India’s Economic Journey: GDP Poised to Reach ₹3,60,000 Crore by 2025, Says IMF

India’s economic transformation over the past decade has captured global attention. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to touch ₹3,60,000 crore (US$ 4.27 trillion) by the end of 2025. 

This marks a 100% increase from its value ten years ago — a clear indication of the country’s economic progress.

This rapid expansion not only underscores India’s rising global stature but also reflects its ability to weather global economic headwinds and domestic challenges alike.

Steady Real GDP Growth Rate Projected

The IMF projects India’s real GDP growth rate to be 6.5% in 2025, sustaining the momentum seen in recent years. Such consistent growth positions India among the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

Key drivers contributing to this include:

  • Strong domestic consumption
  • Growth in services and manufacturing
  • Increased infrastructure spending
  • Digital and financial inclusion

This growth paints a positive picture of resilience and long-term potential, even as global markets face volatility.

Inflation Expected to Stay Within Target Range

One of the more stable aspects of India’s economic outlook is inflation. The IMF expects consumer price inflation to remain at 4.1%, comfortably within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 4-6%.

Stable inflation allows:

  • Predictable cost of living
  • Steady interest rates
  • Better planning for both consumers and businesses

It also provides the central bank room to manoeuvre monetary policy without abrupt disruptions.

Per Capita Income Indicates Rising Prosperity

The GDP per capita in India is forecasted to be ₹10,23,709 (US$ 11,940) by the end of 2025. While this may still lag behind more developed economies, it signals a consistent upward trajectory in income levels and purchasing power among Indian citizens.

This increase points towards:

  • A growing middle class
  • Urbanisation trends
  • Expanding access to education and employment opportunities

However, disparities remain, and inclusive growth continues to be a focal point in policymaking.

High Government Debt Could Pose Challenges

While the economic growth figures are encouraging, India’s central government debt, currently at 82.6% of GDP, stands out as a red flag.

A high debt-to-GDP ratio:

  • Reduces fiscal flexibility
  • Increases interest obligations
  • Limits room for stimulus during downturns

It’s crucial for policymakers to balance spending with revenue generation, ensuring that debt levels remain sustainable in the long run.

Conclusion: A Promising Yet Cautious Outlook

The IMF’s projections underline India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and its potential to become an even larger force in the global economy. With real GDP growth, stable inflation, and rising per capita income, the foundations are well laid. However, maintaining fiscal prudence and addressing public debt concerns will be vital to ensuring long-term stability and inclusive prosperity.

India’s economic story continues to evolve — and the next chapter appears to be one of opportunity, albeit with careful attention to policy discipline.

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.

Asian Paints Increases Investment in Dahej Manufacturing Plant to ₹3,250 Crore

Asian Paints has announced an increased investment in its Vinyl Acetate Ethylene (VAE) and Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) manufacturing facility in Dahej, Gujarat. The company’s Board of Directors has approved an additional capital expenditure, raising the total project cost significantly.

Expansion of Manufacturing Facility

Asian Paints (Polymers) Private Limited (APPPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary, is spearheading the development of the VAE and VAM facility. Initially budgeted at ₹2,560 crores, the project cost has now escalated to ₹3,250 crores due to pre-operative expenses and cost escalations. The facility will also include infrastructure for ethylene storage and handling.

Funding and Future Disclosures

The additional investment of ₹690 crores will be financed through a mix of equity funding from the parent company and external debt. Asian Paints has committed to providing regular updates on key developments concerning this expansion.

Asian Paints Share Performance 

As of March 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Asian Paints share price was trading at ₹3,236.60 per share, reflecting a surge of 3.06%

Conclusion

With this increased investment, Asian Paints reinforces its commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities. The strategic move aims to strengthen its position in the polymer segment and meet growing market demands.

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 Plans to Double Foreign Individual Investment Cap in Listed Companies to 10%

India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is planning to raise the cap on investment by individual foreign investors in listed companies from 5% to 10%. The proposal, still under discussion between the RBI, the government, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), plans to revise the current limits under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Widening Scope Beyond NRIs and OCIs

Currently, only Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are allowed to invest up to 5% in an Indian listed company under FEMA’s Schedule III. The proposed changes will expand this benefit to all foreign individual investors and increase the permissible holding to 10%.

Combined Holding Limit to Rise

In addition to increasing the individual cap, the RBI also plans to raise the combined holding limit for all overseas individual investors in a listed company from 10% to 24%. According to government officials, this step is part of a broader set of proposals to increase foreign capital inflow.

Capital Outflows in Recent Months

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have pulled out over $28 billion from Indian equities since September 2024, when the benchmark NSE Nifty 50 hit a record high. Factors contributing to the outflow include poor earnings, high stock valuations, and concerns over possible U.S. tariffs.

Monitoring and Regulatory Concerns

SEBI has raised concerns regarding monitoring compliance with the proposed limits. The regulator noted that a single foreign investor, along with associated entities, could exceed a 34% holding, crossing the 25% threshold that triggers mandatory open offer requirements under Indian takeover rules.

SEBI warned that without integrated monitoring systems across regulatory frameworks, such breaches might go undetected.

Conclusion

The government, RBI, and SEBI are currently reviewing these concerns before finalising the changes. A letter from the RBI to the government last week emphasised the urgency of implementing these proposals due to ongoing disruptions in capital inflows.

The proposals are at an advanced stage, with the RBI seeking early implementation. Discussions are ongoing to address compliance and regulatory challenges.

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.

MoD Signs NAMIS and Vehicle Supply Contracts With Force Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra Worth ₹2,500 Crores

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ₹2,500 crore for the procurement of tracked anti-tank weapon platforms and approximately 5,000 light vehicles for the Indian Armed Forces. These agreements were signed in New Delhi on March 27, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

₹1,801 Cr Contract for NAMIS (Tracked) Weapon System

A major portion of the total contract value – ₹1,801.34 crore. has been allocated to the procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) tracked version. The contract has been signed with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL).

The NAMIS (Tr) system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) of DRDO. It is an anti-tank weapon platform equipped with fire-and-forget missile technology and a sighting system. It is intended to improve the anti-tank capacity of the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry and support operations in a range of conditions.

Procurement of 5,000 Light Vehicles

In addition to the NAMIS contract, the Ministry has also signed agreements with Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for the supply of approximately 5,000 light vehicles.

These vehicles are equipped with upgraded engine power and a payload capacity of 800 kg. They are to provide mobility support to the Armed Forces across varied terrains and operational requirements.

As of 11:28 AM on March 28, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd share price was trading at ₹2,652.60, down 2.94% or ₹80.40, while Force Motors share price was trading at ₹9,024.40, up 2.69% or ₹236.35.

Category and Manufacturing

Both contracts fall under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category. The procurement is in line with current efforts to source more defence equipment from domestic manufacturers.

The contracts are to support local manufacturing and involve supply chains that include small and medium enterprises. This may lead to direct and indirect employment generation through the production of components and vehicle parts, as per the reports.

Conclusion

The contracts mark the continued procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces, focusing on mobility and anti-tank capabilities using platforms developed and produced within India.

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.

HAL Signs Revised Amendment to LCA Mk1 FOC Contract

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), on March 27, 2025, signed an amendment to its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) contract. The original contract, signed on December 23, 2010, was valued at ₹5,989.39 crore. Following a revision in the delivery schedule, the amended value now stands at ₹6,542.20 crore.

LCA Mk1A and Delivery Plans

The LCA Mk1A is an upgraded version of the indigenous Tejas fighter jet developed by HAL. The company is currently manufacturing these jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). HAL is expected to deliver 16 LCA Mk1A units in 2025. The first delivery was initially scheduled for March 2024 but has been delayed due to project-related issues. 

In total, 83 Mk1A units are to be delivered by 2029.

Q3 FY25 Financial Results

For the quarter ended December 2024, HAL reported a net profit of ₹1,432.6 crore, up 14.28% from ₹1,253.5 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations rose to ₹6,956.93 crore from ₹6,060.91 crore, an increase of 15%. EBITDA rose 17.2% to ₹1,681 crore, and margins improved slightly to 24.2% from 23.7%.

On March 26, 2025, GE Aerospace delivered the first of 99 F-404-IN20 engines to HAL. These engines will power the LCA Mk1A variant.

Stock Performance

On March 28, HAL share price rose over 2% today, trading ₹4,247.05 at 10:49 AM. Its market capitalisation is currently ₹2.78 lakh crore. The stock has gained over 7.5% in the past five trading sessions. It is up 28.60% over the past month but down nearly 7% over the last six months. HAL’s 52-week high was ₹5,674.75 (July 9, 2024), and its 52-week low was ₹3,046.05 (March 3, 2025).

Conclusion 

The revised contract showcases adjustments in the delivery timeline for the LCA Mk1A jets. With engine deliveries now in motion, HAL plans to continue production as it works toward completing the order by 2029.

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.

Studds Accessories Refiles DRHP With SEBI for IPO

Studds Accessories, the well-known helmet manufacturer, has refiled its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), marking its second attempt to go public. 

The first filing was made in 2018, which received regulatory approval but was eventually withdrawn.

Offer for Sale by Promoters

The IPO will be an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 77.9 lakh equity shares. No new shares will be issued, and the company will not receive any proceeds. The selling shareholders include promoters Madhu Bhushan Khurana (around 38 lakh shares), Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana (8 lakh shares), and Chand Khurana (approximately 21 lakh shares). As of now, Madhu Bhushan Khurana holds 37.95%, Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana 31.79%, and Chand Khurana 8.35% of the company.

IIFL Capital Services and ICICI Securities are the lead managers for the IPO.

Financials for FY24

For the financial year ended March 2024, Studds reported a revenue of ₹529.02 crore, up from ₹499.17 crore in FY23. Net profit rose to ₹57.23 crore from ₹33.15 crore the previous year. The EBITDA margin stood at 17.05%, compared to 12.03% in FY23. For the six-month period ending September 2024, revenue from operations was ₹285 crore, with a net profit of ₹33 crore.

Business Overview

Studds manufactures and sells two-wheeler helmets under the ‘Studds’ and ‘SMK’ brands. The company also offers accessories such as luggage, gloves, rain suits, riding jackets, and eyewear. It operates three manufacturing facilities with a total capacity of 90.4 lakh helmets per year, and a fourth plant is under construction. In FY24, the company sold approximately 71 lakh helmets.

Studds exports its products to over 70 countries across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. It also manufactures helmets for international brands, including Daytona (USA) and O’Neal (USA, Europe, and Australia).

Conclusion 

The company has refiled its IPO papers after a previously withdrawn attempt in 2018. As the offer comprises only a sale by existing shareholders, no fresh capital will be raised, and the proceeds will go to the selling stakeholders.

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.

Jio Financial Services Infuses ₹1,000 Cr in Subsidiary Jio Finance Ltd

Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) announced an investment of ₹1,000.24 crore in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jio Finance Limited (JFL), as per the reports. The investment was made through the subscription of 1,73,77,412 equity shares at ₹10 each. As per the company’s regulatory filing, the funds will be used to support JFL’s business operations.

As of 11:02 AM on March 28, Jio Financial Services share price was trading at ₹231.45, up ₹5.67 or 2.51% for the day, showcasing an 11.48% rise over the past month but a 33.98% decline over the past six months.

Investment in Jio Payments Bank

JFSL also invested ₹85 crore in Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL) by subscribing to 8.5 crore equity shares at ₹10 each. Following this transaction, JFSL’s stake in JPBL increased from 82.17% to 85.04%. The transaction qualifies as a related-party transaction but was executed on an arm’s length basis. No regulatory or government approvals were required.

Quarterly Financial Performance

For the quarter ending December 31, 2024, JFSL reported a net profit of ₹294.8 crore, marking a marginal increase of 0.3% year-on-year (YoY) from ₹293.8 crore in Q3 FY24. Revenue from operations rose 6% YoY, reaching ₹438.4 crore compared to ₹413.6 crore in the same quarter last year.

AUM and Payments Growth

JFSL’s assets under management (AUM) rose to ₹4,199 crore in Q3 FY25, up from ₹1,206 crore in the previous quarter. The payments bank also saw growth in its CASA (Current Account and Savings Account) base, which increased 25% quarter-on-quarter to 1.89 million users.

Conclusion

JFSL has made two capital infusions totaling over ₹1,000 crore into its subsidiaries. These investments are aimed at supporting the ongoing operations of JFL and JPBL and were completed without external approvals.

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.

DSP Mutual Fund Files Draft for CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3 to 6 Months Debt Index Fund

DSP Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with SEBI for a new scheme: the DSP CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3 to 6 Months Debt Index Fund. The fund falls under the index fund category and will be structured as an open-ended constant maturity index fund.

Fund Objective and Structure

The investment objective is to track the performance of the CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3 to 6 Months Debt Index by investing in debt instruments with residual maturities between three and six months. These include Commercial Papers (CPs), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), and corporate bond securities. 

The fund does not aim to outperform the index, but to replicate its performance, subject to tracking error.

Asset Allocation and Instrument 

The scheme intends to allocate 95% to 100% of its assets to securities forming part of the underlying index. Up to 5% may be held in cash or cash-equivalent instruments such as treasury bills, government securities, and repos with maturities under 91 days.

There will be no exposure to derivatives, overseas securities, securitized debt, or instruments with special features. The scheme will also not engage in short selling or stock lending.

Index Composition and Rebalancing

The index comprises securities from financial service issuers rated AAA. At any point, the fund must include at least 8 issuers, with no single issuer exceeding 15% of the portfolio. Rebalancing will occur within 7 calendar days in the event of changes to index constituents or within 30 days if a security is downgraded below the index criteria.

Other Details

The New Fund Offer (NFO) gives both Growth and Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) options. The minimum application amount is ₹100. There is no exit load on redemptions. Units will be priced at ₹10 each during the NFO period. The fund will not be listed on exchanges and will reopen for repurchase and sale within five business days of allotment.

Conclusion 

The scheme follows a passive investment approach with a fixed maturity strategy, limiting exposure to short-term, high-rated debt instruments. Its structure and rebalancing mechanism are aligned with index requirements, offering predictability in portfolio composition.

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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.

DSP Mutual Fund Files Draft for Silver ETF Fund of Fund

DSP Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with SEBI for the launch of the DSP Silver ETF Fund of Fund, an open-ended scheme that will invest in units of the existing DSP Silver ETF. The scheme is to provide returns that closely correspond to the performance of physical silver, without directly investing in it.

Fund Structure and Allocation

Under normal circumstances, the scheme will allocate 95% to 100% of its assets to units of the DSP Silver ETF. The remaining 0% to 5% may be held in cash or cash equivalents, including TREPS, treasury bills, and government securities with a residual maturity of less than 91 days. The scheme will not invest in international securities, derivatives, debt instruments, or other mutual funds.

Benchmark and NAV Disclosure

The benchmark for the scheme is the domestic price of physical silver, based on the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) daily spot fixing price. NAVs will be calculated on all business days and disclosed by 10 a.m. the next day on the AMC and AMFI websites.

Fund Details

The New Fund Offer (NFO) details are as follows:

  • New Fund Offer Price: ₹10 per unit
  • Minimum Application Amount: ₹100 and any amount thereafter
  • Exit Load: Nil
  • Expense Ratio (TER): Up to 1.00% of daily net assets, in addition to the DSP Silver ETF’s existing expense ratio of 0.5044% (as of Jan 31, 2025)
  • Plan Options: Growth and IDCW (Payout/Reinvestment)

The scheme will be managed by Anil Ghelani and Diipesh Shah, both of whom currently manage DSP’s range of ETF and passive products.

Liquidity and Transactions

Redemption proceeds are expected to be processed within three working days. The scheme is not listed on stock exchanges but offers daily purchase and redemption. Facilities like SIP, STP, SWP, ASBA, and switching from other DSP schemes are available.

Conclusion 

The DSP Silver ETF Fund of Fund offers exposure to silver through a structured mutual fund route. It mirrors the performance of physical silver by investing entirely in the DSP Silver ETF. The scheme is currently awaiting regulatory approval.

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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.

NFO Alert: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Launches Nifty EV & New Age Automotive ETF FoF

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has announced a New Fund Offer (NFO) under its ETF category – ICICI Prudential Nifty EV & New Age Automotive ETF FoF. This is an open-ended fund-of-fund (FoF) scheme that will invest in units of the ICICI Prudential Nifty EV & New Age Automotive ETF.

Fund Details

  • Fund Name: ICICI Prudential Nifty EV & New Age Automotive ETF FoF
  • Category: Equity – Thematic
  • Type: Open-ended
  • Benchmark: Nifty EV & New Age Automotive TRI
  • Riskometer: Very High
  • Fund Managers: Nishit Patel and Ashwini Shinde
  • Registrar & Transfer Agent: CAMS

NFO Timeline and Investment Amount

  • Issue Opens: March 28, 2025
  • Issue Closes: April 10, 2025
  • Reopens: Within five business days from the date of allotment
  • Minimum Investment: ₹1,000 and in multiples of any amount thereafter
  • Plans Offered: Growth and IDCW
  • Exit Load: Nil
  • Lock-in Period: Not applicable

Objective and Strategy

The scheme aims to generate returns that correspond to the total returns of the underlying index – Nifty EV & New Age Automotive TRI, subject to tracking error. The corpus will be invested in the ETF, which replicates the stocks of the benchmark index in the same proportion.

The fund will predominantly invest in equity and equity-related instruments of companies included in the Nifty EV & New Age Automotive TRI, covering sectors like electric mobility, new-age automotive technologies, and related industries.

Systematic investment solutions like SIP and SWP are available to enable regular investments or withdrawals based on investor preferences.

Conclusion

The NFO offers access to a specific segment of the market – electric vehicles and evolving automotive technologies through a passive investment structure.

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.