Infosys Rolls Out Salary Hikes—Here’s How a Step-Up SIP Can Help You Build Wealth!

Bengaluru-based IT giant Infosys has commenced its much-anticipated salary hikes for employees from February 2024. As per reports, the increments range between 5% and 8%, while exceptional performers are expected to receive a 10-12% increase.

The salary adjustments apply to employees in band JL6 and below, with the revised salaries becoming effective from April 1, 2025.

Performance-Based Increments – Rewarding Excellence

Infosys determines salary hikes based on an employee’s performance rating, categorising them into four bands:

  • Outstanding
  • Commendable
  • Met Expectations
  • Needs Improvement

Naturally, employees in the top performance tiers receive the most substantial salary adjustments.

Why Were Salary Hikes Delayed?

Infosys had initially announced 6-8% salary hikes on January 16, 2024, but these were scheduled to be implemented in phases. The first phase commenced in February, while the second phase is expected in April 2025.

The IT sector has witnessed delays in salary revisions across FY25, with most major players—except Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)—postponing increments. This strategic delay helps companies preserve profit margins amidst a challenging economic landscape and declining discretionary spending from clients.

To counterbalance lower salary increments, Infosys has introduced additional allowances and benefits for employees falling under the taxable income bracket. The company, employing over 3.23 lakh professionals, last revised salaries in November 2023.

How a Step-Up SIP Can Help Employees Maximise Salary Hikes

While a salary hike is great news, it often leads to increased expenses. However, a Step-Up Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) can be a strategic tool to convert this salary increase into long-term wealth.

What Is a Step-Up SIP?

A Step-Up SIP allows investors to increase their monthly SIP contributions periodically, usually in line with salary increments. Unlike a fixed SIP amount, this approach helps investors scale their investments over time, aligning with their growing income.

How to Implement a Step-Up SIP With a Salary Hike?

  1. Determine the Increment: Identify how much your salary has increased. If your hike is 8%, consider increasing your SIP contribution by at least 5-6%.
  2. Automate the Process: Many mutual funds offer an auto Step-Up SIP option, which gradually increases your investment annually or at a specified interval.
  3. Align With Your Financial Goals: Whether it is retirement, a house purchase, or wealth creation, linking your Step-Up SIP to a specific goal can provide motivation.
  4. Leverage the Power of Compounding: Increasing investments over time means higher returns due to compounding, leading to substantial wealth accumulation over the years.

A Practical Example

Let’s assume an employee starts an SIP of ₹10,000 per month and increases it by 10% each year.

  • In Year 1, the investment is ₹10,000 per month.
  • In Year 2, it rises to ₹11,000 per month.
  • In Year 3, it increases to ₹12,100 per month, and so on.

Over a period of 20 years, this incremental SIP strategy can significantly boost wealth accumulation compared to a fixed SIP amount.

The Bottom Line

Infosys employees benefiting from salary hikes have a great opportunity to put this extra income to work. Instead of increasing discretionary spending, adopting a Step-Up SIP strategy can help them achieve long-term financial growth and security.

By simply adjusting investments in line with income growth, employees can harness the power of compounding and ensure a financially secure future.

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

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

Adani Green Energy Unit Awarded 1,250 MW Hydro Storage Project in Uttar Pradesh

Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), a prominent Indian renewable energy company headquartered in Ahmedabad, is majority-owned by the Adani Group, with a minority stake held by TotalEnergies. The company operates the Kamuthi Solar Power Project, one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic plants.

LOA by Uttar Pradesh

On February 25, 2025, AGEL announced that it had been awarded a Letter of Award (LOA) by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) for an expansive 1,250 MW energy storage capacity through pumped hydro storage projects (PSP).

The Panaura PSP, a strategically significant development, will be located in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. Designed for long-term sustainability, it comes with a minimum operational commitment of 40 years and is expected to be commissioned within the next six years.

Adani Green Energy 2030 Plan

Looking ahead, Adani Green Energy has ambitious plans to establish over 5 GW of hydro PSP capacity by 2030. The company has already commenced construction on several key projects, including:

  • 500 MW hydro PSP at Chitravathi River, Andhra Pradesh
  • 1,500 MW hydro PSP at Tarali, Maharashtra
  • 1,800 MW hydro PSP at Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Pumped hydro storage is one of the most cost-efficient, technologically mature, and scalable energy solutions. By leveraging solar-generated electricity during daylight hours to pump water, these projects ensure reliable power supply during peak demand at night, reinforcing sustainable energy infrastructure.

Adani Green Energy Q3 FY25 Results

In Q3 FY25, AGEL reported a consolidated net profit of ₹474 crore, reflecting an 85% surge from ₹256 crore in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from power supply climbed 13% year-on-year to ₹1,993 crore, bolstered by the company’s continued expansion.

Operational capacity soared 37% year-on-year to 11,609 MW, while energy sales surged 23% to 20,108 million units, reinforcing AGEL’s position as a dominant force in India’s renewable energy sector.

Share Price Performance 

At 11:54 AM on February 27, 2025, Adani Green Energy Ltd. shares traded a 0.15% up at ₹841.90 per share on the NSE.

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.

Tata Power to Develop 5,000 MW of Renewable Energy with ₹30,000 Crore Investment In Assam

Tata Power Company Limited, established in 1910, is India’s largest integrated power conglomerate and a pivotal entity within the esteemed Tata Group. Headquartered in Mumbai, Tata Power operates across the entire electricity value chain, encompassing generation, transmission, distribution, and trading.

MoU with Govt of Assam

On February 25, 2025, Tata Power announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Assam at Advantage Assam 2.0, outlining plans to develop up to 5,000 MW of renewable and clean energy projects in the state. This ambitious initiative, involving solar, wind, hydro, and energy storage projects, is poised to attract an estimated investment of ₹30,000 crore over the next five years.

Under this strategic collaboration, the Assam Government will facilitate the identification and allocation of approximately 20,000 acres of encumbrance-free government land on a leasehold basis, alongside assistance in acquiring privately owned land suitable for renewable energy ventures.

Expedite Project Execution

To expedite project execution, the government has pledged to streamline statutory approvals through single-window clearances, offer financial incentives, and collaborate with research institutions to foster innovation in the renewable energy sector. Furthermore, tailored skill development programmes will be introduced to cultivate a highly trained workforce, essential for the successful implementation and operation of these projects.

 

In a parallel development, Tata Power’s subsidiary, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, has entered into a separate MoU with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to propel the adoption of renewable energy and amplify energy efficiency across the state.

About Agreement

This agreement aims to significantly expand rooftop solar installations under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGY) while simultaneously generating approximately 3,000 direct employment opportunities. This initiative is set to reinforce Assam’s transition to clean energy, driving sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Share Price Performance 

At 11:49 AM on February 27, 2025, Tata Power Company Ltd share price traded 2.53% down at ₹342.60 per share on the NSE.

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.

Bharti Airtel and Tata Group To Explore Potential DTH Business Merger

New Delhi is home to the headquarters of the international Indian Punjabi telecom company Bharti Airtel Limited. In addition to the Channel Islands, it operates in 18 South Asian and African nations. In India, Airtel currently offers 4G, 5G, and LTE Advanced services.

Discussing with Tata Play For Merger

Bharti Airtel has confirmed engaging in “bilateral discussions” with Tata Group regarding a potential merger of their direct-to-home (DTH) businesses—Bharti Telemedia and Tata Play.

 

Bharti Airtel stated, “We wish to submit that Bharti Airtel and Tata Group are in bilateral discussions to explore a potential transaction to achieve a combination of Tata Group’s DTH business housed under Tata Play with Bharti Telemedia, a subsidiary of Airtel, in a structure acceptable to all parties.”

DTH sector is Struggling 

This development comes at a time when India’s DTH sector grapples with a dwindling subscriber base as viewers increasingly gravitate towards more flexible digital content alternatives, leading to a decline in revenue streams. Industry analysts collectively suggest that consolidation is the most viable pathway for the DTH segment’s survival.

 

According to the latest Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Performance Indicators Report, the total active subscriber base shrank from 62.17 million in June 2024 to 59.91 million in September 2024. However, amidst the industry-wide contraction, Bharti Telemedia’s Airtel Digital TV has bucked the trend by witnessing an upsurge in its subscriber count.

Statement From Bharti Airtel

“In the DTH segment, we gained 29,000 new customers this quarter,” revealed Gopal Vittal, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, in a recent earnings call. “Our unwavering focus on a streamlined pricing structure, compelling content offerings, and an integrated approach has led to consistent market share expansion.”

Share Price Performance 

At 11:34 AM on February 27, 2025, Bharti Airtel Ltd shares traded a 0.51% up at ₹1,649.80 per share on the NSE.

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.

Muthoot Finance to Expand with 115 New RBI Approved Branches

India’s biggest non-banking financial company (NBFC) with a focus on gold loans is Muthoot Finance Ltd. The company, which has its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala, has established a strong reputation in the financial industry by providing a variety of services beyond gold loans, such as business and personal loans, insurance, money transfers, and gold coin sales.

Approval From RBI 

Muthoot Finance Ltd, India’s largest non-banking financial company (NBFC) specialising in gold loans, has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to expand its footprint with 115 new branches. 

In a regulatory filing on February 26, 2025, Muthoot Finance informed the stock exchanges of this significant development. The RBI has advised the company to furnish details of the newly established branches while also ensuring robust security measures and appropriate storage facilities for gold jewellery, including secure vaults.

RBI Guidelines 

The RBI’s letter stated, “With reference to your letter dated November 28, 2024, seeking permission for the opening of new branches, we hereby grant approval for the establishment of 115 branches as requested. 

You are also advised to inform the bank of the details of the branches once operational. Furthermore, the company is instructed to implement adequate security arrangements and ensure proper storage for gold jewellery, including safe deposit vaults, in accordance with prevailing regulations.”

Muthoot Finance Q3 FY25 Results

This expansion follows Muthoot Finance’s robust financial performance in the third quarter of the fiscal year. Earlier this month, the company reported a stellar 26% year-on-year surge in net profit, reaching ₹1,389 crore compared to ₹1,104 crore in Q3 of the previous financial year. Revenue from operations witnessed an impressive 36% year-on-year growth, soaring to ₹5,190 crores from ₹3,820 crores in the corresponding quarter of FY24. Meanwhile, the company’s interest income stood at ₹5,067 crore.

Share Price Performance 

At 11:32 AM on February 27, 2025, Muthoot Finance Ltd shares traded 1.36% up at ₹2,212.95 per share on the NSE.

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.

UPI Lite Users Will Soon Be Able to Transfer Funds Back to Bank Account

UPI Lite is a digital payments feature introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in September 2022 to boost small-value transactions without requiring a UPI PIN. It allows users to make instant payments of up to ₹500 per transaction, with a total wallet balance limit of ₹2,000, directly from their bank-linked UPI app.

Users of UPI Lite will soon be able to transfer their wallet balance back to their bank accounts without disabling the service. The NPCI  has instructed banks and UPI Lite-enabled platforms to implement this feature by March 31, 2025.

Current Limitations of UPI Lite

As of now, UPI Lite only allows users to add money to their wallets for small transactions. There is no option to withdraw funds. If users want to access their balance, they must disable UPI Lite, after which the remaining money is credited back to their bank account.

What Changes for Users?

With the new ‘transfer out’ functionality, users will be able to withdraw money from their UPI Lite balance and send it back to their linked bank account without turning off the feature. NPCI has introduced Purpose Code 46 to categorise these transactions.

Other Updates

  • Reconciliation Requirements: Banks issuing UPI Lite wallets will need to maintain Lite Reference Number (LRN) balances and reconcile them daily with NPCI data.
  • Security: UPI Lite-enabled apps will require users to set up an app passcode, biometric authentication, or a pattern lock at login to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Deadline for Implementation: NPCI has set March 31, 2025, as the final date for all banks and payment service providers to introduce this feature. Existing UPI Lite guidelines will remain unchanged, apart from these updates.

How to Enable UPI Lite

  1. Open a UPI-enabled app.
  2. Select Enable UPI Lite from the options.
  3. Accept the terms and conditions.
  4. Enter the amount you want to add.
  5. Select your linked bank account.
  6. Authenticate using your UPI PIN.

Once activated, UPI Lite allows transactions under ₹500 without requiring a PIN. With the upcoming withdrawal feature, users will have more flexibility in managing their money.

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. 

Vesuvius India Board Approves Interim Dividend and First-Ever Stock Split

Vesuvius India Ltd has approved a stock split, the first in the company’s history. The board has decided to split each equity share with a face value of ₹10 into ten shares of ₹1 each. This is aimed at improving liquidity and making the stock more accessible to retail investors. The record date for the split will be announced after shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Dividend Recommendation

The company’s board has also recommended a dividend of ₹14.50 per share for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The record date for the dividend has been set for May 1, 2025, and the payout will take place after shareholder approval at the AGM on May 8, 2025.

Stock Performance

Vesuvius India Ltd. surged 3.41% to ₹4,180, gaining ₹137.65 as of February 27, 11:52 AM. The stock has seen fluctuations over the past year. It is currently down 48% from its May 2024 high of ₹6,000 but has rebounded 34% from its 52-week low of ₹3,016.95.

Over the past year, the stock has gained 20% but declined 5.6% in February, following losses of 5.75% in January and 15.4% in December.

Company Overview

Vesuvius India Ltd manufactures refractory products used in steel production. It is a subsidiary of Vesuvius Group Limited, UK and has been operating in India since 1991. The company produces monoblock stoppers, ladle shrouds, tundish nozzles, and other industrial materials.

The board meeting, held on February 26, 2025, also approved the audited financial results for the year ending December 31, 2024. The company has been consistent in issuing dividends but has never offered a bonus issue.

Financial Performance

For the quarter ending December 2024, Vesuvius India reported:

  • Revenue: ₹507.5 crore, up 23% from ₹413.5 crore in the same quarter last year.
  • Net Profit: ₹68.46 crore, a 13.57% increase from ₹60.28 crore a year ago.
  • EBITDA Growth: 5% year-on-year.
  • EBITDA Margin: Declined by 300 basis points to 15.9% due to higher input costs.

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

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

Godrej Properties Share Price In Focus on Sales Report

Godrej Properties Ltd has reported sales worth  ₹1,000 crore from its project Godrej Evergreen Square, located in Hinjewadi, Pune. The project was launched in November 2024 and has become the company’s most successful launch in Pune in terms of both value and volume of sales, as per the filing.

Project Details 

Godrej Evergreen Square has a total development potential of 2.41 million square feet, with an estimated revenue potential of  ₹2,045 crore. So far, the company has sold 1,398 residential units, covering 1.23 million square feet of area. As per the filing, the project is located in Hinjewadi, which is a residential and commercial hub in Pune. 

FIR on Chandigarh Project

Meanwhile, on February 26, the company reported that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against Godrej Properties and Berkeley Realtech Ltd for alleged violations of environmental laws in a completed project in Chandigarh. The case is linked to Godrej Eternia, developed in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area, which allegedly falls within 10 km of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and the City Bird Sanctuary, violating eco-sensitive zone regulations.

Godrej Properties responded, stating it was “surprised” by the FIR and will take necessary steps to protect the interests of its customers. The CBI’s action follows a preliminary inquiry initiated in 2023 based on a complaint from an official at Punjab Raj Bhawan.

Financial Performance in Q3FY25

For the quarter ended December 2024, Godrej Properties’ net profit rose 161% year-on-year to  ₹162.64 crore. The company’s revenue from operations increased by 193% YoY to  ₹968.88 crore.

Total booking value for Q3FY25 stood at  ₹5,446 crore, from the sale of 4.07 million square feet of area. This represents a 5% growth quarter-on-quarter, but a 5% decline year-on-year.

Share Price Movement

As of 11:36 AM on February 27, 2025, Godrej Properties’ stock was trading at  ₹1,956.45, down 1.54% for the day. Over the past six months, the stock has fallen 32.40%, while the yearly decline stands at 21.52%.

Conclusion

Godrej Properties continues to see sales in its Pune project while reporting an increase in profit and revenue for the latest quarter. However, the stock has faced selling pressure, showcasing broader market trends.

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

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

NFO Alert: Axis Mutual Fund Launches Nifty AAA Bond Financial Services – Mar 2028 Index Fund

Axis Asset Management Company Ltd has introduced the Axis Nifty AAA Bond Financial Services – Mar 2028 Index Fund is an open-ended target maturity index fund investing in AAA-rated financial services bonds that form part of the Nifty AAA Financial Services Bond Mar 2028 Index. The fund follows a passive investment approach, tracking the index with minimal deviations, subject to tracking error.

NFO Details

The details of the New Fund Offer (NFO) are as follows:

  • NFO Open Date: February 27, 2025
  • NFO Close Date: March 4, 2025
  • Fund House: Axis Mutual Fund
  • Fund Type: Open-ended
  • Category: Debt – Target Maturity
  • Benchmark: Nifty AAA Financial Services Bond Mar 2028 Index
  • Fund Manager: Hardik Shah
  • Plans Available: Growth, IDCW
  • Lock-in Period: Not applicable
  • Exit Load: Nil

Investment Objective

As per the filing, the fund aims to provide returns that correspond closely to the Nifty AAA Financial Services Bond Mar 2028 Index, before expenses. The strategy involves holding the bonds till maturity unless they are sold for redemptions or rebalancing.

Asset Allocation

  • 95-100% in fixed-income instruments replicating the Nifty AAA Financial Services Bond Mar 2028 Index
  • 0-5% in debt and money market instruments for liquidity management

Risk, Expense Ratio and More

  • Risk Level: Moderate (as per SEBI’s riskometer)
  • Expense Ratio: Up to 1% of daily net assets
  • No Entry Load or Exit Load
  • Initial Investment: ₹5,000
  • Additional Investment: ₹1,000 in multiples of ₹1
  • Minimum Redemption Amount: No specific limit

In case of deviations due to changes in the underlying index, rebalancing is carried out within seven calendar days to maintain alignment with the index.

Listing and NAV Disclosure

  • The NAV is calculated and disclosed daily by 11:00 PM on the Axis Mutual Fund and AMFI websites.
  • The scheme is expected to reopen for continuous transactions within five business days from allotment.

Plan your SBI SIP investments better! Use our easy-to-use SBI SIP Calculator and estimate future returns with just a few clicks. Your financial growth starts here.

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

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

Edelweiss Mutual Fund Caps Subscriptions in Overseas Schemes

Edelweiss Mutual Fund has placed investment restrictions on seven of its schemes that invest in global markets. The new limit will be effective from February 27, 2025, capping daily investments at ₹1 lakh per PAN for lumpsum, switch-in, SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), and STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) transactions.

Reason for Subscription Limits

The fund house cited that these schemes are nearing the headroom available under the RBI-imposed overseas investment limit. In February 2022, SEBI temporarily stopped mutual funds from investing in foreign stocks to ensure compliance with the $7 billion cap set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A separate $1 billion limit per fund house was also introduced for foreign investments, including ETFs.

While SEBI later allowed mutual funds to resume foreign investments, they must still remain within the overall limit. As a result, some fund houses have periodically adjusted or capped subscriptions in global schemes.

Funds Affected by the Cap

The following seven funds will be subject to the ₹1 lakh per day limit:

Among these, 6 funds primarily invest in foreign equities, while the MSCI India Domestic & World Healthcare 45 Index Fund includes both Indian and US stocks.

Existing Transactions Remain Unaffected

Edelweiss Mutual Fund clarified that SIPs, STPs, and systematic transactions registered before February 27 will continue without restrictions. Transactions executed before February 25, 2025, before the cut-off time, will not be subject to the new cap.

Performance of International Funds

According to reports, different international fund categories have shown varied performance:

  • China equity funds have delivered an average 55.38% return in the last year (as of February 21, 2025).
  • US-based funds, including Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and NYSE FANG ETFs, have gained 26% on average in the past year.
  • Global equity funds have returned 17.48% in the same period.

Investors looking to increase their exposure to these schemes will now have to operate within the daily investment limit of ₹1 lakh per PAN.

Ensure steady returns with systematic withdrawals! Estimate your withdrawals with our SWP Calculator and manage your finances seamlessly.

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

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