Swastika Investmart Financial Highlights 2024–25

What are Alternative Investment Funds?

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are privately pooled investment vehicles that collect funds from sophisticated investors, both Indian and foreign and invest in accordance with a defined investment policy for the benefit of their investors. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates the AIFs, which are categorized into three categories based on their investment strategies and levels of risk. In this article, we will discuss the three categories of AIFs in detail.

Category 1 AIFs

Invest in start-up or early-stage ventures, social ventures, SMEs, infrastructure, or other sectors or areas that the government or regulators consider socially or economically desirable. They are typically long-term investors, and the funds raised are used to provide capital to such ventures. These funds also provide business and operational support to help these ventures grow. Venture capital funds, SME funds, social venture funds, and infrastructure funds fall under the Category 1 AIFs.

• Venture Capital Funds invest in start-ups with high growth potential, while SME funds provide capital to small and medium-sized enterprises. Social venture funds invest in ventures with a social impact, while infrastructure funds invest in infrastructure projects.
• Angel Funds, which are a subcategory of venture capital funds, invest in start-ups that are in the pre-revenue stage. Angel Funds provide seed funding to start-ups, and they are often the first investors in a company. Angel Funds are considered to be a critical source of funding for start-ups.
• Social Venture Funds are funds that invest in socially responsible companies that seek to make a positive impact on society while also generating financial returns.
• Infrastructure Funds are funds that invest in infrastructure projects such as highways, airports, power plants, and other public works projects. These funds typically invest in projects that generate stable cash flows over a long period of time and provide an essential service to the community.

Category 2 AIFs

They are those AIFs that do not fall under Category 1 or Category 3 and do not undertake leverage or borrowing, other than to meet day-to-day operational requirements, and as permitted in the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. Various types of funds such as real estate funds, private equity funds (PE funds), funds for distressed assets, etc. are registered as Category 2 AIFs.

• Real Estate Funds invest in real estate projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. These funds may invest in properties directly or indirectly through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
• Private Equity Funds invest in companies that are not listed on the stock exchange. They typically buy a substantial stake in the company and work closely with the management team to improve the company's performance. PE funds are often long-term investors, and they exit their investment through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a sale to another company.
• Funds for Distressed Assets invest in assets that are undervalued or are facing financial difficulties. These funds aim to acquire such assets at a low price and sell them when their value increases.

Category 3 AIFs

They employ diverse or complex trading strategies and may employ leverage, including through investment in listed or unlisted derivatives. These AIFs are the riskiest of the three categories and may invest in a wide range of assets, including stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities.

Hedge funds, PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) funds, and other funds that employ complex trading strategies fall under the Category 3 AIFs.

• Hedge Funds are known for their ability to generate high returns but also have a high level of risk. PIPE funds invest in publicly traded companies, typically buying a large stake in the company at a discount to the current market price.
• PIPE Funds refer to Private Investment in Public Equity funds which are funds that invest in publicly-traded companies that are in need of capital but do not want to go through the lengthy and expensive process of a public offering.

Conclusion

Alternative Investment Funds provide a new avenue for investors to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional investments such as stocks and bonds. They offer the potential for high returns, but they also come with higher levels of risk. As a result, it is essential for investors to carefully consider their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon before investing in AIFs.

Investing in the stock market can be done in various ways, two of the most common being through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and regular stock investments. While both involve purchasing shares of a company, they differ in several key aspects. Here’s a closer look at what sets them apart.

What Are IPOs?

An IPO, or Initial Public Offering, is the process where a company offers its shares to the public for the first time. Before an IPO, the company's shares are privately held by founders, early investors, and employees. Going public allows the company to raise capital by selling shares to new investors. The funds raised are typically used for expanding operations, paying off debt, or making acquisitions.

What Are Regular Stock Investments?

Regular stock investments involve buying shares of companies that are already publicly traded on stock exchanges. These shares can be bought and sold at market prices, which fluctuate based on supply and demand. Investors can purchase these stocks through online brokerage platforms like Swastika Investmart.

Key Differences Between IPOs and Regular Stock Investments

1. Availability of Information

• IPOs: Companies going public must file a prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or equivalent regulatory body. This document provides detailed information about the company’s financials, management, and operations.
• Regular Stocks: For companies already publicly traded, detailed information is available through regular filings, such as earnings reports, analyst reviews, and news articles. However, the depth of initial information may be less compared to what is provided in an IPO prospectus.

2. Risk and Return

• IPOs: Generally considered riskier because they often involve new or lesser-known companies. The uncertainty around these companies' futures can lead to significant price volatility. While the potential for high returns exists, the risks are also higher.
• Regular Stocks: Investing in established companies is usually less risky, as these firms have proven financial performance and tend to be less volatile. However, the potential for high returns may be lower compared to IPOs..

3. Accessibility

• IPOs: Initially, IPOs are often available primarily to institutional investors like banks and hedge funds, as well as high-net-worth individuals. Retail investors usually get access afterward, sometimes with limited availability.
• Regular Stocks: Available to anyone with a Demat account, making them more accessible to retail investors.

4. Timing

• IPOs: Available for a limited time, usually a few weeks or months, before the shares start trading on the open market. Investors need to act quickly and may not have time for thorough research.
• Regular Stocks: Can be bought or sold at any time, giving investors flexibility to adjust their portfolios based on market conditions and personal investment goals.

Conclusion

Both IPOs and regular stock investments offer unique opportunities for investors. IPOs can provide the potential for high returns but come with higher risk and costs. Regular stock investments are generally less risky and more accessible, making them suitable for a broader range of investors. The choice between IPOs and regular stocks should be guided by your risk tolerance, investment goals, and financial resources.

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Health insurance is an important investment in protecting your health and finances. It covers a variety of medical expenses, from hospitalization to surgery and even medication. However, it is important to know how to claim health insurance to reap the benefits of your policy. In this blog, we will discuss the types of health insurance claims, the documents required to claim health insurance, and how the health insurance claim process works.

Types of Health Insurance Claims:

There are two types of health insurance claims - cashless and reimbursement claims.

Cashless Claims:

In cashless claims, the policyholder has to get treatment from a network hospital that has a tie-up with the insurance company. The policyholder can inform the insurance company about the planned hospitalization, and the insurance company will provide a pre-authorization letter to the hospital. This letter mentions the approved amount for the treatment. After the treatment is completed, the hospital sends the bills directly to the insurance company for payment. The policyholder does not have to pay anything, except for non-medical expenses like food or telephone charges. Policyholders can get reimbursement for pre and post-hospitalization expenses by submitting actual bills to the insurance company.

Reimbursement Claims:

Reimbursement claims are applicable when the policyholder gets treated at a non-network hospital or if the policyholder cannot get cashless treatment due to certain reasons. In this case, the policyholder has to pay for the treatment upfront and then claim reimbursement from the insurance company later. The policyholder has to submit all the required documents to the insurance company within a specified time period. Once the documents are verified, the insurance company reimburses the approved amount to the policyholder.

Documents Required to Claim Health Insurance:

The documents required for health insurance claims vary depending on the type of claim. However, there are some common documents that are required for both cashless and reimbursement claims. These include:

• Claim form: This is a form that needs to be filled out by the policyholder while making the claim. It contains details about the policyholder, the treatment received, and the medical bills.
• Original bills and receipts: Original medical bills and receipts need to be submitted as proof of the medical expenses incurred. These bills should contain the name and address of the hospital, the date of admission and discharge, and a detailed breakup of the expenses incurred.
• Discharge summary: A discharge summary is a document provided by the hospital after the patient is discharged. It contains details about the treatment received, the duration of hospitalization, and the diagnosis.
• Doctor's prescription: The doctor's prescription for the treatment received needs to be submitted.
• Investigation reports: If any diagnostic tests like X-rays or blood tests were done, the reports need to be submitted as proof of the tests and the expenses incurred.
• KYC documents: Know Your Customer (KYC) documents like an Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID must be submitted for verification purposes.
• Pre-authorization letter (for cashless claims): A pre-authorization letter is required for cashless claims. This letter is provided by the insurance company and needs to be submitted to the hospital before the treatment.

Steps Involved in Health Insurance Claim Process

Step 1 - Intimation

The first step in the health insurance claim process is to inform the insurance company about the hospitalization. If it's a planned hospitalization, then the policyholder should inform the insurer in advance. In case of an emergency, the policyholder should inform the insurer within 24 hours of hospitalization.

Step 2 - Filing the Claim

Once the policyholder has informed the insurer, the next step is to file the claim. The policyholder can either opt for a cashless claim or reimbursement claim, depending on the circumstances.

For a cashless claim, the policyholder needs to fill in the pre-authorization form provided by the insurer. This form needs to be submitted to the hospital's insurance desk, which will verify the policy details and send it to the insurer. Once the insurer approves the claim, the hospital will provide cashless treatment to the policyholder.

For a reimbursement claim, the policyholder needs to submit the claim form along with the necessary documents to the insurance company. The claim form is available on the insurer's website or can be obtained from their office. The policyholder needs to ensure that the form is filled out correctly and all the necessary documents are attached to it.

Step 3 - Documentation

The documentation process is an essential part of the health insurance claim process. The policyholder needs to submit the following documents along with the claim form:

• Original hospital bills
• Discharge summary
• Investigation reports
• Prescriptions and receipts for medicines
• Any other relevant documentation as required by the insurer

Step 4 - Claim Settlement

Once the insurer receives the claim form and necessary documents, they will verify the details and approve the claim. In case of a cashless claim, the insurer will settle the medical bills directly with the hospital. In a reimbursement claim, the insurer will verify the expenses incurred and reimburse the policyholder for the same.

Conclusion

The health insurance claim process can be a little complex, but it's essential to understand it to avail of the benefits provided by the policy. The policyholder needs to ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted to the insurer to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claim settlement process.

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1. What is Startup Funding?

Startup Funding is an essential part of building a successful new business. It provides the necessary capital to develop and grow the business and can help turn a great idea into a profitable and sustainable company.

Startup funding is typically used to cover expenses such as product development, marketing, hiring, and office space. Depending on the stage of the business, the amount of funding needed can vary significantly.

2. Why Funding is required by Startups?

Startups require funding to turn their ideas into reality, attract and retain talent, market and sell their products, expand their business, cover operational costs, and compete with established players in their industry.

Funding is required by startups for several reasons:

• Product development: Startups often need funding to develop their product or service. This includes research and development, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.
• Hiring: Startups need talented individuals to bring their ideas to life. Funding can be used to attract and hire the right people for the job.
• Marketing and sales: Once a product or service is developed, startups need to get the word out to potential customers. Funding can be used to launch marketing and advertising campaigns and to hire sales teams.
• Expansion: Startups that are successful need to expand in order to reach more customers and grow their business. This includes opening new locations, launching new products, and hiring more staff.
• Operations: Funding expenses such as rent, utilities, and supplies can be utilised to pay for ongoing operational costs.
• Competing with established players: Startups often face competition from established players in their industry. Funding can be used to develop a competitive advantage, such as building proprietary technology or developing a unique business model.

3. Stages of Startups and Source of Funding

Here are the common stages of startups and the corresponding sources of funding:

• Idea stage: This is the earliest stage of a startup, where the idea is still being developed and validated. At this stage, the founders typically rely on their own resources to fund the startup, such as savings or personal loans.
• Seed stage: This is the stage where the startup has a validated idea and is ready to build a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP). At this stage, the founders may seek seed funding from individual investors, angel investors, or seed-stage venture capital firms.
• Early stage: This is the stage where the startup has developed a product or service and is ready to launch and acquire customers. At this stage, the founders may seek funding from venture capital firms or early-stage investors.
• Growth stage: This is the stage where the startup has achieved product-market fit and is ready to scale. At this stage, the founders may seek funding from venture capital firms or growth-stage investors.
• Later stage: This is the stage where the startup has become a mature company with a proven business model and revenue streams. At this stage, the founders may seek funding from private equity firms, strategic investors, or even public markets through an initial public offering (IPO).

In addition to the sources of funding mentioned earlier, startups can also explore other financing options such as debt financing, lines of credit, and revenue-based financing. It's important for startups to choose the right source of funding that aligns with their growth stage and long-term goals.

Here are the steps to obtain startup funding in India:

• Develop a business plan: The first step is to develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your startup's goals, products or services, target market, and financial projections. This will help you determine the amount of funding you need and the type of investors you should approach.
• Identify potential investors: There are several sources of startup funding in India, including angel investors, venture capitalists, incubators and accelerators, and government grants. Research and identify potential investors that align with your startup's industry and growth stage. For all the potential investors out there, we are here to provide you with a complete investment banking solution to satisfy all your needs.
• Prepare a pitch deck: A pitch deck is a presentation that outlines your startup's value proposition, market opportunity, and financial projections. It's important to prepare a well-crafted pitch deck that highlights your startup's strengths and potential for growth.
• Approach investors: Once you have identified potential investors and prepared a pitch deck, you can start approaching them with your funding proposal. This could involve networking events, pitch competitions, or direct outreach.
• Negotiate terms: If an investor is interested in your startup, you will need to negotiate the terms of the funding. This could include the amount of funding, equity stake, and any other conditions or requirements.
• Complete due diligence: Before finalizing the funding, the investor will conduct due diligence to verify your startup's claims and financial projections. It's important to be transparent and provide accurate information during this process.
• Finalize the funding: Once due diligence is complete and both parties agree on the terms, you can finalize the funding and receive the funds for your startup.

4. What do investors look for in startups?

Investors typically look for certain key factors when considering investing in startups. Here are some of the main things that investors look for:

• A strong and experienced management team with a clear vision for the company
• A unique business idea or technology with the potential for significant growth
• A large and growing market opportunity
• Evidence of market demand and customer traction, such as a proven customer base, sales, or partnerships
• A scalable business model that can generate significant revenue and profits
• A competitive advantage or barrier to entry that can protect the company's market position
• A clear path to profitability and a well-defined plan for achieving it
• Intellectual property protection, such as patents or trademarks, that can prevent competitors from copying the technology or idea
• A strong and well-developed business plan that includes financial projections, milestones, and goals
• A solid understanding of the regulatory environment and potential risks and challenges facing the company.

5. Why do investors invest in startups?

Here are some key points on why investors invest in startups:

• High potential for return on investment (ROI)
• Opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a promising new business
• Potential for significant company valuation increase
• Ability to secure a larger stake in the company at a lower valuation
• Chance to support innovation and entrepreneurship
• Opportunity to diversify the investment portfolio
• Access to new technologies and markets
• Chance to be part of a growing network of entrepreneurs and investors
• Possibility of participating in the growth and success of the company.

6. Government schemes for startups

There are several government schemes available for startups in India in 2023. Some of the well-known schemes are listed below:

1. Startup India: The Startup India scheme was started in 2016 with the aim of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It provides funding, mentorship, and other resources to startups to help in the growth of their businesses.

2. Atal Innovation Mission: The Atal Innovation Mission was started in 2016 with the goal of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among young people in India. Young entrepreneurs can find funding, mentorship, and other resources from that.

3. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was launched in 2015 to provide funding to small and micro enterprises in the country. It offers loans of up to Rs. 10 lakhs to support the establishment and growth of businesses.

4. MSME Sambandh Portal: The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has launched an online portal called MSME Sambandh, which aims to provide easy access to information about government schemes and services for MSMEs.

5. Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises: This scheme aims to provide collateral-free credit to MSMEs by guaranteeing loans provided by banks and financial institutions.

6. National Small Industries Corporation Subsidy: The National Small Industries Corporation provides various subsidies and schemes to MSMEs, including a marketing assistance scheme, a credit support scheme, and a raw material assistance scheme.

7. Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to MSMEs for upgrading their technology and machinery.

10. National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme: This programme aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing industries by providing funding and support for various activities, such as quality improvement, technology upgradation, and marketing.

11. Digital India: The Digital India initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It provides various schemes and initiatives to promote digital literacy, e-governance, and digital infrastructure development.

These are just a few of the government schemes available for startups in India. You can visit the Startup India website or speak to a business advisor to learn more about these schemes and how to apply for them.

7. Government startup rules

Government startup rules vary by country, but here are some common examples of regulations and policies that governments may implement to support and regulate startups:

• Business registration: Governments typically require startups to register their businesses and obtain necessary licenses and permits before operating. This ensures that startups comply with local laws and regulations.
• Tax incentives: Governments may offer tax incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses. This could include tax credits or deductions for research and development, hiring employees, or investing in certain industries. For more information, you can visit the income tax website.
• Access to funding: Governments may provide funding or support for startups through grants, loans, or venture capital programs. These programs may be targeted towards specific industries or technologies that the government wants to promote.
• Intellectual property protection: Governments may have laws and regulations to protect the intellectual property of startups, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. This can help startups protect their innovations and gain a competitive advantage in the market.
• Regulatory framework: Governments may establish regulations and standards to ensure the safety and quality of products and services offered by startups. This can help build consumer confidence and promote growth in the startup ecosystem.
• Public procurement: Governments may provide opportunities for startups to compete for government contracts and procurement opportunities. This can provide startups with a stable source of revenue and help them build their reputation and credibility in the market.

Process of Claim Settlement

General insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for various risks and uncertainties that may occur in everyday life. It can include coverage for health, home, motor, travel, and other types of insurance policies. In the event of an unfortunate incident, it is important to know how to claim your insurance to get the coverage you deserve. In this blog, we will discuss the steps you need to follow to claim your general insurance policy.

Step 1: Intimation of Claim

The first step to claim your general insurance policy is to inform your insurance company about the incident immediately. This process is known as the intimation of a claim. You can do this by calling the toll-free number provided by the insurance company, sending an email, or visiting their website. Make sure you provide accurate details about the incident and your policy number. The insurance company will assign a claim number and a claims representative to assist you in the process.

Step 2: Documentation

Once you have informed the insurance company about the incident, you will need to submit the necessary documents to support your claim. The documents required may vary depending on the type of insurance policy you have and the incident you are claiming for. Below are the standard documents that may be required:

• Policy documents.
• Proof of incident, such as a police report, medical certificate, or accident report.
• Identity proof.
• KYC documents.
• Bills and receipts related to the incident.
• Any other documents that the insurance company may require.
• Make sure you submit all the necessary documents in a timely manner to avoid any delays in the claim process.

Step 3: Survey and Assessment

After receiving the claim intimation and necessary documents, the insurance company will assign a surveyor to assess the damage or loss. The surveyor will visit the location of the incident, examine the damage, and prepare a report. The surveyor's report is an important document as it helps the insurance company determine the extent of the damage and the compensation that needs to be paid.

Step 4: Settlement

Based on the surveyor's report and the documents submitted, the insurance company will process your claim and settle the amount due. The settlement may be made in the form of cashless settlement or reimbursement, depending on the terms and conditions of your policy.

Cashless Settlement:

In a cashless settlement, the insurance company directly pays the hospital or service provider for the expenses incurred by the policyholder. This option is available for health insurance policies and motor insurance policies.

Reimbursement:

In a reimbursement settlement, the policyholder pays the expenses incurred and then submits the bills and receipts to the insurance company for reimbursement. This option is available for most general insurance policies.

Step 5: Follow up

After submitting your claim, make sure to follow up with the insurance company regularly to get updates on the status of your claim. You can also check the status of your claim online through the insurance company's website. In case of any discrepancies or delays, you can contact the claims representative assigned to you for assistance.

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पिछले सप्ताह मौद्रिक नीति पर फेड के कम आक्रामक रहने से सोने की कीमतों में तेजी आई। ब्याज दर बढ़ोतरी की सीमित गुंजाइश की प्रत्याशा में, अमेरिका और यूरोप में हाल के बैंकिंग संकट ने कीमती धातुओं की मांग को बढ़ा दिया है, और डॉलर इंडेक्स को सात सप्ताह के निचले स्तर पर खींच लिया। फेड ने संकेत दिया कि वह आगे की आर्थिक प्रतिकूलताओं को रोकने के लिए अपनी तंग मौद्रिक नीति में नरमी पर विचार कर सकता है।

जबकि फेड ने उम्मीद के मुताबिक ब्याज दरों में बढ़ोतरी की और कहा कि यह मुद्रास्फीति को रोकने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है, फेड की भाषा में बदलाव से बाजार को उम्मीद है की ब्याज दर बढ़ोतरी का पीक निकट है। डॉलर इंडेक्स में गिरावट रहने से सोने -चांदी के साथ अन्य कमोडिटी के भाव को भी फायदा मिल रहा है। फेड ने पिछले सप्ताह उम्मीद मुताबिक 0.25 प्रतिशत ब्याज दरें बढ़ाई है और अर्थव्यवस्था को नुकसान से बचाने के लिए लिए मौद्रिक नीति में नरमी रखने के संकेत दिए है। फेड ने अभी ब्याज दर कटौती से इंकार किया है। लगातार ब्याज दर वृद्धि होने के कारण अमेरिका के कुछ बैंक दिवालिया हो गए है और कई बैंको की वित्तीय हालत ख़राब होने से आगे ब्याज दरों में बढ़ोतरी बैंकिंग संकट को बढ़ा सकता है। वित्तीय संकट की सम्भावना के चलते निवेशकों में निवेश के लिए सुरक्षित आश्रय की मांग बढ़ी है जिससे सोने और चांदी की चमक लगातार बढ़ती दिख रही है। फेड के अतिरिक्त यूरोपियन सेंट्रल बैंक ने 0.5 प्रतिशत और बैंक ऑफ़ इंग्लैंड ने 0.25 प्रतिशत ब्याज दरों में बढ़ोतरी की है। हालांकि, पिछले सप्ताह प्रमुख बैंको की मौद्रिक नीति रहने के चलते सोने के भाव में उठा-पटक देखि गई और सप्ताह में सोना मामूली बढ़त दर्ज करते हुए 59500 रुपये प्रति दस ग्राम पर रहा, जबकि चांदी  के भाव में 3 प्रतिशत की साप्ताहिक बढ़त दर्ज की गई है और इसके भाव 70400 रुपये प्रति किलो के स्तरों पर पहुंच गए है।

तकनिकी विश्लेषण:

इस सप्ताह कीमती धातुओं में तेज़ी रहने की सम्भावना है। सोने में सपोर्ट 58000 रुपये पर है और रेजिस्टेंस 60000 रुपये पर है। चांदी में सपोर्ट 68000 रुपये पर है और रेजिस्टेंस 72000 रुपये पर है।