Archives January 2026

India, Jan 10:  Yupp Video Services (YVS), YuppTV’s B2B technology arm and a global leader in white-label OTT platforms and streaming solutions announces its strategic partnership with Get After It Media (GAIM), home to The Heartland Network, Retro TV, The Family Channel, The Action Channel, and Rev’n. This collaboration delivers Heartland+, a next-generation OTT application that expands GAIM’s flagship on-air network, Heartland, into the digital forefront with advanced ad stack features and innovative content verticals.

Heartland+ will be backed by latest streaming technology, creating a diverse portfolio of ad units and subscription-based services. The app will bring consumers the very best of Heartland content alongside new verticals focused on family viewing and action-driven entertainment – all wrapped around the network’s core affinity for country music. YVS’s proven expertise in building scalable, data-driven OTT platforms ensures seamless delivery across connected TVs, mobile devices and web.

With rollout commencing in the 2nd Quarter, users can expect premium access to Heartland’s country music library, family-friendly shows, action content via flexible subscriptions; advertisers will gain advanced data-driven ad units for scaled targeting. Consumers will enjoy seamless, multi-device streaming, unlocking new revenue streams and audience engagement for GAIM’s evolving ecosystem.

Uday Reddy, Founder & CEO from YVS said, “Our partnership with GAIM to launch Heartland+ blends our decade-long OTT expertise with their authentic country music heritage and family values. This app will deliver advertisers enhanced targeting precision through advanced data analytics, while providing viewers with seamless, multi-device access.”

Joel Wertman, Co-President and CEO, Get After It Media, commented, “We look to partners such as YVS to help us enable data-driven audience solutions for advertisers looking to reach their customers with maximum efficiency and targeting capabilities at scale. The future of our business is highly dependent on our ability to bring innovative and data-driven audience solutions to our customers.”

Chennai, Jan 10: The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) recently released provisional data on production, import, and sales of major fertilisers for April–November 2025, revealing a notable rebalancing of India’s fertiliser supply chain with growing reliance on imports to support nutrient availability across the country.

The data shows significant variation across key nutrients, with imports playing an increasingly pivotal role in supplementing domestic production during the critical crop nutrition months.

UREA: Imports Drive Supply as Domestic Output Slips

Urea sales reached 25.40 million tonnes during April–November 2025, a 2.3% increase from the same period last year. However, this growth masks an important supply chain shift: domestic urea production fell 3.7% to 19.75 million tonnes, while imports surged 120.3% to 7.17 million tonnes—nearly doubling from 3.26 million tonnes in the previous year.

In November alone, urea sales were 3.75 million tonnes, up 4.8% year-on-year. November imports jumped 68.4% to 1.31 million tonnes, compared to 0.78 million tonnes in November 2024. This import surge reflects planned supply management to ensure continuous availability during critical crop nutrition windows.

“The April–November data reveals the fertiliser sector’s evolved approach to nutrient security,” said Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Chairman, FAI, “While we’ve achieved sales growth through coordinated planning, the significant reliance on imports—particularly for urea and DAP—underscores the importance of strategic supply chain management and forward-looking import policy to ensure uninterrupted farmer access.”

DAP: Imports Offset Production Decline

DAP sales remained flat at 7.12 million tonnes during April–November 2025, down marginally 1.0% from last year.

However, the underlying dynamics show a clear supply shift:
Domestic DAP production declined 5.2% to 2.68 million tonnes
DAP now depends 67% on imports for meeting nutrient demand, up from 56% last year
This structural change highlights India’s growing dependence on phosphatic imports to maintain fertiliser availability despite flat sales figures. The import reliance reflects both global market dynamics and the sector’s strategic choice to ensure farmer access to this critical primary nutrient.
Complex NPK Fertilisers: Strong Growth Amid Rising Import Dependency
NP and NPK complex fertiliser sales held steady at 10.38 million tonnes during April–November 2025, a marginal 0.1% increase. However, production and import trends reveal significant momentum:
Production surged 13.8% to 8.15 million tonnes
Imports nearly doubled, rising 98.7% to 2.72 million tonnes (from 1.37 million tonnes)
This dual growth signals farmers’ increasing preference for balanced, multi-nutrient formulations that address soil-specific and crop-specific nutrition requirements more precisely than single-nutrient products.
MOP: Solid Demand
MOP sales increased 8.6% to 1.55 million tonnes during April–November 2025,
SSP: Indigenous Phosphatic Strength Growing
Single Super Phosphate (SSP), India’s home-grown phosphatic fertiliser, demonstrated robust momentum:
Production increased 9.5% to 3.97 million tonnes
Sales rose 15.0% to 4.16 million tonnes

The SSP performance underscores farmer confidence in indigenous fertilisers and validates the sector’s capacity to deliver phosphatic nutrients domestically at competitive cost and quality.

Overall Narrative: Coordinated Supply Planning with Growing Reliance on Imports

The April–November 2025 data reflects a matured supply chain where domestic production and imports function in complementary roles. The key takeaway: Imports are structural, not supplementary. Urea imports at 120% growth, DAP imports at 54% growth, and complex fertiliser imports at 98.7% growth indicate that India’s fertiliser sector has integrated global supply chains into core planning.

“The standout stories in this data are twofold,” said Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General, FAI. “First, the structural shift toward import-driven supply management for nitrogen and phosphate nutrients. Second, the strong performance of indigenous phosphatic fertilisers like SSP, which have grown 15% in sales. This signals a balanced approach—we’re securing critical nutrients through planned imports while strengthening domestic phosphatic production. Going forward, FAI will focus on data-driven planning and diversification in nutrient use to support sustainable agriculture.”

FAI will continue to monitor fertiliser production, import and sales trends and engage with stakeholders across the value chain to facilitate coordinated action in line with national agricultural priorities. The Association remains committed to evidence-based dialogue, supply chain transparency, and promotion of balanced fertilisation practices suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

Hyderabad, Jan 10: Hyderabad is set to welcome a transformative addition to its retail and entertainment landscape with the launch of Odeon Mall, a next-generation shopping and lifestyle destination coming up at the iconic RTC X Roads. Scheduled to open in January 2026, Odeon Mall is poised to redefine the way the city experiences shopping, entertainment, dining, and leisure by bringing together scale, technology, design, and curated experiences under one roof.

The grand inauguration was graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Shri Anumula Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, who unveiled the mall amidst much enthusiasm and celebration. Guests of Honour Shri Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud, President, PCC, Telangana; Shri Duddilla Sridhar Babu,  Minister for IT, Telangana; Shri Md. Azharuddin, Minister for Public Enterprises and Minority Welfare, Telangana; Shri Anil Kumar Yadav,  MP; Shri T. Prakash Goud, MLA, Rajendra Nagar; Shri P. Mahender Reddy, MLC; Promoters & Developers Mr. Tulla Vijayender Goud, Director, Odeon Mall; Mr. Amarnath Vuppalancha, Director, Odeon Mall; Mr. Narsaiah, MD, Shanta Sri Ram Constructions; Mr. Pramodh Arora, CEO, PVR Cinemas; Mr. Saif Ali Khan & Mr. Najaf Ali Khan, graced the occasion.

Strategically located at RTC X Roads—one of Hyderabad’s most historic and high-footfall commercial hubs—Odeon Mall enjoys exceptional connectivity and visibility. The location has long been synonymous with cinema, culture, and commerce, and the arrival of a modern, integrated mall is expected to further elevate the area’s significance while catering to the evolving aspirations of urban consumers. With a well-defined primary and secondary catchment spread across densely populated residential neighbourhoods, educational institutions, office zones, and established retail markets, Odeon Mall is designed to serve both destination visitors and daily shoppers alike.

Promoted & developed by Shanta Sriram Constructions, Tulla’s Family, Farzana Khan, Amarnath & Tulla Odeon Facility Management Services with a strong focus on scale and functionality, Odeon Mall spans a total mall carpet area of approximately 2.1 lakh square feet, with a chargeable area of about 2.8 lakh square feet. The development comprises seven retail levels, supported by three dedicated basement parking floors. The mall will house more than 40 retail outlets, carefully planned across categories to ensure a balanced mix of fashion, lifestyle, electronics, entertainment, food, and services. Adequate parking infrastructure has been provided to accommodate large visitor volumes, with around 350 car parking spaces and 500 two-wheeler parking slots, ensuring convenience in one of the city’s busiest zones.

One of the most significant highlights of Odeon Mall Mr. Tulla Vijayender Goud, Director of Odeon Mall, stated that Odeon Mall marks a new chapter for RTC Cross Roads by introducing several first- of-its-kind concepts. The mall will be home to the area’s first multiplex, operated by INOX, bringing a premium cinematic experience to a location deeply rooted in Hyderabad’s film culture. In addition, Odeon Mall is positioned as India’s first AI-integrated mall, with smart systems planned to enhance operational efficiency, visitor navigation, safety, and overall customer experience, setting a new benchmark for retail infrastructure in the region.

The architectural and interior design of the mall reflect a contemporary, global aesthetic. Expansive atriums, seamless vertical circulation through escalators and elevators, wide corridors, and thoughtfully designed common areas create an open and inviting environment. The layout ensures clear visibility for retailers while offering visitors a comfortable and immersive shopping experience enhanced by natural light and premium finishes.

Retail planning at Odeon Mall follows a structured floor-wise category mix to optimize footfall distribution and shopper engagement. The ground floor is dedicated to high-visibility categories such as fashion, men’s and sportswear, jewellery and watches, cosmetics and fragrances, cafés, and everyday lifestyle brands. The first floor focuses on men’s fashion and apparel, while the second floor caters to women’s wear, kids’ fashion, electronics, and specialty retail. Higher levels of the mall are dedicated to entertainment, wellness, dining, and leisure, ensuring the mall remains active throughout the day and into the evening.

Entertainment forms a key pillar of the Odeon Mall experience. In addition to the INOX multiplex, the mall will feature a family entertainment center, bowling alley, gaming zones, mystery rooms, laser shooter experiences, and minigolf, creating multiple engagement points for children, youth, and adults alike. These offerings are designed to position Odeon Mall not just as a shopping destination, but as a comprehensive leisure hub for the city.

The dining experience at Odeon Mall has been curated to cater to a wide range of tastes and occasions. The mall will feature cafés, fine-dining restaurants, rest-o-bars, and a spacious food court, offering a mix of quick-service outlets and sit-down dining options. Wellness and personal care offerings such as salons, spas, and beauty destinations further add to the mall’s holistic lifestyle appeal.

With its strategic location, future-ready infrastructure, curated brand mix, and strong focus on entertainment and experiences, Odeon Mall is expected to emerge as a landmark destination in Hyderabad’s retail ecosystem. As the city continues to grow as a dynamic metropolitan hub, Odeon Mall stands as a symbol of this evolution—blending the legacy of RTC X Roads with modern design and technology to create a vibrant and inclusive urban destination.

LabelBlind Unveils AI-Powered FoLSol® 2.0 to Help Indian Food Businesses meet FSSAI Regulatory Labelling Compliance

New Delhi, Jan 10: As India’s food regulatory landscape evolves, LabelBlind® Solutions Pvt. Ltd. a pioneering AI-led digital food labelling SaaS company, is proud to unveil FoLSol® 2.0, its proprietary AI-powered food labelling platform that helps food businesses achieve effortless, real-time FSSAI compliance amid an increasingly complex

regulatory environment.

“India is entering a new era of food safety and regulatory intelligence. With FoLSol® 2.0, our aim is to transform compliance from a check-box exercise into a strategic enabler of trust, transparency, and global competitiveness. Our vision is to make every Indian food business confidently compliant in the face of evolving regulations. This is how AI and technology can power India’s ambition to lead the world in food safety systems and export excellence. LabelBlind® is entering strategic partnerships with leading food companies to apply the solutions in different business environments to advance the capabilities of the AI model.”

NEW DELHI – Hansraj College delivered a clinical performance today to lift the Mahatma Hansraj Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament trophy, defeating Miranda House by a massive 127 runs in a one-sided final.

​Tarun’s Century Powers Hansraj to 225

​Electing to bat first, Hansraj College set the stage on fire by posting a daunting total of 225 runs. The highlight of the innings was a sensational century by Tarun, who dismantled the opposition bowling attack. He smashed 130 runs off just 57 deliveries, a knock decorated with 19 boundaries and 6 towering sixes.

​Supporting the onslaught, Mohit Tyagi contributed a solid 41 runs, while Captain Satish Pathak added a crucial 20 runs to ensure the team reached a formidable score.
​

Miranda House Collapses Under Pressure

​Faced with a mountain to climb, the Miranda House batting lineup crumbled early. They failed to find any momentum and were eventually bowled out for 98 runs in 19 overs. Captain Sonu Giri was the top scorer for the side, though he managed only 13 runs as wickets fell at regular intervals.

​Award Ceremony

​The match concluded with a grand presentation ceremony. The Chief Guest, Professor Vijay Lakshmi, Principal of Miranda House, lauded the spirit of the game and presented the championship trophy to the winning captain, Satish Pathak.

Moscow, Jan 09:  “The Kursk region has been front-page news this past year. The news was largely alarming. Operation of the existing Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and construction of new power units occurred amid constant provocations and direct attacks from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This makes it all the more valuable that at the end of the year, the first power unit of Kursk NPP-2 was connected to the national power grid for the first time. So, the Kursk nuclear scientists deserve congratulations and thanks for such a wonderful New Year’s gift, and the entire country  for  acquiring a new source of clean energy. Much work remains ahead for the Kursk residents. But the following can already be confirmed. The Kursk unit  is  the first embodiment of the latest VVER TOI nuclear power unit design. This design not only incorporates the latest advances in nuclear energy. It is also the most powerful power unit in Rosatom’s fleet: 1250 MW, which is 50 MW more than the previous record-holders —  the power units of Leningrad NPP-2.  And secondly … “On December 30, 2024, the general plan for the deployment of power facilities through 2042 was approved, according to which we are to build 38 power units. And today, a year later, we are taking the first step in 38, the goal of which is to increase nuclear generation in the country’s energy mix from the current 20% to 25%,” noted Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation .

The power start-up took place in the presence of the heads of Rosatom’s Electric Power and Engineering Divisions and key contractors.

“Today’s power start-up is the result of the hard work of tens of thousands of people—from those who poured the first concrete in 2018 to the engineers involved in the commissioning operations. Despite external threats, every specialist successfully completed their work, recognizing their responsibility to the team and to the country. The new power unit will increase nuclear power generation by more than 50% to meet the needs of the Kursk Region and ensure the stable operation of the Central Asian Unified Energy System of the Centre, guaranteeing its energy stability and confident progress,” said Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy at Rosatom State Corporation and President of JSC ASE (general designer, Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation).

The first connection of the generator to the grid was performed by Valery Yakushev, the electrical shop shift supervisor. “Our power unit has finally found its purpose and begun generating electricity. Considering it will operate for up to 100 years, being a part of this event  is  a great honor for me,”  he  shared after the historic occasion.

During the power startup phase, the power unit’s capacity will be gradually increased to 35-40%. This will be followed  by  a lengthy period of ramping up to 100%.

“The power unit’s commissioning is proceeding according to plan. Comprehensive testing of the unit is currently underway, ensuring the required power level is reached  . The equipment and systems must operate efficiently, reliably, and safely, as required by the process regulations,” noted Alexander Shutikov,   CEO of Rosenergoatom Concern JSC  . ” After all the process operations, we will confirm with Rostekhnadzor that the unit’s characteristics and physical parameters comply with modern nuclear energy standards and requirements.”

The commissioning of Unit 1 of the replacement plant is scheduled for 2026. The implementation of projects similar to the VVER-TOI project will ensure reliable energy supply to the region and make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.

By: Richa Agarwal, CEO of Emami Art and Chairperson, KCC

Field Notes (On the Afterlife of Trees) is the first-ever solo exhibition by the young and emerging artist, Vishal Kumar Gupta. At the core of his practice is the deliberate and poetic depiction of the idea of fragmentation. By using it as the central idea of his artistic practice, Gupta, creates a world of abstraction and ambiguity. His deep engagement with the natural world and the overlooked objects brings a fresh perspective on visual representation as well as the use of material itself. Displayed in a fluid and expansive style, the exhibition features his most recent works, we hope the viewers have a great time discovering the spectacular world in his work.

By: Ushmita Sahu, Director and Head Curator of Emami Art

In his debut exhibition, Field Notes (On the Afterlife of Trees), Vishal Kumar Gupta explores painting with a sense of discovery. One of the key qualities of Vishal Kumar Gupta’s work is his joy in exploring the essence of painting itself. Gupta draws inspiration from the intricacies of the natural world and its most overlooked aspects. Through expressive, painterly investigations of twigs, branches, and weathered stumps, Gupta does not merely depict nature but channels its organic self and embodied time. So, the practice itself is a comprehensive exploration of time, memory and embodiment. The first-ever solo exhibition is conceptualised and designed as an introduction to the curious world of Gupta’s artistic practice.

Mumbai,  Jan 9: The Kisna Diamond Marathon, a flagship event of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd  Run for Swachh Bharat, has been officially honored with the Guinness World Records™ title for organizing the 5 km race simultaneously across 55 cities in India on 28th December 2025. The recognition was formally presented during the felicitation ceremony held on 7th of January, marking a proud milestone for the initiative and its journey of national participation and social responsibility.

Organised by the Kisna Diamond Jewellery, a brand of HK Group, the marathon brought together runners from metropolitan cities, emerging urban centres, and rural regions, reinforcing the spirit of ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat’ through disciplined planning, coordinated execution, and collective public involvement.

The 10th Edition of the Kisna Diamond Marathon recorded participation of over 20,000 runners nationwide, with synchronized flag-offs, uniform race protocols, and structured coordination across all participating locations. The initiative continues to strengthen its purpose of combining fitness with social commitment while supporting cleanliness-focused community initiatives.

Gratitude to Participants and Distinguished Dignitaries

HK Group extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, volunteers, city coordinators, partner organisations, and support teams whose commitment and coordinated efforts made this landmark achievement possible. HK Group also conveys heartfelt thanks to the distinguished dignitaries, Shri Satyanarayan Choudhary- Joint Commissioner of Police, Dr Bhushan Gagrani-BMC Commissioner  Shri Anup Metha-BDB President, Mr. Sean Lin-VP Debeers Group, Dr. Kailas Shinde-NAVI Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner  Shri Russell Mehta Rosy Blue, Shri Dineshbhai Lakhani  Kiran Gems, and other dignitaries from the gems and jewellery industry.

Shri Ghanshyambhai Dholakia shared his reflections

“Inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, I took the initiative to launch the Kisna Diamond Marathon in 2016 with just 350 participants. Today, it spans across 55 cities, honouring winners with natural diamonds. When Shri Prime Minister Narendra Modi learns that a Guinness World Record has emerged from our country, that too by HK, it will be a proud moment for the nation.”

Rooted in the values of discipline, unity, and social contribution, the Kisna Diamond Marathon continues to evolve as a purposeful national platform that encourages fitness, awareness, and community participation while strengthening its alignment with the spirit of a cleaner and healthier India.

Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India inaugurated Indusfood 2026 at Expo Mart, Greater Noida, on 8th January 2026. Indusfood is Asia’s premier food and beverage tradeshow. This is the biggest edition of the show yet  covering a total area of 120,000 square meters. Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA, Mr.  Mohit Singla, Chairman, Trade Promotion Council of India, Mr. Jens Wolfgang Michel, CEO,  Abu Dhabi Food Hub  Mr. Ashish Kumar Agrawal, Managing Director of Bhikharam  Chandmal, etc. were present on the occasion besides industry leaders, buyers, exhibitors,  and members of the global F&B ecosystem. 

Delivering his inaugural address, Shri Paswan said,

“I am here to support and motivate you  all. The mere fact that Government of India has a separate Ministry for the food processing  sector underlines the importance accorded to the sector. We are trying to be bridge  between the government and industry.” Minister congratulated TPCI for organizing the 9th successful edition of Indusfood and providing big platform to the industry.  

Food Processing Minister further appealed that,

“Now that we are food surplus, we all need  to convert this volume into value. We all know the strength of the sector and the untapped  potential of India to be the global food basket; the need is to now channelize the resources.” 

He said that his ministry is supporting more and more entrepreneurs to enter this field.  Schemes like PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Pradhan  Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana  National Institute of Food Technology  Entrepreneurship and Management, etc. are helping both farmers and the industry. He also  said that National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management scope  will be extended to cover more states. 

He said that, “Government is behind the food processing industry with unwavering support  and will do anything for a supportive policy matter, such as ease of doing business.” The  Minister informed that he took high GST rate on the food processing sector which got 

addressed through GST reforms and GST were reduced to lowest slab either to 5% or 0, which apparently helped create greater market access for the sector. 

Minister during his address appealed to all brands to open their R&D centers in India. India  has huge diversity and has immense potential to introduce new variety on the global food  platter. 

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  has  launched an initiative to support agri-food and agri-tech startups, aimed at promoting  innovation and creating new export opportunities for young entrepreneurs. 

APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev said the initiative  BHARATI, which stands for Bharat’s  Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement, has been  designed to empower agri sector startups. 

Speaking at the inauguration Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman, Trade Promotion Council of India  said,

“The remarkable scale of Indusfood 2026 demonstrates ambition. We bring together  more than 2,200 exhibitors from 30 countries across 125,000 square metres of exhibition  space. We are privileged to host over 15,000 buyers and trade visitors from more than 120  countries. And we integrate the entire F&B value chain trade, technology, and talent  within a single vibrant ecosystem.”  

Indusfood 2026 also marks the introduction of two new pavilions  Pet Food & Animal  Nutrition and Cookware & Kitchenware. Their inclusion recognises emerging export  opportunities driven by global lifestyle shifts, premiumization, wellness, and sustainability.  By welcoming these sectors, we continue to expand the Indusfood canvas in line with  evolving world demand, he added. 

Further Chairman TPCI said,

“In partnership with IFCA, we are proud to host the World  Culinary Heritage Conference 2026, positioning cuisine as cultural capital and as a powerful  export enabler. Alongside this, more than 40 exclusive knowledge events will unfold over the  next three days featuring 150 Speakers spanning state-led investment summits, retail  procurement dialogues, focus market briefings, sector-specific export strategies, regulatory  compliance and biosecurity sessions, the growing role of AI and automation in intelligent  food ecosystems and more.” 

Mr. Jens Wolfgang Michel, CEO, Abu Dhabi Food Hub  congratulated participants of  the show and underlined huge opportunity of synergy between Indian food exporters and  UAE buyers. He also pitched for fully transparent and sustainable practices in food trade.  India–UAE Food corridor to be launched. TPCI has signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi Food Hub.

F&B Exports in 2024-25: US$ 47.3 billion and YoY growth was 8.2%, having 5-yearCAGR:  8.4%. The processed food exports registered US$ 7.9 bn with the 5-year CAGR: 9.1%.  Fastest growing processed food categories basis was Cocoa and preparations.

Life Insurance – Vivek Jain, Chief Business Officer, Life Insurance, Policybazaar.com

“India is steadily moving towards deeper financialisation, with investors increasingly gravitating towards transparent, market-linked products. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, the country is entering a multi-year, consumption-driven phase of stable growth—creating a strong foundation for long-term wealth creation.

Equity-led instruments remain best positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes over the coming decade. The year 2025 reinforced a shift towards goal-based financial planning, with customers increasingly opting for long-term retirement and wealth solutions that incorporate Waiver of Premium, ensuring critical life goals stay on track even during unforeseen disruptions.

Younger investors, in particular, are showing remarkable financial savvy, preferring disciplined, long-term investing. With investment horizons of 20–30 years, equities are emerging as the core of retirement planning—capturing India’s structural growth, beating inflation over time, and leveraging the power of compounding. Disciplined equity participation is set to define successful long-term investing in the years ahead.

On the protection front, self-employed individuals are driving growth, with their share rising from 12% to 20% and expected to reach 25% soon. Demand is also deepening across Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets, alongside a shift towards higher sum assured and more comprehensive protection. Riders like critical illness and waiver of premium are increasingly seen as essential components of holistic financial security, a trend that is expected to continue in 2026.”

Health Insurance – Amit Chhabra, Chief Business Officer, General Insurance, Policybazaar.com

“2025 was a year of historic reform, while 2026 is poised to be a year of historic adoption. The government’s exemption of 18% GST on individual and family health insurance premiums has made health coverage more affordable and unlocked demand in previously underserved regions.

Health insurance is being redefined through flexible, modular constructs—EMI options, smart deductibles, co-pay mechanisms, and preferred partner networks—making comprehensive protection accessible to a wider range of income segments. Renewal rates are at an all-time high, with growing adoption of multi-year plans and higher sum insured options.

Modern health plans now go beyond basic illness coverage, offering benefits such as mental health support, maternity coverage, Day-1 coverage for 145 medical conditions, and health management features like OPD coverage and reward-linked renewals.

Service quality is now central to growth. Consumers view policies as a promise of care rather than just a contract, emphasizing frictionless claims, hyper-responsiveness, and empathetic post-sale support. The focus has shifted from policy volume to the quality of claims experience, making insurance a trusted companion for families.”

Motor Insurance – Paras Pasricha, Head, Motor Insurance, Policybazaar.com

“Motor insurance is evolving to insure the driver, not just the car. Premiums are increasingly tied to individual driving behaviour using real-time data rather than static pricing. This allows low-usage and low-risk drivers to be priced fairly.

Regulatory changes have opened doors for product innovation, including multi-year motor policies, which are gaining traction as customers seek continuity and convenience. Third-party pricing revisions are expected to ensure system sustainability while supporting road safety.

Claims management remains critical. Faster, simpler, and clearer claims processes, enabled by digital touchpoints, will define the future of motor insurance by reducing friction and improving customer experience at the moment that matters most.”

Pension & Retirement – Vishwajeet Goel, Head, Pensionbazaar.com

“Recent policy changes have made retirement planning more flexible and attractive. Shorter lock-in periods, higher equity exposure, and easier access to accumulated savings have boosted confidence across age groups, encouraging wider adoption.

2026 is expected to see stronger participation from younger earners entering the workforce, with longer investment horizons and a growing focus on financial independence. Initiatives like the NPS e-Shramik framework are extending pension coverage to gig and platform workers through flexible, small-ticket contributions.

Retirement products are increasingly evaluated on transparency, flexibility, and long-term returns. Goal-based and early retirement planning trends, including the FIRE movement, are driving awareness and adoption. Combined with technology-led efficiencies, these trends are likely to strengthen the pension ecosystem and embed retirement planning as a core part of household financial planning, particularly for younger and first-time investors.”