IT Companies Adjust Hiring and Salaries in 2025

RailTel Corporation of India shares dipped slightly on July 25, trading at Rs 400.25 after securing a Rs 10 crore order from the Odisha government. This contract involves implementing IT solutions for the SSEPD Department, due for completion by January 2026. Earlier in the month, RailTel also landed significant contracts from East Central Railway and Indian Overseas Bank. Currently, the stock is 22.85% below its 52-week high of Rs 518.80, with a market cap of Rs 12,845.56 crore. Investors are keenly watching upcoming board meetings for financial results.

The recent corporate earnings season in India shows mixed results, with cement and certain NBFCs performing better than expected, while some consumer sectors lagged. Poonam Tandon from IndiaFirst Life predicts a revival in earnings from September, thanks to RBI’s liquidity measures and tax rebates from the government. Despite concerns over market valuations and global uncertainties, India's economic fundamentals remain strong. The auto sector faces challenges in demand, but selective investment strategies are being adopted. Overall, the market outlook is cautiously optimistic as it adapts to changing conditions.

The Indian stock market and mutual fund industry are set for significant growth, according to Navneet Munot, CEO of HDFC Mutual Fund. He emphasized the market's transparency and technological advancements, which make Indian mutual funds unique globally. While record investments through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are rising, Munot reassured that this trend will continue. He urged financial advisors to reach untapped areas, encouraging new investors to join the market. With campaigns like 'Mutual Funds Sahi Hain,' the industry is focusing on education and trust, essential for long-term success.

Internet-first businesses are set to take the market by storm, according to Raamdeo Agrawal, chairman of Motilal Oswal Financial Services. While some digital firms are already listed, many more are on the way. Agrawal believes that while some will fail, the successful ones will experience remarkable growth. He highlights the increasing participation of retail investors in the Indian market, indicating a shift from traditional ownership patterns. However, he advises caution as the market may see corrections, urging investors to stay informed and keep strategies simple.

Investing wisely means picking quality companies and holding onto them during market ups and downs, according to Enam's Manish Chokhani. He emphasizes the importance of patience, as India's economy is set to grow, leading to increased consumption. Chokhani suggests that successful investors focus on companies with strong growth potential, irrespective of global market fluctuations. He advises maintaining a diversified portfolio while concentrating on the best investments. With the right approach, market dips shouldn't deter investors, as opportunities abound in India's entrepreneurial landscape.

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, has become a billionaire, with his wealth soaring to $1.1 billion as the company added over $1 trillion in market value. This remarkable achievement is especially notable for a non-founding CEO in the tech industry. Pichai has been leading Alphabet for a decade, during which the company's revenues have skyrocketed, driven by growth in services like YouTube and Cloud. Born in Tamil Nadu, Pichai's journey from a middle-class background to the tech industry's pinnacle showcases his determination and expertise. His success highlights the potential for innovative leadership in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's leading IT services provider, plans to cut over 12,000 jobs—about 2% of its workforce—by the 2026 financial year. The layoffs will mainly impact middle and senior management roles. TCS is adapting to new markets and technologies, including AI, while retraining employees. CEO K Krithivasan emphasized that these cuts are not solely due to AI but rather a need to align skills with future demands. Despite significant employee development efforts, some roles were not successfully redeployed, leading to this tough decision amid changes in technology and business operations.

A fascinating change is happening in India's smartphone market with the rise of compact flagship phones. Brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Vivo, Apple, and Samsung are launching powerful devices with screens 6.3 inches or smaller, catering to users who prefer easier handling and better ergonomics. Research shows that 74% of young professionals in India favor compact phones. While large-screen models still dominate, this shift highlights the need for mobility and one-handed usability. The trend is expected to expand into mid-range models, creating a wider choice for consumers.

PayPal has teamed up with India’s National Payments Corporation and others to create PayPal World, a new platform for cross-border payments. This innovative platform promotes seamless transactions between local payment systems and PayPal, allowing users to send money globally. UPI, which represents a significant portion of India's digital payments, will play a crucial role in this venture. This collaboration aims to extend UPI's influence internationally while enhancing digital payment systems in countries like those in Africa and South America. The platform is set to launch later this year.

The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for FY 2024-25 has been extended to September 15, 2025, providing relief to salaried taxpayers. Originally set for July 31, this change follows challenges faced by taxpayers, including delays in ITR forms and TDS data. Late filers may incur penalties, but they can file belated returns until December 31, 2025, and updated returns until March 31, 2030. Interestingly, taxpayers due for refunds may receive up to 33% higher interest. The Income Tax Department now offers a new Excel-based utility for simplified filing.

JSW Cement, led by Parth Jindal, is set to reduce its IPO size from $462 million to $415 million, with plans to launch in early August. Targeting a valuation of $2.3 billion, this IPO will be the first major offering in the cement sector since 2021. The company, which aims to expand its production capacity significantly, will use the funds for a new plant in Rajasthan and debt repayment. Significant investors like Apollo Global Management and SBI are involved, as the market heats up amid competition between major players like Ultratech and the Adani group.

GNG Electronics' IPO has created a buzz, attracting massive interest from investors. By its third day of bidding, the ₹460-crore issue was oversubscribed nearly 147 times, with institutional buyers showing remarkable enthusiasm. The company specializes in refurbishing laptops and ICT devices, aiming to capitalize on the rising trend of sustainability. With a price band set between ₹225-237, GNG Electronics is positioned well for long-term growth despite facing competition. Experts recommend subscribing to the IPO as it holds promise in the growing refurbished market.

Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) saw its shares plummet nearly 30% after the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission announced market coupling set for January 2026. This change threatens IEX's competitive edge, as transaction income forms over 70% of its total revenue. Analysts warn of significant revenue and profit declines, predicting a potential 40-50% drop in earnings. The new structure will unify price discovery across power exchanges, diminishing IEX's historical dominance. Investors are cautious, waiting to see how competitors react, leading to uncertainty in the stock's future.

G R Infraprojects witnessed a 1.5% rise in its share price, reaching Rs 1,297.55, after being declared the lowest bidder for a major road project in Jharkhand. The project involves constructing a 26.672 km Giridih Bypass, with a contract value of Rs 290.23 crore and a completion timeline of 24 months. The stock has shown significant fluctuation, hitting a 52-week high of Rs 1,809.00 and a low of Rs 902.05. Currently, it trades 28.27% below its peak but remains 43.84% above its low, showcasing potential for investors.

Bajaj Finance's shares fell by 6% after the company reported a 22% rise in net profit for Q1 FY26, reaching ₹4,765 crore. Despite strong loan growth, especially with 13.49 million new loans booked, concerns arose due to increased credit costs in the MSME and auto sectors. Analysts like JPMorgan and UBS have downgraded their ratings, highlighting potential earnings pressure. While some brokerages maintain a 'buy' recommendation, the outlook remains cautious due to macroeconomic challenges. Investors are advised to stay informed and consider expert opinions before making decisions.

Monarch Surveyors IPO allotment will be finalized tonight, attracting massive interest with 231.43 times subscription. Investors can check their status on the Bigshare Services website using their application number or PAN. With a price band of Rs 237-250, shares are expected to list on July 29. The company is seeing a strong grey market premium of 84%, indicating promising potential for investors. This is an exciting time for those who participated in the IPO, so don’t forget to check your allotment status!

Bears continued to dominate Dalal Street, pushing the Nifty 50 down for the second day in a row, closing at 24,837. This drop, breaking below key moving averages, indicates a shift to negative sentiment among traders. Experts warn that if the index remains below 24,900, further declines could follow, with crucial support at 24,700. The Bank Nifty also faced challenges but managed a slight weekly gain. With rising volatility and caution in the market, traders should stay alert to potential changes in sentiment and support levels.

Small-scale traders and street vendors in Bengaluru have called off their planned bandh on July 25, initially set to protest GST notices targeting their digital transactions. After a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, their concerns were addressed, leading to the decision to avoid the shutdown. Traders had faced confusion over GST regulations, especially regarding UPI transactions exceeding Rs 40 lakh. CM Siddaramaiah assured them that tax notices were specific and promised no backdated recovery for compliant traders. With these reassurances, services in Bengaluru will continue without disruption.