Dubai Gold Price vs. India: How Much Can You Save After Import Duty?

Dubai has long been a preferred destination for gold buyers, especially for Indians. The key reason is the price difference. As of March 10, 2025, the gold price in Dubai stood at 3,440 AED per 10 grams, which translates to ₹81,767 (conversion rate: 1 AED = ₹23.77). Comparatively, in Mumbai, gold was priced at ₹87,820 per 10 grams, making Dubai’s gold about 7% cheaper.

Furthermore, gold prices in the international market are even higher, trading at $2,913.12 per ounce (28.3495 grams). This makes both Dubai and Mumbai relatively more affordable options.

Understanding the Tariff Value of Gold

When importing gold to India, customs duty is calculated based on the tariff value (also called the base rate) set by the government rather than the price at which it was purchased.

What Is the Import Duty on Gold?

The import duty on gold was significantly reduced from 15% to 6% in the Union Budget 2024-25 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This change has made importing gold to India more affordable.

How Much Do You Save When Buying Gold from Dubai?

Indian Customs calculates duty based on a notified tariff value, not the purchase price.

Currently, the tariff price of gold stands at $927 per 10 grams. It was reduced on February 28 by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) from the $938 earlier.

Here’s the calculation: 

Tariff Value in INR = Tariff Value in USD×USD/INR Conversion Rate

Tariff Value in INR = 927*87.31

Tariff Value =₹80,936.37

Calculate Customs Duty

Customs duty is 6% of the notified tariff value.

₹80,936.37*6%= 4,856

Thus, after adding this duty, the effective cost of Dubai gold in India becomes ₹86,623 per 10 grams. This still remains cheaper than Mumbai’s gold price by approximately 1.36%.

Note: USD/INR conversion is considered at 87.31. 

How Much Gold Can You Bring from Dubai to India?

Indian travellers bringing gold from Dubai must adhere to certain limits:

  1. Male passengers can carry up to 20 grams of gold, with a maximum value of ₹50,000, duty-free.
  2. Female passengers can carry up to 40 grams, with a maximum value of ₹1,00,000, duty-free.
  3. If the gold exceeds these limits, customs duty must be paid on the excess amount.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying Gold from Dubai?

While gold prices in Dubai are lower, the final cost depends on import duty, tariff value, and conversion rates. With recent reductions in import duty, the savings are relatively lower but still exist. However, if someone buys within the duty-free limits, the benefit can be more significant.

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’s Mega Food and Herbal Park in Nagpur Set to Revolutionise Orange Processing

Patanjali Ayurved Ltd is set to inaugurate its much-anticipated Mega Food and Herbal Park in Mihan, Nagpur, this Sunday. With an investment of ₹1,500 crore, this state-of-the-art facility is poised to transform the agricultural and food processing landscape of Vidarbha. The inauguration will be graced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and yoga guru Ramdev. The plant, which boasts cutting-edge technology, will focus on processing oranges and other fruits while ensuring minimal waste and maximum efficiency.

Asia’s Largest Orange Processing Facility

Acharya Balkrishna, Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, stated that the Nagpur plant is Asia’s largest and most advanced orange processing unit. With a daily processing capacity of 800 tonnes, the facility operates on a zero-waste model, starting with extracting volatile and fragrance oil from orange peels. The plant will not only cater to domestic demand but also aim to provide export-quality products, strengthening India’s position in the global food processing industry. Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Patanjali has successfully brought this project to fruition, marking a significant step for the farmers of Vidarbha.

Boosting Agriculture and Employment in Vidarbha

The Mega Food Park will process a variety of fruits and vegetables, including lime, amla, pomegranate, guava, grapes, gourd, carrot, mango, onion, and tomato. This initiative is expected to uplift local farmers by providing them with a stable market for their produce while also generating employment opportunities in the region. Acharya Balkrishna emphasised that almost every village in the area is now connected to the project, which will directly contribute to the prosperity of local farmers.

Patanjali Share Performance

As of March 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM, the Patanjali Foods share price is trading at ₹1,752.00 per share, up by 0.13% from the previous closing price 

Conclusion

Patanjali’s Mega Food and Herbal Park in Nagpur is a milestone in India’s food processing sector. By integrating advanced technology, a zero-waste system, and farmer-centric operations, the facility is set to revolutionise agricultural practices in Vidarbha. 

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.

Mahila Samriddhi Yojana: Delhi Govt Approves the Scheme to Support Women Financially

In a significant move towards women’s empowerment, the Delhi government has approved the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month to eligible women, fulfilling a key election promise made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Announced on International Women’s Day, the initiative has been allocated a budget of ₹5,100 crore. The government has also formed a committee led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, to oversee its implementation. A portal will be launched and the registration for the scheme will start soon.

Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents

  • To benefit from the scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
  • Must be a woman citizen of India
  • Must be a permanent resident of Delhi
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have an active bank account for fund transfer

Applicants will need to provide specific documents for verification, including:

  • Aadhaar card for identity proof
  • Ration card to establish economic status
  • Proof of address such as a voter ID or electricity bill
  • A registered mobile number for OTP verification and updates

A committee of three ministers—Kapil Mishra, Ashish Sood, and Pravesh Verma—has been formed to finalise the eligibility criteria and ensure smooth execution.

Conclusion

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a step towards financial inclusion and empowerment for women in Delhi. With a substantial budget and a structured implementation plan, the scheme aims to provide direct economic support to women from economically weaker sections. 

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.

FINNIFTY Outperforms Nifty 50 on YTD Basis: A Closer Look at the Financial Sector’s Resilience

The Nifty Financial Services Index (FINNIFTY) is designed to represent the behaviour and performance of India’s financial sector. It includes companies from banking, housing finance, insurance, and other financial services, making it a key benchmark for tracking the financial market’s movement.

The index is computed using the free-float market capitalisation method, meaning its value reflects the total free-float market value of all its constituent stocks relative to a predefined base market capitalisation. The Nifty Financial Services Total Returns Index (TRI) is also an available variant, which factors in dividends received from the index constituents.

Latest Market Update: March 10, 2025

As of 3:10 PM on March 10, 2025, the FINNIFTY index was down by 0.30%, trading at 23,065, after hitting an intraday high of 23,288. The index had fallen over 200 points from the day’s high.

Out of the 20 constituent stocks, 14 were in the red, while only 6 stocks were trading in positive territory, reflecting a broad-based decline in the financial sector.

Performance Comparison with Nifty 50

  • On a month-to-date (MTD) basis, the Nifty Financial Services Index is up by 0.17%, whereas the Nifty 50 index has gained 1.57%, indicating relative underperformance in March.
  • On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the FINNIFTY is down by 1.94%, whereas the Nifty 50 has declined by 5.02%, showing that the financial services sector has outperformed the broader market so far this year.

Conclusion

The Nifty Financial Services Index plays a crucial role in tracking India’s financial sector and is widely used for portfolio benchmarking and investment products. While its performance fluctuates in response to market conditions, it remains a key barometer of financial sector trends. Investors and market participants closely monitor the index to gauge the financial industry’s overall health and momentum.

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.

Top 5 Flexicap Mutual Funds for Lumpsum Investment in 2025

Introduction

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have gained immense popularity among investors seeking disciplined investing. However, lumpsum investments continue to be a preferred route for those looking to capitalise on market corrections and long-term wealth creation. With the Indian stock market experiencing a phase of correction, now may be an opportune time for investors to explore mutual fund schemes suitable for lumpsum investments.

Among the various categories available, flexicap mutual funds offer diversified exposure across market capitalisations, providing both stability and growth potential. 

In this article, we will examine the top-performing flexicap mutual funds for lumpsum investment in 2025, based on their 5-year CAGR performance.

Top 5 Flexicap Mutual Funds Based on 5-Year CAGR

The following funds have demonstrated strong performance over the past 5 years, making them notable options for investors considering lumpsum investments:

Scheme Name Launch Date AUM (₹ in Crore) Expense Ratio (%) 5-year CAGR (%)
Quant Flexi Cap  01-09-2008 6,725.72 1.8 30.09
HDFC Flexi Cap  01-01-1995 65,966.82 1.42 24.55
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap  05-05-2013 89,703.46 1.33 24.46
Franklin India Flexi Cap  29-09-1994 17,202.58 1.71 21.74
JM Flexi Cap 23-09-2008 5,185.66 1.81 21.28

Note: Performance as of March 7, 2025. 

Lumpsum Investment Growth Over 5 Years

To better understand the potential of lumpsum investments, let’s consider an example where an investor had invested ₹5,00,000 in each of these funds 5 years ago. The table below shows the current value of the investment:

Scheme Name Invested Amount in ₹ Current Value in ₹
Quant Flexi Cap  5,00,000 18,65,486
HDFC Flexi Cap 5,00,000 15,00,321
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap 5,00,000 14,94,728
Franklin India Flexi Cap  5,00,000 13,38,629
JM Flexi Cap 5,00,000 13,13,427

Note: Value as of March 7, 2025. 

Conclusion

Flexicap mutual funds continue to be a compelling category for lumpsum investments, given their flexibility and ability to navigate diverse market conditions. The funds listed above have shown strong performance based on their 5-year CAGR, making them notable considerations for 2025.

However, investment decisions should be based on individual financial goals and risk appetite. Investors should conduct thorough research or seek professional advice before making any financial commitments.

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.

Nifty Smallcap 100 Index Witnesses Sharpest Fall Since February 28: Declines 1.89%

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index is a benchmark that tracks the performance of 100 small-cap stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). It reflects the behaviour of the small-cap segment, making it an important reference for investors evaluating smaller companies in the financial market.

The index is computed using the free-float market capitalisation method, meaning its level represents the total market value of all stocks in the index relative to a specific base market capitalisation. The Nifty Smallcap 100 is widely used for benchmarking fund portfolios, as well as for launching index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and structured products.

Sharpest Fall Since February 28: Market Performance on March 10, 2025

As of 2:38 PM on March 10, 2025, the Nifty Smallcap 100 Index is down 1.89%, marking its sharpest fall since February 28. The index initially surpassed the 15,600 level in early trade, but profit booking led to a reversal, pushing it into negative territory. Selling pressure intensified in the afternoon session, dragging the index further down.

Advance-Decline Ratio Highlights Broad Market Weakness

The market breadth reflects significant weakness in the small-cap segment, as indicated by the advance-decline ratio:

  • 87 stocks within the index are declining
  • 13 stocks are trading higher
  • 6 stocks have registered a decline of over 5%

The widespread decline suggests broad-based selling pressure within the small-cap segment.

Year-to-Date and Monthly Performance

Despite a positive start to March, the index continues to face headwinds:

  • Year-to-date (YTD) decline: 19% (as of March 10, 2025)
  • March 2025 returns so far: +3.57%

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index has significantly underperformed the Nifty50, reflecting ongoing challenges for the small-cap sector.

Final Thoughts

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index serves as a crucial indicator of the small-cap market’s performance. While it showed some resilience earlier in March, the sharp fall on March 10—its steepest decline since 28 February—indicates continued volatility in the small-cap 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.

India’s Housing Finance Market Set to Double to ₹81 Lakh Crore in 5 Years

India’s housing finance sector is poised for significant expansion, with projections indicating a doubling of its market size from ₹33 lakh crore (US$ 378 billion) to ₹81 lakh crore (US$ 928 billion) over the next 5 years. This growth is underpinned by structural demand, favourable policy incentives, and a shift towards higher-value housing loans.

Banks Lead, HFCs Maintain Steady Growth

Banks continue to dominate the housing finance market, accounting for 74.5% of total loans as of March 2024. Their competitive interest rates, extensive branch networks, and strategic portfolio acquisitions have enabled them to sustain leadership. Meanwhile, housing finance companies (HFCs) hold a stable 19% market share, with their loan portfolio growing by 13.2% in FY24 to ₹9.6 lakh crore (US$ 110.02 billion).

Impressive Growth Trajectory of Housing Loans

Between FY22 and FY24, housing loans witnessed a 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in banks, while HFCs expanded at a 12% CAGR. The report forecasts that HFCs will continue to grow at 12.7% in FY25 and 13.5% in FY26, driven by increasing demand in the retail segment.

Premiumisation and Higher Loan Ticket Sizes

A growing preference for premium housing has led to a notable increase in the average loan ticket size. This shift aligns with the broader premiumisation trend in India’s real estate sector, where homebuyers are opting for larger and more expensive properties, necessitating bigger loans.

Government Support and Market Drivers

Favourable government policies, including interest rate subsidies, incentives for affordable housing, and regulatory support, have played a crucial role in boosting housing finance. Additionally, urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and evolving homeownership aspirations continue to fuel demand for housing loans.

Conclusion

India’s housing finance market is on an upward trajectory, with sustained growth anticipated over the next 5 years. The interplay of structural demand, increasing loan values, and policy support will be key in shaping the sector’s evolution. While banks maintain a stronghold, HFCs are expected to capitalise on niche segments, ensuring a balanced expansion across the industry.

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’s Semiconductor Industry: A ₹3.47 Lakh Crore Opportunity by 2030

India’s semiconductor industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market size of ₹3,47,800 crore (US$ 40 billion) by 2030. This expansion is primarily driven by developments in the supply chain ecosystem, particularly the availability of chemicals and gases essential for chip manufacturing.

According to the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the global semiconductor supply chain market is expected to reach ₹36,51,700 crore (US$ 420 billion) by 2030. India aims to capture a 10% share of this lucrative sector, marking a significant leap in the country’s technological ambitions.

Supply Chain and Ecosystem Development: A Key Focus

Speaking at the IESA Vision Summit, IESA President, Mr Ashok Chandak, underscored the importance of learning from established global semiconductor hubs. Given the complexity of semiconductor manufacturing—often involving over ten countries in the value chain—India needs to establish a robust local supply chain.

Key components such as gases, chemicals, and raw materials play a crucial role in semiconductor fabrication. To become a competitive player, India must ensure adequate local production and seamless supply of these critical materials.

A Growing Demand for Skilled Workforce

The semiconductor sector’s expansion will also require a significant skilled workforce. The IESA report forecasts that India will need:

  • 1.50 million skilled workers
  • 5 million semi-skilled workers

This workforce demand is expected to materialise by 2026-27, highlighting the need for substantial training and education initiatives in semiconductor-related disciplines.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Collaboration

To accelerate India’s semiconductor aspirations, over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed at the IESA Vision Summit. Notably, Tata Electronics entered into agreements with:

  • Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC)
  • Himax Technologies

These collaborations aim to strengthen India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, attracting global expertise and investment.

Conclusion

India’s semiconductor industry is on the path to becoming a significant global player, with supply chain development, workforce training, and strategic partnerships serving as crucial pillars of growth. While challenges remain, India’s commitment to expanding its semiconductor capabilities signals a promising future for the industry.

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.

10 Mutual Funds with 10 Consecutive Years of Positive Returns (2015-2024)

Equity mutual funds are inherently linked to market fluctuations, making it rare for any scheme to generate positive returns year after year without interruption. However, some funds have demonstrated resilience, successfully navigating market volatility, economic downturns, and global uncertainties while delivering positive returns consistently over the last decade.

In this article, we highlight 10 such equity mutual funds that have shown remarkable consistency from 2015 to 2024.

Here are 10 mutual fund schemes with positive returns every year for the past decade: 

 

Funds 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Mirae Asset Great Consumer Fund 5.27 3.29 53.08 3.17 10.45 13 35.18 8.89 34.87 18.74
Canara Robeco Consumer Trends Fund 2.86 4.29 42.5 3.31 14.28 22.09 31.9 7.6 27.97 21.64
Kotak Flexicap Fund 3.95 10.75 35.86 0.16 13.36 12.89 26.59 5.98 25.31 17.36
Invesco India Large & Mid Cap Fund 5.8 5.19 42.02 1.24 11.94 14.65 31.44 0.89 33.2 38.72
Nippon India Large Cap Fund 1.85 3.43 39.91 0.86 8.15 5.85 33.42 12.3 33.23 19.13
Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund 0.64 3 32.77 4.52 17.2 24.85 26.51 2.29 23.74 19.04
ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund 0.79 8.81 33.92 0.21 10.5 14.2 29.96 7.53 28.14 17.39
Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund 5.12 8.93 39.57 0.22 13.97 14.96 29.13 2.65 19.65 13.68
Edelweiss Large Cap Fund 1.5 1.16 34.99 2.5 12.96 19.28 25.17 5.03 27.63 16.27
ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund 3.77 11.35 29.57 1.19 7.01 10.27 37.62 5.61 36.48 21.5

10-Year Returns and Mutual Fund Categories

Fund Name Last 10 year Returns % Fund Category
Mirae Asset Great Consumer Fund 186 Thematic Fund
Canara Robeco Consumer Trends Fund 178 Thematic Fund
Kotak Flexicap Fund 152 Flexi Cap
Invesco India Large & Mid Cap Fund 185 Large & Mid Cap Fund
Nippon India Large Cap Fund 158 Large Cap Fund
Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund 155 Large Cap Fund
ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund 151 Large Cap Fund
Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund 148 Large Cap Fund
Edelweiss Large Cap Fund 146 Large Cap Fund
ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund 164 Multi Cap Fund

Conclusion 

These 10 equity mutual funds have defied market fluctuations, delivering uninterrupted positive returns over the past decade. 

Want to plan regular withdrawals? Our SWP Calculator helps you calculate how much you can withdraw while keeping your investments intact. Try it now!

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.

Central Government Employees to Get DA Hike Before 8th Pay Commission

With the formal setup of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on the horizon, central government employees are eagerly awaiting an increase in their Dearness Allowance (DA), as per news report. The hike, which is typically announced in March and implemented from January, is determined by the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW). Based on recent data, a 2% increase in DA is expected, taking it to 55% of the basic pay.

Expected DA Hike Based on AICPI-IW Trends

The DA rate is calculated using the AICPI-IW data released by the Labour Bureau in Shimla. The latest figures indicate a 0.8% decline in the index, dropping to 143.7 in December 2024. Given this slowdown in CPI inflation for industrial workers, analysts and employee representatives anticipate a 2% increase in DA.

Rupak Sarkar, president of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, has stated that their calculations also indicate a 2% rise. Similarly, Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary of the NC-JCM (Staff Side), has acknowledged the probability of such an increment. If implemented, this hike will elevate the DA rate from 53% to 55% of the basic pay.

Formation of the 8th Pay Commission Underway

Meanwhile, the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission is progressing, with its chairperson and members expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Once formed, the commission will begin its work in April 2025, focusing on revising pay structures and allowances for central government employees.

The final decision on the DA hike rests with the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the government has yet to make an official announcement, employees remain hopeful that the expected increment will soon be confirmed.

Conclusion

As central government employees await an official confirmation on the DA hike, the broader discussion around pay revisions continues with the upcoming 8th Pay Commission. The expected 2% DA increment, though modest, will provide some relief amidst inflationary pressures. 

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.