In a regulatory void, judging the fit and proper quality of a new applicant has been left to existing virtual digital asset (VDA) service providers (SPs). Some of the applicants are discovering that the rule, introduced early this year, not only runs into conflict of interests, but poses other complexities as cryptos are vulnerable to money laundering and cyber heists.

"We have been witnessing record activity among brokers and other distribution intermediaries," said Satyajit Tripathy, member (distribution), IRDAI, at an Insurance Brokers Association of India event. "While this is fine by all means, I must add a word of caution that with increased growth being seen, we need not be adopting what we call as sharp practices to increase valuation, get listed, and to do business in a way, which may in the long run prove detrimental to the whole ecosystem."

Indian electronics companies are now eager to collaborate with Chinese firms. This follows the government s approval of Dixon Technologies joint venture. Epack Durable and others are considering similar partnerships. The move signals a potential easing of restrictions on Chinese investment. This is crucial for India s electronics component manufacturing scheme.

Indian equity indices experienced a nearly 1% decline on Friday, marking the fourth consecutive week of losses, influenced by disappointing earnings from major companies and cautious sentiment in Asian markets. The NSE Nifty concluded at 24,837.00, while the BSE Sensex closed at 81,463.09. Investors are also showing concern about the potential impact of the India-US trade deal.

Bajaj Finance shares experienced a 4.7% drop on Friday due to analysts concerns about asset quality pressures within the MSME sector following the first-quarter results. JP Morgan anticipates potential negative earnings revisions stemming from downside risks to growth guidance and emerging stress in the MSME portfolio. UBS s price target even suggests a possible downside of 18%.

The variable rate reverse repo auction saw strong demand. Banks chose to deposit funds with the Reserve Bank of India. This happened amidst a decrease in overnight money market rates. The central bank intervened to maintain rates around the policy repo rate. Lower auction size and liquidity expectations drove higher participation. The weighted average call rate also experienced a decline.

India’s 10-year bond yields rose to 6.37% after RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized price stability, cooling hopes of an August rate cut despite low inflation data.

Orient Cement Ltd, now part of billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group, on Friday reported a multi-fold jump in its net profit to Rs 205.37 crore for the first quarter ended June 2025.

Goldman Sachs bought nearly 9 lakh Authum Investment shares for Rs 200 crore at a 20% discount. Despite recent volatility, the stock remains a strong multibagger performer.