8th Pay Commission: Proposal to Merge Pay Scales for Central Employees in Levels 1-6

On January 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the creation of the 8th Pay Commission to review the salaries of nearly 50 lakh central government employees and allowances for 65 lakh pensioners.

Recommendation by National Council

The National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Staff Side has submitted its recommendations for the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), advocating significant changes in pay structures, allowances, and benefits for government employees and pensioners.

One of the key proposals in the ToR is the merging of certain pay scales to simplify the salary structure and address issues in career progression.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) recently requested input from the JCM Staff Side to finalize the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th CPC, following government approval for its establishment last month.

Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary of the NC-JCM Staff Side, has submitted a detailed proposal, emphasizing key areas that require attention. One of the major recommendations is the consolidation of pay scales for government employees in levels 1-6.

The current pay scale structure consists of 18 levels, from level 1 to level 18. Under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum monthly pay at level 1 is ₹18,000, while the maximum pay at level 18 is ₹2,50,000 per month.

Proposals by Staff Side

  1. The Staff Side recommends consolidating lower pay scales to ensure fair remuneration and improved career progression. The suggestion is to merge the following levels: Level 1 with Level 2, Level 3 with Level 4, and Level 5 with Level 6.
  2. This merger aims to address pay progression discrepancies and establish a clearer salary structure. It is expected that this consolidation will enhance employee growth by reducing stagnation and promoting better long-term financial development.
  3. Currently, Level 1 employees earn ₹18,000 per month, while Level 2 employees receive ₹19,900. Merging these levels would result in a more favorable pay structure for Level 1 employees. With a proposed fitment factor of up to 2.86, the revised basic pay could increase to ₹51,480. Similarly, merging Level 3 and Level 4 would result in a revised salary of ₹72,930, and for Level 5 and Level 6 employees, the salary could reach ₹1,01,244 based on the same fitment factor.
  4. In addition to the pay scale merger, the Staff Side strongly advocates for the immediate integration of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) into both basic pay and pensions.
  5. The proposal suggests including a specific percentage of DA/DR in the pay structure, which would increase take-home salaries and pensions while also alleviating the impact of inflation on government employees and pensioners.

What Ways Ahead?

The Staff Side has requested the government to convene a Standing Committee Meeting to review the recommendations before finalizing the Terms of Reference for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). If approved, these proposed changes could offer significant financial relief and introduce structural reforms for government employees and pensioners in various sectors.

It is expected that the government will form an 8th pay panel, consisting of three members with a chairman, later this month. The commission is expected to deliver its findings to the government within about 12 months. Following that, the government will decide on the revision of pensions and salaries for more than 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners, based on the recommendations of the commission.

 

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.

SEBI Action on Finfluencer: Barred Asmita Patel and 5 Others from Stock Market

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market regulator, has barred finfluencer Asmita Patel, also known as “She Wolf“ and 5 others from participating in the market, while also confiscating illegal gains exceeding ₹53 crore.

SEBI Barred She Wolf Asmita Patel From Stock Market

On Thursday, February 6, SEBI issued an interim order and a show-cause notice, preventing 6 entities—including Asmita Patel Global School of Trading Pvt Ltd (APGSOT), Asmita Jitesh Patel, Jitesh Jethalal Patel, King Traders, Gemini Enterprise, and United Enterprises—from engaging in capital market activities.

The market regulator has requested an explanation from the accused parties regarding why an additional ₹104.63 crore, derived from fees for various programs, should not be seized.

The order, issued by SEBI’s full-time member Kamlesh Varshney, followed complaints from 42 clients of Asmita Patel.

What Did SEBI’s Order State?

The order noted that Patel provided stock recommendations to investors through private Telegram channels, Zoom meetings, and educational courses. According to SEBI, Patel offered these services without the mandatory SEBI registration, thereby violating regulations. The order also highlighted that “students/investors/participants were encouraged to leave their jobs and join MPAT (a course run by her institute) to achieve significant success.”

The market regulator found that the accused had violated RIA/RA rules by making false claims about returns and misleading customer testimonials.

The order provided an example of a former vice president of a major company who quit their job to become a full-time trader. This individual claimed to have grown their trading capital from ₹30 lakh to ₹3 crore and affirmed that without actively monitoring the market, they continued to profit through the systems and setup provided by Patel.

Patel, however, claimed to have received the “Times Leading Icon 2021” award for “Excellence in Financial Education” and was recognized in the “Niveshak Naari” (2024) category as an influential female trader and educator.

SEBI’s investigation revealed that Patel and her firm made inflated claims about their trading turnover and profits.

“According to replies from stockbrokers, the accused entities earned a net profit of ₹12,28,365 between 2019-20 and January 30, 2024. Based on these findings, it appears the profit made by the accused is inconsistent with the claims presented in the courses offered by Patel,” SEBI stated.

 

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.

India Reported 284 Crore Aadhaar Authentication Transactions in January 2025

In January 2025, Aadhaar holders conducted over 284 crore authentication transactions, underscoring the ongoing growth of India’s digital economy. This reflects the increasing importance of digital systems in the country.

Growing Aadhar Authentication Transactions

The number of authentication transactions in January 2025 saw a significant growth of more than 32% compared to January 2024, where 214.8 crore transactions were recorded.

On average, over nine crore Aadhaar authentications are happening daily, showcasing the growing adoption and utility of Aadhaar in the everyday lives of people. Nearly 550 entities are utilizing the Aadhaar authentication service.

Aadhaar face authentication transactions have gained strong traction. In January 2025 alone, nearly 12 crore face authentication transactions were recorded. Since its introduction in October 2021, total face authentication transactions have surpassed 102 crore. Of these, almost 78 crore were recorded in the last 12 months.

Role of AI/ML-Based Face Authentication Solution

The AI/ML-based face authentication solution, developed in-house by UIDAI, is being used across various sectors such as finance, insurance, fintech, health, and telecommunications. Multiple government departments, both at the center and state levels, are also leveraging this technology for the efficient delivery of benefits to targeted beneficiaries.

Aadhaar e-KYC service continues to play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and improving customer experiences within the banking and non-banking financial sectors. This service significantly contributes to the ease of doing business.

In January 2025, more than 43 crore e-KYC transactions were conducted. By the end of the month, the cumulative number of Aadhaar e-KYC transactions crossed 2268 crore.

 

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 Health to Consider Another Dividend: Set Feb 21 As Record Date

The pharmaceuticals and chemicals company Procter & Gamble Health Ltd (formerly Procter & Gamble Ltd) has scheduled its Board Meeting on February 12, 2025, to consider the declaration of interim dividend for the Financial Year 2024-25. The likely dividend follows the previous dividend payment of ₹260, which comprises final, interim and special dividends of ₹60, ₹50 and ₹150, respectively.

The company further informed in the exchange filing that it has set February 21, 2025, as the record date for the dividend, if declared and approved by the Board.

P&G Health Dividend History

Ex-Date Dividend Type Dividend Amount (₹)
Nov 28, 2024 Final 60.00
Feb 14, 2024 Interim 50.00
Feb 14, 2024 Special 150.00
Nov 23, 2023 Final 50.00

P&G Health Management Take on Q3FY25 Performance

Mr Milind Thatte, Managing Director, P&G Health India, commented on the performance, stating, “Our results this quarter reflect the typical seasonality of shipments during this period. In addition, we’ve made choices to strengthen the execution of our integrated strategy with the deployment of a transformed go-to-market model. We’re confident these changes will deliver superior reach, distribution, and retail execution and improve our long-term competitiveness. Our strategy remains anchored on a focused product portfolio where performance is a key driver of brand preference, superiority (across product performance, packaging, brand communication, retail execution and value), constructive disruption and an agile, accountable organization. This integrated strategy continues to guide our efforts to generate sustainable, balanced top-and bottom-line growth and value creation.”

He further added, “We continue to navigate the evolving market dynamics with resilience and explore innovative solutions to ensure our trusted, quality brands remain the preferred choice for healthcare professionals and consumers alike”.

 

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.

Symphony Set Feb 11 As Record Date For Interim Dividend

The air cooling products manufacturer company Symphony Limited has set Feb 11, 2025, as the record date for its 3rd interim dividend for FY25. On February 05, 2025, Symphony declared an interim dividend of ₹2. The company further stated that the interim dividend be paid on February 28, 2025.

Symphony Record Date: What This Means For Shareholders?

As Symphony has set Feb 11 as the record date for its interim dividend, meaning that Feb 10, marks the last to buy Symphony shares to become eligible for the interim dividend. Further, any shares bought on or after Feb 11 (record date), won’t be eligible for the interim dividend.

Symphony Operational Performance

In Q3FY25, Symphony recorded a 32% increase in revenue for the 9-month period, reflecting solid growth. However, there was a slight dip of 2% in revenue for the quarter, indicating a temporary moderation. This was mainly attributed to a foreign exchange loss of ₹9.4 crore, which represented 3.9% of the revenue. Additionally, the EBITDA and PAT for the quarter saw a temporary calibration, which impacted overall profitability. Despite these challenges, the company remains confident in its recovery and continued performance over the coming periods.

Symphony’s new line of Storage Water Heaters in India has made a promising start in the market. The unique selling points (USPs) and product features have been widely praised, positioning the product as a strong competitor in the sector. The company is focused on expanding its market reach, with sales already taking place through modern retail stores in select states. Additionally, Symphony launched an e-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) platform nationwide in January 2025, further enhancing accessibility and customer engagement.

In the December 2024 quarter, Symphony made a provision of ₹46 crore for doubtful debt from M/s Pathways Retail Private Limited. This provision was made in compliance with Ind-AS guidelines and reflects a prudent approach to managing outstanding receivables. The company reassures that this provision will not compromise the recovery efforts, and legal proceedings will continue to be pursued aggressively, as demonstrated by ongoing actions in this regard.

 

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.

Aster DM Healthcare Shares to Trade Ex-Date on February 10: Interim Dividend of ₹4

On February 10, 2025, Aster DM shares to trade ex-date, meaning that the shareholders registered in the company’s books will be eligible for the ₹4 interim dividend.

Aster DM Dividend History

Ex-Date Dividend Type Dividend Amount (₹)
Aug 22, 2024 Final 2.00
Apr 23, 2024 Special 118.00

Management Take on Q3FY25 Earnings 

Commenting on the performance for 9M FY25, Dr Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said: “We are pleased with the momentum built in the third quarter of FY25, which reflects our unwavering focus on operational excellence and capacity enhancement. For 9M FY25, our India business achieved 15% YoY growth, reaching INR 3,138 crores, driven by increased patient volumes and growth in ARPOB. The Operating EBITDA grew by 35% YoY to ₹613 crores and adjusted net profits (post NCI and excluding merger transaction cost) grew by 65% YoY to ₹251 crores for 9M FY25. A consistent growth across our core businesses, combined with strategic cost optimisation, has significantly strengthened our margins with 9MFY25 Operating EBITDA margins standing at 19.5%.”

Dr Moopen further added, “As we expand, with plans to surpass ~6,800 beds by FY27, Aster DM Healthcare is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for advanced healthcare in India. I am happy to announce that Aster DM Healthcare was recently honoured at the ASSOCHAM Healthcare Awards 2024, winning the title of “Best Multispecialty Hospital- Group” while Aster DM Foundation secured a 1st runner-up for “Best CSR Excellence in Healthcare”.

 

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.

ITC to Expand Presence in Frozen Foods Market with 100% Acquisition of Prasuma

On February 6, 2025, ITC Ltd announced the acquisition of Prasuma, a leading player in the frozen, chilled and ready to cook foods space in India. For this, the company has signed definitive agreements. ITC further stated that this acquisition will further fortify its presence in these future-facing categories, with current annual market size of over ₹10,000 crore and poised for rapid growth in the years ahead.

Prasuma, a specialist in oriental cuisine (viz. momos, baos, Korean fried chicken), high quality delicatessens and raw meats, etc., sells a wide assortment of 170+ products, backed by unparalleled innovation expertise in developing ‘Good-for-You’ products.

Acquisition Structure

ITC will acquire a 100% stake in Prasuma over a 3-year period. The initial acquisition will involve purchasing a 43.8% stake upfront, with the remaining stake to be acquired in subsequent tranches by June 2028. The acquisitions will be based on pre-defined valuation criteria and subject to the terms outlined in the definitive agreements.

  • The initial 43.8% equity stake will be acquired through a combination of primary subscription and secondary purchases for an investment of approximately Rs. 131 crore. This is expected to close by March 2025, pending the fulfillment of closing conditions.
  • ITC’s equity stake will increase to 62.5% by April 2027, with secondary purchases worth Rs. 56 crore, based on a pre-agreed pre-money valuation.
  • The remaining 37.5% stake will be acquired within 3 years, in line with the pre-agreed valuation criteria.

Objective Behind the Acquisition

  • Expand presence in the General Trade and Food Service channels
  • Enhance manufacturing and logistics efficiencies
  • Leverage consumer insights for new product development and culinary expertise
  • Achieve cost efficiencies in areas such as agricultural inputs, packaging, and media.

Commenting on this acquisition, Mr. Hemant Malik, Wholetime Director, ITC Limited stated, “We are delighted to back Prasuma and look forward to jointly building an unparalleled, full stack frozen, chilled and ready to cook foods portfolio. With Good-for-You, first-to-market products, across cuisines, we believe that the combined portfolio will delight our discerning consumers. This investment reaffirms our commitment to building future facing, best in class, innovative portfolios.”

Commenting on this transaction, Ms. Lisa Suwal, CEO and Mr. Siddhant Wangdi, COO of Prasuma, said, “We are extremely proud of what we have built and excited to join hands with ITC to drive the next phase of growth. The overwhelming support and love for our products from consumers have always inspired us. ITC shares our commitment to quality and innovation, making them the perfect partner. Frozen food is a category of the future. With Prasuma’s strength in manufacturing and innovation, combined with ITC’s expertise in distribution and building new-age brands, we are excited about the significant value that this collaboration will create for consumers in India and globally.”

 

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.

Samvardhana Motherson Shares in Focus After Partnering with Sanko Japan

On February 7, 2025, Samvardhana Motherson shares were in focus, reaching a day high of ₹139.25. The gain in Samvardhana Motherson shares came after the company announced a strategic partnership with Sanko Japan, a leader in material handling solutions such as sustainable packaging solutions. This partnership marks the company’s another step to become a globally preferred sustainable solutions provider.

Joint Venture for Greater Efficiencies

The joint venture between Samvardhana Motherson and Sanko aims to improve material handling efficiencies while reducing overall logistics costs. By combining Sanko’s engineering expertise and innovation with Motherson’s extensive presence across India and Europe, the partnership seeks to offer innovative and sustainable solutions for both automotive and non-automotive industries.

Management Take on Business Development

Commenting on this development, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman Motherson, said, “We are excited to announce that this partnership with Sanko is a strategic, synergistic diversification for our Group. We believe that reimagining packaging as an engineered solution versus a simple commodity can bring immense logistics, cost, and value efficiencies to supply chains. More importantly, we see this collaboration as another way to support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.”

Commenting on this development, Mr. Toshihiko Goto, President Sanko, said, “We are delighted to create a strategic partnership with Motherson, which can contribute to our expanding business globally. We believe we can contribute more to Motherson’s and our valuable customers by combining Motherson’s strong global presence and our long experience and rich expertise in the sustainable packaging solution business.”

About Sanko Japan

Founded in 1951, Sanko is Japan’s No.1 manufacturer of plastic material handling products. It is also a prominent player in the sustainable packaging solutions business, serving a wide range of industries. Sanko is renowned for its strong engineering capabilities and in-house technical center dedicated to designing products that are durable, reusable, and fully recyclable.

About Samvardhana Motherson International Limited 

Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (SAMIL) is one of the world’s leading specialised automotive component manufacturing companies for OEMs. The company is focused, dynamic, and progressive, providing customers with innovative and value-added products, services, and solutions. With a diverse global customer base of nearly all leading automobile manufacturers globally, the company supports its customers from more than 400 facilities across 44 countries in five continents.

 

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.

Mid-Day Top Gainers and Losers on February 07, 2025: Bharti Airtel and Tata Steel Led Gainers

On February 07, 2025, as of 12:10 PM, the BSE Sensex was down 0.04% at 78,026.45, while the Nifty 50 was up 0.07% at 23,619.10. The mid-day top gainers and losers for the day are:

Mid-Day Top Gainers 

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
BHARTIARTL 1,635.05 1,707.55 1,635.00 1,699.95 4.95
TATASTEEL 133.3 137.49 132.56 137.26 3.56
JSWSTEEL 950.95 975.95 947.8 975.15 2.82
TRENT 5,321.40 5,487.70 5,255.00 5,424.20 2.79
ITCHOTELS 172.88 176.3 170.12 176.25 2.41

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel shares opened at ₹₹1,635.05, and hit a high of ₹₹1,707.55, indicating a day change of 4.95% gain, reflecting strong bullish movement on the day..

Tata Steel

Tata Steel shares started at ₹133.3, peaked at ₹137.49, and now at ₹137.26 (+3.56%). Positive growth, with steady momentum, signaling a healthy recovery in steel sector stocks.

JSW Steel

JSW Steel shares opened at ₹950.95, reached a high of ₹975.95, and is at ₹975.15 (+2.82%).

Trent 

Trent shares began at ₹5,321.40, climbed to ₹5,487.70, and stood at ₹5,424.20 (+2.79%).

ITC Hotels

ITC Hotels shares opened at ₹172.88, peaked at ₹176.3, and is now at ₹176.25 (+2.41%).

Mid-Day Top Losers

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
ITC 440 445.5 429.5 432.8 -1.88
TCS 4,090.00 4,090.00 4,028.30 4,033.70 -1.2
SBIN 759.8 759.9 733.4 744.2 -1.07
BEL 280.75 282.3 273.1 277 -0.98
ICICIBANK 1,272.00 1,275.00 1,258.35 1,263.00 -0.74

ITC

ITC shares opened at ₹440, hit a high of ₹445.5, and is now at ₹432.8 (-1.88%).

TCS

TCS shares started at ₹4,090, peaked at ₹4,090, and are currently at ₹4,033.70 (-1.2%). A slight dip for the IT giant.

SBI

SBI shares opened at ₹759.8, reached ₹759.9, and is now at ₹744.2 (-1.07%). A loss for the banking sector stock.

BEL

BEL shares began at ₹280.75, hit a high of ₹282.3, and now stands at ₹277 (-0.98%). A slight fall in the defense sector.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank shares opened at ₹1,272, peaked at ₹1,275, and is currently at ₹1,263 (-0.74%). A modest dip in the banking sector stock.

 

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.

Union Budget 2025: What Tourism Sector Received?

India’s tourism sector, with its rich heritage, culture, and diversity, is emerging as a global favorite. The sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, and the government has recognized its potential for generating employment and development. India achieved a rank of 14th worldwide in global tourism receipts, receiving 1.8% of world tourism receipts in 2023, highlighting its growing significance in the global tourism market.

Budget 2025-26 Allocation to Boost Tourism

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government has allocated ₹2,541.06 crore to enhance infrastructure, skill development, and travel facilitation within the tourism sector. This includes initiatives aimed at upgrading facilities and ensuring smooth travel experiences.

A significant initiative in the budget is the development of 50 top tourist destinations in collaboration with state governments through a challenge mode. The goal is to provide world-class facilities and improve connectivity to these sites, making them attractive for both domestic and international tourists.

Landmark Initiative for Infrastructure Development

Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a landmark initiative to enhance the tourism infrastructure by developing 50 key tourist destinations in partnership with states. The states will provide land for critical infrastructure, including hotels, which will be categorized under the Infrastructure Harmonized Master List (HML) to attract investments.

The government will provide ₹3,295.8 crore in interest-free loans for 40 tourism projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment. These funds will facilitate the creation of globally recognized tourist destinations through development and strategic marketing.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 and Skill Development

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 will continue expanding, focusing on sustainable tourism. The scheme has already approved 34 projects with a total funding of ₹793.2 crore. Additionally, ₹60 crore has been allocated for skill development in the tourism sector, specifically targeting hospitality management and related services.

Conclusion

India’s government is committed to positioning the country as a global leader in tourism. This involves enhancing infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and promoting diverse tourism segments, including spiritual, medical, and heritage tourism. Initiatives like “Heal in India” and the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which preserves India’s manuscript heritage, further strengthen this vision. With a focus on ‘Seva’ and ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ India aims to redefine its tourism landscape and establish itself as a world-class destination.

 

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.