Category Archives: Business

Franks Hot Dogs Opens 14th Outlet at Elan Miracle Mall, Gurugram

Franks Hot Dogs Speeds QSR Expansion in India: 14th Store Opens at Elan Miracle Mall, Gurugram with Franchise India

Gurugram, Feb 09: Franchise India, Asia’s leading franchise development and advisory firm, today announced Franks Hot Dogs’ 14th outlet at Elan Miracle Mall, Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram. Positioned on the high-traffic Dwarka Expressway, it serves corporate professionals, business travellers, and commuters. This launch follows brand’s rapid growth in key urban markets including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh and Pune.

Franks Hot Dogs a premium French QSR brand stands out in India’s QSR scene with its “Roll-Dogs”—gourmet hot dogs and premium sausages in artisan-baked, sauce-infused bread. Affordable, global flavours and quick service appeal to millennials, Gen Z, and urban pros, making it a prime franchise model for consistency and scalability. 

Riding India’s QSR Boom

India’s food consumption patterns are undergoing a major shift, with Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) witnessing accelerated growth driven by urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, busier lifestyles, and increased preference for global flavours with India’s QSR market surging to $43.5 billion by 2030 at 9.36% CAGR. Franks fits perfectly with its modern, on-the-go format.

Gaurav Marya, Founder and Chairman, Franchise India, said:

“Franks Hot Dogs is the new-age QSR Indian consumers love—globally inspired, efficient, and value-driven. Its expansion shows strong brand power and demand for scalable food concepts.”

Amit Singh, Unit Franchisee Owner, Franks Hot Dogs – Elan Miracle Mall, added:

“I am very confident that Franks’ unique Roll-Dog and robust support will make our Franks store a go-to spot for quick bites in Gurugram.”

The 14th store kicks off Franks’ push for 300 outlets nationwide in five years. Backed by Franchise India’s expertise in scaling F&B brands , Franks aims to lead India’s snacking QSR segment.

Sarda Energy & Minerals Limited Reports Steady Performance in Q3 and Strong Growth for 9M FY26

Mumbai, Feb 09: Sarda Energy & Minerals Limited, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025.

Financial Highlights (Consolidated)

• Q3 FY26 Total Income registered a 3% year-on-year growth, despite a planned maintenance shutdown of one 300 MW turbine at the Company’s thermal power plant during part of the quarter.

• EBITDA for Q3 FY26 increased by 7% YoY, reflecting operational resilience.

• Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter remained steady.

• Cash Profit for Q3 FY26 reflected healthy operating performance.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, the Company delivered robust growth:

• Total Income increased by 32% YoY.

• EBITDA rose by 53% YoY.

• PAT grew by 59% YoY.

• Cash Profit reflected strong operating cash flows.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Pankaj Sarda, Managing Director, said:

“During the quarter, the Company delivered a steady operational performance across its integrated energy and minerals platform, reflecting the resilience of our diversified business model.

The Energy segment continued to demonstrate stability, supported by consistent operations across assets. The addition of two new PPAs further strengthened the portfolio’s stability and improved earnings visibility.

While near-term pricing volatility in metals may persist, underlying domestic demand drivers linked to infrastructure and industrial activity remain intact. Our balance sheet remains robust, with comfortable liquidity and low leverage, positioning the Company well to support the next phase of growth.”

Operational and Strategic Update

• The Company maintained stable performance across its energy assets during the quarter.

• Two new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) were added, enhancing long-term earnings visibility.

• The balance sheet remains strong, supporting disciplined capital allocation and future expansion.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Sarda Energy & Minerals expects operating conditions to improve as seasonal factors ease, supported by normalization in power demand and improving visibility across the metal segment.

The Company continues to advance its strategic priorities across energy, mining, and metals, with focused investments in clean energy, integrated mining, and operational efficiency. As part of its sustainability roadmap, initiatives are underway to increase the share of clean energy and progress toward lower-carbon, energy-efficient metal production.

With economic activity gaining momentum and demand conditions improving, the Company remains optimistic about the medium-term outlook. Supported by a diversified portfolio, disciplined capital allocation, and a robust balance sheet, Sarda Energy & Minerals Limited is well positioned to deliver a stronger exit into the next financial year and capitalize on opportunities emerging from India’s evolving energy and industrial landscape.

Sanawar Success Summit 2026 Brings India’s Most Influential Minds Together in New Delhi

Feb 9, New Delhi: Hailed as one of the most powerful thought-leadership gatherings of the year – The Sanawar Success Summit 2026, was held on a crisp, sunlit Saturday at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), 15 Janpath, New Delhi. Organised by The Old Sanawarian Society (OSS), the alumni association of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of the world’s oldest co-educational boarding schools, the Summit brought together exceptional minds for a day of high-impact conversations, insights, and inspiration. The Summit was proudly sponsored by DKG Landcorp, Mohali, under the leadership of Directors Mr. Mohit Gupta and Mr. Lakshay Gupta.

The Summit commenced with a warm and elegant Chhota Haziri, a traditional high tea, setting the tone for the day ahead. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Board of Governors of the Sanawar Society. The formal proceedings began with a welcome address by Pankaj Sapru, Immediate Past President, OSS, followed by a keynote address from Vipin Sondhi, Former MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland; Ex-Chairman, JCB India & TAFE. The gathering was further enriched by remarks from the Chief Guest, Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, and Chairman, Board of Governors.

The Summit witnessed an energetic and impactful start with one of Sanawar’s distinguished alumni, emcee of the programme and also a prominent name in the business world, Gaurav Bhagat, Founder and Managing Director, Consortium Gifts, and a leading skill-training expert, who set the momentum with his engaging presence and insightful observations.

The first panel featured an eminent line-up of speakers, including Vandana Mohan, Founder & Director, The Wedding Design Company; Armeet Sandhu, Managing Partner, MSB Docs; Former CEO, Stoneware Systems Inc.; Ajeet Bajaj, Padma Shri Awardee, renowned mountaineer and Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures; renowned agripreneur Jang Bahadur Singh Sangha, widely recognised as the Potato King of India and leader of one of India’s largest potato and maize farming enterprises; and Dushyant Chautala, Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana (2019–2024).

Subsequent sessions throughout the day featured an extraordinary roster of speakers spanning defence, diplomacy, policy, business, academia, healthcare, technology, sustainability, and the arts. These included Lt Gen Ajai Singh, Former Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command and Independent Director, DLF Ltd; Yashish Dhaiya, Founder & Group CEO, Policybazaar; critically acclaimed Bollywood costume designer and National Film Award winner Niharika Bhasin; Dr Tarun Batra, Cancer Surgeon and Associate Professor, Banaras Hindu University; Rajeev Ahal, Director, Natural Resource Management & Agroecology, GIZ India; Taranjit Sandhu, Diplomat and Former Ambassador of India to the United States and High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Shaila Brijnath, Founder & Chairperson, Aasraa Trust; Arun Maira, Former Member, Planning Commission of India; Akshay Dalal, Head of Regional Risk, Compliance and Ethics – Google (Middle East, Turkey & Africa); Gaurav Raina, Professor, IIT Madras and Research Fellow, Cambridge University; Ruby Garg, Director, Indus Group; Surbhi Garg, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax; Vivek Mehra, Senior Partner, PwC (Retd.) and Director on the boards of HT, DLF, Vaillant Pharma and Chambal Fertiliser; and Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

The day-long Summit stood out for its depth and diversity of discourse, featuring insightful discussions on education, leadership, the future of work, youth mentorship, governance, and the intersection of creativity with institution-building. The event concluded with a closing address by Brigadier Adarsh Butail, President, The Old Sanawarian Society, bringing to a close an intellectually enriching and purpose-driven gathering that reaffirmed Sanawar’s enduring legacy of leadership and excellence.

Gateway Distriparks Reports Strong Q3 FY26 Performance, Declares Special Dividend

Delhi, Feb 07: Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL), one of India’s leading multimodal logistics companies, announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3 FY26), delivering strong operational and financial performance despite Q3 traditionally being a seasonally weaker quarter.

Operational Performance

During Q3 FY26, GDL recorded a total throughput of 1,90,675 TEUs, reflecting a 4.74% year-on-year growth. Year-to-date (YTD) throughput stood at 5,75,887 TEUs, registering a 6.61% YoY increase.

• Rail Vertical:

  • Q3 FY26: 1,02,575 TEUs (up 10.97% YoY)

  • YTD FY26: 2,97,097 TEUs (up 11.18% YoY)

• CFS Vertical:

  • Q3 FY26: 88,100 TEUs

  • YTD FY26: 2,78,790 TEUs (up 2.13% YoY)

Financial Highlights

For Q3 FY26, the Company reported strong growth across key financial metrics:

• Total Revenue: Up 39.10% YoY

• EBITDA: Up 26.67% YoY

• Profit Before Tax (PBT): Up 11.87% YoY

• Profit After Tax (PAT): Maintained steady performance

On a YTD basis, GDL recorded:

• Total Revenue: Up 45.85% YoY

• EBITDA: Up 28.43% YoY

• PBT: Up 16.63% YoY

• PAT: Up 12.47% YoY

The financials include the consolidation of Snowman Logistics Limited as a subsidiary effective December 24, 2024. Exceptional income related to fair valuation recorded in FY25 has been excluded to ensure comparability.

Dividend Announcement

The Board of Directors declared a Second Interim Dividend for FY26, along with a Special Interim Dividend.

The special dividend is a one-time, non-recurring payout, marking GDL’s achievement of a net debt-free position for the first time since inception, and commemorating 30 years since the acquisition of land for its first facility at Nhava Sheva CFS.

Management Commentary

Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, Gateway Distriparks Limited, said:

“Normally Q3 is a weaker quarter, but our performance has remained strong and consistent with the momentum seen in recent quarters. We are optimistic about the future, particularly with the Free Trade Agreement signed with the EU and the trade deal with the USA, which are expected to significantly boost India’s global trade once ratified.”

He added that the Company has commenced domestic rail services from MMLP New Ankleshwar and is witnessing encouraging traction. GDL is expanding its rail capacity through the addition of new high-capacity rakes and the upgradation of existing leased rakes, taking the total rake count to 37 by the end of Q1 FY27.

Growth Initiatives

GDL has announced the acquisition of land for setting up a greenfield Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Indore, located near the Pithampur Industrial Area, one of India’s fastest-growing industrial regions. The Company continues to actively explore opportunities to further expand its rail and logistics network.

Snowman Logistics is also expected to benefit from upcoming trade agreements, particularly with the revival of seafood exports, and is planning to expand its warehouse network through a combination of owned assets and asset-light build-to-suit models.

IIT-Madras and Unicorn India Ventures launch Rs 600 crore “IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I”

Chennai, Feb 7: IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India’s first university-based research park and a leading force behind India’s deep tech transformation, and Unicorn India Ventures, India’s leading DeepTech VC Fund, have joined hands to launch a Rs 600 crore deep tech fund. The fund will also have an additional Rs 400 crore as greenshoe option.

IIT Madras India’s premier engineering institution—has ranked No. 1 for ten consecutive years in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for excellence in academics and innovation, and leads the nation in intellectual property creation, achieving a record average of more than one patent per day. Bolstering the innovation & commercialization capability of IIT Madras is the IITM Research Park which is home to several global R&D labs, Centers of Excellence, and Incubators. IITM Research Park and the IITM Incubation Cell has played a pivotal role in translational research, commercialisation, and nurturing cutting-edge deep tech startups across SpaceTech, Communications, ClimateTech, EVs, Semiconductor, Quantum, and DefenseTech. To further strengthen the innovation ecosystem and accelerate the growth journey for the startups, IIT Madras Research Park has selected Unicorn India Ventures as the Fund Manager for the DeepTech Fund.

The Fund will look to build a portfolio of 25+ companies in IP-led, engineering heavy startups in sectors like Robotics, SpaceTech, DefTech, Semicon, MedTech, etc. that align with national strategic interests.

With an average first investment size of Rs 8-10 crore, the investment strategy will follow a dual stage approach. The fund will be used to invest in early-stage deep tech startups that have reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3– 4 with an aim to identify high-potential innovations to nurture them through the initial commercialization hurdles. To ensure that portfolio companies are not capital starved as deep tech is a long gestation investment business, the fund will also support them with capital at early mid stage where they have reached TRL 5 – 7 to accelerate the development of concept proven technologies.  A part of the corpus would be assigned to select early late-stage companies that reach TRL 7 – 9 with a proven product tech and need support with accelerated scale up and market penetration.

Dr Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director of IIT Madras and the man behind the Shakti micro-processor says

“Science and technology will play a crucial role in the growth story and towards India becoming Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on technology sovereignty, AI, semiconductors, defencetech and quantum technology. The need of the hour to reduce reliance on technology imports and strengthen indigenous capabilities. IIT Madras has been in forefront of this wave for over a decade and this Fund is the next logical step for us.”

Natarajan Malupillai, Group CEO of IITM Research Park, says,

“India’s deep-tech ecosystem is at a pivotal moment, driven by supportive policies, sustained R&D investments, and a strong entrepreneurial aspiration among our youth. This fund will accelerate the scale-up of mission-driven, globally competitive startups while strengthening India’s culture of innovation & entrepreneurship. We are pleased to partner with Unicorn India Ventures to advance India’s deep-tech leadership—imagining, designing, and building in India for the world.”

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says,

“It is an honour to be selected by IITM & IITMRP, which have been the backbone of deep tech innovation in India. With our proven understanding of deep tech, we believe we have the resources and the network to support early-stage deep tech companies. As an active deep tech investor, we have already built a portfolio of nearly 30 companies and this new fund in partnership with IITMRP comes at the right time as we have met numerous innovative deep tech companies in the last 2 years. India has the talent, capital and patient investors like us and IITM to pool in our collective knowledge, resources and industry connections to help the next generation of deep tech founders.”

The fund will deploy 60% of the investable corpus to build the initial portfolio and reserve 40% for follow-on rounds to ensure that there is enough “Patient Capital” to back winners through the “Valley of Death”. Significant portion of the companies will be sourced from IITM’s ecosystem and balance from the wider Indian deep tech ecosystem.

Unicorn India Ventures, as the fund manager will leverage its ability to mobilise capital beyond the primary fund corpus and build a robust co-investment engine to ensure that portfolio companies are never capital starved. The Fund will take the lead in raising the corpus from IITM alumni, and its global network of LPs comprising family offices, UHNIs, and large Indian institutions.

South Indian Bank CFO Commends RBI’s Neutral Repo Rate Stance

Mr. Vinod Francis, Chief Financial Officer, South Indian Bank, on the recent RBI MPC announcement:

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance reflects confidence in a benign inflation outlook and resilient economic growth. The upward revision in FY26 GDP growth, along with the RBI’s assessment that system-level parameters for banks remain sound, reinforces confidence in the sector’s ability to support sustained economic expansion. For banks, a stable rate environment enables effective transmission of policy measures, disciplined balance sheet management, and calibrated credit growth across key segments.

The continued focus on data-driven policymaking, supported by the upcoming new GDP and inflation series, further enhances predictability for lenders. At the same time, initiatives such as the proposed guidelines for Kisan Credit Cards and the ongoing emphasis on MSME and rural credit align well with our strong presence in these segments, positioning the Bank to deepen credit penetration while maintaining asset quality and capital strength.”

Dubstep Launches ‘Love on Loop’ Campaign with Limited-Edition Valentine’s Earbud

Dubstep launches ‘Love on Loop’ Campaign and Limited-Edition ‘Buzz X12 – Love Edition’ Wireless Earbuds Exclusively on Instamart for Valentine’s Day

Feb 06: This Valentine’s Day, Dubstep, the fast-fashion consumer tech brand from the Nu Republic Universe, has rolled out its seasonal Valentine’s Day campaign ‘Love on Loop’, built around impulse-led gifting, music, and quick-commerce behaviour. The campaign coincides with the launch of the Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition, available exclusively on Instamart.

Designed to reflect how young consumers increasingly shop for occasions, Love on Loop targets last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers who prioritise speed, experience, and emotional value over advance planning. By leveraging Instamart’s quick-delivery ecosystem, the campaign positions spontaneity not as a compromise, but as a feature of modern gifting.

As part of the campaign, customers purchasing eligible Dubstep® products on Instamart during the campaign period stand a chance to win curated Valentine’s rewards. Nine winners will receive dinner vouchers worth INR 3,000 each, while one grand prize winner will win air tickets for two to Goa, along with a chance to meet actor Abhay Deol, subject to availability and scheduling.

Commenting on the campaign, Ujjwal Sarin, Founder, Nu Republic Universe, said,

“Valentine’s Day is about moments, not planning weeks in advance. With Love on Loop, we wanted to blend instant access with real emotion. Dubstep® is built for spontaneity — loud, expressive, and ready when you are. Partnering with Instamart lets us deliver that vibe in minutes.”

As part of the Valentine’s Day collection, Dubstep® has introduced the Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds in a bold, passion-red finish with metallic accents, created exclusively for the season. These earbuds are powered by Bluetooth v5.4 and tuned with X-Bass® technology to deliver deep bass and clear vocals. Equipped with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the earbuds ensure clearer calls even in noisy surroundings. With up to 60 hours of total playtime, intuitive touch controls, and a comfortable all-day fit, the Buzz X12 is designed for both everyday listening and Valentine’s gifting.

The Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition will be available exclusively on Instamart at an offer price of INR 599 for a limited period, giving consumers across India a quick and convenient way to celebrate Valentine’s Day through expressive audio gifting.

Mamaearth Appoints Sreeleela as Hair Care Brand Ambassador, Launches Valentine’s Film

Mamaearth Onboards Sreeleela as Hair Care Category Brand Ambassador; Unveils Valentine’s Day Film for Rosemary Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo

Feb 06:  Mamaearth, India’s leading purpose-driven personal care brand, has unveiled its latest campaign for the Rosemary Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo, onboarding South Indian and Bollywood actress Sreeleela as the new brand ambassador for the hair care range. With her youthful charm, authenticity, and strong Gen Z connect, Sreeleela brings a refreshing new energy to the brand.

This association marks a significant milestone in Mamaearth’s journey as well as in Sreeleela’s fast-rising career. Known for her natural appeal and inclination towards wellness, she strongly aligns with Mamaearth’s ethos of delivering effective personal care solutions rooted in natural, toxin-free ingredients.

Set in a packed cricket stadium, the campaign film features Sreeleela alongside actor and dancer Shantanu Maheshwari in a light-hearted, playful moment on the Kiss Cam. As the two share a close moment, the mood shifts when Shantanu runs his fingers through her hair, and a few strands come loose, instantly magnified on the stadium’s big screen. The crowd reacts, turning a personal moment into a very public one.

The film then introduces Mamaearth Rosemary Anti Hair Fall Shampoo, powered by the goodness of Rosemary and Methi Dana, as a solution designed to help reduce hair fall and strengthen hair. In a confident turn of events, the film closes with Sreeleela returning to the stadium with visibly healthier, fuller-looking hair, reclaiming the moment and ending the story on a strong, self-assured note.

Speaking about the campaign, Sreeleela said, 

“I’m excited to be a part of this campaign as it brings together a fun, relatable story that reflects real, everyday moments. The film addresses concerns like hair fall in a light and honest way, without exaggeration. What truly draws me to Mamaearth is the brand’s philosophy of using thoughtfully chosen, natural ingredients backed by proven efficacy. Being associated with a brand that addresses real consumer needs with effective, ingredient-led solutions makes this campaign feel authentic and meaningful to me.”

Snigdha Anand, SVP & Brand Head – Marketing, Mamaearth, added,

“With this campaign, our intent was to tell a story that feels familiar and easy to recognise, without over-dramatizing the concern. By placing hair fall in a moment of closeness and public visibility, the narrative remains honest while clearly establishing the product’s role. Welcoming Sreeleela as the new face of Mamaearth’s hair care category is a strategic step in strengthening our relevance with a younger, evolving consumer base, while continuing to focus on effective, ingredient-led hair care solutions.”

The campaign is rolled out across digital and social platforms, bringing ingredient-led hair care into everyday conversations through relatable storytelling. With Sreeleela at the forefront, Mamaearth continues to build a modern, trust-led narrative around hair fall, confidence, and solutions powered by nature.

RBI’s Steady Repo Rate Boosts Confidence in the Real Estate Sector

The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% has reinforced stability and confidence across the real estate sector. Industry leaders believe that a steady interest rate environment, coupled with the continued transmission of earlier rate cuts and the government’s increased public capital expenditure, is supporting resilient residential demand. For homebuyers, this policy clarity encourages long-term purchase decisions, while for the sector as a whole, it strengthens the outlook for sustained growth, employment generation, and urban development.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said,

“The RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate steady at 5.25% offers stability for interest-rate–sensitive sectors like real estate in the current macroeconomic environment. With inflation remaining at manageable levels and the benefits of earlier rate cuts continuing to flow through to homebuyers in the form of improved affordability, residential demand has remained resilient. The Union government’s decision to raise public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore in FY27, as announced in the Union Budget 2026, further strengthens the growth outlook through infrastructure-led development.

Supported by stable monetary policy and sustained public spending, the real estate sector will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, employment generation, and urban development across the country.”

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said,

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% reinforces policy stability and provides a supportive backdrop for the residential real estate market. While a rate cut would have lowered borrowing costs, a steady interest rate environment enables homebuyers to take long-term purchase decisions with greater confidence and predictability. This is particularly relevant for the premium housing segment, where buyers place stronger emphasis on product quality, location, and long-term value creation rather than short-term rate movements.”

Vikas Bhasin, Managing Director, Saya Group, said,

“The RBI’s decision to maintain the status quo on policy rates is a positive and reassuring signal for the housing sector. Stability in interest rates plays a crucial role in homebuyer decision-making, as it reduces uncertainty and builds confidence among both end-users and investors. With home loan rates currently hovering around an affordable and comfortable level of approximately 7.5%, and expected to remain below 8% for an extended period, borrowing conditions remain supportive for residential purchases.”

Mr. Raoul Kapoor, Co CEO, Andromeda Sales and Distribution, said,

“The RBI’s decision to maintain a status quo on policy rates is largely in line with expectations, especially after the cumulative rate cut of 125 basis points in 2025. The transmission of these cuts is still playing out, with several banks yet to fully pass on the benefit to borrowers.

A cumulative reduction of 125 basis points over a 20-year loan tenure translates into an EMI reduction of approximately ₹80 per lakh per month, significantly improving affordability and enhancing borrowing capacity for big-ticket purchases such as homes.”

RBI Holds Repo Rate Steady, Signals Supportive Monetary Conditions for Growth

Rahul Goswami, CIO & MD, India Fixed Income, Franklin Templeton.

“The RBI’s decision to keep policy rates unchanged reflects its view that current monetary conditions remain supportive of economic growth. Following a cumulative 125 basis points of rate cuts, the central bank has also undertaken several liquidity-enhancing measures to ensure adequate system liquidity and effective transmission of policy rates. With GDP growth expected to remain resilient at around 7% and CPI inflation projected to align with the 4% target during the first half of FY27, the RBI is carefully weighing these factors. Additionally, the forthcoming revision of the GDP and CPI base years from February 2026 introduces statistical uncertainty, prompting the central bank to assess how these dynamics evolve before taking its next policy action”

Vinay Pai, MD & Head of Fixed Income, Equirus Group 

“The Reserve Bank of India, in its policy announcement today, kept the repo rate unchanged, in line with market expectations. In the days leading up to the policy, bond markets witnessed a rally driven by expectations of additional liquidity measures from the RBI, along with supportive movements in the foreign exchange market. The RBI has also dispensed with the requirement for certain NBFCs to obtain prior approval to open more than 1,000 branches. This step is expected to enhance ease of doing business and foster a more competitive environment among NBFCs, enabling them to expand their outreach more effectively.”