Author: Team

Q1’25 Hiring Trends: Apna Reports 1.8 Cr Job Applications and Major Upswing in Female Talent

Mumbai, 29th April 2025: India’s job market is surging ahead with renewed momentum in 2025, as revealed by Apna’s latest “India at Work – Q1 2025” report. The platform witnessed a record-breaking 1.81 crore job applications, a 30% increase from the previous year, reflecting India’s growing economic optimism and digital hiring boom across sectors.

Women’s participation in the workforce soared, with over 62 lakh applications—a 23% year-on-year jump. Notably, applications from women for enterprise roles doubled, marking a 92% surge. This growth was most pronounced in Tier 2 and 3 cities such as Chandigarh, Indore, and Jamshedpur, driven by flexible work options, gender-inclusive hiring, and expanded opportunities in sectors like BPO, finance, and HR.

Freshers also powered India’s employment engine, contributing over 66 lakh applications—a 46% YoY increase. With companies increasingly recruiting from beyond metro cities, emerging talent hubs like Rajkot, Warangal, and Meerut are now part of the mainstream hiring narrative.

On the supply side, Apna saw 3.1 lakh job postings, up 26% from Q1 2024. SMBs led the charge, posting over 2.1 lakh jobs, including 28,547 roles exclusively for women. Enterprise hiring rose sharply with companies like LIC, Paytm, Delhivery, and Flipkart creating over 1 lakh openings, expanding recruitment beyond metros and tapping into the national talent pool.

Reflecting on India’s evolving workforce, Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO of Apna, shared: “When we launched Apna, we weren’t just building a jobs platform — we were building a movement to unlock access for every Indian, regardless of their pin code or past experience. In Q1 2025 too, we witnessed this vision materialize in ways we had always hoped for. From Delhi to Dehradun, Surat to Samastipur, we saw hiring become truly decentralized. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributed over 40% of new users, with many of them showing double-digit growth in job applications. Applications from women for enterprise roles didn’t just rise, they saw a 92% leap. Fresher applications crossed 66 lakh. Enterprises scaled hiring into non-metro regions, and SMBs emerged as the largest job creators — not just in metros, but across 900+ cities. The hiring process itself is evolving too — with AI now matching candidates faster, improving conversion rates, and empowering job seekers to prepare smarter. We’re seeing people find not just any job, but the right job — faster than ever before. In just one quarter, over 1.81 crore job applications were submitted on Apna. That’s not just a statistic — it’s 1.81 crore stories of determination. From Tier 1 metros to the most remote Tier 3 towns, India is not just working — India is winning. And Apna is proud to be enabling that revolution.”

India’s digital transformation continues to gain momentum, particularly in Tier 2 cities, where the demand for advanced tech talent is soaring. In Q1 2025, Apna recorded a remarkable 65.4% increase in job postings for Software/Web Developer roles, alongside a 42.2% rise in fresher applications for these positions compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the growing need for specialized professionals in fields such as AI/ML, cybersecurity, business intelligence, and data-driven operations, as enterprises in these regions expand their digital capabilities.

While traditional tech hubs like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai maintain their dominance, cities such as Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Rajkot, and Warangal are rapidly emerging as key players in the tech hiring landscape. These cities have experienced a 30-50% year-on-year growth in tech job applications, driven by increased access to engineering talent, certifications, and stronger digital infrastructure. The rise of remote-first work models has further enabled these cities to tap into a broader pool of tech professionals.

With India’s digital economy on track to reach $1 trillion by 2030, the shift toward decentralized tech talent hubs is gaining momentum. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are no longer just participating in India’s tech revolution — they are at the forefront of driving the country’s digital future, fostering innovation, and reshaping the tech hiring landscape for the years to come.

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai Recognized with Fiji’s Highest Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service

28 April 2025, Fiji: On Friday the 25 April, world-renowned humanitarian leader, Sri Madhusudan Sai, was conferred Fiji’s highest honour, the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’, by the President of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The function was held at the State House of Fiji and attended by dignitaries from Fiji and around the world. The previous recipients of Fiji’s highest honour include the Prime Minister of India Hon. Shri Narendra Modi and the President of India H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

In accepting his award, Sri Madhusudan Sai stated: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition from His Excellency The President of Fiji. I accept on behalf of our entire global team of the One World One Family mission. Fiji has always held a special place in my heart, it is truly a second home to me. This honour is a testament to the collective efforts of so many who have worked tirelessly to uplift and support communities across the country as well as the entire Pacific region. Through establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital as well as a multitude

of humanitarian efforts in the fields of healthcare, education and nutrition, we remain committed to the betterment of Fijians. It has been an immense pleasure to collaborate closely with the Government of Fiji, the vibrant community of former Fijians abroad and our extensive global network of Foundations. Together, we continue to strive for a more compassionate, inclusive, and healthier Fiji”.

Sri Madhusudan Sai’s influence in Fiji is most notably reflected through the creation of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, the first state-of-the-art, fully free children’s hospital in the South Pacific. This facility stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of children and their families, offering advanced medical care that is otherwise inaccessible due to financial constraints.

The hospital’s work focuses on providing cutting-edge treatment to children, regardless of their background, and has already saved countless lives. The establishment of this institution represents a monumental leap forward in healthcare for the region, providing a foundation for future generations to thrive.

In addition to the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, Sri Madhusudan Sai founded the Sai Prema Foundation in Fiji, which has become a leading force for social welfare and humanitarian service across the nation. Through the Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at addressing key areas of need, such as healthcare, education, disaster relief, and food security. Under His guidance, the Sai Prema Foundation has become a critical partner in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Fiji, organising mobile medical camps, offering health screenings, providing scholarships, and extending aid during natural disasters.

The Foundation’s work is a testament to Sadguru’s deep love and commitment to the people of Fiji, and it serves as a beacon of compassion and service that embodies the spirit of unity, solidarity, and community. Beyond Fiji, Sri Madhusudan Sai’s humanitarian efforts have spanned across over 80 countries, impacting millions of lives. His ability to reach the farthest corners of the world and provide aid where it is needed most has garnered global recognition. One of the most notable aspects of his work is his commitment to addressing hunger and malnutrition, particularly through his globally

renowned feeding program, where over 10 million children are fed every single day. This program not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also instils in the communities a sense of empowerment, dignity, and hope for the future.

Sadguru’s contributions to healthcare are equally profound. He has founded more than a dozen hospitals in India and abroad, all of which provide free healthcare to individuals who would otherwise not have access to life-saving treatment. These hospitals are equipped with modern medical facilities, staffed by highly trained professionals, and offer a wide range of specialised services in fields such as cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, and paediatrics. These institutions have saved thousands of lives and provided relief to communities in urgent need of medical care.

Perhaps one of Sadguru’s most remarkable accomplishments is the establishment of the world’s first free medical college, located in India, which trains the next generation of doctors with a focus on selfless service. This college, where students are given free education, aims to produce compassionate and highly skilled medical professionals who provide free healthcare to underserved populations. By breaking down financial barriers to medical education, Sri Madhusudan Sai is ensuring that the healthcare system remains accessible to all, irrespective of their financial background.

Furthermore, Sadguru’s reach extends to various other humanitarian causes globally. His global network of volunteers provides timely assistance and resources to communities in distress, including food, shelter, and medical aid, thereby offering much-needed relief in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. His focus on values-based education also includes schools, vocational training programs, and initiatives aimed at empowering young people with the tools they need to build better futures.

Sri Madhusudan Sai’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Serve others as you would serve yourself.” This guiding principle has shaped his life’s work and has inspired millions of individuals across the world to adopt selfless service as a way of life. His humanitarian initiatives emphasise not only material assistance but also the fostering of spiritual and emotional well-being. His teachings remind all that service to others is the highest form of living, and that true success lies in the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Through his personal example, Sri Madhusudan Sai has demonstrated what it means to live a life of compassion, humility, and service. His tireless efforts to address pressing global challenges, such as poverty, hunger, and lack of access to healthcare and education, have had an immeasurable impact. His work serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals, communities, and nations to come together for the greater good.

More about ‘One World One Family’: The ‘One World One Family’ is a unique humanitarian movement of Sri Madhusudan Sai, a social and spiritual leader, who is treading the road less travelled to reach the unreached, serve the unserved and do the undone in unimaginable ways.

The movement proclaims the survival of the weakest in society to create equitable societies, thus aligning with the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – ‘Leaving no one behind.’ By taking strides across sectors of Nutrition, Education, and Healthcare, the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission has transformed the lives of over 13 million individuals across the world over the last 12 years.

‘Let no child go to school hungry ever’ was the call, and it galvanised into a morning nutrition movement. From feeding just 50 children in the outskirts of Bangalore, the programme has today grown to become India’s largest morning nutrition programme. More than 10 million children receive fresh multinutrient supplement drink every morning, eradicating their hidden hunger through more than 1 billion servings to date.

‘Erase affordability from the equation of education’ was the message which promulgated the expansion of the educational arena into 28 campuses that provide values-based integral education completely free of charge from Grade 6 to Doctoral Studies to over 3,700 students. A one-of-a-kind free medical college was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in March 2023. More than 200 students from the rural strata of society are being trained at the medical college to be moulded into capable and compassionate healthcare professionals who will serve in rural areas.

‘Compassion without Commercialisation’ is at the core of the healthcare services provided by the mission as single-speciality services for paediatric cardiac care, mother and child hospitals, multi-speciality services, outreach programmes, and diagnostic and wellness centres for preventive primary care. Over 3 million outpatient consultations and screenings, and 100,000 inpatient treatments including surgeries have been performed thus far. The world’s largest chain of complete free of charge paediatric cardiac hospitals have been set up in India, Fiji and Sri Lanka with the motto ‘Sirf Dil Bina Bill’, healing more than 34,000 little hearts.

Note-worthy Achievements

• India’s largest morning nutrition programme

• India’s one-of-a-kind completely free of charge chain of residential schools

• India’s first completely free of charge University with a self-sustainable model

• World’s first completely free medical college

• World’s largest chain of completely free of charge paediatric cardiac hospitals

A wave of transformation is surging forth continuously creating a ripple effect of gratitude, servitude, and sacrifice in the society through these acts of compassion that gives more and takes nothing.

Logitech Leads in Sustainable Innovation with Full Move to Paper Packaging

National, April 28 2025 – Logitech today announces significant progress in eliminating plastic clamshell packaging from its hallmark mice categories, with the transition to paper now nearly complete. The magnitude of this initiative is estimated to remove 660 tons of plastic and reduce 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air, equivalent to eliminating over 37 million single-use plastic water bottles annually. The global transition to paper packaging across tens of millions of products continues across various retailers, with expected completion dates by the end of 2025.

“Shifting away from plastic clamshell packaging marks a significant step toward our goal of completely eliminating single-use plastics from our portfolio. This milestone is about 90% complete and is our largest packaging endeavor to date,” said Delphine Donné, GM of the Personal Workspace Solutions business group at Logitech. “Before this transition, we successfully eliminated 1,800 tons of packaging material by implementing design modifications in other areas across our packaging. Every step forward brings us closer to saying goodbye to single-use plastic.”

A custom study conducted in partnership with GlobeScan’s Healthy & Sustainable Living report identified that 61% of consumers globally say they are interested in choosing recyclable packaging in the coming year. Single-use plastics and mixed-material packaging contribute to significant waste, as well as confusion about recyclability. While Logitech advocates 100% recycling of all materials, current waste management methods across geographical areas fall short. Instead, Logitech is proactively eliminating single-use plastics at the source.

“People increasingly value and actively seek out packaging less harmful to the environment. Using paper instead of single-use plastic enhances the customer experience by making packaging easier to open, visually appealing, and informative,” said Bliss Buter-Thompson, head of packaging at Logitech. “At the same time, we can optimize the weight and size of the package and lower the product carbon footprint – all in alignment with meeting our customers’ needs.”

Nearly 80% of a product’s environmental footprint can be influenced during its design process, impacting material choices and efficiency. As part of its Design for Sustainability initiative, Logitech has implemented packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact, including an FSCTM-certified paper packaging program introduced in 2019 and a Single-Use Plastics Policy introduced in 2021. The company also removed plastic shrink wrap in its Logitech G gaming division, and implemented recyclable materials like paper pulp hang tabs and wood fiber bags for many products.

Recycled PET Sector Fully Compliant with New FSSAI Guidelines for Food Contact Use: APR Bharat

New Delhi, April 28, 2025: FSSAI’s recent guidelines on use of r-PET as a food contact material, is set to give a huge fillip to circular economy in India. This guideline also aligns well with The Plastic waste Management Rules 2016 (as amended from time to time), which mandates the use of 30 per cent recycled content in rigid plastic packaging and is already effective from April 1, 2025.

Commenting on the recently released guidelines by FSSAI, Shailendra Singh, Director General of Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat) – APR Bharat, said, “It is a significant move by the regulator and is expected to fast track the adoption of recycled PET in food-contact packaging in a big way thereby giving a huge boost to the country’s circular economy.”

According to Mr. Singh, a combined investment of Rs 7500-8000 crores has been made into world class PET recycling plants, capable of making the safest grade of r-PET to be used as a food contact material. This investment is estimated to generate 10,000 new jobs and also benefit the rag picker community of over 2 million people who collect post-consumer PET bottles and send them for recycling.

The industry, which has already created a capacity of close to 4 lakh MT (commissioned), is hopeful of taking it up to 7.5 lakh MT by 2027 and further increase the installed capacity to 11 lakh MT by 2030. These capacities are being built across the country.

The current mandate requires using 30 per cent recycled content for rigid packaging, and there is more than adequate capacity available to meet emerging demand for r-PET, he said and also added that with the guidelines being notified by FSSAI a significant chunk of capacities will also be made available very soon, thereby enabling producers and brand owners to meet their targets of use of recycled PET content.

UGRO Capital Limited – Q4’FY25 Results

Hyderabad, April 28, 2025: UGRO Capital, a leading DataTech NBFC focused on MSME lending, today announced its robust financial performance for the quarter and financial year ended 31st March 2025. Continuing its journey toward becoming the largest small business financing institution driven by data and technology, the Company reported Assets Under Management (AUM) of INR 12,003 crore as of March 2025, reflecting a 33% year-on-year growth.

UGRO Capital recorded its highest-ever quarterly loan origination of INR 2,436 crore, compared to INR 1,554 crore in the same quarter last year — a growth of 57% YoY and 16% QoQ. Its Emerging Market LAP (formerly the Micro Enterprises business) also witnessed strong performance, with disbursements reaching INR 669 crore for Q4’FY25, up from INR 203 crore for Q4’FY24, marking a 230% YoY and 23% QoQ increase. UGRO’s embedded finance platform, MSL, continued its upward trajectory, crossing an AUM of INR 700 crore as on March 31, 2025. This reflects strong traction and reaffirms UGRO Capital’s commitment to empowering small businesses.

In terms of financials, Total Income for FY25 stood at INR 1,442 Cr (up 33% YoY), with FY24 reporting INR 1,082 Cr (up 58% from FY23). Additionally, the Company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 144 Cr for FY25, marking 21% YoY growth. For Q4’FY25, PAT was reported at INR 41 Cr, indicating 24% YoY growth.

On the liability side, UGRO Capital mobilized its highest-ever debt of INR 1,500+ crore during Q4’FY25, bringing its total debt to INR 6,904 crore as of 31st March 2025. These robust quarterly figures, along with GNPA/NNPA metrics of 2.3%/1.6% on the total AUM, underscore the sterling quality of UGRO’s portfolio, highlighting a well-structured risk management approach. UGRO Capital’s distinctive co-lending approach, off-book accounts for 42% of AUM, and its strategic partnership with 17 Co-lending partners, 59 lenders, over 10 green anchors, and 730+ GRO partners, facilitates data-driven, tailored financial solutions for more than 150,000 MSMEs across India.

Speaking on the performance, Mr. Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director of UGRO Capital, said, “Our FY25 performance underscores the strength of our DataTech-driven business model and the progress we have made in reaching underserved MSME segments. With record quarterly originations and robust AUM growth, we remain on track to expand our Emerging Markets portfolio, driving both yield enhancement and greater financial inclusion. Our diversified liability mix, and industry-leading collection efficiency demonstrate the resilience and scalability of our risk-management framework. As we set ambitious targets for FY26, backed by continuous innovation and a growing branch network, UGRO Capital is more committed than ever to empowering MSMEs across India with tailored, high-impact financial solutions.”