Closing Bell: Sensex Jumps 1,577.63 Pts, Nifty Surges 500 Pts on April 15, 2025, After RBI’s Announcement

Indian stock markets saw a sharp rise on April 15, 2025, following RBI’s announcement of repo rate cuts. The BSE Sensex jumped 1,577.63 points (1.77%) to close at 77,734.89, while the NSE Nifty50 ended 500 points higher (1.92%) at 23,328.55. 

Broader Markets Outperform 

Both the mid-cap and small-cap broader market indices saw gains of 1.3% each today.

Top Gainers and Losers 

On the Nifty 50, IndusInd Bank (6.67%), Shriram Finance (5.17%), Tata Motors (4.61%), and Axis Bank (4.35%) emerged as among the top gainers, driving the rally. The top loser on Nifty 50 was ITC, whose share prices fell by 0.28% to reach ₹420.35.

All Sectors in Green 

Every sector ended the day with gains. Nifty Financial Services, consumer durables, and auto were the top performers, rising by roughly 3.5%. 

Oil Prices 

As of April 15, 2025, at 04:10 PM, Brent Crude was trading at $64.62, down by 0.40%. 

Conclusion 

Indian stock markets soared on April 15, 2025, fueled by the RBI’s repo rate cut. Sensex surged 1.77% to 77,734.89, and Nifty climbed 1.92% to 23,328.55. Broader markets also rallied, with financial services leading sector gains. IndusInd Bank was a top gainer, while ITC saw a minor dip.

Read more on: Hero MotoCorp Leads Two-Wheeler Market in FY25 with 29% Share

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Has Your Bank Cut Lending and Deposit Rates? Check Here!

In response to the RBI’s 50-basis point (bp) cut in the repo rate in 2025, major banks in India have announced reductions in their lending and deposit interest rates. This move is aimed at promoting economic growth and easing financial costs for consumers.  

HDFC Bank and SBI Revise Deposit Rates 

HDFC Bank, the largest private sector lender, has reduced its savings deposit rates by 25bp. Effective from April 12, 2025, savings accounts with balances under ₹50 lakh will now earn an interest rate of 2.75%, while those with balances exceeding ₹50 lakh will accrue 3.25%.  

At 2:08 PM, HDFC Bank share price was up 3.39% and was trading at ₹1,868.00.  

State Bank of India has also revised its fixed deposit interest rates for senior citizens. FDs with a tenure of 1-3 years will now offer a 20bp reduction. FDs with a 1–2-year term will now yield 7.2% (down from 7.3%), and those with a 2–3-year tenure will earn 7.4% (down from 7.5%). These new rates will take effect from April 15, 2025. 

At 2:09 PM, SBI share price was up 1.52% and was trading at ₹765.30. 

Bank of India Cuts Fixed Deposit Rates 

Bank of India has also revised its FD interest rates for deposits below ₹3 crore. For deposits maturing between 91 days and 179 days, the bank will offer 4.25%, while deposits between 180 days to 1 year will earn 5.75%. For deposits of 1 year, the interest rate will be 7.05%, and for those between 1-2 years, the rate will be 6.75%. 

For larger deposits, ranging from ₹3 crore to ₹10 crore, the bank has announced rates as high as 6.50% for deposits maturing in 211 days to less than one year. 

At 2:11 PM, Bank of India share price was up 2.63% and was trading at ₹111.  

Lending Rates Also Reduced 

In addition to the deposit rate cuts, banks have also slashed their lending rates. SBI has reduced its repo rate-linked lending rates by 25bp to 8.25%, while its external benchmark lending rates have been adjusted to 8.65%. Bank of Maharashtra has followed suit by reducing its external benchmark lending rates to 8.65% as well. 

Impact of RBI’s Repo Rate Cut 

The recent changes in the interest rates come after the RBI’s reduction in the repo rate to 6% from 6.5%. This move follows two consecutive cuts, with the central bank citing retail inflation being well within the target range of 4%.  

The objective of RBI is to boost consumer demand and spending, especially as the the bank and India’s Finance Ministry have noted that more households are turning to market-based investment instruments like mutual funds instead of traditional bank savings. 

Conclusion 

The cuts in lending and deposit rates by major banks are expected to make borrowing cheaper and savings less lucrative. While these changes aim to stimulate the economy, they may also push consumers toward more market-based investments. 

 

Read more on: Will Two-Wheelers Be Banned in Delhi? Here’s What the New EV Policy Says

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. 

Maharashtra Govt Cuts Stipend for 8 Lakh Ladki Bahin Yojana Beneficiaries Amid Scrutiny

Maharashtra government has reduced the monthly stipend for 8 lakh women beneficiaries under its flagship Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. The reduction comes after it was found that these women were also receiving financial assistance under the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi (NSMN) scheme.

This move is aimed at streamlining welfare distribution and improving the state’s overall fiscal health.

Why Was the Stipend Under Ladki Bahin Yojana Reduced?

Under the Ladki Bahin scheme, women are entitled to a monthly payout of ₹1,500. However, this amount is capped if the beneficiary is receiving financial aid from another government scheme. In this case, the 8 lakh women already receive ₹1,000 under the NSMN, so their Ladki Bahin stipend has been reduced to ₹500.

The scheme’s rules clearly state that beneficiaries may receive aid from multiple schemes only if the combined benefit does not exceed ₹1,500 per month.

Ongoing Scrutiny and Eligibility Checks

The reduction is part of a larger effort by the state government to scrutinise the eligibility of applicants and ensure that only those meeting the required criteria receive benefits.

The government began with around 2.63 crore applicants in October. After multiple rounds of verification, the number dropped to 2.52 crore in February, and eventually 2.46 crore beneficiaries received the stipend in February and March.

Eligibility Criteria of Ladki Bahin Yojana

Beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin scheme must:

  • Be aged between 18 and 65 years
  • Be domiciled in Maharashtra
  • Have a family income less than ₹2.5 lakh annually
  • Not own a four-wheeler
  • Not have a family member in a government job

Budgetary Constraints and Future Outlook

With a projected state debt of ₹9.3 lakh crore for 2025-26, the government is under pressure to balance welfare with fiscal responsibility. As a result, the Ladki Bahin scheme’s outlay was reduced from ₹46,000 crore to ₹36,000 crore in the 2025-26 budget.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra government’s scrutiny of the Ladki Bahin scheme reflects its effort to maintain fiscal discipline while ensuring that welfare reaches the truly deserving. As budget pressures grow, tighter checks may become the norm across other welfare schemes too.

Read more on: Mahila Samman Savings Certificate vs Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana: Features, Deadline and More

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

8th Pay Commission: Demand to Merge DA With Basic Pay Resurfaces

As discussions around the 8th Pay Commission gather pace, the staff side of the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has revived a long-standing demand: the inclusion of a clause in the Terms of Reference (ToR) for merging Dearness Allowance (DA) with basic pay.

Why Merge DA in the 8th Pay Commission?

The staff side has suggested that the 8th Pay Commission determine the percentage of DA/DR (Dearness Relief for pensioners) to be merged with pay and pension. This is rooted in the belief that periodic inflationary adjustments through DA should also contribute to the long-term earnings of employees and pensioners.

Historical Precedents Before the 8th Pay Commission

During the 5th Pay Commission (1996–2006), there was a provision to merge DA with basic pay once it crossed the 50% threshold. Accordingly, in 2004, the government merged 50% of DA with basic pay.

The 5th CPC had proposed 2 options:

  1. Set up a permanent pay commission with constitutional backing and annual binding recommendations.
  1. Convert DA into dearness pay every time the cost of living rose by 50% from the base.

The 5th CPC believed this conversion was necessary due to inflation rising steadily over a five-year cycle.

6th and 7th Pay Commission Viewpoints

The 6th CPC (2006–2016) rejected the idea of DA merger, citing a revised pay structure involving pay bands and grade pay. It argued that such a setup made periodic DA merger redundant, as allowances were already inflation-linked.

The 7th CPC (implemented in 2016) also didn’t recommend a direct merger. Instead, it proposed a 25% hike in the consolidated pay package once DA touches 50%, acknowledging inflation’s impact on purchasing power.

Conclusion

As the 8th CPC draws nearer, government employees and pensioners are hopeful that the merger clause will be reinstated. It could lead to higher take-home pay and better pension calculations, especially during high inflationary phases.

 

Read more on: 8th Pay Commission: Basic Salary May Rise to ₹79,794 with DA Merger and Fitment Factor

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

India Targets 300 Million More UPI Users as It Pushes Global Expansion

UPI has already transformed the way over 450 million Indians make payments. India is now aiming to bring 200–300 million more users onto its flagship Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. This move will significantly boost the adoption of digital payments in the country. This will also position UPI as a global standard for real-time payments. 

Breaking the ‘Cash Memory’ 

UPI is enabling smartphone users to scan QR codes and transfer amounts ranging from a few rupees to ₹500,000 seamlessly. During its next phase of expansion, UPI will also include delegated accounts for children, household staff, and others who lack traditional banking access. These innovations are part of an effort to make digital transactions the norm, even in cash-dependent segments. 

Global Push for UPI 

As per a PwC report, India now accounts for 46% of global digital transactions. It has witnessed a 90-fold increase in digital payments over the last 12 years. The Indian government is leveraging this success to promote UPI overseas. 

With support from foreign embassies and the RBI, the Indian government has signed agreements with countries like Singapore and the UAE. Future goals include enabling cross-border payments for education and services. In 2024, Indian diaspora sent nearly US$129 billion via UPI transactions to India. 

Expanding Features and Credit Services 

NPCI is enhancing UPI’s usability by adding multilingual interfaces and chat-based transactions. It is also piloting vision recognition technology for parking payments. 

UPI’s architecture is also being explored to support credit-as-a-service models. These systems would allow lenders to make smarter credit decisions based on transaction behaviour and facilitate small-ticket loans and better collections. 

Challenges in UPI Adoption 

Despite UPI’s meteoric rise, its zero-cost model poses challenges for long-term viability. 

The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) — previously set at 30 basis points — was waived in 2020 to boost adoption. However, the government incentives offered to offset this fell sharply from ₹36 billion in 2024 to just ₹15 billion in 2025. Industry players have since lobbied for the return of nominal transaction fees, especially for large merchants. 

Conclusion

UPI stands at a crossroads. Its unprecedented success has redefined digital payments in India and is now becoming a model for the world. However, its future will hinge on balancing accessibility with financial sustainability. As India aims to onboard millions more and expand UPI globally, careful policy decisions — especially around transaction fees — will be key to keeping momentum intact.
Read more on: Brightcom Group Schedules EGM for April 30 to Discuss Capital Reduction

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

IDFC First Bank Shares Climb Over 2% on Fundraising Plans

IDFC First Bank share price rose by 2% on Tuesday after the bank’s announcement of an upcoming board meeting on April 17, 2025. The company will evaluate a proposal for raising funds vis preferential issue of securities. The decision was communicated via an exchange filing, indicating the bank’s plans to strengthen its capital base for future growth.

“The Board… will consider and, if thought fit, approve the proposal for raising funds by way of eligible securities on a preferential basis,” said the filing.

IDFC First Bank Share Price Performance 

On Tuesday, IDFC First Bank shares opened at ₹60.99, touched an intraday high of ₹61.21, and a low of ₹60.01 on the BSE.

IDFC First Bank Business Update

The rally in the stock can also be attributed to a strong business performance update for Q4FY25. The bank reported a 22.7% year-on-year (YoY) growth in total business, which includes loans, advances, and customer deposits. The total business surged from ₹3.95 lakh crore in March 2024 to ₹4.84 lakh crore in March 2025.

Loans and advances grew by 20.3% YoY, from ₹2.01 lakh crore to ₹2.42 lakh crore, showing consistent credit growth. Even on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, loans grew by 4.7%, reflecting a steady increase in lending activity.

Conclusion

With a positive business update and fundraising plans, IDFC First Bank appears poised for further upside. Technical patterns and improved fundamentals indicate potential for both short-term gains and medium-term recovery, especially if buying interest holds post board meeting.

Read more on: Sensex Jumps 1,750 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,000: Why is the Indian Stock Market Rising?

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

10-Minute Delivery: Swiggy Launches Snacc in NCR

10-minute delivery platforms have tapped into urban, fast-paced lifestyles, particularly in corporate hubs with a significant young demographic. This has prompted Swiggy to introduce its own 10-minute food delivery app Snacc in Delhi NCR. At 9.29 AM, Swiggy share price was up 2.64% and was trading at ₹341.80.

Snacc’s Offerings: Quick, Healthy, and Trendy

This service, which was launched in Bengaluru in January 2025, operates as a standalone app that delivers a variety of food and beverages from Swiggy’s own kitchens within just 10 minutes.

Snacc offers an evolving menu of beverages and healthy snacks, ranging from Vietnamese Iced Kaapi, Mojito Cold Brew, Lemonade, and Lassi to protein shakes, fruit bowls, and nutrition bars like The Whole Truth.

Designed for simplicity, Snacc ensures users can quickly discover and order their favorites right from the homepage, as per the company’s seniormost executives. The company has emphasised that the app is built for instant cravings and convenience, noting strong user reception in Bengaluru and high expectations for NCR.

Rising Competition in 10-Minute Delivery

Swiggy’s Snacc competes directly with Zepto Café and Zomato-owned Blinkit’s Bistro, both of which have already established a foothold in the ultra-fast delivery market. Zepto Café recently hit 100,000 orders per day. Furthermore, it aims to achieve $100 million annualised GMV and strong gross margins.

Blinkit, on the other hand, launched Bistro in January 2025 as a pilot in Gurugram, showing that major quick commerce players are betting big on instant food delivery.

Swiggy has already tested this space with Bolt, a feature within its main app that delivers restaurant food in under 10 minutes in 425 cities, contributing to 9% of total food delivery orders.

Conclusion

With Snacc’s expansion into Noida and Gurugram, Swiggy is doubling down on the quick commerce boom. By offering curated, trendy, and healthy food options in just 10 minutes, Swiggy aims to capture urban consumers’ growing appetite for speed and convenience. As competition heats up, innovation and efficiency will be key in defining the market leader in the 10-minute delivery game.

Read more on: Bonus, Stock Split and Dividend This Week: Mazagon Dock, Sanofi Consumer and More

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Adani Ports Share Price in Spotlight Amidst Expectations of Preferential Share Issue

Adani Ports share price will remain in focus on Tuesday. The company has been making it to headlines frequently as its board of directors is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The company will approve a preferential issue of equity shares, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Moreover, the board will also deliberate on convening an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) or initiating a postal ballot process to obtain shareholder consent regarding the proposed preferential share issuance.

Record-Breaking Cargo Volumes in March 2025

In addition to the capital-raising plans, Adani Ports also reported its highest-ever monthly cargo volume in March 2025, further strengthening investor sentiment. The company handled 41.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo during the month, reflecting a 9% year-on-year increase.

This growth was significantly driven by container cargo, which surged by 19%, and liquids and gas cargo, which rose by 5% compared to March 2024. These strong figures underscore the company’s expanding operational capabilities and efficiency.

Strong Performance in FY25

For the financial year 2025, Adani Ports handled a total of 450.2 MMT of cargo—up 7% from the previous year. Notably, container volume grew by 20%, while the liquids and gas segment posted a 9% rise from FY24 levels. This consistent year-on-year growth reflects the robust demand for port services and the company’s ability to scale operations effectively.

Adani Ports Share Price Performance

Despite the recent upbeat developments, Adani Ports share price has witnessed a decline of 18.19% over the past 6 months. However, the positive news has started to uplift market sentiment, with the stock closing 2.67% higher at ₹1,162 per share in the latest trading session.

At 10.35 AM, Adani Ports share price was up 3.97% and was trading at ₹1,210.80.

Conclusion

With a proposed preferential issue on the horizon and record cargo volumes backing operational strength, Adani Ports is poised for strategic growth. The company’s upcoming board meeting and consistent performance could act as key catalysts for its stock and long-term investor confidence.

Read more on: Jio Financial Shares in Focus: Board to Discuss Q4 Results and Dividend on Apr 17

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

NRIs Get Tax Relief on Mutual Fund Gains Under ITAT Ruling

The Mumbai Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has delivered a significant judgment that offers tax relief to non-resident Indians (NRIs) residing in Singapore. It ruled that capital gains earned from Indian mutual fund units by such NRIs will not be taxed in India. 

This decision is based on the India-Singapore Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), providing clarity and potential savings for global Indian investors.

Details of the ITAT’s Ruling

The ruling stems from the case of Anushka Sanjay Shah, an NRI residing in Singapore. During the assessment year 2022–23, Shah earned ₹1.35 crore in short-term capital gains from the sale of equity and debt mutual fund units. She claimed that, being a Singapore tax resident, the capital gains should not be taxable in India under Article 13(5) of the DTAA.

However, the Assessing Officer (AO) rejected her claim, treating mutual fund units as equivalent to shares of Indian companies and attempted to tax the entire amount.

ITAT Ruling Resolves Core Dispute of Shares vs Mutual Fund Units

At the heart of the issue was whether mutual fund units could be classified as “shares” under the tax treaty. Article 13(5) of the DTAA allows India to tax capital gains only if they arise from shares in an Indian company. The AO contended that mutual fund units should be treated similarly, making them taxable.

But the ITAT rejected this view, emphasising that mutual funds in India are created as trusts and not companies under SEBI regulations. Since the term “share” is not defined in the DTAA, and mutual fund units are not treated as shares under the Companies Act, they cannot be taxed under Article 13(5)(b).

Broader Implications

This judgment not only impacts NRIs in Singapore but could also influence similar cases involving NRIs in countries like Switzerland and the UAE with DTAAs in place. The ruling reinforces the distinction between mutual fund units and equity shares in tax treatment.

Conclusion

The ITAT’s decision brings clarity and relief for NRIs investing in Indian mutual funds, shielding them from double taxation. However, gains from Indian equities remain taxable. This ruling may also prompt policymakers to review treaty terms to prevent misuse while maintaining fair tax practices.

Read more on: Jio Financial Shares in Focus: Board to Discuss Q4 Results and Dividend on Apr 17

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tata Elxsi Share Price in Focus in Anticipation of FY25 Dividend Declaration

Tata Elxsi share price will remain in focus on Tuesday. It is a global design and technology services arm of the Tata Group. It is gearing up for a key announcement this week. As per news reports, the company will declare its Q4 FY25 earnings and potentially recommend a final dividend for the financial year on Thursday, April 17, 2025. 

According to its regulatory filing dated April 8, the meeting of the Board of Directors will review the audited financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2025.

Strong Track Record of Dividends

Tata Elxsi has built a reputation as a consistent dividend-paying company. In FY24, it issued its highest-ever final dividend of ₹70 per share, following ₹60.60 in 2023, ₹42.50 in 2022, and ₹24 in 2021 — all on a face value of ₹10 per share. 

Currently, the company boasts a dividend yield of 1.47%, as per BSE data. While the record date for the upcoming dividend is yet to be announced, it is expected to be disclosed alongside the Q4 results.

Tata Elxsi Share Price Under Pressure

Despite its operational strengths, Tata Elxsi share price has had a turbulent run. Over the past 5 trading sessions, the stock has dipped around 8%, and over the past month, it is down 10%. 

The downward trend extends further, with the stock plummeting nearly 37% over the past six months. On a year-to-date basis, it has shed about 30%, trading close to its 52-week low of ₹4,700 — a far cry from its 52-week high of ₹9,080.

At 10.02 AM, Tata Elxsi share price was up 1.92% and was trading at ₹4,843.50.

What Tata Elxsi Brings to the Table

Unlike traditional IT services firms, Tata Elxsi is at the forefront of design-led innovation and engineering, offering solutions across automotive engineering, healthcare, broadcast media, embedded systems, and mobility. Its specialised services have positioned it as a niche player in the tech landscape.

Conclusion

With its Q4 results and a possible dividend announcement due, all eyes are on Tata Elxsi this Thursday. While the stock performance has been weak, long-term investors are watching closely for signs of financial resilience and continued shareholder rewards.

Read more on: NTPC to Add 30 GW Thermal Power by 2031-32 Amid Rising Demand


Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.