After March Rally, Mutual Funds Sold Equities Worth ₹16,000 Crore in Just 6 Sessions

According to a recent news report, mutual funds offloaded equities worth over ₹16,000 crore between March 20 and 28, marking a significant shift in their investment stance. This selling spree is seen as a strategic move towards profit booking, following a sharp rally in the Indian equity markets during the first half of March.

While mutual funds had been net buyers earlier in the month—purchasing over ₹22,900 crore worth of stocks between March 1 and 19—the tone shifted as market valuations soared, prompting fund managers to lock in gains.

Benchmark Indices Posted Strong Gains in March

The change in fund flows coincided with robust performance across key indices. During March, the Sensex and Nifty rose by 5.8% and 6.3%, respectively. Even more impressive were the gains in broader markets: the BSE MidCap index jumped 7.6%, and the SmallCap index surged 8.3%.

Such rallies often invite caution from institutional investors, who may view elevated valuations as unsustainable in the short term. Hence, profit-booking at such levels is not unusual.

Rising Cash Levels Suggest Cautious Sentiment

Interestingly, mutual funds’ cash holdings in active equity schemes grew to ₹1.46 lakh crore in February 2025—up from ₹1.42 lakh crore in January. This growing cash reserve signals a cautious approach adopted by fund managers, perhaps reflecting concerns over market direction, valuations, and global economic uncertainties.

Despite the Indian market’s recovery after a near 12% correction from its recent peaks, fund managers appear to be operating with a wait-and-watch strategy. The increased cash levels offer them liquidity and flexibility, enabling timely profit booking as market volatility continues.

Global Headwinds Add to Market Uncertainty

Several external factors may also be influencing fund behaviour. These include geopolitical tensions, concerns surrounding the global economic outlook, and proposed trade tariffs by former US President Donald Trump. Together, these elements introduce further unpredictability, potentially affecting investor confidence.

In such an environment, maintaining higher cash reserves can act as a buffer against short-term shocks and provide opportunities to re-enter the market at more favourable valuations.

The Road Ahead: Earnings to Drive Market Sentiment

While mutual funds have sold aggressively in the recent sessions, the longer-term picture remains dynamic. The focus now shifts to India’s fourth-quarter earnings season, which will be a crucial driver of market sentiment in the coming weeks.

With India’s economic growth on a firm footing and inflation easing, earnings announcements will help shape future equity trends. Fund managers may continue to recalibrate their portfolios based on evolving data and outlook.

Conclusion

Despite the recent selling activity, mutual funds remain net buyers in 2025, having invested over ₹1.08 lakh crore in Indian equities so far. This follows ₹4.3 lakh crore worth of investments made throughout 2024.

Thus, while the recent selling may appear significant, it is part of a broader capital allocation strategy aimed at managing risk, ensuring liquidity, and positioning for the next phase of market movement.

 

 

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.

How RBI Helped Overcome Record India Cash Crunch: Bloomberg Report

India’s financial system recently witnessed one of the worst liquidity crunches in its history. However, decisive action by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has turned the tide. According to a Bloomberg report, the central bank’s interventions have not only alleviated the cash shortfall but also improved key indicators such as overnight borrowing costs and government bond yields.

A Shift from Deficit to Surplus

As of March 29, the Indian banking system entered a liquidity surplus for the first time in over three months. Data from the RBI showed that banks parked ₹717 billion (approximately $8.4 billion) of surplus funds with the central bank—a clear sign of improving liquidity. This figure surged further to ₹894 billion the following day, underlining the pace and scale of the recovery.

Why Liquidity Matters

Abundant liquidity within the banking system is essential for the effective transmission of monetary policy, particularly interest rate cuts. Lower borrowing costs, enabled by surplus liquidity, make it easier for businesses and consumers to access credit, thereby stimulating economic activity.

The RBI, having reduced interest rates for the first time in nearly 5 years in February, is widely expected to cut rates again in its upcoming policy review on April 9. The easing of liquidity pressures reinforces this expectation.

The RBI’s Response: A Multi-Pronged Approach

The turnaround in liquidity can be attributed to a series of aggressive interventions by the RBI:

  • Open Market Operations (OMOs): On 2 April, the RBI announced another round of open market bond purchases worth ₹800 billion, pushing the system further into surplus territory.
  • Monetary Infusions: Since late January, the central bank has injected more than $70 billion (₹5,99,501 crore) into the financial system to mitigate the liquidity deficit. These efforts aimed to offset the impact of large-scale dollar sales (used to stabilise the rupee) and advance-tax outflows by corporations.

These actions have already begun to yield results. Over the past week, overnight borrowing rates have dipped below the RBI’s benchmark policy rate, and 10-year government bond yields touched a 3-year low last Friday, reflecting increased market confidence and easing financial conditions.

What Lies Ahead

Looking ahead, according to a report, liquidity conditions may improve further during the April–June quarter. A key contributing factor will be the RBI’s anticipated transfer of its surplus dividend to the central government, estimated at approximately ₹2.6 trillion (₹2,60,000 crore). This transfer is likely to inject additional funds into the economy, creating even more headroom for lending and investment.

Conclusion

The swift transition from a record cash crunch to a liquidity surplus highlights the effectiveness of the RBI’s timely and strategic interventions. While market participants await further clarity in the upcoming policy review, the immediate impact of the central bank’s actions is clear: eased borrowing costs, improved market sentiment, and a more stable financial environment.

This transformation is a testament to how targeted monetary tools, when deployed proactively, can steer an economy through turbulent phases.

 

 

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.

Centre in ₹25,000 Crore Pension Bind: Legal Blow and New Law Collide Over Pre-2006 Retirees’ Dues

As the Centre grapples with long-pending legal disputes over pension disparities for pre-2006 retirees, a new amendment via the Finance Act 2025 aims to tilt the scales—but may not be enough to stop the bleeding.

Flashback to the Disparity: The 2008 OM Fallout

The core of the controversy traces back to an Office Memorandum (OM) issued on September 1, 2008, by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare. The OM, linked to the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission, allegedly created a pension gap between pre-2006 and post-2006 retirees, favoring the latter.

Pensioners in the S-30 pay scale, represented by the All India S-30 Pensioners Association, found themselves earning less than post-2006 retirees from even lower pay scales.

FORIPSO’s Fight: Unequal Pensions for Equal Ranks

FORIPSO, the Forum of Retired IPS Officers, joined the battle, highlighting that senior DG-rank officers retired before 2006 were getting lower pensions than their juniors who retired after 2006. They argued this violated parity in service-based benefits.

FORIPSO won the case in CAT in 2015, but the government failed to implement the ruling, prompting contempt proceedings.

2024 HC Verdict: A Legal Tightrope

The Delhi High Court, on March 20, 2024, ordered that revised pensions and arrears (effective from January 1, 2006) be paid within three months. The Centre failed to comply, and FORIPSO responded with another contempt petition on May 17, 2024.

After a failed Special Leave Petition filed on July 5, 2024 (and dismissed on October 10, 2024 by the Supreme Court), the Centre has little legal recourse left, except the Finance Act 2025.

The Finance Act 2025: Centre’s Final Shield?

The Act includes a clause titled “Validation of Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules and Principles”, giving the government authority to classify pensioners based on their date of retirement, the very basis that the Supreme Court previously ruled invalid in the landmark D S Nakara (1983) and SPS Vains (2008) cases.

Conclusion

FORIPSO estimates arrears of ₹14.5–16.5 lakh per pensioner, affecting over 300 retirees, pushing the liability to ₹25,000 crore or more. With the next contempt hearing on May 16, 2025, the Finance Act may be the Centre’s last legal line of defence.

 

 

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.

India Overtakes US & Europe in Locomotive Production: 1,681 Units Manufactured in FY 2024-25

India has reached a significant milestone in locomotive manufacturing by producing 1,681 locomotives in the financial year 2024–25, overtaking regions such as the United States, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia. This marks a new era of industrial capability and railway infrastructure expansion for the country, making it a global leader in locomotive production.

Production Grows by 19% Year-on-Year

Compared to the previous financial year 2023–24, which saw the production of 1,472 locomotives, the current year has witnessed a 19% increase, adding 209 more units. This is not just a numerical rise—it reflects the cumulative efficiency, scale, and ambition of Indian Railways’ manufacturing ecosystem.

Decade of Growth: Powered by ‘Make in India’

India’s performance in locomotive production over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. From 2004 to 2014, the country produced 4,695 locomotives, averaging 470 units per year. However, with the push from the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the country manufactured 9,168 locomotives between 2014 and 2024, nearly doubling the annual average to 917 units.

This growth has not only enhanced India’s self-reliance but also strengthened its position on the global industrial map.

Manufacturing Units: Driving the Numbers

Each locomotive manufacturing unit in India played a crucial role in hitting this record figure. Here’s how the production was distributed across units for FY 2024–25:

  • Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW): 700 units
  • Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW): 477 units
  • Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW): 304 units
  • Madhepura Electric Locomotive Pvt Ltd: 100 units
  • Marhowrah Electric Locomotive Pvt Ltd: 100 units

This distribution shows the broad-based capacity across the country, highlighting decentralised yet coordinated industrial excellence.

Focus on Freight: Backbone of the Economy

The emphasis of Indian Railways remains firmly on supporting the freight network, which is integral to the country’s logistics and economic backbone. Among the 1,681 locomotives produced in FY 2024–25, a significant portion was freight locomotives:

  • WAG-9/9H: 1,047 units
  • WAG-9HH: 7 units
  • WAG-9 Twin: 148 units
  • WAG-12B: 100 units
  • WDG 4G/6G: 100 units

Meanwhile, passenger variants such as WAP-5 (2 units) and WAP-7 (272 units) also formed a part of the fleet, along with 5 NRC locomotives.

Conclusion: A Global Benchmark Set by India

With the production of 1,681 locomotives in a single financial year, India has set a new global benchmark in locomotive manufacturing. It not only showcases the operational success of Indian Railways but also underscores the long-term vision of transforming India into a global production hub through strategic initiatives like ‘Make in India’.

As the nation continues to prioritise infrastructure and manufacturing, milestones like this pave the way for India to lead—not follow—on the global railway stage.

 

 

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.

Refex Renewables Subsidiary Bags ₹65.07 Crore Salem Municipal Project, in Tamil Nadu

Refex Green Power Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Refex Renewables & Infrastructure Ltd, has been awarded a municipal solid waste project by Salem City Municipal Corporation, Tamil Nadu. The project is valued at ₹65.07 crore.

As of 9:30 AM on April 3, Refex Renewables & Infrastructure share price was trading at ₹653.90, a 0.77% down for the day, 10.07% over the past month, but down 27.80% in the last six months.

Scope and Terms

The project involves the establishment of a 200 TPD (tonnes per day) Bio-CNG plant, based on municipal solid waste. It will be carried out under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The agreement follows the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) framework.

Refex Renewables has stated that the transaction does not involve any related parties. Neither the promoter, promoter group, nor group companies have any interest in the awarding authority.

Timeline for Execution

According to the company, the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) was dated March 28, 2025, and received on April 1, 2025. The Concession Agreement is expected to be signed within 30 days from the date of the LoA. The Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD) for full project capacity is 19 months from the date the concession agreement is executed.

Refex Renewables

The company is engaged in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services related to solar power infrastructure, including ground-mounted solar plants, solar pumps, and home systems.

Refex Renewables reported a consolidated net loss of ₹10.45 crore for the quarter ended 31 December 2024, compared to a net loss of ₹8.54 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue from operations declined 22.6% year-on-year, falling to ₹15.90 crore in Q3 FY25.

Conclusion

The project adds to Refex Green Power’s portfolio in the waste-to-energy space, with execution timelines and concession terms now in place.

 

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.

Dev Accelerator Files Revised IPO Draft Papers With SEBI

Gujarat-based Dev Accelerator has refiled its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on March 30, 2025. The company, which offers flexible workspace solutions across India, aims to raise funds through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) consisting entirely of a fresh issue of 2.75 crore equity shares. This is an increase from the 2.47 crore shares proposed in its earlier filing.

Previous Submission and Return

Dev Accelerator had initially filed IPO papers on September 30, 2024, which were returned by SEBI on February 5, 2025. The latest filing includes revised figures and new components.

Use of Proceeds

The net proceeds from the IPO will be allocated as follows:

Use of Proceeds Amount (₹ crore)
Fit-outs for new centres and capex 87.91
Repayment of debt 40.00
General corporate purposes Remaining funds

Business Operations

As of January 31, 2025, Dev Accelerator operates 25 centres in 11 cities with a total area under management of 8.06 lakh sq. ft. and 13,140 seats. The company earns approximately 69% of its revenue from managed space services and has a client base of over 230 companies.

The company plans to open 12 new centres over the next two years, covering 1.07 million sq. ft. Of these, 8 centres (799,179 sq. ft.) will be developed using IPO proceeds.

Changes in DRHP

Major updates in the new filing include:

  • Increase in fresh issue size
  • Higher allocation towards fit-outs
  • Greater allocation for debt repayment
  • Introduction of reservations for eligible employees and shareholders

IPO Details

  • Lead Manager: Pantomath Capital Advisors Private Limited
  • Registrar: KFIN Technologies Limited
  • Stock Exchanges: BSE and NSE

Promoters currently hold 49.8%, with public shareholders owning 50.2%.

Conclusion

Dev Accelerator has revised its IPO plans with updated financial allocations and expanded issue size. The IPO will be a book-built issue, with the exact issue price and dates yet to be announced.

 

 

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.

Reliance Begins Work on First of 500 CBG Plants in Andhra Pradesh

Reliance Industries has launched construction on its first Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Andhra Pradesh. The company plans to invest ₹65,000 crore to set up 500 such plants across the state. The first plant, located in Kanigiri, Prakasam district, will be built with a capital investment of ₹139 crore.

As of 10:48 AM on April 3, Reliance Industries share price was trading at ₹1247.25, a 0.31% down for the day. Over the past month, the stock has gained 6.89%, while it has declined 11.02% over the last six months.

Prakasam District

The foundation stone for the first plant was laid by Andhra Pradesh IT & Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh. This plant is the beginning of a larger state-wide initiative focused on setting up integrated CBG hubs. The event was attended by senior Reliance officials and government representatives including Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Chief Secretary Vijayanand, and others.

Use of Napier Grass and Waste Land

Each plant will utilise Napier grass as the raw material, grown on barren and unused land. Approximately 5 lakh acres of such land across districts like Prakasam, Anantapur, Chittoor, and Kadapa will be used for cultivating the grass.

Production and By-products

Once all 500 plants are operational, they are expected to produce:

  • 40 lakh tonnes of Compressed Biogas annually
  • 1.1 million metric tonnes of organic fertiliser
  • 1 crore tonnes of fermented organic manure

The by-products will be used as an alternative to chemical fertilisers, supporting sustainable agriculture.

Employment and Land Development 

The initiative is to create around 2.5 lakh jobs. In addition, 15 lakh acres of barren land will be transformed into cultivable farmland. Farmers involved in the project will receive lease revenue and fixed payments for cultivating Napier grass.

Reliance Industries Limited reported ₹10,00,122 crore in consolidated revenue for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. The company operates across energy, materials, digital services, and retail sectors.

Conclusion

This project is the first step in a large-scale bioenergy initiative by Reliance in Andhra Pradesh, with plans for further development in the coming years.

 

 

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.

SIP via WhatsApp – HDFC AMC Launches Industry-First Tap-Based Feature for Mutual Fund Investments

In a move poised to redefine digital investing, HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC), the investment manager of HDFC Mutual Fund, has introduced Tap2Invest—a tap-based investment platform that functions through WhatsApp. According to the official statement, this new feature marks an industry-first initiative and simplifies the investment journey for existing investors with KYC compliance.

What Makes Tap2Invest Unique?

Traditional WhatsApp-based investment services often rely on command-driven interactions, where users must type specific messages to proceed. Tap2Invest, on the other hand, offers a click-based interface within WhatsApp, mirroring the experience of using an app.

This development bridges the gap between convenience and accessibility, enabling investors to manage their mutual fund investments with a few simple taps without the need to download any additional applications or navigate complex commands.

Features and Functionalities

Tap2Invest allows investors to:

  • Start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
  • Make lump sum investments
  • Access a user-friendly, app-like journey within WhatsApp
  • Use UPI Autopay, net banking, and other digital payment options for transactions

To access this feature, investors can initiate a conversation on WhatsApp by messaging +91-82706 82706.

A Secure and Familiar Platform

Navneet Munot, MD & CEO of HDFC AMC, stated, “Tap2Invest offers a secure way for investors to manage their mutual fund investments on a familiar platform like WhatsApp.”

Security remains a top priority in this solution, making sure that investors can confidently manage their portfolios in a digitally secure environment.

Conclusion

With Tap2Invest, HDFC AMC has taken a significant step toward enhancing digital investment experiences by leveraging widely used messaging platforms. This innovation underlines the shift in how mutual fund houses are reimagining customer engagement and ease of access in an increasingly digital-first world.

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.

HDFC Bank Gets SEBI Warning Letter for Custody Non-Compliance

HDFC Bank has received an administrative warning letter from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for alleged non-compliance with certain regulatory guidelines. The warning is based on observations made during SEBI’s periodic inspection of the bank’s custody-related operations.

As of 10:56 am on April 3, HDFC Bank share price was trading at ₹1795.80, with the stock having gained 6.95% over the past six months and 21.36% in the past year.

Details of the Warning

In a regulatory filing dated April 2, 2025, HDFC Bank confirmed that SEBI had conducted an inspection of its custody activities. Following this, the bank received a letter citing lapses under the SEBI (Custodian) Regulations, 1996. These regulations apply to entities responsible for holding and safeguarding securities for clients, including institutional investors and mutual funds.

The bank stated in the filing:
“Pursuant to inspection of custody activities undertaken by the Bank, SEBI issued administrative warning letter for alleged non-compliance with certain regulatory guidelines, which are applicable to custodians.”

No Financial or Operational Impact Reported

HDFC Bank noted that the warning does not impact its financial position or daily operations. There has been no change reported in its functioning, and no penalty or monetary fine has been imposed in connection with the letter.

The bank has stated that it will take the necessary steps to address and rectify the lapses outlined in the SEBI communication.

Previous Warning 

This is not the first instance of SEBI issuing a warning to HDFC Bank in recent months. In December 2024, the bank had received a similar administrative warning letter for non-compliance related to its merchant banking activities. That warning, too, did not involve any financial penalty.

Conclusion

SEBI’s letter is administrative in nature and does not carry financial penalties. HDFC Bank has acknowledged the lapses and is to take corrective action as required under applicable guidelines.

 

 

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.

Elpro International Divests 1.64 Crore Shares in PNB MetLife for ₹134.37 Crores

Elpro International Limited has completed the sale of its remaining 1.64 crore shares in PNB MetLife for ₹134.37 crores. Each share has a face value of ₹10.

Elpro International’s Recent Developments

Elpro International Limited recently acquired 5,00,999 equity shares of Religare Enterprises Limited for ₹12.60 crores, increasing its total stake to 14,16,004 shares. Religare, a leading financial services group that operates in SME lending, affordable housing finance, health insurance and capital markets. 

Additionally, Elpro invested ₹6.66 crores by acquiring 1,62,879 equity shares in TD Power Systems Limited, expanding its investment portfolio into the heavy electrical equipment sector. TD Power Systems operates in over 105 countries, with consistent revenue growth, reaching ₹1,016.73 crores in FY 2023-24. 

Elpro has made other strategic financial moves, demonstrating its focus on strengthening investments and exploring new opportunities in high-growth sectors.

About Elpro International Limited 

Elpro International Limited is a diversified company engaged in various business sectors, including real estate, electrical equipment and strategic investments. With a strong presence in the industry, the company actively invests in high-growth sectors to expand its portfolio. Its recent acquisitions in financial services and heavy electrical equipment reflect its commitment to long-term growth and diversification.

Share Performance 

As of April 03, 2025, at 10:40 AM, Elpro International Limited Share Price is trading at ₹80.25 per share, reflecting a profit of 7.66% from the previous day’s closing price. Over the past month, the stock has registered a profit of 8.99%. The stock’s 52-week high stands at ₹147.70 per share, while its low is ₹62.30 per share.

Conclusion

The sale of shares marks the company’s complete exit from PNB MetLife, reflecting its strategic financial decisions and future plans.

 

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.