In Hindu tradition, Rakshabandhan is more than just a festival or a symbolic thread of protection, it represents an unsaid commitment to safeguard your sister. In the same way, you can protect her financial future by giving financial gifts instead of material ones, as financial assets usually appreciate in value, helping her secure her future and achieve her dreams.
In this blog, we will give you an overview of the best financial gifts for your sister, which you can give to her this Rakshabandhan.
What is a Financial Gift?
A financial gift is a transfer of property, money, or assets to another person without expecting anything in return. It is a way to give valuable assets to your close ones. The financial gifts include cash, fixed deposits, mutual funds, stocks, etc. The main objective of these gifts is to help your close ones in building long-term wealth and encourage financial discipline.
Importance of Financial Gift
The key benefits of a financial gift are as follows:
Financial Security: A monetary gift can help an individual build a strong foundation for creating long-term wealth.
Encourage Discipline: Gifting mutual funds and fixed deposits can encourage financial discipline.
Wealth Creation: Financial gifts can help an individual build long-term wealth while reducing the tendency to spend the amount immediately.
Financial Goals: Financial gifts can be given for achieving specific financial goals such as marriage, education, house purchase, etc.
Tax Efficiency: Gifts given to close ones, such as siblings, parents or children, are exempted from tax in India.
Best Financial Gifts for Sister 2025
The list of the best financial gifts for a sister is as follows:
1. Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are financial assets which can help a person create wealth in the long run. There are various options through which one can gift mutual funds to their sister, such as in the form of a lump sum investment or SIP. It is best to save based on specific goals such as education, marriage, etc. Mutual funds are professionally managed funds that offer diversification, helping to reduce risk. One can start a SIP for her and help her learn the importance of financial discipline over time. However, you also invest a lump sum amount in the mutual fund and gift it to her.
2. Stocks
It is important to introduce your sister to the world of the stock market so that she can understand the benefit of compounding at an early stage. You can give her shares of fundamentally strong companies so that the value of her equity portfolio increases over time. You can transfer shares from your demat account to her demat account directly. However, she will have to pay capital gain tax whenever she sells the shares. It is advisable to conduct thorough research before choosing any stock for investment.
3. Digital Gold
Gold has always been considered a traditional investment option and a safe haven. Earlier, people used to give gold jewellery to their sisters, but owning physical jewellery carries certain risks, such as storage cost, wear and tear, etc. Hence, digital gold in the form of gold mutual funds, gold ETFs, and Sovereign Gold Bonds can be a better option to gift your sister. You can purchase digital gold in her name and gift it to her.
4. Fixed Deposit
Investment in fixed deposits is low risk and has assured returns. Therefore, fixed deposits can be a suitable gift option for your sister if you are looking for stable returns. Returns on fixed deposits may not be inflation-beating but they can be used as an emergency fund or for short-term financial goals. You can easily open a fixed deposit in her name and give the fixed deposit receipt to her, and on maturity, she can visit the bank and get it encashed.
5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
It is a government scheme in which you can open a Sukanya Samriddhi account in the name of your sister who is below 10 years of age. Investment in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana comes with a lock-in period, which lasts 21 years from the date of opening of the account or gets married after attaining 18 years of age. These are backed by the government, hence carry the lowest risk. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana cannot be gifted directly unless you are a guardian.
6. Gift Cards
A perfect balance between thoughtfulness and freedom, letting your sister decide what she loves most. Various online retailers offer gift cards. You can purchase the gift card from them and gift it to your sister on Rakshabandhan.
7. Cash
It is the most convenient financial gift which one can give to their sister on Rakshabandhan. Unlike other financial gifts that are meant for long term financial goals, cash can be used anytime by your sister.
Tax Implications of a Gift
All the above-mentioned gifts, if gifted to your sister, are considered tax-free. No tax is payable by your sister. However, the interest or capital gain earned on these financial gifts are subject to taxation as per the applicable capital gain tax rate or as per her income tax slab. And if your sister is a minor, the income on these financial assets may be clubbed with the parents’ or guardian’s income.
Conclusion
On a concluding note, gifting financial assets to your sister on the auspicious occasion of Rakshabandhan is a smart choice. The financial gifts can help your sister achieve her financial goals. The Income Tax Act also allows tax-free gifting to your siblings, hence making it one of the most efficient ways to create wealth. The value of material gifts decreases over time, but the value of financial assets increases. Therefore, consider gifting financial assets to your sister but only after consulting your investment advisor to ensure they align with her risk profile and investment objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the applicable tax rate on giving financial gifts to my sister?
There is no tax payable by you or by your sister on the gift given to her. However, the income generated by the financial assets is taxable as per the applicable tax laws.
Is there any limit on the amount that is tax-free when gifting to a sister?
No, there is no limit. Gifts given to your sister are fully exempt from tax under the Income Tax Act.
How can I gift stocks to my sister?
First, you need to open a demat account for your sister, and then you can choose the stock from your demat account and gift it directly to your sister. It will be debited from your demat account and credited to her demat account.
Is a gift deed required for financial gifts given to a sister?
No, it is not mandatory to prepare a deed while gifting a financial asset to your sister. However, it is advisable to create one for high-value gifts to avoid any future inconvenience.
Is the income generated from the gifts given to the sister taxable?
Yes, income generated from the financial gifts given to your sister is taxable.
Anyone who has ever scrambled to find spare change in a crowded market knows how frustrating and time-consuming cash payments can be. That’s where UPI apps come in to save the day as they let you send money with just a few taps.
This blog will introduce you to some of the most popular UPI apps in India, helping you choose the one that fits your needs best. With so many options available, each with its own unique features, strengths, and drawbacks, understanding the pros and cons of each app will make it easier for you to make the right choice.
What is UPI?
Unified Payments Interface, or UPI for short, is an instant money transfer system built by The National Payments Corporation of India in 2016. With UPI, money moves straight from one bank account to another, with just the help of a smartphone almost like a text message traveling with cash inside. This system enables high speed digital financial transactions.
Since the launch, UPI has transformed the way we think about payments. In 2022, close to half the world’s instant transactions passed through Indian phones. India literally tapped its way through 18.68 billion UPI payments in May 2025, moving a jaw-dropping ₹25.14 trillion before the month even ran out. If the current trend holds, UPI could claim nearly 90% of every retail digital rupee spent by the end of 2026-2027. This rising growth is also fueling a boom in the wider digital wallet scene, where UPI sets the pace. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India keeps a watchful eye, adding a layer of regulatory oversight and increasing trust among the users.
UPI : A Simple Breakdown
Sending cash through a UPI app is all about smart tech and user friendly technology doing its job behind the curtain. Digital IDs, mobile networks, and a high tech savvy system together enable instant payments that barely gets noticed. Encryption wraps around the data like a security blanket, keeping prying eyes out until your phone beeps to confirm the transfer.
Every transaction begins and ends with the Virtual Payment Address (VPA) also known as UPI ID. This is a unique ID of the user’s bank account and using this unique ID helps in securing the other sensitive information like the IFSC code or full bank account details as the odds of important financial information leaking out during a money transfer drop sharply.
To authorise a transaction the app asks for a UPI PIN. This is a secret 4 or 6 digit code which is similar to an ATM PIN. This PIN adds a security layer to the transaction, with two-factor-authentication process safeguarding the transaction till the last step, keeping fraudsters locked outside the vault.
The NPCI manages the entire UPI ecosystem, making it an easy to use, smooth and secure way of transaction with integration of all banks and payments applications.
UPI payment methods fall into two categories :
Push Payments: You decide to send cash, either by typing in a virtual payment address (VPA) or by scanning a QR code that someone hands you. Once you hit send and enter your PIN, the money is sent to the other person’s account almost instantly.
Pull Payments: A shop owner or a friend can ping you with a money request. If you agree, you approve the request with your PIN, and the funds are sent from your account to fulfill these requests.
UPI allows a single app to add and transfer funds to several bank accounts, this means you can switch to pay to different users, giving you flexibility and convenience to manage your finances by using one interface.
Top UPI Apps in India
App
Key Features
Unique Selling Point
Best For (User Type)
PhonePe
User-friendly interface, multi-language, bill payments, recharges, QR scan, investments (MFs, Gold, NPS), insurance, loans, PhonePe Switch
Comprehensive “Super App” with wide merchant network
All-round users seeking diverse financial services
Google Pay
Minimalist design, NFC tap-to-pay, bill payments, recharges, expense tracking, voice transactions, tokenization security, loans via partners
Simplicity, strong security, Google ecosystem integration
Security-conscious users, those preferring a clean interface
Rewards for creditworthy users; enables credit usage via UPI.
Affluent credit card users, those wanting to use credit via UPI
Overview of Top UPI Apps in India
An overview of the top UPI apps in India is given below:
1. PhonePe
Launched in 2016, it carries about 600 million users and handled nearly half of the nation’s transactions as of March 2025. The app ticks off more than 330 million payments a day, adding up to over ₹150 lakh crore in a year. PhonePe aims to be a one-stop shop. You can pay bills, recharge your phone, and even jump to other apps such as shopping, food, travel, etc. from the PhonePe app through a feature called PhonePe Switch. Every feature sits behind tight security, with tools like Security shield watching for suspicious activity. Frequent users also rack up cashback and discount rewards, adding a nice bonus to everyday payments.
2. Google Pay
It first showed up in India as Tez before its rebranding for a wider audience. The app now handles a hefty chunk of UPI traffic, roughly 35 to 37% of the market share. Using the app feels nearly effortless due to its clean, minimalist design and robust security. Biometric locks and Google Play Protect offer an enhanced level of security for the users. NFC (near field communication) in GooglePay offers users tap-to-pay, bill payments and voice generated transactions. The app has now expanded to lend personal loans and ticket booking via partnerships. For rewarding the users it uses reward based scratch cards and vouchers for transactions done.
3. Paytm
It began as a mobile wallet but has now emerged as a one-stop digital payment app with a total market share of about 10% to 15%. Paytm combines its wallet with UPI services. Paytm has features like QR payments, ticket bookings, personalized UPI IDs like name@pytes, which helps in ensuring the privacy of your mobile numbers. Safety is maintained by UPI PIN verification and two-factor authentication. Paytm ecosystem includes Paytm Money for investment, Paytm Mall for e-commerce, also it has various services like mutual funds, loans, and even credit cards. Cashback coupons and promo are available round the corner for its wider range of services.
Bharat Interface for Money or BHIM is NPCI’s official UPI app designed for promoting financial inclusion and digital payments in India. It has a multilingual option with over 15 languages inbuilt and is highly optimised for low connectivity areas. Key features of BHIM include “Spend analytics” feature allowing users to track their personal expenses, UPI Lite for small amount transactions without the requirement of PIN. Also it is built to link your credit cards (generally RuPay cards) for hassle free credit card payments.
BHIM is a government supported initiative which serves as the backbone of the UPI ecosystem in India. The main aim is to provide simple, secure and effortless digital payments.
5. Freecharge
It began as a simple prepaid top-up platform and now serves a customer base of 100 million people. Today the app functions as any other UPI application, meaning you can easily send money from your phone in seconds. Freecharge also offers UPI Lite, which lets you pay small amounts even when the connectivity is low, the app also consists of a Credit Line on UPI feature, making merchant payments easier.
The app is supported by Axis Bank and allows you to securely set up your UPI PIN via Aadhaar OTP. Freecharge provides various options for the app users like personal loan, co-branded credit card, or even buy Digital Gold.
6. MobiKwik
It is a “Pocket UPI” app that lets you pay from your wallet balance rather than directly linking your bank account. This allows you to put money directly into your wallet where you can easily monitor your daily expenses.
With Pocket UPI, you can transfer as much as Rs.2,00,000 into your MobiKwik wallet with a daily limit of Rs.1,00,000, making it easier for users to scan a QR and pay instantly. Mobikwik securely detaches your bank account with its secure wallet so that risk of frauds could be evaded. It provides additional services like utility bills, travel booking, recharge etc.
It is for premium class users that have a high credit score, it rewards the credit card payments with “CRED Coin”. CRED UPI helps in linking the users credit cards (especially Rupay) for making UPI payments from one’s credit card directly. CRED also offers “CRED Cash” which allows instant personal loan facility, “CRED Mint” where peers can lend money among themselves.
It is a holistic app that combines UPI and credit card services. Biometric locks and PIN shields your personal data, keeping it secure during transactions.
Advantages of using UPI to make payments are listed below:
Lightning-Fast Payments : The most unique feature of UPI is the instant one click payment helping users with speedy transactions. The money transferred instantly appears in the receiver’s wallet or bank account.
24×7 : UPI has no time restrictions as you can pay anytime, may it be a holiday or non banking hours, as via UPI one has the leverage of making payments 24×7, 7 days a week as compared to primitive money transfer options like NEFT or RTGS.
Super Convenient : UPI apps run smoothly on your smartphone, which means paying for chai, booking a movie ticket, or splitting dinner with classmates can be done in seconds.
Top-Notch Security : People worry about money, and UPI addresses this concern. Every payment is authenticated with UPI PIN before money is sent.
No Need to Share Personal Information : Sharing your bank account details can feel risky. With UPI you simply use your VPA ID or even your mobile number to receive money.
Mostly Free (for Users) : Most of the time, sending cash via UPI costs you nothing, which is a nice perk for students living on pocket money. Most people who send money directly from one bank to another using UPI find the transfer costs zero, but merchants may incur some fees associated for certain types of transactions.
One App, Many Accounts : Switching from one banking app to another for payments might feel irritating sometimes, with most UPI wallets you can stack several accounts into one screen and pick your desired bank for different kinds of payments.
Accepted Almost Everywhere : UPI apps have widely grown across the country making it acceptable by everyone, by just scanning the QR code bills or purchases can be dealt instantly even if you are at a chai stall or buying a gadget from an electronics shop.
Various limits concerning UPI are mentioned below:
1. General Daily Limit
If you’re using UPI the usual way, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) lets you send up to ₹1 lakh per day.
2. Bank-Specific Variations
Not every bank has the same rules. Some lenders quietly trim the ceiling to ₹25,000 or ₹50,000. Check your official banking app to know the exact maximum amount allowed.
3. Higher Limits for Specific Categories (NPCI Guidelines)
When money is transferred to purchase stocks, mutual funds, or even insurance premiums, the limit jumps to ₹2 lakh per day. The same ₹2 lakh ceiling also includes EMI collections for NBFCs and foreign inward remittances.
IPOs, RBI Direct Bonds, schools fees, and Hospital payments have a ₹5 lakh per transaction limit.
4. Transaction Count Limit
UPI isn’t just about how much, it’s also about how often. Most apps keep the daily peer-to-peer transaction limit between 10 and 20 transfers a day.
Basic Tips for UPI App Security
If you want to use UPI in a secure manner, then it is advised that you follow the below tips:
Keep Your UPI PIN Secret : UPI pin acts as the main payment authenticator, so never scribble it on a sticky note or share it with someone.
Double-Check the Payee details : Before proceeding with payments, slow down and look at the name and UPI ID correctly. A tiny typo could send cash to a different account incurring loss.
Beware of Unknown payment request : If a payment request pops up from someone you don’t recognize, hit decline without hesitation.
Don’t scan unknown QR codes : A square barcode can be both a shortcut and a trap. Skip scanning any QR code other than where you need to pay.
Stick to official and updated apps : Apps are powerful, but fraudulent apps can carry viruses. Download your preferred UPI app only from the Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
Layer on Extra Security : Keep your smartphone secure using a pin, app lock, fingerprint scan, or face ID to prevent unauthorized access.
Skip Public Wi-Fi : A private home network or using your mobile data to make payments is safer.
Dispute Resolution : If a payment is mistakenly done to a different account, tap into the transaction history to dispute it right away. You can also call your app’s customer support or dial NPCIs helpline (1800-120-1740) for resolution.
Conclusion
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has transformed the Indian money transfer ecosystem, with a highly secure, fast, and convenient digital transaction system. With evidently massive online transactions and wider acceptance UPI is taking over the traditional payment methods. Features like UPI lite, ticket booking, UPI’s inbuilt credit services are indicating the ongoing innovation. UPI’s adaptability and reliability among the users making it the next big thing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What shall be done if the UPI payment fails?
No worries, your money is safe with the bank and you try making the payment after some time.
Can multiple bank accounts be linked to one UPI App?
Yes, majorly all the UPI apps can integrate multiple bank accounts in one application and you can even select the bank which you want to use for your next payment.
Can UPI be used for international payments as well?
UPI is prominently used in India only. However, NPCI recently launched UPI Global Acceptance, a feature that enables users to make QR-based payments at select international merchant locations.
What is UPI lite and when shall it be used?
UPI lite is a type of a wallet, in which small payments are done without the requirement of the PIN.
How to judge which UPI app is the best?
It depends upon the app’s interface and services offered. For a clean interface and easy to use application one shall consider GooglePay, Phonepe for multiple bill payment options, CRED for credit services.
Have you ever wanted to trade but didn’t have enough cash on hand while holding stocks you believe will perform well and don’t want to sell? This is where Margin Against Shares (MAS) comes in. It’s a popular and highly effective facility that allows you to borrow funds by pledging the shares you already own, giving you the liquidity to trade without having to sell your investments.
We’ll explain the concept of Margin Against Shares (MAS) in an easy-to-understand way with an example. Moreover, we will discuss its advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding Margin Against Shares
Consider it this way – You have shares in your demat account. When you need more money to trade, you can pledge these shares to your broker rather than selling them. You receive a certain amount of money (also referred to as “pledged margin”) in exchange, which you can use to trade more stocks or derivative contracts.
How Does it Work?
Usually, it goes like this:
You have shares in your demat account.
You request that your broker pledge those shares.
After evaluating their eligibility, the broker informs you of the margin you will receive, which is normally between 50% and 80% of the total value.
That sum is credited to your trading account as pledged margin.
Now you can trade with it.
You can unpledge your shares if you no longer need margin to trade.
Example: Suppose you own ₹1,00,000 worth of ABC stock. Your broker gives you a ₹60,000 margin (at 60%) after you pledge it. You can now trade with more purchasing power without having to sell your shares or transfer additional funds.
You want to trade but do not want to part with your long-term holdings? Instead of selling your shares, MAS allows you to borrow against them.
2. Easy Access to Money
All you have to do is pledge your shares to access funds, which can sometimes be fulfilled within a matter of hours.
3. Increased Profit Potential
Your money stays invested in your shares while also being used as collateral for trading, allowing you to maximize the potential of your capital.
4. Do With It As You See Fit
You may use the pledged margin to trade F&O or additional stocks on an intraday basis.
5. The shares are still yours.
You still receive dividends, bonuses, and other benefits even though your shares are pledged.
Risks
1. Markets May Be Volatile
Your margin limit also decreases if the value of the shares you pledged declines, and your broker may request that you deposit additional money or pledge additional securities.
2. Your Shares May Be Sold
Your broker may sell your pledged shares or square off your trades to make up the difference if you don’t fulfill margin requirements promptly.
3. Interest Charges May Increase
It is not always free to use the margin. Trading in F&O contracts may attract interest charges if the cash component of the margin requirement is funded by your broker.
4. Not Every Stock Is Permitted
Not all shares are allowed for availing margin against shares. You can only pledge shares that are approved by your broker and permitted by regulatory authorities.
5. Significant Losses
You could be tempted to trade more than you should if you have additional money. Additionally, overtrading in the market can quickly result in significant losses.
If you wish to do trading without depositing additional funds and selling your favourite stocks, using margin against shares is a wise choice. It is efficient, enhances profit potential, but also involves risks. Therefore, if you want to use it, start small, stay informed, and never trade beyond your comfort level. When used properly, MAS can be an effective tool for increasing your profits without affecting your long-term investments.
S.NO.
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Sri Lotus Developers IPO opened for subscription on 30 July 2025. The issue of ₹792 crore consists entirely of a fresh issue of 5.28 crore shares. Its price band has been fixed at ₹140 to ₹150 per share and the listing is expected to happen on BSE and NSE on 6 August 2025.
Sri Lotus Developers IPO Day 2 Subscription Status
Sri Lotus Developers IPO has received a total subscription of 11.10 times till the second day. The retail category has received 9.58 times, QIB 9.31 times and the NII segment has received the highest number of applications at 17.10 times. In total, more than 15 lakh applications have been submitted and bids worth more than ₹ 6,165 crore have been received. This data is till 5:04 pm on July 31, 2025 (Day 2 Completion Status).
Investor Category
Subscription (x)
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB)
9.31
Non-Institutional Investors (NII)
17.10
bNII (above ₹10 lakh)
14.11
sNII (less than ₹10 lakh)
23.09
Retail Individual Investors (RII)
9.58
Employee Quota
8.46
Total Subscriptions
11.10
Total Applications: 15,09,224
Objective of the Sri Lotus Developers IPO
The funds raised from Sri Lotus Developers IPO will be used by the company to further its development work. The funds will be primarily used to meet the construction costs of ongoing projects of subsidiary companies and general corporate needs.
Use of IPO Proceeds
Amount (₹ Cr)
Investments in subsidiary companies Richfeel Real Estate Pvt. Ltd., Dhyan Projects Pvt. Ltd., and Tryksha Real Estate Pvt. Ltd. to partially fund the development and construction costs of their ongoing projects Amalfi, The Arcadian, and Varun
550.00
General corporate purposes
–
Sri Lotus Developers IPO GMP – Day 2 Update
The last Grey Market Premium of Sri Lotus Developers IPO was recorded at ₹42 on July 31, 2025. Considering the price band’s upper limit of ₹150, the estimated listing price works out to be ₹192. This means that the estimated listing gain per share is around 28%.
Date
GMP (₹)
Est. Listing Price (₹)
Gain (%)
31 July 2025 (DAY-2)
₹42
₹192
28%
Disclaimer: The above GMP (Grey Market Premium) is just unofficial market information, which is not officially confirmed. These figures are shared for informational purposes only and investment decisions based on these should be based on the investor’s own research and discretion. We do not conduct, recommend or support any kind of transaction in the grey market.
Important Dates for Sri Lotus Developers IPO Allotment
Event
Date
Tentative Allotment
Aug 4, 2025
Refunds Initiation
Aug 5, 2025
Credit of Shares to Demat
Aug 5, 2025
Listing Date on BSE SME
Aug 6, 2025
Sri Lotus Developers Overview
Sri Lotus Developers & Realty Limited was founded in February 2015 and is a leading real estate company in Mumbai, specializing in the redevelopment of ultra-luxury and luxury residential projects in the Western Suburbs. As of June 30, 2025, the company has a total developable area of 0.93 million square feet, which includes both residential and commercial properties. The company’s main focus is on the construction of 2BHK and 3BHK flats (₹3-7 crores) and 3BHK to 4+ BHK penthouses (₹7 crores and above) in the high-end segment. Along with this, the company is also active in the development of premium commercial office spaces. So far, the company has completed 4 projects, 5 projects are in progress and 11 new projects are in the pipeline. Features such as strong brand value, ability to sell at premium prices, asset-light business model and timely project delivery make it a reliable real estate company. The company’s leadership team is equipped with experienced promoters and management professionals.
Have you ever thought about whether you could trade stocks like Wall Street experts using artificial intelligence (AI)? AI is increasingly being used in the world of investing, and it’s no longer limited to large institutions or tech experts.
Nowadays, anyone can use AI tools to predict stock prices, automate strategies, track market trends, and improve their trading decisions. You do not have to be a software developer or data scientist to get started. In this guide, we’ll explain what AI trading is, how it works, and how you can start using it.
What is AI Trading?
Consider artificial intelligence (AI) as a very intelligent assistant that can analyse extensive volumes of data, such as historical stock prices, news headlines, social media noise, and identify trends that could help you predict a stock’s future price movements.
AI can assist with trading in the following ways:
Recognising patterns and forecasting prices
Examining sentiment in tweets and news
Automated trade execution
Rebalancing portfolio
Managing risk
Evolution of AI in Stock Trading
Trading stocks has advanced significantly. In the past, it was all about being intuitive and the people you knew. These days, computers can read news articles, analyse tweets, and make trades more quickly than a human could.
How did we get here, then? Let us take a quick look back at how artificial intelligence (AI) gradually but steadily entered the stock market.
Before 1980s
Imagine traders yelling across the floor, phones ringing nonstop, and stock prices scrawled on notepads. There were no advanced models or fast computers, so people relied on their experience, intuition, and the morning paper while making decisions. Everything was manual, emotional, and, well, a little chaotic.
1980-90s
With the introduction of personal computers, things began to change. To test strategies, traders started using spreadsheets and basic formulas. It was the first time that people could analyse actual data before making a trade, but it wasn’t AI. This period created the foundation for “quantitative trading,” in which reason and statistics began to take first place over intuition.
Early 1990s
The 1990s saw a boom in trading. High-frequency trading, or HFT, began when computers began to make thousands of tiny trades per second.
This was not AI. It was more like automatic, lightning-fast math. Nonetheless, it suggested a major shift from human-driven to rule-based automation.
Late 1990s
Things started to get fascinating at this point. Traders started feeding previous market data into algorithms that could learn and get better over time as machine learning gained popularity. Traders started allowing computers to make decisions on their own instead of following only predefined instructions. This strategy was used by prominent hedge funds like Renaissance Technologies, which are extremely successful and secretive, and quietly control the markets.
Early 2010
We were all overwhelmed by information in the 2010s. At that point, AI advanced further by learning to read and comprehend human language. In a shorter period than it would take a human to read the article, tools that use natural language processing (NLP) could determine whether the sentiment surrounding a stock was positive or negative and take appropriate action.
With robo-advisors and app-based tools suggesting portfolios based on individual goals and risk tolerance, retail investors also began to benefit.
Fast Forward to Now
AI is more intelligent, faster and widely available than before. Deep learning models can forecast stock price trends by identifying patterns that humans might miss. Large language models are useful for writing trading strategies, carrying out market research, and even coding.
A basic framework of how AI trading works is given below:
1. Identifying Trends and Formulating Forecasts: It is possible to train AI tools, particularly those that employ machine learning, to identify patterns in past stock data. They improve their ability to forecast the possible behaviour of particular stocks over time. Imagine it as a more advanced form of technical analysis, only faster and more accurate.
2. Sentiment Analysis: Artificial intelligence (AI) systems can search the internet for anything, including news articles, financial reports, Reddit posts, and tweets. They can very quickly ascertain whether the general sentiment regarding a particular stock or industry is favourable or unfavourable. This is referred to as sentiment analysis, and it can help you in anticipating the market’s reaction.
3. Trading Automatically Using Predetermined Rules: When trades are carried out automatically in response to a set of instructions, this is known as algorithmic trading, or algo trading. These rules can now be adjusted in response to real-time data when AI is added. A bot can buy or sell for you depending on the state of the market.
4. Optimising Your Portfolio: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can analyze your investments and make recommendations for strategies to lower risk or increase returns. They perform this by examining the movement of various assets and determining the best combination depending on your objectives.
5. Recognizing Risks: By identifying unusual activity, abrupt volatility, etc. AI can even help you avoid mistakes, thereby helping you manage risk.
1. Learn Key AI Concepts: Before you start working with artificial intelligence (AI), learn the basics, including how it can recognise patterns, predict trends, assess the sentiment of news, and automate trades. You don’t have to be a tech expert to understand the problems AI helps to solve in the trading industry.
2. Pick suitable AI Tools: Choose tools based on your goals and skill level. Professionals might look into QuantConnect, while beginners can begin with no-code platforms. Verify that the tool supports automation, real-time data, and backtesting.
3. Build your AI Trading System: After selecting a platform, create a trading strategy. Before going live, analyze historical data, establish risk limits, set entry and exit rules, and execute backtests to observe how your AI system performs in various market scenarios.
4. Use AI Features Effectively: Make use of AI tools for price prediction, pattern recognition, sentiment analysis, and portfolio optimisation. For example, some AI models can alert you when a stock is overbought or automatically adjust your holdings in response to market volatility.
5. Combine AI with Human Oversight: AI is not perfect, so don’t rely solely on it. Watch your system closely and be prepared to take over control over trading when necessary. Combining market experience with AI’s speed yields the best results.
AI has significantly changed stock trading, evolving from human-driven decisions to systems that can learn, adapt, and even outperform experienced traders. This journey is still unfolding, making it an exciting time for both beginners and seasoned investors to explore how AI can enhance their trading strategies. It is advised to consult a financial advisor before trading.
S.NO.
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Does using AI for trading require coding knowledge?
No, not always! Without writing a single line of code, you can create AI-powered strategies with the help of no-code platforms.
Is it possible for AI to forecast stock prices?
Although no model is 100% accurate, AI can predict trends based on historical data. It is not a crystal ball, but a tool.
Is AI trading meant for experts?
Not at all! Even novices can use AI to automate processes or do more intelligent data analysis with today’s tools.
Describe backtesting and explain its significance.
Backtesting is the process of evaluating your approach using historical data to determine how well it would have worked. It keeps unpleasant surprises at bay.
Is it possible for AI to eliminate trading risk?
No. Although markets are unpredictable, AI can improve risk management. Always keep an eye on your plan and make necessary adjustments.
The size of M&B Engineering IPO is ₹650 crore, which includes a fresh issue of ₹275 crore and an OFS of ₹375 crore. The issue will remain open from July 30 to August 1, 2025. The price band has been fixed at ₹366-₹385 per share. Its listing is expected on BSE and NSE on August 6.
M&B Engineering IPO Day 2 Subscription Status
M&B Engineering IPO has received a very strong response from retail investors, where the retail category has been subscribed 10.16 times on Day 2. The NII category has also been subscribed 4.56 times, while demand in the QIB category is still very low (0.02 times). The overall IPO has been subscribed 3.11 times. Full allotment of anchor investors has already been done.
Investor Category
Subscription (x)
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB)
0.02
Non-Institutional Investors (NII)
4.56
bNII (above ₹10 lakh)
3.48
sNII (less than ₹10 lakh)
6.72
Retail Individual Investors (RII)
10.16
Employee Quota
3.81
Total Subscriptions
3.11
Total Applications: 4,04,315
Objective of the M&B Engineering IPO
M&B Engineering will use the funds raised from this IPO to expand its business and strengthen its finances. The company will invest these funds to purchase machinery, solar grid setup, loan repayment and IT upgradation.
Use of IPO Proceeds
Amount (₹ Cr)
Procurement of machinery, equipment, building works, solar rooftop grids and transport vehicles for manufacturing facilities
130.58
Investment in IT software upgradation by the company
5.20
Partial or full repayment / prepayment of certain term loans taken by the company
58.75
General Corporate Purposes
–
M&B Engineering IPO GMP – Day 2 Update
The grey market premium (GMP) of M&B Engineering IPO was recorded at ₹55 on July 31, 2025. With the price band’s upper limit at ₹385, the estimated listing price based on today’s GMP could be ₹440, giving a potential return of around 14.29%.
Date
GMP (₹)
Est. Listing Price (₹)
Gain (%)
31 July 2025 (DAY-2)
₹55
₹440
14.29%
Disclaimer: The above GMP (Grey Market Premium) is just unofficial market information, which is not officially confirmed. These figures are shared for informational purposes only and investment decisions based on these should be based on the investor’s own research and discretion. We do not conduct, recommend or support any kind of transaction in the grey market.
M&B Engineering Limited was established in 1981 and since then, it has been engaged in the field of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) and Self-Supported Roofing Solutions. The company offers a complete design to installation solution to produce strong and durable steel structures.It has two manufacturing plants located at Sanand in Gujarat and Cheyyar in Tamil Nadu with a total production capacity of 1.03 lakh MTPA. The Phenix division specializes in PEB manufacturing, while the Proflex division manufactures roofing on site using mobile units. The company has completed over 9,500 projects so far.M&B Engineering has clients from various sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, food, power and railways. The company exports its products to over 22 countries. Its order book stands at over ₹842 crore as of June 2025, reflecting its strong market position.
Leverage and margin trading are the two popular trading strategies used by traders to enhance their returns. These approaches make it possible to take larger positions than what one’s own funds would normally allow. However, it is necessary to understand the risk and difference between margin trading and leverage trading to use them effectively.
In this blog, we will explain to you the key differences between leverage and margin trading.
What is Margin Trading?
Margin trading allows you to buy assets by borrowing funds from your stockbroker, enabling you to take larger positions than your available capital would otherwise permit. This can be done in two main ways:
Pledged Margin – By pledging the shares you already hold in your demat account, you can unlock their value and use it as collateral to trade in your chosen assets. The pledged margin is always less than the current market value of the pledged securities.
Margin Trading Facility (MTF) – Brokers also provide a facility where you can borrow additional funds directly to purchase stocks, often beyond the value of your holdings.
In exchange for providing MTF, brokers charge interest, which can range from 5.99% to 18% annually, depending on the broker. For instance, Pocketful offers one of the lowest interest rates in the market at just 5.99%. Interest accrues until the borrowed amount is fully repaid. Additionally, pledging charges may also apply when you use your existing shares as collateral.
The key features of margin trading are as follows:
Features of Margin Trading
Initial Margin: A trader is required to deposit an initial margin before executing a trade using MTF. When using pledged margin, no additional cash margin is required upfront, as the pledged shares serve as collateral.
Margin Call: In MTF, the broker issues a margin call, requesting additional funds, if the funds in the trading account drops below the minimum maintenance margin due to market movements against your trading position. In pledged margin, if your losses exceed the pledged margin, the broker can sell your holding to cover your losses.
Selected Securities: Not all stocks are eligible for margin trading. The list of securities that are allowed for margin trading is usually provided by brokers.
What is Leverage Trading?
Leverage is a feature that allows you to enter large positions by depositing a small amount of the entire trade value as a margin, and the remaining amount is paid by your broker. Generally, leverage is expressed in terms of multiples such as 5x or 10x. Leverage offered by a company depends on various factors, such as the market segment in which you are trading, such as cash, and derivatives segments.
Features of Leverage Trading
The key features of leverage trading are as follows:
Increased Market Exposure: Leverage trading increases both profits and losses by allowing traders to create large trading positions with small capital.
Multiple Segments: Leverage trading provides flexibility across various market segments, such as stocks, forex, commodities, derivatives, etc.
Short-term Trades: Leverage trading is typically used by traders to earn profit from short-term price movements, generally intraday.
Key Differences Between Margin Trading and Leverage Trading
Particular
Margin Trading
Leverage Trading
Source of Funds
Involves borrowing funds from the broker either by: • Pledging Margin – Using existing shares in your demat account as collateral. • Margin Trading Facility (MTF) – Borrowing additional funds from the broker to buy stocks.
Brokers provide extra capital (leverage) to take larger positions without requiring pledging of securities.
Ownership of Assets
You purchase and hold the shares in your account using the borrowed funds.
You typically do not own the underlying asset as leverage is usually available on derivative instruments or on an intraday basis.
Interest Charges
Brokers charge interest on the borrowed amount using MTF (usually between 5.99% – 18% annually). Pledging charges may also apply to avail pledged margin.
Leverage trading attracts no interest.
Collateral Requirement
Requires collateral ,i.e. your pledged shares for availing pledged margin. In MTF, shares purchased are pledged after purchase.
Usually does not require pledging; only margin deposit is needed as security.
Risk Level
Lower relative to high-leverage trading since it is backed by pledged securities and regulated borrowing limits.
Higher risk due to the ability to open much larger positions than your actual capital.
Purpose
Primarily used for long-term share purchases with additional funds.
Often used for short-term speculative trades in derivatives, forex, or commodities.
Benefits of Leverage and Margin Trading
The key benefits of leverage and margin trading are as follows:
Increased Purchasing Power: With leverage and margin trading, traders are able to execute larger positions than they could with their funds. This increases their capacity to take advantage of market opportunities without having to pay the entire amount upfront.
Higher Profits: Even slight price changes may provide significantly higher returns than unleveraged positions.
Opportunities in Any Market Direction – Whether the market is rising or falling, traders can capitalize on both bullish and bearish trends using various setups such as futures contracts, options, or margin-based short-selling.
The various risks involved in leverage and margin trading are as follows:
Increased Loss: Losses can also increase exponentially if there is an unfavourable price movement in the stock price.
Margin Call: The broker may issue a margin call if a trader’s account value drops below the necessary margin limit. To meet the margin requirement, the trader must either liquidate their current positions or make additional deposits.
Auto Square Off: If the price falls below a certain level and the trader fails to deposit the additional margin required, then the broker can square off the position.
Conclusion
Both leverage and margin trading can significantly boost profits but also increase risk exposure. While margin trading involves borrowing against existing assets or availing a margin facility (MTF) for long-term share purchases, leverage trading is typically used for short-term speculative positions. Understanding these differences and applying sound risk management strategies — such as using stop-loss orders and avoiding over-leveraging — is crucial. Always consult with a financial advisor before using these trading approaches.
S.NO.
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Is there any difference between margin trading and leverage trading?
Yes, both margin and leverage trading differ from each other as margin trading is a trading approach in which a trader borrows money from the broker by pledging their shares or takes a loan from the broker and pays interest against it. While in leverage trading, a trader deposits a small amount and borrows the remaining funds to increase their position over and above the capital deposited by them, usually to trade on an intraday basis.
Do I need to have a special account for margin trading?
No, you do not need a separate account to trade using margin trading facility (MTF).
What is a margin call?
A margin call is when your broker requests that you sell some of your shares or make additional deposits into your margin account in order to comply with the necessary maintenance margin level. This occurs when your leveraged position’s value significantly falls.
Is there any difference between MTF and Margin Trading Facility?
MTF is simply the acronym for Margin Trading Facility.
How to manage the risk involved in leverage and margin trading?
To manage risk, one must use stop-loss, avoid over-leveraging, and monitor their positions closely.
National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)’s ₹4,011.60 crore IPO will be open from July 30 to August 1, 2025. It is a fully OFS of 5.01 crore shares. The price band has been fixed at ₹760–₹800 and the listing will take place on BSE on August 6.
NDSL IPO Day 2 Subscription Status
The NSDL IPO has received a total subscription of 5.04 times till the second day, based on data till 5:04:46 pm on July 31, 2025. The response from retail investors remained strong, where the subscription was 4.19 times. Non-institutional investors (NII) bid 11.08 times, with the share of large bidders (bNII) being 10.44 times and the share of small bidders (sNII) being 12.36 times.
Investor Category
Subscription (x)
Anchor Investors
1
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB)
1.96
Non-Institutional Investors (NII)
11.08
bNII (above ₹10 lakh)
10.44
sNII (less than ₹10 lakh)
12.36
Retail Individual Investors (RII)
4.19
Employee Quota
7.69
Total Subscriptions
5.04
Total Application : 25,89,875
Objective of the NDSL IPO
The main objective of the NSDL IPO is to list the company’s equity shares on the BSE. Since this is purely an offer for sale, the amount raised from this will not go to the company, but to the investors selling the shares.
NDSL IPO GMP – Day 2 Update
Today’s last grey market premium of NSDL IPO is ₹143, which was updated at 3:53 pm on 31 July 2025. The price band of the IPO is ₹800 and according to this, its estimated listing price can be ₹943. That is, a potential return of about 17.88% per share is being made.
Date
GMP (₹)
Est. Listing Price (₹)
Gain (%)
31 July 2025 (DAY-2)
143
943
17.88%
Disclaimer: The above GMP (Grey Market Premium) is just unofficial market information, which is not officially confirmed. These figures are shared for informational purposes only and investment decisions based on these should be based on the investor’s own research and discretion. We do not conduct, recommend or support any kind of transaction in the grey market.
NDSL IPO – Key Details
Particulars
Details
IPO Opening Date
July 30, 2025
IPO Closing Date
August 1, 2025
Issue Price Band
₹760 to ₹800 per share
Total Issue Size
5,01,45,001 shares(aggregating up to ₹4,011.60 Cr)
National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) is one of the oldest and most trusted depository companies in India. Established in 2012, the company operates as a SEBI registered Market Infrastructure Institution (MII). Its main function is to facilitate the holding and transfer of shares and other securities in electronic form. Through NSDL, investors get services like trade settlement, pledging, off-market transfer and corporate actions in demat accounts. Also, features like e-voting, Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) and Non-Disposal Undertaking (NDU) are also available.
NDSL has two major subsidiaries
NDML, which handles projects such as e-governance, KYC and National Skills Registry, and
NSDL Payments Bank, which provides digital payments and micro-banking services.
As of March 2025, NSDL has more than 3.94 crore active demat accounts. This company has reached more than 99% of pin codes across India and 186 countries. Its biggest strength is strong technology, secure systems and experienced leadership.
Aditya Infotech IPO size is ₹1,300 crore, comprising a fresh issue of ₹500 crore and an offer for sale of ₹800 crore. The issue is open from July 29 and will close on July 31, 2025. The price band is fixed at ₹640-₹675, and listing is expected on August 5 on BSE and NSE. Minimum investment for retail investors is ₹14,850.
Aditya Infotech IPO Day 3 Subscription Status
Tremendous interest was seen in the QIB (Qualified Institutional Buyers) category, where the subscription reached 140.50 times. Along with this, great enthusiasm was also seen in the Retail Investors and NII (Non-Institutional Investors) categories. Employee quota also registered a share of 9.01 times.
Investor Category
Subscription (x)
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB)
140.50
Non-Institutional Investors (NII)
75.93
bNII (above ₹10 lakh)
78.86
sNII (less than ₹10 lakh)
70.07
Retail Individual Investors (RII)
53.81
Employee Quota
9.01
Total Subscriptions
106.23
Total Applications: 40,16,488
Total Bid Amount: ₹76,302.12 crore (approx)
How to Check Aditya Infotech IPO Allotment Status
You can easily check the allotment status of Aditya Infotech IPO online. There are two official ways for this: the Registrar’s website and BSE’s website. Note that this IPO is being listed on both BSE and NSE platforms, so you can check the allotment from both NSE or BSE. The registrar of this IPO is MUFG Intime India Private Limited.
Method 1: Registrar’s website (MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd.)
The most reliable way is to check allotment from MUFG Intime India Private Limited’s website.
The funds raised from the Aditya Infotech IPO will be used by the company to repay some of its existing debt and meet general corporate needs. The table below gives the complete details of the company’s fund use:
Use of IPO Proceeds
Amount (₹ Cr)
Prepayment and/or part payment of certain borrowings taken by the Company
375.00
General Corporate Purposes
Not mentioned
Aditya Infotech IPO GMP – Day 3 Update
The latest gray market premium (GMP) of Aditya Infotech IPO has reached ₹290 today, i.e. 31 July 2025. The price band of the IPO is ₹675, which when added gives an estimated listing price of ₹965. According to this, investors can get a potential return of about 42.96% per share.
Date
GMP (₹)
Est. Listing Price (₹)
Gain (%)
31 July 2025 (DAY-3)
₹290
₹965
42.96%
Disclaimer: The above GMP (Grey Market Premium) is just unofficial market information, which is not officially confirmed. These figures are shared for informational purposes only and investment decisions based on these should be based on the investor’s own research and discretion. We do not conduct, recommend or support any kind of transaction in the grey market.
Aditya Infotech IPO – Key Details
Particulars
Details
IPO Opening Date
July 29, 2025
IPO Closing Date
July 31, 2025
Issue Price Band
₹640 to ₹675 per share
Total Issue Size
1,92,59,258 shares(aggregating up to ₹1,300.00 Cr)
Aditya Infotech Limited (AIL) is a leading Indian company that manufactures video security and surveillance products and solutions under the brand ‘CP Plus’. The company’s portfolio is equipped with products such as smart home IoT cameras, HD analog systems, network cameras, body-worn and thermal cameras, long-range IR cameras and AI-based solutions (such as number plate recognition, people counting, heat mapping).In 2025, the company launched more than 2986 SKUs and sold its products in 550+ cities. AIL’s network is strong with 41 branch offices and 13 RMA centers. In addition, 1,000+ distributors and more than 2,100 system integrators increase its presence in Tier I to Tier III cities. The company has 10 warehouses spread across the country, located in cities like Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai and Bengaluru. Its main manufacturing unit is located in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.
The strength of AIL is clearly reflected in its brand value, nationwide network and advanced production capabilities.
Laxmi India Finance’s ₹254.26 crore book building IPO comprises a fresh issue of ₹165.17 crore and an OFS of ₹89.09 crore. The price band is set at ₹150 – ₹158 and the lot size is 94 shares. Listing is expected on August 5 on NSE and BSE.
Laxmi India Finance IPO Day 3 Subscription Status
Laxmi India Finance IPO has received a total subscription of 1.86 times till the third day. Retail investors were the most interested, where this part has been subscribed 2.20 times. There has been 1.30 times bidding in the QIB category and 1.83 times in the NII category.
Investor Category
Subscription (x)
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB)
1.30
Non-Institutional Investors (NII)
1.83
bNII (above ₹10 lakh)
1.82
sNII (less than ₹10 lakh)
1.87
Retail Individual Investors (RII)
2.20
Employee Quota
1.54
Total Subscriptions
1.86
Total Applications: 1,15,060
How to Check Laxmi India Finance IPO Allotment Status
Laxmi India Finance IPO allotment can be easily checked online in two ways: from the Registrar’s website and from the BSE or NSE website. This IPO will be listed on both the exchanges – BSE and NSE, so the allotment status will be available to all investors on both platforms.
Method 1: Registrar’s website (MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd.)
The most reliable way is to check allotment from MUFG Intime India Private Limited’s website.
Select “Laxmi India Finance Ltd.” from the IPO list
Enter PAN number and Application number
Click on Search
Objective of the Laxmi India Finance IPO
The company will use the money raised from this issue to expand its loan business. Its main focus is to provide finance to MSME and other retail segments.
Use of IPO Proceeds
Amount (₹ Cr)
Augmentation of capital base for future lending (onward lending)
143.00
Laxmi India Finance IPO GMP – Day 3 Update
The grey market premium (GMP) of Laxmi India Finance IPO is ₹ 1 today, 31 July 2025. Adding the upper level of the price band of ₹ 158 gives the estimated listing price of ₹ 159, i.e. a potential premium of about 0.63% is visible.
Date
GMP (₹)
Est. Listing Price (₹)
Gain (%)
31 July 2025 (DAY-3)
₹1
₹159
0.63%
Disclaimer: The above GMP (Grey Market Premium) is just unofficial market information, which is not officially confirmed. These figures are shared for informational purposes only and investment decisions based on these should be based on the investor’s own research and discretion. We do not conduct, recommend or support any kind of transaction in the grey market.
Laxmi India Finance Limited was started in 1996. It is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) that provides MSME, vehicle and construction loans, especially targeting small businesses, first-time borrowers and rural areas. Under MSME finance, the company offers secured loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹25 lakh, mostly against residential or commercial property. Vehicle loans include finance for two-wheelers, tractors and commercial vehicles. Construction loans are also available on residential/commercial property, with a maximum tenure of 84 months.
As of March 2025, the company’s assets under management stood at ₹1,277 crore, of which 76% is MSME loans. The customer base has crossed 35,000, and about 37% of these are first-time loan takers.It has 158 branches in Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP and Chhattisgarh. The company, which accesses funds from 47 banks and NBFCs, is growing steadily on the strength of strong underwriting, local reach and experienced management.
