Tag: #news

• Survey conducted on 11,300 women in tech on Apna’s platform; 86% of GenZ respondents and 74% from Tier-2/3 cities see AI as the great equaliser in tech careers.
• 64% of women in tech said AI expertise matters more than a degree from a top college.
• Nearly 50% aspire to become AI software developers, followed by data science (19%), product (14%), and research roles (10%).
• 58% are already upskilling in AI through jobs, online courses, or formal training.

On the occasion of Engineer’s Day, Apna.co, India’s leading jobs and careers platform, unveiled findings from a landmark survey of over 11,300 women in technology. The study highlights a decisive shift toward workplace equity, with 78% of women in tech believing that AI can help them access better and in-demand opportunities.

The survey also reflects the diversity of India’s emerging tech workforce: a majority of respondents were Gen Z (52% under 25), nearly 60% hailed from Tier-2/3 cities, and two-thirds studied at non-elite colleges. Participation spanned core technology functions, with the largest representation from software engineering, design, data science, research, and IT security. Reported median salary ranges stood at ₹6 lakh per annum, offering a snapshot of the opportunities shaping India’s future-ready workforce.

Upskilling for the AI era – 58% are already learning AI, 24% plan to start soon

The survey shows that women in tech are actively preparing for an AI-driven future. 58% are already pursuing AI/ML training through jobs, formal programs, or self-learning, while another 24% plan to start soon. The intent is strongest among GenZ respondents (62%) and those from non-elite Tier-2/3 colleges (70%), underscoring how India’s youngest and most widely distributed talent pool is betting on AI to level the playing field.

Career ambitions are equally clear: nearly half aim to become AI software developers, followed by 19% targeting data science and ML roles, 14% product management, and 10% research. The trend points to women prioritising industry-facing, high-demand roles.

Breaking the pedigree barrier –  64% believe AI skills matter more than elite college degrees

In the survey, nearly two-thirds (64%) of women in tech said that AI expertise now matters more than graduating from an elite college. The belief was strongest among GenZ respondents (62% of those aged 22–25) and women from Tier-2/3 cities (74% compared to 66% in metros). Respondents from non-elite and regional colleges were the most emphatic, with 56% saying AI skills outweigh pedigree. In contrast, only a third of premier-college graduates agreed, with many still placing higher value on traditional degrees. Together, the findings point to a clear generational and geographic shift  with GenZ women from Tier-2/3 colleges increasingly seeing AI skills as the real equaliser.

42% cite lack of opportunities, 27% mentors, 19% training as biggest challenges

When asked about their biggest challenges in pursuing AI opportunities, respondents pointed to areas where more support can make a difference: 42% highlighted the need for better access to quality opportunities, 27% asked for stronger mentorship, and 19% called for advanced training options. The findings suggest that while women in tech are optimistic about AI as an equaliser, greater investment in access, networks, and upskilling can further unlock their potential.

Reflecting on the findings, Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of Apna.co, said: “This survey shows that women in tech are ready to embrace AI – not as a buzzword, but as a real driver of equal opportunity. It’s inspiring to see that 58% are already using AI at work or actively learning it, and many more are preparing to follow. At Apna, we stand for creating limitless opportunities and building an inclusive future of work. We are adapting to this AI-first approach with solutions like AI Job Prep, already adopted by 43% of these women on the platform to prepare for real interviews. Our mission is clear – when access meets intent, technology can power an inclusive workforce where opportunities are defined by skills and ambition.”

Apna.co’s Engineer’s Day 2025 Survey captures a pivotal moment: India’s women in technology led by GenZ and powered by Tier-2/3 ambition are embracing AI as the great equaliser. With growing confidence in AI, active upskilling underway, and a shift from pedigree to skills, women in tech are shaping a more inclusive, skills-first workforce that reflects the breadth of India’s talent.

About Apna

Founded in 2019, Apna is India’s leading jobs and careers platform, dedicated to helping India’s rising workforce unlock professional networking, skilling, and livelihood opportunities. Spanning more than 40% of the country’s pincodes, Apna is on a mission to enable livelihoods for billions in India. With over 60 million users across 900+ cities and trusted by more than 700,000 employers, Apna is the destination for opportunities across 200+ job categories.

Deloitte employees in India receive a notice to come to the office at least 2 days a week. If taken casually, the consequences will be reflected in the employees’ annual report. The company will track everyone’s attendance in the office starting from October 1, 2025. One might wonder why such open notices are given to its employees. Is the company going through any major changes? Or is it just a simple call? How’s it going to hurt the annual report if not followed? Learn more. 

Why Is Deloitte Making This Change?

Back in 2020 – 2021, Deloitte, just like other companies, allowed its employees to work from home. The work-from-home culture overstayed its welcome for many companies. Now that travel is back on and corporate is fully moving towards in-office work, even Deloitte feels it’s time to make calls. And because:

• It believes that its teams work together better in the office.
• It feels that things are much easier around the office to best serve its clients.
• And to enhance collaboration when it matters most.

How Is Deloitte Planning to Make This Work Out?

Well, Deloitte operates from 7 offices in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi/NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai in India. And most of the employees work from home at the moment. So, after the notice, here’s what’s likely going to happen:

• Employees must come in at least 2 days a week, and it’s not optional and non-negotiable.
• Starting from October 1, 2025, stricter attendance policies will come into place.
• The manager will most likely schedule on which days the employees are mandated to come to the office.
• For now, it’s just 2 days because the office areas (seating) of Deloitte are limited and can’t accommodate everyone at once.

What if Employees Don’t Follow It?

• The tracking will mark the employee’s absence from the office for that day.
• The tracking will reflect the annual performance reviews of employees.
• Ultimately leading to bad employee ratings, fewer promotions, or less pay growth.

Are Other Companies Doing the Same?

Deloitte isn’t alone and is far better than the other companies that mandate office work because:

• PwC (UK) asked its staff to work from the office at least 3 days a week, and of course, that’s a non-negotiable one.
• JPMorgan Chase mandated its employees to work from the office only (5 days a week), and it’s a must.
• HSBC directly connects the office presence of employees to their bonuses.
• And the Deloitte US tax division already linked the presence to the performance and pay. 

Indian gaming startup Zupee has announced it will lay off 170 employees, about 30 per cent of its total workforce, following the implementation of a new regulatory regime that bans real-money online games. The company is also restructuring its operations and changing strategic priorities.

Why Zupee is Laying Off Employees

The layoffs are in response to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans games involving monetary stakes, whether directly or indirectly. As a result of this new law, Zupee has had to shut its real-money gaming offerings.

In statements, Zupee’s CEO Dilsher Singh Malhi, said this was a difficult decision, but it was necessary to adapt to the new regulatory framework.

Zupee’s Employee Support Measures and New Business Strategy

Although many employees are being let go, Zupee is offering several aid measures:

• Financial assistance beyond the contractual notice period. Some long-serving staff will receive up to six months’ aid.
• Health insurance coverage that remains in place for its full term, even after departure.
• A medical support fund of ₹1 crore to help those impacted.
• A guarantee that affected employees will receive first priority for re-hiring when suitable roles open up.

On its business model, the company plans to shift focus towards social games and other entertainment products without monetary stakes. It aims to offer culturally grounded gaming, ad-supported content, and possibly subscription services. Zupee also announced new features such as “Zupee Studio” (micro-dramas) and a subscription called “Zupee Plus” for ad-free games and shows.

Industry-Wide Impact: Real-Money Gaming Ban and Its Effects on Indian Startups

Zupee is not alone. Several other firms operating in real-money gaming have similarly downsized. For example:

• Head Digital Works (which runs A23 Rummy) has reportedly laid off about 500 employees.
• Mobile Premier League (MPL) is also undergoing large-scale reductions in its India team. MPL will lay off 60% of its Indian workforce, approximately 300 employees.
• Baazi Games (PokerBaazi) and Games24x7 have also reduced staff numbers in recent weeks.

The new law marks a significant shift for India’s gaming sector. Companies that relied on real-money games are now pivoting to models that do not involve monetary risk to comply with the law.

Final Thoughts

Zupee’s decision to lay off 170 employees is a direct consequence of stricter regulations on real-money gaming in India. The company is making efforts to ease the impact on staff and is refocusing its business on social, cultural, and entertainment-based offerings. This episode highlights how legal changes can force rapid shifts in business strategy, especially in sectors sensitive to regulation.

Dream11, Gameskraft, Zupee, MPL Suspend Real-Money Gaming Services

Dream11, MPL, Zupee, Gameskraft, and PokerBaazi suspend real money games after India passes Online Gaming Bill 2025.

StartupTalkyNitin Konde

~ ‘One for every tale’

• Made with Real Juices, Real Spices & A Twist
• Designed for versatility, pairs effortlessly with the spirit of your choice — or stands tall on its own.
• Crafted with Bold Flavours, Less Sugar & More Twist

Meet Twisted Tails, a refreshingly daring twist in India’s beverage scene, the first concept-driven line of curated, versatile mixers that pair effortlessly with the spirit of your choice and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages crafted with real fruit juices, real spices, and no artificial flavouring. It’s time to stir out of the ordinary.

At its heart, Twisted Tails stands for “One for Every Tale” — celebrating every kind of story that unfolds when people come together. Sweet or bitter, happy or sad, spontaneous or mischievous, whatever the mood, there’s a Twisted Tails flavour to match the ‘tale’.

Each variant is designed with a flavour-packed personality and a plot twist to keep things unpredictable. Made with real ingredients and real vibes, Twisted Tails is built for versatility, spontaneity, and storytelling equally at home, poured straight from the bottle, served over ice, or mixed into cocktails.

Founded by dynamic trio Radhika Sharda, Raghav Sharda, and Atin Khanna, Twisted Tails emerges as a game-changer in the Indian beverage landscape, addressing the growing demand for premium, authentic, and easy-to-use drink solutions. A premium, imaginative catalyst that elevates your drinking experience, empowering you to celebrate every moment and ignite memorable, unconventional social connections through bold, unexpected flavour adventures.

Radhika Sharda, Co-Founder of Rad Beverages, said: “The new Indian consumer doesn’t just want a drink they want an experience. We saw a clear gap in the Indian market for mixers that were versatile, flavour-forward, made with real juices & spices while being convenient without compromising on quality. With Twisted Tails, our vision was to create something that aims to fill this gap and doesn’t just sit on a shelf but sparks stories. Drinks are always at the center of conversations, memories, and connections, and we wanted to make those moments more playful, more real, and always a little twisted.”

Twisted Tails brings you four bold flavours — crafted with real fruit juices and spices, versatile enough to mix your way: (Price – 200 /- each bottle)

• Bizarre – Orange & Coffee: A bold and unconventional pairing, this mixer is for the audacious trendsetter. It’s a surprising fusion that challenges expectations and delights the senses.
• Mystical – Vanilla & Caramel: Dive into a world of rich indulgence. This mixer embodies a charming, smooth character, perfect for those who appreciate classic elegance with a hint of mystery.
• Uncanny – Cinnamon Clove Apricot & Peach: A warm, comforting, yet delightfully complex profile, for the thoughtful connoisseur. It evokes a sense of nostalgia with a contemporary twist.
• Enigmatic – Tea & Jasmine: An intriguing and sophisticated blend, this flavor is for the curious and adventurous spirit. Its delicate floral notes and refreshing tea base invite exploration.

“For us, Twisted Tails was never just about launching another beverage,” says Raghav Sharda, Co-Founder, Rad Beverages. “It was about changing how people think about mixers in India. We’ve taken familiar fruits and spices and given them a bold new expression, one that invites creativity, experimentation, and fun. Whether you’re mixing it up or sipping it straight, Twisted Tails is about celebrating flavour in a way that feels modern, memorable, and unmistakably original.” It’s drinking culture, reimagined for today.

What makes Twisted Tails stand out in India’s mixer and ready-to-drink space is its versatility and relevance to today’s consumer. With Gen Z and millennials seeking flavour- driven choices, convenience, and products made with real ingredients, Twisted Tails delivers on all fronts designed to be mixed with your favourite spirit, stirred into a mocktail, or simply enjoyed on its own as a refreshing ready-to-drink option.

Twisted Tails breaks away from the usual mixer and ready-to-drink crowd with flavours that fit right into the lifestyle of today’s dynamic audience. They want bold taste, real ingredients, and zero fuss and Twisted Tails delivers. They want bold taste, real ingredients, and zero fuss and Twisted Tails delivers. Designed to be mixed with your choice of spirit, stirred into mocktails, or simply sipped straight from the bottle, these flavours are made to match the moments that matter most.

Atin Khanna, Co-Founder, Rad Beverages expressed his enthusiasm saying: “We’ve poured our passion into creating a brand that celebrates quality, innovation, and fun. At Twisted Tails, we believe every bottle should surprise you just like a good story. Each flavour has its own unique character and flavour profile, bringing a distinct twist to every drink. Unlike typical one-dimensional mixers, Twisted Tails is multi-layered and versatile bursting with unexpected twists for you to experience & create whether you sip it straight or mix it up, or enjoy it together. There’s one for every tale.”

In addition to online availability at the below channels, Twisted Tails is at 10 Nature’s Basket stores across major Indian cities, including Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Kolkata. The brand is also available on Blinkit in Punjab, covering cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Mohali, and Patiala, with Delhi NCR soon to follow.

Twisted Tails invites you to explore a new dimension of beverages where every sip is an adventure and every drink tells a Twisted Tale.

About Rad Beverages

An innovative Indian concept beverage company committed to pushing the boundaries and curating versatile mixers and ready-to-drink beverages. Built on creativity, quality, and a bold approach to flavour, Rad Beverages develops products that reflect the evolving tastes and lifestyles of today’s consumers. Its flagship brand, Twisted Tails, is India’s first versatile cocktail mixer and ready-to-drink range crafted with real fruit juices and spices. Designed to celebrate storytelling and create memorable experiences, Twisted Tails brings versatility and imagination to every sip, proving there’s one for every tale. 

If you are a shareholder in Infosys, this could be good news for you. Infosys is offering a big buyback of its shares worth ₹18,000 crore, at a 19% premium over the current share price. Notably, this is the largest buyback ever for Infosys. You might wonder if it’s all going too well for the company, and so it’s willing to buy back shares? Or is this a strategic move? Here’s everything you need to know about the buyback, the current price, the offered price, and more. Read below. 

Infosys Buyback Key Details

• Infosys aims to buy 10 crore shares from its shareholders. They contribute to 2.41% of the company’s total shares.
• Each share has a face value of ₹5.
• The current market price for the shares (as of September 11, 2025) is ₹1,509.50 (BSE) and ₹1,512.20 (NSE).

Today it’s priced at:

• Now, Infosys is officially offering ₹1,800 per share, which is 19% more than the market price (closing price) on September 11, 2019.

What Happens in a Buyback for Investors?

It’s all up to you, if you want to hold the shares or sell them back to the company. In case you want to sell, you get ₹1,800/share. This means you are getting a premium of 14% more than the market value.

If you don’t want to sell, then you can keep the shares. It’s a plus to keep your shares, because the number of Infosys shares will go down, meaning they will become more valuable in the days to come. 

Example

• Let’s say you hold 100 shares of Infosys. 
• As of September 11, 2025, the market price is ₹1,509.50 (BSE) and ₹1,512.20 (NSE). Let’s consider that you get ₹1,510.
• If you sold them for the market, you would only get around ₹1,51,000.
• But, if you sold them to Infosys directly, you’ll get ₹1,80,000.
• An extra gain of ₹29,000 (before tax).

But here’s the thing, it’s not that easy to sell the shares:

Tender Offer System – Most buybacks happen via a tender system, meaning you’ll apply to sell the shares. And of course, the company won’t buy all of your shares.

Acceptance Ratio – The offered price is sure to attract many shareholders, and if the applications exceed expectations, the company only accepts a part of them.

Example: You offer 100 shares, but Infosys may buy only 40 of them.

• Additionally, the profit you make is a capital gain, so the tax applies accordingly. The company is still due for the shareholders’ approval.
• And after that, a Record Date and Tender Offer Period will be announced, and only then can you apply to your Demat Account.

Are Infosys’ Financials Supporting This?

Yes, because Infosys had a free cash flow of around ₹7,805 crore ($884 million) in the June 2025 quarter.

Previous Buybacks by Infosys:

The company has a history of buybacks, and this time around, it’s its largest to date. Here’s the timeline and price:

• 2017 → ₹13,000 crore at ₹1,150/share (11.3 crore shares were bought back successfully).
• 2019 → ₹8,260 crore.
• 2021 → ₹9,200 crore, with a max price of ₹1,750/share (that was around the time when IT took a boom).
• 2022 → ₹9,300 crore at ₹1,850/share.
• Now in 2025 → ₹18,000 crore at ₹1,800/share, it’s pretty evident, it’s the biggest ever.

Other Important Happening: Infosys + HanesBrands

The company also announced another major development along with the buyback: a 10-year partnership with HanesBrands Inc. (it’s a global apparel company).

They have partnered with Infosys because the company will help in:

• Using its LEAP (Live Enterprise Automation Platform).
• Using Infosys Topaz, an AI-first suite.
• Deploying generative AI and AIOps technologies.
• And overall digital transformation.

NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading gaming and esports company, today announced a collaboration with American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla for the Grand Finals of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) Season 4. This is Tesla’s first-ever collaboration with an Indian esports tournament, marking a historic moment for the country’s esports industry. 

The Grand Finals of BGMS Season 4 will be held from September 12 to 14, bringing together the top 16 teams in the country to compete in a high-octane LAN Final. Tesla, which recently entered the Indian market by opening experience centers in BKC, Mumbai, and Worldmark Aerocity, Delhi, will showcase one of the world’s best-selling cars, the redesigned Model Y, at the event, giving fans a firsthand look at one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. The Grand Finals will open with the Tesla Light Show, which has become a viral cultural phenomenon at global events over the years.

Both Tesla and NODWIN Gaming share a forward-looking identity of innovation, disruption, and technology leadership. Tesla’s integration of software, EV technology, and even gaming into its cars mirrors the digital-first mindset of esports. Collaborating with NODWIN Gaming for BGMS enables Tesla and NODWIN to mutually enhance their presence in India, engaging directly with a vibrant, youth-first community at the forefront of digital entertainment. As the only esports tournament in India broadcast on national television, the entire collaboration created unparalleled visibility among Gen Z and millennial audiences, highlighting the growing cultural and commercial significance of esports in the country.

“At NODWIN Gaming, every season of BGMS is about pushing boundaries, and this year we’re proud to have Tesla join the journey. Their association reflects how esports in India has grown into a mainstream cultural and commercial platform that forward-looking brands want to engage with. Together, we’re shaping how global brands and gaming communities connect, here in India and beyond. Collaborations like this show what’s possible when innovation and culture come together,” said Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming.

According to the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the number of brands investing in esports in India is expected to grow from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025, fueled by new titles, larger tournaments, and deeper engagement with youth audiences. Season 4 of BGMS is a testament to this surge, with a powerful line-up of partners including OnePlus as Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner, Android as Co-Title Sponsor, and TVS Motor Company entering its third consecutive year. The tournament also features Red Bull, Duolingo

English Test, Swiggy, and Bisleri, further proving the sector’s growing ability to attract marquee global and Indian brands.

The BGMS Season 4 Grand Finals will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and on JioHotstar from September 12 to 14, airing during prime-time from 5 PM to 8 PM IST.

About NODWIN Gaming

NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, holds a significant position in the global gaming and esports industry in emerging markets. Since its inception in 2014 by Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN has established a global presence in regions such as Taiwan, South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, Germany, and Central Asia.

The company’s business centres around building and monetising global youth access through pop culture, gaming, esports, live events and content through IPs such as Leagues, Tournaments, and Reality shows. It engages with Artists, Content Creators, professional esports athletes, and teams. Notable investors include Founders investment vehicle Good Game Investments, Nazara Technologies (BSE: NAZARA), KRAFTON Inc, Sony Group Corporation and JetSynthesys.

A key focus for NODWIN Gaming is the expertise in the global south and the timeshare of mindshare of the global youth on mobiles. NODWIN has established a dominant position worldwide in this space. By catering to the youth demographic, NODWIN is expanding its Total Addressable Market by becoming increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. Their diverse range of intellectual properties that engage the youth spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy. This strategic expansion and cultivation of new intellectual properties are crucial to NODWIN’s aim of maintaining a significant role in the global youth media, gaming and esports arenas.

Tesla Hits the Road in India with Model Y Launch

With the launch of its first dealership in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, Tesla has made its debut in the Indian market. The Model Y, which will be priced at INR 59.89 lakh for the entry-level RWD form and INR 67.89 lakh for the long-range variant, will serve as

StartupTalkyNitin Konde