Appointment of Shri K K Sharma as a National General Secretary of Vipra Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Investing in mutual funds can be a great way to achieve your financial goals, but proper planning is essential to maximize returns and minimize risks. Here are three simple steps to help you create an investment plan that aligns with your future goals. Decide Your Goals The first step in investment planning is to clearly define your financial goals. Ask yourself the following questions: How much money do I need? By when do I need it? How important is this goal? What will be the real expected cost in the future, considering inflation and market trends? Whether you're planning for retirement, your child’s education, buying a house, or wealth accumulation, setting clear and realistic goals will help you determine the type of mutual fund that best suits your needs. Assess Your Risk-Taking Capacity Every investor has a different risk tolerance based on various factors such as age, income sources, financial commitments, and existing assets. It is crucial to evaluate how much risk you can afford to take: High Risk: Suitable for young investors or those with high disposable income who can invest in equity funds. Medium Risk: Best for those looking for a balanced approach, such as hybrid or balanced...

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, introduces significant measures to bolster Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing them as a pivotal engine of economic growth. Currently, over 1 crore registered MSMEs employ 7.5 crore individuals and contribute to 36% of India's manufacturing output, accounting for 45% of exports. To enhance their efficiency, technological advancement, and access to capital, the government has revised the classification criteria for MSMEs. The investment and turnover limits have been increased to 2.5 and 2 times, respectively, providing these enterprises with greater confidence to expand and generate employment opportunities for the youth. In a bid to improve credit accessibility, the budget proposes a substantial enhancement of the credit guarantee cover: Micro and Small Enterprises: The guarantee cover will be increased from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, facilitating additional credit of ₹1.5 lakh crore over the next five years. Startups: The cover will be raised from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore, with a moderated guarantee fee of 1% for loans in 27 focus sectors vital for the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Exporter MSMEs: Well-performing exporter MSMEs will receive term loans up to ₹20 crore. These measures aim to empower MSMEs to scale operations,...

The Union Budget 2025-26 has ushered in significant tax reforms, notably increasing the income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh per annum for individuals. This adjustment is anticipated to result in annual savings ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh for middle-class taxpayers. pib.gov.in While these additional funds can alleviate daily expenses amid rising inflation, strategically investing this surplus can yield substantial long-term financial benefits. Investment Avenues for Long-Term Growth Equity Mutual Funds: Equity mutual funds pool investments to purchase stocks, offering diversification and professional management. Historically, these funds have provided average annual returns between 12% to 15%, outperforming traditional savings instruments. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow individuals to invest regularly, mitigating market volatility and harnessing the power of compounding. Public Provident Fund (PPF): The PPF is a government-backed, low-risk investment option with a current interest rate of 7.1% per annum. It offers tax benefits under Section 80C and has a lock-in period of 15 years, making it suitable for long-term financial goals. National Savings Certificate (NSC): NSCs are government-backed savings bonds with a fixed interest rate of 7.7% per annum. They provide tax benefits under Section 80C and have a maturity period of five years, making them a secure medium-term...