News Digest
Jobs, funding, startups & career opportunities - updated every 30 minutes
Blue-collar wages grow 5-6% annually as industries focus on skilled talent: Report
Blue-collar wages in India are growing at an annual rate of 5–6%, supported by strong demand and performance-based incentives, according to Deloitte's ‘Blue-Collar Workforce Trends 2025’ report released on Thursday. Hiring intent for such roles increased by 10% in 2025, driven by sectors like manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce, and logistics.
Meta to start selling its Ray-Ban smart glasses in India on May 19
The smart glasses are available for pre-order on Ray-Ban's site, and will retail for ₹29,990 at Ray-Ban stores at launch.
India critical to global strategy, says Spencer Stuart's Jordan Brugg, but warns of executive talent crunch
India's talent pool holds immense strategic value for future growth. However, companies face near-term challenges due to high demand and limited executive availability. Experts suggest a need for strategic talent planning, development, and succession planning. Companies are looking for leaders with agility and empowering styles. Succession planning is expanding beyond top leadership.
Recognition lags in inclusive workplaces, says report
Despite increased corporate focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a CultureMonkey report reveals that only 10.2% of employees feel truly recognized in inclusive workplaces. While DEI efforts make many feel supported, challenges like biased promotions and unequal pay persist. The report emphasizes the need for companies to move beyond symbolic gestures and build merit-based systems for compensation and recognition.
BluSmart investors propose $30M in new funding to revive the Uber rival
A group of investors are considering a plan to inject another $30 million into BluSmart in a bid to revive the Indian cab-hailing startup, which abruptly halted operations last month, TechCrunch has learned. The proposal from these existing investors has a catch: It’s contingent on BluSmart co-founder Anmol Singh Jaggi agreeing to resign. The proposed […]
Next in boardroom evolution- survival of the specialist: India Inc biggies hiring super-specialist COOs, CMOs, CTOs
Indian companies, including Bajaj Finserv and TCS, are increasingly hiring super-specialist COOs, CMOs, and CTOs to navigate AI disruptions and complex markets. This trend reflects a shift in corporate leadership, with CEOs delegating operational responsibilities to focus on strategic priorities. The surge in C-suite appointments and exits highlights the intense pressures and rapid strategy shifts at top companies.
Top executives skip the sweet talk, approach lawyers and consultants to negotiate contracts
New Chief Executive Officers in India are now carefully negotiating their employment agreements. This is due to increased performance pressure and regulatory oversight. CEOs want detailed contracts covering roles, severance, and equity. Law firms report a rise in executives seeking advice on contracts and exits. Companies are becoming more open to these demands to attract top talent.
Leaders, uninterrupted: Work and learn via UWA Global MBA with IIM Kozhikode certification
The UWA Global MBA with IIM Kozhikode certification offers an opportunity to upskill without stepping away from your career. This dual-accredited MBA program promises a world-class curriculum from two globally respected institutions, tailored for mid to senior-level professionals looking to stay ahead of the growth curve. Here are its key advantages and a guide on how to apply.
Battle for brains: The rising warfare for talent in India's GCC sector
Indian GCCs face recruitment challenges due to a talent gap in specialized skills and increased talent mobility towards newer centers offering better packages. The younger workforce seeks purposeful work and dynamic environments, prompting GCCs to adapt their strategies. Remote work's popularity and expansion into Tier-II/III cities further complicate talent acquisition, necessitating innovative, employee-centric approaches to win the talent war.
As Indian unicorns soar, corner offices still remain a man's world
Despite India's booming startup scene, a new report reveals a significant gender gap in unicorn leadership. Women hold only 10% of C-suite roles, with underrepresentation in tech and strategic functions. While excelling in HR, they lag in CEO, CTO, and CIO positions, highlighting systemic challenges in career advancement and industry acceptance.
Second among equals? Yes, say CCOs. Not by paycheck, counter cos
A recent Sebi circular mandating a higher reporting structure for company secretaries and chief compliance officers (CCOs) has sparked debate. While compliance heads welcome the move, listed companies fear potential disruptions to internal hierarchies and pay scales. Some CCOs are seeking parity with CFOs, prompting calls for clarification from the market regulator regarding the circular's intent.
Outplacement biz sees big pick-up as companies look to soften layoff blows
Outplacement firms are experiencing a surge in demand as companies across various sectors implement restructuring and workforce reductions. This increase, ranging from 20-40%, is driven by economic shifts, technological advancements, and a focus on employee well-being. Companies are investing in these services to support departing employees, protect their brand reputation, and mitigate legal risks during transitions.
Freshers vs. experienced professionals: Who’s winning the GCC hiring race?
GCCs in India are increasingly prioritizing experienced professionals to drive innovation and strategic initiatives, particularly in complex domains like AI and cybersecurity. While fresh graduates remain valuable for high-volume, lower-risk roles, experienced talent is favored for leadership and domain-specific positions.
Seven in 10 Indian professionals aspire to lead a company: Survey
The Meaning of Work survey by leadership and executive search firm Amrop highlights India’s distinct perspective on work as a core pillar of identity, ambition and life satisfaction.
More CEOs eye exit as going gets tough, options spring up
India Inc. is witnessing a surge in CEO departures, with a significant increase in exits at NSE-listed companies during the March quarter of 2025. This trend is fueled by factors like new opportunities, talent scarcity, heightened scrutiny, and rising expectations from boards and shareholders. The growing CEO compensation and global economic uncertainties further contribute to this dynamic landscape.
Companies look to power up AI teams, build talent pipeline
Despite a sluggish job market, India Inc is heavily investing in AI talent, with companies like Accenture and NTT Data leading the charge. They are seeking professionals skilled in Agentic AI, foundation models, and responsible AI frameworks to reshape business models. This surge is fueled by the projected growth of India's generative AI sector, expected to reach $6.4 billion by 2030.
India’s Uber-rival BluSmart appears to suspend service in wake of EV loan probe
BluSmart, India’s all-electric cab-hailing startup that was once seen as an emerging rival to Uber, appears to have suspended service in some cities just as the country’s market regulator launched a probe into Gensol Engineering, the publicly listed company that shares two of its co-founders. The cab service, which had been operating in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, […]
TCS wage hikes coming soon? Top management gives important update
Tata Consultancy Services reported a 1.7% YoY dip in net profit to ₹12,224 crore, missing market estimates. Revenue rose 5.3% YoY to ₹64,479 crore, also below expectations. For FY25, revenue grew 6% YoY to ₹2.55 lakh crore, driven by strong regional market growth (37.2%).
Elevate your leadership with AI: IIM Indore’s digital transformation programme
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore’s Certificate Programme in Digital Transformation and AI for Leaders is designed to equip professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape. Here’s how you can gain future-ready skills, unlock data-driven decision-making, and transform your career with this online course.
Apple might import more iPhones from India to sidestep China tariffs
Apple is considering importing more iPhones from India to sidestep the 54% additional tariffs on goods imported from China that U.S. president Donald Trump announced last week, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. The company sees this as a short-term measure while it seeks to negotiate with the Trump administration to get an […]
13% uptick in median salaries of CEOs in 2025 despite market volatility: Deloitte India Report
Despite market fluctuations, Indian CEOs' median compensation reached Rs 10 crore in 2025, a 13% increase, says Deloitte India. While 40% is fixed, 60% is performance-linked. Other C-suite roles also saw pay hikes. Companies are rethinking compensation amid volatility, with increased scrutiny of stock-based incentives. Shareholder rejection rates for new stock plans have quadrupled, signaling enhanced governance and stakeholder protection.
Promoter-led companies retaining non-executive directors, chairpersons for guidance, boardroom decision making
Guenter Butschek, former CEO of Tata Motors, has been made a non-executive, non-independent director at the company. Bharat Puri, who recently retired as MD of Pidilite, has been retained as a non-executive, nonindependent director. Former Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Yves Henri Bollore is now non-executive chairman of group company Tata AtoComp. HK Agarwal, former MD of Grasim Industries, is an advisor to the company board.
Truecaller now has over 450M monthly active users
The caller identity app Truecaller said that it crossed the 450 million user mark earlier this week. The company said that it added 50 million users in the past 10 months and 15.5 million users since the beginning of 2025. India is the company’s biggest user base. So it wasn’t surprising when Truecaller promoted chief […]
White-collar hiring steady in March despite holiday disruptions: Report
Hiring in India's white-collar job market remained stable in March, with AI-ML showing 25% year-on-year growth. IT sector saw signs of recovery, and emerging technologies hiring surged by 36%. Unicorns, particularly in banking and financial services, and experienced professionals were in high demand.