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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on May 16, 2022

Mutual Fund Expert... more
Munuswamy Question by Munuswamy on May 16, 2022Hindi
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I am working and retiring in another 4 yrs and my son is 19yrs. Please let me know the best mutual fund to invest for a period of 5 yrs with a monthly SIP of Rs 5k. 

Ans: You may consider a basket of funds from these:

- Axis ESG Fund - Growth

- Samco Flexi-cap Growth

- Parag Parekh Flexi cap Growth

- SBI Magnum Global Fund - Growth

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7258 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

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hi sir i am 41 years old, now i want invest in mutual fund for my retirement and for my two sons one of it is 15 years and second is 10 years old. i can invest 5000 rs per month please suggest me funds that can i invest.
Ans: Given your investment horizon for retirement and your sons' education, you have a long-term horizon which allows you to consider equity-oriented mutual funds for potentially higher returns. Here are some suggestions tailored to your needs:

For Retirement (Long-Term):
Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies, offering stability and growth potential. Given your longer investment horizon, consider allocating a portion to large-cap funds to provide stability to your portfolio.
Multi-Cap Funds: These funds offer diversification across market capitalizations and are suitable for long-term wealth creation. They can adapt to different market conditions, providing flexibility to the fund manager.
For Sons' Education (Medium to Long-Term):
Balanced Funds or Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both equities and debt, offering a balance between growth and stability. They can be suitable for medium to long-term goals like your sons' education.
Children's Gift Funds or Children's Education Funds: Some mutual funds offer specific funds designed for children's future needs, providing a tailored solution for education expenses.
Considering your investment amount and goals, you can consider investing in a combination of the above-mentioned funds to achieve diversification and align with your financial goals. Here's a potential allocation:

Large Cap Funds: 40%
Multi-Cap Funds: 40%
Balanced or Hybrid Funds: 20%
Remember, it's essential to review your investments periodically and adjust your portfolio as needed based on performance, changing financial goals, and market conditions. Consult with a financial advisor to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7258 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 27, 2024

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Sir, my son is 26 years old. I would like to invest 5000/- per month in mutual fund and to be continued upto 50 years . Plz suggest suitable Mutual Fund with distribution of 5000/-. Is Index fund is good for investment ? Plz advise. rgds, Goutam
Ans: Investing for Long-Term Growth: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Your Investment Goals
Goutam, it's wonderful to see your commitment to your son's future. Investing Rs 5,000 per month until he is 50 years old is a prudent decision. This long-term horizon can yield significant growth through the power of compounding.

Evaluating Mutual Fund Options
Importance of Diversification
Diversification is key to managing risk and optimizing returns. Investing in different types of mutual funds can provide a balanced portfolio that captures various growth opportunities.

Equity Funds
Equity funds invest primarily in stocks. They offer high growth potential, which is ideal for long-term goals. Despite their volatility, the long-term horizon helps to smooth out short-term fluctuations.

Balanced Funds
Balanced funds invest in both equities and debt instruments. They offer a mix of growth and stability, making them a good choice for those who prefer moderate risk.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They provide stable returns with lower risk compared to equity funds. Including a small portion of debt funds can add stability to the portfolio.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management
Actively managed funds are managed by professional fund managers who make strategic decisions based on market research. They aim to outperform the market, providing higher returns.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Actively managed funds can adjust their portfolio in response to market conditions. This flexibility allows them to capitalize on opportunities and manage risks effectively.

Drawbacks of Index Funds
Average Market Returns
Index funds aim to match the performance of a market index. They provide average market returns, which can be limiting for long-term growth.

Lack of Professional Management
Index funds lack active management. They don't adapt to market changes, potentially missing out on opportunities for higher returns. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, leverage expert insights to maximize gains.

Recommended Mutual Fund Distribution
Equity Fund Allocation
Consider allocating Rs 3,000 per month to equity funds. This allocation taps into the growth potential of stocks. Diversifying within equity funds (large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap) can further optimize returns.

Balanced Fund Allocation
Allocate Rs 1,000 per month to balanced funds. This provides a mix of growth and stability, reducing overall portfolio risk while capturing market growth.

Debt Fund Allocation
Invest Rs 1,000 per month in debt funds. This adds stability to your portfolio, ensuring some portion of your investments remains relatively safe from market volatility.

Importance of Regular Monitoring
Periodic Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is crucial. Market conditions and personal circumstances change over time. Periodic reviews help ensure your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Rebalancing
Rebalancing your portfolio maintains your desired asset allocation. It involves adjusting your investments to restore the original balance, optimizing your portfolio's performance.

Building an Emergency Fund
Financial Security
Before committing to long-term investments, ensure an adequate emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of living expenses. It provides a financial cushion, preventing the need to liquidate investments prematurely.

Understanding Tax Implications
Tax Efficiency
Understanding tax implications helps in maximizing returns. Some mutual funds offer tax benefits, enhancing post-tax returns. Consulting a tax expert or a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help optimize your investment strategy.

Conclusion
Goutam, your plan to invest Rs 5,000 per month for your son shows great foresight. A well-diversified portfolio with a focus on actively managed funds can maximize growth while managing risk. Regular reviews and professional guidance will ensure your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7258 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 19, 2024

Money
Hi I want to start Mutual fund for my son for Rs 40,000 per month. Heis just 14 years for his studies and mariage. I will be retiring in 2027, November. Kindly suggest wher to invest.
Ans: Investing Rs 40,000 per month for your son's future is a great decision. Your goal is to provide for his education and marriage, which are important milestones. Here’s a comprehensive guide on where to invest, ensuring his future needs are met while you plan for your retirement in November 2027.

Understanding Your Investment Goals
Your primary goals are funding your son's education and marriage. It's essential to prioritize these goals and align your investments accordingly. Education expenses will come sooner, so you need a balanced approach. Marriage expenses are typically further out, so you can afford to take more risks with that portion.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer diversification, professional management, and liquidity. They spread risk across various assets, which can help achieve higher returns over the long term. This makes them a suitable choice for your goals.

Types of Mutual Funds to Consider
Equity Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks and aim for capital growth. They are suitable for long-term goals like your son’s marriage, which is likely more than ten years away. These funds can provide high returns but come with higher risks.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds
Balanced funds invest in a mix of equity and debt. They offer a balanced approach to growth and stability. These are suitable for medium-term goals like your son’s education, ensuring steady returns with moderate risk.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed income securities and are lower risk. They are suitable for short-term goals or as a part of a balanced portfolio to provide stability. While they offer lower returns compared to equity funds, they help mitigate risk.

Asset Allocation Strategy
Proper asset allocation is crucial. It involves spreading your investment across different asset classes to balance risk and reward.

For Education (Medium-term Goal)
Allocate 60% to Balanced/Hybrid Funds for moderate growth and stability.

Allocate 20% to Equity Funds for higher growth potential.

Allocate 20% to Debt Funds for safety and stability.

For Marriage (Long-term Goal)
Allocate 70% to Equity Funds to maximize growth over the long term.

Allocate 20% to Balanced/Hybrid Funds for some stability.

Allocate 10% to Debt Funds to reduce overall risk.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investment performance should be reviewed at least annually. This helps ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals. Rebalancing involves adjusting your investments to maintain the desired asset allocation. It’s essential to stay flexible and adjust based on market conditions and personal financial changes.

Risk Management
Understanding and managing risk is crucial in investing. Equity investments can be volatile, but their potential for higher returns makes them suitable for long-term goals. Balancing this with more stable investments like debt funds helps manage overall risk. It’s also important to have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, ensuring you don't need to withdraw from your investments prematurely.

Tax Efficiency
Investing in tax-efficient funds can help you maximize returns. Equity funds held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax, which is lower than short-term rates. Debt funds held for more than three years also get long-term tax benefits. Consulting a certified financial planner can help you navigate the tax implications effectively.

SIP for Disciplined Investing
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly. SIPs instill discipline and reduce the impact of market volatility. Investing Rs 40,000 per month through SIPs ensures regular savings and takes advantage of rupee cost averaging, helping you buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A certified financial planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice, considering your specific financial situation and goals. They can help you choose the right mutual funds, ensure proper asset allocation, and adjust your plan as needed. A CFP can also assist in understanding the fine print and managing risks effectively.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through expert stock selection and timing. While index funds simply replicate market indices, actively managed funds can potentially offer higher returns through professional management. They can adapt to market changes and capitalize on opportunities, making them more suitable for achieving specific financial goals.

Avoiding Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem appealing due to lower fees, but they require more active involvement and expertise. Investing through a CFP and opting for regular funds ensures professional guidance and management, which can significantly enhance your investment outcomes. The slight increase in cost is often outweighed by the benefits of expert advice and support.

Investing in Children's Education
Education costs are rising, so it’s vital to plan well. Mutual funds can provide the necessary growth to keep up with these costs. Choosing funds with a good track record and aligning them with your time horizon is key. Balanced and hybrid funds can offer a mix of growth and stability, making them ideal for medium-term goals like education.

Investing in Marriage Expenses
Marriage expenses can be significant. Long-term investments in equity funds can help grow your corpus over time. Starting early and staying invested allows you to benefit from compounding returns, making it easier to meet these expenses when the time comes.

Retirement Planning
While your primary focus is on your son's future, don’t neglect your retirement planning. Ensure that your investments also account for your retirement needs. Balanced funds can provide growth and stability, while debt funds can offer safety. A CFP can help integrate your retirement planning with your overall financial goals.

Financial Discipline and Regular Savings
Regular savings and disciplined investing are crucial. Automate your investments through SIPs to ensure consistency. Avoid the temptation to time the market; instead, stay focused on your long-term goals. Regular savings and disciplined investing can lead to substantial wealth accumulation over time.

Insurance Considerations
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This protects your family’s financial future in case of unforeseen events. Avoid investment-cum-insurance policies like ULIPs, which can have high costs and lower returns compared to mutual funds. Pure protection plans, like term insurance, offer higher coverage at a lower cost.

Estate Planning
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Create a will and consider setting up trusts if necessary. This can provide peace of mind and ensure your son’s future is secure even if something happens to you.

Education on Financial Literacy
Educate your son on financial literacy. This can empower him to make informed decisions in the future. Teach him the basics of saving, investing, and managing money wisely. Financial literacy is a valuable skill that will benefit him throughout his life.

Understanding Market Cycles
Markets go through cycles of growth and decline. Understanding these cycles can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety during downturns. Staying invested during market lows can lead to substantial gains when the market recovers. Patience and long-term perspective are essential in investing.

Diversification
Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across different assets. Avoid putting all your money in one type of investment. By diversifying, you protect your portfolio from significant losses and increase the potential for returns.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or job loss, ensuring you don't need to dip into your investments prematurely.

Keeping Updated with Financial News
Stay informed about financial news and trends. This helps you make informed decisions and adjust your strategy as needed. However, avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Review your investment plan regularly. Life circumstances and financial markets change, so your plan may need adjustments. A CFP can help ensure your plan remains aligned with your goals and adjusts as needed.

Final Insights
Investing for your son’s future is a wise and thoughtful decision. By choosing the right mutual funds, maintaining proper asset allocation, and staying disciplined, you can achieve your financial goals. Regular monitoring, risk management, and professional guidance are crucial for success. Keep educating yourself and your son about financial matters to make informed decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Archana

Archana Deshpande  |93 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Dec 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
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I am 35, MBA from a reputed college. I recently took over as senior project manager in a software company. Over the last few months, I’ve been asked to lead more high-stakes presentations, but every time I step in front of a group of senior professionals, my nerves take over. I can’t seem to communicate my ideas clearly, and I end up rambling or losing the audience. It’s frustrating because I know the content is strong, but I can’t deliver it with the confidence it needs. I’m starting to feel like this could affect my career growth if I don’t improve. I want to know how to seem more confident and present my ideas with clarity.
Ans: Hi!!

I can understand what you are going through.
I have helped many a people to become better communicators, presenters and public speakers. I agree with you when you say .. that these skills will augur well for your career growth.
What I can say is this .. that it is a learnable skill. Practice and more practice is the only way ahead. You said your content is strong, that is 50% of the job done, so build up on this confidence and practice your delivery in front of the mirror or in front of encouraging family/friends.
The only way to gain confidence is to "JUST DO IT"....to calm your nerves- deep breathing techniques and visualizations techniques will be useful.
I can help you on this journey of being a person who delivers with panache!

There are books by Dale Carnegie on public speaking which can help you out. Also read about Abe Lincoln and his journey of becoming a great orator, it can maybe help you.

Remember, PRACTICE AND PRACTICE is the key to unlock your confidence and become the person who delvers with panache.

All the best!!

...Read more

Archana

Archana Deshpande  |93 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Dec 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2024Hindi
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Career
Hello Ms Archana. I have been reading your advice and I really need your help. I am a science graduate from Mumbai. After a lot of thought, I have decided to pursue a side BSc in Psychology to further my interests and career growth. The issue is, that I’m struggling to juggle my 9-to-6 full-time job as a digital marketing specialist in Delhi along with my coursework, assignments, and exams. I am always stressed out, either falling behind at work or feeling overwhelmed by my studies. I know time management is key, but I’m not sure how to create a schedule that helps me stay productive without burning out. Can you please help?
Ans: Hey!!
Kudos to you for dreaming big and also working towards it by investing time and energy in learning and development.
Not everyone can do it... so pat yourself on the back for it!!

You are absolutely right when you say TIME MANAGEMANT is the key to avoid burnout. However I'll add compartmentalizing and self care along with time management.

Let's take them one at a time ...here I go-

1. You want to perform at your peak then self care is a must, 20 mins of physical activity(it can be anything, run, brisk walk, suryanamaskars, dancing along with fast paced music, anything that gets your heart beat up)
10 -20 mins of meditation, if you believe in the higher power make efforts to connect with it/him/her.
2. 9 to 6 be fully committed to the office, after that switch off, learn to say NO for anything that comes after this time. You can do only so much right? This was one part of compartmentalizing...
3. be fully present in whatever activity you are doing... this is ZEN, nothing more nothing less. This way you will be razor sharp in your focus and get jobs done faster. When you are studying don't think office and vice versa. This is switching off, this is compartmentalizing. This will take conscious efforts but is doable
4.your course is important to you, so schedule a study time and stick to it .The days you have an holiday too... try to relax a little, schedule a study time, finish your studies and go relax and unwind a little, you deserve it...don't cram too much in a day.
A relaxed mind will always perform better and focus better. I really can't tell you the importance of unwinding and mediation, you really have to do it to experience it and reap the benefits of it
5. Always encourage yourself, be your best cheer leader, don't beat yourself down, be kind to yourself too, your mind and body
need that from you. You are already doing so much.
6 .The only way to stop being overwhelmed is also to put out all your tasks of the day on paper and schedule it, prioritize it.... one task at a time, start taking action. And when the task is don't forget to strike the task out with a clean line over the task with a pen... this is a message your giving to your mind. ...'I got one task done, I am capable of getting another done'.. Ahaha... the joy of getting a job done!!
7. Get a good nights sleep, do "yog nidra' before sleeping
8. Always breathe deep whenever overwhelm creeps in and see how calm you become. A calm mind is key to getting more done.

And remember to write "your gratitude" out in the night before sleeping, you'll sleep peacefully and get up fresh.
Also do remember, all tasks can be done happily too... there is no need to drag yourself or be always overwhelmed!
You chose to work and study as well.... honour your choices joyously and go about life with a spring in your step...All best !!

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |465 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
I (30F) had been in some Relationships at different stages of my Life, which Failed due to different Reasons and I am not Virgin. After getting exhausted emotionally, I quit Dating, 2 years ago & I decided to settle down for an Arranged Marriage, as a last resort. Since the last 2 years, I have met many Eligible Bachelors who seemed to show genuine interest in me, at the initial stage. But at some point of time, all of them asked me about my Virginity & Body Count. I had always been Honest with all of them. And almost all of them Rejected me for this one Reason. Some of them straightaway told me that they couldn't Trust any Woman who's not Virgin. Some of them gave some other Trivial Reason to Reject me, though, I could intuitively guess the Real Reason for Rejection. And some of them, just Ghosted me, immediately. I had been feeling very Bad about getting Rejected, it felt as if I was being Punished for my Honesty. Now I have begun to Question myself, whether I really need to tell my Prospective Partner about my Past? Why should my Past matter to my Future Partner? Do I owe, my Future Partner, any explanation for the way I have lived my Life until now? Is it really Fair to Judge me only on the basis of my Virginity, rather than my entire being as a whole? Does my entire worth depend only upon my Virginity? Why do Men raise Questions about my Past, in the first place, while I never asked any of them about their Past, as I don't care about my Partner's Past? Why are Men so Insecure about Sexually Active Women, is their Male Ego so Fragile that they can't accept a Woman's Past? Do they have the Right to Ask a Woman about her Sexual History, in the first place? Do they really need to know about my Past? Do I really have any Obligation to be Honest with them & disclose about my Past, before Marriage itself? My Family members are advising me that it's not Wrong to say a few White Lies, for the sake of Marriage? Would it be Wise, on my part to follow their Advice & Lie to Arranged Marriage prospects that I am Virgin? Or else, in what other ways can I Answer, Questions about my Virginity, Body Count & Sexual History, raised by future prospects, such that I don't get Rejected?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your frustration. You made some very valid points. You are absolutely right- no one has any business asking you about your virginity. And you are also correct that it does not define you at all. But the truth is, to some people, it matters more than it should. They are not entirely at fault alone; it is the whole society. Nevertheless, you are right. While it is your decision whether you want to lie or be honest, I would suggest telling the truth. Not for their sake; for yours. You should not have to live your married life always thinking "Would my past have mattered to him?" or wondering if things would have been different if you told him the truth. Moreover, being honest will set you free; maybe it comes with rejections, but at least you do not ever have to bear the weight of lies or feel guilty about deceiving someone. And most importantly, you won’t have to settle for someone who cares so much about such superficial things. Happy marriages cannot start with a lie.

We can't control what's important to whom, but we can respect them, even if we disagree. If you are not comfortable disclosing your body count or past, simply answer their question with yours- "Does that matter to you a lot?" If they say yes, you can reject him because your values don't align.

Hope this helps.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |465 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
I am 33 year old women and have been looking for matches in matrimony from year 2021 but was not getting suitable matches. Got connected with multiple profile but it didn't workout well.Just last month i saw one profile i liked it and sent request. My request got accepted and then i shared the contact no with my dad which was registered on matrimony. My dad called his dad and discussed about profiles and they liked it. Now the guy is in USA and his dad said he will be coming back next year. Till then his dad said let them connect on video call. So his dad shared my contact no with him and said he will call me. 2 days passed but he didn't call so my dad informed his dad and his dad called him and then he said he is quite busy in work and will ping me either in weekdays if free or on weekends. But then i didn't receive any reply and then again my dad called them after 10 days and asked why their son has not called yet so his dad also said he is busy but he will definetly call her and till then as per their earlier request we also said if you want to come and meet the family then can do that.so his dad said if we don't have any plan for the next week on weekends[i.e on 24th nov] then we will surely come but then on 23rd nov my dad called them regarding the meet and then they said they are out so mostly will not be able to come tomorrow and his dad said i will ask son to talk to your daughter first today. After this there was no conversation bcoz his son didn't call. Later when i searched him on facebook coincidently on one of his post i saw his contact number and i checked on whatsapp and then i came to know he has saved my contact no. But then i am confused why he haven't called me yet. First time i have got some good vibes about someone but this is really killing me. I was doing lot of overthinking then i asked my dad again if we can ask his contact number and my dad said no this will look desperate to them. I already have his contact number but confused like should i text him what can be the consequences.Lots of thoughts running into my mind. Please help me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
First of all, there is no hard and fast rule that says that men have to make the first move. If you like someone, you can easily give him a call or drop a text. If a man finds that desperate, you should not settle for someone like that.

Next, judging by the series of events, I would say there is a good chance of either of two things happening- first, he might actually be very busy. But I don't think people are ever so busy that they can't take five minutes of their time to make a call. But then again, you are still strangers and hence, you are not his priority currently. Second, they might be breadcrumbing you. Just giving you enough hope to keep you hooked while they search for more potential matches. The most concerning thing is that the entire family can't keep their word or have the decency to inform about the change of plans.

Your father is not wrong; right now if you contact him after he has repeatedly failed to contact you, it will not look good, and worse, you will not feel good about it. My question is, do you really want a man like this? I know you have been trying for a while and not getting good results can be frustrating, but that does not mean you have to settle for this. I truly believe you deserve better. You can wait some more and see where it goes, but I strongly suggest not pursuing things from your end anymore. Let them do so if they are truly interested. Suppose they don't, understand that you have dodged a bullet.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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