Author: Shehnaz Beig
Shehnaz Ali Siddiqui is a Corporate Communications Expert by profession and writer by Passion. She has experience of many years in the same. Her educational background in Mass communication has given her a broad base from which to approach many topics. She enjoys writing around Public relations, Corporate communications, travel, entrepreneurship, insurance, and finance among others.
Smuggling between Nepal and India has become a significant issue, with illegal trade thriving across the shared 1,751-kilometer border. Despite efforts to strengthen security and prevent smuggling, illegal goods continue to flow across this largely open border. While a range of products is smuggled, gold stands out as the most valuable and frequently trafficked item. Beyond gold, drugs, human trafficking, and even everyday essentials also make their way into India illegally from Nepal. The Geography of Smuggling: Why Nepal is a Major Route India shares borders with several countries, but the smuggling trade through Nepal has become a major concern.…
Mutual funds are proving to be solid wealth creators for patient investors, and HDFC Capital Builder Value Fund is a shining example. Launched on February 1, 1994, this open-ended equity scheme has rewarded investors handsomely, converting a monthly Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) of just Rs. 2,000 into a corpus of Rs. 2.12 crore over 30 years. Alongside SIPs, lump sum investments have also grown significantly, with Rs. 1 lakh invested at launch now valued at Rs. 76.41 lakh. This multi-cap value fund showcases how long-term investing can multiply wealth. What Makes HDFC Capital Builder Value Fund Successful? The scheme follows…
Diwali is not only a time for celebrations but also a significant occasion for stock market enthusiasts. Every year, during the festival of lights, the stock market remains open for a special one-hour session known as Muhurat trading. This year, Muhurat trading will be held on November 1, 2024, between 6 pm and 7 pm, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year, Samvat 2081. Investors believe that trading during this session brings prosperity throughout the year, making it an auspicious time to invest in stocks. Several brokerage firms have already released their top picks for this special occasion. Let’s…
The latest EPFO data has brought some positive news for the government as it shows a 9.07% increase in new members on a year-on-year basis for August 2024. The total number of new members reached 18.53 lakh, which includes 9.30 lakh fresh enrollments. This data was released by the Ministry of Labor on Sunday, and it reflects a rise in employment opportunities and increased awareness about employee benefits. But what does this really mean for employment in India? Key Points from the EPFO Report The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has been seeing an increase in membership, with 9.30 lakh…
Saving money and growing wealth is a key goal for many individuals. If you want to accumulate Rs 1 crore by investing in mutual funds, there is a simple yet powerful method that can guide you – the 15-15-15 formula. This approach is designed to help you save systematically over time, potentially making you a millionaire. What Is the 15-15-15 Rule? The 15-15-15 rule for mutual fund investments is a strategy that simplifies your financial planning. It is based on three main factors: By following this rule, if you invest Rs 15,000 every month for 15 years and your investment…
If you’re considering investing in sectoral mutual funds, it’s crucial to focus on schemes that have performed well consistently. Sectoral or thematic mutual funds, as regulated by SEBI, invest a minimum of 80% in a specific sector or theme, such as IT, healthcare, infrastructure, or energy. While many investors are drawn to past returns, wealth advisors caution against relying solely on historical performance. However, reviewing these figures can provide useful insight into potential investments. What Are Sectoral/ Thematic Mutual Funds? Sectoral and thematic funds are mutual funds focused on a particular sector or theme. For instance, a healthcare sectoral fund…
Mutual funds can be a rewarding way to grow your wealth over time, and one of the standout performers in this space is Invesco India Contra Fund Direct-Growth. Launched in January 2013, this fund has consistently delivered excellent returns, making it a popular choice for both lump sum and SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) investors. Doubling Money in Just 3 Years Since its launch, Invesco India Contra Fund has delivered an annualized return of 20.81%. This performance translates to doubling investors’ money roughly every 3 years. In the last year alone, the fund has offered a staggering return of 54%. Whether…
Byju’s, once a shining star in the world of edtech, now finds itself in deep financial trouble. The company, which gained rapid popularity during the pandemic, has seen its valuation fall dramatically. Here are five major decisions that contributed to Byju’s current crisis. 1. Risky Acquisitions of Other Companies Byju’s rapid expansion strategy involved acquiring multiple companies, including WhiteHat Junior and Great Learning. These acquisitions were made during the pandemic when online education was booming. Byju’s acquired WhiteHat Junior for nearly $1 billion, a decision that added over $1.2 billion in debt to the company. Unfortunately, this burden was far…
As Diwali 2024 approaches, gold prices are once again on the rise, reaching new heights in the domestic market. The yellow metal, known for its traditional significance during the festive season, has seen rapid fluctuations in recent months, and now the price is climbing quickly as demand increases. Let’s take a closer look at how much the price of gold has changed recently and what it means for buyers. Gold Price on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the price of future gold for the December 5 contract has shown a significant rise over the…
In recent months, Indian airlines have been facing a surge in fake bomb threats, creating chaos for passengers and leading to enormous financial losses for aviation companies. One such incident occurred on October 18, 2024, when three international Vistara flights received bomb threats through social media. Though these turned out to be hoaxes, the damage was already done. Aviation experts are now calling these incidents a form of financial terrorism, intended to disrupt operations and drain resources. Huge Costs of Emergency Procedures Handling fake bomb threats is not just about ensuring safety but also involves significant expenses. For example, when…