Prism, the parent entity of hospitality platform OYO, has taken a decisive step toward listing by filing draft IPO papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The move signals renewed confidence in India’s capital markets and reflects OYO’s effort to strengthen its balance sheet after years of rapid expansion and restructuring. The proposed public issue is expected to combine fresh capital raising with an offer for sale, subject to regulatory approval and market conditions.

Household appliance prices are set to rise as the Bureau of Energy Efficiency strengthens its star-rating norms for air conditioners and refrigerators. The revised standards, aimed at improving energy efficiency and lowering long-term power consumption, will require manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies and redesign product lines. While the changes promise savings on electricity bills over time, they are expected to increase upfront costs for consumers.

The Union government has announced plans to strengthen India’s corporate regulatory framework by establishing additional Regional Directorates and offices of the Registrars of Companies from February 2026. The move is aimed at improving governance, accelerating approvals and easing compliance burdens for businesses operating across multiple states. By decentralizing oversight and reducing administrative bottlenecks, the expansion is expected to enhance regulatory efficiency and responsiveness.

Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) has announced a reduction in piped natural gas (PNG) prices for consumers across the Delhi-NCR region, delivering timely relief amid persistent household cost pressures. The revision reflects softer input costs and improved supply dynamics, allowing the city gas distributor to pass on benefits to end users. The price cut is expected to support domestic consumption, improve affordability for urban households and reinforce natural gas as a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels.

India’s banking sector is expected to record a further improvement in asset quality over the next two years, with non-performing assets projected to decline steadily by March 2027. According to the Reserve Bank of India, stronger capital buffers, prudent lending practices and sustained economic growth are helping lenders contain credit risk. The central bank’s assessment suggests that banks are better positioned to absorb potential shocks even under adverse macroeconomic conditions.

India’s two largest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, are laying the groundwork for an aggressive expansion in 2026, focusing on fleet growth, network diversification and enhanced passenger experience. Both carriers are investing heavily in new-generation aircraft to meet rising domestic and international demand, while simultaneously upgrading airport infrastructure through the development of modern lounges. These moves reflect a broader shift in India’s aviation sector toward scale, efficiency and service differentiation.

Artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally reshape blue-collar employment, enhancing productivity and safety rather than eliminating jobs, according to industrialist Anand Mahindra. Speaking on the future of work, Mahindra emphasized that AI-driven tools will increasingly augment human capabilities in manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure, allowing workers to upskill and transition into higher-value roles. He argued that technology-led disruption, if managed responsibly, can create inclusive growth and improve job quality.

German furniture fittings major Hettich has stepped up its expansion strategy in India by significantly widening its retail presence across Tamil Nadu. The move underscores the company’s confidence in the state’s growing housing market, rising disposable incomes and increasing demand for premium interior solutions. By deepening its dealer network and enhancing customer touchpoints, Hettich aims to improve accessibility to its products while reinforcing brand visibility in a key southern market.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation has extended the deadline for the SPREE 2025 scheme, providing additional time for employers and workers to come under the social security net without facing penalties. The move is aimed at boosting enrollment, correcting past compliance gaps and strengthening formal workforce coverage. Policymakers view the extension as a pragmatic step to encourage voluntary registration, particularly among smaller enterprises and informal workers.

The Reserve Bank of India has issued a strong caution on the growing use of stablecoins, warning that privately issued digital currencies could undermine monetary sovereignty, disrupt financial stability and weaken regulatory control. While acknowledging the technological innovation behind blockchain-based assets, the central bank remains concerned about risks related to capital flows, consumer protection and systemic vulnerabilities. The RBI has reiterated its preference for regulated digital payment systems and its own central bank digital currency as safer alternatives.