Shri Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), offered sharp insights into the Indian market’s performance amidst global headwinds, investor sentiment, and future prospects. He shared views at the India Global Forum, Mumbai NXT25

Despite a $1.5 trillion dip from the peak, Chauhan emphasized the long-term growth trajectory of Indian capital markets. “In 2014, India’s market cap stood below $1 trillion. Today, it is nearing $5 trillion—demonstrating significant wealth creation,” he noted.

Addressing concerns over foreign investor exits, Chauhan attributed the trend to global interest rate movements and a broader ‘risk-off’ sentiment impacting emerging markets. However, he stressed India’s relative insulation from global tariff tensions, supported by its unique export profile.

Retail participation continues to be a driving force for the Indian market. With over 60 million Indians contributing as little as ₹250 monthly via systematic investment plans (SIPs), the market sees a steady inflow of about US$ 2.5-3 billion per month. “This shows rising trust in Indian entrepreneurs and businesses,” Chauhan said.

On the topic of financial inclusion, Chauhan highlighted the importance of small-ticket investments in deepening market penetration. “These direct investments reflect growing investor maturity, even during phases of market volatility,” he added.

While IPO momentum remains strong, with over 50 filings in late March alone, Chauhan acknowledged that persistent global uncertainty could impact listing timelines. In 2024, NSE hosted 268 IPOs, raising $19.6 billion which was the highest IPO fund raising in the world, with 178 IPOs from the SME sector. Overall, fund mobilisation at NSE was over US$ 209 Bn.

On recent operational updates, Chauhan clarified the shift in derivatives expiry from Thursday to Monday was in response to regulatory changes and market consultation. “It’s a routine adjustment, and we await further guidance before implementing any additional changes,” he said.

Concluding with a balanced perspective, Chauhan remarked, “India is navigating global turbulence carefully. The fundamentals remain strong, and our regulators and government continue to provide a steady hand.

In landmark judgment in the Subodh Kumar Mandal murder case, the Siliguri court has sentenced Manju Mandal, the victim’s wife, to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of killing her husband approximately 16 months ago.

The incident occurred on the night of August 18, 2023, when Subodh Kumar Mandal was found dead under suspicious circumstances. An investigation was launched immediately after the death. Two months later, a post-mortem report confirmed that the death was not a suicide but a homicide. Following the report, the deceased’s brother, Ravindra Mandal, filed a formal complaint at the Bidhannagar Police Station on October 15, naming Manju Mandal and her alleged lover, Mohammad Nafrul, as suspects. Both were arrested the following day.

According to police and court findings, Manju Mandal murdered Subodh Kumar Mandal by strangling him with a towel while he was asleep and later attempted to stage the scene to resemble a suicide. The prosecution presented both forensic evidence and witness testimonies during the trial.

The court, after examining testimonies from 15 witnesses and reviewing the evidence, found Manju Mandal guilty of murder. However, co-accused Mohammad Nafrul was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him directly to the crime

In a major infrastructure boost for the Northeast, the Central Government has sanctioned ₹770.25 crore for the widening and upgradation of National Highway 717A to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders in West Bengal and Sikkim.

The project will cover 18.42 km from Lavamore to the Pedong Bypass and include critical slope protection along the Bagarkot-Kafer stretch in Kalimpong. Additionally, 5.297 km of road from Reshi to Rhenock in Sikkim will also be upgraded.

Designed as a climate-resilient alternative to the frequently disrupted NH-10, the project will incorporate advanced technologies like Self Drilling Anchors and Gabion structures. The initiative aims to ensure all-weather connectivity, improve regional access, and promote tourism and socio-economic development in the region.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened a meeting with Gorkha representatives in New Delhi to address issues concerning the Gorkha community today. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai. During the meeting, the Gorkha delegation led by Darjeeling MP Shri Raju Bista highlighted various issues related to Gorkhas and the region and urged for early resolution of the problems.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs listened to the representatives attentively and assured them that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the all-round development and security of the region are among the priorities of the Government of India. He further assured that the Central Government would resolve the issues of Gorkhas, within the constitutional framework, in coordination with the Government of West Bengal.

During the meeting, various matters were discussed in detail and it was made clear by the government that the Central Government is working with utmost sensitivity to resolve the issues related to Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars.

The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Registrar General of India Shri Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs Shri Roumuan Paite and other senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs. From the Gorkha side, the delegation included Darjeeling MLA Shri Neeraj Zimba, Kalchini MLA Shri Bishal Lama, GNLF Chief Shri Man Ghising, GJM Chief Bimal Gurung, CPRM President Shri J.B. Rai, GoRaNiMo Chief Shri Dawa Pakhrin, SuMuMo Chief Shri Vikas Rai, Dr. Kalyan Dewan, GJM General Secretary Shri Roshan Giri and GNLF General Secretary Shri Nar Bahadur Chhetri. (PIB)