Category business

Hyderabad, April 17, 2023: Hegde Fertility, a leading fertility chain of Hyderabad, providing IVF and advanced fertility treatments; forayed into Attapur with the launch of its state-of-the-art 5th fertility center in Hyderabad, today. Chief Guests Sri T. Prakash Goud, MLA, Rajendranagar, and Dr Shantha Kumari, president TCOGS and past president FOGSI; inaugurated the facility. Guest of honor Mrs. Mondra Sangeetha, Corporator, Attapur, and couples who became parents and those undergoing treatment graced the occasion. Dr Vandana Hegde, Clinical Director and Chief IVF Consultant, Hegde Fertility, and Dr. Shalini Singh, Infertility Specialist and Clinical Head, Attapur branch; were present on the occasion. Hegde Fertility offers the full range of infertility treatments under one roof. It has centers in Hyderabad at Madhapur, Miyapur, Malakpet, and Suchitra, besides Attapur.

Hegde Fertility has a state-of-the-art embryology and andrology lab equipped with an Electronic Witnessing System with RFID, CASA (Computerized Semen Analysis System), Advanced ICSI Manipulators and incubators besides a whole host of best-in-class medical equipment from Germany, UK, and USA. It has an advanced modular operation theatre. The Center offers a whole range of fertility treatments from basic to advanced which includes IUI, IVF and ICSI, IVM, TESA, PESA, MESA, Micro TESA for male infertility, Fertility Preservation, Onco Fertility, Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening and Diagnosis, and rejuvenation procedures. Besides clinical treatments, Hegde Fertility has wellness programs that include psychological counseling, nutrition advice, diet planning, acupuncture, and meditation sessions to ensure a healthy mind and body for a successful fertility outcome.

Dr. Vandana Hegde said the Attapur facility of Hegde Fertility will ensure women and families have the most rewarding experience of becoming a parent. Unfortunately, not everybody is able to conceive naturally. In India, almost one in five are experiencing infertility problems and the associated social stigma. Going by those statistics, fertility centers like ours have a huge responsibility toward society. The 45-year-old Hegde Hospital was started with the noble intention of service by Dr. Vijaya Hegde and Hegde Fertility is continuing it by providing state-of-the-art fertility care for couples as a natural extension of women’s care. Started in 2009-10, Hegde Fertility has now branched to five centers. This was possible because of our commitment to consistently delivering success rates on par with global standards. We will continue that passion to deliver high-quality fertility care for couples battling infertility. We will revolutionize the fertility industry by offering a team-based approach, not seen anywhere and through patient and result centric solutions, advanced diagnostics and therapeutics, with a state of that embryology facility and a modern operation theatre. The team comprises of well qualified, dedicated medical professionals with extensive experience in different areas of reproductive medicine. We render patient centred holistic and comprehensive health care, an essential and important part of fertility treatment, which involves an intense emotional journey for the couples. This year we have upgraded our facilities with respect to all the departments and especially our embryology lab. Our facility at Hi-Tech City has been expanded with more consulting space and three operation theatres to help more couples to fulfil their dreams of parenthood. We have added automation with computerized semen analysis, surgical microscope to perform advanced sperm retrieval techniques. We introduced electronic witnessing system with RFID tags so that patient can be rest assured that they are getting their embryos tracked and transferred. In the last 5 years we have seen many patients coming with endometriosis, fibroids and medical disorders like diabetes and hypertension among young couples, in Hyderabad. Majority of them don’t smoke or drink, but it is obesity which is the predisposing factor. Most of the couples today have a stressful job extending long hours, poor diet and sleep pattern, and a sedentary lifestyle with addiction to gadgets. These environmental along with the lifestyle changes are responsible for the rising infertility and pregnancy complications like abortions,

Dr Shalini Singh said, we come across women expressing apprehension of not being in a position to work if they undergo fertility treatment. This is a pure misconception and from Hegde Hospitals, I would like to send the message that we encourage all our patients to continue working, continue to contribute to their organization and to their homes. The other misinformation is patients needing to undergo caesareans after infertility treatment, as a fertility specialist, I emphasise on the fact that women who have conceived through IVF can have a normal delivery. Though India is one of the most populated countries in the world, it is fast becoming the hub for increasing fertility problems. Almost 15% of the couples in Telangana are affected with Infertility. Over the last decade we have seen an increase in male infertility with a drop in sperm counts and motility. Women are mainly facing early ovarian ageing which is exacerbated by delay in marriage and family planning,

Chief Guests Sri T. Prakash Goud, said, Attapur has been developing into a prime area in the city and a prestigious hospital like Hegde Fertility coming here is a welcome development. Service is always the moto of medical doctors, and they ensure utmost care for their patients. Their selfless service during Covid, raised the esteem of doctors among public and today several children aspire to become doctors in the footsteps of their idols.

Mr Kinshuk Rastogi, Business Head, Hedge Fertility; said, Hegde Fertility carries the rich legacy of Hegde hospitals started by Dr Vijaya Hegde in 1977 for the healthcare of women. Hegde Fertility was started by Dr Prashant and Dr Vandana Hegde as a unit of Hegde Hospitals, in 2010 at Malakpet. This was soon followed by Madhapur, a level two AIT facility with state-of-the-art embryology lab and operation theatre. Miyapur came next in 2019 and we opened Suchitra in 2021 and it is a testament to our success that we are launching our fifth center at Attapur. Hegde Fertility and Hospital has over 30 years of experience in advanced fertility treatment and have made a positive difference to the lives of over 50,000 patients. We have a holistic approach to treating infertility which includes wellness program consisting of psychological and marital counselling, nutrition and diet planning, acupuncture, etc., for a healthy mind and a healthy body.

Prof. S. Shantha Kumari, President, TCOGS & past President, FOGSI; said, Hegde Hospital has rendered yeomen service for women in Malakpet area and that’s commendable and that legacy is being taken forward by Hegde Fertility. You have been passionate about women’s necessities and the need to help women to conceive. Women’s sexual and reproductive rights are very important and all of us should work hard to ensure that every woman is given her sexual and reproductive rights. She should be able to decide when she wants to have a baby and if she needs help, extend that help to infertility. Times have changed from women being accused of infertility to accepting the fact that either of the couples could have a problem. This social realization is very important and I’m glad that our country is definitely moving forward. The incidence of infertility is on the rise in all countries and WHO is pondering over declaring infertility as a disease, so that it can be made a part of medical insurance coverage. It’s a step forward and will help women to utilize the services when they need them. Hegde Fertility has opened centers in many areas, this branch at Attapur will help women in the vicinity to access quality fertility care.

Hegde Fertility, Attapur, is headed by an eminent infertility specialist Dr. Shalini Singh. She has over 11 years of experience in dealing with complex cases in Gynecology and Infertility. She completed, both her medical school and MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. She has done her training in Ultrasound, Laparoscopy, and Infertility. She has been with Hegde Fertility for over 4 years and has keen interest in IVF for male infertility, poor ovarian reserve, recurrent abortions, endometriosis, and genetics.

New Delhi, April 17: “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a great social reformer, a valiant champion of human rights, and an emancipator of the downtrodden masses of India. He dedicated all his life to awakening the social conscience of modern India. He played a vital role in Nation Building, said Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Former MP, Rajya Sabha, Economist, Educationist & Author at the Special Dialogue organized by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) on the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti. DG IIMC, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Dwivedi, Regional Directors, faculty members, and students from all IIMC Regional Centers were present on the occasion.

In his welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Dwivedi, Director General of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, recalled Dr. Babasaheb’s work as a journalist for the society, stating that he had contributed to publications such as Mooknayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, and Prabuddha Nayak. He said it is the media’s responsibility to realize the kind of society Dr. Ambedkar envisioned a century ago. Only by accepting this challenge will we be able to make Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s dream of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ a reality.

Expressing views on the topic ‘Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: A Multifaceted Genius’, Dr. Jadhav said that Dr. Ambedkar was a voracious reader. He was well-versed in various fields. He visited various universities in different countries to develop the country’s economic system, legislature, etc. He used his knowledge for the welfare of India. He fought against the evil practices prevalent in Indian society. He has written more than 22 books about the Indian social system. It is true that there was a difference of opinion about untouchability between Gandhi and Ambedkar but both worked for the welfare of the nation and the upliftment of untouchables. Gandhi was the one who appointed Ambedkar as the first Law and Justice Minister of independent India.

The program was moderated by Dr. Pawan Koundal, Associate Professor, IIMC, New Delhi, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Vinod Nitale, Assistant Professor, Amravati campus.

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Mumbai, April 17, 2023: Raghnall Insurance Broking & Risk Management, a premier insurance broking and risk advisory company, today announced that it has launched ‘Business Cyber Shield,’ a robust platform that offers comprehensive cyber insurance and risk management solutions for corporate.

The new product marks a significant milestone for Raghnall as it expands its available capabilities in the cyber insurance market and strengthens its position as a tech-enabled end-to-end risk management solution. Also, this Platform will bring together advanced risk assessment, protection, and prevention, all in one place, to mitigate potential cyber threats before they occur. Business Cyber Shield is an entirely new approach to the cyber insurance business that not only delivers cyber insurance but also enables the enhancement of security protocols and compliance adherence through an end-to-end risk management solution.

The Platform includes an exclusive Vulnerability Scanner that leverages advanced data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) to give an almost real-time view of the organization’s digital vulnerabilities. Raghnall’s team of experienced security professionals helps organizations identify and prioritize the risks facing their business and offers customized insurance coverage to meet their specific needs to safeguard businesses from costly security breaches.

Elaborating on the product, Mr Amit Goel, Director & Principal Officer at Raghnall Insurance Broking & Risk Management, said, “The release of Business Cyber Shield represents a significant milestone in our company’s commitment to assist businesses in securing their finances and upholding their reputation. Regardless of size or industry, every company is vulnerable to cyber threats. With our new Platform, businesses can rest assured that their cyber security is being monitored continuously, financial liabilities are insured, and any potential weaknesses are being addressed immediately.”

April 17 2023 Inspired by real metal look, DecoMetal marks a new era for urban designs. Combining stunning real metal surfaces with the flexibility and practicality of laminate, a DecoMetal addresses the latest interior trends with textured, sculpted and brushed effects in contemporary color styling. The unique and innovative surface solution is being manufactured by Homapal in Germany and has been brought home by Formica, the sole distributor of DecoMetal in India.

DecoMetal, being originated in Germany, reflects its highly durable character, backed by Kraft paper that additionally makes it easier to bond on varied surfaces. A DecoMetal lets the consumers experience real metal foil in a laminate product, giving the product a better-bending radius and performing exceptionally on varied surfaces. The exquisite surface solution offers unique coloring, sheen, and exceptional touch with a delicate and detailed finish. A DecoMetal is much lighter than solid metal, making it an ideal choice to create a range of ambiances, be it a cool business office or a warm luxurious interior to rustic looks and many more. It is an easy-to-maintain product that can be processed with wood machinery, thus saving installation time and cost.

DecoMetal, one of the finest surface solutions, is being manufactured using unique handmade technology where each texture is created by hand so that the pattern is not identical from sheet to sheet. The handmade textures combined with special surface treatment create unique color variations and thus a DecoMetal offers 100+ décor and design patterns to choose from. This high gloss item comes in five different color tones and has the capacity to replace a variety of metals ranging from Aluminum, Copper, and Brass to Stainless steel. The surface solution is also specifically treated to protect the metal from aging in the air.

The average Indian consumer is experiencing an increase in disposable income and thus the current Indian market serves as an ideal place to embrace premium and luxe products like a DecoMetal. The product not only enhances the aesthetics of a space but also reflects the personality of the dweller.

New Delhi, 2023: The summer season is here, with the weather finally making way for slightly higher temperatures. Bathing is essential and many of us realize its importance until we develop some sort of skin problems like itchiness, prickly heat, and body odor.

Showering with cold water during the summer season is considered refreshing, given how hot it gets in the summer season. Living with over-stressed lifestyles and lack of time, showers and baths have unfortunately become a quick, 5-minute soap and scrub routine.

Aromatherapists/ Environmentalists/ Naturalists

Dr. Blossom Kochhar says ‘ Believe me, bathing with the right ingredients can change the way you think, look and feel your skin throughout the summer months. ’

Get Glowing Sheet Mask

This sheet mask contains a blend of Argan oil and Basil leaves which brightens, removes tan, and provides moisture to the skin. Neroli essential oil tones, rejuvenates and helps to restore skin’s elasticity, thus imparting a healthy shine to your face.

1 Box

Rs.475

Vitamin C Brightening Gel

Vitamin C gel lightens and protects the skin from UV rays and aging. It helps with anti-pigmentation and skin cell regeneration properties.

100 GMS

Rs.375

Fruit Facial Kit

The 5-step professional facial kit that takes just 55 minutes to cleanse and remove tan. The goodness of grapefruit and lemon eliminates dead skin cells while brightening and replenishing your skin. Ingredients are combined thoughtfully to hydrate and smoothen the skin, keeping it youthful. The blend of aromatherapy oils helps to revitalize and calm the skin

1 Facial Kit

Rs.750

3 in 1 Jasmine BodyWash

Exotic blend of Geranium and Sandalwood essential oils transform bathing experience into an ultimate hydrating indulgence. It soothes sensitive and irritable skin and works as an effective remedy for skin rashes.

220ML / 500ML

Rs.205/395

Honey Shea Body Lotion
Triple action formulation pampers your skin with the unique blend of Honey and Shea butter. It supplies vital nutrients from Soya extracts to your skin. Enriched with the power of Ylang Ylang and Patchouli essential oils, body lotion calms, smoothen and conditions skin.

220ML

Rs.255

Taking a step forward in contributing towards the global effort of cutting carbon footprint, Caspian Debt now joins the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), the first Indian Nonbank finance institution to do so.

Caspian Debt, a debt provider to professionally managed small and mid-market companies that include social enterprises, startups and inclusive finance institutions has become a signatory to the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) to develop and implement greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting. Caspian Debt is the first Indian Non-Bank Finance Institution to become a signatory to the PCAF.

What is Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF)

The Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) is a collaboration between financial institutions worldwide to enable harmonized assessments and disclosures of greenhouse gas emissions financed by loans and investments. With more than 350 financial institutions from six continents, the group is rapidly expanding in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific. For more information see https://carbonaccountingfinancials.com/.

Measuring Carbon Emission to Curb Climate-related Risks

One of the key challenges faced by financial institutions in addressing climate change is assessing and managing climate-related risks.. Some progressive financial institutions have recognized the significant financial risk associated with climate change and are gradually aligning their business models with the goal of the Paris Agreement. Through PCAF, they are building a common framework towards measuring carbon emissions in their portfolio. By joining the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), Caspian Debt has made a concrete commitment to address climate change and promote climate smart investments in its portfolio.

Consistent Approach to portfolio carbon accounting

Two of the Indian financial sector regulators, Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India have recently indicated policy focus on the mitigation of risks that are arising out of climate change.

With the support of PCAF, Caspian Debt expects to build a comprehensive and transparent method for assessing and disclosing financed emissions. By joining PCAF and building the portfolio carbon accounting system, Caspian Debt will be a first mover in complying with the upcoming regulatory requirements while contributing positively to climate risk management.

“Caspian Debt has always focused on supporting businesses with a positive environmental and social outcome. The partnership with PCAF will provide us a common language and framework for measuring and reporting the carbon footprint of our portfolio, enabling us to better understand our investments. This partnership will further align us with the global goal of addressing as set out in the Paris Agreement” says Avishek Gupta, MD & CEO, Caspian Debt.

Mumbai, 14th April 2023: The queen of all seasons, spring, is already here to allure you with the spirit of joy. To celebrate the flavor of the season, your favorite destination, R CITY has returned with yet another unforgettable shopping experience for its patrons – the grand ‘Spring Fiesta’ which will continue till the 23rd of April, 2023. So, get ready to shop your heart out as the mall is blooming with the latest Spring-Summer collection this season.

The one-of-a-kind event has exclusive offers across premium fashion brands namely H&M, GUESS, Mango, Nautica, Marks & Spencer, Vero Moda, Superdry, American Eagle, and ALDO, amongst others. Shoppers who shop for Rs 10,000 will get assured 10% cashback.

That’s not all! The visitors will be able to witness the majestic spring décor- an exuberant masterpiece that creates a perfect backdrop for that Insta-worthy click and will also set the mood for seasonal shopping. This larger-than-life art installation is an explosion of floral bloom in bright and vibrant colors – a perfect depiction of floral fantasy in mirrors and exotic florals to welcome the spring season.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family and head to R CITY where you’ll experience the ultimate shopping adventure, filled with the latest fashion trends, exciting deals, and vibrant spring décor.

Mumbai, 14th April 2023: The Civil Engineering department of NMIMS MPSTME has been making significant strides in the field of disaster management, flood resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. The department has published two patents, and research papers at international conferences, and completed several student-led projects on topics such as renewable energy, groundwater modeling, and self-healing concrete.

The first patent, ‘Automated Flood Water Regulating Multipurpose System,’ proposes a novel approach to flood resilience by constructing multipurpose wells on the banks of rivers to discharge excess water and generate hydropower. The second patent, ‘Aqua Barrier,’ is an automated machine that can protect any flood-prone area, regardless of its size, from any disasters caused due to water.

The student-led projects are equally impressive, with topics ranging from low-volume rural concrete roads to oscillating tidal wave energy converters. These projects showcase the department’s focus on sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovative design.

The faculty at NMIMS MPSTME Civil Engineering department, led by Head, Dr. Meenal Mategaonkar, and Research Coordinator, Dr. Jigisha Vashi, played a vital role in guiding and mentoring students toward research excellence. Their expertise and guidance have enabled students to participate and win awards in prestigious competitions such as the CDRI’s ‘Imagining Disaster Resilient Structures’ and The University of Queensland’s ‘Engineering Design Challenge, and AAKAR at IIT Bombay.’

The department’s success is further evidenced by the achievements of its students in national and international conferences. Students presented their research papers in Scopus Indexed papers and conferences such as the 9th Indian Young Geotechnical Engineering Conference and the Eighth Indian Young Geotechnical Conference.

Dr. Meenal Mategaonkar, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, MPSTME, NMIMS, said, “The achievements of the NMIMS MPSTME Civil Engineering department demonstrate its commitment to developing innovative solutions for complex problems in the field of civil engineering. The department’s focus on sustainable infrastructure, disaster resilience, and renewable energy is essential for addressing the challenges faced by society today. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and faculty and their commitment to excellence.”

Ujjain – the temple town and one of the ancient cities of Madhya Pradesh is the most prominent spiritual attraction and the most sacred Lord Shiva temple in the country. Mahakaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important and revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. It houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple town is also home to the world’s largest religious gathering ‘Simhastha’(Kumbh Mela), which is held on the banks of the Sipra River once every 12 years. The last Simhastha took place in 2016 and the next will be held in 2028. Moreover the Bhasam Aarati at Mahakaleswar, Ujjain is the most popular in the whole world.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is also known as Mahakal Mandir. It has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. Mahakala temple first comes into existence in the Pre-historic period. Puranas narrate that it was first established by Prajapita Brahma. The temple was later rebuilt by the legendary king Vikramaditya, who is said to have ruled the region in the 1st century BCE. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone many renovations and additions, with different rulers and dynasties leaving their mark on its architecture and design. The current structure of the temple is believed to have been built during the Maratha period in the 18th century.

The main attraction of the Mahakaleshwar Temple is the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, which is believed to be one of the most powerful and sacred lingams. There are two meanings of the word – ‘Kaal’- Time & Death. According to beliefs Lord Shiva is the god of death and time, that is why he is called Mahakaleshwar. The Jyotirlinga is worshipped as a representation of Lord Shiva’s cosmic energy and creative power.

The glory of this Jyotirlinga has been vividly described in the Puranas, and believed that Lingam in Ujjain is ‘Swayambhu’. It is also known as ‘Dakshin Murti’ due to its south-facing feature. It is housed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which is accessible to devotees only during specific hours of worship. The lingam is bathed in holy water and decorated with flowers and other offerings, as devotees offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The temple has also been featured in several Bollywood films. The famous Bollywood film “Bajirao Mastani,” which was released in 2015, features a song that was shot at the temple. The song, “Deewani Mastani,” became a massive hit, and it helped to increase the popularity of the temple among the younger generation.

4 crore people visit Mahakal 40 million people visit the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga throughout the year. After the construction of the Mahakal Corridor, about 90 thousand people come to Ujjain daily. Earlier this figure was up to 15
thousand. That is, after the construction of the Mahakal Corridor, more than 75 thousand devotees come for darshan. Around 1.5 lakh devotees visit Ujjain during the month of Shravan and various festivals. This year the figure is expected to increase as compared to last year.

Mahakal Corridor is a new attraction Last year in the month of October, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mahakal Corridor at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. The total length of this corridor is more than 900 meters surrounded by the old Rudra Sagar Lake. and it has two grand entrances through Nandi and Pinaki. There are a total of 108 pillars in this corridor. On which various postures of Lord Shiva ave been made. This corridor is decorated with beautiful lighting and sculptures. The country’s first night garden is also being built in the Mahakal corridor. Where around 200 idols related to Lord Shiva will be installed. It looks stunning at night in colorful lights.

By Ravi Singhal, CEO, GCL Broking

The earlier you start preparing and saving for retirement, the more potential you have to maximize your funds and meet your retirement objectives since retirement planning is a long drawn-out process. Your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and the use of instruments that can produce returns that can outpace inflation should all be carefully considered when calculating the amount of money you will need to save in order to live your golden days.

The RBI hiked the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.5% in its most recent monetary policy on February 8. Despite core inflation, which the RBI continues to find difficult to control, keeps India’s CPI over the 6% barrier. The annual consumer price inflation rate in India shrank mildly from 6.52% in January to 6.44% in February of 2023, and it continued to be above the Reserve Bank of India’s target of 2-6% for a second consecutive month. As a result, the majority of economists predicted a 25 bps uptick in the key repo rate, the rate at which the RBI lends to banks.

Individuals who are preparing for retirement in the high-inflation environment of today should allocate their funds wisely. Considering an equity-debt mix portfolio for retirement, individuals may contribute to mutual funds, Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP), and the National Pension System (NPS). These instruments tend to generate long-term returns that outperform inflation. As the inflation rate is typically 6%, these instruments will provide you with positive returns consistent with your risk tolerance.

You should assume positive returns from these instruments depending on how much risk you can take. The CAGR for the Nifty 50 during the last ten years has been around 13%; over the past fifteen years, it has been 12.58%; and over the past twenty years, it has been 12.14%. Making a diverse portfolio of equity-related investments in the long term, such as mutual funds, stocks, and so forth, may provide you with long-term returns for your retirement. If you are a moderate investor, you can choose hybrid funds, solution-oriented funds, and multi-asset funds for your equity-debt mix portfolio. If your risk tolerance is higher, however, you can explore equity mutual funds because they have a 5-year CAGR record of above 16%.

The most popular equity-debt mix instruments are NPS and ULIPs since NPS has offered returns of over 10% in 10 years and over 13% in 5 years, while ULIPs have given up to 18% returns in 10 years. Apart from their long history of outperforming inflation in terms of returns, these 2 instruments are also eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. As a result, taxpayers who invest in these plans might save up to Rs 46,800 annually on taxation.

Small savings schemes like SCSS and PPF, as well as other fixed-income products like VPF, RBI Savings Bonds, Sovereign Gold Schemes, and fixed deposits, are available to investors with conservative risk profiles. Given the ongoing uptick in the repo rate, the majority of bank fixed deposit interest rates are now between 7 and 8.5%. On the other hand, the government has accelerated the interest rates on small savings programmes by as much as 70 basis points for the April–June 2023 quarter. As a result, using the above-recommended scheme, one can produce long-term returns that outperform inflation while also receiving favourable tax treatment.

Retirement planning can be made based on your age when it comes to having a mix of debt and equity in your portfolio. So, the term “asset allocation by age” suggests that you may determine your debt allocation by your current age. If you are 30 years old, 70% of your portfolio should be equity-oriented investments, and the other 30% should be allocated across debt funds and fixed-income securities. Start a systematic transfer plan (STP) to limit your exposure to equities in proportion to your growing age and provide a favourable risk-reward ratio during retirement to meet this recommendation. In order to meet your income or emergency needs, you can also use a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) to withdraw units from your debt securities.

Investors should be aware that when relying on an equity-debt portfolio, equity investments have a higher risk but higher reward while debt securities offer security, carry lower risks but lower returns than equity, and stabilise the portfolio in a volatile market. Risk is the key difference between equity and debt funds; for example, equity has a moderately high to high-risk profile than the debt which holds a low to moderate risk profile. Debt funds invest primarily in debt and money market instruments, whereas equity funds invest primarily in shares of companies and related securities that trade on the stock market, hence equity exposure acts as a hedge against inflation and debt exposure enables liquidity to your portfolio and also acts as capital protection.