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Easy care tips for low light indoor hanging plants

Gardening is a skill that one needs to harbor with time. If that isn’t the case, no plant can survive for a long time, especially considering the sensitive indoor plants. If you consider the bigger and tougher indoor plants like lemon, orange, fig, and so on, they usually do not need much care and maintenance. These species are quite robust and capable of surviving most environmental factors.

But when we consider the hanging plants, especially the low-light ones, we must remember that most species are vulnerable. If you fail to take appropriate care, the plants’ chances of drooping, wilting, and death are higher. Keeping this in mind, we have shared certain details of caring for low light hanging indoor plants.

Choosing the right soil and compost mix

The first and foremost thing you need to do is find the right compost and soil mix for your plants. When you sow the seeds or use the plantlet, you need rich and fertile soil for proper seed germination or plantlet growth.

But while repotting the developed plantlet in the main planter to be hung, you should add enough compost and soil that can retail water and offer a strong base for the roots. In addition, you also need to consider the soil type required for the plant species.

Use robust planters

Since we are talking about low light hanging indoor plants, you must use robust planters. Do not go for ceramic or clay pots as they are quite heavy and might not sustain the pressure when hung. If you don’t have any other alternative, you can use stainless steel chains to counterbalance the pots’ weight and keep them in place.

You can also use planters made from tough ABS or composite hard shells. These are indeed lightweight but not too light to not support the plants’ overall weight.

Hang the plants not in direct contact with light

Whether you want to useair purifying plants for the bedroom or the lucky Sheng Hui bamboo plant in the living space, you must choose a location for their placement that won’t be in direct line of contact with the light.

Try to choose a place with shadows so that the plants still get the sunlight but in diffused form. Also, remember these are low-light plants, not the ones that survive in dark conditions. Therefore, hanging the planters is better to avoid any dark places.

Water the plants appropriately

Watering is one of the most important caring tips for low light hanging indoor plants. Since the plants will be hung from the ceiling or any other structure above, you must not add too much water to the planters. The more water you add, the more will be its weight, and the support chains might not support the planter’s weight. Therefore, use a spray can to water the plants or try to get indoor plants that do not require frequent or regular watering.

Another thing you can do is establish a drip watering system. You can hang multiple planters in a stack and place a water bowl at the top. This way, the soil will remain wet due to a continuous supply of water drops. Besides, all the planters in the stack will be self-watered.

Trimming and hedging the plants

Another way to ensure the air purifying plants for the bedroom can survive for the longest possible time is to trim and cut the canopy properly. You should check if the leaves are growing more than the recommended limit because if the leaves grow larger, the planter’s weight will increase, and it may fall.

Besides, it would be best if you also cut down the leaves, turned yellows or started to rot from the tip or along the blade. The entire plant will perish if you allow these damaged leaves to stay for a long time.

Conclusion

In this article, we have further discussed the best ways to keep the low light hanging indoor plants safe and protected. These methods will also ensure maximum longevity, minimal foliage rotting, and healthier growth with time.

Kumbakonam Travel Guide – List Of Most Famous Hindu Temples In Kumbakonam

Several legends concerning monarchs and kingdoms previously dominated Tamil Nadu in southern India. The magnificent structures and temples that the Chola and Chera kingdoms left behind in the city as a result of their prosperous reigns still stand today. The Tamil Nadu state’s temple town of Kumbakonam is home to numerous temples dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Shiva. The Mahamaham celebration, which takes place once every 12 years, is associated with the Shiva temples. These temples are lively and joyful, with a wide variety of annual ceremonies. Here are the top temples in Kumbakonam to visit if you’re planning a quiet pilgrimage across the holy cities of south India.

Temple of Kasi Viswanathar

The primary deities in the Kumbakonam Kasi Vishvanathar temple are Kasi Viswanathar and his spouse, Visalakshi or Parvati. They are located adjacent to the Mahamaham tank. You are fascinated by the stala lingam at the temple since it is thought that Ram and Lakshman worshipped it on their route to Lanka. And that it helped them obtain the Rudraksha that allowed them to defeat the evil king Ravana. The idol is thought to have grown throughout the years. The most significant celebration in this area is the Masi Magam festival, which takes place in February or March. The current brick building was constructed in the 16th century.

Temple of Adi Kumbeswara Swami

Adi Kumbeswara and the Lord’s consort Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika are worshipped at the Adi Kumbeswara Swami temple in the heart of Kumbakonam. The enormous temple is covered in magnificent artwork that includes three Praharas and three Gopurams. The east gopuram has nine levels. The 16th century is when the temple is supposed to have had its most recent renovation. It features various halls, the most prominent of which has 16 pillars that date back to the Vijayanagara era. The 27 stars and 12 zodiacs carved into a single stone are a powerful testament to the masons’ engineering prowess.

Temple of Nageswara

Shiva, who takes the form of the serpent Nagaraja, is worshipped at the Nageswaran temple. It was built in the 12th century by Aditya Chola and is a magnificent example of the Chola dynasty’s skill in astronomy and architecture. The temple is also known as Surya Kottam since it only receives sunlight between April and May. King Nala is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Temple of Sarangapani

The famous Vaishnavite temple Sarangapani is located in Kumbakonam. This temple, located in the center of a busy market area, once held the record for Asia’s tallest temple tower thanks to its enormous 12-story Gopura. That was constructed in the 12th century by the Nayak Kings. During the Tamil month of Chittirai, many devotees flock to the springtime chariot celebration. The Sanskrit words Sarangam, which translates to “Bow of Vishnu,” and “Pani,” which means “hand,” are the source of the name of this temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Except for the Potramarai tank, all water tanks are inside the temple. According to legend, a thousand lotuses brought Goddess Lakshmi from the Potramarai tank.

Temple of Chakrapani

Lord Vishnu is worshipped at the Chakrapani South famous temple close to the Kumbakonam railway station. The term Chakrapani comes from Vishnu’s appearance in Sudarshana Chakra, his most potent form. Lord Vishnu allegedly dispatched his weapon to murder King Jalandasura, according to legend. Lord Brahma was amazed by the dazzling, shining sword when it entered the Kaveri River. Where the current temple is located where Chakra placed its picture, this one is one of the five Vishnu temples participating in the Mahamaham festival.

Conclusion

The beautiful pillars and reverent shrines calm your mind. The colorful paintings that adorn the walls and hallways tell tales from mythology, religion, and the conflicts fought by brave monarchs. These temples in Kumbakonam are the perfect places to attend if you’re on a spiritual quest or an adventurer who enjoys traveling through the past. If you have yet to witness South India’s breathtakingly spectacular skyscraper gopurams, Kumbakonam is waiting for you!

Why Is It a Good Idea to Buy Insurance Online?

It is best to buy an insurance plan online. That way, you can purchase a plan with just a few clicks anytime right from the comfort of your house. In other words, purchasing insurance online is more convenient, faster and cost-effective. Here are the various reasons why it is a good idea to buy insurance digitally.

Get Affordable Premiums

When you buy a policy online, you can directly deal with the insurance provider. So, you can save on paying commissions to the distributors and agents. Plus the whole process involves less paperwork since documentation is also done digitally. So, you can also save on the cost of stationary. The insurer shares these savings with you by charging lower premiums.

Make an Informed Deal

By purchasing an online plan, you can make an informed deal. You can compare various plans of the desired type of insurance on the chosen insurer’s website. So, you can do the comparison in terms of plan renewal, claim process, premiums, features, coverage, benefits and more. Thus, you can easily choose the ideal plan that meets your budget and insurance needs.

Save Time

The application procedure to buy a policy online may be tedious. The online process takes much less time since it is hassle-free and involves less paperwork. When it comes to health insurance, you can sometimes buy a plan without any need for pre-medical check-ups. So, you can get the policy issued in minutes.

Enjoy More Convenience

Buying an insurance plan online is more convenient than purchasing it offline. That’s because you can do it anytime while traveling or even at home. Plus you need not visit the insurance company or check any specific timings to avail a policy.

Check Online Reviews

Before you buy a policy online, you can visit the insurer’s website and check the reviews dropped by existing customers. Thus, you can get an overall idea of the insurance provider’s services and products. You can’t receive this first-hand feedback if you purchase insurance offline.

Avail Online Services

When purchasing an online plan, you can avail various digital services like:

Downloading the policy brochure or documents
Receiving prompt insurance quotes

Other online services include making claims and paying premiums digitally. Thus, you can save time and need not rush to the insurance provider every time you wish to avail these services.

Easily Access Customer Support

See if the insurance provider offers a live chat feature on their site. In that case, you can directly speak to the customer support team regarding any queries or complaints and receive verbal assistance. You can even contact a customer executive on the provider’s toll-free number to collect information or register a complaint. The customer representative can also guide you through the buying procedure on a call. If required, the insurance company may even send an executive to assist you with the purchase.

When you buy a policy online, make sure to choose a renowned insurance company in India. Read the policy documents carefully before finalising the purchase.

Top 5 Desserts That Kolkata Foodies Must Try in Delhi

Indians, especially the people of Kolkata are dessert lovers. If you are Bengali planning to visit Delhi, you will be delightfully spoilt by the numerous dessert options in the city. Whether you like solid or liquid sweet dishes, you can explore them all in Delhi. Just take a Kolkata to Delhi flight and get ready to treat your taste buds. Here are the top 5 desserts that Kolkata foodies need to try in Delhi.

5 Must-Have Desserts in Delhi for Kolkata Foodies

Gulab Jamun

It’s one of the most famous and oldest desserts in India. Gulab jamuns made with “desi ghee” are popular in the streets of both Kolkata and Delhi. So, Bengalis would find these sweets irresistible once they spot them in Delhi. Pindi gulab jamuns found near Pandara Road Market are people’s favourites. Served soft and juicy, the balls of sweetness are mouth-watering!

2. Kesar Jalebi

Kolkata dwellers are quite familiar with jalebis which are among the most traditional desserts in India. In Delhi, they can taste an exciting variant of it— Kesar Jalebi. The best ones are available in Delhi Wala, not far from Dariba Kalan Road in Chandni Chowk. Once you land on the Kolkata to Delhi flight, you can start your day with this dessert. It is made crispy and properly soaked in sugar like traditional jalebis.

3. Rasmalai

It’s another popular and loved dessert in India. Bengalis are quite fond of rasmalais and can’t stop themselves if they find these sweets peeking from the clear glass box. You can get the finest rasmalais in Kaleva near Bangla Saheb Marg. People of all ages visit the shop to enjoy this dessert. Its thickness and freshness make it unique.

4. Raj Bhog

If you want to carry something as good as rasgulla on the New Delhi to Kolkata flight, you can consider Raj Bhog. Although they both seem the same, their taste and sizes are different. The sweets are soaked in syrup with flavours of pista and kesar to freshen up the mouth. The most loved Raj Bhogs in Delhi is available in Paschim Vihar.

5. Ladoo

Ladoos are a big favourite of sweet lovers, irrespective of their age. Indians including Bengalis enjoy eating this dessert, especially when it is made in pure ghee. This enhances their taste. Ladoos are soft and tasty and have a wonderful smell that makes us crave them.

Other Delicious Desserts in Delhi for Bengalis

Rasgulla: Kolkata dwellers are crazy for this spongy sweet. Good-quality rasgullas can be found in Nathu’s sweet shop in Connaught place in Delhi.
Mishti Doi: Bengalis consider a grand meal incomplete without being served mishti doi at the end. The most popular sweetened curd in Delhi can be found in Chit Taran Jana Park.
Malai Cham Cham: This traditional dessert of Bengal is also thankfully available in Delhi. You can buy the ones made of cheena and garnish with pista from Annapurna Sweets.

The list goes on with balushai, malpua, rabdi and more. Buy all the fave desserts in the city and bring these sweet souvenirs home after booking your flight tickets from Delhi to Kolkata.

Experiencing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? Here’s What Girls (and Parents) Should Know?

Period bleeding is natural, healthy, and good for women but only when the flow is normal. If the blood flow is happening a great amount, it’s a sign of poor reproductive health. In other words, heavy periods are called menorrhagia.

There are many reasons why your period might be so heavy that it can be impossible to ignore. This can be quite distressing for some women, especially if the amount of blood or volume is significant enough to see crimson lines on clothing.

So read on to learn more about how to get help with heavy periods and your options for treatment. This guide will also help parents to understand more about heavy menstrual bleeding.

How to differentiate between normal and heavy bleeding?

In the worst cases, period bleeding can cause anaemia and ultimately make you feel tired. But it’s common to get confused between normal and heavy bleeding if you aren’t noticing your activities. In case you are doing any of the following, it’s an indicator of heavy bleeding only:

Changing your pads or tampons after every hour in the day and during the middle of the night
Wearing two sanitary pads to prevent leakage and control the heavy flow
Skipping daily activities due the lower abdominal pain
Periods lasting longer than a week
Painful sex
Release of blood clots in smaller amounts

Causes of Heavy Bleeding

Heavy bleeding can arise out of the following condition:

Hormonal imbalance is one of the leading causes of heavy period bleeding. Because of the fluctuation of hormone levels, the lining can become thick.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that grow within the uterus lining. They can grow within the uterus and leads to a long-lasting period too.
Use of an IUD (intrauterine) device for birth control results in heavy bleeding due the vascular transformation.
Bleeding disorders running in your ancestors can pass on to you. This is rare but the possibility is there in many women.
Endometriosis, thyroid issues, pelvic inflammatory disease, Von Willebrand disease, or some kidney or liver diseases can also cause heavy bleeding.

How to deal with heavy bleeding?

First of all, consult a gynaecologist and get some tests done to find out the actual cause of your period of bleeding. Once you get to know about it, strictly follow the recommended treatment options for you. In addition, you can manage the cramps and pain using heating pads. You should also improve your lifestyle and focus on healthy eating habits. Include exercise in your daily routine and if you can’t do it then at least do yoga for half an hour. Do everything that can keep stress away from your mind.

Final Thoughts

If you’re experiencing heavy period bleeding, speak up! Let those around you know. Then be patient with yourself and the process. You will find ways to cope with your symptoms, and one day they may even end up becoming a thing of the past.

Parents need to be aware of their daughter’s mental condition and stand as firm support to her. Things are difficult today but they will get better with time. Keep following the treatment as recommended and suggested by your gynaecologist. Never let it put you down!

How to Make a Life Insurance Policy Claim?

Life insurance plans can be of two major types— term insurance and traditional life insurance. A term plan offers a lump sum death benefit to the nominee in the event of the demise of the policyholder during the policy term. The death benefit offered is usually a large lump sum amount. On the other hand, a traditional life plan offers both death and maturity benefits but the death benefit amount is not as high as that in a term policy.

So, when it comes to making a life insurance policy claim, see whether your chosen plan is one of term or traditional life insurance. If it is a term plan, the nominee needs to learn about making a death claim. If it is a traditional plan, one must know how to make both maturity and death claims.

Steps to Make a Death Claim Under a Term Life Insurance Plan

Step 1: Claim Intimation

You can do the claim intimation of your insurance plan online or offline. Here, you need to contact the life insurance company by dialling their customer care number. The staff will take all the required details from you to give you a claim form for a death benefit that you must fill out.

Step 2: Complete the Claim Form

Here, you need to duly fill out the given claim form by providing all the necessary details. These can include the policyholder’s name, the policy number of the term life insurance plan, the client id and more.

Step 3: Submit the Necessary Documents with the Claim Form

Now you need to submit the claim form together with any required supporting documents such as police reports, medical bills, etc.

Ask the insurer if the documents need to be submitted in photocopies or original and whether they should be attested by a police Sub-inspector, Magistrate, Gazetted officer or Tahsildar. Based on their requirements, do the needful.

Once you’ve completed the form, signed it and arranged for all the needed documents, consider submitting them at the closest branch office of the insurance provider. Alternatively, you can send the papers by post to the claims department of the insurer.

Step 4: Claim Processing and Decision

After you have submitted the claim form along with the necessary documents, the insurance provider will verify the papers and assess your claim. Once all the documents are successfully verified and your claim request is approved by the insurer, you will receive a confirmation of payment from them. This can usually take a few days. After that, you’ll get your claim amount through an electronic fund transfer or in the form of a cheque.

Steps to Make a Claim Under a Traditional Life Insurance Plan

If you make a death claim under this type of plan, follow the above-discussed steps.

You can claim a maturity benefit on completion of the policy term. For that, the insurer usually provides you with a bank discharge form in advance. You need to fill in its details, prepare the needed documents and send them together back to the bank.

Ensure to buy life insurance from a reputed insurer in India that has a high ratio and a seamless process for claim settlements.

What Sets Delhi’s Jama Masjid Apart from Other Mosques

If you’re planning a holiday soon, taking a Kolkata to Delhi flight is a great idea. India’s capital city has a long history and several architectural wonders. One of them is Masjid-i Jahānnumā, the “mosque that reflects the world,” which was built by Shah Jahan and inaugurated by Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhrail, the Immam summoned in 1656 from Uzbekistan. One of the most notable things about the Jama Masjid is that it was built by the same emperor who built The Taj Mahal. This speaks of its grandeur and the fact that it is designed to ooze royalty. But that is not all.

Most Interesting Facts About the Jama Masjid

Here are a few of the most fascinating facts about this magnificent edifice:

It is the second-largest mosque in the Indian Subcontinent.
The courtyard can accommodate 25,000, and the premises can hold 85,000 people at a time!
It is one of the few architectural marvels in India with Islamic, Indian, and Persian elements from the seventeenth century.
The estimated expenditure for its construction is Rs.1 million, in the 17th-century value!
It took six years for 5,000 workers to construct it.
The masjid is designed to have the pilgrims face Mecca while praying.
The masjid is built with red sandstone adorned with ornate cravings of black and white marble all over the premise.
The Parliament House and Connaught Place are in line with the masjid, a strange coincidence!

If you have already booked your Kolkata to Delhi flight, you need to add this to your itinerary to experience the eloquent architecture. The best place to click pictures is gate 1 for it provides a picturesque view to take in the vastness of the mosque.

The Mosque

The premise has an absolution tank, where believers wash their hands, faces, feet, and heads to “cleanse” before entering the sacred place. The East gate is the best place to enter the mosque and feel what the Mughal royals did when it was used exclusively for royalty. It is a grand arched gate with intricate calligraphies all across the space. There are four minarets and two towers. Each tower has a flight of 130 stairs that brings you to the top and reveals a bird’s eye view of the always bustling Old Delhi area.

The Best Time to Visit Jama Masjid

Eid is the best time to visit to experience the mesmerizing spectacle of thousands of pilgrims praying together in the masjid premises. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit the mosque is in the morning, as once the sun comes up, it is difficult to stroll in the premises because of the infamous Delhi heat. Note that the mosque entry is closed from noon to 1:30 PM on all days except Fridays. And you need to pay a camera fee to get your camera phones inside the mosque.

If you have some time before your Delhi to Kolkata flight, here are a few things you should try.

Bring Home Some Old Delhi Vibes:

Visit the Red Fort
Pray at Sri Digambar Jain temple
Enjoy a langar (community lunch, though it goes on all day) at the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Tread the dingy lanes of Chandni Chowk to get your hands on some intricately designed silver and gold jewellery, handicrafts, Traditional Indian wear, and décor items at super reasonable prices.
Try out local delicacies like rabri, parathas, jalebis, Dahi Bhalla (curd-dipped fritters), and much more.

You’ll find many selfie-worthy spots here and can get souvenirs to take back on your Delhi to Kolkata flight home.

Is It a Good Idea to Invest in a ULIP?

A survey found that 2 out of 3 Indians wished to invest in a ULIP plan in 2021. In fact, the affinity towards these products had highly increased in 92% of the participants after the first COVID wave when things had returned to normal. ULIP remains a popular investment tool due to its dual benefit of insurance and investment. This is quite advantageous over traditional vehicles and lets you achieve life goals with a single plan.

Yes, it is definitely a good idea to invest in an ULIP for a robust safety net. They can optimise returns which makes sense in this post-pandemic world. It is the best choice if you have a good risk appetite and can beat popular insurance products. Read on to know why else an ULIP could be the ideal option for every investor.

Tax Benefits

A unit linked insurance plan offers a tax rebate on the premium. It is under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The upper capping is up to ₹1.5 lakhs. This way you are able to generate a significant corpus for future needs. It is applicable if the premium you pay is below 10% of the sum assured to be received. But the aggregate annual premium should be up to ₹2.5 lakhs per year to enjoy this benefit as per the Budget 2021 proposal.
There are no taxes on the surrender value as well. The maturity money that you receive after 5 years of the lock-in period is free of deductions.

Flexible Fund Option

The top investment company lets you choose from 2 unit linked insurance plan options:

Bond Fund II
Balanced Fund II
Enhancer Fund II

This is because wealth creation must be well aligned with your risk appetite. The returns will depend on the scheme chosen by you. Premium re-direction is also allowed so you may divert your future premiums to a different choice of a fund in the ULIP. It is a good idea to talk to a financial expert and chalk out an investment strategy.

® Long-Term Wealth

ULIP can act as a long-term savings plan. They come with a 5-year lock-in period that helps inculcate strong and disciplined investing. This is because you cannot encash the amount during this time frame and the money grows steadily. It is usually calculated from the date of starting the plan for utmost transparency. Investors may pay the premium on a monthly or annual basis. Accomplish multiple future goals like buying a dream car, home extension, an international trip, higher education or a wedding without touching your savings pot.

® Rupee Cost Averaging

You can reap the benefits of rupee cost averaging in ULIP. Start by paying the premiums on a monthly mode and use the systematic transfer option. There is also an option of creating an SIP to an equity fund in ULIP. All of these make sure your parked money is growing well. The ULIP can liquidate a part of units and invest the money in an equity fund.

In short, an unit linked insurance plan is a suitable investment plan for risk-takers. They offer potentially better returns when compared to their peers due to the diversity of funds offered. Read the terms and conditions carefully before starting a plan.

4 Off-Beat Things To Do In Dubai

One can indulge in various adventure activities and revive the thrill of deep experiences. Talking of the places quenching the thirst at the multi-dimensional level by offering fun and unique amusement activities, Dubai always manages to secure top ranks.

Dubai

Dubai is a renowned city in UAE crowded with magnificent architecture and skyscrapers landing with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It is the most populated city in the UAE and abodes for the nobilities of the region. It is abundant in luxury shopping complexes and modern equipment and is unanimously recognized as the most preferred vacation destination around the world.

Other than the lavish holdings of the city, it also has an unbeatable business and corporate scope and certainly is the most demanded tourist spot in the world. However, there are various astonishing options other than enjoying the riches of Dubai, which can bring life-changing experiences altogether.

Topmost Off-Beat Activities To Do In Dubai

There are certain fun activities exclusively offered in Dubai on the same page, and one must try them out. So, leap on to Mumbai to Dubai flight and ring the bells of ecstasy by doing the following activities:

Desert Quad Biking: The deserts and their sand dunes are one of the most appealing things on the list but converting beauty into an adventure is the art especially when one rides the four-wheelers quad bike in the slipping sand. This is the rarest of rare activities offered in the world, and one must try it at least once in life for rejuvenating effect.
Shark Safari: Underwater life has always fantasized humans as it has surprising yet miraculous things to offer which are not only good for physical health but is also refreshing for mental health. So, shark safari is one of those breathtaking activities offered at the waterparks in Dubai, where even learning scuba diving is not mandatory. Put on essential safety equipment and dive deep into the expedition of exploration and amusement.
Camel Polo: Horse polo can often be spotted around the world, but camel polo is an uncommon experience that used to be exclusively the sport of kings of the Arab region. However, one can now play this thrilling game in Dubai and create splendid memories of this romp.
6D Cinema: Well, the world has paced from the 3D cinema to further dimensions, but Dubai has a special dinosaur-themed 6D cinema giving real essence via fog, wind, rain, and vivid portrayal of the scenario, which is a unique exhibition than the other options present around the world.

So, one must not miss out on these amazing fun activities and surely do visit Dubai to flaunt the only events. So, pack up your bags, roll your sleeves and check out the Dubai to Mumbai flights and make the scrolling screens the happening reality.

When Do Liquid Funds Generate Low Returns and What to Do?

Liquid funds, which are essential debt funds that invest in short‐term assets, have become popular as they offer benefits like quick maturity, low cost and no lock-in period. This category of funds is most suited for those who have idle cash and are looking for a way to earn slightly higher returns on this cash, rather than leave it in the savings account.

Here’s a look at what impacts the returns on liquid funds and what you can do about it.

When Do Liquid Funds Generate Low Returns?

RBI Repo-Rate Cuts

The returns generated on liquid funds are dependent on the RBI repo rate. The repo rate is the rate of interest at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks or other financial institutions whenever they need it. If the RBI increases the repo rates, the rate of interest on investments also increases. On the other hand, if the RBI slashes interest rates, the same will happen with the rate of interest on investments.

At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the central bank brought down the repo rate to support the economy. The Reserve Bank of India, in its Monetary Policy Statement in May 2020, announced to reduce the repo rate to 4% from 4.40%. Although the move benefited borrowers, it resulted in lower returns for investors. This is when liquid funds generated lower returns. However, subsequently, the RBI has been raising interest rates.

Regulations to Increase Security of Funds

In 2019, SEBI issued a circular to better manage risks with liquid funds. Under this circular, SEBI stated that all liquid funds will need to invest 20% of the total assets invested in highly liquid securities to ensure sufficient liquidity at all times. These securities include cash equivalents, G-Secs and Treasury Bills. These securities are the least risky, but also generate the least returns. Investing 20% of the assets in these securities ultimately reduces the total returns.

What Should You Do?

It can be confusing when liquid funds are not generating enough returns. The best idea is to look for an alternate investment option like mutual funds or liquid MF.

Investors who are risk sensitive can include liquid mutual funds in their investment portfolio. As you diversify your portfolio with mutual funds, you also diversify risks. You can choose to invest with a lumpsum payment or in small amounts every month via what is called a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). You can start investing in MFs with as low as Rs.100 per month and can benefit from rupee cost averaging. After maturity, you can either withdraw the complete amount at once or choose Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP), where you benefit by withdrawing small amounts each month. When the money is invested for a longer period, the returns are typically higher than the short-term liquid fund returns.

With you invest for a longer period, you also benefit from the power of compounding. Investing in mutual funds through SIP also helps you develop the habit of saving every month.