In a groundbreaking move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced the introduction of an optional T+0 settlement cycle for the top 500 companies by market capitalization. Effective from January 31st, 2025, this reform will allow investors to settle their trades on the same day, greatly improving liquidity and reshaping trading strategies in India’s stock markets. The phased implementation, beginning with the bottom 100 companies and moving in increments of 100, reflects SEBI’s careful approach to balancing innovation with market stability. This initiative is poised to align India’s markets with global standards, enhance market efficiency, and attract foreign investment. Additionally, brokers will have the freedom to set their own fees for the T+0 settlement service, fostering competition within the brokerage industry.
Indian Stock Market Ends Flat Despite SEBI Announcement; Midcaps Outperform
Despite the historic announcement from SEBI, Indian stock indices, including Sensex and Nifty 50, ended the trading session nearly unchanged on Tuesday. While Infosys, ICICI Bank, and SBI saw gains, losses in Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, and Larsen & Toubro offset positive momentum. The Sensex closed with a marginal gain of 2 points at 81,510.05, while the Nifty 50 dipped 9 points to 24,610.05. Notably, the midcap and smallcap indices showed greater resilience, outperforming the major benchmarks with gains of 0.30% and 0.33%, respectively, signaling investor confidence in smaller companies.
Jungle Camps India IPO: Strong Investor Interest Sets the Stage for Success
The Jungle Camps India Limited IPO, launched on December 10th, has seen strong early demand. The hospitality company is seeking to raise ₹29.42 crore through a fresh issue priced between ₹68 and ₹72 per share on the BSE SME platform. The IPO will remain open until December 12th, and initial responses suggest strong investor interest, with grey market premiums reaching ₹65 per share. The positive outlook reflects investor optimism in the hospitality sector, positioning this IPO as a potential milestone event in the SME market.
Political Shifts: Mamata Banerjee Faces Opposition as INDIA Bloc Leader
The opposition INDIA bloc is undergoing internal power struggles, with Lalu Prasad Yadav, the RJD leader, strongly endorsing Mamata Banerjee for the leadership role. This endorsement comes amid growing opposition from the Congress party, which has expressed reservations about Banerjee’s leadership. Yadav’s bold statement that Congress’s objections “mean nothing” highlights the political maneuvering within the INDIA alliance as it prepares for upcoming elections, signaling significant shifts in the opposition’s strategy.
Delhi Election Focus: Kejriwal’s ‘Five Guarantees’ for Auto Drivers
With the Delhi assembly elections set for February 2025, Arvind Kejriwal, convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has unveiled five new guarantees aimed at benefiting auto-rickshaw drivers. These include insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh, financial assistance for daughters’ weddings, and support for children’s education. This populist move seeks to garner support from a critical voter base ahead of the elections.
Controversial Remarks: Lalu Yadav’s Comments and Kate Middleton’s TIME Recognition
In the midst of political developments, Lalu Prasad Yadav stirred controversy with a sexist remark about Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s women’s outreach initiative, drawing swift criticism. On a separate note, Kate Middleton was shortlisted for TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year, recognizing her immense influence and impact on the global stage, highlighting her role in both British and international affairs.
