On September 23, 2025, the Trump administration proposed an alternative method for selecting H-1B visa applications. This is a major shift as the decades-old system is put to a halt. Since 2007, the US government has been using a lottery system when more people applied than the annual cap of 85,000 visas. Instead, a wage system will be implemented to prioritise the highest-paying jobs first. This has come to light after the $100,000 H1-B Visa shock. There already exists several confusions with the visa fees, and another is here. So, how will this impact companies and the new applicants? Learn more.
How Would the New System Work?
In case more people apply (than the actual 85,000 number):
Applications would be categorised and ranked by the wages offered by the companies.
Higher-paying jobs will get picked.
The lower-paying jobs stand no chance.
The better the pay, the higher the chances of getting selected.
Offical Proclaimation on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Website
Why Is The Wage System Proposed?
The administration says:
These strict policies are brought into place to protect the American workers from “unfair wage competition.”
The policy will prevent companies from hiring foreign workers at low wages.
And force them to offer more competitive salaries if they want foreign workers.
The $100,000 Fee
The new suggestion for the lottery system has come to light after Trump announced the $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa (On September 19, 2025).
The panic it caused was massive; many tech companies called their H-1B workers back to the US and asked them not to travel.
There exists several confusions and fears around the topic (Google employees protested in New York), even after the White House, the fee applies to the new visas.
However, nothing is final yet. These rules normally take months or years to finalise.
If everything goes accordingly to plan, the suggested system will replace the 2026 lottery (before March 2026).
The Money Side (Official Estimates):
Fiscal Year 2026 (starting October 1, 2025): The wages offered to H-1B workers will rise by $502 million.
Fiscal Year 2027: Wages are expected to rise by $1 billion.
Fiscal Year 2028: Wages are expected to rise by $1.5 billion.
Fiscal Years 2029–2035: Wages are expected to total $2 billion.
According to White House, the US government is expecting the tech giants to pay a lot more for foreign workers.
Who Loses Out?
The small businesses are going to take a big hit.
In the US, around 5,200 small companies normally hire H-1B workers. With new policies in place and $100,000 to pay per head, these companies will suffer a significant economic impact.
Reason: These companies are small and can’t afford high salaries.
American sportswear brand Gant announces the appointment of Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor as its Brand Ambassador in India. This milestone underscores Gant’s commitment to expanding its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing fashion markets. The partnership debuts with the launch of Gant’s new campaign, “Button Up. Build Your Story” which celebrates resilience, individuality, and self-expression.
“Style for me has always been about authenticity, wearing something that not only looks good but also tells a story about who you are,” says Shahid Kapoor. “That’s what makes my partnership with Gant so exciting. The brand’s legacy of effortless sophistication and its belief in progress and self-expression resonate deeply with me. I’m proud to represent Gant as we inspire people to build their own stories.”
With this campaign, Gant in India has taken a bold step forward creating an emotional film that resonates with people on a deeper level. Shahid Kapoor brings the vision alive with ease, because the values of progress, self-expression, and individuality are intrinsic to his personality. His synergy with the campaign makes him the perfect choice for this collaboration, and this campaign will set a new benchmark in fashion storytelling in India.
Fredrik Malm, EVP of Global Commercial, Brand & Product at Gant added “Gant has always shaped a modern identity rooted in heritage that resonates worldwide. Shahid Kapoor, with his confidence and effortless style, is a natural fit. Through this partnership, we aim to deepen our connection with Indian consumers and bring them closer to Gant’s world of culture, lifestyle, and elegance.”
Pawan Khandelwal, Managing Director, Samarth Lifestyle adds, “With Shahid Kapoor as our Brand Ambassador, GANT is making a bold move to strengthen our bond with consumers in India. His style and persona align seamlessly with our vision, and we aim to elevate GANT’s presence across India while delivering a world-class fashion experience.”
For Gant, India represents a cultural epicentre, where the brand’s legacy and heritage resonate with the country’s rich, diverse expressions. The brand and its partner Samarth Lifestyle have outlined an expansion strategy, aiming to double its exclusive brand stores to 50 in the next two years. With Shahid Kapoor onboard as brand ambassador, Gant reaffirms its commitment to the Indian market, strengthening its presence while continuing to uphold its 75-year global legacy.
About Gant
Founded in 1949, Gant has inspired the world with its iconic American East Coast style for over seven decades. From the brand’s beginnings as an innovative shirtmaker to pioneering American sportwear, Gant continues to evolve its signature look for a modern consumer in 80 countries and more than 600 stores across the globe. Gant is retailed across 30+ cities in India and is available at leading market places.
According to sources cited by Reuters, the tech consulting business Accenture has revealed plans to open a new campus in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Over time, the company hopes to add some 12,000 new jobs to its Indian workforce. Moreover, over 300,000 of Accenture’s 790,000 employees are based in India, making it the country with the largest workforce in the world.
This comes as US President Donald Trump changed the rules, charging a $100,000 charge for new H-1B visas, which tech businesses use to hire qualified foreign workers.
Accenture Submitted Proposal to the State Government
The state government has received a proposal from Accenture asking for about 10 acres of property in the port city of Visakhapatnam on comparable terms, according to Reuters. The Andhra Pradesh government is eager to welcome Accenture, and while permissions may take some time, the application is likely to be approved, according to a state official.
The report also stated that Accenture’s request is fair and that the plan will be implemented. The amount Accenture intends to invest in building the campus is yet unknown, though.
Accenture Building on TCS and Congnizant Line
The company’s action follows similar deals made by IT firms Tata Consultancy Services and Cognisant, who are utilising a new state policy that offers leased property to big businesses that are dedicated to job creation for just 0.99 rupees ($0.0112) per acre.
Under the new policy, TCS and Cognisant were able to get land leases to open campuses in Visakhapatnam, which might result in the creation of almost 20,000 jobs. According to the article, TCS has set aside a little more than $154 million for its campus, while Cognisant intends to invest $183 million.
The technology corporations are also progressively venturing into smaller Indian locations in order to capitalise on lower land, rent, and wage expenses. In contrast to the previous pattern of workers migrating to big tech hubs, many organisations are finding it easier to hire talent locally in Tier-2 cities in the post-pandemic scenario.
Accenture Training 7 Lakh Employees on AI
According to a Bloomberg article, Accenture Plc is educating its more than 7,000 personnel in agentic artificial intelligence in an effort to satisfy the increasing demand from clients in this area.
“Every new wave of technology has a time when you have to train and retool,” said Julie Sweet, the CEO of Accenture, in an interview with Bloomberg Television. The ability to execute that at scale is Accenture’s primary skill.
Quick
Shots
•Accenture has submitted a proposal
for 10 acres of land to the state government, which is expected to approve
it.
•Over 300,000 of Accenture’s 790,000
employees are already based in India — its largest workforce globally.
•Expansion follows TCS and Cognizant,
who secured leased land under a new state policy promoting job creation.
•TCS and Cognizant plan to invest
$154M and $183M respectively in their Visakhapatnam campuses, creating around
20,000 jobs.
Oolka, India’s first agentic AI credit management platform, today announced it has raised $7 million in Seed funding. The round was led by Lightspeed India Partners and Z47, with participation from 8i Ventures and a group of prominent angel investors, including Vidit Aatrey, Sanjeev Barnwal, Ramakant Sharma, Abhishek Goyal, Rajesh Yabaji, Nitin Gupta, Madhusudan R, Anil Goteti, Arnav Kumar, and others.
Founded by Utkrishta Kumar in 2024, Oolka is building an AI-powered financial agent that helps users not only track but actively improve their credit health. It identifies actionable steps and, when permitted, takes personalised actions on the user’s behalf.
“Oolka was founded on a simple belief that every Indian should have access to affordable credit”, said Utkrishta Kumar, Founder of Oolka, “Our mission today is to democratize access to better credit and financial health through agentic AI. This mission is built on trust since our users rely on us to handle one of the most important aspects of their lives, their credit. We are scaling an industry-first multi agentic AI platform that could be the active companion for every credit & personal finance decision in India.”
The newly secured funding will be instrumental in scaling Oolka’s engineering, data science, and product teams, while accelerating the rollout of advanced AI features. Oolka aims to launch new tools for real-time credit improvement, build the first AI-native consumer app in credit, and invest in hyper-personalized user experiences powered by agentic AI.
Since its inception, Oolka has already processed over ₹100 crore in credit repayments, is approaching 2 million users, and is on track to cross $1 million ARR. The platform has established partnerships with leading financial institutions, including Yes Bank, IDFC Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Muthoot Finance & InCred to strengthen its credit marketplace.
Harsha Kumar, Partner, Lightspeed said; “We are thrilled to support Oolka as they redefine credit empowerment in India. With their AI-driven focus on actionable credit insights, seamless EMI management, and rewards for responsible financial behavior, Oolka is uniquely positioned
to elevate credit wellness for millions. We look forward to partnering with Utkrishta and the team as they scale their mission and drive deeper financial inclusion across the country.”
Speaking about the seed round, Vikram Vaidyanathan, Investor and Managing Director, Z47 said: “Millions of Indians are striving to improve their credit health, it’s the need of the hour, both for them and for the financial services ecosystem. Oolka’s AI-powered financial companion offers a differentiated journey: it diagnoses a user’s financial situation and charts a personalized path forward, focused on improving daily habits and actions. We believe Oolka is well-positioned to build deep trust and become the financial companion of choice. Wishing Utkrishta and the team godspeed on their journey ahead.”
India now has over 420 million people with a credit history. A CIBIL report released in March 2024 further highlights the surge in credit awareness: 119 million individuals were actively tracking their credit scores, a remarkable 51% year-on-year increase in 2023–24.
India’s credit revolution is being driven by its young population, with 77% of these 119 million credit-monitoring consumers belonging to Gen Z and millennials, showing that younger borrowers are becoming increasingly credit-aware. Oolka is positioned to address this surge in demand by offering AI-driven credit management that is accessible and actionable for a new generation of borrowers. Oolka aims to serve this generation with its AI platform, helping them strengthen their credit health and access affordable credit through AI agents designed to be their trusted financial companion.
About Oolka
Oolka is India’s first agentic AI-powered credit management platform. Founded in 2024 by Utkrishta Kumar, Oolka empowers individuals to take actionable steps toward improving their financial and credit health. Its mission is to democratize access to better credit and long-term financial wellness through the power of agentic AI. With over ₹100 crore in credit repayments processed and close to 2 million users already, Oolka aims to be at the forefront of the financial revolution of aspirational India.
Swiggy, a meal delivery and fast grocery platform, announced that its board has authorised the process of selling and transferring its rapid commerce (q-commerce) business, Instamart, through a slump sale to Swiggy Instamart Pvt Ltd, an indirect, step-down, fully owned subsidiary.
According to the stock filing, on September 23, 2025, the Board of the Company approved the slump sale of the company’s Instamart undertaking. The approval also gave the directors and officers of the company the authority to sign a business transfer agreement (BTA) and other relevant documents to carry out the transaction.
The Slump Sale to be Completed by FY2026
It is anticipated that the slump sale will be finished after the third quarter of FY26. According to the corporation, the sale includes all pertinent assets, liabilities, documents, intellectual property, permits and licences, employees, and contracts. According to a Swiggy representative, Instamart has grown significantly in the last three years.
The brand’s quick-commerce business continued to develop in Q1 of FY 2025–2026, with a 108% year-over-year increase in gross order value. With its gross order value and user base expected to surpass that of Swiggy’s food delivery business in the near future, Instamart has likewise risen from the shadow of the latter to become a stand-alone brand.
While guaranteeing that the listed parent company retains full ownership, the subsidiary structure is intended to assist this growth pace by offering more transparency, operational flexibility, and a tighter strategic focus.
Financial Dynamics of Instamart
Instamart now makes up a considerable portion of Swiggy’s revenue. In FY25, the company’s revenue was INR 2,129.6 crore, or 24.2% of Swiggy’s total revenue. With a negative net value of INR 297.7 crore as of March 31, 2025, it is still bleeding, nonetheless.
On the effective date, the transaction will be carried out at Instamart’s book value of its assets and liabilities. The transfer price will ring-fence Instamart’s operations within a distinct corporate structure rather than reflecting the company’s market potential because its book value was negative at the end of FY25. After the transfer is finished, the subsidiary will give Swiggy a lump-sum cash payment. The reorganisation occurs as listed food-tech companies are increasingly establishing rapid commerce as a stand-alone growth engine.
Since acquiring Blinkit in 2022, rival Zomato has been releasing Blinkit’s financial results on a quarterly basis. In Q1 FY26, Blinkit accounted for about 32% of Zomato’s total revenue, and the company’s losses decreased when measured by contribution margin.
Swiggy may be attempting to offer comparable visibility on its rapid commerce company while maintaining flexibility for future capital raising by establishing a special subsidiary for Instamart. With Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, and Amazon expanding their dark store networks and delivery fleets, quick commerce has emerged as the new arena of competition for food tech giants. Despite the category’s explosive expansion, listed businesses are increasingly using corporate structuring as a tool to reassure public market investors due to its high cash burn.
Quick
Shots
•Board approved the move on September
23, 2025, authorising a Business Transfer Agreement (BTA).
•Transaction to be completed by Q3
FY2026, including assets, liabilities, IP, contracts, and staff.
•Instamart’s gross order value grew
108% YoY in Q1 FY26 and may soon surpass Swiggy’s food delivery business.
•Subsidiary model aims to boost
transparency, flexibility, and strategic focus while retaining 100% ownership.
Walmart-backed fintech giant PhonePe has filed its draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for an initial public offering (IPO). The company used the confidential pre-filing route, a method that allows companies to submit details privately before going public.
PhonePe confirmed that it has submitted the pre-filed Draft Red Herring Prospectus (PDRHP) with Sebi, BSE, and NSE under Chapter IIA of the Sebi ICDR Regulations, 2018. The company clarified that filing the PDRHP does not automatically mean it will go ahead with the IPO.
Industry reports suggest that the fintech major could raise around INR 12,000 crore (about $1.35 billion) through the offering. However, PhonePe has not yet disclosed the final size of the issue.
Why Confidential Filing?
The confidential route has become popular among Indian startups. It allows companies to keep financial details and strategy away from public view until they are ready to launch the IPO. Only regulators, stock exchanges, and select investors can access the information in the early stage.
PhonePe joins other startups like Groww, Physics Wallah, and Imagine Marketing (boAt) in taking this approach. The move highlights how maturing startups are preparing for public markets while maintaining flexibility.
PhonePe IPO Highlights
Metric
Value
IPO Route
Confidential pre-filing with Sebi, BSE, and NSE
Planned Issue Size
Around INR 12,000 crore (≈ $1.35 billion), as per reports
Revenue (FY25)
INR 7,115 crore (↑ 40% YoY)
Net Loss (FY25)
INR 1,720 crore (vs INR 1,996 crore in FY24)
Free Cash Flow
Positive at INR 1,202 crore in FY25
Adjusted EBITDA
INR 1,477 crore (more than doubled YoY)
Adjusted PAT
INR 630 crore (tripled YoY)
Daily Transactions
310 million+ via UPI
User Base
600 million+ registered users; 40 million merchants
Strong Growth and Narrowing Losses
The filing comes after a strong financial year for PhonePe. The company reported a 40% year-on-year growth in revenue, reaching INR 7,115 crore in FY25, according to its filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
PhonePe also turned free cash flow positive, with cash flow from operations at INR 1,202 crore in FY25. Its adjusted EBITDA, excluding ESOP costs, more than doubled to INR 1,477 crore from INR 652 crore a year earlier. Adjusted PAT rose to INR 630 crore, up from INR 197 crore in FY24. Importantly, the firm also posted its first positive adjusted EBIT of INR 117 crore.
Losses narrowed significantly during FY25. The company reported a net loss of INR 1,720 crore, compared with INR 1,996 crore in FY24.
PhonePe is one of India’s largest digital payment players. It has more than 600 million registered users and is accepted by 40 million merchants. The platform processes over 310 million transactions daily through the country’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
The IPO, when launched, is expected to be one of the biggest from India’s fintech sector. Analysts say that PhonePe’s strong growth in revenue, improved profitability metrics, and massive user base position it as a strong candidate for public markets.
For now, the company has taken the first step with its confidential filing. Investors will watch closely as PhonePe decides when and how to move forward with the much-awaited IPO.
Xbattery, a Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup developing next-generation Battery Management Systems (BMS), has raised $2.3 million in its Seed funding led by Bipin Patel Family Officewith participation from Jhaveri Credits. The funding will support R&D, hardware sourcing, talent hiring, and scaling prototypes for early orders and commercialisation.
Founded by Satish Reddy, Sonu Mishra, and Varshith Rao, bringing decades of experience and expertise across software-hardware integration, embedded systems, and battery technology. Xbattery is set out to contribute towards achieving India’s goals in the clean energy and Electric Vehicle space. Xbattery aims to decrease import dependency on high-cost foreign BMS tech by offering a “Made in India” solution, a unified, adaptable BMS that enhances safety, efficiency, and longevity for EVs and stationary storage.
Today, India generates 40% of its electricity from renewables. By 2030, it plans to reach 50%, delivering 500 gigawatts of clean energy. Here lies the challenge: renewable energy is intermittent in nature, so storage is essential. Hence, by 2030, India’s energy storage market will likely reach $12-15 billion. That includes grid batteries, EV batteries, and UPS systems. This is where Xbattery steps in. Xbattery is developing BharatBMS, a unified BMS platform for both EVs and energy storage. It is built locally, improves battery safety, performance, and durability, and is designed for India’s needs.
The fresh infusion of capital will fast-track this goal by accelerating the R&D in BMS and BESS development, sourcing specialised hardware and components, expanding the engineering and production teams, and scaling prototype production to meet rapidly growing consumer demand.
Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Sinha, an early-stage VC and angel investor, who is also a mentor of Xbattery, facilitated and advised on the investment transaction.
“Self-reliance in battery electronics is critical for India, and the market is bigger than people think,” said Satish Reddy, Founder and CEO of Xbattery. “We are thrilled to have found partners who share our vision. Because this is deeptech, it requires serious investment in R&D. This funding is going to help us bring our tech to market so we can start fulfilling our initial orders.”
“At Xbattery, we see BharatBMS as more than a technology; it’s our commitment to India’s clean energy transition. By building the backbone of safe and scalable battery electronics, we are helping India reduce import dependence while setting global benchmarks for reliability and performance,” said Sonu Mishra, CTO and Co-Founder of Xbattery.
“Xbattery is creating India’s first high-voltage BMS, which aims to reduce India’s dependency on foreign products. We are glad to have found Xbattery, led by Satish, and have partnered with them for building India’s own BMS. Our families have a sizable interest in energy space, and we expect Xbattery to act as our strategic business partners as well,” said Mr. Preet Patel, CEO of Bipin Patel Family Office.
With India aiming for rapid EV adoption and renewable storage capacity, the demand for robust and indigenous BMS solutions is expected to soar. Xbattery plans to capture this opportunity domestically first, with a long-term vision to export its battery electronics to Europe and North America.
About Xbattery
Xbattery is a Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup building next-generation Battery Management Systems (BMS) for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage (BESS). Founded in 2024, the company combines advanced hardware-software integration with indigenous R&D to deliver safer, more efficient, and cost-effective battery electronics tailored for India and global markets. By reducing dependence on imported technology and creating scalable solutions, Xbattery is helping India’s clean energy transition.
Times are changing & unlike it was a few decades ago, presently, owning a business or being a successful entrepreneur is one of the most popular career options to aim for.
Keeping that in mind, isn’t it good to harvest the fruits when the time is ripe? And what better time than the festive season in India to hit that button?
Imagine beginning your business adventure during the joyous Diwali festival, India’s grandest and most luminous celebration. It’s like starting a party right when the music and laughter are at their peak.
Diwali 2024 is expected to bring a lot of consumer activity in India, with celebrations leading to more spending in key areas. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Global Automotive Consumer Study, there is a growing interest in electric vehicles, especially during the festive season, driven by people’s focus on sustainability and connectivity. The Indian Retail Industry has reported a 20-25% rise in fashion and jewelry sales, with a mix of traditional and modern styles attracting buyers. Additionally, the India Brand Equity Foundation has noted a 30% increase in consumer tech purchases, showing how the festival is boosting interest in gadgets and smart home devices.
During Diwali, people are not just willing to spend; they’re eager to do so. Reports say that, owing to the improved financial situation and eagerness to celebrate a lot more this year approximately 70% of Indians are prepared to spend more this year. It’s like having a treasure trove of opportunities. As an entrepreneur, you have a unique chance to show your special offering to an excited and receptive audience.
So, gear up for your entrepreneurial journey and let your business shine bright during Diwali’s splendid celebrations. It’s your time to be the star of the show.
Let’s explore some high-profit business ideas for this Diwali season!
Diwali Spending Index Across India from 2020 to 2022
In India, festivals like Diwali are all about cleaning and brightening up our homes. It’s like a nationwide spring cleaning party! So, starting a cleaning and washing business during Diwali is a fantastic idea. You can offer services like deep cleaning, window washing, or even decorating homes with beautiful rangoli designs. People are looking to make their homes sparkle, and that’s where your business can shine.
To get started, you can hire some part-time cleaners & white washers who can be available on demand and you can advertise your services well in advance of Diwali, creating special packages that include everything from dusting to polishing.
You could also provide eco-friendly cleaning options to appeal to those who are environmentally conscious. Don’t forget to market your business through social media, local ads, or word-of-mouth, and offer attractive discounts for early bookings. With a little hard work, your cleaning business can make a big splash during the festival season.
Diwali just wouldn’t be the same without the warm glow of Diyas and the beautiful home decorations. Imagine, you can turn your love for these festive adornments into a thriving business opportunity! It’s like crafting your magic for the season. You can start by purchasing the materials online and then handcrafting the decorative at home. This idea not only spreads the joy of Diwali but can also bring you a fantastic return on a small investment.
To make your business even more enticing, consider creating DIY kits that people can order and assemble themselves. Offer a variety of designs and colors, along with personalized options to cater to different tastes.
You can also host online workshops to teach others how to make their own decorative, spreading the joy of creativity. As Diwali approaches, offer special packages that include a set of Diyas and decorative, making it convenient for your customers to deck out their homes. With a sprinkle of imagination, your Diya and decorative business can light up Diwali with a unique, handmade charm!
Home-made Sweets and Snacks
Who in the world can resist the allure of sweets during Diwali? It’s a season that ignites the chef within, and guess what? YouTube can be your trusty guide! Imagine you, your mom, siblings & family coming together to whip up some mouthwatering homemade sweets. Now, picture turning this delicious venture into a thriving sweets and snacks business for Diwali. You can use ingredients with longer shelf lives to ensure freshness, and with a little culinary magic, deliver these delightful treats right to your customers’ doorsteps.
To sweeten the deal even more, consider creating a variety of classic and innovative Diwali sweets and snacks, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Think about crafting unique packaging to make your treats visually appealing, making them perfect for gifting. Utilize all means of marketing for promoting your business, and offer customizable options for your customers to add a personal touch to their orders. This small business idea can get you high returns, especially during peak season and is considered to be as one of the best business ideas for Diwali. So, roll up your sleeves, don your chef’s hat, and let the Diwali magic unfold in your kitchen!
Traditional Apparel and Jewelry
Ah, the nostalgia of Diwali! In our childhood, the thrill was all about those shiny new clothes and the glorious burst of crackers. Some things truly stand the test of time. And the unwavering desire for traditional clothing and jewelry, particularly sarees, is one of them.
Why not harness this prospect and kick-start your own apparel business right from the cozy corners of your home? It’s a venture that requires little upfront investment. You, a treasure hunter, can explore the wholesale shops and vibrant markets to curate a captivating collection of apparel and jewelry. Then, you can resell these gems through online platforms or even take orders over the phone, bringing the glimmer of Diwali fashion to eager customers.
To make your apparel and jewelry business shine even brighter, consider ensuring a variety of styles, sizes, and price points to cater to a diverse clientele. Create a user-friendly website or social media page to showcase your exquisite range and reach potential buyers far and wide. And last but not least, infuse your business with the joy of personalization and thoughtful customer service. So, get ready to embark on this sparkling journey from the comfort of your home!
Gift Hampers
Diwali Low Investment, High-Profit Ideas – Gift Hampers
The heart of the festive season beats with the joy of giving. The tradition of sending cards and gifts to our loved ones is a timeless gesture that warms our hearts. What if you could take this cherished tradition and infuse it with your creativity?
Crafting personalized, handmade gifts and bundling them into charming gift boxes ready to be delivered to family, friends, parents, siblings, and spouses. Your DIY gift hamper business could truly elevate the art of gifting to a whole new level!
You could include a handwritten note or card with each gift to add a personal touch. Embrace eco-friendly materials for your creations to make them more appealing. And don’t forget to showcase your products through a user-friendly website and social media to reach a wider audience. The possibilities for your DIY gift hamper business are as boundless as your imagination, and each gift you create becomes a little piece of love shared during the festive season and beyond.
Puja Items
Essential puja items such as diyas, camphor, and pooja thalis are always in demand for Diwali. Selling these items for such an auspicious occasion could be a smart business move as it is one of the most low-investment Diwali business ideas. Plus, starting this venture doesn’t require a large investment, and the consistent demand for puja items during Diwali can provide a great opportunity to boost your income.
Dry Fruits Business
Dry fruits are a big part of Diwali gifts, and many people like to share them with family and friends. This makes them a popular choice during the festival.
For anyone looking to start a business this Diwali, selling dry fruits can be a great opportunity. You can offer high-quality varieties like cashews, almonds, and raisins. Customized gift packs are especially popular.
People look for reasonably priced dry fruits during festivals, so you can target corporate offices, local shops, supermarkets, and online customers. With the right mix of quality and presentation, selling dry fruits can turn into a profitable venture this festive season.
Conclusion
Let’s awaken our inner entrepreneur this Diwali, turning the festivities into a productive and creative adventure. Harness the power of the digital world to make money from the comfort of your home while reveling in the festival’s joy.
This Diwali, let’s light up not only our homes but also our entrepreneurial spirit!
What are low-investment and high-profit business ideas for Diwali?
Some of the low-investment and high-profit business ideas for Diwali are:
Cleaning and Washing Services
DIY Diyas and Home Decoratives
Home-made Sweets and Snacks
Traditional Apparel and Jewelry
Gift Hampers
How can cleaning and washing services for Diwali be started?
You can hire some part-time cleaners & white washers who can be available on demand and you can advertise your services well in advance of Diwali, creating special packages that include everything from dusting to polishing. You could also provide eco-friendly cleaning options to appeal to those who are environmentally conscious.
What can be Diwali business ideas from home?
During Diwali, you can start several home-based businesses. Popular ideas include making homemade sweets and snacks, creating DIY diyas and decorations, selling dry fruits and gift packs, offering puja items, and trading traditional apparel and jewelry. You can also prepare gift hampers or provide cleaning and home services for the festive season.
Food and grocery delivery giant Swiggy has sold its entire 12% stake in bike-taxi startup Rapido for INR 2,399 crore. The sale was approved by Swiggy’s board on September 23, 2025. The move comes after Rapido began venturing into food delivery, creating an overlap with Swiggy’s core business.
The stake sale was completed in two parts. Prosus, an existing investor in both Swiggy and Rapido, bought shares worth INR 1,968 crore ($223 million). WestBridge Capital acquired the remaining stake for INR 431.5 crore ($49 million). Swiggy said the decision was strategic and aimed at benefiting shareholders.
Why Swiggy Sold Its Stake
Swiggy had first invested in Rapido in 2022, leading a $180 million funding round at a valuation of around $800 million. At the time, Swiggy expected synergies between its delivery fleet and Rapido’s captains. Rapido had more than 25 million customers and 1.5 million captains then, with plans to expand in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
However, by mid-2025, relations changed. Rapido started piloting food deliveries in Bengaluru, operated through its subsidiary Ownly. Swiggy saw this as a conflict with its own food delivery business.
“When we got in two and a half years back, it was a mobility player doing really well. But they decided to get into food delivery themselves. That made us take notice of the conflict, so we’re going separate ways,” said Swiggy CEO Harsha Majety.
The stake sale is fully a secondary transaction, though Rapido will also raise a primary round at a valuation of $2.7–3 billion, up sharply from $1.1 billion in September 2024. Prosus is expected to invest $200 million as part of the new round.
The INR 2,399 crore from the stake sale will strengthen Swiggy’s cash reserves. As of Q1 FY26, Swiggy held INR 5,354 crore in cash and equivalents. With the Rapido sale, this will increase further, giving the company room to invest in its quick commerce and food delivery operations.
Swiggy’s June-quarter results showed a widening loss of INR 1,197 crore, even as revenue grew 54% to INR 4,961 crore. Quick commerce remained the biggest growth driver, with Instamart’s gross order value doubling year-on-year. The company also plans to transfer its Instamart unit to a wholly owned subsidiary through a slump sale, which generated INR 2,129.6 crore in revenue in FY25.
Rapido’s valuation has more than doubled to $2.3 billion following the secondary share sale. Its entry into food delivery comes amid competition with Swiggy and Zomato. The startup initially piloted services in three neighborhoods in Bengaluru, signaling a cautious but strategic expansion.
The sale marks a clear separation between Swiggy and Rapido as both focus on their respective core businesses.
The festive shopping season in India is here, and so are the two biggest online sales of the year, Flipkart Big Billion Days 2025 and Amazon Great Indian Festival 2025. Both sales started on September 23, 2025, and people are already excited to grab the best deals.
These sales bring discounts on many products, but the biggest highlight is always smartphones. Every year, top brands like Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Vivo drop their prices, making even premium phones easier to buy.
This year too, both Flipkart and Amazon are fighting to offer the most attractive deals. They are adding extra perks like bank discounts, exchange offers, and no-cost EMI to make shopping even more rewarding.
Flipkart is focusing on SuperCoins and special exchange benefits, while Amazon is giving early access and exclusive card offers for its Prime members. Together, these sales have turned September into a shopping festival for smartphone lovers.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your phone, this is the best time. To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 smartphone deals from Flipkart’s Big Billion Days 2025 and Amazon’s Great Indian Festival 2025.
iPhone 16 Pro
In the Flipkart sale, the iPhone 16 Pro is priced at just INR 69,999, almost 50% lower than its original price.
iPhone 15
On Amazon, you can get the iPhone 15 for an effective price of INR 43,749.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
During this sale period, the smartphone will cost under INR 80,000 on Flipkart, while on Amazon it will be priced at INR 71,999.
Samsung Galaxy S24
In the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale, the Samsung Galaxy S24 will be priced at INR 40,000.
OnePlus 13R
The smartphone will be sold on Amazon at an effective price of INR 43,749.
In short, both Flipkart Big Billion Days 2025 and Amazon Great Indian Festival 2025 are giving huge discounts on smartphones. With bank offers, exchange deals, and EMI options, this is the best time to buy a new phone at a lower price. No matter which platform you choose, you will find great value. So, if you were waiting, now is the right time to upgrade your smartphone.
