Adani Group Investment and LIC
India's largest insurance company LIC's investment in the top 500 companies has increased tenfold from ₹1.56 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹15.6 lakh crore. While LIC's investment in Adani Group has made headlines, recent data shows that major investments came from global and U.S. insurance companies.
In June 2025, U.S.-based Athene Insurance invested ₹6,650 crore in Adani Mumbai International Airport, one month after LIC's ₹5,000 crore investment in Adani Ports & SEZ. Global lenders like DBS Bank, DZ Bank, Rabobank, and Bank of SinoPac have invested around $25 million in Adani Energy.
The Adani Group disputed a Washington Post report claiming LIC’s investments were government-influenced. LIC confirmed that its investment decisions were made after independent review and board approval.
LIC's Portfolio Overview
LIC holds 4% shares in Adani valued around ₹60,000 crore, while in Reliance Industries 6.94%, ITC 15.86%, HDFC Bank 4.89%, SBI 9.59%, and TCS 5.02%. LIC's total investment has grown from ₹1.56 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹15.6 lakh crore in 2025.
Political Reactions
The Congress party has requested the Public Accounts Committee to investigate LIC's investment in Adani Group. TMC MP Mahua Moitra cited the Washington Post report about Adani's financial position during the investments.
Women Empowerment Initiatives in India
Lakhipati Didi Scheme
This scheme trains women in skill development programs and supports entrepreneurship. About 1 crore women have already benefited, with a target of 3 crore.
Drone Didi Initiative
Started in 2022, this initiative trains 1 lakh women over five years in drone operation, maintenance, and agricultural applications.
PM Awas Yojana
Under this scheme, 2 crore rural women have been provided ownership of houses, ensuring security and participation in financial decisions.
PM Swanidhi Scheme
This scheme offers loans to street vendors, with women accounting for 45% of beneficiaries. It facilitates digital transactions and access to resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. H-1B Visa Reforms
The White House clarified that H-1B visa reforms aim to prioritize American workers while maintaining legal procedures for foreign applicants. Current H-1B holders can travel freely, and certain applicants are exempted from new $100,000 application fees. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit claiming the fees are illegal and harmful to companies.