'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'
'Global uncertainty is something which definitely occupies the minds of officials when we are preparing for the Budget.'
Flexicap fund performance depends heavily on the fund manager's decisions.
Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
'The trade deficit in some sectors is huge and that is an area of opportunity to localise.'
The fiscal tilt towards capex benefits companies in investment-related sectors like capital goods, defence equipment, engineering & construction and metal & mining. The planned cut in revenue expenditure will weigh on companies in consumption sectors like FMCG, consumer durables and retail.
Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
The most common mistake is investing without assessing suitability and long-term implications.
'When markets go into a budget with excessive optimism, the risk of disappointment is higher.'
After two years of strong gains, smallcap stocks fell sharply in 2025, but the correction may be setting up opportunities for long-term investors.
rediffGURU Vipul Bhavsar answers readers' personal income tax queries.
'A breakout above 158,000 to 160,000 could trigger the next leg higher toward 165,000 to 170,000.'
'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'
The Learjet 45 (LJ45), a mid-size business jet aircraft produced by the Learjet Division of Bombardier Aerospace, went off the runway while attempting to land at Baramati airport and burst into flames.
Worries about global politics and trade are pulling the Nifty 50 down. Experts say the market could drop further low.
The pause will begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the State Department completes a reassessment of visa processing, the report said.
A Governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 of the Constitution in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers, the Supreme Court has held.
'...a mix of asset classes.' 'Include equities for growth (across market caps), debt for stability and liquidity, gold as a hedge against macro and currency risk, and global assets for geographical and economic diversification.'
Dabur's business update for Q3FY26 indicated mid-single digit consolidated revenue growth. The guidance is that growth in operating and net profits will beat revenue growth. In the domestic business, home and personal care (HPC) revenue grew in double digits, while healthcare is likely to post a sequential growth in low-single digits.
The RBI has flagged concerns over rising volatility in gold prices and advised lenders to exercise caution in the gold loan segment.
'Stay invested but progressively reduce risk. Beyond a point, the objective should shift from maximising returns to avoiding unpleasant surprises.'
Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
'Trading without strict position sizing, stop-loss discipline, or a clear exit plan almost guarantees losses.' 'Chasing tips, reacting to intraday noise, or assuming frequent trading improves outcomes are equally damaging habits.'
Fund managers advise conservative investors to cap midcap exposure at 10 to 15 per cent of their equity portfolio.
With medical inflation hovering at around 13-14 per cent annually, policyholders must reassess their sum insured once every two years.
While investments are typically reviewed annually, risk cover is often left unchanged for years.
Largecap equity funds remain suitable for conservative and moderate risk-taking investors seeking relatively stable returns.
'A work guarantee that can be switched off at will is no guarantee at all.'
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
'New investors should enter gradually and stay cautious.' 'Silver is a structural multi-year story, but timing matters in a high-volatility metal.'
The power sector presents a puzzle. A fast-growing economy should be aligned to higher power demand but that hasn't been the case in the financial year 2026 till date (FY26TD).
'We expect modest returns in 2026 versus the steep gains seen over the past few years.'
While gold continues to provide safety after its strong 2025 rally, well-chosen real estate investments held with a long-term view remain attractive.
The stock of the country's largest beer maker, United Breweries (UBBL), is trading at 25-month lows given multiple headwinds related to volumes, regulatory issues, and margin trajectory. After a muted second quarter (July-September) of 2025-26 (Q2FY26), brokerages also expect the company's Q3FY26 performance to be underwhelming.
rediffGURU Vipul Bhavsar answers readers' personal income tax queries.
Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
This exercise allows investors to realign their portfolios with changing market conditions and evolving personal objectives.
Investors must account for currency depreciation in their financial plans and use instruments that can cushion the erosion in purchasing power.
Vedanta, a conglomerate in mining and metals, has seen a surge in its share price on the back of multiple triggers. Its demerger appears to be on track, a strong non-ferrous commodity cycle is boosting margins, and silver bulls are interested in Hindustan Zinc, its subsidiary.
'For the initial decade, I consistently advise young professionals to prioritise career development and income growth rather than market analysis.'