The Economic Times recently reported that in a second round of layoffs, Krutrim, the artificial intelligence startup started by Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola, had let go of around 100 workers. A significant portion of the firm’s linguistics staff, which had just recently arrived, was impacted by the layoffs.
The decision was made only a few weeks after more than a dozen positions were eliminated in Krutrim’s initial wave of layoffs in June. The ET further reported that the most recent layoffs were a result of a “strategic realignment” and an effort to create leaner teams in order to better manage resources. The existing round of layoffs started soon after Kruti, the company’s AI helper, was introduced in June.
Why the Linguistics Team Was Hit Hard?
The report went on to say that the company no longer requires as many employees as they once did because nearly 80% of the training has already been completed for the AI helper Kruti. This implies that as the product approaches completion in its early stage, the company’s requirement for linguistics personnel has decreased.
Strategic Realignment: The Real Reason Behind the Cuts
Prior to this, Krutrim had declared significant efforts to develop its AI capabilities. When Bhavish Aggarwal established Krutrim AI Labs earlier this year, he committed INR 2,000 crore to AI development, with ambitions to double that amount to INR 10,000 crore the following year. In 2024, the business became a unicorn after raising $50 million from venture capital firm Z47 Partners.
Tech Layoffs in 2025 Globally
Particularly at a time when many software companies worldwide are cutting budgets and shrinking staff, the layoffs are perceived as a change in emphasis from team expansion to effective capital use.
Even though artificial intelligence is still one of the most talked-about development sectors, many startups and big businesses are having trouble controlling costs while attempting to grow rapidly.In 2025 alone, the tech industry’s current wave of layoffs has resulted in over 100,000 job losses worldwide.
As they prioritise AI integration and adjust to shifting market conditions, major companies like IBM, Intel, and Microsoft continue to reduce their workforces.
AI’s Growing Role in Workforce Reductions
Microsoft, for example, just announced 9,100 layoffs that will impact its Xbox and gaming operations, among other departments. These layoffs serve as a reminder of the continuous difficulties businesses have in the quickly changing tech sector.
Additionally, IBM has been laying off some 8,000 workers, primarily from its human resources division. This comes after an internal shift towards automation, where jobs that were formerly handled by human staff are progressively being replaced by AI systems.
This change demonstrates how AI is increasingly affecting employment positions and the strategic realignments that tech businesses are undergoing. AI integration is changing the nature of work and the skills needed in the tech sector.
The shareholders of Lenskart have given their consent for the company to raise INR 2,150 Cr ($248.7 Mn) through a new share offering as part of the first public offering (IPO).
What’s Included in the Upcoming Lenskart IPO?
A secondary offer for sale (OFS) component by current investors will also be included in Lenskart’s new issuance, according to the company’s filings with the MCA.
Additional corporate and other approvals are pending for the listing. The first to report on the development was CNBC TV18. According to reports, the total IPO amount is anticipated to be approximately $1 billion, or INR 8,500 crore.
Moreover, Lenskart suggested listing the equity shares on the National Stock Market of India Limited, the BSE Limited, and any other stock market that its board deemed appropriate.
Key Filings and Financial Updates
The company also obtained the board’s in-principle approval to distribute equity shares worth up to INR 430 Cr to specific investors, according to the document. The allocation would take place on or before the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) receives the red herring prospectus (RHP). In the meantime, the Lenskart Employee Stock Option Plan, 2025 (ESOP 2025), granted 7,280,431 equity shares to qualified employees.
This comes weeks after the massive eyeglasses company became a public company. Additionally, sources stated that Peyush Bansal, the cofounder and CEO of Lenskart, was seeking to repurchase 1.5–2% of the company from its current investors, which included TR Capital, SoftBank, Chiratae Ventures, and Kedaara Capital, for approximately $150 million.
Lenskart’s Global Footprint & Investor Backing
Lenskart, an omnichannel eyewear shop with locations in India, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Japan, was founded in 2010 by Bansal, Amit Chaudhury, and Sumeet Kapahi.
According to the company, it has over 2,500 outlets and 2 Cr customers. Up to this point, the Gurugram-based business has raised more than $1.75 billion from investors, including Temasek, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and ChrysCapital. In terms of finances, the firm reduced its net loss from INR 64 Cr in the prior fiscal year to INR 10 Cr in FY24, an 84% decrease.
In the meantime, operating revenue increased 43% from INR 3,788 Cr in FY23 to INR 5,427.7 Cr in the reviewed year. Additionally, several startups have been moving forward with their intentions for a public offering at this time.
Lenskart Joins India’s Tech IPO Wave
Lenskart joined the line of cutting-edge IT firms that are planning to debut their public issues, such as Physics Wallah, Wakefit, Pine Labs, Shadowfax, Amagi, Curefoods, Capillary Technologies, Shiprocket, and Urban Company. UBS, Avendus Capital, IIFL, and JM Financial were reportedly hired as lead managers by supply chain solutions firm Leap India earlier today in preparation for its impending market debut.
Lenskart Files for INR 2,150 Cr IPO With SEBI, Eyes Market Expansion
The market watchdog SEBI has received Lenskart’s draft red herring prospectus (DRHP), which aims to raise up to INR 2,150 Cr through a new share offering. An offer for sale (OFS) of up to 13.2 Cr shares by current investors will also be included in the initial public offering (IPO).
The shares will be sold through the OFS by promoters Peyush Bansal, Neha Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi, as well as institutional investors SVF II Lightbulb (SoftBank), Schroders, PI Opportunities, Macritchie Investments, Kedaara Capital, and Alpha Wave Ventures. LensKart may also fund up to INR 430 Cr in a pre-IPO placement, according to the DRHP.
A total of INR 272.6 Cr would be set aside for capital expenditures to construct and outfit new Company Owned, Company Operated (CoCo) outlets. For the company’s CoCo outlets, an additional INR 591.4 Cr will be used for lease, rent, and license-related expenses.
Additionally, INR 320 Cr is set aside for marketing, brand promotion, and advertising to increase public awareness and draw in new clients, while INR 213.3 Cr will be utilised for the expansion and upgrade of cloud infrastructure and technology systems.
According to reports, Tesla and Samsung Electronics have inked a significant chip supply agreement valued at $16.5 billion through 2033. The action is intended to help Samsung’s faltering contract chip manufacturing division, which is up against fierce competition from TSMC.
Inside the $16.5 Billion Agreement: What We Know So Far
In the midst of trade negotiations, analysts say the agreement might lower losses and improve South Korea-US tech ties. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced on 28 July that the US automaker has agreed to purchase semiconductors from Samsung Electronics. This agreement is anticipated to support the South Korean tech giant’s struggling contract manufacturing division.
Unnaming the customer, Samsung revealed on 26 July that it had signed a $16.5 billion chip supply agreement with a significant international corporation. It stated that the client had asked for confidentiality on the specifics of the agreement, which is set to expire in 2033. Reuters was informed by three people with knowledge of the situation that Tesla was the buyer of the deal.
Why the Deal Matters for Samsung’s Foundry Division?
Samsung is currently experiencing increasing pressure in the artificial intelligence chip manufacturing industry, as it is lagging behind competitors like TSMC and SK Hynix. This agreement is in response to this pressure. Its earnings and stock price have suffered greatly as a result of this delay.
Through its foundry division, Samsung, the leading memory chip manufacturer in the world, also produces logic chips that are custom-designed by clients. According to Kiwoom Securities analyst Pak Yuak, the most recent agreement will assist in lowering losses at Samsung’s foundry division, which he calculated totalled more than ₩5 trillion ($3.63 billion) for the first half of the year.
Geopolitical Stakes: Strengthening US–South Korea Tech Ties
According to analysts, Samsung has had trouble keeping important customers from switching to TSMC for cutting-edge processors. Among TSMC’s clients are Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm. The Samsung-Tesla agreement is also important for South Korea, which is looking for U.S. shipbuilding and chip collaborations as it makes desperate attempts to negotiate a trade agreement that would remove or drastically cut possible 25% U.S. tariffs.
Samsung’s Chip Struggles: Can This Deal Turn Things Around?
According to BNK Investment & Securities analyst Lee Min-hee, Samsung is struggling to increase manufacturing yields of its most recent 2-nanometre technology; therefore, it is unlikely that the order will incorporate the state-of-the-art technology.
In contract manufacturing, Samsung has been losing market share to TSMC, highlighting the technological obstacles the company must overcome to become proficient in advanced chip fabrication and draw in customers like Apple and Nvidia, analysts said.
It’s unclear how the order will impact Samsung’s plans to begin production at its new Texas factory, which has been postponed due to the company’s inability to attract big clients.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 28: The Institute for Educational Research and Publication (IFERP) unveils a practical framework supported by dedicated conference tracks and training to help students, faculty, and administrators harness AI’s power responsibly while guarding academic integrity.
The Institute for Educational Research and Publication (IFERP) today announced a comprehensive set of guidelines and workshops designed to strengthen the ethical and transparent use of artificial intelligence across global campuses.
“Generative AI is now a co-author, a tutor, and sometimes a gatekeeper in the scholarly journey. Our new framework ensures that researchers gain AI’s efficiencies without sacrificing originality, privacy, or trust,” said Mr. Siddth Kumar Chhajer, MD & Founder, IFERP, Technoarete Group.
IFERP’s Role in Advancing the Next Era of Research and Learning
IFERP’s international forums, such as the annual “AI & Its Applications: Transforming Industries and Society” series, show a sharp rise in papers using AI-assisted literature reviews and funding-match tools.
In-house solutions like AI Academic Resume Builder and ResearchPedia have streamlined CV creation and article summarisation for thousands of scholars.
AI already personalises learning, powers virtual tutors, and automates plagiarism checks across IFERP-partner institutions.
Yet faculty surveys reveal concerns around false plagiarism “hits,” data-privacy gaps, and student over-reliance on chatbots.
Responsible AI in Academia toolkit
1. Clear disclosure rules: Authors must declare any AI assistance at both submission and final-proof stages, in line with IFERP’s publication policy.
2. Integrity thresholds: All manuscripts must remain ≥ 80% original text and below 20% similarity on standard checkers.
3. Data-privacy checklist: A step-by-step consent and storage protocol for any platform that ingests student work.
4. Bias & fairness audit: Rapid worksheets aligned with UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first global AI ethics standard, and the EU’s risk-based 2024 AI Act framework.
5. Human-in-the-loop rubric: Guidance on maintaining subject-expert oversight for high-stakes decisions (grading, admissions, funding).
Building Global Capacity for Responsible AI Use
Conference tracks: The upcoming Dubai edition of AI & Its Applications features sessions on Ethical AI, Fair & Ethical AI in Criminal Justice, and AI Governance in Environmental Sciences.
Workshops & webinars: Monthly virtual clinics and faculty development programmes focus on bias testing, prompt engineering, and policy drafting.
Global partnerships: IFERP invites universities to co-host events and share best practices through its Academic and Organising Partner schemes.
About IFERP
The Institute for Educational Research and Publication (IFERP) is a premier academic association connecting 118,000+ members across 80+ countries. Through conferences, journals, and bespoke digital tools, IFERP accelerates multidisciplinary research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
It has recently been discovered that individuals are pumping millions into the Indian equity market. While there is a prevalent belief that equity market investing is riskier than other asset classes, the recent surge of the Indian equity market has enticed many to make share price investments. The stockholders’ eagerness to put their funds in various equities has been increasing at all of India’s main stock traders.
Now, if you want to buy stocks, the notable point is that you’ll need a broker to function as a liaison between you and the equity markets. The stockbroker’s function is crucial since he serves as your single interface for all stock-related issues. That’s why all traders use the assistance of the best brokers in India. Full-Service Stockbrokers and Discount Brokers are the two kinds of brokers in India.
Difference Between Full-Service Stockbrokers vs Discount Brokers
Full-service Brokers
Let’s start with full-service brokers, also known as conventional brokers. The majority of these brokers have been in business for years. Angel Broking, HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and others are examples. These intermediaries are unique in that they are licensed to offer both offline and internet services.
That is, you visit their workplace and have your problem resolved. They provide excellent service. You’ll also get a trusted and experienced manager who is always available.
They also offer research reports, stock advice, fund management, and investment management services, among other things. They employ a large number of employees, including consultants and market analysts, to ensure that you have an enjoyable outlook and receive accurate research reports.
All of these services, however, are not free. Their brokerage is sure to be higher because their spending is more. In contrast to discount brokers, they cost a larger brokerage fee. However, they are attempting to vie with discount brokers. They cover a plethora of low-cost brokerage solutions for high-volume investors.
Discount Brokers
Discount brokers like Zerodha, Upstox, and others are popular among individual investors and traders. They are becoming incredibly common among today’s youngsters as smartphone usage rises and data rates fall.
As the title suggests, these brokers provide discounted or very minimal brokerages. They have set brokerage plans in place. How much more valuable will your deal be if you must pay a set brokerage fee? Their users are largely virtual and have little substantial form.
They don’t offer a whole variety of services, so they don’t have to pay for a license, infrastructure, or staff. These advantages are delivered to clients in the mode of reduced brokerage fees. The majority of these dealers don’t offer investment managerial services or research reports.
How Do You Benefit From These Brokers?
Let’s say you bought 100 shares of Asian paints, each valued at Rs.2000.
Total value = Rs.200000 (100*2000).
Full service brokerage = 0.4% * 200000 = Rs.800
Discount Brokerage = Flat RS.9 to Rs.20
Savings = Rs. (800-20) = Rs.780
Full-Service Broker Vs Discount Broker
Top 11 Best Discount Brokers in India
Zerodha
Name
Zerodha
Founded
2010
Founders
Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath
Active Clients
65,98,363
Zerodha – Top Discount Brokers in India
With the most active clientele and a customer base of 18.85 per cent, Zerodha is at the pinnacle of success. It was the first Indian company to explore the idea of stock brokerage. It is a firm with offices in several Indian cities that was established in 2010.
Its trading platform is known as Kite. It has a web-based and smartphone-based UI. For stock delivery trading, it does not impose a brokerage fee. However, it costs 0.03 per cent or Rs.20 per placed order for stock intraday and stock futures, whichever is lesser. It charges a fixed fee of Rs.20 per placed order for stock options. It charges fees for creating an account, which most brokers do not.
Dealing in equity, futures options, and currencies costs Rs.200 account opening fee. If you want to add a commodities account to it, you’ll have to pay an additional Rs.100, and the starting fee would be Rs.300. Aside from that, there is an annual account upkeep fee of Rs.300 + GST. The Coin by Zerodha portal also offers services for investing in mutual funds and is best discount broker in India.
Like Zerodha, it was formerly named Angel Broking, and it is India’s largest brokerage firm in several ways. It is a classic stockbroker that has maintained its commissions low, similar to a discount broker. For its one-of-a-kind nature, it stands out.
Dinesh Thakkar launched the company in 1987. Its offices are based in Mumbai. It’s also a publicly traded firm, which implies its equity is traded on a stock market. It offers full-service brokerage solutions at a fraction of the cost of a discount broker. It costs only Rs.20 for each order and allows you to deal with any amount. It provides a multitude of services, including research and advising services.
It is one of the few discount brokers that offer study and advising services and is one of the top 10 discount brokers in India. It provides a variety of programs, including sub-brokerage, franchise, alliance, and others.
Angel One, as a full-service stockbroker at a discount brokerage firm, provides a ton of products that you won’t find with other discount firms. It provides clients with ARQ Robo advice, which is among the most unique services available today. It is known as the best stock broker in India.
Shrini Viswanath, Ravi Kumar, Kavitha Subramanian, and Raghu Kumar
Active Clients
22,37,974
Upstox – Top Stock Brokers in India
With a customer base of 10.9 per cent, the Mumbai-based discount brokers rank second among active clients. Ratan Tata and Tiger Global, a US venture capital, fund this brokerage ID, which was established in 2011.
Pro by Upstox is the trade system’s title, and it has both web-based and smartphone-based UI. Like Zerodha, it provides free stock delivery trade brokerage. However, it charges a fee of 0.05 per cent or Rs.20 per placed order for stock intraday and stock futures, whichever is lesser. It charges a fixed fee of Rs.20 per placed order for stock options and Upstox is considered as the top 3 discount brokers in India.
Account setup costs are not charged. However, there is a Rs.25+GST monthly account upkeep fee. It offers services to trade in Mutual funds and digitized gold.
5paisa
Name
5paisa
Founded
2016
Founders
Nirmal Jain
Active Clients
4.22 lakhs (March 2025)
5paisa – Top Discount Brokers in India
Founded by Nirmal Jain, 5paisa Capital is one of India’s leading discount brokers, with an active client base of around 4.22 lakhs as of March 2025. It offers a simple and cost-effective trading platform with a feature-rich interface. Traders can invest across equities, derivatives, commodities, and mutual funds, all from a single account.
5paisa offers a flat brokerage fee of INR 20 per order across all segments — equity delivery, intraday, futures, and options (including equity, commodity, and currency). Mutual fund investments are completely free of charge.
The broker provides multiple trading platforms, including the 5paisa mobile app, web-based terminal, and EXE desktop software, each packed with advanced trading tools like real-time data, stock scanners, technical analysis charts, and customised watchlists. Additional offerings include margin trading facilities, algo trading support through Xstream and XTS APIs, expert research reports, direct mutual fund investments, IPO access, real-time notifications, and 24/7 customer support. With competitive pricing and powerful technology, 5paisa ensures a smooth and seamless trading experience for investors.
Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Neeraj Singh, and Ishan Bansal
Active Clients
70,92,413
Groww – Top Discount Brokers in India
Groww is a discount brokerage firm that started operating in 2016, mainly as a portal for investment in mutual funds. The firm began its brokerage operation in 2020. Groww is the title of its smartphone app. You can engage in the equity section using its web-based and smartphone-based interfaces.
As a participant in the discount brokerage firms sector, Groww is poised to introduce an F&O solution shortly and is one of the top 5 discount brokers in India. Under this offering, the pricing structure entails 0.05 per cent or Rs. 20 per placed order for stock intraday and equities future, whichever is less. Additionally, for F&O transactions, a flat commission of Rs. 20 per transaction is applied.
There are no fees for creating or maintaining an account. It also provides mutual funds and digitized gold investment services. It also gives you the chance to trade in US stocks.
Paytm Money is a financial services company based in India. It was launched in 2018 as a subsidiary of One97 Communications, Paytm’s parent company. Paytm Money aims to provide easy and accessible investment opportunities for millennials and first-time investors. The company offers a mobile app and web platform with features that include paperless account opening, easy funds transfer, zero commission stock investing, and mutual fund purchasing with systematic investment planning, risk profiling, and real-time portfolio tracking and falls under top 50 discount brokers in India. Paytm Money is backed by major investors such as Ant Group and SoftBank. The company aims to tap into the growing population of digitally savvy, young Indian investors who are looking for seamless tools to enter the markets.
Pravin Jadhav, Alok Kumar Pandey, and Jay Prakash Gupta
Active Clients
3,10,070
Dhan – Top Discount Brokers in India
Dhan is a discount brokerage company that has been gaining popularity in India since 2016. It is known for its innovative features, competitive pricing, and focus on educating its users. Unlike many other brokerages, Dhan does not charge any fees for account maintenance or stock delivery trades, making it an attractive option for long-term investors. For active traders, Dhan charges a flat ₹20 per trade or 0.03% of the trade value, whichever is lower, for intraday fees. The platform is modern, user-friendly, and comes equipped with advanced charting tools, educational resources, fractional share investing, and access to US stocks. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, Dhan’s combination of affordability, features, and educational focus makes it a compelling choice.
Alice Blue
Name
Alice Blue
Founded
2006
Founders
Sidhavelayutham Mohan
Active Clients
1,55,619
Alice Blue – Top Discount Brokers in India
Alice Blue is a discount broker that was established in December 2006 in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Initially, the company had only five employees and an MCX membership. In 2007, it became a discount broker and moved its headquarters to Chennai. In 2017, Alice Blue relocated to Bangalore, where it currently operates. Over the years, the company has grown significantly and now has around 400 employees. It has also formed partnerships with 12,000 associates and serves approximately 500,000 clients in 20 major Indian cities. Alice Blue holds membership in various exchanges, including MCX, NSE, NCDEX, MCX-SX, BSE, and CDSL. Alice Blue’s Freedom 15 Brokerage Plan is designed to establish a competitive pricing structure in the Indian Stock Broking Industry and is one of the top 10 stock brokers in India. The plan charges only ₹15 for Intraday and F&O Trading while offering free Equity, IPO, and Mutual Funds Investments. Additionally, the company does not impose clearing member charges, which makes it more customer-friendly.
Fyers
Name
Fyers
Founded
2015
Founders
Shreyas Khoday, Tejas Khoday, and Yashas Khoday
Active Clients
2,04,904
Fyers – Top Discount Brokers in India
Fyers is a discount brokerage firm that came into existence in 2015. It is known for its state-of-the-art tech platform and focuses on empowering active traders. Fyers has created a niche for itself with its advanced features, such as free equity delivery trades, a flat brokerage fee of ₹20 or 0.03% across other segments (capped at ₹20), and tools like algo trading, market depth scanners, and option strategy builders. Although their platform caters more towards experienced investors looking for a powerful toolkit, Fyers’ focus on innovation and low costs makes them an attractive option for active traders who want to maximize their returns. They also provide special low fees and streamlined account opening for NRIs. However, it’s important to note that they may not be the most beginner-friendly option due to their focus on advanced features.
Kotak Securities
Name
Kotak Securities
Founded
1994
Founders
Jaideep Hansraj
Active Clients
10,86,716
Kotak Securities – Top Discount Brokers in India
Kotak Securities, a member of the Kotak group, was a full-service broker before introducing its Trade FREE Plan in November 2020, which offers a unique approach to India’s discount brokerage model. This plan, also known as the Free Intraday Trading (FIT) plan, allows zero brokerage for intraday trades across various segments.
For all other future and options (F&O) trades, including equity, commodity, and currency, Kotak Securities sets the brokerage at Rs. 20 per order under the TRADE FREE PLAN. The plan’s key features include no brokerage charges on intraday trades, a nominal charge of Rs. 20 per order for other F&O trades, and a currently waived Rs. 499 opening charge for the Demat account. Kotak Securities provides a wide array of investment options and research reports to its clients while offering full broker services at a discounted rate. The fee structure includes zero account opening charges and an annual maintenance charge of Rs. 50 per month, and 0.25% of the transaction as delivery brokerage charges.
IIFL Securities is a prominent player in the Indian stock market, known for combining full-service expertise with the benefits of discount broking. Under its discount broking plan, it charges a flat fee of ₹20 per trade, making it a cost-effective choice for active traders. The platform offers advanced research tools, in-depth reports, and robust customer support to help investors make informed decisions and is one of the biggest stock broker in India.
With seamless trading access across mobile and desktop platforms, IIFL Securities caters to both beginners and seasoned investors. It also provides portfolio management solutions and a wide range of investment products, making it a comprehensive solution for trading and wealth creation.
Now that you’ve learned about certain greatest discount broker firms, you’ll need to learn how to choose a reputable discount broker. Here are some things to consider while selecting a discount broker:
Brokers Fee
Verify that the broker’s fee is as low as possible if you transact frequently. It’s critical to evaluate intermediaries and pick the one with the finest and least expensive price.
Trading Interface
Pick a trading interface that makes things easy for you, such as order placement, analysis tools, etc., so that you can get the most out of it. It’s also important to look at the service provided by the discount broker, as this aids in making it a streamlined experience for the investors.
Margin Trading
Margin trading is an important factor to consider when choosing a discount broker because it distinguishes between two brokers.
These are the most important factors to consider when selecting a discount brokerage firm. Also, keep an eye out for additional fees, broker reviews, distribution structure, electronic trading terminals, and discount broking company’s financial strength when deciding on a broker.
Advantages of Online Brokers
In comparison to conventional full-service brokers, they offer the lowest brokerage fees. This enables investors to earn from a deal with a low transition point.
They provide an electronic trading interface that allows investors to buy and sell easily and swiftly.
One of their finest features is that they provide the same services to large and small investors alike.
They are fairly trustworthy as all of their transactions are visible since everyone has access to the margins estimator.
Several offer their users instructional video training to assist them in trading with them for a while.
Disadvantages of Online Brokers
• They don’t offer free consultation, while full-service brokers do.
• They allow you to open both a trading and a Demat account.
• They usually function remotely, so if you require branch assistance for documentation, you’ll have to find another solution.
• They don’t provide investment management services. A full-service broker is an ideal alternative for you if you want a portfolio manager.
You must use a discount broker if you are tech proficient, can perform your transactions by yourself, your trades are small, and don’t need further analysis or add-on services or trading support. There are numerous discount brokers in India; however, you must select the appropriate stock broker according to your needs.
FAQs
Which is the No. 1 stockbroker in India?
Groww is considered one of the best stock brokers in India. It has a client base of 70,92,413 active clients.
What is a discount broker?
A discount brokerage firm charges lower fees than traditional full-service brokers, typically offering self-directed investing with limited guidance. They focus on trade execution at low costs, leaving investment decisions to the client.
How to be a broker in India?
Meet eligibility: Indian citizen, 21+, 10+2 education, 2+ years experience in financial services.
Pass exams & register for NSE/BSE certification, SEBI RIA exam/IRDAI license (depending on broker type).
Which is the best discount broker in India?
Zerodha, 5paisa, Groww, Angel One, and Upstox are some of the best discount brokerages in India.
Are discount brokers safe in India?
Yes, your money is safe with discount brokers, but they will not advise about the risks of the investment like a full-service brokerage.
Tata Consultancy Services, the biggest provider of IT services in India, announced on 27 July that it will cut 2% of its personnel in its 2026 fiscal year, mostly affecting middle and senior management.
About 12,200 positions will be lost as a result of the company’s retraining and redeploying of employees as it enters new markets, makes investments in new technologies, and uses AI. According to a statement from TCS, the action is a component of the company’s larger plan to become a “future-ready organisation” that emphasises personnel restructuring, market expansion, AI deployment, and technological expenditures.
The business also stated that this change is being carefully planned to guarantee that our clients’ service delivery won’t be impacted.
Why Is TCS Laying Off Employees?
India’s $283 billion IT industry has had to deal with customers delaying non-essential technology purchases due to low demand, ongoing inflation, and lingering trade policy uncertainties from the United States. K. Krithivasan, the CEO of TCS, stated this month that customer decision-making and project start times were delayed. As of June 30, 2025, TCS employed 613,069 people. In the most recent quarter, which ended in April and June, it added 5,000 new staff.
TCS Financials Amid Layoffs: Q1 2025 Results
On July 10, TCS announced that its net profit for the June quarter had increased by 6% to INR 12,760 crore. In the same period last year, the Tata group company reported a net profit of INR 12,040 crore. The company’s sales decreased 3% when considering constant currency, although it increased 1.3% to INR 63,437 crore from INR 62,613 crore in the same time last year. According to a corporate statement, its operating profit margin increased by 0.30% on a quarterly basis to 24.5% during the April–June period.
TCS Responds to Onboarding Delay Concerns
The largest IT services provider in India, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has stated that it is still dedicated to onboarding all experts who have been offered positions, despite several reports that experienced hires in various cities have been facing extended delays in their joining dates. TCS can confirm that, as usual, TCS is committed to honouring all offers we have made, whether they are to experienced professionals or freshmen, according to the company’s statement provided to People Matters.
The company will onboard all of the people who have gotten an offer from TCS. The joining dates are chosen based on company need, and occasionally they are modified to accommodate our demands. In these situations, TCS stays in constant communication with each candidate and hopes they will soon join our team.
The clarification comes as professionals who claim to have resigned from their prior positions to join TCS, citing official offer letters and specific start dates, are becoming increasingly concerned. Many of these professionals were hired for lateral positions in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. Their experience ranged from two to eighteen years.
Mobile cryptocurrency trading has seen a tremendous surge in India due to the increased number of beginners who started using apps before getting into real trading. The trend of trading via smartphones is going to another level with its user-friendly and seamless trading experience.
Nowadays, trading apps have become quite common among youths. People have started preferring mobile trading rather than traditional trading. Moreover, cryptocurrencies have also become the latest fad among youths. India ranks 2nd in the world in crypto adoption.
Despite the risk, cryptocurrency platforms have successfully been able to hook young Indians by offering a seamless user experience. Even inexperienced youths are busy exploring these crypto trading apps.
In order to make your trading experience more confident, we have compiled a list of the safest online stock trading and crypto trading apps in India. You can have a look at these lists and analyze which apps suit you best.
Robust security and wide range of cryptocurrencies
Security-conscious traders & global users
List of Safest Online Stock Trading Apps in India
Someone who’s stepping into the world of the stock market needs to have the proper stock trading app from an authorized stock trading platform. Since they’re beginners, they want the safest, most user-friendly, and most legitimate platform to start their trading journey.
So, here is a list of online stock trading apps offered by legit discount brokers that would help you to buy or sell stocks with simple steps.
Zerodha Kite
Platform
Zerodha Kite
Founded Year
2010
Headquarters
Bengaluru, India
Special Feature
Advanced charting with 100+ indicators, seamless order execution, API for algo trading
Zerodha Kite – Best Trading App in India to earn Money for Beginners
Zerodha Kite is one of the best and safest trading apps and the number 1 stockbroker in the country, making it the best trading app for beginners in India. The app has a user-friendly platform with streaming market data, advanced charts, an elegant UI, and more. Zerodha is India’s first discount brokerage company.
For intraday trading of stocks and futures (i.e., when you buy and sell the stock on the same day), the brokerage charge is 0.03% of turnover or INR 20, whichever is lower per executed order.
Zerodha can be the best choice for a beginner as well as an experienced individual.
Zerodha Trading | Full Tutorial
Upstox PRO
Platform
Upstox PRO
Founded Year
2011
Headquarters
Mumbai, India
Special Feature
Fast order execution, advanced charting tools, options strategy builder, and seamless mobile trading experience
Upstox PRO – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Upstox PRO is a mobile application of one of the leading discount brokers in the country, i.e., Upstox. Upstox was formerly known as RKSV Securities, and Ratan Tata backs the company.
The Upstox charges are similar to those of Zerodha, making it a discount broker and the second-best trading app in India. It is also recognized as the best trading app for beginners. Currently, you can open a Demat and trading account with Upstox for free of cost with various other benefits.
Personalized advisory services, AI-powered ARQ investment engine, and extensive research reports
Angel Broking – Best Trading Platform for Beginners
Angel Broking is one of the oldest players in the stock market brokerage industry. They have been in the industry for more than 30 years, and is top 5 trading app in India. They have a wide range of services, and an online trading platform is one of them. Earlier, the company used to follow a full-service model for its trading platform, but in 2019, it started following the discount broker method.
All intraday trading, i.e., stocks, futures, options, currencies, and commodities, will be charged INR 20 per trade. Angel Broking account opening charges are free, and one is exempted from paying the Annual Maintenance charge for the first year.
Motilal Oswal
Platform
Motilal Oswal
Founded Year
1987
Headquarters
Mumbai, India
Special Feature
Research-driven stock recommendations, wealth management services, and strong focus on long-term investing
Motilal Oswal – Best Trading App for Beginners
Motilal Oswal (MOSL) is another major stockbroker in India who started in 1987. They have a strong network of branches and sub-brokers. The company has 1700+ branches across India. Motilal Oswal is not a discount broker. Their brokerage charges are quite higher as compared to the discount brokers.
Their research papers are considered good as they invest 10% of their profits into research. If you are a beginner who requires some guidance and doesn’t mind paying extra, then you can choose Motilal Oswal for the best mobile trading app experience.
5Paisa
Platform
5Paisa
Founded Year
2016
Headquarters
Mumbai, India
Special Feature
Flat ₹20 per trade brokerage, robo-advisory, and easy-to-use mobile app for trading and investing
5Paisa – Best Stock Trading App for Beginners in India
5Paisa is also known as one of the best trading platforms and a discount broker in India. The company, promoted by IIFL (India Infoline), offers a unique feature of guest login. Using this feature, one can avoid giving their personal details to check the app and end up getting unsolicited emails, calls, and messages from the service provider.
All intraday trading, i.e., stocks, futures, options, currencies, and commodities, will be charged INR 20 per order that is executed. The rates are similar to other discount brokers such as Upstox, Zerodha and Angel Broker.
Comprehensive research reports, wide investment options, and strong customer support
India Infoline – Best Trading Platform in India for Beginners
India Infoline (IIFL) is a full-service stockbroker. It is a reputed stock broker in India that was established in 1995. IIFL’s brokerage charges are higher than those of other discount brokers.
The company provides personalized service to all its clients, and if someone is looking for a company that will guide and support them through research and recommendations, then they can choose IIFL. They provide stock tips to make a better decision.
Zero brokerage on intraday trades, full-service brokerage with research and advisory
Kotak Securities – Best Online Trading Platform in India for Beginners
Kotak Securities is an excellent choice for new investors, offering a hassle-free account opening process with no fees and discounted rates for those under 30. Their intuitive trading app is available on multiple platforms and provides access to diverse investment options, such as stocks, IPOs, derivatives, mutual funds, and global investment opportunities. In addition to its user-friendly interface, the platform offers several valuable features, such as margin funding, live portfolio tracking, and comprehensive stock analysis tools.
Kotak Securities stands out among other trading platforms because it offers zero account opening charges and competitive brokerage rates of 0.25%. With over 10 lakh Android downloads, their mobile app is user-friendly and allows for seamless trading experiences. Additionally, their refer and earn program rewards users with referral points equivalent to 15% of the referred transactions, incentivizing them to grow their network. Kotak Securities is committed to making investing accessible and affordable for everyone, with no initial financial barriers and competitive brokerage rates.
Groww
Platform
Groww
Founded Year
2016
Headquarters
Bengaluru, India
Special Feature
User-friendly platform offering direct mutual funds, stocks, ETFs, IPOs, digital gold, and F&O trading
Groww – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Groww has a simple pricing structure that follows a flat fee model for brokerage charges. This model charges a minimum brokerage of 0.05% and a maximum of INR 20 across all trading segments, including Equity Delivery, Intraday, and F&O. This provides investors with transparency and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, account opening and maintenance are free, and there are no charges for Demat account upkeep, making it more accessible for users. The platform offers a wide range of investment options, such as stocks, mutual funds, gold, US stocks, and fixed deposits, and provides robust security measures to safeguard customer data and transactions through encryption and verification protocols.
Groww offers various tools like live market updates, stock screening, portfolio tracking, SIP calculator, and smart alerts for informed decision-making. Users also receive expert guidance and support from a dedicated team of analysts who provide research reports, recommendations, tips, and insights. With 24/7 customer support, Groww ensures a seamless investment experience for its users.
TradingView & ChartIQ integration, fast order execution
Dhan – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Dhan is a modern trading app designed for both active traders and long-term investors. Known for its fast trade execution and advanced options trading tools, it offers real-time market data, backtesting, and API access for algorithmic trading, making it ideal for options traders and algo developers seeking a technical edge.
The platform also stands out for its innovative features, competitive pricing, and strong focus on user education. Unlike many brokers, Dhan charges no account maintenance fees and no brokerage on stock delivery trades, which appeals to long-term investors. For intraday trades, it applies a flat fee of INR20 per order or 0.03% of trade value, whichever is lower.
With advanced charting tools, fractional share investing, access to US stocks, and a user-friendly interface, Dhan offers a blend of affordability, technology, and educational support—making it a compelling choice for traders at every level.
Paytm Money
Platform
Paytm Money
Founded Year
2017
Headquarters
Bengaluru, India
Special Feature
Direct mutual fund investments, stock trading, NPS, digital gold
Paytm Money – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Paytm Money, a subsidiary of One97 Communications, was launched to make investing simple and accessible for India’s young and first-time investors. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the platform focuses on providing seamless digital investment solutions through its mobile app and web interface.
The platform offers paperless account opening, easy fund transfers, and zero-commission stock investing, along with mutual fund investments featuring SIPs, risk profiling, and real-time portfolio tracking. Backed by major investors like Ant Group and SoftBank, Paytm Money is strategically positioned to cater to the rising wave of digitally savvy millennials seeking effortless entry into the financial markets.
Like the stock trading app, there are crypto trading apps meant for buying or selling underlying coins via an exchange.
Crypto Trading Apps provide a platform to consider the movement of cryptocurrency prices. One can buy or sell cryptos like Bitcoin using Indian Rupee in simple steps using these mobile apps.
Binance
Binance India – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Binance, established in 2017, is a platform for trading cryptocurrencies. It is considered one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world based on its trading volumes. The platform focuses strongly on Altcoins. An altcoin is an alternative digital currency to Bitcoin. It refers to a group of cryptocurrencies, ultimately all the cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin.
The platform charges 0.1% from the taker and 0.1% from the maker’s side. You can choose Binance for trading cryptos if you want to invest in lesser-known cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Coinbase is also a cryptocurrency platform founded in 2012. It is a secure platform for buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrencies and is quite popular in the United States.
Coinbase charges around $0.99 to $2.99 depending on the dollar value of the purchase. Their user interface is considered to be very simple, and the transactions are highly liquid.
WazirX
WazirX – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
WazirX is an Indian cryptocurrency trading platform that is owned by the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance. WazirX has the highest trading volume compared to any other cryptocurrency exchange in India.
WazirX claims a $2.3 billion monthly volume with a registered user base of around 1.75 million. As per CoinMarketCap, WazirX was the 27th top cryptocurrency exchange globally in terms of liquidity, traffic, trading volumes, and confidence in the legitimacy of the trading volumes.
Trading View
Trading View – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Trading View is a stock market trading and investing platform. It is one of the best platforms for beginners as it provides an option for paper trading. Paper trading is a method where the platform provides you with an imaginary amount and lets you pick trades in an imaginary stock market.
The platform provides an experience of what the real market looks like and how trading feels exactly. Also, there is an option to trade in cryptocurrency exchanges as well.
Bitfinex
Bitfinex – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Bitfinex is a cryptocurrency trading platform owned and operated by iFinex Inc, which is registered in the British Virgin Islands. The platform was launched in 2012 and deals with all sorts of cryptocurrencies around the world.
Bitfinex is the leading exchange for USD-denominated Bitcoin trading. It offers to order books with top-tier liquidity, allowing users to easily exchange Bitcoin, Ethereum, EOS, Litecoin, Ripple, NEO and many other digital assets with minimal slippage.
Kraken
Kraken – Best Trading App in India for Beginners
Kraken is a cryptocurrency platform where you can trade all kinds of cryptocurrencies using fiat currencies. You can use fiat currencies such as U.S. Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, and Euros.
Conclusion
They offer a trading platform with all sorts of required features for individual cryptocurrency traders as well as large trading firms. Kraken is one of the top leaders in cryptocurrency exchanges.
Everyone (be it a trader investor or youth) has started to lean more towards the discount brokers who are offering their best online trading mobile app service. Hence, these trading apps are considered to be the best and safest in the marketplace.
Disclaimer: All the above-mentioned data are based on our research. Use these apps only after thorough research from your side.
FAQs
Which are the best stock trading apps for beginners in India?
The safest online trading apps in India are as follows:
Zerodha Kite
Upstox PRO
Angel Broking
Motilal Oswal
5Paisa
India Infoline Markets
Binance
Coinbase
WazirX
Trading View
Bitfinex
Kraken
How much money do day traders make in India?
It depends on who is trading. If a non-skilled trader is trading, it is highly likely that he/she will lose money. But if a skilled trader is trading, he/she can make up to ₹1 lakh per day with ₹1 crore of investment, i.e., 1%.
Who are the prominent traders in India?
Some prominent traders in India include Radhakishan Damani, the founder of D-Mart, and Nemish Shah, the co-founder of Enam Holdings.
Is online trading safe?
Online trading is as safe as offline trading. It has grown over 100% in India due to an increasing number of beginners who have started using the apps before getting into real trading.
Is Zerodha good for beginners?
Zerodha is considered the best discount broker for beginners in the trading market as its brokerage charge is 0.03% of turnover or INR 20, whichever is lower per executed order.
What is WazirX?
WazirrX is an Indian cryptocurrency trading platform that is owned by the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance. WazirX has the highest trading volume compared to any other cryptocurrency exchange in India.
Is Kite Zerodha safe?
Zerodha is a safe, legitimate, and genuine stock broker in India. SEBI regulates it and is a debt-free company.
Which is the best mobile trading app in India?
According to user reviews and industry rankings, IIFL Markets is often considered the best mobile trading app in India for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features.
Which trading app is best for beginners?
Groww and Paytm Money are best for beginners in India because they are simple, low-cost, and easy to use.
Mobile food trucks have evolved into scalable business models in India’s Tier-2, Tier-3, and district cities that are rapidly developing. It offers the cost efficiency of traditional street food while harnessing the brand-building power of quick-service restaurants (QSRs).
Driven by growing consumer aspirations beyond metro cities, improved road connectivity, increased digital visibility through delivery and quick-commerce platforms, and easier access to micro-credit for small vendors, the growth potential for mobile food entrepreneurs is at an all-time high.
What makes food trucks even more attractive is their flexibility; owners can test multiple locations, quickly adapt to seasonal demand, and serve trending cuisines without heavy investments in real estate.
This detailed guide will equip you with everything needed to start, run, and grow a profitable mobile food truck business in India’s emerging cities in 2025, from building a standout concept to implementing powerful marketing strategies that boost customer traffic.
Forget long-term leases and pricey interiors. With just a truck, essential kitchen equipment, and a lean team, you can start serving customers quickly. By maintaining strict hygiene and smart layout design, you eliminate typical “street food” concerns, all without the heavy capital investment of a restaurant.
High-Profit Potential vs. Traditional Restaurants
Lean real estate, fewer staff, and lower utilities mean more of every rupee can drop to the bottom line, even when you use quality ingredients. Here’s a crisp comparison:
Cost Head
Food Truck
Restaurant
Space
Buy/lease a truck; mobility lets you chase demand.
Pay premium rent or purchase property in a fixed location
Switch menus, experiment with specials, and theme your truck without renovation headaches. Try fusion mashups, retro nostalgia, Bollywood or festival pop-ups, celebrity-inspired menus, whatever gets people lining up and posting pics.
The food truck industry in India is booming, with rising demand for affordable, hygienic, and innovative dining experiences. Starting a food truck is not just about serving great food; it’s about smart planning, compliance, and building a strong brand. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you launch your dream mobile food business:
Conduct In-Depth Market Research
Before diving in, study your target market thoroughly:
Analyse Competitors: Check out existing food trucks, popular cuisines, and pricing models.
Identify Gaps: Spot food categories or unique concepts not offered in your area.
Define Your Niche: Decide whether you’ll serve gourmet burgers, fusion street food, or regional specialties.
Know Your Audience: Understand the preferences of office workers, students, or families in your chosen locations.
Create a Brand Concept: Choose a catchy name, design a unique logo, and define your food truck’s theme (e.g., retro, modern, or festival-themed).
Draft a Business Plan
A well-structured business plan gives direction and can help secure funding if required.
Menu and Pricing: List your signature dishes, pricing strategy, and expected profit margins.
Cost Breakdown: Include the cost of your truck, kitchen equipment, branding, permits, and staff salaries.
Breakeven Analysis: Estimate how long it will take to cover your initial investment.
Revenue Streams: Apart from daily sales, plan for catering events, festivals, or tie-ups with corporations.
Obtain Licenses and Permits
Food trucks require specific regulatory approvals to operate legally:
FSSAI License: Mandatory for all food businesses in India.
Fire Safety Certificate: Required to ensure your cooking setup is fire-safe.
Municipal Trade License: Permission from local authorities to operate in public spaces.
Vehicle Permits: Commercial vehicle registration and fitness certificates from the RTO.
Health Licenses: Some cities may require health inspections or clearance certificates.
Music or Entertainment Licenses (Optional): If you plan to play music or host small events.
Select the Right Food Truck & Equipment
Your truck is the heart of your business:
Vehicle Size: A 14–18 ft vehicle is ideal for a mobile kitchen.
Essential Kitchen Gear: Install fryers, grills, refrigerators, storage shelves, and water tanks.
POS & Billing: A digital point-of-sale (POS) system for cashless transactions and sales tracking.
Branding: Use eye-catching graphics and wraps on the truck to stand out in crowded markets.
Safety Gear: Keep fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and gas leak detectors onboard.
Cost Outlay and Budgeting for a Food Truck Business
The cost of starting a food truck in India varies based on size, location, and concept. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Total Startup Cost: INR 15–25 lakhs.
Truck Cost: INR 8–12 lakhs for a wide-bodied, well-equipped vehicle.Kitchen Equipment: INR 2–3 lakhs for grills, fryers, refrigerators, and storage.
Licenses & Advertising: Around INR 1 lakh.
Working Capital: INR 1–2 lakhs for groceries, provisions, and daily operations.
Conclusion
Investing in a food truck business requires a considerable amount of capital; however, with careful budgeting and planning, it can prove extremely rewarding. Your total investment will depend on factors like the size of your truck, the complexity of your menu, and your chosen locations.
In India, the initial setup cost typically ranges between INR 15 Lakhs and INR 75 Lakhs, while monthly operational expenses may fall between INR 1 Lakh and INR 3 Lakh. By creating a well-structured budget, obtaining all essential licenses, maintaining top-notch hygiene standards, and staying aligned with evolving food trends, you can set your food truck on the path to long-term success and steady profits.
Is a food truck business profitable in small cities in India?
Yes, food trucks in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are highly profitable due to low startup costs, minimal overheads, and growing demand for hygienic, affordable, and trendy food options.
How much does it cost to start a food truck business in India?
Starting a food truck in India typically costs between INR 15 to 25 lakhs, including the truck, kitchen equipment, permits, branding, and initial working capital.
What are the best locations for food trucks in small cities?
Top-performing locations include:
Office zones (lunchtime)
Parks and public areas (morning & evening)
College campuses (breaks & after classes)
Festivals, fairs, and weekend markets
Wedding venues and private events
Do I need a commercial license for my food truck in India?
Yes, a commercial vehicle license and municipal trade permit are mandatory for food trucks to operate in public spaces legally.
In this exclusive interaction, Manoj Joshi, CEO of SA Technologies, shares how India is fast becoming the global hub for AI-first Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He discusses how Fortune 500s and mid-sized firms differ in their GCC strategies, and how SA Technologies’ evolved Build-Operate-Transfer model uses AI to drive 30% productivity gains. Joshi also talks about sector-specific delivery models, AI governance, talent strategies, and their new platform, Honest AI. He concludes with a bold vision for SA Technologies as a next-gen global player driving digital transformation.
StartupTalky: India is fast emerging as the epicentre for AI-led Global Capability Centre (GCC) innovation. What do you believe are the key drivers behind this shift, and how is SA Technologies helping shape this evolution through its AI-first approach?
Mr. Joshi: It is very much true that India is taking the first leap in becoming the epicentre, but the key reasons for this are: firstly, India is the hub of IT and the service sector, with an exceptional win in cost arbitrage. Along with that, India has a base of top-level talent, robust infrastructure, a culture of innovation, and deliberate policy planning.
StartupTalky: Under your leadership, SA Technologies has supported both Fortune 500s and mid-sized firms. How do their approaches to building AI-first GCCs differ, and what unique challenges do each face?
Mr. Joshi: Fortune 500 companies are often looking at AI-first GCCs as strategic assets for innovation, compliance, and enterprise-grade standardisation, and are more often focused on building centres that are compliant with global security and governance frameworks. On the other hand, mid-size companies typically view GCCs as a lever for cost optimisation and scale, and for entering into new markets, and increasing operational agility.
StartupTalky: Your Build-Operate-Transfer model has gained attention for enabling scalable and resilient GCCs. Could you walk us through how this model is evolving in the AI age?
Mr. Joshi: In the AI era, our Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model at SA Technologies has evolved from a traditional setup framework into a strategic accelerator for innovation. We now embed AI at the start, using AI for supporting the location strategy, talent analytics capabilities, and ROI modelling in the Build stage.
We apply AI in the Operate phase with AI-enabled tools to automate workflows, monitor performance, and predict governance; all of which have delivered over 30% productivity improvements. Talent recruitment and upskilling are also augmented with AI to ensure the GCC is future-ready.
Then, in the Transfer phase, we provide full ownership of systems, workflows, and trained teams of AI-enabled capabilities – we floor the client with a smart, scalable, and resilient GCC from day one.
In summary, our BOT model is now a springboard for intelligent and innovation-enabled global operations.
StartupTalky: What role does sector-specific expertise, especially in industries like healthcare, play when designing future-ready global delivery models?
Mr. Joshi: Like every industry, the healthcare sector has priorities specific to its industry, but ultimately large-scale change requires technology. At SA Technologies, we build technology teams established for the health sector that support the health sector, with end-to-end help without answering or implementing any of the existing structures or hierarchies. Which allows their solutions to fit with their environment, be adopted quickly, and have a measurable impact.
StartupTalky: With GCCs increasingly driving innovation rather than just efficiency, how do you measure success beyond cost savings and operational metrics?
Mr. Joshi: Ultimately, for us, customer satisfaction is the most critical measure of success. In addition to this, as an AI-first company, we also closely track our internal AI adoption, the efficiency gains resulting from it, and our overall infrastructure readiness to drive scalable, intelligent growth.
For us, customer satisfactionfuture-ready continues to be the ultimate measure of success. Beyond this, as an AI-first company, we also closely monitor our internal AI adoption, its accompanying efficiency gains and our readiness of infrastructure to achieve scalable, intelligent growth.
StartupTalky: How do you envision the future of talent in AI-led centres? What strategies is SA Technologies employing to build, retain, and future-proof this talent pipeline across India?
Mr. Joshi: At SA Technologies, we believe that talent is the foundation of AI-led GCCs. In the future, talent will encompass not only technical capabilities but also adaptability, fluency across domains, and an innovation-oriented mindset. To build and maintain this pipeline, we have three core strategies: continuous upskilling with AI and cloud training programs, having talent working on actual projects from day one, and creating a culture which embraces experimentation and ownership.
StartupTalky: The rapid adoption of AI often raises concerns about governance and ethics. How do you ensure that your GCC deployments maintain responsible AI principles, especially across diverse geographies?
Mr. Joshi: At SA Technologies, we view responsible AI not just as a principle, but as a mandate. As we deploy AI-led GCCs across diverse geographies, our approach is anchored in robust governance, risk management, and ethical alignment. We embed governance frameworks from day one, covering legal entity setup, regulatory reporting, compliance advisory, and risk mitigation. Every GCC we build is supported by board-level ethical controls and jurisdiction-specific compliance strategies.
StartupTalky: Many mid-sized firms are now exploring GCCs for the first time. What advice would you give to a CEO considering this move, and how does SA Technologies help de-risk that decision?
Mr. Joshi: For CEOs of mid-sized firms considering their first GCC, my advice is simple: choose a partner who brings clarity, not complexity. Setting up a GCC is not just a cost strategy, it’s a growth catalyst. It introduces diversity, operational agility, and global reach into your organisation. At SA Technologies, we specialise in de-risking this journey through a structured, transparent approach. From feasibility studies to legal setup and talent acquisition, we provide end-to-end support. We’re not just a vendor, we’re an execution partner committed to your long-term success.
StartupTalky: SA Technologies recently introduced Honest AI, positioned as a modular AI automation platform. What gap in the market does it address, and how does it support public and private enterprises differently?
Mr. Joshi: At SA Technologies, we launched Honest AI as a way to counteract the growing divide between AI vision and reality. The marketplace is full of promises, but lacks transparency and speed that is business-focused. Honest AI is here. It is a modular, enterprise-grade solution that can provide verified, production-ready AI agents in weeks, not months.
For private enterprises, we measure outcomes – automating tasks and transactions, enhancing decision quality and timeliness, and increasing cost savings or efficiencies by utilising the technology without “rip-and-replace” legacy systems. For public sector organisations, we focus on responsible AI, smoothing out service delivery, increasing engagement and empowerment of citizens, and also providing assurance around governance and compliance, given the multiple jurisdictions.
At Honest AI, what separates us from others is trust. We deliver 100% on time delivery, we have SOC 2 TYPE II and ISO 27001 certifications, and we will put our commitment behind every statement we make. In summary, we do not merely build algorithms, we build trust!
StartupTalky: Finally, what’s your long-term goal for SA Technologies in the context of global digital transformation?
Mr. Joshi: My vision is to build SA Technologies like a next-generation Silicon Valley undertaking. With AI and emerging technologies already accelerating quickly, the GCC model is ready to exponentially scale, and we will be part of that revolution.
Shengjia Zhao, a co-creator of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, will be the chief scientist of Meta Superintelligence Labs, according to a statement released by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on 25 July. The $14 billion investment in Scale AI is the centrepiece of Zuckerberg’s multibillion-dollar hiring spree in artificial intelligence in recent weeks.
Zuckerberg revealed a brand-new company in June dubbed Meta Superintelligence Labs, which is composed of leading AI developers and researchers. Although the June message included Zhao’s name among other new staffers, Zuckerberg said that Zhao co-founded the lab and “has been our lead scientist from day one.”
Shengjia Zhao’s Role and Vision at Superintelligence Lab
Zhao will collaborate closely with Alexandr Wang, the former CEO of Scale AI who is serving as Meta’s chief artificial intelligence officer, and Zuckerberg. In a social media post, Zuckerberg stated, “Shengjia has already pioneered several breakthroughs, including a new scaling paradigm, and distinguished himself as a leader in the field.” “I’m excited to collaborate closely with him to further his scientific vision.”
Inside Meta’s Multibillion-Dollar AI Ambitions
According to Zuckerberg’s June memo, Zhao co-founded ChatGPT and contributed to the development of OpenAI’s GPT-4, micro models, 4.1, and O3. He also served as OpenAI’s lead for synthetic data.
Employees at Meta Superintelligence Labs will work on foundation models, including the Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research programs and the open-source Llama family of AI models and products. Earlier this month, Zuckerberg announced that the social media business would invest “hundreds of billions of dollars” in AI compute infrastructure. “The upcoming years will be extremely exciting!” On July 25, Zuckerberg wrote.
According to the Threads article, Zhao is a co-founder of the lab, which runs independently of FAIR, Meta’s well-established AI research section headed by Yann LeCun, a pioneer in deep learning. According to Zuckerberg, Meta wants to develop “full general intelligence” and make its work publicly available. The AI community has expressed both support and scepticism for this approach.
Meta vs OpenAI: A New Chapter in the AI Talent War
In addition to hiring about seven to eight researchers, including well-known figures like Xiaohua Zhai, Trapit Bansal, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Lucas Beyer, Meta has been constantly working on enhancing its Superintelligence Labs with significant financial support and leadership appointments.
A potential strategic change for OpenAI is also indicated by the recent break, as the company abandons its rapid-fire product release methodology in favour of concentrating more on long-term AGI development.
In the face of escalating competition and internal restructuring, the internal memo referred to the decision to suspend operations as a “reset”.
The competition for AI expertise is becoming a defining issue for the major players in the industry as Meta expands its own superintelligence lab and offers previously unthinkable compensation packages.
