News

Renowned investor Vijay Kedia, through Kedia Securities Private Limited, purchased 1 lakh shares of Advait Energy Transitions at ₹1,725 each on June 11, 2025.

This totals a stake acquisition worth ₹17.25 crore or 0.92% of the total equity. 

The very next day, the stock price surged 20% to hit its upper circuit, peaking at ₹1,996. This marked Advait Infra’s biggest intraday surge, taking its share price to the highest level in 10 months. 

This event offers an intriguing look into the dynamics of investor confidence, the power of prominent investor endorsements, and the inherent potential of the small-cap segment.

Let’s understand why the ace investor bought the stake and what lies ahead for the small-cap stock.

Why Vijay Kedia’s Endorsement is Significant

Vijay Kedia is widely recognized in the Indian investment community for his ability to identify companies poised for significant growth. His investment philosophy, often summarized by the acronym “SMILE” (Small in size, Medium in experience, Large in ambition, Extra-large in market potential), emphasizes long-term value creation through investments in fundamentally sound businesses with considerable growth prospects. When an investor of his stature invests in a small-cap company like Advait Energy, it sends a strong signal to the market.

The immediate and significant surge in Advait Energy’s stock price directly illustrates the impact of this endorsement.

Understanding Advait Energy’s Business Model

While the immediate market reaction is notable, a thorough analysis requires understanding Advait Energy Transitions’s operational scope and strategic positioning. 

Advait Energy, established in 2009, has developed expertise in providing comprehensive products and solutions for power transmission, substation, and telecommunication infrastructure.

Crucially, it has undertaken a strategic diversification into the burgeoning renewable energy sector back in 2023. Advait Energy now specializes in areas such as manufacturing for power lines, emergency restoration systems, and comprehensive telecom projects. Their expansion into green energy includes offerings such as Alkaline and PEM electrolyser systems, fuel cell systems, hydrogen refuelling stations, hydrogen blending systems, and hydrogen storage units.

This strategic shift fits well with India’s renewable energy goals and the growing global demand for sustainable solutions. 

With an unexecuted order book of ₹800 crore (as of May 2025) and strong Q4 FY25 growth — 225% in revenue and 78% in profit — the company has a solid business pipeline and is performing well operationally, further evident from its financial performance as of Q4FY25. 

Source: Economic Times

What Next for Advait Energy?

Post‑block deal, investors can expect volatility. In the short-term, the stock may fluctuate due to profit booking. Long-term possibilities include further strength if earnings remain robust and renewable orders increase.

It is also noteworthy that Advait Energy already has another prominent investor, Ashish Kacholia, holding a significant stake. As of March 2025, Kacholia holds 2.67% stake or 2.9 lakh shares. The presence of multiple respected institutional investors signals a growing confidence in the company’s business model and its future prospects.

Future Prospects & Growth Outlook

Advait Energy is not just riding current market momentum, but building a business geared for future growth. The company is strategically expanding into high-potential sectors like Green Hydrogen, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Solar EPC — segments aligned with India’s clean energy push and global sustainability goals.

Here are some of the company’s key growth initiatives and projects currently underway:

• Electrolyser Manufacturing: Setting up a 300 MW electrolyser manufacturing facility under the Government of India’s PLI scheme, in collaboration with global partner Guofuhee.
  
• Solar EPC: Targeting 200+ MW of solar EPC capacity per year, with key projects already underway for Adani and KP Green.
  
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Building a 50 MW/100 MWh battery project for GUVNL, with plans to scale up to 200 MW/400 MWh over the next five years.
  

Source: Advait Energy Investor Presentation

Conclusion

Advait Energy’s 20% surge, driven by Vijay Kedia’s ₹17 crore investment, is more than a mere market event. It represents a confluence of investor confidence, the strategic foresight of a seasoned market veteran, and the compelling potential inherent within India’s dynamic small-cap segment, particularly for those leading the green energy transition. 

As always, rigorous research and a disciplined investment approach are fundamental to navigating the opportunities and risks presented by such market developments.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer Note: The securities quoted, if any, are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. This article is for education purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation or investment advice by Equentis – Research & Ranking. We will not be liable for any losses that may occur. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BASL & certification from NISM in no way guarantee the performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

A good retirement destination is more than just scenic views and good weather. One of the biggest factors (sometimes the deciding one) is affordability. 

While deciding on a place where you can retire, you must first ask yourself: 

• How much will it actually cost to live in the cities you’ve shortlisted? 
• Can your retirement corpus comfortably fund that lifestyle?

As retirement planning increasingly focuses on long-term sustainability, it becomes essential to assess the financial implications of relocating to a new city.

This article presents an overview of the cost of living in several popular Indian cities for retirement, offering insights to help individuals make well-informed decisions.

City	Living Costs for a Couple (Ex-Rent)	Typical 2BHK/3BHK Rent	Cost of Living Index	Notes
Goa (Panaji/Porvorim belt)	₹65K–70K	₹25K–40K	22.1% lower than Mumbai	Tourist-driven rent fluctuations; strong private healthcare.
Pune	₹80K–85K	₹20K–45K	22.8	Robust healthcare; well-connected city.
Coimbatore	₹55K–60K	₹15K–35K	17.3	Low pollution; medical hub.
Dehradun	₹60K–65K	₹20K–40K	25.9% lower than Mumbai	Access to hills; growing healthcare infrastructure.
Chandigarh–Tri-City	₹70K	₹15K–32K	20.2	Excellent civic services; well-planned urban layout.
Pondicherry	₹55K–60K	₹8K–20K	N/A	Distinctive cultural ambience; emerging wellness hub.
Kasauli	₹50K	₹35K (2BHK cottage)	N/A	Clean environment; limited hospital access.
Delhi	₹85K–95K	₹20K–30K (outer) ₹50K–60K (central)	21.9	Comprehensive healthcare; excellent transport.
Bengaluru	₹80K–85K	₹25K-55K	22.4	Temperate climate; strong public amenities.
Ahmedabad	₹60K	₹19K–30K	21.8	Safe city; notable rise in rents.
Bhubaneswar	₹60K	₹8K–28K	19.3	Green city with heritage sites; improving air connectivity.
Dharamshala	₹50K	₹12K–20K	N/A	Cooler climate; limited access to tertiary healthcare.
Jaipur	₹55K–60K	₹15K–25K	19.1	Heritage city with modern amenities.
Mysore	₹55K–60K	₹17K–31K	N/A	Clean city; favourable retirement environment.
Rishikesh	₹45K–50K	₹15K–25K	N/A	Spiritual hub; advanced healthcare available in Dehradun.

Source: Magicbricks, Numbeo

*Couple costs are interpolated from Numbeo’s single and family-of-four baskets for June 2025.
†Numbeo Cost-of-Living Index, 100 = cost in New York City.

Key Observations

1. Tier-II Cities Offer Strong Value

Retirees seeking affordability without compromising on healthcare will find good value in Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bhubaneswar. These cities typically allow for a total monthly outlay below ₹70,000–₹75,000, while providing reliable access to medical services, good quality of life, and a less congested urban environment.

2. The Impact of Tourist Seasons

Destinations such as Goa and Kasauli attract a significant tourist influx during the peak season (November to March), which can drive up rents by 25%–35%. Retirees considering these areas should factor in potential seasonal fluctuations in housing costs or negotiate longer-term leases to secure stable pricing.

3. Cost Versus Convenience in Metros

Metropolitan areas such as Delhi and Bengaluru command the highest rental costs in this list. However, they offer unparalleled advantages – world-class healthcare systems, extensive metro networks, and robust infrastructure. These cities remain ideal for retirees who prioritise proximity to advanced medical care and well-developed transport connectivity.

4. Rents on the Rise

Ahmedabad has witnessed a significant increase in rental rates over the past year, with average rents climbing by approximately 25%–30%. Prospective retirees should account for this trend when planning housing budgets in the city.

Source: Times of India

Planning Tips

Here’s how you can plan your retirement in the above cities. 

1. Index your pension: National CPI is running near 5%, but rental inflation in larger cities is closer to 8-12%. Add at least a 6% buffer to your annual budget.

Source: MOSPI

2. Health cover: Even in low-cost cities, a private health plan of ₹5-10 lakh per person prevents large out-of-pocket shocks.
3. Trial stay: Before relocating, rent for three months to test climate, healthcare access and social life.
4. Neighbourhood checks: Local costs vary widely inside each city. Verify grocery and utility prices within the exact area you plan to live.

Practical Considerations for Retirees

If you are considering any of the above cities for your retirement home, it would help to keep the following in mind, too:

1. Adjusting for Inflation

While national CPI inflation currently hovers around 5%, housing costs, especially in metros, are rising at a faster pace (8%–12% annually). It is prudent to incorporate at least a 6% annual buffer into one’s retirement budget to maintain purchasing power and financial stability.

2. Health Insurance Coverage is Essential

Regardless of location, retirees should invest in private health insurance of at least ₹5–10 lakh per person. This ensures protection against unexpected medical expenses, even in otherwise affordable cities.

3. Consider a Trial Stay

Before permanently relocating, it is advisable to conduct a trial stay of three months. This allows individuals to evaluate:

• Climate suitability
• Accessibility of healthcare services
• Availability of community and recreational activities
  

4. Evaluate Neighbourhood-Level Costs

Costs can vary substantially between neighbourhoods within the same city. For instance:

• In Rishikesh, Tapovan commands higher rental rates (~₹30K), whereas other town areas may offer rates closer to ₹9K–10K.
  
• In Delhi, outer zones such as Dwarka or Rohini offer more affordable options compared to central locations.
  

Prospective retirees should conduct localized cost checks—covering groceries, utilities, and transport—in the specific area they are considering.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Indian city for retirement requires a balanced view of lifestyle preferences and financial planning. This analysis demonstrates that it is possible to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retired life across a wide range of cities—provided the financial implications are clearly understood.

In summary:

• ₹50K–70K/month (inclusive of rent) is adequate for many tier-II destinations.
• ₹85K–1 lakh/month offers more flexibility in metros or premium tourist cities.

Retirees are advised to build in a 6%–8% annual inflation adjustment and secure adequate health insurance to preserve both financial security and peace of mind. With informed planning, India continues to offer excellent opportunities for an affordable, well-rounded retirement lifestyle.

In India’s fast-growing food delivery market, two giants, Zomato and Swiggy, have long dominated the space. With a combined market share of over 95%, they have left very little room for new players. 

However, a new competitor is now entering the scene. Rapido, known for its two-wheeler ride-hailing services, is preparing to roll out its food delivery service in Bengaluru. The mission? To offer affordable meals with transparent pricing.

Source: Moneycontrol

Rapido’s entry into the food delivery sector could disrupt the dominance of Zomato and Swiggy. Unlike past failures by Uber and Ola, Rapido’s network of four million riders positions it as a strong challenger. If executed well, it could impact the current take-rates, percentages charged on each order, and affect the profitability of existing players. 

Source: Moneycontrol

Let’s understand how Rapido plans to achieve this and whether it can truly disrupt the current landscape.

Introducing “Ownly” – Rapido’s Food Delivery Brand

According to Rapido’s internal pitch to restaurant partners, the food delivery business is being introduced under the name “Ownly.” While this name may change in the future, the company’s vision is clear: it aims to make food delivery more accessible and affordable for everyone.

The idea behind “Ownly” is rooted in fair pricing and transparency, two things that many believe have been missing from food delivery platforms for quite some time.

Core Commitments and Key Features

Zero Commission Promise	Rapido pledges to remain a zero-commission platform for restaurant partners.
Wide Operational Reach	Currently operating in 500 Indian cities Conducting 4 million rides monthly Serves 30 million active users
Transparent Delivery Pricing	– Orders of ₹100 and Below: Delivery fee fixed at ₹20- Orders Above ₹100: Flat delivery charge of ₹25 + GST- No Hidden Costs for Restaurants: Restaurants will only pay the delivery fee + GST—no other platform charges.
Future Monetization Strategy	Subscription Model in Pipeline: Rapido may introduce a flat subscription fee for restaurants in the future, replacing variable commissions.
Tools & Restaurant Support	Discounting Support: Restaurants will get tools to offer discounts but Rapido will not use discounts to acquire users aggressively. Data Sharing for Growth: Restaurants will receive user insights and data to help run their own marketing campaigns. Affordable Meal Mandate: Each restaurant must offer at least 4 meals priced at ₹150 or less.
Focus on ‘Bharat’ and Inclusion	Target Audience: Rapido aims to cater to first-time users and regions with limited access to affordable online food. Mission: Provide fairly priced meals and make food delivery accessible to a broader audience across India.

Source: Moneycontrol

The Problem with Current Food Delivery Giants

Zomato processes more than 2.5 million food orders daily, with Swiggy’s count reaching at over 2 million. Together, they dominate the $8 billion food delivery market with a combined 95% share. In terms of market share for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q1 FY25), Zomato leads with 58%, while Swiggy holds 42%.

However, numerous restaurant owners have voiced their concerns about both platforms, pointing to issues such as:

• High commissions, often eating into their margins
  
• Preferential treatment for large or premium restaurants
  
• Expensive customer acquisition costs (CAC)
  
• Extra charges like packaging fees, delivery charges, and platform fees
  

These issues have forced smaller businesses to explore other options. Although some alternatives, such as Thrive (backed by Coca-Cola), were launched, most couldn’t sustain operations due to a lack of traction.

Even promising new platforms like ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), Magicpin, Zepto Café, and Swish are still far from threatening the dominance of Swiggy and Zomato.

Rapido’s Strong Entry is Backed by Scale

What makes Rapido’s entry into the food delivery space particularly compelling is its robust existing customer base and infrastructure. Operating in over 500 cities, Rapido facilitates around 4 million rides each month and boasts approximately 30 million active users. 

This extensive reach provides the company with a solid foundation to develop a parallel food delivery network, leveraging its large fleet of bike riders, known as “captains”, who are already actively engaged in ride-sharing services across the country.

Zero Commission & Honest Pricing

One of Rapido’s biggest promises to restaurant partners is that it will charge zero commission for food delivery orders. Unlike other platforms that take a significant cut from each order, Rapido aims to ensure that restaurants retain a larger share of their earnings.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there.

Rapido plans to:

• Ban packaging charges from being billed separately.
  
• Do not allow restaurants to inflate prices online.
  
• Avoid offering discounts or ad-based customer acquisition tactics.
  

In simple terms, the price you see online will be the same as the price in-store—a welcome move for both customers and restaurant partners.

Addressing the Issue of Marked-Up Food Prices

One of the major complaints from users ordering food online is that the prices are often inflated by as much as 40%. This has become a barrier, especially for price-sensitive users in smaller towns and cities.

Rapido aims to eliminate price markups. As per its plan, the cost of a dish (excluding GST) will be the exact amount the customer pays, with no extra charges from either Rapido or the restaurant. This straightforward pricing approach makes food more affordable and transparent, helping to include a wider section of the Indian population that is often priced out by high online food delivery costs.

Delivery Charges: Simple and Transparent

Rapido’s model also simplifies delivery charges:

• For food orders above ₹100: Delivery fee of ₹25 + GST
  
• For food orders ₹100 or below: Delivery fee of ₹20 + GST
  

But here’s the twist—restaurants will bear the delivery cost, not the customers.

This makes it even more appealing to customers, especially during the initial launch. Swiggy and Zomato, on the other hand, add multiple extra fees including:

• Platform fee
  
• Delivery charges
  
• Packaging costs
  
• GST on all the above
  

All these additions often make food significantly more expensive. Rapido, with its flat and low-cost model, looks set to disrupt this pattern.

Source: Moneycontrol

How Will Rapido Make Money?

Offering zero commission and lower costs sounds great, but it naturally raises the question: how will Rapido generate revenue?

The company has a plan.

1. Subscription-Based Model:
   Rapido intends to charge restaurants a flat monthly subscription fee once it reaches a meaningful scale. This model replaces the traditional commission model.
   
2. High-Volume Strategy:
   Rapido aims to tap into a large number of users from “Bharat”, the tier 2, 3, and 4 cities where food delivery is still a luxury. By offering affordable meals, it hopes to drive more frequent orders and increase order volumes.
   
3. Affordable Meal Mandate:
   Rapido asks its restaurant partners to list at least four dishes under ₹150. This strategy not only boosts affordability but also encourages customers to order regularly.
   

Competing on Value, Not Just Scale

While Zomato and Swiggy are constantly working to increase their average order value (AOV), Rapido is going in the opposite direction. It wants to attract more customers by offering lower-priced meals. This shift in approach could significantly disrupt the food delivery ecosystem, particularly among customers who have been priced out of the system.

Extra Benefits for Restaurants

Apart from cost savings, Rapido also offers several value-added services for restaurant partners:

• Option to advertise on the platform
  
• Access to customer data to run personalized marketing campaigns
  
• No packaging cost obligations
  
• Fair and transparent price policies
  

This creates a more business-friendly environment, empowering small and medium-sized restaurants to compete more effectively.

Rapido’s Pilot Program in Bengaluru

Rapido is kicking off a pilot project in Bengaluru to test the waters. This initiative gives the company a chance to experiment, refine its systems, and gather feedback from both users and restaurant partners. According to a company spokesperson, the goal of this trial is to assess whether Rapido can deliver greater value to consumers and partners. Early indicators are encouraging, with restaurant owners welcoming the arrival of a strong third contender in the food delivery space.

Will Rapido Succeed?

It’s still early days, and the food delivery space is tough. Previous players like Thrive tried and failed. Others like ONDC and Zepto Cafe are still finding their footing.

But Rapido has some key advantages:

• A massive existing user base
  
• A strong delivery fleet infrastructure
  
• A bold, customer-first pricing model
  
• A clear long-term revenue strategy
  

Whether it can truly disrupt the market or will eventually adopt a traditional commission-based model remains to be seen. There’s also an interesting twist, Swiggy is an investor in Rapido, which could complicate things if the food delivery service takes off.

If Rapido succeeds, it may force Swiggy and Zomato to rethink their pricing and commission models. But whether it can scale sustainably and deliver on its ambitious goals will depend on its execution in the months ahead.

Disclaimer Note: The securities quoted, if any, are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. This article is for education purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation or investment advice by Equentis – Research & Ranking. We will not be liable for any losses that may occur. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BASL & certification from NISM in no way guarantee the performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

The Nifty Realty index has witnessed a rally in recent weeks, rising close to 20% since May 9, 2025, and becoming the best-performing sector over the past week. 

The index gained nearly 2% on 5 June 2025 and closed 1.75% higher. The rally was triggered in anticipation of the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points. Since real estate is a rate-sensitive sector, any rate cut is seen as good news.

Source: The New Indian Express

A Surprise Policy Boost

On Friday, June 6, the RBI made a bigger-than-expected move. It cut the repo rate by 50 basis points instead of 25 bps. In addition, it also reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points. This is expected to release ₹2.5 lakh crore (in 4 tranches) of extra liquidity into the banking system. 

Both these steps were positive for sectors like real estate that depend on lower borrowing costs. Following this announcement, the Nifty Realty index rose sharply. It gained nearly 4.5% on Friday alone and added over ₹30,000 crore in market value over two days. This is the central bank’s third rate cut in a row.

Source: CNBC TV18

Stocks That Gained the Most

The overall rally in the Nifty Realty index was supported by strong buying across a wide range of real estate stocks. Both large players and mid-sized developers saw sharp gains as investors responded to the RBI’s rate cut and liquidity measures.

Here are some of the key gainers from Friday’s session:

• Hubtown and Ajmera: up 8%
• Godrej Properties: up 5.5%
• Kolte Patil: up 4.5%
• Arvind Smart: up 5%
• DLF: up 4%
• Puravankara: up 3.5%
• Sunteck: up 4%
• Sobha and Aditya Birla Real Estate: up 2.5%
• Prestige, Oberoi, Macrotech Developers (Lodha): up 2–3%

From the above, DLF continued to perform well, gaining 7%.

Source: CNBC TV18

Real Estate Stocks: Top Performers in the last two months

Company	Share Price in April	Share Price in June	Gain in %
Prestige Estates Projects	₹1184	₹1715	45
Sobha	₹1225	₹1680	37
Brigade Enterprises	₹977	₹1278	31
DLF	₹681	₹880	29
Macrotech Developers	₹1196	₹1516	27
Anant Raj	₹492	₹576	17
Oberoi Realty	₹1637	₹1908	17
Godrej Properties	₹2130	₹2467	16

Source: Economic Times

Why These Steps Matter

The RBI’s recent policy actions are significant for the real estate sector. Here’s how the RBI’s move could make an impact:

Lower Borrowing Costs: One of the most immediate effects of a repo rate cut is reduced loan interest rates. For homebuyers, this means lower EMIs. For developers, it reduces the cost of funding their projects.

More Liquidity for Lending: By cutting the CRR, the RBI has freed up more funds for banks to lend. This added liquidity makes it easier for banks to provide loans, helping both real estate developers and potential homebuyers.

Better Cash Flows for Developers: Real estate companies often operate with high debt. Lower interest rates ease the repayment burden and allow developers to redirect funds towards completing or expanding projects.

Positive Impact on Housing Demand: As home loans become more affordable and accessible, more buyers are likely to enter the market — especially in the budget and mid-range housing categories where price sensitivity is high.

Gains for Large Developers and REITs: Larger real estate players and listed REITs stand to benefit as lower interest costs improve profitability and asset values. These players may also see stronger investor interest in the near term.

What the Experts Are Saying…

Market experts have largely welcomed the RBI’s policy move, calling it a well-timed boost for the real estate sector. Many believe that lower rates and improved liquidity will help drive housing demand, especially in price-sensitive segments.

However, experts also pointed to some risks. Rising costs of imported construction materials, due to global trade tensions, could impact developer margins. This may weigh on demand for luxury and commercial real estate, even as residential housing benefits.

What Next?

While the recent surge is positive, several factors will influence the future trajectory of the real estate sector. 

After such a sharp rally, some investors may take profits in the near term. On Monday, real estate stocks saw a small pullback after Friday’s strong gains.

For the rally to continue, it is important that banks pass on the rate cuts quickly to borrowers. If home loan rates come down soon, housing demand could pick up even more.

The sector also faces some risks from global developments. Rising costs of construction materials or any fresh trade disruptions could affect certain parts of the market, especially high-end projects.

Conclusion

The recent 20%+ surge in real estate stocks shows how strongly the sector has reacted to the RBI’s latest moves. Lower interest rates and better liquidity conditions are likely to support housing demand and help developers manage their finances better. While some short-term correction may happen, the overall outlook remains positive — provided banks transmit rate cuts effectively and global risks remain manageable.

For now, Indian real estate stocks seem to have found their sweet spot, with policy support and improving investor sentiment driving the rally.

Disclaimer Note: The securities quoted, if any, are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. This article is for education purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation or investment advice by Equentis – Research & Ranking. We will not be liable for any losses that may occur. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BASL & certification from NISM in no way guarantee the performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

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