INSURANCE COSTS REDUCTION
Pick your own health cover: How custom plans work and their hidden downsides
A health plan consists of a base plan and riders or add-ons. Earlier, the base plan comprised fixed features that could not be changed, and one could add only 2-3 riders—usually critical illness, personal accident, co-pay/ deductible—at the time of purchasing the policy.
Cabinet clears Rs 12,980 crore maritime insurance pool to cut costs
India is launching the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, backed by a substantial sovereign guarantee of over ₹12,980 crore. This strategic initiative aims to offer unwavering maritime insurance coverage for Indian vessels, encompassing all maritime risks and significantly decreasing dependency on international insurers.
Earnings vs signals: Q4 results may matter more than they look
The March quarter earnings season arrives at an inflection point, with stable numbers masking underlying economic shifts. Escalation of the Gulf conflict introduced external shocks, with first-order impacts visible in rising input costs. Investors should focus on forward-looking signals as second-order effects are expected to unfold in Q1 FY27.
Shelter from Spike 'n' Supply Storm: West Asia tensions test India Inc’s resilience to energy shocks
Escalating tensions in West Asia highlight India’s vulnerability to energy and logistics disruptions. Even without supply cuts, higher freight and insurance costs can strain margins and widen deficits. Strong balance sheets offer a cushion, but prolonged volatility could test corporate earnings, capital expenditure plans, and the broader credit cycle.
$25,000 payout alert: Drivers could claim cash from $4.15 million settlement — deadline April 29
AAA $4.15 million insurance settlement claim payout is now open for eligible drivers, with payments up to $25,000 and deadline April 29. Drivers across the US are checking eligibility under AAA insurance settlement claims involving underinsured motorist payouts reduced by prior at-fault payments. This class action settlement resolves a $4.15 million dispute and offers compensation of up to $25,000 for valid claims submitted before April 29 deadline. AAA payout eligibility rules require urgent filing before deadline now essential.
Deposit rates could be headed up in a squeeze for banks
As the demand for loans skyrockets, Indian banks find themselves grappling with a challenge: enticing savers to deposit their money. For years, growth in deposit accounts has lagged behind credit advances, prompting banks to ramp up their offers with more attractive interest rates.
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The most dangerous number on an Indian balance sheet after debt – and how it is manipulated
Different years. Different companies. Different accounting tricks. One common story – an effort to show financial numbers which hide the truth. The purpose of hiding the truth may vary: From manipulating accounts just before an IPO, to taking loans from the bank, or rigging the stock price. But there is no dearth of instances of how Indian promoters have used every trick in the book to manipulate financials.
DGS asks port authorities, terminal operators to immediately pass on concessions to exporters
The Directorate General of Shipping has ordered port authorities and terminal operators to directly pass on concessions to exporters. This aims to speed up relief for shipments stranded due to the West Asia crisis. The move ensures exporters receive benefits like reduced detention and ground rent charges without delay.
Don't rush to buy the dip yet, warns Ajay Bagga; here's why
Market expert Ajay Bagga advises investors to exercise patience amid Middle East conflict, warning against chasing early market upticks due to elevated downside risks. He anticipates a prolonged conflict could trigger a strong global recession, impacting GDP significantly across nations. Bagga identifies power, renewables, and banking as potential sectors for future rallies.
Gold: The correction was the repositioning, not the end of the trend
Gold remains a vital liquidity source even with price drops. Central banks and individuals are selling gold to ease financial strains. In India, investors are shifting towards Gold ETFs for easier and more efficient investment. This trend offers attractive entry points for building gold exposure. Gold ETFs provide transparent pricing and security, making gold a liquid asset.
Iran war: Indian seafood exporters stare at Rs 1,500 crore loss
Sustained disruption could destabilise the coastal economy and weaken India’s export competitiveness, say experts and stakeholders
40% of Nifty 50 firms faced EPS cuts amid March selloff: Check which stocks saw biggest cuts and upgrades
Indian markets experienced a sharp downturn in March, with Nifty 50 companies seeing significant EPS estimate cuts, particularly in aviation and infrastructure, due to soaring oil prices. InterGlobe Aviation faced the largest reduction. Conversely, oil & gas and metals sectors witnessed upgrades. Escalating US-Iran tensions continue to fuel investor concerns and oil price hikes.
“Misselling isn’t just about commissions”: Bandhan Life CEO on insurance reality check
Satishwar B., MD and CEO, Bandhan Life Insurance, discusses the Public Insurance Registry, Bima Sugam, misselling and commissions, in a conversation with Riju Mehta. He says if a customer has multiple insurance policies, the PIR will show all the policies he holds and the total cover he has. This enables us to understand, especially at the onboarding stage, the type of insurance he has and what he needs.
CII's 20-Point Policy Agenda calls for coordinated fiscal, financial and trade response to West Asia crisis
Confederation of Indian Industry praises government and RBI for swift actions amid West Asia conflict. CII proposes a detailed plan to support industries, especially MSMEs. Recommendations include credit lines, moratoriums, and trade cost management. The agenda aims to bolster resilience and ensure India's economic stability against external shocks.
A shield for India Inc: How govt is blunting the Iran war shock
West Asia crisis: In response to Iran war chaos, India has rolled out a set of targeted measures over the past few weeks aimed at cushioning these shocks without resorting to sweeping market interventions. The approach has focused on easing cash flow pressures, lowering key costs and ensuring supply continuity.
Congress manifesto for Assam: No MLA’s close relatives to be awarded government contracts or schemes
Assam: The Congress manifesto talked about transparent land records, revenue, and taxation system.Priority to local people in jobs and government contracts.Immediate flood relief and initiation of erosion control measures.Fast-track recruitment to fill vacancies in hospitals and schools.
Boom or bust? Analysts reveal what lies ahead for India Inc in FY27 amid Iran war
Indian businesses brace for 2026-27 with geopolitical tensions and AI reshaping industries. While core sectors show stability, policy shifts and costs pose challenges. Experts see opportunities for long-term growth. Banks anticipate margin recovery. FMCG expects better earnings. IT navigates AI disruption. Oil and gas faces price volatility. Pharma deals with supply chain issues. Navigating these dynamics will be key.
Epic Games layoffs: CEO responds to backlash over impact on cancer-stricken employee
Epic Games layoffs sparked backlash after a cancer-stricken employee lost life insurance following job cuts. His wife posted on social media, highlighting the family’s financial strain. CEO Tim Sweeney said the company will resolve the issue. The layoffs come in a move to cuts costs amid slowing Fortnite engagement and broader business challenges.
More pain ahead? Social Security cuts could get worse — here’s what we know
A new update confirms retirees on Social Security just got worse news on benefit cuts, and the numbers are worrying. The Congressional Budget Office now says the trust fund could run out by 2032, not 2033. That one-year shift matters a lot. It increases the risk of a 23% Social Security benefit cut. Millions depend on these payments daily. This makes Social Security insolvency a real concern now. Experts say reforms can still prevent cuts. But delays increase risk. Retirees on Social Security just got worse news on benefit cuts, and planning early is now critical for financial security.
Mortgage rate today: Are current refinance rates March 2026 worth locking in now as average 30-year fixed refi rate sits at 6.60%?
Mortgage rate today: Current mortgage refinance rates for March 2026 are shaping homeowner decisions nationwide. The average 30-year fixed refi rate now sits at 6.60%, according to Zillow data, slightly below last month but still above historical lows. Conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans all reflect unique opportunities and challenges for borrowers. Rising rates and global uncertainties are influencing monthly payments, refinancing incentives, and home equity access. Homeowners with existing loans above 7% could save significantly by refinancing now. Understanding today’s mortgage market, closing costs, and loan types is critical.
July 1 deadline looms: 460,000 Americans at risk of losing health coverage
Around 460,000 Americans could lose low-cost health coverage as New York rolls back its Essential Plan. The change follows federal funding cuts and restored income limits. Many residents who recently qualified may no longer be eligible. Officials say notices and other insurance options will be offered. The move adds to concerns about rising healthcare costs and possible coverage losses nationwide.
Freight surge, LPG shortage amid West Asia crisis hit eastern India's exports
Eastern India's exports face severe disruption due to the West Asia crisis. Freight rates to Europe and the US have surged by 60-80 percent. Hundreds of containers are stranded at Kolkata port. Production is squeezed, and exporters are experiencing significant drops in export volumes. Shipping lines are not accepting new containers, creating uncertainty.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport proposes measures to reduce road accidents, clear backlog of road projects with NHAI
A Parliamentary committee has proposed specific annual reduction targets for road accidents and fatalities, alongside a dedicated National Highway Safety Patrol. Recommendations also include conditioning new NHAI contracts on backlog clearance and shifting to Zero-Based Maintenance Budgeting. The committee further suggested a "Last Mile Task Force" for the Bharatmala project and joint missions for port connectivity.
Missiles flying to Qatar expose Pakistan’s energy vulnerability
Attacks on Qatar's energy infrastructure are impacting Pakistan's LNG imports. This reliance on Qatar and rigid contracts create supply risks. Household gas shortages are emerging. The nation faces rising energy costs and economic strain. Structural reforms and diversification are needed to address these vulnerabilities.
Geopolitics has declared war on business theories
The business school’s first obligation is to prepare students for the world as it is.
Urea shortage to halt goods movement? Auto industry warns diesel truck fleet could be immobilised
Industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has told the govt that supply uncertainties linked to the ongoing Iran war could disrupt the availability of TGU, which is essential for producing DEF required to operate these vehicles.
Social Security schedule change means one group won’t get checks this month - check if you belong in the group
Social Security payment dates March 2026: Social Security payment schedule March 2026 affects 7.4 million SSI recipients this month. About 71 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, but many will notice no SSI payment in March 2026. The Social Security Administration issued March SSI benefits early on February 27 because March 1 fell on a Sunday. This is a routine Social Security payment schedule change. Regular Social Security retirement payments still arrive on March 11, 18, and 25 based on birth dates. Beneficiaries still receive full annual benefits.
What’s happening with oil prices today? WTI crude surged 30% to $119.48, crashed 19% to $96.45, then settled at $103.32 — a $23 intraday swing - one of the biggest single-day reversals in crude oil market history
Oil Prices Today 09 March: WTI crude oil prices shocked the global energy market today. The benchmark WTI crude surged nearly 30% to $119.48 intraday, then suddenly crashed 19% to $96.45 before settling near $103.32 per barrel. That is a massive $23 intraday swing, one of the largest reversals in crude oil trading history. The spike reflects a severe global oil supply shock and Hormuz shipping disruption.
India asks ports to ease charges as West Asia conflict hits shipments
Indian ports are considering waiving or reducing charges for cargo stuck due to the West Asia conflict. This move aims to ease congestion and container shortages. Perishable goods will be prioritized. Discussions are also underway with insurance firms and banks to manage rising premiums and ensure smooth operations for exporters and shipping lines.
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