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India’s stock market has seen many changes over the decades, but one of the most talked-about turnarounds in recent years is that of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Asia’s oldest stock exchange. At the heart of this revival is Sundararaman Ramamurthy, the man widely credited with reshaping BSE’s growth story. This blog explains who he is, what he did differently, and why his leadership matters—using simple words and clear ideas. Who is Sundararaman Ramamurthy? Sundararaman Ramamurthy became the Managing Director and CEO of BSE in January 2023. He is a seasoned financial markets professional with more than 30 years of experience across stock exchanges, banking, and market infrastructure. Before joining BSE, he spent many years at India’s other major stock exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), where he worked closely on exchange operations, market structure, and trading systems. These are the same core areas explained in structured stock market courses in India that focus on how exchanges function beyond just buying and selling shares. He has also held senior leadership roles in global banking, giving him strong exposure to international capital markets and institutional trading practices. This rare combination—deep exchange experience plus global banking exposure—prepared him well for the challenge of reviving BSE. Where BSE Stood Before His Leadership For a long time, BSE was respected for its history but struggled to compete on growth. Trading volumes were low in key segments, especially derivatives such as futures and options. Many market participants saw BSE mainly as a legacy institution rather than a fast-moving exchange. The challenge was not credibility, but relevance in a modern, technology-driven capital market—an issue closely linked to understanding price action, volumes, and liquidity, which traders typically learn through a solid technical analysis course. What Changed Under Ramamurthy After taking charge, Ramamurthy focused on execution, participation, and relevance rather than announcements or optics. 1. Clear Focus on Market Activity Instead of trying to do everything at once, BSE concentrated on improving areas where growth was realistic. New contracts, better incentives for participants, and smoother processes helped bring traders and brokers back—especially those active in equity and derivatives trading. 2. Technology and Cost Efficiency Operational efficiency became a priority. Faster systems, stable platforms, and cost-effective trading encouraged participation, particularly in price-sensitive segments, where execution quality directly impacts returns. 3. Listening to Market Participants One key difference in his leadership style was direct engagement with brokers, traders, and intermediaries. Feedback from the ground shaped decisions, helping BSE become more market-friendly—an approach aligned with regulatory expectations laid down by SEBI. 4. Strong Push in Derivatives BSE’s derivatives segment, once almost ignored, saw renewed attention. With focused strategy and discipline, volumes improved steadily, changing how the market viewed the exchange. The Impact: A True Turnaround Story The results of these changes became visible quickly. BSE’s financial performance improved, market confidence returned, and investor perception changed sharply. The company’s stock delivered extraordinary returns in a short period, turning BSE into one of the strongest wealth-creation stories in India’s capital markets. More importantly, BSE was no longer seen only as a historical institution—it became a competitive, growing exchange once again. Leadership Style That Made the Difference Sundararaman Ramamurthy is known for being calm, practical, and execution-driven. Instead of chasing headlines, he focused on fixing basics: This balanced approach helped build trust across the ecosystem. Why His Story Matters The BSE revival shows that strong leadership can transform even mature financial institutions. With the right strategy, focus on fundamentals, and respect for market realities, a legacy organisation can still grow rapidly—even in a highly regulated environment governed by SEBI. Sundararaman Ramamurthy’s journey proves that in financial markets, execution beats noise, and patience often delivers the biggest results. In simple terms:He didn’t change BSE’s history—he changed its future. If you want to understand the Indian stock market and leadership-driven market movements better, you may also explore:

When Indian investors explore passive investing, the most common question is: ETF vs Index Fund – which one is better?Both products aim to track popular indices like Nifty 50 and Sensex, and both are regulated by SEBI. However, the way you invest, transact, and manage them is very different. ETF vs Index Fund: Quick Comparison Table Parameter ETF Index Fund Product type Exchange Traded Fund Mutual Fund Where it trades Stock exchanges like NSE and BSE Directly with AMC Pricing Real-time market price End-of-day NAV Demat account Required Not required Expense ratio (India) ~0.03%–0.20% ~0.10%–0.50% SIP convenience Limited / manual Very easy Liquidity Market volume dependent AMC-backed Suitable for Active, cost-focused investors Long-term SIP investors Popular ETFs vs Index Funds in India Type Fund Name Inception Year Index Tracked ETF Nippon India Nifty 50 ETF (NIFTYBEES) 2001 Nifty 50 ETF SBI Nifty 50 ETF 2015 Nifty 50 Index Fund UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund 2000 Nifty 50 Index Fund ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund 2015 Nifty 50 Index Fund HDFC Nifty 50 Index Fund 2020 Nifty 50 All these funds track indices maintained by NSE Indices and are part of India’s mutual fund ecosystem governed by AMFI. ETF vs Index Fund: Do Returns Really Differ? In most cases, returns are nearly the same if both products track the same index.Any small difference usually arises from: For example, both a Nifty 50 ETF and a Nifty 50 Index Fund aim to replicate the Nifty 50 index published by NSE. Cost vs Convenience: The Real Decision Factor 1. ETFs Pros Cons 2. Index Funds Pros Cons Liquidity and Safety Both instruments are regulated by SEBI, making them structurally safe when chosen from reputed fund houses. ETF vs Index Fund: Which One Is Better for You? ETFs are better if: Index Funds are better if: There is no universal winner. The better option depends on your investing style, not just returns. Learn Passive Investing the Right Way with ISFM If you want structured learning on ETFs, Index Funds, asset allocation, and risk management, explore:

India entered 2025 with strong economic momentum and exited it as one of the world’s most reform-driven economies. With GDP growth touching 8.2%, far ahead of global averages, the year marked a decisive shift in how India governs, regulates, and grows. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the government rolled out wide-ranging structural reforms spanning taxation, labour laws, trade policy, foreign investment, infrastructure, and legal frameworks. The focus was clear—simplify compliance, reduce friction, and prepare India for long-term global competitiveness. Labour Reforms: Rebuilding India’s Workforce Architecture 2025 was the first full year when India’s four Labour Codes began showing real impact on the ground. By merging 29 central labour laws into four unified codes, the government brought clarity for employers while strengthening protections for workers. The reforms focused on: These changes were designed to support a workforce of over 64 crore Indians, encourage higher female labour participation, and ensure employment growth keeps pace with economic expansion.(Related read: Labour reforms and skill development impact on India’s growth) GST 2.0: Towards a Simpler and Fairer Tax System India’s indirect tax regime saw a major reset in 2025. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was rationalised into a two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, significantly reducing classification disputes and compliance complexity. The simplified GST framework benefited: Consumer confidence improved, reflected in record festive sales during Diwali and Navratri. According to SBI Research, GST collections in FY26 are expected to exceed budget estimates, proving that simplicity does not weaken fiscal strength.(Internal link: How GST reforms impact small businesses and consumers) Income Tax Reform: Big Relief for the Middle Class One of the most headline-grabbing reforms of 2025 was the personal income tax overhaul. Individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually were fully exempted from income tax, delivering immediate relief to salaried and middle-class households. In a historic move, the Income-tax Act of 1961 was replaced with the Income Tax Act, 2025, scrapping decades of amendments and complex provisions. The new law: (Suggested link: New Income Tax Act 2025 explained) Maritime and Blue Economy Reforms India modernised its maritime governance by passing five key shipping legislations, replacing colonial-era laws dating back to the early 1900s. These reforms aim to: The changes align India’s ports and shipping ecosystem with global standards, boosting trade efficiency.(Related article: India’s logistics and port modernisation story) Ease of Doing Business Reset: Cutting Compliance Fatigue Ease of Doing Business reforms gathered pace with a comprehensive review of Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Mandatory compliance was removed for 76 product categories, while over 200 more were identified for deregulation. This step significantly reduced compliance pressure on MSMEs and exporters, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on growth instead of paperwork. MSME Reforms: Encouraging Scale Without Fear To help businesses grow without losing regulatory benefits: These changes removed the long-standing fear of “outgrowing” MSME benefits, enabling enterprises to scale sustainably.(Internal link: MSME reforms and growth opportunities in India) FDI Liberalisation: Opening Doors to Global Capital A landmark reform allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, attracting global capital and increasing competition. The move is expected to improve product innovation, service quality, and insurance penetration across India. Trade Agreements: Expanding India’s Global Footprint India strengthened its trade presence through multiple agreements, including: The EFTA agreement alone includes a $100 billion investment commitment over 15 years. Trade talks also progressed with the EU, Canada, Israel, and GCC nations, supported by a ₹25,000 crore export promotion scheme targeting $1 trillion in exports. Securities Market Reform: One Unified Rulebook A Securities Market Code Bill was introduced to consolidate India’s securities laws into a single framework. The objective is to: (Suggested read: What the Securities Market Code Bill means for investors) Jan Vishwas Reforms: Decriminalising Business Under the Jan Vishwas initiative, over 200 minor offences were decriminalised, and hundreds of outdated laws were repealed. With Jan Vishwas 3.0 in the pipeline, the reform has evolved into a nationwide effort to reduce regulatory fear and improve trust between businesses and the state. Nuclear, Rural Employment, and Legal Overhaul Conclusion: 2025 as India’s Structural Turning Point From taxation to labour, trade to laws, 2025 reshaped India’s economic and regulatory foundation. These reforms were not isolated announcements but part of a coordinated push to build a simpler, faster, and globally competitive India—one designed for the next two decades of growth.

A simple monthly money framework that tells every rupee where to go—before it disappears. If you often wonder where your salary went despite earning decently and paying bills on time, you are not alone. Most people stuck in a paycheque-to-paycheque loop are not careless spenders. The real issue is usually the lack of a clear money system, not a lack of income. This is where the 70/10/10/10 budgeting formula helps. It is not a strict rulebook or a quick fix. Instead, it provides simple guardrails that make everyday financial decisions easier and more intentional. What Is the 70/10/10/10 Formula? The idea is to divide your monthly take-home income into four defined buckets, each with a specific purpose. 1. 70% for Living Expenses This covers your current lifestyle: This bucket supports how you live today. 2. 10% for Long-Term Investing This portion is meant for wealth creation over the long run, not short-term gains. It may include: You can explore how SIPs work here:👉 SIP basics and long-term investinghttps://isfm.co.in/stock-market-investment-course-in-gurgaon/ 3. 10% for Short-Term Savings Think of this as your financial shock absorber. This money is for: Having a dedicated emergency fund can reduce dependence on credit cards or personal loans during unexpected situations.👉 Why emergency funds matterhttps://isfm.co.in/study-material/ 4. 10% for Debt Repayment or Personal Growth This bucket depends entirely on your current life stage. It can be used for: Investing in skills often delivers returns beyond money. Why This Formula Helps You Escape the Paycheque Trap When income flows into one account and expenses come first, saving becomes optional. Optional savings rarely happen consistently. The 70/10/10/10 approach flips this behaviour. It forces you to assign roles to your money before spending begins. If your expenses exceed 70%, that is not failure—it is valuable feedback. It tells you whether: Without a framework, this insight often remains invisible. Over time: What If These Numbers Feel Unrealistic Right Now? Most people cannot adopt this split overnight—and that is perfectly normal. Start with one honest month of expense tracking. You may discover that: Then improve gradually: Consistency matters far more than perfection. The Hidden Benefit Most People Miss Beyond money, this formula reduces mental fatigue. When your buckets are predefined: This clarity often brings more peace than chasing higher returns or complex strategies. Final Thought Living paycheque to paycheque is rarely about willpower alone. It is about having a system that works even when motivation runs low. The 70/10/10/10 formula may not be perfect, but it is simple, practical, and sustainable. For many people, it is the first real step toward regaining control of their money—and their peace of mind.

What the financial system expects, what flexibility you really have, and where most people get caught off guard A sudden loss of income can flip your financial priorities overnight. Expenses that once ran on autopilot—like EMIs and SIPs—suddenly demand close attention. The biggest mistake people make during this phase is assuming that everything must either continue as normal or stop completely. In reality, EMIs and SIPs behave very differently when income stops, and understanding this distinction early can protect both your cash flow and your credit history. EMIs Don’t Pause Just Because Your Income Does An EMI is a legal obligation, not a flexible expense. Whether income stops due to job loss, business slowdown, illness, or family emergency, your loan agreement remains unchanged. If you miss an EMI: This process is not discretionary. It follows lending and reporting norms regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). You can refer to RBI’s borrower protection guidelines here:👉 https://www.rbi.org.in This is why, during an income shock, EMIs must take priority over almost all other outflows. Home loans, vehicle loans, and personal loans protect your long-term credit profile. A short-term cash crunch should not turn into a permanent borrowing handicap. What EMI Relief Options Actually Exist (and What Don’t) There is limited flexibility—but only if you act early. Banks and NBFCs may offer: These options are not automatic rights. They depend on: The biggest mistake is waiting until after EMIs bounce. Once defaults are recorded, negotiating power drops sharply. Early communication keeps doors open. Silence closes them. SIPs Are Voluntary—and Can Be Stopped Without Penalty SIPs work very differently from EMIs. A SIP is an investment instruction, not a contract. You can: —all without penalties or credit score impact. Many investors feel guilty about stopping SIPs, believing it breaks discipline. In reality, financial discipline includes protecting liquidity during stress. SIPs exist to build wealth over time—not to drain cash when income has stopped. What Happens to Your Existing Investments? Stopping SIPs does not affect the money already invested. This distinction is critical. Many people panic-sell investments unnecessarily when income stops—even when they don’t need the money immediately. A smarter approach is to separate: If cash is tight, partial redemption from relatively stable funds is usually less damaging than missing EMIs and hurting your credit record. The Hidden Pressure Point: Auto-Debit Mandates Both EMIs and SIPs usually run on auto-debit mandates. When income stops, balances can fall faster than expected. If multiple debits bounce: A practical step: A failed SIP debit is not harmful—but repeated failures create unnecessary noise when clarity matters most. This Is Exactly Why Emergency Funds Exist Emergency funds are not for market crashes or “buying the dip.”They exist for income disruption. Ideally, your emergency fund should cover: —for several months. Without this buffer, people are forced into poor decisions: All of these leave lasting damage. You can read more about building an emergency fund here:👉 https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/emergency_fund.asp How to Prioritise When Income Stops When income halts, sequencing matters more than perfection. Priority order: Risk doesn’t pause during financial stress—insurance continuity is critical. The Bigger Lesson An income shock exposes how your financial system is built. The goal is not to avoid disruption, but to ensure that when it happens, your system can bend without breaking. If your EMIs can be covered for a few months without panic, and your SIPs can be paused without guilt, you’ve built a financial structure that supports you—especially when you need it most

More SIPs don’t mean higher returns. Long-term investing rewards consistency—not frequency. Many investors assume that investing more frequently automatically leads to better returns. At first glance, it sounds logical. A daily SIP deploys money into the market 365 times a year, while a monthly SIP does so just 12 times. Surely, daily investing should outperform? Surprisingly, over the long term, the difference is almost negligible. Let’s break this down with real data and see what actually matters. Does SIP Frequency Really Improve Returns? To test whether SIP frequency impacts long-term returns, we ran a controlled comparison using the Nifty 50 index over a 15-year period, from 1 December 2010 to 1 December 2025. To keep the comparison fair, the total amount invested was kept exactly the same across all three SIP frequencies. You may also like to read:👉 [How SIPs build wealth through compounding over time] Different SIP Frequencies, Same Total Investment Here’s how the investment structure looked: While the investment rhythm changes drastically, the total money deployed remains identical in all three cases. Final Returns: Almost Identical Outcomes Despite the different frequencies, the end results are remarkably similar: The difference? Just a few basis points. In practical terms, this gap is statistically insignificant and easily explained by market noise and cash-flow timing. Note: SIP amounts here are not rounded, as they were mathematically adjusted to ensure the same total investment. In real life, SIPs can be started in multiples of ₹100. Why SIP Frequency Barely Moves the Needle Over long investment horizons, time in the market matters far more than how often you invest. All three SIP approaches: SIPs work primarily because they: Once discipline is established, increasing SIP frequency does not magically enhance returns. Related reading:👉 [Why staying invested matters more than market timing] So, What Is the Best SIP Frequency? When returns are nearly identical, the decision becomes about practicality, not optimisation. For most investors, monthly SIPs are the best choice because: Daily SIPs may sound advanced, while quarterly SIPs demand stronger cash-flow discipline. Monthly SIPs strike the most comfortable balance. The Bottom Line The data is clear:SIP frequency does not materially impact long-term returns when the total investment amount is the same. Instead of overthinking whether to invest daily, monthly, or quarterly, investors should focus on what truly drives wealth creation: In investing, simplicity usually wins.And in this case, a plain monthly SIP works just fine.

With fixed deposit (FD) rates becoming attractive again, the real decision is no longer about catching the highest rate. It is about managing reinvestment risk, ensuring steady cash flow, and aligning deposits with real-life financial needs. After years of low returns, fixed deposits are once again drawing attention—especially from conservative investors and retirees. But instead of asking “Is this the best time to lock in?”, a smarter question is:How should I structure my fixed deposits so my money works smoothly over time? Why Fixed Deposits Are Back in Focus Rising policy rates have pushed bank FD rates higher across most tenures. Compared to recent years, today’s rates offer something many savers value deeply—certainty. For individuals who depend on predictable income, such as retirees or those planning near-term expenses, fixed deposits provide visibility that market-linked products cannot always offer. This reliability is why FDs remain a core part of many financial plans, despite changing market cycles. However, interest rates rarely move in straight lines. They can remain elevated longer than expected or soften gradually. Trying to perfectly time this cycle often leads to rushed or regret-filled decisions. The Risk Most FD Investors Ignore The biggest risk with fixed deposits is not booking them too early.It is reinvestment risk. Reinvestment risk occurs when your FD matures during a lower interest-rate phase, forcing you to reinvest at less attractive rates. If all your deposits mature at the same time, this risk hits your entire corpus at once. That’s why the real decision is not when to invest, but how much to invest and for how long. How to Choose the Right FD Tenure (Without Rate Guesswork) A practical approach is to align FD tenures with your financial timeline: For deeper understanding of aligning savings with financial goals, many investors combine FDs with structured learning through programs like a👉 stock market investment courseto understand where stability ends and growth instruments begin. Why FD Laddering Is Often the Smarter Choice FD laddering means dividing your money across multiple fixed deposits with different maturity dates—say 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. This strategy offers three major advantages: Laddering works particularly well for retirees and conservative investors who value smooth cash flow over rate speculation. Should You Wait for Even Higher FD Rates? Waiting only makes sense if: If funds are sitting idle or earning very low interest, waiting for marginally higher FD rates may actually reduce overall returns due to lost time. A balanced approach works best: lock part of your money today and keep some flexibility for future opportunities. For retirees, the decision is simpler. Covering essential expenses through fixed deposits provides peace of mind that no volatile investment can replicate. The Bottom Line Fixed deposits are relevant again—but only when used wisely. Instead of trying to predict interest-rate movements: Used thoughtfully, fixed deposits remain a powerful tool for financial stability. FAQs Should I invest all my money in long-term fixed deposits now? No. Spreading deposits across different maturities improves flexibility and reduces reinvestment risk. Are short-term FDs better than long-term ones? Short-term FDs offer liquidity but expose you to reinvestment risk. A mix of short and medium tenures is usually more effective. Are fixed deposits suitable for long-term wealth creation? FDs are best for capital safety and predictable income. For long-term growth and inflation protection, they should be combined with other investment instruments. Also Read: What Are ESG Mutual Funds in India and Should You Invest in Them in 2025?

A practical guide to understanding ESG investing in India, its real-world performance, and whether it fits your long-term investment strategy. When ESG mutual funds were introduced in India, they were positioned as the future of responsible investing. The concept was attractive—invest in companies that follow strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards while still aiming for long-term wealth creation. For many investors, it sounded like a way to align money with values without compromising returns. Fast forward to 2025, and the ESG story looks more nuanced. While the category has matured in terms of disclosures and regulatory oversight, questions around performance consistency, rating reliability, and portfolio concentration remain. To decide whether ESG funds deserve a place in your portfolio, it’s important to understand how they actually work today—not just how they were marketed initially. What Do ESG Mutual Funds Actually Do? ESG mutual funds select stocks using three key filters: Fund managers rely on company disclosures and third-party ESG scores to screen stocks. The goal is to reduce exposure to businesses with high regulatory, reputational, or governance risks. In theory, this should result in portfolios that are more resilient over the long term. 👉 You can also understand how ESG fits into broader asset allocation strategies for long-term investors. The Biggest Issue: ESG Ratings Lack Consistency One of the major challenges with ESG investing in India is the lack of standardisation. The same company may receive very different ESG scores from different rating agencies because each uses its own methodology and weightage. This problem is more pronounced in India, where sustainability disclosures are still evolving. In some cases, ratings are based on limited or outdated information. As a result, ESG fund portfolios may not always reflect what investors expect. Indian regulators have already flagged this issue and pushed for clearer disclosures and tighter norms. However, ESG regulation and data quality are still a work in progress. ESG Fund Performance Across Market Cycles ESG mutual funds initially performed well because they were heavily tilted toward large, high-quality companies with strong governance. During stable or quality-led market phases, this worked in their favour. However, performance has been inconsistent across cycles. When commodity, PSU, or carbon-intensive sectors rally, ESG funds tend to lag due to limited exposure. This doesn’t mean ESG funds are poor performers—it simply means their returns are closely linked to the type of companies they avoid and include. Investors expecting ESG funds to consistently beat the market may be disappointed. Those focused on governance quality and downside risk management may still find them appealing. Should You Invest in ESG Mutual Funds in 2025? ESG funds can be suitable if: They are not ideal as a core equity holding. The investable universe is limited, ratings remain inconsistent, and returns can trail broader indices during certain phases. For most investors, diversified options like flexi-cap funds or large-cap mutual funds remain better suited as primary equity allocations. How ESG Fits into an Indian Investor’s Portfolio A sensible approach is to treat ESG funds as a satellite allocation rather than a replacement for core equity funds. Allocating 5–10% of your equity portfolio to ESG funds can help align investments with personal values while maintaining overall diversification. However, ESG investing should be driven by philosophy—not expectations of superior returns or lower volatility. 👉 If you’re building a long-term plan, also explore mutual fund portfolio construction and long-term investment planning basics. Final Takeaway ESG mutual funds in India are built on a strong idea but operate in an ecosystem that is still evolving. While disclosures and regulatory oversight have improved, rating inconsistencies and sector biases remain. In 2025, ESG funds work best as a complement, not a cornerstone. Invest in them only if the theme genuinely matters to you, keep return expectations realistic, and ensure your core portfolio remains well diversified. For most long-term investors, simplicity and diversification still matter more than labels.

Midcap stocks have historically played a crucial role in wealth creation by offering a balance between growth potential and business stability. As India’s economic expansion broadens beyond large caps, midcap ETFs are gaining strong traction among long-term investors who want diversified exposure without the risks of stock picking. For 2026, midcap ETFs stand out as a smart passive investment choice, especially for investors comfortable with moderate volatility in exchange for higher growth potential. Based on assets under management (AUM), recent performance, volatility relative to Nifty, and cost efficiency, here are the top midcap ETFs in India using the provided data. 1. Nippon India ETF Nifty Midcap 150 – Market Leader by Size The Nippon India ETF Nifty Midcap 150 dominates the midcap ETF space with the highest AUM, reflecting strong investor confidence and liquidity. It offers broad exposure across 150 midcap companies, reducing concentration risk. Key Metrics: Why it stands out for 2026:Its large size, diversified basket, and steady medium-term performance make it a core midcap allocation for long-term portfolios. 2. LIC MF Nifty Midcap 100 ETF – High Volatility, Select Exposure LIC MF’s Midcap 100 ETF focuses on a narrower set of midcap stocks, which results in higher volatility but also sharper short-term movements. Key Metrics: Why it matters:Suitable for investors who are comfortable with higher volatility and want exposure to the more active segment of the midcap universe. 3. Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 100 ETF – Consistent Growth Play Motilal Oswal’s midcap ETF has delivered relatively better one-year returns among Midcap 100 trackers, supported by disciplined index replication. Key Metrics: Why it’s relevant for 2026:Strong medium-term returns combined with controlled volatility make it suitable for growth-oriented investors. 4. Mirae Asset Nifty Midcap 150 ETF – Low Cost with Broad Coverage This ETF offers one of the lowest expense ratios in the midcap ETF category while maintaining broad exposure to 150 midcap stocks. Key Metrics: Why investors may prefer it:Its cost efficiency makes it attractive for long-term SIP investors looking to maximize net returns. 5. Kotak Nifty Midcap 50 ETF – High Risk, High Reward Segment Kotak’s Midcap 50 ETF focuses on a concentrated set of midcap leaders, leading to sharper price movements and higher returns during favorable phases. Key Metrics: Why it stands out:This ETF suits aggressive investors who believe in India’s midcap growth story and can tolerate short-term fluctuations. Are Midcap ETFs Worth Investing in 2026? Midcap ETFs offer a compelling opportunity as India’s domestic demand, manufacturing, and capex cycles strengthen. While they carry higher volatility compared to large-cap ETFs, they also provide superior growth potential over long investment horizons. Key benefits of midcap ETFs: For investors seeking higher returns and willing to ride market cycles, midcap ETFs can be a powerful addition to a well-balanced portfolio in 2026.

Vedanta Ltd’s long-awaited restructuring plan has taken a major step forward. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the company’s demerger proposal, allowing Vedanta to split its Indian businesses into separate listed companies. This approval comes despite objections from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and removes the biggest regulatory hurdle in the process. For investors, the decision brings clarity — though some legal risks still remain. What Did NCLT Approve? The NCLT has cleared Vedanta’s plan to demerge its diversified businesses into independent companies. With this approval, Vedanta can now move ahead with formal steps such as regulatory filings, record dates, and asset separation. The tribunal’s decision means the restructuring is legally valid under company law, even though certain government concerns are still unresolved. Why Did the Government Object? The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas opposed the demerger mainly due to financial and legal risks. Weak financials of Malco Energy One of the entities emerging after the demerger, Malco Energy, has been running losses: The ministry warned that if Malco faces financial trouble in the future, it could become difficult for the government to recover any dues. Rajasthan oil & gas dispute The government has a claim of around ₹5,600 crore linked to Vedanta’s Rajasthan oil and gas block. Concern over recovery of public dues The broader worry was that splitting Vedanta into multiple companies could weaken the government’s ability to recover money owed to it. Vedanta’s Stand Vedanta rejected the objections and defended the demerger on legal grounds. The company argued that: The NCLT accepted this argument and ruled in favour of Vedanta. What Will Vedanta Split Into? Under the approved plan, Vedanta will be divided into five listed companies: Existing shareholders will receive shares in each of these companies. Why Is Vedanta Doing This? The demerger aims to simplify Vedanta’s complex structure and improve transparency. The key goals are: Brokerage estimates suggest the restructuring could unlock around ₹84 per share in value over time. What’s Next for Investors? Markets reacted positively to the NCLT order, with Vedanta shares rising about 2.5% after the announcement. However, some uncertainty remains: If there are no major setbacks, the demerger is expected to be completed by March 2026. Bottom Line The NCLT’s approval brings Vedanta’s demerger much closer to reality. While legal risks haven’t fully disappeared, the biggest regulatory hurdle is now behind the company. For investors, the focus will now shift to execution, debt reduction, and how each new business performs as a standalone company.