Letting Go: Mastering the Spiritual Art of Surrender

By AiR Atman in Ravi – Happiness Ambassador and Spiritual Leader

Many of us experience unhappiness due to our inability to accept things as they are, especially when it comes to letting go of people, events or situations we can’t change. We often believe we are entirely in control of our lives. While we have free will and can choose our actions, we also carry our past Karma from previous lives, which influences the circumstances we face. The Law of Karma ensures that we must settle our Karmic debts, and no one can escape this process. Challenges and events beyond our control are a part of this unfolding. Although we can continue to do good deeds for a happier destiny, the ultimate goal is to transcend Karma and attain Moksha or liberation.

To truly let go and surrender, we must free ourselves from personal expectations. While it’s important to do our best in any situation, we must not fixate on a specific outcome, the fruits of our actions. The Divine Will, expressed through the Law of Karma, governs our lives, and everything that happens is part of this Divine unfolding. When we face unavoidable circumstances like the loss of a loved one or other inexplicable hardships, we must gracefully accept them as part of our Karma and not protest. The ABCD Mantra — Accept, do your Best, in Consciousness, surrender the rest, living as a Divine Instrument holds the key to a peaceful and blissful life. Ultimately, we must realize that this world is a cosmic drama, a show and we are but actors who come and go. When we understand this, we will sit back, be detached and dispassionate, and as spectators, enjoy the Leela of the Divine.

On a daily basis, we must consciously let go of past hurts, grudges, regrets, painful relationships and toxic emotions. These are often the sources of our suffering and clinging to them only aggravates our suffering. We must also let go of the fear of the future, as worrying about what’s to come only robs us of peace and of the joy of the moment. Letting go of material desires and choosing positive emotions is essential for happiness. Faith, Hope, and Trust are crucial in this process—Faith, Full Assurance In the Heart; HOPE, Having Only Positive Expectations, and TRUST, Total Reliance Unconditional Surrender To the Almighty. Trust, and surrender to the Divine must be 100%. If it is 99%, it is not complete trust and surrender.

When we recognize that we are not the body, mind, ego, but the immortal Divine Soul, a Spark Of Unique Life, a part of the Supreme Immortal Power we call God, we achieve complete surrender. We let go of our false identity — of the body, mind and ego and embrace the reality of our inherent Divinity. This realization of non-duality, where God is everything and we are one with the Divine, leads us to a life of eternal peace, love and bliss.

This Week at the Movies – Truth Terror and Timeless Classics

As April winds down, the big screen shifts gears—from introspective drama to mythic fantasy, from psychological horror to the irresistible pull of nostalgia. It’s a week where storytelling takes bold turns: rooted in real lives, wrapped in fable, or simply out to thrill. Whether you’re in for something reflective or purely entertaining, the final theatrical slate of the month offers something that’ll stick with you.

Here’s what’s playing in cinemas this week:

  1. Ground Zero – Where Duty Meets Disillusionment
    Emraan Hashmi returns in Ground Zero, a gritty war drama inspired by true events. The film follows BSF Lt. Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey as he leads a high-stakes investigation into the 2001 Parliament attack — culminating in the elimination of terrorist mastermind Ghazi Baba. Set in Kashmir, the story dives into India’s most successful counter-terror operation, while exploring the emotional toll of duty. Hashmi delivers one of his most powerful performances yet in a film that’s as personal as it is patriotic.
  2. Phule – The Story of India’s Unsung Revolutionaries
    Phule brings to life the incredible story of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule — social reformers who changed the course of Indian history. With heart, dignity and quiet power, the film explores their fight for education, equality, and justice during a time of deep-rooted caste and gender discrimination. Starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, this is a moving, necessary film that honours its subject with honesty and emotional depth.
  3. Until Dawn – Horror in the Snowbound Unknown
    A woman wakes up in a remote house with no memory — and no way out. Until Dawn takes the slasher genre into eerie, snowbound territory, weaving a chilling time-loop mystery rooted in the universe of the cult 2015 video game. With every reset, the danger escalates, the answers slip further away, and survival becomes a terrifying puzzle. Stylish, unsettling, and laced with suspense, this standalone story expands the game’s mythology while delivering a haunting, cinematic ride.
  4. Ne Zha 2 – A Myth Reborn
    The legendary firebrand of Chinese folklore returns in Ne Zha 2, an epic sequel to the 2019 animated blockbuster. Drawing from Xu Zhonglin’s Investiture of the Gods, this new chapter sees Ne Zha reborn to face powerful new adversaries and inner demons. Visually dazzling and emotionally charged, the film blends ancient myth with modern spectacle — and has shattered global records to become the highest-grossing animated film in history. A cinematic triumph rooted in legend, best experienced on the biggest screen possible.
  5. Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii – A Rock Odyssey, RestoredFor two days only, journey back to one of rock’s most transcendent performances. Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii returns to the big screen in a beautifully remastered avatar — capturing the band’s iconic 1972 performance inside the haunting ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. More than a concert film, it’s a hypnotic blend of music, atmosphere, and avant-garde filmmaking. For fans old and new, April 26 & 27 offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Pink Floyd in all their raw, surreal brilliance.
  6. Devmanus (Marathi) – Faith, Deceit & a Chilling Truth
    Inspired by real events, Devmanus is the chilling tale of a so-called “godman” whose charm hides a darker, more sinister reality. A Marathi-language thriller rooted in rural Maharashtra, the film examines blind faith, manipulation, and how evil often wears a convincing mask. Darkly compelling, it’s a true-crime story that leaves a lasting impact.
  7. Thudarum (Tamil) – Love, Loss and Holding On
    Thudarum brings together Mohanlal and Shobana on screen once again after fifteen years, marking their 56th film together. Directed by Tharum Moorthy, known for his realistic storytelling in films like Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, this one follows the story of a regular man whose life takes an unexpected turn after his car is seized by the police. What begins as a quiet personal journey slowly unravels into a deeper, darker mystery that pulls him into a crime scene no one saw coming. It’s an intimate, character-driven drama that quietly builds tension while exploring love, loss and the unpredictable nature of fate.
  8. Andaz Apna Apna – Because Amar & Prem Never Get Old
    Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and an unforgettable lineup of comedic chaos,Andaz Apna Apna is back! The 1994 cult hit is a goldmine of iconic characters and endlessly quotable moments. From Amar and Prem’s harebrained schemes to Crime Master Gogo’s legendary one-liners, relive the madness in cinemas and see why this comedy classic still has generations rolling in the aisles.
  9. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (MI 7) – Back for Another Run
    Tom Cruise is back (and so are the stunts) in this re-release of MI 7. With the IMF racing to stop a rogue AI from wreaking global havoc, this installment ups the stakes with jaw-dropping sequences — from a cliff dive in the Alps to an edge-of-your-seat train finale. Don’t miss your chance to experience this action spectacle on the big screen again, where it truly belongs.

From historical giants to musical legends and animated warriors to cult comedy icons — the last week of April is a cinematic buffet. So grab your popcorn and take your pick. These stories are waiting to be experienced, only in theatres.

Lava Announces Exciting Smartphone Offers During Lava Days on Amazon

New Delhi, April 23, 2025: : Lava International Limited, the leading homegrown smartphone manufacturer, has announced the latest edition of its recurring festive sale property, Lava Days, which returns with exciting offers on a wide range of Lava smartphones. Running from April 23 to 27, 2025, this ongoing event on Amazon brings significant value to consumers looking to upgrade their devices, especially with special discounts on Lava’s flagship and budget smartphones.

The Lava Agni 3 stands out with its segment-first dual AMOLED displays (a 6.78″ 1.5K 3D Curved AMOLED in the front and a 1.74″ AMOLED screen at the back), a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor, and a versatile triple rear camera setup led by a 50MP Sony sensor with OIS. With a 5000mAh battery, 66W fast charging, dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a clean Android 14 experience, Agni 3 offers a compelling package for users who demand both style and performance.

In addition to Agni 3, Lava is also offering flat coupon discounts on other popular models such as the Lava O3 and Lava O3 Pro, making this Lava Days sale a valuable opportunity for customers across segments.

AirAsia Offers 25 Percent Off All Seats

BANGKOK, 23 April 2025 – AirAsia is keeping the festive spirit of Songkran alive with a major travel deal, offering 25% off all seats on all domestic and international routes. Guests can also enjoy up to 25% off seat selection and 10% off baggage add-ons when booking through the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.

The promotion runs until 27 April 2025, for travel between 28 April and 30 November 2025 – perfect for planning that mid-year getaway at unbeatable prices.

The offer follows a successful Songkran period, during which Thai AirAsia recorded over 90% load factor across its network. Travel demand in Thailand continues to surge, with the top international arrivals during the festival coming from Malaysia, China, India, and Russia. The promo makes mid-year travel to the Land of Smiles even more convenient and affordable.

Ms. Tansita Akraritpirom, Head of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, said: “Songkran welcomed a wave of travelers from across Asia and beyond, and we saw incredible demand throughout the holiday. The mid-year period is also a fantastic time to visit Thailand, with seasonal promotions from airfares to hotel deals – and the upcoming ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale’ by the Tourism Authority of Thailand will further reinforce the country as a world-class shopping and travel destination.

“By offering 25% off all seats via the AirAsia MOVE app, we’re giving travelers the chance to plan ahead and enjoy even more value. With the most extensive domestic network in Thailand – flying to 25 destinations across 41 routes, including Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani – we’re proud to hold over 40% domestic market share, offering travelers the most extensive domestic network in Thailand.

Thailand and AirAsia are ready to welcome visitors with not just great value, but great service. Thai AirAsia ranks among the top five airlines in Asia Pacific for on-time performance, according to Cirium, and upholds global standards for safety and reliability,” added Ms Tansita.

Over 40 Percent of Non-Premium Students Delay or Default on Fees Due to Financial Gaps Flashaid Report

New Delhi, India: According to Flashaid’s recent user research conducted across tier 2 and tier 3 colleges in India, over 40% of students in non-premium institutions either delay or default on their tuition fees due to the lack of accessible financial support. This finding highlights a growing affordability crisis within India’s education system, where rising costs and limited financing options are becoming significant barriers to higher education.

 India’s education sector is grappling with rising costs, and 44% of Indian parents report facing fee hikes of 50% to 80% over the last three years. Education inflation is running at 11% to 12%, well above the national average for consumer inflation, according to a LocalCircles survey. This is particularly concerning for families in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions where access to affordable financial support is limited. In addition to this, even tier 1 colleges are witnessing significant dropouts. As per a survey by the Ministry of Finance(Economic Survey 2024-25), 4.33 crore students enrolled in 2021-22 in higher education in India.

 The dropout rate is also higher in India’s centrally funded technical institutions, Rajya Sabha data show. Almost 40% of dropouts were from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, forming 88% of IIT Guwahati dropouts and 76% of IIT Delhi dropouts from reserved categories.

The highest dropouts were witnessed from Pune, Delhi/NCR, Noida, Lucknow and Karnataka and the courses that witnessed the most dropouts are Higher Education Courses like Engineering, Vocational Courses, Online Courses, and Professional Executive course.

 Given the same, Flashaid has introduced Flashaid Smart Fee, a loan-free, auto-EMI-based tuition payment solution designed to make education more accessible for students across India. This innovative platform enables colleges, coaching centres, and vocational institutions to offer flexible fee payment plans without the burden of interest or lengthy approval processes.

 In this context, Flashaid Smart Fee is developed to bridge the financial gap, especially for students in Tier-2 cities who often struggle to pay their tuition fees due to difficulties in securing traditional bank loans. By offering an easy, loan-free solution with automated EMI payments, Flashaid Smart Fee makes education accessible to a wider pool of students, while also helping institutions streamline their fee collection process.

“Education should be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Yet today, millions of students are being forced to choose between aspiration and affordability. With Flashaid Smart Fee, we’re not just offering a payment solution, we’re creating a financial safety net that empowers families to invest in education without fear or compromise. This is about unlocking opportunity, one EMI at a time”, says Mr. Manoj Gupta, Founder & CEO, Flashaid

With the potential to increase admissions by up to 25%, Flashaid Smart Fee is set to redefine how India’s education ecosystem handles tuition fees, providing a brighter future for students and educational institutions alike.

Chloride Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete: Key Insights on Prevention and Repair

By Pushpam Kumar

Imagine moving into a brand-new high-rise apartment, built with the highest standards and boasting superior concrete strength. Everything looks flawless. But within a few years, cracks begin to appear, rust stains seep through the walls, and chunks of concrete start falling. What went wrong? The culprit is often an invisible yet relentless enemy: chloride corrosion.

Across India, from Delhi NCR to Chennai, even well-constructed buildings are suffering from premature deterioration due to chloride-induced corrosion. This isn’t just an Indian problem; it’s a global challenge, with major infrastructure projects facing chloride attacks. The good news? It’s entirely preventable, and the solution is proactive maintenance.

Chloride-related damage typically emerges over a longer period, often years after construction. The process involves chloride ions penetrating the concrete and reaching the steel reinforcements. This penetration can take time, depending on factors such as the presence of cracks and environmental conditions. Once the chloride ions reach the steel, they break down the protective oxide layer, leading to corrosion. The rust formed from this corrosion expands, causing internal pressure that can crack and weaken the concrete. This gradual process means that significant damage might not be visible until years after the initial exposure to chlorides. Corrosion can occur due to rainwater infiltration, plumbing leaks, or prolonged exposure to moisture. If left unchecked, corrosion weakens the structure and reduces its load-bearing capacity, making repairs both costly and unavoidable. Making regular maintenance is the only effective means of prevention.

Ensuring a building’s longevity depends on the developer’s commitment to proper maintenance and regular assessments of the building’s strength and other related issues. Even a well-built structure that meets Indian Standard codes at the time of construction / possession can suffer severe corrosion if maintenance is neglected. To prevent this, developers must implement stringent maintenance plans, educate residents on early detection, and ensure timely repairs.

Given that chloride contamination is inevitable, continuous monitoring and preventive maintenance are essential to safeguarding buildings. Regular inspections remain essential to detect early signs of damage, such as rust stains, cracks, or surface deterioration. Advanced testing methods, such as electrical resistivity, Half-Cell Corrosion Potential Mapping etc. allow engineers to check for chloride damage without drilling into the concrete. If corrosion is detected, various repair techniques can be used. Concrete Repair involve removing damaged concrete, treating reinforcement, and applying chloride-resistant concrete. Cathodic Protection applies a small electrical current to the steel reinforcement to prevent corrosion. Re-alkalization restores the concrete’s alkalinity to rebuild its protective properties, while Concrete Protection slow chloride penetration, extending structural life. Specialized products, like Sika® FerroGard®-903, penetrate concrete and form a protective layer around steel reinforcements, delaying corrosion and improving durability.

Addressing chloride corrosion is not just about repairing damage; it is about ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of our infrastructure. The responsibility extends beyond construction to the ongoing upkeep of the structures. Without proper maintenance, no building is immune to chloride attacks. Regular inspections and timely repairs must be prioritized to prevent deterioration. Residents also have a crucial role to play. They should promptly report any signs of damage and insist on swift action. If their concerns go unaddressed, they should escalate the matter to local authorities to ensure necessary intervention.

Pushpam Kumar, National Target Manager, Engineered Refurbishment, Sika India Private Limited.

Vahan.ai Empowers Tier 2/4 Recruiters; Launches Vahan Premier League to Reward Top Partners

National, India | 23 April, 2025:  Vahan.ai, India’s leading AI-powered recruitment platform for the blue-collar workforce, continues its mission of building entrepreneurship and enabling economic growth in Tier 2/4 cities with the Vahan Leaders Platform (VL Platform). As part of this initiative, the company recently recognised top-performing recruitment partners in Bhopal and Hyderabad, awarding them with high-value rewards, including a Mahindra Thar and a Tata Punch, respectively, in appreciation of their outstanding achievements.

These recognitions come at a time when India’s non-metro cities are becoming central to the country’s employment engine, especially within the gig and logistics sectors. Vahan.ai, through its VL Platform, empowers small and mid-sized recruitment agencies in these regions to place over 40,000 workers every month across leading employers such as Swiggy, Zepto, Zomato, Blinkit, Flipkart, and others.

Commenting on the events, Madhav Krishna, Founder and CEO of Vahan.ai said, “We are witnessing a new wave of grassroots entrepreneurship emerge in Bharat. By enabling recruiters in Tier 2/4 towns with technology, access, and support, we’re not only solving the problem of job creation but also helping build lasting businesses in places that have historically lacked such opportunities.”

In line with its philosophy of engaging, incentivising high performance, and in the spirit of IPL, Vahan.ai has launched the Vahan Premier League (VPL)—a gamified business competition that motivates recruiters on the VL Platform to push their boundaries, unlock higher earnings, and win exciting prizes, including cars. “With VPL, we’re making growth exciting, measurable, and rewarding,” said Madhav Krishna. “It’s a celebration of how far these entrepreneurs can go with the right support and incentives.” 

The Vahan Premier League is designed to drive meaningful employment by facilitating stable, long-term job opportunities for lakhs of job seekers across India. Recruitment agencies that consistently deliver high-quality job opportunities and be able to maximize the number of retained riders, will be eligible for a range of performance-based recognitions. These include top-tier rewards such as brand-new cars and bikes, with three cars and four two-wheelers being awarded to the multiple highest-performing partners.

At its core, Vahan.ai is building ‘tech for good’—using cutting-edge AI to solve systemic employment challenges at scale. By making job discovery simple, localised, and accessible and by empowering a distributed network of recruiters through the VL Platform, Vahan is not just placing workers into jobs—it is creating a sustainable ecosystem of opportunity, dignity, and digital inclusion for India’s emerging workforce.

Embark on a Flavor-Packed Anime Quest at Miyuki’s Otaku Kai

Miyuki, the Japanese Teppanyaki specialty restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, brings a vibrant twist to traditional Japanese dining with Otaku Kai – A Culinary Journey Through Your Favorite Anime, happening from April 14th to 30th. “Otaku” – meaning anime fans, and “Kai” – a gathering, sets the tone for this unique food festival that merges beloved anime worlds with authentic Japanese flavors. Whether you’re an anime enthusiast, a foodie, or both, this festival promises a nostalgic yet fresh experience for your palate.

Guests can indulge in an exciting menu inspired by iconic dishes seen in popular anime series. Start with the Onigiri Trio, crispy Takoyaki Delight, or Gyoza. Slurp your way through soulful noodle bowls like Ichiraku Miso Ramen, Spicy Mapo Tofu Ramen from Shokugeki no Soma, or Ghibli’s Chicken Ramen. For those who crave hearty comfort, the Japanese Curry Rice, and Omurice offer warm, familiar flavors. Wrap up with whimsical desserts like the Chocolate Cornet or the silky Tofu Cheesecake with pineapple vanilla ice cream!

So, gather your fellow anime enthusiasts and step into this limited-time celebration of flavor, fandom, and fun at Miyuki, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad.

STAR Rice Unveils Sealed Purity in New Kitchen-Ready Packaging

National, 23rd April 2025: Ghodawat Consumer Ltd. (GCL), the FMCG arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, recently unveiled the new packaging for its STAR Rice range, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. While the original STAR Rice packaging remains in the market, this newly designed pack offers consumers more choice in how they experience one of their daily essentials. What sets it apart is what’s inside the pack as much as the packaging itself. Using advanced Swiss technology, the grains are sorted by size, shape, and texture through a fully automated, contactless system ensuring quality, hygiene, and consistency in every bite. This modern process eliminates human touch and prevents adulteration, setting a new benchmark for how daily staples should be handled.

Salloni Ghodawat, CEO, Ghodawat Consumer Ltd., stated, “For generations, rice has been the backbone of Indian meals that was purchased in open sacks from local stores. While familiar, this practice came with hidden risks: exposure to dust, insects, rodents, and adulteration. But in an era where health and hygiene matter more than ever, packed rice is no longer a luxury, it’s a smarter and safer choice. Our focus has always been on delivering staples that people can rely on. This new packaging, it’s about reimagining how a daily product like rice reaches households with more care, more clarity, and more confidence. We believe staples can be simple yet smart, traditional yet future-ready.”

The newly designed 5 kg STAR Rice packs are now available in three popular variants—STAR Jeera Rice, STAR Sona Masoori, and STAR Lachkari Kolam—across Mumbai, Pune, South Maharashtra, and North Karnataka.

Packed rice offers several advantages that go well beyond convenience. It is tamper-proof and ultra-hygienic, processed in clean, controlled environments that safeguard against contamination. The advanced grain-sorting system ensures only the finest grains make it to the final pack, offering purity and authenticity with every serving. Each batch undergoes strict quality checks to maintain consistent taste, texture, and aroma—making it ideal for both everyday meals and festive occasions. Designed with the modern kitchen in mind, packed rice is also easier to store, pour, and trust, bringing simplicity and assurance to daily cooking.

This initiative aligns with GCL’s broader ambition of becoming a leader in the staples segment by combining modern processing with consumer-first thinking. With a growing portfolio across essentials and impulse categories, the company is working towards a ₹5,000 crore topline in the next five years.

India Tops APAC in AI/ML Deals: Zscaler Study

BENGALURU, INDIA – APRIL 23, 2025 – Zscaler, Inc., the leader in cloud security, today announced the release of its ThreatLabz 2025 AI Security Report, which draws on over 536 billion AI transactions analyzed globally on the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ between February and December 2024. The report reveals a staggering 3,465% year-over-year increase in AI/ML transactions showcasing 36x usage over a year. This report also explores recent developments in areas that will undoubtedly influence AI in 2025 and beyond, including agentic AI, the emergence of DeepSeek, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

The report reveals a 3,000+% year-over-year growth in enterprise use of AI/ML tools, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI technologies across industries to unlock new levels of productivity, efficiency, and innovation. Enterprises are sending significant volumes of data to AI tools, totaling 3,624 TB, underscoring the extent to which these technologies are integrated into operations. However, this surge in adoption also brings heightened security concerns.

Enterprises blocked 59.9% of all AI/ML transactions, signaling enterprise awareness around the potential risks associated with AI/ML tools, including data leakage, unauthorized access, and compliance violations. Threat actors are also increasingly leveraging AI to amplify the sophistication, speed, and impact of attacks—forcing enterprises to rethink their security strategies.

As AI transforms industries, it also creates new and unforeseen security challenges,” said Deepen Desai, Chief Security Officer at Zscaler. “Data is the gold for AI innovation, but it must be handled securely. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, powered by AI with over 500 trillion daily signals, provides real-time insights into threats, data, and access patterns—ensuring organizations can harness AI’s transformative capabilities while mitigating its risks. Zero Trust Everywhere is the key to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving threat landscape as cybercriminals look to leverage AI in scaling their attacks.”

Key Insights from the ThreatLabz 2025 AI Security Report

India leads in APAC, ranks second globally

India emerged as the second-highest contributor to global enterprise AI/ML traffic, trailing only the United States. Within the APAC region, India was the highest, accounting for 36.4% of all AI/ML transactions — more than double Japan’s share of 15.2% and nearly triple that of Australia (13.6%). The rest of APAC, including the Philippines (6.5%), Singapore (5.6%), and New Zealand (4.6%), collectively accounted for less than 20%.

ChatGPT Dominates AI/ML Transactions, But Security Concerns Remain

ChatGPT emerged as the most widely used AI/ML application, driving 45.2% of identified global AI/ML transactions in the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange. However, it was also the most-blocked tool due to enterprises’ growing concerns over sensitive data exposure and unsanctioned use. Other most-blocked applications include Grammarly, Microsoft Copilot, QuillBot, and Wordtune, showing broad usage patterns for AI-enhanced content creation and productivity improvements.

DeepSeek and Agentic AI: Innovation Meets Escalating Threats

AI is amplifying cyber risks, with usage of agentic AI and China’s open-source DeepSeek enabling threat actors to scale attacks. So far in 2025, we’ve seen DeepSeek challenge American giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta, disrupting AI development with strong performance, open access, and low costs. However, such advancements also introduce significant security risks.

Finance & Insurance Lead Enterprise AI Traffic by Industry

The Finance & Insurance sector accounted for 28.4% of all enterprise AI/ML activity, reflecting its widespread adoption, and indicative of the critical functions supported by the industry, such as fraud detection, risk modeling, and customer service automation. Manufacturing was second, accounting for 21.6% of transactions, likely driven by innovations in supply chain optimization and robotics automation. Additional sectors, including Services (18.5%), Technology (10.1%), and Healthcare (9.6%), are also increasing their reliance on AI, while each industry also faces unique security and regulatory challenges posing new risks and possibly impacting the overall rate of adoption.

India’s rise to the top spot in APAC’s AI/ML adoption underscores a thriving innovation landscape but it also highlights the growing attack surface,” said Suvabrata Sinha, CISO-in-Residence, India at Zscaler. “With GenAI tools becoming integral to everyday workflows, enterprises need real-time visibility, precise controls, and scalable protection. Zscaler’s Zero Trust solutions enable Indian organizations to safeguard users, workloads, and data with policy-driven access rather than outdated network assumptions. Our platform leverages AI to combat AI-driven threats—be it AI-powered attacks, shadow AI, or data leakage delivering predictive breach insights, automated segmentation, and continuous risk assessments. This allows India’s digital leaders to innovate quickly without compromising trust.

The report also identified how agentic AI and open-source tools such as DeepSeek have unlocked efficiencies and new avenues for threat actors. A surge in AI-powered phishing, fake AI platforms, and deepfake-driven fraud marks a new phase of cyber threats in India and beyond. Malware campaigns like “Flora AI” have already begun exploiting enterprise interest in GenAI by mimicking legitimate AI tools to deliver infostealers.

Methodology

Analysis of 536.5 billion total AI and ML transactions in the Zscaler cloud from February 2024 to December 2024. The Zscaler global security cloud processes over 500 trillion daily signals and blocks 9 billion threats and policy violations per day, delivering over 250,000 daily security updates.