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Govt asks students to solve these real-world consumer-related problems

According to the department, five of the six problem statements are still open for submissions until October 15—the onion storage challenge concluded on October 7.

So, what could be the problems? They are everything from keeping onions fresh longer to spotting tampering in weighing machines. (Image: AI Generated)

The Department of Consumer Affairs has teamed up with the Ministry of Education to throw down a challenge to young students in the country. So, the task is for the youth of the country; they have come up with some smart solutions to six real-world consumer problems. So, what could be the problems? They are everything from keeping onions fresh longer to spotting tampering in weighing machines.

It’s all part of Smart India Hackathon 2025, a nationwide innovation drive that’s tapping into student brainpower to solve issues that affect crores of people. According to the department, five of the six problem statements are still open for submissions until October 15—the onion storage challenge concluded on October 7.

The initiative is backed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the problems are anything but ordinary, real-world world and consumer-related:

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–Reducing post-harvest losses in onions, which can reach up to 50 per cent due to rotting and sprouting.

–Creating non-destructive ways to test gold jewellery for hallmarking—especially important since India made hallmarking mandatory in 373 districts back in 2021.

–Building AI tools to check if e-commerce platforms are following legal metrology rules, like proper labelling. This issue is indeed a big one, especially after the takeoff of online shopping.

–Designing automated systems to test electrical safety equipment.

–Developing real-time tech to detect tampering in weighing and measuring devices used in trade.

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The hackathon isn’t just about solving problems—it’s a chance for students to collaborate with industry pros, government bodies, and other stakeholders, all while showing off their technical chops.

The hackathon provides students a platform to work with industry experts, government agencies, and other stakeholders while showcasing their technical skills, the statement added.

Not only this, but the government has also started Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a school-level innovation challenge. Organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and NITI Aayog, the initiative seeks to nurture design thinking and innovation at the grassroots level through school participation.