NSE Index Limited, the index services subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), announced the launch of Nifty 500 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 is designed for investors who want to invest in companies that follow business practices that align with animal welfare considerations. Developed in collaboration with the AhimsaGain Foundation under the Nonviolence 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 classified into three categories: green, orange and red. According to ANI report, only companies placed in the green category are eligible for inclusion in the index, while companies classified under the orange and red categories are excluded.NSE Indices said the launch reflects the growing demand for thematic and responsible investment products that combine market exposure with specific sustainability and ethical considerations.“The index provides market participants with a transparent, rules-based benchmark that integrates ethical considerations with broad-based equity market exposure,” NSE Indices said.The Nifty 500 Nonviolence Index will include companies selected from the diverse Nifty 500 universe, applying nonviolence-based screening criteria to allow representation across sectors. 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 base date of the index is 1 April 2016, with a base value of 1,000. Its components will be reviewed and rebalanced semi-annually, with stock weights determined based on free-float market capitalization.
