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  • MS Dhoni-Backed Garuda Aerospace Secures INR 100 Crore at $250 Million Valuation

    Garuda Aerospace, India’s most valuable drone startup, has successfully raised INR 100 crores in its Series B funding round from Venture Catalysts (VCAT) at a valuation of $250 million. This strategic infusion of capital marks a major milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s mission to bolster indigenous drone manufacturing and innovation. The fresh funds will significantly enhance the company’s capabilities in producing drone systems. The funds will also be allocated to scaling up its current production facility and fast-tracking the completion of a cutting-edge R&D and testing center dedicated to advanced defense drone design. This development not only strengthens Garuda Aerospace’s position in the Indian aerospace ecosystem but also aligns with the nation’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in high-tech defense manufacturing. 

    Currently holding a robust portfolio of over 20+ patents, Garuda Aerospace has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and technological excellence in the fast-evolving drone sector. A dedicated portion of the newly secured funds will support the expansion of its intellectual property portfolio, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in drone innovation and utilizing the funds towards producing a new design facility as well. This initiative underscores Garuda Aerospace’s strategic role in enhancing India’s defense and security capabilities through the development of cutting-edge, domestically engineered drone systems. Garuda Aerospace will continue to contribute meaningfully to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

    Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, “This Series B funding is a defining milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s growth journey. It not only strengthens our capacity to scale manufacturing and innovation but also positions us to accelerate the development of next-generation drones technology. As we prepare for our global growth expansion journey, this investment reinforces our commitment to building world-class, indigenous drone technologies that contribute to India’s economic progress, self-reliance in defense, and technological leadership on the global stage.”

    Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder and Managing Director of VCAT, said, “We are immensely proud to lead this landmark Series B funding for Garuda Aerospace. This investment is closely aligned with our strategy of supporting homegrown champions that have the potential to transform India’s technological landscape and create significant socio-economic impact. The role Garuda is playing in strengthening India’s indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem, while also creating a global footprint, is something that truly excites us. We firmly believe that in the years to come, Garuda Aerospace will emerge as a global leader in drone technology, making India the drone hub of the world by 2030.”

    Garuda Aerospace’s successful Series B funding of INR 100 crores signifies strong investor confidence in the company’s vision, technological prowess, and growth potential within the burgeoning Indian drone market. The Indian drone market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by increasing applications across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, surveillance, and defense.

    With the government’s strong emphasis on promoting drone adoption and indigenous manufacturing through initiatives like the Drone Rules 2021 and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the market presents a substantial opportunity. Garuda Aerospace has established a robust business model encompassing drone manufacturing, drone-as-a-service (DaaS) offerings, and pilot training. The company caters to a wide array of clients, including government agencies, agricultural enterprises, infrastructure companies, and defense establishments, providing tailored drone solutions for diverse needs. Garuda Aerospace continues working with local partners like Tata, HUL, Reliance etc. for indigenization of drones.

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    Financial Performance and Previous Funding

    In FY24, Garuda Aerospace’s revenue more than doubled to INR 110 crore, up from INR 47 crore in FY23. The company achieved a net profit of INR 16 crore, reflecting a 2.7x increase year-on-year, with an EBITDA margin of 22.5%.

    Prior to the current Series B round, the company raised INR 25 crore in a venture round in October 2023 led by Venture Catalysts and We Founder Circle, with participation from six investors. In February 2023, Garuda secured $22 million in a Series A round led by Sphiticap.

    About Garuda Aerospace 

    Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading Drone tech startup focused on disrupting two major multi-billion-dollar sectors, Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Garuda Aerospace is asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic and focuses on eliminating labourers in the agricultural field with drones focusing on designing, building, and customising of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 2015 with a team of 5, Garuda has scaled to a 200+ member team, having the largest drone fleet in India with over 400 drones and 500 pilots operating in 84 cities. Garuda Aerospace manufactures 30 types of drones and offers 50 types of services.

    Having served over 750 clients, including TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, Flipkart, Delhivery, L&T, Survey of India, SAIL, NTPC, IOCL, Smart cities, Intel, Amazon, Wipro, IISC, MIT Boston, and NHAI for various projects, the company recently partnered with global giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant and Elbit Systems. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji launched the drone yatra, where 100 drones were flagged off simultaneously across 100 villages in India.

    Garuda Aerospace is the first drone company to get DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation. Garuda is on a mission to impact 1 billion lives positively using affordable precision Drone Technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the company and is the Brand Ambassador.

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  • US-China Trade War Escalates as Beijing Halts Boeing Jet Deliveries

    In a clear uptick in trade tensions, China has told its domestic airlines to stop receiving new planes from the U.S. aerospace giant Boeing. This order, as reported by Bloomberg News and our sources close to the situation, seems to be a direct answer to the recent tariff hikes that the Trump administration has imposed on Chinese imports. Boeing is the top exporter from the United States to China and, until now, has been mostly immune to the spreading economic conflict.

    This is not a single decision. It goes along with the deliveries of aircraft. The Chinese authorities have also advised carriers to stop buying American aviation components and equipment. This is aimed at the whole aviation sector, which seems to be a sector Beijing is trying to use to counter the pressure coming from Washington.

    Tariffs Driving the Divide

    The tensions began ramping up after President Donald Trump took office in January and reignited a tariff-war fight. The U.S. administration has since taken to imposing tariffs as high as 145% on a broad range of Chinese imports. China, in turn, has a set of its own tariffs that hit U.S. goods with duties as high as 125%.

    Beijing has been assertive in expressing its disapproval, calling Washington’s moves aggressive and uncalled-for. In response, authorities in Beijing called off any further talks over rising tariffs, saying they were counterproductive and doing just what they were meant to do i.e. slowing down the economy. The more pressing matter of Boeing deliveries adds a dimension of real-world impact to the dispute, one that could reach into not just the aviation industry but also economic ties between the two countries.

    Financial Impact on Airlines and Manufacturers

    A halt to the deliveries could impose serious financial strains on Chinese carriers, especially those that operate leased Boeing jets. Airlines that rely on imported U.S. aircraft to expand or maintain their fleets might soon find themselves in a tighter financial situation due to tariff-driven higher import costs. In any case, the halt to deliveries may compel some in the industry to make some hard choices.

    For Boeing, the shift signifies a substantial misstep in one of its prime overseas marketplaces. With Washington’s and Beijing’s relations spiraling downward, the aviation giant now faces a foggy forecast for future international sales and for its components supply chains.

    Uncertain Outlook for Global Trade

    Last week, President Trump’s unexpected halting of further tariff increases provided a momentary flash of optimism regarding de-escalation. But it wasn’t packaged with any obvious payoffs for Beijing. It’s true that some allowances were made for certain types of high-tech items like smartphones, semiconductors, and computers. But most of the trade atmosphere is still too cloudy for anyone to see a clear path toward stability.

    There is no resolution in sight to ensure business and market stability, and this all adds up to a high-stakes situation for both economic and diplomatic relations across the globe. If the next few months promise one thing, its volatility.

  • India Becomes First Global Market to Recover from Trump Tariff Shock

    On Tuesday, India’s equity markets surged, marking a remarkable recovery as trading resumed after an extended weekend. The NSE Nifty 50 Index rose 2.4% and is currently above where it was earlier this month. This brings it to a place where it’s not just recovering from recent declines but is now outperforming most other equity indices across the globe. So, it’s safe to say that India has fully recovered from the market losses triggered by the new wave of U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. Brace yourself, because the Nifty is busting out to the up side.

    Global investors are recognizing how resilient the Indian markets are compared to worldwide volatility. Despite a broader sentiment of caution in Asia, India’s ability to pay off in a very short amount of time has added to its aura as a relatively safe investment destination in a very uncertain worldwide environment.

    Domestic Strength Shields India from External Shocks

    One of India’s main strengths is its large, consumption-oriented economy. This makes it relatively insulated from the sort of economic slowdown that might befall countries more reliant on exports, particularly to the U.S. In India, domestic demand has been strong; inflation, thanks to some easing in commodity prices, is showing signs of stabilizing.

    India’s careful diplomatic stance has brought it success. At a time when the U.S.-China trade tensions are reaching new heights, India has chosen to keep an open dialogue with Washington and is working toward a potential trade agreement. The same holds true for India and Europe. This is the way to tout a central-staging area in the Median-South route and place both India and the U.S. on a strategic, economic, and trade win-win path.

    Investor Sentiment on the Mend

    Even with a shaky first few months that saw the Indian stock market shed a whopping USD 16 billion in foreign investment, new developments are giving the economy reason to smile. For one, the Reserve Bank of India seems poised to cut interest rates, which should boost domestic demand. Crude oil prices have also fallen so far that the finance ministry is now expecting a 25 percent savings over last year’s costs. That should also help consumer spending.

    Valuation factors are working favorably for the Nifty 50, which is now trading at a lower multiple than its own recent past. Indian equities, as represented by the Nifty 50, have an earnings yield that is above the yield on 10-year government bonds, and this risk premium is the widest it has been for quite some time. Both factors combined are driving the sharp turnaround in investor sentiment.

    The minimal direct trade with the United States—accounting for just 2.7% of U.S. imports last year—has helped insulate India from the global trade fallout. By way of comparison, China and Mexico together represent 14% and 15% of U.S. imports, respectively. India’s direct trade exposure is a fraction of that, and thus it isn’t affected nearly as much. So long as oil prices stay in check and policy support is unabated, India seems likely to stay a standout performer in the global investment landscape.

  • India’s Retail Inflation Hits 5-Year Low, Paving Way for Further Rate Cuts

    In March, India recorded a significant drop in its retail inflation. It zoomed all the way down to its lowest point since August 2019. The country’s annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) now reports a number of 3.34%. That is well below the market’s forecast of 3.60%. This number, of course, is lower than the number recorded in February, which was at 3.61%. There’s a look going back to the late 3s from late last year.

    The softening inflation we see today is mostly due to the consistent easing of food costs. In fact, when we look at the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI), markedly food prices have been the main areas driving that index down. They have been. So, when we break down inflation, food inflation has dropped fairly dramatically. March saw food inflation drop to 2.69% from 3.75% in February. This is the lowest reading in food inflation since November 2021. And it is occurring while we are also seeing some pretty remarkable decreases in food prices, most notably vegetable prices, which are down 7.04% year-on-year.

    Food Prices Offer Crucial Relief

    The overall retail price pressure has been reduced by the steady drop in food inflation. This is mainly due to better climatic conditions and improved agricultural outputs, which have loosened long-standing supply-side constraints. Wheat prices fell 5.46% in March, while pulses saw prices drop 8.34%. These drops in food prices have helped reduce overall inflation.

    This moderation is especially welcome after last year’s unrelenting upswings in staple food prices that strained household budgets and pushed inflation above the RBI‘s target range. Stabilizing food costs offer beleaguered consumers some breathing room and give policymakers a chance to regain lost leeway in supporting economic momentum.

    RBI Poised for More Rate Cuts

    The RBI has already reacted to the forecast of falling inflation by cutting its key interest rate for the second time this year. With inflation now comfortably below its 4 percent target, with projections calling for it to hold around 3.5 percent for the next couple of years, the central bank seems ready to do more, if necessary, to keep growth on track.

    Experts believe that India might get to see a minimum of two more rate cuts before the end of 2025, and this is contingent upon both domestic and international circumstances. If external factors, like the protracted U.S.-China trade spat, impact global growth even more severely, then another rate cut could come into play. Indeed, a third rate cut is very much a possibility under this set of circumstances.

    The next monetary policy review by the RBI is set for June, and the market’s eyes will be fixed firmly on it. We want to know where the central bank is headed, and how it plans to tackle the mix of a global economy that is slowing and a domestic one that is recovering.

    Favorable Monsoon May Boost Outlook

    Adding to the positive expectations is India’s forecast of above-average monsoon rains this year. A strong monsoon almost always ensures much better agricultural output, which in turn, means easing food prices and sharper increases in rural consumption.

    While inflation is cooling and the macroeconomic situation seems to have stabilized, India currently seems to be in a rare position of strength within an uncertain global landscape. If the recent positive trends continue, this could give the central bank an opportunity to use monetary policy to try to push the economy even further in the right direction.

  • Gensol Promoters Accused of Fund Diversion for Personal Gain

    The swift action taken by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) against Gensol Engineering Ltd has led to a ban on the company and its promoter directors from engaging in the securities market. The ruling affects Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, who headed the firm until very recently. SEBI’s order follows a formal complaint filed in June 2024 that accused Gensol, its promoters, and some other unidentified persons of potential share price manipulation and misuse of shareholders’ funds.

    SEBI’s interim order has pointed out some very serious governance issues. It has alleged that huge sums of corporate money were diverted for personal gain by the very people who were supposed to be looking out for shareholders. The order has also called for an immediate stop to a proposed stock split. The situation with the company looks pretty bad from a transparency and accountability point of view.

    Luxury Homes and Startups: A Trail of Misused Capital

    The investigation centers on a loan of INR 93.88 crore secured by Gensol from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The loan, which was supposed to be used to expand electric vehicle operations, was mostly transferred to Go-Auto Pvt Ltd and then funneled to CapBridge Ventures LLP — a company that Anmol Singh Jaggi has a strong influence over. Out of the INR 93.88 crore that was part of the scheme, INR 42.94 crore was used to buy a posh apartment in DLF Camellias, Gurugram.

    Additionally, from the same funds, an investment of INR 50 lakh was made in Third Unicorn, a startup launched by Ashneer Grover. The funds were also used for personal expenses, including travel abroad. SEBI’s findings portray Grover as following a pattern of financial self-interest that put him on the fast track to personal wealth while placing company obligations in jeopardy.

    Personal Expenses Funded by Company Loans

    The regulator’s examination of bank records reveals worrisome activities connected to Puneet Singh Jaggi. They show that around INR 13.55 crore from Wellray, another related company, was used to make transfers that profited Jaggi’s family and friends. Among the outflows were these dubious purchases:

     – Foreign currency, INR 66.36 lakh

     – Payments to American Express, INR 49 lakh

     – Other personal expenditures, more than INR 18 lakh

    In sum, the transfers favored Jaggi and his close associates. SEBI claims that these transactions were neither disclosed nor aligned with the firm’s financial objectives. They are systematic misuse of corporate resources.

    Gensol has drawn the ire of the regulator for what it considers a total breakdown of internal controls. Internal emails and conduct letters allegedly were fabricated to mislead stakeholders, including investors, banks, and rating agencies. Gensol supposedly directed its employees to write these misleading documents. And Gensol’s Board of Directors allegedly knew all about it. If the story holds up, SEBI believes it’ll force Gensol to write off those diverted funds, hitting its balance sheet and making life tougher for its employees.

  • Gupshup Lays Off 500 Employees Amid Profit Push

    AI platform Gupshup has axed close to 500 people over the past five months in what it claims is an effort to boost profitability and streamline operations. About 200 were cut off earlier this month, following a larger chop of 300 in December 2024. 

    The rapidly growing company that achieved a unicorn valuation in 2021 stated that the restructuring was intended to eliminate redundant roles and improve operational efficiency. Gupshup maintained that the layoffs were not concentrated among those businesses despite many of the affected employees coming from firms acquired during its expansion phase.

    Acquisition Spree and the Road to Consolidation

    From late 2021 to mid-2022, Gupshup moved assertively to boost its offerings and expertise via acquisitions. It picked up five companies, Dotgo, Knowlarity, Active.ai, AskSid, and OneDirect. These deals were funded by a USD 100 million Series F round led by Tiger Global, which pushed Gupshup’s valuation to USD 1.4 billion.

    As the firm has moved from being an SMS-based service to being a full-fledged conversational AI platform that leverages WhatsApp, Instagram, and other chat interfaces, its acquisitions have had the aim of “strengthening its position in customer engagement.” But the gig of integrating the acquired companies’ forces into the existing company appears to have created a bit of overlap, resulting in the recent right-sizing.

    In a statement, Gupshup said it is still investing in innovation and AI-driven solutions for businesses, despite the cuts, making tough choices to ensure long-term growth.

    Investor Reactions and Valuation Concerns

    The layoffs come on the heels of a substantial markdown in late 2024 by investor Fidelity, which reduced the estimated value of its stake in Gupshup by 65% compared to 2021. This implied a new valuation for Gupshup of around USD 486 million—down from their prior USD 1.4 billion peak. While Gupshup had reported in earlier FY23 earnings that they were up 55% year-on-year to USD 300 million, they have not yet reported full FY24 numbers, and investor confidence clearly took a hit with this latest valuation.

    Speculation about more job cuts at Gupshup has been played down. The company has stated that it is profitable and has denied that any more rounds of layoffs are coming. But several internal sources say that another wave of layoffs, this time aimed at 100 to 300 employees, could be coming by June. No one is confirming that report, though.

    In recent months, Gupshup has faced challenges, but it still has an eye on a potential public listing. CEO Beerud Sheth signaled this year that interest in the company has been expressed by investors in public markets. However, for an IPO to happen, the company needs to sort out some regulatory and logistical matters that have to do with relocating its headquarters from the U.S. to India.

  • New UPI Regulation: Govt. Plans to Implement GST on Transactions Over INR 2,000

    According to a significant update, the Indian government intends to impose the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on transactions made through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that exceed INR 2,000. Since UPI is now widely used in daily life, from paid professionals to street vendors, people across the country are alarmed by this proposed change. If put into effect, this new UPI rule would significantly impair regular digital payments. Especially for middle-class households, freelancers, and small enterprises that depend on UPI for cost-free and convenient transfers. A proposal to impose GST on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 in a single payment is presently being examined by the government. This approach could increase GST revenues by bringing high-value digital transactions into the official tax system.

    Overview of New UPI Rules

    According to a recent government plan, digital transactions above INR 2,000 may soon be liable to GST. Peer-to-peer transfers and payments to merchants are anticipated to be impacted by the rule. These transactions may be subject to the regular 18% GST rate, which is typical for digital services, if authorised. The proposal is still being reviewed, and the implementation schedule is still pending.

    How it will Impact Users and Business Owners

    Costs associated with regular UPI payments for necessities like food, shopping, and eating may increase. Users may start dividing larger payments into smaller ones in order to avoid the INR 2,000 threshold. Users will need to pay closer attention to transaction values and any additional fees associated with GST. Companies that frequently receive sizable UPI payments would need to register for GST. This could result in additional paperwork and stress for independent contractors and small sellers who are not yet covered by the GST system. Many may raise their pricing a little to cover the additional tax.

    Why GST was Implemented?

    The Goods and Services Tax is referred to as GST. It is an indirect tax that has taken the place of other indirect taxes in India, including services tax, VAT, and excise duty. On March 29, 2017, the Parliament passed the Goods and Service Tax Act, which became operative on July 1st. Stated differently, the provision of goods and services is subject to the Goods and Service Tax (GST). Every value addition is subject to the comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based Goods and Services Tax Law in India. GST is a single domestic indirect tax law that applies to the entire nation after absorbing the majority of indirect taxes. Every point of sale is subject to taxation under the GST scheme. Both Central GST and State GST are applied to intrastate sales. The integrated GST is charged for all interstate sales.

  • From IIT to NSE: Ashish Kumar Chauhan, CEO Leading India’s Stock Market Future

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan is not just the man behind the console at India’s biggest stock exchange; he’s the architect of a revolution in modern financial markets. With a career built on disruption and inclusion, Chauhan has guided the National Stock Exchange (NSE) into a bold, tech-savvy future while championing financial literacy at the grassroots level. 

    Known for marrying policy with purpose, this former IIT-Bombay and IIM-Calcutta alum now holds one of the most influential seats in India’s financial infrastructure.

    What’s more? 2025 has been a defining year for Chauhan. From tackling deepfake misinformation campaigns to steering India’s economic narrative toward the next 50 years, he’s not just leading the NSE, he’s shaping the very way India thinks about wealth creation.

    Let’s dive into his journey, his mission, and the milestones NSE is ticking off under his stewardship.

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – Biography

    Name Ashish Kumar Chauhan
    Born 1968
    Nationality Indian
    Profession MD & CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE)
    Education IIT Bombay (Mechanical Engineering), IIM Calcutta (PGDBM)
    Past Roles Founding Team Member – NSE, Ex-CEO of BSE
    Awards (2023-25) Lifetime Achievement Award (2023), Prajyot Award (2025

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – Education & Career Development
    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – NSE’s Leader Is Racing Ahead in 2025
    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – Writing the Next Chapter of Indian Finance
    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – NSE Under His Leadership (2024–2025)
    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – Vision 2030 – What’s Next?

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – Education & Career Development

    After graduating from IIT Bombay in Mechanical Engineering and earning an MBA from IIM Calcutta, Chauhan began his career with IDBI in the early 1990s. It was during his time at IDBI that he was handpicked to help launch the NSE, an ambitious project aiming to bring speed, transparency, and fairness to Indian markets. 

    At NSE, he wore multiple hats: he was instrumental in setting up India’s first fully automated screen-based trading system, the Nifty 50 index, and the nation’s clearing and settlement systems.

    Following a powerful stint at NSE, Chauhan took his talents to Reliance Industries in the 2000s, where he worked on IT strategy and infrastructure, especially in the petroleum retail sector. This experience added an enterprise-scale operations layer to his already diverse financial expertise.

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – NSE’s Leader Is Racing Ahead in 2025

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan’s return to the National Stock Exchange in 2022 wasn’t just a homecoming; it was a strategic reawakening for India’s most powerful financial institution. A founding team member of NSE in the early 1990s, Chauhan had played a pivotal role in digitizing the exchange at a time when paper-based trading was the norm. He was instrumental in building the screen-based trading system that revolutionized how India traded stocks, forever changing the DNA of the Indian markets.

    After a decade-long stint as MD & CEO of BSE, where he turned the once-sluggish Bombay Stock Exchange into a globally respected, tech-driven institution, Chauhan returned to NSE with deeper insight, sharper tools, and an even bolder vision. His comeback was more than ceremonial; it marked the beginning of a fresh chapter focused on three defining pillars: rapid expansion, nationwide financial education, and ethical investing rooted in transparency.

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – Writing the Next Chapter of Indian Finance

    Under Ashish Kumar Chauhan’s dynamic leadership, 2025 hasn’t just been another year on the calendar, it’s been a masterclass in how to steer a financial institution with vision, agility, and an unshakable commitment to trust.

    Taking On Misinformation with Tech-First Vigilance

    In April 2024, social media platforms were hit with a surge of AI-generated deepfake videos featuring Chauhan “recommending” specific stocks as a dangerous, digitally-engineered illusion. The videos spread like wildfire, risking both market manipulation and investor confusion. But the response was swift and unflinching.

    NSE immediately issued public advisories, clarified that its MD & CEO does not offer personal stock recommendations, and reinforced its zero-tolerance stance toward any kind of market distortion. It also ramped up its digital surveillance infrastructure, working with cybersecurity agencies to track the source and prevent recurrence.

    This incident, while alarming, sparked a much-needed national conversation on AI ethics in finance with Chauhan leading calls for regulatory frameworks that address deepfake misuse in investor communication.

    Financial Literacy Goes Hyperlocal and Hyper-Real

    Financial literacy under Chauhan has gone from buzzword to boots-on-ground execution. Between April 2024 and February 2025 alone, 13,000+ Investor Awareness Programs were conducted by NSE across 35 states and Union Territories, reaching 7.2 lakh participants, including farmers, students, housewives, gig workers, and first-time traders.

    What made this initiative stand out? It’s multilingual delivery with programs held in 14 Indian languages and its focus on storytelling, real-life case studies, and digital tools to demystify market jargon. Whether it was explaining SIPs in Satara or IPOs in Imphal, NSE made markets approachable and actionable. Chauhan called it “India’s most powerful financial movement from the grassroots up.

    MSMEs Get Their Moment with NSE Emerge

    Startups and small enterprises have long been the silent engines of India’s economy and Chauhan has ensured their voices are heard on the capital markets stage. NSE’s Emerge platform, a specially designed IPO ecosystem for MSMEs, saw 200+ listings in the past year alone.

    From tech innovators in Bengaluru to manufacturing units in Surat, businesses across sectors are now accessing capital faster, cheaper, and with more visibility. Chauhan has been vocal in positioning NSE Emerge as a springboard to unicorn status: “These aren’t just companies,” he said, “they’re tomorrow’s disruptors in the making.”

    A Legacy Recognized on Global and National Stages

    Chauhan’s vision and impact haven’t gone unnoticed. In May 2023, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Leaders in Custody Awards in Singapore, a recognition of his decades-long contribution to India’s capital markets, especially the digitization of BSE and NSE.

    And in January 2025, he was conferred the Prajyot Award, a national honor celebrating visionary leaders driving systemic transformation in India. From digitization to democratization of finance, Chauhan’s legacy is not just being built, it’s being celebrated.

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – NSE Under His Leadership (2024–2025)

    Key Milestone Progress (2024–25)
    Investor Programs 13,000+
    Participants 7.2 lakh+
    MSME Listings 200+ on NSE Emerge
    Awards 2 National Recognitions
    AI Misinformation Response 100% Digital Clarification & User Alert Systems

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan – Vision 2030 – What’s Next?

    Chauhan doesn’t believe in resting on laurels. With India poised to become a $10 trillion economy, he envisions NSE not just as a national stock exchange, but as a “Global Exchange for Bharat” where Indian talent, capital, and innovation converge on a world stage.

    His blueprint for the next 5–10 years includes:

    • Launching green and ESG-focused indices to boost sustainable investing.
    • Enhancing retail investor participation through AI-powered, vernacular trading apps.
    • Expanding global reach by forming partnerships with international exchanges.
    • Building investor trust with blockchain-based settlement systems for real-time transparency.

    He believes the next stock market boom will be built not in Mumbai or Delhi, but in small towns, powered by digital tools, educated investors, and inclusive policies.

    The Curious Case of Ex-NSE Chief, Chitra Ramkrishna and Himalayan Yogi
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    FAQs

    Who is Ashish Kumar Chauhan?

    Ashish Kumar Chauhan is the current Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), renowned for his pivotal role in modernizing and transforming the exchange.

    What is Chauhan’s educational background?

    Chauhan holds a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Bombay and a PGDM in Finance and Strategy from IIM Calcutta.  

    What was Chauhan’s initial role at NSE?

    He was one of the founding members of NSE and served as its Deputy CEO from 1992 to 2000. He played a key role in setting up NSE’s screen-based trading.

  • Confirmation of May Layoffs at Goldman Sachs with an Average Severance Pay of $80,000

    In May, Goldman Sachs will reduce its workforce. Today, the company affirmed that it intends to refine its “pyramid” and implement its “annual performance review process”. It anticipates paying a $150 million severance fee in the process. Dennis Coleman, the CFO of Goldman, stated on 15 April’s investor call that $150 million will be spent on severance expenses during the second quarter. As it was previously reported in the media, Goldman plans to reduce its workforce by 3-4% in Q2, which translates to approximately 1,900 job losses. According to reports, Goldman is urging other VPs and managing directors (MDs) to relocate to less expensive areas like Salt Lake City, as vice presidents are anticipated to be the first to be fired. Goldman will pay severance payments of about $80,000 per person on average if it fires 1,900 employees in May. In the first quarter, Morgan Stanley laid off 2,000 employees and reported paying $144 million in severance costs, or $72k per employee. Goldman aims for an operating margin or efficiency ratio of 60%. The efficiency ratio for the first quarter was 60.6%.

    No Fundamental Shift in the Business: Solomon

    David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, also discussed the future, stating that there is no sign of a “fundamental shift” in the company’s operations since the imposition of tariffs and that any possible repercussions would probably be minor. He reaffirmed that Goldman is still a “big, diverse, strong-earning business”; he joked that this description may also work as a catchy tagline should he ever go back to his previous side profession as a DJ. This most recent round of layoffs is part of a larger trend by which international financial institutions are readjusting their workforces in response to changing business requirements and economic challenges. Although the impacted employees will surely feel unsettled as a result of the layoffs, Goldman Sachs is making a larger effort to remain flexible, profitable, and competitive in a difficult market climate.

    Layoffs have Become a Common Scenario in 2025

    With big companies like Google, Microsoft, and others continuing to reduce their workforces, layoffs in the tech sector are not expected to halt in 2025. Companies are still cutting employees in an effort to simplify operations, save money, and emphasise automation and artificial intelligence, even though these figures are much lower than the major layoffs that occurred between 2022 and 2023. Layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks layoffs in the industry, reports that 93 organisations have laid off nearly 23,500 tech workers so far this year, and the number is still growing. Google and Microsoft are apparently contemplating a new round of layoffs, according to the most recent job reduction reports. According to reports, AI-led restructuring and performance-based terminations are part of the corporations’ goals to increase the effectiveness of their personnel.

  • Swiggy Introduces ‘Pyng’ App to Address ‘Unmet Demand’ for Expert Services

    An online marketplace named Pyng was created by Swiggy to meet the growing yet unfulfilled needs of urban customers. These customers are frequently overloaded with internet searches for trustworthy, qualified experts. Customers will be able to connect with verified professionals through the app, such as financial advisers, astrologers and spiritual experts, event planners and entertainers, travel and leisure specialists, education and skill trainers, and health and wellness specialists. According to Swiggy, it will use cutting-edge AI, a carefully selected network of professionals, and a customer-focused strategy to provide more effective and reliable access to vetted specialists.

    Vibrant Features of Pyng

    According to Swiggy, Pyng will also provide a money-back guarantee in the event that customers are dissatisfied with the service. According to the firm, Pyng, which is AI-powered, makes customers’ lives easier by making it possible to find verified specialists quickly and easily in a safe, spam-free environment. Additionally, the app will have a clever AI assistant that can comprehend customer enquiries and suggest the best expert. Pyng has been quickly onboarding professionals since launching its selling app earlier this year. With more than 1000 professionals in more than 100 specialities, Pyng wants to revolutionise the way that people get professional advice by matching them with a wide variety of experts.

    The need for professional help—from tax planners and counsellors to yoga trainers—is expanding in both the personal and professional domains as today’s lives get more hectic, according to Nandan Reddy, co-founder and head of innovation at Swiggy. With Pyng, the company provides a dependable, spam-free platform for customers to interact with professionals they can trust. In addition to empowering individual providers, Pyng connects consumers with dependable professionals that give genuine value by curating demand for these specialised products. SNACC, SwigL, Instamart, and Swiggy Minis are just a few of the apps that Swiggy has lately released.

    A recent study conducted by SAP India and Dun & Bradstreet shows how Indian start-ups use cutting-edge technology to realise their full potential. The results show that more than 77% of start-ups spend money on cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, IoT, ML, and AI. In the era of digital disruption, Indian start-ups are aggressively using cutting-edge technologies to boost customer satisfaction, spur growth, and achieve operational efficiency. This pattern highlights how quickly technology is being adopted and innovated in India’s startup scene, which is currently rated third in the world behind China and the US. The fact that 40% of digital start-ups are based in Tier II and III cities, which are becoming innovation hotspots because of local talent and cost advantages, is another important finding of this study. India’s position as a major startup powerhouse is cemented by this tech-driven development, which is backed by strong corporate governance and a supportive regulatory framework.