Contingent Liabilities and Provisions for claims and litigations

Legal proceedings covering a range of matters are pending against the Company. Due to the uncertainty inherent in such matters, it is often difficult to predict the final outcomes. The cases and claims against the Company often raise difficult and complex factual and legal issues that are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including but not limited to the facts and circumstances of each particular case and claim, the jurisdiction and the differences in applicable law, in the normal course of business. The Company consults with legal counsel and certain other experts on matters related to litigations. The Company accrues a liability when it is determined that an adverse outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In the event an adverse outcome is possible or an estimate is not determinable, the matter is disclosed.

Employee Benefits (Estimation of defined benefit obligation)

Post-employment benefits represents obligation that will be settled in future and require assumptions to project benefit obligations. Post-employment benefits accounting is intended to reflect the recognition of future benefits cost over the employee's approximate service period, based on the terms of plans and the investment and funding decisions made. The accounting requires the Company to make assumptions regarding variables such as discount rate, rate of compensation increase and future mortality rates. Changes in these key assumptions can have a significant impact on the defined benefit obligations, funding requirements and benefit costs incurred.

Estimation of expected useful lives and residual values of property, plants and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated at historical cost using straight-line method based on the estimated useful life, taking into account any residual value. The asset's residual value and useful life are based on the Company's best estimates and reviewed, and adjusted if required, at each Balance Sheet date.

Climate - related matters

The Company considers climate-related matters in estimates and assumptions, where appropriate. This assessment includes a wide range of possible impacts on the Company due to both physical and transition risks. Even though the Company believes its business model and products will still be viable after the transition to a low-carbon economy, climate-related matters increase the uncertainty in estimates and assumptions underpinning several items in the financial statements. Even though climate-related risks might not currently have a significant impact on measurement, the Company is closely monitoring relevant changes and developments, such as new climate-related legislation. The items and considerations that are most directly impacted by climate-related matters are:- Useful life of property, plant and equipment.

When reviewing the residual values and expected useful lives of assets, the Company considers climate-related matters, such as climate-related legislation and regulations that may restrict the use of assets or require significant capital expenditures.

Fair Value Measurements

When the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the Balance Sheet cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair values are measured using valuation techniques which involve various judgements and assumptions. Judgements include consideration of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in the assumption about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments. Refer Note 29 & 30 for further disclosures.

NOTE 3(A) : PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Accounting Policy

All items of property, plant and equipment are stated either at historical cost i.e. cost of acquisition / construction or at deemed cost as on the date of transition to Ind AS less accumulated depreciation, impairment loss, if any. Capital work in progress is stated at cost, net of accumulated impairment loss, if any. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the assets. Subsequent costs are included in the asset's

carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the asset will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced component is derecognised when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of profit and loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.

Depreciation

In case of certain property, plant and equipment, depreciation is provided on a pro-rata basis on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which are different than the rates prescribed under the Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.

The Company, based on technical assessment made by technical expert and management estimate, depreciates certain items of Plant & Equipment and Electrical Installations over estimated useful life of 18 to 20 years which are different from the useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The management believes that these estimated useful lives are realistic and reflect fair approximation of the period over which the assets are likely to be used.

Depreciation on historical cost / deemed cost of other property, plant and equipment (except land) is provided on pro rata basis on straight line method based on useful lives specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.

The useful lives, residual values and method of depreciation of property, plant and equipment are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate at the end of each reporting year.

An item of property, plant and equipment or its components recognised is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the statement of profit and loss when the asset is derecognised.

The cost of property, plant and equipment not ready to use are disclosed under capital work-in-progress.

NOTE 3(C) : INVESTMENT PROPERTY Accounting Policy

Property that is held for long-term rental yields or for capital appreciation or both, and that is not occupied by the Company, is classified as investment property. Investment property is measured initially at its cost, including related transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss, if any. Subsequent expenditure is capitalised

Estimation of fair value

The Company's investment property consists of freehold land in Angul, Odisha, India.

The fair value of the investment property is based on current prices for similar property. The main inputs used are quantum, area, location, demand and trend of fair market value in the area.

The fair value is based on independent valuation done by registered valuer [as defined under rule 2 of Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017]. Fair valuation is based on market approach method and categorised as Level 2 fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the property is ' 8.51 Crores and ' 7.98 Crores as at 31 March, 2024 and 31 March, 2023 respectively.

The Company has no restrictions on the realisability of its investment property and no contractual obligations to purchase, construct or develop investment property or for repairs, maintenance and enhancements.

NOTE 3(D) : INTANGIBLE ASSETS Accounting Policy

Intangible assets have a finite useful life and are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation, impairment loss, if a ny.

Computer Software for internal use, which is primarily acquired from third party vendors, is capitalised. Subsequent costs associated with maintaining such software are recognised as expense as incurred. Cost of software includes license fees and cost of implementation / system integration services, where applicable.

Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.

Amortisation method and period

Computer software is amortised on a straight line basis over estimated useful life of three years from the date of capitalisation.

Amortisation method and useful lives are reviewed periodically at each financial year end.

NOTE 3(E) : RIGHT OF USE ASSETS Accounting Policy

The Company recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (i.e., the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and the estimated useful lives of the assets.

The right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment. Refer to the accounting policies in section 1.2. Impairment of non-financial assets.

NOTE 4(A) : INVESTMENTS Accounting Policy 1. Investment in subsidiaries

Investments in shares and debentures of subsidiaries are stated at cost less provision for impairment losses, if any. Investments are tested for impairment whenever an event or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the carrying amount of investments exceeds its recoverable amount. If, in a subsequent period, recoverable amount equals or exceeds the carrying amount, the impairment loss recognised is reversed accordingly.

1.1 Investment (other than investment in shares and debentures of subsidiaries)

1.1.1. Classification

The Company classifies its investments as those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income or through profit and loss).

The classification depends on the Company's business model for managing the investments and the contractual terms of cash flows.

For investments measured at fair value, gains and losses are either recorded in the statement of profit and loss or other comprehensive income. For investments in debt instruments, this depends on the business model in which the investment is held. For investments in equity instruments, this depends on whether the Company has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI). The Company reclassifies the debt investments when and only when the business model for managing those investment changes.

1.1.2. Measurement

At initial recognition, the Company measures an investment at its fair value plus, in the case of investment not at fair value through profit and loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the investment. Transaction costs of investments carried at fair value through profit and loss are expensed in the statement of profit and loss.

(a) Debt Instrument

Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on the Company's business model for managing the investment and the cash flow characteristics of the investment. The Company classifies its debt instruments as:

Fair Value Through Profit and Loss (FVTPL) : Investments that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or FVTOCI are measured at fair value through profit and loss. A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss is recognised in statement of profit and loss and presented on net basis in the statement of profit and loss within other income / other expense in the year in which it arises.

(b) Equity Instrument

The Company subsequently measures all equity investments at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income and there is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to the statement of profit and loss. At the time of derecognition of such investments, the gain or loss is transferred to retained earnings.

2 Refer note 29 for information about fair value measurements and note 30 for credit risk and market risk on investments.

3 *The Company has subscribed to 220 Crores of ' 10 each (0.1% p.a) unlisted optionally and fully convertible debentures ("OCDs") which is convertible only at the option of the issuer at any time within 10 years from the date of allotment. The conversion ratio of each OCD shall be 1:1 (i.e. one OCD shall be converted into 1 equity share of the Company). The conversion ratio of the OCDs shall be suitably modified in case of any split and / or bonus issuance and / or any other restructuring, including but not limited to merger / demerger, involving the Issuer. No partial redemption of OCDs is permitted.

The Company has borrowings, which carry security / charge over certain of the above Investments [Refer 10 (a)].

4 The Board of Directors of PCBL Limited (“the Company”), at it's meeting held on November 28, 2023, inprinciple approved the acquisition, directly or through one of its affiliates (“Advaya Chemical Industries Limited” (“ACIL”)), of 212,172 shares of Aquapharm Chemicals Private Limited (“ACPL”), for an aggregate consideration of ' 3,851.49 Crores (subject to agreed adjustments) representing 100% of the issued and paid-up share capital of ACPL (“Transaction”). In furtherance of such approval, the Company executed a share purchase agreement dated November 28, 2023 (“SPA”) with ACPL, and shareholders of ACPL, for undertaking the Transaction, subject to inter alia obtaining all necessary approvals and fulfilment of other customary conditions, as per the terms and conditions specified in the SPA.

The Company invested ' 2,280.00 Crores, comprising of Optionally Convertible Debenture of ' 2,200.00 Crores and Equity Shares of ' 80.00 Crores of ACIL. The said investment was funded by external financing to the extent of ' 1,500.00 Crores which includes non-convertible debenture of ' 700.00 Crores. The proceeds of the non-convertible debenture have been fully utilised before March 31, 2024, for acquisition of shares of ACPL, through a subsidiary ACIL incorporated on January 11, 2024. Balance is funded through subsidiaries. The acquisition of ACPL was completed on January 31, 2024.

5 The Company has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary company in the name of “PCBL EUROPE SRL” at Belgium, Europe on April 14, 2023, with primary objective of research and development, manufacturing, marketing and trading of specialty chemicals and other chemical products.

6 The Company has incorporated wholly owned subsidiary company "Advaya Chemicals Limited" on December 28, 2023 in India.

7 The Board of Directors of the Company, at it's board meeting held on March 16, 2024, granted authorisation, and subsequently, the Company has executed the Joint Venture Agreement (“Joint Venture Agreement”) with Kinaltek Pty Limited (“Kinaltek”). Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement executed between the Company and Kinaltek, the Company shall own 51% of the shareholding in the joint venture company (“JV Company”), and shall be infusing a consideration of USD 16,000,000 in the JV Company, along with

NOTE 4(B) : TRADE RECEIVABLES Accounting Policy

Trade receivables are amounts receivable from customers for goods sold in the ordinary course of business. Trade receivable are initially recognised at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment.

For trade receivables, the Company applies the simplified approach permitted by Ind AS 109 Financial Instruments, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables.

NOTE 6 : INVENTORIES

(At lower of cost and net realisable value)

Accounting Policy

Inventories are stated at lower of cost and net realisable value.

• Raw materials, Stores and Spares and Packing Material: cost is determined on moving weighted average method and includes cost of purchase and other incidental costs. However, material and other items held for use in production of inventories are not written down below cost if the finished products in which they will be incorporated are expected to be sold at or above cost.

• Finished goods: cost includes cost of direct materials,labour and a proportion of manufacturing overheads based on the normal operating capacity.

(i) Pursuant to the Special Resolution passed by the Shareholders of the Company by way of Postal Ballot through electronic means on 17 March, 2022, the Company has sub-divided its equity share of face value ' 2/- (' Two only) each fully paid up, into 2 (two) equity shares of face value Re. 1/- (Rupee One) each fully paid-up, effective from 13 April, 2022. This has been considered for calculating weighted average number of equity shares for year ended 31 March, 2023 as per Ind AS 33-Earnings Per Share.

(ii) The Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held on 27 March, 2024 have approved the issuance of upto 1,60,00,000 warrants of the Company at a price of ' 280/- (Rupees two hundred and eighty only) per Warrant ("Warrant”), aggregating to ' 448 Crores to Rainbow Investments Limited, Quest Capital Markets Limited and Stel Holdings Limited ("the Proposed Allottees") on preferential basis, for cash consideration ("Preferential Allotment") in accordance with applicable law including Chapter V of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, Companies Act, 2013. Subsequent to the year end, the Company has received ' 112 Crores representing 25% of total issue proceeds towards the allotment of Warrants from the Proposed Allottees.

(iii) No equity shares were allotted as fully paid up by way of bonus shares or pursuant to contract(s) without payment being received in cash during the last five years. Further, none of the shares were bought back by the Company during the last five years.

(vi) Terms / Rights attached to equity shares

The Company has only one class of equity shares having par value of Re. 1/- per share and each shareholder is entitled for one vote per share held. The Company declares and pays dividends in Indian rupees. The dividend proposed by the Board of Directors is subject to the approval of the shareholders in the ensuing Annual General Meeting except in case of interim dividend. In the event of liquidation, the equity shareholders are entitled to receive the remaining assets of the Company after distribution of all preferential amounts, in proportion to their shareholding.

(vii) Allotment of1,823 equity shares of ' 10/- each is pending against rights issue made during the financial year 1993-94.

(viii) 48 equity shares of ' 10/- each have not been issued to the concerned non-resident shareholders pending approval of the Reserve Bank of India.

(ix) There are no calls unpaid by Directors / Officers of the Company.

(x) The Company has not converted any securities into equity shares / preference shares during above financial years.

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) method. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in the statement of profit and loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the borrowings to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be utilised. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. Borrowings are derecognised from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired.

Borrowings are classified as current and non-current liabilities based on repayment schedule agreed with banks.

Term loan from banks amounting to :

' 1,080.98 Crores (31 March, 2023 - ' 273.00 Crores) are secured with a first charge by way of a hypothecation over all moveable fixed assets of the Company both present and future,ranking pari passu with charge created in favour of other term lenders.

Term loan from NBFC amounting to :

' 792.92 Crores (31 March, 2023 - ' Nil) is secured with pledge on shares of the step down subsidiary, Aquapharm Chemicals Private Limited ("ACPL") with 1.5x cover. The shares of ACPL is held by subsidiary of the Company, Advaya Chemical Industries Limited.

Non-Convertible Debentures amounting to :

' 693.69 Crores (31 March, 2023 - ' Nil) is secured with exclusive pledge over identified shares of step down subsidiary, Aquapharm Chemicals Private Limited ("ACPL") with 1.5x cover.The shares of ACPL is held by subsidiary of the Company, Advaya Chemical Industries Limited.

NOTE 10 (C): LEASE LIABILITIES Accounting Policy Lease Liabilities

At the commencement date of the lease, the Company recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments (including in substance fixed payments) and does not include non-lease components (maintenance charges etc.). In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. Lease liabilities are remeasured with a corresponding adjustment to the related right of use asset if the Company changes its assessment if whether it will exercise an extension or a termination option.

NOTE 13 : OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounting Policy

Government grants and subsidies are recognised when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to them and the grants / subsidy will be received. If the grant received is to compensate the import cost of assets, and is subject to an export obligation as prescribed in the EPCG scheme, then the recognition of the grant would be linked to fulfilment of the associated export obligations. At the year end, the portion of grant for which the export obligation has not been met is retained in deferred revenue under other current liabilities. Revenue grant is recognised as an income in the period in which related obligation is met.

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the goods or services are transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

Revenue towards satisfaction of a performance obligation is measured at the amount of transaction price allocated to that performance obligation. Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of returns, trade and other discounts, rebates and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

Where the Company is the principal in the transaction, the sales are recorded at their gross values. The Company considers whether there are other promises in the contract that are separate performance obligations to which a portion of the transaction price needs to be allocated. In determining the transaction price, the Company considers the effects of variable consideration, the existence of significant financing component, non-cash considerations and consideration payable to the customer (if any). Any amounts received for which the Company does not provide any distinct goods or services are considered as a reduction of purchase cost.

However, Goods and Service Tax (GST) is not received by the Company on its own account. Rather, it is collected on value added to the commodity by the seller on behalf of the Government. Accordingly, it is excluded from revenue.

The Company recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company regardless of when the payment is being made and specific criteria have been met for each of the Company's activities as described below.

Sale of carbon black

Revenue from sale of carbon black is recognised when the control of the goods has passed to the buyer as per the terms of contract. In case of domestic sales, the performance obligation is satisfied upon delivery of the finished goods at customer's location. In case of export sales, the performance obligation is satisfied once the goods are shipped and the bill of lading has been obtained.

Sale of power

Revenue from the sale of power is recognised upon transmission of units to the buyer net of Unscheduled Interchange gains / losses as per the terms of contract with the customer.

Other Operating revenues

Exports entitlements (arising out of duty draw back, Merchandise exports from India Schemes) are recognised when the right to receive credit as per the terms of the schemes is established in respect of the exports made by the Company and when there is no significant uncertainty regarding the ultimate collection of the relevant export proceeds.

NOTE 15 : OTHER INCOME Accounting Policy

a. Interest Income

Interest Income from debt instruments is recognised using the effective interest rate method. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the gross carrying amount of a financial asset. When calculating the effective interest rate, the Company estimates the expected cash flows by considering all the contractual terms of the financial instrument but does not consider the expected credit losses. Interest income is included in finance income in the statement of profit and loss.

b. Dividends

Dividends are recognised in the statement of profit and loss only when the right to receive payment is established and the amount of the dividend can be measured reliably which is generally when shareholders approve the dividend.

NOTE 17 : EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPENSE

Accounting Policy

(I) Post-employment benefits Defined benefit plans

a. The liability or asset recognised in the balance sheet in respect of Defined benefit plans is the present value of the Defined benefits obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The Defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by actuaries using the Projected Unit Credit Method at the year end.

b. The present value of the Defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on government bonds that have terms approximating to the terms of the related obligations.

c. The net interest cost is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net balance of the Defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. This cost is included in Employees Benefits Expense in the statement of profit and loss.

d. Re-measurement gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised in the period in which they occur, directly in Other Comprehensive Income. They are included in retained earnings in the statement of changes in equity.

e. Changes in the present value of the Defined benefit obligation resulting from plan amendments or curtailments are recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss as past service cost.

(II) Defined contribution plans

Contributions under Defined Contribution Plans payable in keeping with the related schemes are recognised as expenses for the period in which the employee has rendered the service.

(III) Other short-term employee benefit obligations

Liabilities for short term employee benefits that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The liabilities are presented as current employee benefits payable in the balance sheet.

The Company provides for the encashment of leave or leave with pay subject to certain rules. The employees are entitled to accumulate leave subject to certain limits, for future encashment. The liability is provided based on the number of days of unutilised leave at each balance sheet date on the basis of year-end actuarial valuation using projected unit credit method. The scheme is unfunded.

17.1 Employee Benefits:

(I) Post employment obligations

(A) Gratuity

The Gratuity scheme is a defined benefit plan that provides for a lump sum payment on exit either by way of retirement, death, disability or voluntary withdrawal. The benefits are defined on the basis of last drawn salary and the period of service and paid as lump sum at exit. Gratuity payable is not restricted to the maximum limit prescribed under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. The liability in respect thereof is determined by actuarial valuation at the year end based on the Projected Unit Credit Method and is recognised as a charge on accrual basis. Trustees administer the contributions made to the Gratuity fund. Amounts contributed to the Gratuity fund are invested solely with the Life Insurance Corporation of India.

The following table sets forth the particulars in respect of the defined benefit plans of the Company for the year ended 31 March, 2024 and 31 March, 2023:

(vii) Risk Exposure

Through its defined benefit plans, the Company is exposed to some risks, the most significant of which are detailed below:

1 Interest rate risk : The defined benefit obligation calculated uses a discount rate based on government bonds. If bond yields fall, the defined benefit obligation will tend to increase.

2 Salary Inflation risk : Higher than expected increases in salary will increase the defined benefit obligation.

3 Demographic risk : This is the risk of variability of results due to unsystematic nature of decrements that include mortality, withdrawal, disability and retirement. The effect of these decrements on the defined benefit obligation is not straight forward and depends upon the combination of salary increase, discount rate and vesting criteria. It is important not to overstate withdrawals because in the financial analysis the retirement benefit of a short career employee typically costs less per year as compared to a long service employee.

(II) Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has certain Defined Contribution Plans viz. Provident Fund and Superannuation Fund. Contributions are made to provident fund for employees at the rate of 12% of Basic salary as per regulations. The Company has a defined contribution Superannuation plan for which contribution is made at a rate not exceeding 4.87% of Basic and Dearness Allowance of the member with Superannuation. The contributions are made to registered provident fund administered by the government. The obligation of the Company is limited to the amount contributed and it has no further contractual nor any constructive obligation. The expense recognised during the period towards defined contribution plan is ' 13.94 Crores (31 March, 2023' 12.95 Crores).

(III) Defined Benefit Liability and Employer Contributions

Expected contribution to Post-employment benefit plans for the year ending 31 March, 2024 basis the acturial report is ' 3.06 Crores (31 March, 2023: ' 2.63 Crores)

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 6 years (31 March, 2023 - 5 years) for employees and 11 years (31 March, 2023 - 13 years) for contractual employees. The expected maturity analysis of undiscounted gratuity is as follows:

The income tax expense or credit for the period is the tax payable on the current period's taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect of situation in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the standalone financial statements. Deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting profit / loss nor taxable profit (tax loss). Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in statement of profit and loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, if any. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are re-assessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

NOTE 22 : RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES Accounting Policy

The Company's business research and development concentrates on the development of improved finished goods and better operational efficiency. Research costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditure on development that does not meet the specified criteria under Ind AS 38 'Intangible Assets' is recognised as expense as incurred.

A disclosure for contingent liabilities is made when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made.

NOTE 26: EARNING PER EQUITY SHARE Accounting Policy Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the equity by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year.

The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the period is adjusted for events such as bonus issue, bonus element in a rights issue, share split, and reverse share split (consolidation of shares) that have changed the number of equity shares outstanding, without a corresponding change in resources.

Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account:

• the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential equity shares, and

• the weighted average number of additional equity shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential equity shares.

(f) Terms and Conditions

All transactions were made on normal commercial terms and conditions and are at arm's length price.

All outstanding balances are unsecured and are repayable in cash.

(g) Unwinding of interest on investment in preference shares of Devise Properties Private Ltd. is not disclosed above considering it to be a IND AS adjustment.

includes preference shares and equity shares alloted by wholly owned subsidiary PCBL (TN) Limited,I ntially given as advance pending allotment in current and previous year.

NOTE 28 : SEGMENT Accounting Policy

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM").

The Chief Operating Decision Maker is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments and has been identified as the Managing Director of the Company.

(a) Description of segments and principal activities

Carbon Black : The Company is primarily engaged in production of Carbon Black through its four manufacturing units located at Durgapur, Kochi, Palej and Mundra.

Power: The Company is also engaged in generation of electricity for the purpose of captive consumptions as well as sale of surplus to outsiders.

The segment performance is evaluated based on profit or loss and is measured consistently with profit or loss in the standalone financial statement. Also the Company's borrowings (including finance costs and interest income), income taxes, investments are managed at head office and are not allocated to operating segments.

Inter-Segment transfers being power consumed for manufacture of Carbon Black are based on price paid for power purchased from external sources. Segment revenue is measured in the same way as in the Statement of Profit and Loss.

Segment assets and liabilities are measured in the same way as in the standalone financial statements. These assets are allocated based on the operations of the segment and the physical location of the assets.

Non-current assets of the Company (excluding certain financial assets) are located in India and Belgium.

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are included at the amount that would be received to

sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the

measurement date. Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values are consistent in all the

years. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:

(a) I n respect of investments in mutual funds, the fair values represent net asset value as stated by the issuers of these mutual fund units in the published statements. Net asset values represent the price at which the issuer will issue further units in the mutual fund and the price at which issuers will redeem such units from the investors. Accordingly, such net asset values are analogous to fair market value with respect to these investments, as transactions of these mutual funds are carried out at such prices between investors and the issuers of these units of mutual funds.

(b) I n respect of investments in listed equity instruments, the fair values represents available quoted market price at the Balance Sheet date.

(c) The fair value of derivative contracts (foreign exchange forward contracts and Currency and Interest rate swaps) is determined using discounted cash flow analysis and swaps and options pricing models.

(d) The management assessed that fair values, of trade receivables, cash and cash equivalents, other bank balances, loans, trade payables, current borrowings, other current liabilities and other financial liabilities (current), approximate to their carrying amounts largely due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Further, management also assessed the carrying amount of certain non-current loans which are a reasonable approximation of their fair values and the difference between the carrying amounts and fair values is not expected to be significant.

(iii) Fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at amortised cost in the financial statements are a reasonable approximation of their fair values since the Company does not anticipate that the carrying amount would be significantly different from the values that would eventually be received or settled.

(iv) Fair value hierarchy

This section explains the judgements and estimates made in determining the fair values of the financial instruments that are (a) recognised and measures at fair value and (b) measured at amortised cost and for which fair values are disclosed in the financial statements. To provide an indication about the reliability of the inputs used in determining fair value, the Company has classified its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed under the accounting standard. Explanation of each level follows underneath the table:

Valuation process :

The main level 3 inputs for unquoted equity shares and unquoted preference share used by the Company are derived and evaluated as follows:

Discount rates are determined using a capital asset pricing model to calculate a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the asset.

NOTE 30 : FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company's principal financial liabilities comprises of borrowings, trade and other payables and other financial liabilities. The main purpose of these financial liabilities is to finance and support the operations of the Company. The Company's principal financial assets include trade and other receivables, loans, investments and cash & cash equivalents that derive directly from its operations.

The Company's business activities are exposed to a variety of risks including liquidity risk, credit risk and market risk. The Company seeks to minimise potential adverse effects of these risks by managing them through a structured process of identification, assessment and prioritisation of risks followed by coordinated efforts to monitor, minimise and mitigate the impact of such risks on its financial performance and capital. For this purpose, the Company has laid comprehensive risk assessment and minimisation / mitigation procedures, which are reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board from time to time. These procedures are reviewed to ensure that executive management controls risks by way of properly defined framework. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

(A) Credit risk

Credit risk refers to risk of financial loss to the Company if customers or counterparties fail to meet their contractual obligations. The Company is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (mainly trade receivables) and from its investing activities (primarily deposit with banks and investment in mutual funds).

(i) Credit risk management (a) Trade Receivable

Customer credit risk is managed by the Company through its established policies and procedures which involve setting up credit limits based on credit profiling of individual customers, credit approvals for enhancement of limits and regular monitoring of important developments viz. payment history, change in credit rating, regulatory changes, industry outlook etc. Outstanding receivables are regularly monitored and an impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date on an individual basis for each major customer. In addition, small customers are grouped into homogeneous groups and assessed for impairment collectively. The Company also has a policy to provide for all receivables which are overdue for a period over 365 days. In accordance with Ind AS 109, the Company uses expected credit loss model to assess the impairment loss or reversal thereof.

(b) Deposits and financial assets (Other than trade receivables):

The Company maintains exposure in cash and cash equivalents, term deposits with banks and money market liquid mutual fund schemes. Investments of surplus are made within assigned credit limits with approved counterparties who meet the threshold requirements with respect to ratings, financial strength, credit spreads etc. Counterparty credit limits are set to minimise concentration risk and are reviewed periodically by the Board.

(B) Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk implies that the Company may not be able to meet its obligations associated with its financial liabilities. The Company manages its liquidity risk on the basis of the business plan that ensures that the funds required for financing the business operations and meeting financial liabilities are available in a timely manner and in the currency required at optimal costs. The Management regularly monitors rolling forecasts of the Company's liquidity position to ensure it has sufficient cash on an ongoing basis to meet operational fund requirements. The surplus cash generated, over and above the operational fund requirement is invested in bank deposits / marketable debt securities / debt mutual fund schemes of highly liquid nature to optimise cash returns while ensuring adequate liquidity for the Company.

Additionally, the Company has committed fund and non-fund based credit lines from banks which may be drawn anytime based on Company's fund requirements. The Company maintains a cautious liquidity strategy with positive cash balance and undrawn bank lines throughout the year.

The following are the remaining contractual maturities of financial liabilities at the reporting date. The amounts are gross and undiscounted, and include contractual interest payments.

(C) Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flow of financial instruments may fluctuate because of changes in market conditions. Market risk broadly comprises three types of risks namely currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk (for commodities or equity instruments). The above risks may affect the Company's income and expenses and / or value of its investments. The Company's exposure to and management of these risks are explained below.

(i) Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of an exposure will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company operates in international markets and therefore is exposed to foreign currency risk arising from foreign currency transactions. The exposure relates primarily to the Company's operating activities (when the revenue or expense is denominated in foreign currency), borrowings in foreign currencies and investment in overseas subsidiaries. Over ninety percent of Company's foreign currency transactions are in USD while the rest are in EURO, CNY, VND.GBP and KRW. The risk is measured through forecast of highly probable foreign currency cash flows.

The Company's risk management policy is hedging of net foreign currency exposure at all points in time through foreign exchange forward contracts, vanilla option contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps. The objective of the hedging is to eliminate the currency risk due to volatility in exchange rates.

Securities price risk is the risk that the fair value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market traded prices.

The Company invests its surplus funds in various debt instruments and equity instruments. These comprise of mainly liquid schemes of mutual funds, short term debt funds & income funds (duration investments),certain quoted equity instruments and bank fixed deposits. To manage its price risk arising from investments in mutual funds and equity instruments, the Company diversifies its portfolio. Mutual fund and equity investments are susceptible to market price risk, mainly arising from changes in the interest rates or market yields which may impact the return and value of such investments.

(a) Securities Price Risk Exposure

The Company's exposure to securities price risk arises from investments in mutual funds and equity instruments held by the Company and classified in the Balance Sheet as fair value through profit or loss / fair value through other comprehensive income is disclosed under Note 29.

(D) Commodity Price Risk

Commodity price risk results from changes in market prices for raw materials, mainly carbon black feedstock which forms the largest portion of Company's cost of sales.

The Company endeavours to reduce such risks by maintaining inventory at optimum level through a highly probable sales forecast on quarterly basis and also through worldwide purchasing activities. Raw materials are purchased exclusively to cover Company's own requirements. Further, a significant portion of Company's volume is sold based on formula-driven price adjustment mechanism which allows for recovery of the changed raw material cost from customers. The Company also endeavors to offset the effects of increases in raw material costs through price increases in its non-contract sales, productivity improvement and other cost reduction efforts. The Company has not entered into any derivative contracts to hedge exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices.

NOTE 31 : CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

For the purposes of the Company's capital management, capital includes issued capital, all other equity reserves and long term borrowed capital less reported cash and cash equivalents.

The primary objective of the Company's capital management is to maintain an efficient capital structure to reduce the cost of capital, support the corporate strategy and to maximise shareholder's value.

The Company's policy is to borrow primarily through banks to maintain sufficient liquidity. The Company also maintains certain undrawn committed credit facilities to provide additional liquidity. These borrowings, together with cash generated from operations are utilised for operations of the Company.

The Company monitors capital on the basis of cost of capital. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

NOTE 32 : OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION

a) The Company does not have any transactions with companies struck off.

b) The Company does not have any charges or satisfaction which is yet to be registered with ROC (Registrar of Companies) beyond the statutory period.

c) The Company has not traded or invested in Crypto currency or Virtual Currency during the financial year.

d) The Company has not received any fund from any person(s) or entity(ies), including foreign entities (Funding Party) with the understanding (whether recorded in writing or otherwise) that the Company shall directly or indirectly lend or invest in other persons or entities identified in any manner whatsoever by or on behalf of the Funding Party (Ultimate Beneficiaries) or provide any guarantee, security or the like on behalf of the Ultimate Beneficiaries.

e) The Company has not advanced or loaned or invested funds to any other person(s) or entity(ies), including foreign entities (Intermediaries) with the understanding that the Intermediary shall directly or indirectly lend or invest in other persons or entities identified in any manner whatsoever by or on behalf of the Company (Ultimate Beneficiaries) or provide any guarantee, security or the like to or on behalf of the Ultimate Beneficiaries.

f) The Company has not surrendered or disclosed any transaction, previously unrecorded in the books of account, in the tax assessments under the Income Tax Act, 1961 as income during the year.

g) There are no proceedings initiated or are pending against the Company for holding any benami property under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 and rules made thereunder.

h) The Company used an accounting software for maintaining its books of account which has a feature of recording audit trail (edit log) facility and the same has operated throughout the year for all relevant transactions recorded in the software. Further no instance of audit trail feature being tampered with was noted in respect of the accounting software.

i) The Company has not been declared wilful defaulter by any bank or financial institution or government or any government authority.

j) The Company is not a Core Investment Company as defined in the regulations made by Reserve Bank of India. The Group has 4 Core Investment Companies as a part of the Group.

33 : Subscriptions and donations in Note 20 includes contributions by way of Electoral Bond of ' 35 Crores during the year (previous year: ' 10 Crores) from State Bank of India under Electoral Bond Scheme, which were made in accordance with Section 182 of the Companies Act, 2013, as applicable at the time of making such contributions and prior to the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the matter of Association for Democratic Reforms & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors. [ (2024) SCC OnLne SC 150] dated February 15, 2024. Further, the management has evaluated impact of the SC Judgement with legal experts and believes that SC Judgement will not have adverse impact on the Company, as the contributions made by the Company are in compliance with then enacted provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

35 : PCBL (TN) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company commenced commercial production of first phase (63,000 MT out of total capacity of 147,000 MT) w.e.f. April 14, 2023 and final phase (84,000 MT out of total capacity of 147,000 MT) w.e.f. September 12, 2023 at its Greenfield carbon black manufacturing facility in the state of Tamil Nadu.The said subsidiary has commissioned 12 MW of cogeneration captive power plant w.e.f. October 7, 2023 and 12 MW of cogeneration captive power plant w.e.f. April 8, 2024 at Tamil Nadu.

For S. R Batliboi & Co. LLP For and on behalf of Board of Directors of PCBL Limited

ICAI Firm Registration Number 301003E / E300005 Chartered Accountants

Vishal Sharma Kaushik Roy Rusha Mitra

Partner Managing Director Director

Membership Number: 096766 (DIN: 06513489) (DIN: 08402204)

Place : Gurugram Kaushik Mukherjee Raj Kumar Gupta

Date: May 23, 2024 Company Secretary Chief Financial Officer