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  • Rapido to Launch “Ownly” Food-Delivery App in Bengaluru, Promising Zero Commission & Affordable Pricing

    Move over Zomato and Swiggy—Bengaluru may soon welcome a fresh contender. Rapido, the bike-taxi unicorn with over 30 million monthly active users and operations in 500+ Indian cities, is rolling out a pilot of its food-delivery app “Ownly” later this month or early July

    1. Zero Commission for Restaurants 🎯

    Unlike the dominant platforms charging 20–30% commissions, Ownly promises zero commission. Instead of percentage-based fees, Rapido will levy fixed delivery charges per order, shifting delivery costs directly to restaurants—dramatically reducing their costs.

    2. Transparent & Honest Pricing

    One of Ownly’s core principles: what you see is what you pay. The app enforces offline price = online price, meaning listed dish prices (excluding GST) remain the same at checkout—no hidden delivery fees, packaging add-ons, or markup by the platform.

    3. Delivery‑Fee Structure

    As part of its pilot in Bengaluru:

    Order ValueRestaurant PaysCustomer PaysNotes
    ₹0–100₹10₹20Standard radius (4 km)
    ₹100+₹25₹25Standard radius (4 km)
    ₹400+ (Fin‑Post)₹25Cross-subsidised by RapidoInitiative to absorb costs

    Rapido covers the remaining delivery expense beyond these charges—at least while the pilot runs.

    4. Focus on Affordable Meals

    To address price sensitivity in Bharat, Ownly mandates restaurant partners to list at least four menu items priced ₹150 or below. This low-cost strategy aims to broaden online ordering in smaller cities and budget-conscious segments.

    5. Data & Visibility for Restaurants

    Breaking the norm of paid promotions, Ownly plans an “earned visibility” model—restaurants will rank based on customer ratings, not ad spend. Additionally, Rapido will share anonymized customer data to help outlets with loyalty and marketing efforts.

    6. Path to Monetization

    How will Ownly sustain itself without commissions?

    1. Subscription Model: At scale, Rapido plans to introduce a flat monthly fee for restaurants, maintaining zero commission on each order.
    2. Advertising: Restaurants can optionally pay for ad placements on the app.
    3. Volume Play: Rapido bets big on high order volume from price-conscious consumers.

    7. Market Context & Challenges

    • Competitive Pricing Jaw-Drop: With commissions cut by about 50%, Rapido’s initiative is already shaking incumbents; Eternal (Zomato) and Swiggy shares dropped by around 3–4%.
    • Tough Market to Crack: Previous entrants—Amazon Food, Ola Cafe, ONDC—failed to gain traction due to logistical complexity and weak customer experience. Analysts warn Rapido may face the same hurdles.
    • Scale at Stake: Rapido will need to prove it can consistently operate at scale in the highly competitive food-delivery sector .

    8. The Bengaluru Experiment

    With a pilot kicking off in Bengaluru in late June or early July, Rapido is testing Ownly’s concept in a tech-savvy yet fiercely competitive market.

    Conclusion

    Rapido’s Ownly app disrupts the traditional food-delivery model—zero commission, flat delivery fees, and honest pricing are its bold differentiators. But success will hinge on execution: sustaining quality, logistics, and scaling effectively. If it works, this “honest pricing” model could spark a major shake-up in India’s food-delivery ecosystem.

  • Major Banks Slash Lending Rates: BoB, PNB, UCO, HDFC, BoI & Karur Vysya Bank Cut RRLR, MCLR Loan Rates

    Public Sector Banks – Repo-Linked Lending Rates (RLLR/RRLR)

    • Bank of Baroda (BoB)
      – Cut RLLR by 50 bps to 8.15%, effective June 7—fully passed on RBI rate cut.
    • Punjab National Bank (PNB)
      – Reduced RLLR from 8.85% to 8.35%, effective June 9; home loans now from 7.45%, vehicle loans from 7.80%.
    • UCO Bank
      – Slashed RRLR by 50 bps to 8.30% (from June 9) and trimmed MCLR across tenors—overnight to 8.15%, one-month to 8.35%, three-month to 8.50%, six-month to 8.80%, one-year to 9.00%, effective June 10.
    • Bank of India (BoI)
      – RLLR down 50 bps to 8.35%, effective June 6 .

    Private Sector Banks – MCLR Adjustments

    • HDFC Bank
      – MCLR cut by 10 bps across all tenures, effective June 7:
      • Overnight & 1‑month: 8.90%
      • 3‑month: 8.95%
      • 6‑month & 1‑year: 9.05%
      • 2‑year & 3‑year: 9.10%.
        – Repo-linked loans expected to reflect full 50 bps cut next month.
    • Karur Vysya Bank
      – Reduced 6‑month MCLR by 10 bps to 9.80%, and 1‑year MCLR by 20 bps to 9.80%, effective June 7.

    Context & Takeaways

    • RBI repo rate cut from 6.00% to 5.50% on June 6, 2025.
    • Public sector banks quickly transmitted the full 50 bps cut to repo-linked loan rates, benefiting both existing and new borrowers.
    • Private banks adjusted MCLR, yielding smaller but still meaningful rate cuts for borrowers on that benchmark.
    • Borrowers with repo-linked loans (home, auto, business) should see IMMEDIATE EMI relief upon loan reset.
    • Borrowers on MCLR or base-rate-linked loans must check with their bank or consider switching to external benchmark-linked loans for faster benefit realization.

    What You Can Do

    • Confirm which benchmark your loan uses (RLLR/RRLR vs. MCLR).
    • Check with your lender if the new rate has been applied.
    • For MCLR-linked loans, ask if you can convert to an external benchmark-linked option to get quicker adjustment.
    • Use reduced EMIs to:
      • Boost savings or investments,
      • Pay off principal faster, shortening tenure.

  • ZEE Entertainment Invests in Tech Startup Bullet: New Micro-Drama App to Launch on ZEE5

    What’s Happening?

    • ZEE (now branded as “Z” Entertainment Enterprises) has acquired a stake in Bullet, a fresh content-tech startup co-founded by Azim Lalani and Saurabh Kushwah.
    • Bullet is launching a micro‑drama app within the ZEE5 ecosystem—offering fast‑paced, vertical-format “snacky” episodes aimed at mobile-first, young audiences

    Why It Matters

    • Strategic fit: ZEE aims to capture short-video viewership by integrating this app seamlessly into ZEE5, leveraging its existing reach .
    • Tech advantages: The app will have AI-based pricing/performance prediction, gamification features, and tools for independent creators to monetize content.
    • Demographic targeting: The move directly appeals to younger audiences preferring quicker, engaging storytelling.

    Market Impact

    • Following the announcement, ZEE Entertainment shares surged ~3–6% intraday, boosting the Nifty Media index.

    Conclusion

    ZEE’s investment in Bullet aligns with its evolving digital growth strategy: catering to fast-consumption, short-form content, leveraging technology, and empowering creators—all to reinforce its OTT platform’s appeal to younger viewers.

  • Premier Energies Shares Soar After ₹2,629 Cr Block Deal, But Brokerages Stay Cautious With ‘SELL’ Call

    In a surprising turn of events on the stock market, Premier Energies’ shares surged significantly following a massive ₹2,629 crore block deal. The rally pushed the stock price to 43% above its 52-week low, drawing attention from investors and analysts alike. However, despite the rally, brokerages have issued a cautious ‘SELL’ call, citing concerns over valuations and long-term fundamentals.

    Block Deal Sparks Investor Interest

    The rally was triggered by a block deal worth ₹2,629 crore, which involved a significant chunk of the company’s equity changing hands during intraday trade. According to exchange data, nearly 3.5 crore shares were traded, suggesting heightened institutional interest or stake reallocation.

    While the identities of the buyers and sellers have not been officially disclosed, market speculation hints at a potential exit by an early investor or promoter-level reshuffling, alongside fresh institutional entries.

    Stock Performance: 43% Above 52-Week Low

    Following the deal, Premier Energies’ stock price jumped over 7% intraday, continuing the upward momentum seen over recent weeks. The stock now trades at 43% above its 52-week low, reflecting a renewed investor sentiment and improved liquidity.

    This performance comes amid broader optimism around the renewable energy sector, of which Premier Energies is a key player, specializing in solar photovoltaic cells and module manufacturing.

    Brokerage View: ‘SELL’ Rating Despite Rally

    Despite the market excitement, leading brokerages have maintained a ‘SELL’ recommendation on the stock. Analysts point out that:

    • Valuations have become stretched, with the stock now trading at a significant premium to its historical averages.
    • The earnings outlook remains uncertain, especially amid rising competition and input cost pressures in the solar sector.
    • The recent rally is largely driven by technical momentum and market sentiment, not fundamental changes in the company’s financials.

    “While the block deal has improved liquidity and market visibility, we believe the stock price now reflects overly optimistic expectations. Investors should exercise caution,” said a note from a top-tier brokerage firm.

    What’s Driving the Mixed Sentiment?

    The contradiction between the stock’s performance and the brokerages’ conservative stance stems from a mix of short-term optimism and long-term uncertainty:

    • Positive triggers: India’s continued focus on renewable energy, government incentives, and potential exports have improved sentiment around solar companies like Premier Energies.
    • Risks: Delays in policy execution, rising raw material costs (especially polysilicon), and global trade dynamics pose significant risks to margins and profitability.

    What Should Investors Do?

    For retail investors, this situation presents a classic dilemma—momentum vs. fundamentals. While the recent surge may look tempting, it’s important to assess whether the stock’s growth is sustainable or merely driven by short-term hype.

    If you’re already invested, it might be wise to reassess your position and consider booking partial profits. For those looking to enter, waiting for a correction or clearer signals on earnings growth and policy support may be prudent.

    Conclusion

    The ₹2,629 crore block deal in Premier Energies has undoubtedly brought the stock back into the spotlight, with a sharp rise that’s caught many off guard. However, the mixed outlook from brokerages serves as a reminder that not all that glitters is gold—especially in a sector as volatile and policy-sensitive as renewable energy.

    Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

  • Zomato Green Delivery: EV Bikes & Rental Revolution

    Zomato is charging ahead on its sustainability drive by electrifying the last-mile delivery ecosystem. Their ambitious vision: 100% electric deliveries by 2030 under the EV100 campaign. Here’s a deep dive into how Zomato is rolling out electric two-wheelers, rental & battery swap models, and what this means for delivery partners and urban India.

    EV Ambition & Milestones

    • Launched a World Environment Day campaign in June 2024 featuring a playful ad highlighting quirky delivery modes—from camels to pogo sticks—ultimately promoting EV bikes as the eco-friendly solution.
    • Hosted the EV Bazaar 2024 in New Delhi, drawing 1,000+ delivery partners and showcasing EVs from major OEMs like Kinetic Green, Hero, TVS, Ola, and Quantum. The event also launched an EV Portal to streamline EV inventory, rentals, and deployers.
    • As of FY23, nearly 5,000 Zomato delivery partners made the switch from petrol bikes—a strong foundation for the 2030 goal.

    Rental & Battery Swap Ecosystem

    1. Yulu Partnership

    • Collaborated with Yulu to provide 25,000–35,000 Yulu DeX e-bikes on customized rental plans.
    • Delivery partners gain access to Yulu’s widespread battery swap network (Yuma Energy)—over 45,000 EVs and 800+ swap stations in 30+ cities.
    • Yulu claims each DeX bike can handle up to 300,000 green deliveries daily by 2026 .

    2. BLive & TVS iQube

    • Through BLive, Zomato deployed 400+ premium TVS iQube scooters across five cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, on a rent-to-own model .
    • TVS partnership aims to introduce 10,000 iQube scooters over two years—available via fleet providers

    3. Battery Smart Tie-up

    • Partnered in August 2023 with Battery Smart to extend battery-swap access across 800+ swap stations in 30+ cities

    Benefits for Delivery Partners

    • Lower Running Costs: EVs eliminate fuel expenses and reduce maintenance.
    • Flexibility & Scale: Rentals reduce upfront price hurdles—they can ride premium scooters/rent over time without full purchase .
    • Increased Earnings: Yulu says delivery partners can earn up to 40% more compared to petrol bikes .

    Real-World Feedback & Challenges

    Some riders face practical hurdles:

    “Yulu bikes riding ridiculously slow … don’t stick to a lane … obstruct traffic”

    Yet, others see these as entry-level solutions for those without personal bikes:

    “The ones using Yulu bikes are the ones who can’t afford motorbikes … rental basis … they get around ₹100”

    There’s also vivid discussion about the rental model’s scalability:

    “Rent EVs … for the people delivering food and groceries … we don’t want to make money back spent on the vehicles … just want to keep adding vehicles and promote EVs”

    The Road Ahead

    Zomato’s multi-pronged strategy—EV Bazaars, rental fleets, OEM partnerships, battery swapping—is catalyzing a sustainable shift in last-mile delivery. The EV Portal centralizes deployment, while rent-to-own schemes accelerate adoption with minimal financial stress.

    Challenges remain—bike performance, rider behavior, infrastructure hassles—but Zomato’s approach offers:

    1. Lower emissions
    2. Operational savings
    3. Broader EV access for gig workers

    Conclusion

    Zomato’s green delivery initiative blends technology, policy, and empathy. By enabling access through rentals, partnerships, and swap networks, they’re creating a foundation for 1 million+ EV deliveries daily by 2030. It’s a bold experiment in electric mobility, setting benchmarks for other delivery platforms and the urban gig economy.

  • Lenskart IPO: Spectacles to Stocks – A New Vision for Eyewear Retail

    What’s Happening?

    Lenskart, India’s leading omnichannel eyewear retailer, has taken a crucial step toward going public by converting from a private entity to a public limited company—a legal prerequisite for an IPO . The name change to Lenskart Solutions Limited sets the stage for a massive offering.

    Size & Valuation

    • IPO Aim: To raise around $1 billion (~₹8,600 crore), reportedly split between fresh capital and sale of existing investor holdings .
    • Expected Valuation: Between $8 billion to $10 billion, doubling its previous valuation of ~$5 billion .

    Timeline & Process

    • A Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) was scheduled around May 2025, but has yet to be filed publicly .
    • Market analysts anticipate the IPO could launch by year-end 2025, though official dates—subscription open, pricing band, lot size—are still pending .

    Financial Health & Business Metrics

    MetricFY23FY24
    Operating Revenue₹3,788 crore₹5,427.7 crore (+43%) (tice.news)
    Net Loss₹63 crore₹10 crore (–84%) 
    Global Store Footprint~2,000 in India, 2,500 total 
    Revenue from International~42%

    Growth Story – Why It Matters

    • Omnichannel Power: Blend of online platforms and over 2,000 offline stores ensures wide consumer outreach .
    • Tech Integration: Virtual try-on features, in‑house manufacturing, and proprietary eyewear brands like John Jacobs strengthen its moat.
    • Investor Confidence: Backed by SoftBank, Temasek, ADIA, Fidelity, KKR, TPG among others. Significant recent funding includes $200 million from Temasek & Fidelity at a $5 billion valuation.
    • Capex Push: Signed an MoU with Telangana to build a ₹1,500 crore manufacturing facility, aligned with domestic production focus .

    Potential Risks to Watch

    1. Profitability Path: Still posting losses—sharply reduced, but no profit yet .
    2. Competitive Forces: Faces industry competition from established players like Titan EyePlus and online rivals.
    3. Dependence on Discounts: Heavy marketing and sales promotions could continue to pressure margins.0

    Market Context & Implications

    • This IPO is one of several mega-offerings expected in 2025, amid renewed appetite for consumer-tech listings .
    • Retail investors, especially those who invest early on tech/consumer stocks, are watching closely for potential listing gains akin to past high-profile debuts.
    • If successful, Lenskart could become a bellwether for profitability-focused startups seeking public funding after a dry period in the IPO market.

    Investor Takeaways

    • Long-term story: Strong revenue growth, tech-driven experience, global footprint, and supply chain control.
    • Watch closely: DRHP filing, pricing range, lot size, and intentions behind primary vs. secondary components.
    • Market mood matters: Investor sentiment and macro conditions in late 2025 will heavily influence IPO outcome.

    Conclusion

    Lenskart’s upcoming IPO is shaping up to be one of the landmark equity events in India’s consumer-tech landscape. With a potential $1 billion raise and a valuation targeting $10 billion, backed by strong business momentum and marquee investors, it’s a must-watch story. But success will depend on market conditions, execution clarity, and proving long-term profitability.

  • MCX Electricity Units Derivatives Trading: Powering India’s Energy Markets

    भारत के ऊर्जा बाजार में सुधार की दिशा में एक बड़ा कदम उठाते हुए, मल्टी कमोडिटी एक्सचेंज ऑफ इंडिया (MCX) ने बिजली वायदा अनुबंध (Electricity Futures Contracts) लॉन्च किए हैं। अब बिजली की कीमतों पर भी ट्रेडिंग और हेजिंग संभव हो गई है — ठीक वैसे ही जैसे सोना, कच्चा तेल और गैस पर होती है।

    बिजली यूनिट डेरिवेटिव क्या हैं?

    बिजली यूनिट डेरिवेटिव ऐसे वित्तीय अनुबंध हैं जो बिजली की यूनिट (मेगावॉट-घंटा या MWh) की कीमत पर आधारित होते हैं। इनका उद्देश्य बिजली की कीमतों में उतार-चढ़ाव से बचाव करना या कीमतों के आधार पर मुनाफा कमाना होता है।

    MCX पर ये अनुबंध मानकीकृत (standardized) होते हैं और इनका वित्तीय निपटान (financial settlement) होता है — यानी कोई भी भौतिक बिजली की डिलीवरी नहीं होती।

    यह क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है?

    भारत में बिजली की मांग तेजी से बढ़ रही है। लेकिन बिजली की कीमतें बेहद अस्थिर (volatile) होती हैं — गर्मियों में मांग, ईंधन कीमतें, और आपूर्ति की कमी इसका कारण होती हैं। अब तक इस क्षेत्र में जोखिम से बचाव (hedging) के लिए कोई मजबूत साधन नहीं था।

    MCX के बिजली डेरिवेटिव इस कमी को पूरा करते हैं:

    • बिजली उत्पादकों, वितरकों और उपभोक्ताओं को जोखिम प्रबंधन का मौका मिलता है।
    • कीमतों में पारदर्शिता आती है।
    • निवेशकों और ट्रेडर्स को ऊर्जा बाजार में भागीदारी का अवसर मिलता है।

    MCX बिजली वायदा अनुबंध की विशेषताएं

    FeatureDescription
    Contract Unit1 MWh (megawatt-hour)
    Trading Hours9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
    Tick Size₹1
    Price Quotation₹/MWh
    Settlement TypeFinancially settled (no physical delivery)
    ExpiryMonthly contracts

    कौन कर सकता है भागीदारी?

    1. बिजली उत्पादक (Power Generators) — ईंधन की कीमतों के जोखिम से सुरक्षा।
    2. वितरण कंपनियां (Discoms) — बिजली खरीद लागत में स्थिरता।
    3. औद्योगिक उपभोक्ता — बढ़ते बिजली बिल से सुरक्षा।
    4. ट्रेडर्स और निवेशक — कीमतों में उतार-चढ़ाव से मुनाफे के अवसर।

    बिजली डेरिवेटिव्स के फायदे

    • ✅ कुशल मूल्य खोज — बाजार की वास्तविक मांग और आपूर्ति पर आधारित।
    • ✅ जोखिम में कमी — कीमत पहले ही लॉक करके खर्च/राजस्व का नियोजन।
    • ✅ बाजार सहभागिता — निवेशकों की भागीदारी से तरलता में वृद्धि।
    • ✅ वित्तीय नवाचार — ऊर्जा क्षेत्र को पेशेवर बनाना।

    भारत के ऊर्जा क्षेत्र पर प्रभाव

    बिजली डेरिवेटिव का शुभारंभ भारत के बिजली बाजार में एक ऐतिहासिक सुधार है। यह भारत सरकार की बिजली अधिनियम के तहत प्रतिस्पर्धी और पारदर्शी बाजार की कल्पना को मजबूत करता है। इससे:

    • वितरण कंपनियों (Discoms) की वित्तीय हालत बेहतर हो सकती है।
    • निजी निवेश को प्रोत्साहन मिलेगा।
    • विदेशी निवेश को बढ़ावा मिलेगा।
    • औद्योगिक उपभोक्ताओं को कीमत स्थिरता मिलेगी।

    निष्कर्ष

    MCX के इस कदम से भारत का ऊर्जा क्षेत्र एक नए युग में प्रवेश कर रहा है। अब बिजली सिर्फ इस्तेमाल की चीज़ नहीं — बल्कि एक वित्तीय साधन बन चुकी है। चाहे आप बड़े उपभोक्ता हों या निवेशक, यह एक रोचक और लाभकारी अवसर बन चुका है।

    अब बिजली बाजार में भागीदारी बस एक ट्रेड की दूरी पर है!

  • Anil Ambani’s ₹5,000 Crore Investment in Reliance Infrastructure: A Bold Move or Strategic Rescue?

    Anil Ambani, Chairman of the Reliance Group, recently engineered one of the largest promoter-led capital infusions in India’s infrastructure sector. Although headlines have mentioned ₹5,000 crore, the precise details tell a broader story. Here’s a breakdown of what unfolded, why it matters, and where the investment could lead the company.

    The Funding Rundown

    • ₹6,000 crore total fundraising plan
      Approved in October 2024, R‑Infra aimed to raise ₹6,000 crore via a combination of preferential share issuance and QIP (Qualified Institutional Placement)
    • Promoters’ contribution: ₹1,100 crore
      In the first phase of the preferential share issue, promoters—led by Anil Ambani via Risee Infinity—invested ₹1,104 crore
    • Rest of the capital
      Institutional investors like Fortune Financial, Florintree Innovations, and others contributed ₹1,910 crore, with the remaining ₹3,000 crore expected via QIP

    So, the ₹5,000 crore figure seems to arise from combining R‑Infra’s total capital infusion (₹6,000 cr) with prior debt repayments (₹3,800 cr), leaving a net fresh infusion around ₹5,000 cr.

    🏦 From Debt-Laden to Near Zero

    Reliance Infra made headlines in September 2024 for reducing its standalone debt dramatically—from ₹3,831 crore to just ₹475 crore

    This drastic cut was enabled by:

    • Royally clearing dues through a One-Time Settlement (OTS) with major lenders, including LIC and Edelweiss.
    • Prioritizing liability reduction amidst fundraising plans

    With debt nearly eliminated and net worth rising from ₹9,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore, the company stands on far firmer financial ground

    🤔 Why It Matters

    1. Revitalizing investor sentiment
      R‑Infra’s stock surged ≈49% over three months and ≈66% year-over-year following the announcement—a clear signal that investors welcomed the de-risking
    2. Enabling future expansion
      With a clean balance sheet and fresh capital, R‑Infra is positioned to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects—metro lines, highways, power assets—that were previously out of reach.
    3. Promoter confidence regained?
      Anil Ambani’s personal ₹1,100+ crore infusion reflects strong faith in the company’s potential—a bold gesture after years of struggling with debt.

    The Road Ahead

    Strategic FocusWhat to Expect
    Regulatory ApprovalsThe QIP and merger plans (e.g., with Reliance Velocity) require green lights from NCLT and other bodies
    Revenue GrowthDebt down, but profitability remains a challenge: Q3 FY25 saw a net profit drop (₹2.74 crore vs ₹3.62 crore a year ago) .
    Debt DisciplineWith liabilities much lower, future management will be closely watched to ensure new projects aren’t funded by fresh borrowing.

    Conclusion

    Anil Ambani’s ₹5,000–6,000 crore-equivalent infusion into Reliance Infrastructure is not just a rescue—it’s a turnaround strategy. By eliminating debt and injecting fresh capital, R‑Infra is ideally positioned for its next growth phase. That said, execution risks remain: the company must deliver on strong financial discipline, get regulatory approvals, and convert capital into profitable assets.

    This bold move marks a transformation from debt-laden survivor to ambitious infrastructure player. If executed well, it could redefine Anil Ambani’s legacy in India’s infrastructure landscape.

    Final Takeaways for Stakeholders

    • Investors get reassurance through cleaner books and promoter confidence.
    • Creditors may feel vindicated but will watch for any future debt buildup.
    • Competitors and industry analysts will track upcoming bids for new projects and potential acquisitions.

    Anil Ambani’s ₹5,000+ crore move isn’t just a financial maneuver—it’s a strategic reset. Now, all eyes will be on R‑Infra to intelligently deploy this capital and validate the trust behind it.

  • Raj Shamani: From Humble Beginnings to a ₹91 Crore Net Worth Success Story

    1. Early Life & Entrepreneurial Spark

    • Born in July 1997 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
    • At age 16, borrowed ₹10,000 from his father to launch his own brand, Jadugar Drop, a dishwashing liquid.
    • Plugged into family business, Shamani Industries, helping scale revenue from ₹90 lakh to ₹9 crore in just 24 months.

    2. Scaling & Diversification

    • Expanded Shamani Industries to ₹200 crore turnover and over 25 distributors across 10+ states.
    • Ventured into tech and media with House of X—a creator-focused platform—and Figuring Out Academy, an ed‑tech startup for first-time entrepreneurs.

    3. Podcaster, Creator & Public Speaker

    • Launched the “Figuring Out” podcast and YouTube channel, interviewing business leaders and celebrities. His channels garnered staggering 2+ billion views in 2024.
    • Delivered 200+ speeches across 26 countries, including prominent stages like TEDx and the UN in Vienna.

    4. Monetization & Strategy

    • Embraces a “Value over Views” content philosophy, balancing data analytics with meaningful insights.
    • Diverse income streams include:
      • YouTube AdSense (~10%)
      • Brand sponsorships (~30%)
      • One-time and long-term brand deals (50%)
      • Paid podcast content (~10%)
      • Equity in startups via promotional support.

    5. Net Worth & Assets

    • Estimated net worth: ~$11 million (₹91 crore) as of 2024.
    • Monthly income: ~₹1 crore; yearly: ~₹12–15 crore.
    • Investments include real estate, stocks, and early-stage startups.

    6. Philosophy & Impact

    • Attributes success to authenticity, hustle, and obsession. Believes in making “The Indian Dream” a reality.
    • Advises focused action: tackle one problem with urgency before moving on.
    • His philanthropic initiatives include Auntypreneur, empowering women entrepreneurs in low-income communities.

    Why His Journey Inspires

    PhaseKey Takeaway
    Bootstrapping at 16Shows how limited funds and audacity can spark an empire.
    Scaling family businessCombining fresh vision with legacy helped grow exponentially.
    Digital dominationAuthentic, value-driven content leads to massive influence.
    Diversified revenueMultiple income streams make financial foundations robust.

    Conclusion

    Raj Shamani’s trajectory—from a ₹10,000 startup to a ₹91 crore empire—is a testament to vision, grit, and adaptability. Young, bold, and eternally hustling, he continues to shape India’s entrepreneurial spirit through his ventures, content, and community-building efforts.

  • Guide to Purchasing a Plot in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know

    Dubai, known for its futuristic skyline and investor-friendly environment, has rapidly become a global hotspot for real estate investments. From luxury villas to soaring skyscrapers, the city offers diverse real estate opportunities — including the chance to purchase land plots.

    1. Can Foreigners Buy Land in Dubai?

    Yes! Foreign nationals can buy land in designated freehold areas. These zones allow full ownership of the land and property, with no leasehold limitations.

    Popular Freehold Areas:

    • Dubai Hills Estate
    • Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
    • Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR)
    • Dubai South
    • Business Bay
    • Downtown Dubai (limited land availability)

    2. Types of Plots Available

    ➤ Residential Plots

    Ideal for villas or custom-built homes. You must adhere to building regulations set by the Dubai Municipality or master developer (like Emaar, Nakheel, etc.).

    ➤ Commercial Plots

    Suitable for offices, retail, warehouses, or hotels. They come with usage restrictions and require commercial licensing.

    ➤ Mixed-use Plots

    Combine residential and commercial purposes — often found in downtown or new urban centers.

    3. Step-by-Step Process to Buy a Plot in Dubai

    Step 1: Choose the Right Location

    Research the master developer’s guidelines, future development plans, infrastructure, and proximity to key areas (airport, business hubs, etc.).

    Step 2: Engage a Real Estate Agent or Consultant

    Use a RERA-licensed agent to avoid scams and ensure transparency.

    Step 3: Make an Offer and Sign MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)

    This outlines terms between buyer and seller. Typically, a 10% deposit is paid at this stage.

    Step 4: Due Diligence and NOC

    The developer issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming all dues are cleared.

    Step 5: Land Department Registration

    • Sign the sale agreement at the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
    • Pay transfer fee (usually 4%) + registration charges
    • Receive the new Title Deed

    4. Cost Breakdown

    ComponentEstimated Cost
    Plot PriceVaries widely
    DLD Transfer Fee4% of price
    Registration ChargesAED 4,000+
    Agent Commission2% (avg.)
    NOC FeeAED 500–5,000
    Annual Service ChargesVaries

    5. Financing Options

    Most plot purchases are done through cash payments, as many banks do not finance vacant land for expatriates. However, a few banks offer limited plot purchase loans for UAE nationals or in specific master communities.

    6. Why Invest in a Plot in Dubai?

    • ✅ Capital Appreciation: Land value rises over time in prime areas.
    • ✅ Customization: Design and build as per your vision.
    • ✅ No Property Tax: Dubai has zero annual property tax.
    • ✅ High ROI: Strategic development can yield strong returns.

    Notable Plot Projects in Dubai

    1. Expo Valley – Expo City Dubai

    • Plot Sizes: 7,500 to 12,500 sq. ft.
    • Starting Price: AED 11 million = 24.86 Crore
    • Features: Freehold plots available to all nationalities, with the flexibility to combine areas. The community will feature a nature reserve, lake, and wadi.

    2. Dubai Islands

    • Projects: Azura Residences, Beach Walk Residence 3, Cotier House, Tivano
    • Starting Prices: From AED 1.7 million = 3.84 Crore
    • Highlights: A “city-within-a-city” concept featuring shopping centers, golf courses, and the Middle East’s first superyacht marina.

    3. The Acres – Dubailand

    • Starting Price: AED 5.5 million = 12.43 Crore
    • Features: Eco-friendly villas set amidst green parks with walking trails, ponds, and lakes.

    4. District One – Mohammed Bin Rashid City

    • Starting Price: From AED 1.8 million = 4.07 Crore
    • Features: Exclusive neighborhood featuring the world’s largest artificial lagoon, parks, and an 8-kilometer network of running and cycling tracks.

    Price per Sq. Ft. in INR by Area

    AreaAED/Sq. Ft.INR/Sq. Ft. (Approx)
    Downtown Dubai2,500 – 3,107₹56,500 – ₹70,750
    Palm JumeirahUp to 5,860₹132,400
    Jumeirah Village Circle800 – 1,366₹18,080 – ₹30,880
    Dubai Hills EstateUp to 2,521₹56,000
    Dubai SouthUp to 863₹19,520
    Dubai MarinaUp to 2,102₹47,500

    7. Key Legal Considerations

    • Always verify zoning laws and building guidelines.
    • Build within the stipulated time to avoid penalties.
    • Ensure the seller is the rightful owner via the Title Deed.

    8. Tips Before You Buy

    • Visit the plot in person and check infrastructure access (roads, power, sewage).
    • Study the master development plan of the area.
    • Confirm any height, design, or usage restrictions.
    • Hire a legal advisor for documentation review.

    Conclusion

    Buying a plot in Dubai is a strategic move — especially in growing zones near Expo City, Dubai South, or along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. As long as you’re informed and cautious, it can turn into a high-reward investment with long-term benefits.

    Dubai continues to attract global investors with its political stability, tax-free system, and ambitious urban development. If you dream of building your space from the ground up, there’s never been a better time to invest in a plot in the City of Gold.

    DISCLAIMER: This Blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Please invest based on your risk profile