Standard Chartered launches €1 billion Social Bond to support sustainable development in emerging markets, like India

Standard Chartered launches €1 billion Social Bond to support sustainable development in emerging markets, like India

Standard Chartered has unveiled its inaugural social bond valued at €1 billion (US$1.086 billion), marking a strategic initiative to promote sustainable development in low-income countries within its emerging markets footprint. This bond issuance is primarily targeted at fostering growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while also enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare … Read more

I have a group term life insurance plan. Will this be adequate to meet my family’s financial needs?

I have a group term life insurance plan. Will this be adequate to meet my family’s financial needs?

I’m 38 years old and hold a senior manager position at a mid-sized company. While I have a group term life insurance plan provided by my employer, I’m unsure whether the coverage is adequate to meet my family’s financial needs. How can I assess if the sum assured is sufficient? Additionally, is there an option … Read more

ITR filing 2025: Not Rs 12.75 lakh, this is the tax-free income for AY2025-26; check details

ITR filing 2025: Not Rs 12.75 lakh, this is the tax-free income for AY2025-26; check details

ITR filing 2025: The NDA government 3.0 introduced a major income tax relief for the salaried class in the Union Budget 2025. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman announced that individuals will not have to pay any income tax on total earnings up to Rs 12 lakh. This translates to an average monthly … Read more

Go Digit floats AQI-based insurance policy for Delhi-NCR construction workers

Go Digit floats AQI-based insurance policy for Delhi-NCR construction workers

Go Digit General Insurance Limited, in partnership with K.M. Dastur Reinsurance Brokers, has launched an Air Quality Index (AQI)-based parametric insurance policy tailored for migrant workers in the Delhi NCR region. The policy is designed to mitigate wage losses for construction workers affected by government-imposed construction bans during periods of severe air pollution. Specifically, when … Read more

Insurance sector grew by 7.7%, attracted 62% of FDI inflows: Economic Survey FY25 

Insurance sector grew by 7.7%, attracted 62% of FDI inflows: Economic Survey FY25 

Budget 2025: The Economic Survey 2025 stated that the Indian insurance sector has shown an upward trajectory. It noted that total insurance premiums grew by 7.7% in FY24, reaching Rs 11.2 lakh crore. The survey noted that insurance received the highest FDI of 62% of total equity FDI inflows tothe  services sector.  The survey, tabled by … Read more

I want to return to India from the US. How and where all should I invest once I am back?  

I want to return to India from the US. How and where all should I invest once I am back?  

After careful consideration, I have made the decision to return to India from the US as my father is unwell. At 33 years old, I have approximately 10 crores post taxes in the US that I plan to bring back to India. I am considering splitting the funds in an 80-20 or 70-30 ratio and … Read more

‘Paid Rs 5,467 GST…’: Finfluencer questions high tariffs on insurance premium renewals

‘Paid Rs 5,467 GST…’: Finfluencer questions high tariffs on insurance premium renewals

There is a growing demand to reduce or eliminate the current 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on life and health insurance policies. The high GST rate on insurance premiums poses a significant obstacle, especially for individuals with limited incomes. The combination of high premiums and GST makes insurance products inaccessible to many. Ajit … Read more

Budget 2025: Hike in 80D deduction limit, insurance for all, tax relief – insurers list their wishes for FM

Budget 2025: Hike in 80D deduction limit, insurance for all, tax relief – insurers list their wishes for FM

Budget expectations: The upcoming Union Budget for 2025, scheduled to be announced on February 1, is anticipated to bring forth reforms to bolster the expansion and reach of the insurance industry in India. Given the sector’s upward trajectory in recent times, industry experts are optimistic about initiatives that could promote financial inclusivity and stability.  Insurers … Read more

Should policyholders consider financing options instead of prematurely surrendering their policies?

Should policyholders consider financing options instead of prematurely surrendering their policies?

Life insurance policies are long-term financial instruments designed to provide stability and security during unforeseen circumstances. However, policyholders often face financial challenges that lead them to prematurely surrender their policies to access immediate funds. While this may seem like a quick fix, it can have long-term repercussions. Instead, financing options can offer a less disruptive … Read more

‘Cost of health, life insurance…’: Nirmala Sitharaman shares crucial update on GST in Parliament

‘Cost of health, life insurance…’:  Nirmala Sitharaman shares crucial update on GST in Parliament

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the cost of insurance for policyholders is expected to decrease if the GST Council recommends reducing the GST rate on health and life insurance policies.  In a written response in the Lok Sabha on December 2, Sitharaman mentioned that during its meeting on September 9, the GST Council had … Read more