Author: Aruna Kaim

Indian life insurance policyholders are prioritizing higher protection levels and larger sum-assured covers, according to an analysis of Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) data spanning FY2021 to FY2025. While the total volume of active policies remained largely stable over the five-year period, policyholders significantly increased their financial commitment toward insurance protection. Key Takeaways from the IIB Data 42.6% Jump in Average Premium: The average annual premium per in-force policy increased to ₹22,195 in FY2025, up from ₹15,567 in FY2021. Steady Policy Volumes: Overall in-force policies held steady at approximately 34.3 crore (343 million) across the five-year timeframe, indicating that growth is…

The Indian rupee moved marginally higher by 2 paise to trade at 95.43 against the US dollar in early deals on Friday, supported by a slight pullback in the American currency overseas. Despite the early uptick, forex traders noted that broader gains remain capped by continuous foreign capital outflows from domestic equities and elevated international crude oil prices linked to West Asian geopolitical tensions. Key Currency & Market Indicators Interbank Foreign Exchange: The rupee opened stronger at 95.39 before paring some gains to trade at 95.43, up 2 paise from Thursday’s close of 95.45. Dollar Index (DXY): Eased 0.08% to…

The Ministry of Finance has issued an advisory to all central government entities against setting disproportionately high financial turnover, payroll, and staffing requirements in procurement tenders floated on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. Issued by the Procurement Policy Division under the Department of Expenditure, the directive warns that overly stringent eligibility norms unduly restrict market competition in consultancy procurement. Key Findings from FinMin’s Sample Study A review of consultancy procurement tenders on the GeM portal over the past three financial years revealed several restrictive qualification practices: Inflated Payroll Requirements: Tenders frequently mandated a minimum staff strength far exceeding the actual…

India’s formal credit ecosystem has expanded rapidly over the past five years, driven by significant gains in both retail lending and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) credit coverage. Key Growth Metrics (2021 vs. 2026) Retail Bureau Coverage: Rose 1.7 times, expanding from 45.5 crore borrowers in 2021 to 78.9 crore in 2026. Active Retail Borrowers: Grew 1.7 times, increasing from 34.2 crore to 58.2 crore. MSME Bureau Footprint: Nearly doubled from 2.0 crore to 3.9 crore. Active MSME Borrowers: More than doubled, surging from 0.9 crore to 1.9 crore. Total MSME Base: Broadened from 6.3 crore to 7.9 crore,…

European equities traded flat-to-slightly higher on Friday, hovering just beneath record peak levels. Investor sentiment remains caught in a delicate balance between robust corporate earnings, cooling U.S. inflation data, persistent geopolitical friction around the U.S.–Iran conflict, and upcoming economic readouts from the Eurozone. The pan-European STOXX 600 index nudged up 0.05% to 659.65, remaining within striking distance of its all-time high while tracking toward a modest weekly decline following brief pullbacks earlier in the week. Key Drivers Shaping European Markets 1. Robust Corporate Earnings Support Valuations Despite broader macroeconomic headwinds, European equities continue to draw a strong floor from an…

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is increasingly leaning toward raising interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting on September 17–18, 2026, with central bank officials signaling a willingness to accelerate the overall pace of monetary tightening, according to sources familiar with the bank’s deliberations. The potential move would mark a notable shift from the BOJ’s recent pattern of raising rates roughly twice a year, opening the door for a quarterly pace of rate hikes that could see borrowing costs rise again as early as December. 1. Shift Toward Faster Monetary Tightening Since dismantling its decade-long ultra-loose monetary regime and negative…

Shares of Capricor Therapeutics surged by 70% on Friday following the company’s announcement that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is willing to review new data regarding its experimental Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug, deramiocel. This development offers a critical lifeline to the company’s regulatory prospects after a major setback last month. Key Developments FDA Re-engagement: The regulator has agreed to review an upcoming submission of new data, signaling a potential pivot in the review process. This move is viewed by market analysts as a “potentially positive surprise,” as it suggests the agency is actively evaluating a path forward rather…

Major European stock exchanges—including Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Milan—have hit record highs alongside Wall Street in August 2026. Strong corporate earnings reports are dominating headlines, leading equity investors to largely overlook the severe, billion-euro economic costs caused by intense summer heatwaves across the continent. Key Highlights Record Market highs: Strong corporate profit margins continue to propel stock indexes to historic peaks. Investors are prioritizing corporate earnings and geopolitical risks (such as inflation concerns linked to Iran) over the physical and economic damage from climate change. Escalating Climate Costs: France: Environment Minister Monique Barbut estimated that fierce summer heatwaves will cost…

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and global aerospace leader Rolls-Royce have announced a landmark strategic partnership aimed at designing, developing, manufacturing, and delivering a sovereign indigenous combat engine for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex: As part of the collaboration, the two companies plan to set up a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India. This facility will serve as a national center of excellence for power and propulsion technology. End-to-End Local Capability: The joint initiative aims to establish full lifecycle capability within India, encompassing the complete design, development,…

A major shift toward zero-commission and subscription-based business models is gaining traction across India’s ride-hailing sector. By moving away from high platform commission cuts—which traditionally ranged between 20% and 30% per trip—drivers stand to earn an estimated additional ₹1.36 lakh ($1,600) annually. Key Takeaways Subscription Over Commissions: Under traditional ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber, driver partners pay a significant slice of every fare in commissions. Emerging platforms (such as Namma Yatri, Rapido, and open mobility networks like ONDC) are popularizing flat daily or monthly subscription fees instead, leaving 100% of the fare directly with the driver. Significant Financial Relief:…