India’s economy and markets

🎧 On today’s episode: From strong auto and tractor sales to updated GST rules, and international reinsurers entering GIFT City, here’s an overview of key market and policy developments.

With continued reforms and strong production growth, India's defence industry is at a turning point as 2025 comes to an end. Businessline's Dalip Singh and Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President SIDM, and Chairman Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd, discuss major developments influencing the defence industry in this exclusive Year-Ender podcast.

According to Bhatia, total defence production increased by 16–18% to ₹1.51 lakh crores, and the private sector in India made a substantial contribution to the country's readiness, as demonstrated by top-notch systems used in operations like Operation Sindhoor. Expectations for announcement of revised DAP 2025 and last year’s reforms like the Defence Production Manual (DPM) opening ammunition to private players are discussed, along with other goals like necessity for theatre commands. With capital acquisitions up over 20% and budget growth of 9–10%+ anticipated for 2026–2027, the sector aims to produce ₹3 lakh crores by 2029–2030.

Stepping into 2026: Telecom, gig workers, economy, and exports

🎧 On today’s episode: Vodafone-Idea gets AGR relief, Zomato and Swiggy raise payouts amid strike calls, RBI highlights global risks but backs India’s resilience, and a ₹4,531-crore scheme boosts exporters.

As 2025 draws to a close, India's economy navigates fiscal pressures and growth uncertainties. In this special Year-Ender podcast, businessline’s Shishir Kumar Sinha speaks with Ranen Banerjee, Economist at PwC, to unpack key trends shaping the Indian economic landscape.

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Banerjee anticipates gross tax revenues at 94-95% of budgetary estimates with a shortfall of 1-1.1 trillion rupees, offset by higher RBI dividends and public sector enterprise payouts, keeping the fiscal deficit near the 4.4% target. Discussions highlight robust government CapEx supporting infrastructure amid lagging private investment due to capacity utilization at 70-75% and global headwinds. Looking to FY27, growth is projected at 6.5-7% with inflation at 3.5-4% post base year changes.

Your markets and policy update

Data privacy, spectrum policy, energy flows, and carbon costs

🎧 On today’s episode: India Inc braces for steep data protection costs, a new spectrum roadmap powers future connectivity, Russian crude imports fluctuate under sanctions, and EU carbon rules tighten margins for Indian metal exporters.

In this year-end special, businessline’s Aishwarya Kumar speaks with Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman, Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH), on the dramatic shifts reshaping Indian healthcare in 2025. They discuss how consolidation has moved from a strategic possibility to an industry-wide imperative, driven by fragmented markets, rising middle-class demand, and underfunded public healthcare. 

The conversation covers the surge in mergers and acquisitions, expanding opportunities in tier 2 cities, the role of private equity in fueling growth, and the sector’s path toward greater scale and efficiency. Bali also shares insights on how corporate hospitals are bridging gaps in access and quality while preparing for the next wave of growth in India’s healthcare landscape. Tune in to hear the full story and understand the trends shaping the future of healthcare in India. Data inputs from Kaivaan Movdawalla, Partner, and National Healthcare Leader at EY- Parthenon India.

Welcome to 'The morning report' brought to you by Renil S Varghese — your quick dive into the top stories shaping the business world today. Fast, insightful, and to the point. Check out the top news for the day.

As 2025 draws to a close, the insurance industry stands at an important inflection point. In this special bl Year-ender podcast , businessline’s Nagar Sridhar speaks with Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO of SBI General Insurance, to decode the key trends shaping India’s general insurance landscape.

From expectations of 9–10% industry growth and the rising dominance of health insurance, to upcoming regulatory shifts like IFRS 17 and risk-based capital, Jha shares an insider’s perspective on what lies ahead. The conversation also dives into pressing challenges such as climate risks, cyber threats, underinsurance, and the need for innovative protection products.

Welcome to The morning report brought to you by Renil S Varghese — your quick dive into the top stories shaping the business world today. Fast, insightful, and to the point. Check out the top news for the day.

As part of the businessline podcast – year-ender series, Sandeep Chordia, Chief Operating Officer of Kotak Securities, outlines SEBI’s priorities in the capital markets. The discussion looks at enforcement trends, settlement cycles, derivatives regulation, SME listings, and the regulator’s outlook for the year ahead.