Gold May Have Stolen the Show, But Silver Could Be the Surprise Superstar of 2025 – Here’s Why Experts Are Betting Big!

In recent months, gold prices have dazzled investors globally — and in India too — with a stunning rally. Meanwhile, silver has been playing catch-up, showing a comparatively muted rise. But that might be about to change — and faster than you think.

Many market analysts are now betting that silver will outpace gold in the months ahead. Two powerful forces are driving this sentiment:

  • A soaring gold-to-silver ratio
  • Rising industrial demand for silver

Despite trailing gold, silver’s growing investment appeal is turning heads, especially in India’s booming ETF market. With silver looking increasingly undervalued, retail investors have a rare window of opportunity to ride the next big wave.

Numbers Don’t Lie: Silver’s Set to Surge

Since January, gold prices have skyrocketed 25.1% on the MCX spot market, while silver has only moved up 13.5%. However, experts believe silver could soon steal the spotlight, especially if gold’s rally hits a pause.

The Gold-to-Silver Ratio: A Hidden Signal?

One major reason behind the bullish view on silver is the rising gold-to-silver ratio — a historic market signal. This ratio shows how many ounces of silver you can buy with one ounce of gold. Recently, it breached the 100 mark — a rare event seen only once before since the COVID-19 crash, when it had peaked at 126.

To put it in perspective:

  • The 25-year average ratio stands at 68
  • The 10-year average is 85
  • Post-2020, it’s mostly stayed above 80

A high gold-to-silver ratio typically doesn’t last long — and when it corrects, silver often rallies hard. With gold so much more expensive than silver, investors may increasingly see silver as the better bargain.

Macro Tailwinds: Silver’s Time to Shine?

Silver isn’t just getting a boost from valuation metrics. Broader macroeconomic trends also favor it:

  • Expected US interest rate cuts
  • Persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainty
    These factors are traditionally bullish for both gold and silver — but with silver’s lower price base, it could deliver sharper gains.

Industrial Boom: The Silver Demand Surge

Silver isn’t just a precious metal — it’s an industrial powerhouse.
In 2024, 39% of global silver demand came from investors, jewellers, and silverware buyers. But that’s just part of the story. As economic activity picks up, industrial demand for silver — used in electronics, solar panels, and electric vehicles — is expected to surge.

India’s Silver ETF Revolution

India’s investment landscape is also tilting toward silver.
Holdings in silver ETFs jumped from 783 tonnes in 2024 to a record 1,200 tonnes in 2025. Plus, the number of fund houses offering silver ETFs has tripled, from just 4 in 2022 to 12 now. Retail investors have more options than ever before to tap into the silver boom.

Conclusion

Gold may have dazzled us in 2024, but 2025 could be silver’s year to shine. With historic ratios flashing bullish signals, industrial demand soaring, and easy investment options available, silver could be the stealth wealth creator you don’t want to miss.

Read more on: Akshaya Tritiya 2025: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Gold Investment

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 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.

Tata IPL 2025 and Match Fixing: How to Spot and Avoid Financial Scams

For spectators of Tata IPL 2025, few offences can be as shocking as match-fixing. Match-fixing doesn’t just impact the outcome of a game. It erodes trust in the sport itself. When a player conspires to manipulate results for personal gain, fans, teammates, and the integrity of the game suffer.

The same principle holds in finance. Scams, pump-and-dump schemes, insider manipulation, and too-good-to-be-true investment promises work like match-fixing. They exploit trust and leave unsuspecting investors with heavy losses.

But just as vigilant cricket boards and anti-corruption units crack down on foul play, today’s investors can equip themselves with the right tools to spot red flags early and protect their capital.

Let’s break down the field positions of financial scams, and understand how to bowl them out before they even get started.

The Pitch Invaders: Understanding Financial Scams

Scams in the investing world come in many forms, often wrapped in convincing narratives. Here’s a few common ones:

  • Pump-and-dump schemes: Fraudsters hype up a penny stock, driving up prices. Then, they sell their holdings at inflated levels, leaving retail investors with plummeting assets.
  • Ponzi schemes: Promises of absurdly high returns lure in investors, where new investors’ money is used to pay returns to old ones—until the pyramid collapses.
  • Impersonation frauds: Fake advisory accounts posing as legitimate brokers or influencers trick people into shady investments.
  • Insider tips: You’re promised a “hot stock” before the news hits—except the tip-off is fake, and you’re just part of someone else’s exit strategy.

It’s like being handed a match script where the result has already been fixed. You’re just the crowd they need to fill the stands and fund the con.

Read the Signs: “Stocks in News” as Your Team Analyst

In Tata IPL 2025, analysts pore over a player’s recent form, pitch reports, and match-ups. In the markets, you need similar situational awareness—and that’s where AngelOne’s “Stocks in News” comes in.

This feature helps you monitor which companies are making headlines—whether for earnings results, regulatory actions, M&A announcements, or policy changes. If a particular stock is suddenly getting a lot of buzz, Stocks in News helps you validate the source of the excitement.

Let’s say you hear chatter about a small-cap stock skyrocketing. Before jumping in, you check Stocks in News and discover that there’s no credible event tied to the surge. That’s your cue to investigate further. Is it a genuine breakout? Or are you the last person being lured into a pump-and-dump setup?

In the same way a match-fixing investigation relies on patterns, like strange shot selections, or suspicious dropped catches, you must look for inconsistencies in price action versus real news. If they don’t match, something’s off.

Your Wicket Keeper Behind the Stumps: Angel Alerts

No cricket team is complete without a sharp wicket keeper who spots every faint edge and signals danger. In the world of finance, AngelOne’s Angel Alerts play that role for your portfolio.

These real-time notifications can help you track stock movements, volume surges, or news updates. If a stock suddenly breaches your set threshold or moves unusually, you’ll know immediately. This early warning system helps you avoid entering or holding onto dubious trades.

For instance, you may be watching a stock that’s part of your watchlist. Angel Alerts notify you of a spike in volume without a news trigger—that’s a red flag. Combine this with your knowledge from “Stocks in News,” and you may conclude that a coordinated attempt to drive up price is underway.

In a game where milliseconds matter, Angel Alerts ensure you’re not the last to react. You stay a step ahead, ready to duck the bouncer instead of getting hit.

Know the Tata IPL 2025 Playbook: Spotting a Scam Before the Toss

Here are some classic signs of financial match-fixing, and what to do instead:

1.Unrealistic Returns Promised: “Double your money in 30 days” sounds less like an investment and more like a trap.

Play instead: Focus on consistent performers. Blue-chip stocks, ETFs, or regulated mutual funds rarely promise the sky—but they don’t vanish overnight either.

2.Pressure to Act Fast: “This tip will expire in 2 hours. Buy now or miss out!”

Play instead: Use Angel Alerts to track the stock patiently. Good investments don’t require panic decisions.

3.Unverified Sources of Advice: A social media DM tells you to buy an obscure stock based on “inside information.”

Play instead: Stick to platforms like AngelOne that provide verified research reports and recommendations. If it’s not in “Stocks in News,” dig deeper.

4.No Paper Trail: You’re asked to transfer money to someone’s personal UPI ID in return for guaranteed profits.

Play instead: Avoid off-platform transactions. Stick to SEBI-registered brokers and apps like AngelOne for full transparency and auditability.

Tata IPL 2025 Final Over: Win with Integrity

Scams are rigged matches where the scoreboard never reflected reality. The only way to win is not to play their game. Instead, play smart, play steady, and use the digital equivalents of anti-corruption units to stay clean.

By staying informed, watching the data, and acting only when signals are verified, you ensure that your financial innings is not derailed by someone else’s fix.

Because in investing, just like in cricket, the only victories that matter are the ones earned fair and square.

Read more on:

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.  

Home Loan EMI vs SIP: Which Is a Better Path to Buying Your Dream Home?

Owning a home is a significant financial milestone for many individuals. Beyond providing shelter, a house often represents stability, security, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether the motivation is to start a family, avoid the uncertainties of rented accommodations, secure a property in a booming real estate market, or simply create a space that can be customised freely, the emotional and financial value of homeownership is undeniable.

However, the escalating property prices make purchasing a home outright a distant reality for most salaried individuals. Consequently, many resort to taking a home loan, while others contemplate building a corpus through disciplined investments. The question arises — which pathway leads to quicker and more efficient homeownership?

Home Loan Route: A Snapshot

When purchasing a ₹1 crore home, individuals often make an initial down payment and finance the rest through a loan. Let us consider the case of a 30-year-old professional who has managed to save ₹15 lakh as a down payment.

  • Property Value: ₹1 crore

  • Down Payment: ₹15 lakh

  • Loan Amount: ₹85 lakh

  • Tenure: 30 years

  • Interest Rate: 8.75% p.a.

Under these terms, the monthly EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment) would be approximately ₹67,173. Over a 30-year tenure, the borrower would pay:

  • Principal Repaid: ₹85,00,000

  • Interest Paid: ₹1,56,82,390

  • Total Amount Paid: ₹2,41,82,390

Thus, the interest burden significantly surpasses the original loan amount, resulting in a total outlay more than double the cost of the house.

The Alternative Approach: SIP 

Alternatively, if the individual chose not to buy the home immediately but instead invested the equivalent EMI amount of ₹67,173 monthly through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) over the same 30-year period, the projections could be as follows. To get a personalised estimate of how much your SIP could grow over time, you can also try the Angel One SIP Calculator for a quick and easy calculation.

  • Monthly Investment: ₹67,173

  • Investment Tenure: 30 years

  • Assumed Average Annual Returns: Approximately 12% (based on long-term equity returns)

At the end of 30 years, the investment corpus would be:

  • Invested Amount: ₹2,41,82,280

  • Estimated Returns: ₹21,29,32,618

  • Total Corpus: ₹23,71,14,898

The invested capital grows manifold, offering a sizeable corpus that far exceeds the ₹1 crore target for buying a home, even accounting for inflationary pressures.

Read More: Mutual Funds – Best Mutual Fund Investment 2025 Online India. 

The Cost of Borrowing Versus the Power of Compounding

The comparison highlights two starkly different financial outcomes:

  • In the case of the home loan, the individual ends up paying nearly three times the original loan amount due to interest obligations.

  • In the investment approach, the same monthly outflow potentially builds a corpus almost 24 times the original home value.

This divergence is mainly because of the power of compounding that long-term investments offer, compared to the cost of compounding that a long-duration loan imposes on borrowers.

Conclusion

The choice between taking a home loan and investing to build a corpus largely depends on personal priorities, financial circumstances, and risk appetite. While the numbers clearly demonstrate that investments, over the long term, can generate a much larger corpus, they also require discipline, patience, and resilience against market fluctuations. Conversely, home loans offer the advantage of immediate possession but come at a substantial cost due to interest payments over an extended period.

Ultimately, there is no singular ‘right’ path. Each option has its merits and challenges. A balanced approach, considering both emotional needs and financial prudence, is essential in making an informed decision that aligns with one’s long-term goals and lifestyle aspirations.

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.

Bonus, Dividend, Buyback: Indus Towers Board Meet Scheduled for April 30

Indus Towers Ltd., a leading tower infrastructure provider, has announced that its Board of Directors will convene on Wednesday, April 30. According to an exchange filing made on Sunday evening, April 27, the board will deliberate on multiple options to enhance shareholder returns. These include the possibility of a share buyback, the issuance of bonus shares or debentures, a dividend declaration, or a combination of these measures.

Indus Towers Share Price Rises Ahead of Key Announcement

At 1:38 PM on April 27, shares of Indus Towers were trading higher by 2.87%, indicating positive investor sentiment ahead of the upcoming board decision.

Potential Bonus Issue: A First for Indus Towers

If a bonus issue is announced, it would mark the first instance of Indus Towers executing such an initiative since becoming a publicly listed company. The move would represent a significant milestone in the company’s history, broadening its capital base and rewarding long-term shareholders.

Read More: When Did BSE Issue Bonus Shares for the First Time?

Past Share Buyback and Current Trading Dynamics

Indus Towers had previously conducted a share buyback in 2024, its first since 2016. However, the stock continues to trade below the buyback price of ₹465 per share, having achieved a 52-week high of ₹460. Despite this, the company’s strategic moves to return value to shareholders remain a focus of market discussions.

Resumption of Vodafone Idea Payments Fuels Dividend Hopes

The suspension of dividend payouts since 2022 was primarily due to the delayed payments from Vodafone Idea Ltd., one of Indus Towers’ largest customers. This situation had constrained the company’s cash flow, affecting its ability to distribute dividends. Following the resumption of payments by Vodafone Idea, there has been renewed optimism regarding the company’s capacity to offer dividends.

Impact on Small Shareholders

The developments are particularly noteworthy for Indus Towers’ small shareholders. As per the March quarter data, the company had over 4 lakh small shareholders, each holding an authorised share capital of up to ₹2 lakh. Collectively, these shareholders commanded a 2.82% stake in the company. In comparison, mutual funds held a more substantial share of over 13%.

Conclusion

The board’s decision on April 30 will be closely watched, especially by the small investors who stand to benefit directly from any bonus, buyback, or dividend payout.

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.

PM Internship Scheme 2025: How to Check Application Status Online

The PM Internship Scheme 2025, launched as part of the Union Budget 2024-25, aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry expectations. Registration for this prestigious programme commenced on October 12, 2024 and remained open until April 15, 2025, but later it was extended till April 22, 2025. The initiative seeks to offer valuable industry exposure to students while simultaneously fostering youth employability across various sectors.

Applicants to the scheme can easily track their application status through the official portal: pminternship.mca.gov.in. In this article, we explain how to navigate the PMIS platform, track applications, monitor important metrics, and stay updated throughout the process.

How to Track Your PM Internship Scheme 2025 Application Status

Tracking the application status is crucial for students to stay informed about their progress and to ensure they do not miss any important updates or communications.

Step 1: Accessing the Candidate Dashboard

The Candidate Dashboard within the PMIS portal is the primary space where applicants can manage their internship journey. To access the dashboard:

  • Log in to the PMIS portal using the registered mobile number, username, or CIN, along with the password.

  • Navigate to the ‘My Application’ and ‘My Internships’ sections available on the dashboard.

The ‘My Application’ section offers a consolidated view of all internship applications submitted, along with their individual statuses. Meanwhile, the ‘My Internships’ tab activates once a candidate secures an internship placement and officially begins their term.

Through this dashboard, applicants can also edit their profiles, update details, and check for any new developments regarding offers or internship opportunities.

Read More: PM Internship Scheme 2025: New Application Deadline Extended to April 22. 

Step 2: Monitoring Key Metrics

The Metrics Panel on the Candidate Dashboard provides real-time figures related to the internship application stages. Monitoring these metrics helps applicants track their standing and plan their next steps accordingly. The key metrics include:

  • Internship Applied: Indicates the total number of applications submitted across different companies and sectors.

  • Offers Received: Displays the number of internship offers received, helping applicants assess industry interest and potential options.

  • Offers Accepted: Reflects the number of offers formally accepted by the candidate, showing a commitment to specific internships.

  • Waitlisted: Highlights applications still under consideration, encouraging candidates to stay alert for updates or potential conversion into offers.

Understanding these metrics can help candidates manage their internship search more effectively and respond promptly to opportunities.

Additional Insights on Tracking PM Internship Scheme 2025 Status

Beyond just tracking the number of applications or offers, candidates can delve into specific application details through the ‘Internships Applied’ page. Each entry provides information under the following categories:

  • Application number

  • Internship ID and title

  • Sector and field

  • Location of internship

This breakdown allows candidates to maintain clarity over where they have applied, the nature of each opportunity, and location preferences, assisting in better decision-making when offers are received.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I check my PM Internship application 2025 status?

Candidates must log into the PMIS portal with their credentials, navigate to the dashboard, and click on the ‘My Application’ tab to track their status.

2. Can candidates apply for multiple internships under the PM Internship 2025 Scheme?

Yes, applicants are allowed to apply for up to five internships at a time under the PM Internship Scheme 2025.

3. What is the duration of the internship under the PM Internship Scheme?

Each internship under the PM Internship Scheme 2025 is designed for a 12-month duration, with at least half of the time spent in an actual workplace environment.

Conclusion

The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is a significant step towards providing real-world exposure to India’s aspiring youth. By actively tracking their applications through the PMIS portal, candidates can remain well-informed and better positioned to seize emerging opportunities. Staying engaged with the portal ensures a smoother and more rewarding internship 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 the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Samsung, LG, Voltas and Others Move Court Against India’s New E-Waste Recycling Rules

According to Reuters, Several major electronics companies, both international and domestic, have launched legal challenges against India’s newly introduced e-waste recycling mandate. The policy, which seeks to formalise and regulate the country’s largely informal e-waste sector, has drawn criticism from industry giants who argue that the regulation imposes undue financial burdens without effectively addressing the root causes of recycling inefficiencies.

Companies Joining the Legal Battle

South Korean tech giants LG and Samsung have filed petitions before the Delhi High Court, contesting the e-waste regulation. They are joined by other manufacturers, including Daikin, Voltas (a Tata Group enterprise), Havells, and Blue Star. According to court submissions accessed by Reuters, the companies collectively argue that the regulation, while well-intentioned, places an inequitable burden on manufacturers without providing a comprehensive solution to existing systemic issues.

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the case on Tuesday, considering the various petitions collectively.

Understanding the Contested Regulation

The regulation in question forms a part of India’s broader e-waste management framework. It mandates that electronics manufacturers must pay a minimum of ₹22 (approximately 25 US cents) per kilogram to authorised recyclers for the proper disposal of electronic waste. The objective, as outlined by the government, is to incentivise formal investment in a sector predominantly controlled by unregistered scrap dealers, who reportedly handle around 80% of India’s e-waste.

Despite being the world’s third-largest generator of electronic waste, after China and the United States, official figures show that only 43% of India’s e-waste was recycled through formal channels in the previous year.

Key Arguments Raised by Manufacturers

In its detailed 550-page court submission, LG argues that the regulation unfairly shifts the burden of waste management onto manufacturers under the guise of the “polluter pays” principle. The company maintains that the core issue lies in the lack of effective enforcement against the informal sector, rather than the actions of legitimate manufacturers. LG further states, “If the authorities have not been able to regulate the informal sector, then it is an enforcement failure.”

Samsung, in its 345-page filing, echoes these concerns. The company asserts that the regulation does not inherently contribute to environmental protection goals and would result in significant financial strain for manufacturers. Samsung also highlighted that the mandated payout is “5–15 times” higher than prevailing market rates for recycling services.

Regulatory and Environmental Context

The Environment Ministry, which drafted the regulation, has yet to publicly comment on the legal proceedings. The broader context for the policy is India’s ambition to regulate its rapidly expanding e-waste footprint, encouraging investment in licensed recycling operations and reducing environmental degradation caused by improper disposal practices.

However, the industry’s collective resistance underlines the challenges governments face when trying to transition from informal economies to formal systems, especially in sectors where informal networks are deeply entrenched.

Conclusion

The legal dispute over India’s e-waste recycling regulation has opened a significant debate about the balance between environmental responsibility and economic feasibility. As the Delhi High Court prepares to hear the petitions, the outcome of this case could have important implications not only for the electronics industry but also for the future trajectory of India’s environmental regulatory framework.

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.

Colab Platforms Share Price Hits Upper Circuit After Launch of ₹250 Million Sports-Tech Accelerator

Colab Platforms Limited (formerly known as Colab Cloud Platforms Limited) announced a major development, launching a ₹250 million Sports-Tech Growth Accelerator Program aimed at transforming India’s sports innovation landscape. As of 1:33 PM, the share price of Colab Platforms hit the upper circuit on the BSE. 

The newly introduced Accelerator, housed under Colab’s Sports Innovation Division, is designed to empower startups, foster technological breakthroughs, and shape the future of sports performance, engagement, and fitness in India.

Read More: What is the Upper and Lower Circuit?. 

Backing Startups with Resources Beyond Capital

More than just funding, Colab’s Accelerator Program promises a comprehensive support system for early-stage sports-tech ventures. Selected startups will gain:

  • Access to advanced R&D infrastructure

  • Mentorship from industry experts

  • Business advisory services and go-to-market strategies

  • Networking opportunities with sports federations, universities, and private equity firms

Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to pilot their innovations within Colab’s broad ecosystem, which spans sports leagues, professional teams, events, and commerce platforms.

Focus Areas for Innovation and Growth

Colab’s Accelerator is geared towards scouting and scaling startups operating in multiple impact-driven sectors, including:

  • AI-driven performance analytics tools

  • Wearable sports technologies

  • Fan engagement and skill-based gaming platforms

  • Esports infrastructure and content creation

  • Grassroots and decentralised athlete development models

  • Gamified fitness and digital coaching solutions

  • Comprehensive 360° sports platforms and communities

This approach highlights Colab’s ambition to serve not just elite athletes but also everyday sports enthusiasts and emerging talent.

Building a Partnership-Driven Ecosystem

To strengthen its impact, Colab will collaborate with academic institutions, research centres, and national sports federations. These partnerships will enable co-branded innovation programmes, sandbox trials, and university-linked startup pipelines, fostering real-world testing, market validation, and intellectual property co-development.

Such a partnership model is expected to accelerate the growth of sports-tech startups, positioning them for faster scaling and broader market penetration.

A National Commitment to Global Innovation

India’s sports-tech sector is witnessing rapid expansion, fuelled by a younger demographic, increased investment, and initiatives such as Khelo India and Startup India. Colab’s ₹250 million commitment represents both a commercial opportunity and a national pledge to contribute to this dynamic growth.

“With this accelerator programme, we’re not just funding ideas—we’re building an innovation engine for the future of sports,” said Puneet Singh, Managing Director of Colab Platforms Limited.

About Colab Platforms Limited

Colab Platforms Limited operates at the intersection of sports, technology, commerce, and media. The company’s diverse initiatives include managing sports leagues, professional teams, and athletes, launching fan engagement platforms, and building integrated sports commerce ecosystems, laying the foundation for India’s next-generation sports economy.

Conclusion

The launch of Colab Platforms’ ₹250 million Sports-Tech Accelerator marks a significant stride towards innovation in India’s sports ecosystem. With its share price hitting the upper circuit, the initiative has clearly resonated with investor optimism.

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.

RBI Monitors Sale of Bad Loans to ARCs Amid Rising Concerns

According to a report, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is carefully observing how banks are selling non-performing assets (NPAs) to Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs), particularly in cases involving high-value transactions. Recent instances where ARCs recovered significantly more than the amount paid for acquiring bad loans have sparked questions about whether such deals are being structured fairly.

Are NPAs Being Sold at Undervalued Prices?

One of the key issues under scrutiny is whether banks are selling NPAs at valuations lower than their true potential worth. The significant profit margins earned by some ARCs on distressed loan recoveries have led to concerns that banks may not be accurately pricing these assets at the time of sale, possibly resulting in losses for the financial system.

Doubts Over Exhaustion of Recovery Efforts

The RBI is also evaluating whether banks are fully utilising available recovery mechanisms before deciding to sell NPAs. There is apprehension that in certain cases, banks might be choosing the easier route of selling bad loans rather than making concerted efforts to recover dues through their internal processes.

Read More: RBI Opens Applications for Account Aggregator Self-Regulatory Body

Possibility of Insider Coordination

Another area attracting the RBI’s attention is the potential for informal arrangements between banks, ARCs, and borrowers. Allegations of behind-the-scenes coordination could point towards a situation where the interests of the broader financial system are compromised in favour of select parties.

Conclusion

At present, the RBI has not issued any new regulations or launched formal investigations. However, it is closely tracking the differences between the amounts banks realise from bad loan sales and what ARCs subsequently recover. The central bank’s objective appears to be safeguarding the transparency and integrity of the loan resolution process to ensure it remains beneficial for the overall stability of the financial sector.

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.

15.43 Lakh New Employees, Including 3.35 Lakh Women, Enrolled Under ESI Scheme in February

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has reported a robust addition of 15.43 lakh new employees under the ESI Scheme during February 2025. According to the provisional payroll data released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the expansion highlights an encouraging trend in workforce formalisation and access to social security.

Additionally, 23,526 new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme’s ambit in February, thereby extending social security benefits to a wider section of the workforce.

Youth Constitutes Nearly Half of New Registrations

An analysis of the new registrations reveals that the younger workforce is dominating enrolments. Approximately 7.36 lakh employees, amounting to around 47.7% of the total, belong to the age group of up to 25 years. This trend suggests that a significant number of young individuals are entering the formal workforce, often for their first employment, highlighting positive employment generation.

Increased Participation of Women and Transgender Employees

The gender-wise breakdown of enrolments indicates that 3.35 lakh women employees were newly registered under the ESI Scheme in February. In a notable step towards inclusivity, 74 transgender employees were also enrolled during the month. These efforts underline a broader commitment to extending social security benefits across all sections of society.

Continuous Revision of Payroll Data

It is important to note that the payroll data released is provisional. As data generation remains a continuous process, figures may be revised as more information becomes available in subsequent months.

EPFO Payroll Data Reflects Similar Trends

The ESIC figures follow closely after the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) released its payroll data earlier in the week, showing a net addition of 16.10 lakh members in February 2025. The year-on-year analysis highlights a 3.99% growth in net payroll additions compared to February of the previous year, indicating a rise in employment opportunities and greater awareness of employee benefits.

Read More: EPFO 3.0 Set to Launch by May-June: Will It Ease Withdrawal Challenges?. 

Conclusion

Within the EPFO enrolments, around 7.39 lakh new subscribers were recorded in February, with the 18-25 age group comprising a dominant 57.71% share. Approximately 4.27 lakh new subscribers were added within this young cohort, reflecting a continuation of the trend where fresh entrants into the organised workforce are predominantly young individuals securing their first jobs. Moreover, the net payroll addition for this age group saw a growth of 3.01 per cent compared to the same month last year.

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.

RBI Revises ATM Rules: Know Free Transaction Limits and New ₹23 Charge Effective May 2025

Introduction: An Important Update for Bank Customers

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a revision in ATM withdrawal charges applicable from May 1, 2025. This change affects all bank customers across the country, following an official notification released in March 2025. The revision seeks to align withdrawal fees with the increasing costs associated with operating and maintaining ATM networks.

Background: Why the Revision Was Necessary

The RBI’s decision stems from the need to ensure the financial viability of ATM operations. As per data reported by Livemint, India had 2,16,706 ATMs as of January 2025, including 1,30,902 on-site and 85,804 off-site units. Rising operational costs—such as maintenance, cash handling, and technology upgrades—have made it necessary to adjust the fee structure to support continued ATM availability, especially for smaller banks and white-label operators.

Detailed Changes in ATM Charges and Limits

The key aspects of the RBI’s revised policy are as follows:

  • Effective Date: May 1, 2025

  • Previous Charge: ₹21 per transaction beyond free limits

  • New Charge: ₹23 per transaction beyond free limits

  • Free Transactions at Own Bank ATMs: 5 per month, including financial and non-financial transactions

  • Free Transactions at Other Bank ATMs: 3 per month in metro centres and 5 per month in non-metro centres

  • Scope: Applicable to all savings account holders across commercial banks, cooperative banks, regional rural banks, authorised ATM operators, and white-label ATM operators

  • Non-Financial Transactions: Activities such as balance enquiries, PIN changes, and mini-statements are counted within the free transaction limit

Read More: RBI Allows Children Aged 10 and Above to Open and Operate Bank Accounts. 

Impact on Key Stakeholders

Impact on Customers

Customers who frequently exceed the free transaction limit will face a marginally higher cost. For instance, a customer in a metro city making a fourth transaction at another bank’s ATM will now pay ₹23 instead of ₹21. This could encourage users to plan withdrawals more strategically to avoid additional charges.

Impact on Banks and ATM Operators

Smaller banks and white-label ATM operators, which rely heavily on interchange fees, may find some financial relief from this revision. Although the current interchange fee remains unchanged at ₹17 for financial and ₹6 for non-financial transactions, this adjustment in customer charges could support the sustainability of ATM networks, particularly in remote or less profitable areas.

Regulatory Scope and Standardisation

The RBI’s directive ensures a uniform structure across various banking and financial entities, including:

  • Commercial banks

  • Regional rural banks

  • Cooperative banks

  • Authorised ATM network operators

  • Card payment networks

  • White-label ATM operators

Such standardisation aims to create a level playing field while maintaining transparency for customers nationwide.

Conclusion

The RBI’s revision of ATM withdrawal charges reflects a broader effort to balance customer convenience with the rising cost of ATM operations. While the fee increase is modest, it signifies an evolving financial ecosystem where digital transactions continue to gain traction and physical cash handling demands more robust infrastructure support.

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