Switzerland is the largest source of gold imports, with about 40 per cent share, followed by the UAE (over 16 per cent) and South Africa (about 10 per cent).

Gold Imports surge in November: Commerce Ministry examining data for any calculation error

Switzerland is the largest source of gold imports, with about 40 per cent share, followed by the UAE (over 16 per cent) and South Africa (about 10 per cent).

The government is examining if there were any calculation mistakes in the compilation of the gold imports data in November, as the sharp surge pushed the trade deficit to a record last month, an official said on Wednesday.
The rupee also hit an all-time low of 84.91 against the US Dollar on December 16.
The jump in gold imports pushed the country&rsquo;s trade deficit (difference between imports and exports) to a record USD 37.84 billion in November.
&ldquo;On noticing unusual surge, DGCIS (Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics) has taken up detailed examination of the gold import data and reconciliation would be done with the data received by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs),&rdquo; the official said.
Kolkata-based Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&amp;S), under the Ministry of Commerce, is an organisation for the collection, compilation and dissemination of India&rsquo;s trade statistics and commercial information.
The country&rsquo;s gold imports in November reached a record high of USD 14.86 billion, registering a four-fold increase, mainly on account of festival and wedding demands.
Gold imports stood at USD 3.44 billion in November 2023.
Cumulatively, imports during April-November this fiscal rose 49 per cent to USD 49 billion against USD 32.93 billion a year ago.
According to the ministry, gold, with about 25 per cent average annual return, is one of the best-performing assets in 2024 (till November), and high imports indicate strong investor confidence in the precious metal as a safe asset.
The other reasons include asset diversification towards gold due to global uncertainties, increasing demand from banks, and cuts in customs duties.
Prices of the yellow metal have increased 23 per cent so far this year to Rs 78,350 per 10 gm in the national capital.
In the Budget, the government slashed the duty from 15 per cent to 6 per cent.
India&rsquo;s gold imports, which have a bearing on the country&rsquo;s current account deficit (CAD), surged 30 per cent to USD 45.54 billion in 2023-24.
Switzerland is the largest source of gold imports, with about 40 per cent share, followed by the UAE (over 16 per cent) and South Africa (about 10 per cent).
The precious metal accounts for over 5 per cent of the country&rsquo;s total imports.
India is the world&rsquo;s second-biggest gold consumer after China. It imports about 800-900 tonnes annually.
The imports mainly take care of the demand by the jewellery industry.
Gems and jewellery exports last month declined 25.32 per cent year-on-year to USD 17.43 billion.
The country&rsquo;s CAD widened marginally to USD 9.7 billion, or 1.1 per cent of the GDP, in April-June 2024 against USD 8.9 billion, or 1 per cent, in the year-ago period.
A current account deficit occurs when the value of goods and services imported and other payments exceed the value of the export of goods and services and other receipts by a country in a particular period.
India is seeking a review of certain provisions of the free trade agreement with the UAE, which came into force on May 1, 2022.
The review assumes significance as experts have raised serious concerns over the spurt in imports of precious metals from the UAE under the trade agreement.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

On December 18, 2024, the Indian stock market experienced a day of mixed performance across various sectors. The Nifty50 index closed at 24,198.85, reflecting a slight decline of 0.56% from the previous day.

Indian Stock Market: Mixed Sectoral Performance Amid IPO Highlights

On December 18, 2024, the Indian stock market experienced a day of mixed performance across various sectors. The Nifty50 index closed at 24,198.85, reflecting a slight decline of 0.56% from the previous day.

On December 18, 2024, the Indian stock market experienced a day of mixed performance across various sectors. The Nifty50 index closed at 24,198.85, reflecting a slight decline of 0.56% from the previous day.
Similarly, the NiftyBank index ended at 52,139.55, marking a 1.32% decrease.&nbsp;
Silver Linings: IPO Debuts
Amid the bearish sentiment, the IPO market provided a bright spot. MobiKwik made a stellar debut, skyrocketing 80% on listing. Similarly, Vishal Mega Mart surged 37%, and Sai Life Sciences posted a robust 28% gain on its first trading day. These performances underscored strong investor demand in the primary market, even as secondary markets faltered.
Nifty50: Neutral to Bearish Outlook
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 24,297.95</li>
<li>Closing Price: 24,198.85</li>
<li>RSI: 46.77 (Neutral to Slightly Bearish)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line above MACD (Bearish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762ad9be279e_1734520219.png" width="644" height="322">
 The Nifty50 index showed a slight pullback, with the MACD suggesting bearish momentum as the signal line remained above the MACD. The RSI was at 46.77, indicating a neutral sentiment with a slight bearish tilt. The market is showing signs of consolidation or weakness, and traders remain cautious. 
NiftyBank: Weakness Continues
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 52,696.95</li>
<li>Closing Price: 52,139.55</li>
<li>RSI: 45.84 (Neutral to Bearish)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line above MACD (Bearish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762ad77803bc_1734520183.png" width="644" height="322"> The NiftyBank sector showed continued weakness, with the MACD confirming a bearish trend. The signal line above the MACD indicates that the downward momentum is likely to persist. The RSI of 45.84 suggests that the sector remains neutral to slightly bearish, with no strong signs of recovery. 
NiftyIT: Bullish Momentum
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 45,293.05</li>
<li>Closing Price: 45,526.85</li>
<li>RSI: 70.06 (Bullish)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line below MACD (Bullish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762ad52cb471_1734520146.png" width="642" height="321">
 The NiftyIT sector demonstrated a strong bullish momentum, with the RSI in the bullish range at 70.06. The MACD line was above the signal line, indicating ongoing upward momentum. This suggests that the IT sector is performing well and could continue to show strength.
&nbsp;
NiftyAuto: Mild Bearish Sentiment
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 23,319.60</li>
<li>Closing Price: 23,241.25</li>
<li>RSI: 42.29 (Neutral to Bearish)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line above MACD (Bearish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762ad33ef5f9_1734520115.png" width="644" height="322">
The NiftyAuto sector experienced mild bearish sentiment with the RSI of 42.29, indicating a slightly bearish outlook. The MACD signal line above the MACD further suggests that the sector is facing downward pressure, and the sentiment remains cautious.
&nbsp;
NiftyFMCG: Consolidating with Bearish Bias
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 56,578.35</li>
<li>Closing Price: 56,467.80</li>
<li>RSI: 41.75 (Neutral to Bearish)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line above MACD (Bearish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762ad131e46b_1734520083.png" width="640" height="320">
The NiftyFMCG sector displayed a bearish bias as the RSI was at 41.75, indicating that it was neutral to slightly bearish. The MACD line was below the signal line, confirming a bearish outlook, with no immediate sign of a strong upward move.
&nbsp;
NiftyInfra: Neutral Momentum
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 8,771.55</li>
<li>Closing Price: 8,695.95</li>
<li>RSI: 45.34 (Neutral)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line below MACD (Bullish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762acf23ed51_1734520050.png" width="634" height="317">
The NiftyInfra sector exhibited neutral momentum, with the RSI at 45.34 showing a neutral sentiment. However, the MACD line was above the signal line, suggesting a potential for bullish momentum, although not yet a clear breakout. 
NiftyEnergy: Bearish Sentiment
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 36,300.50</li>
<li>Closing Price: 35,981.80</li>
<li>RSI: 31.58 (Bearish)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line above MACD (Bearish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762acb68982b_1734519990.png" width="640" height="320">
The NiftyEnergy sector showed significant bearish momentum, with an RSI of 31.58, indicating an oversold condition and a bearish outlook. The MACD further confirmed this, with the signal line positioned above the MACD, suggesting continued downward momentum.
&nbsp;
NiftyMetal: Mild Bullish Sentiment
<ul>
<li>Opening Price: 9,207.50</li>
<li>Closing Price: 9,069.90</li>
<li>RSI: 41.80 (Neutral)</li>
<li>MACD: Signal line below MACD (Bullish)</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762ac5842bcf_1734519896.png" width="634" height="317">
The NiftyMetal sector showed mild bullish sentiment, with the RSI at 41.80, indicating a neutral bias. The MACD signal line below the MACD suggests that there is some upward potential in the sector, though the momentum is not very strong.

"The committee strongly recommends that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare declare a roadmap for implementing MSP as a legal guarantee at the earliest," the report stated.

Parliamentary Panel bats for legal guarantee of MSP to protect farmers' interests

"The committee strongly recommends that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare declare a roadmap for implementing MSP as a legal guarantee at the earliest," the report stated.

A parliamentary panel on Tuesday recommended the government implement a legally binding minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, arguing that such a measure could significantly reduce farmer suicides and provide crucial financial stability.
The Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing, headed by Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi, submitted a comprehensive report to Parliament highlighting the potential benefits of a legally guaranteed MSP.
"The committee strongly recommends that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare declare a roadmap for implementing MSP as a legal guarantee at the earliest," the report stated.
Currently, the government fixes MSP for 23 commodities based on the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommendations.
The panel argued that a legally binding MSP would not only safeguard farmers' livelihoods but also promote rural economic growth and enhance national food security.
The committee's key recommendations include: implementing a robust MSP system to mitigate farmer suicides, providing compensation to farmers for managing crop residue, establishing a National Commission for Minimum Living Wages for Farm Labourers, introducing a debt waiver scheme for farmers and farm labourers, and renaming the agriculture department to include farm labourers.
The committee emphasized that assured income through MSP would encourage farmers to invest in agricultural practices, potentially increasing productivity and sustainability.
The panel also suggested the government provide a statement in Parliament after each crop season, detailing the number of farmers selling produce at MSP and the gap between MSP and market prices.
It may be noted that a legal guarantee of MSP for agricultural produce was one of the key demands of protesting farmers in 2021 which forced the government to withdraw three farm laws and set up a committee on MSP to look into the matter.

He invited domestic and global corporates to visit Bihar and said the government is ready to assist and collaborate for mutual growth.

Bihar fully prepared to create robust business ecosystem, investment safe: Dy CM Samrat Choudhary

He invited domestic and global corporates to visit Bihar and said the government is ready to assist and collaborate for mutual growth.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has asserted that the state is fully prepared to create a robust business ecosystem with improved infrastructure facilities along with a better law and order situation while assuring domestic and global firms that their investment is &ldquo;safe&rdquo;.
In a podcast interview with PTI, Choudhary, who is also the finance minister, highlighted the steps that are being taken by the state government to change the image of Bihar and attract investments into the state to create employment opportunities and achieve higher economic growth.
The state government is organizing the 'Bihar Business Connect' Summit on December 19-20 here to attract investments.
&ldquo;With the guidance of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar is fully prepared to create a robust business ecosystem. Bihar is ready to stand with you, offering all the support needed for your success,&rdquo; Choudhary said.
He invited domestic and global corporates to visit Bihar and said the government is ready to assist and collaborate for mutual growth.
In a message to investors before this mega event, Choudhary said, &ldquo;I firmly believe that Bihar is a safe state&rdquo; and its infrastructure is &ldquo;strong&rdquo;.
Choudhary informed that the state government is increasing the power capacity from around 3,800 MW to about 8,000 MW.
&ldquo;We will ensure that electricity is available in full, provide subsidies, support through various incentives, and make efforts to help investors progress by offering economic assistance,&rdquo; the Deputy CM promised.
The state is providing incentives for setting up industries, offering subsidies in electricity and GST exemptions, he further said.
Asked about the sectors that have the potential for investment, Choudhary said food processing has great opportunities.
&ldquo;Food processing units, I believe, are very important, especially in 38 districts, where 38 products are our identity. Here, we aim to establish food processing units,&rdquo; he said.
Recently, the Deputy CM said, the state has received approval for about 36 lakh litres of ethanol manufacturing capacity.
&ldquo;There is a need to set up more ethanol plants in Bihar&hellip; This is essential for the farmers growing maize, rice, and other cereals, as we will be able to sell them directly to the ethanol plants, and it will also ensure the availability of funds,&rdquo; he said.
Choudhary said the state government will also promote MSMEs.
&ldquo;We will support the growth of small-scale industries and encourage SHGs (Self-Help Groups) at the grassroots level, where 10-15 sisters will work together in small industries to generate employment. This will continue to drive the progress of our Bihar,&rdquo; he said.
On job creation, Choudhary said the government will ensure local employment generation.
&ldquo;Bihar, due to its availability of labour at the lowest rates, will play a significant role. We will focus on skill development here. We will ensure that the factories setting up in Bihar will have access to skilled labour, and we will take care of providing employment opportunities for the local people.&rdquo; On physical infrastructure, Choudhary said two airports have become operational in Bihar recently.
&ldquo;Purnia is almost complete, Bihta is about to start, and we are working on completing the Raxaul airport. We are also working on four to five airports, including Bhagalpur and Rajgir.&rdquo; The state is also focusing on improving connectivity through all three options &mdash; roadways, airways and waterways.
He said the state government is also working on how to manage floods in North Bihar and water shortage in South Bihar.&nbsp;
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The President-elect’s tough stance comes as US-India trade ties continue to face friction over tariff structures, particularly on high-value goods like motorcycles, medical devices, and agricultural products.

Trump Signals Tough Trade Stance: Reciprocal Tariffs on India and Stricter Measures for Canada and Mexico

The President-elect&rsquo;s tough stance comes as US-India trade ties continue to face friction over tariff structures, particularly on high-value goods like motorcycles, medical devices, and agricultural products.

US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to reshaping trade relationships, targeting countries like India, Brazil, and North American neighbours, Canada and Mexico, with tougher tariff policies. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday, Trump specifically criticized India&rsquo;s steep import tariffs on American goods, vowing a tit-for-tat approach to ensure "fairness in trade."
&ldquo;If they tax us, we tax them the same amount,&rdquo; Trump said, referencing India&rsquo;s 100% tariffs on certain US products. &ldquo;They charge us 100 and 200. India charges a lot, Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing,&rdquo; he added, stressing his focus on reciprocity in trade deals.
This rhetoric underscores Trump&rsquo;s broader push for economic fairness, a cornerstone of his administration&rsquo;s agenda. The President-elect&rsquo;s tough stance comes as US-India trade ties continue to face friction over tariff structures, particularly on high-value goods like motorcycles, medical devices, and agricultural products.
Tougher Measures on Canada and Mexico Trump&rsquo;s trade focus wasn&rsquo;t limited to India. Addressing ongoing issues with Canada and Mexico, Trump warned of imposing a 25% tariff on imports from both countries unless they take decisive action to combat the influx of drugs and migrants into the US.
Canada, in particular, has already taken steps to address Trump&rsquo;s concerns, announcing a CAD 1.3 billion investment in border security. This includes granting its border services enhanced powers to inspect goods destined for the US and increasing surveillance to curb illegal crossings.
The move follows a surge in migrant detentions along the US-Canada border, with over 23,000 people detained in the past year, compared to 10,000 the year prior. However, Canadian officials admit challenges in preventing southbound crossings, even as they deploy additional resources to strengthen enforcement.
The Business Implications Trump&rsquo;s focus on reciprocal tariffs and border security could have far-reaching consequences for businesses across sectors. For India, retaliatory tariffs from the US could impact key export categories, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and auto components.
Meanwhile, stricter trade measures on Canada and Mexico could strain the USMCA, affecting industries heavily reliant on cross-border supply chains, such as automotive, agriculture, and technology.
As the President-elect prepares to take office, businesses across the globe are watching closely, anticipating shifts that could redefine trade norms and impact international market dynamics. For India and its counterparts, the message is clear: the era of "America First" trade policies is here.

Leading the list of losers were Shriram Finance Ltd. (SHRIRAMFIN), Grasim Industries Ltd. (GRASIM), Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HEROMOTOCO), Bharti Airtel Ltd. (BHARTIARTL), and JSW Steel Ltd. (JSWSTEEL).

Top 5 Losers of NIFTY 50: A Day of Decline for Leading Stocks

Leading the list of losers were Shriram Finance Ltd. (SHRIRAMFIN), Grasim Industries Ltd. (GRASIM), Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HEROMOTOCO), Bharti Airtel Ltd. (BHARTIARTL), and JSW Steel Ltd. (JSWSTEEL).

In today&rsquo;s trading session, several NIFTY 50 heavyweights witnessed significant declines, driven by bearish technical indicators and sector-specific pressures. Leading the list of losers were Shriram Finance Ltd. (SHRIRAMFIN), Grasim Industries Ltd. (GRASIM), Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HEROMOTOCO), Bharti Airtel Ltd. (BHARTIARTL), and JSW Steel Ltd. (JSWSTEEL).
Top Declining Stocks:
1. Shriram Finance Ltd. (SHRIRAMFIN)
<ul>
<li>Closing Price: ₹2,976.90</li>
<li>Percentage Decline: -5.12%</li>
<li>Day&rsquo;s High/Low: ₹3,135 / ₹2,965.25</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762582f1fb19_1734498351.png" width="601" height="304">
Analysis: SHRIRAMFIN faced a sharp sell-off, with a significant drop in RSI to 40.63, signalling oversold conditions. The stock&rsquo;s 50-EMA (₹3062.95) and 10-EMA (₹3116.97) both remain above the closing price, confirming continued bearish momentum.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67625866d64ef_1734498406.png" width="600" height="222">
MACD levels also weakened, indicating growing downside risks. Sectoral challenges in the Credit Services space and overall market sentiment amplified the decline.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762587421fbe_1734498420.png" width="599" height="222">
2. GRASIM (Grasim Industries Ltd.)
<ul>
<li>Closing Price: ₹2599.70</li>
<li>Percentage Decline: -3.18%</li>
<li>Day&rsquo;s High/Low: ₹2685 / ₹2595.35 &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676258a1c06a5_1734498465.png" width="599" height="303">
Analysis: GRASIM&rsquo;s decline was marked by a steep fall below its 10-EMA (₹2659.15) and 20-EMA (₹2647.92). The RSI dropped to 44.37, showing weakened momentum.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676258b658249_1734498486.png" width="602" height="223">
A bearish MACD of 15.47 further reinforced the stock&rsquo;s downward trend. The Basic Materials sector, especially Building Materials, faced pressure as GRASIM struggled to sustain its recent recovery.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676258c37a424_1734498499.png" width="600" height="222">
3. HEROMOTOCO (Hero MotoCorp Ltd.)
<ul>
<li>Closing Price: ₹4415.10</li>
<li>Percentage Decline: -2.73%</li>
<li>Day&rsquo;s High/Low: ₹4558.55 / ₹4397.35</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676258de8b937_1734498526.png" width="601" height="304">
Analysis: HEROMOTOCO continued its downtrend with a declining RSI of 28.08, approaching oversold territory. The stock&rsquo;s 50-EMA (₹4676.98) and 20-EMA (₹4633.77) indicate sustained bearish sentiment.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676258eea8c01_1734498542.png" width="600" height="222">
MACD levels of -55.51 suggest further downside risks. Weak consumer sentiment in the Auto Manufacturers segment likely contributed to today&rsquo;s drop.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676258fe9f248_1734498558.png" width="602" height="223">
4. BHARTIARTL (Bharti Airtel Ltd.)
<ul>
<li>Closing Price: ₹1615.30</li>
<li>Percentage Decline: -2.85%</li>
<li>Day&rsquo;s High/Low: ₹1658.65 / ₹1608.50</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67625918e9568_1734498584.png" width="600" height="304">
Analysis: BHARTIARTL failed to hold its recent gains, with the RSI dropping to 52.59 and MACD narrowing to 13.96.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762592920bae_1734498601.png" width="602" height="223">
The stock breached its 10-EMA (₹1619.87) and struggled to recover above intraday resistance levels. Sentiment in the Telecom Services industry turned cautious, likely driving today&rsquo;s decline.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67625936a54a3_1734498614.png" width="597" height="221">
5. JSW STEEL (JSW Steel Ltd.)
<ul>
<li>Closing Price: ₹966.85</li>
<li>Percentage Decline: -2.37%</li>
<li>Day&rsquo;s High/Low: ₹990.80 / ₹961.45</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762597d33b30_1734498685.png" width="600" height="222">
Analysis: JSWSTEEL&rsquo;s RSI declined to 44.09, signaling fading momentum. The stock&rsquo;s closing price remained below its 10-EMA (₹990.94) and 20-EMA (₹987.25), indicating bearish dominance.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676259520747a_1734498642.png" width="601" height="304">
A weaker MACD of 4.87 suggests limited strength in the short term. The Steel industry faced headwinds, contributing to JSWSTEEL&rsquo;s underperformance.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762598c331cc_1734498700.png" width="600" height="222">
Key Takeaways from the Day
Sectoral Impact:
<ul>
<li>The Financial Services sector was the hardest hit, with SHRIRAMFIN leading the losses.</li>
<li>Basic Materials (GRASIM and JSWSTEEL) and Consumer Cyclical (HEROMOTOCO) also saw selling pressure.</li>
<li>Telecom Services represented by BHARTIARTL showed signs of profit booking after recent gains.</li>
</ul>
Technical Weakness:
<ul>
<li>All five stocks traded below key moving averages, confirming bearish trends.</li>
<li>RSI levels for several stocks (HEROMOTOCO and JSWSTEEL) approached or entered oversold zones.</li>
<li>MACD divergence for SHRIRAMFIN and GRASIM pointed towards further downside risks.</li>
</ul>
Outlook: 
<ul>
<li>Investors are advised to exercise caution and monitor support levels closely.</li>
<li>For long-term investors, this dip may offer a potential entry point, provided there is a reversal in technical indicators and overall market sentiment.</li>
</ul>
Key Insights from Comparative Analysis
EMA Trends:
<ul>
<li>All five stocks are trading below their respective 10-EMA and 20/50-EMA, signalling bearish momentum.</li>
<li>SHRIRAMFIN and HEROMOTOCO exhibit the strongest bearish trends, with significant deviations from their EMAs.</li>
</ul>
MACD Divergence:
<ul>
<li>HEROMOTOCO and SHRIRAMFIN have the most negative MACD values, indicating stronger bearish momentum.</li>
<li>Stocks like BHARTIARTL and JSWSTEEL still have positive MACD values but show narrowing trends, signalling weakening bullish strength.</li>
</ul>
RSI Levels:
<ul>
<li>HEROMOTOCO stands out with an RSI of 28.08, deep in oversold territory, suggesting potential for a technical rebound.</li>
<li>SHRIRAMFIN and JSWSTEEL hover near 40, while BHARTIARTL is neutral at 52, showing resilience.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

He noted that the PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme with an outlay of Rs 24,000 crore has been introduced to boost domestic manufacturing of solar panels and modules.

India's renewable energy capacity addition doubled to 15 GW in Apr-Nov: Pralhad Joshi

He noted that the PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme with an outlay of Rs 24,000 crore has been introduced to boost domestic manufacturing of solar panels and modules.

India's renewable energy capacity addition almost doubled to 15GW during the April-November period of this fiscal compared to a year ago, indicating India's commitment towards the target of 500GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, Union New &amp; Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday.
Addressing at CII International Energy Conference &amp; Exhibition 2024 here, Joshi said, "In fact, over the past decade, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has charted an extraordinary path in the renewable energy sector. Today, India is one of the world's most promising nations in the clean energy space."
Between April and November of the current financial year, India added almost 15 GW of renewable energy capacity, nearly double the 7.54 GW added during the same period last year, he said.
At present, India's total installed capacity of the non-fossil fuel sector has touched 214 GW, over a 14 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.
The government is transforming the entire energy sector as this transformation is driven by a strong belief that a Viksit Bharat by 2047, is closely linked to sustainable and green growth, he said, adding that the roadmap for this transition is ambitious but achievable.
India is firmly committed to achieving the goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity by 2030, he said.
The minister informed that in just last month alone, 2.3 GW of new capacity was added, which means a 4-fold increase from the 566.06 MW added in November 2023. "So yes, this transformation is not just a dream, it is happening today," he stressed.
In the last three financial years alone, he informed that India has attracted USD 6.1 billion in FDI into the renewable energy sector.
He noted that the PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme with an outlay of Rs 24,000 crore has been introduced to boost domestic manufacturing of solar panels and modules.
"We are also in the process of setting up 50 solar parks with a cumulative capacity of 38 GW by 2025-26," the minister informed.
The government under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is empowering Indian households by enabling them to generate their electricity through solar rooftops. The scheme targets 1 crore installations by 2026-27, with an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore.
On the Green Hydrogen Mission, he said "Under the SIGHT Programme of National Green Hydrogen Mission, we are extending support on 2 components majorly -- Component I for Electrolyser Manufacturing supported with Rs 4,440 crore and Component II for Green Hydrogen production supported with Rs 13,050 crore," he said.
He informed that two tranches of bidding have been completed under Component I allocating 3000 MWPA Electrolyser Manufacturing capacity. Under Component II, 4.12 Lakh tonnes per annum (LTPA) quantity has been awarded to 10 companies, with a total subsidy of Rs 3,055 crore.
Currently, 4.5 LTPA tender is live for green hydrogen production, and 7.39 LTPA for green ammonia (for fertilizers), he stated.
"So, I invite the industry to participate in full swing. Let me know if you need any further support, we are here for you," he said.
About the industry suggestion about strictly enforcing renewable purchase obligation (RPO) and the addition of power transmission infrastructure especially for renewables, he stated that his ministry has prepared certain proposals to boost the sector for the General Budget (to be tabled on February 1).
He sought industry suggestions and proposals so that those could be sent to the Ministry of Finance for consideration in the forthcoming budget.
The minister on this occasion also unveiled the second edition of the CII-EY Report on Energy Transition Investment Monitor.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to cut interest rates by 25 basis points during its final policy meeting of the year on Wednesday.

 Indian Markets Open Lower Amid Caution Ahead of US Federal Reserve Meeting

The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to cut interest rates by 25 basis points during its final policy meeting of the year on Wednesday.

Indian equity benchmarks slipped on Tuesday as heavyweight financial stocks and Reliance Industries dragged the indices lower. Investors remained cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's December 18 meeting, closely monitored for insights into its future interest rate cut trajectory.
At 09:20 a.m. IST, the NSE Nifty 50 declined by 0.3% to 24,599 points, while the BSE Sensex shed 0.3% to 81,492.02.
Out of the 13 major sectors, 10 traded in the red.
Key Drags on the Market
HDFC Bank fell 0.4% following a warning letter from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The market regulator alleged that the bank&rsquo;s disclosures surrounding the resignation of a senior employee were non-compliant with specific provisions.
Reliance Industries declined nearly 1%, pulling the energy index down by 0.5%.
On a positive note, broader markets, including small- and mid-cap stocks, showed marginal gains, providing some support.
Global Factors in Focus
The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to cut interest rates by 25 basis points during its final policy meeting of the year on Wednesday.
Investors are particularly keen to understand the Fed&rsquo;s projections for 2025 and 2026, as well as any signals on scaling back rate cuts amidst potential inflationary pressures under the incoming Donald Trump administration.

Last week, the BSE benchmark gained 623.07 points or 0.76 per cent and the Nifty advanced 90.5 points or 0.36 per cent.

Five of top-10 most valued firms together add Rs 1.13 lakh Crore in market valuation

Last week, the BSE benchmark gained 623.07 points or 0.76 per cent and the Nifty advanced 90.5 points or 0.36 per cent.

Five of the 10 most valued firms added Rs 1,13,117.17 crore to their total market valuation last week with Bharti Airtel stealing the show.
While Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank and Infosys were the gainers, Reliance Industries, State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), ITC and Hindustan Unilever took a hit in their valuations.
Last week, the BSE benchmark gained 623.07 points or 0.76 per cent and the Nifty advanced 90.5 points or 0.36 per cent.
The market valuation of Bharti Airtel surged by Rs 47,836.6 crore to Rs 9,57,842.40 crore.
Infosys added Rs 31,826.97 crore to its valuation at Rs 8,30,387.10 crore.
HDFC Bank&rsquo;s valuation rose by Rs 11,887.78 crore to Rs 14,31,158.06 crore and that of ICICI Bank increased by Rs 11,760.8 crore to Rs 9,49,306.37 crore.
The market capitalisation (mcap) of TCS climbed Rs 9,805.02 crore to Rs 16,18,587.63 crore.
However, the mcap of Reliance Industries declined by Rs 52,031.98 crore to Rs 17,23,144.70 crore.
The valuation of LIC tumbled Rs 32,067.73 crore to Rs 5,89,869.29 crore and that of Hindustan Unilever slumped Rs 22,250.63 crore to Rs 5,61,423.08 crore.The mcap of State Bank of India dropped Rs 2,052.66 crore to Rs 7,69,034.51 crore and that of ITC by Rs 1,376.19 crore to Rs 5,88,195.82 crore.
Reliance Industries remained the most valued firm followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, Infosys, State Bank of India, LIC, ITC and Hindustan Unilever.

A study published in November by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that airfares have risen at a slower pace than consumer prices (measured by the Consumer Price Index, CPI) over the past decade.

Airlines are price takers, they do not have influence on prices they pay: IATA Chief Economist

A study published in November by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that airfares have risen at a slower pace than consumer prices (measured by the Consumer Price Index, CPI) over the past decade.

Airlines are price takers as they do not have an influence on the prices they pay, IATA Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen has said and highlighted that carriers&rsquo; need to diversify their revenues is complicated by slim profit margins as well as weak balance sheets.
In a fast-growing aviation market like India where the air traffic demand is on the rise, there are persistent concerns about airfare trajectory and suggestions from various quarters to make air tickets more affordable.
Discussing overall airfares and the costs of airlines, Thomsen said airlines do not have any influence on the prices they pay.
&ldquo;There are too few aircraft manufacturers and oil companies. Whatever supplies we are looking at upstream, we are price takers and downstream, we have the hyper-competitive environment where all customers can see all fares from all airlines at all times. So, we always compete in price,&rdquo; she told PTI in an interview in Geneva earlier this week. Thomsen, who is the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Sustainability, said as airlines are price takers upstream and downstream, it leaves them with very little in the middle.
A study published in November by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that airfares have risen at a slower pace than consumer prices (measured by the Consumer Price Index, CPI) over the past decade.
&ldquo;This indicates that air ticket prices have not fully kept up with inflation, especially in comparison to jet fuel costs, which have significantly outpaced consumer inflation,&rdquo; the study said.
Currently, jet fuel accounts for around 30 per cent of airlines&rsquo; operating costs.
To a question on whether there can be more transparency in the pricing of air tickets, Thomsen argued that if airlines were profiteering, the per-passenger profit would have been much higher.
&ldquo;When you have high ticket prices and low airline profits, then the money is going somewhere else,&rdquo; she said, pointing out that a third and a 50 per cent of the airline industry&rsquo;s costs are administrative costs.
&ldquo;The rest (of the costs) is actually for services of flying people or cargo,&rdquo; Thomsen noted.
As per IATA&rsquo;s latest outlook for 2025, airlines are projected to have a net profit of USD 1.8 per passenger while the overall net profit is expected to be USD 3.6 billion.
&ldquo;You can have a lot of activity and a big market and make no profit because your cost base is too high. Lot of them come from various types of regulatory fees and charges levied on airlines,&rdquo; Thomsen pointed out.
According to her, there is a need for revenue diversification by airlines but the situation is complicated by slim profit margins and weak balance sheets most airlines suffer from.
IATA represents around 340 airlines globally, including Indian carriers. The member airlines account for more than 80 per cent of the global air traffic. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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A spicy acquisition is cooking! As per reports, FMCG giant HUL is looking to acquire MDH brand of masalas. India’s largest packaged consumer goods company is reportedly valuing the spicemaker close to Rs 15,000 cr. Mahashian Di Hatti Private Limited or MDH as it is popularly known is India's leading spice manufacturer. MDH Spices sells over 60 products in India and deals with at least 1,000 wholesalers and hundreds of thousands of retailers. Its website claims the company can produce 30 tonnes of spices a day.

Adding spice, HUL likely to acquire MDH brand of masalas

Mahashian Di Hatti Private Limited or MDH as it is popularly known is India's leading spice manufacturer. MDH Spices sells over 60 products in India and deals with at least 1,000 wholesalers and hundreds of thousands of retailers. Its website claims the company can produce 30 tonnes of spices a day.



MDH&nbsp;stands for&nbsp;Mahashian Di Hatti is one of India's oldest FMCG&nbsp;company

A spicy acquisition is cooking! As per reports, FMCG&nbsp;giant HUL&nbsp;is looking to acquire MDH&nbsp;brand of masalas.&nbsp;India&rsquo;s largest packaged consumer goods company is reportedly valuing the spicemaker&nbsp;close to Rs 15,000 cr.&nbsp;
Also watch &amp; read|&nbsp;<a title="Crypto SIP: The latest for the investment enthusiasts" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/markets/crypto-sip-the-latest-for-the-investment-enthusiasts-1647940763271">Crypto SIP: The latest for the investment enthusiasts</a> Mahashian Di Hatti Private Limited or MDH&nbsp;as it is popularly known is India's leading spice manufacturer.&nbsp;MDH Spices sells over 60 products in India and deals with at least 1,000 wholesalers and hundreds of thousands of retailers. Its website claims the company can produce 30 tonnes of spices a day.

Since the start of the power supply in July 2023, Bangladesh has faced delays in clearing its dues. As of October 2023, Adani Power reduced its electricity supply to Bangladesh from 1,400 MW to around 700-800 MW, citing overdue payments.

Bangladesh Government Plans to Renegotiate Power Deal with Adani Power, Citing Unfair Terms

Since the start of the power supply in July 2023, Bangladesh has faced delays in clearing its dues. As of October 2023, Adani Power reduced its electricity supply to Bangladesh from 1,400 MW to around 700-800 MW, citing overdue payments.

Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, is moving to reopen a multi-billion-dollar power purchase agreement with Adani Power, citing unresolved issues around tax exemptions, payment delays, and high energy tariffs.
The deal, which was signed in 2017, provides electricity from Adani Power's Godda coal-fired plant in Jharkhand, India, to Bangladesh. However, the Bangladeshi government now claims that Adani Power has failed to pass on tax benefits related to the special economic zone (SEZ) status granted to the plant, potentially costing Bangladesh millions in savings.
Allegations of Withheld Tax Benefits
Under the 2017 agreement, Adani Power's Godda plant was granted SEZ status by the Indian government, which includes several financial incentives such as income tax exemptions. However, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) alleges that Adani Power did not disclose changes to the plant's tax status, nor did it pass on the associated savings to Bangladesh. According to the BPDB&rsquo;s estimates, these savings could amount to approximately $28.6 million.
The failure to pass on these benefits is a key point of contention in the ongoing dispute, as Bangladesh asserts that these tax advantages should have been part of the deal's terms.
Payment Disputes and Supply Cutbacks
The dispute over tax benefits is compounded by a payment impasse between Bangladesh and Adani Power. Since the start of the power supply in July 2023, Bangladesh has faced delays in clearing its dues. As of October 2023, Adani Power reduced its electricity supply to Bangladesh from 1,400 MW to around 700-800 MW, citing overdue payments.
Adani Power claims it is owed $900 million, while the BPDB contends the arrears are closer to $650 million. The disagreement also extends to the power tariffs, with Bangladesh asserting that the prices are much higher than those of similar deals with other power suppliers.
In response to a request for a discount on rates, Adani Power stated that it would not entertain any further price reductions until the outstanding payments were settled.
Bangladesh's Push to Renegotiate the Deal
In light of these ongoing issues, the Bangladesh government is seeking to renegotiate the 25-year power agreement with Adani Power. The deal, which was awarded by the previous government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina without a tender process, has come under scrutiny due to its high costs compared to other power agreements.
Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government is reportedly planning to leverage the fallout from the U.S. legal proceedings against Adani Group, following allegations of bribery related to a $265 million scheme, to push for more favourable terms in the power deal.
The potential renegotiation could have significant ramifications for both Adani Power and Bangladesh&rsquo;s future energy strategies.
Adani Power's Defense
Adani Power has strongly rejected the accusations, asserting that it has adhered to all contractual obligations and was not notified of any review of the deal by the Bangladesh government.
The company maintains that the reduction in supply was a response to the payment delays and that it had no prior knowledge of any intentions by Bangladesh to revisit the agreement.
In response to Bangladesh&rsquo;s requests for additional discounts, Adani Power stated that no further concessions would be made until the payment issue is resolved, signalling a tough stance on the matter.
Bangladesh&rsquo;s Growing Energy Capacity
Despite the disputes with Adani Power, Bangladesh&rsquo;s energy minister, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, stated that the country now has sufficient domestic power generation capacity.
Although some power plants remain idle, Bangladesh believes it can meet its energy requirements without relying on external suppliers, including Adani Power. This shift in domestic energy capacity has further complicated the need for continued imports from India.
Court-Ordered Investigation and Potential Impact
The Bangladesh High Court has intervened, ordering a formal investigation into the power agreement. A high-level committee is expected to examine the terms of the deal and the alleged discrepancies in the tax benefits.
The findings of this investigation could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the deal and may lead to revisions in the power purchase agreement.
Implications for the Energy Sector and Future Deals The outcome of this dispute has far-reaching implications for Bangladesh&rsquo;s energy sector, particularly as the country seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on imported power.
The renegotiation of the Adani Power deal could set a precedent for future agreements with international energy companies and influence Bangladesh&rsquo;s approach to future power procurements.
For Adani Power, the dispute raises questions about its operations in international markets and its ability to manage complex cross-border agreements. The company&rsquo;s reputation could be impacted if the ongoing legal and financial issues are not resolved swiftly and satisfactorily.
Critical Crossroads for Bangladesh&rsquo;s Energy Strategy
As Bangladesh moves to renegotiate its power agreement with Adani Power, the resolution of this dispute will be critical to the country&rsquo;s energy future. Both parties are expected to engage in further negotiations, with Bangladesh hoping to secure a more equitable deal that aligns with its financial and energy needs. Meanwhile, Adani Power will likely seek to protect its interests and uphold the terms of the original agreement.
The outcome could shape the future of energy trade between India and Bangladesh, with broader implications for cross-border energy agreements in the region.
(With Agency Inputs)

New Zealand tipped into recession in the third quarter, official data showed Thursday, with the economy suffering an unexpectedly sharp slump that sent the country's currency tumbling and sparked political finger-pointing.

New Zealand enters recession with sharp GDP decline

The economy has for months teetered on the verge of recession, with consumer sentiment weighed by high prices, elevated borrowing costs and a housing crisis.

New Zealand tipped into recession in the third quarter, official data showed Thursday, with the economy suffering an unexpectedly sharp slump that sent the country's currency tumbling and sparked political finger-pointing.
The conservative coalition government defended its "respect for taxpayers' money" as the opposition accused it of feeding a "recessionary fire".
The economy has for months teetered on the verge of recession, with consumer sentiment weighed by high prices, elevated borrowing costs and a housing crisis.
But the latest figures showed gross domestic product fell a bigger-than-expected 1.0 percent July-September from the previous three months. Analysts had forecast a contraction of 0.2 percent.
That marked the second quarterly contraction in a row, after shrinking a revised 1.1 percent in April-June.
"Yes, the one percent decline in activity is huge. And it's much weaker than anyone had anticipated," said a report by Kiwibank economics.
Excluding an economic decline during the Covid-19 pandemic, the New Zealand economy had posted the weakest six-month period since 1991, it said.
"And weakness is spreading across most industries," the report said.
However, the recent drop was partly balanced out by a statistical revision of growth upwards earlier in the year, Kiwibank said.
And the latest quarter may be the last in the cycle of decline, it said, with a one percent cut in interest rates over the quarter likely to provide relief going forward.
The New Zealand dollar was trading in the late afternoon at US$0.5626 -- down about 1.8 percent from the previous day -- as the scale of the slump took traders by surprise.
"The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers money and drive economic growth," the government said in a statement.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the economy had now contracted for eight quarters on a per-capita basis.
"The decline reflects the impact of high inflation on the economy. That led the Reserve Bank to engineer a recession which has stifled growth," she said.
But she predicted the economy would pick up in the next quarter, and grow more strongly in 2025.
The opposition Labour Party said the recession was of the finance minister's making.
"Nicola Willis' cuts and austerity has fed the recessionary fire," said Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. "There's no creative accounting that Nicola can do to make these GDP figures better."

The rupee’s Asian peers – the Korean won, the Malaysian ringgit, and the Indonesian rupiah – were down 0.8%-1.2% on the day.

Dollar Pushes Indian Rupee to Record Low of 85, Fed's Policy Outlook in Focus

The rupee&rsquo;s Asian peers &ndash; the Korean won, the Malaysian ringgit, and the Indonesian rupiah &ndash; were down 0.8%-1.2% on the day.

The Indian rupee declined past 85 to the U.S. dollar for the first time on Thursday after the Federal Reserve signalled fewer rate cuts next year, piling more pressure on a currency already struggling with tepid capital flows.
The rupee hit a low of 85.0650 against the U.S. dollar, down from 84.9525 on Wednesday. The pace of the currency&rsquo;s fall to 85 handles from 84 has been faster than prior declines of the same magnitude.
The rupee&rsquo;s drop to 85 from 84 has taken place in a space of about two months, while the decline to 84 from 83 took nearly 14 months. It took the currency 10 months to decline to 83 from 82.
ASIA FX SLUMPS
The rupee&rsquo;s Asian peers &ndash; the Korean won, the Malaysian ringgit, and the Indonesian rupiah &ndash; were down 0.8%-1.2% on the day.
The selloff in Asia FX comes after the Fed dot plot indicated two rate cuts next year, half of what was signalled in September.
&ldquo;From here, it&rsquo;s a new phase and we&rsquo;re going to be cautious about further cuts,&rdquo; Fed Chair Jerome Powell said.
The central bank&rsquo;s hawkish turn comes amid several negative factors that the rupee is contending with. India&rsquo;s economic growth slowed to a seven-quarter low from July to September, the merchandise trade deficit is widening, and capital inflows are tepid.
Persistent strength in the U.S. dollar on incoming U.S. President Donald Trump&rsquo;s expected policies has further undermined the rupee. The Fed&rsquo;s latest rate forecasts will provide an additional fillip to the dollar.
India&rsquo;s sharply slowing growth, necessitating the central bank to deliver rate cuts sooner rather than later, is an added factor that is weighing on the rupee, said Akshay Kumar, head of global markets at BNP Paribas India.
&ldquo;In the short term, we can expect upward pressure on USD/INR to remain,&rdquo; he said.
The many headwinds that the rupee is facing prompted investors to raise their short positions on the currency to a two-year high in December, according to a Reuters poll.
The rupee has weakened about 2% so far this year and is in the middle of the Asia FX pack.
Routine interventions by the Reserve Bank of India have kept the rupee&rsquo;s volatility low relative to its Asian peers.
The muted volatility that the rupee enjoyed in the last two years may not be repeated in 2025, analysts said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

U.S. crude stocks and distillate inventories fell while gasoline inventories rose in the week ending Dec. 13, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday.

Oil Prices Rally on Inventory Drop, Market Awaits Fed Projections

U.S. crude stocks and distillate inventories fell while gasoline inventories rose in the week ending Dec. 13, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday.

Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday after U.S. crude inventories fell and as investors eyed a likely interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve while weighing its projections for 2025.
Brent futures were up 60 cents, or 0.82%, to $73.79 a barrel at 1:10 p.m. ET. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 88 cents, or 1.26%, to $70.96. Both benchmarks retreated from gains of more than $1 a barrel at session highs.
U.S. crude stocks and distillate inventories fell while gasoline inventories rose in the week ending Dec. 13, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday.
Total product supplied, a proxy for demand, was at 20.8 million bpd, up 662,000 bpd from the prior week.
&ldquo;The market seems to have turned a corner from all the negativity we saw a couple of weeks ago as there is more optimism about demand,&rdquo; said Phil Flynn, a senior analyst for Price Futures Group.
Meanwhile, the Fed is expected to cut rates by a quarter point and to signal a cautious approach to loosening monetary policy next year.
&ldquo;While the market has a 25-basis point cut baked in, investors will look for what the forward-thinking is from the Fed and how aggressive they will be in 2025,&rdquo; StoneX analyst, Alex Hodes said in a note.
Between a new policy statement, the projections and Powell&rsquo;s press conference, the net result is likely to be &ldquo;a hawkish cut&rdquo; with a slower pace of reductions to come, Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG, wrote ahead of this week&rsquo;s meeting.
Lower rates decrease borrowing costs, which can boost economic growth and oil demand.
Uncertainty on how aggressively the U.S. Fed will cut interest rates next year is likely capping oil&rsquo;s upside for now, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
The U.S. central bank will release its policy statement at 2 p.m. ET (1900 GMT), followed by remarks from Chair Jerome Powell.
&ldquo;The one hurdle we have to get over is the Fed meeting, if the Fed stays in the lane of what is expected then I think oil has a good chance of making new highs today and towards the end of the month,&rdquo; said Price Futures Group&rsquo;s Flynn.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

These measures are aimed at strengthening governance frameworks, reducing regulatory burdens, and enhancing investor protection across financial markets.

SEBI Expands UPSI Definition, Strengthens ESG and Governance Frameworks

These measures are aimed at strengthening governance frameworks, reducing regulatory burdens, and enhancing investor protection across financial markets.

On Wednesday, the SEBI board approved a series of measures, including stricter regulatory norms for SME IPOs, a comprehensive overhaul of investment banking regulations, and an expanded definition of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI).
Also, the board approved reforms to boost ease of doing business for Debenture Trustees, ESG rating providers, InvITs, REITs, and SM REITs.
In a statement after the board meeting, Sebi has decided to introduce specific timelines for fund deployment in New Fund Offers (NFOs) and eased compliance burdens for employees of Asset Management Companies (AMCs). A proposal has been cleared for establishing an agency for verifying risk-return metrics for entities like investment advisors and algorithmic traders.
The board also approved a proposal that requires custodians to maintain a net worth of Rs 75 crore. This would enable incidental activities, like fund accounting while emphasising conflict-of-interest safeguards.
Further, Sebi has decided to make electronic payments mandatory for Demat account holders to ensure quicker transactions.
These measures are aimed at strengthening governance frameworks, reducing regulatory burdens, and enhancing investor protection across financial markets.
With regards to SME IPOs, Sebi has decided to introduce profitability criteria for companies planning to come out with an IPO, put a limit on offer-for-sale (OFS) and introduce phased lock-in for promoters.
On the investment banking rules, Sebi is looking to introduce two categories based on net worth &mdash; Category 1 (Rs 50 crore minimum) for all activities and Category 2 (Rs 10 crore minimum), excluding equity issues on the main Board.
Merchant bankers would be required to meet revenue thresholds over three years to retain registration, except those managing only debt or hybrid securities. The liquid net worth of 25 per cent of the minimum requirement and underwriting limits of 20 times the liquid net worth have been mandated.
To curb conflicts of interest, merchant bankers cannot lead-manage public issues if key personnel hold more than 0.1 per cent of the issuer&rsquo;s shares.
Sebi has also decided to expand the definition of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) to include more material events for clarity.
Regarding Debenture Trustees (DTs), Sebi codified DT rights and issuer obligations to streamline fiduciary roles, mandated standardisation of Debenture Trust Deeds for uniformity, and required DTs to separate non-regulated activities into a new entity within two years.
On ESG rating providers (ERPs), Sebi said such entities need to ensure simultaneous sharing of ESG reports with issuers and subscribers and mandated separation of non-regulated activities to improve operational focus and transparency.
In the case of High-Value Debt Listed Entities (HVDLEs), Sebi has increased the identification threshold for HVDLEs from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,000 crore, introduced a Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) voluntarily and a sunset clause and improved corporate governance norms for HVDLEs.
For the Special Purpose Distinct Entity (SPDE) Regulations, the regulator has enhanced eligibility criteria for SPDE trustees, amended the code of conduct for increased accountability, introduced e-voting for investors in SPDEs, and established safe harbour mechanisms for private securitisation transactions.
Also, the regulator has decided to impose full responsibility on market participants using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to safeguard data and ensure compliance.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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