Emerging Technologies to Fuel Job Growth in India’s Tech Ecosystem by 2025, Says FirstMeridian

2024 has been a pivotal year for the Indian IT sector, shaped by both domestic and global economic shifts, technological advancements, and changes in workforce dynamics. Anticipated to contribute 10% to India’s GDP by 2025, Indian IT/tech ecosystem is poised for a promising growth trajectory in the coming years, with workforce expansion being a crucial element of this journey.

Looking back at 2024, the Indian IT/tech ecosystem witnessed a 17% surge in new employment opportunities, driven by rapid digital transformation and the concurrent rising demand for emerging tech niche job profiles. After a muted H1, the sector regained momentum, As we gear up for 2025, these trends will continue, while also eyeing an average 20% rise in profiles like application developers, software engineers, DevOps engineers, AI, ML, and Cyber Security.

Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) which was a major trend in 2024, is expected to further accelerate in 2025. The sector is set for remarkable expansion, with high demand for roles such as data analysts, data engineers, data scientists, and others. The Gen-AI industry alone is projected to 1 million new job opportunities by 2028, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. Salaries for Gen-AI positions like Generative AI engineer, Algorithm engineer, AI security specialist are forecasted to rise from the previous year, indicating a 25 -30% upward trend in compensation for mid-level category .

As businesses expand and innovate, this surge in hiring will support new projects, enhance digital infrastructure, and keep pace with technological advancements. For instance, Industries like Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have created over 600,000 jobs between 2018-19 and 2023-24. By 2030, they are projected to employ 2.5 to 2.8 million professionals. Additionally, other non tech sectors like BFSI and Telecom are also likely to increase their intake of IT/tech professionals in the coming year.

As we move towards an evolving IT landscape in 2025, there will be an essential focus on tech upskilling to cultivate a robust workforce pool. Majority of large enterprises and mid-sized companies are expected to marginally increase their upskilling budgets by an average of 15-20% in 2025. Additionally, individuals will continue taking initiative for their own upskilling efforts to prepare for promising new-age tech roles.

An emerging sector set to thrive in 2025 is the Indian IT gig economy, projected to grow by 3X and employ 24 million people by 2030 in which a majority will be created in 2025 and 2026 in high-demand skill areas such as AI Engineers, Data Analysts, and Cybersecurity professional. This demand is expected to follow a 1:1 ratio between Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. This growth underscores a rising dependence on flexible talent solutions to address the evolving needs of the tech landscape. Companies are increasingly turning to gig workers for their specialized expertise and adaptability, driving hiring trends toward niche technical roles and project-based engagements, making the gig economy a key player in shaping the future of IT talent.

A new wave of growth is emerging in the Indian IT sector, extending beyond Tier 1 cities to include Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. With companies embracing flexibility and operating in smaller cities, job seekers now have the chance to work closer to home. This shift is expected to fuel a 35%+ increase in hiring across these regions by 2025 with Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Indore and Coimbatore leading the way.

Although the Indian IT ecosystem stabilised to a larger extend, the sector still faces few challenges, including a talent shortage in emerging fields like AI and cybersecurity, and the impact of global economic instabilities. While initiatives like Digital India and Skill India are beneficial, further strategies to upskill talent and enhance value amid cost pressures are essential for navigating the next phase of technological transformation.

Vertigo Explained: Key Neurological Causes and How They Affect Your Balance

By-Dr. Mahesh Jadhav Consultant – Neurology Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune

When a person has vertigo, they feel as though their environment is moving even though there isn’t any actual motion. Extreme vertigo can make it difficult to balance or carry out regular tasks. Vertigo can strike out of nowhere and last anywhere from a few seconds to days or more. This sensation can be defined by dizziness or spinning. The symptoms of vertigo include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty walking. Vertigo is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of several underlying conditions.

There are multiple causes of vertigo, ranging from migraine headaches, arrhythmia, and diabetes to neurological causes.

Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraines have a special effect on the vestibular system, which regulates balance and spatial orientation. These migraines cause disturbances in the vestibular nuclei, which are areas of the brainstem that process information about balance. Unlike ordinary migraines, vestibular migraines may not always result in a headache. Instead, they often manifest as vestibular symptoms such as lightheadedness, vertigo, or problems with balance. People with vestibular migraines frequently have a history of frequent migraines and increased sensitivity to motion. These sensations can be confusing and significantly impact everyday tasks.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Strokes

Both multiple sclerosis (MS) and strokes, particularly transient ischemic episodes (TIAs), can cause vertigo, though they do so in different ways. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the nerves’ protective coating, causing damage to the nerves. This injury can affect the nerves responsible for balance and coordination, leading to vertigo, a sensation of spinning or losing equilibrium. This symptom can be quite incapacitating and often coexists with other neurological impairments caused by multiple sclerosis.

However, when blood supply to the brain is reduced or disrupted, strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) happen. If the brainstem or cerebellum—two crucial regions for processing balance and spatial orientation—are affected, vertigo could appear as a symptom. In these cases, the reduction in blood flow damages the brain cells, disrupting the balance-maintenance mechanisms.

Cerebellar Tumors

Chronic vertigo might come from cerebellar tumors that disrupt the brain’s capacity to interpret balance cues. This is similar to how Chiari malformation, a structural abnormality that pushes the cerebellum into the spinal canal, can induce symptoms like dizziness and poor coordination, as well as impair balance. A doctor is required to treat both disorders.

Vestibular Neuritis

The inner ear disorder known as vestibular neuritis is brought on by inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This nerve oversees communicating balancing information to the brain from the inner ear. When it becomes inflamed, it interferes with these signals, causing severe and protracted vertigo episodes that are frequently accompanied by nausea and balance issues.

Epilepsy

Vertigo can sometimes occur during an epileptic aura or focal seizures, especially when they affect the temporal lobe. During these seizures, abnormal electrical activity in the brain’s vestibular system can cause a rare type of partial seizure. This seizure is often marked by a spinning or whirling sensation and can sometimes result in convulsions. The sensation of vertigo in these cases is part of the aura or the beginning phase of the seizure.

Brainstem Lesions

Vertigo can arise from changes in the vestibular pathways caused by brainstem lesions from diseases such as ischemia or demyelination. When brainstem lesions impair the brainstem’s capacity to interpret vestibular signals, vertigo can develop. Through the integration of sensory data from the body, eyes, and inner ear, the brainstem preserves equilibrium and spatial orientation. Lesions in this area can cause distorted vestibular processing, which can lead to vertigo.

Indal IVF Successfully Delivers Twins After Azoospermia Challenge

The IVF process, supported by PESA and ICSI, was designed to overcome the husband’s obstructive azoospermia and help the couple achieve a successful, healthy pregnancy 30th December 2024: Jindal IVF, a leading institute in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), has achieved another remarkable milestone in the field of reproductive medicine with […]

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Aster RV Hospital Hosts Mega Blood Donation Camp, Collects 190+ Units of Blood

Aster RV Hospital, in collaboration with SIEMENS, successfully organized a Mega Blood Donation Camp across three SIEMENS locations in Bangalore. This initiative witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 240 employees participating and 190+ units of blood collected. The camp highlighted the power of awareness and education, as more than 50% of participants were first-time donors. […]

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Honasa’s Year-End Report 2024: Bengaluru Leads Dry Shampoo Searches, Raipur Shifts to Science-Backed Skincare

As 2024 wraps up, India’s beauty and personal care landscape tells a story of remarkable growth, shifting preferences, and evolving routines. Honasa Consumer Ltd. which is home to brands like Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, Dr. Sheths, BBlunt and Staze Beauty, shared its Year ender Wrap showcasing what India was shopping for in 2024.

India shopped for 99.2 million products underscoring the growing demand for beauty and personal care. With over 18,700 pincodes served this year, Honasa ensured that self-care became a priority across the country, from bustling metros to the remotest corners of India.

As beauty and personal care trends swept across the nation, city-specific stories added unique flavor to the year.

Key insights and trends:

Jammu: Moisturizers topped the charts, becoming the most-ordered product for the year in this region.

Kapurthala: One skincare enthusiast purchased 33 bottles of The Derma Co.’s 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum, proving its popularity for targeted skincare needs.

Parwanoo: Over 1,000 women workers from this region worked behind the scenes to make beauty and personal care essentials, spotlighting the impact of empowering local communities.

Moorang: The demand for Mamaearth baby care products in one of the remotest parts of Himachal Pradesh reflects the rising prioritization of gentle and natural products, even in smaller towns.

Siliguri: During Durga Puja, 9,848 kajals were sold, highlighting the preference for bold eye makeup during festive celebrations.

Patna: Over 10,000 Mamaearth ruby-red lipsticks were purchased during Chhath Puja, reflecting the demand for vibrant festive looks.

Jhansi: A customer bought 45 bottles of Aqualogica Glow+ Sunscreen, making it the region’s most-loved product. It highlights the growing awareness of sun care in Tier 3 cities, a category once limited to metro markets.

Guwahati: A K-drama fan purchased 61 tubes of Mamaearth Rice Facewash, enough for 8 years of glass-like skin!

Raipur: Emerging as a hub for science-backed skincare, Raipur’s growing interest signals a shift toward informed choices in personal care.

Gurgaon: Searches the most for “gifts for girlfriends” on the website, with Aqualogica Mists becoming a go-to choice for thoughtful gifting.

Surat: For a Haldi ceremony, one customer ordered 155 bottles of Mamaearth Ubtan Face Masks, showcasing the role of personal care in cultural traditions.

Mumbai: Became the “Sheet Mask Capital of India,Mumbai reaffirmed its status as a trendsetter for skincare rituals, driven by urban consumers’ focus on self-care.

Hyderabad: As the Baby Care HQ of India, the city purchased the most for baby products reflecting a significant growth in this segment, emphasizing safety and gentleness.

Goa: Unsurprisingly sunscreen emerged as the top-selling product, cementing Goa as India’s sunscreen capital.

Bengaluru: Dry shampoo was a city favorite for last-minute party preparations, highlighting the rise of convenience-driven beauty trends among urban millennials.

Madurai: Consumers nailed their AM PM routines by purchasing 14 tubes of Mamaearth Daily Glow Facewash and 8 bottles of The Derma Co. Retinol Serum.

Itanagar: Aqualogica products were highly loved, reflecting a strong preference for the brand in the Northeast.

Even though every city had its unique favorites, in 2024, skincare emerged as the ultimate solution for every concern!

  • Over 26.2 million units of facewash were bought by consumers, solidifying its role as a must-have in daily skincare routines.
  • Sun care products followed closely, with 15.9 million units left the hub, reflecting the increasing focus on sun protection.
  • Shampoos also captured significant attention, with 11.6 million units purchased, underscoring the continued focus on haircare.
  • Meanwhile, hydration became the MVP as India ordered more than 5.9 million moisturizers making it a go-to product in their skincare.

In 2024, Honasa’s products became essentials in daily skincare and beauty routines. Crowd favorites included Mamaearth’s Ubtan Face Wash, Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer, Aqualogica’s Glow+ Dewy Sunscreens, Bblunt’s Hot Shot Heat Protection Hair Mist, and Staze’s 9 to 9 3-in-1 Lipsticks. These standout products not only captivated consumers but also reflected the evolving trends in beauty and personal care.

Mamaearth’s natural and organic baby care solutions continued to be India’s favourite with over 7.2 million Mamearth babycare products were sold. Mamaearth Baby Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent Patches became parent-approved heroes, while baby soaps continued to offer soft, clean care for the youngest members of the family. Another one leading the pack was Mamaearth’s Onion range with 9.6 million units sold in 2024- that’s equal to 580 tons of onion!

In 2024, serums became the star of skincare, and Honasa led the charge by delivering over 7.7 million serums and putting active ingredients at the forefront of India’s beauty routines. India loved The Derma Co. 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum, Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Serum, and Dr. Sheth’s Centella & Niacinamide Serum, all of which helped redefine radiance and skin rejuvenation.

The Niacinamide Serum emerged as a top choice with 1.5 million units sold, offering users clearer, smoother skin. The Salicylic Acid Face Serums also gained immense popularity, with 1.2 million units sold, making a significant impact on acne treatment and skin clarity. Together, these active ingredient-powered serums transformed skincare routines, giving India radiant, healthy skin.

And that’s how India embraced Honasa products in 2024 – from baby products to face washes to active serums. 2025 will be a year of developing traditional solutions, continuing investing in science-driven formulations and building effective personal care routines for Indian consumers.

Eco-Tech Revolution: Student’s Hi-Tech Hat Blends Sustainability and Innovation

A Historic Breakthrough by JIS College of Engineering Student, Redefining Personal Protective Gear with Cutting-Edge Features 30th December 2024: Dhruba Shil, a promising 4th-year student from the Electrical Engineering Department of JIS College of Engineering, has captured attention with a remarkable invention that merges eco-conscious design with cutting-edge technology. Shil’s creation, an intelligent and eco-friendly […]

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PHDCCI Advocates for Tax Reforms and MSME Support in Pre-Budget Meeting

During industry interaction with the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the President of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Shri Hemant Jain, presented a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing India’s economic growth. The suggestions focused on rationalizing the tax structure, bolstering the manufacturing sector, and creating an enabling environment for Micro, Small, […]

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Conquering G2G 2024: A ride to remember from India Gate to Gateway of India

G2G 2024, a ~1450km cycling expedition between two Indian Unesco world heritage sites starting from India Gate, Delhi to the Gateway of India, Mumbai, pushed Aneesh Saraiya, who works for a top management consulting firm, to their physical and mental limits. This demanding journey, traversing four states – Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, presented a […]

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Experience Maharashtra’s Best Nature, Adventure, and Culture at the Eco Glamping Festival

Mumbai, December 30, 2024 – Maharashtra Tourism is thrilled to announce Eco Glamping Festival, set to take place from January 15, 2025 till March 2025 in the picturesque Gangapur Dam Backwaters (near Tower House) of Nashik. With its breathtaking landscapes and serene environment, Nashik serves as the perfect backdrop for this unique event that combines luxury, culture, and adventure, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

The festival aims to showcase Maharashtra’s tourism potential by blending the elegance of glamping with immersive cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Tourists will enjoy accommodation in luxury tents surrounded by nature while engaging in a variety of activities designed to celebrate the region’s heritage and natural beauty. Highlights include the Wine Experience Centre, where visitors can indulge in Nashik’s globally renowned wines, a vibrant Craft & Food Bazaar showcasing traditional crafts and authentic cuisines, and a Rural Experience that immerses participants in the charm of village life.

For adventure enthusiasts, the festival features thrilling activities such as para gliding, para sailing, para motoring, cycling, trekking, duo cycling, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and a paintball arena. Adding to the excitement, a rich lineup of entertainment includes cultural performances and interactive workshops on photography, naturopathy, biodynamic farming, tribal art and culture, and eco-marine exploration.

Conveniently accessible via Nashik and Shirdi airports, the Eco Glamping Festival is an ideal destination for families, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. This winter, experience the magic of Maharashtra like never before at the Eco Glamping Festival—a celebration of nature, luxury, and tradition in Nashik.

Abhishek Banerjee Returns in the Sequel of IIFL Home Finance’s Bharose Ki Keemat Campaign

National, 30th December 2024: IIFL Home Finance Ltd., India’s leading affordable housing finance company, is excited to announce the launch of the second video in the ‘Bharose Ki Keemat’ campaign. This new video continues the successful journey of building trust (Bharosa) in personal and financial relationships. The second installment of the campaign, featuring the talented actor Abhishek Banerjee, brings humor and relatability to the concept of trust, creating a memorable and emotional connection with viewers.

Following the success of the first video, the second video continues to focus on the “Bharosa Meter” a playful yet meaningful device that gauges the ups and downs of trust. The storyline expands on the everyday moments of trust in personal and financial relationships, showcasing how small decisions, whether in personal life or financial dealings, can impact the trust meter. The new video promises to captivate the audience with its light-hearted approach while conveying an important message about placing trust in the right hands, especially when making crucial financial decisions like securing a home loan.

The advertisement takes viewers through another vibrant narrative, set in a different yet equally relatable scenario. Abhishek Banerjee’s character once again navigates moments of trust, balancing between personal relationships and financial choices. The popular ‘Bharosa Jingle’ returns, continuing to evoke feelings of warmth and sincerity. The catchy, festive tune ensures the message resonates with the audience, while visually reinforcing the theme of trust. The music and visuals combine seamlessly to create an emotional connection with the audience, highlighting IIFL Home Finance’s role as a trusted partner in the homeownership journey.

Ms. Madhvi Gupta, Head – Marketing, PR, ESG, and CSR, IIFL Home Finance Ltd. says, “The second video from the ‘Bharose Ki Keemat’ campaign continues our story of trust with Abhishek Banerjee, bringing added humour, warmth, and relatability to the original concept. As we wrap up this year, the video serves as a perfect reminder of the importance of trust, not just in relationships but also in the financial decisions that impact everyone’s future. IIFL Home Finance remains committed to being the trusted partner for homebuyers, especially in the affordable housing segment and for the EWS and LIG category.”

Ms. Baani Singh, Senior Group Creative Manager, Schbang on the launch of sequel adds, “With the Bharosa Universe identifying as irreverent, the real challenge was to carry the codes of its conversational craft to a brand out piece. To achieve this, we created a buffet of benefits that clearly brought to life the trust-winning intent of IIFL Home Finance Ltd., using the ‘Bharosa Meter’ for our audience.”

The campaign is expected to generate significant traction across TV, digital, and social media channels, reaching millions of viewers and further solidifying IIFL Home Finance’s position as a trustworthy ally in the homeownership journey. Looking ahead, the brand will continue to build on the success of this campaign, with a second video in the #Bharosa series slated for release in the coming year. The campaign positions IIFL Home Finance as not only a leader in home finance solutions but also a brand deeply invested in fostering relationships built on trust.