Business
IRDAI caps value of surety insurance contracts at Rs 500 cr
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has capped the quantum of surety insurance contracts for an insurer at 10 per cent gross premium written subject to a maximum of Rs 500 crore per year.
The IRDAI has also stipulated that the non-life insurers wanting to underwrite the surety insurance risks should have a solvency margin of 1.25.
The Authority on Monday issued the IRDAI (Surety Insurance Contracts) Guidelines 2022 laying down the norms for this line of business.
Non-life insurers are allowed to carry out this business from April 1 onwards.
“The norms will help regulate/develop Surety as a business in India which otherwise is an accepted norm in the western countries,” Vikash Khandelwal, CEO, Eqaro Guarantees said.
“However, it would have been ideal if the final norms had also provided for a specialist surety insurance company,” Khandelwal added.
The Mumbai-based Eqaro Guarantees is a surety solutions provider.
Presently IRDAI allows standalone health insurance companies.
According to Khandelwal, allowing the surety insurers to work alongside the banks and other financial institutions to share risk-related information and technical expertise will help foster a robust ecosystem and prevent contagion.
“The guidelines are also silent on the right of recourse available to a surety insurance company in the event of a default by the contractor. These are critical and may impede the creation of surety-related expertise and capacities and eventually deter insurers from writing this class of business,” he remarked.
There are three parties to this contract viz., Surety-the person who gives the guarantee; the person in respect of whose default the guarantee is given is called the Principal Debtor and Creditor- the person to whom the guarantee is given.
The other underwriting guidelines as per IRDAI are surety insurance contracts can be issued for infrastructure projects of government/private in all modes; the contract bonds may include Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Advance Payment Bonds and Retention Money; the insurers can also underwrite Customs or Tax Bonds and Court Bonds; limit of guarantee cannot exceed 30 per cent of the contract value; surety insurance can be issued for specific contracts alone; the insurer cannot issue any surety insurance contracts on behalf of its promoters/subsidiaries, groups, associates and related parties; the insurer shall not enter into alternate risk transfer mechanism; surety insurance contracts cannot cover financial guarantee; and surety insurance cannot be issued where the underlying assets/commitments are outside India.
Business
Adani Electricity distributes clothes to empower underprivileged communities

Mumbai, Aug 6: In a bid to help underprivileged communities, over 2,500 employees of Adani Electricity donated a large volume of garments as part of the social welfare initiative.
Adani Electricity had requested employees to donate cloths for the underprivileged communities in its distribution areas.
The employees participated enthusiastically in the social welfare drive. The donated clothes were distributed across communities and ‘padas’ (settlements) within Adani Electricity’s distribution areas. Residents of Moracha Pada in Goregaon’s Aarey Colony were among those who received clothes from the Adani Electricity team.
Meanwhile, the leading electricity distribution company in Mumbai proactively escalated its disaster management readiness for the monsoon season, aiming to safeguard its 3.15 million customers from potential disruptions.
To address any emergencies that may arise during the monsoon, Adani Electricity activated its Central Disaster Control Centre (CDCC). This pivotal hub will orchestrate response efforts and operate round-the-clock, ensuring swift action and communication throughout the monsoon period, said the leading electricity distribution company in Mumbai.
Seven Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been strategically deployed across the distribution network. These teams are equipped with comprehensive response, recovery, and restoration plans specifically tailored for the challenges posed by the monsoon season, said the company.
To monitor rising water levels, 98 advanced water level sensors are now integrated with the Advanced Distribution Management System at critical locations. This setup enhances the ability to preempt and respond to flood-related electrical issues.
The CDCC will leverage state-of-the-art satellite and wireless technologies, including walkie-talkies and remote devices, to maintain uninterrupted communication across departments and with external authorities. This infrastructure ensures minimal downtime and efficient incident management.
Adani Electricity also conducted extensive pre-monsoon inspections and maintenance. Equipment in low-lying areas was elevated to prevent water damage. Essential materials, emergency vehicles, and diesel generators were strategically positioned to tackle any emergency swiftly.
Business
Gold hits seven-week high as safe-haven demand offsets hopes of US-Iran deal

New Delhi, Aug 6: Gold prices on Thursday climbed to a seven-week high as lower US Treasury yields boosted safe-haven demand even as optimism over a possible US-Iran agreement raised hopes of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (October 5) opened 0.36 per cent or Rs 536 higher at Rs 1,49,029 per 10 grams and later touched an intraday high of Rs 1,49,700 — an increase of 0.81 per cent or Rs 1,207 by 12:10 pm.
On the other hand, silver futures (September 4) prices have witnessed buying momentum in early deals.
The white metal touched an intraday high of Rs 2,28,397 per kg, an increase of 0.35 per cent or Rs 813 compared to the previous close of Rs 2,27,584. At the last count, it was trading at Rs 2,26,580, a decrease of 0.44 per cent or Rs 1,004.
In the international market too, COMEX gold was trading 0.36 per cent higher at $4,320 per ounce. COMEX silver was at $62.36 per ounce, up 0.12 per cent.
However, the rally came despite reports claiming that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen and comments by US President Donald Trump indicating that Washington was seeking to reach an agreement with Iran.
According to market experts, expectations that easing tensions in the region could lead to lower crude oil prices have reduced concerns over inflation and near-term US monetary tightening, putting pressure on US Treasury yields.
For MCX gold, immediate resistance is at Rs 1,50,000-1,50,700 and a break above targets next resistance at Rs 1,52,200-1,52,800, the experts said, adding that immediate support is at Rs 1,48,600-1,48,000 with next support at Rs 1,46,600-1,46,000.
“Price has decisively broken above all key EMAs (20/50/100/200), confirming a strong shift in near-term momentum after weeks of consolidation. Bias stays positive above Rs 1,49,000, with a hold needed to extend gains toward Rs 1,50,000; a slip below Rs 1,49,000 would signal exhaustion after the sharp run-up, they added.
For silver, the analysts said that a sustained move above Rs 2,29,000 and a break above targets next resistance at Rs 2,31,500-2,32,500.
Immediate support is at Rs 2,25,000-2,24,000, previously resistance now acting as support, with next support at Rs 2,22,000-2,21,000, according to them.
Price is holding above its 20-EMA and 200-EMA, with RSI at 54, edging upward, reflecting improving momentum, though a decisive close above the 50-EMA is needed to confirm renewed strength, the experts said, adding that bias stays cautiously constructive above Rs 2,28,000, with a break above Rs 2,30,000 opening the path toward higher levels; a slip below Rs 2,27,000 risks a pullback toward Rs 2,25,000.
Additionally, Brent crude — the international oil benchmark — slipped 0.51 per cent to trade below $80 per barrel. Similarly, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slumped nearly 1 per cent to below $75.
Business
CPI likely at 4.5 pc in July with upside risks from food inflation: Report

New Delhi, Aug 6: India’s consumer price index is expected to settle at 4.5 per cent in July 2026, with risks tilted to the upside as food inflation broadens across key items, a report said on Thursday.
The report from Bank of Baroda said inflation remains broad‑based across essential commodities, led by onions, edible oils, rice and pulses, although improved arrivals of key vegetables and a normal monsoon offer some comfort.
Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) is expected to remain contained at around 4–4.1 per cent, supported by softer international gold prices, though higher input costs could create upside pressure going forward.
The bank mentioned that its Essential Commodities Index (BoB ECI) has risen at its sharpest pace in the entire series in July 2026 by 4.1 per cent, on YoY basis. In August 2026, the build-up was even higher (first 5-days) at 5.4 per cent.
The bank noted that among vegetables the arrival statistics for TOP (tomato, onion and potato) have been comforting despite stickiness in onion price trajectory.
International gold prices have softened further by -3.7 per cent on MoM basis, hence personal care and effects of core inflation are likely to derive some relief. Core excluding precious metals is also likely to be muted for now, the report noted.
Monsoon progress was mentioned as favourable, with 63 per cent of States receiving normal rainfall.
The area sown as percentage of normal area of major Kharif crops (except oilseeds and sugarcane) as on July 31, 2026 have remained above the same period of previous year.
International food prices, especially edible oils, have softened, the report said.
The bank warned that upside risks could emerge in the near term as corporate Q1 transcripts indicate pass‑through of higher input costs to consumers amid robust demand conditions.
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