Technology, Regulatory and Corporate updates - Newspaper Summary

 The period of October–November 2025 saw significant updates across technology, financial regulation, and corporate strategy, highlighting India's rapid digital development and global corporate investment appetite.

I. Technology and Digital Infrastructure

• Unified Lending Interface (ULI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the ULI to enhance loan decision processes, enabling access to multiple financial and non-financial data points for lenders electronically. This platform functions as a consent-driven data marketplace, connecting data providers with lenders and managing the complete loan lifecycle. As of April 2025, ULI reportedly facilitated 1.4 million loans worth ₹65,000 crore, demonstrating robust traction. Data points accessible via ULI include GSTN data, MCA/ROC reports, CERSAI asset-based searches, and links to Account Aggregators (AAs).
• Global Fintech Challenges: In the US, fintech company Fiserv Inc experienced a record 44% stock tumble after slashing its earnings forecast, stemming from problems with its flagship point-of-sale system, Clover, which clients criticized for superfluous fees. This incident exposed a "big dichotomy" between optimistic Wall Street analysis and the ground-level dissatisfaction among merchants and retailers.
• Indian IT and Digital Hub Status: The digital infrastructure firm Sify Technologies Ltd affirmed that India is entering a decisive phase, driven by rapid cloud adoption, AI integration, and data center expansion, positioning the country as the "next global hub for digital infrastructure and innovation". US IT services firm Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (CTSH) is exploring a complex, long-term potential primary offering and secondary listing in India to enhance shareholder value.
• E-commerce Logistics & Marketing: Logistics major Shadowfax Technologies filed for an IPO of up to ₹2,000 crore, noting that quick commerce remains a massive growth lever (90% year-on-year growth). Separately, quick commerce brand Zepto utilized a disruptive "fake shaadi party" event involving over 200 creators to cement its association with weddings.

II. Regulatory Updates and Policy

• Banking Nominations: The RBI issued the (Nomination Facility in Deposit Accounts, Safe Deposit Lockers and Articles kept in Safe Custody with the Banks) Directions, 2025, effective November 1, 2025, which replaces 31 previous circulars and aims to simplify claim settlements by requiring banks to offer nomination facilities for deposit accounts, lockers, and safe custody items.
• Employment Compliance: The government initiated the Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025, running from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This scheme provides a special six-month window for employers to voluntarily enroll eligible employees who were previously left out of EPF coverage between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025, ensuring regularization of past compliance.
• Pharma Regulatory Hurdles: Dr Reddy's Laboratories stock dropped sharply after Health Canada issued a notice of non-compliance for the ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Application) of Semaglutide, a key weight-loss drug. This regulatory complication, specifically concerning a complex molecule (peptide), was seen as justified by the market, given the high value and importance of the drug launch.
• Advertising Regulation: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) penalized two IAS coaching centers for using misleading claims in their advertisements, characterizing it as an unfair trade practice.

III. Global Corporate India Strategy

• Manufacturing and R&D Investment: Several global manufacturers are deepening their commitment to India. Modine Manufacturing Company launched production at a new Chennai facility for data center demand. Epiroc AB is expanding its manufacturing and R&D hub in Nashik, supporting the "Make in India" initiative. Gates Industrial Corporation plc views India as a key growth engine and a promising alternative to China.
• Corporate Earnings and Sentiment: Tata Chemicals saw its consolidated net profit fall 60% in the September quarter due to subdued soda ash markets and reconfiguration in the UK. Meanwhile, Mondelez International Inc reported that India continues to perform better than expected due to strategic price adjustments and strong consumer demand. TotalEnergies SE is considering expanding its presence in India with a competence centre to leverage high technical competencies at reasonable cost for its digital and power segments.