Author: blogs2025

  • Insurance News: The generative AI opportunity and importance of responsible implementation | Insurance Blog

    Insurance News: The generative AI opportunity and importance of responsible implementation | Insurance Blog


    As with any new technology, as well as the opportunities it opens up, there are concerns about unintended consequences of generative AI and the need for responsible implementation. We were delighted to be in the hotspot usually claimed by Kenneth Saldanha in this episode of Insurance News Analysis to discuss this important topic and were delighted to be joined by Bruce Hentschel, a luminary in the industry.

    We discussed a story about a 76-year-old man in the UK who had his claim denied recently after a house fire because he failed to tick a box on his policy application. This unfortunate incident emphasizes the importance of insurers understanding their customers, including the significant changes in population demographics, and designing application processes that effectively convey the significance of the information being collected and how Gen AI can play a role.

    We discussed how instead of relying on customers to identify previous claims, generative AI can analyze data and present customers with validated information for confirmation.

    We also discussed the opportunity in providing insurance policies to cover the ways in which generative AI can go wrong. Responsible AI is the key to harnessing the power of generative AI while mitigating risks. Insurers must keep humans in the loop and use AI as a tool to drive insights, automation, and higher levels of service. Learning from the framework of cyber insurance, insurers can focus on specific types of losses initially and gradually expand coverage as the market evolves. Striking a balance between risk management and leveraging the capabilities of generative AI is crucial for long-term success.


     

    Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information purposes and is not intended to be used in place of consultation with our professional advisors.
    Disclaimer: This document refers to marks owned by third parties. All such third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. No sponsorship, endorsement or approval of this content by the owners of such marks is intended, expressed or implied.

  • Vehicle Insurance GST Rate Cut: Big Savings 2025

    Vehicle Insurance GST Rate Cut: Big Savings 2025


    The Indian government has just delivered a massive Diwali gift — not just to car buyers, but to policyholders too. The latest vehicle insurance gst rate has eliminated cess on automobiles, and even removed GST from individual life and health insurance premiums.

    Let’s break down what these changes mean for you as a consumer, investor, and insurance buyer — and how you can make the most of this festive season windfall.

    GST 2.0 – The Big Picture

    The GST Council has overhauled India’s Goods and Services Tax structure, consolidating the complex system into just two main slabs – 5% and 18%, with a 40% slab reserved for luxury and sin goods like large cars and SUVs.

    Slashing vehicle insurance gst rate is not just a policy change — it’s a strategic move to boost consumption, ease compliance for businesses, and put more money back into your pocket.

    Here’s what has changed across two sectors that touch nearly every Indian household — automobiles and insurance.

    1. Automobiles: Car Prices Get a Festive Season Reset

    If you were holding off on buying a car, you might just have timed it perfectly.

    Small Cars & Light Vehicles

    • Old Tax: 28% GST + 1–3% cess (effective rate ~29–31%)
    • New Tax: 18% GST flat

    This is a direct price cut of 12–13% on small cars like Maruti Alto, Swift Dzire, Tata Punch, Nexon, Hyundai i10, Baleno and more. For budget-conscious buyers, this new vehicle insurance gst rate is a significant saving.

    Mid-Size & Large Cars

    • Old Tax: 28% GST + 17–22% cess (effective rate ~45–50%)
    • New Tax: 40% GST flat (no cess)

    While the rate still seems high, the removal of cess simplifies pricing and makes tax compliance easier for automakers. Expect a slight drop in on-road prices.

    SUVs & Utility Vehicles

    • Old Tax: 28% GST + 20–22% cess (effective rate ~43–50%)
    • New Tax: 40% GST flat

    This includes popular SUVs like Mahindra Thar, Scorpio, XUV700, Hyundai Creta, Toyota Innova Crysta. Automakers have already announced big price cuts:

    • Mahindra: Up to ₹1.45 lakh off on Scorpio-N, XUV700, Thar
    • Toyota: Up to ₹3.5 lakh off on Fortuner, Innova, Legender
    • Hyundai: Up to ₹2.4 lakh price cut across models

    With these cuts, car buying just became more affordable — and more predictable, with no hidden cess surprises.

    Why Reducing Vehicle Insurance GST rate Matters

    • Affordability: Lower GST means lower EMIs and down payments for buyers.
    • Predictability: Flat rates simplify tax calculations and make car prices transparent.
    • Festive Boost: With Diwali around the corner, expect a jump in auto sales.

    2. Insurance: No GST, No Extra Burden

    This reform is perhaps the most consumer-friendly of them all.

    What Changed

    • Old Tax: 18% GST on life and health insurance premiums
    • New Tax: 0% GST (completely exempt)

    This applies to:

    • Term Life Insurance
    • Health Insurance (individual and family floater)
    • ULIPs, Endowment Plans
    • Senior Citizen Health Plans

    Why It’s a Big Deal

    • Cheaper Premiums: An 18% GST removal directly reduces your cost.
    • Better Coverage Access: More middle-class families and senior citizens can now afford quality health insurance after reduced vehicle insurance gst rate.
    • Boost for Financial Security: Higher insurance penetration means better protection for Indian households.

    Pro Tip: If your premium is due soon, make sure you check the billing date. Only premiums invoiced after September 22, 2025 will enjoy the GST-free benefit.

    3. How This Impacts Your Finances

    The GST 2.0 reforms have a multiplier effect on your wallet:

    • Lower Vehicle Costs → Smaller loans → Lower EMIs → More disposable income
    • Cheaper Insurance → Higher protection → Lower financial stress during emergencies
    • Simplified Tax Structure → Fewer compliance headaches for businesses → Better pass-through benefits to consumers

    And with NBFCs and banks ready to lend aggressively during the festive season, we may see a revival in auto sales — boosting credit growth and economic activity.

    Quick Reference: Old vs New GST

    Category Old Rate (Incl. Cess) New Rate Impact
    Small Cars (≤1200cc petrol, ≤1500cc diesel) ~29–31% 18% 12–13% cheaper
    Mid/Large Cars ~45–50% 40% Slightly cheaper, simpler pricing
    SUVs & Utility Vehicles ~43–50% 40% Big price cuts, cess removed
    Life & Health Insurance 18% 0% Premiums cheaper

    Fincart’s Take

    At Fincart, we see the new vehicle insurance gst rate as a game-changer for personal finance. The combination of lower car prices and cheaper insurance creates room for smarter budgeting, better financial planning, and improved savings potential.

    If you’ve been waiting to buy a car or upgrade your health cover — this is your moment.

    Key Takeaways

    Car buyers: Expect significant savings, especially on small cars and SUVs.
    Policyholders: Pay less on premiums, get more protection.
    Investors: Rising auto sales and insurance penetration can drive sector growth — a positive for equity markets.
    Consumers: Lower GST across essentials means more disposable income to invest or save.

    Final Word

    GST 2.0 is not just a tax reform — it’s a consumption booster. By simplifying slabs, removing cess, and eliminating GST on insurance, the government has unlocked purchasing power across sectors.

    As you plan your festive spending, use this opportunity to make financially sound decisions — buy that car you’ve been eyeing, review your insurance portfolio, and ensure your financial plan is aligned with these new savings.

    At Fincart, we’re here to guide you through these changes — so you can spend wisely, save strategically, and build a future-ready financial portfolio.o.

  • Interesting News From Cardiologist – BionicOldGuy

    Interesting News From Cardiologist – BionicOldGuy


    A couple of years ago, my yearly echocardiogram showed a mild amount of leakage around the outside of my aortic valve replacement. This is a fairly common complication.

    (https://vivitrolabs.com/support/faqs/in-vitro-paravalvular-leakage-assessment-of-cardiac-valve-prostheses/) I have the condition shown in the middle, called paravalvular leakage, where blood flog leaks around the outside of the replacement valve, next to the wall of the aorta

    Leakages cause regurgitation, which when some of the diastolic pressure when the valve is closed leaks out while the left ventricle is filling. Since the condition is mild and asymptomatic, we went into wait and see mode. Recently my follow-up two years later showed the condition has progressed to moderate. There is still no need to do something because I am still asymptomatic, so we’ll check again next year. If it has progressed, I may have to do a procedure. The minimally invasive approach is to go up from the groin through the femoral artery with a plug, which sounds similar to an o-ring. This has about a 70-90% success rate. The more invasive approach would be open-heart surgery, taking out the first replacement valve and putting in a new one. This has the advantage that valve technology has improved two ways since I got mine in 2017. First, instead of a hard plastic ring around the outside, the outer cylinders can now stretch a bit. This would be important if I ever needed to get a new replacement in the future. TAVR! The second improvement is the valve material, bovine in my case, is now treated to prevent calcium accumulation, making valve failure less likely. An extensive report from Google Deep Research on the options is presented here. It appears there is also additional imaging and other diagnostics that can be done to help choose which procedure. We’ll face that in a year or so if the condition progresses.

    After seeing my Doc I later realized I might not be totally asymptomatic. A couple of time recently, while going really hard on long intervals I’ve gotten a bit out of breath. That rarely happens to me biking, usually it’s burning in the legs that causes me to back off, not getting out of breath. Getting out of breath is one of the symptoms of valve leakage. I’ll bring this up with my cardiologist and see what he says. In the meantime I will simply avoid doing long hard intervals, and follow Clarence Bass’s advice to either train long and easy or hard and short, or as Clarence puts it “I walk or I sprint, I don’t do anything in between”. Also, I’ve told my cardiologist that I bike about 90 minutes a day on average, plus throw in some sprint training. He thinks that amount is fine for now. But I must admit that lately I’ve been exceeding that pretty regularly. So I think I will cut back to the amount my cardiologist thinks is OK.



  • My Honest Take on 7 Best Session Replay Software

    My Honest Take on 7 Best Session Replay Software


    If you’ve ever stared at a high bounce rate and thought, what happened here?

    Same.

    (more…)

  • Healthy Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe (Grain-Free)

    Healthy Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe (Grain-Free)


    I’m a fan of all things fall, but pumpkin spice can get old after a while. This delicious, healthy apple crisp recipe features sweet and tart apples, fragrant apple pie spice, and a melt in your mouth crunchy topping. All of the flavors you could want on a cool autumn day.

    Most of us grew up with apple pie, apple crisp, and apple cobbler. These classic dishes tasted so good, but they were also absolutely packed with sugar! This updated version still has all the flavors you love about the original apple crisp, but it’s naturally sweetened and grain-free.

    The (not so) secret ingredient is my homemade apple pie spice. Once you have a batch mixed up (it’s earned a permanent place in my pantry!), it’s really easy to flavor your apple crisp. Or pancakes, or muffins, or anything else you want to add some delicious fall flavor to.

    Healthy Apple Crisp Ingredients

    Apple crisp typically has oats, but not always. Sometimes the terms apple crisp and apple crumble are used interchangeably and many of the ingredients overlap. All you really need to know though is that this apple crisp tastes amazing!

    Instead of regular flour and oats it uses almond flour and coconut flour. These give the crumble topping a nice crunch without the grains. The toasted pecans also add to the crunchy, nutty flavor. It’s naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup, but if you can find maple sugar it really amps up the fall flavor.

    How to Make Toasted Pecans

    You can use raw pecans, but toasting them really adds another depth of flavor. There are several methods, but I find the stovetop method the easiest. Nuts start to burn quickly once they’re toasted, so be sure to keep a close eye on them!

    • Heat a skillet to medium low heat.
    • Add the pecans and stir continually until they smell nutty and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
    • Immediately remove pecans from the pan.

    And here’s how to make a delicious and healthy apple crisp recipe that’s perfect for company or everyday dessert!

    Apple_Crisp

    Healthy Apple Crisp

    This apple crisp recipe is a healthy twist on the classic comfort food. Made with apple pie spice, it’s as convenient as it is delicious!

    • 7 medium sweet-tart apples (fuji, honeycrisp, pink lady, etc.)
    • ¼ cup apple cider or juice
    • 1 TBSP maple syrup (more if your apples are very tart)
    • 1 ½ TBSP lemon juice
    • 1 ½ tsp apple pie spice
    • tsp salt
    • 3 TBSP unsalted butter (diced)
    • Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF.

    • Peel and core the apples. Cut into thin slices, about ?-inch thick.

    • In a large bowl combine the apples, apple cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir to coat.

    • Spread the apples into a 9-inch round baking dish with 2-inch high sides or an 8×8-inch square pan. Dot with cubed butter.

    • Bake until bubbling, about 30–35 minutes. Stir gently.

    For the crumble topping

    • While the apples bake, prepare the topping. In a bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, nuts, coconut sugar, apple pie spice, and salt.

    • Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    • Crumble topping evenly over the partially baked apples.

    • Return to the oven and bake until the topping is deep golden and the apples are bubbling, 40–50 minutes (check after 25 minutes, as ovens vary).

    • Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. The topping will crisp as it cools.

    Nutrition Facts

    Healthy Apple Crisp

    Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

    Calories 455
    Calories from Fat 270

    % Daily Value*

    Fat 30g46%

    Saturated Fat 12g75%

    Trans Fat 1g

    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

    Monounsaturated Fat 8g

    Cholesterol 42mg14%

    Sodium 179mg8%

    Potassium 294mg8%

    Carbohydrates 48g16%

    Fiber 9g38%

    Sugar 32g36%

    Protein 5g10%

    Vitamin A 612IU12%

    Vitamin C 12mg15%

    Calcium 64mg6%

    Iron 1mg6%

    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    What are some of your favorite ways to eat apples? Leave a comment and let us know!

  • What Brock Purdy’s injuries mean for fantasy football in Week 2

    What Brock Purdy’s injuries mean for fantasy football in Week 2


    San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Wednesday that quarterback Brock Purdy is a “long shot” to play in their Week 2 road matchup at the New Orleans Saints this Sunday due to multiple injuries and could potentially miss more time afterwards.

    Purdy sustained both a shoulder and toe injuries during the team’s Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks this past weekend and did not practice on Wednesday. The Pro Bowl QB went 26-35 for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the season opener, firing a four-yard strike to tight end Jake Tonges for the go-ahead score with 1:34 remaining in the game.

    This injury is yet another blow to the 49ers’ offense, who have been besieged by injuries to star players since last season. Just this week, the team had to place All-Pro tight end George Kittle on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury and now they will be without their starting QB for at least this week.

    Purdy was a top-10 quarterback in average draft position heading into the season, so this injury will impact several fantasy managers across multiple platforms. His numbers in 2024 dipped from the year prior when he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, but he still finished as a top-15 fantasy QB with 3,864 passing yards, 323 rushing yards, and 25 total touchdowns on the season.

    In his absence, backup quarterback Mac Jones will step in as the starter and will get his first taste of action after signing a two-year contract with the team this offseason. The former first-round pick is readily available on waiver wires as he’s rostered in less than 1% of fantasy leagues. However, I imagine Purdy managers already have other viable backup options in place and they can always turn to other QB waiver wire options like Michael Penix Jr. or Geno Smith if they’re in a jam.

    With both Purdy and George Kittle down for the week, I expect Shanahan and company to keep things simple by leaning on Christian McCaffrey to carry the offense. I’d also expect a good bulk of Jones’ targets to be lobbed towards the direction of Ricky Pearsall after his breakout performance in Week 1.

  • Triple-I Blog | Calls for Insurance-Price Legislation Would Hurt Policyholders, Not Help

    Triple-I Blog | Calls for Insurance-Price Legislation Would Hurt Policyholders, Not Help


    Triple-I Blog | Calls for Insurance-Price Legislation Would Hurt Policyholders, Not Help

    Increased legislative involvement in regulating homeowners’ insurance pricing and rates – as recently called for by some officials in Illinois – would hurt insurance affordability in the state, rather than helping consumers as intended, Triple-I says in its latest Issues Brief.

    Rising premiums are a national issue. They reflect a combination of costly climate-related weather events, demographic trends, and rising material and labor costs to repair and replace damaged or destroyed property. Average insured catastrophe losses have been increasing for decades, fueled in part by natural disasters and population shifts into high-risk areas. More recently, these and other losses to which the property/casualty insurance industry is vulnerable were exacerbated by inflation related to the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tariffs and changes in U.S. economic policies have since put even more upward pressure on costs.

    These increasing costs – if not addressed – threaten to erode the policyholder surplus insurers are required to keep on hand to pay claims. If surplus falls below a certain level, insurers have no choice but to increase premium rates or adjust their willingness to assume risks in certain areas.

    To avoid this, many insurers have filed with state regulators for rate increases – requests that often meet with resistance from consumer advocacy groups and legislators. Illinois would not be the first state to try to ease consumers’ pain by constraining insurers’ ability to accurately set coverage prices to reflect increasing levels of risk and costs.

    Practicality, not politics

    Such efforts, while perhaps politically popular, confuse one symptom (higher premiums) of a growing risk crisis with its underlying cause (increasing losses and rising costs). Using the blunt instrument of legislation to address the complexities and sensitivities of underwriting and pricing would tend to disrupt the market and further hurt insurance affordability – and, in some areas, availability.

    Rather than target insurers with misguided legislation, the brief says, states would be wiser to work with the industry to improve their risk profiles by investing in mitigation and resilience. The brief describes the causes of higher premium rates nationally and in Illinois and how other states have successfully collaborated to address those causes and reduce upward pressure on – and eventually bring down –premium rates.

    “Triple-I welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with state policymakers to develop constructive approaches to risk mitigation and resilience that will benefit communities and consumers,” the brief says.

    Learn More:

    Revealing Hidden Cost to Consumers of Auto Litigation Inflation

    Easing Home Upkeep to Control Insurance Costs

    Survey: Homeowners See Value of Aerial Imagery for Insurers; Education Key to Comfort Levels

    Nonprofit to Rescue NOAA Billion-Dollar Dataset

    2025 Cat Losses to Date Are 2nd-Costliest Since Records Have Been Kept

    2025 Tornadoes Highlight Convective Storm Losses

    Auto Premium Growth Slows as Policyholders Shop Around, Study Says

    Litigation Reform Works: Florida Auto Insurance Premium Rates Declining

    IoT Solutions Offer Homeowners, Insurers Value — But How Much?

    Texas: A Microcosm of U.S. Climate Perils

    New Illinois Bills Would Harm — Not Help — Auto Policyholders

    Illinois Bill Highlights Need for Education on Risk-Based Pricing of Insurance Coverage

    Hail: The “Death by 1,000 Paper Cuts” Peril

  • How to Prove a Will in India? Supreme Court’s 2025 Ruling

    How to Prove a Will in India? Supreme Court’s 2025 Ruling


    Wondering how to prove a Will in India? Supreme Court clarifies that even a registered Will needs witness testimony under Section 68 Evidence Act.

    Supreme Court (Sept 2025) in Sanjay Bhardwaj v. Narayanrao Bhardwaj ruled that even a registered Will in India must be proved by an attesting witness under Section 68 of the Evidence Act.

    Refer our earlier article on how to write a WILL on your own, “How to write a WILL in India? | Download Sample WILL format“.

    How to Prove a Will in India? Supreme Court’s 2025 Ruling

    How to Prove a Will in India

    Is a Registered Will Enough?

    Imagine this: your father leaves behind a registered Will giving you his property. None of your siblings raise any objection. You walk into court, confident that the Will is enough.

    But the judge asks: “Where is the attesting witness?”

    Confused? You’re not alone. Many families assume a registered Will is sufficient. But on 6th September 2025, in the case of Sanjay S/o Parmanand Bhardwaj v. Narayanrao S/o Ramkrishna Bhardwaj & Ors., the Supreme Court of India clarified that under Section 68 of the Indian Evidence Act, it is mandatory to call at least one attesting witness to prove a Will—even when no heir disputes it.

    This ruling teaches us one thing: paperwork is not proof until backed by witnesses.

    Q1: What Is Section 68 of the Indian Evidence Act?

    In simple words:

    • If a law says a document (like a Will, gift deed, or mortgage) must be signed by witnesses, then in court you must examine at least one attesting witness to confirm it.
    • That witness must testify that the testator (the person making the Will) signed it in their presence.

    Think of it like a cricket match. The scoreboard (the Will) shows the runs, but the umpire (the witness) must confirm the runs were actually scored. Without the umpire, the scoreboard alone won’t count.

    Q2: What Did the Supreme Court Say in This Case?

    The case involved two brothers fighting over property.

    • Brother 1 (Buyer) claimed he got the property via a registered Will, power of attorney, and sale agreement from their father.
    • Brother 2 said he had already received the property years earlier through an oral gift.

    When the case reached the Supreme Court, the bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta ruled:
    Even if Brother 2 was not a “legal heir” directly contesting the Will, Section 68 must still be followed.
    A registered Will is not enough. An attesting witness must confirm it in court.

    The Court stressed: this requirement is mandatory, not optional.

    Q3: Why Isn’t Registration of a Will Enough?

    Many people think, “If the Will is registered with the sub-registrar, why bother with witnesses?”

    Here’s the truth: registration only shows that the document was filed. It doesn’t prove the testator was of sound mind, understood the contents, or signed it voluntarily.

    For example:

    • Your grandfather signs a Will leaving you his land.
    • You register it the next day.
    • Ten years later, in court, someone asks: “Was Grandpa healthy? Did he know what he was signing?”
    • The registrar won’t answer that. Only a witness who saw him sign can confirm.

    That’s why registration alone is never enough.

    Q4: What If Witnesses Are Dead or Missing?

    Good question! What if both attesting witnesses are no longer alive or can’t be traced?

    The law has a backup plan under Section 69 of the Evidence Act:

    • You can prove the handwriting of the testator and the attesting witnesses.
    • For example, handwriting experts or people familiar with their signatures can testify.

    This ensures a Will doesn’t fail just because witnesses are unavailable. But if at least one is alive and reachable, you must call them.

    Q5: Can Random People Testify Instead?

    No. A bystander saying “I saw Grandpa sign something once” is not enough.

    The Supreme Court has already said: only an attesting witness counts. A “stray witness” cannot prove the Will.

    So, if the Will lists Witness A and Witness B, then only they (or their handwriting if dead) matter. Nobody else’s testimony will do.

    Q6: What If There Are Suspicious Circumstances?

    Courts are extra cautious with Wills because they come into effect only after death. Sometimes things look fishy, such as:

    • The person benefiting from the Will also drafted it.
    • Witnesses don’t know each other.
    • The Will excludes natural heirs without explanation.

    In such cases, the propounder (the person relying on the Will) must provide stronger proof to clear doubts.

    Example: If you’re the only child inheriting everything and you also brought the witnesses, the court may ask more questions before accepting it.

    Q7: What Does This Ruling Mean for Families?

    This ruling has practical implications for anyone relying on a Will:

    1. Don’t assume registration is enough. Always plan for witness testimony.
    2. Keep your witnesses known and available. Avoid picking people who may move away or be unreachable.
    3. Document properly. If witnesses die, ensure signatures are identifiable for Section 69.
    4. Be transparent. Courts don’t like hidden hands in Will drafting.

    Q8: A Simple Analogy – Cake Baking

    Think of proving a Will like baking a cake:

    • Registration = baking the cake and showing the recipe.
    • Attesting witness testimony = someone tasting the cake and confirming it’s yours.
    • Section 69 backup = if no tasters exist, handwriting proof is like showing the oven log and icing pattern.

    Without tasters or proof, the judge won’t believe you baked the cake.

    Q9: FAQs People Ask About Wills

    1. Is a handwritten Will valid?
    Yes, if signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses.

    2. What if the Will is notarized but not registered?
    Notarization doesn’t replace witness requirement. Witness testimony is still mandatory.

    3. Can I be both beneficiary and witness?
    No. A beneficiary should not attest the Will. Courts treat that as suspicious.

    4. Is probate always needed?
    In metros like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata—yes. Elsewhere, not always, but proving the Will under Section 68 is still required.

    Checklist: How to Secure Your Will

    • Have at least two independent, trustworthy witnesses.
    • Preferably choose witnesses younger than you (so they’re alive later).
    • Keep their contact details safe.
    • Inform your family about the Will.
    • If registering, do it—but don’t rely on registration alone.
    • Review and update the Will if needed.

    Practical Tips: If You’re Writing a Will Today

    • Avoid using close family members as witnesses. Courts may treat it as suspicious.
    • Pick witnesses who are likely to remain accessible (friends, colleagues, neighbors).
    • If possible, have your Will drafted with professional legal guidance.
    • Store the original safely, and tell your executor where it is.

    Conclusion: Proof Matters More Than Paper

    The Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling in Sanjay Bhardwaj v. Narayanrao Bhardwaj reminds us that a Will is not just about writing—it’s about proving.

    Even if no family member contests it, the court will not skip the witness requirement. Section 68 of the Evidence Act makes sure of that.

    After a loved one’s death, the last thing families want is another fight in court. This ruling teaches us that a few careful steps today—choosing the right witnesses and preserving their details—can protect your family’s peace tomorrow.

    Bring a witness to bring the Will alive.

    Quick Takeaways

    • A registered Will alone is not enough in India.
    • At least one attesting witness must testify in court under Section 68.
    • If witnesses are unavailable, Section 69 allows proof through handwriting verification.
    • A beneficiary should never act as a witness—it raises suspicion.
    • Probate may still be required in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

    For Unbiased Advice Subscribe To Our Fixed Fee Only Financial Planning Service

  • SSU 2025 Winners

    SSU 2025 Winners


    Our team is continuously impressed by our LSF community. All the women in this community worked their butts off and we’re so proud of each and every one of you! You all finished this 6 week challenge so strong and your transformations, inside and out, were INCREDIBLE!

    Thank you for pushing yourselves and our community to be the best we can be! 

    Time to shoutout our SSU25 winners! 

    GRAND PRIZE WINNER

    Shannon Smith (@shannon.lsf) 

    Total pounds lost: 4

    Shannon’s Story: 

    “I lost an inch and a half on my belly and 2.5 inches right above my hips!

    I am so proud of the work I did in this challenge, because I have never been so consistent. This challenge meant more to me, because I made a decision to prioritize my health over everything else. 

    This meant that I started thyroid medication for the first time, really advocated for myself at the doctor, got super consistent with workouts, and mastered that 80/20 lifestyle that I’ve always wanted. While the scale didn’t show all of my progress, I was amazed to see how quickly I shed inches off of my waist

    I also noticed a wave of confidence come back into my life, and has helped me feel happier out in the world. I started dressing in clothes that I like better and highlighting the parts of my body that I’ve hidden for so long. I also got stronger (went back up to my 15lb dumbbells!) and even want to try the bar at the gym. 

    I did all of this from home, at the beach, and with my puppy. I’m still going strong, even though being back at school (I’m a teacher) is exhausting. I’m learning how important it is to take care of myself first (through nutrition, workouts, rest, etc) so that I can show up better everywhere else. I loved the HBMP, because it allowed me to eat things that I loved and be flexible when I needed. I’m now going backwards through it. 

    And most of all, I enjoyed my accountability group because they were the girls that understood more than anyone else in my life what I was going through! It felt so amazing to win the Week 3 award, because it felt like I was being seen for all of my hard work! Thank you for this amazing community, and I’m so excited to keep building on these habits.”

    RUNNER UPS

    Dara McCann (@dara.lsf)

    Total Pounds Lost: 2.8

    Dara’s Story:

    “This challenge was a special one for me!  It marked my one year anniversary of consistent daily movement and focus on nutrition.  A lot of milestones, including my 400 day streak and several PRs throughout the Summer Fitness Assessment.  

    There were days when I didn’t feel like moving my body and faced cravings for pizza and cinnamon rolls, but then I remembered why I’m doing this: to be a strong woman who didn’t shy away for the possibility of more.  

    I’m so proud of the progress in just these 6 short weeks.  While I didn’t lose many pounds, I feel I am starting to gain muscle and see definition.  

    I’m very thankful for the LSF community and even was week 5 winner – which was such a pleasant surprise!  As always, my thanks for yet another fantastic challenge!”

    Cambria (@Motivated_mama_lsf)

    Total Pounds Lost: 5.4

    Cambria’s Story: 

    “The journey this time around has been more of a long-term goal not just a challenge to challenge focus. January 2025, I started with the goal of losing 20 pounds with the main “Why” being to take care of myself. From my 2025 GOALS Planner: “My most important thing I want to accomplish this year is lose 20 pounds so that I can physically function better and have a better mental state” This challenge helped me drop that final few pounds and I have accomplished my goal of losing 20 pounds this year. 

    Is this it though? Absolutely not. 2025 is going to continue to be the year of change. I’m in my early 40s and am experiencing the highs and lows of perimenopause. I’m tired of being tired and temperamental. Focusing on mental health, physical wellness and growing in my relationship with Jesus will continue to be central to each day going forward. 

    I’m feeling better than I have in a while. I have more energy, less moody(most of the time;) and I am hearing the compliments that my husband is giving me. He is always an encourager, but when you don’t feel good about yourself, it’s hard to receive compliments as they were intended. I’m excited to see how God will continue to work in these remaining 4 months of 2025 and I’m looking forward to continuing to show up with LSF to improve my health.”

    PINK HEART RECIPIENT

    Our Pink Heart Award goes to a member in the #teamLSF community who not only stayed dedicated to their own fitness journey, but was also extremely encouraging of her fellow #teamlsf babes! Every challenge we ask members to submit people who motivated them and was a source of positivity and encouragement throughout the challenge. 

    Shawn (joyinworkingout)

    Encouraged so many women to keep going, gave them daily encouragement, and showed up for herself every day of SSU!!

    Community Shoutouts from other LSF Babes

    • @allison.fit.lsf : This girl is so sweet and cheered me on along the way!

    • @faith&fitness_girl.lsf : she sent DM’s of encouragement and support, she feels like a real friend & i’ve never even met her in person! 

    • Camila Nakashima (ca_nakashima2) has inspired me so much with her daily walks, workouts and self care! And she has also been a great supporter and encouraged me along the way! 🥰 I love her mindset and how she prioritise her health! – Ellinor

     



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