Voice-Only Plans by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio: A Response to TRAI’s Affordable Services Mandate

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently introduced guidelines mandating affordable, voice-only plans for users who primarily rely on calling and SMS services. This initiative targets the needs of budget-conscious consumers, particularly the elderly and those in rural areas, who often find themselves paying for bundled data services they don’t use. In response, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have revamped their offerings to comply with these regulations, introducing cost-effective plans with no mobile data benefits.

Bharti Airtel: Revised Plans and Added Benefits

Bharti Airtel has adjusted the pricing of its voice-only plans to align with TRAI’s affordability criteria. Here’s a closer look at its offerings:

  1. Annual Plan: The year-long voice-only plan is now priced at ₹1,959, reduced from ₹1,999. It includes 3,600 SMS, providing extensive messaging support throughout the year.
  2. 84-Day Plan: The quarterly plan costs ₹499, down from ₹569, and includes 900 SMS.

Added Benefits: Airtel Rewards enhance the value of these plans with:

  • A complimentary Apollo 24/7 Circle membership for three months.
  • Access to free hello tunes for subscribers.

Reliance Jio: Competitive Pricing and Value-Added Services

Reliance Jio a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has introduced two new plans to cater to the voice-only segment:

  1. 84-Day Plan: Priced at ₹458, it includes unlimited voice calling, free national roaming, and 1,000 SMS.
  2. Annual Plan: Costing ₹1,958, it provides unlimited calling, 3,600 SMS, and a range of value-added services.

Exclusive Features:

  • Access to Jio Cinema and other Jio TV apps adds entertainment options for subscribers.
  • No mobile data benefits, ensuring the focus remains on voice and SMS services.

Removed Plans: Jio has discontinued two earlier offerings:

  • A ₹1,899 plan with 24GB data and 336-day validity.
  • A ₹479 plan featuring 6GB of data and 84-day validity.

TRAI’s Mandate: Empowering Consumers with Choice

OnDecember 26, 2023, TRAI introduced new regulations requiring telecom operators to offer separate Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) for voice and SMS services. The aim was to empower consumers to pay only for the services they require. Key highlights of the mandate include:

  1. Affordability: Focused on providing low-cost options for users who do not need data services.
  2. Extended Validity: Increased the cap on STV and combo voucher validity from 90 days to 365 days, ensuring greater flexibility for long-term users.
  3. Targeted Beneficiaries: These plans are particularly beneficial for rural populations and elderly users who predominantly use basic mobile services.

Addressing a Significant User Base

TRAI estimates that around 150 million Indians rely solely on basic mobile services. These users, many of whom are budget-conscious or live in areas with limited internet access, often end up purchasing bundled plans unnecessarily. The introduction of voice-only plans by Airtel and Jio aims to bridge this gap, providing an economical alternative for these consumers.

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.

F&O Revision: NSE Excludes 2 Stocks Effective From January 31

Castrol India and Gland Pharma Removal

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has declared that shares of Castrol India and Gland Pharma will no longer be a part of the Futures & Options (F&O) segment from January 31, 2025. This announcement comes after an earlier decision to include six new companies in the F&O segment starting on the same date. The affected companies, apart from Castrol India and Gland Pharma, were NBCC, Phoenix Mills, Solar Industries, and Torrent Power.

The unexpected removal of Castrol India and Gland Pharma signifies a shift in the NSE’s strategy towards reviewing the eligibility of stocks for derivative trading. While the remaining four companies are set to join the F&O segment as planned, this adjustment reflects NSE’s ongoing measures to streamline market operations.

Exclusion of 16 Securities from F&O Contracts

In a separate announcement, the NSE stated that futures and options contracts for 16 securities would no longer be introduced starting February 28, 2025. The impacted stocks include Abbott India, Atul Ltd, Bata India, Can Fin Homes, Coromandel International, City Union Bank, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals, IndiaMART InterMESH, Ipca Laboratories, Dr Lal PathLabs, Metropolis Healthcare, Navin Fluorine International, PVR INOX, Sun TV Network, and United Breweries.

This move is part of the NSE’s routine review process aimed at ensuring that only liquid and actively traded stocks remain in the derivatives market. It underscores the exchange’s commitment to maintaining market efficiency and safeguarding the interests of investors.

Conclusion

The NSE’s recent decisions highlight its focus on streamlining the F&O segment and enhancing market integrity. By excluding select stocks, the exchange aims to optimise market performance while fostering a healthy trading environment. These measures are indicative of its proactive approach to addressing market dynamics and investor needs.

NSE Revises Futures & Options Segment: Key Changes Announced

 

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.

JSW Defence to Invest ₹800 Crore in Telangana for UAV Manufacturing Facility

JSW Defence, a part of the JSW Group has signed an MoU with the Telangana government to invest ₹800 crore in a drone production plant. Supported by a global partnership, this initiative is expected to strengthen Telangana’s position as a hub for advanced technology and innovation.

Landmark Investment in Telangana

JSW Defence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The project represents an investment of ₹800 crore and aims to bolster India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. The MoU was finalised in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister Revant Reddy and JSW Group’s Parth Jindal.  

Strategic Partnership with Shield AI

As part of this plan JSW UAV, a branch of JSW Defence will work with Shield AI, a well-known defence technology company from the US. Together, they will focus on adapting and manufacturing Shield AI’s V-BAT, an advanced drone system. This partnership shows JSW’s dedication to improving India’s defence technology by bringing world-class expertise.

About JSW Defence 

JSW Defence, part of the $24 billion JSW Group, works to boost India’s defence manufacturing. It focuses on modern technologies and partnerships like Shield AI to make advanced defence systems in India. The company aims to support innovation and create jobs in the defence sector.

About Shield AI 

It is a company specialising in developing artificial intelligence (AI) powered systems for drones and other aircraft. they create technology to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. 

Boosting Employment and Innovation in Telangana

The establishment of the UAV manufacturing facility is expected to generate over 200 high-value jobs and position Telangana as a hub for advanced defence technology. Industries Minister Sridhar Babu highlighted the state’s commitment to building a strong support system for manufacturing and said this agreement would pave the way for more investments in the future.

Telangana’s Vision for Global Leadership

Chief Minister Revant Reddy spoke about how Telangana has grown from being known for software and pharmaceuticals to becoming a top choice for different manufacturing industries such as defence, semiconductors and FMCG. He praised the state’s business-friendly policies and efforts to attract global investments. Parth Jindal also thanked the state for its support, saying this project shows JSW’s commitment to developing defence technology within India. 

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence and further strengthens Telangana’s position as a leading state for innovative industrial investments.

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.

Karamtara Engineering Files DRHP for ₹1,750 Crore IPO

IPO Details and Fund Utilisation

Mumbai-based Karamtara Engineering has filed draft papers with SEBI, planning to raise ₹1,750 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The offering will comprise a fresh issuance of equity shares worth ₹1,350 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of ₹400 crore by its promoters, Tanveer Singh and Rajiv Singh, each selling ₹200 crore worth of shares.

The company aims to utilise ₹1,050 crore from the fresh issue proceeds to reduce its debt, with the remainder allocated for general corporate purposes. As of November 2024, Karamtara’s total outstanding borrowings stand at ₹586.4 crore, with additional outstanding acceptances of ₹733.6 crore via letters of credit.

In January 2025, the company raised ₹307.17 crore through a preferential allotment of 98.08 lakh shares at ₹310 per share, attracting prominent investors such as Quantum State Investment Fund, Ananta Capital Venture Fund, and Singularity Growth Opportunities Fund.

Business Overview and Growth Prospects

Karamtara Engineering is a leading backward-integrated manufacturer catering to the renewable energy and transmission sectors. With an installed production capacity of 5.67 lakh metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) and 4.8 lakh pieces as of September 2024, the company provides solar energy structures, fasteners, and overhead transmission line fittings.

Exports contributed 57.56% to its FY24 revenue, with the company serving international clients, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, and independent power producers (IPPs). Additionally, Karamtara is entering the wind energy market by establishing a facility for manufacturing tubular towers, set to begin operations in Q1 FY26.

The company reported robust financial performance in FY24, with profit surging 142.3% to ₹102.7 crore and revenue rising by 51.5% to ₹2,425.2 crore compared to FY23. For H1 FY25, profit increased by 51.6% to ₹59 crore, while revenue grew by 34.2% to ₹1,413.1 crore.

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.

NFO Alert: Kotak Mutual Fund to Launch Kotak BSE Sensex Index Fund

The Kotak BSE Sensex Index Fund is an open-ended scheme that replicates or tracks the performance of the BSE Sensex Index. It falls under the category of index funds and is benchmarked against the BSE Sensex Total Return Index (TRI). 

The fund’s goal is to generate returns matching the index’s performance before accounting for expenses, though there is no guarantee this objective will be achieved.

Key Details

    • NFO Period: 27th January 2025 to 10th February 2025
    • Minimum Investment: ₹100, with any amount thereafter for additional investments
    • Fund Managers: Devender Singhal, Satish Dondapati, and Abhishek Bisen
    • Type of Scheme: Open-ended, index-based
    • Benchmark: BSE Sensex Total Return Index (TRI)
  • Risk-o-Meter: The Risk of the Scheme and Benchmark is very high

Investment Objective

The scheme is structured to provide returns corresponding to the total returns of the securities in the BSE Sensex Index. These returns are subject to tracking errors, which can occur due to costs, timing differences, and other factors.

Historical Context and Returns

Over the past 24 years, the BSE Sensex Index has delivered an average annual return of 16%. An investment of ₹1 lakh in the index in 2000 would have grown to ₹21 lakh by 2024. The index has shown positive returns in 19 out of the last 24 calendar years.

Why This Fund?

The fund provides exposure to the 30 largest companies across various sectors in India, offering diversification. Additionally, it operates with lower expense ratios, making it a cost-effective choice for investors seeking to track the index’s performance.

Suitability

This fund may be appropriate for:

  • Investors new to equity mutual funds who prefer passive strategies.
  • Those looking for exposure to large-cap companies through the BSE Sensex Index.
  • Investors with long-term financial goals.

While the fund aims to mirror the performance of the BSE Sensex Index, investors should consider their financial situation and consult with advisors before investing. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Curious about your SBI SIP returns? Get accurate estimates of your investment growth using our SBI SIP Calculator and stay ahead of your financial goals.

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.

Bandhan Mutual Fund Files Draft For Bandhan Fixed Maturity Plan – Series 212 (93 Days)

Bandhan Fixed Maturity Plan – Series 212 is a close-ended debt scheme with a tenure of 93 days. It focuses on generating income by investing in debt and money market instruments that mature within the scheme’s fixed duration. The scheme carries a relatively low interest rate risk and moderate credit risk.

The goal of the scheme is to provide regular income over the short term. However, there is no guarantee or assurance that this objective will be achieved.

Tenure and Structure

The scheme is close-ended, meaning subscriptions are only allowed during the New Fund Offer (NFO) period. After the NFO closes, units cannot be purchased or redeemed directly but will be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for trading.

  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000 during the NFO period.
  • New Fund Offer Price: ₹10 per unit.
  • Options Available: Regular and Direct Plans with Growth or Income Distribution (IDCW) options.

Benchmark and Risk Classification

The scheme’s performance will be benchmarked against the Nifty Ultra Short Duration Debt Index A-I. It is categorized under “B-I” in the Potential Risk Class Matrix, showing low interest rate risk and moderate credit risk.

Investment Allocation

The fund will invest between 0% and 100% in debt and money market instruments, with up to 40% allocated to securitized debt. Instruments like derivatives, foreign securities, and credit-enhanced debt are excluded from its portfolio.

Expense Ratio and Redemption

The scheme’s recurring annual expenses are capped at 1% of its daily net assets, with additional costs applicable for investments from specified cities (B30 cities).
Units cannot be redeemed before maturity. However, investors can trade the units on the stock exchange once listed.

Ready to watch your savings grow? Try our SIP Calculator today and unlock the potential of disciplined investing. Perfect for planning your financial future. Start now!

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 Files Draft For CRISIL-IBX AAA Bond NBFC-HFC – Jun 2027 Index Fund

The Edelweiss CRISIL-IBX AAA Bond NBFC-HFC – Jun 2027 Index Fund is an open-ended debt index fund. It invests primarily in AAA-rated bonds issued by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), all maturing by June 2027. The fund comes with moderate interest rate risk and relatively low credit risk.

Investment Details

The fund replicates the performance of the CRISIL-IBX AAA NBFC-HFC Index – Jun 2027. It does this by investing at least 95% of its assets in bonds that are part of the index. A small portion, up to 5%, is set aside for liquidity in instruments like T-bills and government securities.

  • Maturity Date: June 30, 2027
  • NAV Pricing: Units are priced at ₹10 during the NFO.
  • Exit Load: 0.10% for redemptions within 30 days; nil after that.
  • Minimum Investment: ₹100 and multiples of ₹1 thereafter.

Benchmark and Management

The fund uses the CRISIL-IBX AAA NBFC-HFC Index – Jun 2027 as its benchmark. Its performance closely follows the index, with tracking errors expected to stay below 2% per year. The fund is passively managed and follows a “buy and hold” strategy to align with the index maturity date.

Risks and Expenses

Key risks include interest rate fluctuations and market volatility. The fund’s expenses, capped at a 1% Total Expense Ratio (TER), cover fund management and other operational costs. An additional 0.05% may apply for specific costs, as allowed by SEBI regulations.

Liquidity and Redemption

Investors can purchase and redeem units on any business day. The redemption proceeds are dispatched within three working days. In case of delays, SEBI mandates an interest payment of 15% per annum from the fourth day onwards.

Want to plan regular withdrawals? Our SWP Calculator helps you calculate how much you can withdraw while keeping your investments intact. Try it now!

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.

ICICI Prudential BSE Liquid Rate ETF Gets a New Name

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has announced a name change for its “ICICI Prudential BSE Liquid Rate ETF.” Effective January 27, 2025, the fund will be renamed ICICI Prudential BSE Liquid Rate ETF – IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal). The change shows the fund’s income distribution option, aligning it with regulatory naming conventions.

Fund Details and Strategy

The fund primarily invests in CBLOs (Collateralized Borrowing and Lending Obligations) and aims to deliver returns closely tracking the S&P BSE Liquid Rate Index, subject to tracking errors. 

As a liquid fund, it holds 100% cash and cash equivalents, making it a low-risk option for short-term parking of funds.

Taxation on Gains and Dividends

Investments made on or after April 1, 2023, are subject to slab-rate taxation. Gains made within a year are added to the investor’s income and taxed accordingly. Gains from investments before this date are taxed at 12.5% if sold after one year.

For dividends, the amount is added to the investor’s taxable income and taxed based on the applicable slab rate. Additionally, if dividend income exceeds ₹5,000 in a financial year, the fund house deducts a 10% TDS before distribution.

As of January 23, 2025, the fund’s NAV-IDCW Daily stood at ₹1,000.0000, showcasing a 0.02% gain, and its one-year return was 6.45%.

Risks and Considerations

While liquid funds generally involve minimal risk, they do not guarantee returns or capital safety. Although rare, instances of losses in liquid funds have occurred.

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.

Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund Declares Income Distribution Under Few Schemes

Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund has announced income distribution under the IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) option for select schemes. The record date for this distribution has been set as January 24, 2025. Investors holding units of these schemes on the record date will be eligible for the payout.

Summary of Distributions

Here is a breakdown of the payouts under each scheme:

Scheme Direct-IDCW (₹/unit) Regular-IDCW (₹/unit)
Franklin India Bluechip Fund 5.00 4.25
Franklin India ELSS Tax Saver Fund 5.25 4.50
Franklin India Dynamic Asset Allocation FoF 1 0.85

Payout Details for Bluechip Fund

The Franklin India Bluechip Fund has declared income distribution across both regular and direct IDCW options. The Direct-IDCW option will distribute ₹5 per unit, while the regular IDCW option offers ₹4.25 per unit.

ELSS Tax Saver Fund Distribution

For the Franklin India ELSS Tax Saver Fund, the payout under the Direct-IDCW option is ₹5.25 per unit. The regular IDCW option for the same fund provides ₹4.50 per unit.

Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund Payouts

The Franklin India Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund of Funds (FoF) has announced income distribution as well. Investors in the Direct-IDCW option will receive ₹1 per unit, while those under the regular IDCW option will get ₹0.85 per unit.

Eligibility Based on Record Date

The record date, January 24, 2025, is applicable for all the schemes mentioned. Investors must ensure they hold units of the respective schemes on this date to qualify for the announced payouts.

This announcement provides clarity on income distribution for eligible investors in Franklin Templeton’s mutual fund schemes.

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.

Navi Mutual Fund Updates Minimum Investment Limits

Navi Mutual Fund has announced an increase in the minimum application amount for 13 of its schemes, effective February 4, 2025. The minimum investment limit has been raised from ₹10 to ₹100 per application. This change will apply to fresh purchases, additional investments, systematic transactions like SIPs and STPs, and switches.

Schemes Impacted by the Revision

The following schemes are affected by this change:

Temporary Restriction on Two Funds

The Navi US Total Stock Market Fund of Fund and Navi NASDAQ 100 Fund of Fund will not accept new inflows or subscriptions (including lump sum, SIPs, and STPs) as per AMFI guidelines issued in March 2024. This restriction will continue until further notice, even after the revision comes into effect.

Notice and Communication

The changes were communicated to unitholders through a notice-cum-addendum. The notice clarifies that this revision applies only to prospective investments from February 4, 2025. All other terms and conditions of the schemes remain the same. 

The updated information is included in the Scheme Information Documents (SIDs), Key Information Memoranda (KIMs), and Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

The Context for the Change

This is part of an ongoing adjustment by Navi Mutual Fund. In 2022, the fund house reduced the minimum application amount across its schemes to ₹10, excluding the ELSS fund. With this update, Navi Mutual Fund aims to revise and standardise investment requirements across its offerings.

Current Portfolio of Navi Mutual Fund

Navi Mutual Fund manages 16 schemes in total. With this revision, the investment limits have been updated for 13 of these schemes, while the remaining schemes remain unaffected.

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.