India's defence production hit a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY26, nearly quadrupling since 2013-14. Driven by the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program and a robust budget, this growth reflects a burgeoning defence-industrial ecosystem with increased private sector involvement and record exports, signaling India's emergence as a significant defence manufacturing power.
India's defence production reached an unprecedented Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY26, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. This marks a near quadrupling in a decade, driven by the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and significant budget allocations for modernization. The private sector's contribution also grew to 24%.
Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran has decided not to seek a pay increase for FY26. This move comes as the Tata Group grapples with concerns over capital allocation, profitability of new ventures, and challenges faced by businesses like Air India due to geopolitical factors. Tata Consultancy Services remains a significant profit contributor.
Listed private manufacturing companies in India saw sales jump 14.5% in Q4 FY26, led by automobiles, electrical machinery, and non-ferrous metals. Overall non-financial companies grew sales by 13.9%. Input cost pressure rose due to higher raw material expenses, while staff costs moderated.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited achieved record domestic sales in FY26, but overall performance was impacted by Jaguar Land Rover's struggles due to a cyber attack and US tariffs. The company plans significant investments in PV and EV businesses, with new electric models slated for launch by FY30. A dividend has been recommended.
India's consumer and retail sector showed strong growth in H1 FY26, driven by GST cuts and a favorable base. However, rising input costs from West Asia and monsoon uncertainty are now posing risks, with Q2 FY26 seen as a critical inflection point.
Adani Group companies achieved a record capital expenditure of Rs 1.53 lakh crore and an all-time high EBITDA of Rs 94,834 crore in FY26, with 80% of investments targeting energy, utilities, transport, and logistics. Leverage was maintained below the 3.5x target at 3.3x.
EPFO subscribers are awaiting their FY 2025-26 interest credit at 8.25%. Despite delays, experts assure interest accrues monthly on the running balance and won't be lost. Members can check their updated passbook for confirmation.
India's fiscal deficit reached the budgeted 4.4% of GDP for FY26, easing immediate financial concerns. However, rising subsidy costs due to the West Asia crisis may challenge the current year's target and next year's ambitious consolidation goal.
India's economy likely ended FY26 with strong Q4 growth driven by domestic demand, agriculture, and services. Economists predict 7.3% GDP growth for the quarter and 7.6% for the full year, though higher crude prices due to the Iran war pose a risk for the current fiscal year.
RBI significantly increased dollar sales in FY26, with net sales reaching $53.1 billion, up from $41.1 billion in FY25, to manage rupee volatility. This intervention is estimated to have generated nearly Rs 50,000 crore in income for the central bank.
Honasa Consumer, Mamaearth's parent company, reported a 177% YoY net profit increase to Rs 69 crore and a 23% revenue jump to Rs 657 crore for Q4 FY26. Analysts from CLSA and Jefferies maintain positive ratings, citing strong growth and improving execution.
Jefferies raised Bharti Airtel's target price to Rs 2,350, citing strong Q4FY26 results. JP Morgan upgraded Cipla to overweight with a Rs 1,550 target, driven by US launch visibility. Morgan Stanley maintained an underweight rating on Dixon Technologies. HDFC Securities upgraded Hyundai Motor India to add, and Nomura has a buy rating on Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals.
TCS CEO K Krithivasan's FY26 remuneration reached over Rs 28 crore, a 6.3% increase. COO Aarthi Subramanian and CFO Samir Seksaria also saw pay disclosures. The company reported Rs 1,388 crore in restructuring expenses.
Air India's FY26 losses more than doubled to ₹25,606 crore ($2.6 billion), causing Singapore Airlines' net profit to fall 57% to S$1.18 billion ($1.13 billion) due to a S$945.2 million share of losses from Air India, despite a one-time S$1.1 billion gain from the Air India-Vistara merger.
Cipla's Q4 net profit drops 55% YoY to ₹555 crore, total income down 3% to ₹6,541 crore. FY26 revenue up 2% to ₹28,163 crore, PAT declines 26% to ₹3,879 crore amid strong performance in key therapy areas.
Bharti Airtel's Q4 FY26 net profit declined 34% YoY to Rs 7,325 crore, while revenue grew 16% YoY to Rs 55,383 crore, driven by strong performance in India and Africa. India revenue grew 8% YoY, and Africa delivered 1.1% QoQ constant currency growth.
Despite global economic headwinds from Middle East turmoil, India's economy is projected for stable growth through FY26 and FY27, with SBI forecasting around 7.5% for FY26. Resilient domestic demand, strong credit expansion, and broad-based improvements in high-frequency indicators support this optimistic outlook, though external vulnerabilities like oil prices and currency movements remain key concerns.
State Bank of India reported a 6% rise in Q4 FY26 net profit to Rs 19,684 crore, driven by improved asset quality and lower bad loans. Despite this, total income saw a slight decline, and net interest margins compressed, leading to a drop in operating profit and a subsequent fall in SBI's stock price.
