Silver, often called "the poor man’s gold," is a unique asset caught between its industrial utility and its historical role as a store of value. Its price is a complex function of supply, industrial demand, monetary policy, and, increasingly, global politics. As we look ahead to the next five years (2026–2031), understanding these intertwined forces is crucial for any forecast. Current Analysis: A Dual-Purpose Metal Under Pressure In early 2026, silver trades with significant volatility. As an industrial metal, its demand is heavily tied to green energy technologies. Solar panels, electric vehicles, and 5G infrastructure all consume substantial amounts of silver. This creates a strong fundamental demand floor. However, high interest rates in major economies have pressured all non-yielding assets, including precious metals. Silver’s price often follows gold’s broader movements but with amplified swings due to its smaller, less liquid market. On the supply side, mining o...
The Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority (IRDA) had allowed health insurance premiums to be paid
in instalments. Thereafter, the insurance holders had the option of paying
premium instalments monthly, quarterly or half-yearly. This was considered a
major decision in the interest of insurance holders. However, it is now
becoming expensive for the insurance holder. This is because insurance
companies are levying 3-4 per cent nodal charge on premium payments through
instalments.
Such an insurance company is charging
a fee in the name of management. According to sources, IRDA has not fixed any
limit on this fee. Despite this, many insurance companies are charging an additional
3 to 4 per cent from the insurance holder on premium payments in instalments.
Insurance experts say that the insurance company may impose a nodal charge of 2
to 3 per cent to compensate for the expenses incurred on managing EMI and loss
of investment potential. Nodal charge is levied to cover the loss of income and
financial expenditure from investment. According to an IRDA source, the
authority has not imposed any ceiling on the payment of instalments as there
is a confidence that market competition will limit it. All companies will allow
payment of premium in instalments, so firms are expected not to make much
money on delayed payment.
To fight an epidemic like COVID-19,
insurance companies are trying to create a pool through which to deal with
financial problems during the epidemic. Insurance companies can create an
emergency program by creating a pool of funds, that is, by raising funds to
cover most of the losses due to any epidemic. Funding for this pool can be done
through public-private partnerships in which both the government and companies
can contribute to this pool.
Insurance companies are preparing to
go to the Supreme Court against the expensive charge of private hospitals in
the name of COVID-19 treatment. COVID-19 has increased the burden of claims on
insurance companies. This is because private hospitals are charging fat.
Insurance companies are set to go to the Supreme Court for a fixed treatment
for COVID-19.
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