JioHotstar Partners with AMFI to Promote Mutual Fund Awareness During IPL 2025

JioHotstar, a part of Reliance group and the official digital broadcaster of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced a partnership with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) for the upcoming tournament. This collaboration aims to leverage the league’s popularity to promote financial literacy and mutual fund investments to a wider audience.

Partnership Details

As an associate partner, AMFI will receive extensive digital exposure across JioHotstar’s platforms. The agreement includes in-stream advertisements during live broadcasts, sponsored segments on financial literacy, and other promotional activities to engage viewers.

With the tournament being one of the most-watched sporting events in India, this partnership offers AMFI a unique opportunity to educate millions about mutual funds and encourage investment adoption.

Bridging Finance and Sports

The strategic alliance between JioHotstar and AMFI highlights the growing intersection of sports and finance. AMFI aims to simplify mutual fund investments and attract new investors by tapping into the tournament’s diverse and engaged viewership.

This partnership follows JioHotstar’s recent collaborations, including My11Circle as a co-presenting sponsor and Birla Opus as a co-powered-by partner for the tournament’s live stream.

The 2025 season kicks off on March 22, 2025, with a match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, at 7:30 pm IST.

AMFI Introduces 3 Key Initiatives to Expand Investor Base

Alongside its IPL partnership, AMFI has announced 3 new initiatives aimed at making mutual fund investments more accessible to a broader segment of investors. These include:

Sachetisation of mutual funds

  • Fund houses will offer systematic investment plans starting at ₹250, making investments more accessible for first-time investors and underserved communities.
  • This move aligns with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s recent consultation paper, which explored ways to lower entry barriers for investors.

Tarun Yojana: Financial literacy for school students

  • This programme aims to introduce financial literacy training in schools for both teachers and students.
  • Top-performing students in an AMFI examination will receive ₹2,400 in their mutual fund systematic investment plan accounts.
  • In the pilot phase, AMFI will reach 5,000 students, with the top 20% receiving ₹100 per month in their accounts for two years.
  • Students can redeem the funds two years after the last investment instalment, ensuring long-term financial awareness.

MITRA: Mutual fund investment tracing and retrieval assistant

  • This platform enables investors and their legal heirs to track and recover inactive or forgotten mutual fund holdings through MF Central.
  • The initiative aims to ensure unclaimed assets are recovered efficiently.

Conclusion

By associating with the tournament, AMFI aims to drive financial awareness through engaging, large-scale promotions. The combination of the league’s unmatched reach and AMFI’s financial education initiatives is expected to encourage more investors to explore mutual funds as an investment avenue.

The JioHotstar-AMFI collaboration underscores the growing role of sports sponsorships in financial education, ensuring that investment awareness reaches a larger, younger audience across 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.

Top ELSS Mutual Funds in March 2025 Based on 3-Year Returns

Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) continue to be a preferred choice for investors seeking tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act while aiming for long-term capital appreciation. The following ELSS funds have been ranked based on their 3-year returns, with alpha values indicating the fund’s ability to outperform its benchmark.

Name AUM CAGR 3Y CAGR 5Y Expense Ratio
SBI Long Term Equity Fund 25,723.50 24.24 26.28 1.07
HDFC ELSS Tax saver 14,671.37 21.83 24.47 1.1
Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund 3,405.01 21.74 21.00 0.7
ICICI Pru LT Wealth Enhancement Fund 35.95 19.24 20.08 0.99
ITI ELSS Tax Saver Fund 343.31 18.95 19.89 0.5

Data as of March 12, 2025

Performance Analysis of Top ELSS Funds

  • SBI Long Term Equity Fund, managed by Dinesh Balachandran, has delivered an alpha of 2.93, demonstrating strong active management and stock selection.
  • HDFC ELSS Tax Saver, under Roshi Jain, has an alpha of 2.27, reflecting the fund’s consistent performance over the last three years.
  • Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund, managed by Ajay Khandelwal, Atul Mehra, and Rakesh Shetty, leads with an alpha of 3.58, indicating a significant outperformance over its benchmark.
  • ICICI Pru LT Wealth Enhancement Fund, led by Rajat Chandak, has an alpha of 0.88, while ITI ELSS Tax Saver Fund, co-managed by Alok Ranjan and Dhimant Shah, has an alpha of 1.26.

ELSS Funds: A Tax-Efficient Investment Avenue

ELSS funds are unique among mutual funds as they offer tax deductions of up to ₹1,50,000 per financial year under Section 80C. These funds come with a mandatory 3-year lock-in period, which is the shortest among tax-saving investment options.

The presence of a lock-in period allows fund managers to take long-term positions without worrying about short-term redemptions. This, in turn, enables better portfolio stability and potential for long-term wealth creation.

Understanding Alpha in Mutual Funds

The alpha value measures how well a mutual fund has performed relative to its benchmark. A positive alpha indicates that the fund has outperformed the market, while a higher alpha reflects better active management.

Among the top ELSS funds listed, Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund has the highest alpha, indicating stronger fund manager decisions. Funds with moderate to high alpha often showcase better stock selection and efficient risk management, contributing to long-term performance.

Factors Influencing ELSS Performance

The overall performance of ELSS funds is influenced by multiple factors, including equity market trends, economic conditions, and fund management strategies. A well-diversified portfolio and sectoral allocations play a crucial role in determining returns.

While past performance does not guarantee future results, the consistency in delivering positive alpha highlights the strength of active fund management. Investors tracking ELSS funds often assess historical performance, fund manager expertise, and portfolio diversification before making investment decisions.

Conclusion

The rankings based on 3-year returns indicate that SBI Long Term Equity Fund, HDFC ELSS Tax Saver, and Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund have shown strong outperformance. These funds have demonstrated their ability to navigate market fluctuations effectively.

With ELSS funds offering the dual benefit of tax savings and long-term capital growth, their importance in investment portfolios remains significant. As market conditions evolve, fund manager strategies and stock selection will continue to play a vital role in shaping returns within this category.

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.

TVS Motor Backed Ultraviolette Launches Tesseract E-Scooter with 261 km Range

Ultraviolette Expands into the Mass-Market EV Segment

Bengaluru-based Ultraviolette Automotive, known for premium electric motorcycles, has entered the mass-market EV segment with the launch of its first electric scooter, Tesseract. Priced at ₹1.45 lakh (ex-showroom), the model is available at an introductory offer of ₹1.20 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 10,000 buyers.

Pre-bookings for the Tesseract are now open for ₹999, with deliveries scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Battery, Range, and Performance

The Tesseract features a 20.1 bhp electric motor and offers three battery pack options:

  • 3.5 kWh
  • 5 kWh
  • 6 kWh

Ultraviolette claims the scooter delivers a range of up to 261 km on a single charge, depending on the battery variant. It accelerates from 0-60 kmph in just 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 125 kmph. Additionally, its battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in under an hour.

Feature-Packed Electric Scooter

The Tesseract comes with several advanced features, including:

  • 7-inch touchscreen TFT instrument console with onboard navigation
  • Dual dashcams (front and rear)
  • Wireless charging
  • Haptic feedback on handlebars
  • Dual-channel ABS, traction control, and hill hold assist
  • Dynamic stability control

One of the key highlights is its radar-based Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), making it India’s first scooter to offer this technology. The ADAS suite includes:

  • Blind spot detection
  • Overtake alerts
  • Lane change assist
  • Collision warnings

The electric scooter also offers 34 litres of under-seat storage, enough to accommodate a full-face helmet. It runs on 14-inch wheels and is available in four colour options:

  • Sonic Pink
  • Desert Sand
  • Solar White
  • Stealth Black

Warranty and Competitive Positioning

Ultraviolette offers a standard three-year/75,000 km warranty, extendable to eight years or 2,00,000 km.

The Tesseract enters a competitive segment, going up against TVS Motor‘s iQube, Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450, Vida V2 Pro, River Indie, and Simple One, offering a premium alternative in India’s electric scooter market.

Aiming to improve your trading experience? Enjoy seamless stock trading at your fingertips by downloading the Angel One trading app 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.

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

Shiv Nadar Transfers 47% Stake in HCL Group to Roshni Nadar Malhotra

Leadership Transition at HCL Group

Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Group, has transferred 47% of his stake in HCL Corporation Private Limited and Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Private Limited (Vama Delhi) to his daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra. This move makes Malhotra the majority shareholder of both entities and reinforces her control over the group. The restructuring was carried out as an inter-se transfer via a gift deed, maintaining the promoter group’s total shareholding in HCL Technologies.

Promoter Holdings Remain Unchanged

Before the transfer, the promoter and promoter group collectively held 1,65,03,00,415 equity shares, representing 60.814% of HCL Technologies. The transaction does not involve a direct sale of HCL Technologies shares but restructures the ownership within promoter entities.

The transfer includes:

  • 0.17% in HCL Corporation
  • 44.17% in Vama Sundari Investments (Delhi) Private Limited

As a result, while Shiv Nadar reduces his stake, the overall promoter holding in HCL Technologies remains unchanged at 60.814%, ensuring continuity in ownership and governance.

Gift Deed Ensures Seamless Transition

HCL Technologies confirmed that two gift deeds were executed on March 6, 2025, transferring ownership from Shiv Nadar to Roshni Nadar Malhotra. Before the transaction, Shiv Nadar held 51%, while Malhotra had 10.33% in both HCL Corp and Vama Delhi. With this transfer, Malhotra consolidates her leadership role within the group.

Shiv Nadar continues to hold 736 direct shares in HCL Technologies, which remains unchanged. The restructuring primarily impacts promoter entities rather than the listed company itself.

No Impact on Voting Rights or Share Capital

HCL Technologies’ equity share capital remains at ₹5,42,73,30,192, with no dilution or additional issuance of shares. The transfer does not alter voting rights, as control remains within the promoter group.

HCL Infosystems also confirmed that Roshni Nadar Malhotra would gain control over the 12.94% stake held by Vama Delhi and 49.94% held by HCL Corp in the company.

Strengthening Leadership at HCL Group

Since taking over as chairperson of HCL Technologies in July 2020, Roshni Nadar Malhotra has played a crucial role in steering the $12 billion IT services and consulting firm. An alumna of Northwestern University with an MBA from Kellogg School of Management, she has been actively shaping the company’s strategic direction.

This transition reinforces her leadership role, ensuring stability within the group while continuing the legacy of Shiv Nadar’s vision.

Stock Performance

HCL Technologies’ stock closed at ₹1567.85 up 1.20% on March 11, 2025, amid a weak broader market. Over the past year, the stock has declined over 5%. It has continued its downward trend, falling 1.5% in March, extending losses for the third consecutive month. In February, the stock dropped 9%, following a 10% decline in January.

As Malhotra consolidates her leadership position, investors and market participants will closely watch HCL’s strategic direction in the coming months.

Explore the world of investing. Download the Angel One stock trading app for reliable information and insights anytime, anywhere.

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.

EV Two-Wheeler Sales Surge 24% Post-Budget

Fleet Operators Driving Growth

Electric two-wheelers have seen increased adoption in the e-commerce and logistics sectors. Fleet operators are transitioning to electric vehicles to lower costs and comply with environmental regulations. The need for low-maintenance, cost-effective transport solutions has led to widespread adoption for last-mile deliveries.

The demand has created opportunities for manufacturers offering innovative solutions, including Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), which lowers the cost of ownership.

Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) Boosting Adoption

BaaS is transforming the electric vehicle market by offering flexible ownership models:

  1. Battery Leasing – Customers can own an EV without purchasing a battery, instead opting for a monthly subscription starting at ₹999. This reduces the initial cost of an EV by up to 40% and provides a lifetime battery warranty, making EVs more affordable for fleet operators and individual riders.
  2. Battery Swapping + Leasing – Along with leasing, users can swap batteries at designated stations, reducing downtime and eliminating range concerns. This has particularly benefited gig workers, who earn ₹200-300 more per day due to uninterrupted rides.

By reducing financial barriers, BaaS enhances affordability, allowing users to access high-speed EVs at lower costs while addressing maintenance and battery replacement concerns.

Rising Consumer Interest in EVs

While fleet demand has been substantial, individual consumers are also showing increased interest in electric two-wheelers. A McKinsey report projects that by 2030, electric two-wheelers will account for 60-70% of new sales in India. Millennials and Gen Z in urban areas are shifting towards EVs due to their affordability, sustainability, and efficiency in navigating congested city streets.

Beyond environmental concerns, rising fuel prices and maintenance costs of petrol scooters are pushing consumers towards electric mobility. Government incentives further encourage adoption, making electric two-wheelers an economical alternative.

Policy and Infrastructure Support

Government initiatives continue to support electric mobility growth. The PM E-DRIVE Scheme, launched on September 11, 2024, with an allocation of ₹109 crore (US$1.3 billion) over two years, focuses on EV purchase incentives, public transport electrification, and charging infrastructure expansion. These measures are expected to accelerate EV adoption across consumer segments.

The Road Ahead

The 24% increase in electric two-wheeler sales post-budget highlights the growing shift towards electric mobility in India. Fleet operators remain key drivers of adoption, while BaaS is lowering barriers for both businesses and individual commuters. As consumer awareness and infrastructure improvements continue, electric two-wheelers are set to play a significant role in India’s transport landscape.

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.

Export of Gems and Jewellery Declined by 7% in January 2025

Exports of gems and jewellery in January 2025 declined by 7.01% to USD 2,237.14 million, compared to USD 2,405.78 million in the same period last year, according to data released by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The decline is attributed to economic uncertainty and the tariff threats issued by US President Donald Trump following his return to power.

Imports of gems and jewellery for January 2025 stood at USD 1,421.61 million, marking a sharp decline of 37.83% compared to USD 2,286.55 million for the same period last year. The lower import figures indicate increased domestic demand being met by local jewellery manufacturers, reducing reliance on international players for finished jewellery products.

Cut & Polished Diamonds Witness a Decline

Exports of cut and polished diamonds declined by 12.48% in January 2025, standing at USD 1,015.98 million compared to USD 1,160.79 million in the same period last year. Weak consumer demand in key global markets has impacted diamond exports from India, which is the world’s largest hub for diamond cutting and polishing.

Imports of cut and polished diamonds fell significantly by 67.04%, amounting to USD 54.0 million in January 2025 compared to USD 163.87 million in January 2024.

Decline in Rough Diamond Imports

Imports of rough diamonds in January 2025 totalled USD 8,746.70 million, a 22.49% decline from USD 11,284.26 million in the same period last year. This reduction is linked to weak global demand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and renewed tariff threats from the US administration. With investors shifting focus towards safe-haven assets like gold, demand for diamonds, a non-yielding asset, has been impacted.

Lab-Grown Diamonds See a Drop in Exports

Exports of polished lab-grown diamonds in January 2025 stood at USD 85.44 million, reflecting a 24.95% decline compared to USD 113.85 million in January 2024. Weak global demand and price fluctuations in this segment have contributed to the downturn.

Gold Jewellery Exports See Positive Growth

In contrast, the export of gold jewellery registered an increase, reaching USD 949.46 million in January 2025, up by 20.48% from USD 788.06 million in the previous year. Global economic uncertainty has driven investors towards gold, which has been witnessing consistent price appreciation.

Coloured Gemstones Segment Records a Dip

Exports of coloured gemstones in January 2025 stood at USD 353.92 million (₹2,979.69 crore), marking a 9.62% decline compared to USD 391.57 million (₹3,238.89 crore) in January 2024. The coloured gemstones segment caters to a niche market, and while there is a temporary downturn, it is expected to remain stable over time.

Industry Experts React

Commenting on the sector’s performance, Colin Shah, MD of Kama Jewelry, said, “With Trump coming back into power and aggressively pushing massive tariff hikes, the impact of the same is visible on overall global trade activities. We are in a wait-and-watch situation to monitor Trump’s tariff stance, which will decide how the global market will navigate through these times. However, a gradual rebound in trade activities could be seen in the upcoming months once there is absolute clarity.”

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.

Power Grid Raises Capex to ₹23,000 Crore Amid Rising Electricity Demand

State-run Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has revised its capital expenditure target for the current financial year to ₹23,000 crore, a significant increase from the previously set ₹18,000 crore. The move comes amid rising electricity demand and the company’s growing portfolio of transmission projects.

PGCIL currently has transmission projects worth ₹1,47,000 crore in progress. The company has also outlined its future capital expenditure plans, projecting ₹28,000-30,000 crore for FY26 and ₹35,000 crore for FY27, indicating a continued focus on expanding India’s power transmission infrastructure.

Breakdown of Capex Allocation

The company is investing heavily in projects awarded through different bidding mechanisms. Of the ₹23,000 crore allocated for FY25:

  • ₹14,209 crore is being spent on projects secured through tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB)
  • ₹3,914 crore is allocated to projects under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM)

Previously, PGCIL had planned a capital expenditure of ₹20,000 crore each for FY26 and FY27, but the company has now increased its investment by nearly ₹10,000 crore, highlighting the scale of infrastructure development required to meet growing electricity needs.

Key Transmission Projects

PGCIL is actively involved in both interstate and intrastate transmission projects, ensuring efficient power evacuation for India’s growing renewable energy sector. Among its major projects, the company is executing two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines:

  • Khavda to Nagpur HVDC Line – ₹35,000 crore project
  • Pang to Leh HVDC Line – ₹20,000 crore project

Both projects are expected to be completed over the next five years.

HVDC technology allows precise control over power flow, making it a preferred choice for managing India’s transmission network, especially with the increased integration of renewable energy sources. The government is encouraging HVDC deployment due to its ability to stabilise grids and efficiently transmit power over long distances.

PGCIL’s Strategic Expansion

PGCIL’s increased capital expenditure aligns with India’s push for strengthening power transmission infrastructure and supporting the nation’s renewable energy transition. The company continues to execute large-scale projects that will enhance grid stability and ensure seamless power distribution across the country.

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.

Top Midcap and Smallcap Mutual Funds by Lump Sum Investment Returns

Midcap and smallcap mutual funds invest in medium- and small-sized listed businesses. Stocks ranked from 101st to 250th by market capitalisation fall under the midcap segment, while those ranked 251st and beyond are categorised as smallcaps.

According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), eight top-performing midcap and smallcap funds have outperformed their respective benchmarks—Nifty Midcap 150 TRI (23.30% annualised return) and Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI (24.57% annualised return). These schemes have rewarded investors with annualised returns ranging from 25% to 39% in the last five years, with a one-time investment of ₹75,000 appreciating to ₹2,30,000-₹3,92,000.

Top 8 Midcap and Smallcap Mutual Funds

Here are the top eight mutual funds based on their 5-year returns:

Midcap Funds

  1. Quant Mid Cap Fund – Delivered an annualised return of 30.09%, with a lump sum investment of ₹75,000 growing to ₹2,79,000.
  2. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund – Generated a 27.72% annualised return, translating ₹75,000 into ₹2,55,000.
  3. Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund – Yielded a 25.97% annualised return, growing ₹75,000 to ₹2,38,000.
  4. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund – Provided an annualised return of 25.17%, turning ₹75,000 into ₹2,30,000.

Smallcap Funds

  1. Quant Small Cap Fund – Led the smallcap segment with a 39.17% annualised return, growing ₹75,000 into ₹3,92,000.
  2. Nippon India Small Cap Fund – Achieved a 29.63% annualised return, with a corpus increase to ₹2,75,000.
  3. Bank of India Small Cap Fund – Recorded a 29.25% annualised return, growing ₹75,000 to ₹2,71,000.
  4. Tata Small Cap Fund – Provided a 27.72% annualised return, turning ₹75,000 into ₹2,55,000.

Benchmark Performance Comparison

The midcap and smallcap mutual funds listed above have consistently outperformed their respective benchmarks:

  • Nifty Midcap 150 TRI: 23.30% annualised return
  • Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI: 24.57% annualised return

The above mutual funds have demonstrated robust growth in the past five years, significantly outperforming benchmark indices.

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.

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

Did Jio Buy Hotstar: Merger Deal Amount and Ownership Details

In a landmark move reshaping India’s entertainment industry, Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company have merged their streaming services, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, to launch a unified platform named JioHotstar. This strategic alliance, valued at roughly $8.5 billion, positions JioHotstar as a formidable contender in the nation’s burgeoning over-the-top (OTT) market.

Merger Details and Ownership Structure

The merger, finalised on November 14, 2024, resulted in the formation of a joint venture where Reliance holds a 63.16% stake, and Disney owns the remaining 36.84%. This collaboration consolidates their digital assets, including over 120 television channels and two streaming services, under the JioHotstar brand. Nita Ambani serves as the chairperson of the new entity, with media veteran Uday Shankar as vice-chairperson.

Unified Content Library and Subscription Model

JioHotstar amalgamates the extensive content libraries of both JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, offering users a vast array of entertainment options. Subscribers can access a diverse range of content, including Bollywood films, international movies, regional programming, and exclusive sports events. The platform has introduced flexible subscription plans, starting at ₹149, with an ad-free premium version available for ₹499 for a 3-month period.

Strategic Focus on Sports Streaming

A significant aspect of this merger is the consolidation of sports streaming rights. JioHotstar now holds exclusive digital rights to major sporting events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments, and English Premier League football. The platform plans to implement a hybrid streaming model, offering free access up to a certain threshold, after which a subscription will be required. This approach aims to attract a broad audience while encouraging long-term subscriptions.

Leadership

The digital division of JioHotstar is led by Kiran Mani, a former Google executive who oversees the platform’s operations and strategic direction. With a combined user base exceeding 500 million, JioHotstar is poised to redefine the OTT landscape in India, offering a comprehensive entertainment hub that caters to diverse viewer preferences. The merger signifies a strategic move to capitalise on India’s growing demand for digital content, positioning JioHotstar as a central player in the competitive streaming market.

Impact on Existing Subscribers

Current subscribers of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will experience a seamless transition to JioHotstar. Their existing plans will remain valid, but access will now be through the JioHotstar app and website. This integration ensures that users retain their subscriptions while benefiting from an expanded content library and enhanced streaming experience.

This collaboration between Reliance and Disney not only enhances their market presence but also sets a new benchmark for content delivery and user engagement in India’s dynamic digital entertainment 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.

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

Ola Consumer Reports EBITDA Profitability in FY24 Despite Revenue Decline

Ola Consumer, which is preparing for an initial public offering, reported a decline in its total revenue for the financial year ending March 2024. The company’s revenue from operations and other income stood at ₹2,368 crore, compared to ₹3,000 crore in FY23, marking a 21% decline year-on-year.

The standalone revenue of ANI Technologies, which operates Ola Cabs, was ₹1,906 crore in FY24, down from ₹2,135 crore in FY23. Despite the decline in revenue, Ola Consumer reported EBITDA profitability in its mobility and financial services segments. EBITDA, excluding discontinued operations, increased significantly to ₹271 crore from ₹87 crore in the previous year.

Expansion Across Mobility and Financial Services

Ola Consumer rebranded from Ola Cabs last year to reflect its expansion beyond ride-hailing. The company has introduced several initiatives to strengthen its business and improve operational efficiency.

The company launched a premium ride-hailing service and expanded its two- and three-wheeler ride-hailing operations to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. It is also increasing the adoption of electric vehicles, aiming to lower operational costs and attract more drivers to its platform. The use of electric vehicles is expected to help improve affordability for consumers while ensuring better unit economics for the company.

Ola Consumer also introduced a rewards programme in August 2024, allowing users to earn incentives on transactions across its services.

E-commerce and Logistics Expansion

The company has expanded its presence in food delivery, groceries, and related commerce through the Open Network for Digital Commerce. Currently, it fulfils over 80 percent of last-mile logistics requests on the network. In addition to last-mile delivery services, the company plans to offer automated and AI-enabled warehousing solutions for businesses looking to optimise inventory management.

Ola Consumer is also working on onboarding more sellers to build its catalogue depth on the Open Network for Digital Commerce. The company is developing an artificial intelligence-based shopping co-pilot that aims to provide a seamless shopping experience across various platforms.

Financial Services Growth

In financial services, Ola Consumer launched a unified payments interface on its platform, enabling users to make digital payments for rides, food, and groceries. The company has also expanded into personal loans through Ola Financial Services, leveraging its access to premium customers with strong credit profiles.

Conclusion

With its focus on mobility, financial services, e-commerce, and logistics, Ola Consumer is working towards diversifying its revenue streams ahead of its initial public offering. The company continues to expand its services and enhance operational efficiencies to strengthen its position in 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 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.