Tag: GOOGLE

Stick to Your Resolutions: 10 Effective Prompts to Use with Google Gemini App 2026

Make 2026 the year you finally achieve your New Year’s resolutions! If past attempts have fallen short, lack of planning might be the culprit. The Gemini App is here to ensure your goals are met with structured guidance. Below, you’ll find 10 SEO-optimized prompts tailored to help you commit to and track your resolutions effectively.

Why Planning is Key

When New Year’s resolutions crumble, it’s often due to insufficient planning. This year, let Gemini assist you in creating detailed guides and structured learning paths that suit your lifestyle. With the right prompts, scheduled actions, and connected apps, you can transform ambition into sustainable habits.

10 Prompts to Stick to Your Resolutions

PromptDescription
1. Create a Custom Workout PlanInput your fitness starting point and goals for a step-by-step training schedule. Prompt: Prompt: I want to run the Mumbai marathon in 6 months. I recently finished a half marathon in 2 hours, and I can train 5 days a week. Create a monthly training plan that will help me continue to build my endurance.
2. Declutter Your HomeGemini can help you devise a daily decluttering plan. Prompt: I want to organize and declutter my apartment this month. Create a 30-day plan that breaks the process into simple, daily tasks that take no more than 20 minutes each and won’t require me to purchase any new items.
3. Learn a New LanguageSpecify your goals and time commitment for a structured learning experience. Prompt: I’d like to learn basic French. Generate a 30-day guided learning plan for these topics and create an interactive multiple-choice quiz on the verb conjugations. Please also generate a set of flashcards for the 50 phrases.
4. Advance Your CareerUse Gemini to refine interview skills or polish your presentation. Prompt: I have a job interview next week for [role]. Simulate a live, conversational interview with me, focusing on behavioral questions. Second, create a detailed feedback report after I upload my video rehearsal, analyzing my speaking pace, body language and use of filler words.
5. Eat HealthierAsk Gemini for a weekly meal plan that fits your dietary needs. Prompt: I want to eat healthier. Every Sunday at 9 a.m., please create a 7-day, high-protein and vegetarian-friendly dinner plan. I have about 45 minutes to cook each night. Include a grocery list for the week.
6. Create a Better BudgetAnalyze your spending data for actionable budgeting strategies. Prompt: Analyze the uploaded Google Sheet containing my monthly spending for the last quarter and identify 3 areas of non-essential spending. Suggest practical weekly budgeting rules I can immediately implement to save 15%.
7. Create a Custom Reading ListReceive tailored book recommendations to keep your reading manageable. Prompt: I want to read 12 business books in 2026. Schedule a recurring action for the first of every month: Suggest a list of 5 non-fiction titles related to advertising and create a sample monthly reading and review schedule.
8. Replace a Bad Habit with a Good OneIdentify triggers and concrete habits to foster positivity. Prompt: I want to reduce my phone screen time by 2 hours a week. Outline a ‘Habit Replacement Plan’ that identifies my typical trigger times and suggests a positive alternative activity for each.
9. Overcome the Blank PageUse creative prompts to fuel your writing habit. Prompt: Give me 7 unique, one-sentence journaling prompts for the week that encourage reflection on my goals and progress.
10. Plan for Long-Term SuccessPrepare for maintenance of your resolutions beyond the initial phase. Prompt: It’s July 1st. I’ve successfully maintained my resolution to [resolution name] for 6 months. Create a 3-part maintenance plan to help me make this a permanent habit and set a bigger goal for the rest of 2026.

Conclusion

A well-structured plan is essential for transforming your goals into lasting habits. This year, instead of vague intentions, let Gemini help you build a detailed roadmap tailored for success. With these prompts, you’re well on your way to making 2026 a year of achievement and personal growth!

AND

As a tax professional in India, you deal with a unique blend of shifting regulations (GST, Income Tax Act), diverse client profiles, and intensive documentation. Using Gemini effectively requires giving it a specific “persona” and clear context.

Here are 10 highly effective Gemini prompts tailored for Indian CAs and tax consultants.

1. Comparative Analysis: Old vs. New Tax Regime

Purpose: Quickly advise clients on the most beneficial tax regime for the current financial year.

“Act as an expert Indian Tax Consultant. A salaried client has a total gross income of ₹18,00,000. They have deductions of ₹1,50,000 under 80C, ₹50,000 under 80D, and ₹2,00,000 interest on a home loan (Section 24b). Compare the tax liability under the Old Regime and the New Regime for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26). Provide a clear table showing the calculation and a final recommendation.”

2. Drafting Professional Responses to GST Notices

Purpose: Save time on formal drafting for common compliance issues like Input Tax Credit (ITC) mismatches.

“Draft a professional and legally sound reply to a GST notice (Form ASMT-10) regarding a mismatch between GSTR-2B and GSTR-3B for the period April to September. The reason for the mismatch is a delay in the supplier filing their GSTR-1, which has now been rectified. Cite relevant sections of the CGST Act 2017 regarding the eligibility of ITC.”

3. Simplifying Complex Tax Amendments

Purpose: Quickly grasp the core of new CBDT circulars or Finance Act changes.

“Summarize the key changes introduced in the latest Finance Act regarding Capital Gains Tax on immovable property. Break down the impact on ‘Indexation’ benefits and the new tax rates. Explain this in simple terms so I can forward it to my real estate clients as a newsletter update.”

4. Checklist for Audit Preparation (Statutory/Tax Audit)

Purpose: Ensure no compliance point is missed during peak audit season.

“Create a comprehensive checklist for a Tax Audit under Section 44AB for a manufacturing company with a turnover of ₹15 Crores. Include specific points for GST reconciliation, TDS compliance (Form 26AS vs Books), and verification of cash payments under Section 40A(3).”

5. TDS/TCS Rate & Compliance Guide

Purpose: Instant reference for specific transactions to avoid short-deduction.

“I am a tax manager for an E-commerce company. Provide a table of all applicable TDS and TCS rates for FY 2024-25 relevant to our business, including Section 194-O (E-commerce participants), 194Q (Purchase of goods), and 206C(1H). Include the threshold limits and the rate if the PAN is not provided.”

6. Client Advisory on Capital Gains (Search for Exemptions)

Purpose: Strategic tax planning for clients selling assets.

“A client sold a residential house in Mumbai for ₹5 Crores and realized a long-term capital gain of ₹2 Crores. They want to reinvest in another property and Capital Gains Bonds to save tax. Explain the provisions of Section 54 and Section 54EC, including the investment timelines and the maximum limit for 54EC bonds.”

7. Explaining NRI Taxation (DTAA)

Purpose: Handling specialized queries for Non-Resident Indians.

“Explain the tax implications for an NRI living in the USA who has earned ₹10 Lakhs as rental income from a property in India and ₹5 Lakhs from NRO account interest. Mention how the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and the USA applies here and the process for applying for a Lower Deduction Certificate (Form 13).”

8. Handling Scrutiny Assessments (Faceless Assessment)

Purpose: Preparing submissions for the Income Tax Department.

“I need to prepare a submission for a faceless assessment under Section 143(3). The Assessing Officer has questioned the ‘Source of Cash Deposits’ during the demonetization period/specific financial year. Help me draft a structured response emphasizing that the deposits are from recorded agricultural income and past savings, requesting a video conferencing hearing if needed.”

9. Business Structure Optimization (LLP vs. Private Limited)

Purpose: Advisory for new startups or business conversions.

“Compare the tax efficiency of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) versus a Private Limited Company in India for a startup expecting an annual profit of ₹50 Lakhs. Consider tax rates, Dividend Distribution Tax (now taxed in hands of shareholders), and ease of compliance. Which one is better for a family-owned consultancy?”

10. Educational Newsletter Content for Clients

Purpose: Marketing and client engagement.

“Generate a 500-word informative newsletter for my clients titled ‘Top 5 Tax Planning Moves to Make Before March 31st’. Focus on ELSS, NPS, Health Insurance (80D), and the importance of reconciling AIS/TIS. Keep the tone helpful, professional, and urgent.”

Best Practices for Accuracy

  • Verify Sections: AI can occasionally mix up section numbers or old vs. new rates. Always cross-check with the Bare Act or a trusted portal like Taxmann.
  • Privacy First: Never upload sensitive client data (like PAN numbers, actual names, or Aadhaar) into the prompt. Use placeholders like “Client A” or “XYZ Pvt Ltd.”

BIG Blow to Sundar Pichai as Google loses Rs 17501260000000 due to

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google’s stock plunged by more than 8% on Wednesday, marking the greatest percentage fall since October 2023. The decline cost for Google parent Alphabet, slide erased as much as $211 billion in market value. According to reports, the decrease is the company’s biggest one-day value decline. In midday trading, Alphabet shares finished at $193, down 7.6% at $190.70.

Google’s fall comes weeks after chipmaking giant Nvidia had a similar outcome after releasing China’s ground-breaking AI model, DeepSeek R1, which completely turned the AI industry on its head.

Even though Google’s results were above Wall Street’s expectations, the company’s revenue fell, and its price fell as a result. Despite a slowdown in sales growth, the tech giant announced plans to boost spending on AI initiatives, which coincided with its decline.

The stock sell-off, according to market analysts, is a reflection of growing investor apprehension about the rising AI expenditure among major US tech firms. This concern has increased since a Chinese startup unveiled the DeepSeek R1, a potent AI model that was created for less than $6 million and without the use of Nvidia’s top-tier hardware.

The effectiveness and necessity of the significant AI expenditures being made by US companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have come under scrutiny following the DeepSeek discovery, they added.

At the company’s earnings call earlier.  Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, revealed intentions to spend an incredible $75 billion on capital projects in 2025, a huge increase from the $52.5 billion spent the year before.

Reports state that Google’s massive investment is mostly focused on enhancing its AI infrastructure and capabilities. In the earnings announcement, Sundar Pichai stated, “We are optimistic about the opportunities ahead, and we expect to invest approximately $75 billion in capital expenditures in 2025 to accelerate our progress.

When questioned about China’s DeepSeek AI, Sundar Pichai claimed that although the Chinese AI model’s team is “amazing” and producing “very good work,” Google’s models “are some of the most efficient models out there, including compared to DeepSeek’s V3 and ROne.

As they compete with Chinese internet giants to create state-of-the-art AI models, Google and other US Big internet companies, such as Microsoft, Facebook parent Meta, and Amazon, are investing heavily in building AI infrastructure.

Regarding China’s DeepSeek, Sundar Pichai In response to a question concerning DeepSeek’s advancements, Pichai stated that although the company’s staff is “amazing” and performing ‘very well,’ Google’s models “are some of the most efficient models out there, including comparing to DeepSeek’s V3 and R1.” His remarks imply that Google is placing a wager on the cost-effectiveness and future scalability of AI applications to defend the existing investment. 

Google’s $2.1 Billion Move to Rehire AI Engineer After 2021 Departure

Google’s Bold Move: The $2.7 Billion Rehire of AI Pioneer Noam Shazeer

Google has made a bold and pricey decision, spending an eye-watering $2.7 billion to bring back a former employee who left in frustration just a few years ago. Noam Shazeer, a top AI engineer, has returned to the tech giant through a somewhat sneaky process called ‘reverse acqui-hire.’ But why the hefty price tag, that too for one person? Well, it’s not just about the money — it’s about what this deal means for the future of AI and the competition in the industry.

At a time when tech layoffs are becoming the norm, Google’s willingness to splurge billions on rehiring one single person seems very odd, but it also sends a strong message: AI is the battleground, and they’re determined to win, no matter what the cost.

However, this move also raises concerns about how much power big companies like Google can wield over the AI space, potentially stifling innovation from smaller players.

Who Is Noam Shazeer, and Why Is Google Desperate to Have Him?

Noam Shazeer isn’t just any engineer; he’s one of the brains behind some of the most significant AI advancements of recent years. He first joined Google in 2000 and spent two decades making major contributions, most notably co-authoring the 2017 research paper Attention is All You Need.

This very paper laid the foundation for the AI tools we now take for granted, like ChatGPT and Google’s very own Gemini. Think of Shazeer as the father of modern-day AI chatbots.

Frustration at Google & Alphabet’s Leadership

But things didn’t stay rosy at Google. In 2020, Shazeer and a colleague, Daniel De Freitas, created a chatbot called Meena, designed to hold intelligent conversations on a wide range of topics.

However, Google refused to launch it, worried that the bot might say something inappropriate. Frustrated, Shazeer left in 2021, taking De Freitas with him.

The duo went on to launch Character.ai, a chatbot platform that allowed users to interact with AI models representing celebrities, fictional characters, and even language instructors. It was a hit, raising $43 million in seed funding and attracting hundreds of thousands of users within weeks of its beta release.

But despite early success, Character.ai faced financial challenges. The cost of keeping the technology afloat was becoming difficult to manage, and the platform wasn’t quite going in the direction they wanted, with many users seeking AI-generated romantic conversations.

Google’s Clever Move or Simply the Power of Money?

Fast forward to 2024, and Google has opened its wallet to the tune of $2.7 billion to get Shazeer, De Freitas, and Character.ai’s tech team back under its roof. This wasn’t a simple buyout but rather a clever ‘reverse acqui-hire’ deal, where Google didn’t fully acquire the company. Instead, they licensed the tech and rehired key staff.

This approach allowed Google to sidestep regulatory concerns around monopolies and antitrust violations, which would have been triggered by a full acquisition. This deal has drawn comparisons to similar moves by other tech giants, like Microsoft’s $650 million deal with Inflection AI and Amazon’s recent partnership with Covariant. The common thread in these deals? Big Tech gobbling up top AI talent.

Big Tech is strategically acquiring talent and technology without triggering legal scrutiny, raising concerns about whether this is fair to smaller, independent firms. After all, competition is key in the AI space, especially in its early stages, where fresh ideas and innovation are crucial.

Shazeer’s return to Google puts him in a leadership role for their main AI project, Gemini, alongside other heavyweights like Jeff Dean and Oriol Vinyals. As the AI race heats up, Google is clearly making sure it has the best minds on board to stay ahead. But with all eyes on how the tech industry evolves, there’s no doubt that this mega-deal will spark plenty of discussion about the future of AI and the balance of power between big corporations and emerging innovators.

TRAI Excludes Google and WhatsApp from Licensing Rules

TRAI Proposes New Recommendations to Simplify Licensing Process

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has put forward new recommendations aiming to simplify the licensing process under the Telecom Act. A significant aspect of these proposals is the exclusion of Over-The-Top (OTT) services, such as WhatsApp, Google’s RCS, and Telegram, from this licensing regime.

One Nation One Authorization Framework

The new recommendations advocate for a unified authorization system that spans various services and regions, termed the “One Nation One Authorization” framework. According to TRAI, any entity that holds this authorization will be permitted to provide a comprehensive range of services, including mobile service, internet service, broadband service, landline telephone service, long-distance service, satellite communication service, as well as Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) services on a pan-India basis.

Furthermore, TRAI’s proposals encompass enabling satellite-based services to offer voice calling and messaging features, thus broadening the spectrum of services available within the telecom sector. The regulatory body also recommends the shared utilization of both active and passive infrastructure among service providers, which could lead to enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Financial Relief for Telecom Operators

In an effort to alleviate financial burdens on telecom operators, TRAI has suggested a gradual elimination of entry fees during the authorization renewal process.

Industry Response to TRAI’s Recommendations

This exclusion of OTT services occurs despite significant pressure from major telecom companies, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, which called for these platforms to be regulated similarly to traditional telecom services. According to a report by the Economic Times published last month, the telecom operators urged TRAI to establish licenses or permissions for OTT communication applications, contending that they provide services comparable to those offered by mobile operators.

In contrast, OTT applications have pushed back against this proposal, asserting that they are already subject to regulation under the Information Technology Act.

These recommendations by TRAI mark a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of the telecom sector in India, as it seeks to streamline licensing while recognizing the distinct nature of OTT services.

Income Tax Department Investigates Apple, Google, and Amazon Over Possible Non-Payment of Tax

The Income Tax (I-T) Department is investigating the Indian units of Apple, Google and Amazon over possible non-payment of tax. In connection with a probe that began in 2021, the authorities have sought detailed explanations from the tech behemoths on their transfer pricing (TP) practices, according to people aware of the matter.

The department is eyeing a tax demand of over Rs 5,000 crore and has rejected many of the justifications provided by these companies, the people said.

The Indian arms involved in the matter are Apple India Pvt Ltd, Amazon Seller Services India Pvt Ltd and Google India Digital Services Pvt Ltd.

The nub of the matter is the methodology followed in TP adjustments, resulting in what the department views as possible tax liabilities. The issue pertains to various assessment years, and is currently at different stages of investigation and litigation at several forums.

Emails sent to Apple India, Google India and Amazon India did not elicit a reply until press time.

However, people from the industry close to the tech giants told ET that the MNCs receive multiple “routine queries” from the department, as there is a difference in the methodology of tax calculations used by the companies and that of the revenue department. “… in the event they (the queries) don’t (get) resolved, the companies always have the option to appeal before the appellate authority,” said an industry source.

Transfer pricing

TP refers to a method of accounting for prices at which related parties — such as corporations and their units in other countries — transact with each other. The Income Tax Department often investigates if intra-group cross-border operations are at arm’s length, that is, transactions with related parties are at the same value as if they had been with unrelated parties.

The department is learnt to be probing the three tech giants on transactions related to advertisement, marketing and promotion expenses, payments towards royalty, trading and software development segments and marketing support services.

The people cited added that the case essentially pertains to transactions that the taxman deems “international transactions,” which attract TP adjustment. However, the companies have contested this analysis and the matters have been taken up by various forums.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, is the world’s most valuable company, with a market capitalisation of just under $3 trillion. Alphabet Inc, Google’s parent, ranks number four on the valuation tables, while Amazon comes fifth.

Tax demands on Apple

In case of Apple, the tax investigation is mainly focused on the Indian arm’s purchase of finished products from its original equipment manufacturers and subsequent sale in the domestic market.

“…While the company has contested that this isn’t an international transaction (and is) hence outside the purview of taxation, the department contended this to be a deemed international transaction,” said a person privy to the matter. “The department found that the taxpayer wasn’t paying any royalty on trading. The royalty amount has been benched to nil as the assessee couldn’t prove exploitation of the IP (intellectual property).”

“Also, in the case of Apple India, on the expenses related to trading segments, the (Income Tax) Department has rejected the justification given by the company. This has caused an alleged tax liability running into hundreds of crores,” said another tax official.

Apple’s India business almost reached a record revenue milestone of Rs 50,000 crore, with sales growing by 48% to Rs 49,321 crore in the fiscal year 2023, according to regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

The company also saw net profit surge by 76% to Rs 2,229 crore, marking the fastest growth in net profit for the company in India over the past five years. Over 7% of iPhones are manufactured in India and the percentage is expected to climb rapidly in the coming years, according to analysts.

Duo contests claims

For Amazon, “50% of (customer) delivery charges was considered a part of AMP (advertisement, marketing and promotion) cost. Owing to this, the tax liability runs over Rs 100 crore. Amazon has contested the I-T Department’s case,” said the official.

Another person in the know said that for Google India, “details of certain transactions — as mandated under form 3 CEB — were not reported. These are deemed as international taxation by the revenue department, thereby raising a tax liability on the company.”

Form 3 CEB applicable to companies engaged in international and specific domestic transactions with any associated enterprise.

The assessing officer finalises the case based on inputs provided by a transfer pricing officer and issues a draft demand if the assessee avails the option to settle the matter by taking it before a dispute resolution panel.

In the event the assessee chooses not to move a panel, an order is issued by the assessing officer and the taxpayer challenges it before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). If aggrieved, the taxpayer can also approach the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) as well as the high court and Supreme Court.

Companies also have the option of the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP), an alternate tax dispute resolution mechanism available to taxpayers under Direct Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) for resolving disputes giving rise to double taxation or taxation not in accordance with DTAAs.

“In Google’s case, the (tax) demands arising out of the previous years are before the MAP,” said the person cited earlier.

Google’s Inactive Accounts Policy

Every day Google works hard to keep you and our private information safe and secure by preventing unauthorized access to your Google Account with their built-in security protections. And keeping you safe means having strong privacy practices across Google products that minimize how long Google store our personal files and any data associated with them. Google wants to protect our private information and prevent any unauthorized access to our account even if we’re no longer using Google services.

Therefore, they are updating the inactivity period for a Google Account to two years across all Google products and services. This change starts rolling out today and will apply to any Google Account that’s been inactive, meaning it has not been signed into or used within a two-year period. An inactive account and any content in it will be eligible for deletion from December 1, 2023.

What this means for you

These changes do not impact you unless you have been inactive in your Google Account for two years or have not used your account to sign in to any Google service for over two years.While the changes go into effect today, the earliest they would enforce any account deletion would be December 2023.If your account is considered inactive, Google will send several reminder emails to both you and your recovery emails (if any have been provided) before they take any action or delete any account content. These reminder emails will go out at least 8 months before any action is taken on your account.After a Google Account is deleted, the Gmail address for the deleted account cannot be used again when creating a new Google Account.

How to keep your account active?

The simplest way to keep a Google Account active is to sign in to the account at least once every two years. If you have signed in to your Google Account recently in the past two years, your account is considered active and will not be deleted.

Other ways to keep your account active include:

Reading or sending an emailUsing Google DriveWatching a YouTube videoSharing a photoDownloading an appUsing Google SearchUsing Sign in with Google to sign in to a third-party app or service

There are some exceptions to this policy.

Examples include:

a Google Account with YouTube channels, videos or comments; an account that has a gift card with a monetary balance; or an account that has a published application, for example, one that hosts an app on the Google Play store.

Other exceptions to this policy are available here.

Google also offers tools to help manage your Google Account and provide options to back up your data, including the ability to download your data using Google Takeout, and allowing you to plan for what happens to your data if you’re inactive for a specific period of time with the Inactive Account Manager. So before an account is deleted, Google will send email notifications to the Google Account and its recovery email (if one has been provided). You should verify that your recovery email is up to date.

Google Payments Alert: Changes to using your card with Google

We’re reaching out to inform you that Google has deleted your Visa card information to comply with new Reserve Bank of India card storage regulations. Your card details will no longer be available to make payments for Google services.

You can still enter your card details to use your Visa card to make payments. When you make your next payment, we will be able to save your card information in a format that complies with RBI regulations.

Changes to your card information stored with Google

What this covers: The following information applies to goods and services purchased from Google Ads, Cloud, Workspace, YouTube, Play, and other paid Google services in India.

Due to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) card storage regulations, starting October 1, 2022, Google can no longer save customer card details (card number, expiry date, etc.) in the current format. However, with your authorization, we’ll save your card details in a format that complies with RBI regulations and keeps your sensitive card details secure.

  • If you use Visa or Mastercard: To authorize us to save your card in the new format, you need to make a single manual payment with your current card details. To avoid entering your card details again later, complete the payment before September 30, 2022. If we cannot save your Visa or Mastercard in a compliant format by September 30, 2022, re-enter your card information for every purchase you make.
  • If you use RuPay, American Express, Discover, or Diners Card: We won’t store your card information after September 30, 2022, as card storage as per the new format isn’t supported for these card networks yet. Starting October 1, 2022, the support for these cards will change across Google services. 

Breaking: Google To Enter in Indian E-Commerce Market

Google is all set to enter the e-commerce market through the Government of India’s online platform Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

ONDC was launched last month as a pilot project in some cities. Google wants to add purchase services to it. This move will give competition to companies like Amazon and Flipkart.

ONDC CEO T Koshy said, “Talks have been held with many companies with Google.

Breaking: Parliamentary Committee Will Send Summons To Giant Technology Companies Including Google

Parliamentary committee will send summons to social media and tech companies

The Parliamentary Committee on Finance will be sent summons to the world’s leading tech, social media and e-commerce companies. Through this, their competition policies will be investigated and questioned. These companies include Apple, Google’s proprietary company Alphabet, Facebook’s proprietary company Meta, Amazon, Walmart’s Flipkart, Microsoft. It is believed that this step was taken in view of the deal being done by Elon Musk to buy Twitter.

Pay Parking Money With Google via Voice Command

Google keeps on bringing new features for its users every day. In such a situation, the company has brought great work and very beneficial Voice Parking Feature for its users. In this, users will get the facility to pay for parking using their voice. This is because of Google’s partnership with ParkMobile.

Let us tell you that the partnership is a recent example of Google’s pressure in the transport segment. This includes biking and ride-hailing in Google Maps. This includes developing a digital one and working with vehicle makers to integrate their Android operating system into vehicles.

The voice parking feature is very interesting. Whenever you park the car, you have to say to Google, Hey Google, paying for the parking (Hey Google Parking Ke Liye Payment Kar Rahe Hain). After this, follow the instructions of Google Assistant to pay from the phone.

Actually Google Pay manages the transaction after listening to your voice. On the other hand, Android upgrade will help users to find out how much time is left. Only after this time will be added with Voice Command. By giving a command to Google, you just have to say Hey Google, Pafrking Status or Extend Parking.

You Tube is Updating Its Terms Of Service. Review Now

Message from You Tube

On 5 January 2022, we’re updating our Terms of Service (“Terms“) to help clarify and make it easier to understand what to expect as you use the service. These changes won’t affect the way you use YouTube. You can review a summary of the changes and the updated Terms here.

At a glance, this update covers:

  • More clarity on what to expect: We’re providing more transparency about how we develop, improve and update our service, including more details about why we make changes and updates and the advanced notice that we provide to you.
  • General updates for improved readability: While our Terms remain a legal document, we’ve done our best to make them easier to understand. This includes reorganising some sections (such as Account Suspension and Termination) and rewording others (such as Changing this Agreement).
  • Inclusion of the Community Guidelines strikes process: Your use of YouTube has always been subject to the Community Guidelines and its strikes process, but we’re now explicitly including the Community Guidelines strikes information in the Terms to increase transparency. There are no changes to how Community Guidelines strikes operate, or when a channel or content might receive a strike.

Google is also required to inform you under Rule 5 of the Indian Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021) Rules, 2021 that if you are a publisher of news or current affairs content, you are required to furnish the details of your accounts on YouTube to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

Please make sure that you read these updates and remember that the Terms and Google’s Privacy Policy apply to your use of YouTube. Violation of these agreements may result in warnings or further action including loss of access or termination of all or part of your account.

By continuing to use YouTube after this date, you are agreeing to the updated Terms. Note: If you allow your child to use YouTube Kids or manage your child’s use of YouTube through Family Link, take a moment to talk to them about these changes.

YouTube allows creators to change their channel name without changing entire Google account

YouTube has come up with a new update that will allow its users to change their channel name and picture without an impact on their Google Account. Until now, YouTube creators had to change their name and icon for their entire Google account soo their name on YouTube would be the same name they send emails from in Gmail. Now, the streamer giant is allowing its creators to update their channel name and picture inside YouTube, and those changes will only impact their profile on YouTube. However, this also comes with a drawback to the creators who have a verification badge as they will lose their check mark if they change their name. The creators have to apply to receive the badge again.

SBI’s BIG DECISION ON EMI AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT OF RBI. CUSTOMERS WILL GET RELIEF

The RBI made several important announcements on Friday to save the economy from the Corona Crisis.

SBI has also made a big announcement regarding EMI. SBI has deferred three installments of EMI of borrowers. For this, the customer does not need to apply to the bank. At the same time, the situation is not clear on the credit card payment of SBI.

Along with this, State Bank of India (SBI) on Friday gave a big relief to consumers, saying that it will give the full 75 basis points rate cut to retail borrowers. The bank said in a statement that the new rate will be effective from April 1st. Borrowers can avail loans based on an external benchmark-linked lending rate and a repo-linked lending rate.

“In response to RBI’s exceptional monetary policy in support of the economy, SBI will transfer the entire 75 basis point rate cut to its borrowers,” the statement said. SBI has reduced the external benchmark-linked lending rate from 7.80 percent to 7.05 percent annually. And the repo-linked lending rate has been reduced from 7.40 to 6.65 percent per annum.

After this, the home loan will be cheaper by about 52 rupees per one lakh on a 30-year loan plan. It is noteworthy that in order to deal with the impact on the Indian economy due to the coronavirus epidemic, the RBI on Friday reduced the repo rate by 75 basis points to 4.4.

RBI RELAXATION DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

(1.) Targeted Long Term Repos Operations (TLTROs) :

Reserve Bank will conduct auctions of targeted term repos of up to three years tenor of appropriate sizes for a total amount of up to Rs. 1,00,000 crore at a floating rate linked to the policy repo rate.

(2.) Repo rate reduce – Repo rate cut by 75 bps to 4.4%.

(3.) Reverse repo rate cut by 90 bps to 4%.

(4.) CRR reduced by 100 basis points to 3%. Rs. 1.37 trillion of liquidity to be injected.

(5.) Home loans – 3 months relaxation.

(6.) Moratorium on Term Loans : The repayment schedule and all subsequent due dates, as also the tenor for such loans, may be shifted across the board by three months.

(7.) OMOs are ongoing, LTROs are done. Regulatory moratoriums are done.

(8.) Rs. 1,00,000 crore 3 month bill auctions, first tranche of ₹25,000 crore
auction starts today.

(9.) Rs. 3,74,000 lakh crore into the system.

(10.) Min daily CRR balance reduced from 90% – 80% till 30/06/2020.

(11) Total liquidity injection 3.4% of GDP.

(12.) Deferment of Last Tranche of Capital Conservation Buffer: It has been
decided to further defer the implementation of the last tranche of 0.625 per cent of the CCB from March 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020. Consequently, the pre-specified trigger for loss absorption through conversion/write-down of Additional Tier 1 instruments (PNCPS and PDI) shall remain at 5.5 per cent of risk-weighted assets (RWAs) and will rise to 6.125 per cent of RWAs on September 30, 2020.

Full Detailed Press Release is available at : https://m.rbi.org.in//Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=49582

Disclaimer:
IN NO EVENT THE AUTHOR SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGE RESULTING FROM OR ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THIS INFORMATION.

AUTHOR : CS LALIT RAJPUT (CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROFILE)

RBI CLARIFICATION : NOT JUST EMI, CREDIT CARD DUES WILL ALSO BE COVERED UNDER THREE MONTHS MORATORIUM

The Reserve Bank of India has clarified that all lending institutions are permitted to grant a moratorium of three months on payments of all installments on term loans, including credit cards.

The RBI on Friday (Mar 27) announced that all banks will be permitted to allow a three-month moratorium on payment of installments of all term loans outstanding on March 1, 2020. The loan payments must pertain to the period between between March 1, 2020, and May 30, 2020.

During the moratorium period, a borrower is not required to make any repayment. Normally, the repayment begins after the loan is disbursed and the payments have to be made each month. However, the RBI has made a one-time exception in view of the financial distress arising out of the global pandemic coronavirus and the economic havoc wreaked by the lockdown imposed to control its spread.

The decision will be cover all regional, rural banks, co-operative banks, NBFCs including Housing Finance Companies, however the final decision on passing on the benefit to customers will rest with the banks.

The RBI said the moratorium will not result in asset classification downgrade and will have no adverse impact on the credit history of the borrowers.

Source : Swarajya

RBI’S EMI MORATORIUM : WILL MY INSTALLMENT BE DEDUCTED? ARE CREDIT CARD BILLS SUSPENDED? AND OTHER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

>> The RBI today allowed banks to offer a moratorium on all term loans.

>> The step was taken in light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today allowed all financial institutions to allow a three-month moratorium for all term loans in light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown.

In effect, banks can allow all customers to not pay their monthly EMIs for a 3-month period, and the non-repayment will not hurt their credit score.

Here are all questions on this decision answered.

Q : My EMI is due soon. Will the payment not be deducted from my account?

A : The RBI has only allowed banks to allow a moratorium. Individual banks will have to allow suspension of EMIs. This means that unless you have specific approval from your bank, your EMIs will still be deducted from your account.

Q : How will I know if my EMI has been suspended?

A : The RBI has not yet issued detailed guidelines on this. Once guidelines are issued, there will be more clarity specifically on this.

Q : How will the process work at the bank level?

A : All banks will have to discuss the moratorium and get a decision approved at their board level. Once approved, they may reach out to customers informing them of the moratorium.

Q : If my bank suspends my EMIs, will non payment result in impact on my credit score?

A : No. It will not.

Q : Which banks can offer this deferment to their customers?

A : All commercial banks (including regional rural banks, small finance banks and local area banks), co-operative banks, all-India Financial Institutions, and NBFCs (including housing finance companies and micro-finance institutions) included.

Q : Is this a waiver of EMIs or a deferment of EMIs?

A : This is not a waiver, but a deferment. RBI has recommended that the repayment schedule and all subsequent due dates as also the tenor for such loans may be shifted across the board by 3 months.

Q : Does the moratorium cover both principal and interest?

A : Yes. It does. If announced by your bank, you will be exempt from payment of your entire EMI, including payment and interest for three months. This will be applicable on all loans outstanding as on March 1, 2020.

Q : What kind of loans does the moratorium cover?

A : The RBI policy statement explicitly mentions term loans, which includes home loans, personal loans, education loans, auto and any loans which have a fixed tenure. They also include consumer durable loans, such as EMIs on mobiles, fridge, TV etc.

Q : Does the moratorium cover credit card payments?

A : Since credit cards are defined as revolving credit and not term loans, they are not covered under the moratorium.

Q : I have taken a project loan for setting up a factory. Can I not pay my EMI?

A : The moratorium has been allowed on any loan classified as term loans. If the bank is convinced that you are not in a position to pay the EMIs, you will get a deferrment.

Q : What has the RBI announced for businesses?

A : The RBI has allowed deferment for interest payments for all working capital loans taken by businesses. This will be applicable in respect of all working capital facilities outstanding as on March 1, 2020. The accumulated interest for the period will be paid after the expiry of the deferment period. Moratorium/deferment will not be treated as change in terms and conditions of loan agreements and will not result in asset classification downgrade.

Updates: The copy has been revised as and when fresh information was available.

Source : CNBC TV