, DoTP ASCI; Dr. Subodh Kandamuthan, Dean LDP, ASCI; Shri Santosh Kumar Gupta, Director, NSSTA; and officers from ASCI, Hyderabad, were present during the event.

Significance of the MoU;

The collaboration aims to organize joint programmes such as lectures, seminars, workshops, panel discussions, symposia, webinars and training programmes in identified areas of mutual interest and expertise. It also envisages the publication of proceedings of these events, including background papers, compendiums, white papers, journals, dossiers and policy documents on emerging and relevant themes.

Both institutions will mutually share infrastructure, resources and expertise for the execution of these programmes. The collaboration may also include arrangements for field visits and other academic engagements that contribute to strengthening learning and research outcomes.

ASUS Concludes 2025 Community Tour with the Fourth Edition of ‘Beyond Incredible with ASUS’ in Kolkata

Kolkata, Dec 13: ASUS, the Taiwanese tech giant, successfully concluded the fourth and final city edition of its 2025 community initiative- Beyond Incredible with ASUS, in Kolkata. After successful chapters in Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad, the Kolkata session brought together 85+ tech enthusiasts, creators, students, and regional media for an afternoon of hands-on learning and conversations around technology, design, and product innovation. This edition also served as a year-end recap of ASUS’s major gaming and non-gaming launches in 2025, setting the stage for expanding the initiative further in 2026.

The event showcased a mix of ASUS’s ROG and notebook lineup, featuring products such as the Zenbook models, Vivobook models, and the ROG Strix and Zephyrus series, giving attendees an immersive experience of the brand’s latest innovations across consumer and gaming categories.

Addressing the event, Mr. Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer and Gaming PC, ASUS India, said,

“With every chapter of ‘Beyond Incredible with ASUS’, our goal is to bring technology closer to people in a way that feels personal, immersive, and inclusive. This initiative is not just for creators or professionals – it’s for anyone passionate about tech and eager to understand how innovation can empower their everyday lives. Kolkata has reinforced how meaningful these interactions can be, and as we wrap up 2025, we look forward to nurturing this community further, city by city, building stronger connections and deeper brand resonance.”

The event opened with a Brand Story segment that included a walkthrough of the company’s community and education-driven efforts in India, including its CSR programs, ProArt meet-ups, ROG Showdown tournaments, ROGVerse initiatives, and ASUS Live sessions. Finally the event covered ASUS’ evolution across consumer, ROG, and creator portfolios.

Adding to the excitement, two popular Kolkata-based influencers, Rabir Das and Bipradev Roy, also joined the gathering, interacting with participants and amplifying the event’s digital presence. The session highlighted how ASUS and ROG laptops launched in 2025 integrate these technologies, demonstrating practical use cases for creators, gamers, and everyday users. To keep the energy high, the event featured a lively quiz, followed by a thrilling gaming tournament, and exclusive photo ops and giveaways for attendees.

With the Kolkata edition, ASUS concludes the 2025 leg of Beyond Incredible with ASUS. The brand has so far reached over 200+ people through community events held in Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad, further strengthening its local tech engagement footprint.  The brand will expand the initiative with a broader city lineup and more specialized sessions in 2026, continuing its effort to create consistent, informative, and accessible tech experiences across the country.

Roorkee, Uttarakhand | Dec 13: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee successfully conducted the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 – Hardware Edition as a Nodal Centre for the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. The five-day national event (8–12 December) brought together top hardware innovators from across India to develop implementable solutions to critical national challenges.

The Smart India Hackathon, launched by the Government of India and guided by the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has grown into one of the world’s largest open-innovation platforms for students. It empowers young minds to solve real-life challenges posed by ministries, industries, and public-sector organisations. SIH plays a pivotal role in advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and the national innovation mission by encouraging indigenous design, rapid prototyping, and technology-led problem-solving. The Government’s continued support for SIH reflects its commitment to positioning India’s youth at the forefront of hardware, software, and deep-tech innovation.

This year, IIT Roorkee hosted five major hardware problem statements issued by two key ministries:

· Ministry of Home Affairs (NSG & BSF): Surveillance during extreme weather; Handheld radio set with satellite-based personal tracking.

· Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW): Sugarcane maturity prediction device; Low-cost cotton-picking machinery; Advanced jute ribboner machine for in-situ retting.

A total of 23 shortlisted teams from leading institutions across Tamil Nadu, Haryana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh participated in the event. They represented institutions such as the University College of Engineering, Kancheepuram, Chennai Institute of Technology, IIIT Sonipat, Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, and Samrat Ashok Technological Institute, among others. Teams worked intensively through day-and-night sessions involving design, prototyping, simulation, testing, and continuous mentoring by ministry representatives, including the National Security Guard, Border Security Force, and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The Grand Finale concluded today with final evaluations and the valedictory ceremony. Winners for each problem statement category are structured as follows (to be filled upon official declaration):

PS-wise Winners (Hardware Edition – IIT Roorkee Nodal Centre)

PS ID: SIH25196 – Surveillance during extreme weather conditions (MHA–NSG)

Joint Winners: Impact Innovators and Fenix

Solution Highlight: Developed an all-terrain, weather-resilient surveillance system integrating thermal imaging, autonomous drone patrol, and real-time alert analytics. The solution ensures continuous monitoring even in heavy rain, fog, or low-visibility conditions, supporting NSG teams with faster response and enhanced situational awareness.

PS ID: SIH25255 – Handheld Radio Set with Satellite Personal Tracking System (MHA–BSF)

Winner: Megatron

Solution Highlight: Built a rugged handheld radio device equipped with low-power satellite communication and GPS-based personal tracking. The system offers encrypted voice communication, SOS beaconing, and real-time location sharing—significantly improving border patrol safety and coordination during operations.

PS ID: SIH25264 – Prediction of Optimum Maturity of Sugarcane Crop (MoA&FW)

Winner: Farmedge

Solution Highlight: Designed a portable, farmer-friendly digital scanner that uses multispectral sensing and AI models to predict sugarcane maturity. The device gives instant field-level insights on harvest readiness, improving yield quality, reducing losses, and enabling data-driven decision-making for farmers.

PS ID: SIH25266 – Low-Cost Machinery for Cotton Picking (MoA&FW)

Winner: Mindsmiths

Solution Highlight: Created an affordable semi-automated cotton picking machine with soft-grip mechanical arms and debris-reduction technology. The innovation boosts picking speed, minimizes waste, and reduces labor dependency – offering a scalable solution for small and marginal cotton farmers.

PS ID: SIH25267 – Jute Ribboner Machine for Enhanced In-situ Retting (MoA&FW)

Winner: Caffeinated Coders

Solution Highlight: Engineered a lightweight, energy-efficient jute ribboner machine capable of uniform ribbon formation to accelerate in-situ retting. The solution improves fibre quality, reduces manual effort, and supports sustainable jute production by optimizing the traditional retting process.

Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, congratulated the participants and said, “SIH 2025 demonstrates the remarkable innovation capability of India’s youth. IIT Roorkee is proud to enable this national platform and support the development of hardware solutions that will contribute to India’s technological growth and competitiveness.”

The Chief Guest for the valedictory ceremony, Prof. V. K. Malik, Dean SRIC, IIT Roorkee, said, “The solutions developed during this five-day finale demonstrate exceptional clarity, commitment, and technical depth. The participating teams have shown how real-world challenges can be addressed through indigenous hardware innovation, and we are proud to serve as a platform for such national talent.”

Prof. Varun Sharma (SPOC, SIH 2025) and Faculty Coordinator Tinkering Lab, IIT Roorkee shared, “The passion, discipline, and engineering depth exhibited by students across the five-day event were exemplary. The ideas presented reflect the next generation of indigenous hardware innovation.”

With the successful hosting of SIH 2025 – Hardware Edition, IIT Roorkee reinforces its leadership in fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and empowering young technologists to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth.

CPI inflation for November 2025 stood at 0.71% (Y-o-Y)  staying below the lower bound of RBI’s mandated inflation target range: PHDCCI

New Delhi, Dec 12: Year-on-year inflation rate based on All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of November, 2025 over November, 2024 stood at 0.71% (Provisional), according to the data released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, still staying below the lower bound of the Reserve Bank of India target range of 2–6%, said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued here today.

The marginal increase in CPI inflation is mainly attributed to rise in food and fuel and light prices, said Mr. Rajeev Juneja. He added, “Food inflation during the month of November, 2025 is mainly due to moderate increase in prices of Vegetables, Egg, Meat and fish, Spices.”

Over the next two quarters, we anticipate that India’s inflation will stay within a manageable range on the back of benign food prices, GST rates rationalisation, reasonable energy prices, and Reserve Bank of India’s strategic monetary management, said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI.

TDDCF plans to set up 400–500 Vijaya Dairy Parlours in 3–4 years; aims to raise milk procurement from 4 lakh to 6 lakh litres per day: Gutha Amith Reddy, Chairman, TDDCF

Hyderabad, Dec 12: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Centre, organised a full-day national seminar titled “Innovations and Opportunities in Dairy Entrepreneurship: From Farm to Market” at the KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

The seminar was organised as part of National Milk Day 2025, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, the Father of India’s White Revolution. Though National Milk Day falls on November 26, the celebrations were observed on the occasion of this seminar.

The event was graced by Sri Gutha Amith Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd (TDDCF) as Special Guest; Sri Ch. Rajeshwara Rao, Chairman, Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Centre as Keynote Speaker; and Dr A. Sarat Chandra, Registrar, P. V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University. Senior FTCCI leadership present included Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President; Sri Srinivas Garimella, Vice President; and Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chairman, FTCCI Agro & Food Processing Committee.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Gutha Amith Reddy announced that the Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd plans to expand its Vijaya Dairy parlour network by setting up 400 to 500 new parlours over the next three to four years. He invited interested entrepreneurs and applicants to come forward to establish Vijaya Dairy parlours, stating that marketing and branding are currently a key focus area. He informed that 50 new parlours have already been opened within GHMC limits and another 25 in rural areas, adding that the expansion is an ongoing process, with a possible rollout of around 25 parlours per month.

He further stated that TDDCF is currently procuring around 4 lakh litres of milk per day and aims to scale this up to 6 lakh litres per day. Elaborating on the federation’s operations, he said that while approximately 4.40 lakh litres of milk are procured daily, sales are about 3.20 lakh litres, with the surplus converted into products such as milk powder and butter. Strengthening milk procurement and market absorption remains a key priority, he added.

The Chairman noted that the federation has moved from survival mode last year to a sustainable phase now, and explained that urbanisation—nearly 50% of the population around Hyderabad being urban—is one of the reasons Telangana lags in milk production. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving dairy output and shared that AI and ERP systems are being used in breeding, rearing, and operational management at the federation.

In his keynote address, Sri Ch. Rajeshwara Rao said that farmers’ declining focus on livestock rearing, especially milk-giving animals, is driven not by lack of awareness but by economic stress, structural shifts, and policy gaps. He stressed that livestock rearing remains the best alternative source of steady income for farmers and called for assured milk pricing, timely payments, village-level fodder security, strong and transparent cooperatives, and animal insurance and health cover to revive dairy farming as a primary livelihood.

Dr A. Sarat Chandra pointed out that while India is the world’s largest milk producer with 248 million metric tonnes, productivity remains low. He noted that average milk yield per lactation in India is around 1,700 litres, compared to 3,500 litres in Western countries, underscoring the need for focused productivity enhancement. He also highlighted that while India is food-secure, it remains protein-deficient, and milk is a critical source of nutrition.

In his opening remarks, Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President, FTCCI, recalled the transformative contribution of Dr Verghese Kurien to India’s White Revolution. Sri S. Chandra Mohan emphasised the need for policies encouraging every farmer to rear livestock to ensure nutritional security and steady income.

The one-day seminar featured four technical sessions covering Dairy Farming and Production, Processing and Value Addition, Dairy Technology and Digital Transformation, and Financial Support, with participation from experts from academia, industry, dairy cooperatives, and financial institutions. The objective was to create a knowledge-sharing platform for dairy startups, FPOs, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs.

Among others present were Sri Srinivas Garimella, Vice President, FTCCI; P. Vijay Gopal Reddy; Prof. B. P. Acharya; Madhusudhan Rao, GM, TDDCF; Dr Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao; Sri Patanjali Rao Upadrasta; Dr N. Natraj; Jayakumar Udernani; Dr Ch. Harikrishna; Vamseedhar; Dr J. Tamizh Kumaran; Dr Ch. Satyanarayana; A. Praveen Reddy; V. Gopala Krishna Murthy; and Shri Panduan N. Marpalle.

Cuttack : Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, Opens its second store in Odisha, in the historic city of Cuttack. Renowned as the “Silver City,” Cuttack carries a 500-year-old legacy of artistry and tradition, celebrated globally for its intricate silver filigree work. This city has long been a foundational hub for exceptional craftsmanship, where tradition and innovation coexist. With this new store in Cuttack, Indriya honours this lineage of craftsmanship by connecting India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.

The new Indriya store in Cuttack is designed to offer customers an immersive retail experience, showcasing the brand’s commitment to celebrating both the artistic brilliance of Odisha and modern jewellery expressions. With thoughtfully curated zones, including a bridal lounge and a dedicated karigari room along with a vast collection of over 28,000beautifully crafted designs, this reflects Cuttack’s rich jewellery heritage. Through this expansion, Indriya continues to bring true beauty rooted in deep tradition and innovative craft to customers in Odisha’s culturally vibrant city of Cuttack.

Indriya’s latest store launch marks a milestone, as it expands its presence to 41 stores nationwide. The brand’s growing footprint includes six outlets in Delhi, four each in Mumbai and Hyderabad, three in Pune, twostores each in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Bangalore, and single stores in important cities such as Indore, Jodhpur, Surat, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Gaya, Jammu, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandigarh, Mangalore, Kolkata, and now Cuttack. This widespread expansion underscores Indriya’s commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and timeless jewellery designs to customers throughout India.

Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said,

“Odisha holds a special place in our expansion journey, and the positive response to our first store in Bhubaneswar has been truly inspiring. With the launch of our second store in Cuttack, we are excited to deepen Indriya’s footprint not just in Odisha but in the Eastern region, a vibrant market rich in culture and tradition. Our collections are thoughtfully crafted to reflect the region’s unique heritage, blending timeless artistry with contemporary elegance, ensuring our jewellery resonates with the tastes of today’s customers. This launch reinforces our commitment to bringing quality craftsmanship closer to jewellery lovers across these culturally significant areas.”

Franchise owner Mr Sanjeev Hans, Sangeeta Hans, Amit Dharap, Head of Retail Indriya; Gaurav Kumar, Head of Franchise Indriya and Deepanjan Sengupta, Regional Business Manager- East were present at the event .

Travel and lifestyle rewards today aren’t just about collecting points  they’re about collecting moments. India’s modern travellers want perks that elevate every step of the journey: smoother airports, stylish stays, curated experiences, and flexibility that fits their on-the-go life. From Thriwe’s all-rounder luxury to Taj’s royal touch and Bonvoy’s global glamour, these five brands are making every trip feel just a little more special.

1. Thriwe – The Rewards Ninja You Didn’t Know You Needed

Thriwe is that friend who upgrades your trip without you asking. Airport lounges? Done. Spa sessions? Done. Golf, concierge, VIP service? Double done.

Why travellers love it:

• All-in-one lifestyle + travel rewards

• Airport lounge & concierge perks

• Curated experiences (wellness, sports, shopping)

• Flexible redemption across categories

Vibe: The quiet overachiever… but glamorous

2. Taj InnerCircle (NeuPass) – The Royal Treatment Club

If “my hotel room upgrades itself” is your love language, Taj InnerCircle is your kingdom. Luxury stays, chef specials, private tours  it’s hospitality with a crown on top.

Why travellers love it:

• Room upgrades + late checkouts

• Member-only rates

• Benefits across Taj, Vivanta, SeleQtions

Vibe: Your passport to feeling fancy.

3. Marriott Bonvoy – The Global Jetsetter’s Badge

Bonvoy is for travellers whose suitcase sees more cities than most people. Stays, suites, experiences, global events – all wrapped in that premium Marriott polish.

Why travellers love it:

• Suite upgrades

• Access to Bonvoy Experiences

• Redeem worldwide

Vibe: Frequent flyer energy meets luxury wanderer.

4. InterMiles – The “Earn Everywhere, Spend Anywhere” Crew

Flights? Hotels? Shopping? Dining? InterMiles is basically the Swiss Army knife of rewards programs.

Why travellers love it:

• Wide travel + lifestyle redemption options

• Great for regular flyers

• Flexible, partner-rich ecosystem

Vibe: Practical, versatile, surprisingly generous.

5. Club Vistara – The “Treat Me Like I’m Platinum” Program

Vistara knows how to make travellers feel VIP. From priority everything to cabin upgrades, it’s a favourite for people who fly often (and fly smart).

Why travellers love it:

• Priority check-in + boarding

• Premium cabin upgrades

• Lounge access

Vibe: Smooth, seamless, and smugly premium.

Whether you’re chasing luxury hotel feels, effortless airport moments, or curated lifestyle upgrades, these five brands are proving that rewards can be more than just perks they can be part of the journey itself. With players like this leading the charge in blending travel and lifestyle benefits, India’s travellers now have a passport to experiences that feel smoother, smarter, and a whole lot more special. So go ahead earn, redeem, repeat, and let every trip feel like an upgrade.

Arthro Biotech, Pinnacle Biotech, and Silverphage Technologies emerged as the top three startups in India’s first-ever Startup Challenge in the BioAgri space

Hyderabad, Dec 12: The BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), the world’s oldest trade body in the agricultural biology space, announced the winners of India’s first-ever Startup Challenge dedicated exclusively to the BioAgri sector, held as part of the two-day BioAgri 2025 conference at just concluded Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.

Arthro Biotech, Pinnacle BioSciences, and Silverphage Technologies emerged as the top three winners, while V-Humate received the consolation prize. The Startup Challenge marked a significant milestone for the Indian BioAgri ecosystem, offering emerging startups national and global visibility and a rare opportunity to pitch before investors and industry leaders, even though no prize money was attached to the competition.

The BioAgri Startup Challenge witnessed participation from 20 startups from across India and was jointly organised by BIPA in collaboration with leading biotech and deep-tech incubators, including IKP Knowledge Park (International One Health Incubator), Venture Centre Pune, AgHub Hyderabad, Pusa Krishi, and Social Alpha. The entire initiative was coordinated by a BIPA member and a successful entrepreneur, reflecting the association’s industry-driven approach.

The finalists presented their innovations to an audience of over 200 stakeholders from across India and abroad during BioAgri 2025, India’s largest agri-input professionals conference. After two rounds of jury evaluation, the top five startups were shortlisted for live pitching, from which the final three winners were selected.

Arthro Biotech was adjudged the first prize winner for its work in producing and distributing eco-friendly animal feed components and soil conditioners. The company was founded by Praveen K. Sappa and co-founded by Kishore Nalam.

Pinnacle BioSciences secured the second position for its focus on algae-based solutions for agriculture, animal nutrition, aquaculture, and human health. The company leverages marine algae such as seaweed to develop biofertilizers, feed supplements, and health products. It was founded by Dr M. Adhi Visvanathan, a noted algology expert, and is led by Director Vishnu Ram, along with Gowtham.

Silverphage Technologies, based in Chandigarh, won the third prize. Represented by Shivam Chinyoti, the startup is known for its innovative biological solutions. V-Humate, which bagged the consolation prize, is engaged in manufacturing advanced solutions for agriculture, oil drilling, and animal feed.

Commenting on the initiative, D. R. Venkatesh, Secretary General, BIPA, said that the BIPA Startup Challenge 2025 was launched to encourage deep-tech innovation in biological agriculture by providing startups with critical business connections and pathways to commercial traction—key elements required for scaling bio-based technologies. He added that through such initiatives, BIPA continues to strengthen its long-standing commitment to advancing India’s BioAgri ecosystem by recognising current industry leaders while empowering the innovators of tomorrow.

New Delhi, Dec 12: Leverage Edu, part of Leverage.biz, a global education, jobs talent mobility platform, released new data showing a sharp rise in student interest in Dubai, with applications from India and neighbouring countries growing nearly 40 times since 2023. The findings, drawn from its platform activity across the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and wider GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), highlight Dubai’s fast-rising role as a preferred study abroad destination for Indian students, driven by affordability, proximity, globally recognised programmes, and strong career pathways. For Leverage Edu, this surge has translated into a significantly larger Dubai share within its overall business, rising from 3-4% last year to roughly 11% this year, equivalent to more than 1,000 students.

According to KHDA, Indian students now account for roughly 42% of all international higher-education enrolments in Dubai, underscoring the rapid expansion of the India-Dubai education corridor. Leverage Edu’s platform, which saw more than 50 million student users in the past 12 months and has over 1 million app downloads, is driving substantial interest toward Dubai’s universities, with its data and insights enabling institutions to better understand and respond to global student demand.

Dubai has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional study abroad destinations such as the US and the UK for Indian families. Several international branch campuses in Dubai now offer globally recognised postgraduate programmes at AED 50,000-85,000 per year, significantly lower than their parent campuses abroad. When combined with generally lower living costs than London or major US cities, families can expect roughly 20-40% lower total annual costs in Dubai, though exact savings vary by programme, university, scholarships, and housing preferences.

The Emirate’s proximity to India, robust safety standards, and strong student-support systems further reinforce its attractiveness. Leading universities such as Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai, and University of Wollongong Dubai have been central to this momentum, offering internationally aligned curricula with industry linkages and internship pathways.

Leverage Edu’s data indicates that postgraduate programmes account for over 70% of applications, with Business and Management representing about two-thirds of total interest, followed by Data Science, Analytics, and AI, together accounting for nearly 80% of interest.

Alongside academic fit, students are responding to Dubai’s employment ecosystem. Internship-linked programmes supported through regulated MOHRE pathways, allow students to gain structured work experience during their studies often leading to industry exposure and early traction in the region’s job market. Employers in Dubai are hiring most actively in AI and data roles, hospitality, tourism, and finance, sectors where the city is scaling rapidly and where student demand directly aligns.

“We’ve seen a clear shift in student sentiment over the past couple of years, with Dubai now coming up in nearly every other counselling conversation. Students aren’t just getting a degree, they’re gaining early exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic job markets, with internship and employment opportunities that many traditional study-abroad hubs cannot match. The 40x surge in applications reflects a growing recognition that quality education, career readiness, and affordability can coexist. At Leverage Edu, we’re proud to be the bridge enabling thousands of Indian students to access this opportunity and build futures that are both globally competitive and rooted in the thriving GCC ecosystem,” said Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO, Leverage Edu.

Leverage Edu is translating this market opportunity into end-to-end support for Indian students exploring education opportunities in Dubai. From AI-driven university matching and application assessment to personalized counselling, scholarship and financing guidance, visa and documentation assistance, and on-ground support for housing and pre-departure, the platform ensures a seamless experience. It combines artificial intelligence with expert counsellors to address key concerns

around affordability, cultural familiarity, and safety, factors that significantly influence student decision-making.

The company is also strengthening the experience for universities through deeper intelligence and technology. Its data insights give campuses a real-time view of what students from India and other focus markets are prioritising: programme formats, career pathways, affordability thresholds and decision triggers. This allows institutions to fine-tune their offerings and communication to better align with global demand. Univalley.ai, Leverage’s proprietary admissions platform, amplifies this further by helping campuses process applications up to 10x faster, predict enrolment probability and accelerate offer cycles.

The momentum is not limited to Dubai. With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in new STEM and research-led programmes under Vision 2030, the wider Middle East is emerging as a growing hub for global education and innovation, opening up a broader set of opportunities for Indian students in the region.