India

India’s electric vehicle market witnessed a significant surge in retail sales during February, reflecting the country’s accelerating transition toward sustainable mobility. Strong demand across two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles contributed to the growth, supported by favorable government policies and rising consumer awareness about environmental sustainability. Major manufacturers, including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, continued to expand their electric vehicle offerings to capture growing market demand.

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation is intensifying its focus on India’s fast-growing sport utility vehicle market by introducing a series of new SUV models tailored to evolving consumer preferences. As demand shifts toward spacious, technology-driven vehicles, the company is strategically expanding its lineup to strengthen market share and reinforce brand presence. Flagship offerings such as the Toyota Fortuner and newer entrants like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder highlight Toyota’s emphasis on hybrid technology, fuel efficiency, and premium features.

Air conditioner prices in India are expected to rise as manufacturers grapple with increasing raw material costs, currency fluctuations, and stricter energy efficiency regulations. Industry leaders say the combined impact of higher copper prices, depreciation of the rupee against major global currencies, and new energy performance standards is significantly raising production costs. As a result, companies such as Voltas, Blue Star, and LG Electronics may adjust retail prices in the coming months.

Several of India’s largest publicly listed companies witnessed a significant erosion in their combined market capitalization last week, with total losses estimated at approximately Rs 2.81 lakh crore. The decline reflects broader volatility in the equity markets driven by global economic uncertainties, cautious investor sentiment, and sector-specific pressures. Major corporations across banking, information technology, and energy segments experienced notable valuation corrections.

India’s equity markets witnessed a sharp erosion in corporate valuations last week as global geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices dampened investor sentiment. The combined market capitalisation of eight of the country’s ten most valuable companies declined by Rs. 2,81,581.53 crore during the period, reflecting the broader weakness in equities. Banking giants and infrastructure firms were among the biggest casualties, with State Bank of India recording the steepest decline.

Gold prices are expected to remain volatile in the coming week as global investors closely monitor geopolitical tensions in the Middle East alongside key macroeconomic indicators that could influence market sentiment. Analysts say uncertainty in international relations often strengthens demand for safe-haven assets such as gold, while signs of de-escalation may trigger profit-taking and price corrections. At the same time, upcoming economic data releases are likely to influence currency movements and interest-rate expectations, further affecting precious metal prices.

Gold prices in India retreated sharply after reaching elevated levels, with traders booking profits for a second consecutive session. In the national capital, the price of gold declined by Rs. 1,100 to Rs. 1,64,100 per 10 grams, reflecting cooling momentum after a strong rally in recent weeks. Silver also witnessed a modest decline, falling Rs. 600 to Rs. 2,71,700 per kilogram. Market analysts attribute the pullback to a stronger US dollar, rising US Treasury yields, and diminishing expectations of near-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

India and Poland are strengthening defence ties as both countries explore opportunities for joint production of military equipment and technology. The initiative reflects a broader effort to deepen strategic cooperation while boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities. For India, collaboration aligns with its policy to expand indigenous defence production and reduce reliance on imports. Poland, meanwhile, seeks to enhance its defence industry partnerships amid evolving security dynamics in Europe and Asia.

India’s automobile retail market witnessed a strong surge in February 2026, with overall sales rising nearly 26 percent year-on-year, reflecting renewed consumer confidence and improved affordability across segments. Total vehicle registrations climbed to 24,09,362 units compared with 19,17,934 units in February 2025. The expansion was broad-based, with two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and tractors recording their strongest February performance on record.

India’s rapidly expanding digital economy is increasingly becoming a target for sophisticated cyberattacks. Recent cybersecurity data indicates that more than Rs. 4.7 crore web-based cyberthreats were successfully blocked in India during 2025, affecting nearly 24.7 percent of internet users across the country. On average, users encountered over 1,30,000 online threats daily, highlighting the scale of digital risks facing individuals and businesses. The majority of these attacks were delivered through browser vulnerabilities, phishing attempts, and advanced fileless malware techniques.