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Micro-dramas became immensely popular in 2025 and are expected to emerge even stronger in 2026 as streaming service providers become more selective amid budget constraints. But growing consolidation in the industry may stifle independent and small creators. 

While the residential sector saw a slowdown in 2025, commercial office and logistics assets offer greater scope for further growth.

Quick commerce is becoming a habit for customers as platforms have started delivering everything from groceries and lifestyle products to high-end gadgets. Yet, next year may be even more challenging for the likes of Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto.

While some carmakers bat for government support, experts question the logic, as range-extended EVs will at best play a transitional role.

By leveraging a staggered release strategy, Netflix achieved high social media engagement throughout late 2025, enabling brands like Swiggy Instamart to integrate immersive technology into their apps. 

Experts focus less on predictions and more on disciplined, diversified strategies as they navigate 2026s shifting economic landscape.

Sugar consumption is hitting a plateau and is projected to decline as a rising diabetes epidemic and health-conscious younger generations pivot toward natural alternatives. While household demand wanes, the industry is increasingly reliant on food and beverage companies.

In a move that is set to widen distribution of pension products, the PFRDA board has given an in-principle nod to a framework that will permit scheduled commercial banks to set up their own pension funds under the National Pension System.

UPI processed 228 billion transactions worth a cumulative 300 trillion in 2025, 33% more than in 2024 in terms of the total number of transactions and 21% higher in terms of value. In December 2025, the platform processed a record 21.6 billion transactions worth 30 trillion.

On the first day of 2026, India introduced 185 new seed varieties to boost agricultural productivity. This includes a focus on cotton, rice, and pulses, aiming to improve yields, stability, and reduce reliance on imports.

In 2026, veteran filmmakers Priyadarshan, Rajkumar Santoshi, and David Dhawan will return to cinema, responding to the demand for mass-market storytelling. Their new projects aim to attract both nostalgic older audiences and younger viewers drawn by star casts and familiar content.

Throughout the year, there are key financial actions and deadlines that can make a real difference to your tax savings, compliance, investments, travel plans and overall money health

In January 2026, banks will observe up to 16 holidays, varying by state due to local events. Digital services will remain operational even if branches are closed.

The high capacity of clean energy installations doesnt translate into high energy output, given that solar and wind are erratic power sources. The focus is now set to shift towards building energy storage capacity and diversifying into more stable non-fossil sources such as nuclear power

While household indebtedness has climbed to 41.3% of GDP, surpassing the five-year average, the RBIs Financial Stability Report suggests resilience, as a higher share of prime borrowers drives this growth.

The government will invoke bank guarantees of 10 auto component makers that have not made any investments to date

RBIs December 2025 Financial Stability Report reveals a growing divergence in Indias credit landscape.

Retirement mutual funds offer more flexibility than PPF and NPS, with a five-year lock-in period. These funds provide various investment options and promote discipline among investors. They represent a growing category, with 29 schemes and significant assets under management as of November 2025.

Easing inflation, GST tweaks and stable commodity costs are lifting sentiment, but questions remain over the durability of demand and margin protection.

According to Vahan data, two-wheeler registrations grew 7% to a record 20.2 million units in 2025, while passenger vehicle registrations grew 9% to 4.38 million units, also a record.

In his foreword to the RBI's half-yearly Financial Stability Report, Sanjay Malhotra says maintaining financial stability and strengthening the financial system remain the regulator's north star.

The higher the rate of return on investment, the faster you achieve your financial goals. Additionally, the more focused you are on your financial goals and the timeline to achieve them, the easier it becomes to formulate a financial plan.

While the provisions of the 8th Pay Commission will be effective from 1 January, 2026, the implementation is expected to be delayed. This is why government employees and pensioners will receive arrears.

The steady erosion of viewership for English-language, urban-centric, and niche TV categories has meant that youth-focused brands have had to reassess their media strategies.

A key clean-fuel mandate for delivery and cab fleets has been deferred just as pollution levels surge in NCR and platform-led mobility continues to grow

Glassware offers higher marginsindustry estimates suggest glass bowls and storage boxes are typically priced 2050% higheralong with more distinctive designs and a move away from plastic-heavy portfolios.

January 1, 2026 Money Rule Changes: Here is a list of the most important personal finance money rule changes that will come into effect from January 1, 2026, which is tomorrow.

New Year 2026: Simple New Year resolutions can help borrowers improve their credit score through timely repayments, smart credit utilisation, regular monitoring and long-term discipline, unlocking better loan approvals and financial opportunities.

Over the past year, India has rewritten key rules governing insurance. Yet for policyholders, the real test lies not in regulation, but in how these changes play out when a claim is filed.

Bank holiday today, 31 December: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases a bank holiday calendar every year, according to which lenders close their branches on national holidays, festivals, and other public holidays. 

Multi-asset funds provide exposure to a diverse range of asset classes, offering a high degree of diversification typically associated with institutional investing. These funds may invest in a range of conventional equity and fixed-income strategies, index-tracking funds and financial derivatives.

Income Tax Refund Status LIVE Updates: I-T Department's deadline given to people for filing their revised ITRs is in focus now. However, some refunds filed have been delayed due to certain complications. Taxpayers can check a quick guide to help them check their latest ITR status online.

Filing an Income Tax Return can lead to errors, from minor mistakes to significant omissions. Taxpayers can correct these by submitting a revised return, but must verify it within 30 days to avoid invalidation. The deadline for those who filed on 16 September 2025 is 31 December 2025.

As of 2024, unclaimed deposits in Indian banks total 62,314 crore, with public sector banks holding most. SBI leads with 16,968.41 crore. The government initiated a campaign to reclaim these funds, which have significantly increased since 2021.

The tax authorities are empowered to directly enforce the sellers liability on the buyer.

ITR refund deadline: Once the 31 December deadline passes, taxpayers do not have the opportunity to file revised ITR even though their returns are not processed by the CPC.

8th Pay Commission: Even though the in-hand salary of employees will receive only after the 8th Pay Commission announcement is made officially, the arrears will begin to accumulate from January. They will be released after the provisions of the 8th Pay Commission is announced.

New Year 2026: Experts often recommend investors stay committed to the key fundamentals of investing, including asset allocation and diversification.

Credit card applications can be rejected due to weak credit history, high debt, insufficient income, errors in documentation, or eligibility issues, highlighting the importance of disciplined spending and repayment habits.

The removal of GST on health and term insurance was an important catalyst in how consumers upgrade coverage, choose smarter products, and commit to longer-term protection.

The 8th Pay Commission, approved by the Modi-led Cabinet, will take effect on 1 January 2026 and is expected to revise salaries for central government employees and pensions for retired personnel. Full details here.

From tax reforms to new labour codes, here are the important changes from 2025 that demand a fresh look at your money strategy for the coming year. 

The regulator initially sends a show cause notice to the entity concerned; if it is not satisfied by the response, a penalty follows. The fine also sends a message to the bank's board.

Even when the financial goal is due in a long time, one should refrain from risking too much of money to equity alone. Experts recommend diversification across asset classes so that if one category underperforms, it can be compensated by the performance of other categories.

Multiple social media users claimed that they have been facing technical issues with the MCA portal, causing disruptions in filing annual reports before the 31 December deadline, demanding extension

Education inflation in India tends to run higher than general CPI, often in the 8-12% range for private education, especially in metros. Experts say education costs double about every 67 years.

With the 8th Pay Commission members announced, employees are now expecting a salary hike soon. However, it will not increase from 1 January. What happens then?

New Year 2026: You can enhance your credit profile in the new year by adopting simple habits, such as tracking credit usage, diversifying your loans, and establishing healthy long-term credit practices to improve your score and increase financial opportunities.

In case you have earned any dividend out of the shares held during the calendar year, you should disclose the same as well as the schedule in which such dividend is offered to tax in the return of income (Schedule OS in the case of dividends).

The Centre has 18 levels of employees. The 8th Pay Commission salary hike will depend on each employee's or pensioner's level. Here's how much their salaries are expected to increase.