INSIGHTS

NPCI introduced a 0.4% merchant discount rate on UPI merchant payments above ₹2,000 from 15 October 2026, capped at ₹300, with 95%+ of volume exempt. Plus funding rounds.

India's crude oil import dependence rose to a record 88.7% in 2025-26 as domestic output fell to 28 MMT. What it means for energy policy and operators. Plus funding rounds.

How liquidation preference, participation and anti-dilution decide who gets paid first in a startup exit. Plus the Centre's ban on charges for UPI payments up to ₹2,000.

India's ~$1.2 trillion trade base has 179 cross-border e-commerce startups but only 16 funded. Where the opportunity lies for founders. Plus Popo Global's ₹532 crore raise.

India has 717 InsurTech companies, 185 funded and 5 unicorns, with $4.22 billion raised. How Bima Sugam could reprice insurance distribution. Plus Graph AI's Series A.

The industrial heat decarbonization market is worth $10.1 billion in 2026 and India's carbon market now sets binding targets. Plus Swish, Carrum Mobility and Theater funding.

State enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines makes compliance a fixed cost for ride and delivery platforms in a $33–35 billion intra-city logistics market.