India

Kawasaki has announced substantial discounts of up to Rs. 2.50 lakh on select motorcycle models, aiming to stimulate demand amid a competitive premium two-wheeler market. The limited-period offers are designed to attract enthusiasts seeking high-performance machines while helping dealerships clear existing inventory. The move comes as manufacturers recalibrate pricing strategies in response to shifting consumer preferences, tightening discretionary spending, and intensifying competition.

Luxury carmaker BMW has urged the government to consider a uniform 5 percent Goods and Services Tax on electric vehicles in the upcoming Union Budget, arguing that tax rationalization is critical to accelerating EV adoption in India. The company believes a lower and consistent GST regime would help bridge the price gap between electric and internal combustion engine vehicles, stimulate consumer demand, and encourage long-term investment in clean mobility.

Lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has recorded a notable upswing, led primarily by public sector banks (PSBs), according to a recent industry report. The expansion reflects a combination of stronger credit demand from small businesses, improved asset quality across state-owned lenders and policy support aimed at strengthening the MSME ecosystem. PSBs have stepped up disbursements by leveraging their wide branch networks and government-backed credit schemes.

India’s market regulator has proposed a mandatory 30-day cooling-off period before stock market data can be commercially used, a move aimed at strengthening transparency and curbing potential misuse. The proposal reflects SEBI’s growing focus on data governance as market data becomes increasingly monetized by exchanges, vendors and analytics firms. By introducing a time lag, the regulator seeks to ensure fair access, reduce information asymmetry and protect retail investors.

An Adani Group non-convertible debenture (NCD) offering witnessed an overwhelming response from investors, achieving full subscription within just 45 minutes of opening. The swift oversubscription underscores strong demand for fixed-income instruments backed by established corporate issuers, particularly in a volatile equity market environment. Market participants cited attractive yields, brand credibility, and improving sentiment toward corporate debt as key drivers of the surge in demand.

Amazon has moved to accommodate employees unable to return to their primary work locations by extending remote work options for staff currently stranded in India. The decision reflects the company’s flexible workforce strategy amid travel disruptions and evolving global mobility challenges. By enabling continued productivity without mandating immediate relocation, Amazon aims to balance operational continuity with employee well-being.

The Indian government has extended the Minimum Export Price (MEP) for honey exports until March 2026, signaling continued support for the country’s apiculture sector amid rising global demand. The MEP, which sets a floor price for honey exports, aims to protect domestic producers from undervaluation, curb cheap imports, and enhance competitiveness in international markets. This move is expected to stabilize export revenues, encourage quality compliance, and strengthen India’s position as a leading honey exporter.

India has crossed a landmark moment in its digital journey, with broadband subscribers surpassing the one-billion mark. The achievement reflects rapid expansion in mobile data usage, affordable tariffs and widespread smartphone adoption across urban and rural regions. Policy support, infrastructure investments and rising demand for digital services have collectively accelerated connectivity. The milestone underscores broadband’s role as a critical economic enabler, powering e-commerce, digital payments, education and entertainment.

Vodafone Idea has been handed a Rs. 638-crore penalty under the Goods and Services Tax framework, dealing another blow to the financially strained telecom operator. The order, issued by tax authorities, relates to alleged discrepancies in input tax credit claims and regulatory compliance. The development comes at a time when the company is already grappling with heavy debt, ongoing spectrum liabilities, and intense competition from stronger rivals.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) reported a 44% increase in loan disbursements for 2025, reaching Rs 24,903 crore, up from Rs 17,300 crore the previous year. The growth underscores expanding financial support for renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hybrid energy solutions. Analysts highlight that this surge reflects both rising investment demand in clean energy and government policy incentives promoting sustainable development.