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TCS, Infosys retain top positions in global IT brand value rankings

India's information technology behemoths continue to dominate the global landscape, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys maintaining their positions as the world's second and third most valuable IT services brands, respectively, according to the latest IT Services 25 (2026)' report by Brand Finance, as per Business Standard. India

stood toe-to-toe with the US in the global IT rankings, with both nations fielding eight firms each in the top 25 list. The report, which tracks the brand value and strength of the world's leading IT firms, highlighted that Accenture (USD 42.2bn brand value) has retained its position as the world's most valuable IT services brand for the eighth consecutive year.

According to the report, TCS the world's second most valuable IT Services brand for the fifth year in a row holds a brand value of USD 21.2bn in 2026. Infosys, with a brand value of USD 16.4bn, was termed as the fastest growing IT Services brand over the past 6 years, with a brand value CAGR of 15%.

SECTOR

Banks go slow on low-yield lending

Private sector banks like Federal Bank, South Indian Bank and Yes Bank are looking to reduce exposure to lowyielding loans in the quest to protect margins, which are expected to be under pressure in the fourth quarter, as per ET. Net interest margin, a key profitability gauge, is facing pressure amid the softer interest rate cycle. Chief executives of these lenders are expecting the full impact of the policy rate cut in December

to play out in the fourth quarter and therefore, are taking steps to realign their business strategy to offset it. Federal and Yes Bank have slowed retail lending, especially low-yielding housing loans, as well as lending to large corporations which seek fine rates.

Compressed biogas emerges as pillar of India's energy mix

Few industries within the energy sector have witnessed the kind of growth registered by the compressed biogas (CBG) sector, as per Business Standard.

From an industry failing to rise above the survival threshold for years to the rapid expansion of CBG plants over the past two years, growth of this clean energy alternative technology, with huge collateral benefits for the agriculture economy and the fight against pollution, has been transformative. The value chain of CBG begins with the collection and segregation of raw materials, followed by processing in CBG plants where the anaerobic digestion of the raw material—including municipal solid

SECTOR

waste (MSW), agricultural products, animal or industrial waste—leads to biogas production, which is compressed and transported to end consumers (CNG and PNG sectors) via pipelines and cascades. India's compressed biogas sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, aided by policy support, blending mandates and investment, though challenges around feedstock and scale persist.

the capital table — this time via Fleur. Their presence derisks future large-scale capital expenditure such as Aurika Nehru Place and ensures a seamless path to Fleur’s listing,” analysts say.

Life insurance: 37% payouts from early exit

Life insurance policyholders often surrender their policies before they reach maturity for various reasons. Sometimes the returns fall short of what was promised. Other times, the premiums become too expensive, and frequently, policies are sold without fully explaining how they work, as per ET. India’s insurance regulator has been flagging this problem for years. The latest annual report by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) reiterates that mis-selling under the life insurance sector continues to be a major concern, where insurance products are being sold without proper disclosure of terms, conditions or suitability. But beyond mis-selling, new regulator data points to a deeper, more structural problem. The Financial Stability Report 2025, released by the RBI, contains some unsettling insights and data that show how India’s insurance system operates and who truly benefits from it.

Hospitality and travel sees surge in institutional capital

The Indian travel and hospitality sector is seeing a fresh wave of institutional capital flows, underlining the robust momentum that the sector is witnessing, as per Business Standard. Earlier this month, Lemon Tree Hotels announced that American multinational private equity (PE) firm Warburg Pincus will invest ~INR 9.6bn for the growth of its subsidiary Fleur Hotels while buying out 41.09% stake in Fleur from Dutch pension fund APG. “Overall, we view the transaction positively as it reintroduces Warburg Pincus to the capital table — this time via Fleur. Their presence derisks future large-scale capital expenditure such as Aurika Nehru Place and ensures a seamless path to Fleur’s listing,” analysts say.

Sugar production rises 22% to 15.9mn tonne by mid-Jan

India’s sugar production rises 22% to 15.9mn tonne by midJanuary India’s sugar production rose 22% to 15.9mn tonne by January 15 in the 2025-26 season from a year earlier, supported by higher cane supplies and better yields, industry body ISMA said, as per Business Line. Output stood at 13mn tonne in the same period last year, the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said in a statement. Around 518 mills were operational as of Jan 15, compared with 500 a year ago. The sugar season runs from October to September.

POLITICS & POLICY

Govt may give USD 1bn relief to footwear industry

The Centre is preparing a USD 1bn package to boost India’s footwear manufacturing, as the sector reels under the impact of the 50% US tariff on Indian exports, reported TOI, as per ET. Earlier, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade had proposed a production-linked incentive for footwear, but the plan was shelved following a revamp of government policy. Since then, officials have designed a comprehensive package that targets the entire value chain, from raw materials and components to finished products, offering incentives to investors in this labor-intensive industry. While the plan is yet to be officially finalized, discussions are reportedly at an advanced stage, with an announcement expected soon, according to the TOI report.

CommerceMin pushing for major tweaks in SEZ norms

The commerce department is pushing for major changes to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) norms to cushion the impact of the steep 50% tariff imposed by the United States (US) on several Indian imports, according to three people aware of the matter, as per Business Standard. If implemented, the changes could make it easier for SEZ units to sell goods in the domestic market, receive payments for domestic services in Indian currency, and simplify compliance norms, among other things. An overhaul of the existing two-decade-old law governing SEZ has been under discussion for almost four years. But, the latest push comes at a time when tariffs have adversely affected these units since August

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