life insurance

Segment Grows 15.4% To ₹1.4L Cr, Standalone Insurers Account For 33% Of Total Premium

The central government has announced 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance companies via the automatic route, enabling full foreign ownership. This move, aligning with the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Act, 2025, aims to boost foreign participation, with IRDAI approval required. LIC remains an exception with a 20% FDI limit.

India has eased foreign investment rules, allowing up to 100% FDI in insurance and relaxing norms for investments from neighbouring countries. Companies with up to 10% Chinese holding can now invest via the automatic route, though entities registered in China itself are excluded. These changes aim to boost capital inflows amidst a weakening rupee.

Jan Suraksha programmes have paid out nearly Rs 25,160 crore in claims over a decade, with millions enrolled in life cover, accident insurance, and pension schemes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the success of PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY in providing affordable social security, especially for vulnerable sections.

Dalal Street concluded the holiday-shortened week with gains, as the combined market valuation of India's top 10 firms surged by Rs 2.20 lakh crore, led by Reliance Industries. Despite a volatile trading environment and mixed global cues, investor sentiment remained resilient, with the BSE Sensex rising 0.32%.

Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam's manifesto, spanning 94 pages, outlines comprehensive promises for Tamil Nadu voters. Key pledges include monthly financial aid for women, free bus rides, and healthcare initiatives. The party also committed to youth development, farmer support, police reforms, and economic revival for MSMEs and weavers.

NSE's initial public offer received a significant boost as a majority of its shareholders agreed to divest their holdings for the offer for sale. The aggregate offering of shares has now surpassed the 4% limit of the exchange's total equity capital, paving the way for the IPO which could be valued at Rs 23,000 crore.

India's life insurance sector saw a robust 15.7% growth in new business premiums for FY26, reaching Rs 4.6 lakh crore. While overall policy sales rose modestly, private players like SBI Life gained market share. The individual segment showed strong gains, with group insurance proving crucial for stabilizing some insurers' portfolios.

Maharashtra government is set to acquire the iconic Air India building in South Mumbai for Rs 1,600 crore. The Finance Department has released funds, paving the way for a deal with Air India Assets Holding Limited. This move aims to alleviate space crunch at Mantralaya and consolidate government offices, offering significant office space near the secretariat.

Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn, with the top ten most-valued firms losing over Rs 2 lakh crore. Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance Industries bore the brunt of this decline, influenced by geopolitical tensions and weak IT sector commentary. The broader market also saw substantial drops in benchmark indices.

A nuanced understanding of the various ITR forms for FY 2025–26 is essential for globally mobile professionals, domestic salaried taxpayers, and individual investors

'Too Expensive', Only 1-2% Of Homeowners in India Buy Policy: Experts

A large section of today’s workforce earns more than ₹15,000 but remains outside compulsory social security coverage. Raising the EPF wage ceiling seeks to bridge this gap by aligning statutory coverage with present day wage realities.

Elon Musk testified in a trial against OpenAI, accusing the AI company and CEO Sam Altman of abandoning their nonprofit mission. Musk stated he co-founded OpenAI to prevent AI from falling into the wrong hands, arguing the shift to a for-profit structure violated its original purpose. He emphasized that the case's outcome could impact charitable giving nationwide.

Nepal's Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigned amid scrutiny over his wealth disclosures and alleged business links with a businessman under money-laundering investigation. This marks the second ministerial setback for PM Balendra Shah's anti-corruption government within weeks, highlighting early challenges to its clean governance agenda.

In a day of dramatic developments, PM Balendra Shah took charge of the home ministry after Sudan Gurung’s exit, just 26 days after his anti-corruption govt took office.

Ageas, a Belgian insurer, is prioritizing growth in India, aiming for a top-10 life insurance position and remaining open to inorganic opportunities. The company emphasizes a localized operational model and sees significant potential in India's evolving insurance market, particularly in protection and retirement segments.

A significant number of young Indians, aged 24-34, are abandoning health insurance within three years of purchase. Affordability and a perceived lack of value, especially when healthy, are key drivers. Many view premiums as a sunk cost, preferring return-generating investments. Product gaps and distribution challenges also contribute to this concerning trend.

Indian markets concluded the week on a positive note, with the combined market value of the top ten companies surging by over Rs 1.87 lakh crore. Bharti Airtel emerged as the leading gainer, adding Rs 58,831 crore to its valuation. This uptrend was supported by easing geopolitical tensions and a positive risk sentiment.

Director Vignesh Shivan revealed that the life insurance Corporation of India demanded a staggering Rs 112 crore to use the title 'LIC' for his film 'Love Insurance Kompany.' Facing this exorbitant demand, the team opted for the creatively spelled title 'LIK' to avoid legal complications and proceed with the release.

Brooke Hogan’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at around $4 million, built through a mix of music, television, acting, and business ventures. Rising to fame on “Hogan Knows Best,” she later pursued a career in entertainment and entrepreneurship, including real estate investments. Despite being the daughter of Hulk Hogan, Brooke reportedly removed herself from his will and did not inherit from his estate, making her financial journey largely self-made and independent.