Reliance Industries Subsidiary Signs Agreement for Advanced Chemistry Cell Scheme

In a significant stride towards strengthening India’s advanced battery manufacturing capabilities, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), Government of India, has signed a Programme Agreement with Reliance New Energy Battery Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited. 

The agreement, signed on February 17, 2025, grants Reliance New Energy a 10 GWh capacity under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC). This follows a global competitive tender process and aligns with the government’s larger objective of promoting self-reliance in battery production.

The share price of Reliance Industries was trading 0.12% higher as of 12:34 PM on February 18, 2025.

The National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage

This latest agreement marks another key milestone in the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, which was approved by the Cabinet in May 2021 with a total outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The scheme targets a total manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh, of which 40 GWh has now been allocated to four selected firms. The first round of bidding, conducted in March 2022, awarded 30 GWh to three firms, with Programme Agreements signed in July 2022.

The PLI ACC scheme is designed to provide technology-agnostic incentives, enabling firms to establish state-of-the-art battery manufacturing facilities. The objective is to enhance domestic value addition, reduce dependence on imports, and ensure that India’s battery production remains globally competitive.

PLI ACC Scheme’s Role in Strengthening India’s Energy Sector

At the signing ceremony, senior MHI officials reiterated that the PLI ACC scheme is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting India’s clean energy and e-mobility sectors. Beneficiary firms have the flexibility to adopt advanced technologies and optimise production inputs, allowing them to cater to the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage solutions.

Furthermore, the Union Budget for FY 2025-26 has introduced additional measures to accelerate domestic battery manufacturing. Notably, 35 additional Capital Goods for EV battery manufacturing have been exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD). This strategic move aims to promote the production of lithium-ion batteries within India while further reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing and fostering a self-reliant energy ecosystem.

Growing Investments in India’s Battery Ecosystem

The Government of India continues to encourage innovation and investment in battery technology by providing an enabling environment for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the development of a robust domestic supply chain. As a result, the initiative has become a catalyst for Indian cell manufacturers, with over 10 companies already setting up battery manufacturing facilities beyond the PLI beneficiaries. The total additional planned capacity now exceeds 100 GWh, further cementing India’s position as a key player in the global battery manufacturing 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.

Boubyan Bank Enhances Transaction Banking with Intellect’s eMACH.ai Platform

Boubyan Bank, a leading Islamic bank in Kuwait, has taken a significant step towards modernising its transaction banking capabilities. The bank has successfully implemented the second phase of Intellect Global Transaction Banking’s (iGTB) eMACH.ai Digital Transaction Banking (DTB) solution. 

Intellect Global Transaction Banking (iGTB) is the transaction banking business unit of Intellect Design Arena Ltd. This move is part of Boubyan Bank’s strategy to become the principal bank for corporate clients in Kuwait, offering enhanced digital solutions for businesses across various industries.

The share price of Intellect Design Arena was trading 3.60% lower as of 12:26 PM on February 18, 2025.

Industry-Specific Solutions for Enhanced Financial Management

The eMACH.ai platform provides tailored financial solutions for industries including oil and gas, telecom, fintech, real estate, manufacturing, and trading services. Each sector benefits from digital innovations designed to improve operational efficiency and financial oversight:

  • Telecom – Streamlined cash flow management and financial visibility for billing and revenue collection.
  • Fintech – Scalable, secure financial services supporting rapid growth and digital transactions.
  • Real Estate – Enhanced receivables reconciliation and improved cash flow management.
  • Trading Services – Real-time financial insights for optimised working capital and seamless cross-border transactions.
  • Oil and Gas – Advanced liquidity management and cash flow tracking to navigate market fluctuations.

Key Offerings Driving Market Differentiation

Boubyan Bank’s adoption of Intellect’s eMACH.ai Wholesale Banking platform enables a host of digital banking features designed to enhance corporate banking services:

  1. Liquidity Management – Automated cash position tracking across multiple accounts and entities for optimal liquidity utilisation.
  2. Receivables Management – Streamlined cash inflows with automated reconciliation, improving transaction tracking and operational efficiency.
  3. Digital Receivables Solution (EPay) – A payment link QR code solution accelerating debt collection, strengthening financial supply chains.
  4. Enterprise-Grade Mobility Solutions – Secure access to financial tools, enhancing operational efficiency for businesses.
  5. Seamless Treasury Operations – Full digitisation of payments and treasury functions through ERP and Treasury Management System integration.

Pioneering Innovation in Kuwait’s Banking Sector

Boubyan Bank’s investment in digital transformation aligns with its long-term strategy of enhancing customer experience and expanding its corporate banking capabilities. According to Abdul-Salam Mohammed Al-Saleh, CEO – Corporate Banking, Financial Control, Treasury and Legal Affairs, “Digitisation will enable our customers in Kuwait to enjoy the benefits of modern transaction banking and cash management services while we ensure these solutions meet our Sharia principles and beliefs as well. This go-live is another milestone showcasing our commitment to our commercial customers by providing comprehensive cash management and transaction banking capabilities to further strengthen our leadership 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 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.

MGL Share Price in Focus as BMC Directs Eateries to Switch to Clean Fuel

Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) holds a dominant position in the gas distribution sector in Greater Mumbai. The company primarily thrives on its compressed natural gas (CNG) business, which forms the bulk of its revenue. Additionally, MGL supplies piped natural gas (PNG) to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers, expanding its footprint in the clean energy sector.

BMC’s Directive to Switch to Clean Fuel

In a significant development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has mandated that all eateries, bakeries, hotels, and roadside vendors transition to clean, natural, and eco-friendly fuel sources by July 8, 2025. This directive follows Mumbai’s consistent struggle with deteriorating air quality, especially post-monsoon in October 2024.

The move also aligns with the Bombay High Court’s (HC) order from January 9, which granted a 6-month period for commercial establishments to make the switch. The civic body has made it clear that strict action will be taken against those failing to comply with the new guidelines.

Impact on Businesses and Pollution Control Measures

According to the BMC, burning wood and coal releases hazardous emissions that worsen air quality and contribute to an increase in respiratory illnesses. The directive is aimed at reducing these emissions and promoting the use of cleaner alternatives like CNG and PNG.

Civic officials estimate that bakeries alone contribute nearly 6% of Mumbai’s total pollution, and over the past six months, 29 bakeries have already transitioned to using natural fuel. The new regulation is expected to accelerate this shift, impacting a large number of businesses across the city.

MGL Poised to Benefit from Increased PNG Adoption

As commercial establishments move towards CNG and PNG, MGL stands to benefit from increased demand. The directive could drive higher consumption of PNG, reinforcing MGL’s position as the leading gas distributor in Mumbai.

Reflecting the positive sentiment, MGL’s share price rose by 0.88% as of 9:53 AM on February 18, 2025. 

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.

Mutual Fund Trends: Thematic, Multi-Cap Lead Equity Inflows; Liquid, Money Market Top Debt

The mutual fund industry has witnessed an interesting shift in investor preference during the April to December 2024 period. Traditionally, small-cap and mid-cap funds have been popular choices for high-growth potential. However, recent data indicates that thematic, multi-cap, and flexi-cap funds have attracted higher net inflows than small and mid-cap funds.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds Take the Lead

Sectoral and thematic funds have emerged as the top-performing category in terms of net inflows, attracting a staggering ₹1.32 lakh crore. These funds focus on specific industries or investment themes, allowing investors to capitalise on sector-specific growth trends. The substantial inflows suggest a growing interest in targeted investment strategies over broad-based equity allocations.

Multi-Cap and Flexi-Cap Funds Follow Closely

Multi-cap and flexi-cap funds have also witnessed significant investor participation. Multi-cap funds, which invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, saw inflows of ₹33,400 crore. Meanwhile, flexi-cap funds, offering dynamic allocation across market capitalisations, recorded net inflows of ₹33,200 crore. These categories provide diversification benefits, potentially explaining their appeal to investors in the current market scenario.

Large and Mid-Cap Funds Secure the 4th Spot

Large and mid-cap funds recorded inflows of ₹30,800 crore, positioning them as the 4th most preferred category. Their relatively stable nature, compared to pure mid-cap or small-cap funds, might have contributed to their steady inflows.

Mid and Small-Cap Funds See Moderate Inflows

Despite their historical appeal, mid-cap and small-cap funds attracted relatively lower inflows compared to thematic and multi-cap categories. Mid-cap funds recorded ₹29,400 crore in inflows, while small-cap funds saw ₹28,100 crore. 

Large-Cap Funds Receive the Lowest Inflows

Among all major equity fund categories, large-cap funds received the lowest net inflows at ₹15,100 crore. 

Overall Equity Fund Inflows Reach ₹3.23 Lakh Crore

The combined net inflows into equity mutual funds during April-December 2024 reached ₹3.23 lakh crore. Below is a detailed breakdown of net inflows across different equity fund categories:

Equity Scheme Net Inflows (April – December 2024)

 

Equity Scheme Net Inflow (₹ crore)
Sectoral/Thematic Funds 1,31,757
Multi Cap Fund 33,444
Flexi Cap Fund 33,163
Large & Mid Cap Fund 30,811
Mid Cap Fund 29,415
Small Cap Fund 28,138
Value/Contra Fund 17,340
Large Cap Fund 15,079
Dividend Yield Fund 4,993
Focused Fund -319
ELSS -841
Total 3,22,980

Debt Fund Trends: Liquid and Money Market Funds Dominate

While equity funds garnered significant interest, debt funds also saw notable inflows, with liquid and money market funds leading the way. Liquid funds attracted ₹74,800 crore, followed closely by money market funds with ₹69,200 crore in inflows.

Ultra-short duration funds ranked third with ₹20,650 crore in net inflows, while low-duration and corporate bond funds recorded ₹18,300 crore and ₹14,100 crore, respectively.

However, some debt fund categories faced outflows, including gilt funds with a 10-year constant duration, medium-duration funds, floater funds, credit risk funds, and banking & PSU funds.

The total net inflows into debt schemes during April-December 2024 stood at ₹2.19 lakh crore.

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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.

Changes in Bandhan Hybrid Equity Fund’s Fundamental Attributes

Bandhan Mutual Fund has announced changes to the fundamental attributes of Bandhan Hybrid Equity Fund. These changes will come into effect from March 19, 2025.

  • Fund name change: “Bandhan Hybrid Equity Fund” → “Bandhan Aggressive Hybrid Fund”
  • New strategy: Introduction of exchange-traded derivatives for hedging
  • Exit option: No exit load for investors who redeem/switch between February 17, 2025, and March 18, 2025
  • Effective date: March 19, 2025

Name Change

The fund’s name is being changed from “Bandhan Hybrid Equity Fund” to “Bandhan Aggressive Hybrid Fund”. The new name shows the category under which it falls, but there is no mention of changes in the asset allocation strategy beyond what is already permitted for aggressive hybrid funds.

Use of Exchange-Traded Derivatives

The fund will now incorporate exchange-traded derivatives to hedge its equity portfolio. This means that a portion of the investments will be protected against market fluctuations using derivative instruments. 

There are no details on how much of the portfolio will be hedged or whether this will be a significant change in the fund’s risk profile.

Exit Window for Investors

As per regulatory requirements, existing unitholders have a 30-day exit window from February 17, 2025, to March 18, 2025. Investors who do not agree with the changes can redeem or switch their holdings without any exit load during this period.

For investors who do not have any objections, no action is required. Their investments will continue under the new fund attributes from March 19, 2025.

Effective Date of Changes

All modifications, including the name change and use of derivatives, will be implemented from March 19, 2025. After this date, the fund will operate under its new name and revised investment approach.

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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.

Bandhan Balanced Advantage Fund: Changes in Investment Strategy

Bandhan Mutual Fund has announced fundamental changes to its Bandhan Balanced Advantage Fund, which will take effect from March 19, 2025. The revisions primarily impact the fund’s asset allocation, derivatives exposure, and credit instruments, altering how the fund balances risk and return.

Adjustments in Asset Allocation

One of the key changes is in the fund’s equity and debt allocation. Currently, the scheme maintains 65%-100% of its portfolio in equity and equity-related instruments. Under the revised structure, this range will be reduced to 20%-90%.

At the same time, the allocation to debt securities and money market instruments will increase from the existing 0%-35% to a broader range of 10%-80%. As per the reports, this shift will help allow greater flexibility in adjusting the fund’s debt exposure based on market conditions.

Derivatives and Credit Instruments

The fund will now permit up to 50% exposure to equity derivatives for non-hedging purposes. This means a larger portion of the portfolio can be used for strategies beyond simple risk reduction. 

Additionally, the revised framework introduces up to 10% exposure to Credit Default Swaps (CDS) within the fund’s total assets under management (AUM).

Exit Window for Investors

As per regulatory requirements, investors who do not wish to continue under the revised scheme have a 30-day exit window from February 17, 2025, to March 18, 2025. During this period, they can redeem or switch their investments without incurring any exit load.

For investors who have no objections to the modifications, no action is required. Their investments will remain in the fund, transitioning automatically to the new allocation strategy.

Effective Date 

These changes will be implemented from March 19, 2025. Investors may need to review their portfolio allocations in light of the revised structure to determine whether it aligns with their financial goals.

Curious about your SBI SIP returns? Get accurate estimates of your investment growth using our SBI SIP Calculator and stay ahead of your financial goals.

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

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

Bajaj Consumer Care to Buy Banjara’s Maker for ₹108 Crore

Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd (BCCL) to acquire 100% stake in Vishal Personal Care Pvt. Ltd. in a deal valued at ₹108.3 crore. The total estimated transaction value is ₹120 crore. The acquisition will take place in two phases, an initial purchase of 49% stake, followed by the remaining 51% in the second tranche.

Vishal Personal Care and Banjara’s

Vishal Personal Care owns Banjara’s, a Hyderabad-based brand established in 1991. It offers a range of hair and skincare products, including herbal powders, aloe vera gels, shampoos, and facial kits. The brand has a retail presence in over 70,000 outlets across South India, covering supermarkets, pharmacies, and general stores.

Bajaj Consumer Care’s Expansion 

BCCL, known for its Bajaj Almond Drops hair oil, is looking to expand its presence in South India. The acquisition will give BCCL access to Vishal Personal Care’s distribution network in the region. The company also plans to introduce Banjara’s products in Hindi-speaking markets, expanding its presence beyond the South.

The personal care market in India has seen an increase in demand for herbal and Ayurvedic products. As per the reports, Banjara’s product lineup aligns with this trend, making it a relevant addition to BCCL’s portfolio.

Official Statement

Jaideep Nandi, Managing Director of Bajaj Consumer Care, stated that the acquisition is aimed at strengthening BCCL’s presence in the southern markets and expanding its portfolio.

BCCL is part of the ₹2.5 billion Bajaj Group, which operates in sugar, ethanol, power, and consumer care. With this deal, Bajaj Consumer Care will add another brand to its portfolio and increase its market reach in both South and North 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.

Zomato’s Nugget: AI That Handles Customer Support

Zomato Ltd has launched Nugget, an AI-native customer support platform to automate and streamline business interactions. Announced by co-founder and Group CEO Deepinder Goyal on February 17, the platform is built as a no-code tool that businesses can use without needing a dedicated development team.

Built as an Internal Tool

Nugget was initially developed for Zomato, Blinkit, and Hyperpure over three years. It currently handles over 15 million support interactions per month across these platforms. According to the company, the system can resolve up to 80% of customer queries autonomously by learning and adapting over time.

Features and Functionality

The platform is to handle a range of customer support tasks, including:

  • Automated query resolution without manual intervention
  • AI-powered analytics and quality audits
  • Integration with tools like Freshdesk and Zoho
  • Support for chat and voice interactions
  • A co-pilot feature for human agents, which reportedly improves compliance by 25%
  • Reduction in resolution time by 20%

Expansion Beyond Zomato

After using Nugget internally, Zomato has decided to make it available to businesses globally. Goyal mentioned that 90% of companies that have tested the platform have signed up. To encourage more businesses to adopt the tool, Zomato is offering it free of charge for companies locked into contracts with existing providers.

Zomato’s Recent Developments

The launch of Nugget follows Zomato’s recent decision to rename itself as Eternal Ltd. This change shows Blinkit’s increasing role in the company’s overall business strategy.

Zomato’s recent financial results showed a 57% year-on-year decline in net profit to ₹59 crore in Q3FY25. However, its revenue from operations increased by 64% year-on-year, reaching ₹5,404 crore.

Zomato Ltd is trading at ₹218.78, up 0.11% today (Feb 18, 12:20 PM), though it has declined 8.75% over the past month but remains 38.91% higher year-on-year.

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.

Anant Raj Signs Agreement with CSC Data Services for Data Centre and Cloud Solutions

Anant Raj Ltd has entered into an agreement with CSC Data Services India Ltd (CDSIL), a subsidiary of CSC E-Governance Services India Ltd. The partnership focuses on providing rack rental (co-location data centres) and cloud services to government departments and private organisations.

Details of the Agreement

Under this agreement, Anant Raj Cloud Pvt. Ltd (ARC), a 100% subsidiary of Anant Raj Ltd, will offer technical, technology, and marketing support to CDSIL. The collaboration also includes implementing sovereign data centre services and disaster recovery solutions.

About CSC Data Services India Ltd

CDSIL is a subsidiary of CSC E-Governance Services India Ltd, which operates under the National e-Governance Plan of the Government of India. The company provides data centre services, web hosting, IT and ITES, and turnkey solutions, primarily serving government entities and departments.

Market Reaction 

Following the announcement on Feb 17, Anant Raj’s stock closed at ₹520.35 on the BSE, down ₹34.50 or 6.22%. However, in early trade today,  on February 18, 2025, the stock saw an initial increase of 3%, reaching ₹534.35 but was later trading at ₹495.75, down 4.49% (-₹23.30) as of Feb 18, 12:31 PM. Over the past year, the stock has gained more than 50%, with a 52-week high of ₹947.25 and a low of ₹281.15.

Financial Performance

For the December quarter, Anant Raj Ltd reported a net profit of ₹110.32 crore, showing a 53.58% year-on-year increase. Revenue rose by 36.29% to ₹534.64 crore compared to the same period last year.

As per the filing, the agreement focuses on expanding data infrastructure in India. It provides Anant Raj with an entry into the data centre business while CDSIL gains additional support for its services. The impact of this partnership will depend on how effectively both companies implement the agreement and secure clients.

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&B Engineering Revisits IPO Plans, Refiles for ₹650 Crore Issue

M&B Engineering Ltd. has refiled its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI on February 17, aiming to raise ₹650 crore through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The Gujarat-based company had previously filed for a ₹653 crore IPO in September 2024, but SEBI returned the papers in December.

IPO Details 

The public issue will include a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹275 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of ₹375 crore by the company’s promoters. The Patel family, including Girishbhai Manibhai Patel, Chirag Hasmukhbhai Patel, Vipinbhai Kantilal Patel, and Birva Churag Patel, will be selling their shares through the OFS. The company may also raise ₹55 crore through a pre-IPO placement, which would reduce the fresh issue component.

Equirus Capital Pvt. Ltd. and DAM Capital Advisors Ltd. are the book-running lead managers for the IPO, while MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd. is the registrar to the offer.

Use of Funds

Proceeds from the fresh issue will go toward capital expenditure for new machinery, equipment, transport vehicles, and building works at its manufacturing facilities. A portion of the funds will also be used for software upgrades, debt repayment, and general corporate purposes.

Business and Operations

M&B Engineering provides pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) and self-supported steel roofing solutions. It operates through two divisions:

  • Phenix Construction – Focuses on PEBs and structural steel components.
  • Proflex – Specialises in self-supported steel roofing solutions.

The company caters to sectors like general engineering, food and beverages, warehousing, logistics, power, textiles, and railways. As of December 2024, M&B Engineering has executed over 9,400 projects.

As per the reports, M&B Engineering competes with listed companies such as Pennar Industries, Bansal Roofing Products, HIL, Everest Industries, and Interarch Building Products.

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.