Author: Shehnaz Beig

A recent suggestion by Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subramaniam, proposing a 90-hour workweek without breaks on Sundays, sparked a heated debate on work-life balance in India. The discourse has reignited concerns about overwork, burnout, and its effects on health. Interestingly, this conversation aligns with global data on working hours, which shows striking differences in how nations approach work culture. Let’s delve into which countries work the longest, which enjoy shorter working hours, and where India stands in this global comparison. Top Countries with the Longest Working Hours According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Bhutan holds the top spot…

Paying taxes is an essential part of financial responsibility, but you can legally reduce your tax burden by taking advantage of various saving schemes and investment options. With India offering two distinct tax regimes, understanding the available options can help you save significantly. Let’s dive into the details of how you can save taxes under both the old and new tax regimes. Understanding the Old and New Tax Regimes In India, taxpayers can choose between the old tax system and the new tax regime. Each has its own structure and benefits: Old Tax System: New Tax Regime: By understanding these…

When investing in equity mutual funds, you might encounter terms like large cap funds and blue chip funds. Both these categories often refer to investments in well-established companies, yet their names may confuse new investors. Understanding the key differences between these categories and other mutual fund options is crucial for making the right investment decision. What Are Large Cap Funds? Large cap funds are mutual funds that invest predominantly in the top 100 companies by market capitalization. According to SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), large cap funds must allocate at least 80% of their portfolio to these leading…

Mutual funds have long been a favored investment tool for individuals looking to build wealth over the long term. Known for their ability to provide attractive returns with less hassle than directly investing in the stock market, mutual funds are widely regarded as a convenient and effective financial instrument. However, what many investors may not know is that mutual funds can also serve as a financial safety net in times of emergency. By leveraging mutual fund units as collateral, investors can secure instant loans with minimal paperwork and low interest rates. Here’s a detailed look at this useful facility. What…

The year 2024 was a rollercoaster for the Indian stock market, leaving many investors disappointed. The last quarter was particularly tough, with sharp declines impacting stock portfolios. Mutual fund investors, too, faced a challenging year, as several schemes posted negative returns. Let’s take a closer look at five mutual fund schemes that underperformed last year, causing losses for investors. 1. Quant Quantamental Fund’s Poor Performance The Quant Quantamental Fund saw an XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return) of -9.61% in 2024. SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) investors faced significant losses: 2. Quant Consumption Fund’s Negative Returns The Quant Consumption Fund delivered…

The government’s announcement to revamp the income tax system in India was one of the key highlights of the Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23. The finance minister had declared plans to replace the outdated Income Tax Act, 1961, with a simpler and more modern tax code. This ambitious move was expected to bring sweeping changes to India’s taxation framework. However, sources now indicate that the implementation of these new laws is likely to be delayed beyond 2025. Why the New Tax Code Needs More Time A senior official has shared that the transition…

The public issue of DAM Capital Advisors Limited, led by veteran investment banker Dharmesh Mehta, has concluded with an impressive response. This IPO, valued at ₹840.25 crore, closed on December 23, 2024, after being subscribed 81.88 times overall. With allotment finalization expected today, December 24, 2024, investors are keenly watching for updates. Let’s delve into the subscription details, gray market premium (GMP) trends, and how you can check your allotment status. Strong Subscription Reflects High Demand The DAM Capital IPO garnered significant interest across investor categories: The overwhelming subscription numbers indicate strong investor confidence in the company’s growth potential and…

The eagerly awaited share allotment for Mamata Machinery Limited is expected to be finalized today, December 24, 2024. Investors who applied for this high-demand IPO can now check the status of their allotment. With the overwhelming response it received and a gray market premium (GMP) signaling massive listing gains, the anticipation is at an all-time high. Here’s everything you need to know about the IPO allotment, GMP, and how to check your allotment status. A Record-Breaking IPO Subscription Mamata Machinery’s IPO has created quite a buzz in the market. The company, known for manufacturing packaging machinery, has seen immense interest…

In a shocking turn of events, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel on Wednesday morning. The 50-year-old was in the city to attend an investor conference hosted by UnitedHealth Group. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the global business and healthcare communities. The Incident: What Happened? According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the attack occurred around 6:46 a.m. when Thompson was shot multiple times by a masked man. The assailant, standing approximately 20 feet away, fired bullets directly at Thompson’s chest before fleeing the scene. Despite being rushed…

EaseMyTrip (EMT) is navigating a challenging path as it struggles to maintain its market share in the highly competitive online travel agency (OTA) space. Despite efforts to diversify its business model, the company’s focus on acquisitions and expansion into non-core segments raises questions about its long-term strategy. Declining Market Share and Competitive Pressures EaseMyTrip’s market share has been under continuous pressure, as evidenced by its declining Gross Booking Revenue (GBR). Comparatively, market leader MakeMyTrip has shown robust growth, outpacing EMT significantly. While EMT’s GBR share in its revenue mix has improved due to higher commissions from hotel bookings, the overall…