An analysis of gross domestic product places Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai among the five richest Indian cities by GDP for 2026. The piece discusses how these cities have developed diversified economies—finance and services in Mumbai and Delhi; manufacturing and IT in Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata—driving job creation, tax incomes, and infrastructure investment. It notes continued urban growth and the need for sound urban planning to manage congested transport, housing affordability, and resource demand while sustaining growth. The ranking highlights economic disparities and growth potential across major Indian metros in 2026. The analysis underscores investment opportunities in fintech, logistics, and smart city initiatives.
Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai top GDP 2026.
Economies span finance, services, manufacturing, IT.
Urban planning and housing affordability challenges noted.
Growth opportunities in fintech, logistics, smart cities.
Shows widening disparities among major metros.
Feb 18, 2026
Kotak Mahindra and DCB Bank Name New Directors
Kotak Mahindra Bank announced the appointment of Ramesh Iyer as an additional and independent director for a four‑year term, effective 17 February 2026. The bank also noted that Dr. Ashok Gulati will retire as an independent director on 5 March 2026. Separately, DCB Bank approved Suhail Nathani as an independent director for a three‑year term, effective 18 February 2026. The changes reflect ongoing governance refresh in major Indian lenders and align with broader board‑level reforms in the sector. ([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2026/Feb/06/hyderabad-set-to-host-bioasia-summit-2026?utm_source=openai))
Ramesh Iyer appointed for four years
Dr. Ashok Gulati to retire in March 2026
DCB Bank appoints Suhail Nathani as independent director
Board refresh aligns with governance norms
Effective dates: 17–18 February 2026
IOB Launches Online Death Claim Settlement Portal
Indian Overseas Bank launched an Online Death Claim Settlement Portal to provide a secure, time‑bound digital solution for families and legal heirs. The portal centralizes the death claim process, enabling claim initiation and completion online with status tracking. The move reflects the bank’s digital transformation while emphasising a compassionate, human‑centred approach during sensitive times. By offering a one‑stop platform, IOB aims to improve transparency, reduce processing times, and simplify documentation. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize public sector banking through end‑to‑end online services. ([metroindia.net](https://www.metroindia.net/news/articlenews/hyderabad-to-host-bioasia--35143?utm_source=openai))
Online Death Claim Portal launched
Secure, end‑to‑end digital process
Aims to reduce processing times
Improves transparency for claimants
Part of broader digitisation in banking
Feb 14, 2026
Deepak Gupta named CMD of GAIL; leadership transition aligned with March 2026 start
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has appointed Deepak Gupta, Director (Projects) at GAIL (India) Ltd, as Chairman and Managing Director of the company. The regulatory filing states that Gupta assumes charge on or after 1 March 2026, date to be confirmed. This leadership change comes as India expands its natural gas network and city gas projects. Gupta is expected to drive project execution, strategic planning for LNG imports, and network expansion while upholding corporate governance and sound financial management at GAIL. The appointment signals continuity amid ongoing energy infrastructure development.
Appointer: MoPNG
New CMD: Deepak Gupta, GAIL (India) Ltd
Effective date: on or after 1 March 2026
Role: leadership of GAIL, project execution
Context: expansion of gas networks and LNG planning
Governance: emphasis on corporate discipline
Feb 13, 2026
RBI Digital Payments Index Soars to 516.76 – A Big Win for India’s Cashless Economy
India’s digital economy continues to expand as the RBI Digital Payments Index (DPI) for September 2025 surged to 516.76, up from 493.22 in March 2025. The RBI attributes the rise to gains in Payment Performance and Payment Enablers, with the DPI published since January 2021 and base year 2018. The latest figure reflects continued growth in digital payment infrastructure and rising consumer adoption of online transactions across the country. Analysts see the DPI as a barometer of financial inclusion, merchant readiness, and the impact of government and private sector digitization initiatives on everyday economic activity.
DPI rose to 516.76 in September 2025 from 493.22 in March 2025.
Growth driven by Payment Performance and Payment Enablers.
Base year is 2018; DPI published since 2021.
Indicates expanding digital payment infrastructure.
Reflects financial inclusion and merchant readiness.
India becomes world’s second-largest smartphone market by active users
India has emerged as the world’s second‑largest market for active smartphone users, trailing only China. A 2025 Counterpoint Research report shows India surpassing several nations, with more than 740 million active smartphones currently in use out of a 1.45 billion population. The term active installed base reflects devices in regular use rather than shipments. The growth underscores India’s expanding digital economy, device longevity, and a robust mobile ecosystem. Analysts highlight implications for telecom, e‑commerce, and content platforms as consumer engagement deepens and connectivity expands across urban and rural regions.
India has over 740 million active smartphones.
Country remains second to China in active smartphone base.
Active base equals devices in regular use, not shipments.
Implications for digital economy and telecom sectors.
RBI Digital Payments Index rises to 516.76 in September 2025
India’s RBI Digital Payments Index rose to 516.76 in September 2025, up from 493.22 in March 2025, signaling continued digitization of payments nationwide. The RBI attributes the rise to improvements in payment performance and enabling infrastructure. Since its start in January 2021, with March 2018 as the base year, the index tracks the overall uptake of digital payments across the economy. The growth suggests broader consumer adoption of online transactions, greater use of digital wallets and cards, and expanding financial inclusion across urban and rural areas.
DPI reached 516.76 in September 2025.
Rise driven by payment performance and infrastructure gains.
Index uses a base period with March 2018 as reference.
Indicates growing digital payments across India.
Feb 12, 2026
Economic Survey 2025–26 Highlights Public Health and Economic Linkages
New Delhi, 10 February 2026 — The Economic Survey 2025–26 warns of rising obesity, diabetes, mental health issues, and digital addiction as mounting public health challenges, even as maternal and child health improves. The document stresses a stronger link between health outcomes and workforce productivity, urging investments in digital health, hospital infrastructure, and preventive care. It also notes gains in health indicators over past decades while cautioning about lifestyle risks. The survey’s recommendations aim to sustain economic growth by strengthening the health system and aligning health policy with macroeconomic priorities.
Survey flags obesity, diabetes, digital addiction
Emphasises health–economy link and productivity
Advocates digital health and hospital infrastructure
Notes progress in maternal and child health
Calls for policy alignment with macroeconomy
Two EY India Partners Promoted to Global Roles
Mumbai/London, 12 February 2026 — EY Global has promoted two senior partners from EY India to global leadership roles amid expanding regional growth. Ram Sarvepalli, formerly head of EY India’s consulting practice, is named deputy global managing partner‑client service. Ajay Arora, EY India’s M&A leader, becomes global M&A leader for EY’s transactions and corporate finance practice. The moves reflect EY’s strategy to leverage India’s growing professional services talent in global leadership positions, as cross‑border deals and digital transformation services continue to rise in importance for multinational clients.
Two EY India partners promoted to global roles
Ram Sarvepalli: deputy global managing partner‑client service
Ajay Arora: global M&A leader for transactions & corporate finance
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