NSE Indices launches Nifty500 Ahimsa Index: From ‘ethical’ filters to screening, how the benchmark works

NSE Indices Limited, the index services subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), announced the launch of Nifty500 Ahimsa Index, a new thematic index that tracks companies from the Nifty 500 universe that align with the principles of “Ahimsa” or non-violence.The index has been designed for investors seeking exposure to companies that follow business practices aligned with animal welfare considerations. Developed in collaboration with the Ahimsagain Foundation under its Ahimsa Investment Movement (AIM) framework, the index uses an ethical screening process to identify eligible companies.Under the AIM framework, companies are assessed based on their products, services and overall business practices and are classified into three categories: Green, Orange and Red. Only companies placed in the Green category are eligible for inclusion in the index, while those classified under Orange and Red categories are excluded, reported ANI.NSE Indices said the launch reflected the growing demand for thematic and responsible investment products that combine market exposure with specific sustainability and ethical considerations.“The index offers market participants a transparent, rules-based benchmark that integrates ethical considerations with broad-based equity market exposure,” NSE Indices said.The Nifty500 Ahimsa Index will comprise companies selected from the diversified Nifty 500 universe, allowing representation across sectors while applying the Ahimsa-based screening criteria. The index is expected to act as a benchmark for fund managers and support the creation of passive investment products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index funds and other structured investment solutions.The index has a base date of April 1, 2016, with a base value of 1,000. Its constituents will be reviewed and rebalanced semi-annually, with stock weights determined based on free-float market capitalisation.