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  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 17th September 2025: EvoluteIQ Raises $53 Mn, FinBox Bags $40 Mn, Urban Company’s Stellar Market Debut & More

    India’s startup and business ecosystem on 17th September 2025 witnessed notable funding activity across AI, fintech, consumer brands, and gaming, alongside major corporate developments. Key highlights include EvoluteIQ’s $53 million Series B led by Baird Capital, FinBox raising $40 million in a WestBridge-led round, and Urban Company’s impressive stock market debut with a 58% listing premium. Meanwhile, Groww filed for a massive IPO, Ford announced job cuts at its German EV plant, and a corporate fraud scandal involving former CFO Ramesh Prabhu made headlines.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 17th September 2025

    Company Amount Round Lead investor(s) Sector
    EcoSoul Home $20 Mn Equity & debt Not specified Home & lifestyle
    FinBox $40 Mn Series B WestBridge Fintech / Lending
    Supply6 $1.1 Mn Seed Zeropearl VC Supply chain / Logistics
    Lucira $5.5 Mn Seed / Series A Not specified Lab-grown diamond jewellery
    PlaySuper $1 Mn Seed Singapore-based Chimera Gaming / Edtech
    EvoluteIQ $53 Mn Series B Baird Capital AI / Business automation

    EcoSoul Home raises $20 Mn through equity and debt

    EcoSoul Home, a home and lifestyle brand, has secured $20 million through a mix of equity and debt funding. The capital will be used to expand its product portfolio, strengthen manufacturing capabilities, and scale distribution across India. The funding aims to enhance customer experience and support new strategic initiatives to drive growth in the home and lifestyle segment.

    FinBox raises $40 Mn in Series B round led by WestBridge

    FinBox, a fintech platform providing lending and credit solutions, raised $40 million in its Series B round led by WestBridge. The funding will support the company in expanding its technology infrastructure, enhancing its digital lending products, and growing its customer base across India. It also aims to accelerate partnerships with banks and financial institutions for broader market penetration.

    Supply6 raises $1.1 Mn in seed round led by Zeropearl VC

    Supply6, a startup focused on supply chain and logistics solutions, raised $1.1 million in a seed funding round led by Zeropearl VC. The capital will help the company enhance its technology platform, improve operational efficiency, and onboard new clients. The startup plans to optimize logistics processes for SMEs and e-commerce businesses, ensuring faster, cost-effective supply chain solutions.

    Lab-grown diamond jewellery startup Lucira raises $5.5 Mn

    Lucira, a brand specializing in lab-grown diamond jewellery, raised $5.5 million to expand its product offerings and enhance manufacturing capabilities. The funding will also help scale its retail presence in India and explore international markets. Lucira aims to make sustainable and affordable diamond jewellery accessible to a wider audience while emphasizing ethical sourcing and innovation in design.

    PlaySuper raises $1 Mn in seed round led by Singapore-based Chimera

    PlaySuper, a gaming and edtech platform, raised $1 million in a seed round led by Singapore-based Chimera. The funding will be used to develop new gaming and learning features, expand the user base, and improve platform engagement. The startup aims to combine education and entertainment, creating interactive, skill-based games for children and young adults.

    EvoluteIQ receives $53 Mn in funding round led by Baird Capital

    AI-powered business automation company EvoluteIQ raised $53 million in a Series B round led by Baird Capital. The investment will enable global expansion, R&D innovation, and strategic acquisitions. EvoluteIQ plans to strengthen its AI-driven solutions for banking, insurance, healthcare, and telecom sectors, helping enterprises automate processes, improve efficiency, and scale operations seamlessly.

    Key Business News for 17th September 2025

    Groww seeks to raise INR 6,000–7,000 crore through revised IPO filing

    Groww has filed a revised draft with SEBI to raise INR 6,000–7,000 crore through an IPO, combining a large Offer for Sale with a fresh issue. The company, valued between $7–9 billion, will use proceeds to expand into commodities, wealth management, and margin trading. Backed by global investors like Peak XV, Y Combinator, Ribbit Capital, and Tiger Global, Groww reported strong FY25 results with revenue of INR 4,056 crore and profit of INR 1,824 crore.

    Ford to slash 1,000 jobs at German EV plant

    Ford announced it will cut around 1,000 jobs at its electric vehicle facility in Cologne, Germany, citing weaker-than-expected EV demand in Europe. The decision comes despite a $2 billion investment in the plant, which will now move from two shifts to a single-shift production from January 2026. High costs and lack of charging infrastructure have slowed EV adoption, pushing the automaker to streamline operations in its European market.

    From CFO to fugitive: Ramesh Prabhu’s INR 250 crore corporate heist

    Gameskraft Technologies’ former CFO, Ramesh Prabhu, is accused of embezzling INR 250 crore over several years by diverting funds to personal accounts and falsifying investment documents. The money was reportedly used for risky futures and options trades, leading to heavy losses. Prabhu confessed in March 2025 but disappeared soon after, forcing the company to write off the losses and shut down platforms like RummyCulture and Gamezy.

    Urban Company lists at 58% premium in stock market debut

    Urban Company made a strong entry into the Indian stock market, listing at INR 162.25 per share on NSE, nearly 58% above its issue price of INR 103. The INR 1,900 crore IPO, heavily oversubscribed over 100 times, included both fresh issue and Offer for Sale components. Proceeds will be directed towards technology investments, cloud infrastructure, marketing, and general corporate purposes. The company posted a 38% revenue growth in FY25, along with improved profitability.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 16th September 2025
    India’s startup and business ecosystem on 16th September 2025 was abuzz with significant developments across healthtech, fintech, consumer electronics, and enterprise IT


  • Paytm Relaunches BNPL as Credit Line on UPI to Boost Digital Lending

    The fintech giant has revived its buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) product, Paytm Postpaid, as a credit line on UPI more than a year after it was put on hold. Paytm Postpaid, which was introduced in collaboration with Suryodaya Small Finance Bank, would allow consumers to obtain immediate short-term credit through the “Spend Now, Pay Next Month” plan.

    Customers who are more likely to use this credit are the only ones being offered the service; a wider rollout is anticipated in the upcoming months. The facility provides short-term credit for a maximum of 30 days.

    Why Paytm Closed the BNPL Credit Line?

    In May 2024, Paytm discontinued its Postpaid service, pointing to a general deterioration in asset quality in the sector. Before being placed on indefinite hold in December 2023, Postpaid was first introduced as a BNPL product. It was then recast as a small-ticket personal loan option.

    The business stated at the time that it would not start up again until the credit cycle was over. Since then, the company’s management has insisted that BNPL is still a worthwhile product and will reappear when the macroeconomy improves and lenders feel more at ease giving out small-ticket loans. Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma hinted on the company’s Q1 results call that BNPL was halted because lenders were growing wary of small-ticket loans (less than INR 50,000).

    He went on to say that BNPL will return when the personal credit is restored because he personally adored the product and was a promoter of it. The company is adamant that it will return. In contrast to the consistent development of its payments business, he reaffirmed that BNPL was one of Paytm’s most potent non-linear growth drivers, able to propel disproportionate revenue and margin expansion.

    Improved Market Conditions Rightly Poised to Re-launch BNPL

    The product’s rebranding as a credit line on the UPI offering implies that the business believes the market attitude has improved. Additionally, Paytm has been profitable at this moment. In the first quarter of FY26, the fintech giant reported a net profit of INR 122.5 Cr, compared to a loss of INR 840.1 Cr in the same period last year.

    During the reviewed quarter, operating sales soared 28% year over year to INR 1,918 Cr. Notably, prominent UPI players are increasingly using the credit line on UPI offerings.

    Such an option was introduced by PhonePe in August 2024, while Flipkart’s super.money strengthened its credit-on-UPI play by acquiring BNPL startup BharatX.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Offers short-term credit under “Spend
    Now, Pay Next Month” scheme.

    •Credit line valid for up to 30 days;
    currently limited to select users.

    •Full-scale rollout expected in the
    coming months.

    •BNPL was earlier paused due to asset
    quality concerns and lender caution.

  • No More Nvidia Chips: China’s Ban on U.S. AI Chips Explained

    According to CEIC, the U.S has hiked the price of an integrated circuit from less than $1 to $4 (between the period of 2017 – 2025). China Cyberspace Administration (CAC ), which is China’s main internet regulatory body, has passed strict orders to big tech companies to stop buying Nvidia’s AI chips. Chinese tech giants like ByteDance and Alibaba, following the notice, will have to end their ties with American AI chip-making companies. Why has it come to light now? Another trade war between the countries? Or a simple move towards self-dependence? Learn more.

    Why Did China Ban Nvidia’s Chips?

    • Nvidia is a renowned AI chip-making company in the world. Its chips are widely used in training advanced artificial intelligence systems. Several big companies like DeepSeek, Tencent, Alibaba, and more are customers of Nvidia.
    • The U.S. government has, for years, restricted China’s access to powerful technology because of security concerns. Additionally, in April, Trump pushed a 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods (later that number dropped to 30%).
    • In response to all the trade uncertainties, China is encouraging its companies to slim down their dependency on U.S. technology to zero. So, the companies are switching to local alternatives.

    The Chip Affected

    • The ban has specifically targeted Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D.
    • Nvidia designed and makes these chips specially for China because the U.S. has already restricted the sale of its powerful models to China.

    China’s Earlier Restrictions on Nvidia

    • Just before this ban, China already set rules (discouraging) for companies from buying another Nvidia chip made for them, called the H20.
    • The new ban (stricter) is to halt all kinds of purchases totally. The demand was down for Nvidia, and now the ban is hurting the company.

    The Companies Involved

    • Well, the major tech companies, including ByteDance (owner of TikTok) and Alibaba (e-commerce and cloud giant), use the RTX Pro 6000D.
    • Furthermore, the ban doesn’t just apply to the current deal, but also to deals in progress. This is going to affect companies on both sides, as many have planned to buy tens of thousands of these chips.
    • The companies have already started working with Nvidia’s server suppliers for integration. However, there’s now a pushback. 

    Impact on Nvidia

    • After the news, the stock price of Nvidia fell by 1% in premarket trading.
    • CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, on Wednesday said (quoted by BBC), “There are a lot of places we can’t go to, and that’s fine.” He further added that he is “disappointed” and will remain “patient” and “support the US” as they resolve the issue. 
  • MobiKwik Reports INR 40 Crore Fraud, Recovers INR 14 Crore So Far

    Between September 11 and 12, some registered merchants and users cheated the publicly traded fintech business MobiKwik out of INR 40 Cr. The business alleged in an exchange filing that certain users and merchants from a few Haryana regions conspired to obtain an “unfair monetary advantage” by stealing money from the company.

    According to the corporation, arrests have also been made after it filed a formal complaint in Gurugram. It further stated that all bank accounts where the illegal settlements were credited have been debit-frozen and lien-marked by the law enforcement agencies.

    According to preliminary data, the FIR was filed for INR 40 Cr as a risk mitigation strategy; the corporation has collected about INR 14 Cr of that amount. Therefore, INR 26 Cr is the expected net impact. In order to recover the entire sum over time, the corporation is pursuing a legal course of action in addition to aggressive collection efforts.

    Police’s Action Mode in Mobikwik Fraud Case

    The Indian Express said that the Gurugram Police claimed that 2,500 accounts were used in the fraud. These accounts were located and placed on hold. In addition, six others were detained on suspicion of being involved in the case. MobiKwik has already dealt with a fraud case within the organisation.

    The company said in March that a former employee had changed the names of the merchants in order to steal INR 1.3 Cr from its books between August 2023 and September 2024. Through its smartphone app, the fintech startup offers merchants and consumers payment solutions. Credit cards, fast loans, UPI payment systems, payment gateways, point-of-sale devices, and soundboxes are among its products.

    Current Financial Performance of MobiKwik

    In terms of finances, the company’s operating revenue fell 20.7% from INR 342.3 Cr in the previous quarter to INR 271.4 Cr in Q1 FY26. In the period under review, its net loss increased six times to INR 41.9 Cr from INR 6.6 Cr in the first quarter of FY25. The lending business was impeded by the new RBI norms, which resulted in a decline in financial performance.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Fraud involved registered merchants
    and users from select Haryana regions.

    •Company alleges collusion to gain
    unfair monetary advantage.

    •Formal complaint filed in Gurugram;
    police arrests made.

    •2,500 accounts traced, frozen, and
    lien-marked by law enforcement.

    •Net expected impact stands at INR 26
    Cr after partial recovery.

    •MobiKwik pursuing legal and
    aggressive collection efforts for full recovery.

    •Six suspects arrested; police
    continue investigation.

    •Earlier fraud case in March 2024 saw
    ex-employee siphon off INR 1.3 Cr.

  • Kavin Bharti Mittal: Inside the Highs and Lows of a Startup Maverick

    Kavin Bharti Mittal’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by numerous ups and downs, which is what makes it so compelling. He burst onto the scene in 2012 with Hike Messenger, a homegrown app that, for a while, looked ready to take on WhatsApp. This app was backed by top-notch investors like SoftBank and Tencent. Hike quickly climbed the charts and turned Kavin into one of the most popular young entrepreneurs in India. 

    However, the tech world moves faster, and global competition has left little room for local challengers. Instead of giving up, Kavin made certain changes by making Hike into a gaming and Web3 platform to attract millions of users. Then cut to 2025, when India’s ban on real-money gaming led him to pull the plug. This article explores Kavin Bharti Mittal’s journey so far; his roots, his wins, his setbacks, and what the end of Hike signals for his future as an innovator in India’s startup world.

    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Biography

    Name Kavin Bharti Mittal
    Born 30 August 1987
    Nationality Indian
    Education Bachelor’s in Electronics & Electrical Engineering from the University of York, Master’s in Electrical & Electronics Engineering & Management, Imperial College London
    Family Son of Sunil Bharti Mittal, the chairman and founder of Bharti Enterprises

    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Early Education
    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Career Journey
    Kavin Bharti Mittal – India’s Regulatory Roadblock
    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Hike’s Scale and Reach
    Kavin Bharti Mittal Shuts Down Hike Amid India’s Gaming Ban
    Kavin Bharti Mittal – The Investor Fallout
    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Awards and Recognitions
    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Future Plans

    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Early Education

    Kavin’s academic journey took him from the University of York, where he studied Electronics and Electrical Engineering, to Imperial College London, where he combined advanced technical training with management studies. At McLaren Racing, he interned as an associate vehicle engineer, working under the high-pressure world of Formula One, a short but impactful stint that sparked his love for speed, precision, and scale.

    He then moved to Google in 2007 as an Associate Technology Manager, spending three months at Mountain View. This gave him a front-row view of Silicon Valley’s product-driven culture. Soon after, a summer role at Goldman Sachs exposed him to Debt Capital Markets and TMT (Telecom, Media & Technology), where he realized that while products are vital, it’s capital that fuels startups.

    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Career Journey

    Kavin Bharti Mittal launched Hike in December 2012 with a vision that if India was going to be a mobile-first nation, then messaging could be the gateway to bring millions online. At its peak, the platform boasted over 100 million registered users, with more than 40 billion messages exchanged every month. In August 2016, Hike made history by becoming the 10th Indian startup to cross the $1 billion valuation mark, and it did so in record time, just 3.7 years, making it the fastest unicorn in India back then. 

    This milestone also turned Kavin Bharti Mittal into the youngest Indian founder to build a billion-dollar company at just 28 years old. But the internet landscape moves fast. By 2021, changing user behavior and the rise of global players forced Hike to shut down. Instead of giving up, Kavin steered the company in a new direction with Rush, a real-money gaming platform that combined casual games with Web3 features like digital ownership and play-to-earn mechanics.

    Kavin’s rise was backed by some of the biggest names in business. He raised over $250 million in funding, with support from global giants like Tencent, Foxconn, Tiger Global, SoftBank, Bharti, and even well-known tech leaders from Silicon Valley. However, India’s 2023 crackdown on real-money gaming abruptly halted those plans, once again forcing Hike to rethink its future.


    The Journey of Hike, the Indian Messaging App and its Present Pivot!
    Hike Messenger was an Indian app, which turned into a unicorn in 2016. Though the messenger was shut down later, the company failed to yield and is now pivoting again. Read more about Hike Messenger, its story, and more here!


    Kavin Bharti Mittal – India’s Regulatory Roadblock

    Kavin Bharti Mittal revealed that Hike’s real-money gaming (RMG) platform was never meant to be the final destination. Instead, it was supposed to serve as a testing ground, an experiment to refine the model in India before taking it global. “RMG was never the destination,” Mittal wrote. “It was a way to test the model before building something bigger.”

    But those ambitions ran straight into India’s tightening regulations. What began as a local experiment quickly became a liability. “Starting in India locked us into the model and regulatory headwinds,” Mittal admitted. Scaling internationally would have required a complete reset, one that wasn’t worth the cost or time.

    Even though Hike had already launched in the US and was showing early traction, the team decided it was wiser to pull the plug than operate under uncertainty.

    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Hike’s Scale and Reach

    At its peak, Hike had around 100 employees working across India, the US, Dubai, and Singapore. The company was structured like “SWAT teams”, small, agile units built to tackle complex problems quickly.

    Its gaming product, Rush, was a major player in the Indian RMG space. Over four years, it generated more than $500 million in gross revenue, drew in 10 million users, and paid out nearly $480 million in winnings annually. Despite the numbers, the unpredictable policy environment in India became a hurdle too high to cross.

    Kavin Bharti Mittal Shuts Down Hike Amid India’s Gaming Ban

    On September 13, 2025, Kavin Bharti Mittal shared on LinkedIn that he was shutting down Hike, bringing an end to a 13-year journey that had once changed the way India viewed homegrown internet startups. Once hailed as India’s answer to WhatsApp, Hike had millions of users and big-name investors like SoftBank and Tencent.

    In a reflective LinkedIn post titled “Closing a Chapter, Opening a New One”, Mittal pointed to shifting market conditions and India’s recent ban on online real-money gaming as the final blow. “RMG was never the destination; it was just a way to test the model. But starting in India locked us into regulatory headwinds,” he wrote.

    Despite early traction in the US, Mittal said scaling globally would require a costly reset, one he felt wasn’t worth it. Thanking his team and backers, he noted, “We gave it everything we had. We learned, we grew, and now it’s time to move on.” Looking ahead, Mittal hinted at new ventures in fields like AI, clean energy, and human potential.


    Kavin Bharti Mittal Shuts Down Hike After India’s Real-Money Gaming Ban
    Kavin Mittal announces Hike shutdown after India bans real-money gaming. The firm shifts focus to Web3 and global markets like the US and UK.


    Kavin Bharti Mittal – The Investor Fallout

    Hike was strongly backed by a glittering roster of global names. Investors included SoftBank, Tencent, Tiger Global, Foxconn, Polygon, and Tribe Capital. On the individual side, heavyweights like Elad Gil and Zynga founder Mark Pincus had also placed their bets on Mittal’s vision.

    The shutdown coincided with a tough moment for India’s gaming industry. Other players like MPL, Games24x7, Zupee, and Baazi Games have also been hit hard by the government’s crackdown, with layoffs rippling across the sector.

    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Awards and Recognitions

    Kavin Bharti Mittal’s work as a young entrepreneur has earned him several prestigious accolades over the years. His ability to experiment, pivot, and lead bold ventures has been recognized both in India and globally. Some of his notable awards include:

    • ET and Spencer Stuart 40 Under 40 (2016)
    • ET Panache Trendsetting CEO (2016)
    • Express IT Awards – Newsmaker of the Year (2016) 
    • Entrepreneur India 35 Under 35 (2017)
    • Forbes Asia 30 Under 30, Class of 2017

    Kavin Bharti Mittal – Future Plans

    Instead of dwelling on setbacks, Mittal is already focused on what comes next. His next bets are in artificial intelligence, clean energy, and human potential, fields he believes will define the next decade.

    “For the first time, technology has both intelligence and memory,” he wrote. “Imagine systems that adapt and grow with us. This is the most exciting time to be building software.”

    It’s clear that while Hike’s chapter has closed, Mittal’s story is still very much being written.


    What Happened to Hike Messenger? Case Study
    Hike shocked its users by announcing the sudden shutdown. Know the answer to What actually happened to Hike Messenger, Glance the Rise of Hike Messenger, and more.


    FAQs

    Who is Kavin Bharti Mittal?

    Kavin Bharti Mittal is an Indian entrepreneur best known as the founder of Hike Messenger, once considered India’s answer to WhatsApp.

    What happened to Hike Messenger?

    Hike Messenger shut down in 2021 due to global competition and shifting user behavior. Kavin Bharti Mittal later pivoted it into a Web3 and real-money gaming platform called Rush, which also shut down in 2025 following India’s gaming ban.

    What is Kavin Bharti Mittal’s educational background?

    He studied Electronics & Electrical Engineering at the University of York and pursued a Master’s in Electrical & Electronics Engineering & Management at Imperial College London.

  • Challenges Faced by Legal Service Platforms and How They Overcome Them

    This article has been contributed by Shreya Sharma, Founder and CEO, Rest The Case

    If you’ve ever utilized a legal services platform, chances are you adore just how convenient it is to deal with legal matters without all the headaches that typically come along. But behind the scenes, what’s really going on? Surprisingly, it’s not always smooth sailing. Platforms are facing some stiff challenges, both ones that are rather obvious and ones that aren’t. Let’s break the biggest struggles down and the genius ways these platforms manage to keep thriving.

    Imagine going through a maze blindfolded. The regulations surrounding who can provide legal advice vary geographically and are extremely stringent. Most locales only want lawyers who have cleared the bar to really provide legal advice, so these websites can’t simply hurl legal pointers at you without lawyers in the mix.

    So, legal websites play it clever. They provide tons of useful information and convenient forms that practically anyone can fill out, but when the case requires something more bespoke or complicated, they call in the experts the real lawyers. It’s a clever trick for being on the right side of the law while still assisting tons of people with what they require.

    Clients Want It Fast, Cheap, and Clear—No Fuss

    Today, patience is not a virtue when it comes to legal assistance. Individuals demand speedy responses, concise directions, and fees that don’t cause their wallet to weep. That’s an uphill task for something as slow and fiddly as the law.

    Platforms rise to this challenge by making the mundane tasks automated. Completions of forms? Automated. Scheduling a call? Clicking away. Which leaves the actual legal minds to handle more difficult matters that require their personal touch, which means everyone receives assistance, quickly and with efficiency.

    Old-School Law Meets New-School Tech

    You understand how some law firms still resemble they’re from the previous century with stacks of paper and file cabinets? Well, transitioning from that to completely digital mediums is like turning a huge ship. It requires coordination, patience, and time.

    The good platforms all use all-in-one software where it all links your case information, communication, billing, you get the picture. This simplifies life for both clients and attorneys, and since it’s all online, the managers of the platform can identify and correct issues quickly.


    Best AI Tools for Lawyers in 2025: Advancing Legal Services
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    Keeping Your Secrets More Secure Than Fort Knox

    When it comes to legal business, your information is sacrosanct. If this information gets out, it’s not only humiliating, it can destroy people’s lives. Which is why legal sites are really serious about security.

    They deploy every type of trick such as encryption, two-step verification, and ongoing system scanning to keep the hackers away. And they also train everyone to catch scams before they reach. Because if customers can’t trust them with their secrets, the entire platform collapses.

    The Personal Touch Without the Robot Feel

    A complaint about online law services is that it often seems like you’re conversing with a robot. You complete the same dull forms, navigate through menus, and wait for a scripted response.

    To do that, most platforms offer you two choices: easy tasks you can finish yourself or the option to talk to a real person if things get confusing. It’s like building Ikea shelves with your own two hands, but having a pro on speed dial for the hard stuff.


    Shreya Sharma’s Rest The Case: Redefining Legal Solutions
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    Managing the Crowd Without Losing Their Mind

    Popular legal sites get overwhelmed with users. If there are too many requests with no system to filter them, things come to a standstill and people become frustrated.

    So, sites employ intelligent tech that sorts and ranks cases themselves and forward them to lawyers specializing in the same area. Thus, everyone receives the proper assistance faster and the lawyers aren’t bogged down.

    Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks

    Lawyers are traditional; they’ve done their job a specific way for years. Prying them from doing things the old way and onto new technology isn’t easy. Some lawyers resist it in point-blank fashion.

    Legal platforms solve this by gradually introducing lawyers to the new tools. They give training and demonstrate how technology reduces the time taken and minimizes mistakes. Once lawyers witness that it makes life easier for them, they’re on board.

    Teaching People It’s Not a Scam

    Overcoming Hesitation with Online Legal Service
    Overcoming Hesitation with Online Legal Service

    Even today, plenty of people hesitate to use online legal services because they don’t quite get how they work. The idea of getting legal help through a website feels… risky.

    That’s why education has become a core strategy. Platforms publish blog posts, host webinars, and simplify legal jargon so it feels less intimidating. Some even offer free first consultations to let people “try before they buy.” Once someone sees how smooth the process is, they’re usually hooked.

    Custom Fits Instead of One-Size-Fits-All

    All law firms are unique. What works beautifully for one won’t necessarily work for another. But creating unique software for everyone is complicated and costly.

    That’s why leading platforms create editable tools. They provide a good foundation everyone employs but allow firms to customize details to suit their own requirements. This combination provides flexibility without the hassle and cost of building something new.

    So, What’s the Takeaway?

    Although legal service websites appear to be a walk in the park, they’re playing a delicate balancing act. They must comply with stringent laws, live up to high client expectations, keep data sealed tight, and get legal experts to adopt change while leveraging next-generation technology wisely. Their secret to success? Treating technology as a tool, not a replacement. Automate the trivial, preserve human touch where possible, gain user trust, and maintain the system’s flexibility.

    Ultimately, these platforms are making legal assistance simpler and more accessible to all and that’s something to get fired up about.


    Top 5 Best Legal Online Services for all Your Legal Needs
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  • Resilience at Work: Why Emotional Wellbeing is the New Productivity Metric

    This article has been contributed by Rujuta Rammohan, Chief Culture Officer at InCorp India

    For decades, productivity has been measured by the sheer number of hours put in – In India’s corporate sectors, long hours have often been worn as a badge of honour. Employees missing their commitments at home, family vacations and rest-days to recuperate have been applauded. Yet, growing evidence tells a different story. In workspace culture, emotional wellbeing and burnout management are proving to be more reliable predictors of sustainable performance than time spent at the desk. This is because the modern workforce demands more than just the archaic formula of “better pay, better output”- it demands emotional balance and periods of mental rest. Performance is, therefore, nurtured in a culture where employees feel psychologically safe, respected, and supported. It is emotional wellbeing that increasingly determines whether performance is sustainable or short-lived. 

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that untreated mental health conditions could cost India over USD 1 trillion between 2012 and 2030. But these are not just numbers. They signify lives that are disengaged at work, and struggling to manage professional expectations. Research also suggests that the younger employees attach significant value to mental and emotional health at work. The broader implication is that the long-term economic potential of this demographic advantage may diminish over time. Employee disengagement disrupts the talent pipeline, as organisations face higher turnover and lose the very skills that should shape growth.

    Culture’s Role in Building Psychological Safety

    Government policies and systems alone cannot counter the toll of burnout. Workplace culture remains the true essence of a holistically productive workforce. An environment of mental wellbeing and empathy directly shapes how employees cope with stress. Simply put, it helps them perform better.

    A survey in Economic Times showed just how influential culture can be. Employees who enjoyed positive relationships with managers and peers scored 33% higher on mental wellbeing compared to those who felt isolated. This is a clear contrast displaying that culture is not an unattached arm of the workplace. It is a business necessity. 

    Poor mental wellbeing translates into lower efficiency, absenteeism, and turnovers – all of which carry direct business costs. A culture of micromanagement, discrimination, or neglect will cause employees to withdraw, disengage, and finally exit. In contrast, in a workplace built on a supportive culture, employees feel encouraged to take on challenges, ask for help, and recover from setbacks. Over time, this cultural difference becomes a competitive advantage – companies will either retain top talent, or wither. Well-managed mental health leads directly to an upper-hand in performance, which is no longer up for debate. Organisations that actively nurture wellbeing see tangible meaningful returns – investment in mental health can multiply fourfold in improved productivity.


    How to Promote Emotional Well-Being for Men at Work
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    Building the Workforce through Culture

    Building a Wellbeing Culture
    Building a Wellbeing Culture

    A productive culture is shaped by the systems that embrace mental health. Companies that aim to improve wellbeing should act across several levels –

    • Policy Level : Policies set the tone for what is acceptable and expected in the workplace. Policies of flexible working models, balanced workload distribution, and structured mental health support, send a clear message that wellbeing is a business priority and has to be taken seriously. Strong policies also create accountability – for example, requiring leadership to report on wellbeing metrics alongside financial performance. Structural changes like this assure employees that workplace culture is made to support them, and not exploit them.
    • Managerial Level: The manager-employee relationship is the strongest predictor of workplace wellbeing. Leaders trained in empathy, active listening, and inclusive practices can directly impact trust and psychological safety. When managers check in not only on deadlines but also on how employees are coping, it reduces stigma and builds loyalty, which adds to the motivation of employees to deliver better results. 
    • Workforce Level: Culture is reinforced strongly at the peer-to-peer level. Normalising conversations on mental health and dismantling the guilt of “not feeling okay” is increasingly necessary. Encouraging team-led initiatives, like peer support circles or mentorship programmes, creates a ripple effect of openness that policies alone cannot achieve. Over time, this builds the drive to perform well, not only in individuals but in the collective workforce.
    • Individual Level: Culture has to include systems formed not just at the group-level, but to support the individual as well – because no two employees are the same. Access to tools, like mindfulness sessions and professional, confidential counselling, assures that employees have a space where they can truly express how they feel, and find actionable solutions.

    Some Indian organisations are beginning to experiment with such measures – from introducing “mental health days” and running peer support circles, to employing corporate psychologists and adding assistance programmes directly into HR working.

    Sustainable Performance Through Wellbeing

    When employees feel safe, respected, and valued, they bring more creativity, collaboration, and loyalty to their roles. Resilience must be cultivated intentionally, and wellbeing should be designed into organisational strategy. Companies that overlook this might earn short-term gains, but lose out on long-term sustainability, while those that invest in it build workforces capable of thriving and performing incredibly. It is no exaggeration to say that the organisations that form a culture of emotional wellbeing, will be making quality output a part of its organisational DNA. Structured and documented interventions should be a strategic priority, not an afterthought. The Government of India acknowledged this linkage for the first time in the Economic Survey of 2023-2024, which marks a turning point – wellbeing is being reframed from a personal concern to a national productivity metric.

    The Future of Productivity is Human-Centric

    As India’s corporate sector moves into a new age of competition and growth, the old equation of productivity based on hours is fast becoming obsolete. Instead, emotional wellbeing is proving to build sustainable performance. The organisations that will thrive are those that recognise human energy as their most valuable asset, building cultures where resilience is cultivated, not demanded. Measuring productivity will not mean tracking efficiency, but safeguarding the wellbeing of the very people who make that efficiency possible. This also calls for a change in the leadership thought process. The leaders of tomorrow will – 

    • Not only be evaluated on business results but also on their ability to create conditions of emotional openness and mental satisfaction
    • Such leaders of tomorrow, will form organisations of tomorrow. They will build future-ready companies who treat emotional wellbeing as a central measure of growth, and in turn have a massive competitive advantage over others in the industry

    Success will belong to places that understand wellbeing as non-negotiable, and embed it into their frameworks, performance evaluations, and growth strategies. And in that shift, India’s workplaces will have the opportunity to redefine productivity itself.


    Fostering Mental Wellness at Workplace: Strategies & Practices
    Discover actionable strategies and practices to foster mental well-being in the workplace. Learn how to create a supportive environment where employees feel empowered to prioritize their well-being and thrive professionally.


  • Loan for Medical Expenses: Smart Options to Pay for Treatment in 2025

    Rising medical bills have become a worry for many Indian families, with treatment costs often stretching beyond savings. A sudden hospitalisation or surgery can arrive without warning, leaving households struggling to arrange money at short notice. A loan for medical expenses offers a practical way to handle such situations, giving quick access to funds so patients can get timely care without delay. Instead of compromising on treatment, families can choose flexible repayment options that suit their budget. In 2025, platforms like Bajaj Markets make medical financing simpler, allowing borrowers to compare lenders easily and select the option that best matches their needs.

    Why Consider a Loan for Medical Expenses

    Here are simple reasons why a loan for medical expenses can make a big difference during tough times-

    • Get immediate funds when surgeries, hospital stays, or long treatments cannot wait
    • Use it to pay medical bills that health insurance leaves uncovered
    • Choose repayment terms that adjust to your monthly income and spending
    • Rely on quick approvals and minimal paperwork during emergencies
    • Gain access to reputed hospitals and specialists without delaying care
    • Cover the cost of medicines, diagnostic tests, or even post-surgery recovery
    • Apply without needing to pledge assets or savings as security
    • Protect your emergency funds and investments by avoiding early withdrawals
    • Support the medical needs of elderly parents or dependents with ease

    Key Features of Medical Loans in 2025

    Here are the main features that make a loan for medical expenses practical and stress-free in 2025:

    Instant Approval and Quick Disbursal

    Funds are released quickly, often within hours, so treatment can begin without delay.

    Flexible Repayment Tenure

    Choose repayment periods from a few months to several years, depending on affordability.

    No Collateral Needed

    Medical loans are usually unsecured, so there is no need to pledge property or savings.

    Customisable Loan Amounts

    Borrow only the required amount, ensuring you avoid unnecessary debt.

    Simple Documentation

    Basic KYC papers are generally enough, making applications fast and stress-free.

    Prepayment and Foreclosure Options

    Many lenders allow early repayment, helping you save on interest.

    Transparent Charges

    Reputed lenders share all fees upfront, reducing the risk of hidden costs.

    Online Eligibility Check

    Digital tools give instant clarity on eligibility, saving time before applying.

    Coverage Beyond Hospital Bills

    Loan funds can also support medicines, therapy, or post-treatment care.

    24×7 Application Access

    Online systems allow borrowers to apply at any time, even during emergencies.

    Smart Options to Pay for Treatment

    Here are practical ways to manage medical costs in 2025 without adding unnecessary financial stress:

    Personal Loans for Medical Treatment

    Personal loans provide quick lump-sum funds for surgeries, medicines, or aftercare, and the Bajaj Markets financial marketplace allows borrowers to compare lenders and repayment terms conveniently.

    Credit Card EMI Conversions

    Hospital bills already paid with a credit card can be converted into EMIs, easing pressure on monthly finances and making repayments far more affordable for families.

    Medical-Specific Loan Products

    Certain lenders now provide healthcare-only loans with relaxed eligibility and lower rates, and borrowers can easily review such options through the Bajaj Markets financial marketplace.

    Healthcare Financing Programmes

    Many hospitals partner with lenders to offer zero-interest EMI schemes, enabling patients to start treatment immediately without worrying about additional interest charges or delayed medical care.

    Role of Bajaj Markets in Choosing the Right Loan

    Here is how the Bajaj Markets financial marketplace makes it easier to find the right loan for medical expenses:

    • Compare loan offers from multiple lenders in one place without visiting several institutions
    • Check your eligibility and loan options instantly with simple online tools
    • Apply digitally with minimal paperwork, saving valuable time during emergencies
    • Select repayment terms that match your budget and financial comfort
    • Access transparent details on interest rates, charges, and other conditions
    • Make informed choices confidently with all options clearly presented in one marketplace

    Tips Before Applying for a Loan for Medical Expenses

    Here are practical steps to follow before applying for a loan for medical expenses:

    • Borrow only the amount you need to avoid carrying unnecessary debt
    • Check your eligibility in advance using online tools on Bajaj Markets, such as EMI calculators, eligibility checkers, and loan comparison features
    • Compare interest rates carefully, as even small differences can affect total repayment
    • Review the terms in detail to spot processing fees or prepayment charges
    • Assess your repayment capacity honestly to ensure the loan remains manageable
    • Keep documents ready to speed up the application and reduce stress during emergencies

    Conclusion

    Medical emergencies don’t have to drain your savings or cause financial stress. A loan for medical expenses offers timely relief, enabling patients to focus on treatment and recovery. In 2025, platforms like Bajaj Markets have made the process more transparent and accessible by allowing borrowers to compare and choose the most suitable option. With the right financial support, managing healthcare costs becomes a lot less overwhelming.

  • “Not Our Employees,” Says Google, After Laying off 200 Contract Workers Over Pay And Working Conditions

    Google fired over 200 contractors without a warning. These people were working on its big AI projects, like Gemini (Google’s chatbot) and AI Overviews (AI summaries in Google Search). These layoffs are different from their usual ones because there seems to be a lack of accountability. When asked for a response, Google states that these workers are not its employees and are not responsible. Well, one might think, but they worked on Google’s project, right? The issue is complex (with pay disputes and retaliation issues coming to the surface), and here we broke it down for you. 

    Sudden Layoffs Without Warning 

    Notably, these people were working for Google on contract via a company called GlobalLogic (owned by Hitachi). Hence, Google didn’t hire them directly. Google fired these 200 employees suddenly with no warnings, and they were let go in 2 different rounds.

    One worker, Andrew Lauzon, received an email on August 15, 2025, stating that his contract had ended. Upon asking why, Google replied, “ramp-down on the project,” which is a vague statement meaning the project is cut short.

    He told WIRED that he joined in March 2024 and has been working on rating and improving answers given by Google’s Gemini chatbot since then.

    Who Were These Workers?

    Though they were only hired on a contractual basis, they are called “super raters,” meaning highly skilled people who:

    • Evaluated AI responses: This is an important assessment to check how the AI is interacting with the end users.
    • Fixed mistakes: Otherwise, the AI will lose its credibility.
    • Rewrote AI answers: It is vital for an AI in 2025 to sound more natural, engaging, or else the users will have several options in the market.
    • The workers are no ordinary professionals. Many held master’s or PhD degrees in fields such as teaching, writing, and the arts.
    • Their role is significant because Google’s engineers don’t have time to constantly check and fine-tune every answer.
    • One of the workers, while speaking to WIRED, described their role as crucial as “lifeguards on the beach.”

    Unionising, Pay Issues & Retaliation Claims

    It is suspected that these layoffs only came after the workers were trying to form a union. Asking for better pay and working conditions. The complaints include:

    • Huge pay differences → Super raters who are directly hired by GlobalLogic made $28–$32/hour, whereas the contractors on the same task got only $18–$22/hour.
    • Workers faced retaliation → One of the workers was fired for speaking up about wage transparency. And a few others were fired for supporting the move (by contract workers).
    • After learning of the low working standards, about 18 workers had formed a union in December 2024. By February 2025, the number had risen to 60 members.
    • As part of the retaliation, the company banned its online social chat spaces where they connected to speak about the issue (because these employees worked remotely).
    • When one employee, Ricardo Levario (union organizer), was fired minutes after complaining about the chat ban. The reason given was “violating the social spaces policy.”

    Wider Industry Pattern of Layoffs

    Experts say that Google is not alone, and it’s a widely normalized problem in tech outsourcing. According to them, whenever the workers form a union to address the issues, the companies cut jobs as retaliation.

    Several similar movements are happening in the world right now:

    • Recently, in Kenya, AI data labelers came together to form the Data Labelers Association, asking for better pay and mental health support in the workplace.
    • Content moderators across Kenya, Turkey, and Colombia have formed a Global Trade Union Alliance for better working conditions.

    Google’s Response

    A Google spokesperson, Courtenay Mencini, in a statement (quoted by WIRED), said, “These individuals are employees of GlobalLogic or their subcontractors, not Alphabet. As the employers, GlobalLogic and their subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees. We take our supplier relations seriously and audit the companies we work with against our Supplier Code of Conduct.”

    Fear of Being Laid Off 

    According to WIRED, GlobalLogic is working on developing automation systems to replace these raters and their tasks. One worker said to WIRED that:

    It’s just been kind of an oppressive atmosphere…” if we try to organise or even talk too much, we risk being laid off.”

  • Groww Seeks to Raise INR 6,000–7,000 Crore Through Revised IPO Filing

    Groww, an online investing platform, has submitted a revised draft prospectus for an IPO of INR 6,000–7,000 crore to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The transaction would consist of an offer for sale (OFS) of 574 million shares valued at about INR 5,000–6,000 crore and a new issuance of INR 1,060 crore.

    As previously reported by ET, the Bengaluru-based company plans to IPO in November at a valuation of $7-9 billion. Peak XV Partners, Y Combinator, Ribbit Capital, Tiger Global, and Kauffman Fellows Fund are among the investors taking part in the OFS. One million shares will also be sold by the company’s founders, Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Neeraj Singh, and Ishan Bansal, who together own 27.96% of the business.

    After submitting confidential draft documents to the market regulator in May, Groww was granted permission by SEBI to proceed with its initial public offering (IPO) last month.

    Groww’s Financial Performance in FY25–FY26

    Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, JP Morgan India, Citigroup Global Markets India, Axis Capital, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors are among the issue’s book running lead managers. The company’s net profit increased 11% from the previous year to INR 1,824 crore in FY25 and INR 378 crore in the June quarter of FY26. FY25 revenue was INR 4,056 crore, a 31% increase from the previous year. Groww intends its recent expansion into commodities, wealth management, margin trading facilities (MTF), and loans secured by shares to fuel its future growth.

    The company’s NSE active clientele increased from 10.92 million to 12.58 million as of June 30. Derivative active users decreased 28% year over year in Q1 FY26 as a result of the regulator’s increased scrutiny of futures and options (F&O) trading, while fees and commission income decreased 17.5%.

    Nonetheless, Groww’s average daily turnover increased 18.2% to INR 9,276 crore during that time, and its retail F&O market share increased from 9.69% to 14.43%. After executing a reverse flip of its parent company from the US to India, Groww is one of the first firms to pursue an initial public offering (IPO). Based on a recently determined fair market value, the company paid US taxes of INR 1,340 crore ($160 million), which is 30% less than the $3 billion valuation at which it last raised capital in 2021.

    Future Plans of Groww

    Groww has so far raised roughly $596 million in equity capital, according to Tracxn. As per media reports of March 26, it just secured a $200 million round backed by GIC and Iconiq Capital at a valuation of $7 billion. Subject to SEBI’s clearance, the company has also finalised a deal to pay $150 million in cash to acquire the wealthtech platform Fisdom, which is funded by PayU.

    In addition, it is getting ready to launch W, a new wealth management platform aimed at long-term investors, to compete with rivals like Dezerv and Ionic Wealth, which is financed by Angel One. Groww, which began as a mutual fund investment platform when it was founded in 2016 by former Flipkart executives Keshre, Jain, Singh, and Bansal, is currently the largest stockbroker in India by active clients, according to NSE data.

    The platform added 9.45 million new demat accounts between June 2024 and June 2025, whereas the industry added 36.66 million during the same time frame.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Issue structure: OFS of around INR
    5,000–6,000 crore + fresh issue of INR 1,060 crore.

    •Planned IPO in November at $7–9
    billion valuation.

    •Founders to sell 1M shares; currently
    hold 27.96% stake.

    •Reverse flip from US to India led to
    INR 1,340 crore ($160M) US tax payout.