Year-end Special

Fintech funding stayed steady in 2025—but capital narrowed sharply to wealth platforms, payments giants and secured lenders, as investors shunned riskier models and waited for clearer profitability.

This shift is driven by impulse-led demand for occasion wear and is proving to be a strategic lever to reduce return rates and boost conversion in a recovering apparel market.

Nuclear power can serve as a reliable base load capacity, and also has one of the lowest lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions among all electricity generation technologies

India's top conglomerates excelled in 2025 with significant M&As and capital expenditure, reflecting resilience amid global challenges. Experts caution against overleveraging and stress the importance of succession planning as India's top business houses prepare for sustained growth in 2026.

The past year has seen the rollout of insurance marketplace Bima Sugam, approval for 100% foreign direct investment in insurance, and GST exemption on retail term and health insurance premiums.

Driven by a desire for diversification following a period of equity consolidation and stellar returns in gold and silver, retail investors are expected to shift toward hybrid and multi-asset schemes to hedge against volatility.

While cricket valuations grew onerous, India decisively shifted focus to nurturing other sports this year.

While Sebi has signalled a shift towards ease of doing business, compliance and enforcement, the transition is expected to test market participants.

As India prepares for 2026, the government plans deeper reforms focused on taxes, business regulations, and support for SMEs. These changes aim to boost investment and accelerate growth amidst a fragmented global economy.

Facing a recent stock market cooling, India's top five electronics makers are pivoting from low-value assembly to strategic acquisitions in niche components, like sensors and circuits, to boost profitability and regain investor confidence in 2026.