Sakshi Malik accuses WFI of deliberately trying to block Vinesh Phogat's comeback, calls for PM Modi's interventionSakshi Malik extends support to Vinesh Phogat, urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter. Updated on: May 12
The sight of Roberto de Zerbi pulling a black hood over his face as he stalked the touchline was a symbol of another night of self-destruction by Tottenham Hotspur. New head coach De Zerbi was a picture of anguish after Richarlison squandered a simple chance to put Spurs in a comfort zone by
HT Exclusive – ‘A result like this comes from years of hard work, not one race’: History-maker Sabastian Sawe to criticsSabastian Sawe spoke to HT about breaking the record at London Marathon and setting new benchmarks. Updated on: May 12, 2026 11:47 AM IST By Vishesh Roy Share via Copy link
Protein Rich Mixed Sprouts Curry With Fresh Ingredients And Light Texture For Nutritious Vegetarian DinnersHigh protein mixed sprouts curry combines sprouted legumes, vegetables, and spices to create a nutrient-rich vegetarian dinner suitable for balanced eating. Published on: May 12
Not true: Amish Tripathi on Ranveer Singh acquiring The Immortals of MeluhaRanveer Singh reportedly acquires rights to The Immortals of Meluha for a trilogy under Maa Kasam Film Published on: May 12, 2026 2:08 PM IST By Natasha Coutinho Share via Copy link On Monday multiple reports suggested
Festive EMI Trap: How Zero-Cost EMIs Push Indians Into Debt This Diwali
Festive Season EMI Trap: How Zero-Cost EMIs During Diwali & Dussehra Push Indian Shoppers Into Overspending, Hidden Charges And Long-Term Debt
On the surface, these schemes seem like a celebration made easy. But beneath the banners that say “Celebrate without worry” lies a pattern of overspending and long-term debt.
New Delhi: Every festive season, companies roll out irresistible deals. Banks, retailers, and e-commerce platforms flood consumers with “zero-cost” EMIs, instant approvals and no down-payment offers. In India, the frenzy peaks during Diwali and Dussehra, when spending is at its highest.
On the surface, these schemes seem like a celebration made easy. But beneath the banners that say “Celebrate without worry” lies a pattern of overspending and long-term debt. Families sign up for 6–12 months of payments for gadgets or appliances they may not truly need. The phone or TV that felt like a festive win in October lingers as an EMI in March.
Why Festival EMIs Look Attractive
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
These offers are designed to feel painless. A TV costing Rs 80,000 looks intimidating in one figure but feels manageable when split into Rs 6,600 per month. This psychological trick is used for phones, appliances, furniture and even travel packages. Small numbers make big expenses appear harmless.
The Real Issues Behind Easy EMIs
1. Overspending:
Once you accept the idea of paying in parts, it's easy to “upgrade.” A phone meant to cost Rs 20,000 becomes Rs 35,000 because the monthly difference looks minor. It feels like no debt, but it is.
2. Stacking EMIs:
It's rarely just one EMI. A phone here, a washing machine there, a sofa on Dussehra — each feels small, but together they eat up a big part of your salary. By month's end, a large share of your income is already committed.
3. Hidden Costs:
“No-cost” EMIs often remove upfront cash discounts or add small processing fees. On paper, it looks interest-free, but you may end up paying more than someone who bought outright.
4. Rigidity:
Life is uncertain, but EMIs are fixed. Missing even one can trigger penalties and hurt your credit score. What seemed harmless turns stressful.
5. Regret:
Families often keep paying for gadgets they barely use. The festival mood fades but the EMI remains — a silent weight that lingers long after the celebrations end.
How Companies Push EMIs and Why People Fall For Them
Banks, retailers and e-commerce giants plan “festive finance” months in advance. Amazon and Flipkart plaster EMI banners across their Diwali sales. Mobile apps pre-select “no-cost EMI” at checkout. Ads show smiling families swiping credit cards under taglines like “Celebrate without limits.” Influencers unbox new phones “on EMI” as if it's aspirational.
The result? Festival months like October and November see a 30–40 percent jump in credit card EMI conversions and buy-now-pay-later usage. This spike lingers for months. By January or February, many households are still paying for gadgets bought in the festive rush.
The Emotional Pressure Behind Festive Debt
Marketing amplifies social triggers. A father feels his children “deserve” a better TV. A young professional feels left out when colleagues flaunt new phones. EMIs become the bridge between desire and affordability — and most people cross it without thinking. By March, when school fees or medical expenses arise, the EMIs are still due. Families dip into savings or cut essentials just to keep up with payments.
Think Before You Swipe This Festival
Festivals should be remembered for lights, laughter, and family — not bills that arrive every month. Buying new things isn't wrong; tying them to long-term debt without thought is. Before you tap “no-cost EMI” or “zero down payment,” pause. Ask: Do I really need this, or is the offer making me feel like I do?
The celebration ends in a week, but the payments remain long after. Protect your freedom and your finances. Don't let festive debt outlive festive joy.
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: Ben Duckett Reveals Ben Stokes 7 Gut Symptoms You Should Never Ignore Even If They Seem Minor Why the railways often seem to be in such chaos over Christmas Tech billionaires seem to be doom prepping OpenAI halts MLK Jr AI videos after ‘disrespectful’ depictions surface Moon's south polar surface has far more active electrical environment 8 FIRs filed as ‘fake images’ of Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment surface online Kim Jong Un aides clean surface after Putin meet to erase DNA Cracks surface in RJD Oppo Reno 15 Pro global variant leaks surface online ahead of launch
RSS-affiliate says PM Modi's austerity push will help save India’s foreign reservesThe Swadeshi Jagran Manch believes PM Modi's call for austerity will lessen India's foreign dependence. Published on: May 12, 2026 2:08 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch on Tuesday
2 hours ago
Himanta Biswa Sarma begins his second term as Assam Chief Minister. This marks continuity and the BJP's strong hold in the Northeast. Sarma's leadership has been instrumental in the party's regional success. He aims to continue development initiatives
2 hours ago
Himanta Biswa Sarma, a senior leader in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken oath as the chief minister of India's northeastern state of Assam for a second consecutive term. The BJP retained power in Assam last week
2 hours ago
Rahul Dravid steps into a new role as owner of Dublin Guardians in the European T20 League. He intends to avoid interfering with the team's cricketing matters. Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the team with full autonomy. Dravid will focus on franchise operations off the field
2 hours ago
, India’s largest stockbroking platform, has delivered returns in the range of 54-95 times for early investors, including Peak XV, , and , which sold part of their holdings in the fintech company after its IPO lock-in period expired.Silicon Valley investor Sequoia Capital
2 hours ago
On a rainy, cold morning Masooda makes her way to a hillside cemetery in north-west Kabul to visit the grave of her younger brother Mirwais. But she doesn't know exactly where he was buried after he was killed in a Pakistani airstrike two months ago. Instead, she stands at the edge of a mass grave
2 hours ago
Tourists heading to the mountains to escape crowded cities are now finding themselves stuck in long traffic jams instead. Photos and videos from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are now drawing attention online after showing vehicles lined up for kilometres in popular tourist spots
2 hours ago
As many as 173 Indians are among nearly 200 foreigners arrested in Sri Lanka as part of the latest drive in an ongoing crackdown on cybercrime operations, police said on Tuesday (May 12, 2026). A group of 198 foreigners, comprising 173 Indians and 25 Nepalese
2 hours ago
The National Testing Agency on Tuesday cancelled the 2026 undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test following allegations of a paper leak. The NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3, is the entrance test for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India
2 hours ago
Students can check CBSE Class 12 result 2026 pass-fail status and scores even without Internet as the Central Board of Secondary Education has made the provision of multiple facilities. IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) and SMS services are key methods through which candidates can access
2 hours ago
Delhi's St Stephen’s College appoints first woman principal in 145-year historyProf Susan Elias has been named the first woman principal of St Stephen's College, starting June 1, 2026. Updated on: May 12, 2026 2:06 PM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link Delhi's St Stephen's College on
2 hours ago
The National Testing Agency on Tuesday announced that it has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026 in coordination and approval of the Government of India. New test dates will be announced in the coming days
2 hours ago
The US has been holding regular negotiations with Denmark to expand its military presence in Greenland, according to multiple officials familiar with the discussions, with talks between both sides progressing in recent months. US officials are seeking to open three new bases in the south of the
2 hours ago
A man was apprehended at the new Assam government's swearing-in ceremony. Live bullets were found during security checks at the venue. He was taken into custody for questioning. No weapons were recovered. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and any potential security threat
2 hours ago
Google said Monday that it had disrupted a criminal group’s attempt to use artificial intelligence to exploit another company’s previously unknown digital vulnerability, adding to heightened worries across government and private industry about AI’s risks for cybersecurity
2 hours ago
May 12, Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on May 12, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: May 12, 2026 11:59 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on May 12
2 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.I compared the top Ink tank and laser printers: Know which one saves you more money in 2026From ink costs to long-term maintenance
2 hours ago
Kedarnath temple's earnings jump 34 pc to ₹71.06 crore in 2024-25Kedarnath temple's earnings jump 34 pc to ₹71.06 crore in 2024-25 Published on: May 12, 2026 2:06 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Dehradun, The Kedarnath temple recorded total earnings of ₹71.06 crore from offerings
2 hours ago
Uber CEO is in India, visiting one of the ride-hailing company’s largest markets globally. During the course of the visit, Khosrowshahi will meet several Union and state ministers, people aware of his plans said.On Tuesday, in New Delhi, the Uber CEO met finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and
2 hours ago
Who is Doug Weiss? Joni Lamb’s husband claimed she had 2 hairline fractures on her spine month before deathJoni Lamb’s husband, Doug Weiss, revealed that a month before the broadcaster’s death, she was off air because of two hairline fractures on her spine. Published on: May 12
2 hours ago
Jones Fire: Check map and evacuation updates as massive blaze burns near Wickenburg; shocking videos surfaceThe Jones Fire has burnt 100+ acres of land, and has been active near the Hassayampa River bottom, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. Updated on: May 12
2 hours ago
Land mafia has encroached over 17 lakh kanals of state land across Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu division accounts for the majority of this encroachment. Rajouri district is the most affected. Official data reveals the extent of illegal occupation
2 hours ago
A social media post by a woman named Supriya has gone viral after she shared an email sent to the HR department, informing them she would continue working from home in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal. According to the viral post
2 hours ago
Women whose names were deleted during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal will not receive benefits of the state government’s Annapurna Bhandar scheme, The Telegraph quoted minister Agnimitra Paul as saying on Monday. Under the scheme
2 hours ago
Kamal Haasan, Vishal support CM Vijay's order to close 717 liquor shops near schools, temples in Tamil Nadu: ‘Hats off’Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run retail liquor outlets, including 276 shops near places of worship. May 12, 2026
2 hours ago
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) took a swipe at the appointments of erstwhile Chief Election Officer Manoj Agarwal as the new West Bengal Chief Secretary and Subrata Gupta as the Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, saying that in the BJP-ECI "chor bazaar"
2 hours ago
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took oath as the chief minister of Assam for the second term. He was administered the oath of office by Governor Lakshman Acharya at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders of the National Democratic Alliance
2 hours ago
