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Term insurance plans for NRIs: Ensure policy offers global coverage
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Sanjeev Sinha
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Term insurance purchases by non-resident Indians (NRIs) have doubled on Policybazaar's platform over the past two years. Many are turning to plans from India to safeguard their families, with those from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations leading the trend.
Attractive premiums
Lower premium rates are a major draw. 'Term insurance plans purchased from India are 30–50 per cent more affordable compared to similar covers abroad,' says Varun Agarwal, head of term insurance, Policybazaar.com. This enables NRIs to secure higher cover for the same cost.
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News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Why It's Time To Focus On Foreign Tourist Arrivals Too
Our destinations are second to none, but India has to get its act together to maximise their appeal as viable choices for foreign holidayers To counter US President Donald Trump's increasing efforts to corral and penalise India economically while soft-pedalling America's real threat, China, some are suggesting India must increase foreign tourist arrivals. That is a brilliant idea: not only does it earn forex and create jobs, but a lot of people from around the world planning to holiday in the US are looking for alternatives, as are lakhs of Indians who go there every year. So why not divert US tourism traffic? After all, barring Disneyland and Yellowstone National Park's 'Old Faithful", there are hardly any lures the US can offer for which India does not have an alternative, although the size and scale may not be identical. After all, the US is three times the size of India area-wise, although its population is one-fourth that of India's. Our destinations are second to none, but India has to get its act together to maximise their appeal as viable choices for foreign holidayers. The US has Niagara Falls, India has Chitrakoot Falls. The US has the Empire State Building, India has the Taj Mahal. The US has the Rockies, India has the Himalayas. The US has the Statue of Liberty, India has the Statue of Unity. The US has the Grand Canyon, India has Gandikota Canyon. The US has Hollywood, India has Bollywood, Mollywood, Tollywood, etc. Not to mention beaches, adventure sports, sand dunes, forested vistas, architecture, and even casinos and shopping. But what India boasts by way of tourism assets is, sadly, offset by wide gaps in supporting infrastructure. To overcome that lacuna as fast as possible requires political will as well as public participation, as there is more to a holiday than just the place; it is the entire experience. If India sets its mind to it, there is no reason why travellers thinking of an American holiday won't seriously consider an Indian one instead, even if Trump might prefer to visit Balochistan. Roads and air connectivity have improved immensely in India, especially in the past decade. Although there are complaints about delays and airport glitches, these are no different from the usual operational snafus in European and American airports during peak season or extreme weather. Train services, often seen as a more eco-friendly way to travel, are not, however, comparable to those in Europe and the US, either in speed, punctuality, or onboard facilities. With a majority of Indians already using the railways for internal journeys, the pressure to provide upgraded services of international standards across the board is a tough ask—but it is not impossible. State-of-the-art, maybe even seasonal, foreign tourist-specific trains (perhaps with hard currency fares) on certain routes are an easy first step, with airport-like hubs in major metros, perhaps. That would take some pressure off airports and airline seats at peak times. Roads, airports, etc, being the responsibility of governments, the main stumbling block for entrepreneurs is the sheer number of permissions required to set up new hotels and other private tourism facilities. On average, there are twice as many permissions required from government departments in India than in our closest tourist-magnet neighbouring countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia. That hindrance can and should be speedily addressed by the government. Yet, given that India has a high population density and pressure on land, permissions for new tourism infrastructure have to be targeted, keeping ecological concerns in mind. More hotels and resorts cannot be allowed to encroach on farmlands or undisturbed biodiversity hotspots in the name of development and jobs. One solution could be to offer government incentives to upgrade thousands of existing tourism-related properties to international standards. Once tourism infrastructure, both the government and private components, is complete, then—and only then—there must be a renewed publicity campaign in major international markets (especially those considering the US as an option!) spearheaded by the government, using all the new media tools now available, including influencers. Campaigns have to include not only information about the destinations but also the quality of the infrastructure and safety. Incredible India was an incredible success, but it must be reworked to address a new generation of travellers. Not all of them are only attracted by the 'exotica" aspect of India, from fortresses and coconut palm-fringed beaches to Mughal monuments. India's wildlife sanctuaries—the only place to see, say, Asiatic lions or the one-horned rhino—to golf and wellness retreats are a powerful draw. But only if a comfortable journey and a safe sojourn can be ensured. But even the best efforts can fail due to misinformation campaigns about India, probably at China's behest. Negative publicity, especially on safety and security issues, is endemic. The US, however, is spared. It is seen as safe, though the FBI's crime statistics estimates for 2024 released last week say that a violent crime occurred every 25.9 seconds: a murder every 31.1 minutes and a rape every 4.1 minutes. And yet this actually marked a 4.5 per cent drop from 2023! Terrorist attacks in India are far less than the number of mass shootings in the US per year—Pahalgam in 2025 versus 270 mass shootings up to mid-August. But warnings for tourists are routinely issued, particularly by Western nations, only for India. Visitors to the US, including Indians, are undeterred by those scary rape and shooting statistics, but a single well-chosen terror attack on an Indian tourist spot queers the entire pitch. Conspiracy theories are warranted. More so, as even a casual perusal of the internet will throw up plenty of 'news" about rapes of tourists in India, but only concerted digging will unearth instances of similar violence against female tourists in any European country or the US. The suppression of some news and highlighting of others to exaggerate the prevalence of rapes in India versus the rest of the world points to manipulation. Experts need to be roped in to counter algorithmic disinformation. If properly planned and implemented, there is no reason why upgrading India's tourism assets and amenities will not tempt visitors from all over the world, including those intending to holiday in the US, and even Americans used to domestic vacations, within the next couple of years. Then, after his White House stint ends and when Mar-a-Lago becomes a bit boring for a retired President, Trump himself may want to vacation in India too, rather than Pakistan. The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. tags : bollywood hollywood Taj Mahal tourism view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 16, 2025, 20:24 IST News opinion Opinion | Why It's Time To Focus On Foreign Tourist Arrivals Too Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Guest Column: Mobiles, motorcycles empowering New India
In the swirling dust of village roads and the bustling streets of tier-2 cities, the hum of a motorcycle and the glow of a mobile screen now define the heartbeat of New India. These two icons — mobiles and motorcycles — are more than just symbols of consumer aspiration. For many young Indians, especially in hinterlands, motorcycles are more than just a mode of transport — they're a bridge to education, healthcare, jobs and enterprise. (HT file photo) They represent empowerment, access, and the determined march of young Indians towards a future shaped by their ambition, resilience and ingenuity. Together, they are engineering a silent revolution across the country — reshaping the economy, bridging the rural-urban divide, and signalling a dramatic shift in the development paradigm. With 65% of the population under the age of 35, India's demographic dividend is manifesting itself in unprecedented ways. No longer content with waiting for opportunity to knock, young Indians are finding ways to open doors themselves — armed with a mobile phone in hand and the freedom of two wheels under their feet. The mobile phone has become the single most powerful tool for empowerment. In 2015, India had around 20 crore smartphone users. Today, that number has surpassed 80 crore and is growing. Access to affordable 4G and the rollout of 5G are accelerating the digital revolution. This connectivity has democratised knowledge, fostered entrepreneurship, and expanded markets to the remotest corners. Meanwhile, two-wheelers are quietly powering rural and semi-urban mobility. For many young Indians, especially in hinterlands, motorcycles are more than just a mode of transport — they're a bridge to education, healthcare, jobs and enterprise. They enable delivery executives in small towns, sales agents in rural belts, healthcare workers in villages, and aspirants travelling daily for coaching classes and vocational training. The boom in two-wheeler ownership reflects rising incomes, expanding horizons, and the aspiration to be mobile, literally and figuratively. India's recent success lies in the synergy between physical mobility and digital connectivity. Together, mobiles and motorcycles are creating a platform for inclusive development. New India is working, learning, earning, and growing — all at once. Deepening, widening access As India accelerates towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, the next leap must focus on deepening and widening access to these two levers of empowerment. Several areas hold promise. The first wave of digital penetration was led by cheap smartphones and data. The next must focus on quality — better bandwidth, vernacular content, digital literacy, and women's access. A rural woman with a smartphone in her hand can unlock exponential social impact from maternal health to micro-enterprise. The gig economy has largely been urban-centric. There is potential to expand it into tier-3 towns and beyond. With adequate skilling, local entrepreneurship incentives, and digital onboarding, India can create a decentralised workforce powering delivery, microservices, remote assistance, and more. Electric two-wheelers are the future. Policies must push for rural EV infrastructure, easy financing, and R&D incentives to make India the global hub for affordable, clean mobility, tailored for its youth. With the success of platforms like UMANG, CoWIN, and Aadhaar-enabled direct benefit transfer, India must invest in 'mobile-first' governance. AI-powered public service apps in vernacular languages can revolutionise access to schemes, healthcare, legal aid, and skilling. Government schemes must be more responsive, tech-integrated, and supportive of the informal yet high-potential enterprises run by youth. Key policy actions needed To sustain this momentum and ensure that the transformation is inclusive and sustainable, key policy actions are needed. Just like electricity and roads, high-speed internet must be considered an essential infrastructure. A targeted rollout of rural fiber optic networks, 5G in educational and healthcare zones, and public wi-fi should be a priority. Access to capital remains a major roadblock. Young entrepreneurs and gig workers need tailored financial products — credit based on digital work history, insurance for delivery agents, and micro-EMIs for electric two-wheelers. Skilling must move beyond traditional models. We need mobile-based, gamified learning apps, real-time marketplace-linked training, and nanodegrees that align with the gig economy. Local language content and AI-led personalisation will be crucial. Women's mobility and digital inclusion should be prioritised. Special programmes to promote female smartphone ownership, digital literacy, and mobility through subsidised scooters or safe transport options can unlock transformative gains in women's employment and social empowerment. Innovation shouldn't be limited to Bengaluru, Gurugram, or Hyderabad. Startup hubs should be promoted in tier-2 and tier-3 cities with tax breaks, incubation support, and integration into state-level procurement ecosystems. As reverse migration becomes more common, fuelled by remote work and better rural infrastructure, we need policies that build resilient small towns, smart village programmes, rural coworking hubs, and integrated transport and digital connectivity. India is not waiting for change anymore; it's riding towards it. If we can sustain this momentum, ensure inclusion, and provide the right scaffolding through smart policies, India's development story won't just be about catching up with the world, it will be about setting new benchmarks. Manmohan Parkash (The writer is a former deputy director general, South Asia, with Asian Development Bank. Views expressed are personal.)
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Indians' spending on online games not small, says CEA Nageswaran
Indians' spending on online games is not 'particularly small', Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said on Thursday, days after the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for the first time released monthly data breaking up payments made to various categories of merchants via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). As per the data, UPI payments on digital games have averaged more than Rs 10,000 crore in the first four months of 2025-26. '…[T]ake a look at how much Indians are spending on online gaming every month. And the number isn't particularly small – it is Rs 10,000 crore per month. That's Rs. 1.2 trillion (in a year),' Nageswaran said while speaking at a meeting with statistical advisers in various ministries and departments, organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The government's top economist went on to tell the advisers present that a separate workshop could be conducted to discuss the implications for consumption spending, GDP growth, savings, and disposable incomes, without elaborating further. As per the NPCI data released earlier this week, UPI payments for digital games amounted to Rs 40,992 crore in April-July, which is almost equal to the amount spent via UPI in drug stores and pharmacies. These payments for online games made up 1.5 per cent of all person-to-merchant UPI payments worth Rs 27.77 lakh crore over the four-month period. In volume terms, they made up 3.4 per cent of all UPI transactions over April-July. Official data on money spent by Indians on online games has so far not been available, with the NPCI's latest publication only containing payments made via UPI. Even the statistics ministry's updated household consumption expenditure surveys, the last of which was conducted in 2023-24, only asks how much households spent via online payments for consumables and services in the previous 30 days, without specifically asking about games. As such, total spending on online games may be much higher than what the NPCI data suggests once other modes of payment, such as credit and debit cards, are considered. Gaming concerns What may concern policymakers is that the average transaction size via UPI for online games increased from Rs 208 in April to Rs 287 in July. To be sure, this could also be due to global video game publishers such as Epic Games and Ubisoft adding UPI as a payment option in June. Later, in July, another major games platform, Steam, enabled payment via UPI. Prior to UPI, the options available to video game players included credit and debit cards and internet banking. Other online games, especially those played on mobile phones, have increasingly become popular in India in recent years. These games, such as fantasy cricket – where winnings are based on a points-based system decided by outcomes of real-life games – and card games like poker and rummy have also been at the centre of the game-of-skill-or-chance debate which led to the imposition of a 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax on them. According to a PwC report from October 2024, India's online gaming market is expected to rise to Rs 66,000 crore by 2028 from Rs 33,000 crore in 2023, with the real-money gaming market doing Rs 16,500 crore of revenue in 2023. 'With one of the cheapest internet mobile data prices in the world, Indian smartphone users, exceeding 650 million, have developed a robust culture of data consumption for the purposes of entertainment and playing games. In 2023, an average Indian citizen was consuming 24.1 GB of data per month – an increase of 24 per cent over 2022,' the PwC report said. While online gaming is not banned in most states in India, many see some of these games – particularly those played on phones – as being similar to gambling, raising concerns about addiction as well as financial losses. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for instance, issued 1,410 blocking directions related to online betting, gambling, gaming websites, including mobile applications, from 2022 and until February 2025.
