Nikhil Inamdar

Wimbledon is adapting its traditionally restrained image to attract India’s cricket-focused audience through a partnership with Delhi kulfi maker KUReMAL'S, Bollywood and regional-language social media content, and invitations to Indian celebrities and influencers. The strategy appears to be working, with reported livestream and television audiences rising in 2026. Experts say India offers major growth potential for Wimbledon and streaming platform JioStar, but warn that sustained interest will require grassroots investment and relevance beyond one-off tournament campaigns.

Tariff reductions under the new India-UK free trade agreement position Indian textile and garment exporters to expand their market share, aided by improved competitiveness against duty-free rivals. Scotch whisky imports to India are expected to benefit from significant customs duty cuts, though businesses remain focused on preparation ahead of potential growth. Analysts note that while certain sectors may see substantial gains, the broader impact will likely be incremental due to existing duty-free access for much of India’s exports and exclusions such as silver imports. Non-tariff barriers and low utilisation of past trade agreements pose challenges, but rising demand, diversification of sourcing away from China and Bangladesh, and opportunities in ready-made garments could increase bilateral trade by up to 15% annually.

Tariff reductions under the India‑UK free trade agreement are expected to boost Indian exports in labour‑intensive sectors such as textiles and garments while lowering duties on UK products including Scotch whisky. Companies like Welspun Living and UK spirits suppliers are preparing operationally for shifts in supply chains and pricing. Analysts expect gains to be incremental overall due to existing duty‑free access for many products and persistent non‑tariff barriers, including limited FTA utilisation by small businesses and potential impacts from the UK’s carbon border measures. India is projected to gain market share in apparel exports as brands diversify away from China and Bangladesh, while bilateral trade could grow by about 15% annually.

India’s wealthiest business leaders are increasingly directing philanthropic funding toward scientific research, marking a shift from traditional giving focused on religion and social services. Major figures including Abhishek Lodha, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Rajiv Bajaj have launched or funded significant initiatives in physics, biosciences and engineering education. Experts say the trend reflects growing recognition that scientific capacity is central to national competitiveness, though overall funding remains small relative to needs, with limited industry-academia collaboration and persistent gaps in higher education quality. Despite challenges, substantial future growth in science-focused philanthropy is expected as donor priorities evolve toward long-term research and innovation.

India’s upcoming IPOs for Jio Platforms and the National Stock Exchange signal major shifts in the country’s digital and financial landscape. Jio’s rapid expansion of affordable mobile data has driven mass internet adoption and accelerated digital payments, while NSE’s growth reflects a surge in retail investing. The listings could attract global capital by expanding investment opportunities, though recent market underperformance and past disappointing IPOs have weakened investor confidence. Analysts warn that valuations will determine whether these offerings deliver strong returns.