Is PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) Applicable in India Home Loans?

by

You may come across the term PMI – Private Mortgage Insurance. It is very common in the United States, but does it apply to home loans in India? Let’s break it down. What is PMI? PMI is insurance that protects the lender, not the borrower. It is usually required when a buyer makes a small down payment (less than 20% of the property value). Example: In the US, if you buy a ₹80 lakh home with only ₹8 lakh down (10%), you must …

Read more

Why I’m Moving Away from Auto-Sweep Accounts: A Reality Check on Banking’s “Smart” Solution

by
Stop auto sweep

When banks introduced auto-sweep facilities, they seemed like the perfect solution for managing idle cash. The concept appeared brilliant: automatically transfer surplus funds from your savings account to a fixed deposit when your balance exceeds a threshold, earning higher returns while maintaining liquidity. After using this facility extensively, I’ve discovered several critical flaws that make it less attractive than initially promised. The Auto-Sweep Promise vs. Reality Auto-sweep accounts were marketed as offering “the best of both worlds” – the liquidity …

Read more

Is plotted land a good investment?

by
Plotted Land

As India’s middle class expands and purchasing power grows, more people are drawn to the idea of owning land in plotted societies and gated communities, particularly on the outskirts of major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and NCR. This shift represents a fundamental change in how Indians view property ownership, moving beyond cramped apartments to seek space, privacy, and customization options. But is this trend a wise investment strategy, or are there hidden pitfalls that investors should be aware of? The …

Read more

I Asked ChatGPT to Predict the Future Economic State Due to AI — Here’s What It Answered

by

As Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, it’s natural to wonder:If AI takes away a large number of jobs, what will happen to the economy, and how will people survive?Curious — and honestly a bit concerned — I posed this question to ChatGPT.Here’s the eye-opening, thrilling, and slightly chilling future it predicted. First: Will the Economy Suffer If AI Destroys Jobs? ChatGPT was direct:Yes, absolutely.If AI wipes out millions of jobs — in tech, manufacturing, services, and …

Read more

“Quick Commerce Wars: Can Amazon and Flipkart Deliver a Knockout to Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto?

by
Quick com wars

The quick commerce (q-commerce) landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation as major e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart enter the market, challenging established platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, and BigBasket. This article examines the evolving dynamics of India’s q-commerce sector, the strategic moves of these industry giants, and the potential implications for existing players and consumers. The Rise of Quick Commerce in India Quick commerce, or q-commerce, refers to the rapid delivery of goods—typically within 10 …

Read more

How Gen-AI is Killing Customer Satisfaction

by

Have you ever experienced the frustration of receiving the wrong food delivery or a defective product ordered online? Naturally, your first instinct is to resolve the issue quickly. But instead of talking to a helpful customer service representative, you’re directed to a messaging interface — often a chatbot. What starts as hope for a quick fix spirals into an endless exchange of scripted messages. If you’re lucky, a human agent might eventually step in to provide a solution. In other …

Read more

The Enshittification of Services in Indian Cities: A Worrying Trend

by

Over the years, India’s urban centers—once celebrated for their growth and innovation—have been witnessing a steady decline in the quality of services across various sectors. From hailing cabs to dining at restaurants or purchasing essential goods, the urban experience is increasingly plagued by inefficiencies, poor customer service, and diminishing satisfaction. One of the key drivers behind this trend is the sheer scale of demand in metropolitan areas. High population density and growing consumer needs have stretched service providers thin. Whether …

Read more

Complete Guide to Buying Property from NRIs/OCIs in India: Key Considerations for Buyers

by

When property hunting in India’s major cities, buyers often encounter attractive deals involving Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) sellers. These transactions present lucrative opportunities but come with specific legal, tax, and procedural requirements that buyers must understand to avoid complications and penalties. Tax Deducted at Source (TDS): Your Primary Obligation The most significant difference when purchasing property from NRIs/OCIs versus resident Indians is the substantially higher TDS rate. Under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act, buyers …

Read more

Navigating the Share Market: A Mix of Surprises and Decisions

by

Investing in the share market can be a bit like a funny ride – you do all the thinking, but the market can still surprise you. Your neighbor, who might have bought shares based on astrology, might end up doing better than you. It shows that even with careful planning, the market can have its own ideas. Looking at the past, it seems like investing in shares should give good returns. But here’s the catch – there’s no guarantee that …

Read more

What happens when India VIX goes up?

by

In this article, we aim to examine the Volatility Index and its Indian counterpart, India VIX and its working. Our journey will encompass understanding their origins, methodologies, implications, and the correlation they share with market movements. Understanding the VIX: The term VIX stands for Volatility Index, a numeric representation of anticipated market volatility over the next 30 days. It serves as a gauge for market participants, helping them assess sentiments, risk levels, and apprehension, which is why it’s often dubbed …

Read more