As the Indian IT giant reduces people in response to changing customer demands and increasing automation, IT juggernaut Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is providing severance compensation of up to two years’ salary to long-serving employees whose skills no longer match corporate needs.
In an effort to become more flexible and future-ready in the face of swift technological advancements, Moneycontrol announced in July that it will lay off 2% of its personnel, or around 12,000 workers, over the course of the following year.
Restructuring Plan Aims to Affect Less Skilled Employee
According to a number of media sources, the restructuring mostly impacts workers whose skills have become outdated or who haven’t upgraded to suit changing customer needs. Employees in this category are eligible for a three-month notice period under the programme, followed by a severance compensation that, depending on duration, can range from six months to two years’ salary.
According to a media report, six months is the lowest amount of severance pay in this category. Those who have been looking for a job for more than eight months are given a more basic package that includes three months’ worth of notice pay.
According to the company’s statement, individuals impacted by our recent drive to realign talents have received the care and assistance that is appropriate for them in each of the unique circumstances, in accordance with our company’s values.
TCS Also Offering Career Transition
Additionally, the exporter of IT services offers outplacement services to assist with career transitions, paying agency fees for three months, and occasionally longer for junior associates. According to insiders, the business occasionally also provides funding for access to therapists or mental health help through its “TCS Cares” programme.
Additionally, according to sources, the corporation is offering early retirement choices to workers whose retirement is due. These workers will have access to all retirement benefits, including insurance, as well as extra severance compensation that will vary in value from six months to two years’ salary, depending on their employment.
According to reports, the majority of the labour modifications were finished in August and September amid considerable discontent. Employees without roles are still only being reviewed in isolated circumstances; they have the opportunity to join the Resource Management Group (RMG) to investigate roles throughout the organisation.
Quick Shots
•Around 2% of
the workforce (around 12,000 employees) to be laid off over the next year.
•Restructuring
primarily affects employees with outdated skills or those not aligned with
changing client demands.
•Impacted
employees get a 3-month notice period plus severance pay ranging from 6
months to 2 years’ salary, depending on tenure.
•6 months’ pay,
while those job-hunting over 8 months receive a basic package including
notice pay.
•TCS
offering career transition support, including outplacement services and
paying agency fees for 3+ months.
On October 2, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced that more incentive applications had been submitted to the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) than the Union Cabinet had set as a goal.
While the aim is just INR 59,350 crore, the IT Ministry has received applications with investment guarantees of INR 1,15,351 crore as of September 30, the deadline for applying for incentives for the majority of items under the ECMS’s purview.
ECM was Launched to Boost Semiconductor Fabrication in India
With an INR 22,919 crore investment, the ECMS was introduced in April as an addition to the India Semiconductor Mission. Qualified candidates would get incentive payouts connected to both employment and output.
The programme was introduced to broaden the value chain of electronics manufacturing in India by promoting the expansion of components other than semiconductor fabrication and completed goods in the country.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed reporters that during the scheme’s six-year duration, we have received output estimates of more than INR 10,34,000 crore, against a production target of INR 4,56,500 crore. We have set a target of 91,600 people for employment; however, the anticipated number of employees is 1.5 times higher, at 141,000 people.
What will be the Government’s Next Step Now?
IT Secretary S. Krishnan added that the government will distribute funds in a “first come, first served” manner, with incentive payouts going to approved companies that can grow their businesses and get products onto the market more quickly. The delay is due to the interest in the scheme, which has received 249 applications in total for manufacturing everything from printed circuit boards (PCBs) to so-called “sub-assemblies” in electronic goods.
For these candidates, scrutiny has begun, and the Ministry will expedite the approval procedure. Vaishnaw stated that some companies had applied for incentives for producing many types of components, which he said the government encouraged, but he declined to name any specific companies that have applied for incentives under this system (or their countries of origin). With 87 applications and 43 applications, respectively, “multi-layer PCBs” and “electro-mechanicals” attracted the most interest. According to the Ministry, “one unnamed company committed around INR 22,000 crore.”
In reference to the forthcoming second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, which the government stated is being formulated with an “attractive response from industry”, Vaishnaw stated, “We’re planning to encourage materials also.” In recent months, the government has attempted to broaden the scope of its SOPs to include other value chain segments, such as capital support, semiconductor packaging facilities, and phone assembly units, in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Due to the time it takes for this specific sector of the business to establish itself, the government is extending the application period for capital goods, or the heavy machinery needed in manufacturing facilities, until April 2027, even though it has finished for almost all other products.
Quick
Shots
•Against a target of INR 59,350 crore,
total investment proposals reached INR 1,15,351 crore.
•Scheme launched in April 2025 with a
budget of INR 22,919 crore to boost domestic component manufacturing.
•Expected output during the scheme’s
6-year duration: INR 10.34 lakh crore vs. original target of INR 4.56 lakh
crore.
•Employment projection: 1.41 lakh
jobs, exceeding the target of 91,600 jobs.
This article has been contributed by Sonia Seth, VP – People and Culture at BayOne Solutions
In today’s fast-paced changing world of business, equal pay cannot be a checkbox in HR or a compliance item, but a potent business tactic. Those organizations that provide equitable compensation for equitable work outperform, build better culture, and attract the best talent consistently. Equal pay today is, quite simply, the moral imperative and the business strategy of top-performing companies.
The Strategic Case for Equal Pay
More and more, organizations are waking up to the real returns of fair compensation practices. OutSolve recently analyzed that compensation fairness leads to greater employee commitment, better retention, and better brand standing. Employees don’t just want to be told things are fair; they want to see it demonstrated. Businesses that openly review pay, have clear criteria, and fix disparities experience a high return on investment in terms of loyalty, productivity, and trust.
From an economic standpoint, the case for equal pay is strong. Research indicates that firms that report and close wage gaps have 50% higher levels of employee satisfaction. In addition, pay openness, especially regarding gender, has been shown to cut wage gaps by approximately 18% in certain markets.
Risks of Ignoring Inequity
Ignoring pay differentials is not dollar-neutral. It’s costly, both financially and in reputation. Regulatory agencies, such as United States and EU regulations like the Pay Transparency Directive, are increasingly cracking down on disparities.
Additionally, disparities in pay harm morale. Science indicates that even perceived injustice, when two individuals with “similar” jobs receive unequal pay, can significantly reduce employee engagement. An employee pool that suspects management of dishonesty is much less likely to innovate, to cooperate, or to remain long-term.
Pay Equity Audits: The initial step is to take a look at your pay system. Pay equity audits uncover disparities and create the factual foundation upon which action can be based. Such audits ought to examine compensation for equivalent positions by performance, not looks, and job content, not job titles, determining fairness.
Transparency and Policy Clarity: Publicly posting pay ranges and having good promotion and raise policies makes employees trust. When employees understand the criteria used in making compensation decisions, there is less room for doubt and equity is a part of culture. (The Society of Occupational Medicine)
Intentional Remediation: Finding disparities is only the beginning. Organizations require formal plans to bridge gaps, whether through adjustments, promotions, or job realignment. Notably, these plans communicate to workers that fairness is not optional.
Inclusive Leadership and Culture Buy-In: Equal pay needs support at all levels. Leaders need to lead by example, engage in training, enforce reward policies, and evaluate decisions based on equity.
Case in Point: Industry Best Practices
Top employers offer real-world evidence that equal pay is not just virtuous, it’s worth it. Salesforce, for instance, discloses publicly its pay equity work, taking audits beyond gender, race, and job type. Similarly, organizations prioritizing pay fairness report heightened employee engagement, an 82% boost among workers who feel their pay reflects equal value and contribution.
Why Equal Pay Will Still Matter Tomorrow
Equal pay is not a trend that will pass, it’s business resilience by design. Younger generations going into work expect more than innovation, they expect fairness, transparency, and mutual purpose. Businesses that provide equal pay for equal work set themselves up to win the future, not only in the top line, but also in people and in reputation.
As states and nations increasingly require equity audits and transparency, compliance is competitive excellence. Compensating fairly today is how businesses compete tomorrow.
Equal pay isn’t expensive, it’s pioneering. By incorporating fair compensation as a strategy, organizations focus on engagement, minimize turnover, protect themselves from legal liability, and gain trust with customers and communities. When firms respond to fair pay, they are doing more than comply with policy, they are creating cultures in which individuals feel noticed, appreciated, and encouraged to produce bold, impactful work. Equal pay: it’s not just fairness, it’s smart business.
Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth and Chief Mama at Honasa Consumer Ltd., has cautioned entrepreneurs and business leaders that the real threat in 2025 isn’t artificial intelligence (AI) itself, but refusing to learn and adopt it. She highlighted businesses that ignore AI risk falling behind those that use it.
The Real Threat Is Denial, Not Technology
In a recent LinkedIn post, Alagh emphasised that companies often fail because they underestimate technological change. “The biggest threat to your business isn’t artificial intelligence. It’s refusing to learn it while your competitors master it,” she wrote.
Alagh highlighted examples from global businesses that fell behind due to resistance to innovation: a major phone manufacturer dismissed touchscreens as a fad, a dominant bookstore chain ignored online retail while a garage startup built the future of e-commerce, and traditional taxi companies were overtaken by tech-driven platforms despite advanced dispatch systems.
“It’s never the technology that kills companies. It’s the denial that technology changes everything,” she added.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
At Honasa Consumer Ltd., Alagh explained, AI is already being used to enhance operations. The company employs AI to:
Generate personalised product recommendations at scale
Create thousands of advertising variations instantly
Predict inventory needs with higher accuracy
Build customer service that actually solves problems
She clarified that AI does not replace human creativity but amplifies it. “AI isn’t replacing human creativity. It’s amplifying it for those smart enough to use it. It’s a whole new skill set,” Alagh said.
The Competitive Edge in 2025
Alagh warned that businesses hesitating to adopt AI-first strategies risk falling behind. “Your competitor isn’t just learning better ChatGPT or Gemini prompts. They’re rebuilding their entire operation around AI-first thinking while you’re still hiring more people to do what AI does better,” she noted.
She concluded with a clear message for entrepreneurs: “The brands winning in 2025 will be the ones with the best AI-human collaboration. AI won’t replace you. But the people using AI to move 10x faster definitely will.”
Simpl, a Bengaluru-based Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) fintech startup, has laid off approximately 100 employees following regulatory actions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This move is part of a broader restructuring effort after the company was directed to halt its payment operations.
RBI Orders Simpl to Cease Payment Operations
On 25 September 2025, the RBI issued an order requiring Simpl to immediately cease its payment, clearing, and settlement activities. The central bank stated that Simpl was operating a payment system without the necessary authorisation under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
The RBI’s action is part of a wider regulatory crackdown on the BNPL sector, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. The central bank has raised concerns over unsecured lending practices and the lack of adequate oversight in the industry.
Impact on Simpl’s Workforce
In the wake of the RBI’s directive, Simpl has laid off around 100 employees, reducing its workforce from approximately 220 to about 50-60 employees. The layoffs primarily affected teams in sales, marketing, and product development, while the company retained staff in payment collections and operations, as reported by Moneycontrol.
Broader Implications for the BNPL Sector
Simpl’s situation highlights the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by BNPL companies in India. The RBI’s actions are part of efforts to regulate digital lending and ensure consumer protection in the rapidly growing fintech sector.
Industry experts suggest that BNPL companies may need to adapt their business models to comply with regulatory requirements. This could involve obtaining the necessary licences, improving transparency in lending practices, and enhancing consumer safeguards to align with the RBI’s guidelines.
Final Thoughts
As of now, Simpl is focusing on its payment collections and operations while seeking the necessary approvals to resume its full range of services. The outcome of its discussions with the RBI will determine the company’s future in the BNPL space.
This article has been contributed byDeven Shah, Chief Executive Officer & Whole Time Director of Jyoti Global Plast
The global semiconductor race is often described through the lens of billion-dollar fabrication plants, lithography machines and export controls. Yet, behind the gleaming cleanrooms lies a quieter contest, over who controls the invisible materials that make chips possible. A semiconductor can survive without a new building but not without its photoresist, specialty gases or contamination-proof packaging. These inputs rarely make headlines but are the scaffolding on which every advanced chip rests. For India, the challenge is not only to build fabrication capacity but to also secure this hidden ecosystem of chemicals and materials because without it, the country’s semiconductor ambitions risk incomplition.
Reframing Sovereignty
India’s push to host fabrication plants is commendable. However, true semiconductor sovereignty demands that we look beyond cleanrooms and lithography rigs, at the flow of ultra-pure materials that touch each wafer. The country must elevate chemical and materials infrastructure to first-order strategic assets. Otherwise, fabrication plants will risk dependency on fragile global supply chains and protracted qualification cycles.
Materials That Actually Make or Break Fabrication Plants
A chip is only as good as the materials that shape it. Photoresists, CMP slurries, specialty etchants and solvents, ultra-pure water systems and even protective polymers like wafer carriers, must meet cleanliness levels down to parts per trillion. They also require packaging that prevents outgassing and traceable delivery systems. These technical demands explain why only a few global players dominate semiconductor-grade materials, making import reliance more than a cost issue—it’s a strategic vulnerability.
Three Structural Bottlenecks that India Must Solve:-
Supplier concentration and slow onboarding: Qualification of new materials involves multi-stage trials i.e., engineering, pilot, reliability, that can span over a year. Without off-take guarantees or government underwriting, domestic players struggle to bridge the cost-risk gap.
Regulatory and infrastructure hurdles: Ultra-pure chemical production entails expensive water systems, hazardous-material handling and complex environmental clearances, each a structural deterrent.
Resource fragility: Fabrication plants are water intensive, while port and logistics inefficiencies add delay. The global chip shortage of 2020–23 underscored how quickly shortages of one input like specialty gas or photoresist, could disrupt entire fabrication plants.
India’s Semiconductor Industry: Building a Robust Ecosystem Through Strategic Initiatives
India doesn’t need to conquer the toughest nodes first. Several adjacent areas offer credible and low-barrier entry points:
Specialty polymers and packaging
Existing precision plastics or composites companies, particularly those with aerospace or clean-tech experience, can adapt to fabricate ESD-safe trays, wafer carriers and cleanroom components by introducing ultra-low-extractable resins, de-gassing/passivation processes and particle protocols.
Clustered utilities
Industrial gas companies are reportedly advancing plans to co-locate plants near fabrication hubs making gas, ultra-pure water and waste handling a planned industrial utility rather than adhoc supply.
Partnerships for mid-tier chemistries
Global firms like Merck are exploring joint ventures with Indian suppliers to localise production of slurries and solvents, backed by tech-transfer and supplier testing infrastructure.
Supplier qualification labs
Establishing independent and India-based labs for contamination analytics, outgassing tests and pilot qualification can dramatically reduce new supplier entry time and instill confidence in fab procurement.
An Overlooked Risk: Forever Chemicals and Sustainability
Beyond supply chain and economics, environmental risk from PFAS aka forever chemicals, is mounting in semiconductor manufacturing. These fluorinated compounds are used in lithography, etching and chamber cleaning, but they persist in the environment for centuries and have high global-warming potential. Modeling tools show how design and process choices can reduce PFAS usage significantly, a critical consideration as India scales fabrication plants responsibly.
Policy Levers to Build Ecosystem Scale
India has levers it can pull now to accelerate ecosystem resilience:
Material-specific incentives: Subsidy schemes should reward production of ultra-pure chemicals, UPW systems and clean polymers, not just the fabrication plants.
Streamlined regulation: Environmental and construction approvals for chemical clusters in semiconductor zones must be fast-tracked.
Offtake assurances and ecosystem financing: Government should provide staged procurement or ecosystem funds to de-risk early manufacturers.
Strategic global linkages: Indo–US semiconductor and CHIPS Act-linked initiatives should provide a platform for tech transfer in advanced materials.
Conclusion: Infrastructure That Can’t Be Seen—But Must Be Built
Fabrication plants alone will not deliver a resilient semiconductor industry. The strategic battleground lies in the upstream ecosystem—materials, gases, utilities, clean polymers, analyticsand validation labs. A two-track strategy is to onshore contamination-sensitive materials via polymer and packaging synergies, while collaboratively building capacity in high-barrier chemistries with global partners. Policymakers and industry must treat materials infrastructure as equally critical to lithography tools if India’s semiconductor ambitions are to endure.
Elon Musk has made history again. The Tesla and SpaceX chief has become the first person in the world to cross a net worth of $500 billion, as reported by Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires Index on 1 October 2025.
The milestone cements Musk’s place as the richest individual on the planet, with his fortune now greater than the GDP of several nations, including Austria and Norway. It also reflects the astonishing rise of technology-driven wealth in today’s markets.
Tesla’s Stock Surge and AI Bets Push Musk Past the Milestone
The record-breaking number came on the back of a strong rally in Tesla’s share price, which jumped more than 3% on Tuesday, adding about $6 billion to Musk’s personal fortune in a single day, according to Reuters.
Musk, who owns roughly 12.4% of Tesla, has seen his wealth soar in recent months thanks to investor optimism around the company’s advancements in AI-powered vehicles and robotics. His other ventures, SpaceX and xAI, have also grown rapidly in value, with SpaceX now reportedly worth over $250 billion.
Adding to investor confidence, Musk himself purchased $1 billion worth of Tesla shares in September, signalling that he continues to back the company’s long-term vision despite a competitive EV market.
A Landmark Moment, But Mostly on Paper
While Musk’s half-trillion-dollar net worth is a landmark moment, experts point out that the figure represents “paper wealth”, not liquid assets. Most of his fortune is tied up in shares of Tesla and privately held companies such as SpaceX and xAI.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index still values him at around $383 billion, illustrating how wealth estimates can differ widely based on market performance and valuation methods.
Analysts warn that Musk’s fortune could fluctuate sharply with Tesla’s stock price, given that the company operates in a highly competitive sector. Slower EV sales or regulatory challenges in key markets could pull down his wealth as quickly as it has risen.
That said, Tesla’s board recently approved a $29 billion stock award for Musk, linked to ambitious growth and performance goals, a strong sign of confidence from the company’s leadership in his long-term vision.
Musk’s latest milestone has inevitably sparked speculation about whether he could become the first-ever trillionaire. Analysts say it’s possible, but not imminent.
For Musk to reach that level, Tesla would need to continue expanding its global market share, SpaceX would have to scale commercial space ventures profitably, and xAI would need to establish itself as a dominant force in artificial intelligence.
Even by Musk’s ambitious standards, that’s a tall order. Yet, given his track record from revolutionising the auto industry to commercialising space travel, few are betting against him.
Final Thoughts
Elon Musk’s $500 billion milestone is not just a personal record, it is a reflection of how modern wealth is shaped by technology, innovation, and market confidence. Whether this is the peak of his financial journey or just another step on his path to becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Musk continues to redefine what’s possible for entrepreneurs in the 21st century.
In India, a celebrity endorsement isn’t just about putting a famous face on a poster. It’s a lot more personal. For decades, people have looked at their favourite cricketers and movie stars not only as entertainers, but almost as family figures whose choices and words carry weight. So when one of them holds a product in their hand, there’s an instant sense of trust, sometimes even pride.
Now fast forward to 2025, and the scale has changed drastically. Brands have started spending more than ever, and the same big names are still bagging the biggest deals. Their mix of mass following, nostalgia, and reliability makes them priceless. A younger actor may go viral for a season, but it’s these established stars who continue to deliver results where it counts.
Let’s take a closer look at who the ten highest-paid brand ambassadors in India are right now.
From Bollywood to Cricket: Top 10 Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
The following list highlights the highest-paid brand ambassadors who are redefining celebrity influence in India.
Amitabh Bachchan — Decades of Influence
Amitabh Bachchan – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 11–15 crore per campaign
Amitabh Bachchan has been the face of Indian advertising for decades. His credibility and commanding presence make him a favorite for sectors like healthcare, finance, and government initiatives. His association with Cadbury Dairy Milk, ICICI Prudential, and Just Dial showcases his enduring brand power.
Virat Kohli — Cricket’s Most Bankable Star
Virat Kohli – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 10–11 crore per campaign
Virat Kohli remains the top choice for brands, thanks to his unmatched popularity and strong social media following. He consistently tops celebrity brand valuation charts, and his endorsements range from sportswear giant Puma to MRF, Manyavar, and several food and fintech brands. Companies pay premium rates for him because his credibility as a fitness icon and cricketing superstar translates into strong consumer trust.
Shah Rukh Khan — The Evergreen Superstar
Shah Rukh Khan – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 5–10 crore per campaign
Shah Rukh Khan has been India’s “King of Endorsements” for decades, and that hasn’t changed in 2025. His universal appeal makes him the go-to face for premium as well as mass brands. He has represented Hyundai, TAG Heuer, Dubai Tourism, and several FMCG and lifestyle giants. When brands want instant recognition and a touch of legacy, SRK remains the safest bet.
Salman Khan — The Mass Market Magnet
Salman Khan – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 4–10 crore per campaign
Salman Khan’s influence extends deep into India’s mass market, making him a powerful face for FMCG and personal care products. His association with brands like Pepsi, Revital H, and several grooming and apparel brands showcases his ability to connect with middle-class and rural India. His image of being relatable, yet larger-than-life, keeps his fees among the highest.
Deepika Padukone — The Global Icon
Deepika Padukone – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 8 crore per campaign
Deepika Padukone is among the most sought-after female brand ambassadors, balancing Bollywood stardom with international recognition. She has represented Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Adidas, Levi’s, Tissot, Asian Paints, L’Oréal Paris, Dyson, Nestlé Nescafé, and Jio. Her association with both luxury and mass brands highlights her versatility. For marketers, Deepika brings not just glamour but also credibility, making her one of the highest-paid women endorsers in the country.
Allu Arjun
Allu Arjun’s – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 6–7 crore per campaign
After the massive success of Pushpa, Allu Arjun’s brand value skyrocketed, making him one of India’s most expensive endorsers. He reportedly charges INR 6–7 crore per campaign, putting him in the same league as cricketing and Bollywood giants. With his stylish image and pan-India appeal, he has endorsed brands like Rapido, Frooti, KFC, and Hero MotoCorp. His unique connection with youth and mass audiences ensures brands see strong returns on their investment.
Sachin Tendulkar — The Iconic Cricket Legend
Sachin Tendulkar – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 7–8 crore per campaign
Even years after retirement, Sachin Tendulkar’s brand power remains unmatched. He continues to endorse Visa, BMW India, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, and sports-related brands. His clean image and multigenerational fan base ensure that he still commands premium rates, making him one of the most respected endorsers in the country.
MS Dhoni – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 4-6 crore per campaign
MS Dhoni’s calm demeanor, reliability, and legendary cricketing career make him one of the most trusted faces for Indian brands. His endorsements include TVS Motors, CEAT Tyres, Indigo Paints, and several financial and sports-related brands. Known for his clean image and broad appeal across age groups, Dhoni continues to be a favorite for campaigns targeting both families and youth audiences.
Ranveer Singh — Youth Icon with Energy
Ranveer Singh – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 3–5 crore per campaign
Ranveer Singh’s infectious energy and flamboyant style make him one of the most exciting faces in advertising. He has endorsed Manyavar, Adidas, Head & Shoulders, and multiple fashion and grooming brands. His strong connection with younger audiences helps brands position themselves as bold, fun, and trend-forward.
Akshay Kumar — The Reliable Everyman
Akshay Kumar – Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
Estimated fee: INR 2-3 crore per campaign
Akshay Kumar’s disciplined lifestyle and relatable image make him a favorite across diverse categories. His endorsements include Policybazaar, Honda, Dollar Industries, and several health and wellness brands. For advertisers targeting middle-class families across India, Akshay remains one of the most reliable ambassadors.
Conclusion
India’s endorsement landscape in 2025 is a mix of youth, glamour, trust, and legacy. Cricket continues to dominate, Bollywood icons provide lasting influence, and regional stars like Allu Arjun are now commanding national attention. Female celebrities like Deepika Padukone show that versatility and international recognition can command top fees.
Ultimately, these ambassadors aren’t just faces for ads, they are the bridge between brands and millions of consumers, turning trust, popularity, and emotional connect into measurable business results. For brands, that influence is priceless, which is why these celebrities remain at the very top of India’s endorsement hierarchy.
India’s startup and business ecosystem saw notable moves on 1st October 2025. GrowXCD Finance raised INR 200 crore for SME financing, Mishmash Naturals secured INR 2.4 crore in pre-seed funding, LG Electronics India prepares for its INR 11,600 crore IPO, Zomato and Swiggy launched food health scores, Zerodha faces revenue pressure, and Infra.Market filed a INR 5,000 crore IPO.
Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 1st October 2025
Company
Amount
Round
Lead investor(s)
Sector
GrowXCD Finance
INR 200 Cr
Funding round
Blue Earth Capital
Fintech / SME finance
Mishmash Naturals
INR 2.4 Cr
Pre-seed
Inflection Point Ventures; IIT Delhi Angels Network; 37 other angel investors
Ayurvedic beauty & self-care for children
GrowXCD Finance raises INR 200 Cr led by Blue Earth Capital
Fintech startup GrowXCD Finance has raised INR 200 crore in a funding round led by Blue Earth Capital. The platform provides SME-focused financial solutions, offering credit and working capital services to small and medium-sized businesses, aiming to streamline access to funding and support business growth.
Mishmash Naturals Raises INR 2.4 Crore in Pre-Seed Funding
Raipur-based Mishmash Naturals, India’s first Ayurvedic beauty and self-care brand for children aged 3–14, has raised INR 2.4 crore in a pre-seed funding round. Investors include Inflection Point Ventures, IIT Delhi Angels Network, and 37 other angel investors. The startup plans to expand its product portfolio, invest in R&D, and venture into international markets such as the UAE and GCC.
Key Business News for 1st October 2025
LG Electronics India IPO to Open on October 7
LG Electronics India is set to launch its INR 11,600 crore IPO on October 7, 2025, with a price band of INR 1,080–INR 1,140 per share. The entire issue is an Offer for Sale (OFS) by its South Korean parent, LG Electronics Inc. The listing could position LG as the top appliance maker on Indian exchanges.
Zomato & Swiggy Introduce Food Health Scores
Food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy have launched health scores and protein-focused ratings to improve food quality. This initiative aims to address growing consumer concerns over the nutritional value and hygiene standards of delivered food.
Zerodha Faces a 40% Revenue Drop Risk
Zerodha, India’s largest stock brokerage firm, reported a 15% revenue decline in FY25 and faces a potential 40% drop in FY26 due to stricter SEBI regulations and reduced trading activity. Competitors like Groww have shown resilience, highlighting Zerodha’s challenges in adapting to the changing market dynamics.
Infra.Market Files INR 5,000 Crore IPO via Confidential Route
Infra.Market, a leading construction materials platform, has filed for a INR 5,000 crore IPO through SEBI’s confidential filing route. The company plans to raise funds through a mix of fresh issue and offer-for-sale. This move positions Infra.Market to capitalize on the growing demand in India’s construction sector.
In an effort to decrease expenses and adjust to new technology, the German airline firm Lufthansa has stated that it will lay off 4,000 employees by 2030, the majority of whom will be in Germany, according to news agency AFP. Rather than operational professions like pilots, cabin crew, or ground staff, the majority of the job cuts will impact administrative roles.
Approximately 103,000 individuals are currently employed by the organisation worldwide. Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways—which it recently purchased to become Italy’s new flagship carrier—are all part of its network.
Lufthansa Layoffs Align with Weakening German Economy
Germany is currently experiencing its second year of recession at the time of the announcement. While the nation’s large corporations are finding it difficult to cope with growing energy costs, competition from China, and sluggish adoption of new technologies, unemployment has reached its worst level in a decade.
There are other German behemoths cutting employees besides Lufthansa. The industrial engineering and technology giant Bosch announced a few days ago that it will eliminate 13,000 jobs globally, or 3% of its staff.
AI and Digitisation Core Reason for Lufthansa Layoffs
The decision was a part of a larger evaluation of Lufthansa’s operations, the airline stated in its statement. According to the airline, the Lufthansa Group is evaluating whether operations, such as those involving duplication of effort, will no longer be required in the future. It further stated that many areas and processes will become more efficient as a result of the significant changes brought about by digitalisation and the growing use of artificial intelligence.
This implies that a certain amount of human interaction will no longer be necessary for some administrative duties. In addition to the reorganisation, Lufthansa has established new financial goals for 2028–2030. During this time, the corporation wants to reach an adjusted operating margin of 8% to 10%.
The company’s efforts to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving aviation sector and get ready for a challenging economic climate in Germany and Europe are reflected in the job losses.
Layoff has 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.
Quick
Shots
•Cost-cutting, digitisation, and
adoption of AI automation to streamline operations.
•Majority of job cuts in Germany,
where Lufthansa employs most of its 103,000 staff worldwide.
•Germany in second year of recession;
unemployment at a 10-year high; energy costs and China competition add pressure.
