Author: Aruna Kaim

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) has recommended a series of structural reforms for India’s insurance sector, calling on the regulator to expedite the transition to a Risk-Based Capital (RBC) framework and urging the Union Government to rationalise the current 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on insurance premiums. The recommendations are detailed in the CoPU report tabled in Parliament, highlighting key measures needed to achieve the target of “Insurance for All by 2047.” Key Recommendations & Policy Priorities 1. Rationalisation of 18% GST Rate The committee noted that the 18% GST levied on insurance products hurts affordability and…

CreditAccess India B.V. (CAI), the Netherlands-based promoter of India’s largest pure-play microfinance institution CreditAccess Grameen (CAG), has sold a 2.28% stake in the listed lender through open-market block deals to provide an exit window and liquidity for its long-term investors. Transaction Details & Deal Structure Stake Offloaded: CreditAccess India sold 36.57 lakh (3.65 million) equity shares, representing 2.28% of the outstanding paid-up share capital of CreditAccess Grameen. Pre-Transaction Holding: The promoter held a 66.21% stake in CAG at the end of June. Objectives: As per CAG’s regulatory filing, the sale was conducted to: Provide liquidity to long-term investors in CAI.…

Non-banking financial company-microfinance institution (NBFC-MFI) Muthoot Microfin Limited is deferring its upcoming overseas debt fundraising plans via External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) pending regulatory responses from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Key Context & Strategic Background Diversification Strategy: As part of its Asset-Liability Management (ALM) framework, Muthoot Microfin has been diversifying its resource base away from domestic term loans toward international social loans and ECBs, leveraging lower costs linked to benchmark SOFR rates. Regulatory Oversight: Under central bank guidelines for NBFCs, foreign currency borrowings require adherence to strict ceiling limits, end-use restrictions, and hedging requirements to mitigate currency risks. Capital…

In a move aimed at boosting foreign exchange inflows, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified that bank loans granted against fresh Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] and Non-Resident External (NRE) term deposits will be excluded from net bank credit calculations used to determine mandatory Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets. Key Policy Regulatory Reliefs Applicability Window: FCNR(B) Deposits: Fresh deposits raised between June 8 and September 30. NRE Term Deposits: Fresh term deposits raised between June 19 and September 30. Priority Sector Impact: Under standard RBI rules, commercial banks must allocate at least 40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit…

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has granted approval to four new pension fund managers, expanding the total count of registered pension funds under its purview from 10 to 14. The announcement was made by PFRDA Chairman Sivasubramanian Ramann, outlining a strategic roadmap to scale up retirement security access across India. Key Highlights & Expansion Targets More Investment Choices: National Pension System (NPS) subscribers now have 14 distinct pension fund options to manage and grow their retirement capital. Massive Subscriber Push: PFRDA has set an ambitious target to scale non-government NPS subscribers from the current 90 lakh (~9…

Global audience measurement leader Nielsen has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire digital ad verification and analytics platform DoubleVerify (DV) in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.15 billion. The deal unites Nielsen’s cross-screen TV and digital audience measurement capabilities with DoubleVerify’s media quality, brand safety, and fraud detection technologies. Key Financial Details & Terms Purchase Price: DoubleVerify shareholders will receive $13.60 per share in cash, representing a 30% premium over the stock’s 60-day volume-weighted average price prior to the announcement. Pro Forma Impact: The combined entity is projected to generate over $4 billion in pro forma revenue and…

In a significant regulatory setback for the Burman family-backed financial services firm, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has turned down Religare Enterprises Limited’s (REL) proposed corporate restructuring and demerger plan. Key Takeaways from the Regulatory Filing RBI Decision: In a formal regulatory submission, Religare Enterprises disclosed receiving a letter from the central bank stating that its request for a prior approval/no-objection certificate for the demerger scheme “has not been acceded to”. Religare Finvest Ltd (RFL), its subsidiary, received a similar communication. Prior Clearances: The rejection comes despite the scheme securing approval from key stock market entities. The National Stock…

European equities are on track for their most robust profit expansion in nearly three years, driven by a massive rebound in the energy sector and improving fundamentals across basic materials. According to updated LSEG I/B/E/S data reported by Reuters, second-quarter aggregate earnings for the benchmark STOXX 600 index are projected to rise 22.4% year-over-year—marking the fastest pace of corporate growth since Q3 2022. Key Highlights & Earnings Breakdown Broad-Based Profit Resurgence: Based on results from 236 reporting companies and updated analyst forecasts, European earnings expectations have steadily expanded as the reporting season has progressed. Strong Performance Beyond Oil & Gas:…

European stock markets advanced modestly, driven by strong gains in the healthcare sector and solid quarterly earnings. The rally helped balance investor anxiety surrounding rising crude oil prices, fresh Middle East geopolitical friction, and anticipation ahead of crucial U.S. economic data. Key Market Drivers Healthcare Leads Sector Gains: The healthcare index surged, boosted by strong financial results and upgraded full-year outlooks from major drugmakers, including biotechnology firm Genmab. Geopolitical & Energy Pressures: Oil prices climbed above $83 per barrel following proposed maritime restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, rekindling inflation concerns across European economies. Focus on U.S. Payrolls: Investors largely…

After hitting an all-time peak near the ₹400 mark in late December 2025, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) underwent a sharp correction. However, recent technical indicators suggest that the stock has established a solid base around ₹220. With the price re-claiming key short-term moving averages, analysts see a compelling tactical setup for high-risk short-term traders targeting upside above ₹250. Technical Setup & Reversal Signals Base Formation: RVNL has repeatedly taken support and stabilized near the ₹220 zone, forming a strong floor over recent weeks. Moving Average Crossover: The stock has recently closed above its 20-day Moving Average (20-DMA) and is…