FINNIFTY Drop ~2% on April 1: SBI Card and Bajaj Finserv Were Top Losers on Index

On April 1, 2025, the Nifty Financial Services Index (FINNIFTY) was down ~2% to 24,616.75 at 11:20 AM. The Nifty Finance Index comprises 20 stocks that are listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The private sector banks constitute ~69.58% of the FINNIFTY, while 6.93% is comprised of the public sector banks

The Nifty Financial Services Index mirrors the behaviour and performance of the Indian financial market which includes banks, financial institutions, housing finance, insurance companies and other financial services companies.

Top Gainers and Losers on FINNIFTY

On April 1, 2025, HDFC Life, ICICI Prudential Life and Jio Financial Services were the top gainers, while SBI Card, Cholamandalam Financial Services, and Bajaj Finserv were the top losers.

FINNIFTY Outpaced Nifty 50

In the past 1 year, FINNIFTY has delivered a return of 6.2% while Nifty 50 generated a return of ~0.9 %. The Nifty Financial Services Index has outperformed the Nifty 50 Index in 10 out of the last 17 calendar years and outperformed the Nifty Bank Index in 11 out of the last 17 calendar years from 2004 onward. The Nifty Financial Services Index has generally underperformed the Nifty 50 Index in years of global turmoil.

 

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.

UPS implementation from April 1: What Should Employees Do Next?

On April 1, 2025, the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will be launched under the National Pension System (NPS), offering central government employees a robust post-retirement financial security plan. With guaranteed pension benefits, government contributions, and investment flexibility, UPS is designed to provide comprehensive financial support to employees after their retirement.

Key Features of Unified Pension Scheme

Guaranteed Pension Based on Service Tenure

The UPS ensures that the pension payout is linked to the number of years an employee has served. Employees with 25 years or more of service will be eligible to receive 50% of their last 12 months’ average basic salary as a pension.

For employees who have served between 10 and 25 years, they will receive a proportionate pension, ensuring that a longer tenure results in a higher pension amount.

Additionally, employees with at least 10 years of qualifying service will be guaranteed a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month.

Government Contributions and Investment Flexibility

Under the UPS, employees will contribute 10% of their basic salary plus dearness allowance (DA). The government will match this contribution, resulting in a combined investment of 20%. The contributions will be invested in default government-prescribed schemes. However, employees can opt to invest with private pension fund managers (PFMs) for greater flexibility.

An additional 8.5% contribution will be invested into a common pool corpus, managed by selected fund managers based on their performance.

Inflation Protection with DA Adjustments

One of the key benefits of the UPS is its link to DA, ensuring that pension payouts will increase over time, thereby helping retirees keep up with inflation. Unlike traditional pension plans where fixed payouts diminish over time, the UPS ensures that retirees’ purchasing power remains protected.

Financial Security for Spouses and Survivors

The UPS provides ongoing financial support for the spouse of the pensioner. In the event of the retiree’s death, the spouse will receive 60% of the pension amount, offering continued financial security for loved ones.

How Will Pension Withdrawals Work?

Once an employee retires, the pension will be drawn from their accumulated corpus, similar to a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) used in mutual funds. This allows retirees to receive regular payouts while their remaining funds continue to grow. If the accumulated corpus is depleted before the retiree or their spouse passes away, the government-managed common pool will continue to provide pension payments.

Currently, the UPS is available only to central government employees. State governments will need to decide individually whether to implement the scheme for their employees. Many states are expected to evaluate the benefits of the UPS before making a decision.

While UPS offers several benefits, there are a few challenges to note. Annuity service providers (ASPs) will not be part of the new system, which could affect their role in pension fund management. Additionally, the investment strategy for the additional 8.5% common pool fund has not yet been finalized, and further details are expected to be provided by the government in the coming months.

Next Step for Employees

Eligible employees can begin enrolling in the UPS starting April 1, 2025, through the Protean CRA portal (npscra.nsdl.co.in). They also have the option to submit physical forms if preferred.

As UPS is set to provide a more structured and secure pension system for central government employees, employees need to understand the details of the scheme and take the necessary steps to enroll when the time comes.

 

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

Can Gold Price Touch ₹1 Lakh in FY26: Rose 32% in FY25

Investment in gold has been remarkable for investors in FY 2024-2025. As per the date available on MCX, Indian spot gold prices rose ~32% in FY25, outperforming the Nifty 50 equity index, which soared just over 5%.

On March 28, 2024, gold prices were around ₹67,000 per 10 grams, but they have since surged to nearly ₹88,700. In the derivatives market, MCX Gold closed 0.05% higher at ₹88,850 per 10 grams on March 28.

In the International market, gold prices are also at an all-time high, backed by the rising demand for safe-haven assets and concerns over the global trade war triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.

Why Gold Prices Increased in FY25?

Over the past years, several factors combined to push gold prices higher, including expectations of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve, strong buying by central banks, fluctuating macroeconomic conditions, and geopolitical uncertainties.

Trump’s tariff policies have heightened fears of a major trade war, which in turn has increased inflation risks and disrupted global growth momentum. These factors have led to a surge in demand for gold, which is seen as a hedge against inflation and uncertainty.

Could Gold Prices Reach ₹1 Lakh in FY26?

The main factors supporting gold prices, such as global uncertainty and central bank purchases, may fuel growth in domestic gold prices, which could reach the ₹1 lakh per 10 grams mark in FY26.

Inflation concerns and the potential for economic slowdown may continue to push investors towards gold as a safe-haven asset. However, many of these factors are already reflected in current gold prices, and fresh catalysts will be needed to push prices to ₹1 lakh.

Without new triggers, gold prices may consolidate at higher levels due to demand fatigue and profit-taking. Furthermore, a rebound in stock markets or the strength of the dollar could pose challenges to gold prices.

Conclusion

While short-term corrections may occur, the long-term outlook for gold remains positive, driven by ongoing global economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and central bank policies, which are likely to sustain investor demand for the precious metal in FY26.

 

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

DA Hike of 2%: How Much Will Salary and Pension Increase?

On Friday, March 28, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an additional installment of dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees and dearness relief (DR) for pensioners, effective January 1, 2025. This decision is expected to benefit 1.15 crore central government employees and pensioners.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, confirmed after the meeting that the Cabinet approved the release of this additional DA and DR, marking a 2% increase from the current rate of 53% of basic pay/pension to counter rising prices. With this adjustment, DA will rise from 53% to 55%, offering employees a salary boost ahead of the forthcoming 8th Pay Commission. The 8th Pay Commission, approved by the Centre in January, revised the wages and allowances for central government employees.

Previous Hike in DA

Previously, the DA had been increased by 3% in October and 4% in March 2024. The total annual financial impact of both the DA and DR hikes on the government’s budget will be ₹6,614.04 crore. This decision will benefit 48.66 lakh central government employees and 66.55 lakh pensioners.

The increase follows the formula established by the 7th Pay Commission, designed to adjust for the cost of living and safeguard employees and pensioners against inflation.

Impact on Salary and Pension

Under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salary for a central government employee is ₹18,000. With the 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA), employees will receive an additional ₹360 per month, which means the arrears for the period from January to March 2025 will total ₹1,080.

For pensioners receiving the minimum basic pension of ₹9,000, the arrears will amount to ₹540, which will be paid along with their pension in April 2025.

 

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

NSE IPO: Exchange Submitted Application to Receive NOC from SEBI

The newly appointed SEBI Chairman, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, following his first board meeting at SEBI, stated that the regulator would review the issues surrounding the NSE’s IPO and assess how the process could move forward. His remarks prompted the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to resume the IPO process.

According to reports, NSE has submitted an application to SEBI requesting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for its IPO. This certificate is a crucial document needed before NSE can file the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for the IPO.

This isn’t the first time NSE has applied for SEBI’s NOC. The exchange made similar requests in 2019, twice in 2020, and again in 2024.

In previous instances, SEBI had set specific conditions before considering the NOC request. These included raising the salaries of key management personnel (KMPs) and reducing NSE’s stake in its clearing subsidiary, NSE Clearing, from 100% to less than a majority. SEBI had also required NSE to address technical issues it faced and to resolve the legal cases related to the co-location controversy.

In its latest application to SEBI, NSE has provided detailed responses to the requirements that were raised in the previous round.

 

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

RailTel Declared 2nd Interim Dividend: Set April 02 as Record Date

The state-owned power telecom and networking services company RailTel Ltd has set April 02, 2025, as the record date for its 2nd interim dividend for FY25. On March 12, 2025, RailTel declared an interim dividend of ₹1 per share, which will be paid on April 9, 2025.

RailTel Interim Dividend Record Date: What This Mean For Shareholders?

As RailTel Ltd. has set April 02 as the record date for its interim dividend, April 01 marks the last day to buy RailTel shares to become eligible for the dividend. Further, any shares bought on or after April 02 (the record date) won’t be eligible for the interim dividend.

Strengthening Order Book

The order book of RailTel has strengthened, which is supported by key orders secured by the company:

  • On March 29, 2025, RailTel Corporation of India Ltd received the work order from Ircon International Limited for Works amounting to ₹162,58,96,785
  • The company has secured a work order from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited for an amounting to ₹25,15,24,500.
  • RailTel has received the work order from the Ministry of Defence for OFC Laying Work amounting to ₹16,89,38,002

 

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

PM Internship Scheme Round 2: March 31 is the Last Day to Apply

If you are a young job seeker and looking to start your career in private organisations, then PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) could be a better start. However, you need to hurry as the deadline to register for PMIS round 2 is March 31, 2025. 

After receiving an overwhelming response of over 6 lakh applications in Round 1, Round 2 offers more than 1 lakh internship opportunities across 730+ districts in India, serving as a valuable link between academic education and industry requirements. 

How to Apply for the PM Internship?

Follow these steps to apply for Phase 2 of the PM Internship Programme:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website, pminternship.mca.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the registration option on the homepage.

Step 3: Enter a valid phone number and authenticate it with the OTP sent to your device.

Step 4: Provide personal information, educational qualifications, and internship preferences.

Step 5: Attach the necessary documents and submit your application.

Step 6: Keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.

How to Apply Using the PMIS App?

Step 1: Download the PMIS App – Get it from the official website or the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Register easily – Sign up using Aadhaar-based face authentication.

Step 3: Explore Internships – Browse available opportunities across various sectors.

Step 4: Apply Seamlessly – Submit your application directly through the app.

 

 

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.

Mahila Samman Savings Scheme: March 31 Marks the Last Day to Apply

Launched on April 1, 2023, the Mahila Samman Savings Scheme (MSSS) is a government-supported small savings initiative aimed specifically at women and girls. MSSS offers a fixed 2-year tenure.

The scheme was introduced to strengthen financial inclusion and encourage women to securely save and grow their wealth. The deadline for investing in the Mahila Samman Savings Scheme is March 31, 2025. As this is a limited-time scheme, no new investments will be accepted after the deadline.

How to Invest in Mahila Samman Savings Scheme?

The MSSS investment process is entirely offline. Interested individuals must visit a post office or select banks to open an account.

The following steps are required:

  1. Fill out the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate application form.
  2. Submit Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, including Aadhaar and PAN.
  3. Provide the deposit amount in cash or cheque.
  4. Receive the certificate as proof of investment.

What are the Key Features of MSSS?

  • Interest Rate: 7.5% per annum, compounded quarterly
  • Tenure: 2 years
  • Deposit Limit: Minimum ₹1,000, Maximum ₹2 lakh
  • Eligibility: Women aged 18 and above or guardians for minor girls
  • Withdrawal Option: 40% partial withdrawal allowed after one year
  • Security: Government-backed with guaranteed returns
  • Tax Treatment: Interest earned is taxable, but no tax is deducted at the source (TDS)

How to Withdraw Amount from MSSS?

The Department of Posts has recently introduced a 40% early withdrawal option, allowing account holders to access a portion of their funds before maturity.

The process includes:

  1. Visiting the post office where the MSSS account is held.
  2. Submitting a withdrawal request form along with valid identification.
  3. The Finacle system processing the request and calculates the correct interest.
  4. The withdrawn amount being credited to the linked bank account.

 

 

 

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.

Best Mutual Fund SIP Plan For April 2025: Motilal Oswal Midcap, HDFC Midcap Opp and More

Investing in mutual funds can be a good way to diversify your portfolio and gain exposure to a range of assets like stocks, bonds, or other securities. A mutual fund pools money from many investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets.

A fund manager decides how the fund’s money is allocated based on the fund’s objective. You, as an investor, own units in the mutual fund, and your share of the fund’s returns (either profits or losses) is proportional to the amount you’ve invested. In this blog, will explore best mutual fund SIP plan for April 2025;

Best Mutual Funds SIPs for April 2025

Name AUM (₹ Cr) CAGR 3Y (%) Expense Ratio (%)
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund 23,703.68 30.05 0.68
HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund 67,578.59 25.51 0.83
HDFC Focused 30 Fund 15,515.87 25.23 0.71
ICICI Pru India Opp Fund 23,859.65 25.22 0.69
SBI Long Term Equity Fund 25,723.50 24.89 1.07

Note: The above mentioned schemes have been selected based on 3Y CAGR as of March 28, 2025

Overview of 5 Best Mutual Fund SIPs

1. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund is an open-ended equity mutual fund by Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund. The scheme falls in the mid-cap category of mutual funds. It mainly invests in stocks of mid-sized companies with a percentage of stocks of other market capitalisations.

Key Metrics

  • Expense Ratio: 0.68
  • Tracking Error: 9.48

2. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund

HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund is an open ended equity scheme predominantly investing in mid cap stocks. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund follow a predominantly Mid cap strategy with a minimum exposure of 65% to Mid-Cap stocks.

Key Metrics

  • Expense Ratio: 0.83
  • Tracking Error: 4.77

3. HDFC Focused 30 Fund

HDFC Focused 30 Fund is an open ended equity scheme investing in maximum 30 stocks in large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap category. HDFC Focused 30 Fund have the flexibility to invest across market capitalization in stocks with high growth potential.

Key Metrics

  • Expense Ratio: 0.71
  • Tracking Error: 6.18

4. ICICI Pru India Opp Fund

ICICI Pru India Opp Fund aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in opportunities presented by special situations such as corporate restructuring, Government policy and/or regulatory changes, companies going through temporary unique challenges and other similar instances.

Key Metrics

  • Expense Ratio: 0.69
  • Tracking Error: 5.87

5. SBI Long Term Equity Fund

SBI Long Term Equity Fund is an open ended Equity Linked Saving Scheme with a statutory lock-in period of 3 years and tax benefit. The fund invests a minimum of 80% of its assets in equity, cumulative convertible preference shares, fully convertible debentures, bonds etc

Key Metrics

  • Expense Ratio: 1.07
  • Tracking Error: 3.76

Things to Know Before Investing in Mutual Fund SIPs

  • Costs and Fees: Look for mutual funds with low expense ratios, as high fees can erode long-term returns.
  • Investment Objective: Determine your investment goals (retirement, savings, etc.), as this will guide your choice of fund type.
  • Fund Performance: Past performance offers insight but is not a guarantee of future results.
  • Diversification: Mutual funds provide built-in diversification by pooling your money with other investors to spread risk.
  • Tax Considerations: Be mindful of capital gains distributions from mutual funds, which could impact your taxes.
  • Liquidity: Mutual funds are generally liquid, allowing you to buy or sell shares at the end of each trading day.

Conclusion

Investing in mutual funds offers a balanced approach to building wealth through diversification, professional management, and accessibility. While they come with certain costs and risks, mutual funds can be an excellent choice for both new and experienced investors aiming for long-term financial goals

Ensure steady returns with systematic withdrawals! Estimate your withdrawals with our SWP Calculator and manage your finances seamlessly.

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

How to Login Your APAAR ID via DigiLocker: A Step-by-Step Guide

In line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID has been introduced as a key feature to streamline the academic journey of students across India. The APAAR ID is a symbol of the vision “One Nation, One Student ID,” offering a unified and accessible academic record for students throughout their academic careers. This ID consolidates all of a student’s achievements and credentials in one place, serving as a lifelong academic passport.

In this blog, we will walk you through the process of logging in to your APAAR ID via DigiLocker, a government-backed platform that provides secure access to your documents.

Step 1: Access DigiLocker

Step 2: Log in to Your DigiLocker Account

  • Enter your registered mobile number, username, or Aadhaar Number, along with your security PIN.
  • Click on the “Sign In” button.
  • You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to complete the login process.

Step 3: Search for Your AADHAAR Card/UIDAI

  • Click on the “Search Documents” tab.
  • Type “AADHAAR Card” or “UIDAI” into the search bar.
  • From the search results, select the AADHAAR Card/UIDAI option.

Step 4: Provide e-KYC Consent

  • Carefully read the consent message and select the radio button to agree.
  • Click on the “Update” button to give your e-KYC consent.
  • Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click “Update.”
  • Once the e-KYC process is completed, you can access your updated AADHAAR Card in the “Get Issued Documents” section.

Step 5: Regenerate or Refetch Your APAAR ID Card

  • Go back to the “Search Documents” tab.
  • Type “APAAR ID” in the search bar.
  • Select the APAAR ID option from the results.
  • Fill in the required details and click “Submit.”
  • Your updated APAAR ID card will be available in the “Get Issued Documents” section.

Conclusion

The introduction of the APAAR ID is a major step towards enhancing the academic experience for students across India. By following these simple steps on DigiLocker, you can easily access and manage your APAAR ID.

 

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.