Advanced Sys-Tek Ltd Files for IPO to Expand Industrial Automation Business

Advanced Sys-Tek Ltd has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its initial public offering (IPO). The offering comprises a fresh issue at ₹115 per share and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 1.53 million shares by existing promoters and shareholders. The funds raised will be utilised for capital expenditure and long-term working capital needs. Inga Ventures and Sowilo Capital Advisors will act as the book-running lead managers for the IPO.

IPO Structure and Fund Allocation

The IPO includes a fresh issue of shares alongside an Offer for Sale (OFS) by promoters Mukesh R Kapadia and Umed Amarchand Fifadra, each set to divest up to 7.64 lakh shares. The capital raised from the fresh issue will be directed towards expanding operational capacity and strengthening working capital resources. The company aims to enhance its infrastructure and technological capabilities to support future growth.

Company Expertise and Market Presence

With a legacy of over three decades, Advanced Sys-Tek Ltd is a specialist in industrial automation, offering comprehensive measurement and control solutions. The company focuses on Industrial Automation Solutions (IA Solutions), particularly automated metering systems for oil and gas terminals. It has successfully completed more than 200 installations in India and international markets as of 30 September 2024.

Advanced Sys-Tek provides automation solutions for petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) storage terminals, including terminal automation (TA) and custody transfer metering of hydrocarbons. Additionally, the company delivers metering skids for precise gas flow measurement in pipelines. It has also executed automation projects for LPG bottling plants and is currently engaged in fuel farm automation at Indian airports.

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. 

NIBE Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Defence Manufacturing in Pune

NIBE Limited, a key player in the defence manufacturing sector, has taken a significant step towards advancing India’s self-reliance in defence production. The company inaugurated its cutting-edge Missiles Complex and Precision Machining – Small Arms Complex in Pune. This event coincided with the celebration of NIBE’s Foundation Day, symbolising its continued commitment to innovation and excellence.

The grand inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, and other government officials. Industry leaders, including executives from Larsen & Toubro (L&T), were also in attendance.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Defence and Aerospace

The newly inaugurated facility is equipped with state-of-the-art Vertical Machining Centres (VMCs) with Computer Numerical Control (CNC). Some of the advanced machinery installed at the facility include:

  • Kairos V5 16000
  • BMV 50 and 60+ machines

These high-precision machines will enable NIBE Limited to manufacture critical components for small arms, such as Light Machine Guns (LMGs) and Assault Rifles, along with missiles and rocket launcher structures. The enhanced production capabilities are expected to contribute significantly to India’s defence and aerospace sectors.

NIBE Limited: A Growing Force in Defence Manufacturing

Founded in 2021, NIBE Limited has rapidly emerged as a key defence manufacturer, specialising in:

  • Critical Components for Defence and Aerospace, including structures and sub-assemblies
  • Missile systems, small arms, and electronic components
  • Projects such as Modular Bridges, Pinaka Launchers, and MRSAM Launchers

With a focus on domestic and international applications, the company aligns its operations with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defence production.

Stock Performance Reflects Market Sentiment

Following this significant development, NIBE Limited’s share price hit an upper circuit at ₹1,660.30 on the BSE during the trading session.

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

Nippon India Active Momentum Fund NFO: A Factor-Based Approach to Investing

Nippon India Mutual Fund has announced the launch of its latest New Fund Offer (NFO)—Nippon India Active Momentum Fund. This open-ended equity scheme is designed to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related instruments, primarily focusing on momentum investing. The fund will be available for subscription between 10 and 24 February.

Momentum investing is a well-known factor-based investment strategy that relies on stocks demonstrating sustained price trends over time. This approach is based on the premise that assets that have performed well in the past may continue to do so, while those that have underperformed may continue to lag.

Understanding Factor-Based Investing

Factor investing is a rules-based investment approach that aims to eliminate emotional decision-making and human biases. It relies on fundamental attributes such as:

  • Alpha (excess returns above benchmarks)
  • Low volatility (stable performance with reduced fluctuations)
  • Quality (strong financials and robust business fundamentals)
  • Value (undervalued stocks with potential for growth)
  • Growth (companies with strong earnings momentum)

Momentum is one such factor, and the Nippon India Active Momentum Fund builds its strategy around this principle.

Momentum Investing: A Proven Concept

Historical data indicates that momentum-based indices have delivered consistent returns. For instance, in a typical year, momentum as an index delivers top returns approximately 8 times on a cumulative basis. Additionally, the Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Index has outperformed the Nifty 500 in 13 out of the last 19 years.

However, momentum investing can be highly volatile, particularly during market downturns. Instances such as the early pandemic phase and the global financial crisis have shown that momentum-based portfolios can suffer sharp underperformance at decisive turning points.

How the Fund Aims to Reduce Risk

To mitigate the risks associated with momentum investing, the Nippon India Active Momentum Fund incorporates a multi-factor quantitative model that blends:

  1. Technical factors – Price momentum to identify stocks that continue to perform.
  2. Fundamental factors – Earnings revision to assess a company’s growth trajectory.
  3. Conditional indicators – Beta (to benefit from market uptrends) and minimum volatility (to reduce risk during downturns).

The fund’s strategy adapts to market phases, commonly referred to as “Risk ON” and “Risk OFF” periods:

  • During Risk ON phases, the fund enhances upside potential by adding the Beta factor to momentum.
  • During Risk OFF phases, minimum volatility helps stabilise the portfolio and mitigate drawdowns.

Additionally, the portfolio will undergo monthly rebalancing to dynamically adjust to market conditions.

Key Features of Nippon India Active Momentum Fund

  • Fund Category: Open-ended equity scheme
  • Investment Strategy: Momentum-based investing with a blend of technical and fundamental factors
  • Benchmark Index: Nifty 500 TRI
  • Minimum Investment: ₹500 (and in multiples of ₹1 thereafter)
  • Subscription Period: 10 – 24 February
  • Portfolio Rebalancing: Monthly

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 are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.

Budget 2025: Changes in Income Tax and Comparison of Both Regimes

The 2025 Budget has revised the income tax structure, increasing the exemption threshold to ₹12 lakh. For salaried individuals, this rises to ₹12.75 lakh with the standard deduction of ₹75,000. These adjustments alter tax liabilities compared to the 2024 framework, making the new regime more advantageous for certain income brackets.

Comparing the New and Old Regimes

  • The new tax regime offers significant benefits for individuals earning up to ₹12.75 lakh, even when considering tax-saving deductions. For those exceeding this limit, the choice between regimes depends on investments in tax-saving instruments.
  • For individuals earning ₹20 lakh or more (₹20.75 lakh for salaried employees), the new regime generally results in lower tax payments.
  • If an individual earning ₹20 lakh invests ₹5.25 lakh in savings schemes, the old regime still leads to a higher tax liability of ₹2.4 lakh, compared to ₹2 lakh under the new system.
  • The old regime may provide marginal benefits for incomes between ₹13.75 lakh and ₹15.75 lakh.
  • For incomes above ₹24.75 lahks, the old regime is only beneficial if deductions (excluding the standard deduction) exceed ₹8 lakh.

Tax Savings for High Earners

  • The impact of the revised tax structure varies for higher income groups:
  • Earnings between ₹15 lakh and ₹25 lakh see tax savings ranging from ₹36,400 to ₹1.14 lakh under the new regime.
  • At ₹30 lakh, the savings begin to decline, with a 10% reduction at ₹45 lakh and only 1.9% at ₹1 crore.
  • For incomes exceeding ₹2 crore, tax savings under the new system are marginal at approximately 0.9%.

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.

Dr Reddy’s Collaborates with Henlius for HLX15 Biosimilar Commercialisation

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories SA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, has entered into a licensing agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. for the development and commercialisation of HLX15, a biosimilar candidate to Darzalex® and Darzalex Faspro.

Under this agreement, Dr Reddy’s will hold exclusive rights to commercialise HLX15 in the United States and Europe, marking a significant step in its expansion within regulated biosimilar markets.

Agreement and Financial Details

The agreement aligns Dr Reddy’s extensive commercial reach with Henlius’ expertise in biosimilar development. Henlius will oversee development, manufacturing, and commercial supply, while Dr. Reddy’s will focus on marketing and distribution. 

Henlius stands to receive up to $131.6 million, including a $33 million upfront payment and milestone-based payments. Additionally, Henlius will earn royalties on annual net sales of HLX15. The deal reinforces Dr Reddy’s strategy of expanding its biosimilar portfolio in major global markets.

HLX15 and Its Role in Oncology

HLX15 is a fully human anti-CD38 IgG1κ monoclonal antibody, developed as a biosimilar to Darzalex and Darzalex Faspro, used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is available in both intravenous and subcutaneous formulations. 

HLX15 has undergone analytical similarity assessments, pre-clinical studies, and a successful Phase 1 clinical study in June 2024, which demonstrated comparable pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunogenicity to the reference daratumumab sourced from the US, EU, and China. Comparative efficacy studies are ongoing.

Dr Reddy Share Performance

As of February 07, 2025, at 3:17 PM, the shares of Dr Reddy are trading at ₹1,240.15 per share up by 0.28% from its previous day’s closing price.

Conclusion

This collaboration between Dr. Reddy’s and Henlius enhances their global position in oncology biosimilars, ensuring greater accessibility to advanced biologics. With Dr. Reddy’s established commercial network and Henlius’ biosimilar expertise, the partnership strengthens both companies’ presence in the regulated pharmaceutical markets of the US and Europe.

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.

Luxury Shopping Beyond Metros: How E-commerce is Redefining Shopping in Small-Town India

Luxury shopping is no longer confined to India’s major metropolitan cities. With the expansion of e-commerce, high-end brands are witnessing a surge in demand from smaller towns like Botad in Gujarat and Asansol in West Bengal. Consumers in these regions, previously overlooked by luxury retailers, are now actively purchasing premium products, marking a shift in traditional shopping patterns.

The Henry Consumer: Driving the Shift

A significant factor behind this growing trend is the emergence of the “Henry” (High Earners, Not Rich Yet) consumer group. These individuals, primarily working professionals with rising incomes, are keen on experiencing luxury and investing in premium brands. Their increasing disposable income has led to a notable uptick in luxury purchases, particularly in categories like footwear, watches, clothing, and accessories. Reports indicate that over 55% of Tata Cliq Luxury’s sales now come from non-metro areas like Panchkula and Mysore, highlighting the growing appetite for premium products in smaller towns.

E-commerce: Bridging the Gap Between Brands and Buyers

Luxury brands are leveraging digital platforms to cater to this expanding customer base. International names like Bvlgari have partnered with e-commerce platforms such as Ajio Luxe, enabling them to reach new markets beyond traditional retail locations. The online shopping experience eliminates geographical constraints, making luxury products more accessible to aspirational buyers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Beyond Fashion: A Growing Appetite for Luxury Art and Jewellery

While fashion and jewellery have been the core segments of luxury retail, there is a growing interest in high-end art and collectibles. Social media plays a crucial role in this transformation, exposing consumers to global luxury trends and increasing awareness about exclusive products. Unlike traditional luxury shoppers, these digital-savvy buyers research extensively before making a purchase, ensuring they make well-informed decisions.

The Future of Luxury: Gen Z and Gen Alpha as Key Drivers

Looking ahead, younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are expected to shape the future of luxury shopping. Their preference for digital-first experiences and transparency in brand interactions will drive further evolution in the market. Additionally, the pre-owned luxury segment is likely to gain traction as sustainability-conscious consumers explore resale platforms for high-end fashion and accessories.

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

Biocon & Equillium: Phase 2 Itolizumab Ulcerative Colitis Trial Results

Biocon Limited and Equillium Inc. have announced encouraging results from a Phase 2 clinical trial assessing Itolizumab, a novel monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). The trial, which compared Itolizumab with adalimumab (a standard treatment) and a placebo, demonstrated higher remission rates and positive safety outcomes.

Trial Overview

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 90 biologic-naïve patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Participants were randomised into three groups:

  1. Itolizumab (140 mg every two weeks)
  2. Adalimumab, a globally recognised biologic treatment
  3. Placebo

The primary goal was to evaluate clinical remission rates after 12 weeks, using the Total Mayo Score, a widely accepted measure for ulcerative colitis severity. The trial was conducted across multiple sites in India and was designed with input from leading gastroenterology experts.

Key Findings

  • Clinical Remission: 23.3% of patients receiving Itolizumab achieved clinical remission, compared to 20% with Adalimumab and 10% with the placebo.
  • Clinical Response: 63.3% of patients on Itolizumab experienced clinical response, compared to 60% with Adalimumab and 46.7% with the placebo.
  • Endoscopic Remission: Itolizumab and Adalimumab both achieved 16.7% endoscopic remission, compared to 6.7% for the placebo.
  • Safety Profile: The treatment was well tolerated, with no significant safety concerns reported.

Understanding Itolizumab’s Mechanism

Itolizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the CD6-ALCAM signalling pathway, which plays a crucial role in T-cell activity and immune response. By selectively modulating T-effector cells while preserving regulatory T-cells, the drug has shown potential to control inflammation in autoimmune diseases.

What’s Next?

Biocon and Equillium plan to present detailed findings at upcoming medical conferences in 2025. The companies will also evaluate potential Phase 3 trials for ulcerative colitis as they continue to explore the broader implications of Itolizumab in autoimmune disorders.

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

Gold and Silver Prices on February 7: Check Rates in Your City

Gold prices have increased on February 7, 2025, in both Indian and international markets. The international spot price of gold has increased by 0.49%, reaching $2,865.17 per ounce as of 12:50 PM. Meanwhile, in India, gold prices have surged by ₹120 per 10 grams in major cities.

In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold is ₹8,451 per gram, while 22-carat gold costs ₹7,747 per gram. Similarly, in Delhi, 22-carat gold is priced at ₹77,339 per 10 grams, and 24-carat gold is trading at ₹84,370 per 10 grams. Other metro cities have also witnessed price increases. 

Gold Prices Across Major Indian Cities on February 7, 2025

Here is a detailed breakdown of gold prices as of February 7, 2025:

City 24 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹) 22 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹)
Chennai 84,760 77,697
Hyderabad 84,650 77,596
Delhi 84,370 77,339
Mumbai 84,510 77,468
Bangalore 84,580 77,532

Silver Prices in India on February 7, 2025

International silver prices have increased by 0.14%, reaching $32.27 per ounce as of 12:50 PM. Meanwhile, silver prices in India have risen by ₹80 per kg.

Silver Prices Across Major Indian Cities (Per kg)

City Silver Rate in ₹/kg 
Mumbai 95,750
Delhi 95,580
Kolkata 95,620
Chennai 96,030

Key Takeaways

Gold Prices: Both 22-carat and 24-carat gold prices have increased across major Indian cities.
Silver Prices: Silver prices have also risen in India and globally.

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

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

EPFO Hits Milestone: Highest-Ever Claim Settlements Cross 5 Crore in FY2024-25

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has achieved a historic milestone by settling over 5.08 crore claims in the financial year 2024-25, surpassing the 4.45 crore claims settled in the previous year. The total claim amount processed stands at ₹2,05,932.49 crore, marking a substantial increase from ₹1,82,838.28 crore in FY 2023-24.

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, made the announcement, attributing this significant progress to a series of transformative reforms aimed at improving claim settlement efficiency and reducing member grievances.

Key Reforms Driving Faster Settlements

EPFO has introduced several policy changes to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes for its members. These include:

  • Expansion of auto-settlement categories
  • Simplified member profile corrections
  • Enhanced PF transfer processes
  • Improved KYC compliance ratios

One of the most notable advancements has been the auto-claim settlement mechanism, ensuring claims are processed within three days of submission. This has resulted in auto claim settlements doubling to 1.87 crore claims in FY 2024-25, compared to 89.52 lakh claims in FY 2023-24.

Simplified PF Transfers: Only 8% Now Require Attestation

The PF transfer claim submission process has undergone major simplifications, significantly reducing the need for manual interventions.

  • Only 8% of transfer claims now require member and employer attestation
  • 48% of claims are directly submitted by members
  • 44% of transfer requests are auto-generated by EPFO

This shift has reduced delays and procedural hurdles, ensuring a more seamless experience for employees managing their provident fund accounts.

Member Profile Corrections: 97.18% Self-Approved

EPFO has also introduced a simplified member profile correction process, minimising dependence on employer and office approvals.

  • 97.18% of profile corrections are now self-approved by members
  • Only 1% require employer approval
  • Office intervention has dropped to just 0.4%
  • Rejection rates have declined to 1.11% by employers and 0.21% by regional offices

These changes have significantly reduced processing time and improved the accuracy of member records, contributing to a more efficient system.

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

Trade Facilitation in Focus: GST Amendments Proposed in Budget 2025-26

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, outlines several key amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws. These changes aim to streamline trade processes, enhance compliance, and introduce new provisions related to taxation and penalties. Here is an overview of the major proposals.

1. Distribution of Input Tax Credit (ITC) for Reverse Charge Transactions

One of the notable amendments pertains to the Input Service Distributor (ISD). From April 1, 2025, input tax credit distribution will be allowed for inter-state supplies where tax is paid on a reverse charge basis. This measure is expected to provide greater clarity and facilitate better credit utilisation for businesses.

2. Unique Identification Marking for Track and Trace Mechanism

A new clause has been introduced to define Unique Identification Marking as part of the Track and Trace Mechanism. This will likely help in improving transparency and monitoring within the GST framework, ensuring better compliance across industries.

3. Reversal of Input Tax Credit for Credit Notes

To prevent unwarranted claims, the amendment mandates that businesses must reverse corresponding input tax credit (ITC) if they avail a credit note to reduce the supplier’s tax liability. This move ensures that tax benefits align accurately with actual transactions.

4. Mandatory Pre-Deposit for Penalty Appeals

For cases where only penalty amounts are in dispute (without any tax demand), taxpayers will be required to make a mandatory pre-deposit of 10% of the penalty amount before filing an appeal with the Appellate Authority. This aims to reduce frivolous litigation and expedite the resolution process.

5. Penalties for Track and Trace Non-Compliance

The budget also proposes penalties for businesses that violate provisions related to the Track and Trace Mechanism. This ensures stricter enforcement and discourages malpractices in supply chain tracking.

6. Taxation of SEZ and FTWZ Transactions

A crucial clarification has been made regarding transactions involving Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs). The supply of goods warehoused in these zones to any person before clearance for export or to the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) will not be considered as a supply of goods or services. Additionally, no tax refund will be granted for such transactions, with retrospective effect from July 1, 2017.

7. Defining ‘Local Fund’ and ‘Municipal Fund’

To bring more clarity, the definitions of ‘Local Fund’ and ‘Municipal Fund’ have been formally included in the definition of ‘local authority’. This change will likely impact tax exemptions and liabilities of various local bodies.

8. Conditions and Restrictions for Filing GST Returns

The Budget also proposes introducing certain conditions and restrictions for filing GST returns. While the specifics are yet to be notified, these changes will be implemented based on recommendations of the GST Council, in coordination with the States.

Implementation Timeline

Most of these amendments will come into effect on a date to be notified, ensuring adequate preparation time for businesses. The changes are designed to improve trade facilitation, compliance, and enforcement within the GST framework.

As these proposals move towards implementation, businesses should stay updated on notifications and guidelines issued by the GST Council to ensure smooth compliance with the new regulations.

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