Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma predicts AI's inevitable integration into business, even as CFO. He envisions AI automating tasks, urging focus on core product development as Paytm transitions into an AI-first company. Despite recent layoffs partly due to RBI restrictions, Paytm is innovating with AI, including a rap song expense tracker.
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Indian companies are gearing up for a significant hiring surge this festive season, with recruitment targets up by 20-25%. E-commerce and logistics sectors are leading the charge, seeking temporary and gig workers to meet anticipated strong sales. Retail, consumer goods, and hospitality sectors are also expanding their workforce.
Costa Coffee India witnessed substantial growth in FY25, with revenue reaching Rs 198.5 crore and profit climbing to Rs 149.7 crore, fueled by expansion to 220 outlets. Despite a slight dip in gross margin and same-store sales growth, the company is aggressively expanding, targeting 40-50 new outlets annually.
Eternal, parent of Zomato and Blinkit, sees net profit decline by 90% in Q1FY26. Revenue increases 70% to Rs 7,167 crore. The drop in profit is due to investments in quick commerce. Total expenses rise 15% YoY. Quick commerce NOV exceeds food delivery NOV. Hyperpure revenue rises 89% YoY. The company anticipates a temporary de-growth in B2B segment.
Despite recent market corrections, Indian equities are still among the priciest globally, with a PE ratio of 23.3, exceeding historical averages. While fundamentals remain strong, projected ROE for FY25 is 15.6%. India's dividend yield, however, is low at 1.2%, potentially limiting appeal for income investors. Nuvama cautions that high valuations and global volatility could restrain further market upside.
The academic migration patterns of Indian students are evolving, with the US experiencing a slower growth rate of 11-13% through 2029. Ireland, Germany, the UAE, and Singapore are emerging as popular alternatives, offering attractive immigration policies and work opportunities. This diversification ensures continued growth in education loans, driven by the economic advantages of overseas education.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visit to Beijing, marked by enthusiastic public reception and meetings with high-ranking officials, underscores Nvidia's commitment to the Chinese market amidst US-China trade tensions. Despite potential challenges from domestic competitors, Huang emphasized the importance of China's supply chain and acknowledged Huawei's capabilities, signaling a strategic approach to navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
The Trump administration has announced new flight restrictions from Mexico, potentially ending the Delta-Aeromexico partnership in response to Mexico's limits on flights into Mexico City. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy cited unfair advantages for Mexican carriers due to the redirection of flights to Felipe Angeles International Airport.
India's core infrastructure sectors experienced a slowdown in June 2025, growing by only 1.7%, a significant drop from the previous year's 5%. The decline was primarily due to contractions in key sectors like coal and electricity. While steel and cement showed strong growth, the overall performance indicates a broader weakness in industrial activity during the April-June quarter.
Sri Lankan exporters are concerned about a potential 30 percent tariff on goods entering the United States. The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka urges the government to negotiate with Washington before August 1. They highlight that competitor nations face lower tariffs. The association advises exploring new international markets to protect the economy from trade shocks.
Reliance Industries is prioritizing organic growth in India's quick commerce sector, foregoing acquisitions due to integration complexities and a robust existing customer base. The company leverages its retail stores and strategically located dark stores to meet demand, focusing on profitability and expanding beyond metropolitan areas.