Author name: Mr. Sushil Alewa

Sushil Alewa is the Founder & Director of ISFM – International School of Financial Market, established in July 2014 with the aim of bridging the gap between academic finance and real, practical market participation. A Certified Financial Planner - CFP from US (Reg. No. IN 51734) and SEBI Registered Research Analyst (Reg. No. INH100009433) with an MBA in finance, Sushil has spent more than 16 years in the Indian capital markets. His career spans equity advisory and research at Sharekhan, India Infoline, Indiabulls and Religare, followed by HNI portfolio advisory at Anand Rathi Wealth Management — experience that shaped the practitioner-first approach ISFM is known for today. He is an active trader and researcher, and his teaching draws directly from live market work rather than theory alone. His areas of focus include technical analysis, derivatives and options strategies, equity research and fundamental analysis, and investor awareness. Sushil is currently a PhD scholar researching options trading strategies, and regularly conducts investor awareness and financial literacy programs for students, professionals and corporate audiences.

Is India’s Economy Really 'Dead'? Here's Why That Claim is Not Just Misleading — It’s Outdated
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Is India’s Economy Really ‘Dead’? Here’s Why That Claim is Not Just Misleading — It’s Outdated

A popular but factually flawed claim about a so-called “dead economy” in India is gaining traction — but experts strongly disagree. In a well-argued opinion piece on News18, startup mentor Aditya Pittie debunks the pessimistic rhetoric and presents compelling data showing that India’s economy is not just alive but thriving. Why the ‘Dead Economy’ Claim Fails a Basic Fact Check India’s critics might enjoy dramatizing economic doom, but the facts paint a far different picture: India now ranks as the 4th largest economy globally and is well-positioned to surpass Germany by 2027, becoming the third-largest. Policy Reforms Powering India’s Rise Pittie credits transformational reforms for this momentum: Why PPP Matters (But Is Often Ignored) India’s purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita stands at $12,000, giving the average Indian greater real income than many emerging economies. Yet, critics often overlook this in their assessments. India’s Global Rankings: The Numbers Don’t Lie In his News18 article, Pittie emphasizes how global metrics validate India’s economic momentum: Indicator Global Rank Forex Reserves 4th Gold Reserves 7th Startup Ecosystem 3rd Mobile Manufacturing 2nd Debt-to-GDP Ratio 82% (better than many developed economies) India’s Demographic Dividend: A Youth-Led Surge Over 65% of India’s population is under the age of 35 — a fact Pittie highlights as a “once-in-a-generation advantage”. This young workforce is fueling digital adoption, entrepreneurship, and consumption at unprecedented levels. Explore: India’s Digital Economy Progress Across Sectors: From Poverty to the Moon Pittie details how India’s development story spans multiple fronts: As Pittie puts it: “India is fighting poverty while exploring the moon — and doing both well.” The Road Ahead: $30 Trillion Vision for Viksit Bharat The column ends with an optimistic look at India’s future. By 2047, under the Viksit Bharat roadmap, India could reach: Pittie boldly calls the “dead economy” narrative a case of either “wilful ignorance or deliberate misinformation.” Also Read: How to Trade Options When Market Momentum is On Strike Final Word: It’s India’s Time “India’s story is one of resilience, speed, and scale. This is India’s moment, and the world should pay attention.” – Aditya Pittie, via News18 The article closes with a powerful quote from PM Narendra Modi: “यही समय है, सही समय है, भारत का अनमोल समय है।”(This is the time, the right time. India’s precious time.)

huf
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HUF Demystified: India’s Tax-Saving “Financial Superhero” Family Structure – Should You Use It?

In the ever-evolving realm of financial planning in India, the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) stands out as a strategic, culturally-rooted, and legally recognized entity that can help families legally optimize their tax outgo. While often mistaken as a complex or outdated concept, the HUF structure is a practical and effective vehicle for wealth preservation, passive income generation, and tax efficiency — especially for investors and long-term wealth builders. What Is a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)? An HUF is a distinct legal entity under Indian tax law. It represents a family unit — not just a social grouping — capable of owning assets, earning income, and filing income tax returns independently. 🔗 Key Elements: Features of HUF You Should Know Why HUF is a Tax-Saving Powerhouse ✅ Tax Benefits: Learn more about investment strategies using HUF in our expert-led stock market courses. Pros of Using an HUF Cons and Limitations Should Market Participants Use an HUF? Ideal For: Not Recommended For: Myth vs Fact: Busting HUF Misconceptions Myth Fact Anyone can create an HUF Only Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists are eligible HUFs are tax evasion tools They are legal, recognized entities under Income Tax Act Karta has unchecked power Coparceners have the right to demand partition HUFs must run a business HUFs are often used for holding passive income assets Final Verdict: Should You Create an HUF? Creating an HUF is not for everyone, but for the right family, it can serve as an invaluable wealth and tax planning tool. ✅ Go for it if: ⚠️ Avoid it or be cautious if:

How to Trade Options When Market Momentum is On Strike
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How to Trade Options When Market Momentum is On Strike

In a market lacking strong momentum, many traders feel tempted to step aside. But history warns us: such breaks can stretch for months—like in 2009—leading to missed opportunities and idle capital. Instead of hitting pause, smart traders adapt their options trading strategy to extract value even when the market seems directionless. Understanding the Current Market Phase While the index may appear range-bound, directional impulses still occur—but they’re often short-lived and deceptive. This disrupts momentum and traps directional traders. 📉 That’s why the first major adjustment is:👉 Switching to shorter timeframes — primarily weekly option expiries. This allows you to stay agile and capitalize on quick swings without getting trapped by slow price movement. Use Market Data to Define the Trading Range One powerful indicator during such sideways phases is Open Interest (OI) data. 👉 Learn more about Options Trading Strategy The Strategy: Sell Premium & Buy Protection In a time-decaying market, where premium erosion is rapid, the best strategy often lies in: Selling ATM Options Buying OTM Protection Maximum Profit = Net Premium ReceivedMaximum Loss = (Difference between Buy & Sell Strikes) – Net Premium Received Key Guidelines to Manage Risk 📚 Explore detailed strategies in our Technical Analysis Course Final Takeaway: Monetize Short-Term Volatility, Not Long-Term Dreams When momentum stalls, trading isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about cashing in on volatility and time decay. Modify your trades with level-based logic, keep positions hedged, and stay nimble. Waiting for momentum to return may cost you more than adapting your strategy to today’s reality.

How to Check If Your Tax Consultant Has E-Verified Your ITR Correctly
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How to Check If Your Tax Consultant Has E-Verified Your ITR Correctly

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is only half the job done—e-verification is the critical final step. According to the Income Tax Department, every ITR must be e-verified within 30 days of filing. Failure to do so can result in the return being marked as invalid, leading to refund delays, penalties, or even needing to refile your return. Many taxpayers rely on chartered accountants or tax consultants to handle their filings but overlook one vital detail—was your return e-verified? How to Check E-Verification Status of Your ITR Follow these steps to ensure your return is properly e-verified: What to Do If Your Return Is Not E-Verified If you find your return is still pending verification, you can quickly e-verify it through any of the following methods: Alternatively, you can print and send the signed ITR-V acknowledgment to the CPC, Bengaluru by registered post. However, online e-verification is quicker and hassle-free. 📌 How to e-verify ITR – Complete Guide Why You Must Double-Check—Even If You Hired a Consultant Even if your CA or tax consultant files your return, the responsibility to verify rests with you. Many professionals assume the taxpayer will complete the e-verification step. If it’s missed: Also Read: How to Automate Your Finances for Stress-Free Money Management Pro Tip: Verify in Minutes, Save Weeks of Trouble It only takes 2–3 minutes to log in and verify your e-filing status. This small step can prevent big issues like refund delays, penalties, or compliance notices from the Income Tax Department. Take charge of your finances—double-check your ITR e-verification today.

How to Automate Your Finances for Stress-Free Money Management _www.isfm.co.in
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How to Automate Your Finances for Stress-Free Money Management

In today’s busy world, manually managing money can be overwhelming and prone to error. Forgetting to pay a bill or missing an investment contribution may result in penalties, stress, or missed opportunities. Automating your finances—where funds are automatically debited and redirected for bills, savings, and investments—helps you stay consistent, avoid late fees, and prioritize financial goals without daily effort. Learn how to create a monthly financial plan Setting Up Automatic Savings The first step to automate your finances is to establish a reliable savings system. Most banks offer standing instructions or auto-debit facilities that allow you to: 💡 Tip: Open a separate savings account just for emergencies or future goals. Automating Investments for Long-Term Wealth Consistent investing is key to wealth creation. You can automate investments through: By authorizing your bank or investment platform to auto-deduct funds each month, you benefit from: 🔍 Explore SIP benefits and calculators here Auto-Paying Bills and EMIs Almost every major bank and UPI app allows you to automate: Enabling auto-debit for recurring bills means: 🔗 Set auto-debit with your bank account Monitor and Review Automated Transactions Automation isn’t a one-and-done process. You should review your transactions regularly by: 📱 Use apps like Walnut or ET Money to track your auto-payments and savings effortlessly. Building a Stress-Free Financial Life Automation gives you more control by requiring less effort. With structured systems in place: This routine builds financial discipline and frees up your mental bandwidth for bigger goals like retirement planning, buying a home, or funding education.

Govt to Launch Investor Portal for Quick Reclaim of Unclaimed Shares & Dividends
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Govt to Launch Investor Portal for Quick Reclaim of Unclaimed Shares & Dividends

In a major move to empower investors and enhance financial inclusion, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)—under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)—is all set to launch a new integrated digital portal to help investors reclaim their unclaimed shares and dividends within days, instead of the current average processing time of over a year. According to official estimates, more than ₹1 lakh crore worth of unclaimed shares—spanning over 1.1 billion units—are lying with the IEPFA. Additionally, around ₹6,000 crore in unclaimed dividends are yet to be returned to rightful investors. Fast-Track Refund Mechanism via IEPFA Portal The soon-to-be-launched IEPFA Integrated Portal is in its final testing phase and is expected to go live in August 2025, as per an official statement released on August 1 by the MCA. Once operational, this unified digital platform will significantly reduce the waiting period for approval and disbursement of claims. “The time taken to release shares and dividends after approval—which currently stretches to a year—will now be reduced to just a few days,” a senior official told Moneycontrol. What Makes the New Portal Special? Also Read: Form 10E: Essential Tax Relief for Salaried Employees Receiving Arrears Proposed ‘Niveshak Public Infrastructure (NPI)’ Ecosystem The IEPFA is also exploring the creation of a robust Niveshak Public Infrastructure (NPI)—a centralized framework to onboard companies, RTAs, and depositories under one digital roof. The proposed system would enable single KYC authentication for investors, streamlining the reclaim process even further. “At NPI, Aadhaar-based facial scans will act as proof of identity, minimizing paperwork and fraud risk,” a source familiar with the development noted. Strengthening Investor Awareness and Support Since its establishment in 2016, IEPFA has championed financial literacy and investor protection through initiatives like: These programs aim to educate citizens on making informed financial decisions and to foster a culture of financial responsibility. Integrated Call Center & Simplified Claim Documentation To further enhance transparency and investor experience, the IEPFA is set to roll out an Integrated Call Center, providing real-time assistance and query resolution for investors. The authority is also reviewing documentation norms for small-ticket claims to make the settlement process simpler and quicker.

Form 10E Essential Tax Relief for Salaried Employees Receiving Arrears_www.isfm.co.in
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Form 10E: Essential Tax Relief for Salaried Employees Receiving Arrears

Form 10E: Essential Tax Relief for Salaried Employees Receiving Arrears Don’t let salary arrears bump you into a higher tax slab. File Form 10E to claim tax relief under Section 89(1) and reduce your tax burden. What Is Form 10E and Why It Matters When you receive salary arrears due to a promotion or delayed hike, your total income in the current financial year increases, which can lead to higher taxes. But here’s the good news: Form 10E helps you claim tax relief by allowing the adjustment of these arrears to the financial years they actually pertain to. This form is critical if you’re looking to avoid over-taxation on income that wasn’t earned in the current year. How Form 10E Helps You Save Tax India follows a progressive income tax slab system. A sudden spike in income due to arrears may push you into a higher slab, even though the income was earned over multiple years. Form 10E ensures that your arrears are redistributed across the relevant assessment years. This enables the Income Tax Department to recalculate your tax liability fairly, avoiding any tax spike caused by bunching of income. Common Mistake: Don’t Just Add Arrears in Your ITR Many taxpayers forget to file Form 10E, assuming they can simply include arrears in their Income Tax Return (ITR). But this is a major error. The Income Tax Department mandates Form 10E if you want to claim relief under Section 89(1). If it’s not filed, your relief claim may be rejected, no matter how valid. When and How to File Form 10E Online You must file Form 10E before submitting your ITR. Here’s how: Documents You’ll Need To file Form 10E accurately, keep the following ready: These documents will help substantiate your claim, in case the Income Tax Department asks for clarification. Avoid Tax Notices – File It Correctly If you don’t file Form 10E but still claim relief in your ITR, your return may be processed without the benefit. Worse, you might receive a notice for mismatch or incorrect filing, along with reduced refund or additional tax demand. Filing the form is completely free and can save you thousands in taxes. Let Salary Arrears Work for You—Not Against You Receiving arrears is a welcome financial boost. But if not planned properly, they can lead to a tax burden instead of a benefit. By filing Form 10E, you ensure you’re taxed fairly—based on the year you actually earned that income. Maximize your take-home pay. File Form 10E and stay tax-smart! Don’t let salary arrears bump you into a higher tax slab. File Form 10E to claim tax relief under Section 89(1) and reduce your tax burden. What Is Form 10E and Why It Matters When you receive salary arrears due to a promotion or delayed hike, your total income in the current financial year increases, which can lead to higher taxes. But here’s the good news: Form 10E helps you claim tax relief by allowing the adjustment of these arrears to the financial years they actually pertain to. This form is critical if you’re looking to avoid over-taxation on income that wasn’t earned in the current year. Also Read: FD vs Mutual Funds vs Small-Cap Stocks: Which Option Doubles Your Money Faster? How Form 10E Helps You Save Tax India follows a progressive income tax slab system. A sudden spike in income due to arrears may push you into a higher slab, even though the income was earned over multiple years. Form 10E ensures that your arrears are redistributed across the relevant assessment years. This enables the Income Tax Department to recalculate your tax liability fairly, avoiding any tax spike caused by bunching of income. Common Mistake: Don’t Just Add Arrears in Your ITR Many taxpayers forget to file Form 10E, assuming they can simply include arrears in their Income Tax Return (ITR). But this is a major error. The Income Tax Department mandates Form 10E if you want to claim relief under Section 89(1). If it’s not filed, your relief claim may be rejected, no matter how valid. When and How to File Form 10E Online You must file Form 10E before submitting your ITR. Here’s how: Documents You’ll Need To file Form 10E accurately, keep the following ready: These documents will help substantiate your claim, in case the Income Tax Department asks for clarification. Avoid Tax Notices – File It Correctly If you don’t file Form 10E but still claim relief in your ITR, your return may be processed without the benefit. Worse, you might receive a notice for mismatch or incorrect filing, along with reduced refund or additional tax demand. Filing the form is completely free and can save you thousands in taxes. Let Salary Arrears Work for You—Not Against You Receiving arrears is a welcome financial boost. But if not planned properly, they can lead to a tax burden instead of a benefit. By filing Form 10E, you ensure you’re taxed fairly—based on the year you actually earned that income. ✅ Maximize your take-home pay. File Form 10E and stay tax-smart!

FD vs Mutual Funds vs Small-Cap Stocks: Which Option Doubles Your Money Faster?
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FD vs Mutual Funds vs Small-Cap Stocks: Which Option Doubles Your Money Faster?

Want to double your money? Your investment decision should be based on two key factors — your risk appetite and investment horizon. Whether you’re a conservative saver or an aggressive investor, understanding how different instruments grow your wealth is essential. Fixed Deposits (FDs): Safe but Slow Fixed Deposits (FDs) are one of the most popular and secure investment options in India. Currently, most bank FDs offer around 7% annual interest. Using the power of compound interest, if you invest ₹1 lakh and keep reinvesting the interest, it will take approximately 10 years to double your money. 📌 Tip: Use FDs for short-term goals or emergency funds. They’re stable but won’t beat inflation in the long run. Mutual Funds: Balanced Growth with Moderate Risk Equity Mutual Funds typically yield 10–12% average annual returns over the long term. At a 12% return, ₹1 lakh invested today can double in just 6 years — thanks to faster compounding. 🔄 Consider Starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): A disciplined approach to investing that helps build wealth steadily over time — perfect for retirement or children’s education. Also Read: Claim 4 Free Credit Reports Every Year in India: A Complete 2025 Guide Small-Cap Stocks: High Returns, High Risk If you’re willing to take on more risk, small-cap stocks or aggressive equity mutual funds can deliver returns of 20% or more annually. At this pace, your investment can double in just 3.5 years. ⚠️ Caution: While the potential upside is significant, so are the fluctuations. These assets can experience sharp corrections and may even erode capital in the short term. Rule of 72: Quick Formula to Estimate Doubling Time The Rule of 72 is a simple tool to estimate how long it will take to double your money based on your expected return: Time to Double = 72 ÷ Annual Rate of Return What Should You Choose? Investment Option Average Return Time to Double Risk Level Fixed Deposit 6–7% ~10 years Low Mutual Funds 10–12% ~6 years Moderate Small-Caps 18–20%+ ~3–4 years High ✅ FDs are best for safety-seekers and short-term savers.✅ Mutual Funds are a smart middle path for long-term goals.✅ Small-Caps are suitable for aggressive investors with time and risk appetite. Final Take: Let Compounding Be Your Ally Whether you’re chasing high returns or playing it safe, compounding is the real game-changer. It turns time and patience into wealth. The earlier you start, the better the outcome — regardless of your chosen instrument.

Claim 4 Free Credit Reports Every Year in India_www.isfm.co.in
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Claim 4 Free Credit Reports Every Year in India: A Complete 2025 Guide

Do you know that you’re entitled to four free credit reports every year in India—one from each of the top credit bureaus? Staying updated with your credit profile is a smart way to avoid loan rejections, detect identity fraud early, and improve your overall financial credibility. Thanks to the RBI’s 2017 regulation, every Indian can access one free credit report annually from the following major credit bureaus:✅ CIBIL (TransUnion)✅ Experian✅ CRIF High Mark✅ Equifax That’s 4 full credit reports every year—completely free. Why You Should Check All Four Credit Reports Each bureau uses slightly different algorithms and lender data, which means your credit score and report may vary across them. A score of 770 in CIBIL might reflect as 750 in Experian. Reasons include: Benefits of reviewing all reports:Detect identity theft (e.g., fake loans opened in your name)Spot mismatched loan balances or incorrect statusesBoost chances of loan or credit card approvalNegotiate better interest rates with updated reports 💡 Pro Tip: Schedule reminders every quarter (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct) to check one report per bureau for year-round monitoring. Also Read: Axis Mutual Fund Scam Explained: Inside Viresh Joshi’s ₹300 Crore Front-Running Fraud Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Free Credit Reports in 2024 CIBIL Free Credit Report 🔗 Get Free CIBIL Report Steps: Why Choose CIBIL? Experian Free Credit Report 🔗 Download Experian Report Steps: Unique Feature: 3️⃣ CRIF High Mark Report Access 🔗 Access CRIF Report Steps: What Sets CRIF Apart: Equifax Credit Report Request 🔗 Request Equifax Report Steps: Special Note: Post-Download Checklist: What to Verify Once you’ve got your reports, don’t just read the score—dig deeper: ✅ Compare across reports: Loan balances, statuses, hard enquiries❌ Identify red flags: 🛠️ Dispute incorrect data: 🧠 Smart Tip: File disputes across all bureaus simultaneously to speed up error removal. 🔗 Quick Access to Official Links Final Takeaways for Smart Credit Management Start your financial fitness journey today—claim your first free credit report now and track your credit like a pro!

Axis Mutual Fund Scam
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Axis Mutual Fund Scam Explained: Inside Viresh Joshi’s ₹300 Crore Front-Running Fraud

Who Was Viresh Joshi – Axis Mutual Fund’s Star Trader Turned Scamster? Viresh Joshi, once a senior fund manager at Axis Mutual Fund, held key responsibility for managing top funds like Axis Bluechip Fund. He had access to sensitive trade data, which he abused to run what is now known as India’s biggest front-running scam. His downfall began in 2022 when irregular trades flagged a deeper rot. Background: Education and Career Journey While limited public data exists on Joshi’s early life, records confirm he earned an MBA in Finance and worked with firms like DHFL Pramerica and IIFL Wealth before joining Axis AMC in 2018. Information about his family or personal background remains undisclosed, possibly due to ongoing investigations. Front-Running Scam: Key Facts at a Glance Parameter Details Scam Type Front-running (trading ahead using insider info) Key People Involved Viresh Joshi (Trader), Deepak Agarwal (Broker) Timeframe 2019 – 2022 (Exposed in May 2022) Estimated Gains ₹300+ Crore Entity Involved Axis Asset Management Company (Axis AMC) How the Scam Was Executed: Step-by-Step Breakdown Joshi used his privileged access to Axis’s trading strategies to leak information to outside brokers. Here’s how the fraud unfolded: How the Axis Mutual Fund Fraud Came to Light By April 2022, Axis AMC’s internal audit system detected patterns of pre-positioned trades mirroring actual fund activity. Major triggers: This led to investigations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Arrests, Investigations & Regulatory Action Latest Case Developments (2024 Update) Legal Proceedings: Market Impact: Reforms & Compliance: Key Lessons for Investors & Institutions

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