Business updates

Business updates

Yum! deal? India's KFC, Pizza Hut operators announce $934-million merger

The merger of Devyani International and Sapphire Foods creates a fast-food powerhouse in India, where both KFC and Pizza Hut are loss-making brands.>

Gold and silver open 2026 with gains following huge annual surge

Gold prices rose toward $4,350 an ounce, and silver gained more than 1%, building on their best annual performances since 1979.>

GST collection grows 6.1% in December 2025 as rate-cut impact shows

The GST rate cuts effected in September 2025 made hundreds of items cheaper but reduced the central government's monthly GST revenue at the same time.>

ITC shares plunge most in six years after India raises tobacco, cigarette tax

ITC might need to hike prices by “at least 15%” to pass on the overall impact to consumers, if not higher. ITC gets over 40% of its revenue from cigarettes.>

Tarun Garg appointed MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India, first Indian to lead

This leadership transition underscores Hyundai Motor Group's confidence in India's growth story and its strategic importance>

BSNL rolls out nationwide WiFi calling in push to counter Reliance Jio, Airtel

BSNL WiFi calling comes at no extra cost, a move that coincides with its 4G expansion to 97,000 sites.>

Auto sales in December 2025: Bajaj Auto sales rise 14% on exports boost

Auto sales in December 2025: Bajaj Auto's two-wheeler sales in India rose by a mere 3% year-on-year but exports jumped 24% in December 2025.>

For Indian phone brands, innovation and not manufacturing is the dilemma

Another year changes, but India’s homegrown phone companies continue to struggle to find a foothold in a market dominated by rapid innovation and focused product portfolios.>

Are stock markets BSE and NSE open or closed on New Year? Details here

While global markets close for New Year's, India's BSE and NSE remain open on January 1, 2026. This scenario allows investors to trade without interruptions.>

India puts excise duty on tobacco products, including cigarettes, from February 1

ITC might need to hike cigarette prices by “at least 15%” to pass on the overall impact to consumers, if not higher. ITC gets over 40% revenue from cigarettes.>

Credits : HTimes