Understanding the Gap: Why 40% of Non-Life Policyholders Struggle with Life Insurance

According to the Insurance CuES Report 2025 by Hansa Research, a notable 40% of individuals who own non-life insurance policies—such as health or motor insurance—report difficulty in comprehending life insurance products. The findings are based on insights collected from 3,600 insurance customers across life and non-life segments.

The Call for Simpler Communication

One of the key observations from the report is a widespread demand for simplification. Policyholders believe life insurance products should come with clear, concise information regarding features, benefits, and the often-overlooked terms and conditions. This sentiment suggests that greater transparency and user-friendly language may help bridge the comprehension gap.

Understanding Why People Buy Life Insurance

While life insurance is generally purchased to secure the future of one’s family, motivations vary with age and circumstance. The survey highlights that:

  • Many individuals see it as a means to provide financial safety for their loved ones.

  • A significant portion, especially those aged 40 and above, buy policies to support long-term goals like retirement planning or funding their children’s education.

Millennials Seek Value and Flexibility

Millennials, as a consumer group, display different behavioural patterns compared to older generations. They are more willing to switch insurance providers in search of:

  • Better pricing and affordability

  • Seamless digital access to products and services

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Faster, more transparent processes

Their expectations are shaped by convenience and speed—traits they find essential in all financial services, including insurance.

Women Policyholders Have Specific Priorities

The report notes that women tend to prioritise different aspects when choosing life insurance. Their preferences often include:

  • Savings-oriented plans

  • Future income security

  • Provisions for child education

  • Affordable premiums

  • A smooth, hassle-free onboarding experience

  • Consistent communication with insurance advisors

These insights underline the need for tailored offerings and better client servicing in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Read More: Different Types of Insurance Policies. 

Digital Services: A Standard Expectation

A noteworthy trend is that digital-first services—once considered innovative—are now regarded as standard. Online policy access, digital customer support, and app-based service interactions have become baseline expectations for all customers, irrespective of age or gender.

Conclusion 

By focusing on these findings, the Insurance CuES Report 2025 sheds light on evolving customer needs in the insurance sector and the importance of accessibility, clarity, and service personalisation.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Vedanta Promoter Group Signs $530 Million Facility Agreement; No Direct Impact on Company Management

Vedanta Limited informed the stock exchanges about receiving an intimation from its promoter group entities under Regulation 30A of SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR). The update was in reference to a facility agreement signed by entities related to Vedanta Limited but not by the listed company itself.

As of 12:31 PM, Vedanta’s share price was up by 0.84%.

Key Entities Involved

While Vedanta Limited is not a direct party to the $530 million facility agreement dated 17 April 2025, several entities from its promoter group are involved:

  • Twin Star Holdings Limited (Borrower) – Holds 40.02% in Vedanta

  • Vedanta Resources Limited (Guarantor) – No direct shareholding but part of the promoter group

  • Welter Trading Limited – Holds 0.98% in Vedanta

The arrangement also involves financial institutions like Barclays Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreqbank, Standard Chartered Bank, and Deutsche Bank as arrangers or lenders.

Purpose of the Agreement

The primary objective of this facility is to service existing financial obligations of the Vedanta Resources Group. It also covers transaction-related expenses and general corporate purposes for Twin Star Holdings Limited, in accordance with the terms laid out in the facility documentation.

Restrictions Applicable to Vedanta Limited

Though Vedanta Limited is not a party to the agreement, it is subject to certain restrictions due to the obligations undertaken by its promoter entities. These include:

  • Restrictions on creating security or transferring assets outside the ordinary course

  • Limitations on investments in unrelated businesses

  • Conditions on mergers, amendments to constitutional documents, and distribution restrictions

  • Encumbrance on Vedanta shares held by the promoters, duly disclosed under SEBI’s Takeover Regulations

Importantly, no liabilities have been imposed on Vedanta Limited, and the agreement does not classify as a related party transaction under the LODR.

Read More: Adani, Patanjali, Vedanta in Race to Revive JAL: Check Full List of Final Bidders

No Impact on Management or Control

Vedanta Limited has clarified that the agreement does not result in any direct changes to its management or control. While certain covenants are in place, they are structured to protect the interests of lenders and do not interfere with Vedanta’s day-to-day operations or strategic autonomy.

Conclusion

This disclosure aligns with SEBI’s emphasis on transparency, especially in scenarios where promoter group actions may indirectly affect a listed entity. For investors, it’s an important clarification that while Vedanta shares are encumbered under the terms of this facility, the listed company’s operations remain unaffected in terms of control and liabilities.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

India Imposes 12% Safeguard Duty to Support Domestic Steel Sector

In a significant development aimed at protecting India’s steel manufacturing industry, the central government has imposed a 12% safeguard duty on the import of specific non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. This measure is designed to curb the impact of a recent surge in steel imports that has put pressure on domestic producers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The move is intended not only to ensure fair competition but also to stabilise the market, which has seen an influx of cheaper steel products from abroad. The safeguard duty aims to provide a level playing field to Indian manufacturers and preserve the health of the sector.

Government’s Strategic Support for the Steel Sector

Welcoming the decision, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, described the move as both timely and necessary. He noted that the safeguard duty would serve as a critical support mechanism for domestic producers who have been adversely affected by the recent surge in imports.

“This move will provide critical relief to domestic producers, especially small and medium-scale enterprises, who have faced immense pressure from rising imports. The safeguard duty will help restore market stability and reinforce the confidence of the domestic industry,” he stated.

Reinforcing Atmanirbhar Bharat

Shri Kumaraswamy also extended his gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his leadership and commitment to bolstering strategic industries as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s pledge to work closely with all stakeholders to enhance the resilience, self-reliance, and global competitiveness of the Indian steel sector.

Read More: India Considers Waiving Import Duties on US Ethane and LPG to Bolster Trade Relations. 

 

Market Reaction

Following the announcement, the Nifty Metal index showed a positive response, trading 0.83% higher as of 12:24 PM. This suggests a degree of investor optimism regarding the protective measures being undertaken by the government for the steel industry.

The safeguard duty provides domestic steel mills a window to hike prices in the near term. On the stock front, players with a strong foothold in the flat steel segment such as JSW Steel, Tata Steel, and SAIL. 

Conclusion

The imposition of the 12% safeguard duty reflects a proactive policy measure by the Indian government to shield its steel sector from external pressures. While not a long-term solution, it underscores a strategic intent to provide breathing room for domestic players and preserve industrial momentum in line with broader national objectives.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Will EPS Pension Rise to ₹7,500? Unions Push, Panel Urges Action

The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), also referred to as EPS-95, was launched in 1995 with the aim of providing a steady post-retirement income to employees in the organised sector. Administered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the scheme offers pension benefits to employees who contribute to it for a minimum of 10 years.

In 2014, the government fixed the minimum guaranteed pension under EPS at ₹1,000. However, since then, no revisions have been made despite growing demands from employee groups and unions.

Why Are Unions Demanding a Pension Hike?

Over the years, multiple trade unions and associations representing pensioners have consistently raised their voices for a revision in the minimum pension amount. Their primary concerns stem from:

  • Rising inflation and cost of living

  • Inadequacy of the current ₹1,000 pension

  • Lack of periodic revision since 2014

The unions argue that ₹1,000 is no longer sufficient to sustain even basic expenses in today’s economy. They are urging the government to raise the amount to ₹7,500 per month and to include a Dearness Allowance (DA) component to buffer the effects of inflation.

What Has the Parliamentary Panel Suggested?

A ray of hope emerged when a parliamentary standing committee, chaired by MP Basavaraj Bommai, recommended a third-party evaluation of the EPS. This marks the first time in 3 decades that such an assessment is being undertaken.

The committee has:

  • Asked the Labour Ministry to expedite the review process

  • Suggested a target timeline for completion by the end of 2025

  • Highlighted the urgency of the matter due to rising inflation

In its report, the panel noted that while living costs have increased manifold, the pension amount has remained static. This discrepancy, the committee observed, warrants immediate attention.

Read More: EPFO Minimum Pension Hike: Will Govt Approve ₹7,500 Minimum Pension Demand?

What Has the Labour Ministry Disclosed?

Responding to the committee, the Labour Ministry revealed that it had proposed a hike in the minimum pension to ₹2,000 in 2020. However, this proposal was not approved by the Finance Ministry at the time. The same proposal resurfaced during budget discussions for the fiscal year 2024-25.

The Ministry also informed the panel that the first-ever third-party evaluation of the EPS is underway, initiated through a Request for Proposal (RFP). It admitted that no comprehensive review of the scheme has been done in the past 30 years.

Current Pension Vs Living Costs: The Growing Gap

The panel’s concerns reflect a broader issue: the widening gap between pension payouts and the actual cost of living. Between 2014 and 2024, inflation has significantly eroded the real value of the pension amount. The ₹1,000 monthly benefit that may have sufficed in the past now falls short of even covering essential needs like rent, healthcare, and groceries.

Conclusion

While the third-party evaluation and ongoing discussions represent a significant step forward, the final outcome depends on the government’s willingness to act on these recommendations. For millions of pensioners across the country, a revision in the pension amount could offer much-needed financial relief amidst growing economic pressures.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Maharashtra Cracks Down on Ola Electric Stores Operating Without Trade Certificates

The Maharashtra government has taken firm steps against Ola Electric Mobility Ltd., directing regional transport offices (RTOs) to shut down any store or service centre operating without a valid trade certificate. This move marks a broader regulatory crackdown on the Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer.

RTOs were instructed to act within a day and report closures, signalling the urgency and seriousness with which the state is approaching this issue.

Legal Basis for the Crackdown

The action stems from legal provisions under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. Specifically:

  • Section 39 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates that no vehicle can be delivered to a buyer without registration, which requires the dealer to hold a trade certificate.

  • Rule 33 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, outlines the procedures for obtaining such a certificate.

  • Rule 35 further clarifies that every individual outlet, showroom, or dealership engaged in vehicle sales or display must have a separate business certificate issued by the relevant authority.

These legal requirements ensure that vehicle sales are traceable and that compliance is maintained across all retail touchpoints.

Initial Inspections and Findings

The situation escalated in early March, when RTOs in Mumbai and Pune began inspecting Ola Electric’s experience centres. According to a news report, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, several of these outlets were found either without a trade certificate or sharing a single certificate among multiple centres, violating the regulatory norm of one certificate per establishment.

Ola Electric’s Response and Ongoing Compliance Issues

In response to a March 31 show cause notice, Ola Electric stated that it was in the process of applying for trade certificates for all of its locations in Maharashtra. Despite this assurance, inspections have continued, and enforcement actions remain in effect.

As of April 16, Maharashtra’s RTOs had inspected 146 Ola Electric stores, with 121 found to be non-compliant. Consequently, 75 of these centres have been shut down, and 192 scooters have been seized.

Read More: Ola Electric Shares Drop 4% Amid Regulatory Violations; Stock Down 36% YTD.

Share Price Performance

Ola Electric’s share price showed a slight uptick, up 0.19% at ₹53 as of 12:03 PM.

Conclusion

This episode underscores the importance of aligning operations with state and central motor vehicle norms, especially as the EV industry continues to scale.  The company’s regulatory hurdles in Maharashtra highlight the challenges of compliance in the fast-evolving electric vehicle space.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

New $200 Million Mirae Asset Fund Offers Global Exposure to AI and Semiconductor Themes

Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd., through its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) branch at GIFT City, has introduced a new global investment avenue—the Mirae Asset Global Allocation Fund IFSC. This newly launched Category III Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) aims to tap into international growth sectors, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, through a carefully curated portfolio of global exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Purpose of the Fund

The fund has been structured with the objective of providing long-term capital appreciation. It seeks to achieve this by investing 90–100% of its net asset value (NAV) in global equity ETFs that track both broad market indices and specific high-growth sectors like AI and semiconductor technology. The strategy is designed to offer exposure to developed markets such as the United States and China.

Read More: What are Global ETFs?

Investment Strategy and Thematic Focus

Global Diversification

The fund aims to reduce the concentration risk of a single geography by distributing investments across multiple developed and emerging markets. This approach helps mitigate country-specific economic and political risks.

Exposure to High-Growth Themes

A key component of the fund’s investment thesis is its focus on innovation-driven sectors, particularly artificial intelligence and semiconductors—areas widely considered to have transformative potential across industries.

Currency Considerations

Another aspect of the strategy is the potential currency advantage. With the historical trend of the Indian Rupee depreciating against the US Dollar, returns from USD-denominated assets may receive a favourable boost when converted back to INR.

Key Fund Details

  • Fund Name: Mirae Asset Global Allocation Fund IFSC

  • Fund Type: Category III AIF (close-ended, non-retail)

  • Target Corpus: $200 million with an additional green shoe option of $200 million

  • Investment Allocation: 90–100% in global ETFs

  • Fund Manager: Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd. – IFSC Branch

  • Subscription Opens: April 21

  • Minimum Investment: $151,000 (or equivalent in INR)

  • Eligibility: Accredited investors only (capped at 1,000 investors as per IFSCA rules)

Investment Routes for Indian Investors

Resident Individuals

Eligible to invest through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows up to $250,000 per person in a financial year for overseas investments.

Family Offices and Institutions

These entities can participate using the Overseas Portfolio Investment (OPI) route, capped at 50% of their net worth.

Statement from Mirae Asset

Vaibhav Shah, Head of Products, Business Strategy & International Business at Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd., commented on the launch: “Our latest offering is designed to provide investors, predominantly resident investors, an avenue to take exposure in global markets and promising themes such as AI and semiconductors through the GIFT City investing route.”

He further noted that spreading investments across global markets and sectors has historically helped achieve better risk-adjusted returns, enabling investors to diversify beyond domestic boundaries.

Conclusion 

The Mirae Asset Global Allocation Fund IFSC represents a structured attempt to bridge Indian capital with global innovation themes. While the fund is tailored for accredited investors with a higher risk appetite, it reflects a broader shift in the Indian investment landscape towards global integration and thematic investing through GIFT City.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tata Motors Files Highest-Ever Patents and Designs in a Financial Year

Tata Motors has announced a landmark achievement for FY25, with the filing of 250 patents and 148 design applications, marking the company’s highest number of filings in a single financial year. This significant milestone underscores Tata Motors’ ongoing emphasis on research, innovation, and the development of advanced technologies that align with global automotive trends.

The share price of Tata Motors is up by 0.05% at ₹630.35 as of 11:35 AM on April 22, 2025. 

Focus Areas: CESS and Emerging Technologies

The filings are centred around product and process innovations aligned with key automotive megatrends—Connectivity, Electrification, Sustainability, and Safety (CESS). Additionally, the company has made strides in emerging areas such as hydrogen-powered vehicles and fuel cell technologies. These focus areas reflect Tata Motors’ strategic vision of shaping the future of mobility in an environmentally and technologically progressive manner.

Comprehensive Coverage Across Vehicle Systems

The innovations span a wide array of vehicle systems. These include:

  • Battery technologies

  • Powertrain components

  • Body and trim design

  • Suspension and brake systems

  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)

  • Emission control mechanisms

Such comprehensive filings signal a holistic approach towards enhancing vehicle efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

Growth in Intellectual Property Portfolio

In addition to patent and design applications, Tata Motors also submitted 81 copyright filings during the year. The company was granted 68 patents in FY25 alone, bringing its cumulative granted patents to an impressive 918. This demonstrates the brand’s consistent efforts in strengthening its intellectual property portfolio over time.

A Vision for Nation-Building Through Technology

Commenting on this achievement, Mr Rajendra Petkar, President and Chief Technology Officer of Tata Motors, reiterated the company’s commitment to nation-building through technological advancement. He emphasised that Tata Motors is focused on anticipating and addressing the evolving needs of customers and communities, with an unwavering dedication to innovation-led growth.

Read More: Tata Motors Management Gets Cautious, Says JLR Margins to Remain Flat, Stock Down 8%. 

Conclusion

Tata Motors’ record filings in FY25 not only highlight its robust innovation pipeline but also reinforce its role as a forward-looking leader in the Indian automotive industry. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, the company is taking definitive steps towards creating the mobility solutions of tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

ICAI Proposes Ind AS 118: Why This New Accounting Standard Is Crucial

In a significant move aimed at strengthening the financial reporting framework in India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has proposed a new accounting standard, Ind AS 118. According to ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda, this standard is expected to improve the quality and clarity of financial disclosures without altering how companies measure their overall financial performance.

Background: Public Feedback on Exposure Draft

ICAI issued an exposure draft of Ind AS 118 in January 2025, seeking public comments and industry feedback. The objective behind this draft is to introduce a more consistent and structured format for presenting financial information to users, which will help improve interpretability and comparability across different companies and industries.

Read More: The Three Golden Rules of Accounting

Structured Classification of Income and Expenses

A core feature of Ind AS 118 is its requirement for entities to classify income and expenses under 5 distinct categories:

  • Operating

  • Investing

  • Financing

  • Income Taxes

  • Discontinued Operations

This classification is designed to provide a clearer picture of how different elements contribute to a company’s overall financial results. For example:

  • Income and expenses arising from assets that generate independent returns, such as equity or debt investments, will fall under the investing category.

  • Conversely, items related to liabilities—like interest on bank loans or bond payments—will be included in the financing category.

Helping Users Derive Deeper Insights

According to ICAI, this structured breakdown will help users of financial statements—particularly investors and analysts—understand the core operations of a business separately from its investment and financing activities. By isolating operational results, stakeholders can assess a company’s performance without the influence of external financial arrangements or one-time transactions.

Introduction of New Profit Subtotals

Ind AS 118 proposes the inclusion of two additional subtotals in the profit or loss statement:

  • Operating profit or loss

  • Profit or loss before financing and income taxes

These new subtotals aim to offer a more nuanced view of financial performance, particularly for comparative analysis across periods or peer companies.

No Change in Overall Profit Calculation

While Ind AS 118 introduces changes to how information is presented, it does not impact the calculation of the bottom-line profit. “It introduces a more structured and consistent approach to how that performance is presented and disclosed,” Nanda explained. The underlying accounting methods remain intact, ensuring that the comparability of historic data is preserved.

Conclusion

Although Ind AS 118 is still in the proposal stage, its adoption could mark a meaningful evolution in financial reporting standards in India. By enhancing the granularity and clarity of financial statements, the standard has the potential to provide more actionable insights for various stakeholders, including investors, auditors, and regulators.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

IRDAI’s Push for Health Insurance Reform: Shared Hospital Network and Faster Cashless Claims

In a strategic move to widen the reach and impact of health insurance in India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has launched a shared hospital network and an expedited cashless claims mechanism. This initiative aims to improve affordability and transparency while reducing financial burdens on policyholders.

Uniform Treatment Rates Based on Government Schemes

The newly formed shared hospital network will follow treatment pricing models inspired by government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). By aligning costs with established public benchmarks, the network seeks to ensure consistency in charges across medical procedures, eliminating price discrepancies and enhancing trust among policyholders.

Broadening the Network: Hospitals Onboarded

In collaboration with the General Insurance Council, general insurers are onboarding hospitals into this unified framework. As of now, over 600 eye hospitals and 150 general hospitals have been approached to join the initiative. The long-term goal is to integrate up to 5,000 hospitals, substantially increasing the availability of affordable, cashless healthcare services across the nation.

Read More: IRDAI Expressed Concerns Over Rising Auto Insurance Commission.

Streamlined Cashless Claim Approvals

A significant element of this reform is the proposal to accelerate the cashless treatment process. The government is formulating guidelines requiring insurers to approve cashless treatment requests within one hour and settle claims within three hours of treatment completion. This rapid turnaround aims to reduce waiting times and ease the stress associated with claim approvals.

Simplification and Standardisation of Claim Forms

To support quicker processing, claims documentation will be simplified and standardised. A professional agency will be engaged to streamline the forms, making them more user-friendly for both policyholders and insurers. This step is expected to reduce errors, improve accuracy, and speed up the entire claims workflow.

Introduction of BIS-like Norms Across the Ecosystem

Plans are also underway to introduce Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-like benchmarks within the insurance ecosystem. These will promote better service quality, improve accountability, and ensure consistent practices among insurers, third-party administrators, and healthcare providers.

Rising Claims: A Case for Urgency

The move towards faster claims processing comes at a critical time. The number of pending claims has been steadily increasing:

  • 2022: 8.5 million pending claims

  • 2023: 17.5 million pending claims

  • 2024: 25 million pending claims

The growing backlog highlights the need for reform and makes the case for a robust, technology-driven claims settlement system.

Long-Term Vision: Insurance for All by 2047

IRDAI has outlined a long-term vision to extend affordable and inclusive insurance coverage to every Indian citizen by the year 2047. The shared hospital network and simplified claims processing are key pillars in realising this ambition.

Key Benefits for Policyholders

While this initiative is still being rolled out, the anticipated benefits for policyholders include:

  • Expanded access to cashless treatment across a broader network of hospitals

  • Uniform treatment pricing that promotes transparency and controls costs

  • Faster claim settlements, reducing financial strain during emergencies

  • Improved accountability from insurers and hospitals

  • Boosted consumer confidence, supporting greater health insurance penetration

Conclusion

This development marks a pivotal step in India’s journey towards a more equitable and efficient healthcare financing system, aligning public policy with the evolving needs of its population.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

CCI Approves ₹20.24 Crore Settlement with Google in Android TV Antitrust Case

The Competition Commission of India (CCI), in a majority decision, has accepted the settlement proposal submitted by Google in connection with its conduct in the Android TV operating system market. This settlement was processed under Section 48A(3) of the Competition Act, 2002, and the recently notified Competition Commission of India (Settlement) Regulations, 2024.

The case was initiated based on information provided by 2 individuals—Mr Kshitiz Arya and Mr Purushottam Anand—who alleged that Google was engaging in anti-competitive practices in its dealings with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Xiaomi and TCL.

Allegations Against Google

The central allegation was that Google abused its dominant position by imposing restrictive conditions on OEMs. These included:

  • Compulsory bundling of the Google Play Store with Android TV OS.

  • Restrictions via Anti-Fragmentation Agreements (AFAs) that barred OEMs from creating or adopting forked versions of Android.

  • Obligatory bundling of additional Google services like YouTube, which allegedly limited OEM flexibility and innovation.

Such practices were claimed to limit market access, reduce consumer choice, and stifle innovation—allegedly violating Section 4 of the Competition Act.

Investigation Findings

The CCI’s investigation found that:

  • Android TV OS held a dominant position in the market for licensable smart TV operating systems in India.

  • The Google Play Store also held dominance in the market for app stores catering to Android TV OS in India.

Agreements such as the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA) and Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC) were seen as working together to:

  • Force pre-installation of full app bundles (Google TV Services).

  • Prevent the development of Android forks.

  • Tie services (like YouTube) with the Play Store, reinforcing Google’s market dominance.

While no evidence substantiated claims of refusal to deal or exclusive supply under Section 3(4), violations of Section 4 were confirmed.

Google’s Settlement Proposal

To address the findings, Google submitted a settlement application under Section 48A of the Act. The CCI invited feedback from 45 affected stakeholders under Regulation 5 of the Settlement Regulations.

Key proposals by Google under the “New India Agreement” include:

  • Providing standalone licensing for the Play Store and Play Services—no longer bundled or tied with other services.

  • Eliminating the requirement for OEMs to have a valid ACC for devices that do not include Google apps, thereby allowing them to ship incompatible Android devices in India.

These changes are expected to enhance OEM flexibility and promote fair competition in the smart TV ecosystem.

Read More: CCI Clears Merger of Quality Care India with Aster DM Healthcare.

Conclusion

After assessing the gravity and impact of the contraventions, the CCI approved the settlement. The Final Settlement Amount was set at ₹20.24 crore, after applying a 15% settlement discount as permitted under the regulations.

This marks a significant step in India’s antitrust oversight, aiming to ensure greater transparency and competitive neutrality in digital markets.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.