The Reserve Bank of India has capped dividend payouts by banks at 75% of their annual net profits, reinforcing its focus on financial stability and capital adequacy. The move is aimed at ensuring that lenders retain sufficient earnings to absorb potential shocks and support future credit growth. By placing a clear upper limit on distributions, the regulator seeks to balance shareholder returns with the need for prudent capital management. The decision comes at a time when banks are reporting improved profitability, prompting closer scrutiny of how excess capital is allocated.

India’s antitrust regulator has approved Prosus’ acquisition of a minority stake in bike-taxi platform Rapido, removing a key regulatory hurdle for the transaction. The clearance signals confidence that the investment will not distort competition in the fast-evolving urban mobility market. For Rapido, the backing of a global technology investor provides access to capital and strategic expertise as it scales operations across Indian cities.

The Reserve Bank of India has observed a significant improvement in the quality of data reported by banks, reflecting stronger internal controls and better compliance with regulatory standards. Enhanced data accuracy is expected to support more effective supervision, risk assessment and policy formulation. The development comes amid the central bank’s broader push toward digitization, standardized reporting and advanced analytics across the financial system.

Biocon Biologics has strengthened its oncology portfolio with the development of new biosimilars aimed at expanding access to affordable cancer treatment. The move underscores the company’s focus on complex biologics as global healthcare systems seek cost-effective alternatives to high-priced innovator drugs. By leveraging advanced manufacturing capabilities and regulatory expertise, Biocon Biologics is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly growing biosimilars market.

Instamart has entered into a strategic partnership with Youth Industry Skill University (YISU) to launch a targeted training program designed for India’s fast-evolving quick commerce industry. The initiative seeks to address the widening talent gap in hyperlocal delivery and operations by equipping young professionals with practical, job-ready skills. As demand for rapid delivery services accelerates, companies are increasingly focusing on workforce capability as a competitive advantage.

Mahindra & Mahindra has indicated that vehicle prices could face upward pressure as persistent commodity inflation and adverse foreign exchange movements weigh on cost structures. The automaker is navigating higher raw material expenses alongside currency volatility, which has increased the cost of imported components. While demand for utility vehicles and SUVs remains resilient, the company is assessing pricing strategies to protect margins without undermining consumer sentiment.

India’s commitment to clean energy received renewed visibility as senior ministers Pralhad Joshi and Nitin Gadkari publicly endorsed green hydrogen by participating in a fuel cell electric vehicle demonstration. The initiative highlighted the government’s focus on hydrogen as a long-term solution for decarbonizing transport and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The event underscored policy intent to accelerate adoption of alternative energy technologies, particularly in heavy mobility and public transport.

Lodha Developers reported a robust rise in third-quarter sales, reflecting sustained demand across India’s residential real estate market. The 25% year-on-year increase underscores renewed buyer confidence, supported by stable interest rates, improving affordability and steady urban income growth. Strong traction in mid-income and premium housing segments helped lift overall performance, while disciplined project execution ensured timely deliveries. The results highlight how large, well-capitalized developers are consolidating market share as the housing cycle matures.

Lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has recorded a notable upswing, led primarily by public sector banks (PSBs), according to a recent industry report. The expansion reflects a combination of stronger credit demand from small businesses, improved asset quality across state-owned lenders and policy support aimed at strengthening the MSME ecosystem. PSBs have stepped up disbursements by leveraging their wide branch networks and government-backed credit schemes.

India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is poised for a structural shift as Sapphire Foods and Devyani International explore a potential merger that could result in a combined annual turnover of nearly USD 1 billion. The proposed consolidation brings together two of the country’s most prominent franchise operators of global food brands, signaling a strategic push for scale, operational efficiency, and stronger bargaining power.