Cover Story
- Enhanced and flexible plans in life and health segments meet the varied needs of digital-age consumers.
Circular spooks FPIs
Market regulator Sebi did well to promptly address concerns around its earlier circular that barred NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin from being Beneficial Owners (BO) in FPI funds investing in India. The Reserve Bank of India nod to appointing Amitabh Chaudhary as the next MD and CEO of Axis Bank, after Shikha Sharma had to opt for a hasty exit, comes with a clear underlying message. The Competition Commission's investigation wing has been asked to examine the pricing pattern of some super speciality hospitals India's apex drugs regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is all set for a makeover with a new name and logo. The BJP's national executive has passed an agriculture resolution that hails the Narendra Modi government's efforts to double farmers' income. After the rupee plunged to new lows against the dollar, having depreciated to close to 73, the government has finally acted by announcing a slew of measures to prop up the currency. The Delhi-NCR-based start-up has an end-to-end business model to offer on-demand services to homes and corporates.Connect, Collaborate and Communicate
The industry is excited about blockchain technology but understands that it will need a lot more p2P consensus to make it feasible. The government has made a slew of announcements -- including removal of limits on foreign portfolio investor (FPI) exposure to corporate bonds and curbs on import of non-essentials goods -- to check depreciation of rupee and ballooning current account deficit (CAD). Almost two years after the last Bharat Bandh, educational institutes, transport services, and stores were shut in large parts of India as Opposition parties protested the continued rise in fuel - diesel and petrol - prices. The chances of missing the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent are growing and the first quarter target is already 70 per cent. World economy is still precariously poised, thanks to the tariff war. The Musical.ly app, now TikTok, has hit the right notes but to monetise the user base, it must have more targeting options for companies and brands.
Bang On!
The new Nokia devices will not only be bloatware free but will also receive timely updates as and when these are released. The sound output is great for the compact size and is good enough for a small indoor or outdoor gathering. The rise of the debt-prone economy indicates that the future will remain volatile. From ultra-dense sound to ultra-speed bikes, vintage and trendy timepieces, and fabulous cars on rent, these must-haves will leave you awestruck. Apple Watch Series 4 can perform ECGs, monitor heart rates, detect falls and contact emergency services if required. Air pollution causes health hazards, but a recent study says it also affects human intelligence. The rising tide of diabetes across age groups is alarming but staying active could help you tackle the menace.
Bet Big On Equity
The Dagar family must realign investments and focus more on equity exposure to meet their long-term goals, says Financial Planner Managing your money can be tricky. Send your queries, and top-notch industry leaders will help you resolve any issue.
Our Virtual Care Managers Make Claims Processing Smooth
As the country gears up for Ayushman Bharat, a national health protection mission, healthcare and health insurance are expected to witness a paradigm shift. In a candid conversation, Mayank Bathwal, Chief Executive Officer of Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company, tells Naveen Kumar how this much-awaited healthcare programme may impact the industry, the role of digitisation and the unique initiative the insurer has taken to make claims processing hassle free. Edited excerpts:
Ensure Easy Claims
Insurers are sharpening their focus on the speed of claim processes to enhance customer experience. Best ways to secure your house from natural and other calamities
"The NDA government has been very conservative on the fiscal front"
The GDP back series data 'accidently' became public thanks to a report on real sector statistics prepared by a committee constituted by the National Statistical Commission. In the din that ensued, some of the more serious concerns that the committee raised regarding quality of the data got lost. Business Today's Prosenjit Datta and Dipak Mondal caught up with Sudipto Mundle, chairman of the Committee on Real Sector Statistics, which prepared the new series, to dig deeper into the observations made in the report. Edited excerpts: Companies need to imbibe a service-oriented culture as customer empathy and engagement matter most in the long run. Gender diversity is missing in large areas of the financial services industry. There is no easy way out. Flexi-staffing has advantages for employers and also certain kinds of employees. India's digital gaming industry is on steroids. But making money out of the craze is still a challenge for companies. India stands out on the global stage for fund raising through IPOs. The future looks promising too.
Flying Low
The ambitious UDAN Scheme has got off to a slow start as airlines navigate the challenging operating conditions after the initial enthusiasm. Airlines have chalked out ambitious plans to grow international business. Their journey is likely to be lengthy and tiring. High passenger traffic growth by itself may not be enough for airlines in India. They are also looking at international operations, cargo and ancillary services. India has just begun to exploit the benefits that modern airports offer. We must work out a realistic, cost-effective strategy to make the world land and fuel in India. The aviation sector is facing headwinds as some airlines grapple to cut costs and others struggle to stay afloat.
Leaderspeak
"The determination to challenge a paradigm is crucial. It has helped us create a benchmark for the aviation industry."
