India’s Defence Budget to Rise by 9.5%, Focus on Modernisation and Domestic Growth

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has announced that India’s defence budget will increase by 9.5% in 2025-26, reaching ₹6.81 trillion, up from ₹6.21 trillion in the current year.

Focus on Modernisation and Domestic Procurement

Singh highlighted that India plans to spend $30 billion annually over the next decade to modernise its defence forces. Of this budget, 75% will be allocated to procure defence equipment from domestic sources, with 25% reserved for the domestic private sector.

Growth in Defence Industry and Exports

The Defence Secretary also shared that the value of domestic production in India’s defence sector has risen to ₹1.27 trillion in 2023-24. Additionally, exports have surged to ₹21,000 crore, a 30-fold increase in the past decade. This indicates a significant expansion in the country’s defence industry.

Encouraging New Players and Technologies

Singh emphasised the importance of reducing entry barriers for new companies and technologies, aiming to create a defence industry that is adaptable, agile, and capable of addressing evolving warfare needs. The current ecosystem includes 16 defence PSUs, 430 licensed companies, and around 16,000 MSMEs, forming the backbone of this growth.

Potential Offer of F-35 Fighter Jets from the US

Regarding the potential offer of F-35 fighter jets from the US, Singh clarified that while US President Donald Trump had mentioned exploring a roadmap for supplying the jets, no formal offer had been made. India will assess the offer once it becomes official, following its established procurement process.

Large Budget for Defence Procurements

Singh also noted that India has a significant acquisition budget of ₹1.80 lakh crore for the next financial year and ₹1.60 lakh crore for the current year. These funds will be used for various procurements, including fighter planes, submarines, and missiles, as per the Ministry’s procurement plan.

 

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.

Income Tax Bill 2025: SSY, NPS, EPF and ELSS Deductions Now Under Section 123

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on February 13, 2025. This new bill will replace the Income Tax Act of 1961 and is set to come into effect on April 1, 2026.

Restructuring of Tax Deductions

One of the major changes in the new bill is the reorganisation of tax deductions. Deductions previously available under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act have now been moved to a new section, Clause 123. This shift aims to simplify the tax process for taxpayers by making it clearer and more organised.

Deduction Limit Remains the Same

The deduction limit under Clause 123 will remain at ₹1.5 lakh per financial year. This cap continues from the previous Section 80C.

Eligible Investments and Expenditures for Deductions

The following investments and expenses now qualify for deductions under Clause 123:

Life Insurance & Annuity Plans

  • Premiums for life insurance policies
  • Contributions to deferred annuity contracts (except annuity plans)
  • Deductions for securing deferred annuities for spouses or children (up to 20% of salary)

Provident Fund and Pension Schemes

  • Employee contributions to provident funds and superannuation funds
  • Contributions to pension funds regulated by the National Housing Bank
  • Contributions to the National Pension Scheme (NPS)

Government-Sponsored Savings Schemes

  • Investments in schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, National Savings Certificates (NSC), and Senior Citizen Savings Scheme

Equity & Market-Linked Investments

  • Investments in Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) and Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)

Education and Housing

  • Tuition fees for up to 2 children in recognised institutions
  • Investments in residential property for generating taxable income

Other Significant Revisions in the Income-Tax Bill, 2025

  • Over 300 outdated provisions, including Section 80CCA (National Saving Scheme) and Section 80CCF (long-term infrastructure bond deductions), have been eliminated.
  • Deductions for life insurance premiums, provident fund contributions, and deferred annuities are now part of Clause 123.
  • Home loan interest deductions are divided into Clauses 130 and 131.
  • Education loan interest deductions are moved to Clause 129.
  • Pension scheme contributions are now categorised under Clause 124.
  • Deductions for the Agnipath Scheme are included under Clause 125.

Taxpayers are advised to stay informed about any further changes to ensure compliance with the new provisions.

 

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 Supply Chain Shares Soars 7% After TVS Motor Acquires Stake in Block Deal

TVS Supply Chain Solutions share price jumped 7.3% on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, reaching an intraday high of ₹136.8 on the BSE. The stock saw increased buying interest after TVS Motor Company acquired 20 lakh shares at ₹128.86 per share in a block deal.

At 9:23 AM, the stock was trading 6.79% higher at ₹136.05, while the BSE Sensex was down 0.10% at 75,917.96. TVS Supply Chain’s market capitalisation stood at ₹5,990.99 crore. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹217.35, and the 52-week low is ₹125.3.

TVS Motor’s Stake Purchase

According to NSE block deal data, TVS Motor Company purchased shares from Allanzers Fin Net, which sold 20 lakh shares at ₹128.86 per share on Monday.

Q3 FY25 Financial Performance

TVS Supply Chain Solutions reported a net loss of ₹23.8 crore in Q3 FY25, compared to a profit of ₹10 crore in the same quarter last year. However, revenue rose 10% year-on-year to ₹2,444.6 crore from ₹2,221.8 crore.

EBITDA stood at ₹132.6 crore, down from ₹162.1 crore last year, with an EBITDA margin of 5.4% compared to 7.3%. The company attributed the decline to global macroeconomic uncertainties impacting revenue and volumes.

About TVS Supply Chain Solutions

A part of the TVS Group, TVS Supply Chain Solutions provides end-to-end logistics and supply chain management services across industries like automotive, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and retail.

The company’s services include procurement, warehousing, transportation, distribution, inventory management, and demand forecasting. With an extensive network of warehouses and distribution centres, TVS Supply Chain offers both domestic and international logistics solutions.

Stock Performance Over the Past Year
Over the last year, TVS Supply Chain shares have declined by 33%, while the Sensex has gained 4.5%.

 

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.

 

Dividend Stocks in Focus: HAL, NBCC, Gillette India, Bharat Forge and Natco Pharma Trade Ex-Dividend Today

Several stocks, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), NBCC (India) Ltd, Gillette India Ltd, Bharat Forge, and NATCO Pharma, will be in focus today as they trade ex-dividend on February 18, 2025.

These companies had earlier declared this date as the record date to determine eligible shareholders for dividend payouts. Under the T+1 settlement rule, investors who purchased shares before February 17, 2025, will be entitled to receive dividends.

Dividend Payout Details

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)

HAL has announced the 1st interim dividend for FY 2024-25 at ₹25 per share (500%). The announcement was made on February 12, 2025.

NBCC (India) Ltd

NBCC has approved an interim dividend of ₹0.53 per share (53%) for FY 2024-25. The announcement was made on February 11, 2025, and the payment will be made within the time frame set by the Companies Act, 2013.

Gillette India Ltd

Gillette India has declared an interim dividend of ₹65 per share for FY 2024-25. The dividend will be paid on or before March 7, 2025. This was announced on February 10, 2025.

Bharat Forge

Bharat Forge has declared an interim dividend of ₹2.50 per share (125%) for FY 2024-25. The announcement was made on February 12, 2025.

NATCO Pharma

NATCO Pharma has announced a 3rd interim dividend of ₹1.50 per share (75%) for FY 2024-25. The payment will start from February 28, 2025.

Other Companies Trading Ex-Dividend Today

Apart from the above stocks, several other companies will also trade ex-dividend today. These include Saven Technologies Ltd, Amrutanjan Health Care Ltd, Carborundum Universal Ltd, Fineotex Chemical Ltd, Greenpanel Industries Ltd, Honda India Power Products Ltd, IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Maithan Alloys Ltd, Precision Wires India Ltd, and Suprajit Engineering Ltd.

Investors tracking dividend-paying stocks should keep an eye on these companies as they go ex-dividend today.

 

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.

Stocks To Watch Today on February 18, 2025: Airtel, NTPC, Paytm and More

Stock markets are likely to be impacted today, as reflected in GIFT Nifty futures, which were down 31.4 points at 22,995 around 7:40 AM. In the last session, the Sensex closed at 75,996.86, gaining 57.65 points (0.08%), while the Nifty50 settled at 22,959.50, up by 30.25 points (0.13%).

ABB India

ABB India reported a net profit of ₹528.41 crore for Q4, a sharp decline from ₹33,868 crore a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter increased to ₹3,364.93 crore from ₹2,757.49 crore in the previous year.

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel announced the landing of its 21,700 km-long SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine optical fibre cable in Chennai, enhancing global connectivity.

Texmaco Rail Engineering

Texmaco Rail Engineering foresees a short-term slowdown in wagon order growth due to rising congestion in both freight and passenger train networks.

Vedanta

Creditors are set to deliberate on Vedanta’s planned demerger into 5 independent businesses this Thursday.

NTPC

NTPC aims to develop 30 GW of nuclear power capacity over the next 20 years, with an estimated investment of $62 billion.

Paytm

Paytm Services Private Ltd, a subsidiary of Paytm, has partnered with SBI Mutual Fund to introduce ‘JanNivesh ₹250 SIP,’ allowing users to start investing with just ₹250.

SBI Card

SBI Card’s board has approved an interim dividend of ₹2.5 per share (face value ₹10), with February 25, 2025, set as the record date for eligibility.

Power Grid

Power Grid emerged as the successful bidder under Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding for developing a new pooling sub-station in Karnataka, alongside ICT augmentation work at existing and under-construction sub-stations in Rajasthan.

 

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 the Indian Stock Market Has Fallen for 9 Straight Sessions: 5 Key Reasons

The Indian stock market has been facing a continuous decline for the past 9 sessions, with both the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex experiencing significant losses. The Nifty 50 hit a low of 22,725, while the BSE Sensex fell to 75,294, losing over 3,000 points. Experts attribute this prolonged sell-off to 5 crucial factors:

Economic Uncertainty

Market sentiment has been negatively impacted by global events, including fears of a trade war after US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on US trading partners. This has increased anxiety in the market, contributing to the ongoing decline.

US Banks Moving Gold from London to New York

As a result of concerns over potential tariffs on gold exports from Europe, US banks are moving billions of dollars worth of gold to New York. This has caused investors to shift their focus from equities to gold, adding further pressure on the Indian stock market.

Disappointing Q3 FY25 Earnings

The third-quarter earnings for FY25 were disappointing, with weak profit growth in key indices like Nifty and BSE500. This led to downgrades and a sell-off, especially in mid and small-cap stocks, which have fallen 15.6% since the start of the year.

High Valuations Ahead of the New Fiscal Year

The Nifty is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 19.3x, near its long-term average. While small and mid-cap stocks have seen a sharp correction, the overall market remains highly valued, which has raised concerns about a potential further decline.

Selling by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have sold over ₹29,000 crore worth of Indian stocks by February 14, 2024. On the other hand, DIIs (Domestic Institutional Investors) have been buying less, signalling a lack of confidence and a reluctance to invest heavily before the fiscal year ends.

This combination of global and domestic factors is contributing to the continued weakness in the Indian stock 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.

 

Paytm Share Price Gains 4% as Subsidiary Acquires 25% Stake in Seven Tech

Shares of One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, rose 3.7% on Monday, February 17, 2025, reaching an intraday high of ₹751 on the BSE. The stock saw buying interest after its subsidiary, Paytm Cloud Technologies, completed the acquisition of a 25% stake in Seven Technology LLC.

At 12:13 PM, Paytm share price was trading at ₹736, up 1.67%, while the BSE Sensex was down 0.39% at 75,642.44. Paytm’s market capitalisation stood at ₹46,932.33 crore. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹1,063, and its 52-week low is ₹310.

Acquisition Details

Paytm Cloud Technologies completed the transaction on February 13, 2025, at 9:09 PM IST, as per the company’s filing. Earlier, Paytm had announced an investment of $1 million (₹8.7 crore) for acquiring a 25% stake in Seven Technology LLC, a Delaware-based company.

The board of Paytm Cloud Technologies approved the investment on February 3, 2025, at a meeting held at 8:15 AM IST.

About Seven Technology LLC

Seven Technology LLC is the parent company of Dinie Correspondente Bancário e Meios de Pagamento Ltd. (Dinie), a Brazil-based fintech startup. Dinie focuses on embedded finance solutions, allowing digital and e-commerce platforms to offer financial services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Brazil. With this acquisition, Seven Technology LLC and Dinie will become Paytm’s associate companies.

Other Developments

Last year, One97 Communications Singapore approved the sale of Stock Acquisition Rights (SARs) in Japan-based PayPay Corporation. Paytm’s Singapore unit initially acquired these SARs in September 2020.

Stock Performance Over the Past Year

In the last 12 months, Paytm shares have surged 102%, significantly outperforming the BSE Sensex’s 4.4% gain.

 

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.

 

M&M Share Price Dip 5%, But EV Bookings Surge and Growth Forecasts Stay Strong

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) shares fell 5% today to ₹2,692.75 on the BSE in early Monday trading, experiencing heavy volumes. 

At 10:06 AM, M&M was the top loser on both the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 indices, with a 4.6% decline compared to a 0.73% dip in the benchmarks. This marks the sixth consecutive day of losses, with M&M down 13% over this period. The stock has fallen 15% from its peak of ₹3,276.30 on February 10, 2025. However, over the past year, M&M has outperformed the market, rising 52% versus the BSE Sensex’s 3.8% gain.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Raises Funds

On February 13, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), a subsidiary of M&M, announced a ₹1,500 crore rights issue to raise funds for reducing debt and supporting future growth. M&M holds a 51.15% stake in MLDL. MLDL shares hit a 52-week low of ₹345.95, falling 49% from their 52-week high of ₹679.15 in April 2024. MLDL’s real estate footprint spans 39.44 million sq. ft. across 7 Indian cities, and the company is developing over 5,000 acres in industrial and residential clusters.

Electric Vehicle Launches and Strong Demand

In a separate announcement on February 14, M&M reported record bookings for its new electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and BE 6, which together garnered 30,179 bookings on the first day, totalling ₹8,472 crore in booking value (ex-showroom price). The XEV 9e accounted for 56% of the bookings and the BE 6 for 44%, with 73% of customers opting for the premium variant. M&M’s electric SUVs, unveiled in November 2024, have attracted significant attention, signalling rising demand for premium EVs in India. Deliveries are expected to begin in mid-March 2025, and M&M is planning to produce about 5,000 EV units per month initially.

About Mahindra & Mahindra

Mahindra & Mahindra, an Indian automobile manufacturer based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, was founded in 1945 as Mahindra & Mohammed before being renamed Mahindra & Mahindra.

 

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.

Upcoming IPOs This Week: 2 SME IPO Debuts to Watch From Feb 17-21

This week’s upcoming IPOs present exciting opportunities for investors, with 2 significant listings planned from February 17-21. Covering various sectors, these SME IPOs offer a chance to discover fresh growth prospects. Here’s a brief overview of the key highlights.

Upcoming IPOs This Week in February 2025

  • Beezaasan Explotech 

Beezaasan Explotech is launching an IPO worth ₹59.93 crore through a book-built issue. The entire offering consists of 34.25 lakh fresh shares. The IPO will open for subscription on February 21, 2025, and close on February 25, 2025. The allotment is expected to be finalised on February 27, 2025, with the stock set to list on BSE SME on March 3, 2025.

Beezaasan Explotech IPO price range is ₹165 to ₹175 per share, with a minimum lot size of 800 shares. Retail investors need to invest at least ₹1,32,000, but to avoid oversubscription issues, bidding at the cutoff price (around ₹1,40,000) is recommended. High Net Worth Individuals (HNI) must apply for at least 2 lots (1,600 shares), requiring an investment of ₹2,80,000.

  • HP Telecom India 

HP Telecom India is offering a fixed-price IPO worth ₹34.23 crore, consisting of 31.69 lakh fresh shares. The IPO will be available for subscription from February 20, 2025, to February 24, 2025. Allotment details will be finalised on February 25, 2025, and the shares will list on NSE SME on February 28, 2025.

HP Telecom India IPO price is fixed at ₹108 per share, with a least lot size of 1,200 shares. Retail category investors will need to invest a minimum of ₹1,29,600. High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) must apply for at least 2 lots (2,400 shares), totalling ₹2,59,200.

 

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.

Manappuram Finance Share Price Jump 8% After Exiting F&O Ban

Manappuram Finance shares surged over 8% on Monday after the stock was removed from the Futures and Options (F&O) ban list. The stock opened at ₹182.05 on the BSE and climbed to an intraday high of ₹193.60.

Impact of Q3 FY25 Results on Stock Performance

On February 14, Manappuram Finance shares dropped 5% to ₹183 after the company posted weak Q3 FY25 results. The decline was mainly due to challenges in its microfinance business, which faced a temporary loan disbursement ban.

The company’s consolidated net profit fell by 50% to ₹282 crore, while bad loans and provisions in the microfinance segment quadrupled to ₹473 crore. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had imposed the ban due to concerns over high interest rates and excessive mark-ups, which was lifted last month. The microfinance revenue declined 5% to ₹665 crore.

Future Growth Plans 

With the ban lifted, Manappuram Finance plans to gradually resume growth in the microfinance segment while shifting focus towards gold and secured non-gold loans. The company aims to expand larger-ticket gold loans and adjust interest rates in microfinance, which may impact margins.

About Manappuram Finance

Manappuram Finance is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) that offers various fund-based and fee-based services, including gold loans and money exchange. It is classified as a Systemically Important Non-Deposit Taking NBFC (NBFC-ND).

As of 11:44 AM IST on February 17, Manappuram Finance share price is trading at ₹188.32, up 5.71% (+₹10.17) for the day. The stock opened at ₹185.00, reached a high of ₹193.69, and a low of ₹183.06. The company has a market capitalisation of ₹15,940 crore, a P/E ratio of 11.33, and a dividend yield of 2.12%. Its 52-week high stands at ₹230.40, while the 52-week low is ₹138.35.

 

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.