Asianet Newsable

Gen Z Buys More, Trades Less: New Data Challenges the Stereotype

Indrakshi Samanta — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:04:43 +0530

For ten years the story about young investors has been the same one. They chase meme stocks, they buy crypto, they treat the market like a casino. The evidence behind it was always thin. It came from what they held and from surveys asking how much risk they would take, not from how often they actually bought and sold. Nobody could count that, because a young person's stocks, options and crypto usually sat with three different firms behind three different logins.

Put all three behind one login and you can count. The result does not flatter the stereotype. Gen Z accounts trading perpetual futures on traditional assets averaged 13 trades a month in early August, according to Binance Research. Millennials averaged 17, Gen X 16.5, and Baby Boomers 19.

The generation everyone calls the speculators is the one trading least.

The Stereotype Is a Behavioral Claim, and Behavior Leaves Records

The case against this cohort has almost always been built from portfolio composition. Holding digital assets, or holding volatile equities, gets treated as proof of a speculative mindset, and the conclusion follows without anyone checking the next step. Composition describes what an investor bought. It says little about what they did afterward.

Those two questions collapsed into one for a practical reason: equities, derivatives and digital assets lived at different firms under different regulators, so watching the same person across all three was rarely possible. The first cross-product measurements point toward holding rather than trading.

Binance Research found 76% of Gen Z tokenized-equity accounts were net accumulators in August 2026, ahead of Millennials at 67%. The pattern carries across products: 77% accumulated in direct equities against 74% for Gen X and 68% for Baby Boomers, and 60% did so in traditional-finance perpetuals.

"Our data shows that 76% of Gen Z tokenized-equity accounts are net accumulators, the highest share of any cohort we serve," says Eowyn Chen, Interim CMO at Binance. "Now that they have access, they're not just trading. They're building positions and holding for the long term."

A net-buying majority on a derivatives book carries less weight than it first sounds, since the average net flow ratio there sits under 1% of gross volume. Conceding that is what makes the direct-equity reading worth attention, where the Gen Z net flow ratio reached 26.5% and average net inflow ran to $1,898 per account.

Turnover Is the Number Nobody Self-Reports

Risk tolerance is self-assessed. Sentiment is arguable. Trade count is a fact about an account, and it comes closer than anything else in retail investing to an objective behavioral measure. It is also where a speculative reputation should be most visible, since churn is what people usually mean by the label.

Young investors are also arriving earlier. Charles Schwab's Modern Wealth Survey puts the average age at 19 for Gen Z, against 25 for Millennials and 35 for Baby Boomers, and the World Economic Forum finds roughly a third started in university or early adulthood, about double the Millennial rate at the same stage. Early entry normally predicts high turnover. Here the order flow runs the other way.

Alongside those 13 monthly trades in perpetual futures, the Gen Z median sits at four, roughly one a week, and in direct equities the cohort averages eight monthly trades against 10 for Millennials.

Tokenized shares are slower still. "In bStocks, Gen Z averages just three trades a month, the lowest of any cohort, with a clear tendency to accumulate," Chen says. "They may be coming in through crypto, but they're approaching traditional assets with a longer-term investment mindset."

The tail matters more than the average. Only 14% of Gen Z perpetuals accounts fall into the high-frequency bucket against 18% for Millennials and 18% for Gen X as well as 16% for Baby Boomers. The visible, highly active minority that shapes public perception of young traders is proportionally smaller inside this cohort than inside the generations above it, which makes this a claim about sampling rather than character.

Where the New Money Actually Goes

Net buying gives direction and turnover gives pace. Neither settles what kind of investor someone is. Destination comes closer, because an allocator concentrates in pooled, diversified instruments and then leaves them alone, and a trader rarely does.

Independent retirement data points the same way. Fidelity reports 95% of Gen Z contributions to individual retirement accounts in the third quarter of 2025 went into Roth accounts, against 75% for Millennials, and Vanguard finds 47% of Gen Z workers on track to be ready for retirement, ahead of Millennials at 42%.

The same profile shows up in how new capital gets routed on the platform. Unleveraged ETF funds took 18.5% of Gen Z net equity inflow in June and 21.9% in July while the single-stock share fell from 77.0% to 74.2%.

On volume the shift is sharper, moving from 14.6% in June to 21.4% in July and 25.0% in the first days of August against 9.5% for Millennials over that same window.

July showed how allocations changed as Gen Z’s net equity inflows slowed. Total Gen Z net equity deployment fell 17.4% that month, but net inflow to unleveraged ETFs slipped only 2.0%, against a 20.4% drop in single stocks and a 28.5% decline in leveraged products. Gen Z was the only cohort whose ETF holder base grew, up 2.9% against declines of 4.5% and 5.9% above it, and its ETF buyers traded least of anyone, at 7.9 times against 10.3 for Millennials. "Even so, the early pattern of more ETF and less single stock usage, runs counter to a pure speculation thesis," Binance Research notes.

Two months of order flow in a rising market does not establish a trend, and the direct-equity product only reached scale in June 2026. This is also the generation that posted the lowest score of any cohort on the TIAA Institute-GFLEC personal finance index, at 38%.

Measured, Not Assumed

The argument over how this generation invests has run for a decade on survey data and anecdote. The useful development is subtler than a winner: the question became measurable, through order flow rather than questionnaires. Whether the pattern survives a market that stops rising is what the coming quarters will answer.

The 5-Star Effect: How Safety Scores Are Reshaping Used Car Demand

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:47:15 +0530

Safety used to sit near the bottom of a used car checklist - somewhere below alloy wheels and a working music system. Not anymore.

Crash test scores now follow a model long after it leaves the showroom, and second-hand buyers quote star ratings in the same breath as service history. The shift shows up clearly in what sells within a week and what sits on a forecourt for a month.

How a Car Actually Earns Its Stars

A star rating isn't a general impression of how solid a car feels. It's the output of a fixed, repeatable test sequence, which is why any pre owned cars buying guide now begins with the crash record of the exact variant on offer.

Under the older Global NCAP protocol, cars faced a high-speed frontal offset crash into a deformable barrier with a significant overlap. Sensors inside adult and child dummies measured head, neck, chest and leg loading.

Assessors then inspected the footwell and A-pillar area and marked the bodyshell as either stable or unstable. Here's the part most buyers miss: an unstable shell caps the score regardless of how well the dummies read. Stars can look fine. The shell verdict is what actually matters.

Why the Numbers Show Up in Resale Prices

Ratings are permanent, public and easy to search. That's what gives them resale power.

They work like a specification rather than a marketing claim, which means a buyer in Pune can verify the same information as a buyer in Delhi and arrive at the same number before negotiating. That transparency is relatively new in the Indian used car space.

A growing number of buyers now filter shortlists by safety score before they even consider colour or fuel type.

One pattern worth noting: strong adult occupant scores arrived in the Indian market earlier than strong child scores. Child protection depends on ISOFIX anchorage quality and correct restraint installation, not just structural strength.

Buyers with young families read the child protection column carefully, and that column explains why two cars with identical adult ratings can move at very different speeds on the used market. The part nobody tells you is how often the child rating is the actual deciding factor in a family purchase, not the headline five-star figure everyone leads with.

Reading a Rating Before Paying the Premium

Most people treat a star rating as a badge worn by an entire model range. That's only half the story.

Ratings apply to a specific build, a specific model year and the safety kit fitted to the tested car. Several older Indian hatchbacks were tested in base trim with two airbags, while facelifts sold two years later shipped with six airbags and a stiffer shell after a platform update. Same name on the bootlid. Different car underneath.

So the sequence matters. Confirm the manufacturing year on the B-pillar sticker, match it against the tested body style, then check whether the variant in front of you carries the same equipment the tested car did.

Buyers going through used Tata Nexon compact SUV guide will find that the pre-facelift years and one from the more recent range both carry strong adult protection scores, but they were assessed under different protocols with different equipment baselines. Paying a facelift premium for an earlier car makes no sense once that distinction is clear.

There's a trade-off worth naming directly. Highly rated models often carry heavier kerb weights and firmer structures, which can mean marginally lower fuel economy and slightly costlier body repairs after a knock. Most buyers accept that exchange without complaint. It should still be a conscious decision, not a surprise at the workshop three months later.

The Checks a Star Rating Cannot Do for You

A crash test measures a new car in factory condition. It says nothing about the specific used car parked in front of you. Nothing.

Airbags fire once. If a car has been in a serious frontal impact, check whether the airbags were replaced or simply the warning light reset. A scan tool reading stored SRS fault codes settles this in minutes, and a seller who resists that check is telling you something.
Seat belt pretensioners deploy alongside airbags and are routinely skipped in cheap repairs. Belts that feel loose or don't lock under a sharp tug deserve real attention, not a mental note.
Structural repairs matter more than fresh paint. Uneven panel gaps, new underbody sealant in odd patches, mismatched weld marks in the boot floor - these suggest work that goes well beyond cosmetics.
Tyres older than five to six years lose grip regardless of tread depth. The four-digit DIN code on the sidewall gives the manufacturing week and year. Check it before driving anywhere.

Top 10 FIU-Registered Crypto Exchanges in India [2026]

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:11:29 +0530

The digital asset ecosystem in India has entered a mature, institutional phase. Regulatory oversight by the Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is a strict requirement. Investors searching for an FIU-registered crypto exchange in India demand platforms that combine localized banking security, regulatory compliance, and extensive market access.

Whether you are looking for a fully FIU-compliant crypto exchange in India to build your long-term portfolio or a crypto exchange that simplifies daily trading, selecting the right platform determines the safety of your fiat and crypto assets.

The definitive analytical guide below highlights the top 10 platforms in India, showcasing why SunCrypto stands at the very top of the list in 2026.

1. SunCrypto

SunCrypto has firmly established itself as the top FIU-registered crypto exchange in India. Designed specifically for Indian retail investors, traders, and institutional capital, SunCrypto delivers an unmatched balance of absolute legal compliance and user-centric features.

As a pioneer in crypto compliance, SunCrypto addresses every localized need of Indian crypto enthusiasts:

●Direct INR Bank Transfers and UPI Services: SunCrypto features seamless Indian Rupee (INR) deposit and withdrawal mechanisms linked directly with premier Indian banks and Instant Payment Services (IMPS), NEFT, RTGS, and UPI services.

●Institutional Security & Verification: Operating as an exemplary FIU complaint crypto exchange in India, SunCrypto integrates mandatory liveness-detection Video KYC and penny-drop bank verification to eliminate fraud.

●Largest Altcoin Selection: Users can trade over 600+ digital assets in both INR and USDT pairs, making it the most versatile crypto exchange in India for diverse portfolios.

●Automated Tax Compliance: SunCrypto seamlessly handles the mandatory 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on trades, saving users from tax reporting complexities.

●24/7 Local Human Support: Unlike automated offshore apps, SunCrypto offers 24/7 customer support in both English and Hindi, securing its status as the most trustworthy Indian crypto exchange.

By prioritizing capital security, vast token availability, and direct regulatory compliance, SunCrypto remains the most important crypto exchange in India.

2. CoinDCX

CoinDCX holds its place as a recognized FIU-complaint crypto exchange in India. It caters to both beginner traders and professional market participants who require margin tools and educational resources.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Operates as a compliant platform with continuous Proof of Reserve reporting.

●Offerings: Spot, margin, and futures trading options alongside structured learning platforms.

●Comparison: While robust, CoinDCX offers fewer early-stage altcoin listings compared to SunCrypto, making it less favorable for investors hunting early market opportunities.

3. CoinSwitch

CoinSwitch is a retail-focused crypto exchange that prioritizes simplicity. It functions as an aggregator app for individuals who prefer a straightforward mobile interface.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Registered with FIU-IND with integrated KYC protocols.

●Offerings: One-click buying and selling for top-tier coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

●Comparison: Its simplified interface lacks the deep order books, advanced charting, and broad asset diversity found on an FIU-compliant crypto exchange in India like SunCrypto.

4. WazirX

As a veteran player, WazirX continues to operate as another crypto exchange in India. It caters to users who prefer community-based trading and peer-to-peer liquidity networks.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Maintains compliance under the PMLA framework for user identification.

●Offerings: Spot order books and high-volume USDT markets.

●Comparison: Onboarding and fiat processing speeds have lagged behind SunCrypto’s instant INR infrastructure.

5. ZebPay

ZebPay remains a historical brand operating as an FIU-registered crypto exchange in India. It primarily caters to long-term "buy and hold" investors focusing on major market-cap cryptocurrencies.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Fully compliant with domestic identity verification guidelines.

●Offerings: Institutional-grade custody and conservative trading options.

●Comparison: Higher fee structures and a restricted coin listing make it less versatile than SunCrypto for dynamic traders.

6. Mudrex

Mudrex has emerged as an complaint crypto exchange tailored for automated investing and thematic portfolios.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Fully registered under RPFAS Technologies with FIU-IND, operating under strict PMLA parameters.

●Offerings: Features automated "Coin Sets" (basket trading) alongside spot and futures products.

●Comparison: While excellent for passive index investors, SunCrypto provides far superior direct INR altcoin liquidity for active day traders.

7. Delta Exchange India

Delta Exchange operates as a specialized crypto exchange tailored specifically for derivatives and options traders.

●Regulatory Standpoint: FIU-compliant platform offering localized taxation tracking for derivative contracts.

●Offerings: Crypto futures, options, and algorithmic API integration.

●Comparison: High complexity for average retail users; lacks the intuitive spot trading ecosystem present on a crypto exchange like SunCrypto.

8. Giottus

Giottus is another established FIU-registered crypto exchange with a strong user base in Southern India, focusing on multi-language accessibility.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Fully compliant with FIU mandates, offering localized INR gateways.

●Offerings: Staking rewards, SIP features, and multilingual customer support.

●Comparison: Lower overall market depth and token selection compared to SunCrypto’s 250+ listed digital assets.

9. Unocoin

As one of India's earliest bitcoin platforms, Unocoin continues its operation as an FIU-registered crypto exchange in India.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Adheres strictly to FIU-IND regulatory reporting and KYC guidelines.

●Offerings: Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) for Bitcoin and basic spot trading.

●Comparison: Limited interface modernization and lower transaction speeds make it less dynamic than SunCrypto.

10. Bitbns

Bitbns is an Indian crypto exchange that caters to retail users seeking fixed-income crypto products and broad token listings.

●Regulatory Standpoint: Compliant with Indian AML laws and statutory 1% TDS automation.

●Offerings: Margin trading, fixed deposits (FIP), and pooled liquidity options.

●Comparison: Customer support response times and INR withdrawal pipelines are significantly slower than SunCrypto's 24/7 localized human desk.

Feature Comparison Matrix

Exchange	FIU-IND Registered	Instant INR Banking	Asset Variety	Primary Focus

SunCrypto	Yes	Fastest / Direct	600+ Pairs	Good for beginners to pro traders for Crypto Futures Trading, Crypto SIP, Staking, OTC desk trading,
CoinDCX	Yes	Available	150+	Professional Spot & Margin
CoinSwitch	Yes	Available	100+	Simplified Retail Buying
WazirX	Yes	P2P / Select	100+	P2P & Spot Order Books
ZebPay	Yes	Limited	80+	Conservative HODLing
Mudrex	Yes	Available	650+	Automated Baskets (Coin Sets)
Delta Exchange	Yes	Available	50+	Crypto Futures & Options
Giottus	Yes	Available	100+	Multilingual Regional Trading
Unocoin	Yes	Limited	50+	Legacy BTC SIPs
Bitbns	Yes	Variable	150+	Fixed Income & Margin

Why must we use an FIU complaint crypto exchange in India?

Trading on an unregistered or non-compliant exchange creates severe legal, financial, and tax risks for Indian investors. Choosing a recognized FIU-registered crypto exchange in India protects your portfolio in several vital ways:

1.Bank Account Protection: Transacting on an FIU-compliant exchange eliminates the threat of sudden bank account freezes caused by suspicious peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers.

2.Seamless Tax Reporting: A top Indian crypto exchange like SunCrypto automatically handles 1% TDS deductions, ensuring your tax filings with the IT Department remain error-free.

3.Legal Redressal: Capital held on a compliant platform is backed by strict KYC and AML audit trails, offering legal recourse in cases of unauthorized access.

Conclusion

While multiple platforms offer regulatory compliance, SunCrypto easily remains the single best FIU-registered crypto exchange in India. Its direct banking connectivity, automated tax handling, superior altcoin catalog, and dedicated local support make it the gold standard for every Indian crypto investor.

If you are looking for an FIU-compliant crypto exchange in India that safeguards your funds while providing maximum trading opportunities, SunCrypto is the ultimate choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does it mean for a crypto exchange to be FIU-registered in India?

An FIU-registered crypto exchange is a Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) platform formally registered as a "Reporting Entity" with the Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND) under the Ministry of Finance. These exchanges must comply with strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rules. This requires platforms to enforce mandatory Video KYC, verify user bank accounts, track transaction audit trails, and automatically deduct the statutory 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) under Section 194S.

2. Is trading on an FIU-compliant exchange legally required in India?

While trading crypto itself is legal in India, using an FIU-registered exchange like SunCrypto is highly recommended to stay compliant with local financial regulations. Non-registered or offshore exchanges operate outside the PMLA framework, putting users at risk of having their linked Indian bank accounts frozen, facing IT Department tax notices due to unrecorded TDS, or losing access to funds if offshore domain URLs are blocked by regulatory authorities.

3. Why is SunCrypto considered the top FIU-registered crypto exchange in India?

SunCrypto leads the market by combining complete regulatory compliance with unmatched retail features. Key advantages include:

●Direct Banking Integrations: Ultra-fast, direct INR deposits and instant withdrawals.

●Vast Selection: Access to over 600+ tradeable altcoins and tokens directly paired with INR.

●Automated Tax Compliance: Seamless 1% TDS automation and direct integration with tax filing tools (like KoinX) for Schedule VDA filings.

●Dedicated Customer Support: 24/7 localized human customer service in both Hindi and English.

How Advanced Endoscopic Techniques Are Redefining Recovery after Spine Surgery

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:11:09 +0530

Dr. Yogesh K. Pithwa, (Senior Spine Surgeon & Founder/ Chief Surgeon Sattvik Spine & Scoliosis Center)

The next-generation endoscopic spine surgery techniques are transforming patient recovery. In contrast to traditional open spine operations, full-endoscopic procedures use tiny incisions and a camera-equipped tube to remove disc herniations or decompress nerves. Recent studies show that patients undergoing endoscopic decompression experience dramatically less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster return to normal activities, while achieving clinical outcomes comparable to open surgery. For example, one meta-analysis of over 1,000 patients found endoscopic discectomy had significantly greater patient satisfaction, far lower blood loss and a shorter hospital stay on average than open discectomy. These advances are particularly welcome in India, where demand is rising for “keyhole” spine surgery that can get working-age patients back on their feet in weeks, not months.

Advance Endoscopic Techniques:

Endoscopic spine surgery encompasses several approaches. In transformational endoscopic discectomy, the surgeon accesses the disc space through the foramen (back of the spine) to remove herniated disc tissue. An interlaminar approach (through the small space between vertebrae) may be used for central or L5–S1 herniation. Biportal endoscopic techniques use two small portals (one for the camera, one for instruments) to expand access and versatility. Endoscopic tools (high-definition cameras, lasers, drills) allow precise removal of disc fragments, bone spurs or thickened ligaments. These methods address lumbar and cervical disc herniations, foraminal stenosis and select cases of central canal stenosis or cervical radiculopathy. (Extensive deformities or multi-level instability may still require fusion with open surgery.) Multiple trials and meta-analyses show endoscopic techniques achieve outcomes equivalent to open surgery for lumbar stenosis, herniations and cervical radiculopathy. In India, a growing number of specialized centers (including Sattvik Spine) have invested in training and equipment to offer these high-precision procedures.

Evidence-based Recovery Benefits

Studies consistently report faster recovery after endoscopic spine surgery. Because only millimeter-scale incisions are made and muscle tissue is largely spared, patients have less immediate postoperative pain and require less analgesia (though formal pain scores were not always published, surgeons observe a gentler recovery). Operative blood loss is markedly reduced (one meta-analysis found an average of 124 mL less blood loss in endoscopic discectomy). Most strikingly, hospital stays are much shorter: instead of 3–7 days typical for open lumbar surgery, many endoscopic cases are done as outpatient or overnight stays. In practice, most patients go home within 24 hours after endoscopic spine surgery, often walking that same day. Study confirms these resource benefits: compared to open laminectomy, endoscopic decompression had significantly shorter length of stay and nearly all endoscopic patients went directly home.

These shorter stays translate into faster return to work and activities. Prior analyses have shown that minimally invasive spine surgeries (including endoscopic and tubular techniques) enable earlier return to work than traditional open operations. In real-world practice, many patients resume desk jobs within 1–2 weeks of an uncomplicated endoscopic discectomy (compared to 4–6 weeks for open surgery). Even labor-intensive jobs are typically restarted in a few months rather than half a year.

Patient Section And Limits

Endoscopic surgery is not appropriate for every case. Ideal candidates have localized pathology (e.g. a contained disc herniation, foraminal or lateral recess stenosis) that can be addressed through a small portal.

Not suitable: very large central stenosis, major spinal deformity (scoliosis/kyphosis), or multi-level instability generally still require open or fusion surgery. Because of the steep learning curve, surgeons with special endoscopic training should perform these procedures. Early in their experience, surgeons must choose simple cases; the learning curve may require 50–100 cases before outcomes are consistently excellent. In inexperienced hands, complication rates can be higher: one review noted overall reported complications range up to ~20% (including dural tears, nerve injury or reoperation). Thus, careful patient selection and strict indications are essential. Other limitations include need for specialized equipment and imaging (real-time X-ray or navigation), and the fact that some fusion procedures are still in development for full-endoscopic approaches.

About the Author

Dr. Yogesh K. Pithwa is a Senior Spine Surgeon and Founder of Sattvik Spine & Scoliosis Center, Bengaluru, specialising in the comprehensive management of spinal disorders. With expertise in advanced and minimally invasive spine procedures, he focuses on evidence-based treatment, appropriate patient selection and preserving spinal function while helping patients achieve a safe and effective recovery. His clinical interests include endoscopic spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal deformities, scoliosis, degenerative spine conditions and complex spinal disorders.

Sattvik Spine & Endoscopic Centre

472 ,new no. 25, 45th Cross Rd, 8th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560082

Ph: +91 80420 68257, +91 82960 82122

Website: sattvikspine.com/

Everything You Need to Know About Zero Depreciation Car Insurance

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:19:14 +0530

When a car is repaired after an own-damage claim, depreciation may be taken into account when certain parts are valued. As a result, the value considered for those parts may be lower than their original cost. This is one of the reasons depreciation becomes relevant when choosing additional protection for a car.

What Does Zero Depreciation Insurance Cover?

Zero depreciation insurance is an add-on that covers the applicable depreciation amount on certain parts during an eligible own-damage claim, subject to the policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Under a standard policy, depreciation may be deducted from the value of parts that are repaired or replaced.

The add-on is therefore focused on one specific part of the claim calculation: depreciation. It does not replace your base car policy or change the other conditions that apply to a claim.

Why Is Zero Depreciation More Relevant for Newer Cars?

Depreciation generally increases as a vehicle and its components age. That makes the treatment of depreciation more relevant when newer cars need parts repaired or replaced under an eligible claim.

This is why zero depreciation cover is commonly associated with newer cars. The exact availability and eligibility, however, can vary depending on the insurer, vehicle age, and policy terms.

Does Zero Depreciation Cover Every Part?

The add-on does not necessarily apply in the same way to every component or every claim. Its scope depends on the policy wording, and there may be specific conditions, exclusions, deductibles, or claim limits.

Before choosing the add-on, look at details such as:

Which parts are covered
Whether any claim limit applies during the policy period
Whether the vehicle has to meet a particular age or eligibility condition
Which costs remain outside the add-on

Does Zero Depreciation Cost Extra?

A zero depreciation add-on comes at an additional premium over the base policy. The amount can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle, its age, and the policy being selected.

That additional premium is specifically for the depreciation-related protection provided by the add-on. It should therefore be considered separately from the cost and scope of the underlying car policy.

How Is Zero Depreciation Different From Other Add-Ons?

Zero depreciation deals with depreciation on applicable parts. Other add-ons address different areas of car ownership and repair.

For example, an engine protection add-on may deal with specified engine-related risks, while roadside assistance can provide services related to a breakdown or immobilisation. A consumables add-on may address items used during repairs. Each has its own scope, so one add-on should not be treated as a substitute for another.

Conclusion

A car loses value with age, but repair bills do not necessarily fall at the same pace. That is the gap zero depreciation cover is meant to address. For eligible parts, the add-on changes how depreciation is treated during an own-damage claim, which is why it is particularly relevant when the car is still relatively new.

Why Gold Loan Demand Is Surging Across India - And What Record Gold Rates Have to Do

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:30:20 +0530

Something has changed in how Indian households think about the jewellery in the locker.

India's organised gold loan book has grown close to fourfold in five years, reaching roughly ₹18.6 lakh crore by March 2026. That is not a fashion or a sign of distress. It is a fairly rational response to two things happening at once: gold is worth more than it has ever been, and the rules around lending against it got clearer.

Two Forces Behind the 2026 Surge

Every rally makes the same jewellery worth more. A rising gold price lifts borrowing capacity without anyone buying a single extra gram. The chain pledged two years ago supports a materially larger advance today. Families are using that headroom for stock purchases, crop inputs, school fees and hospital bills — and getting the ornaments back afterwards, which is the part that matters most to them.

The LTV ceiling moved. From April 2026, RBI replaced the flat 75% loan-to-value cap with tiers. Loans up to ₹2.5 lakh can now go to 85%, loans between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh to 80%, and anything above ₹5 lakh stays at 75%. The effect is concentrated exactly where most borrowing happens — small tickets, where an extra ten percentage points is the difference between covering the requirement and falling short.

Even now, only around 8% of the gold held in Indian homes is pledged with organised lenders. Most of it is still idle.

What Makes a Secured Loan Structurally Different

Gold loans and unsecured loans are not competing products. They answer different questions, and the differences come from the structure rather than from one being superior.

Feature	Unsecured Personal Loan	Secured Gold Loan
Collateral	None	Ornaments up to 1 kg, or bank-minted 22K coins up to 50 g, per borrower
Role of credit score	Central to approval and pricing	Not usually the deciding factor, though repayment is still reported to bureaus
Disbursement	Typically two to five working days	Same day in most cases, once valuation and paperwork are done
Pricing basis	Priced against borrower risk alone	Priced against collateral the lender holds, which is why rates sit differently

Because a pledged ornament sits with the lender, the risk profile is different, and the gold loan interest rate reflects that. It also means the loan can move quickly, since there is far less about the borrower left to verify. What it cannot do is help someone who has nothing to pledge — which is precisely where unsecured credit does its job.

Getting the Sums Right Before Pledging

Watch the rate, but know how it is applied. Tracking the gold rate today gives a sense of the ballpark. The figure a lender actually uses is the lower of the 30-day average or the previous day's close, published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated exchange, so a one-day spike will not move the sanction.

Model the repayment before you commit. A gold loan calculator converts weight, purity and current rates into an eligible amount and a projected interest outgo. Muthoot Finance publishes its scheme details and a calculator on its website, and its Loan@Home service allows the process to start without a branch visit — helpful for comparing structures before deciding anything.

Pick a repayment structure that matches the income, not the calendar. Regular EMIs, monthly interest servicing, or a bullet repayment at the end are all standard. One rule worth knowing: RBI caps bullet repayment consumption loans at 12 months, though they can be renewed. A trader with seasonal receipts and a salaried borrower should not be choosing the same structure.

Where Care Is Still Needed

Borrow the requirement, not the eligibility. A high valuation makes a large sanction possible. That is not a reason to take it. Interest accrues on what is drawn.

Treat interest dates seriously. Missed payments attract penal charges, and prolonged default can eventually lead to auction — a long process with several exits, but one best avoided entirely.

Get the paperwork before handing anything over. A Key Fact Statement setting out the full cost, and a receipt listing gross weight, net weight and assessed purity, should both be in hand before the ornaments leave the counter.

Choosing Where to Pledge

The lender matters more here than in almost any other kind of borrowing, because what is at stake is not only money.

Muthoot Finance is regulated by RBI and sits in its upper layer of NBFCs, the tier held to the strictest standards. Pledged ornaments are insured at no cost to the borrower and kept in tamper-proof packaging inside branch strongrooms under round-the-clock surveillance. Repayment runs through any branch or online via the iMuthoot app and Webpay, part-payments are accepted, and prepaying carries no penalty. On closure, RBI requires the jewellery back within seven working days, with ₹5,000 per day payable to the borrower if the lender causes the delay.

Before Applying

Gold that has been sitting untouched for a decade is worth considerably more now than when it was bought, and the framework around lending against it is tighter than it has ever been. Both of those things favour the borrower.

The sensible sequence has not changed. Check the current benchmark, confirm which LTV tier applies, run the repayment through a calculator, choose the structure that fits the income, and read the receipt before signing. Done in that order, a short-term gap gets covered and the jewellery comes home.

How to Choose Life Insurance When Your Family Depends on Your Income

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:22:01 +0530

When your family depends on your income, choosing life insurance becomes more than a question of whether you have a policy. You need to know whether that policy can support the financial responsibilities you currently handle if your income is no longer available.

Rent or home loan EMIs, household expenses, children's education and support for ageing parents can all continue even when an earning member is no longer there. The right life insurance starts by understanding those responsibilities and choosing cover around them.

Begin with the People Who Depend on You

Start with a simple question: who relies on your income today?

It could be your spouse and children, parents who depend on you financially, or all of them. Then look at what your earnings currently pay for each month.

Include regular household expenses, school fees, loan repayments, insurance premiums and other essential costs. This shows you how much of the family's financial life depends directly on your income.

It also helps you avoid choosing life cover based only on your salary or on what someone else has purchased.

Work Out How Much Cover Your Family Needs

There is no single life insurance amount that works for every family.

Your cover should take into account your outstanding liabilities, regular family expenses and important future goals. If you have children, this can include the money you want available for their education. If you have a home loan, consider the outstanding amount your family would still need to manage.

Then look at what is already available. Existing life insurance, savings, investments and other reliable household income can reduce the gap that needs to be covered.

The aim is to arrive at an amount based on your family's actual finances rather than relying only on a fixed multiple of annual income.

Decide What You Need the Policy to Do

Different life insurance plans serve different purposes.

If your main requirement is financial protection for people who depend on your earnings, a pure-term insurance policy is designed specifically to provide life cover for a chosen period.

Other life insurance products can combine cover with savings or market-linked investment features. These may suit different financial objectives, but the protection component still needs to be checked against your family's requirement.

Start with the need first. Once you know how much protection you require, you can decide whether you want pure life cover or additional features within the policy.

Choose a Policy Term That Matches Your Responsibilities

The amount of cover matters, but so does how long it last.

Think about when your biggest financial responsibilities are likely to reduce. Your home loan may have another fifteen years left. Your children may need financial support until they complete higher education. Your parents may continue depending on you for longer.

Choose a policy term that covers the period during which your income plays an important role in supporting these responsibilities.

Simply choosing the longest term available is not always necessary. The objective is to match the cover period to your financial commitments.

Add Your Loans to the Calculation

A major loan can significantly change how much life insurance your family needs.

If you have a home loan, ask whether your family could continue the repayments without your income. If paying off the loan would consume savings meant for everyday expenses or future goals, include the outstanding liability when estimating your cover.

The same principle applies to other large debts that would continue to affect your family.

As loans reduce over time, review your overall insurance requirement again.

Do Not Depend Only on Insurance from Your Employer

Employer-provided life cover is a useful benefit, but it should be looked at alongside your family's complete requirement.

Check the actual amount of cover available through your workplace. Then ask whether it would be enough to meet outstanding liabilities and support your dependants for the required period.

Employer cover is also linked to that employment arrangement. If you change jobs, the benefits available through the previous employer do not automatically become your personal life insurance cover.

An individual policy gives you protection that is independent of a particular employer.

Pick a Premium You Can Maintain

The right cover also needs to fit comfortably within your finances.

Compare premiums for the cover amount and policy term you need, but do not make the decision on price alone. Premiums can vary based on factors such as age, health, smoking or tobacco use, sum assured and policy duration.

A lower premium is useful only when the policy itself meets your requirements.

Look at the benefits, exclusions, premium-payment period and policy conditions alongside the price before making the final comparison.

Be Accurate About Your Health and Lifestyle

When applying for life insurance, provide complete and accurate information about your health, medical history, occupation and lifestyle wherever the insurer asks for it.

Do not leave out a medical condition or tobacco use simply because you think it could increase the premium.

The insurer uses these details to assess your application and determine the terms on which the cover is offered. Accurate disclosure also keeps the policy based on the correct information from the beginning.

Choose Riders for a Clear Reason

Life insurance policies can offer riders that provide additional benefits for specified events, such as accidental death, disability or certain critical illnesses.

Do not add every rider simply because it is available.

Look at what the rider covers, what it excludes and how much additional premium it requires. Add it when it addresses a protection need that is relevant to your situation.

Keep the Policy Current as Your Family Changes

The life insurance you need today may not be the amount you need ten years from now.

Marriage, the birth of a child, a home loan, higher income or taking responsibility for parents can increase your financial commitments. Later, loan repayment, growing savings or children becoming financially independent can change them again.

Review your cover whenever these major changes happen.

Also keep your nominee details and contact information updated, and make sure your family knows that the policy exists and where its details are stored.

Choose Life Insurance Around Your Family

When your family depends on your income, life insurance should reflect the financial role that income plays.

Start with your dependants and liabilities. Account for future goals and the assets you already have. Then choose the amount and duration of cover that fills the gap.

The best life insurance plans in India are not necessarily the ones with the most features or the lowest premium. The right plan is one that provides enough financial protection for the responsibilities your income supports today and in the years ahead.

What Factors Should You Consider Before Choosing a Hair Regrowth Treatment?

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:01:01 +0530

Choosing a hair regrowth treatment feels overwhelming for most people -and understandably so. The market is flooded with shampoos, serums, supplements, and clinical procedures, each claiming to be the answer. But hair loss is rarely a one-size-fits-all problem, and picking the wrong treatment doesn't just waste money -it can delay real progress or even make things worse.

Before you commit to anything, there are a few important things worth thinking through carefully.

Understand Why You're Losing Hair First

This is the step most people skip, and it's the most important one. Hair loss has many different causes -hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, scalp conditions, genetics, thyroid issues, or even aggressive styling habits. Each of these responds to different treatments.

For example, hair loss driven by iron deficiency won't improve with a topical solution. And hair loss caused by a scalp condition like seborrheic dermatitis needs to be treated at the scalp level before any regrowth treatment will work. Getting a proper diagnosis -through a dermatologist or a trichologist -gives you a starting point that actually makes sense.

If you're self-diagnosing based on a quiz or a quick Google search, you might be treating the wrong thing entirely.

How Long Has the Hair Loss Been Happening?

Duration matters more than most people realize. Early-stage hair loss tends to respond better to treatment than hair loss that has been progressing for years. When hair follicles have been dormant or miniaturized for a long time, some of them may no longer be active -which means even effective treatments may not be able to revive them.

This doesn't mean long-standing hair loss is untreatable. But it does mean your expectations and your treatment plan need to be calibrated accordingly. The earlier you act, the more options you have.

What Does the Evidence Actually Say?

Not all hair regrowth treatments are backed by solid clinical evidence. Some ingredients and methods have been studied extensively. Others are based on anecdotal reports or limited research. It's worth asking -before you spend money on something -whether there is real clinical data supporting it.

Minoxidil, for instance, is one of the most studied topical treatments for hair loss and has shown consistent results in people with androgenetic alopecia. It works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. It isn't a cure, but the evidence behind it is well-established. Understanding what a treatment does mechanically -not just what it promises -helps you make a smarter decision.

Are You Thinking About Side Effects and Long-Term Use?

Some hair regrowth treatments require ongoing use to maintain results. If you stop, the hair loss may return. That's not a flaw in the treatment necessarily -it's just how some of these interventions work. But it's important information to have before you start.

Side effects also vary significantly. Certain medications can affect hormonal balance or cause systemic effects. Topical treatments might cause scalp irritation in some people. Before starting anything, especially a medication or a clinical procedure, knowing the risk profile helps you make an informed choice rather than a reactive one.

Ask whether the treatment is meant for short-term or lifelong use
Check if it's suitable for your specific type of hair loss
Understand whether results are reversible if you stop
Look into any known interactions with existing health conditions or medications

Is the Treatment Addressing Root Causes or Just Symptoms?

A lot of treatments focus on surface-level results -making hair look thicker or reducing shedding temporarily -without addressing why the hair loss started in the first place. For someone with hormonal hair loss, for instance, a topical product alone may not be enough.

Brands like Traya minoxidil combine scientifically backed topical solutions with internal support -addressing deficiencies, lifestyle factors, and scalp health together rather than treating hair loss as a single-variable problem. This kind of layered approach tends to produce more sustainable results.

Final Thoughts

Hair regrowth is possible for many people, but the path there looks different depending on what's causing the loss, how long it's been happening, and how well the treatment matches the actual problem. Before choosing anything, slow down and ask the right questions. The best treatment isn't the most popular one or the most expensive one -it's the one that fits your specific situation. Understanding your hair loss first is always the smarter starting point.

From Brokerage to Technology Group: What CGM Group Is Building Around CGM NEO

Indrakshi Samanta — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:03:19 +0530

CGM Group has spent 2026 widening its remit. Alongside the brokerage operated by Continental Global Markets, the Group has been developing a technology arm covering fintech platforms, Web3 products, artificial intelligence, mobile and web applications, and CRM systems. CGM NEO sits at the centre of that shift as the client facing digital platform of the wider business.

The reasoning behind the move is that a brokerage is one of the more demanding software problems in finance. It requires real time pricing, payment handling, identity verification, reporting and continuous availability, all at once and all under conditions where a few minutes of downtime is immediately visible to every client.

The Group's argument is that having built that capability for its own platform, the same engineering can be directed at other problems.

As Hussein Omer, Chairman of Continental Global Markets, explains: “The brokerage taught us to build for people who cannot afford five minutes of downtime. That discipline is the product now, not only the platform it produced.”

The result is a Group organised around two connected businesses: markets on one side, technology on the other, with CGM NEO as the most visible expression of both.

The brokerage side remains the anchor. CGM NEO offers more than 2,000 instruments across six asset classes, with MetaTrader 5, the CGM NEO app and the CGM NEO AI Terminal serving as its interfaces.

The AI Terminal is the clearest point of contact between the two halves of the Group, since it is a technology product that happens to live inside a trading platform rather than a trading feature that happens to use technology.

Continental Global Markets has been operating since 2006 and serves clients in more than 163 countries, which gives the technology arm an existing audience rather than a hypothetical one.

For a CGM broker moving in this direction, the obvious risk is dilution, and the Group's position is that the two sides share infrastructure rather than compete for attention.

There is a commercial logic to it as well. Building payment handling, identity verification and reporting once and then applying them across several products is cheaper than commissioning each of them twice, and it keeps a single engineering team responsible for the parts clients notice when they fail.CGM Group.

The wider direction of the Group can be explored at

Expanding from brokerage into technology is a familiar ambition and an unfamiliar achievement. What makes the attempt credible in this case is that the platform being generalised is already carrying clients in more than 163 countries.

Trading forex, CFDs and digital assets carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors.

PMEGP Loan for New Businesses: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:15:12 +0530

Starting a new business often begins with a clear idea, but bringing that idea to life requires the right financial support. From setting up a workspace to purchasing equipment and managing early operating costs, new entrepreneurs may need funding before the business starts generating steady income.

This is where the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) can become relevant. A PMEGP loan is designed to support eligible individuals looking to establish new micro-enterprises.

Before applying, however, it is important to understand how the scheme works and what applicants are expected to meet. Let us look at the eligibility criteria, key benefits, and application process in detail.

What Does a PMEGP Loan Mean for a New Business?

The PMEGP is a credit-linked subsidy initiative that supports the establishment of new micro-enterprises. It is implemented through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, with support from Khadi and Village Industry Boards and District Industries Centres.

For a new business, a PMEGP loan can help finance both capital expenditure and day-to-day working capital requirements. The scheme allows capital expenditure and one cycle of working capital to be included within the eligible project cost. Costs for ready-built, leased, or rented workshops or sheds may also be considered for up to three years, while the cost of land is excluded.

The scheme is specifically meant for new projects, making it relevant for eligible entrepreneurs who are planning to establish a micro-enterprise rather than finance an existing subsidised unit.

Who is Eligible for a PMEGP Loan?

Eligibility for a PMEGP loan depends on the applicant, the proposed project, and the type of entity applying. The key conditions include:

1. Age Requirement

Individual applicants must be at least 18 years old.

2. Educational Qualification

No minimum qualification is required for manufacturing projects costing up to ₹10 lakh or service projects costing up to ₹5 lakh. For projects above these limits, applicants must have passed at least Class VIII.

3. New Projects Only

The scheme applies only to new projects sanctioned under PMEGP. Existing units that have already received specified government subsidies are not eligible.

4. Eligible Entities

Self-Help Groups (SHG’s), eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL)-category SHGs, registered societies, production co-operative societies, and charitable trusts may also apply.

5. One Applicant Per Family

Only one person from a family can apply under the scheme. For this purpose, a family includes the applicant and spouse.

Applicants exploring government loan schemes should therefore check both their individual eligibility and the proposed project requirements before proceeding.

What are the Benefits of a PMEGP Loan?

A PMEGP loan combines credit support with a project-linked subsidy, helping eligible entrepreneurs manage the financial requirements of setting up a new micro-enterprise. Key benefits include:

1. Project-linked Subsidy

Eligible applicants can receive a subsidy ranging from 15% to 35% of the project cost, depending on the applicant category and project location. This can reduce the portion of the project cost that needs to be met through the applicant's contribution and bank finance.

2. Support for Manufacturing and Service Projects

The maximum eligible project cost is ₹50 lakh for manufacturing and ₹20 lakh for business or service activities. These limits allow applicants to plan their proposed enterprise within a clearly defined funding framework.

3. Lower Contribution for Special Categories

General-category applicants contribute 10% of the project cost, while eligible special-category applicants contribute 5%. The lower contribution requirement can make it easier for eligible applicants to arrange their share of the initial project investment.

4. Support for Different Funding Needs

The scheme can provide cash credit for working capital requirements and term finance for capital expenditure. This enables eligible businesses to address both day-to-day operating needs and costs related to setting up the enterprise.

5. Credit Guarantee Support

Eligible applicants can receive credit guarantee support under the scheme, helping improve access to finance for new enterprises. The applicable coverage depends on the loan amount and the conditions specified under the scheme.

Among government loan schemes, PMEGP therefore provides a structured combination of credit, subsidy, and eligible project support for entrepreneurs setting up new micro-enterprises.

How can you Apply for a PMEGP Loan?

The application for a PMEGP loan is completed through the official PMEGP e-portal. Applicants can follow these steps:

1. Check the Eligibility Requirements

Review the age, education, project, and entity-related conditions to confirm eligibility before starting the application.

2. Prepare the Project Report

Keep a detailed project report ready with information about the proposed business and its funding requirements.

3. Arrange the Required Documents

Keep documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, applicable category certificates, rural area certificates, and education or skill-related certificates ready. Institutional applicants may need additional registration and authorisation documents.

4. Visit the PMEGP E-Portal

Open the PMEGP portal and select Apply under the “Application for New Business” option.

5. Complete and Submit the Application

Enter the required information carefully and submit the completed application through the portal for further processing.

Applicants exploring government loan schemes should ensure that the details entered in the application match their supporting documents and proposed project information.

Plan Your New Business Funding With Clarity

A PMEGP loan can help eligible entrepreneurs take a structured approach to financing a new micro-enterprise. Understanding the eligibility rules, project cost limits, beneficiary contribution, subsidy structure, and application requirements beforehand can make the process easier to navigate.

Among the available government loan schemes, PMEGP is designed specifically to support new enterprises that meet the prescribed conditions. Financial institutions like HDFC Bank provide access to PMEGP financing for eligible applicants.

Entrepreneurs planning to apply should review the scheme requirements carefully, prepare a detailed project report, keep the necessary documents ready, and ensure that the proposed business meets the applicable eligibility criteria before submitting the application.

Russia Introduces AI Referee Support System for Federal Competitions

Indrakshi Samanta — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:47:10 +0530

From September 10 to 13, the Magnit Russian Weightlifting Championships will feature an AI-powered referee support system. The technology is not being introduced as a one-off test: following the Russian Championships, the system will continue to be used by the Russian Weightlifting Federation (RWF) as part of its competition process.

The innovative solution was developed by researchers from Sberbank as part of the Sber AI team. The system analyzes athletes’ attempts using video footage and provides referees with additional materials to review disputed situations.

The Russian Weightlifting Federation has become the first sports federation in Russia to integrate an AI system directly into judging at federal-level competitions. By adopting the technology, the RWF is taking a pioneering role and setting a new benchmark for the use of AI in Russian sport.

Using computer vision, the system identifies key points on an athlete’s body, creates a digital skeleton, tracks movement and calculates performance parameters. The analysis takes into account the individual engagement and fixation of the shoulder, elbow and knee joints.

AI helps formalize criteria that have traditionally been assessed visually by referees, including limb positioning, movement trajectory, stability of the final position and specific indicators of technical violations.

In the event of a disputed attempt, the jury receives the video footage, key frames and analytical results. The system works in a way comparable to VAR in football: AI does not replace referees or make the final decision. Instead, it provides additional objective data to support the review of a disputed episode.

“The introduction of an AI-powered referee support system is an important step in the development of sport. Our goal is to make the competition process even more transparent, modern and understandable.

At the same time, it is important that artificial intelligence does not replace the professional judgment of the refereeing panel. It serves as an additional tool that allows referees to quickly access relevant data, carefully review disputed situations and improve the quality of their decisions.

For us, this is not a one-off technology experiment, but the beginning of a systematic effort. We are grateful to our colleagues at Sber for this joint project and are confident that its further development will help establish new standards for judging — first at competitions in Russia and, in the future, on the international stage.”

— Dmitry Khomyakov, Secretary General of the Russian Weightlifting Federation

“It is fundamentally important for us that artificial intelligence in sport is already moving beyond laboratories and pilot projects. We are not simply developing and testing promising solutions — we are deploying them at federal-level competitions, where they deliver real value.

We thank the Russian Weightlifting Federation for its trust and partnership. Today, we are pioneers in this field together. Our next goal is to further develop the technology and, in the future, bring it to international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Only through close cooperation with the professional sports community can technologies like this reach their full potential.”

— Maxim Eryomenko, Vice President and Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technology Development Department, Sberbank

The Russian Championships will serve as the starting point for the technology’s further integration into the competition process. The Sberbank development team will continue to improve the innovative system in cooperation with the Russian Weightlifting Federation and sports experts, expanding the capabilities of modern AI technologies to support refereeing.

Cancer and Heart Disease Cover: Why Critical Illness Insurance Matters

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:54:25 +0530

Cancer and heart disease often require more than immediate hospital treatment. Recovery may involve regular medical care, time away from work and continued household expenses. Critical illness insurance can provide a fixed financial benefit after an eligible diagnosis meets the policy conditions.

This support may help families manage treatment-related needs, protect planned savings and maintain everyday commitments during a demanding period with greater financial confidence.

It Provides Support beyond Hospital Bills

Suppose a working parent is comparing options to find the best health insurance plan in India for the family. A regular medical policy may settle eligible hospital charges, but treatment can create several other needs.

Travel, home assistance, follow-up consultations, and routine household payments may continue. A fixed benefit can help manage such essential expenses according to the family’s priorities.

It Helps with Long Cancer Treatment

Cancer care may involve tests, surgery, medicines, therapy, monitoring and recovery over an extended period. Not every financial need arises during hospital admission. Extra funds may support travel to suitable treatment centres, prescribed care at home, rehabilitation and daily responsibilities.

This broader financial assistance matters when medical care continues across different stages and requires repeated arrangements by the patient and family.

It Supports Recovery after a Heart Condition

Heart disease may require urgent treatment followed by rest, medical reviews and structured rehabilitation. During this period, the person may need help returning gradually to normal daily activities.

A lump sum benefit can support recovery-related needs without requiring every use of the money to match a hospital bill. The exact benefit remains subject to the policy wording and accepted diagnosis.

It Can Protect Regular Household Commitments

A serious diagnosis may temporarily affect a person’s ability to work or manage usual responsibilities. Rent, loan payments, education expenses, groceries and utility bills may still need attention.

Critical illness cover can provide financial support for these commitments after an eligible claim. This allows available savings to remain useful for other planned needs rather than being directed entirely towards recovery expenses.

It Gives the Family Flexibility

The approved payout is generally linked to the selected benefit amount rather than the actual treatment bill. The policyholder may use it for medical care, rehabilitation, household support or other recovery needs.

This flexibility is important because the effects of cancer and heart disease differ from one household to another. Families can decide which immediate responsibility requires the most attention.

It Complements Existing Medical Insurance

Critical illness insurance and regular health cover perform different but useful roles. Medical insurance generally handles eligible treatment expenses through cashless settlement or reimbursement.

The fixed benefit provides separate financial assistance after a listed condition meets the policy definition. Keeping both types of protection can help address hospital charges as well as wider expenses that may arise throughout treatment and recovery.

It Reduces Pressure on Long-Term Savings

Families often build savings for education, retirement, housing or other future responsibilities. A major illness can force them to redirect those funds towards immediate financial needs.

A lump sum benefit may reduce this pressure by providing a separate source of support. Its usefulness depends on the chosen sum insured, covered conditions, waiting requirements and the insurer’s assessment of the submitted claim.

Final Thoughts

Cancer and heart disease cover matters because serious treatment can affect medical spending, income and everyday responsibilities together. A fixed benefit offers flexibility when an eligible diagnosis meets the policy conditions.

Before purchasing cover, review illness definitions, benefit limits, waiting and survival requirements, claim documents and post-payment terms carefully. Claim acceptance always depends on medical evidence and policy wording.

Indian food professionals to visit European apple and kiwi producers in Greece and Poland

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:10:02 +0530

India, August 2026 – Four Indian food-sector professionals are expected to travel to Greece and Poland in October 2026 as part of a “Garden of Europe” study visit focused on European apple and kiwi production. During the visit, participants will learn more about European kiwis originating in Greece and European apples originating in Poland, gaining insight into the production process behind the two fruits.

India represents a significant import market for both apples and kiwi fruit. Recent data published by the Government of India show that the country imports around 520,000 tonnes of apples from international markets, valued at approximately USD 425 million, while kiwi fruit imports amount to around 49,000 tonnes, worth more than USD 61million. Exports of European apples to India in the 2025/2026 season totaled over 96,000 metric tons, compared to over 51,000 metric tons in the 2024/2025 season—an increase of 86%. Against this backdrop, the upcoming study visit will give Indian food-sector professionals an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the European production system and the standards and practices behind the products.

European fruit production places strong emphasis on food safety, traceability and quality throughout the supply chain. The visit will also provide a platform for dialogue between Indian food-sector professionals and European producers on market needs, consumer preferences and the requirements of the Indian fresh fruit sector.

“The visit is designed as a two-way exchange. Indian professionals will be able to see European production first-hand, while producers will gain a better understanding of the expectations and requirements of the Indian market,” says Piotr Janota, President of the Association of Polish Fruit and Vegetables Distributors “FRUIT UNION” and representative of the campaign.

The programme will include meetings with European fruit producers and visits to production and packing facilities in Greece and Poland, allowing participants to learn more about cultivation, harvesting, sorting, storage and preparation of fruit for international markets. The meetings will also provide an opportunity to discuss market expectations, distribution requirements and possibilities for further cooperation.

The study visit forms part of the third year of Garden of Europe activities in India. Throughout the year, the campaign will continue to engage with Indian consumers and food-sector professionals through media activities, business meetings, promotional events and digital communication, providing information about European apples and kiwis and the standards behind their production.

The “Garden of Europe” campaign is a three-year project (2024–2027), co-funded by the European Union, promoting European kiwis originating in Greece and European apples originating in Poland in India. The campaign aims to strengthen their market presence and increase consumer awareness, while highlighting European production standards related to quality, food safety, traceability and responsible production, as well as the nutritional value of fresh fruit. Garden of Europe is implemented by the Agricultural Cooperative of Neapoli Agrinio – AS Neapolis in Greece and the Association of Polish Fruit and Vegetables Distributors “FRUIT UNION” in Poland.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Built in India, Competing for Global Search: How ThatWare Is Taking Search Intelligence Across Borders

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:38:41 +0530

A company in Dubai searches for an SEO partner. An enterprise in the United States wants stronger organic visibility. A business in Singapore is investigating AI search. Another wants to understand why competitors appear in generative answers while its own brand does not.

The businesses may operate thousands of kilometers apart.

The underlying problem is increasingly the same:

How does a company remain discoverable when its customers, competitors and search technologies are all becoming global?

That question has shaped the evolution of ThatWare, an India-origin search intelligence company founded by Tuhin Banik.

What began with advanced search engine optimization has expanded into an ecosystem spanning SEO, enterprise SEO, international SEO, AI SEO, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), LLM SEO, semantic and entity optimization, AI visibility and proprietary search-intelligence frameworks.

That combination gives ThatWare an unusual proposition.

It can help a business compete for the searches generating opportunities today while simultaneously preparing its digital presence for the way customers may discover companies tomorrow.

Global SEO is not simply SEO performed in another country

International growth creates problems that are easy to underestimate.

A strategy succeeding in one market may fail in another.

People use different terminology. Search behaviour changes. Competition changes. Language and cultural context matter. Search intent can vary even when two people appear to be looking for the same product.

Enterprise businesses add further complexity through multiple websites, locations, products and thousands of URLs.

This makes international SEO less about translating keywords and more about understanding markets.

ThatWare's search model combines technical and enterprise SEO with intent, semantics, content architecture and data-led analysis to address this complexity.

For businesses seeking an SEO company in India capable of supporting international growth, this broader capability matters because global search cannot be managed effectively as dozens of disconnected local campaigns.

The brand still needs one coherent digital identity.

ThatWare's difference becomes clearer when the customer journey leaves Google

International discovery is also becoming more fragmented.

A buyer researching a supplier may start on Google, encounter a company through an article, ask an AI assistant to identify alternatives, request a comparison and then investigate the shortlisted businesses individually.

Search therefore no longer occurs at a single point.

ThatWare has responded by extending SEO into AEO, GEO and LLM SEO.

AEO focuses on information suitable for direct-answer environments.

GEO addresses visibility within generative search experiences.

LLM SEO considers how information about a business can be understood and retrieved through systems powered by large language models.

These capabilities sit alongside ThatWare's established SEO work rather than competing with it.

That is commercially significant.

A company expanding internationally cannot afford to abandon Google visibility to pursue AI visibility. Equally, it makes little sense to build strong conventional rankings while ignoring emerging discovery environments.

ThatWare's model is designed around doing both.

A global brand needs one identity that machines can understand

Imagine a company operating in India, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Its services may be described differently across regional websites. Products may have several names. Executive profiles may contain inconsistent information. Third-party references may classify the company differently.

To a person familiar with the organization, the connections are obvious.

To machines interpreting millions of entities, they may not be.

This is why ThatWare places substantial emphasis on semantic search and entity optimization.

The objective is to establish clearer relationships between a business, its services, expertise, people, products, locations and subjects.

ThatWare's Vector Entity Model (VEM) extends this thinking by modelling entities and their contextual relationships.

For a global enterprise, this creates a valuable principle:

Do not merely make individual webpages understandable. Make the organization itself understandable.

As AI becomes increasingly involved in research and recommendation journeys, that distinction can become important.

Visibility also needs evidence

AI search has created an unusual measurement challenge.

A business may know its Google rankings, organic traffic and conversions in considerable detail.

But does it know how often it appears when AI systems discuss its industry?

Does the brand appear consistently?

Are competitors mentioned instead?

Is the company associated with the right topics?

Is available information accurate?

ThatWare has developed AVM — AI Visibility Metrics around this emerging problem, examining signals connected with presence, citations, authority, consistency and positioning in AI-oriented discovery.

This makes the relationship between ThatWare's technologies easier to understand.

SEO measures and improves conventional search performance.

VEM addresses entity understanding.

AEO, GEO and LLM SEO address emerging discovery environments.

AVM examines visibility within those environments.

The result is not simply “SEO with AI added.”

It is a broader system for understanding where and how a business can be discovered.

But technology has to produce business

This is where ThatWare's approach becomes particularly relevant to companies evaluating agencies.

Businesses rarely wake up wanting semantic entity modelling.

They want growth.

A manufacturer may want international distributors. A SaaS company may need enterprise demos. An e-commerce company may need transactions. A professional-services firm may need qualified enquiries.

Search technology is valuable only when it helps create those opportunities.

ThatWare's Cognitive Resonance SEO (CrSEO) brings human decision-making into this equation by considering factors such as relevance, trust and confidence.

It addresses an important limitation of visibility alone.

Being found is the beginning.

Being considered is what gives that visibility commercial value.

This allows ThatWare to approach search from both directions: how machines understand a business and how people respond once they discover it.

Why ThatWare looks different from a conventional SEO agency

The distinction is easier to see when its capabilities are viewed together.

A conventional SEO agency may offer technical optimization, content and backlinks.

A specialist AI-search consultancy may concentrate primarily on AEO or GEO.

ThatWare operates across the wider continuum:

SEO → Enterprise SEO → International SEO → AI SEO → AEO → GEO → LLM SEO → Semantic & Entity Intelligence → VEM → AVM → Conversion Intelligence.

It has also developed experimental frameworks including AIEO, QSAAS and predictive search intelligence, extending its research into how intelligent and emerging search systems may evolve.

A business does not need to deploy that entire stack.

The advantage is continuity.

A company can begin with an immediate requirement—perhaps organic rankings or enterprise SEO—and expand into international search, AI visibility, entities or generative discovery without rebuilding its search strategy around an entirely different philosophy.

That is a meaningful differentiator for businesses thinking in years rather than campaigns.

India's opportunity is larger than outsourced digital services

There is also a broader story here.

India has long been a major global provider of technology and digital services.

The next opportunity is not merely delivering those services efficiently.

It is creating intellectual property, methodologies and technology frameworks that originate in India and are applied internationally.

ThatWare fits into this emerging category.

Its identity remains rooted in SEO, but the company has steadily expanded the definition through artificial intelligence, semantic search, entity modelling, AI visibility, predictive intelligence and generative-search optimization.

This is what makes ThatWare's journey relevant beyond the SEO industry itself.

It reflects a larger shift from India executing global digital work to Indian companies developing ideas about how that work should be done.

One search partner for a much larger search world

Businesses ultimately do not need more acronyms.

They need fewer blind spots.

They need Google visibility without becoming dependent on yesterday's search behaviour.

They need international reach without fragmenting their brand.

They need AI readiness without abandoning proven SEO fundamentals.

They need technology without losing sight of customers and revenue.

That is where ThatWare's breadth makes its strongest argument.

For companies evaluating an SEO company in India, international SEO agency, enterprise SEO company, AI SEO company, AEO services, GEO services or LLM SEO partner, ThatWare represents an integrated approach rather than a collection of unrelated offerings.

Its proposition is therefore surprisingly simple despite the sophistication underneath it:

build visibility where customers search today, build understanding where machines discover information tomorrow, and connect both to actual business opportunity.

ThatWare was built in India.

The search problem it is trying to solve no longer has borders.

How Lighting Influences Interior Design More Than Furniture

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:12:03 +0530

For a long time, I believed furniture was the most important part of interior design. Whenever I wanted to improve a room, I looked at sofas, tables, cabinets and chairs first. I assumed that better furniture would automatically make the space look more stylish.

That belief changed when I moved a lamp in my living room and switched on a warmer light one evening. The furniture was exactly the same, but the entire room suddenly felt softer, more inviting and better planned. That small moment made me realise that lighting does more than help us see. It shapes how we experience every colour, texture and object around us.

My Furniture-First Mistake

When I first started decorating my living room, I spent most of my time choosing furniture. I selected a comfortable sofa, added a centre table and placed a cabinet against the wall. Each piece looked good on its own, but the room still felt flat.

During the day, natural light helped the space look pleasant. After sunset, however, one bright ceiling light washed out the colours and created harsh shadows. The sofa looked dull, the wall decor disappeared, and the corners felt disconnected from the rest of the room.

That was when I understood that furniture cannot create the desired effect if the lighting does not support it. Even an attractive room can feel unfinished when every area receives the same intensity and colour of light.

I began looking at lighting as part of the design itself rather than a final utility added after the room was furnished.

Light Changed the Mood

My first improvement was simple. I replaced the idea of using one strong light with a combination of general, focused and ambient lighting.

The main ceiling light continued to provide basic illumination, but I added softer light near the seating area. I also used Wipro consumer light's decorative lights to bring warmth to a corner that earlier looked empty after dark.

The result surprised me. The room did not just become brighter. It became more comfortable. The same sofa appeared richer, the cushions looked more colourful, and the wall finish gained depth.

I also noticed how the colour of light changed my mood. Bright white light helped when I was cleaning or organising the room. Warmer light felt more suitable when I was relaxing, talking with family or watching television.

Furniture gave the room its function, but lighting gave it its personality.

Hidden Details Came Alive

The next area I worked on was a simple display unit. It had books, photographs and a few objects collected during family trips. During the day, the arrangement looked attractive, but at night, it blended into the wall.

I installed LED strip lights along the inner edge of the shelves. Once the strips were switched on, every object became more visible without making the unit look overly bright.

The light also created shadows behind the objects, making the display appear deeper and more layered. Nothing on the shelf had changed, yet it looked like a newly designed feature.

I later used Wipro Consumer Lighting LED strip lighting around a recessed section and below a cabinet. These lights helped define shapes that were already present in the room but had previously gone unnoticed.

Small Rooms Felt Larger

I used to think that making a compact room feel spacious required smaller furniture. That approach helped, but lighting created a more noticeable change.

In a narrow room, I directed light towards the walls instead of allowing all the brightness to fall only in the centre. The reflected light reduced dark corners and made the boundaries of the room feel less restrictive.

I also added light near the curtains and along a vertical design feature. Drawing the eye upwards made the ceiling appear higher. The room had the same measurements and the same furniture, but it no longer felt as closed.

Every Material Looked Different

Lighting also changed the way I noticed materials. Wood appeared warmer under soft light, while metal surfaces reflected sharper light more clearly. Textured walls gained character when the light reached them from an angle.

I had a wall finish that looked ordinary under the main ceiling light. When I placed focused lighting near it, the surface began showing subtle variations that I had never noticed before.

The same happened with fabrics. Curtains, rugs and cushions looked more detailed when the room had layered lighting instead of one flat source.

This made me more careful while choosing LED lights for home decoration. I no longer selected them only according to wattage or appearance. I considered what they would illuminate, where shadows would fall and how the light colour would affect the nearby materials.

Design Became More Flexible

Furniture usually stays in one place for long periods. Lighting, however, can change the character of a room within seconds.

In my living room, I could use bright illumination for reading, softer settings for conversations and accent lighting during festive gatherings. I did not need to rearrange the sofa or purchase new decor every time I wanted a different atmosphere.

Wipro Consumer Lighting options made it possible to adjust the room according to the moment. This flexibility became especially valuable because the same space served multiple purposes throughout the day.

The Element That Completes Every Room

My home still needs furniture. It provides comfort, storage and structure. However, my experience has shown me that furniture alone cannot decide how a room feels.

Lighting can make a simple chair appear elegant, turn an ordinary wall into a focal point and bring attention to details that would otherwise remain hidden. LED strip lights, decorative lights, and carefully selected LED lights for home decoration helped me see my interiors differently without replacing things I already owned.

From Everyday Staples to Everyday Nutrition: How Prosa Foods Is Building Kerala’s High-Protein Food Movement

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:42:04 +0530

What if eating more protein didn’t require Indians to change the way they eat?

That is the idea behind Prosa Foods, a Kerala-based food startup founded in 2025 by first-time entrepreneur Martin Paul. Instead of building another fitness-focused nutrition brand around powders and supplements, Prosa is reimagining familiar Indian staples as convenient, protein-rich everyday foods.

Its initial portfolio includes high-protein dosa and idli batter and high-protein half-cooked chapatis — products designed to combine better nutrition with the convenience and familiarity of foods already consumed by Indian households.

“People shouldn’t have to completely change what they eat to eat better,” says Martin.

That philosophy has shaped Prosa’s approach from the beginning. The company started with product development, recipe experimentation and market validation, choosing to test its products in real-world retail environments rather than launching with a large portfolio. Consumer feedback has since played an important role in refining the products and business.

For Martin, the opportunity extends beyond creating healthier versions of individual foods. India’s growing awareness of nutrition has created a rapidly expanding protein market, but much of it remains centred on supplements, sports nutrition and specialised health products. Prosa aims to take protein into a much larger consumption occasion — the everyday family meal.

Building the business has required Martin to work across product development, manufacturing, branding, retail, marketing and customer acquisition, including partnerships with contract manufacturers.

The company is now expanding its retail footprint across Kerala, with Kochi and surrounding markets playing an important role in its early growth. Alongside retail, Prosa has established a D2C channel with hyperlocal delivery across Kochi through its website, allowing consumers to order directly while giving the company valuable insights into consumption patterns and preferences.

The next phase involves expanding beyond Kerala into tier-one cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune, while developing a scalable model combining retail reach with direct consumer relationships.

Prosa received a significant boost in June 2026, when it secured investment from a UK-based angel investor. While the investment amount and equity details remain undisclosed, the funding is expected to support retail expansion, production capacity, product development, marketing and team building.

For Martin, the investment is also validation that a nationally relevant food brand can be built from Kerala around an everyday nutritional need.

“Protein should not be a product category reserved for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It should become part of everyday food.”

Ultimately, Prosa Foods wants to build India’s leading high-protein everyday food brand — making better nutrition almost invisible by integrating it seamlessly into foods people already know, cook and love.

The ambition is simple: make protein not an aspiration, supplement or specialised choice, but an ordinary part of everyday Indian life.

About Prosa Foods: Prosa Foods is a Kerala-based food startup developing high-protein versions of everyday Indian staples, currently including dosa and idli batter and half-cooked chapatis.

Website: https://www.prosafoods.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prosafoods

Vijay Deverakonda Co-Launches Unhype, a Skincare Brand Built on “No BS. Only What Works.”

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:23:04 +0530

Hyderabad, September 12, 2026: Actor Vijay Deverakonda has co-founded and co-built Unhype, a new skincare brand created for young India with a simple philosophy — “No BS. Only what works.” The brand aims to make skincare simpler, more transparent and more accessible by cutting through excessive products, complicated routines and exaggerated claims.

Unhype has been developed as a functional skincare line for young Indians, particularly the 18–30 age group, with products designed around real Indian skin, weather and everyday conditions. The brand focuses on simple routines, science-backed formulations, transparent claims and honest pricing.

For Vijay Deverakonda, Unhype is the result of a nine-month journey of actively participating in the development of the products rather than simply lending his name to a skincare brand.

“For ten years, people have been asking me for skincare advice, tips and suggestions. I finally have an answer. I didn’t want to be the face of a brand. They asked me to co-build it — so I did,” said Vijay Deverakonda, Co-Founder, Unhype.

He added, “I tried every single version on my own face. Nine months later, here we are. No BS. Only what works. I’ve been using these for months — now it’s time for you to join me.”

Built Around Simple, Functional Skincare:

Unhype launches with two VD Signature Routines, each addressing a specific skincare concern commonly faced by young Indians. The Acne Safe Routine is designed for oily and acne-prone skin, while the Brightening Routine is focused on tan and dullness.

Each routine follows a simple three-step approach — face wash, moisturiser and sunscreen — providing what the brand describes as the basic routine most people need to build a consistent skincare habits.

The routines are priced at ₹1,299 each, covering three products. Unhype says its pricing is enabled by its own research and development and manufacturing capabilities, allowing consumers to pay for the products rather than celebrity-led marketing.

Science, Testing and Indian Conditions at the Core:

Unhype says its products are developed with a focus on efficacy, safety and transparency. The formulations have been tested and certified, with independent third-party testing forming part of the product development process.

The sunscreen uses new-generation UV filters and has undergone in-vivo and in-vitro SPF testing. The products are dermatologically tested, with the formulations designed for daily use.

The brand has also developed its products keeping Indian conditions in mind, including heat, humidity, sweat, sun exposure, pollution and hard water.

“We wanted to build skincare where every ingredient earns its place, every claim is backed and people understand what they are paying for,” the brand said.

Online-First Launch:

Unhype is taking a product-first, online-first approach to its launch. The brand is available through its own website, unhype.in, with the philosophy that the products and real users should build the brand before large-scale noise.

Pre-booking for the routines opened on September 11, while product shipments and the wider launch begin on September 21.

Vijay Deverakonda will introduce Unhype in his own words through his personal social media platforms, while @unhype will carry the brand’s ongoing story and communication. The launch campaign is built around the hashtag #Unhyped.

Rather than following the traditional celebrity skincare launch model, Unhype is positioning Vijay Deverakonda as a co-founder and co-builder who has been directly involved in developing and testing the products.

The brand’s central proposition remains straightforward: good skincare does not need more hype — it needs products that work.

Social media links

Insta

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdI4w2XsVs2/?stkn=YXdzb3huY2tsZTdp

https://www.instagram.com/unhype.in?stkn=MW1jY2k4aGo1NWNmOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://x.com/unhype_in

Website

https://unhype.in/

Is Policy Migration Better Than Health Insurance Portability

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:53:26 +0530

No, policy migration is not always better than health insurance portability. Both options serve different purposes and work in different situations. Migration allows you to move to another policy with the same insurer, while portability lets you shift to a different insurer at renewal.

The better choice depends on what you want to change, how well your current insurer meets your needs, and which option supports your future healthcare requirements.

Migration Is Better When the Insurer Still Works for You

Migration can be practical if you are satisfied with your insurer but no longer find the existing policy suitable. You may need different benefits or a revised coverage structure. In that case, changing only the policy may make more sense.

It can suit you when:

You want to stay with the same insurer.
Another policy fits your needs better.
Your concern is policy design rather than service experience.

Portability Is Better When You Want a Different Insurer

Portability may be more suitable when your concern goes beyond the policy itself. You may want another insurer because of its hospital network, plans, service approach, or policy terms. This gives you access to options outside your current insurer’s product range.

It can be useful when:

You want to change the insurer.
The present product range feels limited.
Another insurer has a policy that better matches your requirements.

Migration Can Avoid an Unnecessary Complete Switch

A full change is not always required if the insurer is meeting your expectations. Migration can help you move to a more suitable policy without changing the insurance relationship. This can matter for families reviewing medical insurance for senior citizens in India, where healthcare needs may change with age and a different policy structure may become more relevant.

Consider migration when:

The insurer is not the main issue.
You need different benefits or limits.
You prefer continuity in servicing.

Portability Gives You a Wider Choice

The strongest advantage of portability is choice. Instead of considering only plans offered by one insurer, you can evaluate suitable policies from another insurer. This helps when your priorities have changed.

Compare areas such as:

Hospital network access.
Co-payment conditions.
Room eligibility.
Waiting period terms.
Coverage structure and limits.
A wider choice helps only when the new policy improves areas that matter to you.

Continuity Benefits Matter in Both Options

Both migration and portability may allow eligible continuity benefits to move to the new policy, subject to rules and policy conditions. However, continuity does not mean the new policy will be identical to the old one. Benefits, limits, conditions, and coverage structure may differ.

Before changing, check:

Which waiting period credits continue.
Whether the sum insured changes.
Whether conditions apply.
How previous coverage history is treated.
The value depends on what carries forward and what changes.

Migration May Suit a Simple Policy Upgrade

Migration can be more suitable when the problem is straightforward. Your current policy may no longer provide the type of protection you need, but you may still be comfortable with the insurer. If another eligible plan within the same company addresses that gap, migration can be sensible.

It may work better when:

Your healthcare needs have changed.
You want differently structured cover.
You do not need to change the insurer.
A suitable internal option is available.

Portability May Suit a Bigger Change

Portability is more relevant when you want to reconsider both the insurer and the policy. It may help if you are looking for different hospital access, service arrangements, policy terms, or features. Since it involves a wider change, the decision requires careful comparison.

Consider portability when:

You want more options.
Your insurer’s products no longer fit.
Another insurer appears more suitable.
You are ready to review fresh policy terms.

The Better Option Depends on Why You Are Switching

Migration is not better simply because it keeps you with the same insurer, and portability is not better merely because it offers more choice. The decision should begin with the reason for switching.

Choose migration if the policy needs to change, but the insurer does not. Consider portability if you want to change the insurer as well. In both cases, review policy wording, continuity benefits, limits, hospital access, and future suitability before deciding.

Final Thoughts

Policy migration and health insurance portability serve different purposes. Migration can be better when you want another policy but are comfortable with your existing insurer. Portability may be more suitable when you want to change both the insurer and the policy.

Neither option is universally superior. The better choice is the one that addresses the gap in your current cover, preserves relevant continuity benefits, and remains suitable for future healthcare requirements.

How Standardised Loan Documentation Is Reducing Gold Loan Disputes

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:45:54 +0530

Introduction: Documentation has always been a fundamental part of secured lending, but its importance has become even more evident as India's gold loan market continues to expand. Every transaction involving pledged jewellery creates legal, financial, and operational responsibilities for both borrowers and lenders. Loan agreements, valuation reports, collateral receipts, repayment schedules, and disclosure statements collectively establish the framework that governs the lending relationship. When these records are incomplete, inconsistent, or difficult to understand, misunderstandings can arise despite the best intentions of both parties.

Recognising this, financial institutions have steadily moved towards more standardised documentation practices. The objective extends beyond administrative efficiency. Standardisation helps ensure that borrowers receive consistent information, lenders maintain stronger operational controls, and regulators can monitor compliance more effectively. Supported by the Reserve Bank of India's strengthened gold lending framework introduced in April 2026, improved documentation is becoming an important contributor to transparency, dispute reduction, and customer confidence. Rather than viewing paperwork as a procedural formality, the industry increasingly recognises it as a critical component of responsible gold loan.

Why Does Standardised Documentation Matter in Gold Lending?

Gold loans involve valuable collateral that often carries both financial and emotional significance. As a result, every stage of the lending process requires accurate documentation to protect the interests of both borrowers and financial institutions. Standardised records create a common understanding of loan terms, collateral details, repayment obligations, and operational procedures, reducing the likelihood of confusion later in the loan lifecycle.

A typical Gold Loan transaction generally includes documentation relating to borrower identity, Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, collateral valuation, pledged jewellery description, sanctioned loan amount, repayment structure, applicable charges, and redemption conditions. When these records follow consistent formats and clearly communicate essential information, borrowers are better positioned to understand their obligations before accepting the loan.

For example, a detailed pledge receipt describing the weight, purity, and identifying characteristics of pledged jewellery can reduce uncertainty when the ornaments are redeemed after loan closure. Similarly, clearly documented repayment schedules help borrowers understand due dates and payment obligations without relying on verbal explanations alone.

Standardisation therefore supports transparency by ensuring that critical information remains consistent regardless of branch location or customer profile.

How Does Better Documentation Help Reduce Disputes?

Many disputes within financial services arise not because of deliberate misconduct but because expectations differ between borrowers and institutions. In secured lending, misunderstandings may relate to valuation methods, applicable charges, repayment terms, collateral handling, or redemption procedures. Comprehensive documentation helps minimise these differences by establishing a clear written record that both parties can reference throughout the loan tenure.

Improved documentation generally strengthens dispute prevention in several ways:

Clearly defined loan terms
Transparent disclosure of applicable charges
Detailed collateral descriptions
Written repayment schedules
Documented valuation methodology
Standardised borrower acknowledgements
Consistent record retention

Consider a borrower who later questions the valuation of pledged jewellery. If the valuation process, purity assessment, collateral description, and acknowledged loan agreement have all been documented clearly, both the borrower and the lender can review the same records rather than relying on differing recollections.

Similarly, disputes regarding repayment obligations often decrease when payment schedules, interest calculations, and loan tenure are presented through standardised formats using clear language. Documentation cannot eliminate every disagreement, but it frequently provides an objective reference point that supports quicker resolution.

This emphasis on written transparency benefits both operational efficiency and customer confidence.

What Role Do Regulation and Technology Play?

The movement toward standardised documentation has accelerated alongside regulatory reforms and digital transformation within India's financial sector. The Reserve Bank of India's strengthened gold lending framework introduced in April 2026 reinforces borrower disclosures, prudent collateral management, standardized valuation practices, grievance redressal mechanisms, and operational governance. These measures encourage institutions to maintain consistent documentation throughout the lending process.

One area receiving greater attention is pricing transparency. Borrowers evaluating a Gold Loan Interest Rate increasingly expect clear disclosure of interest calculations, processing charges, repayment structures, penal charges where applicable, and other costs associated with the loan. Standardised documentation ensures that such information is presented consistently and in accordance with regulatory expectations.

Technology is also improving documentation quality. Digital document management systems, electronic acknowledgements, centralized record storage, automated workflow controls, and secure archival systems reduce the possibility of incomplete records while improving retrieval during customer servicing or audits.

These digital capabilities also strengthen operational consistency across branch networks by ensuring that approved document formats, mandatory disclosures, and compliance requirements remain uniform regardless of transaction location. Consequently, documentation is becoming both more accurate and more accessible throughout the loan lifecycle.

How Will Documentation Continue Evolving?

As India's financial services industry becomes increasingly digital, documentation is expected to evolve beyond paper records while continuing to preserve legal certainty and customer protection. Electronic document management, secure digital signatures, centralized audit trails, and automated compliance verification are gradually becoming part of everyday lending operations.

Future developments may include greater integration between document management systems, collateral records, customer servicing platforms, and regulatory reporting tools. Such integration could improve operational efficiency while enabling institutions to identify inconsistencies earlier and strengthen internal governance.

However, technological advancement alone will not reduce disputes unless documentation remains understandable for borrowers. Financial institutions are therefore placing greater emphasis on plain-language communication, simplified disclosure formats, multilingual documentation, and customer education. Borrowers are increasingly encouraged to review loan agreements carefully, ask questions where clarification is required, and retain copies of important documents throughout the loan tenure.

These improvements reflect a broader shift in lending philosophy. Rather than treating documentation as a compliance exercise alone, institutions increasingly recognise it as an important component of customer experience, operational transparency, and long-term trust.

As regulatory expectations continue evolving, documentation quality is likely to remain a central performance indicator across the asset-backed lending industry.

Conclusion

Standardised documentation is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening India's gold lending ecosystem. By creating consistent records covering collateral valuation, repayment obligations, borrower disclosures, and operational procedures, financial institutions are reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings while improving transparency throughout the loan lifecycle.

Supported by the Reserve Bank of India's enhanced regulatory framework, improved documentation practices also contribute to stronger governance, better customer protection, and more effective grievance resolution. Borrowers benefit from clearer information, while lenders gain greater operational consistency and audit readiness.

The continued evolution of Gold Loan products will depend not only on digital innovation and operational efficiency but also on the quality of communication between borrowers and institutions. Comprehensive documentation remains one of the most effective ways to establish that shared understanding. As technology and regulation continue shaping the future of gold loan, clear, standardised, and transparent documentation is likely to remain one of the strongest foundations for responsible lending and sustained customer confidence.

Entri App Ties Up with IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF)

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:41:53 +0530

Entri App has entered a collaboration with IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) to bring campus-based, industry-designed skilling programmes across South India.

This kicks off with two five-day, hands-on short-term courses – one in EV Technology and one in Mobile Robot Development. They will be delivered on the IPTIF, IIT Palakkad campus. A six-month flagship programme is in the pipeline with a dedicated campus immersion module.

For Entri, the tie-up marks a step deeper into high-intensity, lab-based technical skilling. This will move beyond online-first learning into programmes anchored in IIT infrastructure and validated by IIT faculties.

Who is IPTIF & Why this Partnership Matters

IPTIF is a Section 8 company incorporated by IIT Palakkad in 2020. It is one of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs supported by the Department of Science and Technology under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).

Located in Palakkad, it is positioned as a connecting point between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. IIT Palakkad's campus gives the collaboration a natural reach across both states, which is where Entri plans to focus its early outreach.

What makes the collaboration distinct is the design process itself. The courses are not generic curricula wrapped around an IIT name. They are shaped directly by the labs on campus that includes facilities for

Battery testing
3D design and scanning
PCB design
IoT development boards
Robotics and automation
Drone technology
Embedded systems and microcontrollers
CNC
Mechanical fabrication

One of the major highlights is that the students train on the same equipment researchers use and not simulated versions of it.

Under the model, IPTIF owns end-to-end course delivery on campus, while Entri leads sales, marketing, and learner outreach.

Entri App: What it Brings to the Table

Entri App is an edtech and skilling platform focused on making career-oriented, industry-relevant learning accessible to students and job-seekers.

Its role in the IPTIF partnership is not curriculum design but reach. It primarily drives learner outreach so that campus-grade technical training is not limited to students with IIT aspirations.

That distinction matters for how the partnership is structured. IPTIF owns delivery because it owns the infrastructure.

Entri's job is making sure the right students, especially outside IIT Palakkad's immediate network across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, actually hear about these programmes before seats fill up. So, hands-on learning experience on Electrical Vehicle, an industry demand choice along with the surging Mobile Robot Development expertise is a good move.

It's the same specialization split behind Entri's other skilling verticals. They partner with domain experts on content and delivery, and put full weight behind getting qualified learners in the door.

What is Launching First: Two Five-Day, On-Campus Courses

Two short-term programmes are rolling out first, launching a week apart in September, with three batches running per course each month and 25 learners per batch.

1. Five-Day Hands-On EV Training

This is a full-time, on-campus programme built around real EV hardware rather than classroom theory alone.

Each day of the five-day format is split into 2.5 hours of theory, 1.5 hours of hands-on practical work, and a 1-hour problem-solving tutorial.

Core topics covered include:

EV architecture and power flow
Lithium-ion battery technology
Battery Management Systems (BMS)
Motor drives and power electronics
Battery testing and diagnostics

Learners work through a concept-to-application-to-testing progression, using IPTIF's battery testing lab, EV and motor testing setup, and fab lab for rapid prototyping.

By the end, the programme aims to leave students with

System-level EV understanding
Battery testing fundamentals
Motor-drive basics
Direct exposure to industry-grade testing infrastructure

This is designed specifically for ITI, Diploma, or B.Tech students and graduates looking to bridge the gap between what they learn in class and what the EV industry expects from day one.

2. Design to Simulation – Mobile Robot Development Using Fusion 360 and ROS 2

The second course takes learners through the mobile robotics development pipeline, from design through simulation, using Fusion 360 for modeling and ROS 2 (Robot Operating System) for robotic control and simulation. It is delivered as a full-time, hands-on programme on the IPTIF, IIT Palakkad campus.

A third short-term course, on additive manufacturing, 3D modeling, and reverse engineering, is also part of the short-term course lineup and will follow in the batch rollout.

What is Coming Next: Six-Month Flagship Programmes with Campus Immersion

Alongside the short-term courses, Entri and IPTIF are developing five, six-month, high-ticket programmes for this financial year.

Unlike the five-day courses, these longer programmes will have co-owned curricula, reviewed and validated by IIT Palakkad professors. This will include a structured campus immersion component, which gives learners sustained, in-person time on campus rather than a single short module.

The Team Driving the Collaboration

From IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation:

Dr. Saishyam Narayanan – CEO, IPTIF
Dr. Rijesh Krishna – COO, IPTIF
Madhu V M – Senior Associate, Skill Development, IPTIF
Dr. Rajeswari R – Manager, HR and Administration

From Entri App:

Mohammed Hisamuddin – CEO, Entri App
Rashid Mohyideen – Content Operations Head
Aswin K R – Head of Learning and Impact
Nabeel Ahammed O K – Vertical Head, Technical Skilling
Rafsal A – Category Manager, Technical Skilling (Tamil Nadu)
Sachin Babu O P – Category Manager, Technical Skilling (Kerala)

What this Collaboration Means for the Next Generation of Engineers

Here is the shift that actually brings the impact – EV Technology and Robotics training is moving from the lecture hall to the lab bench.

A Quick Overview
Launching first	Five-Day EV Training + Robot Development (Fusion 360 & ROS 2)
Where	On-campus at IPTIF, IIT Palakkad Campus
Coming next	6-month flagship programmes
Who it's for	B.Tech students or Graduates seeking industry-grade, hands-on exposure
Batch size	25 learners, multiple batches a month

The question is whether you will learn them on a whiteboard or on a battery testing rig. Entri App and IPTIF are getting this covered for you.