Irdai
Insurance regulators weigh reforms to tackle rising medical costs
Medical inflation of roughly 12% to 14% a year puts pressure on families and prompts authorities to hunt ways to standardise pricing and coverage
 "Insurance regulators weigh reforms to tackle rising medical costs")
Why more Indians are surrendering life insurance policies before maturity
Life insurance surrenders have surged, with early exits concentrated in the first two years. Why are policyholders leaving policies early despite tighter disclosure and suitability rules?
 "Why more Indians are surrendering life insurance policies before maturity")
Beyond policy sales: Insurance companies must prioritise customer retention
Rising life insurance policy surrenders highlight weak policy persistency, underscoring the need for reforms focused on better products, sales practices and consumer retention
 "Beyond policy sales: Insurance companies must prioritise customer retention")
No insurance, no fuel: Inside SC's plan to cover 165 mn uninsured vehicles
The court has proposed linking fuel purchases, number-plate cameras and police enforcement to insurance databases as 56 per cent of vehicles in India remain uninsured
 "No insurance, no fuel: Inside SC's plan to cover 165 mn uninsured vehicles")
Irdai's revised share-transfer regulations may raise compliance burden
Legal experts say the revised regulations could require more insurance share transfers to seek prior regulatory approval, despite higher thresholds under the SBSR Act
 "Irdai's revised share-transfer regulations may raise compliance burden")
Insurers expect claims worth ₹5K cr amid floods, waterlogging in Gujarat
Most claims are expected from property insurance, with motor claims likely to follow, but insurers do not expect the losses to trigger a revision in property insurance rates
 "Insurers expect claims worth ₹5K cr amid floods, waterlogging in Gujarat")
Bajaj Finserv enters reinsurance; third private player in one year
The board approved Bajaj Finserv's entry into reinsurance, subject to Irdai approval, as competition intensifies in a market long dominated by GIC Re
 "Bajaj Finserv enters reinsurance; third private player in one year")
Irdai tightens intermediary rules, eases insurers' investment norms
The regulator has mandated greater sales traceability and disclosures for intermediaries while allowing insurers more flexibility in investment across select asset classes
Irdai approves Patanjali Ayurved, DS Group's acquisition of Magma General
Regulator clears acquisition of Magma General Insurance from Sanoti Properties, with Patanjali to acquire a 73.56% stake and DS Group 24.50%
 "Irdai approves Patanjali Ayurved, DS Group's acquisition of Magma General")
Irdai grants licence to ProTec General Insurance, fourth approval in 2026
Regulator also approves reforms covering investment norms, intermediary registration, capital raising, governance and policyholder protection measures
Irdai chief urges insurers to eliminate dark patterns from websites, apps
Ajay Seth says deceptive digital practices erode consumer trust and urges insurers to improve transparency, informed consent and customer-first design across online platforms
 "Irdai chief urges insurers to eliminate dark patterns from websites, apps")
95% of Indian listed firms use dark patterns: How regulators are responding
Dark patterns continue to influence online consumer decisions, with a study finding 95% of listed firms use them. Sebi and Irdai are stepping up action to curb deceptive practices
 "95% of Indian listed firms use dark patterns: How regulators are responding")
RBI proposes one-time nod for MFs, insurers to raise bank stakes
The central bank has proposed a one-time approval mechanism for mutual funds, insurers and pension funds to acquire major shareholding in banks, replacing repeated approvals
 "RBI proposes one-time nod for MFs, insurers to raise bank stakes")
What's next for insurance after 100% FDI: Governance challenges ahead
India's 100% FDI regime for insurance opens the sector to global players, but faster approvals, stronger oversight and AI safeguards will determine its long-term success
Irdai plans overhaul of commission rules to curb insurance misselling
The insurance regulator is expected to propose staggered commission payouts over the life of a policy and link remuneration to advisory and after-sales services
 "Irdai plans overhaul of commission rules to curb insurance misselling")
Irdai grants health insurance licence to Prudential HCL joint venture
The Prudential-HCL Group joint venture becomes India's eighth standalone health insurer, with the regulator issuing its third registration of calendar year 2026
Bima Sugam's first products set for Sept-end launch: Irdai Chairman
Irdai Chairman Ajay Seth says Bima Sugam will roll out initial motor, health and term insurance products by September-end as insurers complete technology integration with the platform
Insurers may invest up to 5% of surplus funds in private ltd firms: Irdai
The regulator has proposed permitting insurers to invest a portion of surplus shareholders' funds in eligible private companies while tightening promoter-group exposure norms
 "Insurers may invest up to 5% of surplus funds in private ltd firms: Irdai")
Irdai proposes perpetual registration framework for TPAs under SBSR Act
The regulator has proposed a transition framework for existing third-party administrators, along with an annual fee mechanism under the SBSR Act regime
 "Irdai proposes perpetual registration framework for TPAs under SBSR Act")
Irdai sets up working group to guide AI adoption in insurance sector
The working group will guide insurers on AI adoption, governance and oversight while ensuring policyholder interests and data protection remain safeguarded