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According to the principles of Vastu Shastra, vegetation has a profound influence on a person's life and financial status. Although the Money Plant is often used as a symbol of beauty and prosperity in every home, improper placement or violation of certain rules can lead to significant economic losses instead of benefits.

Vastu experts assert that there are strict and precise rules for placing a Money Plant, adherence to which promotes an increase in money flow and maintains well-being in the home. These rules allow for positive changes in life.

According to Vastu Shastra, the ideal place to put a Money Plant is the southeast corner (Agnieya Kona). This sector is associated with the deity Ganesha and the planet Venus, which is considered the source of wealth and prosperity. Placing the plant in this area ensures a flow of positive energy and helps overcome financial difficulties.

Conversely, it is strictly forbidden to place the Money Plant in the northeast corner (Ishan Kona), as this direction is associated with Jupiter. The combination of Venus and Jupiter in this location may prove unfavorable.

Firstly, the shoots and vines of the Money Plant must never touch the ground; they should be supported or tied so that they grow upwards. Upward growth symbolizes progress and development, whereas downward spread indicates financial decline.

Secondly, the plant should not be placed outside the house, such as near the main entrance or on a balcony where it can be seen by strangers. According to Vastu, it is better to keep the Money Plant hidden inside the dwelling to ensure financial prosperity.

Thirdly, if the leaves of the plant begin to yellow or dry out, they should be immediately cut off with scissors and separated. Dry or rotten leaves create a negative atmosphere and Vastu defects in the home.

Finally, it is believed that on Fridays, one should not give away their Money Plant to anyone, nor should one bring it from someone else's house. Such actions can weaken your planet Venus, increasing the risk of financial loss.

In the modern world, the use of UPI has become ubiquitous, from small tea stalls to large stores, gradually reducing the need for cash. However, the question arises whether using UPI leads to increased spending from one's pocket.

To answer this question, a woman from Delhi conducted a unique experiment. She completely stopped using UPI and started paying exclusively with cash for about two and a half months. The results of this experience sparked active discussions on social media.

The content creator from Delhi, Sadfa, reported on social media that for about two and a half months, she did not make a single payment through UPI. All her daily expenses were made in cash. Her goal was to understand the real difference between paying via digital payments and paying with cash. Initially, it was a bit difficult for her because most stores now accept payment directly through UPI, but over time, she began to notice clear changes in her behavior.

Sadfa noted that previously, paying via UPI was very simple: just take out your phone, scan the QR code, and the money was deducted in seconds. Often, she didn't even realize the small expenses. However, when she started paying with cash, she had to open her wallet, take out bills, and count change every time. This forced her to be aware of every expense. As a result, she significantly reduced the purchase of non-essential items. According to her, when money is visible before your eyes, a person thinks twice before making a purchase.

The woman said that previously, many small transactions via UPI occurred in one day. Only at the end of the month, while reviewing her bank statement, did she realize how much money had been spent. When using cash, she set a daily spending limit in advance. When the money in her wallet started running out, she postponed other purchases. Thanks to this, her budget became more controlled, and savings began to grow.

After the woman's video went viral, thousands of people shared their opinions. Many users wrote that they experienced the same thing: due to the simplicity of UPI payments, it is easy to spend money, and the line between necessity and desire blurs. Nevertheless, some people also pointed out that relying entirely on cash is not easy under current conditions, as digital payments are the most convenient option for online shopping, food delivery, taxi booking, and other services.

A financial expert believes that UPI itself is not the problem; it is a safe and fast payment system. However, the simple procedure of digital payments can prompt many people to spend money without proper consideration. Therefore, if you feel your expenses are rising, it is recommended to set a monthly budget and monitor your banking operations. If necessary, cash should be used for part of the expenses to better control your finances.

This woman from Delhi's experience demonstrates that sometimes the way of saving money is even more important than the process of earning it. UPI has certainly simplified life, but if you do not monitor your spending, even small payments can turn into a large bill at the end of the month. Consequently, there is no need to abandon UPI; what is important is to use this digital opportunity wisely. To control spending, it is necessary to create a budget, track transactions, and use cash where necessary.

Today, companies including Aarti Surfactants, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands, APL Apollo Tubes, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank are presenting their financial reports for the period from April to June.

Among the companies that will announce their first quarter (Q1FY27) results today are Aarti Surfactants, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands, Divi's Laboratories, Muthoot Finance, APL Apollo Tubes, Clean Science and Technology, Balmer Lawrie & Co., Gujarat Ambuja Exports, GHCL, Latent View Analytics, Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Vishnu Chemicals, EPACK Prefab Technologies, and Nilkamal.

Other firms also presenting their results today include State Bank of India Commercial & International Bank (SCBL), Sarda Energy & Minerals, India Pesticides, Sportking India, GPT Infraprojects, D-Link (India), Prataap Snacks, Creative Newtech, Compucom Software, Indian Terrain Fashions, Maharashtra Gas Energy, Incap, AMJ Land Holdings, Capital Trade Links, Celebrity Fashions, Addi Industries, Mapro Industries, Mercury Trade Links, and Vinayak Polycon International.

Key highlights of Indian Oil results

Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) reported a consolidated net loss of ₹1,140 crore for the quarter from April to June. This figure contrasts with a profit of ₹6,808 crore in the previous year, as higher energy prices amid the crisis in West Asia put pressure on the company's revenues.

Revenue from the state-owned oil marketing company IOCL increased by 27% year-on-year, reaching ₹2.82 trillion in Q1FY27. Despite supply disruptions related to the conflict in West Asia, IOCL stated that it secured sufficient crude oil stocks until the end of September through diversified procurement sources, which helped mitigate the impact of regional disruptions.

Market trends as of July 31

Indian stock indices closed the third consecutive trading session at higher levels on Friday. The rise was driven by the strengthening of auto and financial services stocks. The Sensex rose by 166.49 points, or 0.21%, closing at 78,094.64, while the Nifty50 grew by 66.45 points, or 0.27%, settling at 24,383.60.

Among the top gainers in Nifty50 were Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, and Jio Financial Services. Broader markets also showed positive momentum, as the Nifty MidCap and Nifty SmallCap indices advanced by 0.44%. In sectoral indices, auto and financial services outperformed others, while IT and FMCG sectors lagged. The Nifty IT index interrupted its five-session winning streak despite the rise in global semiconductor stocks.