Devyani, Sapphire to merge and create single franchisee for Pizza Hut & KFC
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:23AM IST
Devyani International will absorb Sapphire Foods under a share-swap merger to create a single Yum! India franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut
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Irdai could change the norms for insurance consolidated investment
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:22AM IST
The amendments also clarify that the prohibition on creating encumbrance or charge on assets backing policyholders' liabilities will not apply to repo, reverse repo and securities lending transactions, providing insurers greater operational flexibility in managing liquidity.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Smoking will burn a bigger hole in your pocket now as govt imposes new excise duty on tobacco
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:20AM IST
Cigarette prices in India are set to rise by up to 20% from February due to a sharp increase in excise duty, hitting premium large sticks the hardest. Entry-level cigarettes priced at 10-20 may disappear, affecting sales volumes for the next two to three quarters. The Tobacco Institute of India warned the hike would hurt over 40 million farmers, MSMEs, retailers, and local supply chains, while boosting illicit trade.
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NHB flags PMAY 2.0 disbursal lag, urges housing finance companies to step up
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:15AM IST
During a review meeting with chief executives of leading housing finance companies (HFCs) last week, the NHB chief said disbursements were "not up to the mark" and urged lenders to sharpen their focus on the programme, officials familiar with the discussions said.
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Before EVs became political, there was the Toyota Prius
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:11AM IST
Electric vehicles have moved beyond being seen simply as cars and have become caught in political and cultural debates, especially in the United States. Supporters view EVs as tools to fight climate change and boost industry competitiveness, while critics see them as symbols of government pressure and ideological overreach, a divide sharpened by Elon Musks public commentary.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Pass box office test or take a pay cut: Streamers get tough on flops
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:09AM IST
This move by streamers reflects their sharp focus on profitability after having paid irrational prices for films to expand their libraries, materially impacting profitability.
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Paying Musk, irrational exuberance and inequality
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:08AM IST
Rising wealth inequality has also led to a weakening of democracy
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Lending rates edge up to 8.7% as fresh loans get costlier
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:07AM IST
State-run banks led the increase, raising lending rates by 16 bps month-on-month to 8.05%, while rates at private banks remained unchanged at 9.44%. Foreign banks, meanwhile, lowered lending rates by 6 bps to 8.18% from 8.24% in October.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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INDIA NEWS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:07AM IST
MUMBAI: Weighted average lending rates on fresh rupee loans across the banking system rose by 10 basis points to 8.71% end-November, central bank data showed. One basis point is a hundredth of a percentage point.State-run banks led the increase, raising lending rates by 16 bps month-on-month to 8.05%, while rates at private banks remained unchanged at 9.44%. Foreign banks, meanwhile, lowered lending rates by 6 bps to 8.18% from 8.24% in October.The upward pressure on lending rates reflects rising 10-year sovereign bond yields and sluggish deposit growth, which have constrained banks' ability to reprice deposits downward and, in turn, limited the pass-through of policy rate cuts to borrowers."System liquidity has been tight, 10-year sovereign yields have hardened, and deposit repricing remains difficult for banks amid slower deposit growth," said Prakash Agarwal, partner at Gefion Capital.126293147"Until systemic liquidity conditions improve, banks will find it challenging to pass on the full benefit of rate cuts to borrowers."Banking system liquidity has remained largely in deficit since mid-December, before turning marginally positive earlier this week, with surplus liquidity of around Rs 17,000 crore.Despite the RBI's aggressive rate cuts, long-term yields have continued to rise. The 10-year benchmark yield, which had declined to around 6.2% in May, has moved up by about 30 bps following the front-loaded 50 bps policy rate cut in June 2025.Even after a cumulative 125 bps cut in the repo rate during the current calendar year, the weighted average lending rate (WALR) on fresh rupee loans of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) declined by 69 bps between February and October 2025, RBI data showed. The WALR on outstanding rupee loans moderated by a relatively lower 63 bps over the same period.On the deposit side, weighted average deposit rates on fresh term deposits edged down by 2 bps in November to 5.59%. While state-run and private banks raised deposit rates by 3-4 bps, foreign banks cut rates by 8 bps, pulling down the system-wide average.In terms of transmission, the weighted average domestic term deposit rate (WADTDR) on fresh deposits has declined by 105 bps so far in the easing cycle, while the rate on outstanding deposits has softened by 32 bps.Reflecting these trends, the WALR on outstanding rupee loans of SCBs eased marginally to 9.21% in November 2025 from 9.24% in October, while the WADTDR on outstanding rupee term deposits declined to 6.73% from 6.78% over the same period.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Arugn Tech gets MIB nod to buy AION Capital's stake in Planetcast Media
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:07AM IST
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved Arugn Technologies proposal to acquire AION Capitals stake in teleport operator Planetcast Media, paving the way for a change in ownership at the broadcast services firm. Arugn Technologies is a special purpose vehicle of Planetcast promoters Lallit Jain and Mahendra Nath Vyas.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Institutional capital, tighter norms rewrite Indian realty funding rules
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:04AM IST
In India, the dynamics of real estate financing have taken a new turn. Funding has become more methodical, compelling developers to raise substantial equity before engaging in projects. The release of funds is tightly aligned with the achievement of defined project benchmarks, and banks are adopting a more discerning approach.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Jet fuel price cut by 7%; commercial LPG rate hiked by 111 per cylinder
INDIA BUSINESS | Fri, 2 Jan 2026, 12:00AM IST
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices saw a 7.3% reduction, while commercial LPG rates increased by 111 per cylinder. These revisions align with global fuel benchmarks. The ATF price cut aims to ease pressure on airlines, which rely heavily on fuel costs, while domestic LPG prices remain unchanged.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Petrol, diesel, LPG consumption show above average increase in December
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:52PM IST
In December, fuel demand experienced an unprecedented upswing, eclipsing annual averages. Diesel saw a remarkable boost, complemented by notable increases in petrol and LPG use, highlighting a vibrant economic pulse.
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Fuel demand remained strong in Dec; petrol sales grew 6.7%, diesel up 5%
INDIA NEWS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:46PM IST
Cooking gas demand increased by 12.7 per cent YoY in December supported by strong household demand
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1h
Bank credit demand from industry gains momentum as loan growth accelerates
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:42PM IST
The data showed credit to 'Micro and Small' and 'Medium' industries continued to exhibit double-digit expansion
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1h
India exports may hit $950 bn by FY27
INDIA NEWS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:39PM IST
New Delhi: India's goods and services exports could reach $840-850 billion in FY26 and rise to about $950 billion in 2026-27, driven by free trade agreements particularly with West Asian countries and strength in services and technology-led sectors such as electronics, exporters said. Rising tariff barriers and climate-linked trade restrictions, however, are expected to pose significant challenges to sustaining export growth, they added."The worst for Indian exports is over and we expect tech-driven sectors to do well. Exports in 2025-26 could be in the range of $840-850 billion while FY27 could see $950 billion of total exports," said Ajay Sahai, director general, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).Exporters said that the Red Sea crisis is mostly resolved and the industry has factored in the steep 50% tariffs imposed by the US. It is successfully diversifying its products and markets, supported by supported by the Centre's Export Promotion Mission. 126292689 "Overall textile and apparel exports could rise 10-20% next year as India's free trade deal with the UK comes into force and domestic measures like GST rationalisation, removal of quality control orders and duty free cotton ensure fundamental improvement of the industry," said Sanjay K Jain, managing director, T T Ltd.Similarly, electronics manufacturing, which is now India's third-largest export category, rising from the seventh position a decade ago, is likely to post a robust growth in shipments next year.India's cumulative exports- merchandise and services-in April-November FY26 is estimated at $562.13 billion, 5.43% higher than $533.16 billion a year ago.New Delhi firmed up three significant trade agreements in 2025, including signing the pacts the UK and Oman, and completing the negotiations with New Zealand. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is expected to come into force in 2026. Exporters are cautious, with hopes pinned on an early bilateral trade agreement with the US and progress on a trade deal with the EU."FTAs have a lead time which will show results next year. However, labour intensive sectors could get hit by the US tariffs. The EU market is not growing much. It is West Asia which is expected to drive exports growth," said an industry watcher.Among services, IT could be impacted due to the use of AI."The next year looks pretty uncertain unless something comes up on the American tariffs front as the US is our largest market. Since toy manufacturing is done by OEMs, some companies have shifted out the tools to make toys such as moulds from India to Vietnam and Indonesia due to the tariffs," said Manu Gupta, chairman, Toy Association of India.Exporters said that the US' 50% tariffs on India will prevent new business coming in for textiles but 50-60% regular business with the US will remain and that the currency is expected to strengthen. Moreover, cheaper wool imports from New Zealand, once the FTA is operational, will help the domestic textile industry."India will buy raw materials from many of its new FTA partners thereby doing away with the concerns of inverted duty structures," said a representative of the apparel industry.However, with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) moving from reporting to payment phase from January 1, 2026, every shipment of Indian steel and aluminium entering the EU will carry a carbon cost.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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In second full month of GST 2.0, net collections increase 2.2%
INDIA NEWS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:38PM IST
Net GST revenues rose just 2.2% in December 2025, the slowest pace in a year, as weak domestic demand and high refunds offset stronger import-led collections
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98.41% of 2,000 banknotes withdrawn since May 2023 returned: RBI
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:33PM IST
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday said 98.41 per cent of the Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation have been returned.
The RBI had announced the withdrawal of Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation on May 19, 2023.
"The total value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation, which was Rs 3.56 lakh crore at the close of business on May 19, 2023, when the withdrawal of Rs 2000 banknotes was announced, has declined to Rs 5,669 crore at the close of business on December 31, 2025," it said.
Thus, 98.41 per cent of the high-value banknotes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have since been returned.
A facility for deposit and/or exchange of the Rs 2000 banknotes was available at all bank branches in the country up to October 7, 2023. From October 9, 2023, the RBI's 19 Issue Offices are also accepting Rs 2000 banknotes from individuals/entities for deposit into their bank accounts.
Apart from this, members of the public are sending Rs 2,000 banknotes through India Post from any po
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Coal India posts 4.6% output growth in December, but offtake drops 5.2%
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:31PM IST
Coal India on Thursday reported a 4.6 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in production and a 5.2 per cent fall in offtake in December.
The miner, along with its eight subsidiaries, produced 75.7 million tonnes (MT) of coal in December 2025, higher than 72.4 MT in the same month in 2024.
However, the offtake was at 64.9 MT in the month under review, lower than 68.5 MT in December 2024.
Coal India's cumulative production fell by 2.6 per cent to 529.2 MT in April-December FY26 from 543.4 MT in the nine-month period of the preceding FY25.
Offtake during the period also slipped 2.2 per cent to 544.7 MT from 557 MT in April-December 2024-25.
Coal India, under the Ministry of Coal, is India's largest coal mining company.
Continue reading at Business Standard
1h
Health insurance coverage rises in FY25 even as policy sales decline
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:28PM IST
During the year, premiums collected under the health insurance segment grew 9.12 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1.17 trillion
Continue reading at Business Standard
1h
NFRA issues toolkit to help auditors detect errors in financial statements
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:25PM IST
The National Financial Reporting Authority has issued a new toolkit to help small and medium accounting firms better assess risks of material misstatement in company audits, particularly at the revenue level. The regulator said the toolkit provides adaptable sample documents that can be tailored to different audit engagements.
Continue reading at Economic Times
1h
RBI reiterates cautious stance on crypto assets, stablecoins for stability
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:24PM IST
RBI reiterated its cautious view on crypto assets and stablecoins, stressing that CBDCs should remain the anchor of trust and the core settlement asset in the monetary system
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1h
Rupee slips 10 paise to close at 89.97 against dollar amid fund outflows
INDIA MARKET | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:21PM IST
Forex traders said the USD/INR pair traded in a tight range, as support from easing crude oil prices was offset by a positive tone in the US dollar index and foreign fund outflows
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1h
Misselling grievances against life insurers up 14% in FY25, says Irdai
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 11:15PM IST
Mis-selling complaints against life insurers rose over 14% in FY25 even as total grievances dipped marginally, prompting Irdai to flag concerns and seek corrective action
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RBI governor urges staff to sharpen supervision, regulatory focus
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 10:47PM IST
The RBI staff must sharpen their knowledge, enhance their analytical capabilities, embrace technology, and continuously make improvements in processes, Governor Sanjay Malhotra added
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INDIA MARKET | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:58PM IST
Sebi has barred 26 individuals from the securities market for up to two years for manipulating the price of SME-listed DU Digital Technologies, whose stock surged 1,393% between 2021 and 2023. The regulator ordered disgorgement of Rs 98.78 lakh plus interest and imposed penalties totalling Rs 1.87 crore after finding coordinated, deceptive trading.
Continue reading at Economic Times
2h
Pernod Ricard India stays as largest alcoholic beverage firm with Rs 27,445.80 crore sales in FY25
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:57PM IST
Pernod Ricard India has once again emerged as the country's top alcoholic beverage maker by value for FY25. The company's consolidated sales reached Rs 27,445.80 crore. This places it ahead of Diageo India, whose revenue from operations stood at Rs 27,276 crore. United Breweries Ltd followed with Rs 19,444.44 crore in consolidated income.
Continue reading at Economic Times
2h
Govt relaxes KYC rules for company directors, allows easier voluntary closure of state-run firms
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:51PM IST
The corporate affairs ministry has eased compliance norms for company directors by allowing them to file know-your-customer details once every three years instead of annually, with the change effective from March 31. Directors who have already completed their latest KYC will now need to file again only by June 30, 2028, while those who have not complied must reactivate their director identification numbers by March 31.
Continue reading at Economic Times
3h
Maruti Suzuki to decide soon on revising small car prices: Official
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:47PM IST
Maruti Suzuki India will soon take a call on whether to revise upwards prices of its small cars, for which it reduced rates last year over and above the GST benefit of 8.5 per cent, a senior company official said on Thursday.
Last year in September, after GST 2.0 kicked in, the company had cut prices of entry-level model S Presso by up to Rs 1,29,600; Alto K10 by up to Rs 1,07,600; Celerio by Rs 94,100 and Wagon-R by up to Rs 79,600, among others.
"In the small cars, our purpose of going for the strategic pricing was to increase the motorisation...," Maruti Suzuki India Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Partho Banerjee, told reporters in an interaction.
He was responding to a query on whether the company is also considering a price hike like other carmakers, including rival Hyundai Motor India, which has announced its plans.
"Very soon, we are going to take a call...Are we going to revert back to our GST prices (on the reduced GST rates only) or are we going to continue
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3h
Flex offices are the new gateway for GCCs
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:33PM IST
Flexible workspace operators are strategically partnering with Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to facilitate their expansion into India. GCCs require significant office space by 2030, with flex spaces poised to capture a substantial portion. These operators are offering comprehensive solutions beyond just desks, acting as extended operational teams to ensure speed-to-market and seamless execution for entering firms.
Continue reading at Economic Times
3h
KFC operators Sapphire Foods-Devyani International's merger to create fast-food giant in India
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:33PM IST
Sapphire Foods India said it will merge with Devyani International, a move expected to consolidate local franchise partners of Yum Brands, which owns KFC and Pizza Hut. The companies said the proposed merger is subject to approvals from regulators, stock exchanges, the Competition Commission of India, the National Company Law Tribunal, and shareholders and creditors.
Continue reading at Economic Times
3h
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:33PM IST
Sapphire Foods India said it will merge with Devyani International, a move expected to consolidate local franchise partners of Yum Brands, which owns KFC and Pizza Hut. The companies said the proposed merger is subject to approvals from regulators, stock exchanges, the Competition Commission of India, the National Company Law Tribunal, and shareholders and creditors.
Continue reading at Economic Times
3h
Hero MotoCorp sales surge 40% to 4,56,479 units in December
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:21PM IST
Hero MotoCorp saw a significant 40 percent jump in wholesales for December 2025. The company sold 4,56,479 units compared to 3,24,906 units in December 2024. This growth was fueled by strong domestic demand, new product launches, and excellent performance in both its ICE and EV scooter segments. Motorcycle sales also saw a substantial rise, contributing to the overall positive results.
Continue reading at Economic Times
3h
TVS Motor Company sales jumps 50 pc to 4,81,389 units in December
INDIA BUSINESS | Thu, 1 Jan 2026, 9:19PM IST
The total two-wheeler sales grew by 48 per cent at 4,61,071 units last month compared to 3,12,002 units in December 2024, the company said in a statement.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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