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L&T Launches India's First ESG Bonds, Raises ₹500 Crore!

L&T Launches India's First ESG Bonds, Raises ₹500 Crore!

L&T Launches India’s First ESG Bonds, Raises ₹500 Crore!

Larsen & Toubro sets a new precedent in green finance by issuing and listing India’s first ESG bonds, marking a crucial step towards responsible capital markets.

Summary:
Engineering and infrastructure leader Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has made history by becoming the first Indian firm to list Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) bonds on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The company successfully raised ₹500 crore through this pioneering issuance, signalling a strong commitment to sustainable business practices and opening the gateway for future ESG investments in India’s debt capital markets.

In a significant development highlighting the increasing significance of sustainable financing in India, engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) revealed the listing of the nation’s inaugural ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) bonds on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The conglomerate successfully raised ₹500 crore through the issue of debentures, becoming the first Indian issuer to officially enter the ESG bond arena via the public debt market.
This initiative places L&T firmly at the forefront of India’s transition toward green and responsible capital markets, aligning itself with global best practices and investor expectations for ESG compliance and transparency.

What Are ESG Bonds?
ESG bonds, also known as sustainable bonds, are financial instruments specifically designed to fund projects or business activities that meet predefined environmental, social, and governance objectives. These could include initiatives like:
Renewable energy development
Water conservation
Green building infrastructure
Reducing carbon footprint
Supporting social welfare programs
Governance reforms and transparency enhancement
Unlike conventional corporate bonds, ESG bonds require rigorous use-of-proceeds disclosures, regular impact reporting, and independent verification of ESG objectives.

The Details of L&T’s ESG Bond Issue
According to the official release, the ₹500 crore raised through privately placed debentures will be allocated towards sustainable infrastructure and clean energy projects, as well as initiatives aimed at improving social outcomes.
The bonds have been structured to align with international ESG bond frameworks, such as those laid out by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). In particular, the bond issuance complies with the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability-Linked Bond Guidelines, ensuring the highest levels of integrity and accountability.
The details regarding the tenure, coupon rates, and the makeup of investors in the issue have not been completely revealed. However, it has garnered interest from both domestic and international institutional investors who are progressively incorporating ESG considerations into their investment approaches.

L&T’s ESG Vision and Long-Term Commitment
As one of India’s largest infrastructure companies, L&T has been vocal about embedding ESG at the heart of its corporate strategy. The company has already laid out a multi-pronged sustainability roadmap that includes:
Achieving carbon neutrality by 2040
Enhancing the proportion of renewable energy in its activities
Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Promoting diversity and inclusion across its workforce
Strengthening corporate governance and ethical compliance
The ESG bond issuance is not just a symbolic move but a strategic financial decision aimed at aligning the company’s capital structure with its sustainability goals.

Industry Reactions
Market participants and sustainability advocates have welcomed L&T’s bold initiative.
Ashishkumar Chauhan, Managing Director and CEO of NSE, remarked:
“The listing of India’s first ESG bonds by L&T is a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian capital markets. It will serve as a benchmark for future sustainable finance issuances in the country.”
Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser, SBI, noted:
“ESG investing is not a passing trend but the future of capital allocation. L&T’s move can pave the way for more Indian corporates to explore innovative, green financial products.”

India’s ESG Investment Landscape: Ready for Takeoff?
The global ESG bond market has crossed $5 trillion, with countries like China, the US, and members of the EU leading the pack. India has been relatively slow to adopt ESG bonds in public capital markets, with most green finance so far being routed through private placements or international issuances.
However, the listing of L&T’s ESG bonds may act as a catalyst for other Indian companies and public sector units to explore ESG-aligned instruments for financing.
The Indian government has also conveyed its support by:
Regulatory incentives for ESG disclosures
Introduction of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) norms
Proposed framework for sovereign green bonds
With the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) increasingly focusing on green finance guidelines, the ecosystem for ESG bond issuance is expected to flourish in the coming years.

What It Means for Investors
For institutional investors—especially pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and ESG-focused mutual funds—the listing provides a new avenue to align investment portfolios with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Retail investors, though not directly participating in this issuance, will also benefit in the long run as ESG-aligned businesses are more likely to demonstrate long-term value creation, lower risk profiles, and greater regulatory compliance.

Conclusion
L&T has set a new direction for sustainable finance in India by successfully raising ₹500 crore through the country’s inaugural publicly listed ESG bonds. This move not only reflects the company’s commitment to responsible development but also serves as a benchmark for other corporates to align their funding strategies with global sustainability goals.
In a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem where “green is the new gold,” L&T’s pioneering ESG bond issue signals that Indian companies are ready to lead from the front.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Swiggy’s Financial Turnaround: Losses Narrow, Quick Commerce Surges in 2024

Bajaj Finance Stock Split and Bonus Shares: Turning 10 Shares into 100

Fintech Stock Soars: 1:5 Split & Bonus Approved!

Fintech Stock Soars: 1:5 Split & Bonus Approved!

In a bold move to enhance liquidity and shareholder value, MOS Utility Ltd. announces a stock split and bonus shares; shares rally as investors cheer twin benefits.

MOS Utility Limited, a small-cap multi-bagger in the fintech industry, obtained board approval on June 7, 2025, for a 1-for-5 stock split along with a 1-for-1 bonus share issuance. The decision is aimed at enhancing stock affordability and rewarding existing shareholders. The company also approved an increase in its authorized share capital. The news triggered bullish momentum in the stock, which jumped 3% intraday and was trading higher at ₹278.1 on the NSE with rising volumes.

In a move aimed at benefiting shareholders, MOS Utility Limited, a fast-expanding small-cap fintech company, has declared a 1:5 stock split along with a 1:1 bonus issue. The twin corporate actions were approved by the company’s Board of Directors on June 7, 2025, signalling strong business confidence and a commitment to value creation for its stakeholders.
The development sparked investor enthusiasm, with the stock rising 3% intraday on Thursday, touching new highs on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The price momentum was supported by increasing volumes as investors rushed to capitalize on the upcoming share entitlements.

Breakdown of the Corporate Actions
Stock Split (Face Value Adjustment):
The board has sanctioned the division of each equity share with a face value of ₹10 into five equity shares, each with a face value of ₹2. This stock split improves market liquidity by making shares more attainable for a larger group of retail investors.
Bonus Issue (Free Shares):
Alongside the split, the company has declared a bonus issue in the ratio of 1:1, i.e., shareholders will receive one additional equity share for every share held post-split.
Increase in Authorized Share Capital:
In anticipation of the bonus issuance and future expansion plans, the company has also proposed to enhance its authorized share capital, enabling it to issue additional equity in the future if required.

About MOS Utility Limited
MOS Utility Ltd. is a small-cap fintech company with a market capitalization of ₹693.5 crore as of June 13, 2025. It operates a unified open API and wallet platform, offering a wide range of digital financial services — including prepaid cards, e-wallets, UPI, bill payments, recharges, travel bookings, and utility services — to both businesses and individual customers.
The firm has been making waves in the fintech sector by enabling last-mile delivery of digital services, particularly in rural and semi-urban India. Its B2B2C model allows agents and franchises to onboard end-users, creating a scalable and inclusive ecosystem. This has attracted retail investors and HNIs looking for multi-bagger opportunities in India’s booming digital infrastructure space.

Stock Performance: A Multibagger Journey
The stock of MOS Utility has been on an impressive rise, providing substantial returns over the last few quarters. From being an under-the-radar small-cap player, the company has captured investor attention through consistent operational growth, fintech tailwinds, and strategic partnerships.
On Thursday, following the corporate announcement:
The stock opened strong and surged 3% intraday.
By 12:24 p.m., it was trading at ₹278.1, up from the previous day’s close of ₹275.5.
Market participants witnessed a visible uptick in volume, indicating positive sentiment.
Given the upcoming stock split and bonus shares, the adjusted stock price is expected to become more accessible for retail investors, increasing participation and enhancing liquidity.

Why This Matters for Investors
Liquidity Boost: Stock splits often increase trading volume by making shares more affordable for small investors.
Perceived Value Creation: Bonus shares are seen as a reward to shareholders and indicate management confidence in future cash flows.
Widened Retail Base: A lower share price post-split coupled with bonus shares could attract new investors and boost visibility.
Psychological Trigger: Twin announcements — primarily when combined — often act as bullish triggers in the short term, especially for small-cap momentum stocks.

Management Commentary
While the official press release is awaited, sources close to the company suggest that these actions are in line with MOS Utility’s broader strategy to democratize shareholding and strengthen long-term investor trust. The firm has been preparing for aggressive growth, and this financial restructuring aligns with its future capital market plans.

What’s Next?
The record date for eligibility of the stock split and bonus shares is expected to be announced shortly.
Shareholders who are on the record date will qualify to receive the updated number of shares.
Analysts anticipate more institutional interest post-split due to higher float and liquidity.

Conclusion:
The dual announcement of a 1:5 stock split and 1:1 bonus issue by MOS Utility Ltd. has reaffirmed the company’s growth-oriented mindset and its drive to boost shareholder value. The move is timely, especially as fintech stocks continue to outperform amidst India’s digital transformation boom. With a rising market cap and increased visibility, MOS Utility is positioning itself as a formidable player in the financial services landscape.
Investors who have been holding the stock are likely to reap the benefits of these corporate actions, while new investors may find the adjusted entry price more attractive. In the future, all eyes will be on the company’s execution capabilities, product expansion, and ability to scale its agent network to sustain its multi-bagger run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Paytm Shares Plunge Over 10% Amid MDR Rumours and Government Clarification

Raymond Realty to Make Its Debut on Stock Exchanges After Demerger in Q2

Raymond Realty Demerger Completed, Shareholders to Receive Shares on 1:1 Basis

Raymond Realty Demerger Completed, Shareholders to Receive Shares on 1:1 Basis

 

Raymond spins off its real estate arm, offering shareholders a 1:1 share allotment in the newly listed Raymond Realty Limited. Record date set for May 14, 2025, as the group sharpens its business focus.

Major Milestone: Demerger Becomes Effective

Earlier this year, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) gave the green light to the long-awaited separation of Raymond’s real estate arm.
The demerger became operational on May 1, 2025, following the board’s resolution and regulatory filings. This marks a significant restructuring for Raymond, a brand synonymous with India’s lifestyle and textile sectors, as it continues to streamline its corporate structure for sharper business focus.

What the Demerger Means for Shareholders

According to the approved Scheme of Arrangement, shareholders of Raymond Limited (RL) will receive one share of Raymond Realty Limited (RRL) for each share they own in RL, based on a direct 1:1 exchange ratio.
There are no additional costs or actions required from shareholders. The record date to determine eligibility for this share allotment is Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
This implies that all investors owning Raymond shares at the end of that day will automatically receive an equivalent number of shares in the newly separated Raymond Realty.

Raymond Realty: A Standalone Growth Story

Raymond Realty, once a division within the parent company, is now a fully independent, listed entity. The move allows the real estate arm to pursue its own strategy, leadership, and capital allocation, much like recent demergers seen in other Indian conglomerates.
Raymond Realty has established a strong presence in Mumbai’s residential market, with luxury projects in Thane and joint development agreements in key city locations such as Bandra, Mahim, Sion, and Wadala. In the last financial year, the company reported revenues of ₹15.9 billion and an EBITDA of ₹3.7 billion, highlighting its operational strength and future potential.
The company’s aggressive expansion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including six major joint development agreements, positions it as a significant player in India’s booming real estate sector.

Strategic Rationale: Focus, Agility, and Value Creation

This demerger is part of a broader trend among Indian corporates to unlock value by spinning off high-growth verticals into standalone companies. Through the separation of its real estate division, Raymond intends to:
• Enhance operational focus for both businesses
• Enable agile, sector-specific decision-making
• Attract targeted investment and strategic partnerships
• Maximize long-term shareholder value
The move follows Raymond’s earlier spin-off of its lifestyle and fashion business, which was also listed as a separate entity. The group’s restructuring strategy reflects a clear intent to sharpen its business focus and respond to evolving market opportunities.

What’s Next for Investors?

Shareholders should ensure their holdings are updated and dematerialized before the record date of May 14, 2025, to be eligible for the 1:1 share allotment in Raymond Realty. After the listing, investors will be able to trade Raymond Realty shares independently of Raymond Limited, providing flexibility and potential for value appreciation based on the real estate business’s performance.

Conclusion

Raymond’s demerger of its real estate arm is a landmark step in the group’s ongoing transformation. By granting shareholders a direct stake in Raymond Realty, the company is unlocking value and setting the stage for focused growth in both its core businesses. As Raymond Realty prepares for its debut on the stock exchanges, investors and market watchers alike will be keenly observing its next moves in India’s dynamic real estate sector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fenesta Invests in DNV Global to Strengthen Industry Hold

 Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Stock Slides Amid High Trading Volumes

 Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Stock Slides Amid High Trading Volumes

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Stock Slides Amid High Trading Volumes

 

Amid increased investor activity and market uncertainty, Dr. Reddy’s faces pressure as its shares trend downward despite sound fundamentals.

Introduction

In early May 2025, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical firms, saw its share price retreat notably during high-volume trading sessions. The stock registered multiple days of decline, slipping close to ₹1,156 by May 6. Despite consistent earnings and a stable operational outlook, investors appear to be reacting to broader market forces and sectoral headwinds.
The sudden rise in trading activity alongside price depreciation has raised questions: Is this a short-term market overreaction, or a signal of deeper challenges?

Stock Performance Overview

Over the past week, Dr. Reddy’s stock has consistently traded in the red, marking a fall of nearly 2% in just one day, followed by successive dips. By May 6, the share was down 1.28%, closing at ₹1,156.50.
Interestingly, this drop coincided with unusually high trading volumes — a telltale sign of strong institutional or speculative activity. Such a pattern often suggests heightened investor sentiment, though not always driven by fundamental changes.

Technical Indicators Show Weak Momentum

Analysts have noted that Dr. Reddy’s shares are currently trading below several key moving averages — including the 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day marks. This trend typically indicates a bearish outlook in the short term and can prompt algorithmic and institutional traders to offload holdings, thereby accelerating the decline.
The company’s stock also appears to be underperforming the broader pharmaceutical index, a sector that itself is facing renewed pressure due to regulatory concerns, pricing fluctuations, and global competition.

Company Fundamentals Remain Strong

Despite the downward movement in share price, Dr. Reddy’s core financials remain healthy. The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth over recent quarters, with a solid balance sheet and a competitive pipeline of generics and specialty drugs.
Its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, currently around 18.02, is significantly lower than the industry average, suggesting the stock may be undervalued relative to peers. This makes the recent downturn even more puzzling when viewed through the lens of strong business fundamentals.

Sectoral and Market Sentiment at Play

The broader pharmaceutical sector has been facing uncertainty, especially with increasing scrutiny on drug pricing, both domestically and in export markets like the US. In addition, currency fluctuations and raw material cost pressures have contributed to volatility.
Investors may also be taking a cautious stance amid upcoming regulatory updates or waiting on quarterly earnings from peer companies before recalibrating positions. Furthermore, large-cap pharma stocks like Dr. Reddy’s often serve as barometers for institutional investors who adjust allocations based on broader risk appetite.

Analyst and Investor Perspectives

While some analysts see this as a routine market correction, others suggest it could be a signal of shifting investor focus from defensives like pharmaceuticals to other emerging sectors, such as banking or capital goods, especially as interest rate expectations change.
There’s also speculation that part of the sell-off may be due to portfolio rebalancing by large funds at the start of the new fiscal quarter.
Nonetheless, retail investors are advised to remain cautious. For long-term holders, the current dip may offer an opportunity to accumulate at more attractive valuations, provided the fundamentals remain intact.

Conclusion

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is no stranger to market fluctuations, but the recent slide in its share price—despite no apparent deterioration in financial performance—highlights the complex interplay between technical, investor psychology, and sector-wide sentiment.
While the stock’s current trajectory may concern short-term traders, long-term investors might view this as a healthy correction or even a buying opportunity. As always, close monitoring of future earnings, regulatory updates, and global pharma trends will be crucial in determining the path ahead.

 

 

 

 

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Disney Set to Absorb $300 Million Loss After India JV Overhaul with Reliance

 Cellecor Gadgets’ Meteoric Rise: Retail Expansion Fuels 65% Share Surge in One Year

 Cellecor Gadgets’ Meteoric Rise: Retail Expansion Fuels 65% Share Surge in One Year

 Cellecor Gadgets’ Meteoric Rise: Retail Expansion Fuels 65% Share Surge in One Year

 

Small cap consumer electronics firm deepens market reach through new stores and partnerships, driving robust revenue growth and investor returns.

Retail Footprint Expansion Sparks Share Rally

On May 2, 2025, Cellecor Gadgets announced the launch of its eighth exclusive brand store in Barnala, Punjab—an aggressive push into one of India’s high potential appliance markets. The news sent the stock up nearly 3% intraday, with shares trading around ₹46.05, versus a prior close of ₹45.55.
Punjab’s appliance market, estimated at over USD 3.25 billion and representing some 4.2% of India’s total, offers fertile ground for growth as urbanisation and digital adoption climb. By establishing a dedicated retail outlet there, Cellecor aims to deliver hands on experience for its smart TVs, home appliances, and wearables—deepening customer engagement and brand trust.

Strategic Partnerships in South India

Earlier, on March 17, 2025, Cellecor announced tie ups with two major South Indian retail chains—B New Mobiles (141 stores across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) and Celekt (117 stores across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra). This collaboration immediately lifted the stock over 7% in a single session, as investors cheered the company’s broader distribution network and potential ₹50 crore annual business from this partnership.
By leveraging established retail partners’ expertise and footprint, Cellecor gains instant access to millions of customers in key southern markets—further diversifying its geographic revenue streams and reducing customer acquisition costs.

Financial Performance and Future

Cellecor reported a staggering 105% year on year revenue increase to ₹1,025.95 crore in FY25, with net profit surging 92% to ₹30.90 crore. Riding this momentum, management has earmarked ₹100 crore for capacity expansion, R&D, and market outreach, aiming to add ₹500 crore in incremental sales and surpass ₹1,500 crore in revenue in FY26.

This robust financial trajectory underpins the stock’s appeal: from a 52 week low sub ₹20 level, Cellecor shares have rallied over 200% in the past year, delivering multibagger returns even as they remained under the ₹50 threshold for value investors.

  • Driving Factors Behind Growth
     Omni channel Approach: By combining exclusive brand stores with partnerships across independent retail chains, Cellecor ensures widespread product visibility, personalized demos, and after sales support—key differentiators in India’s competitive electronics market.
  •  Make in India Push: Investments in local manufacturing, OEM tie ups, and new warehousing infrastructures have improved margins and supply resilience, supporting the company’s cost leadership strategy.
  •  Diversified Product Mix: With over 600 SKUs spanning air conditioners, refrigerators, smartphones, laptops, and emerging categories like air fryers and microwaves, Cellecor mitigates concentration risk while capturing cross sell opportunities.
    4. Alternative Funding and Valuation: Trading under ₹50 yet commanding a market cap near ₹1,000 crore, the stock attracts both retail and institutional investors seeking high beta plays in India’s consumption story.

Analyst Perspectives and Risks
• Upside Potential: Brokerage reports highlight the ₹1,500 crore revenue target for FY26 as achievable, given current store roll outs and partnership deals. Some analysts project a 20–30% upside from current levels if execution remains on track.
• Execution Risk: Rapid expansion carries the risk of operational bottlenecks—inventory management, quality control, and after sales service consistency will be critical.
• Competitive Landscape: Established incumbents and global brands are also ramping up India focused launches. Cellecor must sustain innovation and cost advantages to protect its niche.

Conclusion

Cellecor Gadgets’ strategy of deepening its retail footprint—both through company owned stores and strategic alliances—has catalyzed a remarkable 65% share price gain in one year. Backed by robust financials, a diversified product lineup, and aggressive FY26 targets, the SME stock offers an intriguing blend of growth potential and value. However, investors should weigh execution and competitive risks as the company scales its omni channel model across India’s vast and varied markets.

 

 

 

 

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SME IPO Migration: Key Changes in SEBI Guidelines

SME IPO Migration: Key Changes in SEBI Guidelines

On 18th December 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued revised guidelines for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) seeking to migrate from the SME platform to the mainboard of stock exchanges. These updated norms aim to ensure financial robustness and operational stability for companies making the transition. The guidelines apply to both BSE and NSE platforms and are as follows:

Migration to Mainboard
For SMEs to migrate to the BSE Mainboard, they must meet the following criteria:

  • Paid-up Capital: The company should have a paid-up capital exceeding ₹10 crores.
  • Market Capitalization: The company’s market capitalization must be at least ₹25 crores.
  • Net Worth: A minimum net worth of ₹15 crores for the two preceding full financial years is required.
  • Listing Duration: The company must have been listed on the SME platform of the Exchange for at least three years.
  • Positive EBITDA: The company should have posted a positive EBITDA for at least two out of the last three financial years.
  • Positive PAT: A positive Profit After Tax (PAT) in the immediate financial year of making the migration application is necessary.
    Migration to NSE Mainboard

For SMEs to migrate to the NSE Mainboard, the guidelines are slightly stricter, requiring:

  • Paid-up Capital: The company must have a paid-up capital of ₹10 crores or more.
  • Market Capitalization: A minimum market capitalization of ₹25 crores is mandatory.
  • Net Worth: The company should have a net worth of at least ₹75 crores.
  • Listing Duration: A listing period of three years on the SME platform is essential.
  • Positive EBITDA: A positive EBITDA from operations for each of the preceding three financial years is required.
  • Positive PAT: The company must show a positive PAT in the immediate financial year prior to applying for migration.

Disclaimer
These guidelines, issued on 18th December 2024, are subject to change at the discretion of the exchanges.

The revised criteria reinforce the importance of consistent financial performance and operational maturity for SMEs looking to scale up to the mainboard.

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Equity Right

Government allows Indian public companies to directly list shares overseas.

Government allows Indian public companies to directly list shares overseas.

 

Government’s vision for betterment of Indian companies:

In late January 2020 Government of India communicated to media that they are planning to allow direct listing of Indian companies in foreign markets. This will help Indian companies to not only rely on domestic markets but they can also raise capital on large scale from various foreign markets which will help companies in diversification and growth. This move can directly help Indian companies in increasing their turnover and profits.

Till now Indian companies go for the depository receipts to attract investors globally but this is bit unfamiliar amongst the investors globally and been less attractive in recent years. A minimum of 15 Indian companies currently attract foreign investors via ADR’s and GDR’s. These companies includes Reliance Industry, HDFC Bank, Infosys and many others.

 

Green signal by Indian Government:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced an economic package of ₹ 20 lakh crore under government’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. This is done for the revival of Indian Economy. It is an umbrella of massive ₹ 20 lakh crore economic booster package. The government ensured to provide some relaxation in all the sectors.

To improve “ease of doing business” in India, government allowed Indian public companies to list their shares in foreign markets. This provision will help Indian companies for better valuations, rapid growth and expand their businesses on a large scale. This move will help Indian companies to get funds at a cheaper rate from various foreign markets. This will directly help Indian economy to recuperate in a speedy way.

Government noted private companies that listed Non-convertible debentures (NCDs) on Indian stock exchanges not to be considered as listed companies. It is also expected that this provision is to prevent Indian companies to register themselves in foreign markets like Singapore and London for raising a fund and going global.

 

Existing vs proposed rule:

The existing rule states that companies which are listed on Indian stock markets can only list their company in foreign markets. Whereas, new proposed rule states that there is no compulsion for it. Indian companies can list themselves directly in various foreign markets to raise capital.

Until now, only American Depository Receipt (ADR’s) and Global Depository Receipt (GDR’s) can collect capital from foreign market sources. At least 15 Indian companies follow this mechanism to raise capital from foreign markets. However, this is not much familiar amongst the global investors. To eradicate this the new provision will allow Indian companies to a fresh new issue of shares or sale of existing holdings.

 

Rules and regulation:

All the required rules and regulation for listing an Indian company at abroad will be notified soon by the government. Once the provisions to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Company Law Regulations are passed. Media noted Indian foreign exchange control laws do not require free capital convertibility, and there are other regulatory limits on capital account transactions.

Nevertheless, this proposal has been under discussion for a couple of years between stakeholders and regulators, especially regarding the selection of foreign jurisdiction. SEBI had indicated in 2018 that this route would be open only to the financially sound companies, so that the mechanism could not be used for exploitation. Sources indicated that final rules in this respect would probably be based on the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted, this provision of direct listing. If Indian public companies are not available over the globe but will be allowed in permissible jurisdictions.

 

Precautionary measures:

However, the approval will not come without any protections. The Indian government is likely to go along with the recommendations raised by SEBI in 2018. This requires a direct listing of Indian companies in abroad. It had suggested 10 overseas jurisdictions, including the US, UK, Japan, China, Hong Kong and South Korea for Indian companies to list. The selection was based on the fact that these jurisdictions are part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), The Anti-Money Laundering Global Task Force (GTF-AML) and IOSCO.

SEBI also suggested that this provision should be available only for financially stable . This will aid  to minimize frauds and manipulation. The firms with a  paid-up capital of 10% will be allowed to list in the foreign market.

The provision of capital raising in an overseas market can also have an impact on the Indian currency market. Since the flow of overseas capital can put pressure on the Indian currency and may lead to volatility. RBI and SEBI can be jointly involved to check this.

 

 

 

Equity Rght

BSE, NSE cut listing fees for SMEs

BSE, NSE cut listing fees for SMEs

 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, all the sectors have been affected badly but SMEs segments are affected the most. Therefore, during the announcements of details of Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman made special announcements related to MSMEs.

 

Reduction in listing fees:

Now to support SMEs and MSMEs, Indian stock exchanges BSE and NSE came forward. They have relaxed listing norms and reduced listing fee for small and medium enterprises by 25%. However, this norms are applicable to both existing and new firms which are looking forward to list on BSE SME platform and NSE SME platform.

 

What are the Current charges?

Currently for SMEs, Rs 25,000 or 0.1 percent of market capitalization of firm is the listing fee charged by BSE. The NSE charges around Rs 10,000 to Rs 45,000, depending on the SME firms market capitalization. Until now, BSE has 322 small and medium companies listed and has raised around Rs 3,278.84 crore from the market. Their market capitalisation is of Rs 15,865.39 crore so far. On the other side, so far only 209 small and medium companies are listed on NSE and have raised over Rs 3,200 crore.

 

What measures have been announced by government?

Due to the covid-19 lock down, many industries are facing problems like job losses and are cash strapped. During this situation, the main concern for MSMEs is that they are not able to restart their operations due to supply issues and non-availability of labour. Last week, while making announcement for packages in tranches, government changed the definition for MSMEs and linked it to the turnover limits of the companies so that their businesses grow with benefits. They announced measures for MSMEs and Rs 3 lakh crore package for collateral free automatic loans with separate funds for equity support.

However, these Rs 3 lakh crore will also be useful for existing borrowers who have over Rs 100 crore turnover and Rs 25 crore outstanding. Fresh loans can be taken by companies up to 20% of their outstanding. These loans have tenure of 4 years, with moratorium repayment period of 12 months. However, the government will also give them credit guarantee of 100 percent which will cover interest and principal to banking and non-banking institutions. Government will give around Rs 4,000 crore funds to Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGFTMSE) with partial credit guarantee to banks. However for expansion of MSMEs, the government will provide corpus of Rs 10,000 crore so that they can also list after expansion.

 

Further Expectations:

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are very cautious while taking any kind of fresh loans, as they are not sure about the demands for their products after all activity resumes. Most of the micro, small and medium businesses and enterprises are expecting from the government, to give them direct relief by waiving their electricity bills and other fixed expenditure such as payment of salaries. However, banks have already reduced their loans such as credit limit. Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary general of federation of Indian micro, small & medium enterprises (FISME) said, for all the small business and enterprises, government will take care of their fixed expenses. MSME industry has three major demand, interest payments, easy access to loans and payments of salaries from the government, during this situation due to COVID-19 lock down.

 

 

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BSE, NSE to launch rupee derivative contracts

BSE, NSE to launch rupee derivative contracts

 

The NSC IFSC  and India INX have introduced rupee derivatives which will help in bringing much needed added liquidity in the economy. This will supplement their customers with several investment options.

The motive behind introduction of rupee derivatives:

The CEO of NSE, Vikram Limaye communicated to the media that the introduction of rupee derivatives will help in the development of (Gujarat International finance tech) GIFT IFSC as a hub of global financial services. This IFSC platform will help in the rupee exposure of non resident participants. This non residents’ participation will also enhance the IFSC’s extended trading hours and USD settlement. They’ve already received permissions for offering securities trading in any currency except the Indian rupee.

 

Importance of introduction of rupee derivatives:

Mr. Limaye added that this measure will enhance the efficiency of Indian rupees’ price discovery. It will be done by eliminating the onshore and offshore markets’ segmentation. It will also allow for trading and hedging using rupee derivatives contracts to their trading partners viz. IFSC entities and banking units. The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did the inauguration of the rupee derivatives contract. The contract will be having a lot size in NSE IFSC – Rs 20 lacs and India INX – Rs 10 lacs and the contract will be settled in cash.

 

The futures and options:

The futures at the NSE IFSC will have in total three monthly expiry contracts . The options at NSE IFSC will have total seven weekly and three monthly expiry contracts. For the other one i.e India INX, there will be in total eleven weekly and twelve monthly contracts. In the past few months due to the corona virus pandemic crisis, there is an acute volatility faced by the currency markets. The introduction of rupee derivative contracts in the IFSC will lead to more stability during these situations.

 

The Contracts:

The chairman of India INX, Ashishkumar Chauhan communicated to the media that the size of contract will be Rs 10 lacs and the trading is made available from 8th May 2020, 3:30 pm IST. The trading is for both the pairs viz. USD-INR and INR-USD. He added that for the USD-INR product, many of the people like the exporters, importers, traders, etc associated with any kinds of businesses have expressed their keen interest. The Gandhinagar GIFT City is the only IFSC situated in India having zero short term, zero long-term, zero stamp duty and zero transaction taxes as of now.

Each and every businessman interested should consider trading and hedging using rupee derivatives contracts at the GIFT City. The MD and CEO of India INX, V Balasubramaniam communicated to the media that he looks towards the best participation of members and international participants. This will be the first launch of offshore Indian rupee derivatives contract.

 

 

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