Infosys Nilekani Advocates Aadhaar and AI Regulation to Combat Cyber Threats

With deepfake scams on the rise, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani stressed Aadhaar’s role in fighting digital fraud and the need for scalable AI in India.

Speaking at an AIMA session in New Delhi, he highlighted India’s unique “digital arrest” scams, the importance of data protection laws, and how AI can be applied at scale in education and agriculture to drive economic and technological progress.

Aadhaar and Scalable AI to Combat Deepfake Scams in India

With deepfake scams and online fraud becoming a growing concern, Infosys co-founder and chairman Nandan Nilekani emphasised Aadhaar’s role in preventing cyber threats. Speaking at an AIMA session in New Delhi, as per news reports.

Nilekani highlighted India’s unique digital fraud challenges and the importance of regulatory frameworks like the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act in managing AI-driven risks.

Aadhaar as a Defence Against Digital Scams

Nilekani pointed out that India faces a distinctive threat called “digital arrest”, where victims are tricked into believing they have been virtually detained by authorities. “India is the only country with a scam category like digital arrest,” he noted in a conversation with Moneycontrol.

To counter such frauds, he suggested leveraging Aadhaar authentication and its liveness detection features to verify real individuals. “Aadhaar can solve this issue. If you need to confirm a person’s presence, Aadhaar authentication can help,” he explained.

DPDP Act: Regulating AI and Data Privacy

With AI models relying on vast data sets, concerns over data privacy and misuse have intensified. Nilekani stressed that India’s DPDP Act provides a strong regulatory foundation for governing AI-driven data usage.

“People have legitimate concerns about their data being used. Fortunately, we have a well-defined DPDP Act that will also regulate AI,” he said.

Conclusion

As deepfake scams and digital fraud continue to evolve, Nandan Nilekani emphasises the need for robust identity verification through Aadhaar and a strong regulatory framework like the DPDP Act to govern AI-driven risks.

With scalable AI applications in sectors like education and agriculture, India has the potential to leverage technology for both security and economic growth. Strengthening AI governance and cybersecurity will be key to ensuring a safe and digitally empowered future.

 

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.

Closing Bell: Sensex up 147 Points, Nifty Flat at 22,547 on February 25 2025

BSE Sensex gained 147.71 points (+0.20%) to settle at 74,602.12, while the Nifty 50 dipped 5.80 points (-0.03%) to close at 22,547.55.The index opened at 22,516.45, touched an intraday high of 22,625.30, and dipped to a low of 22,513.90

The Sensex edged up slightly on Tuesday, while the Nifty closed nearly flat as gains in financial and auto stocks balanced losses in the metal sector. Market sentiment remained cautious amid global uncertainty over potential US tariffs, limiting overall gains.

Top Gainers and Losers

Bharti Airtel and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) emerged as the top gainers, with Bharti Airtel rising 2.32% to ₹1,638.45 on a volume of 62.86 lakh shares, while M&M gained 2.13% to ₹2,767 with 49.16 lakh shares traded.

On the losing side, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories dropped 3.10% to ₹1,128.5, and Hindalco declined 3.01% to ₹622.55, reflecting selling pressure in the pharma and metal sectors.

Broader Market Indices Performance

The Indian stock market ended mixed, with the Nifty 50 closing nearly flat at 22,547.55 (-0.03%), reflecting cautious sentiment. Nifty Midcap 100 declined 0.62% to 49,702.15, indicating pressure in the broader market.

Meanwhile, the Nifty Auto index gained 0.51% to 21,662.65, supported by strong buying in auto stocks. On the other hand, Nifty Metal fell 1.54% to 8,293.45, as weakness in the sector weighed on market performance.

Oil Prices

As of February 25, 2025, at 04:05 PM, Brent Crude was trading flat at $74.77, down by 0.80%.

Conclusion

The stock market ended on a mixed note, with the Sensex gaining 147 points while the Nifty 50 closed flat, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid global uncertainties.

While financial and auto stocks provided support, metal and pharma sectors faced selling pressure. Broader markets also saw weakness, with Nifty Midcap 100 declining.

 

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.

Nifty Total Market ETF vs Nifty Next 50 ETF: Diversification or Focused Mid-Cap Exposure?

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have gained significant popularity among Indian investors, with assets under management (AUM) surpassing ₹5 lakh crore as of 2024.

The growing adoption of ETFs is driven by their liquidity, transparency, and lower expense ratios compared to actively managed mutual funds.

While most ETFs traditionally track the Nifty 50 or Sensex, providing exposure to large-cap stocks, a broader alternative has emerged—the Nifty Total Market ETF. This ETF offers diversification across 750 stocks, spanning large, mid, small, and micro-cap segments.

In contrast, the Nifty Next 50 ETF focuses on the next 50 largest companies after the Nifty 50, giving investors exposure to mid-cap and emerging large-cap stocks.

Let’s compare how the Nifty Total Market ETF stacks up against the widely followed Nifty Next 50 index in terms of diversification and exposure.

Nifty Total Market Index vs Nifty Next 50: Stock Composition, Market Cap Exposure

Parameter Nifty Total Market ETF Nifty Next 50 ETF
No. of Constituents 750 (Large, Mid, Small, Microcap) 50 (Excluding Nifty 50)
Top Stocks by Weight HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Reliance, Infosys Zomato, InterGlobe, Jio Financial
Market Cap Coverage Covers the entire market (large to microcap) Covers mid-cap and emerging large-cap
Risk Level Lower risk due to diversification Higher risk due to mid-cap focus
Investment Objective Broad diversification across sectors and caps Higher growth potential with volatility

Note: The data is as of January 31, 2025.

Nifty Total Market ETF provides exposure to 750 stocks, making it ideal for long-term diversification and stability. Meanwhile, the Nifty Next 50 ETF is concentrated on mid-caps, offering higher growth potential but with greater volatility.

Nifty Total Market Index vs Nifty Next 50: Performance and Volatility

Metric Nifty Total Market ETF Nifty Next 50 ETF
1-Year Return (2024) 9.03% 14.16%
5-Year CAGR 13.41% 15.80%
Dividend Yield 3.72% 3.51%
P/E Ratio 24.38 23.34
Standard Deviation (Volatility) 18.68% 20.02%

Note: The data is as of January 31, 2025.

Nifty Next 50 ETF has delivered higher returns but comes with higher volatility (20.02% vs. 18.68%). Meanwhile, Nifty Total Market ETF offers smoother performance due to diversification across sectors and market caps.

Which ETF Should You Choose?

ETF Best For Why?
Nifty Total Market ETF Long-term investors & diversification seekers Covers entire market, providing stability and growth potential
Nifty Next 50 ETF Aggressive investors seeking mid-cap exposure Focuses on high-growth mid-caps but with higher risk

How To Get Exposure to The Nifty Total Market Index through ETF?

Investors can gain exposure to the Nifty Total Market Index through mutual funds and ETFs. For those looking to invest via ETFs, Angel One MF has launched two new funds that consider Nifty Total Market TRI to be the benchmark.

The Angel One Nifty Total Market ETF is currently the only ETF providing exposure to the Nifty Total Market Index.

How To Get Exposure to The Nifty Next 50 Index through ETF?

There are several options for investing in the Nifty Next 50 Index Fund, including ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 ETF, Mirae Nifty Next 50 ETF and more.

Conclusion

The Nifty Total Market ETF offers broad diversification, while the Nifty Next 50 ETF provides focused mid-cap exposure with higher growth potential. Investors should choose based on their risk appetite and investment goals.

 

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.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.

India’s Defence Push: ₹50,000 Cr Export Target, AI Warfare Development

India is making significant strides in defence self-reliance, with 88% ammunition production sufficiency and defence exports reaching ₹23,000 crore in 2023-24.

The government now targets ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029, boosting national security and economic growth. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged IIT Mandi to contribute to AI warfare, cybersecurity, and quantum technology advancements.

India’s Push for Defence Self-Reliance

India is making significant strides towards self-reliance in the defence sector, with 88% self-sufficiency in ammunition production and defence exports reaching ₹23,000 crore in 2023-24, according to Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.

Addressing students at IIT Mandi, he outlined the government’s vision to boost defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029, strengthening India’s position as a global defence manufacturing hub.

India Eyes Advanced Defence Tech

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a robust defence industry, he emphasised its role in national security and economic growth. He urged students to contribute towards this vision by developing technological solutions that can enhance India’s defence capabilities and further advance self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

In the context of national security, the Minister called on IIT Mandi to deepen its engagement in defence-related R&D, building on its existing collaboration with DRDO. He encouraged further innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven warfare, indigenous AI chip development, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.

Research and Innovation to Propel India’s Technological Growth

Expressing confidence in the institution’s strong academic, research, and innovation ecosystem, he highlighted its potential to drive India’s technological advancements and contribute significantly to both national growth and global innovation.

Conclusion

India’s push for defence self-reliance and technological advancement is a key step toward strengthening national security and boosting economic growth. With a target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, the government is fostering AI warfare, cybersecurity, and quantum technology to enhance its defence capabilities.

The call for R&D contributions from top institutions highlights the role of innovation in shaping India’s future in defence and global competitiveness.

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.

Best EV Stocks in March 2025 Based on 5Y CAGR: Tata Motors, KPIT Tech, M&M and More

India’s EV sector is experiencing rapid growth, fuelled by government initiatives, rising demand, and technological advancements. The country aims to achieve 30% EV sales in private cars, 70% in commercial vehicles, 40% in buses, and 80% in two-wheelers and three-wheelers by 2030, targeting 80 million EVs on Indian roads.

To support this transition, the government has introduced incentives under FAME II, PLI schemes for EV manufacturing, and policies promoting charging infrastructure. Major automakers and technology firms are investing heavily in battery innovation, green mobility, and EV production. As a result, the sector has seen significant stock market momentum, making it an exciting space for investors.

With these ambitious targets and increasing adoption, tracking developments in the EV sector is crucial. Let’s explore the best EV companies in March 2025.

Top 10 EV Stocks For March 2025 Based on 5Y CAGR

Name Market Cap (₹ Cr) PE Ratio 5Y CAGR (%)
KPIT Technologies Ltd 34,811.47 58.55 71.04
JBM Auto Ltd 14,135.26 79.04 67.86
Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd 3,24,881.66 28.83 39.48
Tata Motors Ltd 2,45,995.47 7.83 34.71
Ashok Leyland Ltd 65,510.99 26.38 21.3
Exide Industries Ltd 30,982.50 35.34 16
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd 3,88,136.27 28.78 13.79
Greaves Cotton Ltd 5,986.40 -44.26 12.67
Hero MotoCorp 77,701.21 20.75 12.21
Amara Raja Energy & Mobility  18,434.31 19.73 6.35

Note: The stocks mentioned above have been sorted based on 5Y CAGR as of February 25, 2025.

Overview of 5 Best EV Stocks Based on 5Y CAGR

1. KPIT Technologies Ltd

KPIT Technologies is a global software integration partner for the automotive and mobility sector, specialising in electric powertrains, battery management systems, and smart charging solutions. It collaborates with leading OEMs to accelerate the transition to clean and intelligent mobility.

For the December quarter (Q3 FY25), KPIT Technologies reported a 20.4% rise in net profit to ₹187 crore, compared to ₹155.3 crore last year. Revenue grew 17.6% YoY to ₹1,478 crore, reflecting strong demand for its mobility solutions.

Key Metrics:

  • ROE: 21.08%
  • ROCE: 33.08%

2. JBM Auto Ltd

JBM Auto is a key player in the EV ecosystem, manufacturing electric buses, EV aggregates, and charging infrastructure while focusing on sustainable and smart mobility solutions globally.

JBM Auto reported an 8% increase in net profit to ₹52 crore in Q3 FY25, up from ₹49 crore a year ago. Sales, including other operating income, rose 4% YoY to ₹1,396 crore.

Key Metrics:

  • ROE: 16.09%
  • ROCE: 21.66%

3. M&M Ltd 

M&M is expanding its electric vehicle portfolio with models like XEV 9e and BE 6, built on INGLO architecture, integrating AI and high-performance computing for next-gen mobility.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) posted a 19.6% rise in consolidated net profit to ₹3,180.58 crore in Q3 FY25, driven by strong SUV and tractor demand. Revenue grew 17.7% YoY to ₹41,464.98 crore.

Key Metrics:

  • ROE: 15.37%
  • ROCE: 14.74%

4. Tata Motors Ltd

Tata Motors Group is a leading global automobile manufacturer, it offers a wide and diverse portfolio of cars, SUVs, trucks, buses and defence vehicles to the world.

Tata Motors reported a 22.5% decline in consolidated net profit to ₹5,578 crore in Q3 FY25, down from ₹7,415 crore last year. Revenue rose 2.7% YoY to ₹113,575 crore.

Key Metrics:

  • ROE: 43.1%
  • ROCE: 19.37%

5. Ashok Leyland Ltd

Ashok Leyland is expanding its EV portfolio with models like the Boss 14T EV, featuring a 201kWh battery, 230km range, and PMSM motor, catering to sustainable commercial mobility.

Ashok Leyland reported a 36% YoY increase in consolidated net profit to ₹761.92 crore in Q3 FY25, up from ₹560.21 crore, driven by strong truck and bus sales. Sequentially, net profit grew 8% from ₹705.64 crore.

Key Metrics:

  • ROE: 21.97%
  • ROCE: 17.32%

Best EV Stocks For March 2025 Based on Net Margin

Company Name Market Cap (₹ Cr) Net Profit Margin (%)
KPIT Technologies Ltd 34,811.47 12.06
Hero MotoCorp 77,701.21 9.69
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd 3,88,136.27 9.23
Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd 3,24,881.66 7.91
Amara Raja Energy & Mobility  18,434.31 7.91

Note: The stocks mentioned above have been sorted based on net margin as of February 25, 2025.

Top EV Stocks For March 2025 Based on Debt to Equity

Company Name Market Cap (₹ Cr) Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd 3,88,136.27 0
Amara Raja Energy & Mobility  18,434.31 0.02
Hero MotoCorp 77,701.21 0.03
Greaves Cotton Ltd 5,986.40 0.05
Exide Industries Ltd 30,982.50 0.09

Note: The stocks mentioned above have been sorted based on debt to equity as of February 25, 2025.

Conclusion

The EV sector in India is witnessing rapid growth however, investing in EV stocks requires careful consideration of individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and market trends.

Before making any investment decisions, it is essential to analyse the fundamentals, growth prospects, and industry trends. Always consult a financial advisor to ensure your investments align with your long-term financial objectives.

 

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.

How Will HRA Be Calculated in the 8th Pay Commission?

The 8th Pay Commission, which will revise salaries and pensions for central government employees, has been approved by the Union Cabinet and is expected to be implemented next year. The final salary adjustments will be based on the fitment factor, a multiplier applied to current basic pay to determine the revised salary structure.

One key component of salary revision is House Rent Allowance (HRA), which varies based on city classification (metro, urban, rural) and basic salary.

Let’s explore how HRA is calculated and what the HRA under different income slabs was under the 7th Pay Commission.

8th Pay Commission: How is HRA Decided?

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is calculated as a fixed percentage of the basic pay, varying by the city classification where the employee is posted. The higher the basic pay, the higher the HRA amount, as it is directly linked to the employee’s salary structure. Under the 7th Pay Commission, HRA is determined as follows:

City Classification HRA (% of Basic Pay)
X Class Cities (Population ≥ 50 lakh) 24%
Y Class Cities (Population 5–50 lakh) 16%
Z Class Cities (Population < 5 lakh) 8%

Note: This HRA structure is as per the 7th Pay Commission

HRA Slabs for Different Pay Grades Under 7th Pay Commission

Basic Pay (₹) HRA in X Class Cities (₹) HRA in Y Class Cities (₹) HRA in Z Class Cities (₹)
18,000 5,400 3,600 1,800
25,000 6,000 4,000 2,000
30,000 7,200 4,800 2,400
40,000 9,600 6,400 3,200
50,000 12,000 8,000 4,000
60,000 14,400 9,600 4,800
80,000 19,200 12,800 6,400
1,00,000 24,000 16,000 8,000

Note: This HRA structure is as per the 7th Pay Commission

When Will the 8th Pay Commission HRA Be Implemented?

The 8th Pay Commission (8CPC) is expected to be implemented in 2026. Currently, central government employees follow the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix, which has been in effect since January 1, 2016.

A key factor in salary revision under 8CPC will be the fitment factor, a multiplication coefficient applied to basic pay to determine revised salaries and pensions. The fitment factor plays a crucial role in adjusting salaries for inflation and cost of living, ensuring fair compensation for government employees.

Conclusion

The 8th Pay Commission is set to bring key revisions to salaries, pensions, and allowances, with HRA being a crucial component. As in previous pay commissions, HRA will be determined based on basic pay and city classification, ensuring fair housing support for government employees.

With implementation expected from January 1, 2026, and the fitment factor playing a major role in salary adjustments, employees can anticipate structured revisions in their compensation.

 

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.

Dabur Bets Big on Madhya Pradesh: ₹550 Crore Investment Planned Over Next Few Years

Dabur India has announced a fresh investment of ₹550 crore in Madhya Pradesh over the next few years to enhance its production capacity. With ₹1,000 crore already invested in the state over the last five decades, the FMCG major sees MP as a key manufacturing hub, as per news reports.

Dabur India to Invest in Madhya Pradesh to Expand Operations

Dabur India has announced plans to invest an additional ₹550 crore in Madhya Pradesh over the next few years, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the state.

Speaking at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2025, CEO Mohit Malhotra highlighted the company’s positive experience with the state’s policies and governance, which have encouraged further investment.

Strengthening Presence in Madhya Pradesh

Dabur has been operating in Madhya Pradesh for nearly 50 years, with investments totalling ₹1,000 crore. The company considers the state a key hub, with 25%-30% of its total production taking place there, covering everything from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and distribution.

Malhotra emphasised the state’s pro-business environment, citing abundant water and power supply, single-window clearance, and attractive incentives such as the central government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and state-backed mega project benefits offering up to 25% incentives, as per news reports.

Dabur’s Focus on Ayurveda and Herbal Products

Dabur remains committed to its core strength—Ayurveda, herbal, and natural products—rather than diversifying beyond its primary expertise. Malhotra noted that consumer demand for herbal and natural goods is rising not only in India but globally, reinforcing Dabur’s strategic focus on this segment.

The investment will further solidify Madhya Pradesh’s role as a key manufacturing and supply centre for Dabur, aligning with the company’s long-term vision of growth and innovation in the FMCG sector.

Dabur’s Share Price Performance

Dabur India’s share price showed a marginal upward trend, trading at ₹508.15 at 10:15 AM on the NSE, reflecting a 0.48% gain (+₹2.45) from its previous close of ₹505.70. The stock opened at ₹505.15 and reached an intraday high of ₹509.65, while the lowest recorded price was ₹504.15.

Conclusion

Dabur India’s ₹550 crore investment in Madhya Pradesh reflects its confidence in the state’s business-friendly environment and long-term growth potential. With strong government support, strategic incentives, and a focus on Ayurveda and natural products,

Dabur aims to expand its production capabilities while reinforcing MP’s role as a key manufacturing hub. This move aligns with the company’s broader vision for sustainable and innovative growth in the FMCG sector.

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.

Holiday 2025: Are Banks, Stock Market Open or Closed on Feb 26, for Maha Shivratri?

India’s stock exchanges, NSE and BSE, will be closed on Wednesday, February 26, for Maha Shivratri holiday, pausing trading in equities, derivatives, and commodity markets. This is the first trading holiday of the 2025 calendar year.

Maha Shivratri is an annual Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed as a public holiday across India.

Mahashivratri Holiday: Bank Holiday Across Multiple States 

Banks in Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh will be closed on Wednesday, February 26, for Maha Shivratri.

Although the bank branches will remain shut, online banking and ATM services will remain open for customers nationwide.

Confirm Mahashivratri Bank Holiday Details

Since bank holidays differ across states, customers are encouraged to check with their local banks or consult the official RBI website for a complete list of region-specific holidays.

In states where the holiday is observed, banks will be closed, and services such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and account-related transactions will not be accessible.

Upcoming Bank Holiday on February 28, 2025

Additionally, banks in Sikkim will remain closed on Friday, February 28, in observance of the Losar festival, marking the Tibetan Buddhist lunar new year.

Conclusion

On February 26, 2025, both stock exchanges and banks in multiple states will remain closed for Maha Shivratri, marking the first trading holiday of the year. While physical banking services will be unavailable in certain regions, online banking and ATMs will remain operational.

Additionally, banks in Sikkim will observe a holiday on February 28 for the Losar festival. Investors and customers should check with their respective banks or refer to the RBI’s official holiday list for region-specific details.

 

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.

Stocks to Watch on February 25, 2025: ONGC, Vedanta, NTPC and More in Focus

As of 8:20 AM, GIFT Nifty futures were up by 18.50 points at ₹22,588.50. In the previous session, the BSE Sensex fell by 856.65 points (1.14%) to 74,454.41, while the NSE Nifty50 dropped 242.55 points (1.06%) to 22,553.35.

Here are key stocks to watch today:

NTPC

NTPC’s renewable energy arm has signed an MoU with Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Ltd (MPPGCL) at the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal. This collaboration aims to develop renewable energy parks and projects in Madhya Pradesh, including solar, wind, and hybrid renewable installations.

Biocon

Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Biocon, has introduced YESINTEK (ustekinumab-kfce) in the US market. As one of the first biosimilars of this blockbuster immunology drug, YESINTEK offers a cost-effective alternative for treating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis, expanding patient access to affordable therapies.

Vedanta

Vedanta has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Kauhari Diamond Block in Madhya Pradesh. This site, covering 643.4169 hectares, is currently at the G4 exploration stage.

UPL

UPL’s step-down subsidiary, UPL Global Ltd (UK), has increased its investment in Origeo Comercio de Produtos Agropecuarios S.A., a joint venture in Brazil. The funding is aimed at supporting Origeo’s working capital needs and facilitating its business expansion.

Texmaco Rail and Engineering

Texmaco Rail has entered into a strategic MoU with Polish firm Nevomo to advance next-generation Magrail technology, linear propulsion systems, and AI-driven railway innovations. This partnership is expected to enhance rail infrastructure with high-speed solutions, predictive diagnostics, self-propelled wagons, and driverless freight trains.

ONGC

State-run ONGC has approved an investment of ₹1,200 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, ONGC Green Ltd (OGL), via a Rights Offer of equity shares. The decision, made during the company’s board meeting on February 24, 2025, will enable OGL to acquire a 100% stake in PTC Energy Limited under a Share Purchase Agreement signed on September 13, 2024.

Conclusion

Today’s stock market highlights key developments in renewable energy, biotechnology, infrastructure, and corporate investments. ONGC’s green energy push, NTPC’s renewable projects, and Texmaco Rail’s innovation in railway technology signal significant industry advancements.

Meanwhile, Vedanta’s diamond block acquisition and Biocon’s biosimilar launch showcase growth opportunities in mining and healthcare. Investors should monitor these stocks closely for potential market movements.

 

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.

How Much Will the Salary Increase in the 8th Pay Commission?

The 8th Pay Commission is highly anticipated as government employees await insights into potential salary hikes and benefits.

Pay Commissions, set up periodically, assess salary structures and recommend revisions based on inflation, economic conditions, and cost of living. While the 7th Pay Commission brought a significant boost in pay scales, curiosity now grows about the expected percentage increase under the 8th Pay Commission.

Let’s delve into the details of previous Pay Commissions, their fitment factors, and the salary hikes they introduced. Understanding these terms can provide valuable insights.

Fitment Factor and Expected Salary Hike in 8th Pay Commission

The fitment factor plays a vital role in determining revised salary structures, serving as a key multiplier in pay adjustments. Over the years, this factor has progressively risen, leading to notable salary increments.

The 7th Pay Commission set it at 2.57, resulting in an average pay hike of 23.55%, while the 6th Pay Commission implemented a factor of 1.86. With the upcoming revision, employees can anticipate a further boost in their earnings.

Currently, government employees receive salaries as per the 7th Pay Commission. Any proposed changes to the fitment factor will directly influence their earnings.

When Will the 8th Pay Commission Salary be Implemented?

To implement the 8th Pay Commission, the government will first appoint 8th Pay Committee members responsible for evaluating salary revisions and related benefits.

This committee will comprise experts and officials who will conduct a detailed assessment of economic conditions, inflation, and employee demands before making recommendations.

Once formed, the committee will undertake an extensive review process. After completing its assessment, the committee will submit its report to the Central government, which will then review and finalise the proposed salary hikes and policy changes.

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to become fully functional by 2026. However, employees and pensioners will have to wait until the committee is formed and final recommendations are submitted and approved.

Conclusion

Curiosity is running high about the salary hike recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission and the proposed fitment factor. Understanding past trends can provide valuable insights into the revision process and its potential impact.

As the government prepares to appoint the committee and initiate assessments, employees and pensioners eagerly await further details on how the new pay structure will shape their earnings and benefits.

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.