Business
RBI Gold Loan Guidelines 2025: What Borrowers Must Know
Introduction
Gold Loans continue to be one of the most accessible credit options in India. With their quick processing and security-backed nature, they’ve helped millions manage short-term financial needs. In 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a revised set of Gold Loan guidelines to improve transparency, borrower protection, and uniformity in lending practices. These updates are particularly relevant for anyone considering a Gold Loan, whether for personal emergencies, minor business requirements, or planned expenses.
Understanding RBI’s Tiered LTV Policy
RBI now follows a tiered loan-to-value (LTV) ratio based on the total loan amount. The LTV ratio indicates the percentage of the gold’s value that can be sanctioned as a loan. As per the latest framework:
- Loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 85%
- Loans between ₹2.5–₹5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 80%
- Loans above ₹5 Lakh: LTV restricted to 75%
This change encourages responsible lending and ensures that smaller borrowers can access slightly higher loan amounts relative to the value of gold pledged.
Assessment of Borrower Creditworthiness
While smaller loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh may be offered without detailed credit appraisals, any loan amount exceeding this threshold requires a thorough credit assessment of the borrower’s repayment capacity. This step protects financial institutions and borrowers alike by aligning loan disbursements with the borrower’s ability to repay. Loan renewals or top-up loans can only be sanctioned following such credit assessments and must remain within permissible LTV limits. Bullet repayment loans may only be renewed after accrued interest has been paid.
Valuation and Purity Checks
RBI mandates a standardised process for assaying the gold pledged as collateral. The valuation of the pledged metal must be based solely on its intrinsic value without including stones, gems, or other embellishments. The price used to assess the value of the collateral should reflect its actual purity (caratage). This value must be based on the lower of either the average closing price over the past 30 days or the closing price from the previous day. These prices should be sourced from either the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA) or a commodity exchange regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
If prices for a specific purity are unavailable, valuation should be adjusted proportionately based on the nearest available purity. The assaying procedure and valuation methodology must be consistent across all branches of a lender, and borrowers must be present during assaying. Deductions related to non-metallic components, such as stones or lac, should be explained and documented in a certificate issued to the borrower. The lender is required to issue this certificate in duplicate, one for its records and one for the borrower’s acknowledgement.
Ownership Documentation and Anti-Money Laundering Measures
Lenders are required to ascertain that the ownership of the pledged collateral is not doubtful. Where ownership documents such as purchase bills are unavailable, lenders should obtain a declaration from the borrower affirming rightful ownership. Further, multiple or frequent loans granted to a single borrower aggregating beyond a certain threshold must be closely monitored under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations to prevent misuse or fraud.
Restrictions on Collateral Use and Loan Tenure
The RBI prohibits lending against primary gold, such as financial assets backed by gold ETFs or mutual funds. Collateral that has been pledged to a lender must not be repledged or used to secure loans from other institutions. Additionally, the tenure of consumption loans structured as bullet repayments is capped at 12 months, though renewals are permissible by appropriate regulations.
Collateral Limits for Ornaments and Coins
To mitigate risks linked to collateral management, the maximum aggregate weight of gold ornaments pledged by a borrower should not exceed 1 kilogram. Similarly, limits apply to coins: 50 grams for gold coins.
Settlement, Auction Procedures, and Borrower Protection
Upon full repayment or settlement, lenders must release the pledged collateral within seven working days immediate release on the same day is encouraged wherever possible. Before auctioning pledged items due to non-repayment, lenders are required to notify borrowers or legal heirs, allowing a reasonable time for settlement. Auctions must be conducted transparently with adequate public notice, including advertisements in a regional language newspaper and a national daily. The collateral’s reserve price at auction must not fall below 90% of its current value, except after two failed auctions, where it may be reduced to 85%.
In instances of collateral loss, damage, or discrepancies observed during audits or returns, lenders are mandated to compensate borrowers or their legal heirs promptly. Moreover, if collateral release is delayed due to the lender’s reasons, compensation at the rate of ₹5,000 per day of delay must be made.
Lender Obligations and Disclosure
Loan agreements must comprehensively describe collateral, auction procedures, borrower rights for settlement, timelines for releasing collateral, and applicable charges related to assaying or auctioning. Communication must be provided in the borrower’s regional or preferred language. Lenders must also maintain proper infrastructure and security protocols to store collateral safely and restrict handling to authorised personnel. Periodic internal audits, surprise verification of pledged items, and regular reporting to supervisory boards on unclaimed collateral are essential components of compliance.
Ensuring Borrowers Benefit from Competitive Gold Loan Rates
For borrowers, obtaining the lowest Gold Loan rate requires careful attention to lender policies, transparency in valuation, and adherence to prescribed limits. A practical approach includes using an interest calculator for a Gold Loan to estimate monthly repayments and total interest payable based on the loan amount, LTV ratio, and tenure. This tool helps borrowers compare offers across lenders and choose the most economical option while ensuring loan terms comply with RBI regulations.
Conclusion
The RBI’s updated gold loan guidelines for 2025 contribute to a regulated, transparent, and secure credit system for pledged gold collateral. By setting clear limits on LTV ratios, collateral valuation, borrower assessment, equitable auction processes, and borrower protection measures. The Reserve Bank promotes trust and stability in gold-backed lending. Borrowers are advised to understand these provisions fully and utilise tools such as the interest calculator for a Gold Loan to make prudent borrowing decisions. Adhering to the RBI’s framework will help borrowers secure the lowest Gold Loan rate while protecting their interests throughout the loan lifecycle.
Business
Fixing AOL Mail Crashes: Common Causes and Easy Solutions
If you’re trying to check a critical email and AOL Mail suddenly crashes, there are few things more aggravating than that. Recurring crashes can completely interrupt your workflow, whether you’re in the middle of writing a message, opening an attachment, or even just signing in.
Despite AOL Mail’s long history of reliability, the platform is nonetheless susceptible to the inevitable glitches that affect every digital tool. On the plus side, you can find a solution, and you’re not the only one. This tutorial will show you the probable causes of AOL Mail crashing and provide easy-to-follow instructions to resolve the problem.

Causes Behind AOL Mail Keeping Crashing
We need to know what causes AOL Mail to crash before we can fix it. Finding the root of the problem will allow you to implement a solution that works.
Below, we have listed the most common reasons behind the AOL Mail keeps crashing error:
- Your Browser Is Out of Date or Broken: When you use an old or corrupted browser, AOL Mail can crash. Using email platforms on older browsers that do not support new web apps can be a challenge.
- Broken Add-Ons or Extensions for Your Browser: Ad blockers and script blockers are extensions that could cause issues with the AOL Mail interface. Unexpected site freezing or crashes could occur if they disable necessary scripts or cookies.
- Cache and Cookie Overload: Pages may not load properly if your cache is full or out of date. When loading the inbox, AOL Mail could crash if the browser tries to use corrupted cached data.
- Slow or Interrupted Internet Connection: The correct loading of AOL Mail may be hindered by an inadequate internet connection. Your device may constantly disconnect, which could cause AOL Mail to crash while you’re using it.
- Issues with AOL’s Servers: Occasionally, the problem isn’t on your end. Experiencing frequent crashes or delayed loading times? It could be because AOL servers are offline or experiencing service outages.
- Issues with the Device: Having insufficient RAM, out-of-date software, or spyware on your device can cause AOL Mail to crash whenever you try to open or navigate between emails.
Ways to Fix the AOL Mail Keeps Crashing Issue
Now that you know the problem, you can start working on a solution. Listed here are the best solutions, along with simple instructions for each, that have been found to fix AOL Mail and get it functioning correctly once more.
Solution 1. Try Clearing Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies
To make pages load faster, browsers save temporary files in the cache. However, if these files become corrupt or accumulate, AOL Mail may crash. Often, clearing them resolves the problem.
- Get your preferred web browser up and running.
- Find the settings menu in your browser.
- Go to the Privacy or History part.
- Select either Clear browsing data or Clear cache and cookies for your browser.
- To access cached images and files, go to Cookies and mark the box.
- It is recommended to select “All time” as the time range.
- To open AOL Mail again, click Clear Data and then restart your browser.
Solution 2: Disabling Extensions That Cause Problems
- Find the Extensions or Add-Ons option in your browser’s menu.
- Take a look at every browser extension that is currently active.
- Before anything else, make sure no extensions are blocking ads, scripts, or unknown sources.
- Reload AOL Mail after disabling each extension to see if it works.
- Consider uninstalling the extension if the site functions properly after disabling it.
- To ensure that the changes take effect, restart the browser.
- If necessary, re-enable just the extensions that you have complete faith in.
Solution 3. Try Using a Newer Browser or Updating Your Current One
Repeated crashes are possible with AOL Mail if you’re using an outdated or incompatible browser. Updating the browser ensures improved security and performance.
- Start up your web browser and go to the Settings or About bar.
- Verify if there are any accessible updates (the majority of browsers update themselves).
- When prompted, select Install Update to begin downloading any available updates.
- To finish the update, you will need to restart your browser.
- Launch AOL Mail once more and see if the crash problem continues to occur.
- If you are still experiencing issues, try switching to a different browser.
- To verify the enhanced performance, sign in to your AOL account using the updated browser.
Solution 4: Verify Internet Access
When your internet connection is sluggish or unpredictable, AOL Mail might freeze up. Maintaining a constant and error-free connection is crucial for webmail services.
- Use any online speed test tool to check your internet speed.
- To fix sluggish connections, try rebooting your wireless router or modem.
- If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, try moving closer to the source.
- Turn off any other gadgets that are using up your bandwidth.
- Take a look at AOL Mail on a different device to determine if the problem still remains.
- If you can, change to an Ethernet cable for your connection.
- If you continue to experience connection issues, please contact your internet service provider.
Solution 5. Try Resetting Your Browser to Factory Settings
There might be a problem with your browser’s configuration if the previous steps don’t resolve the issue. Resetting to the default can fix deeper problems that cause AOL Mail to crash.
- Navigate to the preferences menu on your web browser.
- You can find the reset settings and restore defaults further down the page.
- Select the option to clear all configuration data.
- Press the reset button when asked, and once you’ve reset your browser, restart it.
- Launch AOL Mail again and sign in.
- Try loading the inbox, accessing messages, or creating an email to confirm the crash’s resolution.
Conclusion
AOL Mail crashes can significantly disrupt your day, but fortunately, once you identify the cause, resolving it usually becomes a simple task. There is an effortless fix for every issue, be it slow internet, outdated browser settings, corrupted cache files, or problematic extensions. Quickly restore normal operation to your AOL Mail and safeguard it from future crashes by following the instructions provided in this article.
Avoiding problems in the future is as simple as making it a habit to periodically clean your cache, keep your internet connection stable, and upgrade your browser. If these solutions don’t work, you must dial the AOL tech support number for further assistance with troubleshooting. A steady inbox is within reach with the correct strategy.
Business
Object Storage: Modern Management for Unstructured Data
Every year, the volume of data your organization creates grows exponentially. This isn’t the neat, orderly data that fits into spreadsheets and databases. It’s the messy, unstructured flood of emails, documents, high-resolution images, videos, log files, and sensor data.
Traditional storage systems, built on the familiar concept of files and folders, are struggling under this deluge. They become slow, complex to manage, and expensive to scale. To handle this modern data explosion, a new architectural approach is needed. This is where Object Storage Solutions come in, offering a more scalable, flexible, and intelligent way to manage your most valuable digital assets.
The Problem with Hierarchies
For decades, storage has been synonymous with file systems. Data is organized in a hierarchical tree of folders within folders. This works well for personal computers or small departmental shares, but it breaks down at massive scale.
Imagine a library with millions of books, where each book’s location is described by a long path: “Building A, Floor 3, Section 7, Aisle 4, Shelf 2, Position 15.” Finding a specific book becomes a complex navigation exercise. As the library grows, adding new shelves and sections makes the entire system more cumbersome. This is exactly what happens with file systems as they grow to billions of files. Performance degrades, management becomes a nightmare, and the rigid structure stifles agility.
Object storage throws this model out the window. Instead of a complex hierarchy, it uses a flat address space, like a massive digital warehouse.

The Architecture of Object Storage
In an object-based system, data is not a “file” in a “folder.” It is an “object” in a “bucket.”
What is an Object?
An object contains three key components:
- The Data Itself: This is the actual content, whether it’s a PDF document, a video clip, or a server log. The data is stored as a simple sequence of bytes.
- A Unique Identifier (ID): Each object is assigned a globally unique ID, similar to a fingerprint. This ID allows the system to find the object directly without navigating a folder tree.
- Rich, Customizable Metadata: This is the game-changer. Unlike the limited metadata of a file system (name, date, size), an object’s metadata can be extensive and fully customized. You can tag an object with any information relevant to your business: customer ID, project name, data type, retention policy, geographic location, and more.
This structure turns your storage into a smart, searchable repository. Instead of asking “Where is file XYZ.jpg?”, you can ask “Show me all JPEGs from Project Phoenix created in the last month.”
Why Object-Based Systems Scale So Well
The simplicity of the flat address space and the power of metadata are the keys to near-infinite scalability. When you need more capacity or performance, you simply add more nodes (servers) to the storage cluster. The system automatically distributes the objects and metadata across the new hardware without any downtime or complex reconfiguration.
This “scale-out” architecture is far more efficient than the “scale-up” model of traditional SAN or NAS systems, where you eventually hit the limits of a single, monolithic controller. With object storage, you can start small and grow to petabytes or even exabytes of data without hitting a wall.
The Universal Language: An API-Driven Approach
Another core tenet of modern object storage is its reliance on a standardized Application Programming Interface (API). Most interactions with the storage system happen over standard web protocols (HTTP/HTTPS) using simple commands like PUT (to write an object), GET (to read an object), and DELETE.
This API-driven approach provides tremendous flexibility.
- Application Portability: Any application written to this standard API can work with any compliant storage system, whether it’s in a public cloud or your own data center. This prevents vendor lock-in and allows you to choose the best hardware for your needs without rewriting applications.
- Developer-Friendly: Developers can easily integrate storage functions directly into their applications using familiar web tools, rather than dealing with complex storage-specific protocols.
- Automation: Because everything is controlled via an API, it’s easy to automate data management tasks, from backups to data tiering and retention policies.
This is why a wide range of modern applications, from backup software to big data analytics platforms, are being built “API-first” to leverage the power of object storage solutions.
Key Use Cases Driving Adoption
Object storage isn’t just for cold, archival data anymore. Its versatility makes it the foundation for many modern IT initiatives.
Active Archives and Data Lakes
Organizations need to retain massive amounts of data for compliance, analytics, or historical purposes. Object storage provides a cost-effective and highly scalable platform for these “data lakes” or “active archives.” Unlike tape, the data remains online and instantly accessible, allowing data scientists and analytics tools to query it directly. The rich metadata makes it easy to find and retrieve specific data sets for analysis.
Unlocking AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models require vast quantities of unstructured training data—images, audio files, text documents, and more. Object storage is the ideal repository for this data. Its ability to scale lets you build massive training libraries, and its high throughput can keep data-hungry GPU clusters fed, accelerating the training process.
Modernizing Backup and Disaster Recovery
The backup and recovery industry has largely standardized on object storage as its preferred target. Writing backups to an object store enables powerful features like immutability (via Object Lock), which makes backups unchangeable and undeletable for a set period. This is the most effective defense against ransomware. An attacker who breaches your network cannot encrypt or delete your immutable backups, ensuring you always have a clean copy for recovery. This makes modern object storage solutions a critical pillar of any cyber-resilience strategy.
Content Delivery and Media Streaming
Media companies, e-commerce sites, and web platforms need to store and deliver huge volumes of static content like images, videos, and software downloads. Object storage is perfect for this. It can handle millions of concurrent GET requests, serving content directly to end-users without overwhelming traditional file servers.
Conclusion
The way we create and use data has fundamentally changed, and our storage infrastructure must evolve to keep pace. The rigid, hierarchical model of the past is giving way to the flexible, scalable, and intelligent world of objects. By moving beyond files and folders, organizations can build a data foundation that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Object storage provides a path to manage exponential data growth cost-effectively, protect against modern cyber threats like ransomware, and unlock the hidden value in your unstructured data. It is more than just a place to put files; it is a strategic platform for digital transformation, empowering your business to innovate faster and more securely.
FAQs
1. Is object storage a replacement for my SAN or NAS?
Not necessarily. SAN and NAS systems (which provide block and file storage, respectively) are still the best choice for certain workloads, like high-performance transactional databases or virtual machine disk files that require extremely low latency. Object storage excels at handling large volumes of unstructured data. Most enterprises use a mix of all three, choosing the right storage for the right workload.
2. How is data protected in an object storage system?
Instead of traditional RAID, object storage typically uses a more advanced method called erasure coding. It breaks data into pieces, creates extra parity pieces, and spreads all of them across many different servers and drives. This allows the system to withstand multiple simultaneous hardware failures while using much less raw capacity for protection compared to mirroring (RAID 10).
3. Can I access my objects like I access files in Windows Explorer?
Not natively, as object storage doesn’t use drive letters or file paths. However, many object storage systems offer “gateway” software or clients that can present a bucket as a network drive. This allows users and legacy applications to interact with the object store through a familiar file-and-folder interface.
4. What does “S3-compatible” mean?
This refers to compatibility with a widely adopted object storage API. When a storage solution is “S3-compatible,” it means it uses the same API commands and protocol. This is incredibly valuable because it allows you to run applications designed for one platform on another S3-compatible system without any changes. It creates a common standard for developers and IT architects.
5. Is object storage only for very large enterprises?
No. While it was once the domain of hyperscale cloud providers, object storage solutions are now available in a wide range of sizes and price points. Many vendors offer smaller-capacity appliances or software-defined solutions that can run on just a few servers, making the benefits of object storage accessible to small and medium-sized businesses as well.
Business
Troubleshooting Lacerte Software Crashes: Causes and Solutions
Lacerte Software is one of the most trusted tax preparation tools used by CPAs, accounting firms, and tax professionals. It’s powerful, feature-rich, and designed to handle complex tax returns with ease. But let’s be honest—nothing kills productivity faster than Lacerte software crashing again and again, especially during peak tax season.
If you’ve ever faced sudden freezes, unexpected shutdowns, error messages, or slow performance while using Lacerte, you’re not alone. Many users experience these issues at some point. The good news? Most Lacerte errors can be fixed easily without needing deep technical knowledge.
In this blog, we’ll break down why Lacerte keeps crashing, the most common Lacerte errors, and simple fixes you can try right away. We’ll keep everything in plain, easy language—no tech jargon overload.
Why Does Lacerte Software Keep Crashing?
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand what causes Lacerte crashes in the first place. Usually, it’s not just one issue—it’s a mix of system, network, or software problems.
Here are some common reasons:
- Outdated Lacerte software
- Corrupted program or data files
- Poor internet or network connection
- Insufficient system resources (RAM, storage)
- Conflicts with antivirus or firewall
- Network setup issues in multi-user environments
Now let’s look at the most common Lacerte errors and how you can fix them.

Common Lacerte Errors That Cause Crashing
1. Lacerte Stops Working or Freezes Suddenly
This is one of the most frustrating problems. You’re working on a return, and suddenly Lacerte freezes or closes without warning.
Possible causes:
- Low system memory
- Too many programs running in the background
- Corrupted client files
Simple fixes:
- Close unnecessary programs before opening Lacerte
- Restart your system and reopen the software
- Run Lacerte as an administrator
- Repair the Lacerte installation from the control panel
2. Lacerte Crashes While Opening a Client File
If Lacerte crashes when you try to open a specific return, the issue is usually with that client data file.
Possible causes:
- Corrupted client file
- Interrupted save process
- Network disconnection
Simple fixes:
- Try opening a different client file to confirm the issue
- Restore the client file from a backup
- Use Lacerte’s built-in data repair tools
- Make sure your network connection is stable
3. Lacerte Update Errors Causing Crashes
Updates are important, but sometimes a failed or incomplete update can lead to repeated crashes.
Possible causes:
- Interrupted download
- Firewall or antivirus blocking the update
- Insufficient disk space
Simple fixes:
- Run updates as an administrator
- Temporarily disable antivirus during the update
- Ensure enough free disk space
- Download and install updates manually if needed
4. Lacerte Network Errors in Multi-User Setup
If you’re using Lacerte in an office with multiple users, crashes often happen due to network issues.
Possible causes:
- Unstable local network
- Incorrect network paths
- Server connectivity issues
Simple fixes:
- Check that all users are connected to the same server
- Verify network drive mappings
- Avoid using Wi-Fi for the server—wired connections work better
- Ensure the server system stays on and doesn’t go into sleep mode
5. Lacerte Crashes During E-Filing
Crashes during e-filing can be stressful, especially close to deadlines.
Possible causes:
- Internet interruptions
- Corrupted e-file data
- Outdated program version
Simple fixes:
- Save your work before e-filing
- Check your internet connection
- Update Lacerte to the latest version
- Recreate the e-file if needed
6. Lacerte Software Slow Performance Before Crashing
Sometimes Lacerte doesn’t crash immediately—it becomes slow, unresponsive, and then shuts down.
Possible causes:
- Low RAM or CPU overload
- Large client database
- Background applications
Simple fixes:
- Upgrade system RAM if possible
- Close unused applications
- Archive old client files
- Restart the system daily during tax season
How Antivirus and Firewall Can Cause Lacerte Errors
Many users don’t realize that antivirus software and firewalls can interfere with Lacerte.
What happens:
- Antivirus blocks Lacerte files
- Firewall restricts network communication
- Program files get quarantined
What you can do:
- Add Lacerte folders to antivirus exclusions
- Allow Lacerte through the firewall
- Avoid running heavy scans during work hours
This small step alone fixes a large number of Lacerte crashing issues.
System Requirements Matter More Than You Think
Lacerte is a powerful application and needs proper system resources. If your system is outdated, expect crashes.
Basic tips:
- Keep Windows updated
- Maintain enough free disk space
- Avoid using old hardware for heavy tax work
- Restart systems regularly
If your firm handles a high volume of returns, local desktops may struggle to keep up.
How Lacerte Hosting Helps Prevent Crashes
One of the smartest ways to avoid Lacerte errors is by moving to Lacerte hosting. With Lacerte hosting, the software runs on a secure cloud server instead of your local computer.
Benefits of Lacerte hosting:
- Fewer crashes due to high-performance servers
- No dependency on local system limitations
- Automatic updates and backups
- Secure access from anywhere
- Smooth multi-user collaboration
Because the server handles most of the workload, users experience better speed, stability, and reliability, especially during peak tax season.
Best Practices to Prevent Lacerte Software Crashes
Prevention is always better than fixing issues during a busy day.
Here are some easy best practices:
- Always keep Lacerte updated
- Take regular backups of client data
- Avoid force-closing the software
- Use stable internet connections
- Train staff on proper software usage
- Consider cloud or hosting solutions
These simple habits can save hours of frustration.
Final Thoughts
Lacerte software crashes can be frustrating, stressful, and costly—especially during tax season. But most Lacerte errors are caused by common issues like outdated software, system limitations, network problems, or file corruption.
By understanding these problems and applying simple fixes, you can keep your workflow smooth and stress-free. For firms looking for long-term stability, Lacerte hosting and Drake hosting offer a reliable solution that minimizes crashes, improves speed, and supports remote work.
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