nayan sharma

Joint Home Loans are always beneficial as your Loan amount increases and your burden is shared with the co-owner. The best part is that both the owners can claim tax benefits. Property ownership is a prerequisite to availing any tax benefits against it. You may have applied for the Loan jointly, but you may not be entitled to the tax benefits unless you are the property’s owner/co-owner. A Joint Home Loan offers distinct advantages for individuals seeking to purchase property together. Beyond sharing financial responsibilities, it presents significant tax benefits for both co-applicants. Here are things you need to know about Joint Home Loan tax benefits: In a Joint Home Loan, tax benefits are shared among co-applicants, allowing multiple individuals to benefit from tax advantages, especially if the yearly Loan payment bill can be split. This streamlined approach combines the tax benefits into a Home Loan. Each co-owner’s share in the Loan ownership ratio determines the division of tax exemption. Each applicant retains the right to claim a maximum tax rebate of Rs. 1.5 lakh (previously Rs. 1 lakh until AY 2016-17) and up to Rs. 2 lakh for principal repayment through the Home Loan individually. An essential criterion for this Home Loan and its associated tax exemption is that two people must take the Loan jointly. Additionally, clear documentation specifying each co-owner’s ownership percentage is crucial for availing tax benefits. If the Loan was taken for the construction of a new house from a recognised lender, then the amount paid towards the principal by co-owners up to Rs. 1.5 lakh can also be availed under Section 80C. However, it includes other components such as contributions to the Provident Fund, ULIPS, etc. You should know how to claim tax benefits on Joint Home Loans if you have applied for them. The entire Home Loan interest is tax-deductible if the property is rented out. Up to Rs. 1.5 lakh is exempted upon repayment of the principal Loan amount. Joint Home Loan tax benefits are enjoyed by co-owners and co-applicants even when it concerns tax. Under section 24(b), the maximum tax benefits on Home Loans for joint owners are up to Rs. 2 lakh on the amount paid towards the interest as per their ITR statements. The amount paid towards interest will be proportionate to the percentage ownership of each co-applicant. Additionally, until March 31, 2022, co-owners can claim an additional Joint Home Loan tax exemption of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh towards the interest paid under section 80EEA (subject to certain terms and conditions). This benefit will no longer be available from April 1, 2022. Conclusion Joint Home Loans provide numerous tax advantages by leveraging combined incomes for increased Loan eligibility and shared repayment responsibilities. By strategically utilising a Joint Home Loan, individuals can significantly reduce their tax burden while sharing the responsibilities of homeownership.

Back pain can make it extremely difficult to move around and be comfortable in daily life. Many people suffer from discomfort as a result of bad posture, extended sitting, or spinal problems. Long-term relief is ensured through effective treatment.   Through the enhancement of muscle strength and mobility, advanced methods help manage spinal conditions for individuals seeking physiotherapy in Gurgaon. Physiotherapy provides long-term benefits compared to short-term pain management methods. The doctors at QI Spine diagnose and treat spinal disorders without surgery. Their strategy uses methods supported by science to strengthen weak muscles and restore spinal function.   Not all spinal disorders can be resolved by surgery. There are numerous conditions that can be successfully treated without surgery. The clinic specializes in non-invasive physiotherapy methods that produce long-lasting effects.   How Non-Surgical Physiotherapy Works Not all spinal disorders can be resolved by surgery. There are numerous conditions that can be successfully treated without surgery. QI Spine specializes in non-invasive physiotherapy methods that produce long-lasting effects.   Advantages of Physiotherapy Without Surgery: ? Digital Spine Analysis (DSA) is used to identify the source of back pain.  ? Weak spinal muscles are strengthened to relieve pressure on affected areas. ? Offers personalized treatment programs for every patient. ? Helps restore mobility without the need for surgery.   If you're considering availing physiotherapy in Gurgaon, QI Spine offers therapies that address the root cause of pain rather than its symptoms.   Scientific Management of Prolonged Back Pain Chronic back pain can disrupt normal daily activities and restrict movement.Postponing expert assistance may make symptoms worse. Timely consultation with a Delhi physiotherapist guarantees a quicker recovery and avoids complications.   Why Opt for a Scientific Method? ? Targeted treatment plans are developed using real-time spinal assessments. ? reduces recurrent pain by strengthening the spinal structures. ? Ensure a safe and effective recuperation.   Signs You Require Physiotherapy If you are experiencing any of the following, physiotherapy is essential: ?Pain in the back that persists even after resting. ?Stiffness or limited movement. ?Numbness or tingling in the legs or back. ?Difficulty bending, lifting, or standing for extended periods. A physiotherapist in Delhi or Gurgaon can help address these issues before they worsen. QI Spine provides structured, non-surgical solutions for effective spinal recovery.   Start Down the Path to a Pain-Free Life You don't have to live with back pain forever. Individuals can restore their mobility and live active lives with the assistance of expert physiotherapy and scientific treatment. QI Spine offers evidence-based solutions for individuals looking for physiotherapy in Gurgaon that ensure long-term relief without surgery. Early spinal care ensures long-term benefits and enhanced overall wellbeing.

Modern self-care goes beyond face masks and fitness routines. It is about embracing every aspect of your body, including your libido. With?millennials and Gen Z leading the charge in conversations around mental health, wellness, and sexual empowerment, there is no shame in discussing your sex drive or the lack of it.  Whether you are stressed, in a relationship, or facing hormonal changes, it is time to take a real, no-judgment look at the meaning of libido. Libido refers to your overall desire or drive for sexual activity. Often called ‘sex drive,’ it is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Here are some facts about it:  1. Libido is unique  There is no ‘normal’ libido, as it can vary significantly from person to person and change throughout your life. Factors like age, stress, hormones, and even the quality of your relationships all play a role. Some people have a higher sex drive, while others may experience a lower one. What matters most is how you feel about your sex drive and whether it fits your emotional and physical needs.?  2. Libido tends to peak at different times  For men, libido is often the highest when they are in their late teens and early 20s due to high testosterone levels. However, it gradually decreases with age. Many women experience a peak in their libido in their late 20s to early 30s, with some reporting increased sex drive during midlife, possibly due to hormonal shifts like menopause.  3. Mid-life crisis at 40  It is often assumed that men have higher libidos due to their testosterone levels, which peak in the late teens and gradually decline after 30, hence the stereotype of the “mid-life crisis” at 40. While testosterone plays a role, sex drive is highly individual. Interestingly, more young men are now turning to Viagra for support with libido concerns. For women, libido tends to be more dynamic, fluctuating with hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. This does not mean they have lower sex drives.   Men may experience a drop in testosterone levels when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, leading to various low testosterone symptoms, including reduced sex drive, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, lack of energy, altered sleep habits, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, low mood, and depression. Consult an endocrinologist or urologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.  4. Signs of a healthy libido  A healthy libido aligns with your physical and emotional needs, which can vary between people. Some signs may include regular interest in sexual activity that feels right for you, physical signs of arousal, like increased heart rate, vaginal lubrication or erections, satisfaction during sex, and a balance between sexual interest and other aspects of life.    Conclusion  Libido does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. What matters is how it fits into your life and overall well-being. By understanding your body and making simple adjustments, you can find balance and satisfaction on your terms. 

Gold has always been a trusted investment choice in India, offering stability during economic uncertainty and acting as a hedge against inflation. However, with various ways to invest in gold today, choosing the right option can be tricky. Two popular options are Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) and Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Both have their advantages and cater to different investor needs. Let’s break them down to help you decide which is better suited for your portfolio. What Are Sovereign Gold Bonds? Sovereign Gold Bonds are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. These bonds are an alternative to holding physical gold and are denominated in grams of gold. SGBs not only eliminate the hassle of storage but also provide fixed annual interest, making them an attractive investment option. You can easily purchase these bonds online through authorized platforms, simplifying the process for retail investors. What Are Gold ETFs? Gold ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in gold and trade on stock exchanges like shares. Each unit of a Gold ETF represents a certain amount of gold, typically 1 gram. These ETFs mirror gold prices and provide an easy way to invest in gold without physically owning it. Key Comparisons Returns SGBs: Apart from tracking the market price of gold, SGBs offer a fixed annual interest of 2.5% on the initial investment, paid semi-annually. This makes SGBs unique, as no other gold investment provides additional income. Gold ETFs: Returns are solely based on the movement of gold prices. There’s no interest component, so they depend entirely on market performance. Liquidity SGBs: These come with a lock-in period of five years and a total maturity period of eight years. While they can be traded on stock exchanges before maturity, liquidity is often limited, and prices may not match the market value of gold. Gold ETFs: ETFs are highly liquid and can be bought or sold on the stock exchange during trading hours, offering greater flexibility. Tax Benefits SGBs: If held until maturity, the capital gains on redemption are tax-free. This is a significant advantage for long-term investors. Additionally, the annual interest is taxable but provides steady income. Gold ETFs: Gains are subject to capital gains tax. For holdings under three years, the gains are taxed as per your income tax slab. For longer holdings, gains are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits. Cost of Investment SGBs: Investing in SGBs involves no additional costs, such as fund management or storage fees. If you purchase bonds online, you may even get a discount, typically ?50 per gram. Gold ETFs: Investors must pay fund management fees (around 0.5-1%) and brokerage charges during transactions. While these costs are relatively low, they can add up over time. Ownership and Delivery SGBs: Investors do not receive physical gold, but the bonds are backed by the Government of India, ensuring safety and reliability. Gold ETFs: These also do not involve physical delivery unless explicitly mentioned by the fund, making them convenient for those who want to avoid storage hassles. Investment Horizon SGBs: Designed for long-term investors who can commit to the lock-in period and want to benefit from tax-free redemption at maturity. Gold ETFs: Better suited for short- to medium-term investors looking for liquidity and ease of trading. Which Is the Better Investment? The choice between Sovereign Gold Bonds and Gold ETFs depends on your investment goals and time horizon. Choose SGBs if: You’re a long-term investor seeking tax efficiency, regular interest income, and don’t require liquidity in the short term. With no additional costs and tax-free redemption at maturity, SGBs are a cost-effective and stable option for building wealth over time. Choose Gold ETFs if: You prioritize liquidity, flexibility, and short- to medium-term gold exposure. ETFs allow you to take advantage of price movements and are more suitable for active investors who might need to exit their investment quickly. Conclusion Both Sovereign Gold Bonds and Gold ETFs have their merits. SGBs stand out for long-term investors due to their interest component and tax benefits, while Gold ETFs offer liquidity and flexibility for shorter horizons. With the ease to purchase bonds online, SGBs have become more accessible, making them an excellent choice for those looking to invest in gold as a long-term asset. However, it’s crucial to assess your financial goals, investment horizon, and liquidity needs before making a decision. Whichever option you choose, gold remains a timeless asset for securing and growing your wealth.

A considerable percentage of the population suffers from some kind of knee pain. The reason for knee pain could be an injury and sometimes certain medical conditions. This creates full disability and also disrupts daily life to some extent. Such conditions can be solved only after finding the best orthopedic doctor in Pune and getting treatment accordingly. Let's break down the causes and symptoms of knee pain and even the treatment options available at the leading treatment centres, like QI Spine Clinic in Pune.  Common Causes of Knee Pain   Injuries Knee injuries, such as ligament tears (ACL, MCL), meniscus tears, or fractures, are the most common cause of pain. Such knee traumas usually happen during sports activities, falls, or accidents and are treated by an orthopedist near me. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the slow degradation of cartilage in the knee. This condition usually affects older adults, and it often causes stiffness, swelling, and intense pain. For arthritis care at QI Spine Clinic, pain management is done without any surgery and improvement of the joint function. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) RA is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the knee joints. It progresses to give rise to swelling, pain, and deformation of the joints. The top orthopedic doctor in Pune can intervene in time to help control the progression of RA.  Tendonitis Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons around the knee caused by overuse, usually by athletes or individuals working repetitively.  Bursitis Overuse of the knee, or constant stress on this joint, causes bursitis and irritation of the bursae- a small fluid-filled sac within the knee area. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome This is sometimes called a runner's knee, which occurs when the kneecap tends to get out of alignment during activities that cause pain in the knees, such as walking up and down stairs or running and squatting. Symptoms of Knee Pain   Loss of some mobility of the knee or stiffness and swelling. Pain when bending, straightening, or supporting the knee. Redness or warmth in the knee area Popping and cracking sounds when moving about Instability or a feeling of weakness in the knee   If you have these symptoms, you should be referred to an orthopedist near you for a proper diagnosis and management plan.   Treatment Alternatives for Knee Pain   The treatment of knee pain varies according to the cause and severity of the problem. Here are the common treatments:   Non-Surgical Treatments Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, and thus, stability will improve with a reduction in pain. QI Spine Clinic offers the latest physiotherapy plan for knee pain management. Medications: Medicines with anti-inflammatory fun decrease swelling and pain. Injections: Corticosteroid injection reduces inflammation, and hyaluronic acid injection augments joint lubrication.   Lifestyle Changes Excess weight loss is beneficial as it reduces knee pressure for osteoarthritis patients. Other exercises that enhance mobility include swimming and walking.   Surgical Alternatives  In the worst scenarios, there may be propositions for arthroscopy, partial knee replacement, and total knee replacement. This will all be assessed and decided by the best orthopedic doctor in Pune.   Bracing and Support Knee braces may stabilize the joint and can remove much of the discomfort. The best reasons to choose QI Spine Clinic as a non-surgical medical centre offering treatments such as knee pain are because of their non-invasive procedures, like treating the cause rather than just the effects and their techniques of diagnosis.   Frequently Asked Questions When do I need to undergo surgery for knee pain?  They will think about surgery only if the condition does not improve with physiotherapy or medicines. Most of the patients can be managed through physiotherapy, medicines, and lifestyle changes. Can knee pain be managed without surgery? Most patients can be treated utilizing physiotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. How long does it take to recover from knee pain? Recovery usually takes a time period that depends on the severity of the condition and the degree of treatment. For example, minor injuries may take weeks to recover, while chronic problems take longer to recover. What exercises help ease knee pain? Even low-impact exercises, such as swimming, walking, and some specific knee-strengthening stretches, can improve flexibility and ease some of the pain.   Conclusion   Knee pain can be debilitating, but with proper care and treatment, it can be recovered. With a good orthopedic doctor in Pune or even going to some specialist like QI Spine Clinic, you could figure out what went wrong and begin treatment efficiently. Be it through physiotherapy, lifestyle modification, or more high-tech interventions, acting early improves knee function.

MuscleTech Multivitamin is the best for women. Though a general multivitamin is gender neutral, and yes, there are certain vitamins that are needed for specific issues; but those are to be consumed when you are addressing a specific issue.  MULTIVITAMINS are generally gender neutral. Yes, there are certain tablets that might be better for men, that address the prostrate and other issues. But they are to be taken if you have  specific issues.  Multivitamins are very popular amongst all age groups and essential in today’s times as there is too much of adulteration in every kind of food. A multivitamin is the essential tablet that bridges the gap and helps you maintain optimal health. Unlike the myth that multivitamins should be taken only by people who are following a healthy lifestyle or people who are into gymming, a multivitamin can and should be taken by everyone.  Although there are no specific multivitamins for men and women, and they are generally gender neutral, but after a particular age, there are specific multivitamins that target specific issues for men and women, for example for women, certain multivitamins are formulated to target menopausal or ageing issues. While for men , the multivitamins shall address the prostrate and other male specific issues.  One should have a multivitamin everyday.  There are many queries as to what is the right time for taking a multivitamin. For consuming any supplement, the timing is extremely important as that can elevate the efficacy and give you the maximum benefit.  So, a multivitamin also should  be only taken at the right time where the benefits can be maximized, and the side-effects can be minimized, though most of the medicines or any such supplements are approved and one should take only and only from a recognised and genuine brand.  For a healthy body, consumption of all minerals and vitamins is essential. A strong immune system is your best defense for your health. There are various food sources for fulfilling your needs and most of the vitamins are present in various food items. But often it becomes difficult to consume so much variety and that is why a multivitamin comes to your rescue.  A multivitamin often bridges the gaps between the nutritional needs and the requirements.  In today’s times, there is so much adulteration in food, we can’t be sure of consuming a balanced diet that fulfills all our nutritional needs. Hence, it becomes very important to have a multivitamin. Even in an absolutely healthy person, there might be many nutritional deficiencies. The vitamin deficiency may not cause any immediate effect or show symptoms of any disease, but in the long run, a nutritional deficiency can be harmful. Increasing your food intake of that particular source, when needed is an option, but it is a very long process, and that is why one needs to have a multivitamin every day.  Any doctor and a health care professional will advise you the same, and recommend it too. I have been using a MuscleTech Multivitamin , and it is excellence in efficacy. And I add it after the meals, mostly the afternoon /morning meal, and have it as a routine.  Let us understand what is a multivitamin. A multivitamin is a combination of different vitamins and minerals which are often formulated to fill the nutritional gap in a diet. We have read about the different kind of vitamins needed for the body, vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B12 and many others. The micro nutrition is also required such as calcium and zinc and magnesium. Although the human body is formulated in such a way that it fulfills its own needs and derives nutrition from the food we eat. But still there is a lot of gap owing to lifestyle, ageing, pollution and demographic situations. It may not be possible for the body to fulfil its nutritional requirement on its own. Thus, the need of Supplements. Certain multivitamins are water soluble and some of them are fat soluble. So here in question of what is the best time to consume a multivitamin.  The fat soluble ones are the vitamins which are vitamin A, D, E, N, K, which should always be taken along with Food, preferably after your first major meal of the day, that is the lunchtime.  Otherwise a multivitamin can be had any time in the day, but it’s always better to consume your supplements in the first half of the day, because that is the time which you generally dedicate to  an active lifestyle, maybe in your gym, maybe at your workplace or otherwise.  The body needs time to absorb the supplements that you take, and that is where we need to consume them at the right time is important.  Generally, its best to have a multivitamin after breakfast. Not only does this help maintain a healthy habit and a routine, but also if a person is forgetful or generally misses on a lot of things because  of work stress,  following this as a routine will enable consistency and regularity.  Otherwise, a multivitamin should be taken every day. For a healthy body, consumption of all minerals and vitamins is essential. A strong immune system is your best defense for your health. There are various food sources for fulfilling your needs and most of the vitamins are present in various food items. But often it becomes difficult to consume so much variety and that is why a multivitamin comes to your rescue.  A multivitamin often bridges the gaps between the nutritional needs and the requirements.  In today’s times, there is so much adulteration in food, we can’t be sure of consuming a balanced diet that fulfills all our nutritional needs. Hence it becomes very important to have a multivitamin. Even in an absolutely healthy person, there might be many nutritional deficiencies. The vitamin deficiency may not cause any immediate effect or show symptoms of any disease, but in the long run, a nutritional deficiency can be harmful. Increasing your food intake of that particular source, when needed is an option, but it is a very long process, and that is why one needs to have a multivitamin every day.  Any doctor and a health care professional will advise you the same, and recommend it too. I have been using a MuscleTech Multivitamin , and it is excellence in efficacy. And I add it after the meals, mostly the afternoon /morning meal, and have it as a routine. 

Is it possible to reduce the EMI of a Personal Loan? It is a common notion among borrowers looking to ease their financial burden. Fortunately, the answer is yes! Here are simple strategies to ease your Loan repayments and have control over your finances: Consider a step-down EMI plan Initiate your Rs. 10 lakh Loan repayment journey with higher EMIs and enjoy decreasing payments over time through a step-down EMI plan. It clears a significant portion of the principal and interest upfront and reduces the financial burden as you approach retirement.  Make a partial payment Make part-prepayments after a set number of EMIs by investing extra funds, like bonuses, towards your Loan’s principal. A drop in the outstanding balance and interest decreases the EMI and shortens your Loan duration. Opt for a Balance Transfer Loan Consider lowering the EMI for your Rs. 10 lakh Personal Loan by transferring it to a lender offering more favourable terms, like lower interest rates or extended tenures. To ensure this move benefits your financial scenario, always assess processing fees, foreclosure charges, and associated terms. Avail of a Personal Loan top-up with low interest rates If you pay your EMIs consistently, you can request a top-up Loan from your lender. Thanks to your reliable repayment history, it provides additional funds and comes at lower interest rates and potentially lower EMIs. Get the right Loan amount You need to determine the ideal Loan amount to manage your EMIs and only borrow for expenses that exceed your current financial capacity. Even if your creditworthiness makes you eligible for a larger Loan, only apply for what you need. It ensures that your Loan repayment does not become a burden. You can adjust the Loan amount only before the disbursement stage.  Choose the right Loan tenure Your Loan tenure inversely affects your EMI payments. Longer tenures lead to smaller EMI payments and vice versa. Extending the repayment period might make payments more manageable, but it results in paying more interest over time. If you aim to minimise interest costs, opt for a shorter tenure with higher EMIs, provided it aligns with your monthly budget. Do not miss your EMI due dates Setting up automatic payments for a Rs. 10 lakh Loan prevents late payments, ensuring you always get all due dates. It simplifies your financial management and helps build a strong credit profile.  Calculate your EMIs before application Using Personal Loan EMI calculators available on the lenders’ websites helps estimate your monthly payments and interest rates and make informed decisions about your Loan amount and tenure.  Use a Personal Loan for debt consolidation If you have borrowed multiple Loans with varying interest rates, consolidating them into a single Personal Loan helps significantly lower your EMI payouts and simplifies your debt management. While applying for Personal Loans, keep your EMIs manageable and pay them off efficiently.

Aerobic exercise is a great way to manage and improve type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body is not able to use insulin properly, leading to higher blood sugar levels. While medication and a healthy diet play critical roles in managing the condition, incorporating aerobic exercise into your routine can significantly help control blood sugar levels and improve overall health. Here’s a look at how aerobic exercises benefit those with type 2 diabetes.  Improves insulin sensitivity  One of the most essential benefits of aerobic exercise for people with type 2 diabetes is improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that assists in managing blood sugar levels by allowing sugar (glucose) to enter the cells used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body gets resistant to insulin, making it tough for glucose to enter the cells, which leads to high blood sugar. Aerobic exercises, like walking, swimming, or cycling, increase insulin sensitivity, helping your body to use insulin in an effective manner.   Promotes weight loss  Weight management is a vital aspect of managing type 2 diabetes. Many people with type 2 diabetes struggle with being overweight or obese, which can make the condition worse. Aerobic exercises help burn calories, leading to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. Losing excess weight may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the strain on your body. Even a modest amount of weight loss, like 5-10% of your body weight, may improve blood sugar control and lessen the need for diabetes medications.  Improves heart health  People with type 2 diabetes are at a high risk of leading to heart disease. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and enhances circulation, which can help lessen the risk of heart-related complications. Jogging, swimming, or dancing can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and enhance cardiovascular health. Regular aerobic exercise can also reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, making it an essential part of a diabetes management plan.  Boosts energy and reduces stress  Managing type 2 diabetes is stressful, and the condition often leaves people feeling tired and drained. Aerobic exercises increase energy levels by improving muscle circulation and oxygen delivery. It also releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which can build mood and reduce stress. Lower stress levels are significant because stress can raise blood sugar levels and make diabetes a little challenging to manage.   Easy to start and maintain  The good news is that aerobic exercise is easy to start and maintain, even for beginners. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing can be done comfortably, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days of the week. You can break it into shorter sessions, such as three 10-minute daily walks.  Conclusion  Aerobic exercise is a powerful tool for managing type 2 diabetes. It helps enhance insulin sensitivity, control blood sugar levels, lead to weight loss, and improve heart health. Whether walking, cycling, or swimming, incorporating aerobic exercise into your daily routine may lead to better diabetes management and overall well-being. 

Do you know that most middle-income Indian households buy 56% of India’s gold? For a long time, gold has been a symbol of prosperity. As much as this precious metal is coveted, it involves the risk of theft and the added responsibility of keeping it safe. Despite these factors, it has always been a lucrative investment option for Indians. Acknowledging these issues, the Union Government proposed the issuance of Sovereign Gold Bonds through the Reserve Bank of India. They were officially introduced in November 2015, offering lucrative interest rates and tax exemptions on capital gains. RBI brings multiple tranches of SGBs annually. You can apply for an open issue through your bank, post office, online platforms, and stock exchanges. Here are its benefits: Tax benefits The interest received from your investment in the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme is taxed per your existing tax slab. However, the capital gains component on redemption is tax-free. If you transfer before the maturity period of eight years, long-term capital gains are taxed at 20% with an indexation benefit. You do not need to pay any TDS for them. Trade benefits These Bonds are transferable to other individuals. The government issues them for an eight-year term. At the end of the fifth year, you are eligible for early maturity and encashment. You can sell the bonds to other qualified candidates before they mature. Collateral against Loans You can use Sovereign Gold Bonds as collateral when borrowing from banks and non-banking financial companies. The Loan-To-Value ratio equals the ordinary Gold Loan prescribed by the RBI. Granting Loans against SGBs relies on the bank. The maximum and minimum Loan amount also varies. They will demand the pledge of SGBs in Demat or physical certificate form as security. Less hassle than physical gold Unlike physical gold, you need not worry about storing your investment in the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme, as no one can steal it. Further, the 3% GST levied on physical gold purchases does not apply to SGBs. When you invest in Bonds, the redemption price is the average closing price of gold in the last three days of 999 purity. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the quality and purity. How to apply for these Bonds? Applications for Sovereign Gold Bonds are available online through issuing banks, digital trading platforms, agents, and designated post offices. If you want to sell them, you can do so anytime in the secondary market if a buyer is available. It is worth noting that the gains will attract taxes in the form of LTCG or STCG, whichever is applicable. Conclusion Sovereign Gold Bonds provide the option to own gold without worrying about safety, as they are entirely virtual and digital. Before taking any measures, consult your financial advisor and see if they are a good fit for your portfolio in the long term.