Author: The Metrognome

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Buy the right health insurance in 2023

Healthcare costs rise every year in India – as do infectious diseases and lifestyle disorders. Instead of shelling out money from your pocket to pay high hospital and medicine charges, you could have a good health plan backing you up. A good health insurance policy allows you access to quality treatment witout delay, and you don’t have to pay the high costs of surgery, hospital room rent, medicines, doctor fees, and so on.

Mulling over buying a new health policy this year? Read on.

What to consider

  • If you’ve selected the best policy: Always choose reputed health insurance companies (a quick Google search will show you the year’s Top 5). This is important whether you buy an individual plan or a family one. Reputed companies offer competitive premiums, easy buying processes and faster pay-outs when you raise a claim.
  • Choose the right coverage amount: The best plan is one that gives you and your loved ones sufficient coverage when a health emergency strikes. Here’s a rule of thumb when it comes to deciding the coverage amount: it must be at least 10 times your annual income at any point in time. The health insurance plan must allow you to revise the coverage to account for future inflation and/or changes in your family’s needs. If buying a high coverage plan results in a high premium that you cannot afford, then choose a coverage you can afford this year and invest in a super top up plan from the same insurance provider. The super top up offers additional coverage with affordable premiums.
  • Check the claims process and settlement ratio: The insurance provider must offer an easy settlement process – you will not have the time or inclination to jump through several hoops to get your claim settled while you battle a health emergency – and a high claim settlement ratio. A Google search will reveal the companies with the highest claims settlement ratio (this should be as close to 100% as possible). Also check if the company pays the coverage amount only after hospitalisation or immediately after an ailment is diagnosed.
  • The waiting period: Every health insurance plan in India has a waiting period during which no claim is paid. The waiting period comes right after policy purchase, and may range from one month to three months to even one year.
  • Hospitalisation cover limits: The health policy document will list if there are any limits on pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, and what they are. Check carefully before buying health insurance this year.

(Picture courtesy https://navi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/best-health-insurance-plans.jpg)

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Wellness

The 12-3-30 workout

by Vrushali Lad | editor@themetrognome.in

The ’12-3-30′ workout is all the rage at the moment. Created by fitness coach @laurengiraldo, it’s an incline treadmill workout that follows this system: Incline of 12 at a speed of 3 for 30 minutes. It’s touted as a quick but intense weightloss workout for those who don’t have the time for longer regimens.

I tried it out this week and here’s what I think:

💪 It’s certainly intense. The high incline challenges the entire body to maintain posture and balance while walking steadily uphill. Great for weight loss.

❌ It’s tough on the knees, ankles and back. Attempt it only if your joints and muscles are limber and pain-free. Seek medical advice if you have any health issues.

✅ Incline walking is excellent for a nearly full body workout. If you’re attempting this one, do it not more than thrice a week.

❌ Do not start on the 12-3-30 system the moment you hop on. Use 10 minutes to ease your body into it. Increase the incline (2 to 12) every minute while keeping speed steady at 3. This means you will be on the treadmill for a total of 40 minutes. Beginners should not do the full 30 minutes right away.

💧 Hydrate well before you begin, because you will sweat a lot and might feel cramping or nausea. Once done, hydrate with small sips of fluid infused with electrolytes.

🔽 I expect that weight loss may plateau if this is the only cardio you do. I would intersperse this workout with regular weight training to fuel your effort. I’m not much into cardio but I think this is good for people who are comfortable with treadmills and looking for a new workout to burn the fat.

 

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Learn

All You Need to Know About Two-Wheeler Insurance and What it Does

You cannot ride a two-wheeler without an insurance policy in India. Here’s looking at what the policy entails and covers.
By a staff writer | editor@themetrognome.in

If you own a bike in India, you cannot use it without having valid two wheeler insurance. And if you’re caught riding without two-wheeler insurance, you will attract substantial financial and legal penalties. As most Indians commute on busy and chaotic roads, the need to have bike insurance becomes all the more important.

As unfortunate road accidents are on the rise, many riders have been subjected to enormous financial obligations to the road accident victims, but luckily their insurance covered the expenses. Not investing in comprehensive two-wheeler insurance can prove to be a grave money mistake in the long run.

What is Two-Wheeler Insurance?

A two-wheeler insurance policy covers bike owners against potential financial losses due to accidents, natural calamities, and man-made disasters. It can also save you against financial claims made by a victim after a road accident.

Just like you plan and work on your financial health in advance to safeguard your senior years, you should also plan to protect your finances arising out of potential road accidents. If you are yet to get two-wheeler insurance for a bike, you’ll get to choose one between the two types of two-wheeler insurance discussed below:

  • Comprehensive Bike Insurance

Riders looking for complete protection should go ahead with this bike insurance. As the name suggests, comprehensive insurance offers full or comprehensive coverage to the vehicle.

Whether your two-wheeler met an accident, got stolen, was damaged due to man-made disasters like riots, or got damaged due to natural calamities, like flood or fire, your insurance provider will cover against financial losses arising from any of these instances.

Just like you invest in relationships to keep things going, you need comprehensive two-wheeler insurance to keep things going smoothly on the road.

  • Third-Party Insurance

Two-wheeler third-party insurance or limited liability insurance covers the insured against third-party liabilities developed due to a road accident. Even if your bike accidentally hit a person or damaged his vehicle, you can be sued for the damages caused.

If you have valid third-party insurance in place, you will be saved from huge financial strains, as the insurance company will pay off the expenses.

In the past, many people have been an eyewitness to road accidents, and things can take an ugly turn if the rider responsible for accident refuses to pay for the damages caused to the victim. If you want to keep your finances unaffected by third-party claims, go ahead with two-wheeler third-party insurance.

Benefits of Two-Wheeler Insurance

Whether you invest in comprehensive insurance or two-wheeler third-party insurance, both can save you from financial losses arising out of a potential road accident.

Though the two differ in terms of coverage, riders do get general benefits from both. If you don’t have two-wheeler insurance yet, you’re missing on the following benefits:

1 Cashless Repair at Network Garages

With so many known insurance providers in the market, it is not difficult to find bike insurance that offers cashless repair benefits at network garages. In case your two-wheeler got damaged due to accident, man-made disaster, or natural calamities; and it resulted in heavy repair expenses, you can get your vehicle repaired at zero or minimal out-of-pocket expenses (subject to exceptions) by taking your two-wheeler at a network garage.

2 Safety Against Third Party Obligations

Whether you’re living in one of India’s best cities or towns, the chances of road accidents cannot be overlooked. The road conditions at some places make you more vulnerable while riding, resulting in road accidents. If you end up damaging a person’s property or endangering his life, you will be liable to pay compensation for the same. Having insurance with maximum coverage can save you from such conditions.

3 Coverage for Own Damage

If you have to ride daily through narrow yet crowded lanes that make you prone to accidents, it is best to get yourself insured. Even if a minor accident can damage your vehicle and you may be subjected to physical damage too. Having insurance with the right coverage will pay for your bike repair expenses and your medical bills, saving you from significant out-of-pocket expenses which you wouldn’t be prepared for.

When you’re getting peace of mind and a worry-free riding experience against some premium, it is the best deal anyone can ask for.

(Featured image courtesy https://indiacsr.in/what-should-you-check-in-your-two-wheeler-insurance-policy/)

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Trends

Seven Best Indian Cities to Live in 2021

If you’re planning a move to kickstart your higher studies or career in 2021, you must check our list first.
by Team Metrognome | editor@themetrognome.in

Whether you’re looking for cultural diversity, delectable cuisines, beautiful heritage sights or festivities and fun, India is the place for you. With its potpourri of people, life in the country can be colourful, vibrant, even stressful but never boring. Across its 29 states are some of the best cities in the world to live and work in. With robust infrastructure, world-class amenities, and sustainable development efforts, these mega-cities have become economic growth centres, offering some of the best employment opportunities and residence facilities in India. So, if you’re planning a cross-country move to kickstart your higher studies or career in 2021, look no further than our list. Counting backward, here are the 7 best cities to live in India:

7: Hyderabad

We love travelling to Hyderabad to gaze at its magnificent monuments and get a taste of the famous Biryani. But the city is also a great place to take up permanent residence. A densely populated metropolis with people bustling in and out of cafes, offices, and even temples, Hyderabad is fast turning into the New York of South India. The city has built its credentials as an IT hub. It also boasts top-class infrastructure for commerce, residence, education, transportation and more. Ever heard of a place where the residential and business areas are evenly distributed across the city to provide a hassle-free life with less congestion and traffic? That’s Hyderabad for you – a thoughtfully-planned place to live and work.

6: Kolkata

The ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata is a city that brings the British Raj alive with its Victorian-style architecture, trams and rich cultural heritage. If you’re planning to settle somewhere cost-effective or prioritise a modest lifestyle, let Kolkata be your choice. You will be astonished to see the historical monuments, lavish food, unique culture and amazing people. In this city, everything is available at a reasonable price – from garments to transportation, accommodation to food. If you’re an art lover or a history buff, this is the place for you. So, if you’re planning to have a refreshing life, head to Kolkata.

5: Chennai

The fourth-largest city in India, Chennai is home to many temples, churches and beaches. The roads are always bustling with activity, and the city’s nightlife is what most of us dream of – exciting, accessible yet comfortable. The city was also recognised as the 9th best cosmopolitan city in the world by Lonely Planet. Although Chennai is a humid city and the weather can be a bummer, one can always head out to its popular beaches and explore the coastline for some respite at the end of a hard-working day. With a robust business landscape (did you know the city is home to 1/3rd of India’s automobile manufacturing plants?), Chennai is making its mark as one of the best cities to live and work in India.

4: Pune

With top-notch educational and IT facilities, Pune is usually the youngster’s pick for where to live in India. The city has a variety of excellent restaurants, historical sites and funky nightlife spots where you can often find its denizens living the good life. Even the weather here is enviable – with summer temperatures that stay below 35°C (not too hot, when compared to Mumbai and Delhi) and the perfect amount of drizzle and rain, all year-long. Wherever you may go and live, Pune is likely to be the most nostalgic place for you.

3: New Delhi

From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from Mughal gardens to the Delhi University campus, the capital city has multiple facets to explore. And it’s these different shades that make New Delhi one of the best places to live and work in India. Although it can seem quite crowded, you don’t want to miss out on its world-class edifices and mouth-watering traditional Indian street food. This is one addictively sociable, dynamic and vivacious city that will absorb you into its layers and never really let you go. Also, for the record, Delhi has the second most efficient and accessible metro service in the world. Now if that doesn’t get you everywhere conveniently, what can?

2: Mumbai

We already know Mumbai as the ‘Land of Bollywood’ and the ‘Financial Capital of India’, so it’s hardly a surprise that the city is one of the best places to live in India. Despite the relatively high cost of living, slums and heavy traffic, the citizens of Mumbai enjoy some of the country’s best educational institutes, healthcare facilities and business opportunities. Its fun shopping and hangout spots, lively beaches and exciting nightlife draw thousands of people to its shores every year.

1: Bangalore

The dream city for most Indians, Bangalore will never cease to mesmerise you. Considered one of the best places to work, the city is home to many of the country’s leading IT companies and start-ups. Great entertainment and shopping options, an eclectic art and culture scene, delectable cuisine options and pleasant weather – Bangalore really has it all. As a metropolis, the cost of living in Bangalore can be higher when compared to other popular southern Indian cities like Chennai or Hyderabad, especially if you’re looking at traditional housing options. But as India’s own Silicon Valley, it’s one of the most sought-after cities in the country. So even the cost of living in Bangalore can be evened out when you consider professionally managed operators like Stanza Living who offer accommodation coupled with the best amenities (delicious meals, high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry, housekeeping, maintenance and 24/7 security) at the most reasonable rates, making Bangalore accessible to a variety of budgets.

There you have it. Attracting thousands of young migrants each year, these seven Indian cities are ideal for young students and professionals looking to learn, grow and develop into ambitious and enterprising individuals with aspirations to change the world. All these cities offer great opportunities and could give you the big break you’ve been waiting for. So, update your resumes and pack your bags. It’s time for new and exciting beginnings in some of the best cities of India.

(Picture courtesy img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/shutterstock_702408349.jpg)

Categories
Tips

Painting your house? Check out these finishes

The right paint finish on the wall is as important as the right paint colour. Read on to know more.
by Team Metrognome | editor@themetrognome.in

When you consider painting your house, paint color shouldn’t be the only focus point. Choosing the right paint finish is as important as selecting the right paint color for your space. If you ask painters in Pune, you will get to know that there are various paint finishes, each having its unique characteristics. To save your time, we’ve compiled an epic guide that will give you all the necessary information around paint finishes. So go ahead and go through the different paint finishes covered one-by-one below.

Flat Finish

A flat or matte finish offers a non-reflective, smooth appearance. Having more pigment, a flat finish soaks up light and perfectly hides any visible scratches or bumps. If you’re painting a space having lots of light, a matte finish would be ideal. The only downside of the flat finish is that it’s hard to clean. But if the paint is from a well-established brand, you won’t have to put in a lot of effort to clean the painted wall. While cleaning, always remember to use a damp sponge and not any cleanser.

Eggshell Finish

Slightly velvety in appearance, an eggshell finish is known for its soft and low sheen. An eggshell finish is among the few paint finishes that blend perfectly well in any space. Be it a bedroom, study room, living room, or kitchen, an eggshell finish will be perfect for all. It is a very popular finish that is not shiny, but it isn’t totally matte too. The best part of this finish is that it’s super easy to clean.

Pro Tip: No matter what finish you choose, if the walls are stained because of water leakage problems, no paint finish will last long. If your walls have a similar problem, be sure to first look for someone providing a reliable waterproofing service in Pune, and then go ahead with painting.

Satin Finish

If you’re looking for a finish that is more light-reflecting but isn’t very shiny at the same time, you’ll love the satin finish. A satin finish is often considered the most versatile one, and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It is also long-lasting and relatively easy to clean. You should always choose a satin finish for humid spaces or spaces that don’t get a lot of natural light.   

Semi-Gloss Finish

Want your room to have a shiny and sleek appearance? If yes, the semi-gloss finish will help you achieve it. A semi-gloss finish is more reflective than a satin finish and has a smooth sheen. It has high moisture resistance properties and prevents the growth of mildew, mold, and the likes. The only downside is that a semi-gloss finish cannot successfully hide the blemishes on your wall or ceiling.

High-Gloss Finish

Being the most durable finish, a high-gloss finish offers the highest reflection. It is also the most durable and provides a glass-like finish. Owing to its glass-like effect, most interior designers consider it to be a specialty finish. Though it is easy to clean, this finish cannot entirely cover the wall’s imperfections or blemishes.

As every finish has its pros and cons, be sure to consider the room type you’re painting before choosing any final paint finish. If you’re still confused between the various paint finishes, it is best to consult professional designers and painters.

(Pictures courtesy https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/paint-sheen-guide/, https://dubaipaintservice.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/house-painting.jpg)

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Kharcha paani

How to improve exports during COVID-19

Like every major disruption, COVID-19 is pushing the boundaries of reliance. We explain how to get your exports on track.
by Leo Shastri

The coronavirus pandemic is an unforeseen and unprecedented situation that has turned everything upside down. And like every major disruption, it is majorly pushing the boundaries of reliance.

Exporting is a vital source of economic growth for a country and small and medium enterprises account for a substantial amount of Indian exports. As the economy is slowly and steadily opening up, export companies need to start evaluating the whole scenario so that their products and services overseas grow faster and do better. Exporting in the COVID-19 era is not as difficult as you might think and there are many methods to improve and increase a business level of export sales.

It’s only the unknown that’s challenging, but you just have to go for it and do it. In any economy, new geographic markets offer businesses opportunities to create new revenue streams – and studies reveal businesses that export are more productive and employ more people. Expanding into international markets can seem daunting at this point of time so here’s a “how-to” which contains various tips and advice for reducing the risk and increasing the export opportunities.

How to improve export sales

1) Make exporting a part of your overall business strategy

Research is the key and our export strategy should be based on an assessment of your own position and research into promising opportunities. Forget the losses and start afresh. This time you need to think long term about how to reach new customers and finance your exports, as well as making sure you understand legal and tax issues.

2) Carefully assess each of the markets you are considering entering into

Expanding into new markets involves a great deal of market research in addition to targeting customers. When going into international markets, businesses need to be aware of different cultures. Clearly defining your market may seem like a simple step, but before you identify who you want to sell your product to you must understand their needs. You have to consider:

  • Demographics
  • Location
  • Common interests or needs of your target customers.
  • Market growth rates
  • Forecasted demand
  • Competitors
  • Potential barriers to entry

3) Visiting the country is a must when desk research is over

Be prepared to travel to know the scenario of the country in the post-COVID-19 era. Working with affiliates, partners, distributors, licensees or agents can help you get established in a new market. A great way to develop export sales overseas is to find partners by being there, in the marketplace and at a trade fair.

  • Talk to people buying similar products
  • Go and buy a similar product yourself
  • Go to trade fairs and seminars and talk to potential customers.
  • Learn local customs.
  • Overcoming issues such as cultural differences, language and health and safety regulations, levels of formality & business etiquette can help deliver vast improvement to your export sales.

4) Communicate with relevant shareholders

Clear, transparent and timely communications are necessary when creating a platform to reshape the business and to secure ongoing support from customers, employees, suppliers, creditors, investors and regulatory authorities.

5) Maximize the use of government support policies

There have been a plethora of policies that have been announced by the Governments in their respective countries. In China, central and local governments have released several financial, social insurance and tax-related policies to support companies. This includes the China Securities Regulatory Commission’s (CSRC) interim policy on listed companies refinancing. Recently the US, UK and many other developed nations have announced amendments to tax and financing policies.

The writer is Director – Operations & Strategy, Usha Exim Private Limited.

(Featured image courtesy fureurope.eu)

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