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  • From Growth to Goodbyes: Microsoft Lays Off 40 More Employees In Washington 2025

    In 2024 or 2025, the word layoffs is still giving nightmares to employees across the world. And we are here with yet another layoff story in the headlines. On 4 August, Microsoft said its final goodbye to 40 more Washington-based employees. These are again different from the mass layoffs that happened back in May (6000 employees) and in July (9000 employees). In total, around 3160 positions were eliminated alone in Washington state (Redmond headquarters). Make no mistake, Microsoft is doing well financially this year (so far). So, why are these terminations happening now? Is it the AI, again?

    Microsoft Didn’t Stop Hiring New Employees

    Overall, 15000+ employees lost their jobs in 2025 at Microsoft. The gaming and sales departments took a major hit. But, here’s the upside (to the flip side of those layoffs). Microsoft is hiring new employees. The total global headcount of Microsoft is 228,000, the same as the previous year. Now these numbers say something; they indicate a shift in how Microsoft is working. Microsoft is cutting down on roles that the company doesn’t require and investing in roles that foster the company’s growth.

    Shift to AI At Microsoft

    The company is seeing record high layoffs while reporting strong quarterly revenues $76.4 billion, increased 18% (up 17% in constant currency).’ All thanks to AI. Microsoft heavily relies on AI; it integrates AI across all its products to ensure an enhanced user experience. Microsoft firmly believes in the notion of automation, getting work done faster, and high productivity. 

    The company reportedly invested around 88 billion over the last year and aims to invest another 30 billion by September 2025.

    Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, said, “Cloud and AI is the driving force of business transformation across every industry and sector.”

    He further added, “We’re innovating across the tech stack to help customers adapt and grow in this new era, and this year, Azure surpassed $75 billion in revenue, up 34 percent, driven by growth across all workloads.”

    Conclusion: 

    Despite over 15000+ job cuts, Microsoft registers steady growth and is hiring new employees. The move is surely driven by hefty investment in AI, but doesn’t indicate direct replacement of humans. $76.4 billion in revenue shows a shift in its workforce and realignment rather than instability. What do you think AI is still to blame for?

  • Tryo raises INR 3 crores in pre-seed funding from Zeropearl VC to launch “Try First, Pay Later”

    Bangalore, August 5, 2025 — Tryo, a next-generation fashion shopping marketplace, has raised INR 3 crores in pre-seed funding round led by Zeropearl VC. The funding will be used to launch operations in Bangalore, accelerate product and technology development, and strengthen partnerships with leading Indian fashion brands to reimagine how consumers shop for apparel online.

    Tryo was founded in January 2025 by Meet SapariaArjav Patni & Shiva Singh, following a series of product pivots and hundreds of conversations with consumers. The idea was born from a simple but powerful insight: while most urban consumers had shifted online for groceries, food, and essentials, fashion remained a category dominated by offline behaviour. Shoppers repeatedly expressed concerns about not being able to trust online platforms when it came to fit, fabric, and how the outfit would look in real life. Most urban shoppers still prefer offline shopping because online shopping often involves guesswork—about fit, feel, and appearance. And when something doesn’t fit, it leads to the hassle of returns. However, offline shopping in metro cities isn’t easy either—long commutes, crowded malls, and packed trial rooms make it a tiring experience.

    Meet Saparia, Co-Founder of Tryo, said, “The idea for Tryo emerged when we noticed that even tech-savvy users were avoiding fashion shopping online. There was a clear trust gap around how clothes would actually feel and look. With Zeropearl VC backing us at this early stage, we now have the momentum to bring our vision to life. We want to give users the convenience of online shopping without compromising on the confidence they get from trying things on. This funding allows us to build with speed, care, and complete focus on the user experience.”

    Tryo allows users to order up to ten fashion items across styles and sizes for zero rupees, try them at home, pay for what they keep and return the rest instantly to the same delivery partner. The platform currently features curated collections from over twenty-five premium menswear and womenswear brands including Virgio, The Souled Store, The Bear House, Nishorama, and Bewakoof. The company offers both sixty-minute and scheduled delivery options.

    Tryo operates on a dark-store model with end-to-end logistics and quality control managed entirely in-house. The delivery fleet is specially trained to handle doorstep trials and on-the-spot quality checks of returned items, ensuring a seamless experience from warehouse to wardrobe.

    Bipin Shah, Founder and Managing Partner of Zeropearl VC, said, “We are excited to back Meet and the team at Tryo. It’s literally like creating a trial room at home—with zero upfront payment. Their deep understanding of fashion consumers and bold approach to convenience-led commerce stood out to us. This isn’t just about faster delivery—it’s about rethinking the entire decision-making process in fashion shopping. We believe Tryo is poised to reshape how India shops for apparel.”

    Since its inception, Tryo has completed thousands of early trial orders with high customer satisfaction and return rates significantly below industry averages. The newly raised capital will be deployed towards building scalable technology, expanding delivery operations across Bangalore, and onboarding additional brand partners.

    About Tryo

    Tryo is a “Try First, Pay Later” fashion marketplace that offers sixty-minute and scheduled delivery. Users can order up to ten items for zero rupees, try them at home, and pay only for what they keep. Returns are collected instantly by the same delivery partner. With curated fashion from premium & trendy Indian brands, Tryo brings the trial room to the customer’s doorstep, offering a new standard of convenience and confidence in online shopping.

    About Zeropearl VC

    Zeropearl VC is a newly launched pre-seed investment firm with a bold mission: to empower founders with conviction, speed, and unconditional support. Inspired by the belief that founders are at the heart of innovation, Zeropearl VC adopts a “Founder Only” investment thesis, emphasizing the unique drive and vision of entrepreneurs.

  • Cropin Bags €700K Strategic Artificial Intelligence Deal to Scale Regenerative Potato Farming in Europe

    India | August 05, 2025 – Cropin, the world’s largest deployed AI platform for food and agriculture, has secured a strategic €700,000 contract under EIT Food’s Impact Funding Framework. Cropin will deploy its AI-powered initiative, FIRST Potato – Field Intelligence for Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainability in Potato Farming, to accelerate the adoption of regenerative practices across Europe. As part of the initiative, Cropin will convene a consortium of food processors, research institutions, and sustainability leaders to accelerate the transition from conventional potato farming to regenerative agricultural practices.

     

    Cropin’s AI-powered decision support system (DSS) integrates crop-specific intelligence, real-time field data from sensors, satellite images, weather stations, IoT devices, and Cropin’s own data models, and predictive analytics to enable the seamless adoption of regenerative methods without compromising yield or quality. FIRST Potato delivers plot-specific daily advisories to growers tailored to the unique soil profile and microclimatic conditions of each farm, enabling optimized irrigation, input usage, and residue management. These hyper-local insights enable effective regenerative practices by enhancing soil health, significantly reducing the environmental footprint, and improving yields, making regenerative agriculture economically attractive and scalable.

    In order to scale adoption across Europe, the FIRST Potato deployment will scientifically validate its performance on pilot farms in Denmark and initiate the first commercial pilots with two potato processors in Germany and the UK. Cropin has partnered with Aarhus University, a globally recognized leader in sustainable agriculture research, to validate the insights and impact delivered by the platform.

    “As regenerative agriculture gains momentum, the absence of verifiable, measurable outcomes poses a real challenge to meaningful, scalable impact,” said Krishna Kumar, CEO and Founder of Cropin. “Without robust digital systems, farmers struggle to consistently uphold regenerative principles. Through AI, data intelligence, and real-time decision-support, we are bridging this critical gap, bringing precision, accountability, and scale to regenerative agriculture. With FIRST Potato, our goal is to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices that are both profitable and scientifically validated.”

    Potato processors seek to source tubers with high solid content to enhance the product quality of chips and fries, while regenerative practices support corporate sustainable sourcing requirements. These practices also improve potato solid content, but often result in reduced yields in the initial years. Cropin’s precision and predictive technology helps farmers address this challenge by optimizing inputs, improving yields, and meeting quality goals, while simultaneously restoring soil health and building climate resilience. This deployment aims to deliver collective benefits, enabling growers to enhance profitability, helping brands meet their sustainability targets, and benefiting the planet, creating a win-win for the entire agri-food ecosystem.

    With regenerative agriculture rapidly advancing across Europe and the UK, Cropin is actively engaging in strategic commercial partnerships and pilot deployments in the region. The company is in advanced discussions with several leading UK and Europe based agri-food brands and expects to close multiple regenerative agriculture pilots in the region before the end of the current financial year.

  • How Best of Exports Became the No.1 Restaurant Furniture Manufacturer in India

    New Delhi [India], August 5: Walk into any great restaurant, and you’ll notice everything feels intentional—lights, colors, music. But one thing often gets overlooked: the chair.

    We’ve heard it before. “We invested in décor and menu, but the chairs didn’t last.” Or, “Guests loved the vibe but didn’t stay long.”

    That’s where Best of Exports comes in. We didn’t aim to dominate—we just wanted to make honest, durable furniture. Chairs people enjoy, from starters to dessert.

    From small Jodhpur orders to trusted partnerships across India—we’ve grown by listening, delivering, and never compromising on comfort.

    1. Starting from a 150 sq. ft. Room

    This wasn’t one of those startup stories with angel investors and glossy websites.

    We began in a room the size of a bedroom. One small machine. No employees. Just grit and a lot of hope.

    The early days were raw. We accepted whatever work came in. Sometimes it was two chairs, sometimes just a stool. There were delays. Wrong finishes. Deliveries done on a scooter. But we didn’t stop.

    One machine became two. We hired one carpenter. Then two. We couldn’t afford to waste wood or time. Every mistake hurt. But every order taught us something.

    That small room slowly turned into a workshop. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real. The noise of cutting, the smell of polish, the satisfaction of seeing something finished — that became our rhythm.

    Today, we have a 1.15 lakh square foot factory. But we haven’t forgotten that room. It’s the reason we don’t take shortcuts. The reason we still double-check everything before it leaves.

    It’s where we learned to build furniture. And also trust.

    2. Roller Coaster Ride in the Early Years

    It wasn’t always smooth. At one point, we nearly quit. Orders were low, but costs—rent, salaries, bills—kept piling up. Survival mode kicked in. We even thought of starting a side consultancy to stay afloat.

    We said yes to everything, took on unfamiliar projects, and just kept going. Slowly, things shifted—a few early payments, one big order—and that was enough. That tough phase made us sharper, humbler, and taught us resilience.

    3. Slow Growth, Steady Vision

    We never had a five-year plan on the wall.

    What we had was consistency. We showed up daily. No shortcuts—just steady effort.

    Extra savings meant a new machine. More work meant hiring help. We weren’t chasing explosions, we were building something real.

    Clients came back—and brought others. That’s when we realised growth lives in trust.

    We refined. Created systems. Missed a few times. Learned fast.

    Some months were slow. Others chaotic. But we moved forward—always.

    And over time, people noticed.

    4. The Turning Point: Long Boat Brewery, Bangalore

    Our breakthrough came with Long Boat Brewery in Bangalore. They needed strong, stylish wooden furniture for a busy space. We took the challenge, despite never doing something like it before.

    It was tough—tight deadlines, revisions—but the outcome was worth it. Guests loved it. That one project opened Bangalore to us.

    It built trust, not through ads, but real results. Long Boat gave us confidence. Proof that we could truly deliver.

    5. Our First Architect Partner: Mr. Nilay Patalia

    It began with a friend’s call from Chennai — “Talk to this architect.” That was five years ago. We met Mr. Nilay Patalia with no expectations, just a simple chat. But something clicked.

    Our first project was small, but the connection was real. One project led to many. Today, he’s more than a client — he’s a creative partner. Now, we’re building one of India’s largest breweries together. All from one referral.

    6.  What Restaurant Owners Actually Want

    Looks matter. But after years in this industry, we learned restaurant owners want more—they want peace of mind.

    Chairs that last. Finishes that don’t peel. Real timelines, clear updates, and someone who answers the phone post-delivery.

    So we focused on the details: stronger joints, better polish, clean welds, quality checks. It worked. Fewer delays, better feedback. Clients now say, “This was the one part we didn’t have to worry about.

    7. The Facility: Built for Scale, Backed by People

    People are often surprised when they visit our factory.

    It’s big—1.15 lakh square feet. Machines humming. Wood stacked. Workstations in line. But what truly matters is the people inside.

    Over 90 team members—carpenters, welders, polishers, packers. Some old hands, some new energy.

    We train not just in tools, but in care.

    Yes, we’ve upgraded—CNCs, spray booths, better logistics.

    Still, every piece gets a human touch.

    From 20-seater cafés to 500-table breweries, our attention stays the same.

    8. Why Architects and Designers Recommend BOE

    We love working with architects—not for the scale, but for the thought behind every detail. They know what they want and value collaboration. We listen, adapt, and iterate to match their vision, even when it’s unconventional.

    Our flexible factory and skilled team bring custom ideas to life. We understand their pressures and aim to make one part of their job easier.

    That’s why designers trust us—not for perfection, but reliability.

    9. From Local Maker to National Leader

    We never set out to be a national name—just to make great furniture and treat people right. One project led to another, one city at a time.

    No flashy ads, just honest work, clear communication, and lasting relationships.

    Today, we serve clients across India, but at heart, we’re still the same team with the same values.

    10. Our Products in Restaurant Furniture

     At Best of Exports, we don’t just make furniture — we craft complete dining experiences.Over time, our range has grown to meet the unique needs of every restaurant, from quaint cafés to grand fine-dining venues.Here’s a quick look at what we offer:

    1. Restaurant Chairs: From timeless wood to sleek metal designs, our chairs balance comfort and style. Choose from upholstered, cane-back, or custom options.
    2. Restaurant Tables: Built for beauty and endurance, our tables suit everything from small two-tops to large banquet setups.
    3. Restaurant Booths: Custom booths designed for comfort and privacy, using materials like fabric, leatherette, or bespoke finishes.
    4. Restaurant Sofas: Perfect for lounge-style dining, our sofas combine luxury and lasting durability.
    5. Outdoor Restaurant Furniture: Weather-resistant and elegant — explore stackable chairs, patio sets, and foldable tables built to perform outdoors year-round.

    Conclusion – Built to Last, Trusted Nationwide

    From humble beginnings in a small Jodhpur room to becoming India’s No.1 restaurant furniture manufacturer, Best of Exports has always prioritized quality, trust, and relationships. Every chair, table, or booth we create carries our commitment to craftsmanship and comfort. We’re not just furnishing spaces — we’re helping restaurants build unforgettable experiences. And this is just the beginning. Let’s design something great, together.

  • IRDAI Slaps INR 5 Cr Fine on Policybazaar Over Insurance Norm Breach

    For many infractions of insurance regulations, insurtech giant Policybazaar was fined INR 5 Cr by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The infractions pertaining to unclear outsourcing contracts with insurers were also listed in the IRDAI order.

    Lack of Transparency in Outsourcing Deals Raises Red Flags

    Large quantities of money were paid to Policybazaar by insurance firms for outsourcing services in accordance with the directive, but many of the agreements lacked fundamental details, including the extent of the services and the rationale behind the fees.

    Payments were frequently provided on a “per seat” basis, according to the regulator, with no connection to the actual services rendered. According to IRDAI, this called into doubt fairness and transparency. The inadequate state of internal record-keeping was another major worry. It is alleged that the corporation neglected to tag thousands of insurance policies to the authorised verifiers who are in charge of selling them.

    Policy Tagging & Verification Gaps Expose Internal Flaws

    Despite repeated demands, Policybazaar was unable to provide call recordings or the required paperwork to verify if the right procedures were followed while selling these products, according to IRDAI.

    Additionally, IRDAI discovered that the business had postponed sending the insurance premiums that were collected from clients to the appropriate insurers. Policybazaar’s own payment gateway and nodal account were used to process premium payments, and in a few instances, the funds were not moved within the required 24-hour window.

    IRDAI found delays of more than 30 days in a sample set of insurance. According to the regulator, this presents a systemic risk and goes against the fundamental rule that insurers can only take on risk when they have received the entire and on-time premium.

    Breakdown of IRDAI’s Charges Against Policybazaar

    Five of the charges resulted in warnings, advice, or instructions for corrective action, while the remaining six offences included cash penalties of INR 1 Cr apiece. Policybazaar has been instructed to produce an action taken report within ninety days and to transmit the order to its board at its upcoming meeting.

    This follows PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar, reporting a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of INR 84.7 Cr in Q1 FY26, up 41% from INR 60 Cr in the same quarter last year. The remarkable gain of INR 41.1 Cr throughout the quarter was a major factor in this. In the first quarter of FY26, operating revenue increased 34% year over year to INR 1,348 Cr.

  • Big Pharma Eli Lilly Opens Tech & Innovation GCC in Hyderabad, The State Aims 100 GCCs By 2025–26

    The locals await new work opportunities as Hyderabad houses another Medtech giant office. On Monday, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy flagged off Eli Lilly and Company’s (India) new technology and innovation center in Gachibowli. The good news is, yes, the office plans to hire 1,500 more employees over the next few years. The idea sounds promising, doesn’t it? In addition, the state government also aims to launch 100 GCCs by 2025–26, widening employment prospects for locals. Furthermore, this move is expected to have an impact at both national and global levels, and how is Hyderabad preparing for that? 

    Telangana Targets 100 GCCs By 2025–26

    The American big Pharma, Eli Lilly, is another feather in the cap for Hyderabad. The city already hosts 70 GCCs in the year 2024-2025, more than any other state in the country. Now, the state wants to explore new horizons by inviting and hosting 100 GCCs by 2025–26. The city is more than ready to paint its picture as a global hub for MedTech (but not limited to it). Hyderabad has a long history of attracting foreign investors (Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Amazon, Oracle, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Deloitte, JP Morgan, and more), the reasons being: 

    • Supportive government policies
    • A pool of skilled talent in IT and pharmaceuticals 
    • Strong infrastructure 

    New Eli Lilly Office In Gachibowli

    The new Eli Lilly office is an epicenter for cutting-edge AI technology that will improve the speed of its global operations (automation, cloud computing, and software engineering). To do so effectively, the company will need more staff to support these efforts. The office sits on 220,000 square feet across four floors in the Phoenix Equinox building, Gachibowli. There are about 100 people working on the site already. 

    Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, said, “We are delighted to welcome Lilly to Hyderabad’s growing life sciences ecosystem. The inauguration of this new site further reinforces the city’s position as a global hub for healthcare innovation, built on scientific excellence, skilled talent, and international collaboration. The Government of Telangana remains committed to fostering an environment where pioneering companies like Lilly can thrive and deliver meaningful impact both in India and globally.”

    Shri Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, Telangana, said, “During 2024–25, Hyderabad witnessed the inauguration of 70 GCCs, a national record unmatched by any other state. This investment reflects the transformative impact of technology on healthcare. Telangana remains committed to enabling future-focused partnerships that drive economic growth and advance digital health solutions for the world.”

    Conclusion

    One Eli Lilly office, 100 employees, and 1500 more to hire, imagine 100 GCCs by 2025–26. The initiative can create numerous opportunities for fostering the Nation’s growth. As the state pushes towards its goals, we will keep covering all the new updates for you.

  • EON Space Labs Raises $1.2 Million to Advance Made-in-India Optical Payloads for Space, Drones, and Ground Platforms

    • EON Space Labs raised USD 1.2 million in Pre-Series A (approx INR 10.5 Crore) funding from MGF Kavachh and HHV Group, which also joins as a strategic partner.
    • Funds will support the launch of MIRA, India’s lightest space telescope, and 4 new LUMIRA EO/IR systems for drones and ground platforms.
    • With strong commercial traction and a focus on the USD 11 billion EO/IR market, EON aims to scale globally while strengthening India’s optics ecosystem.

    Tuesday, 5th August 2025: EON Space Labs, a deeptech startup, specialising in imaging technologies, has raised USD 1.2 million (approx INR 10.5 Crore) in a Pre-Series A round led by MGF Kavachh, with HHV Advanced Technologies joining in as an investor and long-term strategic partner. The funding will be deployed to scale manufacturing of EON’s AI-driven electro-optical and infrared payloads, expand the engineering team, and support upcoming product launches. The startup is also gearing up for the launch of its first ultra-lightweight space telescope, MIRA, by the end of 2025. 

    Founded in 2022 by Sanjay Kumar, Punit Badeka, and Manoj Kumar Gaddam, EON is building miniaturised, high-resolution imaging systems for use in satellites, drones, aerial systems and fixed ground platforms. MIRA will be the lightest high-resolution space telescope designed and manufactured in India, enabled by innovations in miniaturised optical design that reduce size and weight by up to 3–4 times without compromising on image quality. 

    Parallelly, the team is also preparing to launch four new variants of its LUMIRA EO/IR imaging systems, designed for long-range detection of humans, vehicles, threats and UAVs through drone and ground-based surveillance platforms. 

    The startup is also building global partnerships to tap international markets, with multiple commercial orders already secured following successful proof of concept demonstrations. The variants will target up to 85% of the use cases in the global EO/IR surveillance market, currently valued at USD 11.09 billion as of 2025 as per an EY report. 

    Col. (Rtd.) Sarjeet Yadav, Venture Partner at MountTech Kavachh, said that, “We are excited to support the bold and visionary team at EON. They are not only indigenously building but also strengthening India’s position in the global optics and surveillance technology space.” Prasanth Sakhamuri, Managing Director, HHV Advanced Technologies, added that, “Our partnership with EON is built on a shared commitment to advance India’s high-precision optics manufacturing capabilities. The investment marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration to bring deep-tech imaging solutions to market.”

    EON’s vertically integrated approach, from optical design, system engineering to prototyping and manufacturing,, is entirely based out of India, aimed at strengthening the indigenous space and defense tech supply chain. 

    SanjayKumar, Co-founder, EON Space Labs, said that, “Together, we will accelerate India’s capabilities in miniaturised optics, high-res imaging, and dual-use payload systems space and terrestrial use.” “We are building high-quality EO tools that are easy to access and use, so more people can benefit from accurate and timely information”, added Punit Badeka, Cofounder, EON Space Labs.

    As India positions itself as a leader in new-age space and drone technologies, EON Space Labs is charting a path that brings together cutting-edge innovation, indigenous development, and global ambition.

    “With the support of our strategic investors, we are one step closer to creating a globally competitive optical payload ecosystem”, said Manoj Kumar Gaddam, Cofounder, EON Space Labs.

    About EON Space Labs

    EON Space Labs is a Hyderabad-based, IIT Madras-incubated deeptech startup developing next-generation Earth Observation (EO) imaging payloads for satellites, drones, and ground systems. Founded in 2022, EON designs and manufactures miniaturised high-resolution electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems that are up to three times lighter and more compact than conventional payloads, reducing deployment costs without compromising image quality. Its flagship products, the MIRA space telescope, is under validation, and the LUMIRA EO/IR platform has been certified to military standards.

    EON’s vertically integrated model, from optical design to in-house prototyping and manufacturing, ensures speed, precision, and control across the entire value chain. With commercial orders already secured, EON is innovating for applications across defence, disaster management, agriculture, and smart infrastructure. EON is currently scaling operations to meet growing demand in the global EO/IR market, estimated at over USD 11 billion, while anchoring India’s strategic capabilities in optics and imaging.

  • Fintechs, NPCI Seek Exemption from DPDP Consent Clause Over Digital Payments

    The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and digital payment companies Google Pay, PhonePe, and Amazon Pay have requested an exemption from the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act that demand user consent for every transaction, claiming that doing so would be excessively burdensome, according to ET.

    According to the companies’ submissions to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the regulation will also apply to recurrent payments and result in increased complexity and cost. According to them, the problem will be more noticeable for startups and smaller businesses. Since the guidelines that were floated in January for stakeholder engagement have not yet been notified, the law has not yet been operationalised.

    In this regard, MeitY met with company representatives last week. Amazon Pay, PhonePe, Google Pay, and NPCI all refused to answer questions. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the payment and settlement system are operated by NPCI.

    Recurring Payments at Risk Under New Data Law

    The Act’s emphasis on obtaining express consent for each data processing activity is at the heart of the problem. Despite the clause’s seeming simplicity, industry participants contended that its current interpretation and use might seriously impair current digital payment processes. After initial consent, recurring payments, such as subscriptions or electricity bills, are usually automatically deducted.

    The industry is concerned that this will demand new user consent under the DPDP Act’s consent requirements. According to ET’s report, although this multi-level identification and approval process improves security, it also adds a lot of friction and extra expenses.

    Startups Fear High Costs, Friction in User Flow

    Startups and smaller businesses in particular would find it difficult to absorb these expenses and modify their technical infrastructure, which could impede their ability to develop and compete. If the smaller players must obtain consent each time, the data processing will become even more difficult. It will affect the flow of digital data.

    Larger businesses, on the other hand, would be able to handle… yeah, there would be more expenses, but they would be in compliance. However, it will be more difficult for some of the smaller and less experienced players.

    MeitY Holds Talks with Industry Stakeholders

    Uncertainty regarding compliance also arises from what seems to be ambiguity in the way industry and the government are interpreting the law’s terms. According to experts, the current consent-related talks are reminiscent of the initial argument over data localisation that the Act sparked, in which the government concentrated on the volume of data and the business on its criticality.

    The DPDP Act’s Section 17, subsection 5, gives the central government the authority to exclude particular data fiduciaries or groups of data fiduciaries from particular rules for a predetermined amount of time. Before five years have passed since the law’s inception, this exemption may be granted by notification.

    According to the ET report, the sector hopes that this clause would provide a window of opportunity to create and execute substitute solutions that adhere to the principles of data protection without impeding digital innovation.

  • Capgemini India to Hire 45,000 Employees in 2025 Amid AI Talent Push

    This year, Capgemini India expects to hire between 40,000 and 45,000 people, despite mounting concerns about hiring in the information technology (IT) sector. Between 35 and 40% of these will be lateral hiring, CEO Ashwin Yardi told the Hindu Business Line.

    The number of projects being routed to India is steadily increasing for Capgemini, which already has about 175,000 employees there. India is becoming a more alluring delivery base as clients seek to reduce expenses and increase efficiency. According to Yardi, the company’s total sales performance is anticipated to benefit from this demand.

    AI Takes Center Stage in Capgemini’s Workforce Strategy

    The French IT services company’s Indian division has partnered with more than 50 institutions and campuses to facilitate hiring, and the current season’s hiring process is already under way. Early artificial intelligence (AI) training will be a major priority for new hires, guaranteeing that young talent is ready for the rapidly changing AI landscape of today.

    Capgemini vs TCS & Infosys: Who’s Hiring in 2025?

    Capgemini’s hiring news follows Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) statement that it would lay off around 12,000 workers, or 2% of its global workforce, over the course of the year. On the other hand, Salil Parekh, the CEO of Infosys, affirmed the company’s intention to increase its workforce: “In the first quarter, we hired over 17,000 people (gross hiring), and we intend to hire roughly 20,000 college graduates this year,” he told The Times of India.

    WNS Acquisition and Its Impact on Capgemini’s Future

    In the meantime, Capgemini announced last month that it would acquire business process outsourcing (BPO) company WNS for $3.3 billion. The goal of the transaction was to combine the companies’ strengths and satisfy the increasing demand from businesses for sophisticated, automated services. The old BPO model may be impacted by AI, which might have an effect on the industry’s long-term earnings, according to some analysts. Nevertheless, Capgemini anticipates that the WNS agreement will increase profits rather rapidly.

    By 2026, the company anticipates a 4% increase in profits per share (EPS), followed by a 7% increase the following year. However, the overall business outlook is still cautious. A recent Reuters story claims that Capgemini has reduced its full-year revenue forecast because of weak demand and unpredictability in the world economy. In contrast to its previous prediction of -2% to +2% growth, the company now anticipates growth in the range of -1% to +1%.

    India’s IT Job Market: Layoffs, Hope, and the AI Shift

    Recent industry data gathered by Nasscom and independent market experts indicates that between 2023 and 2025, over 100,000 jobs were lost in India’s tech sector, primarily in non-digital and mid-level management positions. As a result, Capgemini’s expansion plans provide a unique glimmer of hope in a conservative workforce.

    Capgemini’s collaborations with Indian universities aim to develop skills in AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity in addition to recruiting. These collaborations aim to increase recent graduates’ AI preparedness by providing specialised learning materials, internship opportunities, and exposure to real-world projects.

  • NODWIN Gaming Partners with District by Zomato as Exclusive Ticketing Partner for Comic Con India, NH7 Weekender & DreamHack India

    NODWIN Gaming, a leading name in youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, continues its exclusive partnership with District by Zomato as the official ticketing partner for its key IPs Comic Con India, NH7 Weekender and DreamHack India for the second year in a row.

    Comic Con, NH7 Weekender and DreamHack have built strong reputations and loyal fan bases over the years. With a diverse portfolio of IPs across pop culture, cosplay, music, esports and gaming, NODWIN Gaming is transforming youth entertainment in India by creating immersive experiences that truly connect with today’s audiences.

    District by Zomato, the going-out platform, will offer users a seamless experience to discover, book and access these cultural celebrations.

    Commenting on continuation with the partnership, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming said, “Ticketing is the final and most crucial step in connecting fans to our events, and our ongoing partnership with District by Zomato reflects the strong mutual trust we’ve built over time. Their commitment to delivering a seamless experience aligns perfectly with our goal of making India’s biggest cultural events accessible and enjoyable from the very first click.”

    Sharing thoughts on the ongoing collaboration, District by Zomato spokesperson said, “At District, we believe in curating a seamless experience for discovering and accessing cultural celebrations. We’re excited to continue our collaboration with NODWIN Gaming, known for producing culturally engaging IPs, including Comic Con, NH7 Weekender, and DreamHack, to bring these experiences to an even wider audience nationwide.”

    NODWIN Gaming’s IPs across pop culture and music create powerful, youth-focused experiences rooted in community and self-expression. 

    Comic Con India, which is only expanding, is now adding four more cities to its roster, bringing the celebration to 11 cities this year and cementing its place as India’s largest and most inclusive pop culture phenomenon. This aggressive expansion is backed by data and insights from the District platform, which affirms that Indian fans are hungry for a pop culture explosion, no matter the city. Meanwhile, NH7 Weekender continues to unite global music lovers at what remains the happiest music festival in the country. DreamHack India, now in its sixth year, is the Indian edition of the iconic global gaming festival and the legacy IP continues to lead the charge in building the country’s gaming and esports culture. 

    According to a recent report titled, “Shape the future: The revolution in Indian Media and Entertainment” released by FICCI pointed out, organized live events segment revenues is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% to reach INR167 billion by 2027 with 67% of marketers surveyed in 2024 expected to increase their events and activations spends in 2025 and 2026. Spending on brand activations across non-metro markets is also expected to grow, in order to tap into increasing non-metro spending and widening urban geography.

    The partnership with District continues to strengthen NODWIN Gaming’s efforts in shaping India’s live event landscape. Building together not just a base of ticket buyers, but a growing community of engaged fans.

    About NODWIN Gaming

    NODWIN Gaming, a material and independent subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd. (BSE: NAZARA), holds a significant position in the global gaming and esports industry as a leader in emerging markets. Since its inception in 2014 by Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN has established a global presence in regions such as Taiwan, South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, Germany, Central Asia. The company’s business centres around building and monetising global youth access through pop culture, gaming, esports, live events and content through IPs such as Leagues, Tournaments, Reality shows. It engages with Artists, Content creators, professional esports athletes, and teams. Notable investors include Founders’ investment vehicle Good Game Investments, Nazara Technologies (BSE: NAZARA), KRAFTON Inc, Sony Group Corporation and JetSynthesys.

    A key focus for NODWIN Gaming is the expertise in the global south and the timeshare of mindshare of the global youth on mobiles. NODWIN has established a dominant position worldwide in this space. By catering to the youth demographic, NODWIN is expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) by becoming increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. Their diverse range of intellectual properties that engage the youth spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy. This strategic expansion and cultivation of new intellectual properties are crucial to NODWIN’s aim of maintaining a significant role in the global youth media, gaming and esports arenas.

    About District by Zomato

    District by Zomato is an app for discovering and booking going-out experiences, from movies and live events to music concerts, festivals, and sporting events.