India

Bharti Airtel has emerged as the leading telecom operator in subscriber growth for the third consecutive month, adding over 48.5 lakh new users in February, according to regulatory data. The company also surpassed its key rival, Reliance Jio, in wireline subscriber additions during the same period. India’s total telecom subscriber base expanded by 73.1 lakh to reach an all-time high of 132.13 crore, reflecting steady sectoral momentum.

India’s cement industry is projected to maintain steady growth in the current fiscal year, driven by robust demand from housing and infrastructure development. Industry volumes have already demonstrated resilience, recording a 9.2 per cent year-on-year increase during the ongoing financial year up to February. However, rising input costs, coupled with geopolitical uncertainties impacting fuel and logistics expenses, are expected to constrain profitability. While operational efficiencies and pricing strategies may offer partial relief, margin expansion is likely to remain moderate.

A recent study by SalarySe reveals that women in India’s formal workforce demonstrate significantly higher job retention than men, staying employed 36 percent longer on average. Based on an analysis of over 47,800 EPFO records, the findings challenge longstanding perceptions about women as a retention risk. Despite this advantage, female participation in the formal workforce remains strikingly low, accounting for just 7.6 percent of total records.

India’s venture capital ecosystem demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, attracting investments worth USD 16 billion despite a challenging global funding environment. According to a joint report by Bain & Company and Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association, deal activity rose significantly, with more than 1,300 transactions recorded during the year. Growth was driven by strong momentum in sectors such as fintech, SaaS, and artificial intelligence.

India’s digital payments ecosystem has entered a more secure phase as the Reserve Bank of India enforces mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) across all electronic transactions, including those conducted via the Unified Payments Interface. The directive aims to curb rising instances of fraud by requiring users to complete dual verification steps before processing payments. Even if sensitive credentials such as PINs are compromised, unauthorized transactions will be blocked without the second authentication layer.

India’s ambitious production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile manufacturing has delivered outcomes well beyond expectations, signaling a structural transformation in the country’s electronics sector. With investments reaching Rs 17,519 crore—more than double initial targets—and production crossing Rs 8.12 lakh crore, the program has catalyzed large-scale industrial growth. Smartphone exports alone touched Rs 2.62 lakh crore in 2025, positioning the country as a net exporter rather than an importer.

India’s power sector has emerged as the frontrunner in credit rating upgrades during FY2025–26, reflecting a notable turnaround in execution capabilities and operational resilience. Improved project delivery timelines, stable asset performance, and stronger parent balance sheets have collectively enhanced the sector’s creditworthiness. The credit ratio rose significantly to 5.2, signaling a higher proportion of upgrades compared to downgrades. This trend underscores growing investor confidence and improved cash flow visibility.

India’s renewable energy sector continues to accelerate as Saatvik Green Energy secures a significant Rs 638.26 crore order for advanced solar modules. The contract, awarded to its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, highlights rising demand for high-efficiency solar technology amid the country’s clean energy transition. Scheduled for execution by March 2027, the project underscores the growing role of domestic manufacturing in supporting India’s ambitious renewable targets.

India has introduced the TV Ratings Policy 2026, a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and independence in television audience measurement. Replacing the 2014 guidelines, the new policy establishes clear standards for registration, operation, auditing, and oversight of rating agencies. 

Cryptocurrency investment in India presents both opportunities and risks, shaped by regulatory ambiguity, market volatility, and technological innovation. While digital assets offer high return potential and portfolio diversification, they also expose investors to price fluctuations, cybersecurity threats, and policy uncertainty.