Did You Know RBI Decided the SGB Redemption Price at ₹8,624 Per Unit?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that the redemption price for the final maturity of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) due on March 17, 2025, will be ₹8,624 per unit. “This price is determined based on the simple average of the closing gold price for the week of March 10-13, 2025,” the RBI stated.

The SGBs 2016-17 Series IV, issued on March 17, 2017, under the Union Government’s Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, are due for repayment after eight years from the date of issue. “As a result, the final redemption date for this tranche will be March 17, 2025,” the central bank explained.

“The redemption price of the SGB will be based on the simple average of the closing price of 999-purity gold for the week (Monday to Friday) preceding the redemption date, as published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited (IBJA),” the RBI noted.

What Are Sovereign Gold Bonds?

Launched in November 2015, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are government securities denominated in grams of gold, offering an alternative to holding physical gold. Investors pay the issue price in cash, and the bonds are redeemed in cash upon maturity. The RBI issues these bonds on behalf of the government.

Govt Plans to End Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme

The government is contemplating the closure of the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme. Following the 2025 Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that the government is considering ending the SGB scheme in 2025. Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth further explained that SGBs have become an expensive borrowing method for the government. As a result, no further issuance of SGBs will occur in the 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.

Is APAAR ID Compulsory in India? Check How to Apply

The Ministry of Education and the Government of India introduced the APAAR ID card in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to assign unique identification numbers to school students across India. Known as the ‘One Nation One Student ID Card,’.

Is APAAR ID Compulsory?

According to the government, the APAAR ID is not mandatory for students. However, it offers several benefits. The APAAR ID is connected to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and DigiLocker, an online platform where students can securely access important documents like exam results and academic credentials. The ID allows academic credits to be transferred directly from institutions and awarding bodies through the National Academic Depository. Serving as a single source of truth, the APAAR ID simplifies verification for transfers, entrance exams, admissions, and job applications.

How to Apply for APAAR ID Online?

To register for the APAAR ID, students must have a valid Aadhaar card and create an account on DigiLocker for e-KYC purposes. After obtaining parental consent, schools can begin the process of generating the APAAR ID card. Follow these steps for online registration:

  1. Visit the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC Bank) website.
  2. Click on ‘My Account’ and choose the ‘Student’ option.
  3. Select ‘Sign up’ and enter your mobile number, address, and Aadhaar details to create a DigiLocker account.
  4. Log in to your DigiLocker account using your credentials.
  5. When prompted, select ‘I agree’ to consent to sharing your Aadhaar details with ABC for KYC verification.
  6. Enter your academic details, such as school or university name, class, and course.
  7. Submit the form and your APAAR ID card will be generated.

Conclusion

The APAAR ID card keeps track of a student’s educational history, simplifies school transfers, and securely stores accessible records on DigiLocker. It also records course credits and grants access to government benefits through its integration with the ABC 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.

Achieving ₹1 Crore in 20 Years: The Secret to Wealth Building

Looking at the rising inflation, you would be wondering how can i make a corpus of ₹1 crore. This dream you’ve had for years – of building wealth, securing your future, and living life on your terms – has just come true. Now, the big question: How do you turn this dream into reality? What if I told you it’s not as difficult as it sounds, and that with patience, discipline, and a smart strategy, it is possible to build a ₹1 Crore portfolio over the next 20 years? In this article, we will explore, how you can create a corpus of ₹1 crore in 20 years

Power of Compounding: SIP of ₹11,000 to ₹1 crore

Compounding is akin to planting a tree today and watching it grow tall and strong over time. The longer you let it grow, the bigger the returns.

Mutual Funds offer a great opportunity for investors looking for long-term wealth creation.

For example, By investing in equity mutual funds, you can take advantage of the potential for high returns while spreading your risk across various sectors and stocks. With a 20-year horizon, mutual funds help you weather short-term market fluctuations and let your investment grow steadily.

Let’s say you start investing ₹11,000 per month in an equity mutual fund with an average annual return of 12%. In 20 years, with regular SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans), you could accumulate a sum of over ₹1 Crore or more.

Here’s how your investment could grow:

  • Monthly SIP: ₹11,000
  • Average Annual Return: 12%
  • Time Period: 20 Years
  • Invested Amount: ₹26,40,000
  • Est Return: ₹83,50,627
  • Total Value: ₹ 1,09,90,627

With this strategy, you would reach your ₹1 Crore goal with steady contributions and the magic of compounding working in your favour. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to build wealth over time.

Consistency and Discipline is the Key

The biggest challenge for any investor is to stay committed to the plan. It’s easy to get tempted to take out money or divert it for other purposes when life gets busy or when the market seems volatile. But remember: Wealth-building is a marathon, not a sprint. By consistently investing in mutual funds for over 20 years, you’ll harness the power of time, compounding, and discipline. Even when the market faces rough patches, your consistent investments will allow you to ride the waves and make the most of market recoveries.

Conclusion

Reaching ₹1 Crore in 20 years isn’t an overnight process, but with mutual funds, you can build a financial foundation for the future. Whether you’re a young investor just starting or someone planning for retirement, the principle remains the same: Start early, stay disciplined, and let your investments grow over time.

 

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.

Are Banks and Stock Market Open Today on Holi March 14, 2025?

On March 14, 2025, Banks and India’s leading stock exchanges, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), will be closed in observance of the Holi Festival, with all trading activities suspended for the day.

Is Stock Market Open Today? 

According to the official holiday calendar of the NSE and BSE, no trading will take place on the Indian stock markets on March 14, 2025, in observance of the Holi Festival as per the stock market holiday 2025 calendar.

On this day, Holi celebrations will be taking place throughout India, prompting the suspension of trading. Additionally, electronic gold receipts (EGR) and currency derivatives will also not be traded due to the festivities.

Are Banks Open on March 14?

Banks will be closed on Friday, March 14, in various parts of the country due to the Holi festival. Holi, often referred to as the festival of colours, is a Hindu spring celebration marked by the use of coloured water and powder.

Conclusion

On March 14, 2025, the NSE and BSE will be closed in observance of the Holi Festival, halting all trading activities, including in the equity, equity derivatives, SLB, electronic gold receipts, and currency derivatives segments.

 

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 of the Day: BEL Lead Gains, Shriram Finance Slides on March 13, 2025

On March 13, 2025, the Indian benchmark indices ended lower, whereby Nifty 50 fell 0.33% to 22,397.20 while Sensex dropped 0.27% to 73,828.91.

Top Gainers of the Day

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
BEL 283 285.8 279.42 280.1 1.18
SBIN 725.9 731.45 724.5 728 0.68
CIPLA 1,456.40 1,465.70 1,445.65 1,460.05 0.4
ICICIBANK 1,251.05 1,255.60 1,245.30 1,248.65 0.38
POWERGRID 269.8 270.65 265.5 268.05 0.36

BEL 

BEL shares Opened at ₹283, reached a high of ₹285.8, and closed at ₹280.1, with a modest gain of 1.18%. Despite the small gain, the stock shows slight volatility throughout the day.

SBI

SBI shares opened at ₹725.9, touched ₹731.45 at its highest, and closed at ₹728, gaining 0.68%. SBIN showed minor fluctuations, ending slightly higher than its opening.

Cipla

Cipla shares opened at ₹1,456.40, peaked at ₹1,465.70, and ended at ₹1,460.05, with a small gain of 0.4%. The stock remained fairly stable with a slight upside movement.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank shares opened at ₹1,251.05, reached a high of ₹1,255.60, and closed at ₹1,248.65, gaining 0.38%. The stock showed minor fluctuations, with a slight dip towards the close.

Power Grid

Power Grid shares opened at ₹269.8, hit a high of ₹270.65, and closed at ₹268.05, gaining 0.36%. The stock stayed relatively stable with only marginal changes during the trading day.

Top Losers of the Day

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
SHRIRAMFIN 638 644 617.5 620 -2.66
HEROMOTOCO 3,625.00 3,625.55 3,524.35 3,528.65 -2.26
TATAMOTORS 670.65 671.85 649.6 654.7 -2.04
HDFCLIFE 631 632.3 619.45 620.65 -1.8
INDUSINDBK 690 706.9 667.65 672.65 -1.76

Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance shares opened at ₹638, reached a low of ₹617.5, and closed at ₹620. The stock dropped by 2.66%, showing a significant decline during the day.

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp shares opened at ₹3,625, touched a low of ₹3,524.35, and closed at ₹3,528.65. The stock declined by 2.26%, reflecting a decrease from its opening price.

Tata Motors

Tata Motors shares opened at ₹670.65, reached a low of ₹649.6, and closed at ₹654.7. The stock fell by 2.04%, indicating a drop over the course of the day.

HDFC Life

HDFC Life opened at ₹631, dipped to a low of ₹619.45, and closed at ₹620.65. The stock dropped by 1.8%, showing a slight loss by the end of the trading day..

IndusInd Bank

IndusInd Bank shares opened at ₹690, reached a low of ₹667.65, and closed at ₹672.65. The stock fell by 1.76%, reflecting a decrease as the day progressed

 

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.

NFO Alert: Samco MF to Launch Samco Large & Mid Cap Fund

Samco Mutual Fund has recently filed the draft scheme information deed (SID) for floating a new fund offer (NFO) for Samco Large & Mid Cap Fund. An open-ended equity scheme predominantly investing in large-cap and mid-cap stocks.

The Samco Large & Mid Cap Fund offers two plans: the Regular Plan and the Direct Plan.

  • Regular Plan: This plan is intended for investors who wish to make their investments through a distributor.
  • Direct Plan: This plan is exclusively for investors who purchase or subscribe to units directly with the Mutual Fund, without the involvement of any distributor.

Both plans share a common portfolio.

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the Samco Large & Mid Cap Fund is to generate long-term capital appreciation from a diversified portfolio of predominantly Large Cap and Mid-Cap equity and equity-related securities. However, there is no guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme will be achieved.

Investment Strategy

The Samco Large & Mid Cap Fund follows an advanced momentum-based investment strategy designed to leverage market trends and corporate performance indicators. At the heart of this strategy is SAMCO’s proprietary C.A.R.E. system, aimed at delivering superior risk-adjusted returns by systematically identifying and investing in large and mid-cap stocks with strong momentum.

The fund allocates between 35-65% of its assets to the top 100 companies by market capitalization (large-cap stocks), and between 35-65% to companies ranked 101-250 by market capitalization (mid-cap stocks). Additionally, the fund has the flexibility to invest 0-30% of its assets in companies outside the top 250 by market cap or in debt and money market instruments. The fund may also use derivatives for hedging purposes, with up to 80% of net assets allocated to hedging, and up to 50% for non-hedging purposes.

Conclusion

The Samco Large & Mid Cap Fund is strategically designed to capitalize on market momentum and corporate performance, aiming to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns. By focusing on large and mid-cap stocks with strong growth potential, and maintaining flexibility in its investment approach, the fund offers a well-balanced mix of equity exposure and risk management tools.

Ready to watch your savings grow? Try our SIP Calculator today and unlock the potential of disciplined investing. Perfect for planning your financial future. Start now!

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.

Housing Loans Rose 14% in India: Positive Outlook by NHB Report

The National Housing Bank (NHB), a statutory body under the Government of India, has released its comprehensive report titled “Trends and Progress of Housing in India, 2024.”

The report primarily comprises valuable insights into the current housing landscape, including house price trends, flagship government programs, the role of lending institutions, the performance of Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and the outlook for the sector. In this read, we will have a look at the key highlights of the report:

Growth in Individual Housing Loans

As of September 30, 2024, individual housing loans stood at a remarkable ₹33.53 lakh crore, marking a 14% increase over the same period in the previous year. This growth reflects the increasing demand for homeownership and the country’s overall economic growth, with lending institutions playing a critical role in facilitating this demand.

Distribution of Housing Loan Categories

The distribution of individual housing loans shows a balanced spread across different income groups:

  • EWS & LIG (Economically Weaker Section & Lower Income Group): 39% of total housing loans
  • MIG (Middle-Income Group): 44% of total housing loans
  • HIG (Higher Income Group): 17% of total housing loans

This distribution underscores the significant role that affordable housing plays in India’s broader housing market, while also highlighting the growing middle-class demand.

Housing Loan Disbursements

During the first half of 2024 (ending September 30), housing loan disbursements amounted to ₹4.10 lakh crore. In the previous financial year (ending March 31, 2024), the total disbursements reached ₹9.07 lakh crore. These figures reflect strong lending activity, driven by both demand for housing and government initiatives that make home loans more accessible.

Housing Price Index Trends

The Housing Price Index (NHB-RESIDEX), which tracks the price movements of residential properties, showed a year-on-year increase of 6.8% for the quarter ending September 2024, up from 4.9% the previous year. This rise in housing prices is reflective of both increased demand and higher construction costs, which have been impacting the market.

Government Initiatives and Programs

The report delves into the significant government initiatives designed to support housing development in India. Some of the flagship programs include:

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): Targeting rural housing needs
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U): Focusing on urban housing for the underprivileged
  • Impact Assessment of PMAY-U: Evaluation of the impact of this key initiative on the housing sector
  • Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF): Aimed at financing infrastructure projects
  • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) Scheme: Addressing the demand for rental housing

Outlook for the Housing Sector

The future of India’s housing sector looks promising, fueled by several key factors:

  • PMAY 2.0 and Budget Announcements: The government’s continued focus on affordable housing, particularly through PMAY 2.0, will drive demand.
  • Urbanisation and Transit-Oriented Development: As more people move to urban areas, there will be an increasing need for well-planned housing developments close to transit hubs.
  • Digitisation: The growing use of digital platforms in property transactions and land management is expected to further facilitate sector growth.

Conclusion

The housing sector in India is on a steady growth trajectory. With significant government support, the role of financial institutions, and technological advancements, the sector is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for homes across the country.

 

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.

NTPC Green Shares in Focus: Expands with Major Renewable Projects

NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of the state-owned power giant NTPC, announced significant milestones in its renewable energy. On March 12, the company confirmed that its subsidiary, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, has successfully completed the second and final phase of the 105 MW Shajapur Solar Project in Madhya Pradesh. This achievement marks another step forward in India’s renewable energy transition.

Shajapur Solar Project Fully Operational

The 105 MW Shajapur Solar Project is now fully operational, with the final 50 MW capacity commissioned and commercial operations beginning at midnight on March 13, 2025. This follows the successful launch of the first phase of 55 MW on November 29, 2024. With both phases now active, the entire solar park is poised to contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy grid.

Joint Venture with Chhattisgarh Government

In addition to the progress at Shajapur, NTPC Green Energy Ltd. has signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL). This partnership will focus on developing renewable energy projects across Chhattisgarh, including solar, wind, and hybrid projects. The JVA also includes plans to identify potential sites for floating solar projects, aiming for a total renewable energy capacity of up to 2 GW.

Acquisition of Ayana Renewable Power

Another major development came on February 12, 2025, when ONGC NTPC Green Private Limited (ONGPL), a joint venture between ONGC Green Limited (OGL) and NTPC Green Energy Ltd. (NGEL), finalized an agreement to acquire a 100% equity stake in Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited. The acquisition, valued at INR 195 billion (approximately USD 2.3 billion), is a significant step for ONGPL, marking its first strategic acquisition since its establishment in November 2024.

This acquisition accelerates ONGPL’s expansion into the renewable energy sector and reinforces its commitment to sustainability. It also aligns with the broader goals of its parent companies, ONGC and NTPC, to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2038 and 2050, respectively.

Conclusion

NTPC Green Energy’s recent activities highlight its growing influence in India’s renewable energy market. From expanding solar energy projects in Madhya Pradesh to forming strategic partnerships and acquisitions, the company is firmly on track to meet the ambitious renewable energy targets set by both the government and its parent organisations.

 

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.

BEML Share Price in Focus: Signed 2 MoUs in Rail and Dredging Sector

On March 12, 2025, BEML Ltd announced that it has signed 2 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to expand its presence in the rail and dredging sectors.

The company entered into a non-binding MoU with Siemens Limited, India, to jointly explore opportunities in the semi-high-speed and suburban passenger train segments, as well as metro and commuter rail markets.

“BEML Limited and Siemens Limited, India, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore opportunities in the semi-high-speed and suburban passenger train segments, as well as metro and commuter rail markets,” BEML said in a regulatory filing.

Additionally, BEML signed an MoU with Dragflow S.R.L., Italy, to strengthen indigenous dredging solutions.

BEML Q3FY25 Performance

During Q3FY25, BEML reported a 1% increase in its revenue, rising from ₹1.036 crore to ₹1,047 crore. Its year-on-year (YoY) revenue also saw a 1% growth, increasing from ₹2,510 crore to ₹2,541 crore.

Additionally, profit after tax (PAT) for the nine months ending December 2023 grew from ₹0.56 crore to ₹26 crore, with the PAT margin improving from 0.02% to 1.02%. It’s worth noting that the company achieved better gross margins through a reduction in material costs, thanks to cost-effective measures. Furthermore, the reduction in workforce from 5248 employees in December 2022 to 4948 employees a year later contributed to lower manpower costs.

 

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 Inflation Drops to 3.61%: Fueling Hopes for Rate Cut by RBI in April 2025

During Feb 2025, India’s consumer inflation dropped significantly to 3.61%, falling below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% target for the first time in 6 months, sparking expectations of another rate cut as soon as April. This fall in inflation, from January’s 4.26%, was driven by a rare decline in vegetable prices and a slowdown in food inflation. However, persistent price pressures—such as a 30.4% rise in onion prices—kept investors cautious.

Ease in Food Inflation

As per the data released on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, vegetable inflation reversed from 11.4% in January to a 1% decline in February, thanks to an influx of fresh winter produce. Pulses and spices also contributed to easing inflation, bringing some relief to the average Indian thali. Still, not all was well: fruits and oils saw double-digit inflation at 14.8% and 16.3%, respectively, while wheat prices edged up, suggesting potential supply disruptions that could worsen if heatwaves or unseasonal rains occur.

Anticipation for Interest Rate Cut in April 2025

As per various news reports, the conditions are fine for a 0.25% rate cut at the RBI’s April meeting, with the quarterly CPI average likely falling below the bank’s 4.4% forecast. For now, inflation concerns may ease, but with onion prices still high and weather risks on the horizon, the relief could be short-lived.

Also Read: Overall Inflation Eased to 3.61% As Per February 2025 CPI Data

 

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.