NHPC stock rose by 2% at opening on the NSE as PM Modi laid the foundation for a 300 MW solar power plant in Rajasthan being set up by NHPC. The project, with a total investment of over Rs 1,732 crore, is expected to be commissioned by September 2024. NHPC's Q3FY24 net profit fell by 19% and total income also decreased.

NIIF, India's quasi-sovereign fund, has invested ₹207 crore ($25 million) in Amicus Capital Partners' second fund. This reflects NIIF's focus on supporting fund managers with a strong team and disciplined investment strategies. Amicus plans to raise $200 million for its second fund, with NIIF as one of the largest investors. NIIF has fully invested its Fund of Funds.

Domestic brokerage house Emkay believes that the recent surge in PSU stocks should not be taken lightly. With elections coming soon, investors are open to new ideas as long as the risk/reward balance makes sense. Emkay sees a bright future for PSU stocks, citing positive factors such as micro-level reforms and increased capital expenditure. However, some experts have raised concerns.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has authorized contracts totalling over ₹84,560 crore in order to improve India's defence needs and infrastructure. Private players across the defence value chain, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), and Bharat Dynamics Ltd, are expected to benefit from this move. According to brokerage house Nuvama Institutional Equities.

Power Grid Corporation is investing Rs 656 crore in electricity transmission projects, as approved by its Board and Committee of Directors on February 18th. The projects include ULDC Phase-III at an estimated cost of Rs 514.66 crore to be completed by November 2025, and augmentation of a transformer at Bhiwani for Rs 141.09 crore to be completed by May 2025.

Shares of Schaeffler India fell 3.7% as the company reported a decline in consolidated profit and weak operating numbers for the quarter ended December 2024. Revenue from operations saw a modest growth of 4.5% compared to the same period last year. The company also announced a dividend of Rs 26 per share, with a payout ratio of 45%. Margins were under pressure due to an adverse sales mix.

Despite FIIs selling over $3.5 billion worth of shares in 2024, India's stock market has reached a record high due to strong retail inflows and high net worth individuals' bullish outlook. The sustainability of this growth is linked to domestic liquidity and positive expectations for corporate earnings. Market observers believe that global investors will continue investing in Indian markets.

PSU stocks in the Indian market have emerged as significant wealth generators, with a 300% return within a year due to increased capex and expected political stability. However, concerns over weak earnings and overbought conditions may limit further upside. Jefferies believes there is potential for a 15% increase in the PSU Index ratio.

The CBDT has announced that it has started remitting and extinguishing eligible outstanding direct tax demands up to a limit of Rs. 1 lakh for taxpayers. This is in line with the order dated February 13, 2024, and will be reflected under the "Extinguished Demands" section on the income tax portal. According to the Interim Budget of 2024, this is expected to benefit over a crore taxpayers.

Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals stock has gained 113% this year with strong monthly gains of nearly 60% in February and 33% in January. Despite downgrades from analysts, MRPL's Q3 earnings showed a net profit of Rs 310 crore. The company is on track for expansion and reduction of long-term borrowings, making it an attractive investment opportunity with a higher expected return on equity.

Over the weekend, Bitcoin saw little change while Ethereum gained over 5% amid hopes for an ETH ETF. AI-related tokens also saw gains as OpenAI's Sora launched a text-to-video generator. Some market observers predict Bitcoin to reach $55,000 in the short term and $70,000 in the long term, with more hype around Ethereum and potential for a spot ETF in the US.

Private equity firms in India participated in the Investors Cricket Cup in Mumbai, with The Mavericks emerging as champions. The tournament also saw a women's division, won by Rising Divas. A cement company is exploring offshore mineral exploration, while a central minister is preparing for upcoming elections after being asked to switch from a Rajya Sabha seat.

The Nifty Pharma index is near its 52-week high and has seen impressive returns of over 60% in the past year. It is currently overbought but could still have potential for upward movement, according to experts. Biotech giants like Biocon, Dr Reddy's, and Cipla offer attractive valuations and potential upside. The index is expected to outperform the broader market.

India's sugar production has decreased by 2.48% in the current marketing year, with a projected decline of 10% for the entire year. Production in key states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu has been lower. However, Uttar Pradesh saw an increase in sugar output. 505 factories were operating as of February 15, with 22 closing operations in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The Investment Trust of India reports positive consolidated quarterly results in December 2023. Net sales increased by 0.39% while net profit saw a significant increase of 2435.08%. EBITDA also rose by 147.78% and EPS increased from Rs. 0.05 to Rs. 1.15. The company's shares have seen strong growth over the past 6 and 12 months. Additional details on expenditure, taxes, and shareholding.