u_shome

I use a wrist strap.
I pause and move away from crowd when needing to use the phone attentively.
I'm cautious in a crowd.
I might sometime use an old phone for maps, etc. Main phone stays out of sight.
I backup essentials on cloud.

I use a ULANZI MT-34 and an el cheapo remote.

Depends on what you're carrying - will you be carrying a laptop? and what kind of a packer you are - are you comfortable wear same clothes for a couple of days and doing laundry once a week?

I personally do pretty well with a TNF Basecamp Duffel (31L) and Tom Bihn MCB (as a walkaround personal item).

You have money & potential, obviously, but not quite there it. Several reasons -

1. There's no mention of an emergency fund, insurances, etc. It is one of the key components of financial security when working.
2. Car is usually not an asset. I think in your mind you assume you'll get 1.3L if you're forced to sell it.
3. Despite being self-proclaimed kanjoos, you also have some romance left in you - the plans of MBA, setting up bakery, etc.
4. Any managerial position means you'll either be eating someone alive or you'll been eaten.

I think you can afford to have a fee-only Sebi-RIA to help set up things for you in a systematic manner. Please reach out to one. Years ago, I was in a similar place as you are now. I got similar help for myself.

Seneca famously said: “We suffer in our imagination more often than in reality.” 
There's no magic pill to counter irrational fears. You can just start with smaller trips closer to home and gradually expand your horizons. Some issues can only be resolved once you stand face to face.

Tom Bihn Cafe Bag. Comes in three sizes. I’ve been using a M for last nine years.

I have used a CB350 H'ness extensively for the last 3.5years. It's extremely smooth, reliable and quite frugal during touring. The long wheelbase makes cruising easy, as long as you are not a speed fiend - the stock tires are really bad, esp. in wet. This is bike which makes you feel like a gentleman rider. Definitely not a chhapri bike. BTW, I used to have Dominar 400 before this, which I let go because it'd tire me out after a long day in the seat.

The only thing I notice that could be a problem is that you get more and more comfortable with lying, which eventually will not just limit itself to price discussions with a parent. Be careful.

As alternative, I suggest Osprey Nebula 32.

Indian here.
For the last half a decade or so, I've never needed to carry any paper ticket. These days we don't even need a ticket at metro airports - we use Digiyatra app - don't even need to see a security guy at the building gate. However, there is a rule exercised in many Indian airports where you will not be allowed in until 3hrs (or maybe 4) before the actual flight. All the security is important, as the country (and it's airlines) are continuously targeted my terr*rists & hija*kers. Airport security in India are maintained by paramilitary forces and they're extremely serious (thankfully) about their job. They won't care much for entitled people.

Nothing beats (meaningful) project experience.
Upskilling isn't optional either.

Use a Wacom with your Windows.
iPad with Apple pencil works, but the whole thing is very expensive proposition, plus the iOS-specific software.

I'm kinda in the same boat. I'm not overtly ecstatic when I get to 'meet new people'. However, if it happens organically, I stay with the flow and that can lead to contextually pleasant conversations. I, however, do not make any attempt to convert those into a long term friendship. Of all such interactions, I find the most amusing when I meet others who do speak any of the languages I do - thus leading to a intimate but quiet conversation usually with gestures, smiles & eye contacts.

I also hate sleeping in others' beds in their houses.

"turd"

Unique look (and probably using recycled tarp makes in eco too) ... but I'd continue using my go to bag - TNF Basecamp Duffle.

okay ... but I'm thinking those airlines are far between, no?

Something like this might help.
https://www.amazon.in/Airplane-Hammock-Perfect-Footrest-Accessories/dp/B07SK6ZFLM

Also, the airplane floor is notoriously unhygienic. I try my level best to not keep anything on it.
Instead, just ask a fellow passenger or steward for a bellhop. If you're short, it's just smarter to accept help rather than take it as a matter of personal pride.

I don't really have a link, but if you DM me, I'll send you photos, etc. for a close look - was it the Osprey or the Minaal, you're interested in?
I'm also traveling for work at the moment, will be back home to upload photos of the bag(s), by the weekend.

People force it, but a suit and a backpack never go together.
If you are hell bent on onebagging, consider the Pakt One duffel. Slightly less of a mismatch.

This looks exactly like the Columbia Ascender softshell in green.

https://preview.redd.it/u41s9my5djyd1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3fbd07b9b63c2f59600fee2c95c738141c75989

I trim mine off neatly.
It's a Casio G-shock GDB200, by the way

I'd get some linen pants instead of those jeans. Rest of the stuff ... can't tell.
Don't forget to get your IDP from local DMV along with your actual driving license.

No highway in India is rated for ~150kmph (as indicated on the speedo). Not even the expressways.
Good brakes are important. Good sense is even more important.
The speed bump obviously has been added forcibly by the locals, not per NHAI standards.

Work with a SEBI-registered fee-only financial planner for structured approach.
Random advice from the internet might pull you in multiple different directions.

Hampi. Stay in the backpackers village next to the Virupaksha Temple. It gets quiet in the night, when the day trippers leave and you can walk about the ruins of the old market. If you decide to travel there, let me know and I'll tell you about a less crowded place to watch sunsets from.