A Look Back—Five Years Since the World Changed

Exactly five years ago, the world came to a halt. COVID-19 brought unprecedented disruption—not just to our daily lives, but also to global markets, which fell to their lowest levels in three years. Panic was widespread. But even in the midst of that uncertainty, there was something powerful at play: optimism. A belief that, eventually, better days would return.

Today, as we stand in one of the longest bull markets in history, that belief has paid off. It’s a reminder that staying invested through turbulence isn’t just a test of patience—it’s a proven strategy.

At the time, we made a conscious decision: to hold firm. Not a single client redeemed investments out of fear.

We focused on long-term goals instead of reacting to short-term noise. That discipline and trust are now clearly visible in portfolio performance.

The decisions made during crisis laid the foundation for the strong returns we’re seeing today.

Now, once again, uncertainty is in the air—this time driven by headlines around tariffs, elections, and global slowdown fears. But just like before, these concerns are temporary. Markets may pull back in the short term, but history shows that they bounce back stronger and often reach new highs.

 

Periods of volatility remind us of two important truths: markets recover, and resilience pays off. While no one can predict the future with certainty, those who remain committed and invested are often the ones who benefit most—especially over a 4–5 year horizon.

 

Thank you, as always, for your trust and partnership. If you have any questions, we are here to help.

 

Make Your Home Loan Interest-Free!

Your Home Loan doesn’t have to be a burden of interest.

By leveraging SIPs, you can take control of your finances instead of letting EMI interest control you.

This simple yet powerful strategy can make your home purchase much more cost-effective in the long run.

Suppose you have a ₹50 lakh home loan at 9% annual interest with a tenure of 15 years (180 months). Your monthly EMI would be around ₹50,700, and by the end of 15 years you’ll pay roughly ₹41.3 lakh in interest to the bank in addition to the ₹50 lakh principal.

Now, alongside this loan, imagine you start an SIP of~₹13,000 per month (about 25% of EMI). If we assume an average 12–13% annual return on the SIP (historically achievable in equity funds over long periods), here’s what happens:

  • Total SIP Investment: You invest ₹13,000 every month for 180 months, which totals ₹23.4 lakh out-of-pocket over 15 years.

  • Growth through Compounding: Assuming the SIP grows ~12–13% per year, your investment gains momentum each year. After 15 years, the SIP could grow to approximately ₹68.5 lakh in value

  • Wealth Accumulated (Returns): Out of this ₹68.5 lakh, your profits (capital appreciation) are about ₹45 lakh (since you invested ₹23.4L and ended up with ₹68.5L, the gain = ₹45L)

This ₹45 lakh is money earned by your investments.

  • Comparing with Interest Paid: Recall that the total interest paid on the loan was ~₹41.3 lakh. Remarkably, the ₹45 lakh SIP gains have entirely covered all the interest you paid – and even left you with a few lakhs extra! In other words, the SIP’s growth has effectively funded your interest expense. You’ve recovered the ₹41.3L interest and made a small surplus, making the net cost of interest almost zero.

This example shows how a parallel SIP (25% of EMI) can neutralize the cost of a home loan’s interest. Instead of seeing interest as “lost” money, you’re ensuring that an equivalent (or greater) amount comes back to you via investment returns. It’s as if the SIP gives you an interest rebate at the end of the journey, powered by compounding growth.

Why This Strategy Makes Sense

 

  • Build an Asset While Paying off Debt: Instead of only servicing a loan (which leaves you with zero to show for the interest money), you are simultaneously building an investment portfolio. In the end, you own your house and a sizeable investment corpus.

  • Power of Compounding: The sooner you start the SIP, the longer it has to grow. Over a 15–30 year span, compounding works its magic, turning small monthly contributions into a large sum. This essentially turns time in your favor – the longer your loan, the more time your SIP has to accumulate wealth.

  • Discipline and Financial Habit: Treating your SIP like an extension of your EMI instills financial discipline. You “set it and forget it”, and over time this discipline rewards you with significant returns

 

Diamonds in the dust

Over the past 30 years, India’s primary market has seen hundreds of companies go public. While exact numbers for the entire period are hard to track, data since 2006 shows that over 650 IPOs (mainboard and SME) have hit the market.


However, not all IPOs have been success stories. In fact, more than 50% of them have traded below their issue price, resulting in losses for investors. This highlights the risks involved and the importance of careful stock selection.


That said, the market has also produced some remarkable winners. These are the multibaggers—IPOs that have multiplied investor wealth several times over.


These rare success stories show that, with the right pick, the IPO market can be a powerful wealth creator:

Info Edge Ltd.

Listing year: 2007 (18 years)

Growth: 96X

CAGR: 29.2%

Info Edge is a powerhouse in India’s internet landscape, building and scaling premier online platforms. The company commands key markets with its leading brands: Naukri.com (recruitment), 99acres.com (real estate), Jeevansathi.com (matrimony), and Shiksha.com (education). Beyond its core operations, Info Edge is a sharp strategic investor, cultivating a dynamic portfolio of promising digital startups and shaping the future of India’s online ecosystem.

Page Industries Ltd.

Listing year: 2007 (18 years)

Growth: 176X

CAGR: 32%

Incorporated in 1995, Page Industries Limited is the exclusive licensee of JOCKEY International Inc. for manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of the JOCKEY brand in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the UAE. Page Industries is also the exclusive licensee of Speedo International Ltd. for the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of the Speedo brand in India.

Astral Ltd.

Listing year: 2007 (18 years)

Growth: 358X

CAGR: 37.4%

Astral Poly Technik Ltd was established in 1996, with the aim to manufacture pro-India plumbing and drainage systems in the country. It has also forayed into adhesive business over years.

KPR Mills Ltd.

Listing year: 2007 (18 years)

Growth: 68X

CAGR: 26.8%

K.P.R. Mill is engaged in one of the largest vertically integrated apparel manufacturing Companies in India. The Company produces Yarn, Knitted Fabric, Readymade Garments and Wind power

Polycab Ltd.

Listing year: 2019 (6 years)

Growth: 10X

CAGR: 46%

Polycab is India’s leading manufacturers of cables and wires and allied products such as uPVC conduits and lugs and glands. We have a range of cables and wires for practically every application. More recently Polycab has also launched a wide range of consumer electrical products like Fans, Switches, Switchgear, LED lights and Luminaries, Solar Inverters, and Pumps.    

MazagonDock Shipbuilders

Listing year: 2020 (5 years)

Growth: 44X

CAGR: 104%

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, established in 1774, is a prominent shipyard in India. Initially a small dry dock, MDL has evolved into a renowned shipbuilding company. It has constructed 801 vessels since 1960, including warships, submarines, cargo/passenger ships, and offshore platforms.

BSE Ltd.

Listing year: 2017 (8 years)

Growth: 23x

CAGR: 48.5%

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE Ltd) is an Indian Stock Exchange located at Dalal Street in Mumbai. The Co. facilitates a market for trading in equity, currencies, debt instruments, derivatives, and mutual funds.

CDSL Ltd.

Listing year: 2017 (8 years)

Growth: 13X

CAGR: 38.3%

CDSL is providing services to all market participants—exchanges, clearing corporations, depository participants (DPs), issuers, and investors. It facilitates the holding of securities in dematerialised form and facilitates securities transactions.

Persistent Systems 

Listing year: 2010 (15 years)

Growth: 56x

CAGR: 32%

Persistent provides software engineering and strategy services to help companies implement and modernize their businesses. It has its own software and frameworks with pre-built integration and acceleration. It also has partnership with providers such as Salesforce and AWS

Kaynes Tech India 

Listing year: 2022 (3 years)

Growth: 46X

CAGR: 265%

Kaynes is a leading end-to-end and IoT solutions-enabled integrated electronics manufacturing company. The company provides conceptual design, process engineering, integrated manufacturing, and life-cycle support for major players in the automotive, industrial, aerospace and defence, outer-space, nuclear, medical, railways, Internet of Things.

Key Highlights from Budget 2025 – Impact on You

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced several key reforms aimed at boosting middle-class savings, enhancing economic growth, and simplifying taxation. Below is a quick summary of how it may impact you:

1. Income Tax Reforms

  • Increased Tax Exemption Limit: Under the new tax regime, individuals with taxable income up to ₹12 lakh are eligible for a tax rebate. Including the standard deduction of ₹75,000, salaried individuals earning up to ₹12.75 lakh will not have to pay any tax.

  • New Income Tax Bill to be introduced, simplifying tax laws by nearly half.

  • TDS & TCS Updates:

    1. TDS on senior citizens’ interest income above ₹1 lakh.

    2. TDS on rent applicable only above ₹6 lakh.

    3. TCS on sales removed.

    4. Higher threshold limits for TCS on LRS remittances and education loans.

  • File Past IT Returns for 4 Years – Extended window for tax compliance.

  • Tax benefit under new regime:

2. Investments & Business Growth

  • Capital Gains & Savings: Tax exemption for withdrawals from the National Savings Scheme.

  • MSME Support:

    • Investment limits increased by 2.5x and turnover limits doubled for MSME classification.

    • Enhanced credit guarantee cover for MSMEs & startups.

  • New ₹10,000 Crore Fund for Startups to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

3. Mutual Funds and Investment Income

  • Higher TDS Threshold on Dividends: The threshold limit for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on mutual fund dividend income has been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Investors with dividend income up to ₹10,000 will now face no TDS.

4. National Pension System (NPS) for Minors

  • NPS Vatsalya Scheme: A new pension scheme for minors, NPS Vatsalya, has been introduced. Parents can invest up to ₹50,000 per annum in this scheme and avail tax deductions under Section 80CCD, similar to the regular NPS account.

     

5. Real Estate Benefits

  • Tax Relief on Second Home: Individuals can now own up to two self-occupied properties without any taxation on the second house, which was previously considered a let-out property for tax purposes.

6. Simplified KYC Process

  • Central KYC Registry: The government plans to implement a simplified Know Your Customer (KYC) regime and roll out a central KYC registry by 2025, easing the compliance process for investors.

7. Cost of Living & Household Benefits

  • Urban Development:

    • ₹1 Lakh Crore Urban Challenge Fund to improve city infrastructure and services.

    • Jal Jeevan Mission extended till 2028 to ensure clean tap water for all households.

  • Healthcare:

    • Plan to set up a cancer hospital in every district.

    • 75,000 new medical seats in the next 5 years.

8. Employment & Industry Growth

  • Footwear, Leather & Toy Industry Boost: New schemes expected to generate 22 lakh+ jobs.

  • Manufacturing & Skilling:

    • 5 National Centres of Excellence for skilling in manufacturing.

    • Expansion of IITs to accommodate 6,500+ more students.

  • Women & SC/ST Entrepreneurs: New scheme for 5 lakh first-time entrepreneurs.

9. Infrastructure & Economy

  • Major Infrastructure Investments:

    • ₹1.5 Lakh Crore outlay for 50-year interest-free loans for PPP projects.

    • Focus on roads, railways, and energy transition (100 GW nuclear energy by 2047).

  • Tourism & Medical Travel:

    • Promotion of “Heal in India” medical tourism sector.

    • Mudra loans to be extended to homestay businesses.

10. Insurance Sector Enhancements

  • Increased FDI Limit: The government has raised the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector to 100%, potentially leading to greater investment and product offerings.

Lessons from Jeff Bezos: A Framework for Success

In our mission to safeguard and grow your wealth, we draw inspiration from visionary leaders like Jeff Bezos, whose principles have made Amazon a global powerhouse.

 

Below are key lessons we can apply to your financial journey, illustrated with metrics from Amazon’s history:

1. Think Long Term
Amazon has always emphasized long-term value over short-term gains. For instance, despite incurring losses early on, Amazon’s focus on market leadership and strategic investments resulted in annual revenues exceeding $386 billion by 2020. Similarly, our strategies are designed to build sustainable wealth over decades, not just years.

2. Do What’s Right, Even If Unpopular
Amazon faced skepticism when it invested heavily in infrastructure and new categories. In 2000, the company grew international sales to $381 million despite market uncertainty. Similarly, we make decisions based on your best interests, even when they may seem counterintuitive during volatile market conditions.

3. Customer-Centric Focus
Bezos emphasized that “obsessing over customers” drives success. By 1999, 73% of Amazon’s orders came from repeat customers. Our approach mirrors this ethos: we prioritize your financial goals, customizing strategies to align with your unique needs.

4. Innovate to Sustain
Amazon’s constant innovation, like introducing AWS in 2006, added a new revenue stream that accounted for $45 billion in 2020. For you, we continually explore innovative investment solutions to sustain and grow your portfolio in an ever-evolving market.

5. Cash Flow is King
Bezos famously said, “When forced to choose between optimizing the appearance of our GAAP accounting and maximizing cash flows, we’ll take cash flows.” Amazon generated $477 million in free cash flow in 2004, a 38% year-over-year growth. Similarly, we prioritize liquidity and cash flow in your investments to ensure resilience during market fluctuations.

6. Embrace Risks with Precision
Amazon’s bold decisions, such as expanding into international markets, paid off significantly, with non-U.S. sales reaching $358 million in 1999. Our calculated risk-taking ensures your portfolio is positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities while managing potential downsides.

7. Learn from Failures
Amazon’s ventures, like its early investments in Pets.com, taught the company valuable lessons. Despite setbacks, Amazon leveraged these experiences to refine its business model, ultimately leading to its dominance. We adopt a similar mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and adaptation.

8. Efficiency Drives Growth
Amazon achieved inventory turnover rates of 16 times annually by 2001, significantly optimizing its operations. Likewise, we focus on efficient portfolio management, minimizing costs to enhance your investment returns.

Amazon’s gross margin has expanded by almost 1,900 (!!!) basis points over the last decade.

9. Stay Flexible in Execution
Amazon’s rapid response to evolving markets—like launching Prime in 2005—helped secure its competitive edge. Our flexible investment strategies adapt to changing economic conditions to keep your financial plans on track.

10. Build Trust Through Transparency
Bezos prioritized transparency, regularly appending Amazon’s original 1997 shareholder letter to highlight its long-term approach. We believe in the same principle, maintaining open communication and clear reporting to foster trust and confidence.

At Onesta Capital Ventures, we aim to embody these principles to ensure resilience, growth, and innovation in your financial journey. Thank you for trusting us as your partner in building lasting wealth.

What NOT to Do in the Market Right Now!

The Indian equity markets have been on a rollercoaster for the past few months:

Nifty 50 is down 14%
Nifty Midcap is down 18%
Smallcap index is down 19% from all-time highs

For new investors, this might feel unsettling, but here’s the truth: Market corrections of 15-20% are normal. Every dip in history has been followed by a recovery to new highs.

Why Is This Happening?

 

🔹 Aggressive FII selling (₹3 lakh crore pulled out of Indian markets)
🔹 Sudden rise in the Dollar Index
🔹 Potential tariff threats in the US
🔹 Money flowing towards undervalued Chinese markets

 

But nothing is permanent—markets always rebound. The key is to stay calm and avoid common mistakes.

7 Things You Should NOT Do Right Now

❌ 1. Panic Selling

Selling in fear locks in losses and stops you from benefiting when the market recovers. In the last 25 years, aggresive FII selling has just presented an opportunity for a patient investor.

❌ 2. Ignoring Your Investment Plan

Market cycles are normal. If you started your SIP in 2024 for 10 years, your returns might look negative now—but remember, lower NAV means you accumulate more units at cheaper prices!

❌ 3. Trying to Time the Bottom

No one can predict the exact bottom. Instead, stick to SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) and dollar-cost averaging to benefit over time.

❌ 4. Taking Excessive Risks

Overleveraging or making high-risk bets to recover losses can backfire. Protect your capital.

❌ 5. Stopping Investments Completely

A bear market is when great opportunities emerge. Keep investing systematically to take advantage of lower prices.

❌ 6. Ignoring Diversification

A concentrated portfolio is risky. Spread your investments across sectors and asset classes to reduce risk and improve stability.

❌ 7. Forgetting the Market’s Long-Term Growth

History proves that markets always recover and grow over time. A bear market is temporary, but bad investment decisions can have long-term consequences.

The First Trillionaire?

On December 23, 2024, Elon Musk’s net worth surpassed $500 billion for the first time. According to a report by Informa Connect Academy, Musk’s wealth is growing at an extraordinary 110% per annum, putting him on track to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2027.

John D. Rockefeller, recognized as the world’s first billionaire in 1916, set a historical benchmark. Now, 110 years later, Elon Musk might claim the title of the first trillionaire, exemplifying the compounding power of wealth in a capitalist economy.

Even Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, has acknowledged Musk’s unparalleled contributions, stating:

“There is no one in our time who has done more to push the bounds of science and innovation than Elon has.”

Elon Musk isn’t just breaking financial records—he’s redefining what it means to lead. Managing more companies than any other active CEO—three times the number Steve Jobs once helmed—his ventures span an extraordinary range of industries:

Key Projects and Milestones

  1. Zip2 (1996–1999)

A revolutionary online city guide

Sold to Compaq for $307 million in 1999, markingMusk’s first major success.

  1. PayPal(1999–2002)

Revolutionized online payments as a co-founder.

Acquired by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion.

  1. SpaceX(Founded in 2002)

Pursuing Musk’s vision to colonize Mars and makespace exploration accessible.

  1. Achievements include:

·       Falcon 1: First privately built rocket to reach orbit

·       Falcon 9: The world’s only reusable orbital rocket.

·       SpaceX launched more rockets in 2024 than the entire 30 year history of the Space Shuttle program.

  1. Starlink: A satellite internet network, with 7,000 satellites currently in orbit. The goal is to reach 40,000, connecting even the remotest regions on Earth.
  2. Tesla (Founded in 2003):

Pioneered a vision of a zero-emission future,reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and energy storage.

Revived innovation in the American auto industry with its IPO in 2010, the first since Ford in 1956.

Became the 6th company in history to hit a $1trillion market cap, surpassing the combined value of its top nine competitors.

Leading advancements in:

Self-driving cars: Using AI powered by real-world video data.

Tesla Energy: Solar roofs and energystorage solutions for homes and vehicles.

  1. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

OpenAI: Contributed $100 million tosupport its development.

Neuralink: Developed a chip implantenabling direct communication between the brain and computers, aiming to:

    • Help patients with neurological disorders regainmotor functions.
    • Advance human-AI symbiosis for futuretechnologies.

Optimus: A humanoid robot designed for everydaytasks.

  1. The Boring Company

Innovating underground transportation to alleviate urban congestion.

  1. Twitter (Acquired in 2022)

Advocating for free speech, Musk acquired the platform for $44 billion.

  1. DOGE

On November 14, 2024, president-elect DonaldTrump announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would lead a new Departmentof Government Efficiency ‘DOGE’

The Journey of an Outsider

Elon Musk’s rise is a testament to resilience. Born in South Africa, he migrated to the U.S. with nothing but ambition. He:

  • Slept on his office floor while building Zip2.
  • Endured the financial crisis of 2008, nearly losing Tesla and SpaceX.
  • Competed against tech giants like Google in AI and Jeff Bezos in space exploration.
  • Lost his first son. Had three divorces. Multiple mental breakdowns. Did not take a single vacation in 30 years.

Through relentless determination and unmatched vision, Musk overcame obstacles that would have deterred most. Today, he’s not just a billionaire but a symbol of what’s possible when audacious dreams meet relentless execution.

Building a ₹100 Crore Portfolio: A New Year’s Ambition

As we embark on a new beginning in 2025, it’s the perfect time to revisit and realign your financial goals. One ambitious yet achievable target worth considering is building a ₹100 crore portfolio. While this may seem like an intimidating number, disciplined investing and a long-term approach can turn this aspiration into reality.

 Mutual Funds: A Trusted Path to Wealth Creation

Mutual funds continue to be one of the most effective tools for wealth creation. To achieve a ₹100 crore portfolio, consider these three investment strategies:

Lumpsum Investments: For investors with substantial savings or windfall gains, lumpsum investments provide a way to deploy significant capital at once, allowing it to grow over time. Strategic timing and careful fund selection are crucial for maximizing returns.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIP): SIPs are a disciplined way to invest regularly, leveraging the power of compounding and rupee cost averaging. By consistently investing a fixed amount, you can ride through market fluctuations and steadily grow your wealth.

Top-Up SIPs: By periodically increasing your SIP contributions, you can accelerate your portfolio’s growth. This approach aligns well with rising incomes and helps maintain an aggressive wealth creation trajectory.

Starting early and capitalizing on high-growth opportunities can reduce the burden of larger investments later. Additionally, regular reviews and adjustments to your portfolio ensure alignment with market conditions and personal goals.

Riding Through Market Cycles

 

Historical market data underscores a reassuring trend: despite periods of correction (e.g., 2008, 2014, 2020) and consolidation (e.g.,2016-2020, 2022, 2024), markets rebound and reach new highs. This resilience is driven by India’s robust growth story.

 

As the fastest-growing major economy globally, India is poised to achieve a $30 trillion GDP within the next 23 years, presenting unparalleled opportunities for wealth creation.

 

Begin Your Journey Today

 

The start of a new year is a powerful reminder that time is one of the most valuable assets in investing. By adopting a disciplined approach and leveraging the right strategies, you can work towards creating a legacy of financial success.

Stars are aligned for India’s growth

India’s growth prospects are currently at a historic high, with several factors aligning in its favor. The country benefits from a youthful demographic, technological advancements, a thriving digital economy, and increasing foreign investments.

 

Additionally, government initiatives focused on infrastructure development, manufacturing, and renewable energy are paving the way for sustainable growth. As India continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, it is well-positioned to become a global economic power house in the coming decades. Below are the few factors supporting India’s growth:

Favorable Demographics:

Over 65% of India’s population is below the age of 35, providing a large and growing workforce. Median age of India’s population is approximately 28 years, compared to 38 years in China and 48 years in Japan, offering a longer window to capitalize on its youthful workforce.

Infrastructure Boom:

Infrastructure development in India will significantly boost economic growth by improving connectivity, reducing transportation costs, and enhancing the efficiency of supply chains. It will create jobs, stimulate industries like construction, manufacturing, and logistics, and attract more foreign investments. Better infrastructure will also improve access to healthcare, education, and markets, benefiting rural and urban populations alike. Additionally, it will support sustainable growth through energy-efficient solutions and smart cities, fostering long-term economic stability and quality of life improvements.

Robust Startup Ecosystem

India’s startup ecosystem is one of the fastest-growing in the world, ranking as the third-largest globally. As of 2024, India is home to over 95,000 startups, with more than 110 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion). The ecosystem has attracted significant foreign investment, with venture capital and private equity funding crossing $40 billion annually in recent years. Government initiatives like Startup India, tax incentives, and incubator support have spurred innovation across sectors, particularly in technology, fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce. Additionally, India’s young, tech-savvy population and a rising middle class are driving the adoption of new services, creating a vibrant environment for startups to thrive.

Economic reforms:

Over the past 10 years, the BJP government has introduced several policies aimed at boosting economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, fostering entrepreneurship, and improving ease of doing business. Here’s an overview of key initiatives:

  1. Make in India (2014)

  2. GST (2017)

  3. Digital India (2015)

  4. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016)

  5. Startup India (2016)

  6. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (2014)

  7. Production Linked Incentive Scheme (2020)

  8. Tax reforms – faceless assessments, corporate rate tax cuts

  9. Renewable sector push

  10. Jan Dhan Yojana

Low Interest Rates and IPO Fundraising

India’s current low interest rate environment is fostering increased borrowing for businesses and consumers, driving investments and economic activity. Additionally, record-breaking IPO fundraising by Indian companies has injected substantial capital into the economy, enabling businesses to expand, innovate, and generate employment. These factors combined create a fertile ground for sustained economic growth, as companies leverage accessible funding to scale operations and meet rising demand.

Domestic Market and Export Boom

India’s large and growing domestic consumer market, driven by a young and upwardly mobile population, offers a robust foundation for long-term growth. Rising disposable incomes and a growing middle class continue to fuel demand for goods and services across sectors.

 

Simultaneously, India’s record-breaking exports in sectors like engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and software services are strengthening its global economic footprint. The dual advantage of a vast internal market and increasing exports positions India as a resilient and versatile player in the global economy.

Geopolitical Advantage: As companies diversify supply chains away from China, India is emerging as a key alternative due to its skilled labor pool, stable government, and market size.

 

Rising Global Influence: India’s active participation in international forums (G20 presidency, BRICS, QUAD) enhances its stature, encouraging trade and foreign collaboration.

 

Financial Stability:

  1. Forex Reserves: India has robust foreign exchange reserves of over $600 billion, providing a cushion against external shocks.

  2. Debt Management: With controlled fiscal deficits and sustainable public debt levels, India has avoided major macroeconomic imbalances.

  3. GDP Growth: India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, with a projected growth rate of 6-7% annually, outpacing most global peers.

Conclusion

 

India’s unique combination of demographic potential, financial stability, digital acceleration, economic reforms, and infrastructure investments positions it as a global growth engine. With proactive policymaking and increasing global alignment, India is poised for sustained, high-growth momentum in the coming decades.

Digital landlords

In the modern digital economy, digital landlords have emerged as pivotal entities reshaping industries & consumer behaviors. These are platforms that own and manage digital ecosystems, acting as intermediaries between users and services while commanding significant influence over market dynamics. Unlike traditional landlords who own physical spaces, digital landlords provide the virtual infrastructure where transactions, interactions, and services occur.

 

Their power lies in their ability to aggregate demand and supply, leveraging network effects to create dependency among users and businesses. By monetizing access to their platforms through fees, advertisements, or data utilization, these companies have become indispensable players in sectors like e-commerce, food delivery, financial services, and entertainment. Giants like Amazon, Zomato, Netflix, and Visa exemplify this model, driving unprecedented convenience for users while amassing substantial wealth and control.

Visa - Moving money globally

Visa has solidified its position as a dominant digital land lord in the global payments ecosystem, transforming how transactions are conducted. Over the past few years, its revenue has witnessed consistent growth, driven by the surge in digital payments and the proliferation of e-commerce. Visa’s expansive network, spanning millions of merchants and consumers across the globe, has made it an indispensable part of everyday financial transactions.

 

By offering seamless, secure, and instant payment solutions, Visa has created a dependency among businesses and individuals, embedding itself into the fabric of modern commerce. Its success lies not just in its technology but also in fostering a habitual reliance, making it nearly impossible to imagine a world without its services. This section explores Visa’s meteoric revenue growth and its pervasive influence as a digital landlord in the financial landscape.

Visa’s revenue growth has been supported by:

 

·       A strong gross profit margin

·       Consistent dividend growth

·       A premium valuation

·       Growth in payments volume

·       Growth in cross-border volume

·       Growth in processed transactions

 

Despite facing stiff competition, Visa continues to reign supreme in the global payments arena. As of 2023, it holds roughly 48% of the credit card market share based on the number of cards in circulation, compared to MasterCard’s 36%.

Meta

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has established itself as a dominant digital landlord by creating an interconnected ecosystem of platforms that billions of people rely on daily. Over the past few years, Meta’s revenue has seen exponential growth, driven by its advertising-based business model and data-driven personalization strategies. By leveraging algorithms designed to maximize user engagement, Meta has cultivated an addictive cycle of content consumption, making its platforms integral to modern social interaction, business marketing, and entertainment. This report explore show Meta’s strategic dominance has fuel led its financial success while shaping user behaviour on a global scale.

Key Aspects of the Monopoly

  1. Massive User Base: Meta owns three of the most-used platforms globally, with billions of active users across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

     

  2. Cross-Platform Integration: By integrating features like messaging and advertising across these platforms, Meta has created a tightly interconnected ecosystem, making it difficult for competitors to thrive.

     

  3. Advertising Dominance: Meta’s platforms collectively capture a significant share of global digital ad revenue, providing businesses unparalleled reach.

     

  4. Data Aggregation: Meta collects vast amounts of user data across its platforms, enabling it to refine algorithms and maintain an edge over competitors.

     

  5. Addictive Features: Algorithms and features designed to maximize engagement have led to widespread dependence on Meta’s platforms for socializing, entertainment, and business.

Zomato - Never have a bad meal

Zomato, one of India’s leading food delivery and restaurant discovery platforms, has evolved into a quintessential digital landlord, revolutionizing how people dine and order food. Over the past few years, Zomato has witnessed remarkable revenue growth, driven by its extensive restaurant partnerships, data-driven personalization, and are lent less focus on user convenience. By creating a seamless ecosystem of food delivery, dining reviews, and subscription services like Zomato Gold, the platform has cultivated an almost addictive reliance among users. This report examines Zomato’s ascent as a digital landlord, exploring the strategies behind its success and its impact on consumer habits.

The company’s growth was driven by its robust execution, which has outpaced Swiggy’s expansion despite both players witnessing significant growth in user base and restaurant partners. Zomato’s monthly transacting users (MTUs) reached 20 million, while Swiggy had 14 million MTUs.

CDSL

Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s financial ecosystem, functioning as a digital landlord for the securities market. By providing a secure and efficient platform for dematerializing and managing financial assets, CDSL has made itself indispensable to investors, brokers, and financial institutions. Over the past few years, its revenue has seen remarkable growth, fueled by a surge in retail participation in stock markets and increased digital adoption.

 

CDSL’s platform has created a dependency among users by streamlining processes such as account opening, transaction recording, and custodial services. Its ability to centralize and manage critical financial data has made it not just a facilitator but a gatekeeper of the digital financial landscape, underscoring its influence and in dispensability in the era of digital finance.

Revenue: CDSL’s revenue has grown from Rs 2,843 m in FY20 to Rs 9,073 m in FY24. Over the past 5 years, the revenue of CDSL has grown at a CAGR of 33.7%.

 

Net Profit: The net profit of CDSL stood at Rs 4,196 m in FY24, compared to Rs 2,013 min FY21.

 

Over the past 5 years, CDSL net profit has grown at a CAGR of 40.8%.

Revenue Streams of CDSL

  1. The annual issuer charges: Every company (listed issuer of securities) pays annual charges to the depository as per SEBI’s guidelines, this is one of the major sources of recurring income for CDSL. In FY 2024, the collected annual issuer charges were Rs. 25,379 lakhs.

     

  2. Transaction charges: The next source of revenue is transaction charges and it is also the most significant source. Transaction charges are a fixed amount that the DP has to pay to the depository – CDSL for making any transactions (done by the investors/ traders). The transaction charges are paid by the trader/ investors and DP collects the same and deposits the amount with the depository. In FY2024, the transaction charges collected by CDSL were Rs. 22,158 lakhs.

     

  3. Online data charges: Then CDSL charges for online data as well. The primary charge collected under this segment is for KYC creation which is a one-time fee and then there are other charges for fetching data as well. In the FY2024, CDSL made Rs. 15,945 lakhs from online data charges.

     

  4. IPO and corporate actions charges: CDSL made around Rs. 9,256 lakhs from IPO and corporate actions charges in FY 2024.These are the charges paid by the issuer companies for facilitating IPO and other corporate actions by crediting the securities in the investors’ Demat account.

     

  5. Other segments: While the above-mentioned four categories make up the most of the revenue, there are a few other charges such as e-voting charges, ECAS charges, document storage charges, and others that add up to the revenue stream.

Netflix - See what’s next

Netflix has transformed the entertainment landscape, evolving from a DVD rental service to a global leader in streaming. Over the past few years, its revenue has surged, driven by its subscription-based model, international expansion, and investment in original content. With an algorithm that tailors recommendations and a vast library of binge-worthy shows and movies, Netflix has created a dependency among viewers, making it a quintessential example of a digital landlord. This section explore show Netflix has leveraged its platform to dominate the industry and reshape consumer behavior.

Revenue Streams of Netflix: Netflix’s revenue comes from several sources, including:

  1. Subscriptions: The majority of Netflix’s revenue comes from subscription fees, with about 90% of its revenue coming from subscriptions and partnerships in 2022. Netflix offers three subscription plans: basic, standard, and premium.

     

  2. Advertising: Netflix’s ad-supported tier is a new revenue source, and it accounts for half of new memberships in available markets. Netflix attracts advertisers through programmatic market places like Google Display & Video 360 and The Trade Desk.

     

  3. Content licensing: Netflix can license out its original content to other services, which brings in revenue. Some of Netflix’s original content, like Stranger Things and The Crown, have become globally popular.

     

  4. Partnerships: Netflix can form strategic partnerships to expand its reach.