NSE Indices Limited launched the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index on Monday to track companies adhering to principles of non-violence towards animals [1, 2].
This launch introduces a specific ethical framework for investors in India, allowing them to align their financial portfolios with the philosophy of Ahimsa. By filtering the broader market for animal-friendly practices, the index creates a benchmark for ethical investing beyond traditional environmental and social governance metrics.
The new thematic index is derived from the Nifty 500 universe [1]. The selection process identifies companies that maintain business practices aligned with non-violence, effectively removing firms involved in industries that conflict with these ethical standards [1, 2].
MSN said, "The index aims to promote companies with ethical business practices by provide investors with exposure to companies from the Nifty 500 universe that are aligned with the principles of non-violence" [2].
This move by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) provides a structured methodology for those seeking to avoid companies that profit from animal cruelty or exploitation [1]. By establishing a formal index, the NSE allows fund managers to create passive investment products that mirror these values, potentially increasing the flow of capital toward companies with animal-friendly operations [1, 2].
“The index aims to promote companies with ethical business practices”
The creation of the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index signals a growing demand for values-based investing in the Indian market. By formalizing 'non-violence' as a measurable investment criterion, the NSE is expanding the scope of ethical investing to include specific animal welfare standards, which may pressure companies within the Nifty 500 to audit their supply chains and business practices to remain eligible for inclusion.
