Preparing for Union Budget 2025: Key Sectors to Watch

The Finance Minister is all set to present the Union Budget 2025 on Saturday, February 1, 2025, and the Indian stock market will remain operational like a normal trading day. The market and various sectors are anticipating significant announcements in the upcoming budget. Expectations include tax reforms, housing benefits, enhancements to the healthcare sector, and incentives for the automobile sector. Let’s now take a look at the key sectors ahead of FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech on the Union Budget 2025.

Defence Sector

The defence sector received an allocation of ₹6,21,940.85 crore in the Union Budget for FY25. This marks an increase of about ₹1,00,000 crore (18.43%) compared to the FY 2022-23 allocation and 4.79% more than the allocation for FY 2023-24.

The sector is expected to focus on initiatives that boost defence exports and accelerate domestic procurement, alongside capital allocations.

Defence companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and Bharat Electronics Limited will be of particular interest to investors.

Railway Sector

The Finance Minister allocated a record ₹2,62,200 crore to the Railways in the Union Budget 2024. The gross budgetary support for the Railways is set at ₹2,52,200 crore, a significant rise from ₹2,40,200 crore in 2023-24.

Stocks of railway companies such as IRCTC, RVNL, and Railtel are likely to gain attention, given the continuous increase in budgetary allocations for the sector.

Telecom Sector

The telecom sector was allocated ₹1,11,915 crore in FY 2024-25, reflecting a 14% increase over the revised estimates for 2023-24. The telecom sector’s budget allocation was 2.3% of the total central government budget.

With ongoing AGR dues and rising debt levels of telecom companies, investors will closely watch companies like VI, Bharti Airtel, and Reliance.

Infrastructure Sector

India’s infrastructure sector is poised for significant growth, with planned investments of US$ 1.4 trillion by 2025. The government’s National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) is designed to direct substantial capital into critical sectors like energy, roads, railways, and urban development.

Given the strong growth outlook, infrastructure companies such as L&T, Afcons, and others will attract attention from investors.

Energy Sector

India’s energy demand is forecasted to grow faster than any other country over the next few decades due to its vast size and immense potential for development. In 2024, India added 24.5 GW of solar and 3.4 GW of wind capacity, maintaining momentum in the sector. However, to meet its 2030 targets, India will need to scale up renewable energy installations to 50–60 GW annually, while expanding energy storage capacity to at least 20 GWh per year.

Conclusion

As India awaits the Union Budget 2025, there are high expectations across various sectors for reforms and strategic investments. The Defence, Railway, Telecom, Infrastructure, and Energy sectors are all positioned for growth, with significant allocations and focus on modernisation, sustainability, and boosting exports.

 

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.

Indian Government to Launch Own AI Model at Affordable Costs

India is on the verge of launching its own indigenous AI model—safe, secure, and tailored to meet the country’s unique needs. Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, made this announcement in New Delhi at Electronics Niketan. With this move, India is positioning itself as a reliable technological powerhouse in the field of artificial intelligence, committed to offering ethical, innovative, and cost-effective AI solutions.

The Indian AI mission aims to create solutions that are deeply rooted in India’s linguistic diversity and unique social contexts, setting it apart from other global AI systems.

The initiative is backed by a high-end computing facility designed to support the development of AI applications that are tailored to the Indian market. Scientists, researchers, developers, and coders are already working on multiple foundational models. With the rapid pace of progress, the government expects India’s AI model to be ready within the next 6 months.

High-Performance Computing Facility for AI Research

The India AI Mission is equipped with a cutting-edge computing facility, initially featuring 10,000 GPUs, with plans to add 8,693 GPUs soon. This powerful facility will benefit researchers, students, and developers, enabling them to work on AI projects at a significantly reduced cost. Compared to global AI models, which charge between $2.5 and $3 per hour for computational usage, India’s AI model will offer GPU computation at less than ₹100 per hour, after a 40% government subsidy.

Additionally, India will offer flexible pricing plans, including attractive half-yearly and annual packages, making it highly affordable for a wide range of users. This approach aligns with the government’s vision of democratizing access to cutting-edge technology, ensuring that even smaller startups and individual developers can participate in AI research and development.

India’s AI Model: Built for Local Context

Over the past year and a half, India has been building a robust AI ecosystem to support the development of its foundational models. This effort is focused on addressing the linguistic, cultural, and contextual needs of the country while ensuring that AI remains inclusive and free from biases.

Experts believe that India’s AI model will bring a new level of innovation, offering solutions that are specifically designed to serve the needs of Indian users. With the development of these models, India is set to tackle local challenges in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, disaster management, and more.

AI Applications to Benefit Citizens

The India AI Mission is not just about building a powerful AI model; it is also about applying this technology to improve the lives of Indian citizens. The government has identified 18 key applications across various sectors where AI can bring tangible benefits. These sectors include:

  • Agriculture: AI-driven solutions for improving crop yield and soil health.
  • Healthcare: Enhancing diagnostics, treatment planning, and healthcare accessibility.
  • Weather Forecasting and Disaster Management: Leveraging AI to predict extreme weather events and optimize disaster response.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Using AI for environmental monitoring and sustainable development.

By focusing on these critical areas, India’s AI model will contribute to addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to learning disabilities in children.

Looking Ahead: India’s AI Model as a Global Powerhouse

India’s rise as a global leader in AI is no longer a distant dream. With its focus on affordability, inclusivity, and innovation, the country is poised to make a significant impact on the global AI landscape. By leveraging AI for industrial applications beyond chatbots and image generation—such as optimizing railway ticketing systems, monitoring the health of oil drilling rigs, and improving agricultural practices—India is addressing real-world challenges in a way that benefits not just its citizens but the world at large.

As India continues to build its AI capabilities, it is also investing in education. Stanford University recently ranked India among the top countries in AI education, with 240 universities offering AI courses and 100 universities equipped with 5G labs. This emphasis on AI education will play a crucial role in creating the next generation of AI experts and innovators.

Conclusion

With its homegrown AI model, India is not only advancing its technological infrastructure but also leading the way in ensuring that AI is affordable, inclusive, and ethically developed. By focusing on local needs, democratizing access to computing resources, and addressing societal challenges, India is well on its way to becoming a global AI powerhouse. The India AI Mission is an ambitious and forward-thinking initiative that will shape the future of AI and benefit millions of people, both in India and beyond.

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.

BEL Shares Rose Over 3% After Market Reacts Positively to Q3FY25 Earnings

On January 31, 2025, BEL shares rose over 3%, reaching a day high of ₹288.60 at 10:15 AM, after opening at ₹284.35. The gain in Navratna Defence PSU, BEL shares reported a Turnover of ₹5643.25 crore in Q3FY25, reflecting a substantial growth of 36.97% compared to ₹4120.10 crore in the same period of the previous year.

BEL’s Reported Growth in PAT Duting Q3FY25

The Profit Before Tax (PBT) for BEL during the Q3FY25 stood at ₹1754.15 crore, demonstrating a strong growth of 49.64% from ₹1172.26 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.BEL’s Profit After Tax (PAT) for the Q3FY25, reached ₹1316.06 crore, marking a growth of 47.33% compared to ₹893.30 crore during the same period in the previous year.

For the first three quarters of FY 2024-25, BEL achieved a cumulative Turnover of ₹14,173.68 crore, compared to ₹11,484.92 crore recorded in the same period last year. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased to ₹4,242.37 crore from ₹2,948.95 crore, while the Profit After Tax (PAT) grew to ₹ 3,183.47 crore from ₹2,236.48 crore in the corresponding period of FY 2023-24.

As of January 01, 2025, BEL’s order book stood at a robust ₹71,100 crore, reflecting strong future growth potential.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

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

Adani Enterprises Shares in Focus: PAT Fell ~97% During Q3 FY25

On January 30, 2025, Adani Enterprises (AEL) released its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, wherein, it reported a 96.9% drop in its consolidated net profit to ₹57.83 crore, compared to ₹1,888.45 crore in the same quarter last year. The sharp decline was mainly attributed to underperformance in the company’s coal trading division. Despite the profit drop, the company’s consolidated revenue from operations for the quarter saw a marginal year-on-year decrease of 8.8%, falling to ₹22,848.42 crore from ₹25,050.23 crore.

Adani Enterprises 9MFY25 Performance

For the 9M FY25 period, AEL reported a 6% increase in revenue, reaching ₹72,763 crore. The company also saw a significant 29% growth in EBITDA, which rose to ₹12,377 crore, driven by strong operational performance from the ANIL Ecosystem and Airports. Profit Before Tax (PBT) also grew by 21%, amounting to ₹5,220 crore, reflecting the company’s continued financial strength and operational excellence.

AEL’s performance for the nine months ending December 31, 2024, underscores the strength and consistency of its incubating businesses. These sectors have shown robust operational and financial performance, with significant growth driven by the emerging core infrastructure sectors, such as Adani New Industries (Green Hydrogen Ecosystem) and Adani Airports.

During this period, AEL achieved its highest-ever consolidated nine-month EBITDA of ₹12,377 crore, with 62% of this coming from incubating businesses, highlighting their strong growth and future potential.

Adani Enterprises Business Highlights

  • Navi Mumbai Airport: Successfully conducted the first commercial flight validation test, bringing it one step closer to becoming fully operational.
  • Hyderabad Data Center: Phase I of the data center, with a capacity of 9.6 MW, is now fully operational.
  • ANIL Wind Business: The business now has four models listed in the RLMM, with the addition of the 3.3 MW Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) model in the current quarter.
  • Sustainability Achievements: AEL has demonstrated exceptional performance in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) and is ranked among the top five companies globally for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance out of 180 sector peers.

On January 31, 2025, Adani Enterprises shares opened at ₹2,220.30 and touched the day high of ₹2,266.55 at 09:50 AM.

 

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.

Waaree Energies Share Price Rose Over 12%: PAT Up Four Fold in Q3FY25

On January 31, 2025, Waaree Energies’ shares saw a significant increase of over 10%, reaching a day high of ₹2,505.85 at 09:20 AM after opening at ₹2,446.85. This surge in Waaree Energies share price followed the company’s announcement of its financial results for the quarter and nine months ending December 31, 2025.

Waaree Energies Q3FY25 Earnings Growth

During Q3FY25, Waaree Energies reported an impressive 260% growth in net profit, which surged to ₹5,068.76 million, up from ₹1,408.06 million in the same quarter of the previous year. This growth was supported by a remarkable increase of approximately 115% in total income, which rose to ₹35,452.65 million compared to ₹16,517.74 million in Q3FY24.

On the operational front, Waaree Energies achieved a 257% increase in EBITDA, which amounted to ₹8,097.05 million. This led to an EBITDA margin of 22.84%, highlighting the company’s strong operational efficiency.

As of the latest update, Waaree Energies boasts a robust order book of 26.5 GW, valued at ₹50,000 crore, positioning the company for sustained growth in the renewable energy sector.

The company also reported production of 1.81 GW in Q3FY25, reflecting an impressive 68% year-on-year growth. This performance reinforces Waaree Energies’ efficient execution strategy.

Waaree Energies Capital Expenditure and Investments

In line with its expansion strategy, Waaree Energies has approved several key investments:

  • On November 18, 2024, the Board approved a capital expenditure of ₹551 crores for setting up a 300 MW Electrolyser manufacturing plant, alongside an investment of ₹200 crores.
  • On December 23, 2024, the Board also approved a capital expenditure of ₹2,073 crores and an investment of ₹650 crores for setting up a 3.5 GWh Lithium-Ion Advanced Chemistry Storage Cell manufacturing plant.
  • Additionally, a capital expenditure of ₹130 crores was approved for its Inverter Business.

Commenting on the results Mr Amit Paithankar, Whole Time Director & CEO, Waaree Energies Ltd said: “As an energy transition company, we see immense opportunities and are well posiƟoned to tap into new business areas. Our solar business continues to be strong and we are rapidly advancing in the adjacencies of energy storage systems, green hydrogen, inverters and renewable infrastructure. The momentum in this space is stronger than ever, and we are well-posiƟoned to capitalise on it.”

He further added, “We continue to build on our strengths, enhancing scalability and internal efficiencies, which have been reflected in our 9M FY25 performance. Strong execution and disciplined growth remain at the core of our strategy. The US contributed ~15-20% of our revenue mix. As we expand globally, we are strengthening our presence in high-potential regions, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in this fast-evolving industry. We are excited about the road ahead and remain committed to driving meaningful change in the energy landscape.”

 

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.

IEX Shares to Trade Ex-Date on January 31: Declared Interim Dividend of ₹1.50

On January 31, 2025, IEX shares to trade ex-date, meaning that the shareholders registered in the company’s books will be eligible for the interim dividend of ₹1.50 for FY25.

IEX Dividend History

Ex-Date Dividend Type Dividend Amount (₹)
May 31, 2024 Final 1.50
Feb 01, 2024 Interim 1.50
July 28, 2023 Final 1.50

IEX Q3FY25 Business Update 

In the power sector, electricity demand reached 393 BUs during Q3FY25, marking a 3% YoY increase. For 9MFY25, the country’s electricity demand totalled 1,279 BUs, reflecting a 5% growth compared to the same period last year.

On the fuel side, coal availability has been sufficient this fiscal year. Coal is being offered at a modest premium of 10% to 20% through the Shakti B8 auction, with current coal inventories covering approximately 19 days of demand.

The adequate fuel supply this quarter resulted in increased liquidity on the exchange platform, with the volume of power sold in the day-ahead market rising by 62% year-on-year. This led to a softening of prices, with the average price in Q3FY25 dropping nearly 26% year-on-year to ₹3.71/unit.

.

 

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.

Coal India Shares to Trade Ex-Date on January 31: Declared Interim Dividend of ₹5.60

On January 31, 2025, Coal India shares to trade ex-date, meaning that the shareholders registered in the company’s books will be eligible for its 2nd interim dividend of ₹5.60 for FY25.

Coal India Dividend History

Ex-Date Dividend Type Dividend Amount (₹)
Nov 5, 2024 Interim 15.75
Aug 16, 2024 Final 5
Feb 20, 2024 Interim 5.25

Coal India Operation Highlight 

CIL’s coal production in the first nine months of FY25 increased slightly by 2% year-on-year to 543 MT, though this was affected by land-related issues and heavy rainfall. As a result, CIL has lowered its FY25 production target to approximately 806 MT, down from the previous estimate of around 838 MT. Nevertheless, CIL is still aiming for a production target of 1,000 MT by FY27, in line with the government’s objective of ensuring a 24×7 power supply.

Additionally, CIL is progressing on 119 coal projects with a total capacity of 896 MT, involving an investment of around ₹1.3 lakh crore. These projects include enhancing first-mile connectivity, developing railway lines for coal transportation, and collaborating with 15 MDOs.

 

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 January 30, 2025: Cipla and Bajaj Finance Shines

On January 30, 2025, as of 12:05 PM, the BSE Sensex was up by 0.31% at 76,771.08, while the Nifty 50 was up 0.45% at 23,268.15. The mid-day top gainers and losers for the day are:

Mid-Day Top Gainers 

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
CIPLA 1,431.00 1,469.65 1,426.00 1,468.80 3.15
BAJFINANCE 7,850.00 8,250.65 7,850.00 7,998.00 3.07
POWERGRID 287.85 297.1 287.85 295.65 2.71
BEL 268.85 274.5 267.9 273.95 2.53
M&M 2,924.35 2,998.55 2,919.00 2,997.00 2.48

Cipla

Cipla shares opened at ₹1,431 and surged to ₹1,469.65, showing a day change of +₹44.80, up 3.15%.

Bajaj Finance

Bajaj Finance shares hit a high of ₹8,250.65 after opening at ₹7,850, with a day change of +₹148.00, up 3.07%.

Power Grid

Power Grid shares opened at ₹287.85 and climbed to ₹297.10, marking a day change of +₹7.80, up 2.71%.

BEL

BEL shares opened at ₹268.85, peaking at ₹274.50, with a day change of +₹5.10, up 2.53%.

M&M

M&M shares saw an opening at ₹2,924.35 and a high of ₹2,998.55, recording a day change of +₹73.65, up 2.48%.

Mid-Day Top Losers

Symbol Open High Low LTP %chng
TATAMOTORS 709 709 683.2 704.65 -6.36
ITCHOTELS 168 175.8 164 165.25 -3.84
WIPRO 311 313.7 308.45 309.15 -1.06
INFY 1,873.15 1,887.20 1,855.65 1,863.45 -0.95
SHRIRAMFIN 553.5 560 548.1 549.25 -0.77

Tata Motors

Tata Motors shares opened at ₹709 and dropped to ₹683.20, with a day change of -₹45.35, down 6.36%.

ITC Hotels

ITC Hotels shares opened at ₹168 and fell to ₹164, marking a day change of -₹2.75, down 3.84%.

Wipro

Wipro shares opened at ₹311 and declined to ₹308.45, with a day change of -₹1.85, down 1.06%.

Infosys

Infosys shares opened at ₹1,873.15, hitting a low of ₹1,855.65, with a day change of -₹9.70, down 0.95%.

Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance shares opened at ₹553.50 and touched ₹548.10, showing a day change of -₹4.25, down 0.77%.

ITC

ITC shares opened at ₹435.95, dropped to ₹430.1, and closed at ₹433.35, losing 0.48%.

 

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.

Government Raised Ethanol Prices For C-Heavy Molasses by ₹1.39

On January 29, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), has given its approval to revise the ethanol procurement prices for public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) for the ethanol supply year (ESY) 2024-25. This revision is part of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, which runs from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. The ex-mill price of ethanol derived from C-heavy molasses has been increased by ₹1.39, raising it from ₹56.58 per litre to ₹57.97 per litre.

Government’s Strategy for Ethanol Availability

The government anticipates that the 3% increase in C-heavy molasses ethanol prices will help ensure there is enough ethanol available to meet blending targets. This price revision aligns with the Cabinet’s focus on sourcing ethanol from more cost-effective supplies, such as cereals like rice. For example, on January 17, the Centre reduced the reserve price of FCI rice by ₹550 per quintal, setting it at ₹2,250 for states and ethanol producers.

The prices for B-heavy molasses and sugarcane ethanol remain unchanged. B-heavy molasses continues at ₹60.73 per litre, while sugarcane-derived ethanol stays at ₹65.61 per litre. As a result, the procurement costs for OMCs remain largely unaffected by these price revisions.

Expansion of Ethanol Production Capacity

To support the accelerated blending goals, the government is expanding ethanol distillation capacity to 1,713 crore litres per year. In addition, long-term off-take agreements and incentives for dedicated ethanol plants in states with a production deficit are expected to further bolster the programme’s success.

 

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.

Whirlpool Shares Hit 20% Lower Circuit After Parent Company Announced Stake Sale

On January 30, 2025, Whirlpool shares fell sharply, hitting the lower circuit limit of 20%, dropping to ₹1,262.15 after opening at ₹1,273.95. This significant decline in Whirlpool shares came following an announcement by Whirlpool Corporation, the parent company of Whirlpool of India Ltd., that it plans to reduce its ownership stake in the Indian subsidiary from the current 51% to as low as 20% by mid-to-late 2025.

Parent Company’s Plans to Sell Down Stake

Whirlpool Corporation has stated that it expects to remain the largest shareholder of Whirlpool India after the anticipated stake reduction. This move is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to adjust its investment in the Indian market.

This announcement came alongside Whirlpool Corporation’s quarterly earnings release, nearly one year after it sold a 24% stake in Whirlpool India on February 20, 2024. The 24% stake was valued at ₹4,039 crore, with shares exchanging hands at an average price of ₹1,280 per share. With the current 20% drop, Whirlpool India shares are now trading below this level.

Previous Stake Sale and Stock Performance

Whirlpool Corporation’s decision to sell a portion of its stake in 2024 was driven by the higher valuations of Whirlpool India at that time. CEO Marc Bitzer expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of the Indian market despite the reduction in ownership.

Following that sale, Whirlpool India’s stock surged by 91% over the next eight months, reaching a high of ₹2,449 on October 22, 2024. However, since then, the stock has corrected by 36%, closing at a significantly lower level as of January 29, 2025.

“Whirlpool India will remain a relevant part of Whirlpool Corporation’s portfolio, and we continue to believe Whirlpool India has a strong long-term trajectory for growth. We intend the anticipated sell-down to result in autonomy for Whirlpool India to adjust to the ever-evolving industry conditions, enabling Whirlpool India to focus on accelerated growth and utilise its well-funded business to invest further in the business,” Whirlpool Corp’s statement said.

Furthermore, Whirlpool Corporation assured that brand license and technology agreements, along with transition commitments, would continue to support Whirlpool India’s operations and long-term business expansion.

 

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.