After firing 12000+ employees, TCS is tightening its hiring, especially for contract ones. Contract hiring is paramount for TCS, accounting for about 8% to 10% of the total workforce. Previously, these hirings were handled by Resource Management Group (RMG). Now, TCS has onboarded Pontoon Solutions to oversee the hiring from here on.
The vendors (who usually provide the contract workers to TCS) worry about losing communication with the RMG team and TCS altogether. Why did TCS make such a drastic move right after its mass layoffs? Is it an indicator that the company is facing instability revenue-wise? Or because it couldn’t just rely on the Vendors anymore?
Pontoon Solutions is a US-based recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) company. TCS extended its hand for collaboration with Pontoon for several reasons:
TCS Cost-Cutting
TCS’s quarterly (June 2025) revenue went down 0.59%, bringing in $7.42 billion. As a result, the company laid off over 12,000 employees. Amid growing tension between the US and India, TCS wants to invest less in rehiring.
More Control And Transparency In Hiring
The vendor system involved too many people, and in some way or another, weak candidates were pushed into the roles. Therefore, the gap between the candidates and project performance for TCS felt problematic.
Centralized Hiring With Pontoon Solutions
Now with Pontoon, TCS can worry less about hiring the best talent. Here’s how the new filtering process looks for TCS:
Job postings are done via the Pontoon platform.
Vendors can submit suitable resumes directly to Pontoon.
Pantoon then filters the best-suited candidates.
After a few more vetting rounds, the top performers are sent to the final rounds with TCS.
Why Vendor Communications Are Cut With TCS After Layoffs?
TCS recognized the long-term risks of hiring the wrong people through vendors. Continuing communication with vendors would repeat the cycle over and over. TCS believed it was unreasonable to invest money in areas that don’t deliver RIO. TCS’s stance is clear: there is no more business for vendors who lack the right talent.
For now, these changes are limited to contract roles only (hired for 6 – 12 months), not permanent roles. There are no reforms to the TCS conventional way of hiring via campus placements, lateral hiring, and executive search firms.
Silicon Valley believes that whatever Mark Zuckerberg wants, he always gets. Not this time, though. Well-known for his strategic acquisitions (96 companies so far), he tried to acquire a new AI startup called Thinking Machines Lab. He offered a whopping $1 billion to the company’s cofounder, Mira Murati (former CTO of OpenAI), and $1.5 billion to Andrew Tulloch. And to his surprise, both declined the bid. The man whose touch turns to gold is now responding with “a full-scale raid” (meaning he is buying out the company’s people), according to The Wall Street Journal. Well, you may wonder, why is he so desperate about a startup (that hasn’t launched a product yet) after all? Here’s all you need to know.
Meta’s Superintelligence AI Dream Team Effect
Mark is pushing this hard to have the best team onboarded to build the “Superintelligence” AI dream team. AI that is faster, smarter (outthinks human intelligence), and better than any. The first to do so will lead the future of technology and the economy. Thus, Mark wants to be that guy, and so he is luring Thinking Machines Lab’s best talent to his side.
Why Mira Murati and Andrew Tulloch Rejected $1 Billion?
Ironically, Andrew Tulloch worked at Meta from 2012 to 2023 but still rejected Mark’s offer. He contributed widely to its ML infrastructure and PyTorch (an AI research tool). Both Andrew and Murati worked at OpenAI and later cofounded Thinking Machines Lab in 2025. The company’s valuation is about $12 billion now. At their core, they both believe in their startup and want to continue scaling independently, so $1 billion fell short for them.
Meta’s Aggressive Hiring
The Wall Street Journal cites some shocking details about Meta’s aggressive hiring (after being rejected) from the Thinking Machines Lab. Reportedly, Meta reached out to multiple employees, and Matt Deitke, a popular name, has already accepted a $250 million offer.
Matt Deitke is a 24-year-old engineer at Thinking Machines Lab. Meta initially offered him $125 million, only to get rejected. Later, Mark Zuckerberg met Matt Deitke and doubled the offer, and he accepted it this time. About $100 million of that offer is guaranteed in the first year itself.
Not just that, Meta is aggressively targeting the smartest engineering talents out there (from OpenAI, Anthropic, and more). The company got in touch with more than 100 and took 10 on board already.
Whether this is true or not, one thing is certainly clear: Meta is after something big and bigger than AI. Perhaps a mega AI on the brink of rising? We’ll find out soon.
The discussion is old and yet relevant. Will AI take over our jobs? Every day, the news seems to prove the point right. TCS laid off 12000+ employees (On July 27), and 15000+ were laid off by Microsoft (until August 2025), both citing AI as the reason. Some even reported anxiety and depression after being laid off, while others may be on the edge of being laid off. All these arguments paint a negative angle of AI. However, RPG Group Chairperson Harsh Goenka is starting a new conversation, and something you may want to know. AI is creating new jobs.
RPG Group Chairperson Harsh Goenka, on August 5, shared his viewpoints about AI on the platform ‘X.’
He wrote, “Everyone asks: “Will AI take my job? What new jobs is AI creating?” AI will disrupt work & reinvent it. There will be new jobs like Prompt engineers, AI product managers, AI ethics specialists & workplace landscape will change. New winners will be the smartest & most adaptable.”
The post garnered 16400 Views and around 50 people shared their thoughts. And here we outline the roles and their scope for the future.
Prompt Engineering
Prompt Engineering is the role that looks after the designing and writing of compelling prompts for LLMs like ChatGPT and GPT-3. According to Grand View Research, the Prompt Engineering market is growing at a 32.8% CAGR and is expected to go up $2.06 billion by 2030 (globally).
And according to Glassdoor, the salary for a Prompt Engineer starts at 4 LPA and can go up to 30 LPA and more in India.
AI Product Manager
AI product managers are responsible for producing AI-powered products. Unlike conventional product managers, AI PMs work closely with data pipelines and machine learning models.
Recently, several job hunt platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Indeed have seen a significant hike in AI Project Manager job postings.
Glassdoor projects the basic salary for an AI Project Manager at 14 LPA, and can reach 27 LPA or higher in India.
AI Ethics Specialists
The rapid expansion of AI brings ethical dilemmas, data privacy, transparency, and accountability concerns. Even the governments are bringing in laws to monitor AI, such as the EU’s AI Act and the U.S.’s AI Bill of Rights. Therefore, an AI Ethics Specialist becomes an AI police.
According to Glassdoor, the base pay for AI Ethics Specialists is 13.5 LPA in India. All of the above roles are excellent options to upskill to stay ahead in this AI era.
A Few Final Thoughts…
In a recent survey done by India Today, approximately 70% of participants reported benefiting from upskilling, and 72% found better career paths. There can be no better time than now to put a step forward and upskill with AI, so the conversations turn from layoffs to good pay.
India’s startup and business ecosystem remained dynamic on August 6, 2025. Gaming startup SuperGaming raised $15 million in a Series A round led by Skycatcher and Steadview Capital, while The Sleep Company secured INR 480 crore in a mix of primary and secondary funding. In broader news, Antfin fully exited Paytm by selling its remaining INR 3,980 crore stake, and MSRTC announced the launch of its own ride-hailing app, Chhava. Here’s your quick roundup of today’s top funding deals and key business news.
Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 6 August 2025
Company
Round / Stage
Amount Raised
Lead Investor(s)
HYLENR
Pre‑Series A
US $3.0 million
Valour Capital, Chhattisgarh Investments
SuperGaming
Series B
US $15 million
Skycatcher, Steadview Capital
The Sleep Company
Series D
₹480 crore
ChrysCapital, 360 ONE Asset
DPDzero
Series A
US $7.0 million
GMO Venture Partners, SMBC Asia, Blume Ventures
Zype
–
₹90 crore
Unleash Capital Partners, Xponentia Capital
EON Space Labs
Pre‑Series A
US $1.2 million
MGF Kavachh, HHV Advanced Technologies
CodeKarma
Pre‑seed
US $2.5 million
Prosus, Accel, Xeed Ventures
Cautio
Seed
US $3.0 million
Amal Parikh, 8i Ventures, others
Gladful
–
₹8 crore
Eternal Capital
House of Biryan
Strategic investment
Not disclosed
MS Dhoni (cricket icon & entrepreneur)
HYLENR raised $3 million
Clean energy startup HYLENR, based in Hyderabad, secured $3 million in a Pre-Series A round. The investment was led by Valour Capital and Chhattisgarh Investments Limited, with participation from angel investors Karthik Sundar Iyer and Anant Sarda. The startup develops Low Energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) systems and aims to transition from lab-scale research to commercial deployment.
SuperGaming raised $15 million
Pune-based gaming company SuperGaming raised $15 million in a Series B funding round led by Skycatcher and Steadview Capital. Other participants include a16z Speedrun, Bandai Namco 021 Fund, Polygon Ventures, and Neowiz. SuperGaming is expanding globally with its battle royale game “Indus” and now holds a valuation close to $100 million.
The Sleep Company raised INR 480 crore
Comfort-tech brand The Sleep Company raised INR 480 crore in its Series D round. The funding was led by ChrysCapital and 360 ONE Asset, with partial secondary exits by Fireside Ventures. The startup plans to expand its offline presence, scale manufacturing, and invest further in its proprietary SmartGRID® technology.
DPDzero raised $7 million
Debt recovery automation startup DPDzero secured $7 million in a Series A round led by GMO Venture Partners. SMBC Asia Rising Fund and Blume Ventures also participated. The fintech platform leverages AI to improve collections for lenders and will now launch its own field collection agents across major Indian cities.
Zype raised INR 90 crore
Mumbai-based fintech platform Zype raised INR 90 crore in an equity funding round. The round was led by Unleash Capital Partners, with participation from existing backer Xponentia Capital. Zype offers digital credit services and will use the capital to strengthen its lending platform and customer acquisition efforts.
EON Space Labs raised $1.2 million
Hyderabad-based EON Space Labs raised $1.2 million in Pre-Series A funding led by MGF Kavachh and HHV Advanced Technologies. The startup, incubated at T-Hub and IIT Madras, is building MIRA, India’s lightest high-resolution space telescope, and other surveillance imaging systems. The funds will support production and launch efforts.
CodeKarma raised $2.5 million
Developer productivity startup CodeKarma raised $2.5 million in a pre-seed round co-led by Prosus, Accel, and Xeed Ventures. The startup is developing AI-driven tools to optimise software development processes for enterprises by reducing redundant code and creating real-time feedback loops.
Cautio raised $3 million
AI-powered fleet safety startup Cautio raised $3 million in a seed round led by investor Amal Parikh, with participation from 8i Ventures, AU Small Finance Bank, and other angels. Cautio offers AI dashcams and analytics for logistics companies, focusing on reducing road risks and improving fleet compliance.
Gladful raised INR 8 crore
Nutrition startup Gladful secured INR 8 crore in a fresh funding round led by Eternal Capital, the investment arm of former BharatPe COO Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl. The brand creates protein-rich snacks and food products for children and plans to grow its D2C offerings and product portfolio with this funding.
House of Biryan received strategic investment
Cloud kitchen brand House of Biryan received a strategic investment from cricketer and entrepreneur MS Dhoni. Founded in 2022, the startup operates over 20 kitchens in India and Dubai. With Dhoni’s support, it aims to expand to 150 outlets globally and achieve a revenue run-rate of INR 450–550 crore in the next three years.
Key News Highlights for 6 August 2025
Ant Financial fully exits Paytm for INR 3,980 crore
Ant Financial (Antfin Netherlands Holding B.V.), affiliated with Jack Ma’s Alibaba Group, sold its entire 5.84% stake in Paytm’s parent, One97 Communications, through two block deals executed on 5 August, totalling approximately INR 3,980 crore. Buyers included global institutions such as Société Générale and MY Asian Opportunities Master Fund; the shares were transacted at around INR 1,067.5 per share. This completes Ant’s phased divestment from Paytm over the past two years.
Z47 and Tiger Global trim holdings in Ola Electric
Early investors Z47 (formerly Matrix Partners India) and Tiger Global Management reduced their equity in Ola Electric during Q1 FY26 (April–June 2025). Z47 sold about 0.81%, trimming its stake to 1.93%, realising between INR 147–192 crore; Tiger Global reduced its holding by ~0.21% to 3.24%, netting roughly INR 39–48 crore. This follows Hyundai and Kia’s earlier exits and forms part of broader secondary share sales by Z47 across its portfolio.
MSRTC to launch “Chhava Ride” app in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to launch Chhava Ride, an official government‑run ride aggregator app. Approved in a meeting held on 5 August, the app will integrate multiple transport modes—buses, taxis, auto‑rickshaws and e‑buses—under one platform, as permitted under central and state aggregator guidelines. MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik emphasised that Chhava Ride aims to ensure reliable service for passengers, fair earnings for drivers, and new revenue streams for the state transport body.
Rupee recovers slightly ahead of RBI rate decision amid U.S. tariff threats
The Indian rupee edged up to INR 87.74 per US dollar on 6 August, recovering from around INR 87.80. This comes as investors awaited the Reserve Bank of India’s policy decision and weighed the impact of fresh U.S. tariff threats, including a 25% levy on Indian exports. Weak U.S. jobs data and falling Treasury yields helped boost sentiment. Markets widely expect the RBI to hold the repo rate at 5.50%, as confirmed later that day, with rates maintained amid concerns over global trade risks. The RBI also retained its GDP growth forecast at 6.5% but flagged elevated uncertainty due to the tariffs.
According to reports, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will introduce a passenger app that is based on an aggregator and will provide transport services on a single platform.
One App, Multiple Rides: Buses, Autos, Taxis & E-Buses
According to PTI, the app would let users schedule rides for buses, autorickshaws, taxis, and e-buses. It is being developed under the aggregator policy of the federal and state governments. This statement was made earlier this week at a high-level meeting by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik. The app would be called “Chhava Ride”, according to the report.
Revenue Opportunity for MSRTC Through Digital Transformation
According to various media reports, Sarnaik stated that the MSRTC was the most qualified entity to run the app, which is anticipated to create a new source of income for the transportation agency while offering passengers a reliable and open service.
State Cracks Down on Unlicensed Private Aggregators
Nearly a week has passed since the minister blasted the current private aggregators for taking advantage of both drivers and passengers. The state government of Maharashtra launched a crackdown on Uber Shuttle and other bus aggregators in mid-July for operating without the required licenses.
Policy Challenges for Ola, Uber, Rapido in Maharashtra
Additionally, when the federal government announced the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025 earlier in July, it required ride-hailing aggregators to meet the goals set for the proportion of electric vehicles in their fleet.
Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025, which was passed by the Maharashtra government in May, stipulated that drivers who cancel rides would henceforth be required to pay a fee, which should then be promptly credited to the rider’s account.
Auto Unions and Local Startups Fill the Gap
In June, the software development firm Metazen Labs and the autorickshaw unions Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi & Transport Union (SSATTU) of Mumbai jointly released Yatri Mitra, a new auto booking app for commuters in Thane and Mumbai. Earlier this March, the Centre announced the launch of a new state-backed ride-hailing service dubbed “Sahkar Taxi,” which will compete with industry titans like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Regulatory Clash: Maharashtra Government vs Ride-Hailing Giants
The ride-hailing app Rapido recently applied for a licence to provide bike taxi services in the state from the local transport authority but was turned down. It then filed a challenge to the notification with the Bombay High Court (HC).
The company was ordered to cease its bike taxi services for operating without a licence by the HC, which also denied the petition. The state’s bike taxi policy has been in uncertainty ever since.
In the meantime, ride-hailing platform taxi drivers in Mumbai are still demonstrating in favour of quicker aggregator policy implementation and pay parity with traditional taxi drivers.
As India gears up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, e-commerce giants are turning the celebration into a battleground where deals, discounts, and digital shopping carts are skyrocketing too.
Each brand has launched a mega campaign, teasing early-access perks, bank discounts, flash deal mechanics, and brand-exclusive offerings to make their offerings appealing to Indian shoppers.
Whether you need daily essentials, new gadgets, fresh outfits, or just great festive deals, the 2025 Independence Day Sale lets you shop like never before. So, get ready to empty your carts and get ready, the biggest discounts are here!
Who’s Winning the Independence Day E-commerce War? A Look at the Top Players
Amazon is ringing in Independence Day 2025 with a sale that’s as grand as the occasion itself. The Amazon Freedom Sale kicked off on July 31, giving Prime members exclusive early access at midnight, while all other users could join the shopping frenzy from noon onwards. It will run until August 10, this pan-India sale, and it’s not just about discounts. It’s a celebration of freedom, smart shopping, and unmatched value.
Why Amazon’s Great Freedom Festival 2025 Is Worth the Hype?
Early Access for Prime Members
If you are a Prime member, you already got a head start. Access began at midnight on July 31, giving loyal subscribers first dibs on top deals before they’re gone. Instant 10% Off with SBI Cards
Stackable Savings & Smart Rewards
Amazon is letting shoppers layer their savings this year:
5% Gold Rewards on select purchases
Extra 10% off if you use Amazon gift card vouchers
Bazaar Deals Up to 80% Off
Amazon’s special Bazaar zone is a shopper’s paradise, with up to 80% off on fashion, home essentials, and lifestyle picks, everything from ethnic wear and cookware to décor and cleaning tools.
Flipkart is kicking off the festivities with its Freedom Sale 2025, a high-energy shopping extravaganza featuring blockbuster deals, exclusive rewards, and value-packed surprises. Officially live for all users starting August 2, the sale opens a day earlier, on August 1, for Plus and VIP members, giving loyal shoppers early access to the hottest deals.
Why Should Flipkart’s Big Freedom Sale Be on Your Wishlist?
Early Access for the Loyal Few
Flipkart Plus and VIP members get a 24-hour head start, unlocking exclusive launches and limited-time offers before they go public. Furthermore, they will also receive a 10% discount.
Hero Product Deals
Get the best discounts on top bestsellers, including the iPhone 16, MacBook M4, iPad A16, Nothing Phone 3 & 3a, Vivo V60, Realme GT 7, Poco F7, along with smart TVs, appliances, and top fashion picks.
15% Instant Savings with Bank Cards
Use select bank cards for instant 15% discounts, making your dream buys even more affordable.
Extra 10% Off via SuperCoins & Coupons
Maximize savings by redeeming Flipkart SuperCoins and applying exclusive coupons for an additional 10% off. Because one discount just isn’t enough.
78 Curated Deal Zones to Explore
Don’t miss exciting segments like Freedom Deals, Rush Hours, Bumper Hours, Tick Tok, and Exchange Offers; all of these are packed with discounts and run throughout the day to help you save more.
AJIO is all set to set your wardrobe on fire this Independence Day with its much-awaited Fashionation Sale, expected to go live on August 3, 2025. Whether you’re craving a fashion reset or eyeing iconic labels, this sale is your green flag.
With up to 90% OFF on big names like GAP, Superdry, New Balance, Van Heusen, Trends, and more, Ajio’s freedom-to-fashion fiesta is one you don’t want to miss.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip AJIO’s Fashionation Sale?
Flat 80% OFF on Must-Have StylesGet unbelievable discounts on men’s, women’s, and kids wear.
Extra 5% Off on Prepaid Orders Paying upfront lets you unlock extra discounts instantly. It’s a smart way to save more with every purchase.
Coupons That Stack Use AJIO’s stackable coupons for extra discounts, cashback, and surprise freebies.
All-in-One Fashion Destination From streetwear and ethnic to luxury and everyday essentials, AJIO’s sale caters to every style and every wallet.
Myntra
Myntra – Independence Day Sale
This August, Myntra is celebrating Independence Day in style with the Right to Fashion Sale 2025, launching at midnight on July 31. Get ready for up to 80% OFF on top fashion brands, exclusive coupons, surprise cashback, and Insider-only perks.
Why Myntra’s Right to Fashion Sale Should Be on Your Radar?
Up to 80% OFF on Everything Fashion From global giants to cult-favorite D2C labels, grab flat 50–80% off on clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty, and more.
Early Access for Myntra Insiders Myntra is offering free 3-month Insider trials for select users. Pro tip: check in incognito mode to see if you qualify!
Stackable Coupons + Bank Offers Use Myntra coupons and eligible bank cards for extra discounts on already-slashed prices.
Free Myntra Cash & Smart CombosMyntra Cash is a fashion cashback that you can use to buy things you want in the future. It may be present in some deals.
Live Wishlist Alerts Products are getting added in real-time. Wishlist now, shop fast—before the best picks disappear.
Fashion That Frees Your Style Ethnic, casual, street, or glam, this sale is your chance to style your freedom, your way.
Nykaa
Nykaa – Independence Day Sale
This August, Nykaa is bringing back its popular Freedom Sale, a beauty lover’s dream with amazing discounts on makeup, skincare, and wellness products. Expected to go live between August 7th and 9th, the sale promises huge savings on top Indian and international beauty brands.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Nykaa Freedom Sale 2025?
Up to 60% OFF on Bestsellers Save big on favorites like Kay Beauty, L’Oréal Paris, Olay, Dot & Key, and more.
Free Gifts with Orders Get free products like lip kits and mini skincare items with select purchases and coupons.
Early Access & Special Combos Nykaa loyalty members and app users may get early access and exclusive combo deals.
2,000+ Brands on Sale Shop everything from luxury brands like Estée Lauder to affordable picks like Lakmé.
Extra Savings with Gift Cards Use GyFTR Nykaa gift cards to stack more discounts or gift beauty to someone special.
This Independence Day, Tata CLiQ is bringing you The Moments That CLiQ Sale 2025, a celebration of style, savings, and shopping like never before. The sale is now live with jaw-dropping deals across categories and added perks that make every purchase count.
Why Tata CLiQ’s Moments That CLiQ Sale Deserves Your Attention?
Flat 30% to 85% OFF Sitewide From fashion and electronics to home décor and more, shop your favorite brands at deep discounts.
Extra 12% OFF with Code MOMENTS12 Apply the exclusive coupon at checkout to unlock additional savings.
CLiQ App-Exclusive Deals Get the best prices and limited-time offers only on the Tata CLiQ app.
Top Brands, Big Bargains Snag top labels like Biba, Adidas, Pepe Jeans, and more at prices you can’t resist.
Conclusion
Independence Day is being celebrated in e-commerce with a flurry of offers, early access privileges, and patriotic product drops on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, Nykaa, and Tata CLiQ. Most of these platforms are also offering bundle combos, buy more, save more deals, and even personalized coupons for logged-in users.
On top of that, shoppers can stack discounts with bank offers (HDFC, SBI, ICICI, etc.), digital wallets, and reward programs like Myntra Insider or Flipkart Plus, making the final price too good to ignore. Whether you’re shopping to upgrade your gadgets or revamp your wardrobe, these mega Independence Day sales are making sure you do it without burning a hole in your pocket.
What are the top Independence Day sales in India ?
The biggest Independence Day 2025 sales include:
Amazon Great Freedom Festival
Flipkart Big Freedom Sale
Ajio Fashionation Sale
Myntra Right to Fashion Sale
Nykaa Freedom Sale
Tata CLiQ Moments That CLiQ Sale
Can I get early access to Independence Day sales?
Yes! Early access is available for loyal members:
Amazon Prime Members: Access from midnight on July 31
Flipkart Plus/VIP Members: Access from August 1
Myntra Insiders: Exclusive early entry and perks
When does the Amazon Great Freedom Festival 2025 start and end?
The Amazon Freedom Sale 2025 began on July 31 for Prime members and on August 1 for everyone else. It runs till August 10, 2025, offering huge deals on fashion, electronics, home essentials, and more.
When warnings like these come from a CEO of a major tech company, you take notes. We’re talking about GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke criticizing developers who aren’t embracing AI, yet. If that ‘yet’ applies to you too, then you need to understand Thomas Dohmke’s standpoints, or you could be in trouble. We recently covered news about Microsoft laying off over 15,000 employees (until August 2025) after its hefty investment in AI, and now there’s another caution adding fuel to the fire.
He posted a detailed opinion about AI and developers on his ‘X’ account on 4 August. According to Thomas Dohmke, developers shouldn’t be worried; instead, stay optimistic. But how exactly? Here’s more on what he said and what it could mean for you.
Reasons For Warning Developers On Embracing AI – GitHub CEO
Thomas Dohmke’s warning came after a field study involving 22 developers. The interview provided insights into how they approached and integrated AI. He shared that the research happened in 4 stages.
Skeptic – Where the developers simply weren’t that interested or just thought “Pretty cool, but gimmicky.”
Explorer – Where developers were put to work “Using AI for debugging, boilerplate, and snippets,” soon they came to learn the AI’s limitations.
Collaborator – Where the developers turned into active co-creators with AI.
Strategist – Where the developers became confident being on one page with AI. And so they started “Treating AI as a powerful partner for feature development, complex tasks, and large-scale refactorings.”
The study uncovered striking opinions among these 22 developers after the 4th stage. Half believed AI would write 90% of the code within the next 5 years, while the other half agreed it would happen in 2 years.
In fact, one of the developers also said, “Either you have to embrace the AI, or you get out of your career.”
If you are someone still sticking with traditional coding and spending long hours, waiting for a sign, then this is pretty much it.
News Skills Developers Need Right Now – Thomas Dohmke
He wrote, “The future belongs to developers who can model systems, anticipate edge cases, and translate ambiguity into structure—skills that AI can’t automate.” And pointed 7 key skills to stand out:
AI fluency – Learning and understanding AI tools and their capabilities, limitations.
Delegation and agent orchestration – Critical communications skills are a must.
Human-AI collaboration – Just learning and understanding AI won’t do, but hands-on execution does.
Fundamentals – Deep programming skills are a must and non-negotiable.
Verification and quality control – To err is human and to err is AI, so verifying the code is quintessential.
Product understanding – Understanding users’ needs goes beyond code, and AI is still naive for that.
Architecture and systems design – AI is good for handling the low-level coding, the overall system architecture understanding rests in your hands.
Final thoughts
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the software job market is expected to grow by 18% over the next decade. Meaning developers are still needed. In his opinion, the AI era is about the skill shift, not coding less or replacing developers. What do you think? Are you still skeptical or slightly optimistic?
On July 5, the Alibaba Group affiliate business sold 3.73 Cr shares of the fintech giant through open-market transactions for INR 3,980.7 Cr, a day after rumours circulated that Antfin was seeking to sell its remaining interest in Paytm.
Societe Generale, My Asian Fund Among Key Buyers
Antfin sold the shares at an average selling price of INR 1067.6 each, according to BSE data. This was about 1% less than Paytm’s closing price of INR 1,078.3 on 4 August. Societe Generale acquired 67.5 lakh shares, while My Asian Opportunities Master Fund L snatched up 35 lakh of the shares that flooded the market.
Antfin to Sell Remaining Stake via INR 3,800 Cr Clean-Out Deal
According to a CNBC report, Antfin Holding BV, a division of Alibaba Group, intends to sell its remaining 5.84% share in One 97 Communications, the parent company of financial giant Paytm, through a clean-out block deal of INR 3,800 Cr.
The sale’s floor price is INR 1,020 per share, which is 5.4% less than the BSE’s closing price of INR 1,078.30 on 4 August. Antfin would completely leave the Indian fintech company with the deal, which is anticipated to be completed in a single tranche.
Final Exit Follows Earlier INR 2,103 Cr Stake Sale in May
This action comes after Antfin sold a 4% interest for INR 2,103 Cr in May 2025. Over 2.55 Cr shares were sold in that transaction at an average price of INR 824.67, which was 3.72% less than Paytm’s most recent closing price at the time. Goldman Sachs (Singapore) had acquired 37.25 lakh shares in that transaction at that point.
Paytm’s Performance Boosts Investor Confidence
In just three months, Antfin will have sold off almost 10% of its Paytm stock, marking a calculated withdrawal following years of investment. Antfin had roughly 23.8% of the business at its height.
The anticipated exit follows Paytm’s first-ever quarterly net profit of INR 122.5 Cr in Q1 FY26, which was achieved after the company reported a loss of INR 839 Cr the previous year. EBITDA was positive at INR 71.5 Cr with a 3.7% margin, while its revenue increased 27.7% YoY to INR 1,917.5 Cr.
Impact: China’s Stake in Paytm Nears Zero
Over the past month, the company’s stock has climbed by more than 20% as a result of rising investor confidence and a growth in mutual fund participation. The agreement would further lessen China’s involvement in Paytm, which has already come under fire for issues with foreign ownership and data localisation.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the creator of Paytm, and his family members own Resilient Asset Management BV, an international company that holds a 19.31% stake in One97 Communications, making them the largest stakeholder overall.
In 2019, Z47 made their initial investment of INR 107 crore in Ola Electric. The AI startup Krutrim and the ride-hailing company Ola Cabs are also owned by the venture capital fund.
Z47 and Tiger Global’s Exit Strategy
In October of last year, ET revealed that Z47 is reducing its ownership of Ola, the fintech startup Razorpay, the business-to-business (B2B) commerce company OfBusiness, and the local language content platform Dailyhunt in order to generate $150–180 million. At the same time, Tiger Global Management reduced its ownership of Ola Electric from 3.45% three months before to the end of June 2025 to 3.24%.
Through its Internet Fund III, Tiger Global currently owns INR 585 crore in the EV manufacturer. In June, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation made INR 552 crore and INR 137 crore from the sale of about 10.88 crore and 2.7 crore shares, respectively.
Ola Electric’s Financials: Revenue Drop and Profit Focus
As sales suffered in the face of heightened competition in India’s E2W sector, Ola Electric’s operational revenue for the first quarter virtually halved compared to the same period last year, and its loss increased. For the quarter that ended on June 30, the company reported a net loss of INR 428 crore on revenue of INR 828 crore.
The net loss decreased to less than half from INR 870 crore in the January-March quarter, but it increased from INR 347 crore a year earlier. In the March quarter, it reported operating revenue of INR 611 crore. During an earnings call, Bhavish Aggarwal, the business’s founder and managing director, stated that the company has now shifted its focus to profitability.
What’s Next for India’s EV Giant?
According to Aggarwal, the company has shifted from a strategy of aggressive penetration to one of more balanced and profitable expansion. Following a period of hypergrowth, the industry is now consolidating and is expected to experience another upswing soon. It’s time to combine operations till then.
This article has been contributed byRajeev Jain, MD & Founder, RN Faucets Pvt. Ltd.
As we are heading close to our Independence Day, when the tricolour unfurls against the August sky, a wave of patriotism will usher amongst us. This sentiment has traditionally translated into a time-honoured ritual: a flag hoisting ceremony, the distribution of sweets, and perhaps a dress-in-ethnic-wear day. While these gestures are rooted in respect and tradition, but with time modern workplaces have evolved and come up with their way of celebrating independence, cherishing the pride of being an Indian and at the same time exhibiting this pride to everyone.
This Independence Day, let’s redefine the celebration. Let’s make it a catalyst for strengthening our organisational culture, fostering a genuine sense of belonging, and connecting our daily work to the grand project of nation-building.
Independence Day Engagements in Modern Workplaces
Pillar 1: Promoting inclusive patriotic culture
The beauty of India lies in its breathtaking variety – a symphony of cultures, languages and traditions. Independence Day is the right opportunity to celebrate this mosaic within our own organizations.
Actionable Ideas for Inclusive Celebrations:
• “India’s weavers” day: go beyond a general “ethnic day”. Cure a subject that celebrates India’s rich textile heritage. Encourage employees made of indigenous clothing like Khadi, Ikat, or bandhani and share the story behind their chosen craft. This not only supports local artisans, but also converts the office into a vibrant gallery of Indian craftsmanship.
• “Taste of freedom” Potluck: Food is a universal language of love and connection. Instead of standard catering, organize a potluck where employees bring a dish that represents their original state or family traditions associated with ceremonies. Each dish comes with a story, which turns into a simple lunch journey in the Pak scenario of India. This promotes interaction and helps allies to join a deep, more individual level.
• Storytelling Session: “My idea of India”: Create a platform, perhaps an open mike session, to share for employees to share what freedom and India is individually mean. These may be his grandparents’ experiences, his journey to achieve financial freedom, or his hopes for the future of the country. Such sessions promote sympathy and provide an intensive insight into diverse approaches that create your workforce.
• Celebration of Vernacular Voice: Host workshops or fun, short learning modules on various Indian languages and art forms. Imagine a 30 -minute session when learning some phrases in the language from a separate field, or a hand workshop on Madhubani or Warli art. These activities are not only attractive, but are also a direct sign for linguistic and artistic diversity that is original for our identity.
Pillar 2: Aligning with Purpose and Social Responsibility
The modern employee is driven by a strong sense of purpose, and the same feeling can be translated into celebration of independence. By adopting small acts of change can be a meaningful way of showcasing love for the nation.
Actionable Ideas for Purpose-Driven Engagements:
Skill-Based Volunteering: Move beyond traditional volunteering. Empower your employees to use their professional skills for a cause. A team activity in the NGO, like a financial literacy workshop for a self-help group, or designing a social media campaign to promote local artisans. This makes the act of giving back more impactful and professionally fulfilling.
Support Economic Independence: The next thing companies can go ahead and start supporting the local economies. For corporate gifting, companies can make a conscious choice to buy products of home-grown brands. This will boost local economies and help in building a self-reliant India.
Pillar 3: Driving engagement Through Innovation and Gameification
Another step could be using techology and gamification, ensuring every member of the team in-house or working online can participate.
Actionable Ideas for Innovative Celebrations:
The “Great Indian Discovery” Challenge: Design a virtual scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the office (for in-person) or on a dedicated digital platform (for remote teams). The clues can be riddles related to Indian history, trivia about our scientific achievements, or puzzles based on our cultural landmarks. This encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and learning in a fun, competitive format.
Independence Day Ideathon/Hackathon: Host a mini-hackathon focused on solving a specific community problem or an internal business challenge. The theme could be “Innovating for a Better India.” This channels the talent and creativity of your employees towards a constructive goal and reinforces the idea that innovation is a key part of national progress.
Interactive Digital Engagement: Leverage technology for a week-long engagement leading up to the 15th of August. Use platforms like Kahoot! or Slido for daily quizzes on Indian history and culture. Run polls asking employees about their favourite “Made in India” brand or their most admired Indian innovator. Create a collaborative digital “Freedom Wall” where employees can post messages, photos, and aspirations for the country.
“Made in India” Showcase: Ask different teams or departments to prepare a short presentation on a “Made in India” product, technology, or startup they admire. This not only fosters a sense of pride in our country’s achievements but also aligns perfectly with the ethos of the startup ecosystem, celebrating homegrown innovation and entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
Weaving a strong organizational fabric “Beyond Flag hoist” is not about abandoning the tradition, but is about enriching it. It is about understanding that for the modern Indian professional, patriotism is an active action. This is about making a place where the celebration of our nation’s freedom is transformed into a celebration of our collective capacity.
