FASTag Rules Change from Today: What It Means for You

From February 17, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced new rules for FASTag users, as per the reports. These changes focus on blacklisted FASTags, transaction delays, and chargeback policies. Here’s what you need to know.

Blacklisted FASTags: Payments Will Be Declined

If a FASTag is blacklisted at the time of scanning, the payment will not go through. If a FASTag has been inactive for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll and remains inactive up to 10 minutes after crossing, the transaction will be declined with error code 176.

Grace Period for Recharging

Users will now have a 70-minute window before reaching the toll plaza to fix their FASTag status and make sure that the tag is active. This is meant to help avoid payment failures due to insufficient balance or blacklisting.

Double Toll Charges for Blacklisted Tags

If a FASTag is blacklisted when scanned at the toll booth, the user may be required to pay double the toll fee. However, if the tag is recharged within 10 minutes, the user can request a refund for the extra amount paid.

Transaction Delays

Under the new rules, if a toll transaction is processed more than 15 minutes after the vehicle has crossed the reader, the user may face additional charges. If this happens due to insufficient balance, the system will reject the payment, and the toll operator will not be held responsible.

If an incorrect toll deduction occurs due to a blacklisted FASTag or low balance, banks can raise a chargeback request only after a 15-day cooling period. Users will have to wait before filing disputes.

How to Avoid FASTag Issues?

  • Make sure of sufficient balance in your FASTag account.
  • Check FASTag status before travel.
  • Keep track of transaction times to catch delayed deductions.
  • Recharge the FASTag at least an hour before travel to avoid last-minute failures.

List Of FASTag Issuing Bank

Sr No. Issuing Bank Customer Care Helpline No
1 Airtel Payments Bank 400/8800-688-006
2 Allahabad Bank 1800-258-6680
3 AU Small Finance Bank 1800-258-7300
4 Axis Bank Ltd 1860-419-8585
5 Bank of Baroda 1800-103-4568
6 Canara Bank 1800-103-3568
7 City Union Bank Ltd 1800-258-7200
8 Equitas Small Finance Bank 1800-103-1222
9 Federal Bank 1800-266-9520
10 FINO Payments Bank 022-6868-1414
11 HDFC Bank 1800-120-1243
12 ICICI Bank 1800-210-0104
13 IDBI Bank 1800-266-1962
14 IDFC First Bank 1800-266-9970
15 IndusInd Bank 1860-210-8887
16 Karur Vysya Bank 1800-102-1916
17 Kotak Mahindra Bank 18-602-666-888
18 Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank 1800-266-7183
19 PAYTM Bank 1800-120-4210
20 Punjab National Bank 1800-419-6610
21 Saraswat Bank 1800-229-999 / 1800-266-5555
22 South Indian Bank 1800-425-1809
23 State Bank of India 1800-110-018
24 Syndicate Bank 1800-3011-3333
25 Union Bank of India 1800-258-6400
26 YES BANK 1800-3000-1113

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.

BSNL’s Remarkable Comeback: Posts ₹262 Crore Profit After 17 Years

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has reported a profit of ₹262 crore in the third quarter of the financial year, marking its first return to profitability since 2007. This milestone highlights the company’s strategic focus on innovation, network expansion, cost optimisation, and customer-centric service enhancements.

Announcing the financial results, BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, stated: “We are pleased with our financial performance this quarter, which reflects our focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and aggressive network expansion. With these efforts, we expect revenue growth to improve further, exceeding 20% by the end of the financial year.”

The company’s revenue from mobility, FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home), and leased line services has increased by 15%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, over the same quarter last year. Furthermore, BSNL has successfully reduced its finance costs and overall expenditure, leading to a decline in losses by over ₹1,800 crore compared to the previous year.

Key Drivers Behind BSNL’s Profitability

1. Strong Revenue Growth

BSNL’s revenue growth has been driven by its expanding subscriber base and increased adoption of digital services:

  • Mobility services revenue grew by 15%.
  • FTTH services revenue surged by 18%.
  • Leased Line services revenue rose by 14% compared to Q3 of the previous year.

2. Aggressive Network Expansion

To strengthen its position in the Indian telecom market, BSNL has ramped up its 4G rollout and fibre-optic infrastructure upgrades. The company has focused on:

  • Enhancing connectivity in both urban and rural areas.
  • Expanding its high-speed internet services to meet growing consumer demand.

3. Customer-Centric Digital Innovations

BSNL has introduced several new digital services aimed at enhancing customer experience and increasing engagement:

  • National WiFi Roaming – Enables seamless internet access across multiple networks.
  • BiTV – Free Entertainment for Mobile Customers – Offers a variety of high-quality digital content.
  • IFTV – Exclusive Entertainment for FTTH Customers – Provides enhanced digital streaming services.

4. Cost Optimisation and Operational Efficiency

BSNL has implemented cost-saving measures and process automation to improve efficiency. Notable efforts include:

  • A significant reduction in finance costs, leading to ₹1,800 crore savings in annual expenditure.
  • Strategic resource management to enhance operational performance and service delivery.

5. Government Support and Strategic Revamp

Government-backed initiatives have played a crucial role in BSNL’s revival, including:

  • Spectrum allocation and capital infusion to strengthen network infrastructure.
  • Strategic revival measures to bolster long-term sustainability.

BSNL’s Future Growth Strategy

BSNL is committed to sustaining this positive momentum by focusing on the following areas:

  • 5G readiness and digital transformation.
  • Continued expansion of fibre and mobile networks to drive subscriber growth.
  • Revenue growth is expected to exceed 20% by the end of the financial year.

This financial turnaround is a testament to BSNL’s dedication to providing high-quality, affordable telecom services and driving India’s digital connectivity. With an emphasis on innovation and customer experience, the company aims to further strengthen its market position and contribute to the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

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.

India’s Smartphone Exports Surge to Record High in January 2025

India’s smartphone exports reached an all-time high of ₹25,000 crore ($3.14 billion) in January 2025, surpassing the total exports of FY21. This marks a staggering 140% year-on-year increase from ₹11,373 crore ($1.31 billion) recorded in January 2024.

Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways, Electronics & IT, Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw, projected that smartphone exports in FY25 will reach ₹2,25,000 crore ($25.92 billion), following a strong performance of ₹1,35,439 crore ($15.6 billion) in FY24.

Apple Leads the Export Boom

Of the total exports in January, Apple continued its dominance, contributing 70% of the shipments. Key suppliers played a significant role in driving these numbers:

  • Foxconn accounted for ₹8,334 crore ($960 million) (33% of total exports).
  • Tata Electronics contributed over ₹6,945 crore ($800 million).
  • Pegatron exported goods worth more than ₹4,341 crore ($500 million).

The Role of the PLI Scheme in India’s Export Growth

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has played a pivotal role in driving this growth. Introduced to enhance India’s global competitiveness, the scheme addresses cost disadvantages and has encouraged global giants such as Apple to shift their supply chains to India.

Since the scheme’s inception, smartphone exports have shown consistent growth:

  • FY21: ₹26,914 crore ($3.1 billion).
  • FY24: ₹1,35,439 crore ($15.6 billion).
  • FY25 (projected): ₹2,25,000 crore ($25.92 billion).

From 167th to the 2nd Largest Export Category

A decade ago, in FY15, smartphones ranked 167th among India’s total exports. However, by December 2024, smartphones had become the 2nd largest export category, reflecting India’s growing prominence in the global electronics market.

India’s Rising Role in the Global Smartphone Market

With major players ramping up production and the PLI scheme attracting large-scale investments, India is solidifying its position as a key hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports. The shift of global supply chains, led by Apple and its contract manufacturers, is expected to further boost India’s standing in the international market.

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.

MTAR Technologies Share Price Registers Sharpest Fall Since May; Here’s Why

MTAR Technologies, a leading precision engineering firm serving the defence, space, nuclear, and clean energy sectors, saw its share price hit a fresh 52-week high of ₹1,226.20 on the NSE on February 17, 2025. However, by 2:19 PM, the stock had dropped 7%, registering its steepest single-day fall since May 2024.

Promoter Share Pledge Raises Concerns

The decline in MTAR Technologies’ share price coincides with a disclosure to the stock exchanges regarding an encumbrance of 60,000 equity shares by Mrs. Kavitha Reddy Gangapatnam, a member of the company’s promoter group. While pledging shares does not necessarily indicate financial distress, it can sometimes be perceived as a sign of liquidity pressure, leading to negative investor sentiment.

Q3FY25 Performance 

MTAR Technologies reported financial results for the December quarter of FY25, with net profit surging 52.9% year-on-year to ₹15.9 crore, compared to ₹10.4 crore in Q3FY24. The growth in profitability was driven by strong revenue expansion and efficient order execution.

  • Revenue Growth: The company’s revenue jumped 47.3% YoY to ₹174.4 crore, up from ₹118.4 crore in the same period last year.
  • Operational Performance: EBITDA rose 38.5% to ₹33.1 crore, compared to ₹23.9 crore a year ago.
  • Margins Under Pressure: Despite higher revenue, EBITDA margin slipped to 19% from 20.2%, impacted by rising input costs and changes in the product mix.

Stock Price Performance of MTAR Technologies 

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, MTAR Technologies’ stock has declined by 24.33% as of February 17, 2025. 

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 Dilemma: Reduce EMI or Shorten Tenure – Which Should One Opt For?

When your bank offers you a choice between reducing your Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) or shortening your home loan tenure, it is essential to evaluate both options before making a decision. And, the same can be done using the Home Loan EMI Calculator. 

  • Reducing EMI: This decreases your monthly repayment, freeing up cash for other expenses or investments. However, it also extends your loan tenure, leading to a higher overall interest payout.
  • Shortening the Tenure: Keeping the EMI constant while reducing the tenure results in lower interest costs and faster loan closure, allowing you to become debt-free sooner.

The real question is—which choice is financially wiser?

Key Considerations Before Making a Decision

1. Your Financial Security Comes First

Before tweaking your loan structure, consider your financial safety net:

  • Do you have a sufficient emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses?
  • Have you secured adequate life and health insurance?
  • Are you prepared for unexpected financial setbacks?

2. Loan Burden and Liquidity Management

  • Are your monthly EMIs taking up a significant portion of your income?
  • Would reducing EMIs improve your cash flow without affecting your financial goals?
  • Do you foresee liquidity constraints if you commit to higher EMIs for a shorter tenure?

3. Asset Allocation and Investment Goals

  • Is real estate taking up a significant portion of your wealth?
  • Have you diversified across various asset classes to mitigate risks?
  • Are you on track with your retirement and wealth-building plans?

Assessing these factors will help determine whether it’s better to reduce the EMI for improved flexibility or shorten the tenure for quicker debt repayment.

The Income Waterfall Approach

To make a structured decision, consider this income waterfall strategy:

  • Risk Management First
    • Secure an emergency fund and adequate insurance coverage.
    • Avoid high-cost loans and excessive EMIs that strain your cash flow.
  • Optimise Asset Allocation
    • Diversify your investments across different asset classes.
    • Ensure your financial goals dictate your investment strategy.
  • Control Spending
    • Keep discretionary expenses in check.
    • Find sustainable ways to reduce monthly outflows.

Final Thought: Which Option is Right for You?

If reducing EMI improves your financial stability and allows you to allocate funds toward emergency savings and investments, it may be a viable option. However, if your financial foundation is solid, keeping EMIs constant and shortening the loan tenure will help you save significantly on interest and own your home faster.

Want to calculate the impact of both options? Try this Home Loan EMI Calculator from Angel One to see which path works best for you.

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.

India Increases Gold and Silver Import Base Prices

The Indian government has increased the base import price of gold and silver in response to rising global prices. According to a notification from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued on February 14, the base price of gold has been raised by $41 per 10 grams to $938, while the base price of silver has gone up by $42 per kilogram.

Adjustment in Line with Trends

Gold prices have been increasing due to economic uncertainty and geopolitical factors, including trade tensions between the US and China. The higher base import price will help with import duties, which are calculated as a percentage of the base price, and stay aligned with international prices. 

Silver prices have also gone up, prompting an adjustment in its import cost.

Gold Prices in India

Following the global trend, gold prices in India also saw an increase on Monday, February 17. The updated rates are:

  • 24K gold – ₹8,662 per gram
  • 22K gold – ₹7,940 per gram
  • 10 grams of 22K gold – ₹79,400 (increase of ₹500)
  • 100 grams of 22K gold – ₹7,94,000 (increase of ₹5,000)

With the revision in base prices, traders are likely to adjust domestic gold rates accordingly. This could influence overall pricing in the retail market, particularly with ongoing demand fluctuations.

Silver Price Adjustment

Like gold, silver has also seen a price increase internationally. The government’s decision to raise the base import price of silver shows these global shifts. The change in import pricing helps maintain consistency in the taxation system by ensuring duties are levied on a market-aligned base price.

The new base import prices will apply until the next revision, depending on further changes in global market conditions.

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. 

Check Gold and Silver Prices in Your City on February 17, 2025

Gold prices have increased on February 17. In the international market, the spot gold price has risen by 0.54%, reaching $2,899.51 per ounce as of 1:24 PM on 17 February.

Gold prices had also increased on February 17, 2025, with both Indian and international markets witnessing an upward trend. In India, gold prices have surged by over ₹300 per 10 grams in major cities.

In Mumbai, 24-carat gold is priced at ₹8,506 per gram, while 22-carat gold now costs ₹7,797 per gram. The price of 24-carat gold stands at ₹85,060 per 10 grams as of 1:24 PM on February 17, 2025.

In Delhi, the price of 22-carat gold is currently ₹77,807 per 10 grams, while 24-carat gold is trading at ₹84,880 per 10 grams.

Gold Prices Across Major Indian Cities on February 17, 2025

Here is a detailed breakdown of gold prices as of February 17, 2025:

City 24 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹) 22 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹)
Chennai 85,300 78,192
Hyderabad 85,190 78,091
Delhi 84,880 77,807
Mumbai 85,060 77,972
Bangalore 85,120 78,027

Silver Prices in India on February 17, 2025

The international silver price has increased marginally to $32.21 as of 1:28 PM on February 17, 2025. However, in India, silver prices have decreased by ₹150 per kilogram.

Silver Prices Across Major Indian Cities

 

City Silver Rate in ₹/kg 
Mumbai 95,660
Delhi 95,420
Kolkata 95,530
Chennai 95,940

Key Takeaways

  • Gold Prices: Both 22-carat and 24-carat gold prices have increased across major cities in India. The international spot price of gold is trading near $2,900 per ounce.
  • Silver Prices: Silver prices have declined in India, while in the international market, prices have increased marginally.

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.

BSE Sensex Slides Amid Market Turmoil: Investor Wealth Shrinks by Over ₹27 Lakh Crore

The Indian stock market remained under pressure as the BSE Sensex slipped by 0.30% or 222 points, trading near 75,700 by midday on February 17, 2025. The benchmark index opened lower and extended its decline, falling below the previous session’s low. However, partial recovery was seen from the day’s lows, led by HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries, which provided some support to the index.

On the flip side, ICICI Bank and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) weighed on the Sensex, limiting the extent of the rebound.

Sectoral Performance: All Sectors in the Red

The market-wide weakness was reflected across all sectors, with every BSE sectoral index trading in negative territory. The decline was led by:

  • BSE Industrials (-1.24%)
  • BSE Telecom (-1.2%)

Investor Wealth Shrinks by Over ₹27 Lakh Crore

The ongoing downturn has significantly impacted investor sentiment, with a total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies falling sharply. As per data from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE):

  • On February 5, 2025, the total market capitalisation stood at ₹428,03,611.66 crore.
  • By February 14, 2025, after eight consecutive sessions of losses, it had dropped to ₹400,99,281.11 crore, marking a decline of over ₹27 lakh crore.

With February 17, 2025, extending the downtrend, India’s market capitalisation hit an 8-month low, falling below ₹400 lakh crore for the first time since June 2024.

Foreign Investor Sell-Off Intensifies

One of the major contributors to the persistent market decline has been the aggressive selling by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs).

  • FIIs have pulled out over ₹1 lakh crore from Dalal Street in 2025 alone.
  • The outflows reflect growing caution amid global economic uncertainties and trade war concerns, which continue to impact emerging markets like India.

With global markets facing volatility and uncertainty, FIIs are expected to remain cautious, further influencing market sentiment in the near term.

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.

Cyient DLM to Manufacture Avionics PCBAs for Thales

Cyient DLM has secured a long-term avionics manufacturing program from Thales, a global technology company. The announcement was made during Aero India 2025, talking about Cyient DLM’s role in aerospace and defence manufacturing.

As of February 17, 12:55 PM, Cyient DLM Ltd is trading at ₹420.45, down ₹13.85 (3.19%) today, with a 29.78% decline over the past month and a 47.31% drop in the past year.

Manufacturing High-Reliability PCBAs

Under this agreement, Cyient DLM will manufacture Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) for Thales’s next-generation flight avionics systems. These components will be used in commercial aircraft platforms. The PCBAs are to meet the reliability and safety standards required in the aerospace sector.

Support for ‘Make in India’

Deepak Talwar, Vice-President of Group Procurement – Engineering, and India, Middle East & Africa at Thales, said that the company’s focus is on strengthening its supply chain in India. He stated, “Cyient DLM has demonstrated strong technical capabilities over the years. We are pleased to have them on board to manufacture high-reliability PCBAs for our next-gen flight avionics systems.”

Industry Presence 

Cyient DLM is into safety-critical electronics and has been involved in design, manufacturing, testing, precision machining, and certification support for regulated industries. The company has worked with global aerospace firms, providing components that meet industry standards.

Anthony Montalbano, CEO of Cyient DLM, said, “We are honoured to have been chosen by Thales for this program. This collaboration highlights our capability to deliver high-reliability electronics for aerospace applications.”

Aerospace and Defense Expansion

With experience in design-led manufacturing, Cyient DLM is expanding its presence in aerospace and defence. The company has worked on similar programs, supplying electronic components for commercial and defence aircraft.

The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

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.

Zen Technologies Shares Hit 20% Lower Circuit Amid Q3 Results and Strategic Acquisitions

Shares of Zen Technologies Limited were locked in a 20% lower circuit at ₹1,080 on February 17, 2025, following the release of its Q3 financial results. While the company’s earnings reflected year-on-year growth, a sequential decline compared to the previous quarter contributed to investor concerns.

Despite this short-term market reaction, Zen Technologies has made significant strategic moves, announcing the acquisitions of Vector Technics Private Limited and Bhairav Robotics Private Limited. These investments aim to enhance its position in UAV propulsion, autonomous robotics, and aerospace components, reinforcing its role in India’s defence technology landscape.

Key Details of the Acquisitions

Vector Technics Private Limited

Zen Technologies has acquired a 51% controlling stake in Vector Technics, a company specialising in propulsion and power distribution solutions for drones and UAVs. This acquisition expands Zen’s footprint in aerospace components, enabling it to cater to the growing demand in global drone and robotics markets.

Bhairav Robotics Private Limited

The company has also acquired a 45.33% stake in Bhairav Robotics, a specialist in autonomous robotic systems and defence technology. Bhairav Robotics is known for developing quadrupedal robots and autonomous weapon systems, aligning with Zen Technologies’ focus on ‘Made in India’ innovation in the defence sector.

Strategic Growth Amid Market Challenges

Zen Technologies’ latest acquisitions are designed to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing while expanding its global presence in next-generation warfare solutions.

Chairman & Managing Director, Ashok Atluri, commented on the developments, stating: “These strategic acquisitions mark a significant step in our mission to build a self-reliant and globally competitive defence ecosystem. By integrating cutting-edge robotics, propulsion, and aerospace technologies, we are not only strengthening India’s defence capabilities but also positioning Zen Technologies as a leader in next-generation defence innovation.”

While the Q3 results triggered a negative market reaction, Zen Technologies remains focused on long-term growth and innovation.

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.