After the bruising general election, India’s new government got down to the business of preparing the Union Budget. Much is expected of the Narendra Modi regime, which projected a pro-business, pro-reform image throughout the campaign.
While reactions to the Budget were mixed, it did include two important policy changes. Foreign direct investment norms for insurance and defence manufacturing were changed to attract more foreign players. Both sectors have been touchy topics, with battlelines drawn between those for liberalised investment norms and those in favour of a more conservative approach.
Whatever the merits of each argument, it’s clear that a long, hard road lies ahead on the economic front and these are the first steps of a fledgling government of which much is expected. There will be other, tougher decisions to make – reducing subsidies, a simpler tax regime that protects states’ interests and a land acquisition policy that will spur industrial growth while conserving land-owners’ interests, to name just a few.
With this edition, MSLGROUP’s Public Affairs Round-up takes on a new look and structure too. Now onwards, PAR will be a quarterly. It will have more detailed analyses and content than its earlier avatar, and will incorporate commentary and data that is more relevant to you.
MSLGROUP’s insights team will play the role of an observer of the Indian economic and policy environment, and will provide analyses that we hope will benefit you and your business. As always, we look forward to your feedback.
The opening up of the Indian insurance market to private players, a little over five years ago, was heralded as a gold rush. This was despite government’s knee jerk approach to the liberalisation agenda and somewhat distorted roll out of events.
July 2015 Edition of BEACON, A Monthly Newsletter by SIMCON.
Inside this issue:
About Us
Our Team
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS : Insurance Industry
COMPANY ANALYSIS : Reliance - General & Life Insurance
BRAND ANALYSIS : Walt Disney
Concept of the month: Rule of 3 and 4
Indian Insurance Industry: Reaching out to Exponential Growth Resurgent India
From Insurance being seen as a basic protection instrument against expected losses, the Indian Insurance industry has surely come a long way to become an absolute critical driver of economic prosperity and growth. The sector has helped account for risks; provide funds for capital intensive national building efforts besides lending social security to the citizens. Over a period of decade and a half, the industry has witnessed phases of spurt growth and moderation, intensifying competition and expansion of customer and geographic coverage.
The current book provides and analyse the existing insurance market in India. It is a throughout study of Indian insurance with exact data archived from IRDA and Trustworthy Financial institute of India.
This book Provides the complete specification and integration required to reach the vision 2025 in prudent understanding.
The Case for Increasing FDI Caps in Insurance
The history of India’s political economy is replete with missed opportunities. The approach to growth and investment has been often stranded in the many romantic notions of selfreliance and what constitutes national interest. In every
decade since Independence, the approach to foreign direct investment has been influenced by a mistrust triggered by a colonial hangover. Every time India has opened its doors – or windows if you please – to foreign investment, it has been characterised by gradualism in the wake of much opposition. The debates around opening or expanding FDI are similar – as it was when telecom or banking opened up for foreign investment. What is important to recognise is that every such initiative has been beneficial, delivering greater common good.
Higher economic growth is driven by competition and consumer choice. Competition drives efficiency and efficiency drives growth. This is true of every country that has done well economically. It is also true of India since 1991, in segments where competition has been introduced. Any attempt to artificially introduce protection always has costs. Inefficient producers are protected, but at the expense of consumers. Consumers suffer from higher prices,bad service and limited choice. This is straightforward under-graduate economic theory. The gains to inefficient producers are more than neutralized by losses to consumers, leading to an overall deadweight welfare loss to the country.
In this argument, the colour of the competition, whether it is domestic or foreign, does not matter. In addition, there is the macroeconomic argument about a current account deficit having to be met through capital account inflows and non-debt-creating FDI inflows are preferable to debt-creating capital inflows. While these broad arguments about competition and FDI are accepted, the question to ask is, why should the insurance sector not be subject to these compelling arguments? Is there anything special about insurance that rational arguments should not be applied to
this sector? In every sector where India has opened up to FDI, be it manufacturing or be it services, two propositions are empirically evident. First, liberalization helps consumers. Second, fears about inefficient producers being eliminated are also vastly exaggerated.
Instead, producers of goods and services adapt and survive, based on access to capital, technology, knowhow, improved management practices and customer orientation. Therefore, protection not only harms the cause of consumers, it also harms the cause of producers. There is no reason why insurance should be treated differently. And economic logic and rationale should not be conditional on whether one is within the government or is in opposition.
The opening up of the Indian insurance market to private players, a little over five years ago, was heralded as a gold rush. This was despite government’s knee jerk approach to the liberalisation agenda and somewhat distorted roll out of events.
July 2015 Edition of BEACON, A Monthly Newsletter by SIMCON.
Inside this issue:
About Us
Our Team
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS : Insurance Industry
COMPANY ANALYSIS : Reliance - General & Life Insurance
BRAND ANALYSIS : Walt Disney
Concept of the month: Rule of 3 and 4
Indian Insurance Industry: Reaching out to Exponential Growth Resurgent India
From Insurance being seen as a basic protection instrument against expected losses, the Indian Insurance industry has surely come a long way to become an absolute critical driver of economic prosperity and growth. The sector has helped account for risks; provide funds for capital intensive national building efforts besides lending social security to the citizens. Over a period of decade and a half, the industry has witnessed phases of spurt growth and moderation, intensifying competition and expansion of customer and geographic coverage.
The current book provides and analyse the existing insurance market in India. It is a throughout study of Indian insurance with exact data archived from IRDA and Trustworthy Financial institute of India.
This book Provides the complete specification and integration required to reach the vision 2025 in prudent understanding.
The Case for Increasing FDI Caps in Insurance
The history of India’s political economy is replete with missed opportunities. The approach to growth and investment has been often stranded in the many romantic notions of selfreliance and what constitutes national interest. In every
decade since Independence, the approach to foreign direct investment has been influenced by a mistrust triggered by a colonial hangover. Every time India has opened its doors – or windows if you please – to foreign investment, it has been characterised by gradualism in the wake of much opposition. The debates around opening or expanding FDI are similar – as it was when telecom or banking opened up for foreign investment. What is important to recognise is that every such initiative has been beneficial, delivering greater common good.
Higher economic growth is driven by competition and consumer choice. Competition drives efficiency and efficiency drives growth. This is true of every country that has done well economically. It is also true of India since 1991, in segments where competition has been introduced. Any attempt to artificially introduce protection always has costs. Inefficient producers are protected, but at the expense of consumers. Consumers suffer from higher prices,bad service and limited choice. This is straightforward under-graduate economic theory. The gains to inefficient producers are more than neutralized by losses to consumers, leading to an overall deadweight welfare loss to the country.
In this argument, the colour of the competition, whether it is domestic or foreign, does not matter. In addition, there is the macroeconomic argument about a current account deficit having to be met through capital account inflows and non-debt-creating FDI inflows are preferable to debt-creating capital inflows. While these broad arguments about competition and FDI are accepted, the question to ask is, why should the insurance sector not be subject to these compelling arguments? Is there anything special about insurance that rational arguments should not be applied to
this sector? In every sector where India has opened up to FDI, be it manufacturing or be it services, two propositions are empirically evident. First, liberalization helps consumers. Second, fears about inefficient producers being eliminated are also vastly exaggerated.
Instead, producers of goods and services adapt and survive, based on access to capital, technology, knowhow, improved management practices and customer orientation. Therefore, protection not only harms the cause of consumers, it also harms the cause of producers. There is no reason why insurance should be treated differently. And economic logic and rationale should not be conditional on whether one is within the government or is in opposition.
October 2016 Edition of BEACON, A Monthly Newsletter by SIMCON.
Inside this issue:
About Us
Our Team
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS : Insurance
Brand Analysis: Bata
Case Study Analysis: Ola
Concept of the month: Bug Bounty
Guest Lecture by Devang Mehta
Indian Insurance Industry - Recent Industry Trends - Part - 5Resurgent India
Bancassurance means selling insurance product through banks. Banks and insurance company come up in a partnership wherein the bank sells the tied insurance company's insurance products to its clients. Globally, bancassurance has emerged as an important channel for distribution of insurance products. Various international studies have shown that a bancassurance strategy has indeed saved costs of insurance companies in the long run.
CBIZ Banking & Financial Services Quarterly Newsletter - Aug 2020CBIZ, Inc.
The August issue of CBIZ's Banking & Financial Services Newsletter includes a conversation with Lori Bettinger, Co-president of Alliance Partners and President of BancAlliance, on the banking sector and opportunity to make loans across other industry sectors. Also covered are underwriter questions to expect with your insurance renewal in this hard market and 8 potential COVID-19 employment liability claims. As always, links to several additional resources and webinars included.
Insurance valuation in china by daxue consultingDaxue Consulting
With support from Asian Risks Management Services Co. Ltd. (ARMS) we are happy to share our new report on insurance valuation in China.
Overview of the insurance valuation market, insurance valuation allows accurate appraisal of corporate assets’ value through various methods aiming at determining the true replacement cost of insured assets This then allows insurance companies to accurately bill policyholders There are a large number of contributing factors making assets’ net book value unreliable for insurance valuations.
The credit insurance market in China report by daxue consulting asian risksDaxue Consulting
Credit insurance in China is underdeveloped because of its special business model in terms of marketing and operation.
In this comprehensive report offered by daxue consulting, we learn 1) China's trade partners and value of imports and exports. 2) How credit insurance in China works and why companies need it. 3) Players in China's credit insurance market. 4) Challenges in the credit insurance market.
Infographic: World Cup Qualifiers: Sponsors on Social MediaMSL
Learn how sponsors of the run up to the World Cup performed on Social Media in September 2013. Among the sponsors, Wise Up was the leader of engagement in Brazil, followed closely by adidas and Emirates.
October 2016 Edition of BEACON, A Monthly Newsletter by SIMCON.
Inside this issue:
About Us
Our Team
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS : Insurance
Brand Analysis: Bata
Case Study Analysis: Ola
Concept of the month: Bug Bounty
Guest Lecture by Devang Mehta
Indian Insurance Industry - Recent Industry Trends - Part - 5Resurgent India
Bancassurance means selling insurance product through banks. Banks and insurance company come up in a partnership wherein the bank sells the tied insurance company's insurance products to its clients. Globally, bancassurance has emerged as an important channel for distribution of insurance products. Various international studies have shown that a bancassurance strategy has indeed saved costs of insurance companies in the long run.
CBIZ Banking & Financial Services Quarterly Newsletter - Aug 2020CBIZ, Inc.
The August issue of CBIZ's Banking & Financial Services Newsletter includes a conversation with Lori Bettinger, Co-president of Alliance Partners and President of BancAlliance, on the banking sector and opportunity to make loans across other industry sectors. Also covered are underwriter questions to expect with your insurance renewal in this hard market and 8 potential COVID-19 employment liability claims. As always, links to several additional resources and webinars included.
Insurance valuation in china by daxue consultingDaxue Consulting
With support from Asian Risks Management Services Co. Ltd. (ARMS) we are happy to share our new report on insurance valuation in China.
Overview of the insurance valuation market, insurance valuation allows accurate appraisal of corporate assets’ value through various methods aiming at determining the true replacement cost of insured assets This then allows insurance companies to accurately bill policyholders There are a large number of contributing factors making assets’ net book value unreliable for insurance valuations.
The credit insurance market in China report by daxue consulting asian risksDaxue Consulting
Credit insurance in China is underdeveloped because of its special business model in terms of marketing and operation.
In this comprehensive report offered by daxue consulting, we learn 1) China's trade partners and value of imports and exports. 2) How credit insurance in China works and why companies need it. 3) Players in China's credit insurance market. 4) Challenges in the credit insurance market.
Infographic: World Cup Qualifiers: Sponsors on Social MediaMSL
Learn how sponsors of the run up to the World Cup performed on Social Media in September 2013. Among the sponsors, Wise Up was the leader of engagement in Brazil, followed closely by adidas and Emirates.
An Update on the Brazil Election - September 2014MSL
On 13 August, 2014 in a tragic event a private plane carrying one of the Brazilian presidential candidates crashed, killing all of those on board. As a result, a popular politician who was blocked from running for President due to missing a few signatures on her application form and instead became a VP candidate, stepped into the void as a new national Presidential candidate and has transformed the election dynamics and polls.
For more information connect with MSLGROUP's Latin America contact: Josh Shapiro josh.shapiro@mslgroup.com or share your feedback with us on twitter @msl_group
Understanding Brazil's 2014 Presidential Election: The Parties Candidates and...MSL
The present political situation in Brazil is unpredictable. While it is difficult to forecast a possible winner for the Presidential election, there is consensus that regardless of who wins, there will be no drastic changes in Brazil's international relations.
President Dilma Rousseff's Workers’ Party (PT) will face tough competition from the opposition’s Aécio Neves representing the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) and Eduardo Campos of the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB). Experts believe that the election is expected to go to a second round between President Rousseff and Neves.
Our report details nine key issues to understand & monitor in this Brazilian elections:
• The Brazilian economy
• Family Benefit
• World Cup
• Lula Factor
• Public Demonstrations
• Free Party Political Broadcast
• Monthly Payment Scandal
• Debates &
• Party Alliances
MSLGROUP, Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications network, was founded in 2009. Follow our journey through the past 5 years with these milestones. Join our celebrations with the hashtag #MSLGROUPTurns5 on Twitter!
Public Affairs Round-up - September 2014 - MSLGROUPAshraf Engineer
After the bruising general election, India’s new government got down to the business of preparing the Union Budget. Much was expected of the Narendra Modi regime, which projected a pro-business, pro-reform image throughout the campaign.
While reactions to the Budget were mixed, it did include two important policy changes. Investment norms for insurance and defence manufacturing were changed to attract more foreign players. Both sectors have been touchy topics, with battlelines drawn between those for liberalised investment norms and those in favour of a more conservative approach.
It’s clear that a long, hard road lies ahead on the economic front and that these are the first steps of a fledgling government of which much is expected. There will be other, tougher decisions to make – reducing subsidies, a simpler tax regime that protects states’ interests and a land acquisition policy that will spur industrial growth while conserving land-owners’ interests, to name just a few.
With this edition, MSLGROUP’s Public Affairs Round-up takes on a new look and structure too. Now onwards, PAR will be a quarterly. It will have more detailed analyses and content than its earlier avatar, and will incorporate commentary and data that is more relevant to you.
MSLGROUP’s insights team will play the role of an observer of the Indian economic and policy environment, and will provide analyses that we hope will benefit you.
CII-EY report titled Insurer of the Future reveals that technology will power the new wave of change for the Indian Insurance Industry. The report recommends pursuing technology to improve the traditional insurance process and to re-configure the insurance business model.
RBSA-RR-Demystifying Life Insurance Industry in India (1).pdfRBSA Advisors
RBSA Advisors is delighted to share its recent research on the Life Insurance sector in India. Pandemic across the nation had impacted the country's overall financial system. The unprecedented nature of this crisis created difficult circumstances, including economic shutdowns. The year 2020 was a watershed year in the Insurance sector. Insurer were forced to rethink their business operations leading to enormous changes in the industry. Currently, life insurance industry is at crossroad.
Through this report we are demystifying the life insurance industry in India and sharing our views on the industry outlook.
MEDICI's new India InsurTech Report 2020 explores the InsurTech sector in India. The report delves into what drives transformation in the sector, regulatory initiatives, funding & investment activity, prominent players, and business models.
MEDICI's new India InsurTech Report 2020 explores the InsurTech sector in India. The report delves into what drives transformation in the sector, regulatory initiatives, funding & investment activity, prominent players, and business models.
In this exclusive edition of “The 10 Most Recommended Insurance Solution Providers in 2019. These companies are the torchbearers in strengthening and expanding the insurance services into every corner of the country.
The present book is a great step in forward direction of Indian Insurance sector ; and I have no doubt that after studying this book in detail and getting through the examination successfully, the insurance agent will gain substantially in accomplishing the tasks that are assigned to him or her. I would keenly look forward to its huge success in the Indian insurance domain in the days to come.
Investment Insurance - Prospects of insurance sector in indiaGaurav Kadam
Investment Insurance policy cum investment insurance plans from Bajaj Allianz that will help you secure your families future and see your investments grow steadily.
https://www.bajajallianz.com/Corp/investment-plans/investment-plans.jsp
Insights Success “The 10 Most Valuable Insurance Solution Providers in 2018” In this issue we have presented the leading Insurance Solution Providers delivering customized and innovative insurance services.
Is Technology Removing the ‘Care’ from Healthcare?MSL
We live in a digital age that is transforming healthcare. But, how does the industry need to adapt to fully engage in the digital future of the NHS?
New solutions are critical to embrace the benefits of improved digital technology in personalised care, while ensuring that patients are not marginalised in the process.
An enquiry led by US cardiologist, geneticist and digital medicine expert, Dr Eric Topol, explores how to support the deployment of digital healthcare technologies throughout the NHS.
MSL partnered with research firm Toluna to survey 1,846 marketing and communications leaders from Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom and the United States.
Powered by AI: Communications and Marketing in the Algorithm AgeMSL
MSL partnered with research firm Toluna to survey 1,846 marketing and communications leaders from Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Poland, UK and US. We partnered with our colleagues at sister agency Publicis.Sapient who are experts in counselling companies and brands on the AI revolution.
A look inside the endless debate between traditional and digital media.
For more information write to Joshua Gardner, Vice President & North American Lead, Global Energy Practice, MSL | joshua.gardner@mslgroup.com
SCOTUS Launches New Economy with Legalized Sports BettingMSL
In a 6-3 decision in the case Murphy vs. National Collegiate Athletic Association, SCOTUS ruled that because Congress exceeded its constitutional authority when it passed PAPSA. In essence, Congress tried to prohibit state legislatures from repealing their existing statues that outlawed sports betting. Under a line of Supreme Court precedent known as the anti-commandeering doctrine, federal efforts to coerce states into enforcing federal law are unconstitutional violations of the Tenth Amendment.
To say this is just the beginning would be cliché, but what SCOTUS has wrought with its decision will have lasting consequences that go far beyond sports betting.
Our current consumption patterns are stretched to breaking point. Few would argue the need to fix our systems. It’s how to manage an economically viable and just transition that is making heads ache.
[Salterbaxter Directions] Moving The Goal PostsMSL
Is your business goal-ready to move beyond 2020? Explore a new generation of emerging sustainability goals that are unlocking business returns and driving transformational change.
The food market will experience rapid evolution in 2018, according to sector experts at MSL. A broad array of technological innovations will make it easier to acquire and consume foods and beverages tailored to our specific food needs, speeds and philosophies.
These insights emerge from the MSL’s annual analysis of top food trends compiled by its highly specialized food marketing and PR team, appearing as a shareable infographic. In recent years the agency’s forecast has been viewed more than 100,000 times. Past forecasts have spotted the emergence of major marketplace successes, including turmeric, coconut, ugly produce, food waste reduction and coffee as an ingredient.
The Second Technology Revolution: How the PR Business Needs To Change Once AgainMSL
Not even a decade after the PR industry turned on its head when social media ushered in the Age of Influence, technology once again is causing brands, companies and organizations to rethink its communication in dramatic ways. This time machines that process data and artificial intelligence, combined with immersive technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, are creating new opportunities for “augmented influence” as well as giving communicators pause to manage a number of emerging new challenges from Machine Journalism to Artificial Influence.
SDG Signals - SBTribe Research by Salterbaxter MSLMSL
It’s been two years since the launch of the SDGs and the UN’s recent progress report highlights that support is uneven and needs to accelerate. New data sources, including
social media, continue to be vital tools to measure, monitor and report progress.
SDG Signals uncovers new insights about SDG communications online and which areas, people and brands are cutting through. We explore the overall SDG online conversation, providing clear opportunities for differentiation, with initial comparisons from the Technology and Food & Beverage sectors. Future editions will put the spotlight on other specific sectors and issue areas.
A joint initiative conducted by MSL and SPARK Neuro gives PR pros true cause for excitement. What was once only subjective – how much people are engaged with content and their emotional experience with it – can now be directly quantified by reading brain activity and other neurological responses.
For more information about Conversation2Commerce, email Erin.Lanuti@mslgroup.com or visit www.publicisC2C.com.
In PR2020, experts give us their perspective on what’s coming next in terms of tech disruptions, and how they believe this will impact the work we do. We explore influence, data, human science and machines, and our relation to them as communications professionals, business owners, governments, and human beings.
Write to us to start a conversation on how we can help you distill actionable insights and foresights from conversations and communities.
For more information contact Pascal Beucler, SVP & Chief Strategy Officer, Global, MSL (pascal.beucler@mslgroup.com) and Melanie Joe, Consultant – Research & Insights, MSL (melanie.joe@mslgroup.com)
[Salterbaxter Directions] Human Rights - The Time is NowMSL
Is your business up to speed on the risks and opportunities of human rights issues?
Learn from the early adopters of the UN Guiding Principles Reporting Framework and get ahead of the game.
For more information, connect with @salterbaxterMSL or reach out to us on Twitter @msl_group.
News in the Times of Digital - Indian Media TrendsMSL
The way India consumes news is changing in this digital age. 20:20 MSL's media trends infographic assesses Print v/s Online media consumption and how communications professionals can choose the right media mix through a structured approach.
Connect with our insights experts or share your feedback with us on Twitter @2020MSL and @msl_group.
To supplement Qorvis MSLGROUP's Guide to the Trump Administration, we have created a set of appendencies highlighting expected cabinet and staff appointments as of 12/1/2016.
Governing a Divided Nation - Insights about the 2016 U.S. Presidential ElectionMSL
Public affairs and policy experts from Qorvis MSLGROUP have compiled an extensive election coverage and analysis of how the new U.S. President and Congress will move forward after one of the most bitter campaigns in American history.
For more updates, follow @qorvis or reach out to us on Twitter @msl_group.
Each year, Directions takes an in-depth look at an area of sustainability and communications. This time, we’re delving into the quite sizeable gap that still exists between business and society. It’s not the void that interests us so much as the question of how it can be shrunk.
How do we move from just minding the gap to actually mending the gap?
For more information, connect with @salterbaxterMSL or reach out to us on Twitter @msl_group.
Qorvis MSLGROUP has created a comprehensive guide to the Trump Administration. This document provides a first look at the people and players behind the most unlikely presidential campaign in American history.
For each person mentioned here, we have included a bio, a photo, and representative institutions and organizations affiliated with that person, so that the reader may better understand the relationships that influence the people who in turn are influencing President Trump.
For real-time updates, follow @Qorvis or reach out to us on Twitter @msl_group.
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
A process server is a authorized person for delivering legal documents, such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other court papers, to peoples involved in legal proceedings.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Up the Ratios Bylaws - a Comprehensive Process of Our Organizationuptheratios
Up the Ratios is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM education for underprivileged students by providing free, high-quality learning opportunities in robotics and other STEM fields. Our mission is to empower the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers by offering a range of educational programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
At Up the Ratios, we believe that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's technology-driven world. To achieve this, we host a variety of free classes, workshops, summer camps, and live lectures tailored to students from underserved communities. Our programs are designed to be engaging and hands-on, allowing students to explore the exciting world of robotics and STEM through practical, real-world applications.
Our free classes cover fundamental concepts in robotics, coding, and engineering, providing students with a strong foundation in these critical areas. Through our interactive workshops, students can dive deeper into specific topics, working on projects that challenge them to apply what they've learned and think creatively. Our summer camps offer an immersive experience where students can collaborate on larger projects, develop their teamwork skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
In addition to our local programs, Up the Ratios is committed to making a global impact. We take donations of new and gently used robotics parts, which we then distribute to students and educational institutions in other countries. These donations help ensure that young learners worldwide have the resources they need to explore and excel in STEM fields. By supporting education in this way, we aim to nurture a global community of future leaders and innovators.
Our live lectures feature guest speakers from various STEM disciplines, including engineers, scientists, and industry professionals who share their knowledge and experiences with our students. These lectures provide valuable insights into potential career paths and inspire students to pursue their passions in STEM.
Up the Ratios relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue our work. Contributions of time, expertise, and financial support are crucial to sustaining our programs and expanding our reach. Whether you're an individual passionate about education, a professional in the STEM field, or a company looking to give back to the community, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
We are proud of the positive impact we've had on the lives of countless students, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. By providing these young minds with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we are not only changing their futures but also contributing to the advancement of technology and innovation on a broader scale.
1. inside
03 How FDI will impact
India’s insurance sector
07 India’s big move
05
September 2014 | Vol 2 | Issue 3
on defence 09 Back of the Book
1 Public A Round-up
FDI 49%
Insurance
Defence
A paradigm shift In insurance?
2. Viewpoint
The new new thing
It seems like a time for new beginnings. After a bruising
election fought in the heat and dust of the Indian
summer, a new government headed by Narendra Modi
was sworn in. The scale of victory was new too – a clear
majority, which the lower house of Parliament has not
witnessed for a generation. The huge number of first-time
voters enrolled – 120 million – was a first too, and their
new way of thinking and expectations played a role in the
end result.
It seems only right, then, for MSLGROUP’s Public Affairs
Round-up (PAR) to evolve a new look and structure too.
This edition onwards, PAR will be a quarterly. It will have
more detailed analyses and content than its earlier avatar,
and will incorporate commentary and data that is more
relevant to you.
In this edition, we look at the far-reaching implications of
the change in foreign direct investment (FDI) norms for
insurance and defence manufacturing. Both sectors have
been touchy topics, with battlelines drawn between those
for liberalised investment norms and those in favour of a
more conservative approach.
In both cases, critics have alleged a danger to India’s
interests – especially in the defence sector. Those
who disagree with them point out that India’s massive
defence imports are a drag on the economy and leave
the country dependent on foreign players. There are
enough safeguards, they say, built into the law to keep
unscrupulous players at bay and to ensure national
security.
Whatever the merits of each argument, it’s clear that a
long, hard road lies ahead on the economic front and
these are the first steps of a fledgling government of
which much is expected. There will be other, tougher
decisions to make – reducing subsidies, a simpler
tax regime that protects states’ interests and a land
acquisition policy that will spur industrial growth while
conserving land-owners’ interests, to name just a few.
MSLGROUP’s insights team will play the role of an
observer of the Indian economic and policy environment,
and will provide analyses that we hope will benefit you
and your business.
As always, we look forward to your feedback.
Ashraf Engineer,
Vice-President – Content & Insights, MSLGROUP, India
ashraf.engineer@mslgroup.com
MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe’s strategic
communications and engagement company.
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2 Public A Round-up
3. Focus
How FDI will impact
India’s insurance sector
Nirav Khatri,
manager – research and insights,
MSLGROUP in India
One of the biggest challenges before the insurance
sector is that it deals in products that rely on ‘push’ rather
than ‘pull’. Insurers are engaged in a constant struggle to
make products meaningful to customers. The sluggish
economy and slow policy movement of the past few years
haven’t helped matters and incremental asset creation
has taken a backseat.
As per Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(IRDA) figures, life insurance premium income for
FY 2012-13 remained flat at Rs 2,87,202 crore
($52.78 billion) over FY 2011-12, whereas non-life
insurance recorded 19.10% growth in premiums to Rs
62,972.8 ($11.57 billion) crore from Rs 52,875.80 crore
($10.33 billion) during the same period. India is a price-sensitive
market and growing competition has pushed
premium rates down, compelling insurance companies to
work on marginal expense ratios.
The extent of development – or the lack of it – in Indian
insurance is clear from the measure of penetration and
density. A study by Swiss Re, a reinsurance company
based in Zurich, said the estimated Insurance penetration
level (life and non-life) in India was 3.9% in 2013 –
abysmally lower than most other Asian countries. Even
the density level – at $52 (Rs 2,829) – is very low.
(Insurance density level is measured as the ratio of
insurance premium – in dollars – to total population. It
indicates the average per capita spend on insurance.)
Therefore, there was much at stake for insurance in the
Union Budget 2014-15. To pump life into the sector,
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley proposed to raise the
foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in insurance to 49%
from the current cap of 26%. It came with a predictable
rider – management and control remaining with the
Indian partner.
Also, the additional Rs 50,000 rise in exemption limit
for income-tax for individuals would channelise more
household savings into life insurance premium.
Photo by veooz.com
As per Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) figures, life insurance
premium income for FY 2012-13 remained flat at Rs 2,87,202 crore ($52.78 billion) over
FY 2011-12, whereas non-life insurance recorded 19.10% growth in premiums to Rs 62,972.8
($11.57 billion) crore from Rs 52,875.80 crore ($10.33 billion) during the same period.
3 Public A Round-up
4. Welcome move
The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill is in a state of
logjam and needs to be passed by the Rajya Sabha.
At the time of writing, it was approved by the Cabinet
and is expected to be taken up soon. Indian insurance
firms, strapped for capital, have applauded the move
for incremental FDI. An additional benefit is that the
insurance regulator will be empowered to set more rules
and impose larger penalties – a strong deterrent to mis-selling.
Deepak Mittal, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Tokio Life
Insurance, told ‘Business Today’ magazine: “Increasing
the limit promises immediate FDI inflow. However, for
greater impact, the increase in the cap should not have
had riders attached.” A ‘Times of India report’ said that
as much as Rs 120,000 crore ($20 billion) in FDI for
insurance could flow into India over the next three to five
years. Scotland’s Standard Life, France’s AXA Group and
Allianz, UK’s Lombard and Italy’s Generali are among the
players eyeing India.
The global advantage
The collaborative efforts of foreign partnerships will
result in product innovation, improved distribution
through the leveraging of technology and it will augment
operational efficiency to improve penetration and density
levels.
Foreign capital brings with it strategic expertise gained
from global experiences. For Indian players, this is
necessary to scale up the business through technology
initiatives and client servicing tools.
Product innovation is critical to improve customer
acquisition by developing distinguishing and sustainable
propositions. Differentiation is necessary to ensure
effective customer value proposition.
Globally, insurers have designed innovative products for
different demographics, including ‘pay as you drive’ for
motor insurance and ‘co-payment claim products’ for
health insurance. ‘Pay-as you-drive’ premiums are aligned
with driving behaviour using mobile-based telematics
applications installed inside the car recording real-time
data, and are a huge success abroad. Through their
expertise, foreign players can design niche insurance
products catering to an array of segments in India.
One of the most significant aspects of raising the FDI limit
is that it will facilitate fresh investment to leverage new
technology to improve distribution through new delivery
channels. The internet is changing buying patterns across
the entire purchase cycle for policy holders. A joint
study by global management consulting firm Boston
Consulting Group (BCG) and Google India revealed that
as many three-fourths of policies sold by 2020 would be
influenced by digital channels.
4 Public A Round-up
5. Speaking to ‘The Economic Times’, Alpesh Shah, senior
partner and director at BCG India, said: “Digital adoption
could result in potential savings of 15%-20% of total costs
in the case of life insurance and 20%-30% in the case of
non-life.”
UK’s motor insurance industry is an example of how
the internet can transform the sector as the share of
premiums accounted for by online sales rise. Innovations
in distribution also make insurance viable for the low-income
segment, which is currently under served. It’s a
matter of time before breakthroughs in technology will
enable buyers to access all their insurance requirements
through remote digital devices.
Technology first
It is absolutely necessary to optimise business operations
to stay competitive and increase efficiency, especially
when the macro environment is challenging. It’s
important for the industry to invest not just in expansion
and distribution, but also in client servicing and
processing.
Total premiums
Markets like India need holistic and sustainable solutions
that are customer-driven, end-to-end and support
innovation. Automating insurance processing claims can
result in substantial cost savings as it is labour-intensive.
Insurers can also embrace the use of smart cards for
enrollments, paperless insurance policies and straight-through
underwriting processes to streamline operations
to serve low-income customers and improve bottomlines.
Finally, these activities should be well supported by
analytical tools that enable measurement of outcomes.
According to a study by Gartner, Indian insurance
companies will spend Rs 12,100 crore on IT products
and services in 2014, an increase of 12% over 2013. Derry
Finkeldey, principal analyst at Gartner, was quoted in
its press release as saying: “Insurers in India are getting
serious about their core insurance processes, especially
where they help increase insurer penetration of the
market.”
With this major reform, the stage is set for a paradigm
shift in insurance. It’s up to the industry now to respond.
Year Life (Rs crore) Growth (%) Non-life (Rs crore) Growth (%)
2008-09 221,785.47 10.15 30,351.83 9.08
2009-10 265,447.25 19.69 34,620.45 14.06
2010-11 291,638.64 9.87 42,576.47 22.98
2011-12 287,072.11 -1.57% 52,875.80 24.19
2012-13 287,202.49 0.05 62,972.80 19.10
Source: IRDA Annual Report
Segmentation
Category Premiums (Rs crore) Share (%)
Life 287,202.49 82.02
Fire 6,658.91 1.90
Marine 3,029.15 0.87
Health 13,974.67 3.99
Motor 29,629.80 8.46
Others 9,680.29 2.76
Total 350,175.31 100
Source: IRDA Annual Report
5 Public A Round-up
6. A paradigm shift In insurance?
FDI cap hiked from
26% to 49%
Management
control with
Indian partner
Regulator to be more powerful;
focus on
mis-selling
What the new rules say
Implications
of FDI
Insurance penetration
What this means
Rs 120,000 crore
($20 billion) may flow
into the country as FDI in insurance
over 3 to 5 years
Considerable
political opposition
to the move. That will
take some dealing with
Innovative,
niche products
for consumers
Firms' premium
incomes will rise
New technology
paradigm that will
change the way
consumers are sold
to and serviced
Low-income
segments will be
reached out to
Greater
insurance
penetration
Foreign cos eyeing larger indian pie
Country Total (%) Life (%) Non-life (%)
Taiwan 17.6 14.5 3.1
Hong Kong+ 13.2 11.7 1.5
South Korea ** 11.9 7.5 4.4
Japan** 11.1 8.8 2.3
Singapore ** 5.9 4.4 1.6
Thailand ** 5.5 3.8 1.7
Malaysia ** 4.8 3.2 1.7
India * 3.9 3.1 0.8
China + 3 1.6 1.4
Insurance Density
Insurance Density (in US $) - Asia (2013)
+ provisional *Estimated **Estimated US value
Source Swiss Re, Sigma 3/2014
Country Total Life Non-life
Taiwan 3,886 3,204 682
Hong Kong+ 5,002 4,445 557
South Korea ** 2,895 1,816 1,079
Japan** 4,207 3,346 861
Singapore ** 3,251 2,388 863
Thailand ** 310 214 96
Malaysia ** 518 341 176
India * 52 41 11
China + 201 110 91
+ provisional *Estimated **Estimated US value. (Insurance density level is measured as the
ratio of insurance premium – in dollars – to total population. It indicates the
average per capita spend on insurance.)
6 Public A Round-up
7. Viewfinder
India’s big move on defence
India – the world’s largest arms importer – spent close
to $6 billion (Rs 36,000 crore) on weapons imports last
year. Before the Union Budget 2014-15, The Narendra
Modi government announced its intention to modernise
the Soviet-era weaponry – Russia is a major supplier – by
liberalising the defence sector through the foreign direct
investment (FDI) route. The objective, clearly, is to scale
up India’s domestic defence manufacturing base and
increase preparedness, especially at a time when China
has bolstered its military efforts by pursuing its ‘string of
pearls strategy’ to encircle India.
India has allowed 26% FDI in defence projects since 2001,
without committing to technology transfer. This kept
away many overseas investors. Since then, India has had
negligible FDI in defence.
In his maiden Budget speech, Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley raised the composite cap from the earlier 26% to
49% with full Indian management and control through
the Foreign Investment Promotion Board route. The new
limit approved by the Cabinet provides a greater incentive
for licensed manufacturing, but is not high enough
for overseas investors to get managerial control over
elements such as intellectual property.
Though the industry lauded the policy, there needs to
be greater clarity on technology transfer. Critics said
that no foreign investor would part with closely-guarded
technology unless there is adequate control over the
enterprise and an assurance of sufficient autonomy with
regards to capacity enhancement and access to markets.
Only then would the investment be viable.
While the FDI limit would be automatically agreed to if
it is within 49%, it is the government’s policy to allow a
higher limit – even up to 100% – provided state-of-the-art
technology transfer is offered. The proposals would be
considered on a case-to-case basis.
Security analysts have raised concerns over managerial
control by overseas partners if their investment exceeds
49%. Some have demanded that India reserve the right to
take over a facility during operational emergencies. Most
nations include such an enabling provision. Further, India
can incorporate security clauses in the licence to ensure
against unscrupulous entrepreneurs.
Rakesh Sood, a former ambassador and the prime
minister’s special envoy for disarmament and non-proliferation
till May 2014, told ‘The Hindu’ newspaper:
“Merely liberalising FDI will not help. What is needed is an
Photo by plus.google.com
7 Public A Round-up
8. appreciation of the characteristics of the defence industry
and coordination among the multiple stakeholders who
drive, and have often distorted the decision-making
process.”
Speaking to ‘The Economic Times’, Baba Kalyani, CMD
of Bharat Forge, said: “The finance minister’s intent
to reduce reliance on imports and streamline defence
procurement systems is very positive.”
FDI in defence: pros and cons
Less reliance on foreign suppliers
Savings on foreign exchange
Boost for Indian industry, economy
Significant foreign investment
Greater self-reliance makes
geo-strategic sense
Pros
Defence allocation
Besides, indigenous facilities provide self-reliance and
a degree of assurance that imports don’t. Additionally,
indigenous manufacturing provides better life-cycle
support – including, critically, supply of spares.
It is important too that the armed forces, the ultimate
consumers of these goods, be allowed to share their
views during policy-making.
Cons
Without managerial control,
investors would be wary
Unclear guarantees on
intellectual property safeguards
Tremendous
political opposition
Risk of unscrupulous players and
damage to India's security set-up
Capital outlay
2014-15
(Interim Budget)
89,587.95
2014-15
(Union Budget)
94,587
All figures in Rs crore. Source: India Today
Budgetary Allocation
2013-14
203,672
2014-15
(Interim Budget)
224,000
Defence budgets (2013)
2014-15
(Union Budget)
229,000
2013-14
86,740
119.5 69.5 56.9 39.2
US China Russia Japan India
Source: India Today
613.9
Outlay (in $ billion)
8 Public A Round-up
9. Back
of the Book
Rs 39,00,000 crore ($650 billion)
Targeted size of the textile and apparel industry by
2024-25 as per a draft policy termed ‘Vision, Strategy
and Action Plan’ for textiles and apparels
7.5 crore
Number of new bank accounts the Indian government
hopes to enable by August 15, 2018, according to a draft
financial inclusion plan
200
Number of low-cost airports India plans to build in the
next 20 years to connect tiers 2 and 3 cities
65
Percentage of freight volume in India that moves on
roads at an average speed of 30-40 kmh
8,500 km
Extensions of national highways proposed to be
completed by 2014-15
22%
Statutory liquidity ratio for banks after it was lowered by
half a percentage point. The reduction in SLR will free
up about Rs 40,000 crore ($6.5 billion) in the banking
system
Rs 12,000 crore ($2 billion)
Proposed investment by American e-commerce giant
Amazon in India
100%
Foreign direct investment in railway infrastructure
projects permitted by the Union Cabinet
43,00,000
Number of claims settled by retirement fund manager
Employees Provident Fund Organisation since April
2014. It also updated 92% of the annual accounts due
for 2013-14. This has happened for the first time in the
past 30 years
Rs 297,000 crore ($49.5 billion)
India’s fiscal deficit for the first quarter of 2014-15 – that
is, 56.1% of the full-year target
34.35%
Improvement in total employment during the last eight years
to 12.77 crore, as per the Sixth Economic Census-2013
Twitter board
The Bad Doctor @doctoratlarge
In what way will FDI in defense constitute a
security risk, when all our weapons are made
abroad, anyway?
Sanjay Jha @JhaSanjay
This BJP government is funny; they want FDI
in strategic Indian assets like Railways and
Defense, but want to skip multi-brand retail.
SonaliRanade @sonaliranade
Paradox is that those who don’t wanna give us
technology want 100% FDI in Defense. & we are
offering 100% FDI b/c we want the technology.
Manish Tewari @ManishTewari
Opposed to raising the FDI in insurance for ten
long years BJP does the mother of U turns &
declares black money can not be brought back!
Shahnawaz Hussain @ShahnawazBJP
Union cabinet proposes to raise FDI cap in
Insurance frm 26% to 49%. Good decision that
will provide a boost to overall financial sector.
9 Public A Round-up
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offer your company,
please contact our India CEO
JAIDEEP SHERGILL
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