ITC Invests ₹131 Crore to Pick 43.75% Stake in Ample Foods

ITC Limited has acquired 2,62,500 equity shares of Ample Foods Private Limited (AFPL) at a face value of ₹10 each, for a total cash consideration of approximately ₹131 crore. The acquisition includes both primary subscription and secondary share purchases. Following this transaction, ITC holds 43.75% of the total share capital of AFPL.

As of 9:34 AM on April 7, 2025, ITC Ltd share price was trading at ₹407, a 0.66% down,  with a 19.78% decline over the past six months and a 4.61% drop over the past year.

About Ample Foods

AFPL is engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling various food products. These include ready-to-cook snacks and meals, sauces and condiments, deli meats, marinades, cheese, and frozen food items. The products are sold under the brand names “Prasuma” and “Meatigo” through offline retail stores, online platforms, and D2C websites: prasuma.com and meatigo.com.

The company was incorporated on December 17, 1993, and operates within India. It has expanded its product lines in recent years.

Financials of the Target Business

AFPL, along with its related businesses – Chao Chao Foods Private Limited and Meat and Spice Private Limited (MSPL) reported a consolidated turnover of:

  • ₹131 crore in FY 2023-24
  • ₹111 crore in FY 2022-23
  • ₹91 crore in FY 2021-22

AFPL alone reported a turnover of ₹116 crore in FY 2023-24, ₹98 crore in FY 2022-23, and ₹74 crore in FY 2021-22. MSPL reported ₹42 crore in FY 2023-24, ₹44 crore in FY 2022-23, and ₹46 crore in FY 2021-22. As per the reports, The frozen, chilled, and ready-to-cook foods market in India is currently valued at over ₹10,000 crore.

Regulatory and Structural Notes

The acquisition does not require regulatory approvals and is not a related party transaction. The deal was executed as per definitive agreements signed on February 6, 2025, and closed on April 4, 2025.

Conclusion

With this acquisition, ITC adds a stake in a growing food business operating across multiple product categories and sales channels.

 

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

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

Tata IPL 2025: Opening Stand- The Role of a Strong Financial Start in Wealth Building

In cricket, the opening stand is the foundation upon which the entire innings is built. A strong opening partnership sets the tone for the rest of the match. It contributes significantly to the team’s performance, and provides the confidence needed to face challenging conditions.

In the realm of investing, a well-planned financial start lays the groundwork for long-term wealth building. By starting early and investing consistently through mechanisms like Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), you create a robust foundation for your financial innings.

Laying the Foundation: Solid Starts Are Vital

Imagine a cricket match where the openers not only survive the initial onslaught but also accumulate crucial runs. Their ability to read the pitch, assess the bowler’s strategy, and adapt their shot selection determines the match’s tempo.

In investing, the early decisions you make—how much to invest, how consistently you invest, and when you enter the market—play an equally vital role. A strong financial start means setting clear goals. It means developing a disciplined strategy, and sticking to a plan that harnesses the power of compounding over time.

SIPs are one of the most effective tools for this purpose. They allow you to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals, mitigating the risk of market volatility and benefiting from rupee cost averaging. Just as a disciplined opening pair in cricket avoids rash decisions and focuses on building a steady partnership, a SIP helps you remain focused on your long-term financial goals, regardless of short-term market fluctuations.

Streamline the Process: One-Click SIP

In the opening partnership, pressure is high – especially during the chase. The difference between good and great performance lies in the ability to execute under pressure with minimal fuss.

Similarly, in the fast-paced world of finance, convenience and efficiency are critical. That’s why, AngelOne’s One-Click SIP feature simplifies the process of setting up an SIP. This allows you to initiate your investment journey with just a few taps.

Imagine being at the crease with a clear strategy, and every shot you play is executed with confidence and precision.

One-Click SIP gives you this reliable batting technique that minimizes hesitation—once you’ve made your decision, you can quickly get into the flow of the game without overcomplicating things.

Plan Your Innings Wisely: The SIP Calculator

In the opening partnership, the batsmen don’t take undue risks. If the target is big, they execute big hits. Otherwise, they build a foundation with singles and doubles.

Similarly, investors need to choose their investments according to their targets. The SIP Calculator is a crucial instrument for this purpose. It estimates the potential growth of your SIP investment over your chosen time frame by taking into account variables like the investment amount, the expected rate of return, and the duration of the investment.

Think of the SIP Calculator as run rate projections that show where the team will stand at the end of the match. It helps you understand how your small, regular investments will grow over time.

Whether you are planning to invest a fixed amount regularly or considering a lumpsum addition, the SIP Calculator provides clarity and foresight, enabling you to fine-tune your strategy for maximum impact.

Ride the Wave: The Power of Compounding

The opening stand is more than just the initial burst of runs. It determines what will be expected from the middle order, and how much risk needs to be taken by the batsmen following the openers. A solid opening allows the middle order to bat more confidently and post a formidable total.

In investing, the concept of compounding works in a similar manner. Early investments, when left to grow over time, accumulate returns not just on the principal but also on the reinvested earnings. This compounding effect can turn modest beginnings into substantial wealth over the long haul.

The beauty of an SIP lies in its ability to harness this power. By committing to regular investments through a SIP, you ensure that your money works for you, growing gradually and steadily.

Just as a great opening stand boosts the confidence of the entire team, a disciplined SIP strategy reinforces your financial foundation and keeps you on track to achieve your long-term goals.

Read More: Tata IPL 2025: IPL & Investing: How Captains and Portfolio Managers Think Alike?

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Cricket matches, like markets, are not predictable. The pitch might deteriorate, the weather might change, or the opposition might alter their tactics.

A successful opening pair adapts to these changes, adjusting their strategy to maintain stability. In the world of investing, market conditions are equally dynamic. Economic cycles, market volatility, and changing financial landscapes require you to be flexible with your strategy.

By utilizing tools like One-Click SIP and the SIP Calculator, you can make the course corrections needed to play confidently amidst changing conditions. This proactive approach ensures that your financial plan remains robust, even when the market throws unexpected challenges your way.

A Winning Strategy for Long-Term Success

Remember, every great innings starts at the top of the order. By setting clear goals, investing consistently, and adapting to changing conditions, you pave the way for a successful financial future.

So step up to the crease, plan your strategy, and let your opening stand be the catalyst that drives your wealth-building journey to new heights.

Read More: Tata IPL 2025: Stock Diversification; How Picking Stocks Is Like Building an IPL Squad?

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. http://bit.ly/usSGoH

NCLT Clears Nuvoco Vista’s ₹1,800 Crore Acquisition Plan for Vadraj Cement

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench, has approved Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Ltd.’s resolution plan to acquire Vadraj Cement Ltd. for ₹1,800 crore. The acquisition will be carried out through Vanya Corporation Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuvoco. After completion, Vanya will merge with Vadraj Cement, making it a 100% subsidiary of Nuvoco.

As of 9:42 AM on April 7, 2025, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation share price was trading at ₹300.90, a 4.88% down, up 1.89% over the past five days, but down 10.04% in the last six months.

Capacity Addition 

Following the acquisition, Nuvoco’s total cement manufacturing capacity is expected to increase by over 20%, from 25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to approximately 31 MTPA. Vadraj Cement currently has a 3.5 MTPA clinker unit in Kutch and a 6 MTPA grinding unit in Surat. The company also owns limestone reserves and operates a captive jetty in Kutch.

Investment Plans

Nuvoco plans to invest an additional ₹1,000 – ₹1,200 crore to operationalise Vadraj Cement’s assets, which have been inactive for nearly seven years. This investment will be phased over 15-18 months after the official handover. Production is targeted to commence in the third quarter of FY27.

Funding and Structure

The ₹1,800 crore consideration will be paid in cash, and the company has stated that it intends to fund the transaction without an increase in its consolidated debt. The resolution plan includes steps such as increasing Vadraj’s authorised share capital, cancelling existing equity, and issuing new shares to the implementing entity.

Timeline and Approvals

The implementation of the resolution plan is expected within 45 days from the date of approval. The merger process between Vanya and Vadraj Cement is projected to complete within 47 days. Nuvoco has also sought multiple regulatory approvals and reliefs for seamless implementation.

Conclusion

The acquisition process is expected to conclude within the next few weeks, followed by phased investments to restart operations at Vadraj Cement’s facilities. Production is likely to begin by the third quarter of FY27. Once completed, the transaction will bring Vadraj Cement under the full ownership of Nuvoco Vistas.

 

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.

How Much Time Will You Need for a ₹2 Crore Corpus with a SIP of ₹10K and ₹12K?

Combining disciplined saving with smart investing could significantly improve your chances of retiring with a substantial financial cushion. A large corpus during retirement can help you maintain the standard of living you were accustomed to during your working years.

While saving from an early age is considered ideal, even modest monthly investments through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) can help accumulate a sizeable corpus, especially when started early and allowed to grow over the long term.

Let’s understand how a monthly SIP of ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 can potentially help build a ₹2 crore corpus over time. Calculations are done using this calculator.

Scenario 1: SIP of ₹10,000 for 26 Years

A SIP of ₹10,000 per month, invested consistently over 26 years at an expected return of 12% per annum, can help build a corpus exceeding ₹2 crore.

Breakdown:

  • Monthly SIP: ₹10,000
  • Investment Period: 26 Years
  • Expected Annual Return: 12%

Outcome:

  • Total Corpus: ₹2,15,11,120
  • Total Invested Amount: ₹31,20,000
  • Estimated Returns: ₹1,83,91,120

This scenario reflects how long-term investing allows the power of compounding to work to your advantage. Even a modest SIP can grow significantly when paired with time and consistency.

Scenario 2: SIP of ₹12,000 for 24 Years

Increasing the SIP amount to ₹12,000 and reducing the time frame to 24 years can also help you reach the ₹2 crore mark, albeit with a higher investment.

Breakdown:

  • Monthly SIP: ₹12,000
  • Investment Period: 24 Years
  • Expected Annual Return: 12%

Outcome:

  • Total Corpus: ₹2,00,72,246
  • Total Invested Amount: ₹34,56,000
  • Estimated Returns: ₹1,66,16,246

This approach may be more suitable for individuals starting a little later but willing to invest a slightly higher amount monthly.

The Power of Time and Compounding

In both scenarios, the secret ingredient is time. The longer you remain invested, the more your returns benefit from compounding, where your returns start generating their own returns. This exponential growth is what turns small, regular investments into a large corpus over decades.

Conclusion

Whether it’s ₹10,000 for 26 years or ₹12,000 for 24 years, both scenarios show that time and discipline play a pivotal role in wealth creation. According to the report, such consistent investing habits can potentially yield a corpus of ₹2 crore — helping you step into retirement with financial confidence.

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.

How to Aim for a ₹5 Crore, ₹7 Crore, and ₹11 Crore Retirement Corpus with a ₹15,000 Monthly SIP

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have long been hailed as one of the most effective tools for long-term wealth creation. For individuals in their early or mid-twenties, starting a SIP early can yield a substantial retirement corpus over time—without the need for timing the market or making hefty one-time investments. In this blog, we explore how a disciplined monthly SIP of ₹15,000 can help you aim for retirement goals of ₹5 crore, ₹7 crore, and ₹11 crore.

Assumptions Considered

To project these retirement corpus scenarios, the following assumptions have been used:

  • Monthly SIP Amount: ₹15,000
  • Expected Annual Return: 12% (historically achievable through equity mutual funds over the long term)
  • Compounding Frequency: Monthly
  • Investment Horizon: 30–36 years, depending on the target corpus

Scenario 1: Targeting a ₹5 Crore Corpus

If you are looking to build a retirement corpus of over ₹5 crore, here’s how the numbers play out:

  • Monthly SIP: ₹15,000
  • Investment Tenure: 30 years
  • Estimated Future Value: ₹5.29 crore
  • Total Investment: ₹54 lakh
  • Estimated Returns: ₹4.75 crore

By staying invested for 3 decades, you can accumulate over ₹5 crore with a monthly commitment of ₹15,000.

Scenario 2: Targeting a ₹7 Crore Corpus

Want to stretch the goal a little further? By investing the same amount for three more years:

  • Monthly SIP: ₹15,000
  • Investment Tenure: 33 years
  • Estimated Future Value: ₹7.64 crore
  • Total Investment: ₹59.40 lakh

That’s a jump of over ₹2 crore with just 3 additional years of disciplined investing.

Scenario 3: Targeting an ₹11 Crore Corpus

For those with a higher retirement ambition, here’s what a ₹15,000 monthly SIP over 36 years can do:

  • Monthly SIP: ₹15,000
  • Investment Tenure: 36 years
  • Estimated Future Value: ₹11 crore
  • Total Investment: ₹64.80 lakh

Conclusion

Starting early is the most powerful move you can make in your financial journey. As these scenarios show, even a fixed SIP of ₹15,000 per month, if maintained over the long term, can help you aim for impressive retirement goals. The longer you stay invested, the more exponential your returns become.

While the 12% return assumption is based on historical averages of equity mutual funds, actual returns may vary. Hence, periodic reviews and adjustments are essential as your financial circumstances evolve.Remember, in the world of investing—time in the market beats timing the 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.

Can a Mutual Fund Deliver Over 20% in a Month? HDFC Defence Fund Did It in March 2025

A mutual fund delivering over 20% return in a single month may sound implausible, especially in a diversified market. Yet, the HDFC Defence Fund, a sectoral fund focused on defence and allied sectors, managed to achieve this rare feat in March 2025 by clocking an impressive 22.1% return.

Let’s break down the key details behind this exceptional performance—purely from an informational standpoint.

What is HDFC Defence Fund?

Launched on June 2, 2023, HDFC Defence Fund is an open-ended equity scheme that invests in companies from the defence and allied sectors. As of February 2025, the fund has an Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹4,975.51 crore.

This scheme falls under the sectoral fund category, and it is benchmarked against the Nifty India Defence TRI (Total Returns Index).

The fund is managed by Mr Abhishek Poddar, who has been at the helm since inception.

Investment Objective

The fund’s objective is straightforward: To provide long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of defence and allied sector companies.

It’s worth noting, however, that there is no guarantee that this investment objective will be achieved. The nature of sectoral funds means that performance is often linked to specific macroeconomic or policy-driven triggers.

Performance Snapshot: March 2025

The standout statistic here is the 22.1% return recorded by the fund in March 2025 alone. This return is unusually high for any mutual fund, particularly within a single calendar month.

As of April 3, 2025, the Net Asset Value (NAV) for the growth option of the fund stands at ₹20.22.

Conclusion

Although the 22.1% monthly return by HDFC Defence Fund is certainly remarkable, it serves more as a case study in sector-specific volatility and momentum rather than a baseline expectation for investors.

Sectoral funds like these can experience periods of outperformance as well as high volatility, making them a compelling—yet potentially risky—avenue for investors looking to capitalise on specific themes.

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.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025: Goyal’s Call to Move Beyond Ice Cream and Instant Delivery in Startup India

India’s startup ecosystem has come a long way, with multiple unicorns in delivery, fintech, and e-commerce. Yet, at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal challenged this growth narrative. In a thought-provoking address, he urged entrepreneurs to pivot from convenience-based solutions to deep technology and innovation-led models that could position India as a global leader in advanced sectors.

“Beyond Delivery Boys and Girls”: Reimagining the Startup Vision

In one of the most quoted lines of the event, Goyal asked a piercing question: Should India be content with startups that build fleets of “delivery boys and girls,” or should it strive for technological breakthroughs like semiconductors and artificial intelligence?

Acknowledging the success of India’s food and grocery delivery startups, he questioned their long-term impact, especially when juxtaposed with Chinese startups focusing on electric vehicles and battery technologies. The minister highlighted that while India has seen a boom in valuations, it may still lag behind in global technological competitiveness.

A Critique of Luxury-Driven Entrepreneurship

Goyal didn’t hold back from commenting on the trend of startups venturing into niche and luxury products. “Healthy ice cream, zero gluten-free, whatever, vegan”—he remarked, pointing out that while such products may have a market, they don’t necessarily align with the broader national vision of technological self-reliance.

The contrast was clear: while some Indian founders are innovating in gourmet experiences, their global counterparts are investing in chips, robotics, and AI. According to Goyal, India needs to redefine what success in the startup space looks like—less flash, more substance.

Foreign Capital Dominance: A Wake-Up Call

A recurring concern during the address was the dominance of foreign capital in India’s most visible startups. Goyal expressed his wish for more Indian investors to take part in the startup story. “I only wish they had more Indian investors rather than foreigners buying off all our startups,” he stated.

He noted that while achieving billion-dollar valuations is commendable, it is equally important for domestic investors to participate in wealth creation. He drew attention to the imbalance in capital flow, where Indian startups, built on local talent and innovation, often end up owned by global funds.

Why Deep Tech Matters for Viksit Bharat 2047

The minister laid down a long-term vision: for India to become a developed nation by 2047, its startup ecosystem must play a transformative role. That includes embracing deep tech sectors such as advanced manufacturing, AI, and semiconductors.

India, according to Goyal, currently has around 1,000 deep tech startups—an insufficient number if the country wishes to compete with the world’s best. He described this as a “disturbing sign,” particularly when set against the backcloth of short-term, service-based innovation.

The Global Stage Awaits

With India pursuing free trade agreements with developed economies such as Australia, the European Union, and the United States, Goyal emphasised that the nation is not aiming for mediocrity. The ambition, he said, is clear: to be a serious contender in global trade and innovation.

He referred to startup founders as “sculptors of New India” and urged them to “go beyond the boundaries of our own thinking.” The call to action was not just about building for India but building from India for the world.

Conclusion

Piyush Goyal’s message at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 was unmistakable: the future of India’s startup ecosystem should not rest solely on the success of food delivery apps or artisanal snacks. Instead, it must expand its horizon to embrace deep technological innovation. As India eyes its 2047 development goals, startups are expected to not just create convenience—but to create capability.

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 Office Market Hits New Heights in March Quarter, Fueled by GCC Expansion

India’s commercial real estate sector has reached a new peak in the March quarter, largely driven by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). These centres, which serve as offshore hubs for multinational corporations, have significantly increased the demand for premium office spaces in key cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

The presence of GCCs has elevated India’s position as a global hub for back-end operations, technology services, and innovation. Their growth not only reflects the confidence global firms have in India’s capabilities but also signals the country’s rising stature in the international business landscape.

Major Corporations Lead Surge in Office Leasing

Leasing activity in India’s top cities has witnessed a remarkable upswing, particularly in Grade A commercial spaces. The primary demand is being driven by large corporations looking to expand their GCC operations as they seek cost-effective and skilled solutions for their global needs.

This trend has led to a sharp rise in the absorption of premium office spaces, with GCCs accounting for a significant portion of new leasing transactions. According to real estate analysts, this surge underlines the strategic importance India holds in multinational firms’ long-term plans.

The Appeal of Indian Cities: Talent and Infrastructure

India’s urban centres offer a unique combination of advantages that make them particularly attractive to global companies. A vast and skilled talent pool, competitive operating costs, and improving infrastructure contribute to India’s continued appeal.

Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, known for their strong IT ecosystems, are particularly favoured due to their ability to support high-value, innovation-driven operations. Moreover, India’s metro cities are increasingly equipped with high-quality commercial properties that meet global standards, further reinforcing investor confidence.

Government Policies and Economic Climate Boost Sector Growth

Favourable government initiatives and policy reforms have played a critical role in supporting the commercial real estate boom. Measures aimed at improving ease of doing business, enhancing urban infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment have created a conducive environment for GCC expansion.

Additionally, the overall economic stability and positive growth outlook of India have encouraged multinational firms to commit more resources to their Indian operations, further fuelling office space demand.

Conclusion

With companies prioritising cost efficiency, access to talent, and operational excellence, India’s office property market is expected to maintain its upward trajectory. The role of GCCs as key occupiers in this space is likely to expand further as more firms recognise the long-term value of setting up operations in India.

As a result, the commercial real estate sector is poised for sustained momentum, and India is set to strengthen its role as a critical player in the global services and outsourcing economy.

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.

Why UPI Goes Down: Understanding the Causes Behind India’s Digital Payment Glitches

What is UPI and Why It Matters

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is India’s flagship real-time digital payments system, enabling instant money transfers between bank accounts through mobile devices. Developed and managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI has revolutionised peer-to-peer and merchant payments, becoming the backbone of India’s digital economy. With its wide adoption and convenience, even brief service interruptions tend to have a widespread impact.

Recent UPI Outages: What Happened?

In just the last couple of weeks, users across India reported UPI failures on three separate occasions: March 26, March 31, and April 2. These incidents left millions unable to complete basic transactions like paying for groceries or transferring funds. Such repeated glitches have raised concerns about the reliability and resilience of the infrastructure behind India’s most trusted payment platform.

H2: What Caused the Disruptions?

According to NPCI, the disruptions were caused by latency in the UPI network—a technical term indicating delays in processing transactions. These delays stemmed from fluctuations in success rates at some participating banks. When these banks experienced issues, the load on the network increased, causing slower response times and ultimately resulting in failed transactions.

The NPCI clarified that it had been working closely with the affected banks and that stability had since returned to the UPI network. In a previous instance, the NPCI cited the financial year-end rush as the root cause, suggesting that the system faced an overwhelming volume of transactions as businesses closed their books.

Understanding Latency in the UPI Network

Latency refers to the time taken for a transaction request to travel from the user’s device to the server and back with a response. In the context of UPI, higher latency means longer wait times for confirmation or outright transaction failure. Latency may arise due to:

  • High transaction volumes during peak hours
  • Server overloads at individual banks
  • Delayed responses from third-party service providers
  • Maintenance activities or unexpected technical faults

When banks fail to respond quickly to UPI requests, the system attempts retries, which only adds to the load and worsens the network congestion.

The Role of Banks in the UPI Ecosystem

While NPCI governs the framework, banks play a crucial role in executing UPI transactions. Each transaction request must be verified, processed, and authorised by the relevant bank. Hence, if a particular bank’s system is underperforming—whether due to hardware issues, network bottlenecks, or volume overload—it can disrupt the experience for users across multiple platforms, including popular UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm.

Can Such Outages Be Prevented in the Future?

Although outages cannot be completely ruled out in any large-scale digital infrastructure, improvements in server capacity, better load management protocols, and inter-bank coordination could reduce the frequency and duration of such events. Regular stress testing, real-time monitoring, and timely communication from NPCI and partner banks also play a vital role in minimising disruption.

Conclusion

While UPI has transformed how India transacts, its recent outages reveal the importance of continuous infrastructure upgrades and coordination among all stakeholders. Understanding the root causes—be it network latency or bank-side inefficiencies—helps shed light on the complexities involved in maintaining such a robust digital payment 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.

SEBI Launches Document Number Verification System to Enhance Transparency

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a ‘Document Number Verification System’ (DNVS) to enhance transparency and public trust in its operations. This initiative ensures that all official documents issued by SEBI can be verified for authenticity, strengthening the regulator’s credibility and preventing fraudulent communications.

Unique Outward Number for Every Communication

Under the newly introduced system, every physical document, such as letters, notices, show-cause notices, and summons issued by SEBI, will now include a unique outward number. This number serves as an identification mark, allowing recipients to verify the authenticity of the communication. According to SEBI, this move aims to improve accountability and safeguard the interests of stakeholders in the securities market.

Verification Process Through OTP Authentication

The verification process involves an authentication step where recipients or their authorised representatives can validate the document using an outward number. This requires entering details such as the sender’s name, the date of issuance, and the recipient’s name. An OTP-based authentication system on the recipient’s registered mobile number further enhances security. However, SEBI clarified that this verification system does not confirm the contents of the document but only its issuance.

Conclusion

SEBI’s introduction of the Document Number Verification System marks a significant step towards improving transparency and public trust in regulatory communications. By enabling the verification of issued documents, this system aims to curb misinformation and enhance credibility in the financial sector.

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.