The Indian government will implement revised excise duties and health cess on tobacco products starting February 1, 2026, a move aimed at curbing tobacco consumption and increasing revenue for public health initiatives. Under the new structure, both manufactured cigarettes and other tobacco products will see an upward revision in excise rates, while the health cess will be adjusted to fund anti-tobacco and healthcare programs.

Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani have formally agreed to accept a civil fraud notice from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a significant procedural development in a case that has captured global attention. With this agreement, they now have 90 days to respond to allegations of misleading U.S. investors related to an alleged bribery scheme tied to solar energy contracts.

The Union Budget 2026 has been positively received by financial markets and industry leaders, particularly for its proposals to set up a high-level banking reform panel and extend targeted tax incentives for GIFT City. Together, the measures signal a calibrated push toward structural reform, financial sector deepening, and global competitiveness. The proposed banking panel is expected to address long-standing challenges in governance, capital adequacy, and credit expansion, while tax sops for GIFT City aim to strengthen India’s ambitions as an international financial hub.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor reported a 15 percent year-on-year increase in vehicle sales in January, reflecting steady consumer demand and improved supply-side execution. The performance underscores the company’s ability to navigate a competitive auto market marked by evolving customer preferences and pricing pressures. Strong traction in utility vehicles, coupled with disciplined inventory management, supported the monthly growth.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processed transactions worth a record Rs. 28.33 lakh crore in January, highlighting the accelerating shift toward digital payments across the economy. The surge reflects deeper adoption among consumers and merchants, supported by ease of use, real-time settlement, and widespread acceptance. The milestone underscores the growing role of digital public infrastructure in facilitating efficient, low-cost financial transactions. As UPI continues to scale, it is reshaping payment behavior, improving transparency, and strengthening financial inclusion.

Mahindra & Mahindra reported a 24% year-on-year increase in automobile sales in January, signaling sustained demand and strong execution across its core vehicle segments. The growth was led by continued momentum in utility vehicles, supported by improved supply conditions and steady consumer confidence. The performance highlights the company’s ability to capitalize on evolving buyer preferences and a gradual recovery in the automotive sector.

Indian stock markets moved higher ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, reflecting cautious optimism among investors as expectations build around policy direction and fiscal priorities. Benchmark indices posted measured gains, supported by selective buying in sectors likely to benefit from government spending and reform continuity. While global cues remained mixed, domestic factors such as resilient economic indicators and stable liquidity conditions lent support to sentiment.

Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries climbed sharply after the company posted a strong earnings performance, signaling improving fundamentals and renewed investor confidence. The results reflected healthy revenue growth, firmer margins, and effective cost control, even as the global pharmaceutical industry grapples with pricing pressure and regulatory oversight. Investors responded positively to signs of operational stability and a favorable product mix, viewing the earnings as confirmation of the company’s strategic direction.

Hyundai Motor India posted an 11.5% increase in vehicle sales in January, underscoring resilient consumer demand and a gradual recovery in the passenger vehicle segment. The growth was supported by strong domestic volumes and a stable export performance, aided by improved supply-chain conditions and sustained interest in SUVs and premium hatchbacks. The January numbers point to improving market sentiment despite a competitive and price-sensitive environment.

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose to Rs. 1.93 lakh crore in January, underscoring the durability of economic activity and continued improvement in tax compliance. The strong inflows were driven by stable domestic demand and firm import-related revenues, offering policymakers added fiscal comfort ahead of the Union Budget. The data points to sustained formalization across sectors and the effectiveness of enforcement and digital tracking mechanisms within the GST framework.