By Eknath Deshpande , 18 February 2026

India’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem received a significant infrastructure boost as Bharti Airtel enhanced network capabilities to support the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The telecom major deployed advanced connectivity solutions to ensure seamless data transmission, high-speed internet access and real-time collaboration during the technology-focused gathering. The initiative underscores the growing interdependence between next-generation telecom networks and AI-driven innovation.

By Gurjot Singh , 17 February 2026

Bank credit in India has grown 14.4% year-on-year, maintaining a robust double-digit expansion trajectory that reflects resilient economic activity and sustained demand for capital. The increase signals healthy lending across retail, corporate and small-business segments, even as financial institutions navigate liquidity conditions and regulatory oversight. Analysts interpret the growth as a sign of strengthening investment appetite and consumer confidence. However, the pace of credit expansion also necessitates vigilant risk management to prevent asset-quality deterioration.

By Binnypriya Singh , 17 February 2026

Dabur India is strengthening its manufacturing presence in Tamil Nadu with the establishment of a new production facility expected to generate more than 250 direct jobs. The expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to domestic capacity building, regional economic development and supply chain resilience. The plant is likely to enhance production efficiency while catering to growing demand across fast-moving consumer goods categories. The investment reflects broader industry trends toward localized manufacturing and employment generation.

By Sachman Kochar , 17 February 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has increased the permissible financing limit for acquisition-related transactions to 75%, offering greater leverage flexibility to banks funding mergers and buyouts. The move is expected to stimulate deal activity across sectors by allowing lenders to fund a larger portion of acquisition costs. By recalibrating prudential norms, the central bank aims to balance credit expansion with risk management safeguards. The policy adjustment arrives at a time when corporate consolidation and private equity activity are gaining traction.

By Eknath Deshpande , 17 February 2026

Piramal Pharma has received a Form 483 from the United States Food and Drug Administration following an inspection of one of its manufacturing facilities. The regulatory document outlines specific observations related to procedural or compliance gaps that require corrective action. While a Form 483 does not constitute a final regulatory action or import restriction, it signals areas where the company must strengthen quality systems and documentation practices. Piramal Pharma stated it will respond within the stipulated timeline and implement necessary remediation measures.

By Binnypriya Singh , 17 February 2026

GMR Airports reported a decline in its third-quarter net profit to Rs. 174 crore, reflecting mounting operational costs and a moderation in passenger traffic growth. While the airport infrastructure operator continues to benefit from structural recovery in aviation demand, higher finance expenses and elevated input costs weighed on bottom-line performance. Revenue trends remained resilient, supported by non-aeronautical streams such as retail, duty-free and cargo operations.

By Gurjot Singh , 17 February 2026

Indian Overseas Bank has intensified its focus on emerging enterprises and rural financial inclusion by expanding its dedicated startup banking vertical and launching a new grassroots outreach initiative titled “Gram Sweekar.” The dual strategy reflects the public sector lender’s ambition to modernize its portfolio while deepening its footprint in underserved regions. By strengthening credit access for early-stage ventures and enhancing banking penetration in rural communities, the bank aims to diversify revenue streams and reinforce deposit growth.

By Tushar Sharma , 17 February 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has approved Bain Capital’s proposal to acquire a significant stake in Manappuram Finance, marking a pivotal moment for one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies. The regulatory clearance paves the way for fresh capital infusion, potential governance realignment, and enhanced strategic flexibility. Market participants view the transaction as a signal of renewed private equity interest in India’s shadow banking sector, particularly in gold-backed lending and microfinance.

By Sachman Kochar , 16 February 2026

Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp and widespread selloff, wiping out approximately Rs 7.02 lakh crore in investor wealth in a single trading session. The decline reflected mounting global uncertainties, profit-booking at elevated valuations and risk aversion among institutional participants. Benchmark indices retreated significantly, with heavyweights across banking, information technology and capital goods sectors contributing to the erosion. The market capitalization contraction underscores the fragile sentiment currently shaping capital flows.

By Gurjot Singh , 16 February 2026

Marriott International has outlined an ambitious growth strategy for 2025, projecting a 32 percent expansion across the Asia Pacific region. The hospitality giant’s roadmap reflects rising travel demand, strong post-pandemic recovery trends and accelerated development activity in emerging and established markets alike. The projected growth encompasses new hotel openings, brand debuts and pipeline acceleration across key destinations, reinforcing Asia Pacific as a strategic cornerstone of the company’s global portfolio.