US SEC Requests Assistance from Indian Authorities in Adani Bribery Probe

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has requested assistance from Indian authorities in its investigation into Adani Group founder Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, over allegations of securities fraud and a $265 million bribery scheme, according to a court filing made public on Tuesday.

The SEC informed a New York district court that it was working to serve its complaint to Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani and was seeking help from India’s law ministry to carry out this process.

Neither individual is in U.S. custody, and both are currently in India. In its court filing, the SEC mentioned it had sought help “under the Hague Service Convention.”

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he did not discuss the Adani case with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington, calling it a personal matter that was not addressed by the leaders.

In 2024, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn revealed an indictment accusing Gautam Adani of bribing Indian officials to secure the purchase of electricity from Adani Green Energy, a subsidiary of his Adani Group. The indictment further alleges that he misled U.S. investors about the company’s anti-corruption practices.

Adani Group has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and vowed to pursue “all possible legal recourse.” In January, Adani Green announced it had enlisted independent law firms to review the U.S. indictment.

 

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.

JioHotstar: Merging the Best of Hotstar and JioCinema

A day before the highly anticipated launch of JioHotstar—formed from the merger of Hotstar and JioCinema, two of India’s largest content providers—the 36th-floor office of JioStar, a joint venture between Viacom18 and Star India, feels unexpectedly quiet. It seems to be the calm before the storm.

Different Genere Content 

As a combined entity, JioHotstar boasts a library spanning over 100 channels. This gives them the flexibility to cater to various demographics—offering Disney and Nickelodeon content for children, popular shows like Bigg Boss and Koffee with Karan for the youth, and exclusive originals for older viewers.

However, the platform’s key focus is developing longer-form content, consisting of 60-80 episodes—an area where competitors have not yet ventured. While most platforms rely on binge-worthy content, often leaving viewers with nothing new to watch, JioHotstar aims to close this gap by offering daily content updates and encouraging users to return to the platform regularly. CEO of Entertainment, Vaz, states that this is the strategy they plan to use to maintain constant engagement.

There’s also a strategic shift regarding original content, where JioHotstar plans to create family-friendly shows that foster binge-watching experiences, such as Criminal Justice and Murder in Mahim. The platform is aiming to release 2-3 original shows each month, along with 40-50 titles in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and other regional languages. Currently, the platform produces 400-500 hours of regional content, including movies, series, and reality shows, with plans to increase this to over 1,000 hours. Vaz also highlights the global appeal of Southern content, which the platform aims to capitalize on while utilising AI to personalize recommendations across 19 languages.

Additionally, JioHotstar has introduced “Sparks,” a flagship initiative that highlights India’s top digital creators through engaging formats. Around 25-30 creators, including Orry and Bhuvan Bam, are producing their own shows for the platform. “Sparks” will feature a distinctive content format within the JioHotstar app.

Ad-Subscription Driven Streaming

While JioCinema was initially seen as an Advertising Video On Demand (AVOD) platform and Hotstar as a Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) platform, Mani clarifies that the new platform blends both models. JioHotstar will provide a combination of AVOD and SVOD, offering open access to content for everyone. The platform will offer a sampling window of a couple of hours each month, giving users a chance to explore the content. Subscription pricing remains similar to Hotstar’s, starting at Rs 499 annually.

For advertisers, entry packages for small and medium businesses are priced at Rs 20,000, making advertising more accessible. Previously, ads were placed randomly during films or TV shows, disrupting the viewing experience.

 

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.

From Jewellery to ETFs: The Changing Face of Gold Investment in India

Gold has served as a symbol of security and prosperity in Indian households for centuries, far beyond just being an ornament. However, mean and use of gold have transformed over the years for Indians. Investing in gold by Indians is evolving. While overall gold investments are on the rise, the appeal of traditional physical gold, especially jewellery, is diminishing.

Instead, financial gold—like gold ETFs—is gaining momentum.

Falling Jewellery Demand

As per the data from the World Gold Council, India’s demand for gold jewellery has dropped for 3 consecutive years. From 610 tonnes in 2021, it decreased to 600 tonnes in 2022, further declined to 575 tonnes in 2023, and is projected to fall to 563 tonnes in 2024, reflecting a 7% drop compared to 2022. The primary cause of this trend is the sharp rise in gold prices.

In 2024, gold prices in India surged by over 15%, making jewellery purchases more expensive. Furthermore, making charges, which add an additional 10-25% to the cost, are discouraging potential buyers.

Gold Bars and Coins Maintain Momentum

Demand for gold bars and coins has remained relatively stable, though it has not kept pace with the growth of financial gold products. The demand dropped from 186 tonnes in 2021 to 173 tonnes in 2022 but rebounded to 185 tonnes in 2023 and surged to 239 tonnes in 2024, a 29% increase.

Experts suggest that this surge is a short-term reaction to geopolitical tensions and rising gold prices. In the long term, however, bars and coins are losing favour to financial gold, which offers greater convenience.

Gold ETFs

The most notable shift is towards paper gold. Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), which track the price of gold without requiring physical ownership, have gained significant popularity.

According to AMFI data, net inflows into gold ETFs rose from ₹460 crore in 2022 to ₹2,919 crore in 2023 and then skyrocketed by 216% to ₹9,225 crore in 2024.

Several factors contribute to this surge. Gold ETFs are easier to buy and sell compared to physical gold, with no making charges or storage concerns. They also offer high liquidity, allowing investors to trade on stock exchanges at any time. This convenience is particularly attractive to urban and younger investors.

Change in Tax for Financial Gold

The 2024 Union Budget has further accelerated the shift toward financial gold. Previously, long-term capital gains (LTCG) on gold ETFs were taxed at 20% with indexation if held for over three years. Now, gold ETFs qualify as long-term assets if held for just 12 months and are taxed at a flat 12.5%, without indexation.

In comparison, physical gold, including jewellery, bars, and coins, still requires a 24-month holding period to qualify for LTCG benefits, making financial gold a more tax-efficient option.

Reason for Growth in Financial Gold Investment

Several factors are pushing Indians towards financial gold:

  • Rising Prices: Increasing gold prices and making charges (10-25%) make jewellery more expensive.
  • Convenience: Gold ETFs require no storage, security, or insurance, unlike physical gold.
  • Liquidity: ETFs can be bought and sold easily on stock exchanges while selling jewellery or bars often involves delays or losses.
  • Tax Benefits: The 2024 Budget lowered the LTCG tax on gold ETFs to 12.5% after just 12 months, while physical gold requires a 24-month holding period to receive similar tax benefits.
  • Changing Investor Preferences: Younger investors are viewing gold as a financial asset rather than a family heirloom, preferring “paper gold” over “locker gold.”

Looking Ahead

Although physical gold remains culturally significant, particularly for weddings and festivals, India’s gold market is gradually shifting toward financialisation. Experts believe that while jewellery will always hold cultural importance, the future of gold investment in India is increasingly centred around paper gold.

 

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.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Game Changer for India’s Housing Sector

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has been a game-changer in India’s housing sector, offering a bold and much-needed solution to the country’s rising housing demands, particularly for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and low-income groups. Launched in 2015 by the Government of India, this visionary initiative has reshaped both urban and rural housing landscapes across the country, aligning with the goal of ‘Housing for All.’

Right from the start, PMAY has focused on one of India’s most pressing challenges: ensuring that every family, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to decent and affordable housing. The PMAY–Urban (PMAY-U) scheme specifically targets urban populations, supporting them in building or improving their homes.

PMAY-U is driven by four key pillars that have been instrumental in transforming urban housing:

  1. In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR): This initiative revitalises slum areas by redeveloping existing land. Slum dwellers are provided with new, proper housing, with private companies playing a role in the construction process. The aim is to convert slums into thriving urban neighbourhoods with government backing.
  2. Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS): By offering low-interest home loans, CLSS empowers economically weaker and low-to-middle-income groups to fulfil their dream of homeownership. It has opened doors for many who once thought owning a home was out of reach.
  3. Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): This component enables the creation of affordable housing through collaborations with private developers, who receive government subsidies to keep the cost of housing within reach for target groups.
  4. Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC): Under BLC, the government provides financial support directly to eligible individuals in the EWS and LIG categories, helping them build new homes or upgrade existing ones.

With its adaptable structure, PMAY-U caters to a wide range of housing needs across the country. By integrating the efforts of private developers, financial institutions, and the beneficiaries themselves, it has created a thriving ecosystem that makes affordable housing a reality for those who were once excluded from the formal housing market.

Impact of PMAY-Urban

The effects of PMAY-U are most visible in cities with large slum populations like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Through this impactful scheme, millions of families have transitioned from unsafe, hazardous living conditions into well-constructed homes with essential amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. The scale and success of this initiative position PMAY-U as one of the world’s largest housing programs.

As of 2023, here are the key achievements:

  • Houses Sanctioned: 1.22 crore since 2015
  • Houses Completed: Over 72 lakh
  • Houses Under Construction: Around 50 lakh

PMAY-U 2.0

In August 2024, the government launched PMAY-U 2.0, a revamped version of the scheme with an ambitious target of constructing one crore houses for urban poor and middle-class families over the next five years. With an investment of US$ 120 billion (Rs. 10 lakh crore), including US$ 27.6 billion (Rs. 2.30 lakh crore) in government subsidies, the scheme continues to expand to include beneficiary-led construction, public-private affordable housing, rental housing, and an interest subsidy scheme. The expansion of PMAY reflects the government’s increasing focus on inclusive development and social welfare, ensuring adequate housing for all sections of society.

The Way Forward

PMAY has revolutionised housing policies in India, but challenges remain. In urban areas, progress has been slow on slum clearance and redevelopment projects, with issues like land acquisition and waning interest from private developers. Additionally, the quality of construction and delays in delivering homes have posed concerns.

It’s crucial to understand that addressing housing alone will not solve the underlying issues of the urban and rural poor. Supporting sectors such as healthcare, education, and employment must go hand-in-hand with housing projects to ensure sustainable development for all.

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.

BSNL Announced Q3FY25 Results: Revenue and EBITDA Rose

The state-owned telecom services provider BSNL has recently released its results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024. BSNl posted an improvement in financial performance on the back of ongoing efforts by both the management and the Government. These efforts have focused on enhancing the company’s top-line growth through expanding business operations across its verticals, while also managing its bottom-line costs effectively, in alignment with accounting standards.

This consistent trend has been observed over the past few quarters and should be interpreted through a business growth perspective rather than an accounting one. The data provided below outlines BSNL’s growth trajectory over the last three quarters from a business standpoint.

Revenue from Operations

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, BSNL’s revenue stood at ₹4,969 crore, marking a significant increase from ₹4,546 crore in the same quarter of the previous year (December 31, 2023). The growth across new areas of operation—such as Mobility, FTTH (Fiber to the Home), and Leased Lines—has been notable, with increases of 15%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, over the third quarter of the previous year. This reflects genuine business growth. For the nine months ending December 31, 2024, revenue reached ₹14,197 crore, up from ₹12,905 crore during the corresponding period in the previous year. The same growth trend is expected to continue in the last quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25.

BSNL’s other income for the nine months ending December 31, 2024, was ₹1,406 crore, slightly lower than ₹1,528 crore recorded in the same period of the previous year. However, for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, other income rose to ₹706 crore, up from ₹511 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

EBITDA

BSNL’s EBITDA for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, surged to ₹1,466 crore, up from ₹316 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. For the nine months ending December 31, 2024, EBITDA totalled ₹2,369 crore, a substantial increase from ₹893 crore in the same period of the previous year. This growth in EBITDA reflects both the top-line increase and cost reduction, indicating improved operational efficiency.

Profit/(Loss)

BSNL reported a profit before tax of ₹262 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, a significant turnaround from a loss of ₹1,569 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. For the nine months ending December 31, 2024, the company’s loss before tax was ₹2,527 crore, compared to ₹4,522 crore in the previous year. Notably, 20 circles became EBITDA-positive during Q3 2024, compared to 12 circles in the December quarter of the previous year.

BSNL Outlook

Looking ahead to the next quarter, BSNL’s priorities remain focused on accelerating the rollout of 4G/5G networks to enhance service quality and network reach, expanding enterprise solutions to unlock new revenue streams, monetizing digital assets to derive value from BSNL’s infrastructure, and optimizing operational expenditures through strategic cost-saving initiatives. With these efforts and ongoing financial discipline, BSNL is confident in its path toward profitability in the coming years, further cementing its position as a competitive and resilient telecom provider that is driving India’s digital transformation.

Conclusion

BSNL has shown remarkable resilience, with increased revenue and improved EBITDA margins. Strategic cost management and operational efficiencies have led to significant improvements in the bottom line. The company’s efforts to optimise operational costs, reduce finance expenses, and lower overall expenditure have paid off. BSNL’s accounting policies remain in line with CPSE standards, and the company has successfully reversed the trend of financial deterioration, with the past three quarters showing consistent improvements. As a result, the net loss has sharply reduced.

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.

India-UAE Trade Reached USD 83.7 billion in FY24 After Signing of CEPA

February 18, 2025, saw the 3rd anniversary of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Signed on February 18, 2022, during a virtual summit between India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the agreement came into force on 1st May 2022.

The bilateral merchandise trade has experienced remarkable growth since the signing of the CEPA. The trade went double from USD 43.3 billion in FY 2020-21 to USD 83.7 billion in FY 2023-24. In the current fiscal year (April-December 2024), trade amounted to USD 71.8 billion.

CEPA has effectively diversified trade, with non-oil trade reaching USD 57.8 billion in FY 2023-24, accounting for more than half of the total bilateral trade. This success marks the target of achieving USD 100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030.

India’s Export Performance

India’s non-oil exports to the UAE reached USD 27.4 billion in FY 2023-24, reflecting an average growth rate of 25.6% since the agreement came into effect. Key sectors include refined crude oil products, gems & jewellery, electrical machinery, high-tech goods like boilers, and chemicals. Smartphones have also emerged as a major export, with shipments valued at USD 2.57 billion during FY 2023-24.

Collaborative Efforts to Address Export Challenges

Both governments have worked diligently to resolve challenges faced by exporters through regular high-level meetings and technical discussions. The Joint Committee, established to monitor the implementation of CEPA, has met twice, with the most recent meeting held in October 2024. The Trade in Goods Committee has also convened multiple times to tackle bilateral trade issues.

Establishment of Additional Sub-Committees

In a spirit of cooperation, both sides have operationalized several Sub-Committees to address matters related to trade in services, rules of origin, customs procedures, and trade facilitation.

The inauguration of Bharat Mart by India’s Prime Minister in Dubai serves as a One Stop Shop for Indian manufacturers to present their products to global markets, boosting India’s exports and strengthening bilateral trade.

Conclusion

The India-UAE CEPA has ushered in a new era of economic cooperation and diplomacy, empowering MSMEs, creating job opportunities, and opening up new business prospects. Both nations are committed to enhancing their economic partnership and leveraging CEPA to further expand trade and opportunities, reaching new heights.

 

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.

P&G Hygiene and Health Care Interim Dividend: Set Feb 20 As Record Date

India’s leading FMCG company, P&G Hygiene and Health Care has set Feb 20, 2025, as the record date for its interim dividend for FY25. On February 11, 2025, P&G Hygiene and Health Care declared an interim dividend of ₹110. The company further stated that the interim dividend be paid on March 07, 2025.

P&G Hygiene and Health Care Record Date: What This Mean For Shareholders?

As P&G Hygiene and Health Care has set Feb 20 as the record date for its interim dividend, meaning that Feb 19, marks the last to buy P&G Hygiene and Health Care shares to become eligible for the interim dividend. Further, any shares bought on or after Feb 20 (record date), won’t be eligible for the interim dividend.

P&G Hygiene and Health Care Management Take on Q3FY25 Earnings

Kumar Venkatasubramanian, Managing Director, Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Ltd. shared, “The Company has delivered strong double-digit growth across both top line and bottom line in the quarter. This has been led by our continued focus on delighting all consumers with superior propositions and executing the integrated growth strategy– a focused product portfolio of daily use categories where performance drives brand choice, superiority (of product performance, packaging, brand communication, retail execution and consumer and customer value), productivity, constructive disruption, and an agile and accountable organisation. Our strategy has enabled these solid results and is a foundation for balanced growth and value creation.”

 

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.

Stocks To Watch Today on February 19, 2025: Tata Steel, IOB, and More in Focus

Indian markets are expected to be impacted due to global market movement, and trading activities of foreign and domestic institutional investors (FIIs & DIIs), along with US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Tuesday to impose fresh tariffs on auto, pharma, and chip imports to the US. As of 08:21 AM, GIFT Nifty futures were down by 0.04% at 22,962.50.

Tata Steel

Tata Steel UK, an offshore arm of Tata Steel has received approval from Neath Port Talbot Council’s Planning Committee to proceed with a 1.25 billion-pound investment in electric arc furnace steelmaking at Port Talbot, with 500 million pounds in UK Government funding. This will help preserve 5,000 jobs and cut CO2 emissions by 90%.

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)

Madhaw Chandra Jha has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of Indian Overseas Bank, effective March 1, 2025, following the retirement of S P Mahesh Kumar. Jha is currently serving as the bank’s Deputy General Manager.

Aurobindo Pharma

The US FDA recently conducted a pre-approval inspection at Eugia Steriles, a subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma, from February 10–18, 2025. The inspection concluded with five procedural observations.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers

The real estate company Mahindra Lifespace Developers has partnered with Livingstone Infra for a cluster redevelopment project in Mahalaxmi, with a gross development value of Rs 1,650 crore

Rail Vikas Nigam

Rail Vikas Nigam has secured a ₹554.5 crore project from Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) for constructing 9 stations as part of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project.

Piramal Pharma

Piramal Pharma’s Turbhe facility underwent a general GMP inspection by the US FDA from February 11–17, 2025. The inspection resulted in a Form 483 with six observations, all related to procedural improvements.

Transformers & Rectifiers India

Transformers & Rectifiers India has received orders worth ₹166.45 crore from Hyosung T&D India to supply single-phase coupling transformers and transformers for TBCB projects.

Larsen & Toubro

Larsen & Toubro has acquired the remaining 26% stake in L&T Special Steels and Heavy Forgings from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), making it a wholly owned subsidiary.

Container Corporation of India

Container Corporation has secured an order from Braithwaite & Co. for the manufacture and supply of 30 BLSS (spine car) rakes for the Ministry of Railways. The order is valued at ₹689.76 crore and is expected to be completed by August 11, 2026.

These developments could impact market sentiment and stock movements today.

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.

Hurry: February 15 is the Last Day to Activate UAN

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the deadline for Universal Account Number (UAN) activation and linking bank accounts with Aadhaar to February 15. This step is crucial for employees to avail of benefits under the EPFO’s Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.

What is the ELI Scheme?

Introduced in the Union Budget for 2023-24, the ELI scheme aims to generate over 20 million jobs within two years by promoting formal-sector employment.

The scheme consists of 3 components:

  • Scheme A: This provides a one-month wage as a direct benefit transfer to individuals joining the formal workforce for the first time. The benefit, given in three instalments, applies to first-time EPFO members, with a maximum limit of ₹15,000. The employee’s monthly salary must not exceed ₹1 lakh to be eligible.
  • Scheme B: Aimed at manufacturing employers with a history of three years of EPFO contributions. Employers must hire at least 50 new employees or 25% of their workforce. The incentives are disbursed over four years: 24% of wages for the first two years, 16% in the third year, and 8% in the fourth year. Employees must earn up to ₹1 lakh per month.
  • Scheme C: This program supports employers in all sectors to create new employment opportunities. It covers new hires with a monthly salary up to ₹1 lakh. Employers can receive up to ₹3,000 per month for each additional employee for 2 years, to help with their EPFO contributions.

How to Activate UAN Online?

Follow these steps to activate your UAN through the EPFO portal:

  1. Visit the EPFO Portal: Go to the official EPFO/UAN Member Portal.
  2. Click ‘Activate UAN’: Find this option in the ‘Important Links’ section.
  3. Provide Details: Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, mobile number, and captcha code.
  4. Authorisation PIN: Tick the consent box and click ‘Get Authorisation PIN’.
  5. Verify Details: Review the displayed information to ensure accuracy.
  6. OTP Verification: Tick the ‘I Agree’ checkbox and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
  7. Activation Confirmation: After OTP validation, your UAN will be activated, and a password will be sent to your registered mobile number for future logins.

Conclusion

The extension of the UAN activation and Aadhaar linking deadline to February 15 highlights the importance of these steps in accessing the EPFO’s online services and benefiting from the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme. By activating UAN and linking it with Aadhaar, employees can ensure seamless management of their Provident Fund accounts and avail themselves of various benefits, including direct benefit transfers.

 

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.

Weekly Market Recap: Bears Took Lead Nifty and Sensex Closed in Red

The week ended Feb 14, 2025, saw the Indian stock market in negative territory, where Nifty 50 closed all 5 sessions in red. During the week, BSE Sensex and Nifty both dropped ~3%, with the highest drop of 1.32% at the closing on February 11, 2025. At the end of the week, i.e., Feb 14, Nifty 50 settled at 22,929.25, down 0.44%, while Sensex dropped 0.26% to 75,939.21.

Roundup of Major News This Week

  • The outcome of PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump’s bilateral meeting includes the supply of F-35 Stealth Fighters, Tariffs discussion, immigration and other matters.
  • FM Nirmala Sitharaman presented the New Income Tax Bill, 2025, which aims to replace the old Income Tax Act in 2026.

Major Q3FY25 Earnings This Week

  • During Q3FY25, Ashok Leyland posted a net profit of ₹762 crore, reflecting a 31% year-on-year (YoY) increase. EBITDA for the quarter stood at ₹1,211 crore.
  • For Q3 FY25, Lupin’s gross profit stood at ₹38,970 million, reflecting an increase from ₹33,538 million in Q3 FY24.
  • NBCC, a Navratna PSU, reported a 25% YoY increase in its consolidated net profit for the December 2024 quarter (Q3FY25).