Daily Indian Business & Startup News – 31st December 2025: Zomato and Swiggy Boost Gig Worker Payouts, India Becomes Fourth-Largest Economy, Vodafone Idea Gets AGR Relief
India’s business landscape saw significant developments on 31st December 2025, spanning technology, economy, and telecom sectors. Food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy boosted payouts for gig workers ahead of New Year’s Eve to ensure smooth operations amid a nationwide strike call. In a historic economic milestone, India overtook Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, reflecting strong domestic demand, structural reforms, and growth across services, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet offered major financial relief to Vodafone Idea by freezing AGR dues, giving the telecom firm much-needed breathing space while maintaining sector stability.
Key Business News for 31st December 2025
Zomato and Swiggy Boost Gig Worker Payouts Amid New Year’s Eve Strike Call
Zomato and Swiggy have increased payouts to their delivery partners ahead of New Year’s Eve to minimise potential service disruptions amid a nationwide strike call by gig worker unions. The platforms are offering higher per‑order incentives and peak‑hour earnings as part of their annual festive payout protocol, including waived penalties for cancellations, to ensure adequate rider availability during one of the busiest demand periods. The move comes as thousands of gig workers prepare to protest for better pay and working conditions.
India Overtakes Japan to Become the World’s Fourth‑Largest Economy
India has officially overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth‑largest economy, marking a major milestone in its economic growth trajectory. The shift, reflected in recent global assessments of nominal GDP, places India behind only the United States, China, and Germany, highlighting its expanding role in the global economic order. The growth has been driven by strong domestic demand, structural reforms, and performance across key sectors including services, manufacturing, and technology, with attention now turning toward sustaining momentum toward the third‑largest economy spot by 2030.
Cabinet Offers Major Relief to Vodafone Idea by Freezing AGR Dues
The Union Cabinet has approved a significant relief package for Vodafone Idea by freezing a large portion of its Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues, giving the indebted telecom company financial breathing space. The decision will allow these dues to be repaid over a ten‑year period instead of as a lump sum, aiming to stabilise competition in the telecom sector and support recovery. While the move addresses immediate pressures, analysts note that long‑term financial challenges for Vodafone Idea remain.
StartupTalky News
Must have tools for startups - Recommended by StartupTalky
- Convert Visitors into Leads- SeizeLead
- Website Builder SquareSpace
- Manage your business Smoothly Google Business Suite
