H-1B Visa Holders Should Rethink Home Buying Risks in the US

A Reddit user has sparked discussion by alerting Indian H-1B visa holders about the potential dangers of purchasing homes in the US, citing financial risks alongside immigration uncertainties. Posting as “smokyskyline” in the thread “Please don’t buy a house in this environment,” the user highlighted increasing mortgage rates, instability in the tech sector, and lifestyle inflation as significant issues.

Financial Considerations for H-1B Visa Holders

The user suggested that there is often a pressure for Indian H-1B holders to invest in homeownership shortly after arriving in the US, typically in their 30s when they are starting families.

Impact of Cultural Expectations

The user pointed out that cultural expectations frequently drive Indians towards buying homes prematurely. “There’s a strong cultural belief that buying a house is an investment and renting is throwing away money. It’s not. First, if you run the math on rent vs buy in this environment, rent usually comes on top.” The user continued to explain that homebuyers are often just reallocating funds from rent to mortgage payments, which tend to be heavily interest-based in the early years. The current high interest rates exacerbate this issue.

Lifestyle Implications of Homeownership

The post also expressed concerns that owning a home can lead to costly lifestyle inflation.

The Hidden Costs of Commuting

A storm has erupted in Silicon Valley following accusations by US-based Indian venture capitalist Ash Arora against two Indian-origin startup founders for engaging in fraudulent activities. This has triggered intense reactions on social media. Arora, a partner at LocalGlobe and a Forbes 30 Under 30 (Europe Finance) listee, alleged that the founders were fabricating figures and misrepresenting significant corporate associations to attract investors.

Within a candid post on X, Arora stated, “Two founders I encountered in SF this month are both fraudulent: 1. One is subletting a rented apartment and presenting it as revenue for his startup. 2. The other is claiming Amazon and Google are clients who have signed LOIs, while they have never even heard of them.”

She added, “What do these individuals have in common? They are both desi men. Caution is advised with these individuals!” She further revealed that four venture capitalists had reached out to her, accurately guessing the identities of the founders, prompting the question, “Is this Soham Parekh 2.0?”—which refers to a contentious engineer recently accused of resume fraud and manipulation by Mixpanel founder Suhail Doshi.

Arora’s post quickly faced backlash for its community-specific framing. Critics challenged her reference to the founders’ ethnicity. “A sample of two. What’s the relevance of including their race?” one user questioned. Another user remarked, “The ‘desi men’ comment is provocative, but the issues of fraud in SF are quite widespread.”

In her defence, Arora justified her choice of words, expressing that her aim was to help others identify the individuals without directly naming them. “Being a desi myself… if we can’t critique ourselves, who will? How can we rectify issues if we refuse to recognise them?” she stated, adding that it would be deemed “racist” if a non-Indian made those observations.

The allegations have reignited dialogue about ethical conduct within the startup ecosystem and the importance of community accountability. While some disregarded her statements as unnecessarily provocative, others voiced concerns regarding the practices she highlighted. One user commented, “Inflating your revenue only harms yourself. True validation of your idea is never achieved this way.”

Arora’s remarks, coming just days after Suhail Doshi’s public warning about Soham Parekh, have intensified discussions, highlighting what many are calling a trend of misrepresentation within the startup landscape in technology’s most cutthroat environment.

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Chirag Chauhan: A Journey of Resilience from the 7/11 Mumbai Train Blasts

Chirag Chauhan, a Chartered Accountant, reflects on how the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts transformed his life permanently. In a recent post on X (previously Twitter), he shared, “Nineteen years ago, on 11 June 2006, the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts changed my life. I overcame paralysis and became wheelchair-bound. However, I did not lose hope. Here are my nineteen achievements to motivate you to focus on one goal at a time and keep striving!”

Early Achievements After Adversity

In subsequent posts, Chauhan recounted, “I completed my CA Final exams in 2009, just three years following the attacks. At first, I could only sit for a few hours, but due to physiotherapy, I progressed to sitting for eight hours, then twelve, and now I can sit for sixteen hours.”

He also mentioned a notable moment, stating, “I met with Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who congratulated me for passing my CA exam. Shri Advani Ji also visited my home alongside several other prominent figures.”

Professional Milestones and Achievements

“I began my first job with a Big Four firm, a dream I held before the injury. Daily, I travelled 30 km in an auto rickshaw with my wheelchair from Kandivali to Chembur, and I ensured I was never late beyond 9 AM. Later, I joined an MNC Bank,” Chauhan elaborated.

He emphasized that participation itself is an accomplishment, stating, “I ran the Mumbai Marathon for five years post-injury, pushing my wheelchair to raise awareness for disability inclusion. One year, I even secured first place! However, I soon realized that merely participating is an achievement in itself.”

Driving Towards Freedom

Chirag highlighted further milestones, stating, “I have driven over 150,000 km using hand-controlled cars across India, travelling from Mumbai to Goa and Gujarat; driving non-stop for twelve hours was a personal record. I have upgraded three vehicles in the last decade. Freedom is attainable!”

Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on his career, he shared, “After working two jobs for three years, I launched my CA practice in 2012 from a modest office and gradually expanded. After saving for three years, I started my startup in 2015, but unfortunately, I lost Rs 2.5 million. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about money management.”

In 2016, he founded the Arvind Foundation Trust to support individuals with disabilities, providing free physiotherapy sessions twice a week in Mumbai.

Health and Fitness Achievements

Chirag talked about his journey to regain health post-COVID: “I gained weight during the pandemic due to my physiotherapist being unavailable. Now, I have lost over 20 kg by adhering to a proper diet and workout routine. I believe that shortcuts like pills aren’t sustainable for lasting fitness; it’s dedication and hard work that create real change.”

Adventures and Personal Growth

His adventures have continued unabated. “I visited the highest motorable road in Leh-Ladakh, reaching an altitude of 19,024 feet, and I also experienced scuba diving in Goa among various other adventures. The possibilities are endless!”

“Acquired my own office and home; achieving financial independence is certainly a notable milestone!”

Educational Pursuits

“By 2024, I completed my LLB degree. I persisted in learning despite obstacles because education unlocks opportunities! The motto for all should be lifelong learning!”

Inspiring Others

Chirag became one of the top 40 ICAI Finfluencers in India, inspiring aspiring Chartered Accountants and motivating them to cultivate an online presence for broader outreach.

He has visited five countries in the past few years, including Japan, with plans to travel to even more locations, potentially for professional ventures.

Spiritual Growth and Community Engagement

Chirag is dedicated to spiritual development and uplifting others, practicing the virtues of Sukyo Mahikari: gratitude, humility, and acceptance of divine will in everyday life. He has interacted with various spiritual leaders across different faiths.

This year, he initiated a YouTube channel that has successfully amassed over 300,000 followers across various social media platforms, including LinkedIn and WhatsApp!

Habits for Success

“I have adopted the habit of waking up early, between 4 AM and 6 AM, ensuring it is before 6 AM daily. Establishing this routine feels like a monumental achievement and a game-changer in my life!”

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Experience a Unique Fake Wedding Celebration in Noida

Fake wedding events are making waves, offering an exciting way to enjoy the festive essence of a grand Indian wedding without the emotional baggage. For only Rs 1499, guests can dive into the vibrant atmosphere filled with dhol beats, beautiful ethnic décor, and plenty of shaadi waali LIIT.

Details of the Fake Wedding Event

Scheduled for July 12 at Trippy Tequila in Noida, this extraordinary occasion gained traction online after a user named Aaraynsh shared an invite on X, igniting curiosity and numerous reactions.

What’s Included in the Celebration

The event, simply titled “Fake Wedding,” guarantees all the elements of a traditional desi festivity. Attendees can look forward to a live band, dhol, ethnic decorations, a food counter, a selfie booth, and uniquely named “shaadi waali LIIT” for those dressing in traditional attire.

As Aaraynsh mentioned, anyone can attend the fake wedding for Rs 1499, stating, “No dulha, no rishtedaar. Just enjoy the vibe and head back home.” This price covers food, music, dancing, and plenty of opportunities for Instagram-ready photos.

Public Response to the Concept

The online community has reacted with a blend of hilarity and interest, highlighting how this event could satisfy the desire for the splendour of Indian weddings without the associated chaos.

One user remarked, “Good for people who don’t get invited to weddings.” Another added, “Nice concept. They also know that no one is getting married anytime soon with these trends, so why not a fake version?”

Practical uses for this faux celebration have also been discussed. “Many minimalistic couples who are avoiding traditional wedding expenses might use this as a backdrop, hire a photographer, and create a wedding album,” mentioned another participant.

Another user highlighted the rarity of genuine weddings, expressing, “Real weddings don’t happen every day. A fake wedding fills that gap. Besides, people do pay to join real weddings too.”

A Wild Idea for the Event

A humorous suggestion floating around is the possibility of a genuine wedding taking place at this event. One user joked, “Imagine if someone actually shows up with a pandit and ties the knot right there for just Rs 1499… now that would be something outrageous!”

Gurugram’s Flooding Problems: A Call for Infrastructure Improvement

A sudden downpour has left Gurugram submerged and causing gridlock, as heavy rainfall caused traffic paralysis on major routes such as Sohna Road, Golf Course Road, and the Jaipur Expressway. Rainwater surged into homes across low-lying regions, transforming the city into a flooded area.

Frustrated residents took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the city’s deteriorating infrastructure. Saurabh Singh, CEO at Appinventiv, highlighted the anger through a powerful post addressing what he perceives as ongoing mismanagement.

Saurabh expressed, “Purchasing a flat for 10 crore in Gurgaon should offer scenic views, yet 133 mm of rain over 12 hours completely shuts down Gurgaon. Despite the presence of Cyber Hub and DLF malls, just one hour of rain turns it into a submerged city. Gurugram loses ₹200 crore every year due to flooding. What’s amusing is that residents pay the highest property taxes in NCR and still have to navigate knee-deep water to reach their workplaces.”

He continued, “78% of construction in Gurugram since 2000 has occurred in flood-prone areas. They essentially designed a city where water naturally accumulates.”

Singh openly criticized civic negligence, lamenting, “The frustrating part is that every year the same situation arises—flooded streets and confusion. Yet, officials take no action to improve drainage or prepare for the monsoon season. Just one hour of rain turns everyday life into a nightmare for everyone.”

Pointing out the contrast between the city’s image and reality, he stated, “Gurgaon prioritised constructing fancy buildings while using drains as an afterthought. The consequence? Every rainy season, this ‘millennium city’ resembles a swimming pool. Gurugram’s fixation on being ‘premium’ reflects nothing but costly folly. Status symbols are meaningless if they cannot be used for four months each year.”

When comparing Gurugram to nearby Noida, he remarked, “Sure, Noida has its challenges. However, regarding lifestyle, traffic conditions, and affordability, Noida takes the lead. One can actually reach work during monsoons without needing a boat. The property prices in Noida remain somewhat rational, and the growth potential surpasses that of Gurugram.”

His remarks gained traction, resonating with others voicing similar frustrations.

One user commented, “This debate recurs every monsoon. Beyond income taxes, we pay various indirect taxes including GST, toll tax, vehicle tax, house tax, and stamp duty. This conversation resurfaces during electoral seasons as well. Regardless of the political party in power, the situation remains unchanged. It’s puzzling how even properties priced at 20 crore get snapped up quickly despite such subpar infrastructure. You accurately described the costly folly in Gurgaon as mere status symbol. Bangalore experienced similar conditions just days prior to monsoon. Delhi/NCR repeats the same scenario annually, and there seems to be no one to address it.”

Another user commented, “Gurugram is unsuitable for corporate living. Extensive waterlogging and flooded residential areas are prevalent. Moving to Noida would be advisable; it’s a well-planned city with minimal waterlogging, including Greater Noida.”

Packaging in Early-Stage India: The Key to Success

Archana Jahagirdar, the Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, offers valuable guidance for early-stage entrepreneurs navigating the competitive consumer landscape in India. The focus keyword here is “packaging in early-stage India” as it represents a crucial aspect of market entry. Jahagirdar emphasised that packaging serves as the initial—and often only—opportunity to make an impression. “In early stage India, the packet is your pitch. If consumers don’t engage at the shelf, they won’t interact at checkout,” she stated.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Jahagirdar pointed out that flashy pitch decks or elaborate explainer videos often fade into the background in the fast-evolving environment of Indian startups.

“In early stage India, packaging is your voice. No one is going through lengthy pitch decks or watching your four-minute videos. Attention spans are short—only 3 seconds are available for one glance to convey your identity. In India, that moment is represented by your packaging,” she explained.

The Importance of Packaging

Jahagirdar highlighted several brands that have effectively mastered the art of packaging and how it shapes brand identity before the consumer even tries a product.

“GO DESi went beyond simply offering imli pops; they created a proudly Indian image. The colour, typography, and overall feel conveyed, ‘this is not just a snack.’ It evoked nostalgia packaged with confidence.

Sleepy Owl Coffee transformed cold brew into sleek, aspirational bottles. Buying their coffee meant purchasing calmness, routine, and minimal hustle.

Antinorm, the newest player in the market, focused on personality over claims. Their labels are a declaration of belief—an identity that speaks before the product is even opened,” the VC founder added.

Recognition Over Legacy

Jahagirdar further underlined that for startups in their early stages, it’s not about legacy but rather about establishing recognition.

“In early-stage India, the competition is not about legacy but about making a name. You have a limited window of 2 seconds to:

• Define your purpose
• Identify your target audience
• Establish trust
• Ignite desire

If your packaging fails to communicate, convert, or create recall, your advertising will falter. Your direct-to-consumer funnel will collapse. Customer acquisition costs will rise. This is why packaging in early-stage India plays a vital role; if it does not resonate with consumers at the shelf, they will not engage at checkout.”

Her insights gained significant traction online and quickly went viral.

“Your perspective on branding in early-stage India is impactful. The focus on packaging as a tool for identity and trust is essential. It’s incredible to see how compelling branding can create a narrative that engages consumers beyond the product. Your examples highlight the power of perception, reminding us that in such a competitive market, first impressions are critical,” remarked one user.

The Cofounder of BoldEdge noted, “It’s surprising how much storytelling occurs on a 5×6 inch label. We’ve learned through experience that if the packaging does not resonate, nothing will.”

“Absolutely correct. In early-stage India, packaging is a form of positioning. At Backrr, standout founders win consumer trust in just 2 seconds, whether on shelves or digital screens. Design plays a significant role in distribution,” commented the Founder and CEO of Backrr.

Swiggy Partners with Bolt and Subway for Quick Deliveries

Swiggy has announced an exciting new partnership with Bolt and Subway. This collaboration aims to bring Subway’s complete menu to customers within just 10 minutes across 125 cities in India.

This integration enables users to conveniently access popular Subway offerings, which include subs, wraps, salads, breakfast items, and beverages, via the Bolt section of the Swiggy app. With a majority of Subway locations in India now participating in this initiative, customers can enjoy their favourite meals with reduced wait times and real-time tracking of deliveries.

A special ‘Bolt’ tag has been added to Subway’s menu on the Swiggy app to streamline the ordering process. As per Swiggy, the emphasis on low-preparation-time and quick-to-pack items makes Bolt an excellent choice for Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brands like Subway. This service accommodates a diverse array of dining occasions, from early breakfast options to late-night snacks.

Comments from Key Stakeholders

Sidharth Bhakoo, Chief Business Officer of Swiggy Food Marketplace, expressed that the partnership underscores Swiggy’s dedication to speed and convenience, enhancing customer satisfaction by providing access to iconic brands on the platform.

Tarun Bhasin, CEO of Culinary Brands, which oversees the Subway brand in India, remarked that the growth of quick commerce has allowed Subway to fulfil its commitment to freshness and flavour more effectively. He noted that the collaboration has not only enhanced delivery times but also ensured that quality is upheld.

Quick Meals and Snacks on Offer

Bolt on Swiggy features a variety of popular quick meals and snacks, including bakery items, biryani, sweets, burgers, ice creams, and much more.