Business

Major Reforms Expected at Upcoming SEBI Board Meeting

Published

11 months ago

March 11, 2025

During the inaugural board meeting led by newly appointed Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is set to address several significant regulatory proposals. The agenda includes the introduction of UPI-like safeguards for demat accounts, ensuring the autonomy of clearing corporations, expanding the definition of qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), and revising fee collection practices by research analysts.

To bolster investor security, SEBI has proposed a system akin to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for demat accounts. This initiative, introduced on February 18, aims to tie each investor’s unique client code to their mobile phone SIM to combat unauthorized access, identity theft, SIM spoofing, and fraud.

Another crucial topic on SEBI’s agenda is the independence of clearing corporations (CCs) from their parent stock exchanges. In November 2024, SEBI board member Ananth Narayan emphasized the need to reevaluate the current structure, noting that, unlike global practices where CCs function as independent public utilities, India’s CCs are entirely owned by their parent exchanges.

Additionally, SEBI will discuss stricter regulations for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) rating providers. Proposed changes include guidelines for withdrawing ratings, enhanced disclosure requirements, audits, and governance norms. For ratings under a “subscriber pays” model, withdrawals would only be permitted if there are no active subscribers. In the “issuer pays” model, extra stipulations such as a minimum three-year rating period and the approval of 75% of bondholders prior to withdrawal are being proposed.

Chairman Pandey recently reiterated SEBI’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and investor safety. At a media event, he stated that SEBI is dedicated to minimizing systemic risks and ensuring a secure environment for investors. “An informed investor is well protected. Our future efforts will focus on raising awareness among both current and potential investors,” remarked Pandey.

SEBI is also looking to broaden the definition of Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) to encompass Accredited Investors for angel funds. This proposal, introduced on February 21, would enable angel funds to secure capital beyond the existing limit of 200 investors as stipulated by the Companies Act.

Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.