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  • Best Annuity Plans in India

    Best Annuity Plans in India

    Retirement planning plays a key role in the journey towards a financially secure future. Various companies are offering different “Annuity plans” which can help you in maintaining your pre-retirement lifestyle even after your retirement. 

    In today’s blog post, we will give you an overview of the best “Annuity Plan” in India 2025.

    What are Annuity Plans?

    Annuity plans are an investment tool that generally offer regular income for an individual after a certain period of time, typically after retirement, in return for a lump-sum payment. The regular stream of payment can either be started immediately or can be started at a later stage. These plans are generally opted for by individuals who are nearing retirement or have retired.

    Best Annuity Plans in India 2025

    The following are the best Annuity Plans in India 2025:

    1. Aditya Birla Sun Life Immediate Annuity Plan
    2. Aviva Annuity Plus
    3. Canara HSBC Pension for Life Plan
    4. Exide Life New Immediate Annuity Plan
    5. Future Generali Immediate Annuity Plan
    6. HDFC Life Pension Guarantee Plan
    7. ICICI Prudential Immediate Annuity Plan
    8. IDBI Federal Guaranteed Lifetime Income Plan
    9. PNB Metfile Immediate Annuity Plan
    10. Bajaj Allianz Guaranteed Pension Goal

    Read Also: Best Health Insurance Plans in India

    Overview of Best Annuity Plans in India 2025

    A brief overview of the best Annuity Plans in India 2025 is as follows:

    1. Aditya Birla Sun Life Immediate Annuity Plan

    Aditya Birla Sun Life’s Guaranteed Annuity Plus (Immediate Annuity variant) is a non-linked, non-participating annuity plan that gives retirees regular and guaranteed income immediately after they purchase it. With this plan, you pay a single premium (lump sum) and then get regular payments for the rest of your life. These payments can be monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly.

    2. Aviva Annuity Plus

    The Aviva Annuity Plus Plan is a single premium immediate annuity plan which is not linked and non-participating. It is a popular retirement option because you can make a single investment and start getting a guaranteed, lifelong income immediately. The plan offers flexibility and has seven different annuity options to meet different needs. These include a simple Life Annuity, options that guarantee the annuity for a set period of time (5, 10, or 15 years) even after the annuitant dies, and an increasing annuity at a 3% simple rate to protect against inflation.

    3. Canara HSBC Pension for Life Plan

    The Canara HSBC Pension 4Life Plan has several annuity options, such as immediate and deferred annuities, so people can choose the one that best suits their retirement needs. This plan’s goal is to give people peace of mind and financial security during their retirement years. It also offers options for joint-life coverage, return of the purchase price, and increasing annuity benefits to keep in line with inflation. 

    4. Exide Life New Immediate Annuity Plan

    This annuity plan also offers you guaranteed lifetime income based on a single lump sum investment. The plan provides flexibility according to individual and family needs by offering a range of annuity options, such as single-life and joint-life variants, with or without the return of purchase price. 

    5. Future Generali Immediate Annuity Plan:

    A retirement income option called the Future Generali Immediate Annuity Plan aims to offer lifetime financial stability through a guaranteed income stream, which begins immediately as a one-time lump sum investment is made. It helps people who want to immediately turn their savings into a reliable income after retirement. 

    6. HDFC Life Pension Guarantee Plan

    HDFC Life Pension Plan offers a consistent and guaranteed income for a retiree in the form of a monthly pension to maintain their lifestyle. The key features of this plan include different types of annuity payout plans, including various payout frequencies. You can also protect your spouse’s financial future by purchasing joint-life insurance.

    7. ICICI Prudential Immediate Annuity Plan

    In return for a one-time lump sum investment, the ICICI Prudential Immediate Annuity Plan guarantees lifetime income, ensuring post-retirement financial stability. To meet specific needs, it offers a variety of annuity options, including single-life, joint-life, and return of purchase price options. Policyholders have the option of deferring income start for higher returns and selecting a payout frequency of monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual. 

    8. IDBI Federal Guaranteed Lifetime Income Plan

    During their retirement years, retirees can maintain their financial independence and peace of mind with the help of IDBI Federal Life Insurance. Key features include a variety of annuity options, including return of purchase price, joint-life, and single-life, which provide flexibility and protection for families; a lifetime income guarantee that is not impacted by market movements; and the option of monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual payout frequencies. 

    9. PNB Metfile Immediate Annuity Plan

    A traditional, non-linked annuity product, the PNB MetLife Immediate Annuity Plan provides to convert your accumulated corpus—such as retirement funds or NPS proceeds—into a consistent lifetime income. A one-time payment (purchase price) followed by guaranteed payouts, a choice of payout frequency (monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual), joint-life options to support your spouse, and choices to transfer the purchase price or remaining amount to your nominee in the event of your death are some of the key features of this annuity plan.

    10. Bajaj Allianz Guaranteed Pension Goal

    The non-linked, non-participating Bajaj Allianz Guaranteed Pension Goal annuity plan converts a lump sum (or premium payments in deferred modes) into regular payments either immediately or after a deferment period, guaranteeing retirees a lifetime income. The ability to customize the return of purchase price (ROP) upon death or survival, joint life insurance with a 50% or 100% annuity to the spouse, survival benefits, and top-up premiums are additional features. 

    Read Also: 10+ Best Investment Plan for Monthly Income in India

    Factors to Consider Before Investing in Annuity Plans

    The factors to consider before investing in Annuity Plans are as follows:

    1. Type of Plan: There are two types of annuity plans: immediate or deferred annuity. If you wish to get the regular payouts immediately after your retirement, you can opt for an immediate annuity, whereas if you want it to begin after a few years, you can choose the deferred annuity option.
    2. Inflation: The annuity plan which you are opting for must have an inflation protection feature. As it can help you maintain the purchasing power against inflation.
    3. Partial Withdrawal: One should check for a plan which offers partial withdrawals, as it can be required in case of an emergency.
    4. Duration: Life expectancy helps you in choosing the payout feature of the annuity plan. Whether you want it for a fixed duration or for a lifetime.
    5. Payout Option: One should evaluate different payout modes, such as joint life, return of purchase premium, etc., before choosing the annuity plan.
    6. Claim Settlement Ratio: It is advisable to choose a company with a higher claim settlement ratio and a strong financial background.

    Read Also: Best Safe Investments with High Returns in India

    Conclusion

    On a concluding note, investing in an annuity plan is an important part of your retirement planning. These plans help you to get a steady income even after your retirement to meet your financial needs. Various types of annuity options are available in the market, but you should choose which one is suitable for your goal. However, it is advisable to compare the features of different annuity plans offered by companies before choosing one for your retirement, and consult your investment advisor for the same.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What are the two main types of annuity plans?

      The two major types of annuity plans are immediate annuity and deferred annuity.

    2. Are payouts from annuity plans taxable in India?

      Yes, annuity plans are taxable and are taxed according to your income tax slab.

    3. Can I partially withdraw the corpus accumulated in the annuity plan?

      Partial withdrawal is not allowed by almost all annuity plans. Annuity plans that allow for early and partial withdrawal are still very few.

    4. Is there any alternative option available for annuity plans?

      Yes, there are various alternative options for annuity plans, such as Mutual Fund SWP, etc.

    5. What is the minimum investment amount for annuity plans?

      Different annuity providers have different minimum investment amounts. But generally, it starts at one lakh INR.

  • What is Tax? Meaning, History & Types of Taxes in India

    What is Tax? Meaning, History & Types of Taxes in India

    Whenever we receive a salary or buy something, a question often comes to mind – what is tax? Why does the government take money from us and where is it used? Simply put, the definition of tax is that it is a contribution made by the government to run essential services like roads, hospitals, education, and security. So, if you ask what do you mean by tax, the answer will be it is a shared responsibility in which every citizen is a partner. In this blog, we will understand the concept of tax in detail and learn about the different types of tax systems in India.

    What Do You Mean by Tax? 

    Simply put, tax is a mandatory fee that the government collects from citizens and companies to provide essential services and development work for the country. It’s not a voluntary contribution, but a legally mandated contribution. Therefore, when we ask “define tax” or “tax definition,” the answer is: it’s the government’s legitimate right to raise funds for the public good. In simple terms, what is tax means that we all collectively contribute money to the government to maintain roads, hospitals, education, security, and welfare programs. This is the concept of taxing every citizen’s participation in nation-building.

    Example : Suppose you shopped online for ₹1,000. A 5% GST is levied, or ₹50. This ₹50 will go to the government and will later be used for roads, hospitals, or government programs. Similarly, the income tax deducted from your salary also helps run the country.

    The story of the tax system in India is very old. Here I will explain it in simple language, with up-to-date information, so you can understand how the tax concept evolved.

    Historical Evolution of Tax in India

    Ancient Period: Principles and Beginnings

    • In ancient Indian texts such as the Arthashastra, Chanakya held that the king has the right to impose taxes and that taxes should be determined according to a person’s economic status (income and expenditure).
    • Manu Smriti also contains a similar idea that taxes should be based on justice and efficiency.

    Colonial Period (British Raj): Formal Taxes and Reforms

    • Modern income tax was first introduced in India by Sir James Wilson in 1860, specifically to meet government expenses after the 1857 Revolution.
    • In 1886, a new income tax law was introduced, categorizing income and setting tax rates.
    • Land revenue systems such as Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari were introduced. These systems shared land tax and produce tax between farmers and landowners, but often burdened farmers.

    Post-Independence and Modern Reforms

    • The Income Tax Act, 1961, provided a systematic and permanent legal framework for the entire income tax system, which remains in use today with frequent amendments.
    • In 2017, India implemented the Goods & Services Tax (GST)—a major transformational scheme that eliminated many indirect taxes and aimed to simplify the tax system.
    • Recently, (with the cooperation of all states and the central government), several GST slabs have been revised to simplify and make tax rates simpler.

    Thus, the history of taxes has evolved from “primitive justice,” through formal laws under British rule, and today’s digital and simplified system. This journey demonstrates that tax definition is not simply a sliver of the pie, but a balance between the economy, society, and government.

    Types of Taxes in India

    The tax system in India is divided into two broad categories: Direct Taxes and Indirect Taxes. Below are the main types of both in simple terms.

    Direct Taxes

    These are taxes that you or your company pay directly, not through intermediaries based on income, profits, etc.

    1. Income Tax : Applies to individuals and families’ income (salary, business, other sources). India has income tax slabs no or no tax on low income earners, and higher rates on high income earners.
    2. Corporate Tax : Is levied on the profits of companies. If the company is registered in India, its global income is taxed. Recently, some companies have the option of special rates.
    3. Capital Gains Tax : This tax is levied when you sell an asset (such as shares, land, mutual funds) and realize a profit on the sale. It can be both short-term and long-term, depending on how long you held the asset.
    4. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) : Securities Transaction Tax (STT): A tax levied on the purchase and sale of securities in the stock market. For example, if you sell shares on a stock exchange, STT is levied on that trade.

    Indirect Taxes

    These are taxes that are included in the price of goods or services and are ultimately borne by the consumer through higher prices for goods/services.

    1. Goods and Services Tax (GST) : Implemented in India from  July 2017, This is a comprehensive indirect tax on goods and services. It replaced multiple central and state taxes such as Service Tax, VAT, Excise Duty, Central Sales Tax, Luxury Tax, and more. GST has different slabs—0%, 5%, , 18%—depending on the type of goods or services.
    2. Customs Duty : When goods are imported into or exported from India, customs duty is levied on them. Special rates apply on imports, depending on the HSN classification of the item.
    3. Excise Duty: Levied on domestically manufactured goods. Before the implementation of GST, excise duty was very high; but now GST has replaced it in most cases.
    4. Stamp Duty: Tax levied on documents, property transfers, legal papers, etc. It is levied at varying rates by state governments/local bodies.

    Read More: Types Of Taxes In India: Direct Tax And Indirect Tax

    New GST Structure in India (Implementation from 2025)

    The biggest complaint about GST was that the rates were too complicated. The government addressed this and simplified the rules in 2025. Now, most goods and services fall under just three rates 0%, 5%, and 18%.

    For example, everyday food and essential medicines are now completely GST-free. Commonly used items, such as clothing and some services, have been placed at 5%. Mobile phones, televisions, and restaurant meals are placed in the 18% slab. The government has further tightened the tax on products like luxury cars and tobacco, raising it to 40%. This change has made consumer bills easier to understand and reduced paperwork for small businesses.

    Read more on GST 2.0 reforms and market impact Click Here.

    Key Features of the Indian Tax System

    • In India, taxes are collected at two levels – the central government and the state governments, both of which play their roles.
    • Most taxes here are based on self-assessment, meaning people calculate their income and pay taxes themselves.
    • Most work is now done online. Whether filing returns or paying taxes, everything can be done from home.
    • The government makes periodic improvements to simplify the rules. The recently introduced GST 2.0 is a major step in this direction.

    Read Also: Why Do We Pay Taxes to the Government?

    Challenges in the Indian Taxation System

    India’s tax system is constantly improving, but there are still many problems that cannot be ignored.

    • The primary problem is the low number of taxpayers. The population is in the billions, but only a handful file returns. The reason is clear: most people are engaged in informal work, where it’s difficult to track income.
    • The second issue is GST. While it’s fine for large businesses, small shopkeepers and traders find it a burden to file returns and deal with the paperwork every month. The government has made changes, but it still needs to be simplified.
    • The third challenge is that the government still derives most of its revenue from indirect taxes. This results in everyone, rich and poor, having to pay taxes on everyday items, which doesn’t always seem fair.
    • To move forward, the system must be simplified further and both trust and awareness among the public must be increased. Only then will the tax base be strengthened and the country’s financial foundation strengthened.

    Read Also: Tax-Free Bonds: Their Features, Benefits, and How to Invest

    Conclusion

    People often think of taxes as a mere burden, but the reality is that they are the biggest source of the country’s economy. From roads to hospitals and education, every facility is funded in part by our taxes. Therefore, it is important to understand the definition of tax and its various forms. Filing returns on time and following the rules is not only our responsibility but also our contribution to nation-building.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What is tax in simple words?

      Tax is a contribution made to the government to maintain infrastructure like roads, education, and healthcare.

    2. What are the main types of taxes in India?

      There are two types of taxes in India – Direct Tax (such as Income Tax) and Indirect Tax (such as GST).

    3. Why do we pay tax to the government?

      So that the government can provide public services and provide development work.

    4. What is the difference between direct and indirect tax?

      Direct tax is levied directly on income or profits, while indirect tax is added to the price of goods and services.

    5. What happens if we don’t pay tax?

      Breaking the rules can result in fines or legal action.

  • Bulk Deal vs Block Deal: Key Differences

    Bulk Deal vs Block Deal: Key Differences

    We generally witness that investors generally buy or sell shares in the stock market. But have you ever thought how big traders like mutual funds or large financial institutions trade in massive quantities worth crores. This does not happen using simple traders like a general investor; rather they use two special methods known as Bulk Deals and Block Deals. Bulk deals are generally a large quantity buying and selling of shares during the market hours which can even affect the stock price to move up or down. However Block Deals are pre-arranged private trades between two parties, this also avoids price fluctuations in the market. In this blog we will understand the key differences between bulk deal and block deals, as well as what are Bulk deals and what are Block deals.  

    Overview of Bulk Deals

    Bulk deals are those deals where the total shares bought or sold by the trader is more than 0.5% of the total company shares. This is exactly a normal trade of the market that takes place on the regular trading platforms during the market hours (09:15 Am to 03:30 Pm) at the market rate of the share at that time in the market. As the shares are bought in bulk the broker reports it to the stock exchange after market closure, this information is then made public for everyone by the broker, this data is published by NSE and BSE which tells the general public who bought the shares? Or sold the shares and At what price? 

    Bulk deals can lead to fluctuations in the stock prices, a large buy order can cause the price to go up and a large sell order can pull down the price of the share.  

    Overview of Block Deals

    Block trades are generally bigger than the bulk trades which are done strategically. To qualify for a Block Deals, a single transaction must involve at least shares worth Rs.10cr or 5,00,000 shares. This minimum limit was earlier Rs.5 cr but in 2017 it was updated by SEBI with at least a minimum transaction limit of Rs.10 cr. 

    Block deals do not take place during regular market trading hours, they are done in a separate private window, usually before the market opens (08:45 Am to 09:00 Am). The price is decided between the buyer and the seller beforehand. However, to prevent manipulation, this price must be within plus or minus 1% of the recent share prices in the market. Block Deals are executed in one go if the buyer opts to buy 5,00,000 shares then it must be done fully and if not executed within 90 seconds the order gets cancelled. 

    Read Also: Differences Between MTF and Loan Against Shares

    Block Deals Vs Bulk Deals 

    FeatureBulk DealBlock Deal
    DefinitionA trade of more than 0.5% of a company’s total shares.A single trade of at least 5 lakh shares OR above Rs.10 crore in value.
    Trading TimeNormal market hours (09:15 Am to 03:30 PM).Special, short windows before market hours (08:45 Am to 09:00 Am).
    Execution PlatformRegular trading platforms.A separate private window for trading.
    Price DeterminationThe live market price at the time of the trade.A pre-agreed price within a + or – 1% range of the market price.
    Market VisibilityVisible to everyone on the live order book.Not visible to the market in real-time.
    Disclosure to PublicDone on the same day after market closure.Done on the same day after market closure.
    Primary PurposeFlexibility, reacting to news, portfolio adjustments.Strategic moves, large entry/exit with minimal price impact.
    Immediate Price ImpactHigh potential to cause price swings.Minimal, as the trade is done privately.
    Participant AccessMostly institutions, but technically open to anyone meeting the 0.5% threshold.Exclusively for large institutions and promoters; inaccessible to retail investors

    Advantages of Bulk Trading

    1. Trade Anytime: Traders can flexibly trade during the market hours and can easily react to news or changing market conditions.
    2. Signals Optimism: As all these deals are publicly done, they can signal confidence in the invested share and vice versa in case of selling of stocks. Knowing that a well-known fund has bought a large stake in a company, tells the market they’re optimistic, resulting in attracting more investors.
    3. Efficient: Executing a large trade in one go can be more efficient and potentially cheaper as you pay charges on the one time buy and sell of share to your broker compared to multiple fees for multiple trades.

    Read Also: ETF vs Index Fund: Key Differences You Must Know

    Advantages of Block trading 

    1. Avoid Market Fluctuations: As this trade takes place privately which does not affect the market prices directly, keeping the situation stable for everyone.
    2. Guaranteed Execution: The price and quantity are pre decided and locked by both the parties, which minimizes the sudden risk of price movements during the trades.
    3. Lowkey Trading: As deals are done during a private window and it is not visible  during live market hours, it allows institutions to buy or sell large stakes without tipping off other traders and affecting the price.

    Conclusion 

    For you as a retail investor, the difference between bulk and block deals is more than just a technical detail. It’s a peek into the minds of the market’s biggest players. This concept gives you an insight about how the price movements take place in the financial market, thus enhancing your understanding of the institution sentiment and helps in making informed decisions. 

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. How can Bulk deals and block deals be differentiated? 

      One can easily differentiate from the execution time as bulk deals take place during market hours and block deals are done privately. 

    2. Can I invest in these deals? 

      Individual traders generally cannot take part in these deals, though you can participate in the bulk deal if your trade is over 0.5% of the total company shares. 

    3. Can information related to these deals be accessed? 

      Yes, you can easily find the information related to these deals on NSE and BSE websites as they publish daily reports on all Bulk and Block Deals. 

    4. Can I invest looking at the reports of these deals? 

      Although these deals give investors a strong positive sign but this should not be the sole criteria, one should do their own research before putting their valuable funds. 

    5. Why do we need two different systems for large trades? 

      Two different systems are created because they have two different needs, where Bulk deals are for investors looking for flexibility and block deals are for those investors who are certain about their trades.

  • What are Angel Investors? 

    What are Angel Investors? 

    What if you have a solid business plan where you have done your research, made your strategies and the roadmap of the whole business but as soon as it comes to the investment you do not have enough capital. You plan to take money from the bank but as soon as you reach there you find out that bank requires financial documents of your business, profit records and other documents which you don’t have yet. You turn towards your family and friends for financial help but they only have a limited amount for help that does not justify your business expenses. How can you get these required funds for your business? 

    Here comes the Angel Investor, someone who can look at your business model and help you with the strategy and finances. Want to get a more clearer picture regarding Angel investors or how angel investors works, in this blog we will look about What are Angel Investors, its definition, characteristics and advantages. 

    What are Angel Investors?

    So, what is an angel investor? In a very simple term Angel investors are generally wealthy people who invest their own funds into a brand new business or company looking at your idea and its practicality and in return they take a small share of the company also known as Equity. The money put into your business is not a loan that needs to be repaid along with the interest.  An angel investor after getting the enquiry becomes a partner in the company and only gets money if there is an overall growth in the company and it starts to earn profits. 

    Angel Investors are generally different from Venture capitalists, though they both invest in new companies angle investors generally use their own funds making decisions faster due to personal decisions on the other hand Venture capitalists manage a large pool of money from different people, usually delaying the process and decision making in the company.  

    What are the Characteristics of Angel Investors?

    • Angel Investors are mostly successful entrepreneurs themselves, they have experience of building the companies from scratch and later on selling them. Some of the angel investors are top-level executives from big corporations. For example: Kunal Shah founder of Cred and Anupam Mittal founder of shaadi.com are some of the famous angel investors in India. 
    • Angel Investors not only provide funds to new companies or startups but with them comes experience, wisdom, and market contacts to these new ventures. Angel investors can help new companies with smart guidance, steps to avoid common mistakes and introduction to market communities helping new startups get buyers and investors, this is why money taken from angel investors is called Smart Money.   
    • Angel investors are not afraid of risk as they know most companies start and fail, but for them putting money into a risky venture is better because with high risk comes high profits and they believe in the founder’s confidence and vision.   
    • For some angel investors money is not the real game if some startups solve core problems of the society or startups have passion for building new things angel investors join this approach to help the next generation startups evolve.  

    Read Also: Types of Investment in the Stock Market

    How Does Angel Investing Work? 

    New startups’ first step is to look for investors, this can take place from platforms like Indian Angel Network, LetsVenture, or AngelList India or startup events. Once a startup founder connects with the investors they are required to pitch their idea. In “Pitch” founders present their business idea, team, how they’ll be solving the problem and most importantly how to make money out of it. If your pitch is accepted, investors will do their homework known as due diligence. In this they will figure out the business model, financial forecast and your valuable team. If everything goes positive the investor will offer a “term sheet”, which is a basic terms of investment like how much money will be invested by the investor and how much equity will they take. Once both the parties agree to the terms and conditions, the legal team will draft the final papers and once it is finalised and signed the money is transferred to your company’s account, and the partnership officially begins.   

    The Accreditation of Angel Investors as per SEBI

    In India, Securities and exchange board of India (SEBI) takes the monitoring charge of these investments. To make these investments safer and organised SEBI has set some rules and created Accredited Investors.  

    Accredited Investors get an official tag of Accredited Investors and they need to meet certain financial criteria that is an annual income of at least Rs.2 crore or at least net worth of at least Rs.7.5 crore, with half of it in financial assets.   

    Let’s look at some new key changes in the rules set by SEBI:

    FeatureOld RuleNew Rule
    Who can invest?Individuals with a self-declared net worth of Rs.2 Crore.Officially verified “Accredited Investors” (AIs) only.
    Investment AmountMin Rs.25 Lakh & Max Rs.10 Crore per startup.Min Rs.10 Lakh & Max Rs.25 Crore per startup.
    Per Startup InvestmentA fund could invest a maximum of 25% of its money in one startup.No limit. A fund can now invest as much as it wants in a single promising startup.
    Lock-in PeriodInvestment was locked for 1-3 years.Reduced to as low as 1 year for some investments.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Angel Investing

    Advantages of Angel Investing 

    1. Angel investors provide the initial crucial funding to new companies and startups along with their valuable guidance. 
    2. The money funded is their own money, leading to quick decision making for your business.   
    3. Angel Investors help in getting into new business communities, other investors, customers and potential employees for your startup.    

    Disadvantages for Angel Investing 

    1. For getting funds you need to give the investor some share or equity of your company, if the startup becomes a huge success , this piece could be worth a fortune.   
    2. Investors say in every big decision of your business, if the goals do not align this could be challenging for both.  
    3. Not choosing the right investor who has the right experience of your business or industry can be fatal for your business.   

    Read Also: The Art of Value Investing: Meaning and Strategies

    Conclusion

    Angel investors are the chance takers on one’s passion and dream, providing them the initial investment to new startups. For an entrepreneur they can be a game changing partner with their advice, experience and money. 

    But it comes with ownership and control of your business and with new SEBI rules investing is now more structured along with opportunities and challenges. 

    Angel investment is a partnership, where a founder and an investor share the same passion and trust, to build something incredible together.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. At what stage of start up one shall look for an investor? 

      The best time to look for an investor is at the very beginning, often known as the “seed” or “pre-seed” stage, a stage where your business is just an idea.   

    2. How much money can I get from an angel investor?

      A standard investment amount by an angel is usually between Rs.10 Lakhs to Rs.2 crores. 

    3. Do I have to return the money or pay any interest? 

      The amount invested by the angel is not a loan, it is an investment so you don’t need to pay any interest or money back to the investor, the investor gets ownership (equity) in your company.   

    4. Where can I find angel investors in India? 

      You can look for angel investors on AngelList India, LetsVenture, and via various startup communities like Indian Angel Network (IAN), some startup events can also be beneficial.   

    5. After pitch selection can I say no to an angel investor? 

      Yes you can if you feel the investor is not the right fit for your company or industry. 

  • Top Quick Commerce Companies in India

    Top Quick Commerce Companies in India

    The world is a changing place and with the evolution of technology not only information is available in minutes but these days getting your house needs can be fulfilled within minutes let’s say if you run out of milk while making tea, you can order a fresh packet of milk at your door even before the water even boils, this is the magic of quick commerce.

    Earlier delivery was done the companies but it used to take time of minimum 3-4 days to deliver you the desired goods but with the introduction of super-fast delivery companies have entered into the domain of Quick commerce and a whole new industry of commerce companies in India has emerged, built on the promise to deliver in minutes resulting in changing habits due to these quick commerce platforms. The world of quick commerce in India is growing rapidly with the inclusion of new age startups and their services.

    So, in this blog we will learn about what these quick commerce companies are? And who are the biggest players in quick commerce in India? 

    What are Quick Commerce Companies? 

    Think of quick commerce, or q-commerce, as the advanced level of e-commerce, where the focus is on delivering a small number of items like groceries or daily essentials in an extremely short time, often in just 10-20 minutes. 

    These quick commerce companies function in such an exceptional way due to “dark stores” which helps in achieving the timely delivery of the products. Imagine Dark Stores as a small supermarket or mini warehouses near your home, wherever customers place their order they get them placed in these dark stores from where the items are delivered directly to the customers. This entire system is “hyperlocal” meaning it operates in a very small area of just a few kilometers, which is the key to their 10-minute promise.

    Read Also: List of Quick Commerce Company Stocks

    Top 10 Quick Commerce Companies in India

    1. Reliance Retail (JioMart)

    It was launched by Reliance Retail in December 2019 by the retail arm of Reliance Industries. It started with connecting with the local Kirana stores with the customers for home delivery of groceries using the Jio digital network. In 2024 Jio entered the quick commerce sector by launching “JioMart Express” services which were designed to deliver within 30 minutes. With its partnership with Meta, customers could directly order on Whatsapp. Reliance’s goal is to use its capital and network physical stores like Reliance Fresh and Smart Bazaar, and create an integrated ecosystem for millions of Jio users.

    2. Tata Group (BigBasket & BBNow)

    It was the first to enter the online grocery market and was founded back in 2011. A strong business was created by BigBasket with its main focus on quality of the product and delivering “Farm to Fork” to its customers. In 2021, the Tata Group acquired a majority stake in BigBasket, making it a central part of its “Tata Neu” super app. BigBasket launched its quick commerce service, BBNow that delivers groceries within 10 to 20 minutes only. The company is also focusing on opening physical stores called ‘Fresho’.The goal is to combine BigBasket’s grocery expertise with the trust and reach of the Tata brand, with plans for an IPO by 2025.

    3. Zomato (Blinkit)

    This platform was earlier started as Grofers in 2013, founded by Albinder Dhindsa and Saurabh Kumar. But with passing time it was rebranded as Blinkit where the main focus was to make Blinkit a 10-minute delivery app. Later Zomato acquired Blinkit in 2022 after this acquisition there has been an exponential growth in the business of Blinkit, in financial terms the total order value is now bigger than Zomato’s food delivery business, this has resulted in transforming Zomato from just a food delivery app to a full fledged quick commerce giant.

    4. Swiggy (Instamart)

    It started in 2014 as a food delivery app and quickly gained popularity, looking at the changing market scenario of the quick groceries delivery companies, Swiggy launched Instamart in August 2020 using its large fleet of delivery partners to begin its operations. Swiggy and Zomato’s blinkit are a direct competitor of each other leading to high spending and significant financial losses, even though Instamart’s sales have grown rapidly. The company is now focusing on improving its financial health and expanding its product range. For instance, it has partnered with companies like Asus to deliver laptops in minutes. Swiggy’s main goal is to reduce its cash burn and use its popular “Swiggy One” subscription to build a loyal customer base across both food and groceries.

    5. Zepto

    Zepto was started in the year 2020 by two 19-year-old Stanford dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra. Their goal for Zepto revolved around delivering groceries in 10 min. This bold move shook the entire industry and forced competitors to speed up in the quick commerce industry. Zepto became India’s first unicorn (a startup valued over $1 billion) in 2023 and is now valued at around $5 billion. While it is not yet listed on the stock market, it is preparing for a future IPO. Zepto’s goal is to continue expanding its network of dark stores, add new product categories, and work towards becoming profitable.

    6. Flipkart (Flipkart Minutes)

    It is among one of India’s largest e-commerce companies, which is backed by the global giant Walmart. Flipkart launched its quick commerce service in the name of Flipkart Minutes to compete in the existing market. Flipkart’s biggest advantage is its massive existing customer base and its powerful logistics network, Ekart. The company aims to leverage these strengths to capture a significant share of the quick commerce market. It is also introducing new advertising tools for brands on its platform to create new revenue streams.

    7. Dunzo

    It was the real pioneer in the hyperlocal delivery space in India. Founded in 2014, it started as a simple WhatsApp-based service that would deliver almost anything a customer wanted. Unfortunately, Dunzo’s story is now a cautionary tale. The company is facing a severe financial crisis due to high costs and an inability to raise more money. Its major investor, Reliance, has written down its investment to zero, which is a huge blow. Dunzo’s future is very uncertain, and it highlights just how difficult and expensive the quick commerce business is.

    8. Nykaa (Nykaa Now)

    It is India’s top online destination for beauty and fashion products. It made a strategic entry into quick commerce in late 2024 with a service called Nykaa Now. Nykaa Now promises to deliver beauty and personal care products in 30 to 120 minutes in major cities. This helps in differentiating its product and protecting its business from other quick commerce apps that might start selling popular cosmetics. It also offers a new level of convenience to its loyal customers who might need a product urgently for an event.

    9. Myntra (M-Now)

    It is owned by Flipkart and is one of India’s leading online fashion stores. It started its quick commerce segment in late 2024 promising a 30 minute delivery service. M-Now has kept its focus on delivering clothes, accessories, and beauty products of premium brands within half an hour in mainly Tier-1 cities. This service is designed for quick fashion needs or some last minute product requirements, like urgent need of a new shirt for a party or a quick gifting item. It has come up as a new segment of quick commerce where customers can get ultra fast deliveries of high value items like clothes or accessories and not just the grocery items. 

    10. The Enablers (Delhivery)

    It has a different motive altogether, Delhivery is one of the largest logistic companies in India, instead of selling products to the customer it sells “Quick commerce” as a service to different quick commerce companies and helping them with Rapid Commerce platform, promising delivery in 2-hour, also sets up partnered dark stores and manages all the deliveries. This allows brands to automate the management and offer their customers fast deliveries without even spending too much on the infrastructure. Other logistics companies like Shadowfax and Porter also play a similar enabling role. This is a new segment that is emerging under the umbrella of Quick Ecommerce Companies representing the emerging need of quick deliveries. 

    Read Also: Top 10 Food Delivery Stocks in India

    Benefits of selling Products via Quick Commerce 

    1. Growing Sales

    Quick commerce is rapidly due to change in consumer behaviour as now the customer wants to get things quickly. With instant deliveries companies not only attract more new customers but also make the current users buy even more, as with more convenience consumers generally tend to buy more. 

    2. Increased Customer Base

    With customers getting orders within minutes is not just a service but an experience for them, as they get the required product instantly, it is like providing the right thing to the customer exactly when they need it. These things make a one time buyer into a potential loyal customer. 

    3. Competitive Quick Deliveries

    In today’s market the speed gives the best advantage, as it could be the most relied on service for a last minute part or a busy household that requires groceries quickly. It helps the customers get products instantly and gives the company the advantage to sell more. 

    4. Expanding Availability & Customer

    Quick commerce companies are rapidly expanding their operations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which is helping in expanding their ecosystem and getting them new customers from different regions and who knows it might grow into a pan India service.

    5. Dark Stores

    This business model works on the dark store concept where companies rent low costing godowns and turn them into a storage unit where from electronics to groceries and even clothing can be stored, reducing the overall cost of logistics and storage. 

    Key Factors to be known about Quick Commerce Companies

    • Profitability: These companies sell millions of products from their apps but the profit margin is very low. The costs of managing dark stores, delivery partner payments, and discount offerings is high, leading to a very high cash burn and Dunzo is one such example. 
    • Competition: There are multiple existing players in the market and also newcomers making the market very competitive for the Quick Commerce Companies as users can easily switch to a different service provider due to easy availability of an alternative.  
    • Regulatory Issues: Some companies have also come to limelight due to delivery partners’ working conditions, lack of job security and even unfair pay. Quick commerce companies will not only have to satisfy the customers but also need to fix the regulatory issues. 
    • Sustainability: The pressure for 10-minute deliveries raises the number of delivery vehicles leading to traffic and environmental issues. Looking at this, companies are shifting to EVs to deliver the products quickly. 

    Read Also: Best FMCG Penny Stocks in India

    Conclusion

    The quick commerce services are rapidly growing in the Indian market. It is rapidly changing consumer behaviour and providing them with a convenience of getting anything delivered to their doorstep within minutes. 

    However, the path ahead for these companies is filled with challenges as fast deliveries are linked with huge cash burn attached to a low profitability. The companies that will ultimately win will be the ones that will male a sustainable business model and find new ways to increase their profits like advertising. There is a lot more to witness about these quick commerce industries, with today’s learning from this blog let’s keep an eye on what the future might unfold.  

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What is a dark store? 

      A dark store is a small, local warehouse of the company where all the goods are stored, it is used only to pack and ship the received online orders. These are generally placed in the close proximity of a large customer base, this makes the delivery possible in 10-20 minutes.

    2. Are any quick commerce companies listed on the Indian stock market? 

      While Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto themselves are not directly listed, their parent companies are publicly traded. For example, Blinkit is part of Zomato, and Instamart is owned by Swiggy Ltd, both of which are listed on the Indian stock market. Zepto, however, is still a private company preparing for a potential IPO in the future.

    3. What lacks in profit of quick commerce companies?

      The total running cost of a quick commerce company is high due to managing and running the dark stores, hiring delivery partners, and offering discounts to attract customers requires a lot of cash to be pooled in the company, resulting in very low net profits for the companies. 

    4. Can we only buy groceries from quick commerce? 

      With the changing customer needs now you can not only buy groceries but also get electronics, fashion apparel, cosmetics and beauty products and now even medicines in minutes. 

    5. Are there delivery charges for Quick Commerce orders?

      Delivery charges vary by platform. Some services offer free delivery for subscription plans like Swiggy One or JioMart Express, while others may charge a small fee for individual orders.

  • LG Electronics Case Study: Business Model & Strategy

    LG Electronics Case Study: Business Model & Strategy

    LG Electronics is a name in the world of technology and innovation that has reinvented itself every decade. Starting with radios and home appliances, the company has grown into a global leader in smart TVs, AI-enabled home appliances, and electric vehicle components. In this LG Electronics case study, we’ll understand the company’s business model and how its marketing strategy established it globally and provide a financial analysis and in-depth SWOT analysis to reveal how LG is delivering on its “Life’s Good” brand promise today.

    Company Overview— LG’s Legacy and Expansion

    LG began in 1958 as GoldStar, a subsidiary of Lak-Hui Chemical Industrial Corp., founded in 1947 by Koo In-Hwoi. At that time, South Korea was still developing, and technology was still out of reach for the common man. GoldStar created products that became household essentials, which were simple yet effective appliances like radios, televisions, and refrigerators.

    A few years later, it merged with another company, Lucky Chemical, to form Lucky-GoldStar, known to the world today as LG. This is the company that manufactured the first radio in Korea, and from there, its story of innovation began gradually. LG expanded its products to the global market and became a symbol of “quality and reliability.”

    Today’s Position and Global Presence

    Today, LG Electronics is not just a brand but a trusted name with a presence in over 150 countries. Its manufacturing units are spread across Korea, India, the United States, China, and Europe.

    LG has Four Major Business Areas:

    Home Entertainment: OLED TVs, soundbars, and display systems, whose quality is recognized worldwide.

    Home Appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, ACs, and smart kitchen devices, which have become integral to modern homes.

    Vehicle Component Solutions: Infotainment and powertrain systems for electric vehicles—this is LG’s new growth engine.

    Business Solutions: Data centers, HVAC, and smart building solutions, which are strengthening the B2B sector.

    Leadership and Vision

    LG Electronics is currently led by William Cho. His focus is to position the company as a “Smart Life Solutions Company” technology that adds real convenience and value to people’s lives.

    William Cho has set LG’s strategy for 2025 on “Qualitative Growth” and “Structural Competitiveness.” He believes that LG’s biggest growth in the coming years will come from emerging markets like India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. LG is also serious about the environment. The company aims to become carbon neutral by 2030 and increase the use of sustainable materials in its products.

    Read Also: CAMS Case Study: Business Model, KPIs, and SWOT Analysis

    LG Electronics Business Model – How LG Creates and Delivers Value

    LG’s business model is based on the belief that technology is meaningful only when it makes people’s lives easier. The company doesn’t just make products but creates solutions that add value to every home, office, and vehicle.

    1. What’s on offer for customers?

    LG’s core promise is quality, reliability, and continuous innovation. Whether it’s OLED TVs, AI refrigerators, or EV components, every product is designed with the philosophy of “smart life” in mind. LG offers its customers not just a product, but a long-term, reliable experience.

    2. Which customers are focused on?

    The company operates in two segments:

    • B2C (direct-to-consumer): Products such as TVs, washing machines, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances.
    • B2B (business clients): Digital displays, HVAC systems, and EV technology for hotels, offices, data centers, and automobile companies.

    3. Distribution Channels

    LG has a strong distribution system. Its products are sold worldwide through retail stores, e-commerce sites (such as Amazon and Flipkart), and the company’s website. The company is also expanding its presence through B2B deals and OEM partnerships.

    4. Revenue Streams

    LG’s revenue comes from several sources:

    • Sales of home and commercial products
    • After-sales service and warranty extensions
    • Technology licenses and patent royalties
    • Revenue from B2B and automotive solutions

    5. Innovation and Resources

    LG’s core strength lies in its research and development network. The company invests approximately 5% of its total revenue in R&D each year. It has more than 20 research labs around the world, developing new technologies and designs.

    6. Partnerships and collaborations

    LG works with many global brands, such as Google for Android TV, Mercedes-Benz for EV parts, and supply chain partnerships with several local companies. These relationships have kept LG technologically ahead.

    7. Spending and Investment

    Most of the company’s spending is on R&D, production, marketing, and logistics. However, LG views this not as an expense but as an investment in the future. This is why it remains competitive in every sector, from electronics to EVs.

    Marketing Strategy of LG Electronics

    1. True Identity: LG’s marketing begins with its core philosophy “Life’s Good.” This line is more than just an advertising slogan. It’s the philosophy the company connects to every product. LG wants to portray its brand as a friend, one who is in your home and a part of your daily life.
    2. Speaking the Language of the People: LG’s uniqueness lies in its marketing in every country, using a language and spirit that people understand. In India, its ads focus on family, relationships, and trust, while in Europe and the US, they focus on design and technology. This is why its image appears different everywhere, but the trust remains the same.
    3. Relationships forged through Social Media: LG doesn’t just appear on social media but connects with people there. Its campaigns are often lighthearted, genuine, and human like “Optimism Your Feed,” which connected people to both positivity and the brand. LG’s digital presence feels more like a conversation than a brand.
    4. Building Trust Through Experience: LG knows that today’s customers want experiences, not just advertising. That’s why the company has created “LG Experience Zones” around the world, where people can try products in person. When a customer experiences the experience themselves, they no longer need to reaffirm their trust.
    5. Building a New Identity Through Partnerships: LG has always moved forward with the future in mind. From tech partners like Google and NVIDIA to Formula E and eSports, each partnership has a common goal: to make LG a brand ready for tomorrow’s world.

    Read Also: TCS Case Study: Business Model, Financial Statement, SWOT Analysis

    Financial Data of LG Electronics

    Income Statement

    ParticularsFY 2025FY 2024FY 2023
    Total Revenue2463202155720108
    Total Expenses216362155720108
    EBIT299320651842
    Net Profit220315111348
    (The figures mentioned above are in INR crores unless mentioned otherwise.)

    Balance Sheet

    ParticularsFY 2025FY 2024FY 2023
    Fixed Assets140413431367
    Current Assets9,5406,6587,164
    Reserves & Surplus5,2913,6594,243
    Liabilities5,5464,7254,634
    (The figures mentioned above are in INR crores unless mentioned otherwise)

    Cash Flow Statement

    ParticularsFY 2025FY 2024FY 2023
    Cash Flow from Operating Activities1,6531,6651,870
    Cash Flow from Investing Activities-27-20-274
    Cash Flow from Financing Activities-106-2,185-2,560

    Key Performance Indicators

    ParticularsFY 2025FY 2024FY 2023
    Operating Profit Margin (%)12.289.679.27
    Net Profit Margin (%)9.047.076.77
    ROE (%)36.9040.0530.87
    ROCE (%)45.2347.9038.45
    Debt to Equity (x)0.000.000.00
    (Data as of March 2025)

    SWOT Analysis of LG Electronics

    Strengths

    • Strong brand trust: LG remains a name people trust blindly. The company has built its reputation on quality and durability over the years.
    • Extensive product range: LG has a wide range of products—TVs, washing machines, ACs, refrigerators, and now even EV parts. This diversity has given it a place in every market.
    • Innovation capability: LG continuously invests in R&D, ensuring technological improvements and design innovations in its products.

    Weaknesses

    • The end of the mobile business: Leaving the smartphone market has narrowed LG’s connection with younger, tech-centric consumers and reduced ecosystem stickiness.
    • Pricing challenges: Some products are priced beyond the budget of the average consumer, reducing its presence in the mid-segment market.
    • Supply network dependence: The company’s production is spread across multiple countries, making it vulnerable to any global crisis or policy changes.

    Opportunities

    • Electric vehicle and renewables: LG is scaling its EV component and energy storage operations, tapping into the fast-growing global electric vehicle and renewable energy markets.​
    • Smart home and IoT: Expanding offerings in IoT and AI-integrated appliances can deliver new experiences and recurring revenue as the smart home segment is growing.​
    • Emerging market expansion: There’s substantial growth potential in emerging economies—India, Southeast Asia and Africa—where demand for affordable technology is rising.​
    • Strategic partnerships: Alliances with industry leaders (e.g. Google, Mercedes, Hyundai) enhance innovation and market reach.

    Threats

    • Intensifying competition: Brands like Samsung, Sony, and Haier are constantly introducing products with new features and lower prices.
    • Raw material prices: Rising production costs could put pressure on the company’s margins.
    • Changes in global policies: Fluctuations in tariff and trade policies could impact LG’s international sales.

    Read Also: JioHotstar Company Case Study: Merger, Business Model & SWOT Analysis

    Conclusion 

    LG Electronics exemplifies how a brand flourishes by deeply understanding people’s needs and evolving with the times. Today, LG is a trusted presence in households worldwide, synonymous with reliability, quality, and meaningful innovation. As it moves forward, the company’s journey is not only about expanding its business footprint but also about making incremental improvements that simplify and enrich everyday life. With its strong brand equity, continuous technological advancement, and commitment to customer satisfaction, LG is well-positioned to remain a household favorite and an industry pioneer in the years ahead.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What are LG Electronics’ major business areas?

      LG operates in Home Entertainment, Home Appliances, Vehicle Component Solutions, and Business Solutions. These areas cater to both consumer and B2B markets globally.

    2. Who leads LG Electronics and what is the vision?

      William Cho is the CEO, aiming to transform LG into a “Smart Life Solutions Company.” The vision focuses on technology that adds real convenience and value to people’s lives.

    3. What is LG’s business model?

      LG delivers products and solutions that improve everyday life for consumers and businesses. Revenue comes from sales, after-sales services, technology licensing, and B2B offerings.

    4. How does LG stay innovative?

      LG invests around 5% of revenue in R&D across 20+ global labs. It also partners with tech leaders like Google, NVIDIA, and Mercedes-Benz.

    5. What are LG’s strengths and challenges?

      Strengths include brand trust, wide product range, and continuous innovation.Challenges are exiting the smartphone market, premium pricing, and supply chain dependence.

  • Difference Between Individual and HUF Demat Accounts

    Difference Between Individual and HUF Demat Accounts

    You must have an individual demat account in which you can hold securities to create long-term wealth. But most of you are not aware of the HUF demat account in which you can manage the investment as the head of your family, known as “Karta”. Using this account, you can create wealth for your family.

    In today’s blog post, we will give you an overview of an individual and an HUF demat account, along with the differences.

    What is an Individual Demat Account?

    An individual demat account is a personal demat account opened by an individual to hold, buy and sell securities, including shares, bonds, etc., in electronic form. Only the account holder in whose name the demat account is opened can operate it. An individual bank account can be linked with this demat account.

    Key Features of an Individual Demat Account

    The key features of an individual demat account are as follows:

    1. Nominee: The individual demat account holder can nominate various individuals in their demat account so that in case of the death of the account holder, the securities can be easily transferred to the near ones.
    2. Multiple Accounts: One can open multiple demat accounts with different stock brokers, using the same PAN Card.
    3. Taxation: All the gains earned from this demat account are taxed as per the norms of individual capital gain.
    4. Unique ID: As an individual can open multiple demat accounts, all the demat accounts have a separate user ID and identification number.

    Read Also: Can I Have Multiple Demat Accounts in India?

    What is a HUF Demat Account?

    When a Hindu Undivided Family is considered a legal entity registered under the Hindu Law, opening a demat account to invest in shares, mutual funds, bonds, etc, is known as an HUF Demat Account. However, the account is opened in the name of HUF, but the Karta of the family operates it. All gains earned from investments in the name of an HUF are taxed as a separate entity.

    Key Features of HUF Demat Account

    The key features of an HUF demat account are as follows:

    1. HUF Name: The HUF account is opened only in the name of the HUF and PAN, and not opened in the name of an individual.
    2. Separate Entity: An HUF is considered a separate legal entity, and all the income is taxable as an independent entity.
    3. Eligible Investment: An HUF can invest in almost all kinds of investments, such as shares, mutual funds, bonds, etc.
    4. One Demat Account: An HUF can open only one demat account against its PAN, but individual members can still have their own separate demat accounts using their personal PANs.

    Difference Between an Individual and an HUF Demat Account

    The key differences between an individual and an HUF demat account are as follows:

    ParticularIndividual Demat AccountHUF Demat Account
    Owned ByAn individual account can be owned by an individual.This account can be owned by a Hindu Undivided Family.
    PAN CardAn individual’s PAN Card is linked to it.HUF Pan Card is used in it.
    Operation ByThis account is solely operated by an individual.A HUF demat account can only be operated by the head of the family, known as “Karta”.
    TaxationAll the incomes generated from this account are taxed in the hands of the individual.All investment income is taxed separately in the hands of HUF.
    Number of Demat AccountsAn individual can open multiple demat accounts using the same PAN Card with different brokers.Only one demat account is allowed to be opened using an HUF Pan Card.
    TransmissionIn case of the death of the account holder, the securities are transferred to the nominee.In case of Karta’s death, a new Karta is appointed instead of transferring units.
    ObjectiveThe objective of an individual demat account is to create an individual’s wealth.A HUF demat account is generally used to create wealth for the family.
    Document’sOnly the document of the individual is required.Along with the document of the HUF Karta’s documents are also required.

    Read Also: Top 10 Demat Account in India

    Which Account Should You Consider?

    If you are looking to create wealth for your family or create a legacy for them, then you can consider opening an HUF demat account and operate it as the Karta of the family. However, if you are looking to create wealth for yourself, then you can open an individual demat account and manage your investment accordingly.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, both the individual and the HUF demat account facilitate the holding of securities, such as shares, bonds, and ETFs, in electronic form. However, both of these accounts differ in terms of ownership and operation. Having an individual demat account helps in creating wealth for an individual, whereas an HUF demat account builds wealth for a Hindu Undivided Family, and it is operated by the Karta, who will be the head of the family. Choosing among these demat accounts totally depends on the objective of creating wealth.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. Is there any difference between an individual and an HUF demat account?

      An individual demat account can be opened and operated by only an individual, whereas the HUF demat account can only be operated by the head of the Hindu Undivided Family, known as Karta.

    2. Can a person who is a Karta open a separate individual account?

      Yes, a person can open an individual demat account if they are already operating an HUF demat account as Karta.

    3. Can any member of HUF directly operate a HUF demat account?

      No, a HUF member cannot directly operate a HUF demat account; only the Karta of the family operates the HUF demat account.

    4. Can a HUF demat account be converted into an individual demat account?

      No, a HUF demat account cannot be converted into an individual demat account.

    5. Can an NRI open a HUF demat account?

      No, an NRI cannot open a HUF demat account; only a resident individual or Karta can open a HUF demat account.

  • What is Dabba Trading?

    What is Dabba Trading?

    Have you ever heard of a stock market that does not have any screens, apps, or even a stock exchange? Dabba trading is exactly what it sounds like: a secret, off-the-record way for people to try to make money in the markets. No taxes, no fees, and no digital trail. But here is the problem: it is against the law and very risky. In this blog, we will talk about dabba trading, what it is, how it works, and why you should stay away from it.

    What is Dabba Trading 

    Dabba trading is like an unregulated stock market that happens outside of official exchanges like the NSE or BSE. People do not use an authentic broker or the exchange’s system; instead, they write down trades in a “dabba,” which means “box” or “notebook” in English.

    A dabba operator, who is not a registered broker, takes buy and sell orders from people. But the trades never make it to the stock market. Everything is paid in cash, which is why people who do this do not have to pay brokerage fees, GST, STT (securities transaction tax), SEBI fees, or stamp duty. It seems cheaper and easier on the surface.

    But here is the catch: it is against the law and very dangerous. Also, if you get caught, you could face big fines and even imprisonment under Indian securities law.

    In short, dabba trading is a way for some people to avoid paying fees, but it is stressful. It might look good, but it is not worth the risk.

    Read Also: What is AI Trading?

    History of Dabba Trading 

    Dabba trading is not a new thing; it has been in existence for several years. It took off in the 1980s and 1990s, when the stock market was not well-regulated as it is now. A lot of small traders and brokers did not have easy access to official exchanges back then, so they executed trade deals that were not recorded.

    The word “dabba” comes from how trades were written. Instead of using the stock exchange, operators would write trades in notebooks or “boxes.” In fact, people were not buying shares; they were betting on share prices with the operator acting as a middleman.

    Before the internet and discount brokers, dabba operators were very popular in small towns. It was fast, cheap, and easy compared to the official process, which was full of paperwork.

    Tables turned in the 2000s when SEBI entered the picture and became a strict regulator, demat accounts became standard, and digital trading platforms evolved to make trading much easier and legal. That caused dabba trading to become extinct, but it never completely stopped.

    Even though the government regularly cracks down and raids dabba traders, you can still find them in small groups all over India. The “no fees, no taxes” lures people in, but the risks have continued to grow worse over time.

    How does Dabba Trading Work? 

    Here is how this trading works

    1. There is usually an operator, which is someone who acts like a broker but does not hold a licence or registration.
    2. Traders tell this operator what they want to “buy” or “sell.” But instead of going to the NSE or BSE, the order is just written down in a notebook, ledger, or even a computer file. The “dabba” is that record.
    3. There are no digital trails here. Cash is used to settle everything. That is how they avoid paying broking fees, GST, STT, and all the other costs that come with real trading.
    4. People figure out how much money they made and lost at the end of the day or week. The operator gives you cash if you “gain.” You have to pay if you lose.
    5. There is no paper trail, no receipts, and no safety net for these trades because they never make it to the official stock exchanges. Your money is gone if the operator deceives you.

    Why do People indulge in Dabba Trading?

    1. To avoid fees – There are no brokerage, GST, STT, or other charges. It seems less expensive than normal trading.
    2. Cash transactions – Everything is paid for in cash, so there is no paperwork or digital trail.
    3. Looks simple and quick – traders think they can make money faster because there are no rules or regulations.
    4. The thrilling factor – For some, it feels like gambling on the stock market, which makes it fun.
    1. It is against the law, and SEBI and the stock exchanges do not recognise it. You are outside the system if you trade through a dabba operator.
    2. The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, makes these off-the-record trades illegal in India. If you get caught, you could face big fines or even jail time.
    3. There is no safety net. You cannot go to SEBI or the courts if something goes wrong with these trades because they are not on the official exchange. You are all alone.
    4. Dabba trading can get you into legal issues for tax evasion.

    Read Also: Different Types of Trading in the Stock Market

    Conclusion 

    At first, dabba trading might seem like a good idea because there are no taxes, no paperwork, and no middleman. But all you are getting is a lack of protection, an increased probability of losing money, and a risk of getting into legal trouble. We suggest you stay on the regulated track if you want to build sustainable, long-lasting wealth. It is the safest, smartest, and only way to make sure your money works for you.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. Why do people do ‘dabba trading’? 

      To avoid taxes, brokerage charges, and paperwork, but at a huge risk. 

    2. Who runs Dabba trading? 

      Unregistered operators or middlemen run it. 

    3. How are profits and losses settled? 

      Profits and losses are settled only in cash, with no digital record or official proof. 

    4. Does this trading happen only in small towns? 

      No, it has been found in both small towns and big cities across India. 

    5. What are the risks involved in Dabba Trading? 

      Risks involved are cheating, fraud, losing all your money, and even facing legal action.

  • What is a Smart Beta ETF? 

    What is a Smart Beta ETF? 

    While investing in the stock market we might have often heard about ETFs or exchange traded funds. A standard ETF, like one that tracks the Nifty 50, which is like a basket of stocks where the biggest companies get the biggest share. This is simple, but it means you end up putting more money into stocks that are already large and popular.   

    But what if you can invest in more smarter ways and build a smarter basket. This is where the smart beta ETF is for, instead of just focusing on a company’s size, a smart beta ETF picks and weighs stocks based on other specific traits or “factors”, like whether a stock is undervalued, has stable earnings, or pays good dividends. It’s a strategic approach that blends the low-cost, rule-based nature of a passive ETF with the intelligent stock-picking ideas of active investing.

    What is an ETFs?

    Exchange Traded Funds, or ETFs are a basket of stocks where instead of buying one share of one company, you buy one unit of an ETF that has small pieces of many companies at once, making your investments diversified and not concentrated in just one or two stocks.  It’s a simple way to get diversification and usually comes with lower fees.   

    Generally, ETFs that track the Nifty 50 choose companies based on their size, or market capitalization. Market cap is calculated by multiplying a company’s share price by the total number of shares it has. This method is called “market-cap weighting.” In such ETFs, bigger companies get a larger share of the basket. That’s why a large company like Reliance Industries affects the Nifty 50’s performance much more than smaller companies in the index.  

    What are Smart Beta ETFs?

    Smart ETFs are an investment product that fall in between purely investing in Nifty 50 ETF and fully active investing in selected stocks. Index is used for benchmarking in Smart Beta ETF. A smart beta fund tracks an index, just like a regular ETF, but the main focus is not only on the market cap, it is built using a transparent, rules-based system that focuses on specific characteristics or factors, which is the main idea behind Smart Beta ETFs.   

    The rules used for these Smart Beta are pre-defined that are followed automatically. For example, a rule might be, “From the Nifty 100 stocks, only select companies that have low debt and stable earnings.” This makes the process transparent and removes emotional decision-making.   

    Smart Beta ETF is now becoming popular amongst the investors and the options for these alternatives in India are growing as smart beta takes the proven ideas that expensive active fund managers have used for years and puts them into an automated, low-cost, and transparent ETF format.  

    Read Also: Smart Beta Funds: Characteristics, Factors, Benefits, and Limitations

    Factors Affecting Smart Beta ETFs

    • Value: The goal here is to find out a high-quality brand that is at a low P/E ratio as in this strategy the focus of buying the stocks is to get stocks that seem cheap compared to their actual business worth.  
    • Quality: Here the strategy for an investor is to opt for the stock of companies that have strong management, well managed working with stable earnings, low debts, and strong financials.  
    • Low Volatility: This strategy focuses on stocks with smoother price moves as this helps in reducing overall portfolio risk and standard deviation.    
    • Momentum: This strategy helps in investing in such stocks that have a positive upward trend with a hope that the trend will continue to move upwards.   
    • Dividend Yield: The strategy focuses on regular dividend yielding, which becomes a popular choice for investors looking to earn a regular income from their investments.   
    • Equal Weight: In this strategy every stock gets the equal share rather than giving preference to the bigger companies only, equal-weight share improves diversification and reduces the risk of dependence only on big companies and their performance.   

    Know More: Calculate returns on ETF investments.

    Benefits of Smart Beta ETFs

    • Risk-Adjusted Returns: With smart beta, it is not just about higher returns, but fulfilling better returns for the risk taken. These ETFs focus on factors that have performed well historically in an attempt to outperform traditional market cap funds over a long time.   
    • Enhanced Diversification: As we explained, a Nifty 50 ETF is often overweighted to the top 5 or 10 stocks. Smart beta strategies that focus on equal weighting invest more evenly across a greater number of stocks. This diversification helps to mitigate the risk of one or two large stocks underperforming and the impact of those stocks dragging down the whole portfolio.  
    • Rule-Based Approach: These rules, or rather strategies, have distinct advantages which are often overlooked. Pre-defined rules help to overcome emotional biases and behavioral mistakes which can negatively impact the portfolio. Smart beta ETFs have rules which are set so that there is no room for emotional decision making. For instance, a value ETF is programmed to sell stocks which are deemed expensive and purchase stocks which it considers to be cheap, is an example of forcing you to operate in a buy low, sell high mentality.
    • Cost-Effectiveness: Though Smart Beta ETFs can be a little expensive than most of the passive ETFs, they are generally much cheaper than actively managed mutual funds pursuing similar factor strategies.

    Read Also: Small-Cap ETFs to Invest in India

    Risks of Smart Beta ETFs

    Of course, no investment is without risk. It’s important to have a balanced view and understand the potential downsides.

    • Factors Can Underperform: Out of all the risks, this is the most important to understand. Every factor has losing streaks. There can also be long periods of years when a value strategy lags behind the market, whereas a momentum strategy fails during a sudden market crash.   
    • Limitation of Backtesting: A lot of smart beta strategies “work” in “back-tests” or simulation-based on past data strategy. But as every investor knows, past performance is no guarantee of future results. A strategy that worked every decade doesn’t seem plausible to work for the next decade. 
    • Higher Costs and Complexity: Smart Beta ETFs, owing to their complex nature in both design and management, charge a conditionally higher expense ratio as compared to the plain and simple INDEX ETFs. Although the difference may be small, it is still evident.   
    • Lower Liquidity: Out of the newer or more niche smart beta ETFs in India, some might have comparatively lower liquidity, or volume of participants to buy and sell parts of the ETF on a daily basis. It may not be a major concern for most small investors, but it may pose a challenge for those looking to trade a considerably large volume of the ETF in a short time.   
    • The Psychological Challenge: Smart beta ETFs are designed to perform differently from the main market. This difference is called “tracking error.” While this is intentional, it can be mentally tough. Imagine the Nifty 50 is up 20% in a year, but your low volatility ETF is up only 8%. It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out and be tempted to sell at the wrong time. Sticking with the strategy requires conviction.   

    Why Do Investors Choose Smart Beta ETFs?

    Smart beta ETFs are selected by the investors because they look for more strategic investments rather than just buying randomly from the market and also investors don’t want to pay the high fees or rely on the judgment of an active fund manager. They offer a middle ground that is rules-based, transparent, and cost-effective.   

    It is for investors who want to buy quality companies stock or undervalued stocks for the long-term as Smart Beta ETF allows the investors to make the investments simpler and in a disciplined way. 

    Read Also: Types of ETFs in India: Find the Best for Your Investment

    Conclusion

    Smart beta ETFs are not just simple ETFs but they are new powerful and innovative tools that are designed for modern investors like you. Though you need to keep in mind that they do not provide guaranteed high returns but they provide a strategic investment plan to build your portfolio. 

    The strategy to invest in Smart beta ETFs depends upon your investment goals, as understanding the right strategy with patience can help you excel your financial goal.

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    5What is Nifty BeES ETF? Features, Benefits & How to Invest?
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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. Do Smart beta ETFs give guaranteed returns?  

      No, the returns in smart beta ETFs are not guaranteed but they are designed with a potential to give better risk-adjusted returns in the long run, but the chances of their performance is greater than Nifty 50 ETFs in the long term.    

    2. Are smart beta ETFs actively managed? 

      No, smart beta ETFs are not actively managed. They are best described as a hybrid. The strategy behind Smart Beta Indices is active (e.g., choosing focus, value, etc.), but the fund itself is managed passively. A human fund manager is not making daily buy or sell decisions. 

    3. Difference between a smart beta ETF and a normal Nifty 50 ETF? 

      In a Nifty 50 ETF the focus is more on the bigger companies based on the market capitalization. On the other hand, smart beta ETF deals differently by giving weightage to companies based on factors like low price, financial health or low volatile company.    

    4. Are smart beta ETFs expensive? 

      Smart beta EFTs are expensive compared to the traditional index ETFs, but they are less expensive than actively managed mutual funds.   

    5. Are smart beta funds suitable for beginners? 

      They can be, but it’s important for a beginner to first understand the basic concept of an index ETF. If you are willing to learn about the specific factor (like value or quality) and understand that the fund will behave differently from the main market, it can be a good addition to your portfolio.

  • Best Intraday Trading Apps in India

    Best Intraday Trading Apps in India

    Have you ever thought of making money in a single day by trading? This is what you can do in Intraday Trading, by investing your money in the stock market and you buy stocks and sell them on the same day, hoping to profit from the small price changes that happen throughout the day.   

    Let’s say you see a stock at Rs.100, you believe it will go up to Rs.103, on that day and you buy it, and if it moves to a desired price, you sell it and earn Rs.3 profit per share giving you the profits before the market closes. 

    But for quick decision making you need to have an Intraday trading app, a good app needs to be fast, easy to use, and reliable. But the market has so many intraday trading apps and finding the best app for intraday trading in India can feel overwhelming.

    In this blog we will get to know the top intraday trading apps in India and learn their features and uses.

    Top 10 Intraday Trading Apps in India

    1. Pocketful

    Pocketful is a new-age platform built for traders who like technology and information at one place. Pocketful provides powerful tools like algo-trading and options strategy making trading simpler for everyone. It offers a complete trading platform paired with easy-to-understand educational content, helping users learn and invest in one place without feeling overloaded.

     It makes powerful tools like algo-trading and options strategy simple for everyone.Pocketful GPT helps you achieve Smart AI that analyzes portfolios, researches markets, and designs strategies.

    Stock in News which provides updates on stocks in your holdings, watchlists, results, global news, corporate actions, and markets. Additionally, Pocketful delivers updates via WhatsApp, including dividends, IPOs, and other important corporate actions. Though pocketful is a newer player, it focuses on its cutting-edge tech. Providing zero account opening fees, zero annual maintenance charges, and zero equity delivery charges.

    2. Upstox

    It is a financial stock broking app that is backed by people like Ratan Tata, Upstox is a powerhouse app built for speedy stock services. It is best suitable for people who frequently trade during the day.   

    It offers charting tools from both TradingView and ChartIQ. You can also place ‘basket orders’ to buy or sell up to 20 different stocks at once with a single click.   

    With so many features, it can feel a little complicated for a total newbie. Active traders who need a fast and powerful platform.

    3. Groww

    Groww is incredibly popular with beginners because it is very easy to use. If you’re new to the market, this is a great place to start, learn and invest.   

    The app’s design is clean and easy to understand. It also offers ‘OCO’ orders, where you can set your target price and your safety-net stop-loss at the same time.   

    It is made for all the young population that can do hassle free trading without studying and investing too much time on learning but the advanced traders might miss some of the deeper analytical tools found on other platforms.

    4. Angel One

    Angel One is one of the pioneers in the stock broking field, and it is a mix of long legacy and modern tech.   

    The app also offers ‘Smart Orders’ to help you trade automatically and an AI engine called ARQ Prime that gives you stock market ideas. They also provide a good margin facility if you want to trade with more capital than you want to invest.   

    The app is packed with features and is best suited for anyone who wants a good mix of modern tools and expert research.

    5. Zerodha Kite

    Zerodha is one of the leading stockbrokers of India, and their app, Kite, is famous for super fast user experience and clean user interface. It is one of the most relied on apps among the experienced traders for Intraday trading and much more.   

    Kite has detailed stock charts and financial information with over 100 tools to help you analyze your preferred stocks. You can also set  ‘Alert Triggers Orders (ATO)’  which automatically places a linked basket of orders on the exchange when a Kite alert is triggered. In ATO, market orders are placed with market price protection.Alert Triggers Orders (ATO) is a feature that automatically places a linked basket of orders on the exchange when a Kite alert is triggered. In ATO, market orders are placed with market price protection.

    Zerodha gives you the stock analysis and the holistic company information, but it does not give you stock investment tips. Traders who are comfortable with charts and numbers can use the information, making their own decisions.

    6. ICICI Direct

    ICICI is one of India’s biggest banks, ICICI Direct is one of its segments for trading in the financial market which comes with a super convenient 3-in-1 account that links your bank, trading, and demat accounts together.   

    Moving money in and out is instant and seamless because your bank account is already linked to your trading account. The app also has great charts and special tools for scalping, which helps them in instant decision making.  

    The cost for trading was more expensive, but with new players in the market the price has also become competitive. It is best suited for ICICI Bank customers who need everything at one place. 

    7. Fyers

    Fyers is a platform built by traders, for traders which has become a huge hit among people who like charts and numbers. It offers one of the best TradingView experiences, letting you trade directly from the charts, which is a huge time-saver. It also has a special ‘Options Scalper’ tool for quick options trades.   

    Fyers is designed for technical traders, so it might be a little complicated for the beginners who need guidance throughout. It is best suited for traders who can understand and use technical data and available tools.

    8. 5paisa

    5paisa is a great choice if you’re looking for a low-cost app that is packed with advanced features. It’s perfect for budget-conscious traders as you can subscribe to different plans that lowers your brokerage fees and even more.    

    5paisa has powerful TradingView charts and a stock screener to help you find good trading opportunities during your intraday trades. Although the best research features are locked behind their paid plans.

    9. IIFL Markets

    IIFL is another experienced broker which provides a solid trading app. Their biggest strength is the high-quality research and stock tips they provide to their clients. Traders get access to expert research reports, which is great if you need ideas on what to trade. 

    The app also has a ‘Buzz’ feature that keeps you updated with the latest market news so that you can make the right move during your Intraday trade.   

    It’s a full-service broker, and so it’s a little costlier and does not have a flat-fee as other discount brokers. Traders who like to have expert opinions to back up their intraday decisions can rely on IIFL Markets.

    10. Paytm Money

    Paytm money is the trading segment from the makers of Paytm, the app is all about making trading simple and accessible for the mass audience. The platform has user friendly tools making it easier to start trading. 

    The app’s clean and quick design helps in making the intraday trades smooth and quick. It also supports important tools like GTT orders and Bracket orders to help you manage your risk.   

    It currently focuses on stocks and F&O only, commodities so you can’t trade commodities or currencies on it.  It is best suitable for Beginners and Paytm users who want a simple, no-fuss trading app.

    Read Also: 10 Best Stock Market Simulators for Beginners – Platforms and Apps

    Key Indicators of Intraday Trading Apps

    Intraday AppBest Suitable ForIntraday Brokerage (Equity)Intraday Features
    PocketfulOptions & Algo TradersFlat ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)Strategy Builder, No-Code Algo, Advanced Order Types, Trailing SL
    UpstoxActive traders who make lots of tradesFlat ₹20 or 0.1% (whichever is lower)Great charting tools, powerful web version, place multiple orders at once
    GrowwAbsolute beginnersFlat ₹20 or 0.01% (whichever is lower)Super simple design, OCO orders (target & stop-loss together)
    Angel OneTraders who want research & tipsFlat ₹20 per or 0.3% executed orderSmart Orders, AI-based stock ideas, margin trading facility
    Zerodha KiteExperienced traders who love chartsFlat ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)Amazing charts, GTT orders (set & forget), helpful warnings
    ICICI DirectICICI Bank customersFlat ₹20 per executed order3-in-1 account (bank + trading), advanced charts, special order types
    FyersCharting experts & technical tradersFlat ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)Top-tier TradingView experience, special tool for options scalping
    5paisaBudget-friendly tradingFlat ₹20 per executed orderGood charts, stock finding tools, low-cost subscription plans
    IIFL MarketsPeople who like expert adviceFlat ₹20 per executed ordeIn-depth research reports, stock tips, market news feed
    Paytm MoneySimplicity and ease of useFlat ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)Very clean design, GTT orders, essential risk management tools

    Intraday Trading Basics

    Let’s have a look at the simple rules of intraday trading you should know.   

    • Fixed Time: Traders need to make sure that they close all their positions before the market closure or before 3:30 PM in intraday trading to avoid fees or losses.   
    • No Ownership: Since you buy and sell the stocks on the same day, they never actually enter your demat account, providing no ownership. In intraday you just trade on the price movement.   
    • Leverage/Margin: This is like a small loan from your broker for the day to buy more shares than you can with your own capital, resulting in more profits, but it can also magnify your losses as well.    
    • Short Selling: You can sell a stock first at a high price (even if you don’t own it) and buy it back later when the price drops and the difference you get is the profit.   

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Intraday Trading

    Advantages 

    • Daily Gains: You can make money fast and skip the weeks or months of money invested as in intraday trading you can make profits (or losses), same day.   
    • No overnight stress: As the stock is traded on the same day so you know your net loss and profit giving you a clear picture without the risk of market fluctuations due to overnight news.   
    • Power of Leverage: Leverage allows you to take bigger positions than your capital would normally allow.   
    • Profiting from short selling: You can make profits even when the market is down, a falling market can become an opportunity.   

    Disadvantages 

    • High Risks: Most people who try intraday trading lose money so it is not easy, as there is constant market fluctuations.   
    • Stressful: Watching the market go up and down can lead to an emotional decision, leading to bad decisions.   
    • Full-time job: You can’t just check in once or twice during the day as successful day trading requires you to watch the market constantly.   
    • Added costs: You pay small fees on every trade you make on that day and if you trade a lot, fees can eat your profits.   

    Read Also: Best Trading Apps in India

    Conclusion

    There is no single best intraday trading app that fits everyone. The right choice is personal. If you love charts, Zerodha or Fyers can be opted. If you’re a beginner, start with something simple like Pocketful as you can also experiment with automated trading. Pocketful has some really advanced, user-friendly tools. And if you prefer getting expert advice, Angel One or IIFL Markets are great options. And remember the best advice is to start small, learn every day, and always trade responsibly. 

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What if I forget to sell my stocks before market closure?

      The broker automatically sells it known as “auto square-off”, usually this is chargeable and a penalty is levied typically around Rs.50 + gst per trade.   

    2. Can day trading be started from Rs.1000? 

      Technically, yes but it’s very hard to get profit out of it and if there is some small profit then the fees can evade your gains. You can learn using such a small amount and know how the market works. 

    3. When is the best time of day to trade? 

      Many traders find the most action happens in the first hour (9:15 AM – 10:15 AM) when the market opens, and the last hour (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM) before it closes. The market tends to move the most during these times.   

    4. How are intraday trading profits taxed?

      They are treated as ‘speculative business income’, which means the profit is added to your total income and taxed based on your income tax slab.   

    5. What is a ‘stop-loss’ in simple terms? 

      A stop-loss is your safety net where you can sell the stock at the desired price automatically if it starts to fall, as a falling stock can erode your initial investments.

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