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Peer to peer (P2P) lending companies claim to provide loans at lower rates compared to banks. We ask the experts what impact this can have on the overall interest rate scenario in the country. Bhavin Patel, founder and CEO, LenDenClub The interest rate theory works on supply of money in the system and the risk associated with an investment. When the supply goes up, it brings in downward pressure on the banks to bring interest rates down. As it is now clear that RBI is regulating the P2P segment, many more lenders will be willing to be a part of P2P lending. This will bring in liquidity to P2P platforms, resulting in a reduction in the interest rate offered to borrowers. P2P loans are executed by arranging an electronic meeting of lenders and borrowers on the platform. If lenders have excess liquidity and start pushing higher amounts, they may ask for lesser yield. The impact could be a reduction of at least 1.5% over the next year on P2P platforms themselves. The other important aspect in determining interest rates is the risk associated with P2P loans. As these loans were not reported to any of the credit bureaus earlier, the chances of defaults were higher compared to similar retail loans. However, now, after the RBI regulations, the bureau reporting process will be started. This will make borrowers more concerned about timely payment of loans, bringing down the probability of default. This will reduce repayment risk, resulting in interest rates going down. Both of the above factors will act in favor of borrowers. However, it will take some time before we see the real impact of interest rate reduction.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition in India. It can be very serious if it is not treated. As per a WHO (2023) report, 46% of adults are unaware that they have hypertension [1]. It is a type of 'silent killer' as individuals are usually not aware that something is wrong with their body due to the absence of major symptoms. The major high BP symptom is the blood pressure being over 180/120 mm Hg. This means there is a hypertensive crisis and you should call an ambulance in such a case. Read on to understand hypertension signs, reasons for high BP, and how to handle an emergency during a hypertensive crisis. Call MedCab emergency ambulance services for a hypertensive crisis or other medical emergencies by dialling the emergency ambulance number at 18008-908-208. What is Hypertension? Hypertension or high BP refers to the force of blood pushing against the artery walls being very high on a consistent basis. The heart would have to work harder to pump blood in the body during high BP. Untreated hypertension can have serious repercussions, such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and eye damage. To understand hypertension better, categorisations of BP are listed below - Normal BP - For BP to be considered normal, it should be under 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated BP - One would be considered to have elevated BP if the top number is between 120 to 129 mm Hg, while the bottom number is under 80 mm Hg. Stage 1 Hypertension - For stage 1 hypertension, the top number of the reading would be between 130 to 139 mm Hg, while the bottom number would show between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Stage 2 Hypertension - This is the most dangerous state of hypertension, and the top number is 140 mm Hg or more, and the lower number is 90 mm Hg or more. While usually high BP does not have noticeable signs and needs to be measured using the arm cuff of a BP machine, potential signs can occur. Some hypertension signs may include headaches, chest