The National Stock Exchange has filed its draft papers with SEBI for a long-awaited IPO that could be worth around Rs. 30,000 crore. If completed at this size, it may become India’s largest-ever public issue. The proposed IPO is expected to be a pure offer-for-sale, which means existing shareholders will sell part of their holdings. NSE itself will not receive fresh money from the issue.

This is a major moment for India’s capital market. NSE is India’s most important exchange by trading activity, especially in derivatives. Its public listing can give investors direct access to a business that sits at the centre of India’s stock market system.

What NSE has filed

According to reports, NSE has filed its draft red herring prospectus with SEBI for an IPO of up to 148,905,525 equity shares. Market estimates place the issue size near Rs. 30,000 crore. Economic Times reported that NSE’s unlisted market valuation has been around Rs. 5 lakh crore.

The IPO is expected to include stake sales by several existing shareholders. Reports mention public sector names and other investors among the selling shareholders. LIC, however, is reported to be retaining its stake.

Why this IPO is important

NSE has been trying to list for years, but the process faced regulatory delays and past controversies. The fresh DRHP filing brings the listing closer after a long wait. For investors, the IPO is important because NSE is not an ordinary company. It earns from trading, clearing-linked services, data, listings, technology and market infrastructure. When more people trade, invest, list companies or use market data, exchanges can benefit.

For India, the listing can also improve transparency. Once listed, NSE will have to follow public-market disclosure rules, report financials regularly and face closer investor scrutiny.

Impact on BSE

BSE is already a listed exchange, while NSE is still unlisted. That has made BSE the only direct listed exchange play for many investors in India. Once NSE lists, that changes. Investors will be able to compare both exchanges more directly. This can affect how the market values BSE.

In the short term, BSE may stay in focus because NSE shares are expected to list on BSE. That can bring attention, trading interest and visibility to BSE’s platform.

But in the long term, NSE’s listing can create valuation pressure for BSE. If investors see NSE as the stronger exchange business because of its dominant trading volumes, some money may shift from BSE shares to NSE after listing.

At the same time, BSE has its own strengths. It has a strong brand, a long history, Sensex-linked products, SME listings and growing derivatives activity. The impact will depend on pricing, investor appetite and how both exchanges perform after the IPO.

Why BSE shares are reacting

ET reported that BSE shares were in focus after NSE filed its DRHP. This is natural because BSE is NSE’s listed rival. Investors may look at BSE in two ways. Some may see NSE’s IPO as proof that exchange businesses are valuable. Others may worry that BSE will no longer enjoy scarcity value as the only listed stock exchange option.

This is why the reaction can be mixed. The news is positive for the market ecosystem, but it also increases competition in listed-exchange investing.

Competitors and market context

NSE’s main domestic competitor is BSE. Both exchanges serve investors, brokers, companies and institutions, but NSE has a much larger presence in equity derivatives.

Globally, NSE and BSE belong to the same broad category as exchanges like Nasdaq, NYSE, London Stock Exchange Group and Japan Exchange Group. These companies are not only trading venues. They also earn from data, technology, indices, clearing and other market services.

India’s capital market has grown sharply in recent years because of retail participation, SIP flows, IPO activity and rising digital investing. That backdrop makes NSE’s listing more attractive.

What investors should watch

The biggest thing to watch is final SEBI approval and the official price band. Investors should also check the final issue size, selling shareholders, financial performance, revenue mix and valuation compared with BSE.

A large IPO can attract strong demand, but price still matters. A great company can be a poor investment if bought at an expensive valuation. So investors should wait for the final prospectus before making decisions.

Conclusion with key takeaways

NSE’s Rs. 30,000-crore IPO filing is a landmark moment for India’s financial markets. If completed at the expected size, it could become India’s biggest IPO. For BSE, the development is both an opportunity and a challenge. It may gain attention as the likely listing platform, but it will also face sharper comparison once NSE becomes publicly traded.

Key takeaways

• NSE has filed DRHP with SEBI for its long-awaited IPO.
• The issue is estimated at around Rs. 30,000 crore.
• The IPO is expected to be a pure offer-for-sale.
• If completed at this size, it may become India’s largest-ever IPO.

BSE shares may stay in focus as NSE’s listed rival.

Facts Input- ET, ToI

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not an investment or withdrawal/selling advice, financial advice or a recommendation to apply for the IPO, buy, sell or hold any stock. Readers should check official IPO documents and consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Singapore-based climate venture builder 100×100 has launched its second fund with a target corpus of $100 million. The fund, called Fund II, aims to create and scale 50 climate-focused companies across India and Southeast Asia.

This is a notable update for the climate startup market because 100×100 is not following the usual venture capital playbook. Instead of only investing in existing startups, it wants to build new companies from the ground up.

That difference matters. Climate startups often need more than money. They need sector knowledge, technical planning, industrial partners, early customers and patient execution. 100×100 wants to bring those pieces together and build companies that can become both commercially strong and climate-relevant.

What 100×100 is planning

According to DealStreetAsia, 100×100’s new fund will focus on creating companies across agriculture, energy, industry, materials and buildings. These are sectors where emissions are high and where practical solutions can have a large impact. The firm was earlier known as Wavemaker Impact and later rebranded as 100×100 to operate as an independent fund manager. Its first fund had a size of $60 million and closed in 2023.

The first fund has already co-founded 27 companies across eight Asian countries. These companies have together raised more than $28 million from external investors, according to the report.

Why the name 100×100 matters

The name 100×100 reflects the firm’s ambition. It wants to build companies that can each reduce or avoid 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and also reach $100 million in annual revenue. That is a bold target, but it explains the model clearly. The firm is not just looking for green ideas. It wants climate companies that can become large businesses.

This approach is important because climate impact and business strength need to move together. A product that helps the planet but cannot make money will struggle to survive. A business that grows fast but does not reduce emissions will not solve the climate problem. 100×100 is trying to find the middle path.

Founder and partner details

100×100’s six-partner investment team includes Guillem Segarra, Marie Cheong, Paul Lam Wai, Quentin Vaquette, Steve Melhuish and Subhadeep Sanyal.

The firm was established by members of the team behind climate investment platform Wavemaker Impact. In the article, founding partner Marie Cheong said that solving major emissions problems also represents a major economic opportunity.

This is the core idea behind climate venture building. The climate challenge is huge, but so is the business opportunity for companies that can solve real problems at scale.

Why India and Southeast Asia are key markets

India and Southeast Asia are natural markets for a climate venture builder. Both regions are growing fast, and that growth creates energy demand, construction demand, food demand and transport demand.

At the same time, these regions face climate pressure. Heatwaves, air pollution, water stress, waste problems and changing farming conditions are already visible. That creates space for practical climate companies. A startup that helps factories save energy can reduce bills and emissions. A company that helps rice farmers reduce methane can support both agriculture and climate goals. A solar company that makes rooftop power easier can help homes and businesses cut electricity costs.

This is why 100×100’s focus is not limited to one sector. Climate problems are spread across the economy, so the fund’s scope is also wide.

Examples from the first fund

DealStreetAsia mentioned Rize and Helios as examples from 100×100’s earlier portfolio.

Rize is an agri-tech startup focused on reducing methane emissions from rice farming. This is important because rice cultivation is a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas that has a strong warming effect.

Helios is a residential solar company in the Philippines. Its work fits into a wider trend where households and small businesses are looking for cleaner and cheaper electricity options.

These examples show the kind of companies 100×100 may continue to build – businesses that solve specific climate problems while serving real customers.

Purpose of the VC fund

The purpose of Fund II is to build climate companies that can scale across India and Southeast Asia. This means 100×100 is likely to look for problems that are large, repeatable and commercially attractive.

For example, a solution for industrial energy efficiency can be sold to many factories. A better cooling technology can serve homes, offices and commercial buildings. A cleaner material can be used by manufacturers across different markets.

The fund’s purpose is not only financial return. Its stated model is also linked to emissions reduction. But for that impact to be real, the companies must survive, grow and reach customers beyond pilot projects.

Scope and opportunity

The scope is large because the chosen sectors touch everyday life.

• Agriculture can include cleaner rice farming, better fertiliser use, water-saving tools and supply chain improvements.
• Energy can include solar, storage, grid software, energy efficiency and clean power access.
• Industry can include tools that help factories reduce fuel use, lower waste or meet climate reporting rules.
• Materials can include lower-carbon construction products, recycled inputs or alternatives to high-emission raw materials.
• Buildings can include cooling, insulation, power management and smarter energy use.

This makes Fund II more than a narrow climate fund. It is a company-building platform for multiple climate-heavy parts of the economy.

Challenges ahead

1. The biggest challenge is execution. Building 50 companies is not easy, especially in climate sectors where sales cycles can be long and technical risk can be high.
2. The second challenge is capital. Climate companies often need more follow-on funding than software startups. Hardware, pilots, factories, field teams and regulatory approvals can all require money.
3. The third challenge is local market understanding. India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines have different rules, customer needs and infrastructure realities. A model that works in one country may need changes in another.

Conclusion with key takeaways

100×100’s $100 million second fund is a strong signal for climate venture building in Asia. Its aim is ambitious – create 50 companies across India and Southeast Asia that can reduce emissions and grow into large businesses.

The fund comes at a time when investors are becoming more careful, but also more serious about climate companies with clear business models. If 100×100 can build practical startups that customers actually use, it could play a meaningful role in the region’s climate economy.

Key takeaways

• 100×100 has launched Fund II with a target corpus of $100 million.
• The fund aims to build 50 climate-focused companies across India and Southeast Asia.
• 100×100 was formerly known as Wavemaker Impact.
• Its first $60 million fund closed in 2023 and co-founded 27 companies across eight Asian countries.

The new fund will focus on agriculture, energy, industry, materials and buildings.

Facts Input- DealStreetAsia

Razorpay has taken a major step toward the public market. The fintech company has confidentially filed its draft red herring prospectus with SEBI and stock exchanges for an IPO that is expected to raise around $600 million, or roughly Rs. 5,000-6,000 crore. Reports suggest the company could seek a valuation of up to Rs. 60,000 crore, though the final number will depend on market conditions, investor demand and the company’s updated financials. Since the filing is confidential, full IPO details are not public yet.

This is an important moment for India’s fintech sector. After years of rapid growth, tighter regulation and investor caution, Razorpay’s IPO could become a test of how public markets value serious fintech businesses today.

What Razorpay does

Razorpay is a full-stack fintech platform for businesses. It started with online payment gateway services and later expanded into business banking, payouts, payroll, lending support, point-of-sale payments, international payments and payment optimization tools.

In simple words, Razorpay helps businesses collect money, move money and manage money.

For example, an online store can use Razorpay to accept UPI, cards, net banking and wallets. A startup can use RazorpayX for payouts and payroll. A retailer can use Razorpay POS for offline payments. A business selling abroad can use its international payment tools. This is why Razorpay is not just a payment button on a checkout page anymore. It has become a larger financial operating system for businesses.

Founders and founding year

Razorpay was founded in 2014 by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar, both IIT Roorkee alumni.

The company began after the founders saw how difficult it was for small businesses and startups to accept digital payments smoothly. Over time, Razorpay became one of India’s best-known fintech unicorns and attracted investors such as GIC, Sequoia, Ribbit Capital, Tiger Global, Matrix Partners India, Y Combinator and Lightspeed.

Razorpay also completed its reverse flip to India in 2025, moving its parent entity from the US to India. That move was widely seen as preparation for an Indian IPO.

Inside the confidential IPO filing

According to reports, Razorpay has filed its IPO papers through the confidential pre-filing route. This means the company can first share documents with SEBI without making all details public immediately. The expected IPO size is around Rs. 5,000-6,000 crore. Earlier reports had suggested a $600-700 million raise at a possible valuation of around $5-6 billion. Newer market chatter has also mentioned a possible valuation of up to Rs. 60,000 crore.

Investors should remember that these are reported figures. The final issue size, fresh issue portion, offer-for-sale size, valuation and price band will be known only when updated public documents are available.

Why Razorpay’s IPO matters

Razorpay’s IPO matters because fintech is one of India’s most important digital sectors. UPI, online shopping, digital lending, business payments and app-based finance have changed how Indians and Indian businesses handle money.

But fintech is also highly regulated. Companies must deal with RBI rules, payment aggregator licences, KYC norms, data security, fraud control and merchant compliance.

That makes Razorpay’s public listing important. It could show whether investors still reward fintech companies that operate in regulated spaces, especially if they have scale, strong compliance and a clear route to profitability.

Is fintech still worth it in the current scenario?

Yes, fintech is still worth watching, but the market has changed. A few years ago, investors rewarded growth at any cost. Today, they want stronger unit economics, cleaner compliance, better risk controls and visible profitability.

India’s fintech funding is also becoming more selective. Tracxn data cited by The Economic Times said Indian fintech funding stood at $513 million in Q1 2026, but deal count fell sharply. This suggests investors are backing fewer companies, and they are likely choosing stronger players.

For mature fintech companies like Razorpay, this can actually be positive. Smaller or weaker players may struggle, while larger platforms with licences, trust and merchant networks may gain market share.

Competitors and market landscape

Razorpay competes with several major players in payments and fintech infrastructure. Its competitors include PayU, Cashfree Payments, PhonePe Payment Gateway, Paytm, Pine Labs, CCAvenue, BillDesk and Stripe in different parts of the payments ecosystem.

In business banking and payouts, it competes with banks, API banking platforms and fintech infrastructure companies. In offline payments, it competes with Pine Labs, Paytm, PhonePe and other POS providers.

The competition is intense, but Razorpay’s advantage is its wide product suite. A business can start with payment gateway services and later use payouts, payroll, banking tools, POS and international payments from the same ecosystem.

What investors should watch

The biggest thing to watch will be Razorpay’s financials. Public investors will study revenue growth, profit or loss, payment volume, margins, customer concentration and compliance costs.

They will also look at how much of the IPO is fresh issue and how much is offer for sale. If fresh money goes into the company, it may support growth. If a large portion is OFS, existing investors will be selling shares.

Regulatory history will also matter. Payment companies operate under strict rules, and any RBI action can affect growth. Razorpay has already secured key payment aggregator approvals, which is a positive point, but investors will still examine regulatory risks closely.

How Razorpay helps businesses

Razorpay’s value is easiest to understand through small businesses.

A new D2C brand selling skincare products can use Razorpay to accept online payments. A school can collect fees digitally. A freelancer can send payment links. A SaaS startup can collect subscription payments. A marketplace can split payments between sellers.

This saves time and reduces technical complexity. Instead of building payment systems from scratch, businesses can plug into Razorpay’s tools.

That is the real strength of fintech infrastructure. Customers may not always see it, but businesses depend on it every day.

Conclusion with key takeaways

Razorpay’s confidential IPO filing is a big moment for India’s fintech industry. It shows that mature fintech startups are now moving from private funding rounds to public market scrutiny.

Key takeaways

• Razorpay has confidentially filed IPO papers with SEBI and stock exchanges.
• The IPO is expected to raise around $600 million, or Rs. 5,000-6,000 crore.
• Reports suggest the company may seek a valuation of up to Rs. 60,000 crore, though final details are not public yet.
• Razorpay was founded in 2014 by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar.

The IPO will test how public markets value Indian fintech in today’s more regulated and profit-focused environment.

Facts Input- The Hindu

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not investment advice, financial advice or a recommendation to apply for the Razorpay IPO, buy, sell or hold any stock. Readers should check official IPO documents and consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Flipkart and Meta are bringing social commerce closer to everyday creators with an affiliate programme that lets eligible creators earn through Facebook product tags. In simple words, creators can recommend Flipkart products in their Facebook content, tag those products, and earn a commission when viewers buy through those tags.

This is a big move because shopping and content are already closely connected. People discover mobiles, fashion, beauty products, home items and gadgets through short videos, reviews and creator posts. Until now, many creators had to paste links in comments, bios or separate affiliate pages. Product tags make that journey cleaner.

For Indian creators, this can become a useful income option, especially for those who make product reviews, deal videos, tech explainers, fashion reels, home decor content or festival shopping guides.

What is the Flipkart Meta affiliate programme

The Flipkart Meta affiliate programme is a creator monetization feature built around product tagging on Facebook. Instead of only saying “link in comments,” a creator can tag a product directly in a Facebook post or Reel. Viewers can tap the product tag, visit Flipkart, and complete the purchase. If the purchase qualifies under the programme rules, the creator earns a commission.

Meta has been adding affiliate shopping tools globally across Facebook and Instagram. The idea is to make social platforms more useful for product discovery, while giving creators a more direct way to earn from recommendations.

Why this matters for creators

Creators already influence shopping decisions. A tech creator may explain which budget phone is better. A beauty creator may compare skincare products. A home creator may show kitchen storage ideas. A fashion creator may style outfits for college or office. The problem is that monetization is not always easy. Brand deals usually go to larger influencers. Smaller creators may have good trust with their audience but fewer sponsorship opportunities.

Affiliate product tags can help here. Even a small creator can earn when followers buy through tagged products, as long as the content is useful and the product recommendation is honest.

How Facebook product tags work

Product tags work like clickable shopping labels inside content. When a creator uploads a post or Reel, they can add approved products from the affiliate programme. A viewer watching the content can tap the tag to see product details and then move to Flipkart for purchase. The creator does not handle delivery, payment or customer support. Flipkart manages the shopping transaction, while Meta provides the social discovery layer.

For example, a creator makes a Reel on “best phones under Rs. 15,000.” They can tag the phones shown in the video. If a viewer clicks the tag and buys from Flipkart, the creator may earn a commission.

How to use it as a creator

The exact steps may depend on rollout, eligibility and Meta’s creator tools, but the general process should be simple.

• First, the creator needs an eligible Facebook account or Page with access to monetization tools.
• Second, they need to join or connect with the affiliate programme if the option is available in their creator dashboard.
• Third, while creating a Reel or post, they can look for the product tagging or shopping option.
• Fourth, they can search for eligible Flipkart products and add them to the content.
• Fifth, once the content is published, they can track performance, clicks and possible earnings through the available dashboard.

Creators should also clearly disclose affiliate links or paid relationships where required. Transparency helps build trust and keeps content cleaner.

What kind of creators can benefit

This programme can help many types of creators.

1. Tech creators can tag smartphones, earbuds, laptops, chargers and accessories.
2. Fashion creators can tag clothing, footwear, watches and bags.
3. Beauty creators can tag skincare, haircare and makeup products.
4. Home creators can tag furniture, kitchen tools, cleaning products and decor items.
5. Deal creators can tag discounted products during sales such as Big Billion Days, festive sales or brand-specific offers.

The best results will likely come from creators who explain products properly instead of simply pushing links. A useful review or comparison builds more trust than a random shopping tag.

Why Flipkart benefits from this

Flipkart gets a stronger social commerce channel. Instead of waiting for users to search inside the app, Flipkart products can appear naturally inside creator content on Facebook. This can help product discovery, especially in categories where people depend on recommendations. Mobiles, fashion, beauty and home products are highly influenced by reviews and social proof.

Flipkart was founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal and has grown into one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms. With Meta’s large user base across Facebook and Instagram, the partnership can help Flipkart reach customers through creators, not just ads.

Why Meta benefits from this

Meta wants Facebook and Instagram to become stronger shopping discovery platforms. If users can discover products, watch reviews and buy through tagged content, they may spend more time engaging with creators.

For Meta, affiliate shopping also keeps creators active on its platforms. Instead of sending audiences to third-party link pages, creators can use built-in tools.

This is important because social platforms are competing with YouTube, TikTok-style commerce models, Amazon influencer tools and other creator monetization platforms.

Competitors and market check

This programme will compete with several creator-commerce and affiliate models.

YouTube Shopping already allows eligible creators in India to tag products from platforms such as Flipkart and Myntra. Amazon has its own affiliate and influencer programmes. Meesho, Myntra, Ajio and other commerce platforms also work with influencers and affiliate partners in different ways.

Creator-led shopping is becoming a serious category. The platform that offers better commissions, easier tagging, reliable tracking and trusted products may attract more creators.

What creators should be careful about

Affiliate income sounds attractive, but creators should not treat every product as worth promoting. Recommending poor-quality products can damage audience trust. Creators should test or research products before tagging them. They should avoid misleading claims, fake urgency and copied reviews. If a product is sponsored or affiliate-linked, disclosure is always safer.

Commission rates may also vary by category and campaign. A mobile phone, fashion product and home appliance may not offer the same earning rate. Creators should check programme rules before planning content.

What users should know

For shoppers, product tags can make discovery easier. If you like a product shown in a Reel, you can tap and check it quickly. But users should still compare prices, read reviews and check return policies before buying. A product tag is a recommendation, not a guarantee that the product is the best choice for everyone.

Conclusion with key takeaways

Flipkart and Meta’s affiliate programme can make Facebook product discovery more useful for creators and shoppers. It gives creators a cleaner way to earn from product recommendations and gives Flipkart another path to reach buyers through trusted voices.

Key takeaways

• The programme lets eligible creators earn through Facebook product tags linked to Flipkart products.
• Creators can tag products in posts or Reels instead of sending users to separate links.
• It can help tech, fashion, beauty, home, lifestyle and deal creators monetize content.
• Flipkart benefits from social commerce reach, while Meta strengthens creator monetization.

Creators should use honest recommendations and clear disclosures to protect audience trust.

Facts Input- 1, 2

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Programme availability, eligibility, commission rates and product-tagging features may vary by account, region and platform rules. Creators should check official Flipkart and Meta terms before joining or promoting products.

FirstCry-backed Swara Baby Products is reportedly preparing to file draft IPO papers with SEBI in June 2026 for a public issue of up to Rs. 1,000 crore. The company is part of Brainbees Solutions, the listed parent of FirstCry, and works in the baby and hygiene products space. This is an interesting IPO story because Swara Baby is not a flashy app or a quick commerce platform. It is a manufacturing-led consumer business focused on products like diapers and hygiene items. That makes the investment question different.

For investors, the main question is simple. Can a FirstCry-linked hygiene products company build enough scale, margins and brand strength to justify a public listing?

What Swara Baby does

Swara Baby Products manufactures and trades baby diapers and other hygiene-related products. Reports say the company started as a single-product operating business in 2021 and has now expanded into seven categories. These categories include baby tape-style diapers, baby pant-style diapers, adult tape-style diapers, adult pant-style diapers, sanitary napkins and panty liners.

This is a practical market. Parents buy diapers regularly, not once in a while. If a product works well, families may repeat purchases every month. That makes the category attractive because demand can be steady.

Swara Baby is also connected with FirstCry’s larger ecosystem. FirstCry already sells baby and kids products through its online platform, mobile app, stores and private labels. This gives Swara Baby a strong parent network in a category where distribution matters.

FirstCry connection and company background

Swara Baby is controlled by Brainbees Solutions, the company behind FirstCry. As per the reports, Brainbees owns 76.59 percent in Swara Baby.

FirstCry was founded in 2010 by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha. It became one of India’s best-known baby and kids retail platforms and later listed on the stock exchanges in 2024.

Swara Baby Products was incorporated in India on November 23, 2016, according to FirstCry’s exchange disclosure. The company’s hygiene business has also been reorganized recently, with Solis Hygiene becoming part of the Swara Baby structure.

This background matters because Swara Baby is not entering the market alone. It sits inside a larger babycare ecosystem with an existing consumer base, supply chain and retail reach.

Inside the proposed IPO

Reports say Swara Baby may file its draft red herring prospectus with SEBI by the end of June 2026. The proposed IPO size is expected to be up to Rs. 1,000 crore, while the fundraising plan at around $100 million.

The issue is expected to include fresh shares and an offer for sale. Fresh issue proceeds go to the company, while offer-for-sale proceeds go to existing shareholders selling their shares. JM Financial and Avendus Capital have reportedly been appointed to manage the issue.

Since the DRHP is not filed yet, investors should wait for official details and also remember that this is not an investment advice. The final issue size, fresh issue portion, OFS size, valuation, financials and risk factors will become clearer only after the documents are available.

Why this IPO could attract attention

The babycare and hygiene market has strong repeat demand. Diapers, sanitary products and adult hygiene products are not luxury items for many households. They are routine-use products. India also has rising awareness around hygiene, convenience and organized babycare brands. Urban parents often prefer trusted brands, reliable sizing and consistent quality. E-commerce has also made repeat purchase easier.

A simple example explains the opportunity. A family with a newborn may buy diapers several times a month. If the brand is comfortable, leak-proof and reasonably priced, the family may keep buying it for years. That repeat behaviour can help companies build predictable revenue.

Swara Baby may also benefit from FirstCry’s strong parent brand. FirstCry already has customer trust in baby products, which can support related manufacturing and private-label categories.

Competitors in the hygiene market

Swara Baby will compete in a tough market. Baby diapers and hygiene products already have strong national and global brands. Its competitors include Pampers from P&G, MamyPoko from Unicharm, Huggies from Kimberly-Clark, Himalaya BabyCare, Nobel Hygiene, Teddyy, Friends Adult Diapers and several private-label and regional brands.

Competition will happen on price, comfort, absorbency, skin safety, distribution and brand trust. In baby products, parents do not easily experiment if they are happy with one product.

This means Swara Baby must prove that it can offer quality at scale while keeping pricing competitive.

Are these startups worth for IPO

The better question is not whether Swara Baby is automatically “worth it,” but whether its IPO valuation matches its business quality. Investors should study five things when the DRHP comes out.

1. First, revenue growth. Is Swara Baby growing because of real customer demand or only because of related-party sales through FirstCry?
2. Second, margins. Manufacturing hygiene products can be competitive. Raw material costs, packaging and distribution can affect profitability.
3. Third, customer concentration. If too much business depends on FirstCry or one major channel, that can be a risk.
4. Fourth, brand strength. Does Swara Baby sell mainly as a contract manufacturer, private-label supplier or independent brand owner? Brand ownership can change long-term value.
5. Fifth, use of IPO money. If fresh funds are used for capacity expansion, debt reduction or working capital, investors should check whether those plans are sensible.

Why the FirstCry link helps and also needs scrutiny

FirstCry’s backing is a clear advantage. It gives Swara Baby access to a strong babycare ecosystem, market knowledge and distribution support. But investors should also study related-party transactions carefully. If Swara Baby sells products to FirstCry-linked entities, the pricing and dependency must be transparent.

This is normal for group companies, but public investors need clarity. The IPO documents should explain how much revenue comes from group channels and how much comes from outside customers.

Possible risks for investors

Swara Baby works in a category where quality issues can quickly hurt trust. Diapers and hygiene products are used on babies, adults and sensitive users. Comfort, leakage protection and skin safety matter deeply.

The business may also face input cost pressure. Materials used in diapers and sanitary products can become expensive, which may reduce margins if the company cannot pass the cost to customers.

Another risk is pricing competition. Big brands may offer discounts, while smaller brands may compete aggressively online. Swara Baby will need a clear positioning.

Conclusion with key takeaways

Swara Baby’s planned IPO could bring another FirstCry-linked business to the public market. The company operates in a large and practical category, but investors should wait for the DRHP before forming a final view.

Key takeaways

• Swara Baby Products is reportedly planning to file IPO papers in June 2026 for up to Rs. 1,000 crore.
• The company is backed by FirstCry parent Brainbees Solutions, which owns 76.59 percent in Swara Baby.
• Swara Baby manufactures and trades diapers and hygiene-related products.
• The company competes with Pampers, MamyPoko, Huggies, Himalaya BabyCare, Nobel Hygiene and other hygiene brands.

Investors should study valuation, margins, related-party sales, growth and use of IPO proceeds before deciding.

Facts Input- Upstox

Zepto is moving closer to the stock market. The quick commerce company has filed updated IPO papers with SEBI for a public issue that is expected to be around Rs. 9,500 crore, with reports saying the company is targeting a July 2026 listing. This is a big moment for India’s startup market because Zepto is not an old retail company slowly moving online. It is a young, fast-growing startup built around the promise of delivering groceries and daily-use items in minutes.

Zepto is about convenience for the common users but for investors, it is about whether quick commerce can become a profitable business at scale. That is what makes this IPO more than just another listing.

What Zepto Has Filed

Zepto has filed its updated draft red herring prospectus with SEBI. According to reports, the IPO includes a fresh issue of shares worth Rs. 8,010 crore and an offer-for-sale by existing investors.

The total IPO size is expected to be around Rs. 9,000 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore, with The Economic Times reporting it as a Rs. 9,500 crore public issue.

The offer-for-sale means some existing investors will sell part of their holdings. Reports mention Nexus Venture Partners, Contrary, Razor Ventures and Kaiser entities among the selling shareholders. The founders, Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, are not reported to be selling shares in the OFS.

Zepto had earlier filed IPO papers through the confidential route and received SEBI approval in May 2026. The updated filing now brings it much closer to an actual listing.

Founders And Zepto’s Startup Journey

Zepto was founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra. The company’s quick commerce brand started in 2021, while its corporate entity was originally incorporated in December 2020 as Kiranakart Technologies.

The founders became well known in India’s startup ecosystem because they built Zepto at a very young age. The company began with the idea of fast grocery delivery and grew rapidly as Indian consumers became comfortable ordering even small daily items online. The timing helped. During and after the pandemic, people became more open to buying groceries, snacks, personal care items and household essentials through apps. Zepto took that behaviour and pushed it further with the dark store model.

How Zepto Is Helping People

Zepto’s biggest impact is convenience. A working professional can order milk, bread, eggs or vegetables without stepping out. A student can get snacks and stationery quickly. A family can place a last-minute grocery order when guests arrive. This may sound small, but in crowded Indian cities, saving 30 to 60 minutes matters. Traffic, long billing queues and parking problems make daily shopping tiring. Quick commerce solves that pain point for many urban users.

Zepto also helps people during urgent situations. For example, someone cooking dinner may suddenly realize they are out of oil or spices. A parent may need baby products quickly. A person working late may need basic groceries without visiting a store at night.

Beyond customers, quick commerce creates jobs in warehousing, delivery, store operations, technology, customer support and supply chain management. It also gives many new-age consumer brands a digital shelf where they can reach buyers faster.

Where The IPO Money May Go

Zepto plans to use the fresh issue proceeds for business expansion. Reports say the money will be used to grow its dark store network, pay lease rentals, invest in technology and cloud infrastructure, support marketing, and fund possible acquisitions.

Dark stores are small fulfilment centres placed close to high-demand neighbourhoods. Customers do not walk into these stores. Instead, workers pick and pack orders from them, and delivery partners take the orders to customers.

This model works only when location, inventory and demand are managed well. If a dark store is too far, delivery becomes slow. If stock is poorly planned, customers see too many unavailable products. If rent is too high, profitability becomes harder. That is why Zepto’s IPO money is important. The company needs capital to expand, but it also needs discipline to make each store more efficient.

Zepto’s Growth And Financial Picture

Zepto has grown very fast. Reports based on the updated filing say the company’s revenue from operations more than doubled in FY26. Moneycontrol reported revenue from operations of Rs. 22,624 crore for FY26 in one analysis, while another report cited Rs. 24,164 crore. The company is still loss-making. Its net loss figures vary depending on the metric and report, but the larger message is clear – Zepto has scale, but profitability remains a key question.

For investors, this is the central debate. Fast growth is attractive, but public markets also want a clear path to profits. Zepto will have to show that its dark stores can become more productive, delivery costs can be controlled, and customer discounts can reduce without hurting demand.

Competitors In Quick Commerce

Zepto operates in one of India’s toughest consumer internet markets. Its major competitors include Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart Minutes and Amazon Now. Blinkit is backed by Eternal, formerly Zomato, and has become a strong quick commerce player. Swiggy Instamart is part of Swiggy’s larger food delivery and convenience ecosystem. BigBasket has Tata Group backing, while Flipkart and Amazon bring deep retail and technology experience.

This competition is good for customers because it brings discounts, faster delivery and wider product choice. But for companies, it can pressure margins. If everyone spends heavily on offers and expansion, profits can take longer to arrive.

Risks Investors Should Watch

Zepto’s IPO will attract attention because of its brand, speed and growth. But investors should read the final red herring prospectus carefully. Key risks include losses, high competition, employee and delivery workforce challenges, regulatory scrutiny, customer acquisition costs and the cost of running dark stores.

The company has also disclosed Enforcement Directorate summons to its co-founders in relation to information sought under FEMA-related proceedings. Reports say the founders appeared before the agency and submitted the requested information. This is an important disclosure, and investors should track any further updates through official filings.

Conclusion With Key Takeaways

Zepto’s planned Rs. 9,500 crore IPO could become one of India’s most watched new-age listings of 2026. It brings together quick commerce, startup investing, consumer behaviour and public market discipline in one story.

Key takeaways

• Zepto has filed updated IPO papers with SEBI and is targeting a July 2026 listing, according to reports.
• The IPO includes a fresh issue of Rs. 8,010 crore and an OFS by existing investors.
• Zepto was founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, with the brand starting in 2021.
• The company helps users by offering fast delivery of groceries and daily essentials, especially in busy cities.

Investors should watch profitability, competition, dark store economics and regulatory disclosures before making any decision.

Facts Input- ET, MC, MC& BS

Disclaimer

This article is only for information and education. It is not investment advice or a recommendation to apply for the Zepto IPO. Readers should check official IPO documents and speak with a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

India’s IPO market is getting another busy chapter. SEBI has cleared five new public issue proposals, and the list includes some familiar names as well as niche companies from finance, hospitality, real estate, agriculture and manufacturing.

The biggest attention-grabber is Prism, the parent company of OYO. Truhome Finance, earlier known as Shriram Housing Finance, is another large issue in the queue. Together with Veegaland Developers and the other approved companies, the disclosed IPO sizes cross Rs. 9,900 crore.

Remember, this is not an investment advice, and also this does not mean these IPOs will open tomorrow. SEBI’s approval, often called an observation letter, means the companies can move to the next stage of the public issue process. They still need to file final documents, announce price bands, confirm dates and complete market formalities.

What SEBI Has Approved

SEBI has approved IPO proposals from five companies – Prism or Oravel Stays, Truhome Finance, Veegaland Developers, Advanta Enterprises and Mehta Hitech Industries.

The mix is interesting because it is not limited to one hot sector. There is a travel-tech company, an affordable housing finance lender, a Kerala-focused real estate developer, an agri-solutions business and a manufacturer of laser equipment and digital printers. This matters because IPO activity often shows where investors and promoters believe public market appetite exists. If these issues perform well, it could encourage more private companies to test the market in 2026.

OYO Parent Prism IPO – The Big Name In The List

Prism, the parent of OYO, is the headline name here. OYO was founded by Ritesh Agarwal, with the hospitality platform becoming one of India’s most talked-about startups over the last decade. Reports say Prism is looking to raise Rs. 6,650 crore through its IPO, while some market reports have cited a higher possible size. The company had earlier filed IPO papers through the confidential pre-filing route. This route allows a company to first discuss its draft papers with SEBI before making detailed public filings. Prism is now expected to move toward the updated draft red herring prospectus stage.

For readers who are new to IPOs, think of this as a hotel booking platform moving from private investor rooms to the public market lobby. Investors will not only look at brand recall, but also profitability, debt, growth, hotel partner relationships and global expansion.

OYO’s competitors include hotel chains, online travel platforms and stay aggregators such as MakeMyTrip, Airbnb, FabHotels, Treebo and traditional budget hotel networks. That makes the IPO more than just a startup listing. It is also a test of how public investors value travel-tech after years of funding-led growth.

Truhome Finance IPO – Affordable Housing Gets Market Attention

Truhome Finance, formerly Shriram Housing Finance, has received SEBI approval for a proposed Rs. 3,000 crore IPO. The offer is expected to include a Rs. 1,500 crore fresh issue and a Rs. 1,500 crore offer for sale. The company was founded in 2010 and focuses on secured lending products such as home loans and loans against property. Its target customers include self-employed borrowers and buyers in the affordable housing segment.

The fresh issue portion is important because that money can go into the company. Truhome plans to use the proceeds to strengthen its capital base, support future lending and meet regulatory capital needs.

Its listed and unlisted competitors include Aavas Financiers, Home First Finance, Aptus Value Housing Finance, PNB Housing Finance and Can Fin Homes. Investors will compare Truhome’s loan growth, asset quality, margins and customer segment before making a call.

Veegaland Developers IPO – A Regional Real Estate Play

Veegaland Developers has also received SEBI’s go-ahead. The Kerala-based company operates under the Veegaland Homes brand and focuses on residential apartment projects across premium and mid-premium categories. The proposed IPO is expected to be a fresh issue of up to Rs. 250 crore. The company plans to use the money for ongoing projects, land buying and general corporate needs.

This IPO is useful to watch because regional real estate companies are increasingly trying to enter public markets. A developer does not always need a national footprint to attract investor interest. What matters is execution quality, cash flow, project pipeline and local demand.

For example, a homebuyer in Kochi or Thrissur may already know Veegaland as a local brand, while a Mumbai investor may need to study the company from scratch. That difference makes disclosures and financial clarity very important.

Advanta Enterprises IPO – Agriculture Meets Public Markets

Advanta Enterprises, a subsidiary of UPL, is another approved IPO candidate. The company operates in seeds and post-harvest solutions, which puts it close to India’s agriculture value chain.

Its IPO is expected to be an offer for sale, meaning existing shareholders will sell shares rather than fresh money going directly into the company. Reported selling shareholders include UPL and investor entities. This kind of issue can still be attractive if the business has strong fundamentals, but investors should understand the difference. In a fresh issue, the company receives funds for growth or debt reduction. In an offer for sale, the selling shareholders receive the proceeds.

Advanta’s competitors may include seed and agri-input players such as Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Corteva-linked businesses, Rallis India and other domestic seed companies.

Mehta Hitech Industries IPO – A Smaller Manufacturing Story

Mehta Hitech Industries, based in Ahmedabad, has also received approval for its public issue. The company manufactures laser equipment and digital printers, according to available IPO-related reports.

Its draft papers mention a fresh issue of up to 62 lakh equity shares, though the final issue size will depend on pricing and later filings. This is the kind of IPO that may not create the same buzz as OYO, but it can still matter for investors tracking Indian manufacturing. Smaller manufacturing IPOs often attract interest when they operate in specialized equipment, exports, automation or industrial technology.

Still, investors should be careful. Smaller companies can offer growth, but they may also carry risks around customer concentration, working capital pressure, pricing competition and limited public information.

Why This IPO Batch Matters

The approval of five IPOs together shows that India’s primary market remains active. It also shows that SEBI continues to clear companies from very different sectors, not just consumer internet or financial services.

For retail investors, the lesson is simple. A famous brand does not automatically make a good IPO, and a smaller company does not automatically mean a weak opportunity. The real work begins when the red herring prospectus, price band, valuation, financials and risk factors are available. A practical example helps. If Prism prices its IPO at a high valuation, investors will ask whether OYO’s earnings and growth justify that number. If Truhome Finance comes at a reasonable valuation but has asset-quality concerns, investors will study its loan book carefully. Every IPO has a story, but the numbers decide whether the story is investable.

Conclusion With Key Takeaways

SEBI’s approval for these five IPOs adds fresh energy to India’s 2026 listing pipeline. Prism and Truhome Finance are clearly the biggest names, while Veegaland Developers, Advanta Enterprises and Mehta Hitech Industries add sector variety.

Key takeaways

• SEBI has cleared five IPO proposals from Prism, Truhome Finance, Veegaland Developers, Advanta Enterprises and Mehta Hitech Industries.
• The disclosed issue sizes cross Rs. 9,900 crore, led by Prism’s reported Rs. 6,650 crore plan and Truhome Finance’s Rs. 3,000 crore issue.
• OYO parent Prism will be watched closely because it brings a major Indian startup brand back into the IPO conversation.
• Truhome Finance gives investors exposure to affordable housing finance, a sector linked to credit growth and housing demand.

Investors should wait for final IPO documents, price bands, valuations and risk factors before deciding.

Facts Input- FE

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered investment advice, financial advice, or a recommendation to apply for any IPO, buy, sell, or hold any stock. IPO details, valuations, risks, and market conditions can change quickly. Readers should check official documents, consult a certified financial advisor, and do their own research before making any investment decision.

India’s water problems are not small. Some places face drinking water shortages, some struggle with polluted water, and many farmers still depend on uncertain rainfall. At the same time, climate change is making floods, droughts, and groundwater stress harder to predict.

To tackle this, the government has launched the Rs. 200 Cr MAHA Water Mission. The programme is being run by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, or ANRF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It is designed to support research, field testing, and deployment of high-impact water solutions.

For startups, this is an important signal. The mission is not just about lab research. It wants universities, national labs, startups, MSMEs, and industry partners to work together on practical water technologies that can be tested in real conditions.

What Is MAHA Water Mission

MAHA stands for Missions for Advancement in High-Impact Areas. Under this framework, ANRF supports mission-mode research in sectors that matter for India’s future. Water is now one of those priority areas. The MAHA Water Mission has a total outlay of Rs. 200 Cr over five years. Selected consortium projects can receive support of up to Rs. 20 Cr each. A consortium means a team made up of different partners, such as a university, research lab, startup, MSME, or industry player.

The aim is simple – move good water ideas from research papers and prototypes into field-ready solutions. That could mean a low-cost drinking water system, a tool to monitor groundwater, a sensor for water quality, or a better way to reuse wastewater.

Who Will Benefit From This Mission

The direct beneficiaries will be research institutions, universities, national laboratories, Section 8 companies, and approved consortium teams. According to the official call for proposals, the lead applicant must come from an academic institution or national research laboratory.

Startups and MSMEs can benefit as collaborators. This is a very important detail. The mission’s official proposal document says startups, MSMEs, and industry partners can participate with academic or R&D institutions, but they will not receive direct ANRF funding under this particular mission. They must also contribute at least 10 percent of the total project budget, either in cash or kind. So, for startups, this is not a simple grant where a founder applies alone and receives money directly. The better way to understand it is this – water startups can join strong research-led projects, test their technology, access scientific expertise, build credibility, and use open-source mission outputs to improve products.

This can still be valuable. For a WaterTech startup, field validation is often more useful than a short marketing campaign.

What Kind Of Startups Can Participate

The biggest opportunity is for startups solving real water problems. A startup building AI-based groundwater mapping tools may fit the mission. A company making low-cost water testing kits could also be relevant. Startups working on wastewater recycling, smart irrigation, flood forecasting, water quality sensors, desalination support, greywater treatment, or climate-resilient water planning may also find good opportunities.

For example, a startup that makes IoT water meters for villages can partner with an engineering institute and a local government body to test the product in real conditions. A company working on wastewater reuse for small factories can collaborate with a research lab to improve treatment performance and validate results.

This is where the mission can help startups move from “promising product” to “trusted solution.”

The Five Focus Areas

The MAHA Water Mission is built around five priority themes.

1. The first is water resource assessment and sustainable management. This includes groundwater mapping, aquifer recharge, glacier and snow monitoring, and better modelling of surface and groundwater systems.
2. The second is drinking water. Here, the focus is on low-cost potable water solutions, especially for household and piped water supply systems.
3. The third is water quality and ecological health. This can include water treatment, pollution monitoring, social hydrology, community-led innovation, and links between water, food, energy, and health.
4. The fourth is water-use efficiency and circular economy. This is useful for startups working on water reuse, greywater management, industrial wastewater, agriculture water efficiency, and mining or allied sectors.
5. The fifth is climate resilience and adaptation. This includes AI and machine learning tools, digital monitoring, environmental surveillance, and systems that help communities prepare for climate-linked water stress.

Why This Matters For India’s WaterTech Ecosystem

India has strong engineers, research institutions, and entrepreneurs. But water innovation is difficult because solutions must work in messy real-world conditions. A device that works in a lab may fail in a village, farm, factory, or flood-prone area. Water also has a public-good nature. The buyer may be a government body, municipality, industry, farmer group, or community institution. Sales cycles can be long. Testing can take months. Regulation and trust matter.

That is why a mission like this can help. It brings science, startups, institutions, and government priorities into one structure. If implemented well, it can reduce the gap between invention and deployment.

It can also create more serious WaterTech startups in India. Instead of building only small pilot products, founders may get a chance to work with larger validation programmes and national water challenges.

What Startups Should Do Now

Startups interested in the MAHA Water Mission should not wait passively. They should identify academic institutions, R&D labs, or national laboratories working in their area. A startup should prepare a clear note on its technology, current readiness level, pilot results, cost advantage, and field use case. The official call mentions technology readiness and field validation, so vague ideas may not be enough.

Founders should also be ready to contribute 10 percent of the project budget as required for startup, MSME, or industry participation. This contribution can be in cash or kind, but the role must be clearly defined.

Most importantly, startups should focus on problems that matter at scale. India does not need only polished dashboards. It needs affordable, durable, easy-to-maintain water solutions that can work across rural, urban, agricultural, and industrial settings.

Conclusion With Key Takeaways

The Rs. 200 Cr MAHA Water Mission is a serious push toward water innovation in India. It is designed to support technology development, validation, and deployment across drinking water, water quality, water efficiency, resource mapping, and climate resilience.

For startups, the opportunity is real, but the model must be understood correctly. Startups are expected to participate as collaborators with academic or R&D institutions, not as solo direct grant recipients under the main proposal route.

Key takeaways

• MAHA Water Mission has a Rs. 200 Cr outlay over five years.
• Selected consortium projects can receive up to Rs. 20 Cr.
• Startups, MSMEs, universities, labs, and industry partners are part of the mission ecosystem.
• Startups must collaborate with academic or R&D institutions and contribute at least 10 percent of the project budget.

The biggest beneficiaries will be WaterTech startups working on practical, scalable, field-ready solutions.

Facts Input- 1, 2

Passive income sounds like a dream. Money keeps coming in while you sleep, travel, work another job, or spend time with family. That is why the term is so popular on YouTube, Instagram, and finance blogs. But here is the honest version. Passive income is rarely fully passive in the beginning. You usually need one of three things – money, time, or skill. Sometimes you need all three. A rental property needs capital. A blog needs writing and patience. Dividend investing needs savings and discipline. A digital product needs effort before it can earn quietly.

So, what is passive income really? In simple words, passive income is money earned from an asset, system, investment, or business where you are not actively working every hour to get paid. It is different from a salary, where you exchange time directly for money.

What Passive Income Really Means

Passive income is not “free income.” It is delayed income. You build something first, then it may start paying you later with less daily effort. For example, if you work 8 hours and get paid for those 8 hours, that is active income. If you buy a rental property and receive rent every month, that is closer to passive income. If you write an e-book once and it sells for months, that can also become passive income.

The IRS defines passive activity mainly around rental activity and businesses where the person does not materially participate. That is a tax definition, but for everyday people, the idea is wider. It includes income from investments, royalties, online products, rental assets, and automated business systems.

The key point is control. You are not doing fresh work for every rupee earned.

Why Passive Income Matters

Passive income can reduce your dependence on one job or one client. It can also help you build long-term wealth. Imagine two people earning the same salary. One spends everything every month. The other invests regularly in income-producing assets. After a few years, the second person may have dividends, interest, rental income, or business income coming in alongside salary.

That extra money can pay bills, fund travel, support retirement, or help during a job loss. Passive income gives breathing room. It does not make life risk-free, but it gives you more choices.

Valid Passive Income Options

Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks are shares of companies that distribute part of their profit to shareholders. If you own such stocks, you may receive dividend income. This is one of the simplest passive income options, but it carries market risk. Share prices can fall, and companies can reduce dividends. A good dividend portfolio usually needs research, diversification, and patience.

Example – If you invest Rs. 5 lakh in dividend-paying stocks and receive a 3 percent annual dividend yield, you may earn around Rs. 15,000 a year before taxes. The stock value can still move up or down.

Mutual Funds And ETFs

Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, let investors own a basket of stocks or bonds. Some funds pay income through dividends or interest distributions. This option is useful for beginners because it spreads money across many companies or securities. However, returns are not guaranteed. Equity funds can be volatile, and bond funds can lose value when interest rates rise.

For many people, growth-focused investing plus systematic withdrawals later may be better than chasing high monthly income from risky funds.

Fixed Deposits And Bonds

Fixed deposits, government bonds, and corporate bonds can provide regular interest income. These are easier to understand than many other options. Fixed deposits are popular because they feel safe and predictable. Bonds can also generate steady income, but corporate bonds carry credit risk. If the issuer struggles financially, payments may be delayed or lost.

This option is best for people who prefer stability over high returns. It may not beat inflation every year, but it can be useful for emergency planning or retirement income.

Rental Property

Rental income is one of the oldest passive income sources. You buy a property and rent it out. The benefit is regular cash flow and possible property appreciation. The challenge is that property is expensive, illiquid, and not fully passive. Tenants, repairs, paperwork, taxes, society rules, and vacancies all need attention.

A rental property can work well if the rent covers maintenance, loan EMI, taxes, and still leaves a surplus. Buying only because “property always goes up” can be risky.

REITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, are a way to invest in real estate without buying a full property. REITs own income-generating properties and distribute a portion of income to investors.

They are easier to buy and sell than physical property. They also need less capital. But REIT prices can move like stocks, and income depends on the quality of properties, tenants, and market conditions.

For people who want real estate exposure without managing tenants, REITs can be a practical option.

Digital Products

Digital products include e-books, online courses, templates, stock photos, music, paid newsletters, and software tools. This can become powerful passive income because once the product is created, it can be sold repeatedly. But it is not easy at the start. You need a useful product, clear audience, marketing, and regular updates.

Example – A designer can create resume templates and sell them online. A teacher can make a beginner Excel course. A fitness coach can sell a meal planning guide. The income becomes more passive once the system is set up.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing means earning commission by recommending products or services. If someone buys through your link, you get paid. This works well for bloggers, YouTubers, newsletter writers, and niche website owners. But it should be done honestly. Recommending poor products just for commission can damage trust.

A good affiliate model is built on helpful content. For example, a tech writer comparing budget smartphones can include affiliate links, but the review must stay fair and useful.

Content Websites And YouTube

A blog, YouTube channel, or podcast can generate income through ads, sponsorships, affiliate links, memberships, and digital products. This is not passive at first. It can take months or years of consistent work. But older articles and videos can keep bringing traffic and income after they are published.

For example, a detailed guide on “best budget EV scooters in India” may keep attracting readers if it ranks well on Google and stays updated.

Peer-To-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending platforms allow individuals to lend money to borrowers and earn interest. This can produce income, but it comes with default risk. It is not suitable for everyone. Beginners should be careful and understand platform rules, borrower risk, regulation, and liquidity before investing.

Small Automated Businesses

Some businesses can become semi-passive after systems are built. Examples include vending machines, laundromats, niche e-commerce, print-on-demand stores, or subscription-based tools.

These are not magic machines. They need setup, maintenance, customer support, accounting, and marketing. But with good processes, they may need less daily involvement over time.

What Is Not Truly Passive Income

Many things sold as passive income are actually active businesses. Drop-shipping is not passive if you are handling customer complaints daily. Trading is not passive because it needs constant decision-making and carries high risk. Short-term rentals are not passive if you manage guests, cleaning, pricing, and maintenance every week.

There is nothing wrong with these models. They can make money. But calling them passive can mislead beginners.

How To Start Building Passive Income

Start with your current situation. If you have savings, investment-based passive income may be easier. If you have more time than money, digital products, content, or skill-based assets may be better. A simple path could look like this.

1. First, build an emergency fund. Passive income should not come before basic financial safety.
2. Second, clear high-interest debt. Paying 30 percent credit card interest while chasing 8 percent returns makes no sense.
3. Third, invest regularly in diversified assets. This builds the base.
4. Fourth, create one scalable skill-based asset. It could be a blog, course, template shop, app, or newsletter.
5. Fifth, reinvest early income instead of spending it immediately. This is how passive income grows faster.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

The biggest mistake is expecting quick income. Most passive income takes time. Another mistake is putting all money into one idea. A single rental property, one stock, one crypto token, or one online course can fail. Diversification helps reduce risk.

Also avoid schemes promising fixed high returns with no risk. In finance, higher return usually comes with higher risk. If someone promises easy monthly income without explaining risk, be careful.

Conclusion With Key Takeaways

Passive income is not about doing nothing. It is about building assets that can earn after the main work is done. Some options need money, some need skills, and some need both. The best passive income plan is usually boring in the beginning. Save regularly, invest wisely, build useful digital or physical assets, avoid scams, and let time do its work.

Key takeaways

• Passive income means earning from assets or systems, not direct hourly work.
• Valid options include dividends, mutual funds, bonds, rentals, REITs, digital products, affiliate marketing, and content.
• Most passive income needs effort or capital at the start.
• Avoid “guaranteed high return” schemes and unrealistic online claims.

The safest approach is to build multiple income streams slowly and responsibly.

Bajaj Finserv has launched Finserv Intelligence, a new group-wide research and innovation initiative focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, fintech and consumer technology platforms. The company plans to invest around Rs. 1,500 crore to Rs. 2,000 crore over the next five years. This is not a small experiment. Bajaj Finserv is one of India’s biggest financial services groups, and when a company of this size creates a long-term AI and deep-tech platform, it says something about where the financial industry is heading.

The idea is simple but ambitious. Bajaj Finserv wants to build high-tech, low-cost and scalable solutions from India, not only for its own businesses but also for wider markets. In simple words, it wants AI and deep-tech tools that can work at Indian scale.

What Is Finserv Intelligence

Finserv Intelligence is an applied research and innovation platform. It is not just a normal startup investment fund. It combines internal research, partnerships with academic institutions and investments in early-stage companies. The platform will focus on areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, fintech and consumer technology. These are not random buzzwords. For a financial services company, all these areas are becoming important.

AI can help with lending, insurance, customer service, fraud detection and personalization. Cybersecurity is critical because financial companies handle sensitive customer data. Quantum technologies may affect future security, computing and risk modelling. Fintech and consumer platforms can help Bajaj reach more users through digital products.

The company has also partnered with IIT Bombay to create a joint research centre focused on AI, cybersecurity and quantum technologies. This is important because deep-tech needs patient research, not only quick app development.

How the Model Works

The model appears to have three layers.

1. First, Bajaj Finserv will build its own research capability. This means teams inside the group can work on long-term technology problems that may help lending, insurance, payments, wealth, healthtech and customer platforms.
2. Second, it will invest in startups and early-stage companies that have strong scaling potential. This gives Bajaj access to new ideas without having to build everything from scratch.
3. Third, it will work with academic institutions like IIT Bombay. This can help bring research talent, technical depth and fresh thinking into the system.

This combination makes sense. Big companies often understand business problems deeply but move slowly. Startups move fast but may lack scale. Universities create strong research but may need industry use cases. Finserv Intelligence tries to bring these three worlds closer.

For example, a startup may build a voice AI tool for customer support. Bajaj can test it across millions of customer interactions. IIT researchers may help improve the model’s accuracy, security or language ability. If it works, the solution can scale faster.

Why AI Matters for Financial Services

Financial services is one of the best places to use AI because the industry deals with huge amounts of data, repetitive processes and risk decisions. A lender needs to decide who can get a loan. An insurer needs to price risk. A customer support team needs to answer questions quickly. A fraud team needs to detect unusual behaviour before money is lost.

AI can help in all these areas, but it must be used carefully. A wrong AI decision in finance can affect real people. It can reject a loan unfairly, flag a genuine user as suspicious or create privacy concerns.

That is why Bajaj’s deep-tech push should not only be judged by how much money it invests. It should also be judged by governance, transparency and safety.

The opportunity is big. AI can make financial products cheaper and faster. It can help rural and semi-urban users get support in local languages. It can reduce manual paperwork. It can detect fraud more quickly.

But the responsibility is equally big. Financial AI must be explainable, secure and fair.

Why This Is Important for Indian Startups

For Indian AI and deep-tech startups, Bajaj Finserv’s initiative can become a useful source of patient capital. Deep-tech companies often need more time than consumer internet startups. A cybersecurity platform, AI infrastructure tool or quantum-related technology may take years to mature. Regular venture capital sometimes pushes for faster growth than deep-tech can deliver.

A corporate platform like Finserv Intelligence can help if it brings capital, real use cases and large-scale deployment opportunities. This is especially useful in India because many startups struggle to find big enterprise customers early. If Bajaj gives startups a chance to test products in real financial environments, it can help them improve faster.

It can also create a new kind of startup partnership model. Instead of only buying software from vendors, large Indian companies may start co-building deep-tech solutions with startups and research labs.

Competitors and the Bigger Market

Bajaj Finserv is not alone in using AI. Banks, insurers, NBFCs and fintech companies across India are already experimenting with AI for customer service, underwriting, collections, fraud detection and personal finance. Its competitors include large financial groups such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Jio Financial Services, PhonePe, Paytm, Policybazaar and other fintech companies. Many of them are also investing in AI, data platforms and digital products.

But Bajaj’s approach is notable because it is setting aside a large five-year investment range and giving the initiative a clear identity. That can help it attract startups, researchers and talent.

The bigger race is not only between banks and NBFCs. It is between financial companies that can use technology responsibly at scale and those that cannot.

Is This Model Worth Watching

Yes, Finserv Intelligence is worth watching because it sits at the meeting point of finance, AI and deep-tech research.

The investment size is large enough to matter. The five-year timeline gives it breathing room. The IIT Bombay partnership gives it research credibility. And Bajaj Finserv’s large customer base gives it real-world deployment potential.

Still, success is not automatic. Many corporate innovation programmes sound impressive but become slow, bureaucratic or too disconnected from actual customer problems. Finserv Intelligence will need speed, strong technical leadership and clear use cases.

If it works, it could create useful AI tools for India’s financial system. If it becomes only a branding exercise, the impact will be limited.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Bajaj Finserv’s Finserv Intelligence is a serious AI and deep-tech bet. The company plans to invest Rs. 1,500 crore to Rs. 2,000 crore over five years across startups, internal research and academic partnerships. The model is interesting because it combines capital, research depth and real business deployment. For India’s AI ecosystem, that combination can be powerful.

Key takeaways

• Bajaj Finserv has launched Finserv Intelligence.
• The initiative will invest Rs. 1,500 crore to Rs. 2,000 crore over five years.
• Focus areas include AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, fintech and consumer technology platforms.
• Bajaj Finserv has partnered with IIT Bombay for a joint research centre.
• The model combines internal research, startup investments and academic collaboration.
• Competitors and peers include major banks, fintechs and financial services groups investing in AI.

The initiative could help India build scalable financial AI, but governance and responsible use will be important.

Facts Input- BS, ET-BFSI

Most people don’t struggle with money because they are careless. They struggle because spending decisions happen quietly every day. A food order here, an unplanned purchase there, and by month-end the budget feels tight. That is why expense reduction works best when we improve habits, not when we attempt extreme cuts for a few days.

Start by Tracking Before Cutting

If you want real improvement, begin with one month of honest tracking. Don’t overthink it. Just note every expense. Once this is done, patterns become obvious. Many people find that major expenses are not the problem rather repeated unaccounted small transactions are the real issues. This one step alone changes financial awareness and creates a strong base for better decisions.

Separate Essentials needs, Lifestyle, and Waste expenses

After tracking, divide your spending into three simple groups which are essentials, lifestyle choices, and avoidable waste. Essential things are those which are unavoidable and include rent, groceries, utility bills, school and transport expenses.

Lifestyle choices include the expenses on dining, shopping, and entertainment. Waste expense is where the biggest savings usually spent, such as unused subscriptions, duplicate plans, and impulse purchases. We should look to reduce waste which first gives quick results without feeling painful.

Use a Budget Framework That Feels Practical

A simple structure like the 50/30/20 rule can help many beginners. You can see this as a direction, rather than a hard and fast rule to follow. If your fixed costs are currently high, start with a custom split and improve month by month. Consistency matters far more than perfection. The main goal of this is to keep spending under control while slowly increasing savings.

Focus on the Bigger Expense Categories

Meaningful savings starts when you work to control on your biggest monthly expenses first. Housing costs can often be optimized through rent discussions or utility discipline. Food spending can drop when weekly planning replaces frequent delivery habits. Transport costs improve when commute decisions become intentional. Debt pressure reduces when high-interest liabilities are handled first. Unnecessary subscription cleanup is also powerful because these charges repeat silently every month which can save you some money from this.

Automate Savings and Add Spending Friction

One of the most effective habits is to save first, not at last. You can set an automatic transfer as soon as income deposits in your account or comes to your hands. This builds discipline naturally. Alongside this, reduce impulse spending by adding small friction. A 24-hour pause before non-essential purchases, removing saved cards from shopping apps, and using spend alerts can significantly reduce unnecessary outflow.

Renegotiate Monthly Bills Regularly

Many people overpay on mobile, broadband, and digital services simply because old plans continue by default. A quick review or negotiation can lower recurring costs. Even small monthly reductions create meaningful annual savings. This strategy is especially useful because it doesn’t require cutting quality of life.

Keep the Plan Human and Sustainable

If you manage household expenses with a partner or family, regular communication is important. A short monthly review helps identify overspending and prevents confusion. The most successful plans are simple enough to continue for years. A strict plan that breaks in two weeks is less useful than a realistic plan that lasts.

Guard Against Lifestyle Inflation

As income rises, spending often rises automatically. That habit can quietly erase progress. A better approach is to increase your savings rate first whenever income grows, then upgrade lifestyle gradually. This keeps financial growth stable while still allowing better living standards.

Conclusion

Reducing monthly expenses effectively is not about living with constant restrictions. It is about spending wherever is necessary. When you track your input/inflow and output/outflow of money clearly, cut waste first, automate savings, and review regularly, money stress begins to fall. Over time, these small systems create bigger confidence, stronger savings, and better long-term financial stability.

Money stress usually does not come from one big mistake. It builds from small habits which may be random online orders, unused subscriptions, and “I’ll track later” spending. The good news is that budgeting is not about being strict all the time. It is about giving your money a clear job.

If you are new to personal finance, start simple. You do not need complex and tricky methods and any special financial expertise. You need a system you can follow every month without feeling exhausted.

This guide explains beginner-friendly budgeting techniques in plain terms, with examples you can use right away.

Why Budgeting Feels Hard at First

Most beginners quit budgeting for one reason which is that they try to be perfect from day one. They track every rupee or dollar for three days, miss a few entries, then give up. A better approach is to choose one method that fits your lifestyle. A freelancer and a salaried employee may need different systems. A college student has different expenses from someone with family responsibilities.

Budgeting works when it feels realistic, not when it looks impressive.

1) The 50/30/20 Rule: Easiest Starting Point
The 50/30/20 rule is popular because it is simple which explains how to divide your income into needs/wants/and savings as below-

• 50% for needs (rent, groceries, bills, transport)
• 30% for wants (eating out, shopping, entertainment)
• 20% for savings and debt repayment

Example: If your monthly income is ₹40,000, then roughly ₹20,000 goes to needs, ₹12,000 to wants, and ₹8,000 to savings/debt.

Why beginners like it: you do not need to track tiny categories at first. It gives structure quickly.

2) Zero-Based Budgeting: Every Rupee Gets a Job
In this method, your income minus planned expenses equals zero. That does not mean you spend everything. It means you assign all money intentionally, including savings.

Example:

• Income: ₹50,000
  • Rent: ₹12,000
  • Food: ₹8,000
  • Transport: ₹3,000
  • Emergency fund: ₹10,000
  • SIP/investments: ₹7,000
  • Other categories: ₹10,000

Total assigned = ₹50,000

Why it works because it reduces “where did my money go?” moments.

3) Envelope Budgeting: Great for Overspending Habits
Envelope budgeting is useful if you overspend on food delivery, shopping, or weekend plans. You decide spending limits for categories and keep that amount separately (physical cash envelopes or digital envelopes in apps). Once that category is empty, spending stops until next month.

Example categories:

Dining out: ₹3,000
Shopping: ₹2,500
Entertainment: ₹1,500

Why it works because it creates a hard boundary and improves self-control.

4) Pay-Yourself-First Method: Build Savings Automatically
In this method, savings happen first, not last. As soon as salary arrives, transfer a fixed amount to savings or investments. Even starting with 10% helps. If your income is irregular, set a minimum fixed amount and add more in better months.

Why it works because most people spend first and save “what is left,” which is often nothing.

5) The Weekly Budget Check: Small Reviews, Big Results
Instead of one stressful monthly review, do a 10-minute weekly check which includes necessary points-

• How much did you spend this week?
• Which category is going over budget?
• Any upcoming large payment?

This keeps you in control and prevents end-of-month surprises.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Following are the points which are the common mistakes which beginners commits often and these should be avoided. Please look into them-

• Setting unrealistic limits
• Forgetting annual or irregular expenses
• Not tracking subscriptions
• Treating budgeting as punishment
• Quitting after one bad month

A missed week does not mean failure. Just restart from the next day.

Which Budgeting Technique Is Best for You?

• Choose 50/30/20 if you want an easy structure.
• Choose zero-based if you want detailed control.
• Choose envelope budgeting if you struggle with impulse spending.
• Choose pay-yourself-first if saving is your main goal.

You can also combine them. For example, use 50/30/20 as a base and envelope limits for spending categories.

Conclusion: Start Simple, Stay Consistent

The best budgeting technique is not the most advanced one. It is the one you can follow every month without burning out. You can start with one method this week and you should keep your expense categories simple. You should also review progress weekly and if you are deviating then you should adjust slowly. Over time, budgeting will feel less like restriction and more like freedom, because your money decisions become clearer and less stressful. Small consistency beats perfect planning. Every month you follow a system, then you’ll see that your financial confidence would grow seamlessly and you’ll also start saving meaningfully.

India’s deep-tech ecosystem just received a meaningful capital signal. Asset manager Piper Serica has launched the Bharat Tech Fund with a potential corpus of INR 800 crore, aimed at backing technology-first startups. At a time when many founders are building in hard domains like semiconductors, AI infrastructure, spacetech, defence tech, and biosciences, access to patient growth capital is still a major challenge. Deep-tech startups usually need longer development cycles, stronger R&D, and more funding discipline than app-first businesses.

That is why this launch is important. It is not only about one fund announcement. It reflects growing confidence that India’s next startup wave will include more science-led and engineering-heavy companies.

Piper Serica is a Mumbai-based asset management and alternative investments firm focused on public markets, PMS/AIF products, and startup investing, including deep-tech.
It was founded in 2003 by Abhay Agarwal (Founder & Fund Manager).

What Piper Serica Announced

According to business reports published on May 20, 2026, Piper Serica launched the Bharat Tech Fund with-

• Target corpus: INR 600 crore
• Greenshoe option: INR 200 crore
• Total potential size: INR 800 crore

The fund is expected to focus on Indian technology startups, especially in deep-tech categories. Coverage also indicates that the fund may invest in Series A and Series B stages, where many startups face a “growth financing gap” after initial traction.

Another notable detail which we need to remember is that Piper Serica has already been active in early technology investing through its earlier AIF activity, and the new fund appears to scale that strategy into a larger structured vehicle.

Why Deep-Tech Startups Need Dedicated Funds

Deep-tech is very different from fast-consumption digital businesses. A food-delivery app can test and iterate weekly. A semiconductor or advanced hardware startup may need years before large revenue. This creates three funding challenges-

• Longer time to commercialization
• Higher upfront R&D and hiring costs
• Greater technical and regulatory complexity

Generalist investors sometimes hesitate at this stage because outcomes are slower and technical diligence is harder. A focused deep-tech fund can bridge that gap by understanding sector-specific risk and building longer investment horizons.

How Startups Could Benefit From This INR 800 Crore Fund

If deployed well, the Bharat Tech Fund can support startups in practical ways beyond just capital. Let us see how-

1) Bigger ticket support at growth stage
Reports suggest cheque sizes could be meaningful for deep-tech teams scaling from pilot to commercial phase. This is often where many technically strong startups get stuck.

2) Better runway for product hardening
Deep-tech founders usually need time to refine core tech, improve reliability, and pass enterprise-grade testing. Growth-stage capital can protect this critical phase.

3) Stronger hiring in specialized roles
AI systems engineers, chip designers, robotics controls experts, biotech researchers, and safety/compliance professionals are expensive talent categories. Capital support makes these hires possible.

4) Improved credibility with enterprise customers
When a known institutional fund backs a startup, enterprise buyers and strategic partners often show more confidence in long-term engagement.

5) Follow-on fundraising momentum
A structured Series A/B round led by a recognized fund can make future rounds easier, especially for startups needing large expansion capital.

Conclusion

Piper Serica’s INR 800 crore Bharat Tech Fund is a timely development for India’s deep-tech ecosystem. It can provide growth-stage backing for startups building difficult but high-impact technologies, especially where long product cycles and technical risk make fundraising harder. For founders, the key takeaway is simple which is that opportunity is expanding, but preparedness matters more than ever. Teams and companies/startups with strong technical depth, clear commercialization plans, and disciplined execution are most likely to be benefitted. If this fund deploys effectively across quality startups, it could play a meaningful role in shaping India’s next generation of technology companies.

Facts Input- ET

Many salaried employees check their EPF account once a year and ask the same question which is that, “Has my interest been credited yet?” If your passbook does not show a fresh interest entry, it can feel confusing or worrying. The good news is that you can verify your EPF balance and contribution status quickly through official channels. You do not need any third-party app for this. EPFO already provides online and mobile options.

This article explains, in simple words, how EPF interest credit works, how to check your balance in a few steps, and what to do if your account is not showing the latest update.

Why EPF Interest May Not Show Immediately

Before checking methods, it helps to understand timing. EPF interest is usually declared for a financial year and then credited after due process. It is not always reflected for every member on the same day. So if your colleague sees an update before you do, that does not automatically mean your interest is missing. Sometimes, it is just a passbook update lag or backend processing sequence.

Also, passbook entries can appear later for transferred accounts, multiple old PF IDs, or KYC mismatch situations.

Method 1- Check EPF Balance on EPFO Passbook Portal (Most Detailed)

This is the best method if you want full transaction history, including employee share, employer share, and interest entries. Steps include as follows-

1. Go to the official EPFO passbook portal – passbook[dot]epfindia[dot]gov[dot]in
2. Log in using your UAN and password.
3. Select your Member ID (PF account).
4. Open “View Passbook.”
5. Check the latest lines for contribution and interest credit entries.

This method gives the clearest picture when you want to confirm whether interest has been posted.

Method 2- Check via UMANG App (Mobile-Friendly)

If you prefer phone-based tracking, UMANG is convenient. The steps are as follows-

1. Install/open UMANG app.
2. Go to EPFO services.
3. Choose passbook/balance option.
4. Enter UAN and OTP details as asked.
5. View current balance and entries.

If the app shows temporary errors, try again later or use the passbook website directly.

Method 3- Balance Check by SMS (No Internet Needed)

EPFO supports SMS balance inquiry from your UAN-registered mobile number also. For that purpose, you can use below format to send the message to EPFO-

• Send EPFOHO UAN to 7738299899
• For regional language, add language code (example: EPFOHO UAN TEL).

You receive an SMS with last contribution and available balance details using this method.

Method 4: Missed Call Service (Fastest Basic Check)

From your UAN-registered mobile number, give a missed call to- 9966044425

You will receive balance-related information by SMS.

This is useful for quick checks when you do not want to log in.

“Interest Not Credited” Checklist – What to Verify First

If interest still does not show, check these common issues-

• Is your UAN active?
• Is Aadhaar/bank/PAN linked correctly?
• Are old PF accounts transferred to your current UAN?
• Are you checking the right Member ID in passbook?
• Did you recently change password (sometimes sync delay happens)?

Many cases get resolved once account linking and transfer status are cleaned up.

Practical Example

We can understand the use and scenarios through this example, suppose you changed jobs twice in the last three years. Your current UAN may show one active PF account, while older balances are still in previous Member IDs. If transfer is pending, interest visibility can look incomplete.

So, after transfer and reconciliation, balances and interest entries usually become clearer in one place. This is why periodic PF review is important.

Is EPF Interest Rate Fixed Every Year?

No. The EPF interest rate is declared periodically after due approvals. For example, official communication in March 2026 referenced an 8.25% recommendation for FY 2025–26, but credit display in passbook can happen later. So always separate two things, which are as follows-

• Interest rate announced
• Interest entry visible in your passbook

They are related, but not always reflected on the same date for all users.

Safety Warning- Avoid Fake “PF Check” Sites

Please use only official channels such as below-

• epfindia[dot]gov[dot]in
• passbook[dot]epfindia[dot]gov[dot]in
• UMANG app

You should never share UAN password, OTP, bank PIN, or Aadhaar details on random links. EPFO also warns users against fraud calls asking for money or personal data.

Conclusion

If you are wondering whether your EPF interest is credited, the fastest reliable answer is in your official passbook and EPFO verification channels. Most “missing interest” concerns come from timing delays, account transfer gaps, or KYC mismatches, not permanent loss. Use the 4 official methods regularly, keep UAN and KYC updated, and verify entries calmly before raising a complaint. If you do a 5-minute monthly review then that can prevent major confusion later and help you track your retirement savings confidently.

Retirement planning in India is changing fast. Earlier, many people depended only on family support, fixed deposits, or employer pension. Today, more workers use the National Pension System (NPS) as a long-term retirement tool. But one practical question comes up again and again which is that Can NPS create a salary-like monthly income after retirement?

The short answer is yes, but partially. NPS is designed to provide pension income through annuity, and with smart planning, retirees can structure their withdrawals to feel closer to a regular monthly paycheck. Still, it is important to understand how the system works before expecting a perfect “salary replacement.”

How NPS Pays You After Retirement

At retirement (normal exit), NPS does not usually give the entire corpus as free cash. A part of the corpus must be used to buy an annuity (pension product), and the remaining portion can be withdrawn as lump sum or in phased form as allowed by rules.

In simple terms-

• Annuity part gives periodic pension (monthly/quarterly/etc., depending on option).
• Lump sum part gives flexibility for one-time needs or planned drawdown.

This combination is why NPS can support a salary-like plan, but the monthly amount depends on your final corpus, annuity rates at exit, and how you manage the non-annuity portion.

Core Rule You Must Know

As per current PFRDA guidance for many standard exits in the All Citizen Model-

• A minimum 40% of corpus is typically used for annuity purchase.
• Up to 60% can be taken as lump sum (or managed through phased withdrawal options where applicable).

That means your “guaranteed pension stream” usually starts from the annuity chunk, not the full corpus.

Can It Feel Like a Monthly Salary? Yes, If You Plan It Correctly

To create salary-like income, retirees often combine two streams which are-

1. Annuity pension (fixed core income)
   This is the stable base. It is predictable but may not be very high if corpus is small.
2. Planned drawdown from lump sum (top-up income)
   You can place the lump-sum portion in low-to-moderate risk instruments and withdraw a fixed monthly amount.

So instead of depending only on annuity, you build a “two-layer income model” where-

• Layer 1: fixed pension
• Layer 2: controlled monthly top-up

This structure can make cash flow feel closer to pre-retirement salary behavior.

Simple Example (Illustrative, Not Investment Advice)

Assume a retiree exits NPS with a ₹1 crore corpus.

• ₹40 lakh goes to annuity (minimum requirement case).
• ₹60 lakh remains as lump sum/managed corpus.

If annuity gives monthly pension based on chosen option and prevailing rates, that becomes the base cash flow. Then the retiree may withdraw a fixed amount monthly from the ₹60 lakh pool through a disciplined plan.

So the result would be combined monthly inflow which can be steadier and more “salary-like” than relying only on one component.

Who Should Consider This Strategy

This approach is useful for:

• Salaried professionals retiring without traditional defined-benefit pension
• Self-employed individuals who built retirement corpus through NPS
• Households that want predictable monthly cash flow rather than large idle lump sum
• Retirees who can follow a structured withdrawal discipline

Competitor Comparison – NPS vs Other Retirement Income Routes

Retirees often compare NPS with EPF/VPF corpus withdrawals, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), Monthly income plans and debt mutual fund SWP, Immediate annuity plans outside NPS, and Fixed deposits and post-office products. Behavior wise all are the different components and they all are designed for different different purposes.

Where NPS helps:

• long-term compounding during working years
• regulated structure
• mandatory pension-linked discipline via annuity component

Where others may help:

• simpler liquidity
• different risk-return profiles
• potentially easier income customization

In practice, many retirees use NPS + other instruments together which is a good combination.

Risks and Limits You Should Not Ignore

Even with good planning, NPS income is not a perfect salary clone because-

• Annuity payouts depend on market annuity rates at exit time
• Inflation can reduce real value of fixed pension over years
• Poor management of lump-sum portion can cause income gaps later
• Healthcare costs can rise faster than expected

So the goal should be “reliable retirement cash flow,” not exact salary replication.

5-Step Plan to Build Salary-Like Income from NPS

1. Estimate monthly retirement expense realistically.
2. Calculate expected annuity income from your projected corpus.
3. Keep an emergency buffer separate from monthly drawdown pool.
4. Design a conservative monthly withdrawal plan for lump-sum part.
5. Review annually for inflation and medical cost adjustments.

This keeps your retirement income strategy practical and sustainable.

Conclusion – Yes, It Is Possible, But Strategy Matters

NPS can absolutely help retirees create a salary-like monthly income, but it works best when treated as a system, not a single payout tool. The annuity gives stability, while planned drawdown from the remaining corpus can improve monthly comfort. If you want retirement cash flow that feels predictable, combine discipline with flexibility: build a pension base, manage top-ups wisely, and review your plan each year. So the key takeaway is simple which is that NPS can support steady retirement income, but the final outcome depends on planning quality, not just contribution amount.

Source – 1, 2

India’s Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is moving toward a major milestone. Pension regulator PFRDA has indicated that APY subscribers are expected to cross 10 crore in FY 2026-27 if current growth continues. That projection is important because APY was designed for people who usually do not have formal retirement support, especially workers in the unorganized sector. In a country where many people earn daily or seasonal income, a predictable pension after age 60 can make a real difference.

If you are wondering “What exactly is APY, and is it for me?”, then this article explains it in simple words.

What Is Atal Pension Yojana (APY)?

Atal Pension Yojana is a government-backed pension scheme managed under PFRDA. You contribute a fixed amount regularly during your working years, and after turning 60, you receive a guaranteed monthly pension. The pension options are fixed slabs of ₹1,000, ₹2,000, ₹3,000, ₹4,000 and ₹5,000 per month etc.

The amount you contribute depends on your entry age, and the pension slab you choose. In short, joining earlier usually means lower monthly contribution for the same pension target.

Why APY Is in the News Now

APY has already crossed 9 crore gross enrollments (officially announced in April 2026), and officials now expect it to cross 10 crore during the current financial year (FY 2026-27), driven by strong annual growth. This is not just a big number story. It shows rising awareness that retirement planning is no longer optional, even for lower- and middle-income households.

Who Is APY Meant For?

APY is primarily designed for people in the unorganized sector, including small shop workers, delivery workers, domestic workers, drivers, daily wage earners, self-employed individuals, micro business owners etc. but any eligible Indian citizen in the entry age range can join, subject to scheme rules.

The person who is joining the APY should be an Indian citizen and should be age between 18 and 40 at entry. He/she should have savings bank account (for auto-debit contributions). APY is not only about the subscriber. It also gives household-level security such as subscriber receives pension after 60 and after subscriber’s death, spouse can continue to get the same pension.

But after both subscriber and spouse pass away, accumulated corpus is returned to nominee (as per scheme provisions). So APY is often considered a family protection product, not just an individual retirement plan.

Practical Example we can take, suppose a 25-year-old joins APY and picks a ₹5,000 pension option. Because they started young, their monthly contribution is lower than someone entering at 35 for the same pension slab. So if you are starting earlier then there would be lighter monthly burden.

Conclusion

APY has crossed 9 crore enrollments and is expected to touch 10 crore in FY 2026-27. It offers guaranteed monthly pension (₹1,000 to ₹5,000) after age 60 which is useful for unorganized-sector workers and low-to-middle income households seeking certainty at their retirement. Starting early lowers monthly contribution burden for the same pension goal so APY works best as a foundational retirement safety net. APY’s growth shows one clear trend which is that more Indians are taking retirement planning seriously, and that is a healthy shift for long-term financial security.

Facts Input- PIB, PFRDA, Rediff

A major convenience upgrade may soon arrive for EPF members which is that withdrawing provident fund through UPI is becoming true. Recent reports quoting government updates say testing has been completed and rollout could begin soon under EPFO’s digital modernization push. If this goes live as expected, it can reduce waiting time and make fund access easier for millions of salaried users.

For members who currently depend on employer approvals, long processing windows, and repeated portal checks, this would be a practical shift in EPF withdrawal.

But one point is important from the start that as of May 21, 2026, this feature is still being reported as “likely/soon,” not fully rolled out nationwide for all users. So the right approach is to understand the process and prepare your account now.

What Is Changing in EPF Withdrawal?

The proposed UPI-linked process is expected to make this flow faster, with direct transfer into the linked bank account. Reports around EPFO 3.0 suggest members may soon be able to initiate eligible withdrawal requests through a simplified digital flow, and use UPI rails for quicker disbursal.

You can receive money in much less time than older manual-heavy cycles so in simple terms, the system aims to move from “form-heavy and delayed” to “digital and near-real-time for eligible cases.”

EPF Withdrawal via UPI in 3 Easy Steps (Expected Flow)

Based on current public reporting, the withdrawal process will look like this-

Step 1: Verify KYC and linked details
Before anything else, your EPF account should have clean and matching details-

• UAN activated
• Aadhaar linked
• PAN linked (where required)
• Bank account and IFSC updated
• mobile number active for OTP

Without this, UPI-based flow may fail or shift back to normal processing.

Step 2: Raise withdrawal request in EPFO digital channel
When the feature is live, members are expected to submit an eligible withdrawal request (advance/final, as applicable) through EPFO-linked digital systems. The process may include selecting withdrawal type and validating eligibility rules.

Step 3: Approve and receive transfer through UPI-linked settlement
After verification, funds are expected to be routed faster using UPI-connected payout infrastructure to your mapped bank account. Final settlement time will depend on rollout stage, claim type, and verification flags.

Important Cautions

1. Do not rely on unofficial links claiming “instant EPF via UPI live now.”
2. Do not share OTP, UAN password, or banking PIN with anyone.
3. Use only official EPFO websites/apps and trusted bank channels.
4. Remember: eligibility rules for EPF withdrawal categories still apply.
5. UPI may speed disbursal, but it does not remove legal withdrawal conditions.

Conclusion: Big Convenience Shift, but Wait for Official Go-Live

The EPF withdrawal via UPI proposal is one of the most useful member-facing updates in recent years. It has the potential to make claims faster, simpler, and more predictable for crores of subscribers. The key takeaway is like the feature appears close, but rollout is still in the “likely soon” stage as of May 21, 2026. So members should use this time to clean up KYC, verify account details, and track official EPFO announcements. If this feature is implemented smoothly, this could become a major quality-of-service upgrade in India’s retirement savings ecosystem.

Source- HT

Paytm has launched a new product called Pocket Money, designed for teenagers who want to make digital payments but do not have their own bank account. At first glance, it looks simple i.e. parents or trusted family members can enable controlled UPI spending for teens. But the larger impact is bigger than one app feature. For years, many families have had the same issue. Teens need money for school food, transport, books, and small daily expenses, but handing out cash is inconvenient and hard to track. At the same time, opening a full bank account for a minor can feel like too much process for families who just want safe day-to-day payments.

That is where this launch becomes interesting. It is a “middle path” between cash and full banking.

What Paytm Pocket Money Actually Is

Paytm Pocket Money lets teenagers make UPI payments without opening a separate bank account in their own name. The spending access is linked to a parent or guardian setup, with controls built in. Based on Paytm’s own announcement and coverage reports, the key features include-

• Teen payments without individual bank account setup
• Parent-controlled spending limits
• Real-time transaction visibility
• Ability to modify limits or revoke access
• Spend-summary style tracking for better monitoring

In simple terms we can say that teens can pay independently for small daily needs, while parents stay in control of the boundaries.

Why This Matters for Families

This launch solves a practical family problem, especially in urban and semi-urban India where QR payments are now normal at shops, canteens, and transport points.

1) Safer than carrying cash daily
Cash can be lost, misplaced, or used without records. Digital pockets provide better traceability.

2) Better money habits for teens
Teens can learn budgeting earlier when they see limits and transaction history.

3) Lower operational stress for parents
Instead of repeated cash handovers, parents can set controlled allowances digitally.

4) Better emergency convenience
If a child needs quick top-up for travel or school activity, funds can be arranged faster than cash-based methods.

This makes the product less about “fintech buzz” and more about routine household utility.

How to Open Paytm Pocket Money (Step-by-Step)

The exact app flow can slightly evolve with updates, but as per the official guidance you can follow this process-

1. Update Paytm app to the latest version (Android/iOS).
2. Open Paytm and tap To Mobile / Contact.
3. Select Pocket Money option in the flow.
4. Choose or enter the teen’s contact and continue verification.
5. Scan UPI QR or enter UPI details as prompted in-app.
6. Set a monthly spending limit for the teen account.
7. Select primary funding bank account (guardian side).
8. Authorize with Paytm UPI PIN to activate.
9. After setup, parents can monitor transactions and adjust limits through the app.

Important point to remember that always verify the latest in-app instructions because UI steps can change after updates.

Is It Only for Teens? What Age and Use Case Fit Best?

Public reports position this as a teen-focused product, typically useful for school/college-age users who need controlled digital spending. The strongest use cases are-

• School and coaching canteen payments
• Local transport and quick recharge payments
• Books, stationery, and small purchases
• Everyday digital allowance management

It is not meant to replace full banking for adults. Think of it as supervised financial access for minors and young users.

Conclusion- A Useful Step, If Used Responsibly

Paytm Pocket Money is a practical and timely launch. It gives teenagers controlled digital payment access without forcing immediate full bank-account setup, while giving parents visibility and control. For families, the value is clear which is that safer daily payments, better allowance discipline, and easier monitoring. For teens, it is a real-world introduction to money management in a digital economy. The key is balanced use. Teens can start with small limits, review transactions together, and treat it as a learning tool. If done right, this can be more than a payment feature. It can be a useful first step toward smarter financial behavior.

Image Source and Facts Input

India’s IPO market is showing signs of life again. In a notable update, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved three IPO proposals from Neolite ZKW Lightings, SS Retail, and Aspri Spirits. Together, these public issues are expected to raise over INR 1,200 crore from the market through IPO.

For regular investors, this is more than just a regulatory update. When multiple companies from different sectors move toward listing at the same time, it often points to improving market confidence. It suggests that promoters, bankers, and investors are becoming more comfortable with current conditions.

It also comes at a time when many market participants have been watching for a clear revival in primary market activity after periods of caution and uneven listing performance.

What exactly has SEBI approved?

SEBI approval means these companies can move to the next stage of the IPO process. It does not automatically mean all three will list immediately. Final timelines depend on market conditions, issue pricing, and internal readiness.

Still, SEBI’s approval is a major milestone. It tells investors that these companies have crossed an important compliance checkpoint and are now closer to launching their offers.

Here is a quick look at the three names

• Neolite ZKW Lightings: This company operates in the automotive lighting segment, a sector linked to vehicle demand and technology upgrades in mobility sector.
• SS Retail: It is associated with organized retail, with exposure to consumer spending patterns.
• Aspri Spirits: It is active in premium and imported alcoholic beverage distribution, a category that has seen rising urban demand.

A key point is sector diversity. These are not three companies from one narrow industry. That diversity makes this batch more meaningful for the broader India IPO market.

Why this matters for the primary market revival

The primary market is where companies raise money directly from investors through new issues like IPOs. When this market is active, it usually indicates healthier risk appetite and better capital flow.

The fact that SEBI approves three IPOs in one go can be read as a confidence signal for several reasons such as-

• Better sentiment: Companies typically avoid launching IPOs in weak sentiment phases unless necessary.
• Pipeline confidence: More approved issues can encourage other firms to move forward with draft filings.
• Investor choice: New listings from different sectors give investors alternatives beyond established secondary-market stocks.
• Capital formation: Strong primary market activity supports business expansion and job creation over time.

In simple terms, this is how a revival starts: first approvals, then launches, then subscription trends, and finally listing outcomes.

What beginners should watch before investing

If you are new to IPO investing, this is a good moment to stay curious but careful. Approvals are important, but they are only the beginning. Good IPO decisions usually depend on a few practical checks such as-

• Business quality: Does the company have a clear and durable business model?
• Financial health: Are revenue, margins, and debt levels reasonable?
• Valuation: Is the IPO price fair compared to listed peers?
• Use of proceeds: Is the company using funds for growth, debt reduction, or mostly for existing shareholder exits?
• Sector outlook: Are industry trends supportive over the next 2–3 years?

Suppose two IPOs can be equally popular during subscription, but their long-term outcomes may differ sharply if one is overpriced. That is why fundamentals matter more than short-term hype.

As the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) stage progresses, more detailed company background information, including leadership history and timeline, generally becomes easier to analyze in one place which you can check at the time of the launch.

Conclusion

SEBI approval of above three IPOs-Neolite ZKW Lightings, SS Retail, and Aspri Spirits is worth watching and it will raise around and over INR 1,200 crore is an encouraging marker for India’s capital markets. It points to improving confidence and a potentially stronger IPO cycle ahead. But revival is not the same as guaranteed success. Real strength will be confirmed only when these issues are launched, priced sensibly, subscribed well, and perform steadily after listing. For investors, especially beginners, the right approach is simple, follow the story, read the documents, and prioritize fundamentals over excitement.

Disclaimer

This should not be considered as an IPO purchase advice, the article is written for informational purpose only as part of current updates and if you want to make a purchase then better to approach your financial advisor for proper advice.

Facts Input

Money problems never begin with one big decision. Most of the time, they grow from small habits that feel harmless in the moment but grow and appears bigger when skipping from a proper budget, delaying savings, using credit for regular expenses, or investing without a plan. The good news is that these patterns can be fixed. If you understand the most common financial mistakes and take a few practical steps early, you can protect yourself from long-term stress and make your money work better for you.

The Most Common Financial Mistakes People Make

One of the biggest mistakes is living without a monthly budget. Everyone knows how much they earn, but not where their money actually goes. If you are not tracking your monthly spending, it becomes easy to overspend on convenience and ignore essential needs like savings or insurance most of the time. Generally 10 percent overspending of you monthly budget can be ignored.

Another general reason is not building an emergency fund. You should take care of unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, job loss, or urgent repairs, which can force people into high-interest debt when they have no cash buffer. If you have created a small emergency fund then that will appear helpful in difficult time and prevent poor financial decisions under pressure like breaking your policy or FD/RD etc. before maturity.

Debt misuse is another major problem. If you are using credit cards and personal loans, remember they are useful tools, but they become risky when used for lifestyle upgrades rather than real needs. People generally trapped in these credit tools easily and paying only the minimum due each month increases interest costs and keeps people stuck in a cycle.

Many beginners also delay investing. They wait for the “perfect time” or believe they need a large amount to start. In reality, early investing, even with small amounts, often matters more than timing the market. Waiting can cost years of compounding growth.

A less obvious mistake is ignoring financial protection. People focus on earning and spending but forget risk coverage. Basic health and life insurance can prevent one crisis from destroying years of progress.

Practical Steps to Avoid These Mistakes

You can start with a simple structure like divide income into needs, goals, and lifestyle spending. You do not need a complicated debit/credit sheet. A basic system that you review weekly is enough to improve awareness and control. You should build your emergency fund gradually. Aim first for one month of essential expenses, then move toward three to six months over time. You should keep this money separate from daily spending so it is available when needed.

For debt management, prioritize high-interest debt first while continuing minimum payments on others. Avoid taking fresh debt for non-essential purchases. If credit card balances are rising monthly, treat that as an early warning sign and adjust spending immediately.

For investing, begin with goal-based planning. Define what you are investing for, such as retirement, children’s education, or a house down payment. You can choose investment products that match your time horizon and risk comfort. Consistency is more important than chasing quick returns.

Also good thing is to automate good habits. You can prefer to set automatic transfers for savings and investments right after salary credit. This automation reduces emotional decisions and keeps your plan active even during busy months. Finally, review your finances every quarter. Check spending patterns, debt levels, insurance coverage, and progress toward goals. Personal finance is not a one-time setup; it is an ongoing system that improves with regular attention.

Conclusion

Since adopting these habits are little bit difficult but not impossible. You should remember that avoiding financial mistakes is not possible but they can be minimized. Also we can not live on a clear budget all the time but we can adopt good things like emergency savings, disciplined debt like credit card and personal loan use and repayment on time, early investing, and periodic expense reviews can dramatically improve your financial health. You do not need to change everything overnight but you can start with one correction, stay consistent, and build from there. Over time, these small, smart actions create stability, confidence, and real financial freedom.