Oriental Rail Infrastructure Secures ₹1.61 Crore Order from North Western Railways

Oriental Rail Infrastructure Limited has secured an order worth ₹1,61,21,160.00 (Rupees One Crore Sixty-One Lakh Twenty-One Thousand One Hundred Sixty only) from North Western Railways, Ajmer, a division of Indian Railways.

Order Details

The contract involves the supply of 66 sets of PU Foam as cushion material for the retrofitment of berths and seats.

As per the terms of the contract, the delivery of materials is to be made to North Western Railways, Ajmer. The payment structure includes 95% of the amount being released upon submission of an Inspection Certificate issued by the nominated inspection agency, along with proof of dispatch or delivery. The remaining 5% will be paid after the receipt, inspection, and acceptance of the supplied goods.

The execution timeline for this order extends until September 6, 2026. This contract highlights Oriental Rail Infrastructure Limited’s strong presence in the railway sector and its commitment to providing high-quality materials for railway infrastructure upgrades.

Recent Developments

On March 3, the company informed the exchanges that it had secured an order worth ₹1,63,54,800 from Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a key manufacturing unit of Indian Railways. The contract involves the supply and installation of five sets of one coach set of Chair Car Seats for Train Set MC, TC, and MC2 Coaches. The delivery is to be made to the Furnishing Depot at ICF, Chennai, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

As per the contract terms, 100% of the payment will be received upon receipt, inspection, and acceptance of goods by the consignee. The execution timeline for the order extends until May 4, 2025.

Conclusion

The company’s continued association with Indian Railways reinforces its expertise in supplying critical railway components, further strengthening its position in the industry.

On March 6, 2025, Oriental Rail Infrastructure share price opened at ₹153.00, up from its previous close of ₹147.15. At 9:37 AM, the share price of Oriental Rail Infrastructure was trading at ₹154.50, up by 4.99% on the BSE.

 

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 Infra Gets CCI Approval for PSP Projects Stake Purchase

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for the acquisition of equity shares of PSP Projects Limited by Adani Infra (India) Limited. This strategic move is expected to strengthen Adani Infra’s presence in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) sector.

Transaction Details

The acquisition involves Adani Infra acquiring equity shares of PSP Projects from Mr Prahaladbhai S. Patel (Seller) in an initial transaction. Additionally, an open offer will be made to public shareholders, ensuring that, upon completion, both Adani Infra and the existing promoters (including the Seller) will hold equal shareholding in PSP Projects.

About Adani Infra (India) Limited

Adani Infra is a leading infrastructure development company specialising in engineering, project management, and construction services. It operates across power generation, transmission, road, and water projects, providing Project Management Consultancy (PMC) and EPC services.

About PSP Projects Limited

PSP Projects is a well-established EPC service provider operating in industrial, institutional, residential, and government infrastructure projects. The company offers a range of services, from planning and design to construction and post-construction activities, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and interior fit-outs for both private and public sector enterprises.

On March 6, 2025, PSP Projects share price opened at ₹634.00, touching the day’s high at ₹634.00, as of 9:33 AM on the NSE.

Conclusion 

This acquisition aligns with Adani Infra’s expansion strategy in the construction and infrastructure sector. It is expected to enhance operational efficiencies, leverage synergies, and create growth opportunities for both companies in India’s booming infrastructure market.

 

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 Housing Finance Market is Expected to Reach ₹81 Trillion by FY30

The Indian housing finance market, currently valued at ~₹33 trillion, is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15-16% between FY25 and FY30, reaching ₹77-81 trillion.

According to CareEdge Ratings, this growth will be driven by robust structural factors and government incentives, making housing finance an attractive asset class for lenders.

Growth in Residential Property Market

A key driver of this growth is the buoyancy in the residential property market, which has seen a remarkable 74% absolute growth since 2019, reaching 4.6 lakh units in 2024. While sales performance normalized in 2024, sustained buyer confidence continues to support market expansion.

Between 2021 and 2024, banks, including the impact of the HDFC Ltd merger, recorded a 17% CAGR in housing loans, while Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) grew at 12%. Banks maintain dominance in the housing loan market with a 74.5% market share as of March 31, 2024, benefiting from lower funding costs, extensive reach, portfolio buyouts, and co-lending arrangements.

HFCs, on the other hand, held a stable 19% market share, with their loan portfolio growing by 13.2% in FY24 to ₹9.6 trillion, aligning with CareEdge’s estimated growth range of 12-14%.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, CareEdge projects a 12.7% and 13.5% year-on-year growth for FY25 and FY26, respectively, supported by strong equity inflows and capital reserves. The retail segment continues to be the primary growth driver for HFCs, with more cautious expansion in the wholesale segment.

Additionally, asset quality has significantly improved, with gross non-performing assets (GNPA) declining to 2.2% as of March 31, 2024, compared to a peak of 4.3% in March 2022. This positive trend further strengthens the outlook for the housing finance sector.

Stocks Involved

Meanwhile, you can keep an eye on housing finance stocks such as Bajaj Housing FinanceLIC Housing Finance LtdHousing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO)PNB Housing Finance Ltd, and Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd, among others. The sector is expected to benefit from India’s growing housing market, driven by government initiatives, increasing urbanisation, and rising demand for home loans.

 

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.

IndiGo, Air India Express, SpiceJet to Move to Adani’s New Airport in Mumbai

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), developed by the Adani Group, is set to open in May 2025. Positioned as a second gateway to Mumbai, India’s financial capital, the $2.1 billion airport aims to ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and establish an international transit hub.

Leading Airlines Set to Shift Operations

According to news reports, IndiGo will be among the first to move part of its operations to the new airport. Tata Group’s Air India Express, along with SpiceJet and Akasa Air, are also in discussions to relocate their domestic operations in phases.

However, Air India’s full-service carrier will continue to operate from the existing Mumbai airport for now, gradually shifting some domestic flights to NMIA. This shift is expected to ease congestion at CSMIA, which has been operating beyond capacity.

Strategic Importance of Navi Mumbai Airport

Adani Group manages both CSMIA and NMIA, providing the conglomerate with a unique advantage in negotiating airline transitions. The new airport’s location, ~22 miles southeast of Mumbai, is expected to improve aviation infrastructure in the city.

Authorities also plan to develop an “aero city” around NMIA to generate revenue from non-aviation sources, similar to global hubs in Dubai, London, and Singapore.

Challenges: Lack of High-Speed Connectivity

One of the biggest hurdles in attracting airlines and passengers is the lack of high-speed transportation links between NMIA and Mumbai’s existing airport. A metro line connecting both airports is planned, but it will take a few years to become operational.

For passengers, ease of accessibility remains a significant concern. Airlines are negotiating incentives on airport fees to keep fares competitive and attract passengers despite potential travel inconveniences.

Airport Capacity and Expansion Plans

NMIA’s first phase will feature a lotus-shaped terminal, symbolising India’s national flower. The airport will initially handle 20 million passengers annually, with expansion plans to accommodate up to 90 million passengers over the next decade based on demand.

The airport is expected to start handling domestic flights between April and June 2025, followed by international flights in August 2025. Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline network (which includes Air India), is in discussions to relocate some of its member operations to NMIA.

Test Flights and Readiness for International Operations

Preparations for NMIA’s operational launch are well underway. IndiGo conducted the first validation flight in December 2024 with an Airbus A320. Air India is scheduled to conduct a test flight in April 2025 using a wide-body aircraft, primarily used for international routes, to assess the airport’s readiness for overseas operations.

Conclucion

The successful completion and operation of NMIA will be a major milestone for the Adani Group, reinforcing its prominence in India’s infrastructure 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.

SBI Life Insurance Company Interim Dividend of ₹2.70 Record Date Tomorrow, March 7, 2025

SBI Life Insurance Company Limited’s Board of Directors has declared and approved an interim dividend of ₹2.70 per equity share with a face value of ₹10 each.

On March 5, 2025, SBI Life Insurance Company share price (NSE: SBILIFE) opened at ₹1,391.15 and closed at ₹1,416.60, up by 1.69%. The stock price touched its day’s high at ₹1,424.00.

SBI Life Insurance Company Interim Dividend Record Date

In accordance with Regulations 30(6), 42, and 43 of the Listing Regulations, the company’s Board of Directors has declared an interim dividend of ₹2.70 per equity share (27%) for the financial year 2024-25. The dividend applies to shares with a face value of ₹10 each.

The interim dividend will be distributed to shareholders whose names are recorded in the Register of Members or appear as beneficial owners in the Depository records as of the previously announced record date, Friday, March 07, 2025. The dividend payment will be completed on or before Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Q3 FY 2025 Financial Highlights

Assets under Management (AuM) witnessed a 19% growth, rising from ₹3,714.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, to ₹4,416.8 billion as of December 31, 2024, with a debt-equity mix of 61:39. Notably, 94% of debt investments are in AAA-rated and Sovereign instruments.

Profit After Tax (PAT) surged 48% to ₹16.0 billion for the nine months of FY25. The company’s net worth saw a 15% increase, reaching ₹165.9 billion from ₹144.3 billion in the previous year. Additionally, a strong solvency ratio of 2.04 as of December 31, 2024, is above the regulatory requirement of 1.50.

About SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd

SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd operates in the life insurance and annuity sector. It was established as a joint venture between the State Bank of India and BNP Paribas Cardif S.A.

 

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: Nifty & Sensex Closed in Green; Adani Ports Leads Gainers on March 5, 2025

On March 5, 2025, the BSE Sensex ended in the green, closing at 73,730.23, up by 1.01%, and the NSE Nifty50 closed at 22,337.30, up by 1.15%.

Sectoral Performance

On Wednesday, none of the Nifty sectors ended in the red. Nifty Midsmall IT & Telecom, Nifty Metal, and Nifty Media ended in green. Nifty Midsmall IT & Telecom ended up by 4.43%.

Top Gainers and Losers

On Wednesday, the top gainers on the Nifty included Adani PortsTata Steel and Adani Enterprises. In contrast, the losers were Bajaj FinanceIndusInd Bank andHDFC Bank.

Oil Prices

As of March 5, 2025, at 03:21 PM, Brent Crude was trading at $70.61, down by 0.61%.

 

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 to Calculate 8th Pay Commission Salary?

With the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission, Central government employees are eager to understand how their salaries will change post-implementation. The commission, approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to be constituted by 2026, aligning with the conclusion of the 7th Pay Commission’s term. While specific financial details are yet to be disclosed, employees and pensioners anticipate significant salary and pension revisions.

Fitment Factor and Salary Hike Expectations

A key aspect of salary calculation under the 8th Pay Commission is the fitment factor, which determines the hike in basic pay. It is expected to be in the range of 2.6 to 2.85, leading to a 25-30% increase in basic pay. 

Almost a decade ago, the 7th pay panel applied a fitment factor of 2.57 to update the salary and pension of central government employees and pensioners.

8th Pay Commission Salary Calculation

For example, if the commission recommends a fitment factor of 2.86, this will increase the basic pay of government employees from ₹18,000 to ₹51,480. 

This calculation is done by using the simple formula: 2.86 * current basic pay. 

Using the formula, an employee currently earning a basic salary of ₹20,000 may see an increase to ₹46,600 – ₹57,200. Additionally, the minimum basic salary is anticipated to exceed ₹40,000, along with revised allowances and perks.

The minimum pension, in such a scenario, would rise from ₹9,000 to ₹36,000. The same formula is used to calculate the pension. 

Under the proposed changes, government employees will see their salaries adjusted based on the fitment factor. If the factor is set at 2.0, the basic salary could rise to ₹36,000, reflecting a 100% increase. With a fitment factor of 2.08, the lowest basic salary may rise to ₹37,440 (a 108% surge). Pensioners will also benefit, with the minimum pension expected to increase to ₹18,720.

Gross Salary Calculation

The gross salary under the 8th Pay Commission may include the revised basic pay, dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), and other benefits. With the expected DA hike and performance-based incentives, government employees can anticipate a significant increase in take-home salaries. While there is some time for 8th Pay Commission to come into effect, check the potential benefits of 8th Pay Commission

Conclusion

While the exact figures will be confirmed upon the official recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission, employees and pensioners can expect a substantial salary revision. The introduction of higher pay scales, revised allowances, and improved pension structures aims to enhance financial stability and reflect current economic conditions. Read when the 8th Pay Commission get implemented

 

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.

Muthoot Microfin Secures e-KYC Approval for Seamless Digital Onboarding

Muthoot Microfin has received regulatory approval to conduct Aadhaar-enabled e-KYC for customer onboarding. This milestone allows the company to introduce a fully digital, paperless onboarding process, benefiting rural women entrepreneurs, Joint-Lending Groups (JLGs), and other underserved communities across India.

Enhanced Digital Onboarding for Rural Communities

With the e-KYC license in place, Muthoot Microfin will soon roll out a faster and more secure digital onboarding process. The system will leverage Aadhaar-based authentication, biometric verification, and OTP-based validation, ensuring accurate customer identification. This move is expected to address key challenges in the microfinance sector, such as overleveraging, by enabling lenders to assess borrower exposure more effectively and mitigate financial risks.

Promoting Financial Inclusion and Literacy

The introduction of e-KYC is aimed at bridging the financial gap in rural areas, where access to banking services is often limited. By eliminating manual documentation, the initiative will streamline customer onboarding while reinforcing compliance and data security. Additionally, Muthoot Microfin will launch financial literacy programs in regional languages to help customers better understand digital financial services.

Commenting on this development, the CEO of Muthoot Microfin, Mr Sadaf Sayeed, said,

“We are committed to making financial services more accessible, secure, and efficient for rural communities. Securing the e-KYC license is a critical step in our journey toward greater financial inclusion. By embracing digital advancements, we aim to remove barriers that have traditionally limited financial access, ensuring that even the most remote communities can benefit from a streamlined and secure financial journey.”

Conclusion

The company stated that the nationwide implementation of e-KYC will cover all 20 states where Muthoot Microfin operates, ensuring inclusivity. As of December 31, 2024, the company has a presence in 379 districts with 1,651 branches. Once fully implemented, customers will have digital access to various financial products, including microloans and insurance, fostering economic self-sufficiency. Through this initiative, Muthoot Microfin reaffirms its commitment to technology-driven financial inclusion.

On March 5, 2025, Muthoot Microfin share price opened at ₹131.00, up from its previous close of ₹130.62. At 10:33 AM, the share price of Muthoot Microfin was trading at ₹133.40, up by 2.13% on the NSE.

 

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.

IRCTC Share Price Gains 1.29% Following Navratna Recognition

Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been in the spotlight after the Government of India granted it Navratna Status on March 3, 2025. This recognition, conveyed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), enhances IRCTC’s operational and financial autonomy, allowing it to expand its business ventures.

Stock Performance Overview

On March 5, 2025, IRCTC share price opened at ₹673.05, almost unchanged from its previous close of ₹673.85. At 10:02 AM, the stock was trading 1.29% higher at ₹682.55 on the NSE. Notably, IRCTC hit its 52-week low of ₹656.05 on March 3, 2025.

On March 4, 2025, IRCTC opened at ₹674.95, reached a high of ₹681.50, and closed at ₹673.85, reflecting positive sentiment following the Navratna announcement.

IRCTC Joins the Navratna League

The Navratna Status gives IRCTC greater financial independence, enabling it to undertake large-scale projects without government approval. This move strengthens its position in the railway and tourism sector.

Additionally, Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) has also been granted Navratna Status, reinforcing the government’s focus on strengthening public sector enterprises.

Conclusion

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the company reported a total income of ₹1,28,120.20 lakh, marking an increase from ₹1,16,104.48 lakh in the same quarter last year. Sequentially, the revenue also saw growth from ₹1,12,396.23 lakh in the previous quarter. Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations stood at ₹34,108.94 lakh, reflecting a rise compared to ₹29,999.79 lakh in Q3FY24 and ₹30,786.53 lakh in Q2FY25.

With this recognition, IRCTC is expected to attract more institutional investors and explore new business opportunities, contributing to its long-term growth.

 

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.

Jio Financial Share Price Rises 3.83%; To Acquire Full Stake in Jio Payments Bank

Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) has announced the acquisition of the remaining stake in Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL), making it a wholly owned subsidiary.

On March 5, 2025, Jio Financial Services share price (NSE: JIOFIN) opened at ₹207.00, up from its previous close of ₹206.38. At 9:48 AM, the share price of Jio Financial Services was trading at ₹214.28, up by 3.83% on the NSE.

Details of the Acquisition

Currently, JFSL holds an 82.17% stake in JPBL, with the remaining shares owned by the State Bank of India (SBI). As per the company’s disclosure to stock exchanges, the Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of 7,90,80,000 equity shares from SBI for a total consideration of ₹104.54 crore.

With this acquisition, JFSL will gain complete control over JPBL, strengthening its presence in the digital banking and fintech space. However, the transaction is subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is expected to be completed within 45 days of receiving the necessary regulatory clearance. The company clarified that this acquisition is not a related party transaction, and no promoter or group company has any vested interest in the deal.

Q3 and 9M FY 2025 Financial Highlights

In Q3 FY25, the company reported an interest income of ₹210 crore, an increase from ₹205 crore in Q2 FY25 but lower than ₹270 crore recorded in Q3 FY24. For the nine-month period ending FY25, the total interest income stood at ₹577 crore, compared to ₹658 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Total income for Q3 FY25 was ₹449 crore, down from ₹694 crore in Q2 FY25 but higher than ₹414 crore in Q3 FY24. However, on a cumulative basis, total income for the first nine months of FY25 reached ₹1,561 crore, surpassing the ₹1,437 crore reported in 9M FY24.

The company’s profit after tax (PAT) stood at ₹295 crore in Q3 FY25, nearly matching the ₹294 crore reported in Q3 FY24, but showing a drop from ₹689 crore in Q2 FY25. On a nine-month basis, PAT increased to ₹1,296 crore in FY25 compared to ₹1,294 crore in 9M FY24.

Conclusion

The acquisition of the remaining stake in JPBL marks a significant step for JFSL in expanding its footprint in India’s digital payments ecosystem.

 

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.