NSE Indices Limited launched the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index on 10 July 2026 to track companies from the Nifty 500 that follow Ahimsa (non-violence) in business practices and exclude firms involved in activities that harm animals.
Index overview
- Issuer: NSE Indices Limited, a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange.
- Universe: Companies drawn from the Nifty 500.
- Type: Thematic index based on values/principles rather than sector exposure.
- Base: Base date 1 April 2016; base value 1000.
- Weighting: Free‑float market capitalisation.
Selection framework
- Developer: Created using the Ahimsa Investment Movement framework in collaboration with Ahimsagain Foundation.
- Banding: Companies classified into Green, Orange and Red bands based on animal‑related impact.
- Exclusions: Firms in Orange and Red bands are excluded; criteria target business activities that harm animals.
Methodology & reconstitution
- Reconstitution: Semi‑annual review and reconstitution of constituents.
- Eligibility review: Screening combines activity‑based exclusion and free‑float weight adjustments.
Use and tradable products
- Benchmark role: Can serve as a benchmark for asset managers.
- Replicable products: Supports passive products such as ETFs and index funds.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Nifty 500: Broad market index representing 500 listed companies in India.
- Free‑float market capitalisation: Market value of shares available for public trading, excluding promoter/locked‑in holdings.
- ETF vs Index fund: ETFs trade on exchanges like shares; index funds aim to replicate index performance by holding similar securities.