The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reclassified Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as equity instruments, a move poised to transform regulatory treatment, investor perception, and portfolio allocation strategies. Under the revised classification, REITs will be treated similarly to listed equity securities for disclosure, taxation, and investment norms. Analysts highlight that this shift could enhance market participation, increase liquidity, and attract institutional investors seeking equity-like returns with real estate exposure.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued new guidelines requiring market intermediaries, including brokers, investment advisors, and portfolio managers, to display their registered name and SEBI registration number on all social media platforms. The move aims to enhance transparency, curb misinformation, and protect investors from fraudulent schemes. SEBI emphasized that failure to comply could result in penalties or other regulatory actions.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a fine of Rs 91 lakh on HDFC Bank following an inspection that identified lapses in regulatory compliance. The penalty underscores the central bank’s commitment to maintaining banking discipline and adherence to operational norms. RBI’s directive highlights specific areas where the bank failed to meet prescribed guidelines, including lapses in risk management and reporting standards.

Huggies has unveiled a new marketing campaign highlighting its “Fastest Absorbing Diaper,” designed to provide superior comfort, dryness, and skin protection for babies. The campaign emphasizes the product’s innovative absorbent technology, which ensures quick moisture-locking and long-lasting comfort, targeting busy parents seeking reliable baby care solutions. Through a mix of digital, social, and traditional media outreach, Huggies aims to educate consumers about the benefits of rapid absorption and enhanced hygiene.

India’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a decline in the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, reflecting adjustments in global currency markets, external debt obligations, and foreign capital flows. The reduction comes amid a mix of interventions by the RBI to manage currency stability, along with global volatility affecting portfolio investments and trade settlements.

India’s fiscal deficit reached 52.6% of the budgeted target by October, signaling the government’s expenditure trajectory in the first seven months of the financial year. The data reflects strong spending across key sectors, including infrastructure, social welfare, and subsidies, while revenue collections have maintained steady growth. Analysts note that the fiscal position remains manageable, with deficit levels broadly in line with historical norms, but continued monitoring is essential amid inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainties.

Cipla, a leading pharmaceutical company, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Lung Health Diagnostics Center in India, marking a strategic step to enhance respiratory healthcare services. The center will provide comprehensive diagnostic solutions for lung-related ailments, combining advanced imaging, pulmonary function testing, and clinical evaluation under one roof. This initiative aligns with Cipla’s commitment to improving patient outcomes, particularly amid rising respiratory health concerns in India.

Indian equity markets closed largely flat after a session marked by volatility, as investors balanced positive corporate earnings with caution over global economic developments. The Sensex and Nifty ended the day with negligible gains, reflecting selective buying in defensive sectors and profit-taking in cyclicals. Market participants were sensitive to cues from international markets, crude oil fluctuations, and domestic macroeconomic indicators.

Maruti Suzuki has entered into a strategic partnership with Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank to provide enhanced financing solutions for rural customers seeking to purchase vehicles. The tie-up aims to streamline loan processing, improve credit accessibility, and promote affordable mobility in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. By leveraging the bank’s extensive rural network and Maruti Suzuki’s strong brand presence, the collaboration is expected to boost vehicle sales and deepen financial inclusion.

India’s economy expanded at an impressive 8.2% in the second quarter, the fastest pace in six quarters, signaling robust recovery momentum. Growth was driven by strong industrial activity, resilient services demand, and sustained consumer spending, reflecting broad-based economic resilience. The figures underscore India’s potential to maintain a high-growth trajectory despite global headwinds and inflationary pressures.