For the longest time, my evenings followed a very predictable, very comfortable script. I would finish dinner, place my plate in the sink, and immediately migrate to the couch. It was the ultimate reward after a long day of work and responsibilities: sinking into the cushions, pulling up a blanket, and letting a television show wash over me. It felt like relaxation. But my body was telling a different story. Instead of feeling rested, I would spend the next two hours feeling sluggish, heavy, and uncomfortably full. By the time I actually went to bed, I was tossing and turning, unable to settle into a deep sleep. I always blamed it on eating too much or eating too late, but changing my portion sizes didn't seem to fix that heavy, stagnant feeling that ruined my nights. The Couch Trap We are culturally conditioned to believe that resting immediately after a meal is the best way to digest. The "food coma" is treate...
The Hidden Tax Trap of 2026: Why the "Default" New Regime Might Be Shrinking Your Salary The Hidden Tax Trap of 2026: Why the "Default" New Regime Might Be Shrinking Your Salary It is late February. Your inbox just pinged with that dreaded, urgent email from your HR department: "Final call for tax investment proofs." If you are like most hardworking professionals in India, you probably glanced at it, felt a mild wave of panic, and thought, "I'll just stick with whatever is default." After all, the government recently made the New Tax Regime the default setting for everyone. It promises lower slab rates, zero complicated paperwork, and a hassle-free life. Sounds like a dream, right? Here is the harsh, unspoken truth: For millions of middle-class Indians—especially those with home loans, medical insurance, and strict saving habits—this "convenient default" ...