India has unveiled an ambitious national mission to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production by 2030-31. The initiative aims to reduce import dependency, stabilize prices, and ensure nutritional security for a growing population. Policymakers plan to expand cultivation, enhance productivity through modern agricultural practices, and provide incentives to farmers for adopting high-yield and resilient pulse varieties. The mission also emphasizes supply chain improvements, storage infrastructure, and market linkages.

Ashok Leyland, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, reported a 9% year-on-year increase in sales for September. Strong demand across light, medium, and heavy commercial vehicle segments contributed to the growth, reflecting a robust recovery in logistics and transportation sectors. Analysts attribute the performance to rising freight activity, improved rural mobility, and strategic product launches targeting fuel efficiency and compliance with emission norms.

Housing sales in Mumbai and Pune, two of India’s most prominent real estate markets, fell 17 percent during the July–September quarter, reflecting a slowdown in buyer activity after a period of sustained growth. Analysts attribute the decline to high property prices, elevated interest rates, and seasonal factors that often temper demand in the monsoon months. Despite the drop, overall market sentiment remains positive, with developers continuing to launch new projects and buyers showing interest in premium housing.

India’s alcoholic beverages (AlcoBev) industry is expected to record robust growth of 10-12 percent in FY26, supported by rising consumer demand, premiumisation trends, and expanding distribution networks. Industry experts suggest that the sector’s recovery from pandemic-era disruptions is now translating into stronger topline growth across categories such as spirits, beer, and wine. Factors including evolving consumer preferences, urbanisation, and higher disposable incomes are driving volumes, while premium segments are contributing disproportionately to value growth.

Coal demand in India has remained subdued during the current fiscal year, according to a report by mjunction, one of the country’s largest B2B e-commerce platforms for commodities. The analysis points to muted consumption from key industrial sectors, particularly steel and power, as a primary reason for the slowdown. While India continues to depend heavily on coal for electricity generation, the pace of demand growth has been constrained by stable inventory levels, efficiency gains in thermal power plants, and increasing adoption of renewable energy.

IFB Agro Industries Ltd., a Kolkata-based manufacturer of alcohol, marine products, and bottling solutions, has announced its exit from a joint venture in the United Arab Emirates. The decision to divest comes as part of the company’s strategic realignment toward strengthening domestic operations and consolidating its resources. The UAE subsidiary, set up to tap international markets, faced operational challenges that limited its contribution to IFB Agro’s overall performance.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, has reiterated the importance of India achieving technological self-reliance to secure its position in the global economy. Highlighting the country’s growing digital ecosystem, innovation capabilities, and manufacturing potential, he argued that reducing dependence on foreign technologies will be crucial for sustainable growth. His remarks come at a time when India is strengthening its semiconductor, electronics, and electric mobility sectors, underscoring the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.

Global rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has revised the outlook on JSW Steel from “stable” to “positive,” reflecting the company’s improving credit profile, robust operating performance, and strong demand environment for steel. The agency affirmed JSW Steel’s Ba2 corporate family rating, citing the company’s disciplined capital allocation, deleveraging efforts, and resilience despite global volatility. Rising infrastructure investment in India, coupled with steady exports, has bolstered the steelmaker’s growth prospects.

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power utilities, has announced the commissioning of an 80 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project aimed at bolstering electricity supply for its Mumbai distribution network. The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to strengthen urban power reliability through a sustainable energy mix while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Cognizant Technology Solutions is reportedly exploring the possibility of an India-based share offering and local listing, a move that could strengthen its ties with one of its largest operational hubs. The U.S.-headquartered IT services giant, which employs over two-thirds of its global workforce in India, is assessing regulatory, structural, and investor considerations before formalizing the plan.