Maharatna PSU NTPC Trades Ex-Dividend; When Will the 2nd Interim Dividend Be Credited?

NTPC Ltd, India’s largest power generation company and a Maharatna public sector undertaking (PSU), is trading ex-dividend. On January 31, 2025, as of 2:20 PM, on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the share price stood at ₹322.5. The ex-dividend status follows the company’s announcement of a second interim dividend of ₹2.50 per equity share for the financial year 2024-25.

The company’s Board of Directors approved this dividend in their meeting on January 25, 2025. Investors who held NTPC shares before the record date of January 31, 2025, will be eligible to receive the dividend, with the payment scheduled to be credited by February 24, 2025.

NTPC’s Financial Performance in Q3 FY25

NTPC Ltd recently reported its financial results for the Q3 quarter of FY25, showcasing steady growth in profitability and revenue:

  • Net Profit: ₹4,711.4 crore, marking a 3.1% increase from ₹4,571.9 crore in the same quarter last year.
  • Revenue: ₹41,352.3 crore, reflecting a 4.8% year-on-year growth from ₹39,455 crore.
  • EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation): Surged 20.3% to ₹11,960.6 crore, up from ₹9,941 crore in Q3 FY24.
  • EBITDA Margin: Improved to 28.9% from 25.2% year-on-year, indicating enhanced operational efficiency.

Dividend History and Yield of NTPC

NTPC has a consistent history of rewarding shareholders through dividends. Since February 25, 2005, the company has declared 44 dividends, highlighting its commitment to returning value to investors.

  • Dividends in the last 12 months: ₹10.50 per share.
  • Current Dividend Yield: At a market price of ₹322.5 per share, the yield stands at approximately 3.3%.

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.

HCLTech and Microsoft Join Hands With Cricket Australia

HCL Technologies (HCLTech) and Microsoft have collaborated with Cricket Australia (CA) to introduce generative AI (GenAI) technology into the Cricket Australia Live app. This partnership aims to redefine the fan experience by providing real-time, AI-driven insights during live matches.

AI Insights: A Game-Changing Matchday Companion

The latest addition to the Cricket Australia Live app is the AI Insights matchday companion, designed to provide users with real-time, text-based updates throughout matches. This feature, powered by a deep understanding of cricket, highlights key moments, player performances, and significant milestones, offering more than just live scores and commentary. The AI-driven updates add context and analysis, enriching the viewing experience for fans worldwide.

The AI Insights matchday companion made its debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the CommBank Women’s Ashes series between Australia and England. This new feature is now accessible to all Cricket Australia Live app users globally, ensuring a more immersive match-following experience.

Technology Behind the Innovation

The development of this AI-powered feature is the result of a collaboration between HCLTech and Microsoft, leveraging Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service alongside HCLTech’s frontend and API development expertise. This partnership builds upon HCLTech’s long-standing role as Cricket Australia’s Official Digital Technology Partner.

Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech, emphasised the transformative potential of GenAI in sports engagement. By integrating advanced AI technologies, the Cricket Australia Live app brings fans closer to the game, delivering personalised insights that enhance the matchday experience.

HCL Tech Share Performance

As of January 31, 2025, at 2:30 PM, the shares of HCL Technologies are trading at ₹1,723.75 per share, up 0.61% from yesterday’s closing price.

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.

Wockhardt’s Shares Rise on Zaynich Achieves Breakthrough in Global Clinical Trials

Wockhardt Ltd’s flagship antibiotic, Zaynich, has demonstrated groundbreaking efficacy in a global Phase III clinical trial for complicated urinary tract infections. The drug has shown remarkable success in treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens, positioning Wockhardt as a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry. Following this announcement, the company’s shares surged 10% on January 31, hitting the upper circuit on the BSE.

Exceptional Efficacy in Phase III Trials

The Enhance 1 Phase III study involved 530 patients across multiple regions, including the US, Europe, Latin America, China, and India. The study demonstrated a clinical cure rate of 96.8% for Zaynich at the test of cure, conducted 7-10 days after the final dose. Compared to the standard antibiotic meropenem, Zaynich exhibited superior efficacy, achieving a combined clinical and microbiologic cure rate of 89.0%, significantly higher than meropenem’s 68.4%.

This marks the highest-ever combined efficacy observed among FDA-approved antibiotics in the past decade. The drug specifically targets Gram-negative infections and has been developed over 14 years of research and development. Given the rising global concern over antibiotic resistance, this breakthrough represents a major advancement in treating severe infections.

Future Prospects and Global Impact

Zaynich’s effectiveness extends beyond complicated urinary tract infections, as it has demonstrated 97% clinical efficacy in trials involving meropenem-resistant infections such as hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP), ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP), bloodstream infections (BSI), and complicated intra-abdominal infections.

With these results, Wockhardt plans to file a New Drug Application (NDA) with the US FDA and a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) with the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The company’s success in developing a novel antibiotic for global markets establishes it as one of the few Indian pharmaceutical firms to make a significant impact in the field of antibiotic resistance.

Wockhardt Share Performance

As of January 31, 2025, at 1:38 PM, Wockhardt’s shares are locked in the upper circuit at ₹1,416.90 per share, up 10% from yesterday’s closing price.

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.

Mukesh Ambani Acquire Stake in Oval Invincibles Cricket Team

The Ambani family has reportedly acquired a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, one of the teams in England’s Hundred cricket tournament. The purchase follows months of bidding and competition from Silicon Valley executives and private equity firms, according to news reports.

Competitive Bidding 

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launched an auction in September 2024 to sell 49% stakes in each of the eight teams in The Hundred. The process was managed by Raine Group, the same firm that previously handled sales of football clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea. The ECB aims to raise over £300 million through these investments.

For the Oval Invincibles stake, the Ambanis were competing against a consortium of tech executives including Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and Times Internet’s Satyan Gajwani. Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, which owns the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, was also in the race.

Reports suggest that the Silicon Valley-backed consortium offered over £80 million ($97 million) for a stake in either Oval Invincibles or London Spirit, but the Ambanis won the bid. The exact value of the transaction has not been disclosed.

The Hundred 

The Hundred, launched in 2021, is a 100-ball per-side cricket tournament aimed at attracting a wider audience. It has seen over 2 million attendees so far and generates approximately £60 million annually through sponsorships, ticket sales, and broadcasting rights. The ECB is selling these stakes to boost the competition’s financial standing.

Unclear Impact 

At present, Indian cricketers are not allowed to participate in overseas leagues due to BCCI regulations. While the Ambanis’ ownership of the franchise could bring speculation about Indian player involvement, there has been no official confirmation of any policy changes.

The final round of bidding for London Spirit, another team in The Hundred, is scheduled soon, with Chelsea FC co-owner Todd Boehly reportedly showing interest. Neither Reliance Industries nor the ECB has made an official statement on the Oval Invincibles deal.

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.

Kiri Industries Share Price Up By 9% on Jan 31; Know Why?

Kiri Industries Limited has achieved a significant legal victory in Singapore, as the Court of Appeal upheld the company’s claims regarding the buyout of DyStar. The court rejected the appeal of Senda International Capital Limited (“Senda”) and ruled in favour of Kiri Industries, awarding a priority payment of US$603.80 million along with interest. This ruling reinforces Kiri Industries’ rightful claim over DyStar’s en bloc sale proceeds.

Court Decision and Financial Implications

The Supreme Court of Singapore fully supported the decision made by the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC), which valued Kiri Industries’ equity stake at US$603.80 million. The court found no unfairness in the financial obligation imposed on Senda, affirming that the buyout order remains valid. Additionally, the court ordered that Kiri Industries is entitled to an annual interest rate of 5.33% on the buyout amount, starting from 3rd September 2023 until the payment is completed.

Legal Cost Reimbursement and Final Ruling

Apart from awarding the principal amount and interest, the court also mandated Senda to cover Kiri Industries’ legal expenses for both appeals. This includes reimbursement for all costs incurred throughout the legal proceedings. The ruling marks a decisive end to the dispute, ensuring that Kiri Industries receives its due payment from the sale of DyStar.

Kiri Industries Share Performance

As of January 31, 2025, at 12:15 PM, the shares of Kiri Industries are trading at ₹630.50 per share, up 8.3% from yesterday’s closing price. Over the last month, the stock has surged by 2% and over the past year, it has surged by 53%.

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 Electric Expands S1 Portfolio with Gen 3, Introduces 8 New Scooters

Ola Electric has regained its position as the top electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, capturing a 25% market share in January 2025. The company recorded 22,656 registrations, showing  a 65% month-on-month growth, according to Vahan data. This comes after a weak December, where its sales had dropped to a 27-month low

Gen 3 S1 Portfolio and Updates

The company introduced 8 new scooters under its S1 Gen 3 lineup, aimed at both mass and premium segments. The Gen 3 platform claims a 20% increase in peak power, 11% cost reduction, and 20% improved range over Gen 2 models.

Pricing and Variants:

The Gen 3 range starts at ₹79,999 for the S1 X (2kWh) and goes up to ₹1,69,999 for the S1 Pro+ 5.3kWh. Other variants include:

Model Battery Capacity Price (₹)
S1 X 4kWh 99,999
S1 X+ 4kWh 1,07,999
S1 Pro 3kWh 1,14,999
S1 Pro 4kWh 1,34,999
S1 Pro+ 4kWh 1,54,999
S1 Pro+ 5.3kWh 1,69,999

Ola is also continuing to sell its Gen 2 scooters with discounts of up to ₹35,000.

Technical Changes

The new platform introduces a mid-drive motor and chain drive for performance adjustments. Dual ABS has been added for improved braking, and a brake-by-wire system shifts between regenerative and mechanical braking.

Rollout and Plans

Deliveries for the Gen 3 scooters are set to begin in mid-February 2025. The company also announced MoveOS 5, which will introduce additional features. The date for Ola Electric’s Q3 earnings report is yet to be announced.

Market Movement 

Following the sales increase, Ola Electric’s stock rose 14.5% today, on January 31, briefly crossing its IPO price of ₹76. At 11:05 AM, shares were trading at ₹75 on the NSE. The trading volume surged, with six crore shares changing hands, double the one-month daily average. Despite the increase, the stock remains 51% below its record high of ₹157.40.

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

Instant Loan on Aadhaar Card: A Quick and Hassle-Free Option

In today’s digital era, obtaining an instant personal loan has become more accessible, especially with the Aadhaar card serving as a primary document for verification. Many lenders offer quick loans with minimal paperwork, making it a convenient option during financial emergencies. While an Aadhaar card simplifies the process, some lenders may still require additional documents like a PAN card and income proof.

Simplified Loan Process with Aadhaar

The introduction of the Aadhaar card has streamlined the online loan application process. As a unique identity and address proof, Aadhaar enables a fully digital KYC process known as e-KYC. This eliminates the need for physical documentation, allowing borrowers to complete verification online and receive quick approvals. Many Platforms, in collaboration with financial institutions, offer instant loans of up to ₹15 lakh with interest rates starting at 12% per annum. The process involves entering basic details, completing KYC verification, and selecting an EMI tenure.

Benefits of an Instant Loan on an Aadhaar Card

  • Quick Approval: Digital platforms streamline the approval process, ensuring minimal waiting time.
  • Seamless Application: The entire process can be completed online through a smartphone without visiting a bank branch.
  • Minimal Documentation: Only basic details and Aadhaar verification are required, eliminating the need for extensive paperwork.
  • No Collateral Required: These loans are unsecured, meaning borrowers do not need to pledge assets.

Eligibility Criteria for an Instant Aadhaar Loan

  • The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
  • They must possess a valid Aadhaar card issued by UIDAI.
  • The age limit ranges from 21 to 60 years (varies by lender).
  • The applicant must be either salaried or self-employed.
  • A good credit score is necessary for better approval chances.
  • Income proof may be required by some lenders.

Check: Online EMI Calculator for the ease of calculation

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.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund Changes Benchmark for Multi-Index Fund of Funds

Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund has announced the revision of Aditya Birla Sun Life Multi-Index Fund of Funds benchmark composition. The earlier benchmark – 50% Nifty 500 Total Return Index + 30% CRISIL Low Duration Debt Index + 10% MSCI All Country World Index + 5% Domestic Price of Gold + 5% Domestic Price of Silver, has now been changed. 

The updated benchmark replaces the CRISIL Low Duration Debt Index with the NIFTY Low Duration Debt Index A-I, while the rest remains the same.

Fund Details

This is an open-ended scheme launched on October 14, 2022, and falls under the high-risk category, as per its riskometer. The fund has generated a return of 18.80% since its launch.

As of December 31, 2024, the fund holds ₹18 crore in assets with an expense ratio of 0.29%. Computer Age Management Services Ltd. serves as the Registrar & Transfer Agent for the scheme.

Investment Strategy

The fund primarily invests in passively managed instruments, including ETFs, index funds, fixed-income securities, and commodities like gold and silver. It includes both domestic and overseas ETFs.

Investment 

Investment Type Amount (₹)
Minimum Investment 100
Minimum Additional Investment 100
Minimum SIP Investment 100
Minimum Withdrawal 1
Minimum Number of Cheques 6

The fund has an exit load of 0.5% if units are redeemed within 15 days. There is no lock-in period.

Benchmark Composition

The new benchmark is now:

  • 50% Nifty 500 Total Return Index
  • 30% NIFTY Low Duration Debt Index A-I
  • 10% MSCI All Country World Index
  • 5% Domestic Price of Gold
  • 5% Domestic Price of Silver

The change in the benchmark mainly affects the fixed-income portion of the fund, aligning it with the NIFTY Low Duration Debt Index A-I instead of the previously used CRISIL Low Duration Debt Index.

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 are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.

Gold and Silver Prices on January 31: Check Rates in Your City

On Friday, January 31, 2025, gold prices increased as of 1:34 PM. The spot gold price in the international market saw a 0.06% increase, nearing $2,800 per ounce. Gold prices hit a fresh all-time high after weak US data and Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats increased safe-haven demand.

In India, gold prices increased by over ₹1,000 across major metro cities. In Mumbai, 24-carat gold is priced at ₹8,224 per gram, while 22-carat gold costs ₹7,539 per gram. The price of 24-carat gold stands at ₹82,240 per 10 grams, up ₹1,010 as of 1:34 PM on January 31, 2025.

In Delhi, 22-carat gold is currently priced at ₹75,258 per 10 grams, while 24-carat gold is trading at ₹82,100 per 10 grams, marking a ₹1,010 increase.

Gold Prices Across Major Indian Cities (Per 10/gm) – 31st January 2025

Here is a detailed breakdown of gold prices as of January 31, 2025:

City 24 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹) 22 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹)
Chennai 82,480 75,607
Hyderabad 82,370 75,506
Delhi 82,100 75,258
Mumbai 82,240 75,387
Bangalore 82,310 75,451

 

Silver Prices in India on January 31, 2025

The spot silver price declined slightly by 0.10% to $31.51 per ounce as of 1:34 PM. However, silver prices in India have increased by over ₹900.

Silver Prices Across Major Indian Cities (₹/KG)

 

City Silver Rate in ₹/KG 
Mumbai 93,810
Delhi 93,650
Kolkata 93,710
Chennai 94,090

 

Key Takeaways

  • Gold Prices: Both 22-carat and 24-carat gold prices surged across India, with 24-carat gold crossing ₹82,000 in major metro cities.
  • Silver Prices: While international silver prices decreased, domestic prices increased on January 31, 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.

Bandhan Mutual Fund Files For Bandhan Fixed Maturity Plan – Series 214 (370 Days)

Bandhan Mutual Fund has filed a draft for Bandhan Fixed Maturity Plan (FMP) – Series 214 (370 Days), a close-ended debt scheme with a tenure of 370 days from the date of allotment. It aims to generate income by investing in debt and money market instruments that mature on or before the scheme’s maturity date. 

As a close-ended scheme, it is available for investment only during the New Fund Offer (NFO) period and does not reopen for subscriptions.

Investment Allocation

The scheme invests 70% to 100% in debt securities and 0% to 30% in money market instruments. It does not invest in foreign securities, derivatives, or instruments with special features such as structured obligations or credit enhancements. 

The benchmark for the scheme is the Nifty Short Duration Debt Index A-II.

Liquidity & Listing

Since redemptions are not allowed before maturity, investors looking to exit before 370 days must sell their units on the BSE, where the scheme is proposed to be listed.

Plans & Options

The scheme offers two plans:

  • Regular Plan
  • Direct Plan

Both plans have the following options:

  • Growth Option (default if no selection is made)
  • Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) Option

A minimum investment required during the NFO period is ₹5,000, with additional investments allowed in multiples of ₹1.

NAV Disclosure & Expenses

The first Net Asset Value (NAV) will be calculated within five business days from allotment. NAV updates will be available on AMFI and Bandhan Mutual Fund websites. The total expense ratio (TER) is capped as per SEBI regulations, and no exit load applies since premature redemptions are not permitted.

Fund Manager

The scheme is managed by Gautam Kaul, who has over 20 years of experience in fixed-income fund management.

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 are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.