Page 16 - Industry News

Production houses move beyond films, tap into alternative revenue streams

Car makers are going beyond the initial purchase, institutionalising battery health and resale benchmarks to ease depreciation and battery-life concerns for EV buyers

After muted start, GST cuts boost consumer durables demand in 2025

Cooling appliance makers had started the year with high hopes, but an early arrival of monsoon splashed away their enthusiasm

How energy flowed between hiccups and hope as solar stayed bright in 2025

Solar was a bright spot in a year marked by domestic challenges, like oil imports, and global concerns, such as climate change

Aramco, Oil India likely to pick up stake in BPCL's Andhra refinery

State-run BPCL is setting up a greenfield refinery and petrochemicals project near Ramayapatnam port in Nellore district to meet rising domestic demand and boost petrochemical exports

Coal India production drops 3.7% in Apr-Nov FY26, first dip in six years

Coal India's output fell to 453.5 million tonnes in April-November FY26, the first comparable-period decline in at least six years, hurt by monsoon disruption and land issues

Strong demand, premium pricing brings non- NCR developers to Gurugram

Industry experts agree that Gurugram's position as the corporate and commercial hub of NCR is a key draw

Health ministry unlikely to extend Schedule M GMP deadline for MSME pharma

The health ministry is unlikely to extend the revised Schedule M GMP deadline for MSME drugmakers beyond December 31, 2025, as it consults states ahead of risk-based inspections

AI won't replace professional photo-editing tools: Affinity CEO

Affinity CEO Ashley Hewson said AI will boost basic photo editing, but pros will still rely on specialised tools. He said India user growth is six times since the October 29 launch

Finding India's funny bone: Stand-up comedy booms despite challenges

The stand-up business in India is roaring, even going global, despite challenges

Uttar Pradesh set to unveil ₹65,000 crore infra projects in January

The projects, including the Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar in Greater Noida and the Meerut-Prayagraj Ganga Expressway are expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

India's hospital industry to see 16-18% revenue rise in FY26: ICRA

ICRA expects hospitals' revenue growth of 16-18% in FY26 on healthy occupancy and higher ARPOB, while projecting a stable pharma outlook led by domestic growth

Raipur among 48 cities to double train operating capacity over five years

The works for doubling the originating capacity by 2030 would include augmenting the current terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and adequate shunting facilities

Rajasthan govt to equip multi-storey buildings in state with solar energy

Rajasthan plans to power multi-storey buildings with solar energy via virtual net metering, aiming to cut power bills, boost green energy use and create jobs

Govt awards 12 GATC certificates to 11 pvt firms to boost metrology sector

The Centre said that this will help increase the number of centres that check and verify weighing and measuring instruments used in trade

DAC okays defence procurement proposals worth ₹79K cr to boost capabilities

The DAC cleared proposals to acquire loitering munition systems for artillery units, low-level lightweight radars, and long-range guided rocket ammunition

From baskets to blink: Quick commerce reshapes retail landscape in 2025

According to a year-end report by RedSeer Strategy Consultants, quick commerce has become India's fastest-growing retail format, reaching 33 million monthly users across 150+ cities

MIAL's freight curbs may hit India's exports; cargo body warns disruptions

Air cargo agents say a proposed 10-month halt of freighter flights at Mumbai airport from August 2026 could disrupt export capacity, raise freight rates and hurt hub credibility

Preventive, precision testing spurs a bigger dose of diagnostics chains

Diagnostic chains are expanding laboratories, integrated centres and collection networks as demand grows for preventive, genomics-led and precision testing across India

NPCI sets up unit to scale up digital infrastructure beyond payments

NTSL will not be a section 8 company which is similar to the other three subsidiary structures that NPCI currently has

IT outsourcing may pivot to smaller AI-led deals as mega contracts reset

AI and generative AI (GenAI) are expected to play crucial roles in deal renewals going forward, as clients look to build more efficiencies into their operations and reduce costs