Insurance doesn’t have to be a maze of fine print. I simplify policies, bring clarity to the details, and make financial decisions easier—one blog at a time. I enjoy turning numbers and insights into clear, actionable narratives that simplify personal finance. At Clear, I untangle complex insurance concepts so you don’t have to—no jargon, just the facts you need.
Insurance doesn’t have to be a maze of fine print. I simplify policies, bring clarity to the details, and make financial decisions easier—one blog at a time. I enjoy turning numbers and insights into clear, actionable narratives that simplify personal finance. At Clear, I untangle complex insurance concepts so you don’t have to—no jargon, just the facts you need.
LIC policy surrender means discontinuing the policy before its maturity and claiming the surrender value of LIC policy. Once surrendered, all benefits, coverages, and bonuses under the plan cease immediately. Understanding how to surrender LIC policy is important as the process requires specific forms, documents, and eligibility conditions.Key HighlightsThe policyholder receives a surrender value after at least 3 years of premium payments.Surrender value is calculated using a formula with sum assured, bonuses, and surrender factors.Policies can be surrendered offline at an LIC branch or online via the LIC portal.Required documents include Form 5074, original policy bond, ID proof, PAN, and bank details.What is LIC Policy Surrender?LIC policy surrender is the voluntary termination of a life insurance policy before maturity. The coverage stops immediately, and the policyholder gets back a lump sum known as the surrender value. The surrender value of LIC policy represents the paid-up value plus accumulated bonuses (if any) after deducting applicable charges. Most LIC policies acquire a surrender value only after 3 full years of premium payment.Types of Surrenders in LIC PolicyHere are some of the common ways of LIC policy surrender:Full SurrenderThis is when the policyholder chooses to completely cancel their ongoing policy. The policyholder won't need to pay premiums anymore and won't receive any policy benefits or claims in the future. Depending on the type of policy, LIC will make the pay-out which is typically a certain percentage of premiums paid, after the deduction of applicable surrender charges.Special SurrenderIt is applicable in a few exceptional situations where LIC sets specific terms for surrendering the policy. The value differs from standard surrender value of LIC policy. These situations may involve severe financial difficulties, unexpected events or serious illnesses, where LIC offers reduced charges or a better surrender value.Surrender as a Result of No Payment of PremiumsIf a policyholder is unable to pay premiums and renew the life insurance policy within a specified grace period, it will be treated as surrendered. If the policy has got a surrender value, he or she will receive the amount as per the agreed terms. If the policy has not got a surrender value, no such pay-outs would occur.How to Surrender LIC Policy Online Before Maturity?Here is how to surrender LIC policy online before maturity:Navigate to the LIC’s official portal and sign in using your credentials.Under the “Customer Services” tab, select “Policy Surrender”.Then, download the Surrender Discharge Voucher (LIC Form No. 5074).Fill it up carefully and submit the same along with the necessary documents to LIC.Once the form is accepted, the surrender process will start.The surrender value will be deposited into your registered bank account.How to Surrender LIC Policy Offline?Here is the step-by-step guide on how to surrender LIC policy:To start with, visit your nearest LIC branch and obtain Form 5074, also known as the Surrender Discharge Voucher.Upon completion, the form along with the necessary documents must be submitted.Following submission, LIC will process your policy surrender request.Upon approval, the surrender value will be transferred to your bank account.Alternatively, instead of visiting a branch, you can opt to courier the discharge voucher and other necessary documents to LIC's head office in Mumbai.Documents Required to Surrender LIC PolicyHere are some of the documents required if the policyholder chooses LIC policy surrender:Policy surrender application formForm 5074: surrender discharge voucherCancelled cheque for providing policyholder's bank account detailsOriginal policy bondNEFT mandate form PAN Card copyHow to Calculate the Surrender Value of LIC Policy?You can opt for LIC policy surrender only if you fulfil certain criteria such as payment of policy premium consecutively for 3 years.
Indians often buy gold from Dubai because of its lower prices and superior purity. The Indian Customs Act strictly defines how much gold is allowed from Dubai to India and what duties apply when you cross the duty-free limit. Understanding the gold limit from Dubai to India helps travellers avoid penalties, confiscation, and delays at Indian airports.Key HighlightsDuty-free gold limit:Men: 20g (up to ₹50,000)Women: 40g (up to ₹1,00,000)Children (<15 years): 40gYou can bring up to 1 kg of gold after paying customs duty (if you stayed abroad ≥ 6 months).Customs duty ranges from 3% to 10% for baggage exemptions and 13.7% on gold bars/coins under the standard rate.Indian Customs Rules for Importing Gold into IndiaIndian Customs permits passengers of Indian origin and Indian passport holders to bring gold from Dubai under baggage rules. The applicable limits and duty concessions depend on:Gender and age of the passengerDuration of stay abroadForm of gold carried (jewellery, coins, or bars)Gold dust, powder, or scrap is not permitted. Any gold exceeding the duty‑free limit must be declared at the Red Channel on arrival.Type of Gold PermittedIndians can carry gold from Dubai in the following two forms:Gold barsGold coinsGold Carrying Limit from Dubai to IndiaAs per the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Indian travellers can bring up to 1 kg of gold in baggage from Dubai upon staying there for more than six months after payment of duty.
The voter list Uttar Pradesh is the official electoral roll published by the Election Commission of India that contains the names of eligible voters in the state. Checking the voter list UP helps confirm voter eligibility, polling station details, and ensures smooth participation in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.Key HighlightsPublished and updated by the Election Commission of India through NVSP and CEO Uttar Pradesh portals.Allows voters to search names using EPIC number or personal details.Provides constituency-wise PDF electoral rolls for verification.Required to confirm eligibility before voting in state and national elections.Supports online voter registration, correction, and status tracking.What is the Voter List Uttar Pradesh?The Uttar Pradesh voter list is the officially maintained electoral roll that records the names, addresses, and polling details of registered voters in the state. It determines who is eligible to vote in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections and is updated periodically to include new voters and remove ineligible entries.How to Check Name in Uttar Pradesh Voter List?Voters can check their name in the electoral roll online using the Election Commission of India’s voter services. The steps are explained below.Visit the official Election Commission of India (ECI) website.Open the Elector Menu on the homepage.Click on Search your name in the electoral roll.Enter your EPIC number to find your voter details.Alternatively, search using name, date of birth, district, assembly constituency, or relative’s details.Procedure to View Name in PDF Electoral RollThe PDF electoral roll allows voters to verify their details constituency-wise. Follow the steps given below:Visit the website of Chief Electoral Officer, Uttar Pradesh.Click on “Voter Services”. Now navigate to “Search Your Name in Electoral Roll”Use your EPIC number or Voter ID to search for your name in the list.Even without an EPIC number, you can even search your name in the list by using other options like your phone number or personal details.You can use other details such as your date of birth, the district you're in, your assembly area, and details about a relative to find your name on the voter list.Eligibility to Apply for Voter ID CardApplicants must meet the following eligibility conditions.Indian citizens who are 18 years of age as of the qualifying date, which is January 1st of the year when the electoral roll is updated, are eligible.The individual must also be a regular resident of the constituency.How to Apply for Uttar Pradesh Voter ID Card Online?Eligible citizens can apply for a new Voter ID card online through the National Voters’ Services Portal using Form 6.Visit the National Voters' Services Portal (NVSP).Click on the 'Sign-Up' option at the top right corner of the homepage.Enter your mobile number, email ID, and captcha code, then click 'Continue'.Provide your 'First Name', 'Last Name', create a 'Password', and 'Confirm Password', then click the 'Request OTP' button.Type in the OTP sent to your mobile number and email ID, then click 'Verify'.To access the Voters' Services portal, click 'Login', enter your mobile number, password, and captcha, then select 'Request OTP'.Input the OTP received on your mobile and click the 'Verify & Login' button.Select the 'Fill Form 6' button found under the 'New registration for general electors' tab.Fill out all required sections in Form 6, including personal details, relatives' details, contact information, Aadhaar number, date of birth, address, and declaration.
The senior citizen card is an official ID issued by Indian state governments to individuals aged 60 years and above. It offers benefits like healthcare concessions, travel discounts, and tax relief. Applicants can complete the senior citizen card online apply process via state government portals or submit an offline application at local offices.Key Highlights:Eligibility: Indian residents aged 60 years or olderIssued by: State Government Authorities in IndiaApplication Modes: Online via state portals or offline at Tehsildar/Sewa KendrasDocuments Required: Proof of identity, address, age, and residenceMajor Benefits: Tax relief, healthcare discounts, travel concessions, priority servicesFee & Validity: Around Rs. 10 (may vary by state); valid across all states/UTsProcessing Time: Varies by state; generally 7–15 working daysWhat is Senior Citizen Card? In India, the State Government authorities issue a crucial identification document to individuals upon turning 60 years old. Senior citizen card, serves as an alternative to Aadhaar Card for such individuals. To avail this card, one has to visit either the official website or the ‘Sewa Kendra’ of the state they belong to and submit an application form along with a deposit of Rs.10. Knowing how to apply for senior citizen card is important because the document also serves as proof of domicile, enabling access to state and central welfare schemes.Senior Citizen Card Application FormThere are few steps you can follow to download the application form to apply for a senior citizen card.
An Aadhaar card date of birth change is important when there are errors or discrepancies in the details recorded with the Unique Identification of India (UIDAI). The UIDAI has made date of birth change in Aadhaar card documents easy through authorised Aadhaar Seva Kendras.Key Highlights:Aadhaar card date of birth change cannot be done online.The update fee is Rs. 50 per request.You must submit a valid Date of Birth proof (such as Birth Certificate, Passport, or Govt. ID).Aadhaar card date of birth change can be done only once, except through UIDAI’s exception handling for special cases.Updates are processed within 90 days, and status can be tracked online using URN.How to Change DOB in Aadhaar Card?For Aadhaar card date of birth change, you need to visit the nearest Enrollment Centre with the required documents mentioned below. Below is a step-by-step process for date of birth change in Aadhaar card documents:Step 1: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center.Step 2: Fill out the Aadhaar Update Form/ Aadhaar correction Form, i.e.
Paytm is widely used for UPI payments, bill payments, and wallet services. However, if you no longer use the app or want to switch platforms, you can either deactivate your UPI or permanently delete your Paytm account. This guide explains how to delete Paytm account, temporarily deactivate it, unlink bank accounts, and how to delete a Paytm Business account, following the latest in-app process.Key HighlightsYou can temporarily deactivate Paytm UPI or permanently delete your Paytm account.Paytm account deletion must be requested via the in-app Help & Support section.Linked bank accounts and UPI ID should be removed before permanent deletion.Transaction history cannot be deleted, even after account closure.Paytm Business account closure is done through the Paytm Business app.How to Deactivate a Paytm Account? (Disable UPI)If you only want to stop UPI transactions without deleting your Paytm account, you can disable UPI access:Step 1: Open the Paytm app on your smartphone.Step 2: Go to the home screen of the app and select ‘To Bank A/c’.Step 3: Tap on ‘Settings’ located in the upper right corner.Step 4: Go back to the top right corner and select the 3 dots menu.Step 5: Click on ‘Disable UPI’.Step 6: Confirm the deactivation/de-registration by clicking ‘OK’. Your UPI will be successfully deactivated.How to Deactivate Paytm Account Permanently?Here are the steps that you can follow if you wish to deactivate your Paytm account permanently:Step 1: Open the Paytm app on your phone.Step 2: Click on the top left corner of the app to get the menu.Step 3: Select ‘Help & Support’ and then ‘Profile Settings’. In case you are unable to find the option, move your cursor down.Step 4: Choose ‘Chat with us’.Step 5: Now, an automated personal assistant will take it forward.
A SWIFT code is the standard format used globally to identify banks during international financial transfers. If you’re an SBI account holder, you will need the correct SWIFT code of SBI to send or receive funds from overseas. Key HighlightsThe commonly used SWIFT code of SBI is SBININBBXXX.SBI does not require branch‑specific SWIFT codes for most retail transactions.SWIFT codes are used only for international transfers, not domestic payments.IFSC and SWIFT codes serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.Using an incorrect or outdated SWIFT code may result in delayed or rejected remittances.Is SWIFT Code Same for all Branches of SBI?The alpha-numeric code used by the State Bank of India (SBI) to facilitate international transactions is the SBI SWIFT code. There are different SBI SWIFT codes for different banking services. Each branch of SBI has a different SWIFT code. Banks may ask you for a different SWIFT code for different types of transactions. It may depend on the branch of SBI that holds the account you are making transactions to.
The 8th Pay Commission will revise the salaries of over 50 lakh central government employees and 60 lakh pensioners. It is expected to update pay structures, allowances, and the overall compensation framework to reflect current economic conditions. The 8th Pay Commission will ensure fair and competitive remuneration for government staff.Key HighlightsThe 8th Pay Commission is expected to bring significant salary hikes, revised salary slabs, and updated pay matrix for central government employees and pensioners. A retrospective implementation from 1 January 2026 would require payment of arrears for the intervening months, covering the salary difference accrued until the new pay structure is formally rolled out.Projected salary hike for central government employees is expected between 30-34%.Fitment factor will range between 1.83 and 2.46, directly impacting salary increases.Allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA) will be recalculated based on the revised basic pay.What is 8th Pay Commission?The 8th Pay Commission, announced by the government, will assess the current salary structure of central government employees. Before the 8th Pay Commission, the 7th Pay Commission introduced a structured pay matrix that replaced the previous grade pay system with levels. Over the years, the pay structure of central government employees has evolved significantly.8th Pay Commission Implementation DateThe implementation of 8th Pay Commission is likely to help about 50 lakh central government employees, including defence personnel, and 65 lakh pensioners.Although January 2026 is widely cited as the reference date, the 8th Pay Commission has not yet been formally constituted. If it is implemented retrospectively from 1 January 2026, arrears would apply for the intervening months until the revised pay structure is officially notified.Note: The Finance Ministry has not yet formed the 8th Pay Commission Committee and has clarified that there is no active proposal under consideration.Finance Ministry Clarification on DA Merger & Pay PanelRecent government statements have clarified that there is no proposal to merge Dearness Allowance (DA) with basic pay, and no decision has been taken to set up the 8th Pay Commission. The Finance Ministry has confirmed that DA will continue to be revised twice a year as per the existing system, and no committee or Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission has been formed yet.
Virat Kohli’s business portfolio includes company ownership, startup investments, and high-value brand endorsements. From owning homegrown brands to investing in high-growth startups and endorsing global companies, Virat Kohli’s business journey reflects strategic diversification and long-term brand building. The Virat Kohli brand ambassador list features leading global and Indian brands across banking, FMCG, tech, automobiles, and lifestyle.Key HighlightsOne8 and WROGN are the primary companies owned by Kohli, spanning fashion, athleisure, and hospitality.He has invested in startups across plant-based food, fitness, insurance, gaming, and wellness sectors.Kohli holds stakes in sports ventures such as FC Goa (ISL) and Team Blue Rising (E1 Racing).Virat Kohli Company NameBeing the third most followed athlete on Instagram, with a total of approximately 264 million followers, Virat Kohli has garnered the attention of people with not only his cricketing achievements but also the brands he owns. Virat Kohli's business list in terms of his ownership is One8 and WROGN.Virat started One8 as a sportswear brand and slowly diversified the busit Kohli’s business list is related to inveness to a chain of restaurants named One8 Commune. Moreover, in 2017, Kohli inked a deal with PUMA to collaborate with his sportswear brand One8, and sneakers were the first in this collection.
In India, gold has long served as a store of value, cultural asset, and financial safeguard. Over decades, gold prices have reflected inflation, currency movements, global uncertainty, and changing investment behaviour. Historical trends suggest gold performs strongly during periods of economic uncertainty and currency weakness.Key HighlightsGold prices in India have risen sharply over the long term, moving from Rs. 63 per 10g in 1964 to above Rs. 94,000 per 10g by January 2026.Key drivers of gold price trends in India include international gold prices, USD–INR exchange rate, inflation, interest rates, import duties, and seasonal demand.While short-term corrections occur, historical data shows gold repeatedly rebounds, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven and long-term hedge.Over the past six decades, gold has consistently outperformed inflation, helping preserve purchasing power across economic cycles.Gold Price Trend in India: Key InsightsIndia’s gold price trend reflects a strong long-term rise, driven by inflation, currency movements, and recurring global shocks.