NFO Alert: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Launches BSE Liquid Rate ETF

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has launched the ICICI Prudential BSE Liquid Rate ETF, an open-ended Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) that aims to provide returns before expenses in line with the BSE Liquid Rate Index, subject to tracking errors. The ETF is categorised under Debt: Liquid and follows a growth plan.

NFO Details

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

  • Issue Opens: March 5, 2025
  • Issue Closes: March 10, 2025
  • Minimum Investment: ₹1,000
  • Lock-in Period: Not applicable
  • Exit Load: Nil
  • Plan: Growth

Fund Structure 

The ETF is to replicate the performance of the BSE Liquid Rate Index, which tracks short-term money market instruments. The objective is to offer investors returns that correspond closely to the index while managing tracking errors.

  • Fund Manager: Darshil Dedhia
  • Registrar and Transfer Agent: Computer Age Management Services Ltd.
  • Fund House: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

Risk and Benchmark

The risk level of the scheme is low, as indicated by its riskometer. Since the ETF invests in short-term debt instruments, it is expected to have minimal volatility. The BSE Liquid Rate Index serves as the benchmark for the fund’s performance.

Liquidity and Trading

As an open-ended ETF, units can be bought and sold on stock exchanges, providing liquidity to investors. There are no exit charges, allowing flexibility in managing investments.

The ETF is available to retail and institutional investors looking for short-term parking of funds with relatively stable returns. It may be used by corporates and investors as an alternative to traditional savings instruments.

Conclusion

Overall, this New Fund Offer provides another debt investment option under the ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund umbrella, offering exposure to short-term liquid instruments while tracking the BSE Liquid Rate Index.

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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.

Marsons Receives ₹9.49 Crore Order from Inox Wind

Marsons Limited has secured an order worth ₹9.49 crore (exclusive of taxes) from Inox Wind Limited. The order is for the supply of a 160 MVA, 220 kV class Extra High Voltage (EHV) Power Transformer. The company disclosed the information to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in compliance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

As of March 5, 2025, Marsons Ltd is trading at ₹129.95, up ₹0.35 (0.27%) at 9:53 AM. Over the last month, the stock has dropped 23.40%, but it has gained 354.69% over the past year. Meanwhile, Inox Wind Ltd is currently at ₹148.37, rising ₹3.63 (2.51%) as of 9:54 AM. The stock is down 12.90% in the past month but has seen a 13.04% increase over the last year.

Order Details and Execution

The transformer is scheduled to be delivered by July 30, 2025. The order has been placed by a domestic entity and does not fall under related-party transactions. Marsons has clarified that its promoter group has no financial interest in Inox Wind. The financial impact of this order will be reflected in the company’s revenue over the execution period.

EHV transformers are a part of power transmission infrastructure, handling high-voltage electricity distribution. These transformers play a role in energy projects requiring stable and efficient transmission systems. Marsons has not disclosed any additional conditions attached to the order.

Company Information

Marsons Limited, established in 1976, is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. The company manufactures power transformers and related electrical equipment. It supplies transformers for various applications, including industrial and power distribution networks.

Inox Wind Limited operates in the wind energy sector, providing wind power solutions and related infrastructure. The company procures equipment such as transformers for integrating wind-generated electricity into the grid. 

Conclusion 

The order from Inox Wind adds to Marsons Limited’s business operations in power equipment manufacturing. The financial impact will be reflected over the execution period, with delivery scheduled by July 30, 2025. Any further updates on this contract may be included in the company’s future regulatory filings and financial reports.

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 Distribution Under HDFC and Nippon India Mutual Fund Schemes

HDFC Mutual Fund and Nippon India Mutual Fund have announced income distribution under the IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) option for select schemes. The record date for both fund houses is March 6, 2025.

HDFC Mutual Fund Income Distribution

HDFC Mutual Fund has declared income distribution under three schemes. The HDFC ELSS Tax Saver Fund has the highest payout, with ₹7.00 per unit for both the Direct-IDCW and Regular-IDCW plans.

The HDFC Banking & Financial Services Fund has an income distribution of ₹1 per unit under both Direct and Regular plans. The HDFC Housing Opportunities Fund has an IDCW of ₹1.25 per unit for both plan types.

HDFC Mutual Fund IDCW Details (₹ per unit)

Scheme Direct-IDCW Regular-IDCW
HDFC ELSS Tax Saver Fund 7.00 7.00
HDFC Banking & Financial Services Fund 1.00 1.00
HDFC Housing Opportunities Fund 1.25 1.25

Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund Income Distribution

Nippon India Mutual Fund has announced income distribution for its Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund. Under the Direct-IDCW option, the fund will distribute ₹3 per unit, while the Regular-IDCW option has a payout of ₹2.50 per unit.

Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund IDCW Details (₹ per unit)

 

Option IDCW Amount
Regular-IDCW 2.50
Direct-IDCW 3.00

Conclusion

In conclusion, both HDFC Mutual Fund and Nippon India Mutual Fund have declared distributions across their tax-saving and sectoral schemes, with varying payout amounts under Direct and Regular IDCW options. The record date for all distributions is March 6, 2025. Investors holding units on this date will be eligible for the IDCW payout.

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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.

RVNL Gets LOA for a Project Worth ₹729.8 Crore From HPSEBL

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is a premier central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Established in 2003, it serves as the dedicated construction arm of Indian Railways, spearheading critical infrastructure projects such as track doubling, new line development, electrification, and the construction of major bridges.

Order Details

On March 4, 2025, the state-run railway and construction giant announced the receipt of a prestigious order worth ₹730 crore from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board. 

The contract pertains to the development of distribution infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh’s central zone under the Revamped Reforms-based and Results-linked Distribution Sector Scheme. As per the exchange filing, the project is to be executed within a stipulated period of 24 months.

“It is hereby informed that Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has received a Letter of Acceptance from HPSEBL for the Development of Distribution Infrastructure in the CENTRAL ZONE of Himachal Pradesh under the Revamped Reforms-based and Results-linked Distribution Sector Scheme (Loss Reduction Work),” RVNL declared in its regulatory statement.

RVNL Q3 FY25 Results

Despite these milestone achievements, RVNL reported a 13.1% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit for the third quarter ending 31st December 2024, with earnings standing at ₹311.6 crore. Revenue during the period witnessed a modest contraction of 2.6%, amounting to ₹4,567.4 crore. 

At the operational level, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation) declined by 3.9% YoY to ₹239.4 crore, while the EBITDA margin remained largely stable at 5.2%.

Share Price Performance 

At 9:27 AM on March 5, 2025, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. shares traded 2.08% higher at ₹332.95 per share on the NSE.

Conclusion

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited continues to fortify its position as a key driver of India’s infrastructure evolution. Securing high-value contracts like the Himachal Pradesh power distribution project underscores RVNL’s prowess in executing large-scale, transformative developments.

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.

Grasim Industries Commences Commercial Production At Mahad Plant in Maharashtra

Grasim Industries Limited, established in 1947, is the flagship entity of the Aditya Birla Group and stands among India’s most esteemed publicly listed corporations. Initially a textiles manufacturer, Grasim has since evolved into a multifaceted conglomerate with a commanding presence across various industries.

New Production Facility

On March 4, 2025, Grasim Industries announced the commencement of commercial production at its Birla Opus Paints plant in Mahad, Maharashtra, effective immediately. The state-of-the-art facility boasts an installed capacity of 180 million litres per annum (MLPA) for water-based paint, 20 MLPA for distemper, and 30 MLPA for solvent-based paint.

Expanding Capacity

With this milestone, five of Grasim’s 6 greenfield paint plants are now operational, bringing the total installed capacity for decorative paints under the ‘Birla Opus’ brand to an impressive 1,096 MLPA. The newly launched production will cater to the surging domestic demand, reinforcing Grasim’s strategic expansion in the paints sector.

“With the commencement of commercial production at our Mahad plant, five out of our six greenfield plants are now operational, elevating our total installed capacity for decorative paints under the ‘Birla Opus’ brand to 1,096 MLPA,” the company stated in a regulatory filing.

Grasim Industries Q3 FY25 Results

Grasim reported a net loss of ₹168.7 crore in Q3 FY25, a substantial increase from the ₹74 crore loss recorded in the same period last year. This contrasts sharply with the previous year’s net profit of ₹236 crore. However, revenue surged by 26.9% to ₹8,120.3 crore, compared to ₹6,400 crore in the prior year. 

The company’s EBITDA saw a decline of 48.2% in the December quarter, standing at ₹270.6 crore against ₹522.6 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Share Price and Performance 

At 9:43 AM on March 5, 2025, Grasim Industries Ltd shares traded in green at ₹2,394.70 per share on the NSE.

Conclusion

Grasim Industries’ launch of commercial production at the Birla Opus Paints plant in Mahad marks a significant milestone in its entry into the paints sector. With a substantial installed capacity across multiple paint categories, the facility reinforces the company’s commitment to scaling up operations and competing with established players.

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.

Walchandnagar Industries Buys Majority Stake in Defence Startup Aicitta

Walchandnagar Industries Limited (WIL) is a distinguished Indian enterprise specialising in heavy engineering products and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services. Founded in 1908 by the visionary industrialist Walchand Hirachand Doshi, WIL has been instrumental in shaping India’s industrial landscape and driving infrastructure advancements.

WIL Acquisition of Aicitta

WIL announced that its Board of Directors, in a meeting held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, approved the acquisition of securities in Aicitta Intelligent Technology Private Limited (Aicitta). Aicitta is a pioneering entity engaged in research and development within the defence sector, particularly in unmanned systems.

The acquisition will be executed in multiple tranches over a period of 31 months, with the first tranche expected within 45-60 days, subject to standard conditions. WIL views this investment as a crucial step in fortifying its presence in the defence sector by harnessing synergies with Aicitta’s cutting-edge expertise in autonomous technologies.

About the Project

“The transaction shall be completed in phases over 31 months from the initial investment, with each tranche contingent upon customary conditions, prerequisites, and milestones outlined in the transaction documents,” the company stated.

The deal involves formal agreements with Aicitta’s promoters, Arjun Das and Vikram Sarin, encompassing a share subscription agreement and a shareholders’ agreement, solidifying WIL’s stake in this high-growth venture.

WIL Q3 FY25 Results

WIL reported a resilient performance in Q3 FY25, with total revenue standing at ₹62.39 crore, a marginal decline from ₹62.60 crore year-on-year. Revenue from operations surged to ₹59.07 crore from ₹55.86 crore in Q3 FY24. 

The company’s EBITDA stood at negative ₹2.36 crore, compared to negative ₹1.23 crore last year, with the EBITDA margin at -3.99%. Pre-tax loss improved to ₹17.13 crore from ₹18.66 crore, with the pre-tax loss margin narrowing to -29% from -33% YoY.

Share Price Performance 

At 9:29 AM on March 3, 2025, Walchandnagar Industries Ltd shares traded 3.02% up at ₹158.93 per share on the NSE.

Conclusion

Walchandnagar Industries Limited reinforces its commitment to innovation and expansion within the defence sector. By leveraging Aicitta’s expertise in unmanned systems, WIL aims to strengthen its technological capabilities and enhance its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.

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.

Delhi’s Mahila Samriddhi Yojana: How to Apply for ₹2,500 Monthly Aid

The Delhi government has introduced the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, aimed at providing financial support to women from economically weaker sections (EWS). Under this scheme, eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month directly in their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The initiative, announced by BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, will begin registrations on March 8, 2025, and disbursements will start within a month, as per the news report.

Eligibility Criteria for Mahila Samriddhi Yojana

To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Should be a woman citizen of India.
  • Should be a permanent resident of Delhi.
  • Should be at least 18 years old.
  • Should have an active bank account for fund transfer.

Documents Required for Registration

Applicants need to submit the following documents:

  • Should have an Aadhaar Card (for identity verification).
  • Should have a Ration Card (to prove economic status).
  • Should Provide Proof of Address (such as Voter ID or electricity bill).
  • Mobile Number For Registration (for OTP verification and updates).

How To Apply For This Scheme

  1. Visit the official website of Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.
  2. Click on “Register” to begin the application.
  3. Enter personal details, including name, Aadhaar number, bank account information and other necessary details.
  4. Upload necessary documents, such as Aadhaar card, proof of address, ration card and other documents if any are needed.
  5. Submit the application to complete the registration process.

Conclusion

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is designed to provide financial assistance to economically weaker women in Delhi. With a monthly benefit of ₹2,500, the scheme aims to help beneficiaries meet essential expenses. Registrations will commence on March 8, 2025, and eligible applicants will receive funds within a month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). 

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. 

SEBI’s New Nomination Rules for Demat Accounts & Mutual Funds

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced new nomination rules for demat accounts and mutual fund (MF) folios. These changes aim to simplify the transfer process, reduce paperwork and enhance investor convenience. The updated rules, effective from March 1, 2025, are expected to help with succession planning and minimise legal disputes over asset inheritance.  

Key Changes in Nomination Rules

  1. Nomination and Number of Nominees 
  • Investors can now nominate up to 10 persons in their demat accounts or MF folios.  
  • They can also specify the percentage of assets each nominee should receive,     ensuring a smooth and clear distribution.  
  • Single account holders can choose to opt-out of nomination, either online or offline.  
  1. Simplified Transmission Process
  • In joint accounts, if one holder passes away, the surviving holder(s) can take control of the assets without needing additional KYC, unless it was requested earlier.  
  • Nominees inheriting assets can either continue jointly with other nominees or open separate individual accounts for their share.  
  • The only documents required for asset transfer to nominees are:  
  • Self-attested copy of the death certificate of the investor.  
  • KYC completion or update by the nominee(s).  
  • Clearance from creditors, if any pledged assets exist.  
  1. Power of Attorney & Role of Nominees 
  • A Power of Attorney (POA) holder cannot be assigned as a nominee.  
  • If an investor becomes physically incapacitated but remains legally competent, they can authorise a nominee to manage their account.  
  • Investors can also specify the percentage or exact amount of assets a nominee can access in such situations.  
  • This authorisation can be modified any number of times without restrictions.  
  1. Reduced Paperwork & Legal Protection 
  • Nominees do not need to submit affidavits, indemnities or notarised documents to claim assets.  
  • SEBI has ensured that financial institutions cannot be held responsible for any disputes among nominees or legal heirs. Any conflicts must be settled between the nominees and claimants directly.  
  • In case of an odd lot division, the extra asset will go to the first nominee by default.  
  1. Implementation Timeline
  • The new rules came into effect on March 1, 2025.  
  • Additional guidelines will be introduced in June 2025 and September 2025 for further refinements.  

Conclusion 

SEBI’s revised nomination framework offers a more structured, transparent and hassle-free approach to asset transmission. By reducing documentation requirements and empowering investors with greater control over their nominations, these changes ensure a smoother and more efficient succession process while safeguarding the interests of both investors and their nominees.

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.

BlackRock’s ETF Acquires Stake in Home First Finance

Home First Finance Company India Ltd (Home First) has recently attracted significant attention following the acquisition of a 0.55% stake by BlackRock-managed iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF. This move highlights the growing interest of global investors in India’s non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), particularly those focusing on affordable housing finance.

BlackRock’s Strategic Investment

On February 28, 2025, the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, managed by BlackRock, purchased 492,135 shares of Home First at an average price of ₹1,007.25 per share, amounting to an investment of approximately ₹49.57 crore. This acquisition reflects BlackRock’s confidence in Home First’s business model and its potential in the burgeoning Indian housing finance market. 

Home First’s Growth Trajectory

Home First has demonstrated remarkable growth, expanding its branch network from 80 to 149 over the past 11 quarters, with plans to add 10 more branches in the upcoming quarter. The company’s financial performance is equally impressive, with revenues increasing by 37.16% from ₹296 crores in Q3 FY24 to ₹406 crores in Q3 FY25, and net profit rising by 22.78% from ₹79 crores to ₹97 crores during the same period. 

Share Performance

As of March 04, 2025, at 2:03 PM, the shares of Home First Finance are trading at ₹999.20 per share, reflecting a surge of 0.030% from the previous closing price.

Conclusion

BlackRock’s investment in Home First underscores the growing appeal of India’s affordable housing finance sector to global investors. With its strategic expansion and strong financial performance, Home First is well-positioned to capitalise on the increasing demand for housing finance solutions in 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.

Best 5 Performing Equity Mutual Funds Amid Market Crash

The Indian equity market reached its peak in late September 2024, with several stocks across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments hitting lifetime highs. However, since then, a sharp downturn has led to a decline in equity mutual fund NAVs, ranging from 4% to 26% over the past five months.

Among equity mutual funds, mid-cap and small-cap funds have been the hardest hit, whereas large-cap funds and those with a value-oriented approach have managed to cushion the fall to some extent. While most schemes have struggled in the downturn, a few funds have stood out by not only outperforming their respective benchmarks but also surpassing their category peers.

Here are 5 equity mutual funds that have demonstrated resilience and emerged as top performers in their respective categories during the market correction.

1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

  • Launch Year: May 2013
  • Fund Category: Flexi Cap Fund
  • 5-Month NAV Change: -4.3%
  • Category Average Decline: -14.9%

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund has exhibited better stability during the recent market correction, recording a much lower decline in NAV compared to the average decline in the flexi cap fund category.

2. DSP Value Fund

  • Launch Year: December 2020
  • Fund Category: Value Fund
  • 5-Month NAV Change: -5.9%
  • Category Average Decline: -14.6%

DSP Value Fund focuses on undervalued equity and fixed-income securities. Its defensive investment strategy has helped limit its NAV decline to a much lesser extent compared to the value fund category average.

3. Motilal Oswal Large Cap Fund

  • Launch Year: February 2024
  • Fund Category: Large Cap Fund
  • 5-Month NAV Change: -6.0%
  • Category Average Decline: -13.1%

Being a relatively new entrant, the Motilal Oswal Large Cap Fund has managed to perform better than its category average during the market downturn. 

4. Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund

  • Launch Year: June 2024
  • Fund Category: Multi Cap Fund
  • 5-Month NAV Change: -6.4%
  • Category Average Decline: -15.3%

Despite the broader market correction, the Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund has fared better than its category peers.

5. HDFC Focused 30 Fund

  • Launch Year: September 2004
  • Fund Category: Focused Fund
  • 5-Month NAV Change: -8.2%
  • Category Average Decline: -14.5%

With a concentrated portfolio of 30 stocks, the HDFC Focused 30 Fund has shown resilience, limiting its downside in comparison to the category average.

Conclusion

While equity mutual funds have faced significant declines during the market correction, certain funds have demonstrated the ability to manage risks effectively and limit losses better than their peers. 

Factors such as fund strategy, asset allocation, and investment approach have played a crucial role in determining performance. Investors must conduct thorough research and consider their risk appetite before making investment decisions.

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.