LAST UPDATED: February 13, 2026
1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE
1.1 Purpose of This Policy
This Refund and Return Policy (“Policy”) governs all transactions, purchases, and financial arrangements between users (“You,” “Your”) and NewsTides (“Company,” “We,” “Us,” “Our”), a digital news publication platform operated from BPTP Amstoria, Sector-102, Gurugram, Haryana 122006, India.
1.2 Application and Binding Effect
By initiating any purchase, subscription, or payment transaction through our website www.newstides.com (“Website”), you expressly acknowledge that you have read, understood, and unconditionally agree to be bound by all terms, conditions, and provisions contained herein.
1.3 Integration with Other Policies
This Policy operates in conjunction with and supplements our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. In the event of any conflict between this Policy and other governing documents, the specific provisions of this Policy shall prevail with respect to refund and return matters.
2. NATURE OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
2.1 Digital Content and Services
NewsTides primarily provides digital news content, information services, and online publications. Our offerings include:
· Free access to news articles and editorial content
· Newsletter subscriptions (free and premium, if applicable)
· Potential premium content access (subject to separate subscription agreements)
· Advertising space and commercial partnerships
· Sponsored content opportunities
2.2 Intangible Nature of Digital Services
You recognize and accept that the offerings provided by NewsTides are predominantly intangible, digital, and informational. Once accessed, viewed, downloaded, or consumed, digital content cannot be “returned” in the conventional sense applicable to physical goods.
3. NO PHYSICAL GOODS POLICY
3.1 Absence of Physical Products
NewsTides does not manufacture, sell, distribute, or deliver any physical products, tangible goods, or merchandise through the Website. Consequently:
· No tangible goods will be dispatched or supplied to any location.
· No packaging, handling, or logistics services are provided
· Traditional return and exchange mechanisms for physical goods do not apply
3.2 Digital-Only Transactions
All transactions conducted through the Website pertain exclusively to digital services, content access, subscriptions, advertising arrangements, or information dissemination.
4. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
4.1 Free Subscriptions
For newsletter subscriptions or services offered without charge:
· No refund requests apply as no payment has been made
· Users may unsubscribe at any time without financial obligation
· Cancellation takes effect immediately upon processing
4.2 Paid Subscriptions (If Applicable)
Should NewsTides introduce paid subscription services in the future, the following provisions shall apply:
4.2.1 Subscription Terms
· Plans may run monthly, quarterly, every six months, or yearly.
· Fees shall be clearly displayed prior to purchase
· Payment shall be processed through secure third-party payment gateways
· Plans renew automatically unless you cancel prior to the next billing.
4.2.2 Cancellation Rights
You may cancel a paid subscription at any time by:
· Accessing your account settings and following cancellation procedures
· Contacting us at support@newstides.com with “Subscription Cancellation” in the subject line
· Providing your registered email address and subscription details
4.2.3 Effect of Cancellation
· Cancellation prevents future billing cycles but does not trigger an automatic refund
· Access to premium content continues until the end of the current billing period
· Partial refunds for remaining subscription time are unavailable unless stated.
4.3 Refund Eligibility for Subscriptions
Refunds for paid subscriptions may be considered under the following limited circumstances:
4.3.1 Technical Failure
If technical issues attributable solely to NewsTides prevent access to subscribed content for a continuous period exceeding seventy-two (72) hours, and such issues remain unresolved despite notification to our support team, a pro-rated refund for the inaccessible period may be issued at our discretion.
4.3.2 Unauthorized Charges
If you can demonstrate that charges to your account were unauthorized, fraudulent, or resulted from payment processing errors beyond your control, and you report such charges within fourteen (14) calendar days of the transaction date, a full refund may be issued following verification.
4.3.3 Duplicate Billing
If duplicate charges occur accidentally for a single period due to a glitch, excess charges will be refunded in full upon verification.
4.3.4 Material Breach by Company
If NewsTides materially breaches its obligations under the subscription agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days of written notice, you may be entitled to a pro-rated refund for the remaining unused subscription period.
4.4 Non-Refundable Circumstances
No refunds shall be provided in the following situations:
· Change of mind or dissatisfaction with editorial content or viewpoints
· Failure to utilize or access subscribed content due to user negligence
· Discovery that free alternatives to premium content exist elsewhere
· Incompatibility with user devices not meeting published minimum requirements
· Subscription purchased in error but accessed or utilized
· Partial consumption of content during subscription period
· User’s relocation to jurisdictions where service is unavailable
· User’s voluntary account deletion after subscription purchase
5. ADVERTISING AND COMMERCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
5.1 Advertising Purchases
For businesses or individuals purchasing advertising space, sponsored content slots, or promotional opportunities:
5.1.1 Advance Payment Requirement
All advertising arrangements require advance payment in full before campaign commencement unless alternative payment terms are explicitly agreed in writing.
5.1.2 Campaign Execution
Once an advertising campaign has commenced:
· Advertisement has been published or displayed on the Website
· Impressions have been served to users
· Click-throughs or engagement have occurred
The advertising fee becomes non-refundable as the service has been rendered.
5.1.3 Pre-Publication Cancellations
If an advertiser cancels an advertising arrangement before the campaign launch date:
· Cancellations made more than seven (7) business days before launch date: 90% refund of paid amount (10% administrative fee retained)
· Cancellations made between three (3) and seven (7) business days before launch: 75% refund (25% administrative fee retained)
· Cancellations made less than three (3) business days before launch: 50% refund (50% administrative fee retained)
· Cancellations made after campaign commencement: No refund
5.1.4 Non-Performance by Company
If NewsTides fails to deliver contracted advertising impressions, placements, or exposure due to technical failure, website downtime, or other causes attributable solely to the Company, the advertiser shall be entitled to:
· Extension of campaign duration to compensate for lost exposure, or
· Pro-rated refund for undelivered impressions, at advertiser’s election
6. NEWS SUBMISSION FEES (IF APPLICABLE)
6.1 Unsolicited Submissions
NewsTides does not charge fees for unsolicited news submissions, story ideas, or editorial contributions. No refund requests apply to free submission processes.
6.2 Paid Submission Services (If Offered)
Should NewsTides introduce paid services for expedited review, guaranteed publication, or featured placement of submitted content:
6.2.1 Non-Refundable Editorial Discretion
Payment for submission review or consideration does not guarantee publication. Editorial decisions remain at NewsTides’ absolute discretion. Fees paid for editorial consideration are non-refundable regardless of publication outcome.
6.2.2 Refund for Non-Delivery
If NewsTides accepts payment for guaranteed publication or featured placement and fails to publish the content within the agreed timeframe without justifiable cause, a full refund shall be issued.
7. REFUND REQUEST PROCESS
7.1 Submission Requirements
To request a refund under eligible circumstances outlined in this Policy, you must:
· Submit a written refund request to support@newstides.com
· Include “Refund Request” in the email subject line
· Provide the following information:
o Full name and registered email address
o Transaction date and transaction ID or receipt number
o Amount paid and payment method used
o Detailed explanation of the grounds for the refund request
o Supporting documentation (screenshots, error messages, payment receipts)
7.2 Timeframe for Refund Requests
Refund requests must be submitted within:
· Fourteen (14) calendar days of the transaction date for subscription-related refunds
· Seven (7) calendar days of campaign launch for advertising cancellations (subject to retention fees)
· Thirty (30) calendar days for technical failure or breach of service claims
Requests submitted after these deadlines shall be deemed untimely and will not be considered.
7.3 Review and Processing
Upon receiving a properly submitted refund request:
· NewsTides shall acknowledge receipt within three (3) business days
· The Company shall conduct a review and investigation of the claim within seven (7) business days
· A decision shall be communicated to you in writing via email
· If approved, refunds shall be processed within fourteen (14) business days of the decision date
7.4 Method of Refund
Approved refunds shall be issued using the same payment method utilized for the original transaction. When the initial payment option is no longer available or functional, alternative arrangements shall be made in consultation with you.
7.5 Currency and Exchange Rates
Refunds shall be issued in the same currency as the original transaction. If exchange rate fluctuations have occurred between the purchase date and refund date, NewsTides bears no responsibility for any gains or losses resulting from currency conversion.
8. PAYMENT GATEWAY ISSUES
8.1 Third-Party Processing
NewsTides utilizes reputable third-party payment gateways and processors to handle financial transactions securely. These may include, but are not limited to:
· Razorpay
· PayPal
· Stripe
· Paytm
· Other RBI-authorized payment aggregators
8.2 Payment Gateway Policies
Each payment gateway operates under its own terms, conditions, refund policies, and dispute resolution procedures. You acknowledge that:
· Payment gateway terms supplement this Policy
· Gateway-specific restrictions or requirements may apply
· Processing times for refunds may be affected by gateway policies
· Transaction fees charged by payment gateways are non-refundable
8.3 Payment Gateway Disputes
For disputes arising from payment processing issues, failed transactions, or gateway-related errors, you may need to contact the payment gateway directly. NewsTides shall provide reasonable cooperation in resolving such disputes.
9. CHARGEBACKS AND PAYMENT DISPUTES
9.1 Chargeback Prohibition
You commit to avoiding chargebacks, payment claims, or similar actions that result in reversals through your bank, credit card company, or payment provider without first exhausting the refund request process outlined in this Policy.
9.2 Consequences of Improper Chargebacks
If you initiate an improper chargeback after receiving services, accessing content, or without following proper refund procedures:
· Your access could be paused or ended without delay
· Access to all services and content shall be revoked
· You may be held liable for chargeback fees, administrative costs, and legal expenses
· Future transactions may be declined or restricted
9.3 Legitimate Chargebacks
NewsTides acknowledges your right to pursue chargebacks for truly fraudulent, unauthorized, or erroneous charges. In such cases, please notify us concurrently at support@newstides.com to facilitate resolution.
10. PROMOTIONAL OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS
10.1 Non-Refundable Nature
Promotional prices, discounts, introductory offers, and special pricing arrangements are extended as incentives and courtesies. Services or subscriptions purchased at promotional rates remain subject to all standard refund restrictions.
10.2 No Cash Value
Promotional credits, vouchers, or complimentary access periods have no cash value and cannot be exchanged, transferred, or refunded.
11. TAXATION
11.1 Inclusive Pricing
Prices shown on our site generally include required taxes, such as GST, per Indian regulations, unless noted otherwise.
11.2 Tax Refunds
In the event of a refund, taxes collected and remitted to government authorities may or may not be recoverable depending on tax laws and regulations. NewsTides shall make reasonable efforts to process tax refunds where legally permissible, but cannot guarantee recovery of tax amounts.
12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
12.1 Maximum Refund Amount
In no event shall the total amount refundable to You exceed the actual amount paid by You to NewsTides for the specific service or subscription in question.
12.2 Consequential Damages Exclusion
NewsTides holds no responsibility for indirect, incidental, or punitive harms from refund rejections or processing lags, or any other matters related to this Policy, including but not limited to:
· Lost profits or business opportunities
· Loss of data or information
· Costs of substitute services
· Reputational harm
· Emotional distress
12.3 Force Majeure
NewsTides shall not be held liable for delays or failures in refund processing resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
· Payment gateway outages or technical failures
· Banking system disruptions
· Acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics
· Government orders, regulations, or restrictions
· Internet or telecommunications infrastructure failures
· Cyber attacks or security incidents
13. MODIFICATIONS TO POLICY
13.1 Right to Amend
NewsTides reserves the unilateral right to modify, amend, supplement, or replace any provision of this Policy at any time without prior notice.
13.2 Notification of Changes
Material changes to this Policy shall be communicated by:
· Updating the “LAST UPDATED” date at the top of this document
· Posting the revised Policy on the Website
· Email notification to registered users (where applicable)
13.3 Continued Use Constitutes Acceptance
Your continued use of the Website, services, or failure to terminate active subscriptions after Policy modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
14. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
14.1 Indian Law Governs
This Policy shall be governed by, construed, and explained in accordance with Indian law, including but not limited to:
· The Indian Contract Act, 1872
· The Information Technology Act, 2000
· The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
· The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
· Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
14.2 Jurisdiction
Subject to the arbitration provisions below, the courts located in Gurugram, Haryana, India shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all disputes, claims, or controversies arising from or relating to this Policy.
14.3 Arbitration
Disputes arising from this Policy or any violations will be settled via mandatory arbitration according to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (as updated).
14.3.1 Arbitration Procedures
· A single arbitrator, chosen jointly by both sides, will oversee the arbitration.
· If parties cannot agree on an arbitrator within thirty (30) days, appointment shall be made by the Gurugram District Court
· Arbitration venue: Gurugram, Haryana, India.
· Language of arbitration shall be English
· The arbitrator’s ruling is conclusive and enforceable for everyone involved.
14.3.2 Costs
Each party shall bear its own costs of arbitration, including legal fees, unless the arbitrator determines otherwise based on the merits and outcome of the dispute.
14.4 Consumer Protection Rights
Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to limit or waive Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, or other applicable consumer protection legislation. Where provisions of this Policy conflict with mandatory consumer protection laws, such laws shall prevail.
15. CONTACT INFORMATION
15.1 Refund Inquiries
For all refund requests, questions, clarifications, or concerns regarding this Policy, please contact:
NewsTides
BPTP Amstoria, Sector-102
Gurugram, Haryana 122006
INDIA
Email: support@newstides.com
Subject Line: Refund Request / Refund Policy Inquiry
Business Hours:
Monday to Saturday
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Indian Standard Time (GMT +5:30)
15.2 Response Timeframe
We endeavor to respond to all refund inquiries within three (3) business days of receipt. Intricate cases might need more time for review.
16. SEVERABILITY
If a court deems any part invalid or unenforceable, we’ll adjust it minimally to make it work while preserving its goal. If not, remove it, and the rest stays valid.
17. WAIVER
NewsTides skipping enforcement doesn’t waive rights. Waivers require a written sign-off from an authorised rep.
18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Policy, along with the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, forms our full agreement on refunds/returns, overriding prior talks or deals.
19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
BY COMPLETING ANY PURCHASE OR PAYMENT TRANSACTION ON THE WEBSITE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:
· You have read this Refund and Return Policy in its entirety
· You understand all terms, conditions, limitations, and procedures herein
· You voluntarily agree to be bound by this Policy
· You’ve had chances to get separate legal counsel.
· You acknowledge that certain refund restrictions apply to digital services
For questions or clarifications regarding this Refund and Return Policy, please contact support@newstides.com
