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SEBI Chairman launches World Investor Week at NSE

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Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI, launched World Investor Week (WIW) 2025 at NSE, Mumbai with a ceremonial bell ringing, joined by Shri Srinivas Injeti, Chairman, NSE; Shri Amarjeet Singh, Whole-Time Member, SEBI; and Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE.

Held under IOSCO’s aegis and promoted in India by SEBI, WIW (October 6–12) focuses on “Fraud & Scam Prevention” and “Basics of Investing.” SEBI and NSE rolled out joint TV and print campaigns urging safe, informed participation, using relatable stories, mixed-reality print ads, and digital learning tools for youth and first-time investors.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey said that the responsibility is to empower investors with fundamental knowledge, as their first line of defense against frauds and scams.

Shri Srinivas Injeti commented that World Investor Week is a global call to action to protect investors in an age of digital transformation.

Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan noted that at NSE, the ethos is simple—every week is World Investor Week.

SEBI and NSE leadership at the launch of World Investor Week 2025 at NSE, Mumbai.

NSE has introduced several new activities to spread awareness, including digital financial games, interactive scam-spotting challenges, a rap song, stage enactments, and public engagement drives.

Beyond WIW, NSE continues its nationwide Investor Awareness Programs across physical, hybrid and digital formats, supported by wide-reaching campaigns and educational content across media platforms.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator of India’s securities markets, focused on protecting investors and promoting orderly market development, while the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) is the country’s leading electronic securities market, committed to transparency, efficiency and wider capital access.

Sikkim Govt Hikes DA and DR for Employees and Pensioners Effective January 2025

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The Government of Sikkim has approved an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for state employees and pensioners, providing a financial boost effective from January 1, 2025.

As per the latest circular issued by the Finance Department, DA for employees under the pre-revised pay structure has been raised from 246% to 252%, while those under the revised pay structure will now receive 55%, up from 53%. The revision also extends to contractual and work-charged employees drawing salaries in regular government pay scales.

For All India Service Officers serving under the Government of Sikkim, the DA revision follows the 7th Central Pay Commission pattern, with rates similarly increased to 55% and 252% under the revised and pre-revised scales respectively.

The notification clarifies that any payment fractions of 50 paise or more will be rounded off to the next higher rupee. This move is expected to benefit thousands of serving employees and pensioners across the state.

NSE to build 380cr, 60-bed unit for Tata Memorial Centre at  Navi Mumbai

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National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) as part of its CSR initiative has joined hands with Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) for a landmark G+11-storey Cancer Hospital project in Navi Mumbai with Multispecialty Block and 60-bed Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre which will be the largest in the country and one of the largest in South Asia. It is projected to serve approximately 1.3 lakh OPD patients annually and will have the capacity to conduct 600+ lifesaving BMT procedures in a year. The project with a built-up area of 2.4 lakh sq. ft. will be completed at a cost of about ₹380 Crores and is expected to commence operations by July 2027. The project will be constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in EPC mode.

In a significant step to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the country, the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), as part of its CSR initiative to be implemented through NSE Foundation, has partnered with the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Navi Mumbai—established by Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), an autonomous grant-in-aid institution under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India—to develop a G+11 storey Multispecialty Hospital Block and Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at the ACTREC campus in Navi Mumbai. It will also act as an Out-Patient Department (OPD) unit for the entire ACTREC campus where 3 more buildings, besides the NSE block, are planned for cancer treatment.

The NSE facility will provide general and super-specialty services to support cancer patients with co-morbidities and will house a dedicated 60-bed Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) centre which will be the largest in the country and one of the largest in South Asia. It will offer this life-saving treatment free or at highly subsidized costs. 

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, NSE recognized the importance of strengthening healthcare capacity in the country. With the rising number of cancer cases across the country and the need to expand access to affordable care, NSE has partnered with ACTREC, Tata Memorial Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. ACTREC has long been at the forefront of providing highly subsidised, almost free-of-cost cancer treatment to patients from remote corners across India. Every day, hundreds of patients, many of whom are financially weak, including children, visit the ACTREC-TMC campus to access advanced and affordable, often-free cancer care.

In March 2023, the NSE Board had given its approval for the project, and an MoU was signed with TMC. The final Environmental Clearance (EC) for the project was received on September 11, 2025, and Commencement Certificate for construction from local development authority, CIDCO was received on October 1, 2025. The construction will be undertaken by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in EPC mode, and the building is expected to commence operations by July 2027.

The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for this facility was held on Sunday(5th October), in the presence of dignitaries and stakeholders from NSE and TMC.

Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, said: “NSE is honoured to partner with Tata Memorial Centre in this landmark initiative. Our aim is to support the healthcare needs of cancer patients and their families, and to contribute meaningfully to the fight against cancer in India. We believe this project will have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of patients each year. For more than 30 years, NSE has been a catalyst for change—revolutionising India’s financial landscape, channelling household savings into productive capital, facilitating fund mobilisation, wealth creation, job creation and driving economic growth. Our core vision has always been to be a trusted, vibrant, and transformative institution. Today, we are translating that same spirit of purpose to the heart of healthcare by building a much-needed Multispecialty hospital block at Tata Memorial’s Navi Mumbai ACTREC campus.”

Dr Sudeep Gupta, Director, Tata Memorial Centre said, “the new hospital block will address a critical gap in specialized services for treating comorbidities (such as cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, renal and gastroenterological) in cancer patients for which most times patients have to seek medical care at other hospitals as ACTREC has so far been a standalone cancer centre. A key highlight of the project is the inclusion of a 60-bedded Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit, which will make ACTREC one of the largest centres for BMT in South Asia. The construction of this hospital assumes immense significance in the context of the growing cancer burden, with thousands of patients currently awaiting BMT treatment—a procedure that is both complex and extremely expensive. The new facility will offer these life-saving treatments at highly subsidized costs, ensuring that advanced care remains accessible to all.”

Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director, ACTREC said, “TMC provides advanced, affordable, and often life-saving treatment to countless cancer patients who travel from all over the country. Our role in this is to help fill a critical gap in specialized care for comorbidities and, most importantly, to address the immense need for accessible Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) services.”

Dr Navin Khattry, Deputy Director and Bone Marrow transplant specialist at ACTREC said, “BMT is a critical and complex medical procedure, with thousands of patients—including children—waiting for a chance at a cure. This new facility, with its 60-bed BMT unit, will not only make ACTREC one of the largest centres of its kind in South Asia, but it will also offer this life-saving treatment at highly subsidized costs.”

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of TMC to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes for cancer patients in India. The new multispecialty OPD hospital block at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Hospital, Navi Mumbai, is poised to set new benchmarks in affordable, high-quality cancer care.

Darjeeling Landslide Catastrophe: Death Toll Rises to 23 Amid Torrential Rain

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The hill districts of Darjeeling are reeling after ferocious downpours unleashed deadly landslides overnight. Local reports confirm that the death toll has now risen to 23, including 18 Indian nationals and 5 citizens of Nepal, with several more feared missing as rescue teams battle difficult terrain and continuous rain.

According to officials, the five Nepalese victims lost their lives along the Indo-Nepal border near Maneybhanjyang, where massive mudslides buried homes and cut off key roads. Mirik has emerged as the worst-affected area, with 11 confirmed deaths, while the remaining casualties are spread across Sukhia Pokhari, Maneybhanjyang, and nearby regions. Bodies have been recovered from villages such as Jasbir, Chamong Gaon, Mechi Dhadh, and Mirik Basti. Among the deceased are elderly residents and several children — including Ahan Chhetri (9), Ruhi Tamang (11), and Arushi Chhetri (12).

The Dudha Bridge has collapsed, cutting off a vital lifeline from Mirik to Siliguri, while critical road connections across Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Kalimpong, and Sikkim remain disrupted. The impact goes beyond infrastructure — homes, farmlands, and entire livelihoods have been swept away, leaving families in despair. As the hills come to terms with this heartbreaking tragedy, prayers pour in for those who have lost loved ones and those still enduring hardship. Authorities have emphasized that immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation must now be a shared priority. May peace return to the hills, and may Darjeeling find strength in unity and compassion.

Heavy rainfall also caused the collapse of bridges and washed out vital communication links, severely impacting movement between hill subdivisions. A bridge collapse near Teesta Bazaar has disrupted connectivity between Sikkim and Bengal, while several other routes remain blocked by debris and mudslides.

Government agencies and district authorities have deployed disaster response teams to coordinate search, rescue, and relief operations. The situation remains critical as continuous rain hampers rescue efforts. Local officials have described the scenario as alarming, given the scale of destruction and the ongoing risk of further landslides.

Ajay Edward, Chief of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front, has appealed to the West Bengal Chief Minister to urge the central government to declare the disaster a National Disaster, citing the widespread human and property loss.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that the central government is monitoring the situation closely while providing full assistance. In his message, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her grief and prayed for the success of the rescue and relief efforts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to visit the affected areas soon and has announced immediate aid and compensation for those impacted.

Local administration have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid landslide-prone zones. Many remote areas remain cut off due to collapsed roads and bridges, making it difficult for relief teams to reach all affected villages. With rain continuing and the ground unstable, the full extent of the devastation is yet to be known.

Five Sikkim Universities Named in UGC Defaulters’ List

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued notices to 54 State Private Universities across India for failing to comply with mandatory requirements under the UGC Act, 1956. Among them, five universities from Sikkim have been named as defaulters, placing the Himalayan state ahead of larger states such as Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal in the number of non-compliant institutions.

The defaulters from Sikkim include Medhavi Skills University (Singtam)Sikkim Alpine University (South Sikkim)Sikkim Global Technical University (Namchi)Sikkim International University (West Sikkim) and Sikkim Skill University (Namthang, South Sikkim). These universities have either failed to furnish details sought by the UGC under Section 13 of the Act or not uploaded their mandatory Public Self-Disclosure information on their websites.

In comparison, Uttar Pradesh has four universities on the defaulters’ list, while West Bengal has two. The UGC has warned all defaulting institutions to submit the required information at the earliest, failing which further action could be initiated.

The development has raised concerns in Sikkim, where higher education has been rapidly expanding through private universities. The UGC notice serves as a reminder that compliance with statutory regulations is critical for ensuring transparency and accountability in higher education.

Source: UGC Notification, Sept 24, 2025

NSE registered investor base crosses 12 crore (120 million) unique investors (unique PANs)

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The unique registered investor base on the National Stock Exchange of India crossed the 12-crore (120 million) mark on September 23rd, 2025. The total number of Investor Accounts (Unique Client Codes) registered with NSE stands at 23.5 crore (as of September 23rd, 2025), having crossed the 23-crore mark in July 2025. (Includes all client registrations done till date; clients can register with more than one trading member). 

The structural expansion of the investor base has accelerated meaningfully over time. The registered investor base hit the 1 crore mark 14 years after NSE started operations, the next 1 crore additions took about seven years, the subsequent 1 crore addition took about three-and-half years, and the next one a little over a year. In other words, it took over 25 years for the registered investor base to hit the 4-crore mark in March 2021, with the subsequent 1 crore investors being added in about 6-7 months.

India’s rapid rise in investor participation is driven by digitization, greater fintech access, an expanding middle class, and supportive policy measures under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

In this fiscal year thus far (as of September 23rd, 2025), the benchmark Nifty 50 index has generated returns of 7.0%, while the Nifty 500 index has delivered a strong 9.3% gain during this period. Annualised returns over the five-year period ending September 23rd, 2025 have been 17.7% and 20.5% for Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 respectively, higher than returns generated by broader emerging and developed market packs. The market capitalization of NSE listed companies has increased at an annualized rate of 25.1% during this five-year period to Rs 460 lakh crore as of September 23rd, 2025, leading to a significant accretion to the household wealth. Notably, the individual investors, directly and indirectly via mutual funds, own 18.5% of the market (NSE listed companies), as of June 30th, 2025.

One in four investors today are women. Further, we have seen rising interest in financial markets and stock-ownership among the country’s youth in recent years – a testament to the trust placed by these investors in the capital market ecosystem. The 12 crore registered investors in India today have a median age of about 33 years, down from 38 years just five years ago, with nearly 40% of them being less than 30 years old. 

This has been accompanied by widening participation across the country. The investor base today spans covering 99.85% of India’s pin codes. As of August 31st, 2025, there were three states with the count of unique registered investors more than a crore, with Maharashtra leading the pack with 1.9 crore (19 million) investors, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 1.4 crore (14 million) investors and Gujarat, the latest entrant in this set, with 1.03 crore (10.3 million) investors.

Indirect participation has also continued to rise steadily during the current fiscal, as evidenced by almost 2.9 crore (29 million) new SIP accounts opened between Apr’25- Aug’25. During this period, average monthly SIP inflows stood at Rs 27,464 crores (~US$3.2 bn), compared to Rs 21,883 crore (~US$ 2.5 bn) in the corresponding months of last year.

India’s vibrant influx of new investors—many of them young, first-time participants—makes broadening financial awareness a priority. Over the past five years, NSE has significantly intensified its work in this area. Investor Awareness Programs (IAPs) by NSE have quadrupled—from 3,504 in FY20 to 14,679 in FY25—reaching more than 8 lakh participants across all states and union territories. Meanwhile, NSE’s Investor Protection Fund (IPF) has grown by nearly 21% YoY to Rs 2,644 crore as of August 31st, 2025.

Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE, said: “This year, we have crossed another significant yardstick in terms of our investor base. After crossing the 11-crore mark in January, it is commendable that the investors onboarded by NSE have increased by an additional crore in about eight months, despite persistent concerns regarding the contours of global trade and geopolitics. This steady growth is supported by several key drivers: a streamlined Know Your Customer (KYC) process, enhanced financial literacy through stakeholder-led investor awareness programs, and sustained positive market sentiment. The rise in participation across Exchange-Traded instruments—including Equities, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Government Bonds, and Corporate Bonds—underscores these factors.”

India Recasts U.S. Trade Talks with a Push for Equity and Reciprocity

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With the recent tariff standoff easing, India is steering the future of its trade relationship with the United States on its own terms. No longer content with a reactive stance, New Delhi is advancing a strategy built on equity, mutual respect, and reciprocity, reflecting its rising global stature as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

Officials in New Delhi have made it clear that trade concessions will not come at the cost of domestic livelihoods. While showing readiness to consider tariff cuts in selected areas, India has firmly resisted pressure to open sensitive agricultural and dairy markets. Instead, it is tying greater U.S. access to reciprocal gains, particularly in areas like labor mobility and professional opportunities for Indian talent abroad.

A central focus for India is the restoration of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits, which would reinstate preferential tariff treatment for Indian exports. Alongside this, Indian negotiators are pressing for expanded access for skilled professionals in information technology, engineering, and other high-value sectors — an area where India sees long-term strategic advantage.
This approach follows a difficult period in bilateral ties, when Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods over its energy trade with Russia. India strongly rejected the move as unjust and has since sought to ensure that any new agreement protects its regulatory autonomy and prevents one-sided outcomes.

Recent rounds of talks in New Delhi have been described as “positive” and “forward-looking,” with optimism that a first-phase agreement could be reached in the coming months. Both sides are preparing the ground for a broader, long-term pact that goes beyond crisis management to a more balanced and enduring framework.

By setting the agenda, India is reshaping the trade conversation — aiming for a partnership that reflects fairness, dignity, and its growing role in the global economy.

Two police personnel placed under suspension

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On 21/09/2025, a video circulated on social media alleging misconduct by two police personnel of Ranipool Police Station. An independent enquiry has been initiated to objectively and thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Pending the enquiry’s outcome, the two personnel have been placed under suspension and attached to the SP Gangtok office.

The matter is being closely monitored at the highest level, with the Director General of Police personally overseeing the enquiry to ensure a fair and transparent process. Sikkim Police remains dedicated to its motto, “To Protect and Serve,” reaffirming its commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public trust.

SP Gangtok Distt.

DAC Gangtok Clinches National e-Governance Silver Award for Amin Management System

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The District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gangtok, has brought laurels to Sikkim by winning the Silver Award at the prestigious National Awards for e-Governance 2025 for its flagship initiative, the Amin Management System (AMS).

The recognition came under the category “Grassroot Level Initiatives for Deepening/Widening of Service Delivery with focus on initiatives by District Level/Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).”

AMS, launched in line with the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision of “Governance at Doorstep,” enables citizens to seamlessly book Revenue Surveyors (Amins) for land spot verification via the AMIN mobile app, website (www.dacgangtok.in), or through digitised offline requests. Reports are delivered digitally, ensuring transparency, record preservation, and faster turnaround.

Since January 2025, over 1,400 spot verifications have been booked, with 80% completed on time. The system has reduced average processing from one month to just 4–7 days, improving accountability through real-time dashboards monitored by DC, ADCs, and SDMs.

The award was received by DC Gangtok Shri Tushar Nikhare, IAS, along with senior district officials, at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam, graced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu.

PM Modi at 75: India emerges as world’s fourth-largest capital market under his leadership

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PM Modi at 75: India emerges as world’s fourth-largest capital market under his leadership”, says NSE MD & CEO

Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), extended his greetings to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji on the occasion of his 75th birthday, lauding his visionary leadership and remarkable journey.

Chauhan highlighted that Shri Modi is the first and only Prime Minister born after India’s independence and the second-longest consecutive serving Prime Minister. He said the Prime Minister’s vision in action continues to steer the nation towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. From humble beginnings in Gujarat to 24 years as the head of democratically elected governments in both the state and at the Centre, Modi’s journey, he noted, is a testament to self-effort, patience, determination and commitment.
He pointed out that transformative policies ranging from Jan Dhan Yojana to Chandrayaan 3, Ayushman Bharat to Digital India, Make in India to Swachh Bharat, NITI Aayog to Gati Shakti, and Mission Life to International Solar Alliance stand as cornerstones of the Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.

Under Modi’s leadership, Chauhan noted, India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fourth-largest capital market. The equity market capitalisation of NSE-listed companies has grown more than six times—from about ₹67 lakh crore in May 2014 to nearly ₹460 lakh crore today. During the same period, the number of unique registered investors has increased sevenfold, from 1.7 crore to about 12 crore, now holding over 23 crore investor accounts and covering 99.85% of India’s PIN codes. “This democratisation of capital markets reflects the rise of India’s middle class, with nearly one in four households now investing in equities,” Chauhan observed.

He added that the Prime Minister’s global standing among world leaders makes every Indian proud and inspires citizens to contribute further. Extending his wishes, Chauhan expressed hope that the Prime Minister continues to lead a long and healthy life in service of the nation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, born on 17 September 1950, marks his milestone birthday today.
The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) is India’s largest stock exchange and stands among the leading exchanges globally in terms of equity trading volumes and the market capitalisation of its listed companies.