Category Archives: business

business, immigration, offshoring, technology

Indian IT Firms Shielded From $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Hike, Localisation & Offshoring Strategies Boost Independence

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New Delhi: The impact of the H-1B visa application fee hike to $100,000 is expected to be limited on Indian IT services firms, given their reduced reliance on H-1B visas over the past decade through increased localisation and offshoring, a report said on Tuesday. However, the medium-term implications could be more pronounced.

The elevated cost of delivery in the US may lead to a structurally higher cost base, prompting firms to reassess their operating models and explore mitigation strategies, said a Franklin Templeton report. The extent of impact could vary depending on a company’s US exposure, onsite workforce mix, and reliance on non-local talent.

Historically, visa-related challenges have stemmed more from executive actions than legislative changes, with cost pressures already rising in earlier phases of visa tightening. Importantly, supply-side disruptions tend to be more damaging in high-growth environments—conditions that are not currently in play.

“As H-1B lotteries and petitions typically occur in Q4–Q1, the earliest material impact is likely to be reflected in FY27 petition cycles. In response, providers are expected to accelerate offshoring, expand nearshore operations in Canada and Mexico, pursue acquisitions in Europe and APAC to diversify geographically, and invest in automation and AI to enhance productivity,” the report mentioned.

These shifts are likely to make Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India increasingly attractive to talent, especially as onsite opportunities decline and clients demand better rate realisation and efficiency gains.

India’s equity markets may experience some near-term volatility, but overall valuations remain broadly elevated versus historical averages. However, valuations for the IT sector have corrected in the last 6–12 months due to a weak demand outlook.

The outlook for overall corporate earnings in Indian markets is improving, supported by a recovery in domestic consumption and a gradual pickup in private sector capital expenditure.

“While global risks—such as US tariffs—pose short-term challenges for export-driven sectors, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals continue to be resilient,” said the report.

Looking ahead, the potential conclusion of a trade agreement with the US in the second half of 2025, combined with strengthening domestic demand and improving earnings visibility, could act as positive catalysts for the market over the coming quarters, it added.

*Disclaimer: This story is from the syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/indian-it-firms-shielded-from-100000-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-localisation-offshoring-strategies-boost-independence

business, economy, financial markets, foreign policy

Dollar pullback to offer no relief with rupee caught in US crosswinds

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By Nimesh Vora

**MUMBAI, Sept 23 (Reuters)** – The Indian rupee is expected to remain under strain on Tuesday despite a dip in the dollar, with steep U.S. tariffs and visa fee increases denting sentiment towards the Asian currency.

The 1-month non-deliverable forward indicated the rupee will open marginally weaker from 88.3075 on Monday. At current levels, the rupee is only a shade away from the all-time low of 88.4550, marked two weeks back.

The rupee, already struggling under the weight of U.S. tariffs that are steeper than those faced by other Asian countries, is now contending with the fallout of President Donald Trump’s decision to raise H-1B visa fees for new applications. The move could weigh on India’s IT services sector, slow remittances, and dampen overall investor sentiment, leaving the currency vulnerable to further weakness.

DBS Bank noted that India was the largest recipient of overseas remittances in the world, with the U.S. share at about a third of the total. “We don’t expect any knee-jerk impact on this component, though steady tightening in work-related visas in the US might impact inflows,” it said.

The latest U.S. step adds to headwinds for the rupee, suggesting it may remain one of the weaker currencies in Asia in the near term, a currency trader at a Mumbai-based bank said.

The Reserve Bank of India will be watching closely and is expected to act to keep markets orderly, providing a buffer against big swings, he added.

**Dollar Retreats, Eyes on Fed**

The dollar struggled in trading in Asia on Tuesday, with traders weighing comments by members of the Federal Reserve for clues on the path of interest rates. The comments, which analysts said on balance leaned hawkish, came after the Fed cut rates last week and signaled two more cuts for the year.

Markets are now pricing in a very high probability that the Fed will follow last week’s move with another rate reduction in October.

**Key Indicators:**
– One-month non-deliverable rupee forward at 88.48; onshore one-month forward premium at 14 paise
– Dollar index down at 97.31
– Brent crude futures down 0.5% at $66.3 per barrel
– Ten-year U.S. note yield at 4.15%
– As per NSDL data, foreign investors bought a net $127.8 million worth of Indian shares on Sept. 21
– NSDL data shows foreign investors bought a net $69.2 million worth of Indian bonds on Sept. 21

— Reuters
https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/dollar-pullback-to-offer-no-relief-with-rupee-caught-in-us-crosswinds-11758596191311.html

business, leadership, technology, telecommunications

Meet Srini Gopalan, IIM Ahmedabad alumnus turned T-Mobile’s new CEO

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**Meet Srini Gopalan, IIM Ahmedabad Alumnus Turned T-Mobile’s New CEO**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 22, 2025, 08:00 PM*

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**T-Mobile Announces Leadership Change**

T-Mobile has named its current Chief Operating Officer (COO), Srini Gopalan, as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1, 2025. Gopalan will succeed Mike Sievert, who has led the company since April 2020 and will transition into a vice chairman role.

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**Gopalan’s Journey at T-Mobile**

Srini Gopalan joined T-Mobile in March 2023 and quickly became a key driver of the company’s strategic initiatives. Prior to serving as COO, he was a member of T-Mobile’s board of directors. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing T-Mobile’s growth and innovation in the competitive telecom sector.

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**A Track Record of Success at Deutsche Telekom**

Before joining T-Mobile, Gopalan led Deutsche Telekom’s Germany business, where he achieved remarkable growth by doubling the company’s expansion. Under his guidance, fiber-optic services were extended to millions of homes, and the company captured a record share of the mobile market.

During his time on Deutsche Telekom’s board overseeing European operations, Gopalan was credited with transforming the business into one of Europe’s fastest-growing telecom players, renowned for industry-leading customer satisfaction.

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**Diverse Experience Across Telecom and Finance**

Gopalan’s extensive career includes senior roles at prominent companies such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, and Capital One. Across these roles, he has championed operational excellence, digital transformation, and customer-focused strategies, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader.

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**Academic Background**

Born in India, Srini Gopalan completed his undergraduate studies in business administration at St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi. He later earned his MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Known for his operational expertise and transformative vision, Gopalan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role at T-Mobile.

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With Srini Gopalan at the helm, T-Mobile is poised to continue its dynamic growth and innovation in the telecom industry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/srini-gopalan-appointed-as-t-mobile-s-new-ceo/story

business, food, health, nutrition, wellness

Add these spices to your daily drinks

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By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 22, 2025 | 6:31 PM

**Incorporate Daily Spices into Hydrating Drinks to Boost Wellness and Refresh Instantly**

Incorporating daily spices into your hydrating drinks can provide an instant wellness boost and refresh you naturally. These common spices, often found right in our kitchens, offer numerous health benefits when added to beverages. From improving digestion to enhancing immunity, these natural ingredients can transform ordinary drinks into powerful wellness elixirs.

Here’s how you can use some everyday spices to create simple yet effective health-boosting drinks:

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### Tip 1: Turmeric’s Golden Touch

Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, largely due to an active compound called curcumin. Adding a pinch of turmeric to warm water or herbal tea can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. For enhanced benefits, combine turmeric with black pepper, which can increase curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%.

This golden spice not only lends a beautiful color to your drink but also promotes overall well-being.

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### Tip 2: Ginger’s Zesty Kick

Ginger is well-known for its digestive benefits and its ability to ease nausea. Slicing a few pieces of fresh ginger into hot water creates a comforting drink that soothes stomach discomfort and aids digestion.

Moreover, ginger’s spicy warmth improves circulation and provides comforting heat during colder months. Adding ginger to your daily hydration routine is an easy way to enhance gut health.

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### Tip 3: Cinnamon’s Sweet Warmth

Cinnamon is widely celebrated for its role in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Including a cinnamon stick or a dash of ground cinnamon powder in your morning tea or coffee delivers these benefits along with a delightful sweet aroma—without any added sugar.

Additionally, cinnamon contains antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in the body.

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### Tip 4: Cardamom’s Aromatic Flavor

Cardamom imparts a unique aromatic flavor that complements both hot and cold drinks. Known for its detoxifying properties, cardamom helps flush toxins from the body while promoting digestive health.

Simply add crushed cardamom pods or ground cardamom powder to your beverage to enhance flavor and support digestion naturally.

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### Tip 5: Clove’s Invigorating Essence

Cloves are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and promote oral health due to their antibacterial properties, making them a common ingredient in natural mouthwashes.

Adding a few cloves to warm water creates an invigorating essence that assists digestion after meals, without relying on artificial additives. This makes cloves an excellent natural choice for everyday consumption.

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Incorporating these simple spices into your daily drinks not only elevates flavor but also offers a natural path to improved health and wellness. Enjoy exploring these easy, effective ways to boost your hydration routine!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/daily-spices-for-hydrating-wellness-drinks/story

business, education, employment, industry, technology

Why getting VC jobs is now harder for MBA graduates

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**Why Getting VC Jobs Is Now Harder for MBA Graduates**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 22, 2025, 01:18 pm*

The pathway from earning an MBA to landing a job in venture capital (VC) remains open, but recent data suggests this route is becoming more challenging. According to reports from PitchBook and academic research, the landscape of VC hiring is shifting.

In 2024, Harvard University placed 50 of its 1,004 MBA graduates into VC roles, with a median starting salary of $177,500. Meanwhile, Stanford saw about 30 of its smaller graduating class enter venture capital positions.

### Alumni Presence and Declining MBA Representation

PitchBook data reveals that over 10,000 MBA alumni from Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton currently hold senior roles in US VC firms. Despite this large presence, the dominance of MBAs in the venture capital world is gradually declining.

Stanford professor Ilya Strebulaev’s research shows that the share of mid-career venture professionals with MBA degrees has dropped from 44% in the early 2000s to 32% today. This signals a noticeable shift in the composition of VC talent.

### Changing Hiring Preferences

The evolving nature of venture capital itself is a key factor behind this trend. VC is expanding beyond traditional sectors into cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and hardware, where technical expertise tends to be more valued than business school credentials.

As a result, venture firms increasingly prioritize candidates with backgrounds from tech powerhouses such as OpenAI and SpaceX over those holding MBAs from top business schools.

“There is less appetite for MBAs currently,” notes executive recruiter Will Champagne in an interview with PitchBook.

### Student Interest Remains Strong

Despite these changes in hiring preferences, interest among MBA students in venture capital careers remains robust. At Stanford, for example, the VC club boasts around 600 members out of roughly 850 MBA students on campus.

However, pursuing an MBA at a leading program can be costly, with expenses often exceeding $200,000. Yet this high price tag does not seem to diminish students’ enthusiasm for venture capital roles.

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As the VC industry evolves, MBA graduates may need to adapt by gaining relevant technical skills or experience to stay competitive in this dynamic job market.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/mba-to-vc-job-path-still-exists-but-changing/story

business, policy, technology

Indian Tech Industry To Enhance Local Skilling, Hiring In US: Nasscom

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The Indian IT and tech industry is investing more than $1 billion in local upskilling and hiring within the United States, marking a significant increase in the number of local hires, according to the industry’s apex body, Nasscom.

Over the years, Indian and India-centric companies operating in the US have significantly reduced their reliance on H-1B visas, steadily boosting their local hiring efforts. “Moreover, with the fee being applicable from 2026 onward, companies have time to further enhance skilling programs in the US and increase local hiring,” Nasscom noted.

Data shows that the number of H-1B visas issued to leading Indian and India-centric companies has dropped from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024. Nasscom added, “H-1B workers for the top 10 Indian and India-centric companies constitute less than 1 percent of their entire employee base. Given this trajectory, we anticipate only a marginal impact for the sector.”

The H-1B visa is designed for high-skilled worker mobility and serves as a non-immigrant visa that helps bridge critical skill gaps in the US labor market. Salaries for H-1B workers are on par with local hires, and H-1B workers represent only a very small fraction of the overall US workforce.

“Nasscom has consistently advocated for predictable and stable skilled talent mobility frameworks, which are essential for sustaining national competitiveness and have long fueled US innovation and economic growth,” the industry body said. Skilled talent mobility, it emphasized, is central to enabling businesses to make forward-looking investment decisions, accelerate research, and strengthen nations’ positions in the global innovation economy.

On September 20, the White House issued clarifications regarding the recent proclamation introducing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. The clarification confirmed that this new fee will not affect current visa holders and will be applied as a one-time fee only to fresh petitions. This announcement has helped resolve immediate ambiguities surrounding eligibility and timelines, while also alleviating concerns about business continuity and uncertainty for H-1B holders currently outside the US.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Only the headline has been changed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/indian-tech-industry-to-enhance-local-skilling-hiring-in-us-nasscom

business, finance, insurance, policy, regulation

Insurers to pass full GST benefit to customers

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**Insurers to Pass Full GST Benefit to Customers**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:47 PM*

Insurance companies are preparing to implement the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates starting Monday. According to industry insiders, insurers will pass on the entire GST reduction directly to customers without altering product prices for the time being.

This initiative is expected to boost demand slightly, as many customers had postponed their insurance purchases in anticipation of the new tax regime.

**Implementation Status**

While some insurers are ready with their entire product portfolio updated to reflect the new GST rates, others may initially offer only their best-selling products. This phased approach will continue until all offerings are aligned with the revised tax structure.

This move is part of a broader industry effort to comply with the updated tax regulations while maintaining affordable insurance options for consumers.

**Margin Concerns**

Despite passing on the GST cut, insurers remain cautious about the potential impact on profit margins due to the withdrawal of input tax credit. The revised tax structure is seen as part of the government’s wider strategy to simplify and streamline taxation across sectors.

However, the long-term effects of these changes on both businesses and consumers are yet to be fully understood.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/insurers-to-pass-on-gst-reduction-to-customers/story

business, finance, investigations, regulation

Adani Group demands accountability from Hindenburg after $150B losses

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**Adani Group Demands Accountability from Hindenburg Following $150 Billion Losses**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 05:26 PM*

The Adani Group is calling for accountability from Hindenburg Research after the US-based firm’s allegations led to a staggering loss of nearly $150 billion in shareholder value.

### SEBI Clears Adani Group of Violations

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently concluded its investigation and cleared the conglomerate of any related-party violations under existing laws. A source close to the group questioned who would be held responsible for the massive losses suffered by millions of investors following Hindenburg’s report.

### Market Response: Stocks Rally After SEBI’s Clean Chit

Following SEBI’s ruling, the stocks of nine companies under the Adani Group witnessed gains ranging from 0.3% to 12.4%. Adani Power emerged as the biggest gainer, climbing 12.4% in stock price.

Despite this positive momentum, the combined market capitalization of these companies remains below ₹14 lakh crore, which is significantly lower than the pre-allegation peak of over ₹19 lakh crore.

### Regulatory Scrutiny Finds No Evidence of Wrongdoing

SEBI had launched a thorough investigation in 2023 in response to the Hindenburg allegations. The regulator found no evidence of fraud, market manipulation, or diversion of funds.

Additionally, a six-member committee appointed by the Supreme Court to examine the claims also cleared the Adani Group of any wrongdoing.

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The developments mark a crucial chapter in the ongoing saga between the Adani Group and Hindenburg Research, highlighting the impact of financial allegations on market valuations and investor sentiment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/adani-seeks-accountability-as-sebi-dismisses-hindenburg-allegations/story

business, corporate, economy, finance, stock market

Market cap of India’s top 7 firms up ₹1.18L crore

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**Market Cap of India’s Top 7 Firms Jumps by ₹1.18 Lakh Crore**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 21, 2025, 02:58 PM*

The combined market capitalization of seven of the top 10 most valuable companies in India saw a substantial increase of ₹1.18 lakh crore last week. This surge was primarily driven by gains in State Bank of India (SBI) and Bharti Airtel, reflecting a broadly positive trend in the equities market.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark index also experienced a boost, rising by 721.53 points, or 0.88%, during the same period.

**Market Leaders SBI and Airtel Lead the Charge**

SBI’s market valuation soared by ₹35,953.25 crore, reaching ₹7,95,910 crore. Close behind, Bharti Airtel’s valuation jumped by ₹33,214.77 crore to ₹11,18,952.64 crore. Reliance Industries also registered a significant increase, with its market capitalization rising by ₹17,389.23 crore to ₹19,04,898.51 crore.

Additionally, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) saw its valuation climb by ₹12,952.75 crore, bringing it to ₹11,46,879.47 crore.

**Other Notable Gainers: LIC and Infosys**

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Infosys also recorded considerable gains. LIC’s market cap grew by ₹12,460.25 crore to ₹5,65,612.92 crore, while Infosys’s valuation increased by ₹6,127.73 crore to ₹6,39,901.03 crore.

HDFC Bank witnessed a modest rise in its market capitalization, up by ₹230.31 crore, reaching ₹14,84,816.26 crore.

**Companies Facing Decline in Market Capitalization**

On the other hand, three companies experienced a dip in their market value. ICICI Bank’s market cap fell by ₹10,707.87 crore to ₹10,01,654.46 crore. Bajaj Finance saw its valuation decrease by ₹6,346.93 crore, down to ₹6,17,892.72 crore. Hindustan Unilever also recorded a decline of ₹5,039.87 crore, bringing its market cap to ₹6,01,225.16 crore.

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Overall, the positive momentum in India’s equity markets was largely supported by strong performances from SBI, Bharti Airtel, and Reliance Industries, signaling robust investor confidence in these leading firms.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/top-7-m-cap-gainers-add-1-18l-crore-last-week/story

business, corporate, economy, finance, stock market

Market cap of India’s top 7 firms up ₹1.18L crore

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**Market Cap of India’s Top 7 Firms Surges by ₹1.18 Lakh Crore**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 02:58 PM*

The combined market capitalization of seven out of the top 10 most valuable companies in India witnessed a massive jump of ₹1.18 lakh crore last week. This surge was primarily driven by strong performances from State Bank of India (SBI) and Bharti Airtel, amid a broadly positive trend in the equity markets.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark index also reflected this optimism, rising by 721.53 points or 0.88%.

### Market Leaders SBI and Bharti Airtel Lead the Gains

State Bank of India saw its market valuation soar by ₹35,953.25 crore, reaching ₹7,95,910 crore. Bharti Airtel closely followed with an increase of ₹33,214.77 crore, lifting its market cap to ₹11,18,952.64 crore.

Reliance Industries also experienced a significant rise, adding ₹17,389.23 crore to touch a valuation of ₹19,04,898.51 crore.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) posted an increase of ₹12,952.75 crore, taking its market capitalization up to ₹11,46,879.47 crore.

### Other Notable Gainers: LIC and Infosys

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) saw its valuation climb by ₹12,460.25 crore, reaching ₹5,65,612.92 crore. Infosys also recorded gains, with its market cap increasing by ₹6,127.73 crore to ₹6,39,901.03 crore.

HDFC Bank’s market capitalization rose marginally by ₹230.31 crore, closing at ₹14,84,816.26 crore during the week.

### Market Laggers: ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, and Hindustan Unilever

On the downside, three firms witnessed declines in their market capitalizations last week. ICICI Bank’s valuation decreased by ₹10,707.87 crore to ₹10,01,654.46 crore.

Bajaj Finance and Hindustan Unilever also saw drops, with market caps falling by ₹6,346.93 crore and ₹5,039.87 crore, respectively. This brought Bajaj Finance’s valuation down to ₹6,17,892.72 crore and Hindustan Unilever’s to ₹6,01,225.16 crore.

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The overall surge in market caps reflects renewed investor confidence in India’s blue-chip companies, particularly the banking and telecommunications sectors, while some pockets saw profit booking and corrections.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/top-7-m-cap-gainers-add-1-18l-crore-last-week/story