Business
Consultancy firm may be appointed by insurance councils to recommend changes in regulations

The insurance regulations in India are set for a major overhaul with the two industry bodies likely to hire a consultancy firm to recommend regulatory changes, said senior industry officials.
The two industry bodies are – Life Insurance Council and General Insurance Council.
Industry officials told IANS preferring anonymity that the new Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Debasish Panda at his meeting with the sectoral officials had said the two Councils should turn vibrant.
It is learnt Panda had told them that the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) should ideally be part of the Councils as it collects the data from the industry to come out with research reports.
Similarly, the Institute of Insurance and Risk Management (IIRM) should also be part of the industry and not that of the regulator.
A media statement from IRDAI had said: “It was proposed to revamp the role and functioning of the Life Insurance and General Insurance Councils, to make them more vibrant bodies. Role of Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB) in supporting data and tech-driven insurance solutions was also discussed.”
“To take these ideas forward and also come out with recommendations for overhaul of the regulations, the two Councils may have to hire a consultancy firm,” officials told IANS.
The consultancy fee would be shared by both the Councils.
“How the fee would be shared by the members of the Councils-insurers- has to be seen. Whether it would be shared in the ratio of their gross premium or equally will have to be decided,” a senior industry official told IANS.
Already several groups have been formed in the life/non-life/reinsurance to study the existing regulations and come out with recommendations on them.
IRDAI Chairman Panda had told the insurers that every Indian should have a life insurance policy; every family a health insurance family and every bread winner should have an accident insurance policy.
At its meeting with the industry officials, IRDAI said it had displayed firm commitment to carry out reforms which will lead to the objective of “Insurance for all” by 2047.
“These reforms, among others, include promoting ease of doing business by encouraging new insurance players, allowing niche players in insurance, relaxing renewal norms for intermediaries,” product certification by insurers, time-bound approvals, administrative flexibility, fast-track approvals for investment proposals, facilitating InsurTech and distribution agility,” IRDAI had said.
The IRDAI also has plans to make the regulations lighter and reduce the compliance burden on the insurers.
“Additionally, the need for risk based capital and solvency, convergence to Ind-AS, rationalising expenses of management, developing talent pool, updating investment norms and sustainable growth of industry were also deliberated,” IRDAI said after its meeting with industry officials.
The two councils may soon come out with a request for proposal for interested consultancy firms to bid for the project.
Business
Tata Motors Unveils Limited-Edition Safari STEALTH to Mark 27 Years of Legacy

Tata Motors is celebrating 27 years of the Safari with the launch of the exclusive STEALTH Edition, a limited-run variant designed for those who seek style and performance. Available in both the Harrier and Safari models, only 2,700 units of this edition will be produced. The Harrier STEALTH is priced at Rs 25.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Safari STEALTH starts at Rs 25.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. With a striking design, premium features, and advanced technology, the STEALTH Edition adds a new level of exclusivity to Tata’s SUV lineup.
The Tata STEALTH Edition brings a bold, monotone design that reflects the growing demand for exclusive and distinctive vehicles. With limited units available, this special edition is set to attract enthusiasts looking for a unique SUV. Bookings for the STEALTH Edition opened on February 21, both online and at Tata dealerships across India, giving customers the chance to own a rare and stylish addition to Tata’s lineup.
The Harrier and Safari STEALTH Edition stand out with their bold design and advanced features, built on the sturdy OMEGARC platform derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture. The exclusive Matte Black finish, R19 Black Alloy Wheels, and a distinctive STEALTH mascot give these SUVs a powerful road presence. Inside, the cabin is designed for comfort with ventilated first- and second-row seats (Safari only for the second row), a Carbon-Noir interior theme, and a voice-assisted dual-zone climate control system.
Technology is a highlight, featuring a 31.24 cm Harman touchscreen, Arcade App Store, Alexa Home 2 Car, Map My India navigation, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system with Harman AudioworX. Power comes from a 2.0L KRYOTEC BS6 Phase 2 turbocharged engine producing 170PS, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Safety is a priority, with Level 2+ ADAS offering 21 functions, including a segment-first Intelligent Speed Assist, along with 7 airbags and ESP with 17 safety features.
Unveiling this exciting new version of the Harrier and Safari, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., stated, “Tata Motors has been a leader in the Indian SUV segment, with innovation at its core. The Tata Safari, which introduced the concept of a lifestyle SUV to India, reflects this legacy of pioneering excellence. Over 27 remarkable years, the Safari has constantly evolved, and the launch of the STEALTH Edition is a tribute to this journey. This special edition is an exclusive offering, with only 2,700 units available in the striking STEALTH Matte Black finish. More than just an SUV, the STEALTH Edition is a symbol of prestige, adventure, and capability, making it a highly desirable collector’s item for enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Owning a STEALTH Edition isn’t just about having an extraordinary vehicle—it’s about claiming a piece of automotive history that many will aspire to have in their collection.”
Business
Maruti Suzuki’s New Mid-Term Plan Aims To Make India An Export Hub, Launch More EVs

New Delhi: The Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, on Thursday announced a new mid-term plan with a “rethink” in its strategy as “the business environment has changed due to declining market share in India” and the growing electrical vehicles segment.
In its new mid-term plan for 2025-30, the company has identified India as its “most important market”. Maruti Suzuki aims to create a manufacturing capacity of producing 4 million cars annually to reclaim a 50 per cent market share in India and use the country as a global export hub as well.
The auto major plans to expand its EV lineup starting with the e-Vitara, and is aiming to launch four new EV models by FY30 in a segment where its rivals like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra already have a varied EV portfolio in India.
“In India, we will promote further localisation in line with the growth of the electric vehicle market,” the company said.
Maruti Suzuki is currently exporting three lakh vehicles from India annually. By the end of this decade, it is targeting the export of 7.5-8 lakh units per year.
While the company noted it achieved revenue and profit targets ahead of schedule by improving sales mix and quality, its sales volume target could not be met.
It noted that the “competitive environment is becoming increasingly severe, and the quality of product functions, equipment and services required by customers is increasing”.
It aims to be India’s no.1 carmaker in terms of production, local sales and exports of electric cars. A total of six electric vehicles will be introduced by FY30, including four electric cars and two commercial vehicles.
Suzuki Motor plans to invest 1,200 billion yen (about Rs 7,000 crore) as capital expenditure towards production, new models, carbon neutrality and quality measures. A new plant in Haryana’s Kharkhoda and an assembly line in Suzuki Motor Gujarat will come onstream by 2030 for a total installed capacity of four million units.
Business
‘Made in India’ iPhone 6e not SE variant but a next-gen entry point for consumers

New Delhi, Feb 20: In a further push to the local manufacturing, the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the newly-launched iPhone 16e, is now being assembled in India for domestic market as well as for exports, as industry experts on Thursday cleared the air around the new device being compared to now-retired iPhone SE.
The new Apple device, with A18 chip, breakthrough battery life, Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, is being manufactured/assembled for local consumption as well as for export to select countries.
According to experts, iPhone 16e is not iPhone SE4 and the whole “comparison is futile”.
When iPhone SE was launched, it was another masterstroke at that time. However, times have changed since then.
“Essentially, Apple retired the SE lineup and extended the iPhone 16 lineup with a new entry point. iPhone SE was no longer adding any value to consumers, developers or Apple,” said Neil Shah, Partner and Co-Founder at Counterpoint Research.
The iPhone SE which was positioned as a “Special Edition,” which brought nostalgia of older and smaller design, was priced around $400.
However, the iPhone SE lost its value and popularity, which used to be once 16 per cent of the total iPhone sales volumes, dropped to 1 per cent last year.
According to Shah, consumers now prefer better cameras, bigger displays and faster processors.
“With all this background, what Apple did was to extend the 16 series with a newer ‘base version’ of iPhone 16 and now retired SE,” Shah explained.
According to industry experts, the company has done well with streamlining the series, reducing fragmentation in design and experience and able to charge $599 (US)/Rs 59,999 (India) with the newest entry point for the best Apple experiences.
-
Crime3 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra5 months ago
Mumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra4 months ago
Mumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra5 months ago
False photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News5 months ago
Ministry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Crime4 months ago
Baba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
-
Maharashtra3 months ago
Maharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News5 months ago
J&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface