By Eknath Deshpande , 1 January 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has extended its road tax exemption for electric vehicles until 2027, signaling continued policy support for clean mobility and sustainable transport. The decision is aimed at accelerating EV adoption by reducing upfront ownership costs for consumers and improving the state’s attractiveness for manufacturers and investors. By lowering the total cost of ownership, the extension is expected to boost demand across two-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial EVs.

By Binnypriya Singh , 1 January 2026

India’s leading food delivery platforms, Zomato and Swiggy, have announced higher payouts to delivery partners amid ongoing strikes that have disrupted services in several cities. The protests, driven by demands for better earnings, incentives and working conditions, highlight growing tensions within the gig economy. By temporarily increasing per-order payments and incentives, the companies aim to stabilize operations and address partner concerns. However, the episode underscores deeper structural issues around pay transparency and sustainability in app-based employment models.

By Gurjot Singh , 1 January 2026

India is increasingly turning to chemical recycling as a strategic response to two pressing challenges: the mounting burden of plastic waste and heavy reliance on imported naphtha for petrochemical production. By converting end-of-life plastics into feedstock such as pyrolysis oil, chemical recycling offers an alternative source of hydrocarbons while supporting circular economy goals. The approach has drawn interest from refiners and chemical manufacturers seeking supply security and sustainability gains.

By Eknath Deshpande , 1 January 2026

India’s insolvency resolution framework is under growing pressure as the National Company Law Tribunal faces a sharp increase in bankruptcy filings. The surge reflects financial stress across multiple sectors and the wider use of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code by creditors seeking faster recovery. However, limited bench strength and procedural bottlenecks have slowed case resolution, undermining the time-bound intent of the law. Delays risk eroding asset value and investor confidence at a time when efficient capital reallocation is critical.

By Binnypriya Singh , 1 January 2026

India’s mutual fund industry has recorded a sharp expansion in assets under management, driven largely by rising retail participation and sustained inflows through systematic investment plans. The steady growth of SIP contributions has provided stability to the market, even amid global uncertainty and domestic volatility. Investors are increasingly favoring mutual funds as a long-term wealth-building tool, supported by improved financial awareness and digital access. Equity-oriented schemes led the growth, reflecting confidence in India’s economic prospects.

By Gurjot Singh , 1 January 2026

The European Union’s carbon border tax is emerging as a significant challenge for India’s steel and aluminium industries, threatening to raise export costs and compress margins. Designed to curb carbon leakage and promote cleaner production, the levy will impose additional charges on carbon-intensive imports entering the EU. For Indian producers, many of whom rely on coal-based processes, the policy could weaken competitiveness in a key overseas market. While the move underscores the global shift toward sustainability, it also exposes structural gaps in India’s industrial decarbonization.

By Tushar Sharma , 1 January 2026

Indian equity markets rebounded sharply, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closing higher after recent volatility unsettled investor sentiment. The recovery was driven by selective buying in heavyweight stocks, renewed confidence in domestic economic fundamentals, and a stabilizing global backdrop. Banking, information technology and consumer-facing sectors led the advance, reflecting cautious optimism among institutional and retail investors alike.

By Sachman Kochar , 31 December 2025

Maruti Suzuki has entered into a partnership with Kerala Grameena Bank to strengthen vehicle financing options across key regional markets. The collaboration is designed to improve credit accessibility for customers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, by offering tailored loan products and faster approvals. By combining Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealership network with the bank’s strong local presence, the alliance aims to support car ownership and stimulate demand.

By Sachman Kochar , 31 December 2025

Home registrations across nine major Indian cities declined by 5 percent in the latest reporting period, indicating a temporary cooling in residential real estate activity after a prolonged phase of strong demand. The moderation reflects a mix of affordability pressures, higher borrowing costs, and cautious buyer sentiment, particularly in mid-income housing segments. While end-user demand remains intact, transaction volumes have softened as purchasers reassess budgets amid elevated property prices.

By Tushar Sharma , 31 December 2025

India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, moving ahead of Japan in a milestone that reflects years of sustained growth and structural transformation. The shift highlights India’s expanding economic scale, powered by strong domestic demand, rising public investment, and a resilient services sector. Despite global headwinds, the country has maintained momentum through policy reforms, infrastructure spending, and improving macroeconomic stability.