Tag: India

  • SEBI Clarifies No Proposal to Trade NSE Shares Post-IPO Amid Exchange’s Rs 22,569 Crore Listing

    SEBI Clarifies No Proposal to Trade NSE Shares Post-IPO Amid Exchange’s Rs 22,569 Crore Listing

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has confirmed that it has not received any request from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to permit trading of its own shares after listing. SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey made the clarification on Thursday, addressing market speculation surrounding the highly anticipated NSE IPO, which opened for subscription on September 17.

    No Proposal Received from NSE

    Speaking on the sidelines of the NaBFID Infrastructure Conclave 2026, Pandey stated that no such letter has been submitted by NSE. “No, there is no such letter, and there is no such requirement,” he said, adding that such trading is not currently allowed. The clarification comes as NSE begins its three-day IPO subscription period, which remains open until September 21.

    NSE IPO Opens for Subscription

    The NSE IPO is valued at Rs 22,569 crore and consists entirely of an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 12.64 crore equity shares held by existing shareholders. The price band is set at Rs 1,700–1,785 per share. Since the IPO is fully an OFS, NSE will not receive any proceeds from the sale; after deducting expenses, the funds will go to the selling shareholders. Shares are expected to list on the BSE on September 24.

    NSE’s public offering arrives after a prolonged wait for India’s largest stock exchange to enter the listed market. The exchange has led the country in cash-market and equity-derivatives turnover from FY01 to FY26. As of June 2026, NSE had 132.4 million unique registered investors, 1,328 trading members, and 3,005 listed entities, with a market capitalization of approximately Rs 474.1 trillion.

    SEBI to Examine UPI MDR Concerns

    During the interaction, Pandey also addressed concerns raised by brokers and asset management companies regarding the new UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). “I think there are some important issues there. We will certainly look into it and see how we can ease them,” he said. The government recently introduced a 0.4% MDR on eligible UPI merchant transactions above Rs 2,000, capped at Rs 300 for transactions of Rs 75,000 and above, marking a shift from the zero-MDR framework in place since January 2020.

  • Adobe Reaches 7.8 Million Students and Teachers Across India with Expanded AI and Digital Skills Programs

    Adobe Reaches 7.8 Million Students and Teachers Across India with Expanded AI and Digital Skills Programs

    Adobe is scaling up its AI and digital skills initiatives across India, aiming to reach 7.8 million students and teachers by 2026. The company is collaborating with seven state governments, UNICEF, and several learning platforms to equip learners with the skills needed for an AI-driven economy.

    The school program covers Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Assam, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu. Adobe will provide Adobe Express for Education along with Digital Academy resources that focus on creative problem-solving and AI-assisted content creation. Teacher training is also a key component, helping educators integrate digital creativity and AI activities into everyday classroom learning.

    Adobe stated that the initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy and the growing demand for future-ready digital skills. “Through this partnership, we’re bringing classroom-ready AI tools like Adobe Express directly into schools,” said Mala Sharma, Adobe’s Global Vice President and General Manager for Education.

    The program will extend across PM SHRI, CM SHRI, KGBV, and Kendriya Vidyalaya school networks in participating states. Adobe’s partnership with UNICEF adds another pathway for young learners seeking practical creative and AI-enabled skills.

    Nearly 400,000 young people in India have already accessed these programs through UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited partnership. More than 375,000 learners have completed Adobe’s Design Fundamentals with AI course, according to Adobe.

    Adobe also became the inaugural partner of Generation Unlimited’s Creative Academy, initially focusing on India and Brazil. The Creative Academy aims to connect digital skills training with employment, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities for young people.

    Adobe Digital Academy courses are now available on Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube, and IBM SkillsBuild. IBM SkillsBuild offers self-paced courses and six-week Guided Learning Experiences with facilitator support and practical activities.

    The curriculum is expanding into digital marketing, content creation, and AI-powered creative workflows. Adobe’s wider India push includes free access to Photoshop, Acrobat, and Firefly through accredited higher education institutions.

    The company also works with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime to provide free AI-focused courses and industry-relevant certifications. Adobe expects to reach three million learners globally during 2026 and targets 30 million learners by 2030.

    India’s program places practical creativity alongside AI literacy, creating a broader route into digital and creative careers.

  • Digital Life Insurance in India 2026: How to Buy Online, File Claims, and Choose the Best Plan

    Digital Life Insurance in India 2026: How to Buy Online, File Claims, and Choose the Best Plan

    Buying life insurance online in India has become a streamlined process that can often be completed in a single afternoon. This article explains how the digital journey works, what to verify, and which Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI) plans are available online.

    How Has Buying Life Insurance Changed?

    A decade ago, purchasing life insurance in India typically began with a relative who happened to be an agent and ended with a policy chosen largely on trust. In 2026, the process increasingly starts with a question typed into a search bar or asked of an AI assistant, ending with a policy issued the same afternoon without a single physical form. Buyers now routinely arrive at an insurer’s website already knowing claim settlement ratios and having compared term insurance options across the market. The information gap that once defined the agent-customer relationship has substantially narrowed.

    How Fast Is Policy Issuance Now?

    Behind the scenes, the machinery has been rebuilt. Digital KYC and video verification have eliminated the paperwork that once stretched issuance into weeks. Tele-medical underwriting has replaced clinic visits for a large share of proposals. Data-driven risk models assess applications using declared health data and financial profiles, issuing straightforward policies in hours and routing only complex cases to human underwriters. For buyers, the practical effect is that the gap between deciding and being covered—historically where many purchases quietly lapsed—has collapsed into a single sitting.

    What Has Changed in Claims?

    Nothing matters more in life insurance than the claim. Digital claim intimation, document upload via app, automated verification, and analytics-driven fraud detection have shortened settlement timelines. The regulator’s public disclosures let any buyer verify an insurer’s record before purchasing. ABSLI settled 98.86%* of individual death claims in FY 2025-26, as per annual audited figures submitted to IRDAI. The ABSLI Super Term Plan also carries an Instant Payment on Claim feature, under which an accelerated payment is made within one working day of claim registration where mandatory documents are submitted and policy conditions are met.

    Which ABSLI Plans Can You Buy Online?

    Product design has followed the data. Term plans now come with modular riders that can be attached or dropped. Unit-linked plans offer automated investment strategies that rebalance with age. Premium payment, fund switching, and partial withdrawals happen through digital servicing. The economics have shifted too: GST is not applicable on individual life insurance premiums, which lowers the effective cost across life insurance plans.

    What Has Not Changed?

    • Honest disclosure at purchase remains the single biggest determinant of a paid claim. No digital process forgives a concealed medical history.
    • Cover adequacy is still a human judgement. Cover of 10 to 15 times annual income is the enduring benchmark that no premium-minimising interface should talk you out of.
    • The insurer’s financial strength still matters more than its app rating, because the promise being bought may need honouring decades from now.

    Key Takeaways

    • Digital KYC, video verification, and tele-medical underwriting have compressed policy issuance from weeks to hours for straightforward cases.
    • ABSLI Super Term Plan can be bought online and offers three plan options with a minimum sum assured of Rs 25,00,000.
    • ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan offers in-app fund switching across 21 segregated funds.
    • ABSLI Smart Wealth Pension Plan offers four investment strategies, including automated age-based rebalancing.
    • Cover of 10 to 15 times annual income remains the widely used benchmark.
    • GST is not applicable on individual life insurance premiums.
    • ABSLI settled 98.86%* of individual death claims in FY 2025-26.

    Disclaimers:

    *Individual death claim settlement ratio of 98.86% for FY 2025-26, as per annual audited figures submitted to IRDAI. Tax benefits are subject to prevailing tax laws and conditions. Instant Payment on Claim is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Please read product brochures carefully before concluding a sale. In this policy, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Linked insurance products are different from traditional insurance products and are subject to risk factors. The premium paid in linked insurance policies is subject to investment risks associated with capital markets. The NAVs of the units may go up or down based on the performance of the fund and factors influencing the capital market, and the insured is responsible for his/her decisions. The linked insurance products do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. ABSLI is only the name of the Life Insurance Company, and ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan is only the name of the linked insurance contract and does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. The various funds offered under this contract are the names of the funds and do not in any way indicate the quality of these plans, their future prospects and returns. Past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

    Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited, Registered with Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (IRDAI) as Life Insurance Company. Registered Office: One World Center Tower 1, 16th Floor, Jupiter Mill Compound, 841, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road, Mumbai – 400013. Toll free no. 1800-270-7000. https://lifeinsurance.adityabirlacapital.com/ | care.lifeinsurance@adityabirlacapital.com | CIN: U99999MH2000PLC128110 | Registration No. 109.

    “BEWARE OF SPURIOUS PHONE CALLS AND FICTITIOUS / FRAUDULENT OFFERS” IRDAI or its officials do not involve in activities like selling insurance policies, announcing bonus or investment of premiums. Public receiving such phone calls are requested to lodge a police complaint.

  • India’s Deep Tech Rise: Lino Gandola on Investment, Talent, and the Future of Frontier Technology

    India’s Deep Tech Rise: Lino Gandola on Investment, Talent, and the Future of Frontier Technology

    India’s Deep Tech Momentum

    India is entering a transformative phase in deep technology, with artificial intelligence, space tech, robotics, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing driving change. Strong government backing, a skilled workforce, and global investment are fueling opportunities for Indian tech companies.

    In a recent episode of Analytics Insight Conversations, host Priya Dayalani sat down with Lino Gandola, co-founder of Riceberg Ventures, to explore India’s deep tech ascent, investment trends, and the future of frontier technology.

    Building a Global Deep Tech Fund

    Gandola explained that Riceberg Ventures is an early-stage deep tech fund investing across India, Europe, and the US, primarily at pre-seed and seed stages — sometimes before a company is even incorporated. The firm’s global approach recognizes that breakthrough tech can emerge from any hub, not just Silicon Valley.

    Why Deep Tech Now?

    Gandola noted that ChatGPT fundamentally altered the software landscape, making traditional software investing less attractive and pushing investors toward deep tech. For him, deep tech isn’t just better hardware; it’s about breakthrough technologies that can transform industries — citing fusion energy as an example of a technology with the potential to reshape energy and global supply chains.

    India’s Deep Tech Potential

    Talent is India’s greatest strength, according to Gandola. The country has a highly educated, ambitious workforce, and many Indians already lead global tech companies. He sees a growing trend of talent returning to India to build companies. Progress in the space sector — recent orbital launches and Chandrayaan-3 — is also shifting mindsets, showing that ambitious tech can be developed in India.

    Policy and Global Trends

    Government support has become crucial. The space sector, once closed to private players, now allows 100% foreign direct investment. Meanwhile, the China-plus-one strategy is bringing manufacturing and supply-chain opportunities to India, boosting its broader tech ecosystem.

    The Next Inflection Point

    Gandola pointed to industrial robotics as a technology nearing an inflection point. While humanoid household robots may still be distant, robots handling routine factory tasks could become common as companies invest heavily in the space.

  • 7 Affordable Electric Cars Under ₹20 Lakh in India for 2026

    7 Affordable Electric Cars Under ₹20 Lakh in India for 2026

    The Indian electric vehicle market continues to expand, with several compelling options available under ₹20 lakh in 2026. Here are seven standout models offering a mix of range, features, and value for various driving needs.

    Tata Punch EV

    Starting at around ₹9.69 lakh, the Tata Punch EV remains one of the most accessible electric SUVs in India. It offers two battery options: 30 kWh and 40 kWh. The larger battery delivers a claimed range of up to 468 km, making it suitable for city commutes and occasional highway trips.

    Tata Nexon EV

    Priced from approximately ₹12.49 lakh, the Tata Nexon EV blends a compact SUV design with solid range and practical features. Battery choices include 30 kWh and 45 kWh packs, with the larger unit offering a claimed 489 km range.

    MG Windsor EV

    The MG Windsor EV features a spacious cabin and crossover styling. Its 52.9 kWh battery version achieves a claimed range of up to 449 km. Prices start around ₹14 lakh, with top variants staying under ₹20 lakh depending on the purchase plan.

    Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

    Mahindra’s electric compact SUV uses a 39.4 kWh battery with a claimed range of up to 456 km. Starting at ₹13.89 lakh, it comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS, connected car technology, and a premium audio system.

    Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

    The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara brings the brand’s familiar SUV DNA to EVs, available with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options. The larger pack claims up to 543 km range. Entry variants start around ₹15.99 lakh, fitting comfortably within the budget.

    Tata Tiago EV

    For those seeking an affordable city EV, the Tata Tiago EV starts at just ₹6.99 lakh. It offers 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh batteries, with claimed ranges of 226 km and 285 km respectively—ideal for daily urban driving.

    Mahindra BE 6

    The performance-focused Mahindra BE 6 starts at roughly ₹19 lakh, with battery variants that can deliver a claimed range up to 683 km. Its modern styling, strong performance, and tech-rich cabin make it a feature-packed choice near the budget ceiling.

  • TRAI Investigates Airtel and Jio Complaints Over Vodafone Idea’s Porting Incentives

    TRAI Investigates Airtel and Jio Complaints Over Vodafone Idea’s Porting Incentives

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced it will review formal complaints filed by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio against Vodafone Idea. The complaints allege that Vodafone Idea offered special tariff benefits to customers who port their mobile numbers from rival networks, a practice the complainants argue violates regulatory guidelines.

    TRAI Chairman AK Lahoti confirmed on September 14 that the regulator received representations from the telecom operators and will examine the matter before deciding on further action. The regulator has not yet made any finding of wrongdoing against Vodafone Idea.

    What Airtel and Jio Have Alleged

    The core of the dispute centers on tariff benefits that were allegedly promoted exclusively for customers moving their numbers from Airtel or Jio to Vodafone Idea. Airtel and Jio contend that such offers incentivize switching and are not permitted under current rules. One complaint, sent to TRAI on September 2, explicitly asked the regulator to direct Vodafone Idea to cease promotional communications tied to these offers and to submit a compliance report confirming that all related advertisements, campaigns, and sales practices have been withdrawn.

    The issue revolves around Mobile Number Portability (MNP), which allows users to change operators while keeping their existing numbers, making it easier for operators to target customers already on a rival network. TRAI has previously taken a stance against tariff benefits offered exclusively to porting-in customers, stating in an earlier order that such pricing could amount to discriminatory tariff treatment under Clause 10 of the Telecommunication Tariff Order, 1999.

    Vodafone Idea Responds

    Vodafone Idea has denied any violation of rules. A company spokesperson said, “The company believes in fair competition and the strength of its products and the value delivered to customers, and that it conducts its business in compliance with the law.”

    TRAI did not specify what action it may take next. Lahoti also did not indicate whether the regulator would seek additional information from Vodafone Idea or convene discussions with the three operators. The matter remains at the complaint and review stage, with no final determination made.

  • How Apple’s Price Hikes Are Driving Refurbished iPhone Demand in India

    How Apple’s Price Hikes Are Driving Refurbished iPhone Demand in India

    Apple’s latest iPhone price increases in India are pushing more consumers toward refurbished models, as the widening gap between new and pre-owned devices makes older iPhones a more attractive entry point into the Apple ecosystem. With the iPhone 17 starting at ₹99,900 — a 21% jump — and the 1TB iPhone Air soaring 41% to ₹2,24,900, buyers are increasingly looking for certified second-hand options.

    Higher iPhone Prices Could Lift Refurbished Demand

    Refurbished marketplace Cashify expects the latest iPhone launch to significantly boost trade-ins and demand for older devices. The company forecasts a sharp rise in buybacks during the first 30 days after launch, accelerating over 60 to 90 days as more used units enter the resale channel. Festive-season discounts, exchange offers, and broader availability could further sweeten the deal for consumers unwilling to spend nearly ₹1 lakh on a base-model iPhone. Certified refurbished phones, which come with testing, grading, and warranty support, are likely to gain particular traction.

    Counterpoint Research data underscores the trend: refurbished smartphone sales in India grew 13% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while new smartphone sales declined about 11%. Analyst Prachir Singh noted that “rising memory costs are changing the value equation for consumers,” making refurbished devices a cheaper route to high-end features.

    iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16 May Draw More Buyers

    Cashify anticipates strong growth in buybacks for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series as owners upgrade, increasing the supply of these models in the refurbished market. Older models remain key: the iPhone 13 accounted for 6.93% of smartphone buybacks on Cashify but made up 15.5% of refurbished demand, ranking as the platform’s best-selling refurbished iPhone and most frequently traded-in model. Counterpoint also highlights the iPhone 13 as a preferred refurbished choice in India.

    The iPhone 16 may initially command a higher price in the refurbished segment due to its resale value, but as more units reach the second-hand market, buyers will see a wider price range across generations.

    Certification, Battery Health May Shape Buying Decisions

    Higher demand for refurbished iPhones puts a premium on device quality. Buyers are likely to scrutinize battery health, warranty terms, repair history, physical condition, and testing records before purchasing. Organized refurbishers that test, repair, and certify devices stand to benefit, though local second-hand sellers still dominate — Counterpoint data shows specialized platforms handle only about 20% of second-hand phone sales.

    As new iPhones become more expensive, previous-generation devices offer a lower entry price for consumers who still want an iPhone. The ultimate trajectory of refurbished iPhone demand in India will hinge on availability, resale pricing, festive offers, and buyer confidence in certified devices.

  • India’s Consumer Regulator Investigates Apple Over iOS 18 iPhone Failures and Repair Costs

    India’s Consumer Regulator Investigates Apple Over iOS 18 iPhone Failures and Repair Costs

    India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has escalated its probe into Apple over alleged iPhone problems linked to iOS 18. The regulator ordered a detailed investigation on July 29 after receiving complaints about display and microphone failures, and it will now examine whether Apple unfairly shifted repair costs onto consumers.

    What triggered the CCPA investigation?

    The case began after users reported green, pink, and white lines appearing on iPhone screens following the iOS 18 update. Some affected owners said they had to pay for display replacements and other repairs. The CCPA noted that an iPhone 15 screen repair could cost around Rs. 27,900 — more than one-third of the handset’s retail price.

    Warranty terms under scrutiny

    Apple’s limited warranty covers hardware, while its software license excludes software defects. The investigation will assess whether that exclusion remains fair if Apple’s own update allegedly triggers device problems. The CCPA has said the complaints may involve consumer rights violations.

    Apple defends iOS 18 and its warranty approach

    Apple disputed the allegations, saying iOS 18 has no systemic problems in India and that it found no safety concerns linked to the update. In an August response, Apple noted that the case involved only 75 complaints and that about 11% of iPhones still ran iOS 18 by June 2026. The company also said users received information about software terms before installing the update.

    Apple also cautioned against treating every software fault as a warranty breach, arguing that such rules could turn software providers into insurers against technological risks.

    Potential outcomes

    The investigation could lead to document requests, hearings, and a final regulatory report. If violations are established, Apple could face financial penalties, refunds, or changes to its business practices. Any changes to warranty terms could also set a significant consumer protection precedent.

    Why it matters for India

    The case comes as Apple expands its manufacturing footprint and market presence in India. The company’s iPhone share in India reached 9% last year, compared with 4% in 2022. The outcome could influence how software-related device failures receive warranty protection across India’s smartphone market.

  • Oracle Layoffs in India: 1,500 Mid-to-Senior Staff Affected as Company Pivots to AI

    Oracle Layoffs in India: 1,500 Mid-to-Senior Staff Affected as Company Pivots to AI

    Oracle has initiated another round of layoffs in India, reportedly affecting 1,000 to 1,500 employees, primarily mid-to-senior-level staff in web development and maintenance roles. The cuts began on Monday, September 14, and are part of the company’s broader global restructuring aimed at reallocating resources toward artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, and data centers.

    According to reports, the layoffs have also impacted senior employees at Oracle Financial Services Software. However, Oracle has not officially confirmed the number of employees affected or provided details on the impact to its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure teams in India.

    This latest round follows multiple workforce reductions earlier in 2026, as Oracle ramps up investment in AI infrastructure. In the fiscal year ending May 2026, the company reduced its global workforce by approximately 21,000 employees. Oracle’s capital expenditure reached $55.7 billion in fiscal 2026, with a significant portion directed toward data center expansion.

    The layoffs signal a strategic shift in Oracle’s priorities, with the company focusing on high-growth areas like cloud computing and AI, while scaling back traditional web development and product engineering teams. As demand for AI and cloud services grows, Oracle is raising additional funds to support its plans.

    Industry observers note that the restructuring reflects a changing skill demand within the company, as it builds more data centers and expands its cloud business. The exact number of affected employees in India remains unverified, and no official statement has been issued by Oracle regarding the layoffs.

  • Oracle Layoffs 2026: Thousands of Indian Employees Hit by 6 AM Termination Emails as AI Strategy Reshapes Workforce

    Oracle Layoffs 2026: Thousands of Indian Employees Hit by 6 AM Termination Emails as AI Strategy Reshapes Workforce

    Oracle has launched a new wave of layoffs affecting its global workforce, with Indian employees in Bengaluru and Hyderabad receiving termination notices at around 6 AM local time. The cuts, which began in the United States on September 14 and expanded to India the following day, are part of a broader organizational shift toward artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure.

    Industry estimates suggest that between 1,000 and 3,000 Indian staff members, primarily in product engineering teams, may lose their jobs. Oracle has not confirmed the exact figures, but the restructuring comes on top of earlier reductions in 2026 that already trimmed the global workforce by approximately 21,000 employees.

    Employees reported losing access to company systems—including email, voicemail, and internal files—before receiving formal termination emails. The messages, reportedly signed by Oracle Leadership, stated simply: “Today is your last working day.” Affected staff were then instructed to provide personal email addresses to receive separation documents and severance details.

    The severance package for U.S. employees reportedly includes four weeks of base salary plus an additional week for each completed year of service. Indian packages vary, with employees discussing different settlement terms on internal forums and social media.

    The layoffs have been particularly jarring for long-tenured staff. LinkedIn posts highlighted employees with 12 years and even 33 years of service among those affected. One widely shared post from Pooja Sahu described her husband Sourabh losing his Oracle role after 12 years.

    Oracle recorded roughly 141,000 employees at the end of fiscal 2026, down about 13% from earlier in the year. The company also reported approximately $1.8 billion in restructuring expenses for fiscal 2026. In September, Oracle raised its estimated total restructuring costs by $700 million to around $2.8 billion, covering severance and exit costs.

    The increased spending reflects Oracle’s heavy investment in AI data centers and cloud infrastructure. The company maintained a capital expenditure forecast of $90 billion to $95 billion for fiscal 2027, with quarterly capex reported at $28.5 billion. The latest layoffs are thus directly tied to Oracle’s strategic pivot away from traditional product engineering and toward AI-focused infrastructure.