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Author: blogs2025

  • Where Does the CDC's Dishonesty Come From?

    Where Does the CDC's Dishonesty Come From?


    One of my major questions in life is whether the bad things that happen are a result of a secretive group of bad actors or are simply a naturally emergent phenomenon that would occur regardless of which group was in power behind the scenes.

    On one hand, I frequently see policies be enacted in a coordinated fashion that lead to a clear outcome, and then watch as the years play out, that every institution works in unison to ensure that outcome comes to pass, and as such, when I see the opening moves, I tend to assume the ultimate outcome will follow (which, for example, is why I knew there would be vaccine mandates at the start of 2021 and why Obama’s wars would lead to a permanent unsustainable flood of immigrants into Europe). On the other hand, when I speak to the most informed people within the government, I hear things like this:

    “You can always point a finger at a specific agency or person, but the reality is that as the government gets bigger and bigger, more and more fiefdoms will emerge within it, and those groups will fight for their own interests at the expense of everyone else.”

    Note: Many Federal agencies depend on obtaining congressional funding and, therefore, will engage in stunts to ensure that funding is allocated to them. For example, the CDC will routinely hype up inconsequential “pandemics” each year, as this nationwide drama allows them to obtain more funding.

    Video Link

    CDC Corruption

    “The CDC has enormous credibility among physicians, in no small part because the agency is generally thought to be free of industry bias.1 Financial dealings with bio-pharmaceutical companies threaten that reputation.” — Marcia Angell MD, former editor in chief of the New England Journal of Medicine

    In reality, CDC corruption is so pervasive that it’s effectively been legalized. For example, a 1983 law authorized the CDC to accept gifts “made unconditionally … for the benefit of the [Public Health] Service or for the carrying out of any of its function,”2 and in 1992 Congress established A National CDC Foundation, which was quickly incorporated to “mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources.”3

    cdc foundation

    Note: Other Federal agencies, including the CIA and the NIH, have similar “non-profit” foundations.4,5,6

    Since its inception, the CDC Foundation has been accused of egregious conduct7 and has received nearly 1 billion dollars8 from corporate “donors” (criticisms include a scathing editorial in one of the world’s top medical journals9). For example, to quote a 2019 investigation:10

    “In 2011, a firm that conducts research for the pesticide industry donated $60,000 to the CDC Foundation for a study to demonstrate the safety of two pesticides. ‘We have a professional money-laundering facility at the CDC Foundation …. They accept projects from anyone on the outside.’

    Between 2010 and 2015, Coca-Cola contributed more than $1 million to the CDC Foundation. It also received significant benefits from the CDC, including collaborative meetings and advice from a top CDC staffer on how to lobby the World Health Organization to curtail its efforts to reduce consumption of added sugars.

    The BMJ also reported on contributions from Roche to the CDC Foundation in support of the CDC’s Take 3 flu campaign, which encourages people to ‘take antiviral medicine if a doctor prescribes it.’ Roche manufactures Tamiflu, an antiviral medication for the flu [for reference, Roche was able to convince governments around the world to stockpile hundreds of millions of dollars of Tamiflu (an ineffective drug that was never proven to work11).”

    These “donations” in turn often shape the “impartial” guidelines we are expected to follow.12 For example, in 2010 the CDC foundation created a coalition that received over $26 million from major pharmaceutical companies producing hepatitis C treatments. Shortly after, a committee was created to create new CDC hepatitis C treatment recommendations, and an Inspector General report found most of its members had direct ties to those pharmaceutical companies.

    Note: Key funders of the CDC foundation (detailed here) include key Democratic political advocacy groups, vaccine organizations such as GAVI and the Gates Foundation, the major vaccine manufacturers (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna, Merck, and J&J), and tech companies such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and PayPal.13

    In 2016 CDC employees anonymously complained about this corruption:14

    “It appears that our mission is being influenced and shaped by outside parties and rogue interests … What concerns us most, is that it is becoming the norm and not the rare exception. Some senior management officials at CDC are clearly aware and even condone these behaviors.

    Others see it and turn the other way. Some staff are intimidated and pressed to do things they know are not right. We have representatives across the agency that witness this unacceptable behavior. It occurs at all levels and in all of our respective units.

    Recently, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) has been implicated in a ‘cover up’ of inaccurate screening data for the Wise Woman (WW) Program.

    There was a coordinated effort by that Center to ‘bury’ the fact that screening numbers for the WW program were misrepresented in documents sent to Congress; screening numbers for 2014 and 2015 did not meet expectations despite a multimillion dollar investment; and definitions were changed and data ‘cooked’ to make the results look better than they were. Data were clearly manipulated in irregular ways.

    An ‘internal review’ that involved staff across CDC occurred and its findings were essentially suppressed so media and/or Congressional staff would not become aware of the problems.

    Finally, most of the scientists at CDC operate with the utmost integrity and ethics. However, this ‘climate of disregard’ puts many of us in difficult positions. We are often directed to do things we know are not right.

    For example, Congress has made it very clear that domestic funding for NCCDPHP (and other CIOs) should be used for domestic work and that the bulk of NCCDPHP funding should be allocated to programs (not research). Why in FY17 is NCCDPHP diverting money away from program priorities that directly benefit the public to support an expensive [global health] research that may not yield anything that benefits the [American] public?”

    In February 2019, two Democratic Congresswomen provided the evidence to request a formal investigation of CDC’s interactions with Coca-Cola and its broader corruption.15 Unfortunately, due to the politicization surrounding COVID, all of this was swept under the rug and forgotten.

    Ideology or Corruption?

    I also frequently wonder to what degree conduct I find reprehensible is due to corruption or simply ideological fixation.

    In the case of vaccines, while clear financial conflicts of interest can be shown in certain cases (e.g., the CDC Foundation), I find the zealous adherence to all vaccines being “safe and effective” tends to be ideological in nature, as believing in vaccines has been instilled as a core belief of anyone affiliated with “science” or “medicine.”

    Initially this can be quite subtle, but in time, that ideological bias quickly adds up. This is because most things aren’t clear cut, so depending on what one is biased to notice vs. filter out, one can rapidly be left with a worldview where all “the evidence” supports their position, even if a great deal of it does not (which is a major reason why people can have such diametrically opposed belief systems).

    This is critical to understand as evaluating the actual risks and benefits of a routine vaccine requires you to assess:

    • What percent of the unvaccinated population is likely to get the infection?
    • What percent of those infected will have a moderate or severe illness?
    • How effectively the vaccine prevents those vaccinated from catching the illness or developing moderate or severe complications from it?
    • How long the vaccine’s effectiveness lasts?
    • How long does it take the infection to become resistant to the vaccine (making it useless)?
    • What are the consequences of the vaccine triggering a population-wide mutation in the infection?
    • Is there a viable alternative to vaccination?
    • How likely the vaccine is to cause an acute moderate or acute severe reaction?
    • How likely the vaccine is to cause a chronic moderate or chronic severe reaction?
    • Who is at risk of having a more severe reaction to the vaccine?

    Each of these (let alone all of them) is quite a task to figure out, and as a result, most of the relevant points for each of the above simply are not taken into account when deciding upon a vaccine recommendation.

    Instead, a few marketable points are highlighted and the assessment of the vaccine’s risks and benefits are seen through their lens (e.g., “cervical cancer is deadly” and “the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer”). In contrast, pieces of evidence that challenge the predetermined conclusion (e.g., proof of vaccine harm) are dismissed and filtered away.

    As a result, many vaccines are on the market where their risks clearly and unambiguously outweigh their benefits, while in parallel, vaccines are viewed as a homogenous entity despite some (e.g., the HPV vaccines) being much more dangerous and unnecessary than many others.

    Note: As many people requested it, I have provided a concise summary of the risks and benefits of each childhood vaccine here.

    Vaccine Injuries

    Because of this “ideological filtration” many everyday proponents of vaccination are completely unaware that vaccines frequently harm people (e.g., with severe neurological injuries). So, when confronted with evidence of harm, they use a variety of excuses to dismiss those injuries.

    For example, 4 Democrat Senators who pushed the COVID vaccine had highly unusual neurological injuries all strongly linked to the COVID vaccine, yet none of them have recanted their support for it. Likewise, a Senate aide I spoke to shared that other Senators have had vaccine injuries, but none will publicly admit it, and at best instead have focused on getting treatment for “long COVID” (and emphasized that now it is critical for us to educate the Senate’s vaccine proponents on the reality of vaccine injuries).

    As much of the opposition to acknowledging vaccine injuries appears to be psychological rather than financial in nature, Ron Johnson recently used his chairmanship to hold an excellent hearing (I would advise watching) where those who had been injured by vaccines and then abandoned could tell their stories and force the Senators who habitually dismiss the existence of vaccine injuries to be directly confronted with them.

    Note: Formal hearings like this never happen, as the last one was 25 years ago (for children who developed autism following vaccination),16 and prior to that those used for the 1986 Vaccine Injury Act.17

    The ACIP

    A popular tactic for taking advantage of people is to have an impartial and trusted “third party” implement your policy for you (e.g., funding a “non-profit” with an environmentally friendly name to advocate for polluting).

    This tactic is used throughout the medical field (e.g., experts on television, medical journals, guideline committees and patient advocacy groups are often pharmaceutical mouthpieces). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is the group that advises the CDC on the vaccine schedule, and as you might expect:

    • Until RFK’s recent changes, almost every member on it had financial conflicts of interest.18

    • ACIP almost always votes to add the vaccines presented before them to the immunization schedule.

    • ACIP always ignores anyone who presents “anecdotal” evidence of vaccine injuries.

    Note: In the one case I know of where ACIP voted against a vaccine recommendation (COVID boosters for adult workers), the CDC simply overruled them.19

    As such, I noticed a pro-vaccine witness at Johnson’s hearing, who after sharing the tragic story of her infant sister dying from influenza said they testified in front of ACIP, “ACIP listened” and then made infants six months and older all be vaccinated for the flu — despite roughly 100 “flu related” deaths occurring annually in infants,20 and thousands of complications (including death) in the 6 to 10 month age range having been reported in VAERS (a system which captures less than 1% of injuries).21 I found this noteworthy as:

    • This also happened in 2013 with Merck’s expensive meningitis vaccine (less than 1 in a million children die from meningococcal disease each year, and Merck’s vaccine did not cover the primary strain causing deaths22,23), so Merck had two parents whose infants had severe complications from the disease to testify in front of ACIP, at which point “ACIP listened” and it was added to the immunization schedule and funded by the government.24
    • These anecdotes translate to implementing a (scientifically unjustifiable) policy, while any evidence of vaccine harm never accomplishing the same, illustrate how powerful the perceptual filters are in these people and why groups like the CDC and ACIP can routinely recommend vaccines that are hundreds if not thousands of times more likely to harm than benefit the recipients.

    Hiding The Data

    Evidence-based medicine was developed as a means to overcome medicine’s dogmatic resistance to abandoning ineffective medical practices. Unfortunately, before long, the industry realized that this could be overturned by monopolizing the “best evidence” (e.g., through medical journals and mass media), hiring experts to promote their evidence, and discrediting any conflicting evidence as non-credible.

    Once this new dogma was established, an even more incredible feat was accomplished — forbidding anyone besides chosen experts from being able to see the raw data which produced that evidence, thereby forcing us to again “trust the medical experts.”

    Following this, an even more remarkable sleight of hand was accomplished — instilling a standard where only approved experts could examine the raw data behind the science that underpins our lives. As that data is regularly doctored (e.g., we found out through lawsuits that the V-safe data the CDC used to prove the COVID vaccines were safe was presented in a misleading manner, which hid the innumerable injuries within that dataset).25

    Likewise, while every healthcare authority throughout COVID assured us the vaccines were being rigorously monitored for safety, we never got their data, and eventually through years of work, Steve Kirsch (e.g., through whistleblowers) was able to obtain government datasets showing the vaccines were killing and seriously injuring many people.26

    ACIP and the CDC

    When seeking drug approval or vaccine recommendation, several key criteria must be met to ensure that “safe and effective” products reach the public. However, meeting those standards is again quite subjective (e.g., they are used to stonewall alternative medical products from ever being approved).

    As such, if something supports the medical industry, it’s subjected to minimal scrutiny (e.g., Pfizer was not required to test the vaccine for effects on autoimmunity, fertility, or cancer despite these being major concerns from the start).

    As such, in ACIP meetings, the CDC, without providing its data, often gives a brief statement asserting the safety and efficacy of a vaccine, which the ACIP accepts as definitive truth, regardless of conflicting evidence.

    Recently, RFK’s new ACIP had its first meeting, where for the first time, the CDC received pushback for its unwarranted claims. Unfortunately, as the CDC had not adapted to this new reality, they continued to repeat their playbook, making remarkable claims such as:

    • Infants were at high risk of becoming severely ill from COVID despite existing data showing very close to 0 infants are dying from COVID.27

    • Most positive COVID tests at admission correlated with COVID causing their hospitalization (“86% of adult hospitalizations during that time period were likely attributable to COVID-19”).

    • According to the CDC’s private analysis, all datasets show there is no statistical proof the COVID vaccine caused many of the injuries people attributed to it (e.g., death, seizures, strokes, bell’s palsy, or any issues in pregnancy such as miscarriages) and that the signals suggesting otherwise in databases we can access are “false positives.”

    Note: I was most surprised by the CDC asserting their analysis “proved” the COVID vaccine was not associated with abnormal menstruation — despite numerous studies comprising hundreds of thousands of women finding roughly half experienced menstrual issues from COVID vaccination.28,29,30,31,32,33

    • That while a risk of myocarditis does exist, the risk is very low, and that 83% of those afflicted fully recovered in 90 days.34 In contrast, a study the CDC failed to mention found that at 12 to 18 months, 35% reported persistent symptoms, primarily chest pain, palpitations, or fatigue, 13% remained on medication, 8% restricted exercise (mostly self-initiated), and 5.6% required hospitalization.35

    Note: Ron Johnson’s previous hearing provided proof the CDC deliberately withheld data showing COVID vaccines caused myocarditis to protect the vaccine program.36

    There were also remarkable admissions such as:

    • The CDC still had no explanation for why COVID had evolved into variants that were resistant to the vaccine (a concern from the start, as the vaccine used a single rapidly mutating antigen).

    • The CDC had no way to track long-term complications from the COVID vaccine, as over time, “more and more confounding variables are introduced” and the CDC would welcome any advice ACIP had on how those complications could be monitored.

    Conclusion

    During COVID, the ACIP meetings became a morbid hobby of watching a slow motion train wreck, as we knew nothing we did could derail them pushing the COVID vaccine along, but at the same time, we couldn’t turn our eyes away from it, as we did need to know what depressing vaccine policies were in the pipeline.

    Now that their halo of objective expertise has at last been broken (e.g., now only 61% of Americans trust the CDC37), we are finally having a chance to seriously scrutinize their absurd claims, and the CDC is nearing the day when it can no longer operate as an unaccountable fiefdom. Each time we openly discuss their lies, their power weakens, and I am profoundly grateful to be with each of you at a time when this monolithic beast can finally be toppled.

    Author’s Note: This is an abridged version of a longer article which goes into greater details on the points mentioned here. That article, along with additional links and references can be read here.

    A Note from Dr. Mercola About the Author

    A Midwestern Doctor (AMD) is a board-certified physician from the Midwest and a longtime reader of Mercola.com. I appreciate AMD’s exceptional insight on a wide range of topics and am grateful to share it. I also respect AMD’s desire to remain anonymous since AMD is still on the front lines treating patients. To find more of AMD’s work, be sure to check out The Forgotten Side of Medicine on Substack.

    Test Your Knowledge with Today’s Quiz!

    Take today’s quiz to see how much you’ve learned from yesterday’s Mercola.com article.

    Which nutrient is most crucial for helping your liver move out fat before it causes damage?

    • Omega-3 from fish oil
    • Collagen from bone broth
    • Choline from pastured egg yolks

      Choline helps your liver transport fat out of cells, preventing fatty buildup and reducing fibrosis risk; pastured egg yolks are the best natural source. Learn more.

    • Vitamin A from leafy greens
  • From 22% to 80%: AI in Legal Practice in 2025

    From 22% to 80%: AI in Legal Practice in 2025


    The legal industry has officially entered its AI era. In just one year, AI in legal practice skyrocketed from 22% to 80%, marking the most dramatic technology shift the profession has witnessed in decades.

    This isn’t just about numbers: it’s about an entire industry embracing innovation with strategic confidence. Legal professionals have finally gotten their “AI sea legs,” and the implications for AI in legal practice are profound.

    The great awakening: AI in legal practice

    The legal profession’s relationship with artificial intelligence has evolved rapidly over the past year. Like many industries, legal professionals have moved from initial evaluation to strategic implementation as AI tools have matured and proven their value in professional settings.

    This shift seemingly came from a pressing concern in 2024, that law firms were struggling to keep pace with the rapid growth of AI and other disruptive technologies:

    Prioritization data from Embroker's 2025 Legal Industry Risk Index found that AI in legal practice became the most pressing concern in 2024.

    The data from our 2025 Legal Risk Index reveals a profession that has embraced AI with remarkable speed. The 80% adoption rate represents a fundamental shift from experimentation to implementation, from curiosity to commitment in how AI in legal practice is being integrated.

    But, what does that 80% look like in practice? 

    Beyond basic applications: Strategic integration

    What’s striking about this transformation is how sophisticated legal AI applications have become. The industry has moved far beyond basic content generation that made up most of their use in 2024.

    Enhancing professional services has emerged as the top application at 46%, representing a mature understanding that AI isn’t replacing legal expertise—it’s amplifying it. For law firms, AI augments research capabilities, identifies relevant precedents more quickly, and ensures comprehensive case preparation.

    Automating client support interactions ranks second at 45%, showing how firms are improving client experiences while freeing up human resources for higher-value work. One specific circumstance would be improving accessibility and responsiveness without sacrificing the personal touch clients expect.

    Strengthening cybersecurity measures rounds out the top three at 40%, reflecting awareness that AI can be both a risk and a solution in digital security. For example, AI tools have been used by organizations to detect phishing attacks, as the number of these breaches have increased substantially, and law firms remain high-value targets for threat-actors.

    The finding that utilization has evolved from basic “developing or drafting content” (which dominated 2024 usage at 48%) to these strategic applications demonstrates that legal professionals have moved beyond the experimental phase of AI adoption.

    The Cconfidence transformation

    The most significant shift isn’t in what legal professionals are doing with AI, but in how they feel about it. The profession’s comfort level with AI-driven tools has increased substantially, with more legal professionals expressing confidence in their ability to implement and manage AI effectively.

    According to Reuters’ 2024 Future of Professionals Report, “Over the past few years, legal professionals have become less wary of artificial intelligence (AI). Indeed, they are increasingly embracing AI as a transformative force, becoming more and more optimistic about the positive impact it can have on their practices.”

    This confidence shift happened as practical experience replaced theoretical concerns. Real-world implementation has shown AI as a powerful complement to legal expertise, leading to broader acceptance across the profession.

    While risks and misuse are still a concern, the benefits of AI in law practices seem to outweigh the consequences for lawyers and law firms, and this substantial one-year shift could be the result of that awareness.

    Best practices for implementation of AI in legal practice 

    As legal professionals have gained experience with AI tools, several best practices have emerged for successful implementation. Establishing clear governance frameworks is essential—firms should develop written policies that define acceptable AI use cases, required human oversight protocols, and client disclosure requirements. Data security remains paramount, with successful firms implementing strict controls over what information can be processed through AI systems and ensuring compliance with client confidentiality obligations.

    Quality control measures are equally critical. Leading firms establish review processes where AI-generated work undergoes thorough human verification, particularly for client-facing documents or strategic recommendations. Training programs help staff understand both AI capabilities and limitations, while regular audits ensure policies are being followed consistently.

    The most successful implementations also include client communication strategies, with firms proactively discussing their AI use with clients and obtaining appropriate consents. This transparency builds trust while protecting against potential professional liability issues down the line.

    Navigating implementation risks

    As with any significant technology adoption, legal professionals continue to thoughtfully address AI’s potential challenges:

    • Over-reliance leading to professional liability risks tops concerns at 43%, showing lawyers understand the importance of maintaining human oversight when implementing AI in legal practice.
    • Data privacy breaches concern 38% of respondents, reflecting acute awareness of client confidentiality requirements.
    • Legal and ethical issues due to misuse worry 37%, demonstrating proactive thinking about compliance and ethical obligations, as well as legal malpractice.

    These considerations haven’t disappeared with increased adoption—but, what is clear is that AI must be integrated into comprehensive risk management strategies. Legal professionals that are implementing AI will need to employ appropriate governance frameworks and internal policies to mitigate the risks they’re still exposed to.

    Helpful tools for AI-workflow implementation

    The legal profession’s thoughtful approach to AI in legal practice has yielded significant advantages. By taking time to evaluate options and develop implementation strategies, legal professionals have been able to select mature, reliable AI tools that align with their specific professional needs.

    The amount of tools built specifically for law firms is growing. As our Chief Insurance Officer, Andy Lea, listed in an article for Law.com:

    • WestLaw: An online legal research service and database provided by Thomson Reuters.
    • Harvey: A generative AI platform designed specifically for the legal industry.
    • Bloomberg Law: Utilizes AI to enhance legal research and practice.
    • Clio: Integrated AI into their practice management software to enhance efficiency and client experiences.
    • Lex Machina: Employs AI to analyze litigation data and provide strategic insights for legal professionals.

    These tools have allowed firms to avoid common pitfalls while maximizing the benefits of AI integration. The result is an industry that’s now positioned at the forefront of professional AI implementation.

    For more information on these tools and how law firms are actually using them, check out this recent webinar with Reminger Law and Everest:

    Does your law firm use AI?

    In this webinar with Reminger Law Firm and Everest, we explore the use-cases of AI in legal practice, the best tools for the job, the risks, and the benefits for lawyers.


    Watch On-Demand

    The new normal

    What we’re witnessing isn’t just a temporary surge—it’s the establishment of a new baseline for legal practice. AI tools are set to become as fundamental as legal research databases and case management systems.

    The legal professionals who successfully navigated this transformation share common characteristics: they approached AI implementation strategically, maintained focus on client service and professional obligations, and used their professional expertise to assess and manage risks associated with new technology.

    The professionals thriving in this landscape are the strategic implementers who understand that successful AI integration requires the same careful planning and professional judgment that defines effective legal practice.

    As Jordan Furlong, a lawyer and legal sector analyst recently told Fortune Magazine, “Lawyers are not big R&D people. They’re not hackers and experimenters. They are ‘tell me what this thing can do. Tell me it is safe to use it, and I’ll use it… I find it incredibly exciting. Terrifying for sure. Risky, no question. But really exciting.”

    As the legal industry continues to evolve, the professionals who develop their “AI sea legs” while maintaining their professional standards will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technologically sophisticated marketplace.

    What’s next for AI in legal practice?

    The rapid adoption of AI in legal practice reflects broader technological trends affecting all professional services. The integration of AI in legal practice represents not just technological advancement, but strategic evolution in how legal professionals approach innovation and client service.

    This transformation demonstrates that when implemented thoughtfully, AI tools can enhance rather than replace the core competencies that define quality legal work.

    While this dramatic shift in AI adoption shows promise for the future of AI in legal practice, the complete picture reveals nuanced implementation strategies and opportunities that every legal professional needs to understand.

    Get our full 2025 Legal Industry Risk Index to access all findings, implementation strategies, and risk management frameworks that can help position your practice for success in the AI-driven legal landscape.

  • UPI Transaction Charges 2025: New Rules & Limits

    UPI Transaction Charges 2025: New Rules & Limits


    Starting August 1, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has rolled out a set of new rules for UPI Transaction Charges to enhance transaction efficiency, reduce system load, and improve user security. Whether you’re a frequent user of Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM, these updates will impact your daily UPI experience.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the latest UPI changes.

    Why These Changes?

    With over 12 billion monthly transactions, UPI is India’s most preferred payment system. However, growing traffic has put pressure on banking APIs and raised concerns over payment delays, system overload, and fraud. The new rules aim to:

    • Reduce stress on the backend systems
    • Enhance transaction transparency
    • Improve payment security
    • Streamline auto-debits and balance checks

    UPI Transaction Charges Rule Changes from August 1, 2025

    Limit on Balance Checks

    You can now check your bank balance only 50 times per day per UPI app (e.g., GPay, PhonePe, Paytm).
    Why? This reduces overload on banking APIs.
    What if I exceed the limit? You’ll be blocked from checking your balance on that app for 24 hours.

    Auto-Balance Display After Each Transaction

    Now, after every successful UPI transaction, your updated account balance will automatically be shown.

    This reduces the need to manually check your balance.

    Cap on Bank Account Linking

    You can link up to 25 bank accounts per day via a UPI app using mobile number/account fetch options.

    This prevents misuse through excessive account linking attempts.

    Limit on Checking Transaction Status

    For pending UPI transactions, you can now check the status only 3 times per transaction — with a minimum 90-second gap between each attempt.

    This ensures system stability and deters API abuse.

    Auto-Debit Processing Time

    Auto-debits for EMIs, SIPs, subscriptions, etc., will be processed only during non-peak hours:

    • Before 10:00 AM
    • After 9:30 PM

    This ensures faster processing and better system performance.

    Payee Name Display for Transparency

    Before confirming a UPI transfer, apps would show the recipient’s registered bank name along with the payee name.

    This reduces the risk of fraud or wrong transfers.

    UPI Transaction Limits in 2025

    The NPCI has set general UPI transfer limits, but individual banks can define their own within these guidelines.

    Transaction Type Limit
    Standard UPI transfers ₹1,00,000/day
    Capital markets, insurance, remittances ₹2,00,000/day
    Tax payments, education, IPOs, hospitals ₹5,00,000/day

    Bank-level limits vary. For instance:

    • SBI, HDFC, Axis, ICICI: ₹1,00,000/day
    • PNB: ₹50,000/day
    • Union Bank: ₹2,00,000/day
    • ICICI on Google Pay: ₹10,000–₹25,000

    Some banks also set weekly or monthly limits.
    For example:

    • IDFC Bank – Weekly: ₹1,00,000 | Monthly: ₹30,00,000

    New Interchange Fee Rules for Wallet-Based UPI Payments

    If you use wallets like PhonePe Wallet, Paytm Wallet, Amazon Pay, etc., to make UPI payments above ₹2,000, interchange fees now apply — but only to merchants.

    What is an Interchange Fee?

    It’s a small fee (0.5%–1.1%) charged to merchants, not customers, when payments are made via Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs).

    Merchant Category Interchange Fee
    Fuel 0.5%
    Telecom, Utilities, Education 0.7%
    Supermarkets 0.9%
    Insurance, Mutual Funds, Govt, Railways 1.0%
    Others (Above ₹2,000 via Wallets) Up to 1.1%

    Customers are not affected—only merchants pay this fee.

    Who Pays the Wallet Loading Fee?

    When users recharge wallets with more than ₹2,000, the wallet issuer (e.g., PhonePe or Gpay or such others) pays 0.15% as a wallet loading service charge to the user’s bank.

    You don’t pay anything extra.

    Are UPI Transactions Still Free?

    YES.
    All personal UPI payments (Peer-to-Peer and Peer-to-Merchant via bank accounts) remain free for users, even above ₹2,000.
    Only wallet-based PPI merchant transactions above ₹2,000 attract interchange fees—and even then, merchants pay, not customers.

    Summary of What Changes for You

    Feature Old Rule New Rule (Aug 1, 2025)
    Balance Check Unlimited 50/day per app
    Auto Balance Display Manual Auto after every transaction
    Account Linking Unlimited Max 25 accounts/day per app
    Pending Txn Status Check Unlimited Max 3 times with 90-sec gap
    Auto-Debits Anytime Only before 10 AM/after 9:30 PM
    Wallet-based UPI Fee Free Interchange fee on PPI > ₹2,000

    Final Thoughts

    The new UPI rules are user-centric, aiming to enhance reliability, transparency, and digital security. As a user, you still enjoy zero-fee UPI transfers for personal use, while the backend gets smarter and more streamlined.

    So, continue enjoying seamless payments—just be mindful of the new usage caps and wallet-based fee structures (if you’re a merchant).

    Author Avatar Prashant Gaur



  • Tired of Quitting Your Goals? Here’s How to Trust Yourself Again

    Tired of Quitting Your Goals? Here’s How to Trust Yourself Again


    Tired of Quitting Your Goals? Here’s How to Trust Yourself Again

    Thinking about quitting a goal before you really even get started? I think we’ve all been there… or at least I have.

    What I set out to do feels SO huge that I sometimes feel like quitting—before I’ve even started. Have you ever felt like that? If so, this blog is for you.

    It’s easy to start talking yourself out of something:

    “Why should I bother? Why start when I probably won’t be able to stick with it?”

    Suddenly, you remember every other time you had a plan:

    • The treadmill that’s now your most expensive clothing rack

    • The Pinterest recipes you saved to help you live healthier

    • All the times things didn’t work out

    And it stings.

    If you’re being fully honest, deep down you’ve started to lose trust in your ability to make it work.

    But here’s the truth: you’re not lacking motivation. You are still very capable of reaching your goals. You are not the problem.

    The real issue might just be how you’ve approached your goals—up until now.

    Let’s break it down.

    What Most People Do (and Why It Backfires)

    Most people start out strong: New year. New goals. New motivation. They ride that wave of inspiration and think, “This time WILL be different.”

    Let’s face it—staying motivated in the beginning is easy. But the moment something feels hard, boring, or a little inconvenient… guess what? They fall off the infamous wagon. Again.

    Then the inner critic rears its ugly head:

    “See? I knew it. I’m not motivated enough to make it.”

    This becomes a cycle: Start → Struggle → Stop → Shame → Repeat

    You think you’re different. That you’re missing something other people have. In reality, you’ve just been taught something that isn’t true.

    You’ve been told to depend on motivation—which is like a sugar rush. Quick, exciting, and gone just as fast.

    Motivation is based on feelings—and our feelings fluctuate. It’s not something we can rely on to show up when we need it long term.

    Why You Feel Like You Can’t Stick to Anything

    Here are some common reasons we start to doubt ourselves:

    You associate change with pressure.

    Go big or go home! You think you need to do it all, and do it perfectly, for it to count. It becomes too overwhelming to even start.

    You expect instant results.

    You don’t want to waste time or energy. So when things move slower than expected, you assume you’re doing it wrong—and stop.

    You assume that doing it “right” should feel easy.

    So when it feels awkward or uncomfortable, you think something must be wrong.

    And the big one: You’ve been repeating the Start-Stop pattern.

    When we break promises to ourselves too many times, we start believing we can’t be trusted. It’s like the friend who keeps canceling plans at the last minute. Eventually, you just stop expecting them to show up. The trust is gone.

    It’s Not a Willpower Problem—It’s a Self-Trust Problem

    The real issue isn’t motivation—it’s evidence. You’ve collected years of micro-proof that you don’t follow through. That your promises don’t stick.

    So when you set a new goal, a little voice inside whispers:

    “You’ve said this before. You won’t stick with it.”

    This isn’t just about mindset. It’s about rebuilding trust with yourself.

    You need to start proving that you’ve got your own back—especially when things get hard.

    Because creating real change is hard.

    How to Build Self-Trust (One Brick at a Time)

    You can’t just read a self-help book and think your way into better self-trust. You have to act your way into it.

    Start proving to yourself that you mean what you say. And no, that doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It means starting small and staying consistent.

    Try this:

    • Set a goal that’s almost laughably small.
      → “I’ll walk for 5 minutes.”
      → “I’ll stretch while the coffee brews.”

    • Do it even when you don’t feel like it.
      Especially then. That’s where the magic happens.

    • Track your kept promises—not just your results.
      Show yourself you’re reliable. Following through matters as much as the outcome.

    • Let go of the timeline.
      You’re not behind. You’re rebuilding at your own pace.

    • Celebrate repetition.
      Consistency isn’t boring—it’s the very thing that builds trust.

    The Identity Shift That Changes Everything

    When you start keeping small promises, you stop being the person who always gives up.

    And you become:

    • The kind of person who keeps showing up

    • The kind of person who does what they say

    • The kind of person who can trust themselves again

    That shift changes everything.

    Because the next time you start something, you believe you can keep going—even when it’s hard.

    That’s the kind of person you are now.

    What If You Just Started Today?

    Forget perfection. No one can live up to that.

    Forget the version of you who always nailed it the first time.

    We all make mistakes. That’s not failure—it’s feedback.

    So start today. Take one small, imperfect, doable step.

    Because every time you show up—especially when it’s not convenient—you add to your future memory bank:

    “I’m the kind of person who never gives up.”

    That’s how trust is rebuilt. And that’s how change actually happens.

    You’ve got this—one small step at a time. —Marlene

  • What is Lyme Disease? Causes, symptoms, and more

    What is Lyme Disease? Causes, symptoms, and more


    lyme disease

    Lyme Disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii which are commonly found in ticks found in the Northern Hemisphere. | Photo courtesy of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Justin Timberlake is the latest in a long line of global celebrities that were diagnosed with Lyme Disease.

    Besides Timberlake, other notable celebrities with Lyme Disease include Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid, Shania Twain, Ben Stiller, Alec Baldwin, and even former US President George W. Bush.

    In the Philippines, there is a significant lack of documented human cases of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases, Lyme Disease included (Sharifah, Heo, Ehlers, Houssaini, & Tappe, 2020). However, a research published back in 2023 showed evidences of the bacteria behind Lyme Disease in certain parts of the country, specifically in Metro Manila and Laguna (Lee, et al., 2023).

    READ:

    Justin Timberlake says he has Lyme disease

    Explainer: What to know about lyme disease

     

    With so many of our beloved celebrities contracting it, people are wondering what exactly is Lyme Disease? What are its symptoms? How does one get infected with it?

    To answer all those questions and more, Cebu Daily News Digital compiled key facts about Lyme Disease for the public’s benefit.

    What is Lyme Disease?

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is caused by two types of bacteria: Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii. Reported cases of Lyme Disease are commonly from Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions, which includes the United States, Canada, and Europe.

    Lyme Disease is commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of ticks which are infected by either Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii. This disease can be treated with antibiotics but complications from it can affect a person’s  joints, heart, or their nervous system.

    According to a World Health Organization report, the rise of Lyme Disease have some correlation with the effects of climate change, suggesting that climate change will most likely facilitate the spread of the disease (World Health Organization, 2006).

    How do you get Lyme Disease?

    As mentioned earlier, Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi or Borrelia mayonii, although the latter is rare. burgdorferi or Borrelia mayonii is commonly transmitted to humans via tick bites, most especially if the ticks have been attached to the skin for more than 24 hours.

    Infected ticks are most commonly found in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, with deer pointed as the most common host for Lyme Disease-infected ticks.

    However, there is no sufficient data regarding tick infestations and tick-borne diseases in the Philippines. That said, a 2023 research showed there are evidences of the bacterium being present in pet dogs in Metro Manila and Laguna, which warrants further study as the authors suggested (Lee, et al., 2023).

    As per the CDC, although dogs and cats can get Lyme disease, there is no evidence that they are able to spread the infection to their owners. However, it is also possible for these pets to be hosts of infested ticks.

    Lastly, Lyme disease is not spread through casual human contact such as touching, kissing, or sexual activity. It is also not known to spread through breast milk or blood transfusions. But, transmission from a pregnant person to a fetus is possible if the infection is untreated, but it is a rare occurrence.

    Lyme Disease Symptoms

    Lyme disease is diagnosed based on a patient’s symptoms, which often include physical signs such as a rash. Here is a list of other symptoms:

    Early signs and symptoms (3 to 30 days after tick bite)

    • Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes may occur in the absence of rash
    • Erythema migrans (EM) rash:
      • Occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected people
      • Begins at the site of a tick bite after a delay of 3 to 30 days (average is about 7 days)
      • Expands gradually over several days reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) or more across
      • May feel warm to the touch but is rarely itchy or painful
      • Sometimes clears as it enlarges, resulting in a target or “bull’s-eye” appearance
      • May appear on any area of the body
      • Does not always appear as a “classic bull’s-eye” rash

    Later signs and symptoms (days to months after tick bite)

    • Severe headaches and neck stiffness
    • Additional EM rashes on other areas of the body
    • Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)
    • Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and other large joints.
    • Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones
    • Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)
    • Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath
    • Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
    • Nerve pain
    • Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet

    Lyme Disease Prevention, Vaccine, and Treatment

    As per the CDC, vaccines for Lyme disease are currently not available after a vaccine that was previously sold in the market was discontinued in 2002 due to low demand. With the steady rise of Lyme Disease cases worldwide, clinical trials for new vaccines are currently underway, and it’s only a matter of time when the vaccines will be publicly available again.

    As such, the only way to prevent being infected is to be mindful of your surroundings and overall health. To prevent contracting Lyme Disease, it is suggested to avoid areas where infected ticks can be commonly found. Additionally, performing regular tick checks and promptly removing ticks are effective ways to prevent the disease.

    In case a tick bite is discovered, immediately remove the ticks to hopefully prevent the transmission. In case symptoms occur, promptly consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. After all, Lyme Disease can be treated with antibiotics.

    References

    • Lee, C. E., Ikeda, J. H., Manongdo, M. A., Romerosa, D. R., Sandalo-De Ramos, K. A., Tanaka, T., & Galay, R. L. (2023). Molecular detection of Bartonella and Borrelia in pet dogs in Metro Manila and Laguna, Philippines. Vet World, 1546–1551.
    • Sharifah, N., Heo, C. C., Ehlers, J., Houssaini, J., & Tappe, D. (2020). Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in animals and humans in the island nations of Southeast Asia: A review. Acta Tropica.
    • Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease. (2024, May 15). Retrieved from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs-symptoms/index.html
    • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 26). About Lyme Disease. Retrieved from CDC Web site: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/about/index.html
    • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 24). How Lyme Disease Spreads. Retrieved from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/causes/index.html
    • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 17). Lyme Disease Vaccine. Retrieved from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/about/lyme-disease-vaccine.html
    • World Health Organization. (2006, September 23). Lyme borreliosis in Europe: influences of climate and climate change epidemiology, ecology and adaptation measures. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789289022910



  • 5 areas of algorithmic underwriting advantage | Insurance Blog

    5 areas of algorithmic underwriting advantage | Insurance Blog


    Use of algorithmic underwriting is increasing across the insurance industry. With enhanced decision-making and improved risk assessments, an algorithmic approach to underwriting can optimize operations for insurers and experience for their customers.

    In this post we delve into the evolution and advantages of algorithmic underwriting and share our insights on building and scaling an algorithmic underwriting platform.

    The evolution…

    Algorithms have always been part of the underwriting process, but they have generally been restricted to rating. For example, in determining risk factors for car insurance, algorithms, or mathematical formulas, would be used to set rates based on vehicle make, model, driver age, location and previous history. Whether simple or complex, algorithms have long been our core rating tool.

    The use of algorithms in other areas of the underwriting process has been limited due to fear of overlapping these factors with rate making, or simply the lack of data and analytical capabilities at other parts of the underwriting process to make these decisions. Instead, the insurance industry has typically depended on complex rules engines for decisions on risk acceptance, risk tiers and report ordering.

    With advancements in data access and analytics tools, carriers are now rethinking the use of algorithms, using them either alone or alongside traditional rules engines, to enhance decision-making throughout the underwriting process.

    How it works…

    Algorithmic underwriting employs analytical models to automate decision-making in the underwriting process or to provide insights to assist underwriters. For more homogeneous risks, it can fully or partially automate underwriting.

    Key decisions made using algorithmic underwriting:

    • Determining if a submission fits the carrier’s risk appetite
    • Identifying key risk characteristics such as the correct SIC/NAIC code
    • Prioritizing accounts based on desirability and winnability
    • Making risk determinations on portions or the entirety of risk

    Through this approach, carriers can achieve faster risk acceptance or rejection and reduce underwriting workloads. It also helps in providing customers more personalized risk assessments, real-time risk management and a seamless experience.

    5 advantages of algorithmic underwriting

    Algorithmic underwriting significantly benefits the insurance industry across 5 key areas:

    1. Process efficiency: By automating the underwriting process, we are seeing algorithmic underwriting reduce processing times by up to 50%, streamline operations, increase testing speed and simplify the maintenance of complex decision-making systems. In addition, the automated processes of algorithmic underwriting can help handle an increase in applications reviewed by up to 25%, enabling insurers to increase premium without additional operating costs.
    2. Accuracy: The accuracy of risk assessments can be improved through analysis of more extensive data sets. These analyses help identify patterns and correlations that might be missed by human underwriters alone. With this augmentation of the underwriter’s insight and judgement, errors in risk assessments can be minimized and fraud can more easily be detected. We estimate fraud losses may be reduced by up to 30% for some insurance companies.
    3. Price: Pricing decisions can be more accurate by enhancing risk assessments. Algorithmic underwriting helps tailor premiums to individual risk profiles, enhance customer satisfaction and competitiveness. Additionally, it supports dynamic pricing, adjusting premiums in real-time based on changing risk factors, which we see improving underwriting profitability by up to 20%.
    4. Proactive risk management: Algorithms can help insurers proactively identify emerging risks and adjust their underwriting and risk management strategies. This can help to mitigate potential losses, reduce loss ratio and improve overall portfolio performance.
    5. Customer experience: Algorithmic underwriting allows for instant or near-instant decisions on coverage eligibility, pricing and personalized offers. With predictive and prescriptive analytics, insurers can make real-time, contextualized offers, making insurance more accessible and relevant to the individual customer’s needs. It also makes insurance more attainable to customers or segments that may have been marginalized by underwriting methods of the past.

    Building an algorithmic underwriting platform at scale

    An algorithmic underwriting platform requires a multi-layered approach that takes future scalability into consideration. Advanced features needed when considering an algorithmic underwriting platform include machine learning models, real-time risk assessment, and dynamic pricing models.

    Diagram showing model components: machine learning models to include deep learning algorithms, natural language processing and explainable AI; real-time assessment to include dynamic adjustment of risk profiles and granular risk assessment; lastly, dynamic pricing models that adjust premiums based on real-time data and individual risk profiles.

     

    Challenges to consider as you optimize your data and algorithmic underwriting platform:

    • Data quality and availability: Data may be fragmented, incomplete or outdated.
    • Model interoperability: Complex machine learning algorithms used for underwriting may lack transparency and interoperability making outcomes difficult to explain.
    • Compliance: As regulation of algorithmic models and AI increases, insurers must stay ahead of the guidance and adjust models as needed.
    • Fairness and bias: If not proactively addressed, algorithmic underwriting presents the risk of perpetuating unfair practices and historic biases.
    • Data privacy and security: Algorithmic underwriting involves collecting, processing and storing large volumes of personal and sensitive data. Securing customer data is vital for compliance and maintaining customer trust.

    Success stories…

    We see examples of success with algorithmic underwriting across the industry. In P&C for example, Ki Insurance leverages AI and algorithms for instant commercial insurance quotes and automated policy issuance. Hiscox collaborated with Google Cloud to develop and AI model that automates underwriting for specific products. Meanwhile, on the life insurance side, ethos employs machine learning to asses risk and to offer simplified insurance applications.

    Conclusion

    While algorithmic underwriting is not a novel concept in insurance, it is revolutionary in its enhancement of access to new data sources, improved data quality and better analytics tools. These enhancements allow underwriters insight from other areas of the value chain and extend their capability beyond archaic models or knockout rules.

    Despite their sophistication, insurers will need to be aware of the potential for bias and a lack of transparency in algorithmic underwriting models. Ethics and compliance, including data privacy, consumer protection and fair lending laws will pose challenges for insurers to address from the outset.

    As technology continues to evolve and data analytics capabilities expand, we bear witness to how algorithmic underwriting will revolutionize the insurance industry, drive innovation and empower financial institutions to make more informed, data-driven decisions.

  • Is Gold Jewellery a Good Investment? Beware 30% Hidden Loss!

    Is Gold Jewellery a Good Investment? Beware 30% Hidden Loss!


    Is Gold Jewellery a Good Investment? Learn how wastage, making charges & GST silently eat up to 30% of your money — plus smarter ways to invest in gold.

    Gold holds a special place in every Indian household — whether it’s for a wedding, a festival, or simply an investment for tough times. We Indians love buying gold, especially as jewellery. But have you ever wondered how much of your hard-earned money goes waste when you buy a gold chain, ring, or bangle?

    Most people think, “Gold is gold — it will always hold value!” But the reality is quite different. When you buy gold jewellery, you don’t just pay for the gold. You also pay for wastage, making charges, and taxes — all of which quietly eat away at your investment.

    In this post, I will explain, in simple words, how much you actually lose when buying gold ornaments — with real examples, calculations, and tips to save yourself from unnecessary losses.

    Is Gold Jewellery a Good Investment? Beware 30% Hidden Loss!

    Is Gold Jewellery a Good Investment

    What Determines the Cost of Gold Jewellery?

    When you walk into a jewellery shop and ask for a gold chain, you pay more than just the gold’s market price. Your final bill includes:

    Gold Price: Based on current market rate for pure gold (24K).
    Purity: Jewellery is usually 22K or lower, not pure 24K.
    Wastage: Extra gold lost in making the ornament, so you pay for it too.
    Making Charges: Labour cost to design, cut, polish, and finish the piece.
    GST: 3% tax on the entire amount.

    How Purity Affects Your Gold’s Value

    Pure gold is 24 Karat (99.9% pure). But ornaments are rarely made in 24K because pure gold is too soft.

    Most Indian jewellery is 22K (91.6% pure) or 18K (75% pure). So, when you buy 10 grams of 22K gold, it only contains 9.16 grams of pure gold. This already means a small portion of your money goes towards other metals mixed to make the gold durable.

    The Hidden Cost of Wastage

    Jewellers often mention a “wastage charge”. Why? When they melt, cut, or polish gold, tiny amounts are lost. Traditionally, they charge 5% to 10% as wastage, though modern technology makes real wastage minimal.

    For simple, machine-made jewellery, wastage might be 3%–5%. For handcrafted, delicate designs, it can go up to 15%.

    This wastage is added to your bill — you pay for gold that you don’t even get to keep!

    Making Charges: The Labour Fee You Never Get Back

    Making charges can vary widely:

    • Machine-made chains or bangles: 8%–12% of gold value.
    • Intricate handmade jewellery: 15%–25%.

    This cost is non-refundable. If you ever sell the ornament, no jeweller will pay you for making charges.

    Buying Price vs Selling Price Difference — The Hidden Shock

    Many gold buyers assume that when they sell back their gold jewellery to a jeweller, they will get the same prevailing gold rate per gram. Unfortunately, that’s far from reality.

    Jewellers usually buy back old jewellery at a discounted rate compared to the day’s market price. For example:

    • They may deduct 2% to 5% from the prevailing gold rate as their margin.
    • Some jewellers may also reduce the rate further if the ornament is damaged, stones are missing, or it’s an outdated design.
    • On top of this, the making charges and wastage charges you paid while buying are never refunded — they’re gone forever.

    Example –

    Suppose the market price of 22K gold today is Rs.1,000 per gram.

    • When you buy, you pay Rs.1,000/g + making charges + wastage + GST.
    • When you sell, the jeweller may buy it back at only Rs.950–Rs.980 per gram, depending on purity, deductions, and policy.

    So, not only do you lose on making and wastage, but you also lose on the lower buyback rate — adding another 2–5% hit to your pocket.

    GST: The Tax You Forget

    When you buy jewellery, 3% GST is charged on the total — gold value + wastage + making charges.

    Again, this tax is not recoverable when you sell the gold later.

    Real Example: How Much You Actually Lose

    Let’s take a simple, practical example:

    • Market price for pure gold (24K): Rs.1,000 per gram (hypothetical)
    • You buy a 10 gram 22K gold chain

    Your bill:

    Component Amount
    Gold value (10g) Rs.10,000
    Wastage 10% Rs.1,000
    Making charges 10% Rs.1,000
    Subtotal Rs.12,000
    GST 3% Rs.360
    Total paid Rs.12,360

    So, you pay Rs.12,360 for an ornament with only 9.16 grams of pure gold in it.

    Now, Let’s See What Happens When You Sell It Back!!

    After a few years, you decide to sell your gold jewellery. For simplicity, let’s assume the market gold price stays the same at Rs.1,000 per gram. (Yes, I know prices don’t freeze — but this helps explain the hidden loss).

    • The jeweller checks the purity and net weight: 9.16 grams
    • Current market rate: Rs.1,000 per gram
    • But jeweller’s buyback rate is usually 2% lower ? so they offer you Rs.980 per gram
    • Gross value: 9.16g × Rs.980 = Rs.8,977
    • Less melting & assay charges (around 3%): Rs.270
    • Final amount you actually receive: ~ Rs.8,707

    What Did You Really Lose?

    • Amount paid when you bought: Rs.12,360
    • Amount you got back: Rs.8,707
    • Loss: Rs.3,653
    • Percentage loss: ~30%

    So, you lose nearly 30% of your money, even if gold prices don’t drop.

    This is where most buyers get shocked — you pay the full price + making charges + wastage + GST, but when selling, you:

    • Don’t get back any making or wastage charges
    • Lose 2–5% on the buyback rate
    • Pay melting and purity check deductions

    Net result: A big chunk of your so-called “investment” simply vanishes!

    What annual growth is needed to break even the LOSS?

    We use CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate):

    Formula:
    Final Amount = Initial Amount × (1 + r)^n

    Where:

    • Final Amount = Rs.10,000 (break even)
    • Initial Resale Value = Rs.7,000 (after costs)
    • n = holding period (years)
    • r = annual growth rate

    So,

    10,000 = 7,000 × (1 + r)^n

    (1 + r)^n = 10,000 / 7,000 = 1.4286

    Required CAGR to break even the loss

    5 Years holding period – ~7.36% per year

    10 years holding period – ~3.63% per year

    15 years holding period – ~2.36% per year

    20 years holding period – ~1.79% per year

    So, if you hold jewellery for:

    • 5 years, gold must appreciate ~7.4% per year just to get your money back.
    • 10 years, you still need ~3.6% annual growth to break even.
    • 15 years, about ~2.4% annual growth needed.
    • 20 years, about ~1.8% annual growth needed.

    But wait — does gold beat inflation?

    India’s long-term inflation is 5–6% per year. So, to actually grow your wealth above inflation, gold must appreciate by:

    • Inflation (5–6%) + break-even CAGR

    So for a 5-year holding, gold must grow at about 7.4% + 6% = 13–14% per year just to beat inflation and recover wastage losses.
    For 10 years, it must grow at about 3.6% + 6% = 9–10% per year to actually deliver real returns.

    What does history say?

    Over the long term (20–30 years), gold in India has averaged 8–10% annual return, but:

    • This includes periods of huge spikes (crisis years)
    • For long stretches, gold barely moves in price (early 90s, early 2000s)
    • Jewellery always loses to pure investment gold because of the wastage/making

    (Note – Refer my articles on Gold where I have proved with around 45 years of data that even after holding for the long term, there is no guarantee that it will even beat inflation.)

    Coins vs Ornaments — Which is Better?

    What about gold coins or bars? They’re slightly better:

    • Coins are usually 24K.
    • Wastage is minimal (1%–2%).
    • Making charges are lower (1%–3%).
    • You still pay GST.

    So, the resale loss for coins is around 5%–10%, much lower than for ornaments.

    But you must sell them back to the same jeweller to get a better rate. Otherwise, new jewellers will deduct assay and melting charges again.

    Best Ways to Invest in Gold Without Wastage

    If your goal is investment — not jewellery for wearing — there are better options than buying physical gold:

    Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
    Issued by the RBI, these bonds are linked to gold’s market price. Even though new issues are not available, you can buy the old issues through the secondary market.

    • You get the gold price at maturity.
    • Earn 2.5% annual interest (extra return).
    • No GST, making, or wastage.
    • Maturity proceeds are tax-free.
      Perfect for long-term investors.

    Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)
    These are digital units linked to gold prices.

    • You hold gold in Demat form.
    • You pay a small expense ratio (~0.5%).
    • No physical storage worries.

    Gold Mutual Funds

    • They invest in Gold ETFs.
    • No headache of having a Demat Account.
    • Selling and buying are easy directly with Mutual Fund Companies.
    • Bit expensive in terms of cost if you compare it with the Gold ETF. But hassle-free investment.

    Tips to Reduce Loss When Buying Gold Jewellery

    Always buy BIS-hallmarked jewellery (certified purity).
    Choose simple designs with low wastage.
    Negotiate making charges — bigger shops often reduce them for good customers.
    Keep the bill safe — needed for resale.
    Sell to the same jeweller who sold you the piece.

    Key Takeaway

    Buying gold jewellery is a cultural joy — but never treat it as an investment. If you buy a gold chain today for Rs.1,00,000, understand that about Rs.25,000–Rs.30,000 will never come back. You pay for design, wastage, and taxes — all of which have no resale value.

    So, next time you step into a jewellery shop, think carefully: Do you want jewellery for wearing or gold for investing?

    For wearing, ornaments are fine, but for investing, Sovereign Gold Bonds, Gold ETFs, or gold mutual funds are smarter options that preserve your money’s value better.

    Gold will always shine in our culture, but your money shouldn’t get wasted for no reason. Understand how jewellers price your ornaments, check the purity, negotiate making charges, and know your options.

    As I mentioned above, if your reason for purchasing gold jewellery is as a commodity, then buy physical gold jewellery. But buying gold jewellery as an investment for your future requirement is a loss of money and a risk of safekeeping.

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

  • Desk Worker’s Guide To Hitting 10K Steps A Day

    Desk Worker’s Guide To Hitting 10K Steps A Day


    Getting your daily exercise is much easier if you work on your feet. Desk job employees have a tougher time increasing their heart rate. If you want to join the challenge to walk 10,000 steps per day, you don’t have to change your career. Get creative with your physical activity to hit your goal. Whether you work at home or in an office, you’ll develop a better exercise routine that supports your wellbeing if you hit 10k steps a day.

    Why Is Walking Every Day Important?

    When you think about starting an exercise program, you likely imagine training for a race or lifting weights. More traditional workouts can be great for your health, but they’re also harder to manage if you have a desk job that consumes your time. Walking is an excellent way to get active without overhauling your routine.

    Reaching 10,000 steps every 24 hours isn’t necessarily a rule. The number came from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign for the first pedometer. There wasn’t any scientific research behind the number, so it’s not medical advice.

    You should also remember that trying a step goal is a learning experience. Intense walking routines aren’t best for everyone. If you go for a walk and experience tired legs or tingling, you may have limited blood flow. People also prefer other gentle workouts if they have joint pain or nerve issues that make footsteps painful.

    The key is listening to your body while gradually finding the best step goal for your body. Research shows those who walked 7,000 steps every day had a 50%-70% lower risk of mortality than people who walked fewer than 7,000 daily steps. All you need are strategies to get more walking into your routine to find out if 10,000 steps is a realistic goal for you.

    Ways To Get 10K Steps a Day

    Reinvent parts of your routine by trying new walking-centric ideas. You may get more active and feel like you’re not even trying, which makes reaching higher step goals easier.

    Press Play On A Dance Video

    YouTube is full of free dance videos that double as workouts. Find one that’s the length of your work breaks and hit play. Dancing incorporates steps, so you’ll find your daily count growing every time you have a jam session. You’ll also improve your balance and flexibility with practice.

    Park Further From The Office

    Use your new walking routine as an excuse to stop battling co-workers for parking spaces close to the office. If you park further away, you’ll get more steps into your day without sacrificing much time. Keep an umbrella in your car for rainy mornings, and you may not even notice the change in your routine after a while.

    Take Phone Calls On Your Feet

    People with desk jobs that require lots of phone calls can walk and talk. Answer the phone and pace the hallways or go outside to walk around. You may even make the day pass faster while improving your step count because you won’t be staring at a clock.

    If you work in heels, try to take small steps consciously to minimize your risk of falling whenever the phone rings. You’ll stay safe and potentially get twice the steps in.

    Get Your Coffee To Go

    Whether you work in an office or at home, drink your coffee from a cup with a lid. You can sip it while walking circles around your neighborhood or around your workplace building. Although it’s tempting to drink your coffee while sifting through those early morning emails, you’ll reach your 10k step goal faster if you walk for the same length of time.

    Enjoy A Post-Dinner Walk

    Don’t jump into your pajamas the next time you finish dinner – strap on your tennis shoes instead. Walking improves your ability to regulate blood sugar spikes after eating, so it’s a great time to head outside. You’ll encounter cooler weather, less direct sunlight and a pocket of free time to get last-minute steps in before bed.

    Stop Stressing About Your Exercise Routine

    People who work desk jobs can accomplish any step goal they want. If you get creative with your routine, you’ll increase your heart rate any time during your day. Pay attention to your body’s needs while finding the best step count for your lifestyle to merge your current abilities with realistic exercise goals and you;ll be hitting 10k steps a day in no time!



  • Striving for Sustainability: Meet Nicole

    Striving for Sustainability: Meet Nicole


    This blog is part of our focus on Cisco employees who are “Striving for Sustainability” by finding opportunities to integrate sustainability in their day-to-day work.

    At Cisco, packaging sustainability is a key aspect of our strategy to transition to a circular business model. We do this by designing packaging that protects our products while also minimizing environmental impact. This means using less materials when possible and choosing more sustainable materials — such as materials that contain recycled content and are recyclable or reusable.

    I recently sat down with Nicole Kenney, Program Manager on the Packaging Engineering team, who focuses her work on packaging and material circularity. Nicole has been able to research and manage projects to support a range of sustainability issues related to packaging.

    What inspired you to pursue a career in packaging sustainability, and how did you end up at Cisco?

    A woman with long hair wearing a black top
    Nicole Kenney, Program Manager on the Packaging Engineering team.

    Nicole: Growing up, I was always in nature and constantly juggling multiple art projects. I knew I wanted to do something creative — that led me to the textile and apparel industry. After earning my degree in materials and polymer science, I developed fabrics and packaging for outdoor performance apparel and gear. The outdoor industry was one of the first to participate in the sustainability movement, and through my work on sustainability initiatives, I realized preserving nature was my purpose.

    You might wonder about the transition from apparel products to technology hardware, but regardless of the industry, packaging challenges are universal: the main priority is to protect the product. In a circular economy, the next priority is to consider the packaging’s end-of-life. These are the challenges I’ve enjoyed tackling with our packaging engineering team at Cisco.

    The thing I really love about packaging is that everyone can relate to it. Whether we’re making a purchase at a store or receiving a shipment at home, packaging is a part of our everyday lives. It serves as an important handshake between our brand and our customers, but to me, it also embodies the intersection of science, design, and psychology. When I came across the open Program Manager role and saw Cisco’s environmental strategy, I was drawn to the challenge.

    How is Cisco integrating sustainability in its packaging?

    Nicole: For our Packaging Engineering team, sustainability has evolved from a nice-to-have to an essential requirement for every new product introduction. This shift in our process is largely due to Cisco’s implementation of its Circular Design Principles, which guide us in integrating sustainability into all our outputs.

    When it comes to material choices, our packaging engineers are focused on reducing foam use and finding alternatives to plastic (or eliminating plastic altogether). Packaging optimization is another area of focus; for instance, multi-packing can help save materials, which reduces cost and environmental impact.

    A group of people, wearing blue lab coats, in a supply chain setting.
    Nicole and Packaging Engineering team visiting Flex Guadalajara.

    However, packaging sustainability varies greatly from one product to the next. Our packaging engineers face a challenging task: there is no set recipe for a more circular pack; rather, it is a balancing of multiple unique factors. They must prioritize product protection, because reshipping to replace a damaged product undermines sustainability. They also consider product volume; if a product is high-volume, optimizing cube size for palletization efficiency is crucial. The more units that fit on a pallet, the fewer pallets needed for shipping, which streamlines logistics and supports our corporate net zero strategy.

    Overall, we strive to integrate recycled content, reduce plastic usage, and enable packaging to participate in a circular system.

    What role does technology play in advancing Cisco’s packaging sustainability efforts?

    Nicole: When it comes to technology and packaging, materials innovation is essential to advancing packaging sustainability. Our Packaging Engineering team collaborates closely with our suppliers to rethink materials from beginning to end, with a particular focus on fiber-based solutions.

    A packaging test lab.
    Example of a packaging test lab where samples are reviewed for quality and measured against specs for conformance.

    Two examples of materials innovation include fiber flute and paper modular cushions. These are both fiber-based cushioning systems that we use instead of conventional foam. They are made from post-consumer recycled content and, like corrugated cushions, are widely accepted in current recycling infrastructure at the end of their life cycle.

    These new materials help contribute to our foam reduction efforts. However, we’re not merely swapping them out; extensive collaboration occurs during the design and validation process. Prototypes are created, fit checks are conducted, and packaging tests are performed to ensure the new materials added to our packaging toolkit meet both production and sustainability requirements.

    What are some challenges you might encounter and how do you overcome them?

    Nicole: One challenge of reducing packaging impacts is understanding how best to measure them. When it comes to sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) tend to be the primary measure of environmental impact. However, analyzing the carbon footprint of Cisco’s products, packaging accounts for 3% or less of the manufacturing carbon footprint on average. Given this, Cisco’s Packaging Engineers keep the carbon footprint in mind, but design for recyclability to divert waste from landfill and support the circular economy.

    Another challenge is finding protective materials that can meet our global supply chain demands and are regionally available. Exciting material innovations such as mushroom foam or bio-based plastics often spark interest, but continuity in sourcing and supply can be difficult. It’s also challenging to ensure that proper recovery infrastructure for those new materials is available in the markets where we sell our products. Those kinds of material innovations are often better suited for other product types, such as food or consumer packaged goods.

    Three women standing in a factory setting.
    With Packaging Engineering colleagues standing next to liner paper rolls at a corrugating factory.

    At Cisco, we design our packaging to be separable and recyclable. Most of our packaging is fiber-based corrugated board which meets those requirements. However, we cannot control which bin our customers will use for packaging waste disposal. Recycling infrastructure varies greatly from town to town, both in the US and globally. This fragmentation poses the next challenge: how to educate our customers on the best way to manage packaging waste. We want customers to make informed decisions about disposal after receiving our products. To address this, we have begun to release products with simple but informative messaging to help them understand what to do with their packaging waste.

    What future trends do you see in packaging sustainability?

    A family of four enjoying some red rock formations.
    Nicole enjoys traveling in nature with her family.

    Nicole: A successfully scaled circular economy requires collaboration between the business sector, consumers, and government. Among them, each entity has a vital role to play in driving sustainability. We’ve observed companies striving to offer more sustainable solutions. Consumers are increasingly seeking more sustainable options, evidenced by their purchasing choices. Now, we are seeing a surge of collaboration among the three entities.

    As a corporation, we are aware that governments and the private sector are prioritizing circularity, and we recognize that this has an impact on our customers. This is an exciting time because we are engaging with our customers on packaging sustainability more than ever before. They are eager to understand our packaging roadmap, and we are equally interested in theirs. There’s a strong willingness to share, understand, and collaborate, making it an exhilarating time.

    This trend gives me hope that as we work together, the circular economy is achievable across our business ecosystem.

    You can learn more about our packaging goals in Cisco’s Purpose Reporting Hub.

     

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  • Triple-I Blog | Russia Quake Highlights Unpredictability of Natural Catastrophes

    Triple-I Blog | Russia Quake Highlights Unpredictability of Natural Catastrophes


    Triple-I Blog | Russia Quake Highlights Unpredictability of Natural Catastrophes

    Yesterday’s 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula sent tsunami waves across the Pacific, placing Hawaii under evacuation orders, triggering advisories along the U.S. West Coast, and emphasizing a critical truth about natural catastrophes: They don’t respect borders and tend not to give warnings.

    While the immediate impacts were relatively contained—with waves reaching up to 4 meters in Russia’s coastal towns and smaller surges affecting Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska—the event offers a potent and timely reminder about the importance of preparation and investment in resilience.

    Coverage Confusion That Could Cost

    Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover tsunami damage. Neither do earthquake policies, despite the seismic trigger. Tsunami damage falls under flood coverage—a separate policy that many coastal property owners don’t carry.

    Flood insurance purchase rates nationally are low – even in coastal communities. This creates a potential perfect storm of financial vulnerability. Communities that experienced evacuation orders yesterday, from Oahu to the Oregon coast might well have been saddled with massive, largely uninsured losses had the tsunami played out differently.

    Low Frequency, High Consequence

    Tsunami risk represents the most challenging category of natural disasters: extremely rare but potentially catastrophic. Unlike hurricanes or earthquakes that occur with some regularity, major tsunamis affecting U.S. coastlines are generational events. This rarity can breed complacency.

    Yesterday’s event, while not causing major damage to U.S. properties, provided invaluable data for catastrophe modelers. The wave propagation patterns, arrival times, and coastal impacts across Hawaii, Alaska, and the West Coast offer fresh insights into how a more severe event might unfold. Insurers and reinsurers are likely already incorporating this data into their risk models.

    Building Resilience Through Partnership

    The beauty of a “predict and prevent” model of risk management is that it can address a multiplicity of perils. While tsunamis are rare, flooding is not. Recent years have witnessed a rise in inland flooding related to tropical storms, atmospheric rivers, and severe convective storms. The communities affected by catastrophic flood events like the recent ones in Texas and New Mexico and the devastating 2024 floods related to Hurricane Helene tend to have even lower flood insurance “take-up” rates than coastal communities.

    The most effective risk management will require unprecedented collaboration between public and private sectors. The NFIP, state insurance departments, and private insurers need to work together on pricing models that accurately reflect risk while remaining accessible to coastal communities. At the same time, communities and businesses must plan and invest together to prepare not just one but many potential climate-related risks.

    Learn More:

    N.J. Quake a Wake-Up Call for Seismic Mitigation, Resilience Investment

    Earthquakes:You Can’t Predict Them, But You Can Prepare

    Dear California:As You Prep for Wildfire, Don’t Neglect Quake Risk

    JIF 2025: Federal Cuts Imperil Resilience Efforts

    BRIC Funding Loss Underscores Need for Collective Action on Climate Resilience

    Louisiana Senator Seeks Resumption of Resilience Investment Program

    Triple-I Brief Highlights Rising Inland Flood Risk

    Hurricane Helene Highlights Inland Flood Protection Gap

    Removing Incentives for Development From High-Risk Areas Boosts Flood Resilience

    Executive Exchange: Using Advanced Tools to Drill Into Flood Risk

    Accurately Writing Flood Coverage Hinges on Diverse Data Sources

    Accurately Writing Flood Coverage Hinges on Diverse Data Sources