Shraddha Kapoor Discusses Stree 2, 2025 Goals, and Social Media Challenges in Grazia India January Feature

boasting the second-largest social media following in the country, she truly embodies the phrase “living the dream”. With a passion for storytelling and unwavering commitment to her craft, Kapoor stands as one of the most sought-after actors of her generation. Beyond the screen, her down-to-earth vibe and infectious energy have made her a fan favourite. Whether it’s her quirky Instagram posts or simply her relatable persona, Kapoor continues to charm millions with her charisma.

In an exclusive conversation with Grazia India, Kapoor opens up about prioritising self-care amid the chaos of stardom and navigating the unpredictable nature of the industry.

2025 also sets the stage for Kapoor’s next chapter, and she reflects, “I’ve had a spectacular year, being a part of a film that has been loved so much. The best is yet to come, but I’m extremely grateful for the year that I’ve had. Stree 2 has been such a special film for me right from its first part; back then, it was such a big deal to be doing a film that was going to be a part of a new genre.”

On her approach to taking risks, Kapoor adds, “You must be open to new thoughts and new ways of filmmaking, and being a part of films that don’t feel ‘safe or packaged well’. I enjoy taking risks because that is when you get a chance to be a part of pushing cinema forward.”

Reflecting on the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of the industry, she shares, “I’ve realised there are no rules; one doesn’t know what kind of film, or character, or which production company will make the next memorable film.”

Kapoor emphasises the importance of giving her all to the craft. She says, “When you decide you want to accomplish something, I feel like it takes away from the process. I would rather focus on continuing to be a part of good films and do memorable work and pour my heart and soul into it.”

Despite achieving remarkable success, the actor stays grounded and relatable: “There are days when I’m exhausted, I vegetate and do nothing, chill at home with my pets and eat ghar ka khaana. You know when you’re headed for a burn-out, so I try not to wait for that, and I prioritise downtime whenever possible.”

Acknowledging her social media presence, she reflects on maintaining balance in the digital age, “I don’t want social media to take over my life. I post when I feel like it, and this is something that I want to tell people too – don’t feel pressurised to post all the time, it’s no fun. Our responsibility is that we can’t let the pressures of social media.”

KLH and KL Campuses Shine with Top IIC Star Ratings

KLH and KL Deemed to be University campuses have once again presented remarkable performances in the latest IIC (Institution’s Innovation Council) Performance Ratings for 2023-24, as announced by the Ministry of Innovation Council (MIC) under the Ministry of Education (MoE).

The KLH Aziznagar campus in Hyderabad has achieved a commendable 3.5-star rating, underscoring its sustained commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This achievement marks the second consecutive year that KLH has secured one of the highest ratings, sustaining a vibrant ecosystem for creative and innovative endeavors. The KLH Incubation Center, together with faculty members, cultivates a spirit of entrepreneurial thinking among students, guiding innovations from ideation to startup.

Simultaneously, KL Deemed to be University Vijayawada campus has secured a 4-star rating for the 5th consecutive year. Under the leadership of senior management, the KL-CIIE (Center for Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship) along with faculty members and staff has been consistently working on the sustainable commitment to promote an environment where innovative ideas and entrepreneurial activities thrive.

Dr. G. Pardha Saradhi Varma, Vice Chancellor of KL Deemed to be University, expressed his pride in these achievements: “These stellar ratings are a testament to the dynamic capabilities of our faculty and the innovative spirit of our students. They confirm our role as leaders in shaping the future of education and innovation. This continuous recognition motivates us further to pursue excellence in all our academic and entrepreneurial endeavors.” He extended complements to the Incubation Centers at both campuses whose unwavering support and contributions have been instrumental in achieving these high standards of innovation and excellence.

These accolades not only reflect the robust innovation culture at the campuses but also reinforce to continue nurturing the talents and ideas that drive societal progress and economic growth.

Tally Solutions Honors Bangalore’s Tax Leaders for Transforming MSMEs with Digital Innovation

Bangalore, 24nd January 2025: Tally Solutions, a leading technology player in the Business Management Software (BMS) ecosystem, has acknowledged and celebrated the significant contributions of the Tax and Accounting community of Bangalore in driving the adoption of technology to augment the accounting and compliance needs of India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In recognition of the outstanding work of GSTPs, accountants, tax advocates, and other professionals, Tally Solutions hosted an exclusive event ‘Tax and Accounting Titans’ to honor their efforts. The event celebrated the achievements of 10 distinguished professionals from Bangalore who have shown exemplary commitment and dedication to their profession.

Sharing his views on this initiative, Anil Bhargavan, General Manager – South Zone, Tally Solutions, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible contributions of the Tax and Accounting community in Bangalore. Their dedication to embracing technology has been pivotal in empowering MSMEs to overcome challenges and thrive in today’s dynamic environment. Through our ‘Tax and Accounting Titans’ initiative, we honor not just individual excellence but the collective effort that drives progress in our industry. Together, we are committed to fostering an ecosystem where technology adoption leads to sustainable growth and compliance for all businesses.”

The event highlighted the community’s commitment to advancing the accounting and taxation landscape for MSMEs. These professionals have played a vital role by leveraging digital tools and solutions to streamline various processes and improve efficiency. Tally’s unique ‘Tax and Accounting Titans’ initiative has been curated with the vision to acknowledge the sustained efforts of these professionals. The winners were recognized at the event in Bangalore in the presence of S Nanjunda Prasad, President Karnataka State Tax Practitioners Association, KC Ananda, President Bengaluru Tax Practitioners Association and K P Lakshmi Narayana, President Bengaluru Rural Tax Practitioners Association

The winners were acknowledged across three categories – Accounting Maestro: Recognizing stalwarts who have withstood the test of time and continue to help MSMEs to grow for more than 15 years, Emerging Star: Recognizing the new gen-GSTPs who have started their practice less than 5 years ago, have identified a market gap and have helped their customers to resolve the gaps and Tech Innovator: Recognizing GSTPs who are agile with modern technology adoption yielding superior results.

Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India, is a thriving business destination for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial start-ups. It is also known for its vibrant IT sector, educational institutions and startup ecosystem. Tally Solutions, along with the GSTP community, has led the way in driving technology adoption and streamlining compliance processes for businesses, enabling them to better navigate the ever-changing market landscape and remain competitive in the digital age.

Driving Growth Through Capex and Consumption: What to Expect from Budget 2025

 

By Dr. Vikas Gupta, CEO and Chief Investment Strategist, OmniScience Capital

As India prepares for the Union Budget 2025 on February 1, 2025, expectations are running high, with an estimated ₹53 lakh crore plan in the works. This budget is poised to address pressing economic concerns while paving the way for sustained growth through infrastructure development, manufacturing incentives, and tax reforms. We anticipate a capital expenditure-heavy, infrastructure-oriented budget focused on development rather than the provision of individual freebies. Such an approach is expected to drive revenue and earnings growth over the next few years. Furthermore, with the Reserve Bank of India likely to cut interest rates, market conditions appear favorable. The Nifty index could potentially witness a 15–20% increase over the year.

Investors, businesses, and individual taxpayers should closely monitor these developments as they unfold, as they will significantly influence the country’s economic trajectory and the broader investment landscape.

A Shot in the Arm for Consumption
The government’s primary focus appears to be reigniting consumption to counter the slowdown in GDP growth observed in the past quarter. To achieve this, there is growing talk of providing income tax relief for salaried taxpayers. By increasing their disposable income, the government aims to boost purchasing power and stimulate consumer demand, a critical driver of economic growth.

Infrastructure: A Catalyst for Employment and Growth
With India’s young workforce expanding rapidly, the budget is likely to allocate increased funds for infrastructure projects, including smart cities, national highways, and rural connectivity. Investments in these sectors are expected to create employment opportunities and drive economic momentum, contributing to a robust foundation for long-term development.

Streamlining Tax Laws and Direct Tax Code Developments
The Income Tax Department has received over 6,500 suggestions from stakeholders aimed at simplifying tax laws. A Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)-led committee is reportedly working on removing outdated provisions and easing compliance requirements. The revised tax framework is expected to reduce the current 298 sections and 23 chapters into a more streamlined format.

While the long-awaited Direct Tax Code (DTC) is in the works to replace the Income-tax Act of 1961, the upcoming budget might not feature major structural changes in direct taxes. However, individual taxpayers could benefit from minor relief measures, such as revised tax slabs, aimed at combating inflation. These changes could make additional cash available to households and further stimulate consumption.

Focus on Simplification and Rationalisation
The government appears focused on simplifying tax laws gradually, with special attention to rationalising the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) provisions. Sources indicate that the current complex TDS structure could be consolidated into 3-5 broad categories with simplified rates. This streamlining effort could significantly reduce compliance burdens for taxpayers and businesses alike.

Tax rationalisation, long overdue, remains a pressing issue. While efforts have been made to address this through proposals like the draft Direct Tax Code, progress has been slow. The government’s current strategy seems to favor addressing existing challenges within the current framework rather than introducing entirely new legislation.

Addressing Tax Litigation Challenges
One of the critical issues that the budget must tackle is the ongoing challenge of tax litigation. Significant sums remain stuck in litigation under the current Income Tax Act, creating uncertainty for taxpayers and delaying revenue collection for the government. Addressing these bottlenecks could improve the ease of doing business and provide greater certainty for both taxpayers and the tax department.

Incentives for Manufacturing and Industry
As part of its growth strategy, the government is expected to extend the low-tax regime to companies setting up new manufacturing units in India during the financial year 2025-26. This measure aims to attract investments, generate employment, and boost industrial activity.

Sectors such as textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy are likely to benefit from targeted incentives, including Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. These incentives could enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets and foster self-reliance in critical areas like electronics and solar panel manufacturing.

Balanced Measures for Economic Growth
While major structural reforms may be on hold, the India Budget 2025 is expected to deliver a balanced mix of measures addressing immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained growth. By prioritizing consumption, simplifying tax laws, and incentivizing manufacturing, the government is paving the way for economic recovery and long-term resilience.

Budget Expectation | Healthcare | Indira IVF

Dr. Kshitiz Murdia – CEO & Co-Founder of Indira IVF on the healthcare segment

“India stands at a crucial crossroads in addressing the growing challenge of infertility, which carries significant socio-economic implications. Globally, nations like South Korea and Singapore are grappling with record-low Total Fertility Rates (TFR) of 0.72 and 0.97, respectively, while within India, states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka report TFRs below replacement levels. These trends underscore the urgent need for India to act decisively to maintain its demographic stability and provide opportunities for those who aspire to achieve parenthood. The Union Budget for 2025-26 presents a critical opportunity to integrate infertility management as a core component of public healthcare.

One key measure we have been advocating for over the past 3–4 years is the integration of fertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART), into universal health insurance schemes. Such an initiative would make these treatments financially accessible to families across socio-economic strata, alleviating a significant burden for those seeking to build a family. Additionally, offering tax exemptions or deductions on fertility treatment expenses would provide immediate relief to many couples. To ensure equity in access, investments should also be directed toward establishing ART infrastructure in underserved regions, bridging the geographical divide in reproductive healthcare.

Public awareness campaigns to establish infertility as a medical condition that can be treated are essential to combat the stigma surrounding infertility, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and encourage timely medical interventions. Coupled with increased funding for research in reproductive health, these initiatives can drive innovation and improve treatment outcomes, helping more individuals fulfill their aspirations of parenthood.

The global experience with declining fertility rates serves as a warning for India to proactively address these challenges. By prioritizing infertility care in Budget 2025-26, the government can empower millions of families, promote equitable healthcare, and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic resilience. These measures align with India’s vision of a healthier, more inclusive, and progressive future, ensuring the country remains well-prepared to face both demographic and economic challenges.”

Wankhede Stadium Turns 50: Sugee Group and MCA Join in Celebrating a Historic Milestone

Mumbai, January 24, 2025: The Wankhede Stadium, a cornerstone of Indian cricket history, came alive with emotion, nostalgia, and celebration as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) marked its 50th anniversary on January 19, 2025. The iconic venue hosted a grand spectacle, presented by Sugee Group as the Title Sponsor, celebrating five decades of cricketing excellence.

The mesmerizing evening, hosted by Mandira Bedi, Prasanna Sant, and Jatin Sapru, featured captivating performances by renowned artists Avadhoot Gupte and Ajay-Atul, along with a spectacular laser show, offering an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Established in 1974, the iconic stadium has witnessed numerous historic cricketing moments, etching its name firmly in modern cricket history. The event brought together cricket legends across generations, including Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, Diana Edulji, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal among others. Fans experienced heartfelt moments, a magnificent tribute to Wankhede’s illustrious legacy, and an inspiring vision of hope for the future of Indian cricket.

Cricketing legends and captains, past and present, echoed their sentiments, while groundsmen and support staff were honoured. All echoed the significance the stadium has had in shaping their career and India’s overall cricketing journey. The essence of Mumbai’s cricketing legacy which produces talented players year-on-year, also came to the forefront in deliberations among the star players.

Sugee Group Founder and Managing Partner, Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, expressed immense pride in partnering with MCA for this milestone celebration, stating, “Wankhede Stadium is not just a landmark; it is the soul of Mumbai’s cricketing passion and a living embodiment of the city’s rich cultural heritage. To be part of such a historic occasion is a moment of immense honour and deep gratitude for Sugee Group. This celebration resonates with our core values of enriching lives, preserving legacies, and fostering connections that transcend time. Contributing to this iconic event was a heartfelt tribute to Mumbai’s spirit and the timeless memories it creates for generations.”

MCA President Shri Ajinkya Naik added, “The support of Sugee Group as our Title Sponsor elevated the grandeur of this celebration. Their dedication to Mumbai’s development complements the spirit of Wankhede Stadium, and together, we delivered an unforgettable experience to cricket enthusiasts across the nation.”

Skillsvarsity Launches 2nd Directorship Program for Women

Talent Skillsvarsity – A leading Skills & Education company announced the introduction of the 2nd cohort of an Exclusive Women Founders Directorship Program in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to empower women entrepreneurs for leadership roles in corporate governance.

The program will be held on February 14th, 15th, and 20th, 2025, in Mumbai and is designed as an invite-only event for a select group of accomplished women founders.

This groundbreaking program aims to address the gender gap in boardrooms by equipping women entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills to excel as board directors. The sessions will cover key areas, including:

  • Roles and Responsibilities of Board Directors
  • Corporate Governance Best Practices
  • Financial Oversight and Compliance
  • Strategic Decision-Making

The Women Founders Directorship Program will feature renowned experts and industry leaders who will guide participants through interactive workshops, case studies, and networking opportunities. By fostering a deeper understanding of boardroom dynamics, the program seeks to prepare women founders for impactful contributions in leadership and governance.

Speaking on the initiative, Ambarish Datta, Founder and CEO of Talent Skillsvarsity, said, “This program is a step towards bridging the leadership gap and creating a future where women leaders thrive in corporate boardrooms. This also assists founders to set up their own board or use their skills to become an Independent Director in other company boards. We are committed to empowering women entrepreneurs to take on impactful leadership roles in governance”

The exclusive, invite-only nature of the program ensures that participants will be part of an elite cohort, fostering an environment of shared learning and collaboration.

Embryolisse Launches Filaderme: A New Era of Skin Hydration

Stacked from 5

January 2025: Embryolisse, a specialist in multi-tasking skin care, is proud to announce the launch of Filaderme, a transformative cream designed to rejuvenate dry and sensitive skin. This revolutionary product is set to redefine skincare routine with its powerful lipid-replenishing formula that restores the skin’s protective lipidic film and fortifies the skin barrier.

Say goodbye to dryness and flakiness. Filaderme is enriched with 90% natural origin ingredients to shield your skin from harsh weather changes while maintaining its strength and moisturization power. Its luxuriously smooth texture and pleasant almond fragrance deliver a delightful sensory experience alongside unmatched hydration and repair. Filaderme is a testament to Embryolisse’s commitment to creating effective and gentle skincare solutions for all skin types. Infused with a lipid-replenishing formula and the benefits of 99% ingredients from natural origin, such as Shea butter, Aloe vera, Soy proteins, and others- Filaderme Emulsion cream is a must-have, it helps to impart long-lasting nourishment to dry and extremely dry skin.

Filaderme – a Game-Changer

Immediate and Lasting Nourishment: The lipid-replenishing formula works instantly to soothe and hydrate dry skin, ensuring long-lasting comfort.

Repairs Dry and Very Dry Skin: The rich blend of essential nutrients restores the skin’s natural balance, making it an ideal solution for even the most sensitive skin.

Comfort Redefined: Feelings of discomfort and tightness disappear, replaced by a sensation of smoothness and ease.

Clinical Benefits

  • Nourishes and replenishes the skin deeply
  • Strengthens the skin barrier, ensuring lasting hydration
  • Eliminates signs of dryness and flakiness
  • Protects against external aggressors
  • Leaves skin feeling soft, supple, and radiant

Experience the best of French pharmacy skincare with Embryolisse. Renowned for its science-backed formulations and dedication to simplicity, Embryolisse offers a unique blend of dermatological expertise and natural ingredients. Trusted by pharmacists, dermatologists, and make-up artists around the world, the brand has been a cornerstone of French beauty for decades. Embryolisse Filaderme Emulsion is available in-store and online via Nykaa, Blinkit, Flipkart, Zepto, and Amazon.

New Bengaluru Office to Accelerate St. Fox’s Cybersecurity Innovation and Growth

Bangalore, 24th January 2025 – St. Fox, a rapidly growing cybersecurity consultancy built on the principles of fearless innovation and relentless protection, is thrilled to open its new office in Bangalore. Headquartered in Pune, the company sets footprint in Bangalore marking its 2nd office in India. The 100-seater office premises at HSR Layout, Bangalore, will be primarily supporting its R&D and client delivery teams. The new office is designed with sustainability and employee’s well-being in mind, leveraging renewable energy sources and energy-efficient infrastructure. Adopting Green Building Practices, the workspace includes ergonomic setups, wellness zones, and collaboration hubs to foster productivity and innovation among the employees.

Ronak Maniar, Founder and Managing Director of St. Fox, said, “We are excited to open our new office in Bangalore, the hub for IT sector and one of the key businesses & talent market for us. As part of our long-term growth strategy, expanding into Bangalore will enable us to further accelerate our already rapidly growing business. We believe the most important challenge facing us today is the need to secure our rapidly expanding digital ecosystem while fostering innovation. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, we aim to expand our offerings, particularly in areas like AI-driven security, blockchain integration, and advanced data protection. We are committed to ensuring that our solutions evolve alongside the rapidly changing technological landscape, enabling our clients to not only protect their digital assets but also leverage new technologies to drive growth.

With a current workforce of over 120 SMEs across India, St. Fox continues to strengthen its capabilities in cybersecurity consulting, AI innovation, and technical consulting. Aiming to expand its India team to over 300 employees by 2026, the company has partnered with premier institutions across to nurture cybersecurity and AI talent. To address the cybersecurity talent gap, St. Fox has invested in continuous learning and development programs to ensure the team remains at the forefront of industry trends and advancements. The training and mentorship program aims to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.

St. Fox’s headquarters at Pune, spans over 7,000 sq. ft. at one of the premium IT parks and can accommodate over 200 employees. As part of its ambitious growth strategy, the organization plans to open offices in Hyderabad and Mumbai by 2026 to tap into regional talent and business. Additionally, client engagement centers are set to be launched later this year in Dubai and Singapore, enhancing international collaboration and expanding global operations.

5 fintech Stocks to Watch in 2025: Big Gains Ahead

As we move into 2025, the financial markets are teeming with opportunities, especially in the rapidly expanding fintech and digital lending sectors. Technology-driven solutions, coupled with shifting consumer behavior and a strong push for digital financial services, are creating a hotbed for growth. For investors looking to make big gains, some stocks in the fintech space are showing exceptional promise. In this article, we’ll take a look at five stocks to watch in 2025, each poised to benefit from the accelerating digital transformation in finance.

1. lendingplate (Unifinz Capital India Limited) – A Digital Lending Powerhouse| Stock price: ₹563

lendingplate, under Unifinz Capital India Limited, is one of the most promising companies in India’s digital lending space. Offering unsecured personal loans up to ₹2,50,000 with flexible repayment options up to 15 months, the platform has been gaining traction with consumers looking for fast, hassle-free credit solutions. lendingplate has already disbursed ₹500 crore in loans year-to-date, showcasing its significant impact on the digital lending landscape. As of now, the stock price of Unifinz Capital India Limited (UCIL), lendingplate stands at ₹563, making it an attractive investment opportunity in the digital lending sector.

lendingplate primarily caters to individuals who are overlooked by traditional banks, and a significant portion of its loan portfolio comprises borrowers with thin credit or low credit scores. This unique focus positions lending plates to tap into the vast underserved market in India, providing access to credit for those who typically struggle to get loans through conventional channels.

One of Lendingplate’s standout features is its ability to offer instant loan approvals and disbursements within 30 minutes, which is incredibly appealing to customers who need quick access to funds. The company’s customer-centric approach, combined with its digital-first model, allows it to offer flexible loan amounts and repayment terms tailored to individual needs.

lendingplate is servicing 5000+ pin codes across 17 states, giving it a broad reach in urban and rural markets alike. With its ability to tap into the growing demand for unsecured credit, the company is well-positioned to continue expanding its customer base and loan disbursements as it targets further growth in 2025.

2. Aavas Financiers – Revolutionizing Affordable Housing Loans| Stock price: ₹1,686.10

Aavas Financiers has carved out a strong niche in providing affordable housing loans to lower- and middle-income groups, focusing on Tier II and Tier III cities. The company’s emphasis on digital underwriting and innovative loan disbursement methods is helping to drive growth. As government policies continue to support affordable housing, Aavas Financiers is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for housing loans in India.

With a solid growth trajectory and a focus on financial inclusion, Aavas Financiers is a strong contender for significant gains in 2025.

3. Bajaj Finance – A Leader in Consumer Finance with Digital Innovation| Stock price: ₹7,182.10

Bajaj Finance has long been one of India’s top non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), offering everything from personal loans to business loans and consumer durables financing. The company’s relentless push towards digitalization has kept it at the forefront of India’s consumer finance sector. With its strong customer base, tech-driven credit solutions, and a growing loan book, Bajaj Finance is a stock worth keeping an eye on in 2025, especially as the demand for instant and unsecured credit rises.

Bajaj Finance’s innovative lending models and strong market presence position it for impressive growth in the coming years.

4. HDFC Bank – Traditional Banking Meets Fintech Innovation| Stock price: ₹4,030.85

HDFC Bank is one of India’s most respected private-sector banks, and its entry into the digital lending space has been nothing short of transformative. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into its loan origination processes, HDFC Bank has significantly streamlined its loan approval process, making it faster and more efficient. The bank’s strong digital infrastructure enables it to reach a larger audience, particularly in rural areas, while still maintaining its stronghold in urban markets.

HDFC Bank’s ability to blend traditional banking expertise with cutting-edge fintech solutions makes it an attractive stock for investors in 2025.

5. Paytm (One97 Communications ltd.) – The Fintech Giant Expanding Its Lending Footprint| Stock price: ₹900.15

Paytm continues to dominate India’s digital payment space and is rapidly expanding into lending, insurance, and wealth management. With its vast user base, Paytm has the unique opportunity to cross-sell lending products such as personal loans, merchant loans, and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services. By leveraging its existing platform, Paytm is positioned to take full advantage of India’s booming digital lending ecosystem, especially as credit penetration continues to grow.

As India’s largest mobile payment platform, Paytm is looking to expand its digital lending capabilities in 2025, making it a key player in the rapidly evolving fintech space.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Please conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions