Whispers in boardrooms (e.g., Deloitte survey) predict flat 8.8% salary hikes for MNCs in 2025 (vs. 9% FY24), with GCCs leading at 9.5% but tech/manufacturing dipping 0.1-1.1% due to global uncertainties (e.g., US elections). Speculation: 20-30% more women in C-suite by 2026 (up from 15.7% seniors), led by Infosys/Wipro.