Reckitt reported double-digit growth for its India business in Q1 2026, driven by strong performances from Dettol and Durex. The company said the momentum came partly from expanding its coverage footprint. Globally, emerging markets like India and China led overall growth, and Reckitt expects continued strength in these regions.
India’s economy could keep expanding above 7 percent a year even if crude oil stays elevated at about USD 90–100 per barrel, according to Assocham. The industry group points to historical patterns showing consumption-driven resilience and expects growth to remain strong through 2026–27, despite some global forecasts calling for a slowdown.
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India’s private sector activity expanded in April, with both manufacturing and services rebounding strongly, according to PMI data. The uptick came even as firms faced higher costs linked to the Middle East conflict and oil shock. Domestic demand stayed resilient, companies increased stockpiling, and employment improved, signaling confidence despite global risks.
India’s economic growth is projected to hold near 6.5% this year, Gita Gopinath says, even as global uncertainty—especially the West Asia crisis—directly weighs on activity. She warns inflation may look contained only because firms are absorbing costs. That cushion could fade, pushing food prices higher. Oil shocks could spread across multiple sectors and even delay rate cuts.
India’s direct-to-consumer brands are expanding faster than ever, powered largely by Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. For FY26, these smaller markets are projected to contribute nearly 66% of new orders, lifting order volumes by 33% and increasing GMV by 32%. With the D2C sector expected to reach $60 billion by 2030, growth is shifting beyond metros.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das says the global economy is entering a fresh storm, with financial markets across countries thrown into turmoil. He notes stress is showing up across equity, bond and currency segments. Despite the global volatility, Das adds that economic activity in India remains stable, offering some cushion for the domestic outlook.
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Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu reviewed progress in drone research, development, and component manufacturing, outlining a push to accelerate India’s drone ecosystem. The review is aimed at strengthening local capabilities and scaling production, with a stated goal of making India the world’s third-largest drone market by 2030.
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