The passage summarizes the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) act in India. It established IRDA as a statutory body in 1999 to regulate and promote the growth of the insurance industry. IRDA's mission is to protect policyholders' interests and ensure the orderly growth and development of the insurance sector. Its key objectives include registering insurance companies, protecting policyholders and investors, and regulating solvency requirements and accounting practices. IRDA oversees various functions like issuing licenses, monitoring investments and claims settlement procedures. It has 10 members including a chairman and whole-time/part-time members appointed by the Government of India.