HCLTech Partners with Samsung to Enhance ASIC Design Services

HCLTech has been selected as a Design Solution Partner (DSP) under Samsung’s Advanced Foundry Ecosystem (SAFE™) program. This collaboration aims to enhance semiconductor innovation by leveraging HCLTech’s expertise in Engineering and R&D services.

Offering Advanced ASIC Design Services

Through the SAFE™-DSP program, HCLTech will provide application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design services to semiconductor clients utilising Samsung’s cutting-edge process technologies.

Training and Technical Support

Samsung will train HCLTech employees in advanced semiconductor technologies, support turnkey projects, and enhance wafer access through Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) programs for efficient prototyping and production.

The Vice President and the Head of the Technology Planning 2 Team at Samsung Electronics, Taejoong Song, said, “HCLTech’s presence in India, coupled with its global expertise and capabilities in SoC platforms and IP partnerships, plays a key role in advancing next-generation silicon solutions. The partnership between HCLTech and Samsung underscores our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, accelerating the time-to-market for new silicon technologies.”

“The semiconductor industry is experiencing significant growth, and our partnership with Samsung Foundry highlights our dedication to innovation and developing state-of-the-art custom silicon solutions. By leveraging the strengths of both HCLTech and Samsung Foundry, we aim to drive advancements in semiconductor technology and meet the changing demands of the global market,” stated Sanjay Gupta, Corporate Vice President of North Asia at HCLTech.

HCLTech Share Price Performance 

On March 27, 2025, HCLTech share price opened at ₹1,625.65 and closed at ₹1,637.25, up by 0.24%. The stock price touched its day’s high at ₹1,645.00.

Conclusion

This partnership strengthens HCLTech’s position in semiconductor design while enhancing Samsung’s ecosystem. It will drive innovation and efficiency in chip development.

 

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.

HPCL Share Price in Focus; Conducts Mega Health Camp, Plans Hydrogen Fuel Outlet

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has been in focus on Friday. Recently, the company conducted a three-day free mega general health camp for contract workmen at the Occupational Health Centre (OHC) in Visakh Refinery, Visakhapatnam. The initiative aimed to provide essential healthcare services to workers, reinforcing HPCL’s commitment to employee well-being.

Comprehensive Healthcare Support

The camp was organised in collaboration with ESI Hospital, featuring a team of 5 specialist doctors, including a general physician, an orthopaedic, a pulmonologist, a gynaecologist, and an ENT surgeon. The medical team provided OPD consultations, conducted blood investigations, and distributed free medicines to the workmen.

The event was inaugurated by Abhishek Trivedi, Executive Director, VRMP, and Ganta Kiran Kumar, Chief General Manager (HR), in the presence of BV Ramanamurthy, Medical Superintendent of ESI Hospital. Addressing the attendees, Trivedi reaffirmed HPCL’s dedication to maintaining the health and well-being of its workforce, while Kumar encouraged workers to make the most of the initiative.

HPCL’s Innovations in the Fuel Sector

Apart from its health initiatives, HPCL is making significant strides in the fuel industry. At the HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit and Awards 2025, Amit Garg, Director of Marketing, highlighted the company’s progress in sustainable energy solutions. HPCL is currently blending 20% ethanol in its fuel offerings and is set to launch its first hydrogen fuel outlet near Visakhapatnam.

Conclusion 

With a strong focus on innovation, HPCL continues to enhance its commitment to cleaner energy and employee welfare.

On March 27, 2025, HPCL share price (NSE: HINDPETRO) opened at ₹350.75 and closed at ₹361.25, up by 2.66%. The stock price touched its day’s high at ₹364.00.

 

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.

Bank Holidays in March 2025: Is March 31 a Bank Holiday?

As March 2025 nears its end, banks in India will observe holidays for up to three days, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) annual holiday calendar. However, bank closures vary by state due to regional festivals, religious observances, and other scheduled holidays.

Bank Holidays in March 2025 as Per RBI’s Official Calendar

The Reserve Bank of India categorises bank holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which regulates financial transactions involving cheques, promissory notes, and other negotiable instruments. 

During bank holidays, physical banking services, including branch transactions and cheque clearances, will be unavailable. However, online banking, ATMs, and mobile banking will remain operational.

The RBI initially listed March 31 as a bank holiday, but this was later revoked since it marks the last day of the financial year 2024-25. To ensure smooth financial transactions and prevent last-minute delays in filings or payments, banks will remain open on March 31.

RBI stated, “The Government of India has made a request to keep all branches of the banks dealing with Government receipts and payments open for transactions on March 31, 2025 (Monday-Public Holiday) so as to account for all the Government transactions relating to receipts and payments in the Financial Year 2024-25 itself. Accordingly, Agency Banks are advised to keep all their branches dealing with government business open on March 31, 2025 (Monday).”

Additionally, banks in Jammu and Kashmir will experience extended holidays due to regional celebrations like Shab-I-Qadr (March 27), Jumat-ul-Vida (March 28), and Ramzan Eid (March 31).

Complete List of Bank Holidays in March 2025

Date Day Observance Closure in
27 March Thursday Shab-I-Qadr Jammu, Srinagar
28 March Friday Jumat-ul-Vida Jammu, Srinagar
30 March Sunday Weekly Off Nationwide
31 March Monday Ramzan-Id  Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad (AP & TS), Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Guwahati, Jammu, Srinagar, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Patna, Ranchi, Raipur, Shillong, Gangtok, Thiruvananthapuram, Itanagar, Kohima, Imphal, Kanpur, Panaji, Nagpur, Kochi, Agartala, Belapur, and New Delhi.

Conclusion

Since March 29 is the fifth Saturday of the month, banks will remain open, as banks typically close only on the second and fourth Saturdays. Customers should check with their respective bank branches to confirm regional holidays and make any necessary transactions in advance to avoid delays.

 

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.

 

Top Gainers and Losers on March 26, 2025: IndusInd Bank & Trent Shine

On March 26, 2025, the BSE Sensex was down by 0.93%, closing at 77,288.50, while the Nifty50 fell by 0.77% at 23,486.85. Among sectors, only Nifty Auto ended in the green, rising by 0.02%.

Top Gainers of the Day

Symbol LTP (₹) Change(%)
INDUSINDBK 658.30 3.34
TRENT 5,308.00 2.37
HEROMOTOCO 3,653.00 0.69
GRASIM 2,585.00 0.61
POWERGRID 292.30 0.45

 

  • IndusInd Bank

IndusInd Bank share price rose by 3.34%. The stock opened at ₹637.40 and touched its day’s high at ₹662.50.

  • Trent

Trent share price increased by 2.37%. The share price opened at ₹5,205.00 and touched its day’s high at ₹5,410.00. Westside, a Tata enterprise under Trent Ltd, launched its 244th store in Kelambakkam, Chennai. 

  • Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp share price gained 0.69% after opening at ₹3,650.00. The stock touched the day’s high at ₹3,669.30. 

  • Grasim Industries

Grasim Industries share price rose by 0.61%. The share price opened at ₹2,582.95 and touched its day’s high at ₹2,602.90.

  • Power Grid Corporation of India

Power Grid Corporation of India share price surged 0.45% after opening at ₹291.70. It hit a day’s high of ₹296.75. 

Top Losers of the Day

Symbol LTP (₹) Change(%)
NTPC 354.05 -3.52
TECHM 1,410.50 -3.09
CIPLA 1,473.50 -2.49
AXISBANK 1,094.00 -2.19
BAJFINANCE 8,870.00 -2.18

 

  • NTPC

NTPC share price dropped 3.52%. The stock opened at ₹366.95 and touched its day’s low at ₹353.30. NTPC’s 245 MW Nokh Solar PV Project in Rajasthan commenced commercial operations on March 26, 2025. NTPC’s total capacity now stands at 77,806.50 MW.

  • Tech Mahindra

TechM share price fell by 3.09%. The share price opened at ₹1,464.00 and touched its day’s low at ₹1,409.50. 

  • Cipla

Cipla share price slipped 2.49%. The share price opened at ₹1,507.00 and touched its day’s low at ₹1,472.30. 

  • Axis Bank

Axis Bank share price declined 2.19%. The share price opened at ₹1,115.00 and touched its day’s low at ₹1,089.05. 

  • Bajaj Finance 

Bajaj Finance share price is down by 2.18%. The share price opened at ₹9,102.05 and touched its day’s low at ₹8,849.95.

Conclusion

Today’s top gainers and losers reflect the stock market’s dynamic nature, influenced by corporate earnings, economic data, and global trends. Investors should stay updated and analyse market movements before making investment decisions.

 

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 Many Stocks Are in Bank Nifty? HDFC Bank, Axis Bank & More

The Nifty Bank Index, commonly known as Bank Nifty, is a benchmark index that tracks the performance of the 12 banking stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It is a sectoral index under the broader Nifty 50 and plays a crucial role in India’s financial markets.

On March 26, 2025, 11:45 AM, Nifty Bank was down by 0.14%. However, banking stocks, AU Small Finance Bank and IndusInd Bank were up by 3.51% and 3.29%, respectively. 

Composition of Bank Nifty

As of February 28, 2025, the Bank Nifty Index consists of 12 banking stocks, which include both public sector and private sector banks. These stocks are selected based on their free-float market capitalisation, trading volume, and overall financial performance.

Here are the 12 stocks currently part of Bank Nifty:

  1. HDFC Bank
  2. ICICI Bank
  3. State Bank of India (SBI)
  4. Kotak Mahindra Bank
  5. Axis Bank
  6. IndusInd Bank
  7. Punjab National Bank (PNB)
  8. Bank of Baroda
  9. Federal Bank
  10. IDFC First Bank
  11. AU Small Finance Bank
  12. Canara Bank

Significance of Bank Nifty

  • Market Indicator: It reflects the overall health and performance of India’s banking sector.
  • Trading & Investment: Bank Nifty is widely used by traders for futures and options (F&O) trading due to its high liquidity and volatility.
  • Sectoral Performance: It helps investors track banking stocks separately from other indices like Nifty 50 or Sensex.

Conclusion

Bank Nifty is a key benchmark in the Indian stock market, comprising 12 banking stocks that shape the country’s financial ecosystem. It is widely used for investment, trading, and market analysis, making it a crucial index for market participants.

 

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.

Godrej Enterprises Eyes 50% AC Sales Growth in FY26

Godrej Enterprises Group anticipates a significant 50% growth in air conditioner (AC) sales in the next fiscal year, driven by strong consumer demand and the launch of an expanded product portfolio. 

Kamal Nandi, Business Head & Executive Vice President, Appliances Business, expressed confidence in achieving this ambitious target, citing the increasing demand for premium and smart ACs.

The company expects the overall industry demand for air conditioners to remain robust, growing by approximately 30-35% in FY26. Although this is lower than the 60% industry growth witnessed last year due to a higher base, Godrej Enterprises is optimistic about outperforming market trends.

Expanding Product Portfolio with Smart and Commercial ACs

To meet the growing demand for technologically advanced cooling solutions, Godrej has expanded its AC portfolio, introducing a premium range of smart ACs. These new models come equipped with AI-powered technology, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and WiFi-enabled controls, catering to the evolving needs of modern consumers.

Additionally, the company has entered the commercial AC segment with Cassette ACs and Tower ACs, offering powerful cooling solutions for commercial spaces. This strategic move allows Godrej to diversify its offerings and strengthen its presence in the broader air conditioning market.

By enhancing its portfolio with high-efficiency models, including 5-star ACs and units with high cooling capacities of 3 and 4 tons, the company aims to capture a larger market share. The latest smart ACs are priced from ₹42,900 and will be available across India through authorised stores and e-commerce platforms.

Market Outlook and Future Growth Plans

Godrej Enterprises has demonstrated remarkable growth in the AC segment. The company is set to close FY25 with a 10% market share, having doubled its sales volume from 6.7 lakh to 14 lakh units. This growth rate far surpasses the estimated industry growth of 36% for the current fiscal year.

Looking ahead, Godrej is targeting another 50% growth in FY26, supported by its new product launches and aggressive marketing campaigns. The overall AC industry is expected to expand from 14 million units in FY25 to 18 million units in FY26, providing ample growth opportunities.

The company has also taken proactive steps to prepare for high summer demand, ensuring adequate supply to avoid shortages like those experienced last year. With rising temperatures across India already increasing AC consumption in February, the outlook for the summer season remains strong.

Conclusion

With a strong product portfolio, cutting-edge technology, and strategic expansion into commercial ACs, Godrej Enterprises is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. By focusing on innovation and premium offerings, the company aims to strengthen its market position and cater to evolving consumer preferences in the rapidly growing AC industry.

 

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.

EPFO 3.0: To Enable UPI-Based PF Withdrawals by Mid-2025; Instant Withdrawals up to ₹1 Lakh

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to revolutionise claim processing by integrating Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing transaction time. 

According to news reports, the Labour and Employment Secretary Sumita Dawra stated that this new feature will allow EPFO members to withdraw their provident fund (PF) seamlessly through UPI and ATMs by the end of May or June 2025.

Faster and More Convenient PF Withdrawals

Currently, EPFO members must wait 2–3 days to access their funds after submitting a withdrawal request. However, with UPI integration, the claim process is expected to be completed within hours or even minutes. 

Members will also be able to check their PF account balance directly on UPI, select their preferred bank account for transfers, and instantly withdraw up to ₹1 lakh through an automated system.

Expanded Withdrawal Options

EPFO 3.0 has also expanded withdrawal options beyond the usual retirement benefits. Members will now be able to withdraw funds for housing, education, and marriage, in addition to existing provisions for medical emergencies and sickness. This flexibility aims to provide greater financial security and ease of access to funds during critical times.

Digital Advancements in EPFO

To support this digital transformation, EPFO has integrated over 120 databases to streamline operations and ensure seamless processing. As a result, claim processing time has already been reduced to just three days, with 95% of claims now being processed automatically. Further improvements are planned to enhance user experience and efficiency.

Conclusion 

This initiative aligns with the government’s push for digital payments and financial inclusion. Just as UPI has simplified digital transactions across India, its integration into PF withdrawals is expected to make accessing funds easier, faster, and more efficient for millions of EPFO members.

 

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.

HEG Share Price Surges 5.39% on Mar 26 Amid Japan’s Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Graphite Electrodes

HEG Ltd has been in focus on Wednesday. On March 26, 2025, HEG share price opened at ₹480.00, up from its previous close of ₹483.00. At 10:56 AM, the share price of HEG was trading at ₹509.05, up by 5.39% on the NSE. As of the same time, the stock price touched its day’s high at ₹516.00. Notably, the stock price hit its 52-week low at ₹331.25, recently on February 17, 2025.  

Japan’s Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Graphite Electrodes

The rally in HEG’s stock price comes after news that Japan’s cabinet is imposing a 95.2% anti-dumping duty on graphite electrode exports from China. The measure, effective from March 29, 2025, will be in place for four months as a provisional step.

The decision follows an investigation that found China was selling graphite electrodes at unfairly low prices, negatively affecting Japanese companies. Japan’s total graphite electrode market stands at approximately 60,000 tonnes, with China currently supplying 25% of the demand.

Impact on Graphite Electrode Prices

With the new tariffs in place, prices for High Power (HP) Grade graphite electrodes are expected to rise by 7% from April 1, 2025. Chinese producers have already increased prices in anticipation.

Impact on Indian Stocks

Along with HEG, the news also affected Graphite India Limited, another key graphite electrode manufacturer, which saw its stock rise by 2.15% to ₹506.55 on March 26, 2025.

Conclusion

The surge in HEG Ltd’s stock price reflects investor optimism following Japan’s anti-dumping duty on Chinese graphite electrodes. With expected price hikes and reduced competition from China, Indian graphite electrode manufacturers like HEG and Graphite India may benefit from increased demand and better pricing power in global markets.

 

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.

Zomato Share Price Drops 2.33% on March 26 Amid Zepto’s Fundraise News

Zomato has been in focus on Wednesday. On March 26, 2025, Zomato share price opened at ₹202.35, down from its previous close of ₹209.81. At 10:04 AM, the share price of Zomato was trading at ₹204.93, down by 2.33% on the NSE. As of the same time, the stock price touched its day’s low at ₹199.92.

Notably, not just Zomato, another food delivery giant, Swiggy, has also been seeing a dip in its stock price. Swiggy share price opened at ₹330.70, and at 10:08 AM, the share price was trading at ₹333.45, down by 1.20% on the NSE. Earlier this month, on March 3, 2025, Swiggy’s stock touched a 52-week low of ₹317.00.

Impact of Zepto’s Fundraising on Zomato & Swiggy

The decline in Zomato and Swiggy’s stock prices comes amid reports that quick-commerce startup Zepto is in discussions to raise $250 million ahead of its IPO. This development has increased competition concerns in the food delivery and quick-commerce space.

As per news reports, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Zomato and Swiggy collectively lost ₹16,000 crore in market capitalization. Zomato alone saw ₹12,500 crore wiped out as its stock declined 6% to close at ₹209.81. Meanwhile, Swiggy’s stock dropped 4%, closing at ₹337.50 on the NSE.

Zomato Renamed to Eternal Limited

In a major corporate development, Zomato Limited has officially changed its name to Eternal Limited, effective March 20, 2025. The Registrar of Companies, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), approved this name change. The company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association have been updated accordingly.

Conclusion 

With this rebranding and rising competition, investors are closely watching how Eternal Limited navigates the evolving food delivery and quick-commerce landscape.

 

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’s Urea Capacity Rises to 283.74 LMTPA: Govt’s NIP-2012 Impact

On March 25, 2025, the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel stated that the Government of India introduced the New Investment Policy (NIP) – 2012 on January 2, 2013, with an amendment on October 7, 2014, to encourage fresh investment in the urea sector. 

The policy aimed to enhance domestic production capacity and reduce dependency on imports, making India self-sufficient in urea production.

Under NIP-2012, 6 new urea manufacturing units have been established, including four set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and two by private companies. 

The JVC units include the Ramagundam Urea unit in Telangana and three urea units operated by Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Sindri (Jharkhand), and Barauni (Bihar). 

The private sector units include the Panagarh Urea unit of Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (Matix) in West Bengal and the Gadepan-III Urea unit of Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (CFCL) in Rajasthan. 

Each of these units has an installed production capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonnes per annum (LMTPA), significantly boosting the country’s total urea production capacity.

Expansion of Urea Production Capacity

The establishment of these new units has added 76.2 LMTPA to the total urea production capacity, increasing it from 207.54 LMTPA in 2014-15 to 283.74 LMTPA in 2023-24. These facilities are designed using the latest energy-efficient technologies, enhancing productivity while reducing energy consumption.

Nutrient-Based Subsidy for P&K Fertilizers

The Government has also implemented the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers from April 1, 2010. 

Under this policy, a fixed subsidy is provided based on nutrient content, while fertilizer companies determine market prices. The policy encourages private sector participation and investments in fertilizer production, ensuring a stable supply of essential nutrients for Indian agriculture.

Conclusion

The government’s initiatives under NIP-2012 and the Nutrient-Based Subsidy Policy have significantly boosted domestic urea production and fertilizer self-sufficiency. These measures ensure a stable supply for farmers while promoting energy-efficient and technologically advanced manufacturing.

 

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.