Major business updates

Friends,According to the media reports,Major business updates for early 2026 highlight a significant transition in global leadership, new tax regimes, and robust technology-driven growth. 

Corporate Leadership & Market Shifts

Warren Buffett Retirement: After 60 years as CEO, Warren Buffett officially retired from Berkshire Hathaway on December 31, 2025. Greg Abel has assumed the role of CEO, marking a new era for the $700 billion conglomerate.

Hyundai India Leadership: Tarun Garg has taken charge as the Managing Director & CEO of Hyundai Motor India, becoming the first Indian to lead the company in 29 years.

Tobacco Industry Impact: Shares of major firms like ITC and Godfrey Phillips plunged (down 10–19%) following the notification of a new excise duty regime effective February 1, 2026. Prices for cigarettes and pan masala are expected to rise significantly. 

Economic & Regulatory Updates

New Tax Rules (India): Starting February 1, 2026, the government will end the GST compensation cess and reintroduce a new tobacco excise duty.

GST Revenue Growth: Indias gross GST collections rose 6.1% year-on-year to reach ₹1.74–1.75 lakh crore in December 2025, showing sustained economic momentum.

Bulgaria Joins Eurozone: On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the Euro, joining the currency union nearly two decades after entering the EU.

Pension Reforms: The PFRDA now allows scheduled commercial banks to set up their own pension funds for managing National Pension System (NPS) assets. 

Technology & Startups

AI Integration & Spending: Analysts predict 2026 will be a defining year for consumer AI startups. Companies like Microsoft and Nvidia are moving from AI hype to large-scale deployment.

Nvidia-Groq Deal: Nvidia completed a $20 billion licensing deal, a move seen as a strategic play to maintain its lead in the AI chip market.

Gig Economy Challenges: Delivery workers for platforms like Zomato and Swiggy called for strikes on New Year’s Eve to protest low pay and the risks of 10-minute delivery models, though platforms reported record order volumes.

Space Manufacturing: A UK company successfully activated a space mini-factory reaching 1,000°C in orbit, proving the feasibility of orbital manufacturing. 

Energy & Infrastructure

First Indian Bullet Train: The government announced that India's first bullet train will roll out on August 15, 2027.

Fuel Price Adjustments: Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices were cut by a steep 7%, providing relief for airlines, while commercial LPG cylinder rates increased by ₹111.

Renewable Energy Build-out: In 2025, India added a record 44.5 GW of renewable capacity, with energy storage tenders jumping 1.4x compared to 2024.source google. 

Thanks for connecting business Khabri.