PM Internship Scheme: FM Sitharaman Launches Mobile App to Simplify Access

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a mobile application for the Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme (PMIS) in New Delhi on Monday. The app is designed to streamline access to internships and simplify the application process. It features Aadhaar-based face authentication for registration, personalised dashboards, and real-time notifications.

PM Internship Scheme Overview

The PM Internship Scheme was introduced in the Union Budget 2024-25 with the objective of providing internships to 10 million youth in the top 500 companies over 5 years. A pilot project for the scheme was launched in October 2024, offering 1.25 lakh internship opportunities. The initiative will help improve employability by offering practical experience across various industries.

Pilot Project and Participation

In the first phase of the pilot project, 1.27 lakh internships were listed across 745 districts by 280 companies across 25 sectors. Over 82,000 candidates secured internships. The second phase, which began in January 2025, saw 327 companies post over 1.18 lakh opportunities.

The application window for this phase remains open until the end of March 2025.

PM Internship Eligibility and Benefits

To apply, candidates must be between 21-24 years old and have completed at least Grade 10 and 12, an undergraduate degree, or a technical diploma. Interns under PMIS receive a ₹5,000 monthly stipend, a one-time grant of ₹6,000 for incidental expenses, and insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

PM Internship Industry Involvement 

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is working on expanding company participation beyond the top 500 firms, considering corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending as a criterion. About 49 companies outside this list have already expressed interest. A facilitation centre for the scheme will be set up in Kolkata in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Conclusion 

The registration deadline for the current phase has been extended to March 31, with selected candidates expected to begin their internships by May 15. The app is intended to improve accessibility and make it easier for candidates to track their applications.

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.

Tata Motors to Increase Commercial Vehicle Prices from April 2025

Tata Motors has announced a price increase of up to 2% across its commercial vehicle range, effective April 1, 2025. The company cited rising input costs, including raw materials and manufacturing expenses, as the reason for the hike. The increase will vary depending on the model and variant.

As of March 18, 2025, 12:56 PM, Tata Motors Ltd is trading at ₹678.25, showing a gain of ₹17.20 (2.60%) for the day. Over the past 6 months, the stock has declined by 29.50%, while the one-year performance shows a 30.25% drop. 

Price Increase 

According to Tata Motors, the price hike applies to its entire commercial vehicle lineup. The adjustment is aimed at offsetting increased costs in production, logistics, and other operational factors. This is a common practice among automakers when dealing with fluctuations in commodity prices.

The price hike for commercial vehicles will take effect from April 1, 2025, and the extent of the increase will depend on the model and variant.

AI and Digital Expansion

In addition to the price hike, Tata Motors has set up a wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Motors Digital.AI Labs Limited (TMDALL), with an authorised share capital of ₹1 crore. This subsidiary is focused on AI and digital technology advancements within the company.

Financial Performance in Q3 FY25

For the quarter ending December 31, 2024, Tata Motors reported a 22.5% decline in net profit, which stood at ₹5,451 crore, compared to ₹7,025 crore in the same period the previous year. The company’s revenue increased 1.8% year-on-year, reaching ₹1.13 lakh crore, compared to ₹1.11 lakh crore in Q3 FY24.

Conclusion 

Tata Motors’ price hike will come into effect from April 1, 2025, impacting its entire commercial vehicle lineup. While the company faces rising costs and fluctuations in financial performance, it continues to expand into digital and AI-driven 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.

8th Pay Commission: Government Asks Inputs From Ministries and Stakeholders

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to revise the salary and pension structures for central government employees. The government has sought inputs on the Terms of Reference (ToR) from key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Department of Personnel & Training. State governments have also been asked for their recommendations.

Beneficiaries

As of March 1, 2025, around 36.57 lakh central government employees and 33.91 lakh pensioners (as of December 31, 2024) are expected to benefit. Defence personnel and pensioners are also included in the scope of the commission. The exact financial impact will be determined once the recommendations are finalized and accepted.

Formation and Timeline

The 8th Central Pay Commission was announced in January 2025, ahead of the Union Budget. The commission will evaluate salary structures, allowances, and pensions while considering economic factors such as inflation and fiscal conditions. Pay commissions are generally constituted every ten years, and the 8th CPC’s recommendations are expected by 2026.

Implementation Concerns

The 7th Pay Commission, which was constituted in 2013, submitted its report in 2015, and its recommendations were implemented in 2016, leading to an additional ₹1 lakh crore in salary and pension payouts in the first year. 

Based on past trends, the 8th CPC’s recommendations may take over a year to finalise, making January 2026 implementation unlikely. The financial year 2026-27 is a more probable timeline, as per news reports.

Parliamentary Discussions

In the Lok Sabha, there were inquiries about the commission’s submission timeline and progress on ToR. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that these details would be determined in due course. The Expenditure Secretary, Manoj Govil, confirmed that the Union Budget 2025–26 does not account for the 8th CPC’s implementation, as recommendations are expected later.

Conclusion 

The commission will hold discussions with employee unions, pensioners’ associations, and other stakeholders before finalising its report.

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.

NFO Alert: Quant Mutual Fund Launches Quant Arbitrage Fund

Quant Mutual Fund has launched a new open-ended scheme, Quant Arbitrage Fund, to capitalise on arbitrage opportunities in the equity and derivative segments. The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens on March 18, 2025, and closes on March 27, 2025. This scheme falls under the Hybrid: Arbitrage category and aims to generate income and capital appreciation while maintaining a low-risk profile.

Investment Strategy

This scheme aims to generate capital appreciation and income by primarily capitalising on arbitrage opportunities in both the cash and derivative segments of the equity markets, as well as arbitrage within the derivative segment itself. The remaining assets will be invested in debt and money market instruments

Fund Details 

  • Fund House: Quant Mutual Fund
  • Fund Manager: Sameer Kate
  • Benchmark: NIFTY 50 Arbitrage TRI
  • Risk Level: Low
  • Lock-in Period: None
  • Exit Load: 0.25% if redeemed within one month
  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000
  • Plans Available: Growth and IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal)

Quant Arbitrage Fund

Arbitrage funds are generally preferred by risk-averse investors seeking stable returns without exposure to direct equity market fluctuations. Since arbitrage profits arise from mispricing between cash and derivative markets, the fund aims to generate returns while minimising downside risk. Furthermore, the short-term exit load of just 0.25% ensures liquidity for investors.

Conclusion

The investment strategy of this scheme is to generate both capital appreciation and income. This will be achieved mainly through arbitrage trading in the equity market’s cash and derivative segments, including opportunities solely within derivatives.

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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.

Paytm Share Price Jumps 3.5% as Paytm Money Secures SEBI Approval for Research Services

On March 18, 2025, Paytm’s subsidiary, Paytm Money, announced that it had received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to operate as a research analyst. This regulatory nod will allow the company to offer a range of SEBI-compliant research services, including investment insights, research reports, and data-driven financial analysis.

This development is expected to enhance the company’s investment ecosystem by providing expert-backed research to both retail and institutional investors. Paytm Money plans to integrate these services into its app as part of a broader research and advisory offering.

Integration into the Paytm Money App

According to the company’s exchange filing, this approval aligns with Paytm Money’s vision of expanding its investment-related offerings. By incorporating research-based insights within the Paytm Money app, the company aims to empower users with valuable data that can assist them in making informed financial decisions.

The move is seen as a strategic step to strengthen its position in the financial services domain, leveraging its vast user base and digital infrastructure. The integration of these services is expected to provide users with real-time market insights and expert analysis, fostering a more informed investor community.

Paytm’s Stock Performance Following the Announcement

Following this announcement, Paytm’s share price surged by 3.5% during early trading hours on March 18, 2025. The stock was trading near the day’s high of ₹713 on the NSE at 9:44 AM.

  • Opening price: ₹697
  • Intraday low: ₹695
  • 52-week high: ₹1,062.95
  • 52-week low: ₹310

Over the past year, Paytm’s share price has delivered 83% returns, demonstrating strong investor confidence. However, on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the stock has declined by 30.36% as of March 18, 2025.

Conclusion

The SEBI approval for Paytm Money to offer research services marks a significant milestone for the company. This initiative is expected to enhance Paytm’s financial ecosystem by providing research-backed insights to investors. As these services get integrated into the Paytm Money app, market participants will gain access to valuable research and data-driven analysis, reinforcing Paytm’s role in the evolving fintech space.

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.

New Fines for Traffic Rules Violations 2025: ₹15,000 for Drunken Driving, ₹5,000 for Mobile Use

In a bid to enforce road discipline and curb reckless driving, India has implemented a stringent revision of traffic violation fines from 1 March 2025. These enhanced penalties not only impose substantial financial consequences but also introduce imprisonment and community service for serious infractions. Authorities aim to instil a culture of responsible driving and ensure public safety through these measures.

Drunken Driving: Hefty Fine and Jail Term

Driving under the influence now carries severe consequences. Offenders will face a fine of ₹10,000 and/or 6 months in prison for a first-time violation. Repeat offenders will be subjected to a ₹15,000 fine and up to two years of imprisonment, a substantial increase from the previous penalties ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500.

No Helmet? Licence Suspension Awaits

The penalty for riding without a helmet has surged from a mere ₹100 to ₹1,000. In addition, offenders risk having their licence suspended for 3 months. Likewise, failure to wear a seatbelt now incurs a ₹1,000 fine, reinforcing the importance of road safety measures.

Using a Mobile Phone While Driving: A Costly Mistake

Distracted driving remains a significant cause of road accidents. The fine for using a mobile phone while driving has increased tenfold, soaring from ₹500 to ₹5,000, underlining the authorities’ resolve to mitigate road mishaps.

Missing Documents? Be Prepared to Pay More

Driving without a valid licence now attracts a penalty of ₹5,000, while failure to carry valid insurance incurs a ₹2,000 fine along with the possibility of 3 months in prison or community service. Repeat insurance violations come with an increased fine of ₹4,000. Additionally, driving without a pollution certificate now results in a ₹10,000 fine and/or 6 months of imprisonment, along with community service.

Reckless Riding and Ignoring Emergency Vehicles

Triple riding on a 2-wheeler, which was previously a minor offence, now carries a ₹1,000 fine. Engaging in dangerous driving or street racing will result in a ₹5,000 penalty. Furthermore, failing to yield to emergency vehicles such as ambulances will attract a ₹10,000 fine, reinforcing the importance of prioritising emergency response teams.

Signal Jumping and Overloading: Skyrocketing Fines

Jumping a red light now comes with a ₹5,000 fine, a significant rise from previous amounts. Meanwhile, overloading vehicles will cost drivers a staggering ₹20,000 fine, marking a dramatic increase from the previous ₹2,000 penalty.

Juvenile Offenders: Harsh Penalties for Underage Driving

Parents and guardians must take note—minors caught driving illegally now face severe repercussions. The penalty includes a ₹25,000 fine, 3 years of imprisonment, cancellation of vehicle registration, and a ban on obtaining a driving licence until the age of 25.

Final Thoughts

These revised penalties highlight the government’s commitment to road safety and responsible driving. With hefty fines, imprisonment, and community service, authorities are taking a firm stance on traffic violations to ensure safer roads for all.

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.

Pension for Women: New Rules Empower Divorced, Separated, and Widowed Women

The government has introduced significant changes to pension regulations, ensuring greater financial security for women in difficult circumstances. These reforms, announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, aim to eliminate bureaucratic delays and provide immediate relief to eligible beneficiaries.

Key Pension Reforms for Women

  • Direct Pension Claim for Divorced or Separated Daughters

Previously, divorced or separated daughters had to wait for a legal verdict before claiming their deceased father’s pension. Under the new regulations, they can now access these benefits without court intervention. If divorce proceedings began during the pensioner’s lifetime, the daughter remains eligible for financial support.

  • Family Pension Nomination Rights for Women Pensioners

A woman pensioner can now nominate her children over her husband for the family pension if she has filed for divorce. This also applies if she has initiated proceedings under laws related to domestic violence or dowry harassment, ensuring her children’s financial well-being in case of separation.

  • Continued Pension for Remarried Childless Widows

A childless widow who remarries will continue receiving her deceased husband’s pension, provided her income remains below the minimum pension threshold. This change removes financial uncertainty for widows seeking to rebuild their lives. 

These amendments address long-standing legal ambiguities, ensuring women receive timely financial assistance without unnecessary delays.

Beyond Pensions: Women-Centric Reforms in Government Service

Alongside pension reforms, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has implemented broader measures to support women in government service:

  • Flexible Child Care Leave: Single mothers can avail up to two years of leave in phases, with provisions to travel abroad with their children.
  • Extended Maternity Benefits: Paid leave now covers cases of miscarriage and stillbirth, acknowledging the emotional and physical toll on women.
  • Workplace Support: More working women’s hostels, crèches in government offices, and enhanced market access for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) provide greater support for working women.

Conclusion

By easing pension rules and introducing workplace reforms, the government is taking crucial steps to enhance financial security and professional support for women. These measures reflect a broader commitment to gender equality, ensuring women can navigate challenging situations with greater financial independence and stability.

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.

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence with a New Property in Bokaro, Jharkhand

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced a new property under its Keys Select brand in Bokaro, Jharkhand. Managed by its subsidiary, Carnation Hotels Private Limited, this hotel is expected to open in FY 2027. The move aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in key industrial and urban centres.

Strategic Expansion in Bokaro

Bokaro, a major industrial hub, is home to the renowned Bokaro Steel Plant, one of India’s largest. With its mix of industrial, urban, and rural areas, the city presents a lucrative market for hospitality growth. The upcoming Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels will cater to both business and leisure travellers, leveraging Bokaro’s connectivity via road, rail, and air through Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.

Hotel Features and Lemon Tree’s Growth Vision

The new property will offer 50 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet facilities, meeting rooms, a rooftop bar, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and other amenities. This addition strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels’ presence in Jharkhand, where it already operates one hotel with three more in the pipeline. The company, with over 210 hotels, continues to expand domestically and internationally across diverse market segments.

Lemon Tree Hotels Share Performance 

As of March 18, 2025, at 11:10 AM, the shares of Lemon Tree Hotels are trading at ₹131.40 per share, reflecting a surge of around 2.25% from the previous closing price. Over the past month, the stock has registered a gain of 5.90%.

Conclusion

With the launch of Keys Select in Bokaro, Lemon Tree Hotels continues its aggressive expansion strategy, reinforcing its position in India’s growing hospitality industry. This strategic move is set to boost the brand’s footprint in industrial cities while catering to evolving travel demands.

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.

OECD Lowers India’s Growth Forecast for FY26 and FY27

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised India’s growth projections downward for the coming years, citing economic uncertainty and global challenges. While the country is expected to maintain its position as the fastest-growing major economy, the latest estimates reflect a more cautious outlook compared to previous forecasts.

India’s Growth Outlook Revised Downward

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has reduced India’s growth forecast for FY26 to 6.4% from its earlier estimate of 6.9%, citing economic uncertainties. The 38-member organisation also lowered the projection for FY27 to 6.6% from 6.8%. Despite this, India is set to retain its position as the fastest-growing major economy over the next two years.

For the current fiscal year, growth is estimated at 6.3%, with a slight increase to 6.4% in FY26. The OECD’s projection is more conservative than that of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which maintained a 6.7% forecast for FY26 in its February outlook. The Economic Survey placed India’s growth within the range of 6.3% to 6.8% for the same period.

Inflation Concerns and Global Economic Trends

The OECD also raised its inflation forecast for the coming fiscal year to 4.5%, up from 4.2%, diverging from the RBI’s outlook. However, inflation is expected to decline to 4.1% in FY27.

Speaking on global economic conditions, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said, “The global economy has shown some real resilience, with growth remaining steady and inflation moving downwards. However, some signs of weakness have emerged, driven by heightened policy uncertainty.”

Cormann also highlighted concerns over trade restrictions, stating, “Increasing trade restrictions will contribute to higher costs both for production and consumption. It remains essential to ensure a well-functioning, rules-based international trading system and to keep markets open.”

Conclusion

While India’s growth prospects have been slightly downgraded, it remains the fastest-growing major economy. The OECD’s cautious stance on inflation and trade highlights potential risks, even as global economic resilience persists.

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. 

RITES Secures Contract Worth $10.80 Million from Ntokoto Rail Holdings

RITES Ltd. has received an addendum to its contract with Ntokoto Rail Holdings Pty. Ltd., increasing the total order value from $5.40 million (CIF) to $10.80 million (CIF). The additional work involves the supply and commissioning of overhauled in-service Cape Gauge ALCO Diesel Electric Locomotives, which will include new Cape Gauge Bogies, Traction Motors, and an updated Control System.

Contract Details

The work will be executed at a nominated facility, where the locomotives will be overhauled before being delivered. The contract also includes an on-site warranty support period of one year. The execution timeline for the additional work is six months from the date of advance payment.

This is an international contract, with Ntokoto Rail Holdings Pty. Ltd. awarding the work. The contract does not fall under related party transactions, and no promoter or promoter group of RITES has any interest in the awarding entity.

Market Update

As of March 18, 11:37 AM, RITES Ltd. is trading at ₹210.50, up ₹6.14 (3.00%) for the day, while showing a decline of 38.11% over the past six months and 33.39% over the past year.

Conclusion

The original contract, announced earlier, covered the supply of overhauled Cape Gauge ALCO Diesel Electric Locomotives. The new order adds to this scope, incorporating additional locomotives with upgraded components.

RITES is to complete the additional work within the agreed six-month period. The company has not disclosed further details regarding specific delivery timelines beyond the mentioned execution window.

This update was shared with the stock exchanges under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

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.