Decoding Budget 2025, how are businesses investing in AI, and more conversations.

Welcome to another edition of the LinkedIn Insider India! Every month, we share inspiration for your next post, relevant news, exclusive data, and curated content from network users and much more to support your career both on and off LinkedIn.

? Click subscribe to be notified of future edition

In this section, you’ll find trending topics for this fortnight. Post your own content based on the suggestions below with the hashtag #LinkedInInsiderIndia to increase your chances of having your post featured by the LinkedIn editorial team.

Presenting the Jobs on the Rise city edition – featuring the fastest-growing jobs across 10 major Indian cities. From a revival in travel trends to the rise of AI – the lists highlight areas of opportunity for professionals locally and point to where the city’s workforce is headed. Interestingly, Artificial Intelligence Engineer secured a spot in the rankings on four out of 10 of these lists.

• The budget and its implications on the economy

Corporate leaders and industry bodies say that the Union Budget will re-energise the economy by putting more money in the hands of middle-class consumers, The Economic Times reports. Apart from income tax reforms, there is also renewed focus on sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and startups.

How will Budget 2025 impact your industry? Share your thoughts.

• Bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship

Nearly 48% of startups recognised under the Startup India Initiative have at least one woman director, according to the latest Economic Survey. However, when it comes to ownership, men still dominate the entrepreneurial space – only 22% of all micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are owned by women.?

What factors contribute to this gender gap in entrepreneurship, and how can it be bridged? Share your take.

• Changing trends in the OTT industry

The number of original series released on OTTs in India declined in 2024 for the first time in three years, according to a study by Ormax Media. Industry experts point out that buying films is easier than investing in original series.

How has your OTT consumption changed in the last few years? Share your thoughts.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the other editorial opportunities for this fortnight related to retail, career and technology. Post about the topics below to increase your chances of having your post featured by LinkedIn News:

• Businesses and their increasing investments in GenAI

Nearly 36% of enterprises in India have budgeted and started investing in GenAI, while another 24% are experimenting with it, according to an Ernst & Young survey. Meanwhile, business value delivered is relatively low, shows the data.

What’s the biggest hurdle in using Gen AI effectively, and what’s one thing businesses can do to get better returns on their Gen AI investments? Chime in.

• The surge in spending on grooming products

Indians are now spending more on grooming products, with e-commerce driving the majority of sales, shows data by NielsenIQ. Products such as dryers, hair stylers, and straighteners have recorded a jump in sales.

What are the key factors responsible for driving this trend? Join the conversation.

• The expansion of e-commerce platforms to tap into new customers

Major consumer goods companies in India are launching their own e-commerce platforms across multiple cities to meet evolving consumer demands, says a report by The Economic Times.

How can legacy brands stand out as more D2C brands are set to disrupt the market with their offerings? Share your take.

• Easing into the new year at work

Think of the first month of the year as a trial period — a time to reflect and identify improvement areas, career coach Sho Dewan shares with Forbes. To avoid burnout and make meaningful progress in the coming months, take regular breaks and set realistic goals, he adds.

What are some ways to boost productivity at work? Share your post.

• Hitting the right notes

Is it a good idea to play music while working? Various factors are at play – including the type of music, the task at hand, and personal preferences, talent acquisition associate Laya Kurdekar says in this LinkedIn post.

Does music help you work better? Share your thoughts.

What are your thoughts on this article? Don’t forget to subscribe to the #LinkedInInsiderIndia, and leave your comments and suggestions for topics for upcoming editions.

Also check out the other LinkedIn Newsletters ??