Niraj Cement Secures ₹268.92 Crore BRO Contract for NH-01 Bypass

Niraj Cement Structurals Limited has been awarded a ₹268.92 crore contract by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) for constructing a four-lane paved shoulder bypass on NH-01 in Jammu and Kashmir. This 10.9 km Greenfield project, undertaken under Project Beacon, will be executed on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis, enhancing regional connectivity.

Key Project Details and Scope

The bypass, part of the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Road, is a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at improving road access and easing traffic congestion. The project will be completed within 24 months, ensuring timely delivery. Notably, no promoter or related party is involved in the contract, ensuring a fair and transparent bidding process.

Strengthening Road Infrastructure Portfolio

This contract further solidifies Niraj Cement Structurals’ presence in the road infrastructure sector. The company has a strong track record in executing large-scale projects and remains committed to delivering high-quality road construction. Through strategic government collaborations, Niraj Cement continues to contribute to India’s transportation and defence infrastructure.

Niraj Cement Share Performance 

As of March 17, 2025, at 12:20 PM, the shares of Niraj Cement Ltd are trading at ₹59.20 per share, reflecting a surge of around 20% from the previous closing price. Over the past month, the stock has registered a gain of 27.58%.

Conclusion

By securing this project, Niraj Cement Structurals reinforces its expertise in infrastructure development. The bypass will play a vital role in improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the company’s commitment to national road expansion initiatives.

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.

Infosys Share Price Recovers from Over 8-Month Low

Infosys is a leading multinational corporation specialising in next-generation digital services and consulting. With a workforce exceeding 300,000, the company plays a pivotal role in advancing human potential while enabling digital transformation for businesses across 56 countries.

With over 4 decades of expertise in managing enterprise systems, Infosys seamlessly integrates cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiencies. The company employs an AI-first strategy, fostering business agility and continuous improvement through knowledge transfer, digital upskilling, and an expansive innovation ecosystem.

Infosys Share Price Movement and Market Sentiment

On March 17, 2025, Infosys’ share price opened lower, reaching its lowest level since June 27, 2024. The stock began trading at ₹1,545.15 on the NSE before recovering to an intraday high of ₹1,589 by 11:02 AM. Despite this partial recovery, the stock has declined over 6% in March 2025 alone.

The downturn in Infosys’ share price aligns with broader concerns regarding a slowing US economy, which raises questions about the sustainability of businesses that depend heavily on American clients. Given that Indian IT firms, including Infosys, derive a significant portion of their revenue from US-based enterprises, macroeconomic uncertainties have weighed on investor sentiment.

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, Infosys’ stock has fallen by 15.66%. The company’s 52-week high and low currently stand at ₹2,006.45 and ₹1,358.35, respectively.

Q3FY25 Financial Performance

Infosys posted a net profit of ₹6,806 crore for Q3FY25, marking an 11.4% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase. On a sequential (quarter-on-quarter) basis, net profit rose by 4.6%, demonstrating resilience despite prevailing economic concerns.

The company’s revenue for the quarter stood at ₹41,764 crore, reflecting a 7.6% Y-o-Y growth. Sequentially, revenue saw a 1.9% increase, indicating that enterprise clients are maintaining their IT spending despite broader economic headwinds.

Conclusion 

While the IT sector faces challenges amid global economic uncertainties, Infosys’ consistent financial performance and strategic focus on AI and cloud-driven transformation continue to position it as a significant player in the digital services 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.

Is Your Fixed Deposit Safe? Know DICGC’s Guarantee and See If Your Bank Is Insured!

Fixed deposits (FDs) have long been considered a safe investment choice, offering assured returns with minimal risk. However, recent financial incidents, such as IndusInd Bank’s accounting error-related crisis, raise concerns about deposit safety. The question remains—how secure is your money if a bank faces financial distress?

In India, deposit insurance is managed by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This insurance scheme provides a safety net for depositors in case of bank failure, but it comes with limitations.

How Safe Is Your Money Under DICGC?

The DICGC guarantees a maximum of ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, covering both the principal and accrued interest. This coverage applies in cases of bank failure, bankruptcy, or licence cancellation by the RBI.

While this protection reassures depositors, it is crucial to understand its limitations, particularly for individuals with large deposits spread across different accounts within the same bank.

Which Banks Are Covered by DICGC?

The DICGC provides insurance for deposits held in:

  • All commercial banks, including public and private sector banks (e.g., SBI, IndusInd, ICICI Bank).
  • Small finance banks and payment banks.
  • State, central, and urban cooperative banks.

However, this insurance does not extend to primary cooperative societies, meaning deposits in such entities are not protected under DICGC.

What Is the Maximum Insurance Limit for a Depositor?

The insurance limit is set at ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, covering various account types such as:

  • Savings accounts
  • Fixed deposits (FDs)
  • Recurring deposits (RDs)
  • Current accounts

For example, if an individual has a ₹4 lakh fixed deposit and earns ₹1.5 lakh in interest, only ₹5 lakh (₹4 lakh principal + ₹1 lakh interest) will be insured. The remaining ₹50,000 in interest will not be covered.

Since this limit applies separately to each bank, depositors seeking additional security often spread their deposits across multiple banks to mitigate risk.

Will the Insurance Limit Increase in the Future?

Historically, the deposit insurance limit has been revised to keep up with economic realities. In 2020, the limit was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh following banking crises involving PMC Bank and Yes Bank.

With recent concerns arising from incidents like the New India Co-operative Bank crisis, industry experts and depositors have called for an increase to ₹10 lakh.

During a parliamentary session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed this issue, stating: “DICGC may propose to the government to increase the deposit insurance limit, keeping in mind its financial position and the interests of the banking system.”

However, as of now, no formal proposal has been made to raise the limit further.

Final Thoughts

While DICGC offers a safety net, the ₹5 lakh limit means depositors with larger amounts should strategise their deposits wisely. Recent banking sector challenges serve as a reminder that understanding deposit insurance and diversifying funds across banks can help manage risk effectively.

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.

Tax-Free State of India: Residents from This State Are Exempted from Tax – Know All the Details

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 on 1st February, one unique financial privilege continues to stand out—Sikkim’s tax-free status. Unlike the rest of India, where income tax is mandatory beyond a certain threshold, Sikkimese residents enjoy complete tax exemption, irrespective of their earnings.

This financial advantage is enshrined in Article 371(F) of the Indian Constitution and Section 10(26AAA) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, ensuring that eligible residents are not liable to pay income tax.

Who Qualifies for Sikkim’s Tax Exemption?

Not all residents of Sikkim qualify for this exemption. The benefit is reserved for individuals officially recognised as Sikkimese under the Sikkim Subjects Regulation, 1961. This includes:

  • Those who had a domicile in Sikkim as of 26th April 1975, the date of Sikkim’s merger with India.
  • Individuals possessing a valid Certificate of Identification (COI), issued to Sikkimese subjects.
  • Descendants of original Sikkimese inhabitants who have retained their tax-exempt status.

In addition to income tax exemption, Sikkimese residents are not required to provide a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for financial transactions in Indian securities and mutual funds. This provision simplifies financial dealings and removes administrative hurdles for investors from Sikkim.

How Sikkim Differs from Other Indian States

Unlike the rest of India, where individuals earning beyond a specific limit must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) and pay taxes accordingly, Sikkimese citizens are exempt from these obligations. Even those earning crores annually do not need to file ITRs.

Additionally, the standard ITR deadline of July 31, applicable across India, does not apply to Sikkimese residents, as they are not required to file returns at all.

Historical Context: Why Sikkim is Tax-Free?

Sikkim was an independent kingdom before it merged with India in 1975. As part of the merger agreement, special provisions were granted to protect the cultural, economic, and political rights of Sikkim’s original residents. One of these privileges included complete exemption from income tax, ensuring financial security for the state’s people.

Economic Advantages of Sikkim’s Tax-Free Status

The absence of income tax allows Sikkimese residents to retain a higher disposable income, leading to:

  • Increased investment in tourism, agriculture, and small businesses.
  • A thriving local economy, as individuals spend more within the state.
  • A competitive edge over other Indian states in attracting investment.

How Sikkim’s Exemption Compares to Other Tax-Free Incomes in India

Although Sikkim enjoys a unique status, India offers tax-free income in certain scenarios, such as:

  • Agricultural income, which remains exempt nationwide.
  • Non-Resident External (NRE) account interest, tax-free under Indian laws.
  • Scholarships, exempt from taxation to support students financially.

While these exemptions are specific to certain income types, Sikkim stands alone as the only state where all earnings are exempt from income tax for eligible residents.

Final Thoughts

Sikkim’s special tax-free status, rooted in its historical merger with India, continues to benefit its residents by providing financial security and encouraging economic growth. While the rest of India follows standard income tax regulations, Sikkim remains a notable exception, making it a fascinating case in the country’s taxation 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.

NSE Revises Tick Size for Stocks and Indices from April 15: What Traders Need to Know

Tick size refers to the minimum price movement by which the price of a security, index, or derivative contract can change. It determines the smallest increment in which buyers and sellers can quote prices. A smaller tick size can enhance liquidity and price efficiency, whereas a larger tick size can help reduce excessive volatility and speculative trading.

What Has NSE Changed?

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced a revision in tick sizes for indices, stocks, and their respective futures and options (F&O) contracts. These changes will vary based on the price of the security and will take effect from April 15, based on the closing prices of March 28.

Changes in Tick Size for Stocks

The tick size for stocks will now depend on their price bands:

  • For stocks priced below ₹250 – The tick size remains 0.01
  • For stocks priced between ₹251 and ₹1,000 – The tick size remains 0.05
  • For stocks priced between ₹1,001 and ₹5,000 – The tick size increases from 0.05 to 0.10
  • For stocks priced between ₹5,001 and ₹10,000 – The tick size increases from 0.05 to 0.50
  • For stocks priced between ₹10,001 and ₹20,000 – The tick size increases from 0.05 to 1.00
  • For stocks priced above ₹20,001 – The tick size increases from 0.05 to 5.00

These modifications will apply to both the cash market (CM) and the stock derivatives (F&O) segment.

Tick Size Adjustments for Indices

The tick size for indices and their corresponding F&O contracts has also been revised:

  • For indices valued below 15,000 – The tick size remains 0.05
  • For indices valued between 15,001 and 30,000 – The tick size increases from 0.05 to 0.10
  • For indices valued above 30,000 – The tick size increases from 0.05 to 0.20

Why Are These Changes Significant?

The revision in tick sizes could impact liquidity, trading strategies, and market efficiency in multiple ways:

  • Price Discovery: A larger tick size can prevent excessive price fluctuations and improve the order book structure.
  • Liquidity Management: Lower tick sizes are useful for stocks with smaller price movements, while higher tick sizes help stabilise prices of expensive stocks.
  • Market Efficiency: By adjusting tick sizes based on price bands, NSE aims to enhance market depth and efficiency across different segments.

Conclusion

With these adjustments, traders and investors need to reassess their strategies to align with the new tick size framework from April 15.

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.

Invesco and Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Funds Announce Income Distribution

Invesco Mutual Fund and Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund have announced income distributions for their respective schemes. The record date for both distributions is March 17, 2025.

Invesco Mutual Fund has declared an income distribution of ₹2.40 per unit under the IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) option of its Invesco India ELSS Tax Saver Fund. This applies to both regular and direct plans of the scheme.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund has announced an income distribution for its Aditya Birla Sun Life CRISIL IBX Gilt Apr 2029 Index Fund. The payout under the Direct-IDCW option is ₹0.3484 per unit, while under the Regular-IDCW option, it is ₹0.3463 per unit.

Record Date and Eligibility

The record date for both income distributions is March 17, 2025. Investors holding units of these funds as of this date will be eligible to receive the declared income distribution.

Fund Overview

The Invesco India ELSS Tax Saver Fund is an Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) that allows investors to avail tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. It has a three-year lock-in period, as is the case with all ELSS funds.

The Aditya Birla Sun Life CRISIL IBX Gilt Apr 2029 Index Fund primarily invests in government securities with maturities aligned to April 2029. Gilt funds invest in government bonds and do not have credit risk, as they are backed by the government.

Conclusion 

The income distribution amount will be credited to the bank accounts of eligible investors or reinvested, depending on the payout preference selected. Investors can check with their mutual fund service provider or distributor for further details regarding the distribution.

This income distribution does not impact the net asset value (NAV) of the funds, as the payout amount is adjusted accordingly.

Ensure steady returns with systematic withdrawals! Estimate your withdrawals with our SWP Calculator and manage your finances seamlessly.

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.

Nippon India Mutual Fund Announces Scheme Mergers

Nippon India Mutual Fund has announced the merger of 4 of its close-ended schemes, effective from April 23, 2025. The schemes being merged are Nippon India Quarterly Interval Series III, Nippon India Quarterly Interval Series II, and Nippon India Quarterly Interval Series I, all of which will merge into Nippon India Liquid Fund.

Details of the Merger

Following this merger, Nippon India Quarterly Interval Series III, Nippon India Quarterly Interval Series II, and Nippon India Quarterly Interval Series I will no longer exist as separate schemes. Instead, investors holding units in these schemes will automatically become unit holders of the Nippon India Liquid Fund from the merger’s effective date.

Impact on Investors

The merger implies a direct shift in investors’ holdings from their existing interval schemes to Nippon India Liquid Fund. Post-merger, their investments will follow the objectives and investment strategy of Nippon India Liquid Fund, which primarily invests in money market and short-term debt instruments. 

Exit and Switch Option

For investors who do not wish to participate in this merger, Nippon India Mutual Fund has provided an exit window. Investors can redeem or switch their investments to other available schemes without incurring any exit load charges. This window will remain open from March 24, 2025, to April 22, 2025. After this period, normal exit load provisions, if applicable, will resume.

Scheme Information Post-Merger

Once the merger is complete, Nippon India Liquid Fund will incorporate the assets and liabilities of the merged interval schemes. This integration will result in the combined management of assets previously managed individually under the quarterly interval schemes. Investors joining Nippon India Liquid Fund will experience daily liquidity and an investment approach focused on short-term instruments.

Conclusion

Investors to consider the merger details and timelines carefully. The merger aims to consolidate the mutual fund’s product offerings without expressing a stance on the merits of the resulting fund.

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, so read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Maruti Suzuki India to Increase Car Prices from April 2025

Maruti Suzuki has announced that it will increase the prices of its vehicles from April 2025. The company cited rising input costs and operational expenses as the reasons behind this decision. The price hike is expected to be up to 4%, with variations depending on the model.

Previous Price Hikes 

This is Maruti Suzuki’s third price increase in 3 months, following hikes in January and February 2025. Other automakers, including Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors and JSW MG Motor, have also raised prices in recent months due to rising production costs. Hyundai increased prices by up to ₹25,000 earlier this year, while Mahindra & Mahindra and JSW MG Motor implemented hikes of up to 3% in January 2025.

Input Costs and Global Disruptions

The cost of raw materials such as aluminium, zinc, and rubber has risen significantly. Reports suggest that aluminium prices increased by 10.6% year-on-year, while rubber prices surged by 26.8%. Additionally, global shipping disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea, have led to higher container rates, increasing logistics expenses. 

Currency fluctuations have also contributed to the rising costs of imported components.

Maruti Suzuki’s Sales Performance

In February 2025, Maruti Suzuki sold 199,400 vehicles, a marginal 0.97% increase from 197,471 units in the same month last year. Domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 160,791 units, up by 0.32% year-on-year. However, exports declined by 13.5% to 25,021 units.

Market Impact

Following the announcement, Maruti Suzuki’s share price rose nearly 2%, reaching ₹11,737.10 per share at 9:55 AM today. The stock has fallen 9% in the past month but has gained 3.3% year-to-date. Over the past five years, it has delivered a 107% return.

Conclusion 

With input costs continuing to rise, further price adjustments by automakers remain a possibility. The company has stated that it is working on cost optimisation but may need to pass on some of the increased costs to customers.

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.

Patanjali Ayurved Acquires Majority Stake in Magma General Insurance

Patanjali Ayurved, owned by Baba Ramdev and Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group) has entered India’s general insurance sector by acquiring a majority stake in Magma General Insurance. This acquisition, valued at ₹4,500 crore, marks Patanjali’s first foray into the insurance business, expanding its operations beyond Ayurvedic products, wellness, and FMCG segments.

As of 12:13 pm on March 17, Patanjali Foods Ltd shares traded at ₹1,724, up 0.31% today, but declined 6.88% over the past 6 months and 21.82% in the past year.

Details of the Transaction

The primary seller in this deal is Senoti Properties, a joint venture owned by businessman Adar Poonawalla and Rising Sun Holdings. Senoti previously held a 74.5% stake in Magma General Insurance. Additional sellers include Celica Developers, Jaguar Advisory Services, Keki Mistry, Atul DP Family Trust, Shahi Sterling Exports, and QRG Investments & Holdings.

Ambit Pvt Ltd acted as the exclusive financial advisor, while Khaitan & Co and Wadia Gandhy & Co served as legal advisors to the sellers.

Rationale 

Following the acquisition, Patanjali Ayurved will become the promoter of Magma General Insurance. Patanjali aims to leverage its distribution network, which includes access to rural markets through 200,000 retail counters, national-level chains such as Reliance Retail, Hyper City, Star Bazaar, and 250 Patanjali Mega Stores.

The acquisition awaits regulatory approval before completion.

Magma General Insurance

Magma General Insurance operates across several sectors, including motor, health, property, and commercial insurance. For FY24, the company reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹3,295 crore. It anticipates closing FY25 with a GWP between ₹3,650 crore and ₹3,700 crore. The company has maintained a 5-year average growth rate of 26%, supported by partnerships with over 2,000 corporate clients, 18,000 agents, 14 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and more than 80 financial service businesses.

Conclusion

The insurance sector in India is undergoing regulatory changes, including the opening of 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Currently, the Indian general insurance sector remains underpenetrated compared to developed markets, as per the reports. Regulatory body IRDAI has outlined a goal of providing universal insurance coverage by 2047.

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: Tata Mutual Fund Launches BSE Quality Index Fund

Tata Mutual Fund is launching the Tata BSE Quality Index Fund, an open-ended index fund that will track the BSE Quality Total Return Index (TRI). The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open on March 17, 2025, and close on March 23, 2025. The fund will allot units on April 3, 2025.

Objective and Strategy

The fund aims to replicate the returns of the BSE Quality TRI before expenses, subject to tracking error. It follows a passive investment approach, meaning it invests in the same stocks as the index in the same proportion.

The majority of assets, 95%-100%, will be allocated to stocks in the BSE Quality TRI. Up to 5% may be invested in debt and money market instruments for liquidity purposes.

Investment Requirements

  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000
  • Additional Investment: ₹1,000 and above
  • Minimum Redemption: ₹500 or 50 units, whichever is lower

Fund Plans and Options

Investors can choose between:

  • Direct Plan (for those investing without a distributor)
  • Regular Plan (for those investing through a distributor)

Each plan offers two options:

  • Growth
  • Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW)

If no selection is made, the default option will be the Direct Plan – Growth.

Exit Load and Other Charges

  • Entry Load: Nil
  • Exit Load: 0.25% if units are redeemed within 15 days of allotment
  • Stamp Duty: 0.005% on purchase transactions as per SEBI regulations

Conclusion

The fund is classified under the “Very High Risk” category, meaning its value can fluctuate based on stock market movements. The scheme will be managed by Kapil Menon, who handles other index funds at Tata Mutual Fund.

Investors should review all details before making a decision.

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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.