DPIIT Joins Hands with Apna to Boost Hiring in Startups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the professional networking platform Apna to enhance talent acquisition for government-registered startups. The partnership is designed to empower startups by offering access to Apna’s hiring tools and tailored talent pools.

Initiative to Offer Hiring Credits for Startups

Under the MoU, startups registered with DPIIT will receive credits worth ₹2,000 each on Apna’s platform, enabling job postings and access to targeted talent pools. According to an official statement, these credits represent a cumulative value exceeding ₹140 crore, based on the 7 lakh startups already registered on DPIIT’s Bhaskar platform. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance hiring efficiency and job matching for startups.

Scaling Up to Meet Ecosystem Growth

As the number of registered startups continues to grow, the value of this collaboration is projected to reach ₹300 crore. By leveraging Apna’s comprehensive hiring tools, startups will gain better access to skilled talent, fostering efficiency and productivity in the recruitment process.

Conclusion

The partnership between DPIIT and Apna reflects a commitment to supporting India’s thriving startup ecosystem. By providing hiring credits and tools, the initiative seeks to streamline recruitment for startups, ensuring access to the right talent for sustainable growth.

The initiative’s value is projected to grow with the increasing number of startups in the ecosystem.

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. 

Greenlam Industries Begins Commercial Production of Chipboard

Greenlam Industries Ltd, a prominent name in the laminate manufacturing sector, has reached another milestone by commencing commercial production of chipboard at its manufacturing facility in Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh. This development, announced on January 23, 2025, marks a significant step in the company’s expansion journey.

Key Details of the New Facility

Greenlam Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Greenlam Industries, is now operational at its state-of-the-art facility in Naidupeta.

  1. Production Capacity: The facility has an installed production capacity of 2,92,380 cubic meters per annum.
  2. Revenue Potential: At full capacity utilisation, the plant is expected to generate an impressive annual revenue of ₹750 crore.
  3. Capital Investment: The total capital expenditure for the project amounts to approximately ₹735 crore as of the commencement of production.

Upcoming Earnings and Share Price Movement

Greenlam Industries has scheduled a board meeting on January 30, 2025, to review and approve the unaudited financial results for the quarter and 9 months ending December 31, 2024.

Share Price Performance:

  • As of January 24, 2025, the company’s share price is trading higher by 0.83%, reaching an intraday high of ₹588.70 on the NSE.
  • However, year-to-date, the stock has dipped by 1.66%.

About the Company

Greenlam  Industries  Limited was incorporated in  2013  and is one of the largest laminate manufacturing companies in the country with an installed capacity of  24.52  million sheets per annum.  It markets the laminates products under the flagship brand name of  Greenlam  Laminates.  The company exports its decorative laminates to various countries and is one of the largest exporters of laminates from India.  It is also involved in the business segments of decorative veneers, pre-lam particle boards, engineered doors and engineered wood flooring. The company’s veneer segment has an installed capacity of 4.2 million sq. mt. and is marketed under the brand, Decowood. Further, the engineering doors and engineered wood flooring are sold under the brand name, Mikasa. 

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

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

RBI’s New Guidelines: Tackling Digital Fraud with Mobile Number Tracking

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out new guidelines aimed at mitigating the growing risks of fraud in digital transactions. With mobile numbers now central to account verification and transaction alerts, they have become both a critical tool and a target for scammers. To combat this, the RBI emphasises the need for stricter regulatory measures, improved customer communication, and advanced fraud-prevention tools.

The Role of Mobile Numbers in Fraud Prevention

In its notification dated January 17, the RBI stated, “The proliferation of digital transactions, while offering convenience and efficiency, has also led to a surge in frauds, a pressing concern underscoring the need for concerted action.” The RBI highlighted the dual nature of mobile numbers, which, while essential for customer authentication and sensitive communication, are increasingly exploited by cybercriminals to commit fraud.

Key Measures to Prevent Fraud

1. Mandatory Use of Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL)

The RBI has mandated the use of the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) available on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This tool helps financial institutions clean their customer databases and monitor accounts linked to revoked mobile numbers.

  • Banks must conduct stringent verification when updating registered mobile numbers (RMNs).
  • Accounts linked to such numbers should be closely tracked to prevent misuse as ‘money mules’ in cyber fraud schemes.

2. Standardised Customer Care and Verified Communication

To enhance transparency and customer confidence, financial entities must:

  • Provide verified customer care numbers for publication on the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal.
  • Submit these details to the DoT at adg.diu-dot@gov.in.

3. Dedicated Numbering Series for Communication

The RBI has directed entities to adopt special numbering series for various communications:

  • Use the ‘1600xx’ series for transactional and service-related calls.
  • Use the ‘140xx’ series for promotional voice calls.

Institutions must adhere to the “Important Guidelines for sending commercial communication using telecom resources through Voice Calls or SMS,” issued by TRAI and attached to the circular.

TRAI Guidelines for Commercial Communication

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has implemented strict regulations to curb the misuse of telecom resources in commercial communications.

1. Use of DLT Platform for Regulated Communications

Principal Entities (PEs), such as banks, corporates, and mutual funds, must:

  • Register with telecom service providers (TSPs) on the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform.
  • Use only authorised headers from the ‘140’ and ‘160’ series for promotional and transactional calls.

2. Pre-approved Content Templates

To minimise fraud and unauthorised communication:

  • Messages must follow pre-approved templates with fixed and variable components.
  • Variable fields, such as customer names or transaction details, must be tagged for specific purposes.

Violations, such as unauthorised telemarketing or misuse of templates, can result in penalties or suspension of telecom resources for up to 2-year.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to these guidelines could lead to severe repercussions:

  • Suspension of telecom services.
  • Blacklisting of entities.
  • Legal action against offenders.

Both the RBI and TRAI have stressed the importance of compliance to protect the integrity of financial transactions and bolster customer trust.

Promoting Awareness to Combat Fraud

Regulated entities have been advised to proactively educate their customers on these measures through emails, SMS, and other communication channels in regional languages. This awareness campaign aims to empower customers to identify and report fraudulent activities more effectively.

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.

EPack Prefab Technologies Files DRHP for IPO

EPack Prefab Technologies, a leading provider of pre-engineered building (PEB) solutions, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO includes a fresh issue of ₹300 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 1 crore shares by promoters.

Fundraising Plans and Utilisation

The company has proposed raising ₹60 crore through a pre-IPO placement, which would proportionally reduce the fresh issue size. From the fresh issue proceeds, ₹101.62 crore will be allocated for setting up a new manufacturing facility at Ghiloth Industrial Area, Alwar (Rajasthan). Additionally, ₹58.10 crore will be used to expand the existing manufacturing facility in Mambattu (Andhra Pradesh) to boost pre-engineered steel building capacity. Another ₹70 crore is earmarked for debt repayment, with the remaining amount directed towards general corporate purposes.

Performance and Business Overview

Incorporated in 1999, EPack Prefab Technologies designs fabricates, and installs pre-engineered building solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. The company operates three manufacturing facilities in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Ghiloth (Rajasthan), and Mambattu (Andhra Pradesh), alongside three design centres located in Noida, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam.

As of September 2024, the company’s pre-fab business reported a net order book of ₹658.54 crore and a pending order book of ₹655 crore. EPack Prefab recorded a significant revenue growth of 38%, reaching ₹905 crore in FY24 compared to ₹657 crore in FY23. Profits also increased from ₹24 crore in FY23 to ₹43 crore in FY24.

Conclusion

EPack Prefab Technologies IPO reflects its strategic focus on expanding its manufacturing capabilities and enhancing its financial position. With significant revenue and profit growth, the company is poised to strengthen its market presence in the PEB solutions sector.

The funds will primarily be used for expansion, debt repayment, and general corporate purposes.

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.

Budget 2025: Kantar Survey Reveals Tempered Optimism About India’s Economic Growth

The optimism that once defined Indian consumer sentiment is gradually waning. According to Kantar’s India Union Budget Survey, the alignment of consumer needs with budget provisions has steadily decreased over the years—from 73% in 2022 to 67% in 2024. This survey, conducted across 16 cities with 2,500 participants, highlights a wide range of expectations from diverse demographics, including salaried individuals, business owners, and affluent class members.

Key Economic Concerns

India’s GDP growth has slowed to 6.4% in 2024, down from 8.2% the previous year. While 53% of respondents believe the economy will grow faster than in previous years, this confidence has also seen a dip from 57% in 2024. Rising inflation is a dominant concern, cited by 59% of those surveyed, an increase from 57% last year.

The tempered economic outlook has shifted the focus towards addressing pressing financial concerns, including:

  • Income Tax Relief: There is a strong demand for increasing the basic exemption limit from ₹2.5-3 lakh and raising the standard deduction to ₹1 lakh.
  • Medical Insurance Rebates: With health concerns rising, 51% expect higher deductions under Section 80 of the Income Tax Act for medical insurance premiums.

Sectoral and Market Expectations

Stock Market and Startup Sector

The stock market remains a focal point, with 62% of consumers expecting the BSE Sensex to remain within the 81,000–90,000 points range in 2025. Meanwhile, the maturing startup ecosystem has inspired optimism, with 70% expecting improved financial performance in this sector.

Digital and Electric Transformations

India’s digital economy continues its rapid growth, with 60% adopting digital payments for daily transactions—a 7% increase from last year. Simultaneously, environmental concerns are nudging consumers towards electric vehicles (EVs), with 59% intending to purchase an EV for their next vehicle.

Shifting Global and Technological Dynamics

While global recession concerns have slightly eased, misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) is a rising worry. Around 50% of consumers expressed fear of AI’s potential role in cybercrime and financial instability. Interestingly, the recent US elections and Donald Trump’s return have spurred mixed reactions, with 53% optimistic about its impact on India’s exports.

Beyond Numbers: Mental Health and Social Challenges

The survey also sheds light on the less-discussed but equally critical issue of mental stress. Personal financial instability, workplace pressures, and cyberbullying were cited as significant challenges, underscoring the need for broader societal and policy interventions.

India’s Wishlist for Budget 2025

The upcoming budget is seen as a pivotal opportunity to stimulate economic growth. Consumers hope for policies that prioritise:

  • Job creation
  • Sustainable development
  • Cost of living management

Amidst these hopes lies a collective desire for stability and growth, balancing the aspirations of a diverse and dynamic nation.

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.

Lloyds Engineering Signs MOU for Land Acquisition in Nagpur

Lloyds Engineering Works Limited, formerly known as Lloyds Steels Industries Limited, recently announced a strategic step towards its expansion goals. The company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EMCO Limited to acquire a substantial parcel of land in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This development aligns with Lloyds Engineering’s vision of bolstering its industrial footprint.

Lloyd Engineering Works’ share price reached an intraday high of ₹85.50 on January 24, 2025. As of 10:36 AM, the stock was trading nearly flat at ₹82.86 per share.

Key Details of the MOU

  1. Parties Involved
    The MOU between Lloyds Engineering Works Limited and EMCO Limited has been executed.
  2. Purpose of the Agreement
    The agreement entails the acquisition of land measuring 25 hectares and 48 ares (equivalent to 254,800 square metres). The land is located within the jurisdiction of Grampanchayat Chimnazari in Nagpur’s Tehsil region. This acquisition is intended to support industrial use and strategic business operations.
  3. Significance of the Deal
    While the MOU specifies no changes to shareholding or related-party transactions, this move underscores Lloyds Engineering’s commitment to scaling its operations. Acquiring such a significant land parcel demonstrates the company’s readiness to expand its manufacturing capabilities or explore new business opportunities.

Implications for Industrial Growth

This acquisition is expected to strengthen Lloyds Engineering’s presence in the industrial sector, particularly in Maharashtra. The location’s strategic advantages and the land’s size provide ample scope for developing new facilities, aligning with the company’s growth aspirations.

Disclosure and Transparency

In compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR), Lloyds Engineering Works has disclosed all pertinent details about the agreement. The company confirmed that the transaction does not involve any related-party elements, ensuring transparency in its operations.

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.

Suzlon Energy Secures 486 MW Hybrid Order from Torrent Power

Suzlon Energy has announced securing a 486 MW hybrid wind energy order from Torrent Power. This marks the fifth order from Torrent Power for Suzlon, bringing their cumulative installed capacity through the partnership to 1 GW. The project will be executed in the Bhogat region of Gujarat.

Order Details

The agreement includes the supply and installation of 162 S144 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with Hybrid Lattice Towers. Each turbine has a capacity of 3 MW and is designed for optimal performance, even in low-wind areas.

Partnership 

This deal is a continuation of Suzlon’s decade-long association with Torrent Power. The companies have previously collaborated on projects across Gujarat and Karnataka. Together, they have been part of India’s push to increase renewable energy’s share in its electricity generation.

No Financial Details Disclosed

The financial specifics of the contract have not been disclosed. However, Suzlon’s order book stood at 5.1 GW as of November 2024, signalling demand for its wind energy solutions.

Suzlon’s Performance

In Q2 FY25, Suzlon reported revenue of ₹2,103 crore, a 48% increase year-on-year. Its net profit almost doubled to ₹200 crore. Despite these results, the company’s shares have faced pressure in the broader market.

As of 1:30 PM, on January 24, Suzlon Energy Ltd shares are at ₹52.58, slipping 3.19% today. While it’s taken a 13.41% hit over the past six months, it’s still up by 27.62% over the last year. In contrast, Torrent Power Ltd is having a brighter day, trading at ₹1,468.75 with a 3.12% rise today. Though it dipped 3.34% in the last six months, it soared 46.87% over the year.

Renewable Energy Focus

The project supports India’s renewable energy targets, which include deriving 50% of electricity from renewable sources. It also aligns with the Make in India initiative, focusing on domestic manufacturing and deployment of clean energy solutions.

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.

NBCC Limited Secures 2 Work Orders Totalling ₹229.75 Crore

NBCC (India) Limited has received new work orders totalling around ₹229.75 crore. These projects are part of the company’s regular business activities and reflect its ongoing growth in the construction and project management sectors.

AIIMS Bilaspur Development Project

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has assigned NBCC a large construction project at AIIMS Bilaspur.

The scope of the work includes:  

– Construction of 72 residential units,

– Building 4 lecture halls for the Nursing College and Paramedical Sciences.  

– Constructing a 204-bedded Boys Hostel and a 334-bedded Girls Hostel for undergraduate students.  

– Installing a rooftop solar power system, including testing and commissioning. This project is valued at ₹148.40 crore.

IIM Visakhapatnam Campus Project

NBCC has also been appointed to provide Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services for the construction of a new hostel, dining hall and other infrastructure at IIM Visakhapatnam’s permanent campus. This project is valued at ₹81.35 crore

These new work orders emphasise NBCC’s role in developing important infrastructure for educational and healthcare sectors across India.

About NBCC

NBCC (India) Limited, a public sector company under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is based in New Delhi. It has 31 regional offices across India and handles a variety of projects both within India and internationally including countries like Iraq, Nepal and the UAE. The company is known for its work on major projects such as government property redevelopment, building roads, railway stations, hospitals, schools, offices and bridges along with industrial and environmental structures.

NBCC Share Performance 

As of January 24, 2025, at 1:40 PM, NBCC’s shares are trading at ₹92.09 per share, up 0.054% from yesterday’s closing price. Over the last month, the stock has fallen by 1.19% and over the past year, it has declined by 0.93%. The stock has a 52-week high and 52-week low of ₹139 per share and ₹69.67 per share respectively.

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.

Union Budget 2025: Halwa Ceremony to be Held Today – Everything You Need to Know

The Halwa ceremony is a cherished annual tradition held in the lead-up to the Union Budget 2025 presentation. Five days before the Budget is revealed in Parliament, this ritual is observed to celebrate and recognise the hard work of the finance ministry’s team.

The event involves the preparation and serving of “halwa,” a traditional Indian sweet dish, to all the officials and staff who contribute to the Budget’s formulation. The ceremony is symbolic, highlighting camaraderie and the collective effort required to prepare the country’s most important financial document.

Union Budget 2025 Halwa Ceremony Significance

This year, the Halwa ceremony will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, evening at the North Block, the historic centre of India’s finance ministry operations. It is led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary and senior officials.

The ceremony marks the commencement of the ‘lock-in’ phase for the Budget team. Following the event, key personnel involved in the Budget’s preparation are confined to the North Block to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

The Lock-In Phase: A Security Measure

The ‘lock-in’ period is a crucial step to safeguard the secrecy of the Union Budget. Once the ceremony concludes, the finance ministry staff, including officers and support teams, remain within the confines of the North Block basement until the Budget is officially presented in Parliament.

The basement, used for Budget printing since 1980, becomes the hub of activity during this phase. All external communication is restricted, ensuring that the contents of the Budget are not disclosed prematurely.

A Historic Occasion

The 2025 Union Budget, to be presented on February 1, will be a landmark event as it marks Finance Minister Sitharaman’s seventh Budget presentation, surpassing the record previously held by Morarji Desai.

The Budget session is scheduled to begin on January 31 and will run through April 4. Like in previous years, this Budget will also be paperless, continuing a modern trend towards digitalisation.

Why the Halwa Ceremony Matters?

More than a symbolic gesture, the Halwa ceremony is a morale booster for the Budget team. It acknowledges their tireless efforts and serves as a ceremonial send-off as they undertake the final, most intensive phase of Budget preparation.

The ceremony reflects the rich traditions of the Indian administrative system while blending cultural heritage with modern governance.

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.

AWS Commits ₹60,000 Crore Investment For Data Centre Expansion in Telangana

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has pledged an investment of ₹60,000 crore to expand its data centre infrastructure in Hyderabad, Telangana. The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual conference in Davos, Switzerland, where AWS Global Public Policy Vice President Michael Punke met with Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

The significant investment aligns with AWS’s plans to enhance its cloud services in India, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. Hyderabad, already hosting three operational AWS sites developed with an investment of approximately $1 billion, will play a pivotal role in this expansion. AWS has also sought additional land from the Telangana government to support its growth, a request that has been promptly approved.

Hyderabad: Emerging as India’s Data Centre Hub

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed his enthusiasm for the investment, highlighting it as a testament to the state’s investor-friendly policies and global appeal. “This is Telangana Rising’s vision in action,” he remarked, emphasising the state’s efforts over the past year to attract such monumental investments.

IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu stated that Hyderabad is poised to become the undisputed leader in the data centre space in India. AWS’s commitment to Telangana aligns with its earlier announcement to invest $4.4 billion in the state by 2030, further enhancing its cloud infrastructure to meet growing demands.

Conclusion

AWS’s ₹60,000 crore investment reinforces Hyderabad’s reputation as a key hub for cloud services and data centres. This expansion not only bolsters Telangana’s position in the tech sector but also strengthens India’s digital infrastructure, paving the way for future growth in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

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.