#Exchange Board India

[algos11]

In recent years, algo trading in India has become an essential part of the country’s financial landscape. With technology getting more advanced and markets becoming more complex, traders as well as institutions are switching to algorithmic trading to make their trading strategies better. Algorithmic trading, or algo trading, is a method that utilises automated programs to carry out trades based on certain rules such as price, volume, and timing. The soaring adoption of algo trading in the Indian stock markets has immensely strengthened liquidity, thus forming a more efficient and stable market atmosphere. Through this blog, we will find out the ways that algo trading is increasing liquidity in the financial markets, especially in India and also will see how it is a key component in the modern market operation.

[pratapnaik]

XII BST : Financial Market

Learning Objective Learning Outcomes Meaning & Concept of Financial Market Function of Financial Markets Concept of Money Market Money Market Instruments Concept of Capital Market Comparative View : Money Market & Capital Market Primary Market Secondary Market / Stock Exchange Function of Stock Exchange Trading and Settlement of Stock Exchange Security Exchange Board of…

[excellence-12]

Role of Regulatory bodies in shaping Corporate Governance in India

It is essential for companies to have a sound Corporate Governance structure, and processes related thereto, to function effectively, responsibly and ethically. This promotes transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Regulators play an important role in ensuring that companies function in a proper manner, such that interests of all stakeholders are protected. It is the role of the Regulators to lay down regulations. These would impose restrictions or limitations on corporate entities to not undertake activities that would not be in the interest of stakeholders. Regulators must also review these regulations from time to time to ensure that they continue to stay relevant, and do not stand in the way of the ease of doing business.

There are various types of Regulatory bodies that exist. There are Statutory bodies, which are separate from the Executive wing of the Government, and enjoy a certain degree of autonomy. Then there are Regulatory bodies, which are created through Government notification. There are also the Self-Regulatory bodies (also known as Self Regulatory Organisations or SROs), which are created under different laws, but are self-regulatory in nature.

Corporate India has witnessed several regulatory and structural reforms in the area of Corporate Governance in the last few years. These have been introduced through various Regulatory bodies.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

MCA regulates companies, whether public or private, through the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) and the Rules made thereunder. There is a major emphasis to promote governance in companies with the Companies Act, 1956 being replaced with the Companies Act, 2013. A number of new provisions were introduced, such as appointment of at least one woman Director on the Board, concept of KMP, provisions for Board evaluation, provision of separate meeting of Independent Directors, concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), where all profit-making companies have to spend at least 2% of the average net profit towards social development activities, provisions to streamline Board and committee meeting agenda documents through Secretarial Standards-1, provisions to streamline AGM related processes through Secretarial Standards-2, introduction of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), and provision of filing of class action suit for the first time in India. There was also the introduction of bodies such as NFRA and SFIO. NFRA was introduced to ensure that there is proper independent supervision over Statutory Auditors. SFIO, a multi-disciplinary statutory agency, was introduced to detect and prosecute white-collar crimes.

MCA has continuously made efforts to decriminalise a number of offences under the Act in order to promote the ease of doing business.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

SEBI regulates all listed companies through SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (LODR). LODR replaced the erstwhile Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement. It introduced a number of provisions to promote governance such as presence of at least one woman Independent Director, majority independent members on Audit Committee and Nomination and Remuneration Committee, introduction of a Risk Management Committee, provision for Senior Management Personnel (in addition to KMPs), requirements relating to disclosures both on Stock Exchanges and on the website of the companies, provisions relating to RPTs, and provision of secretarial audit for companies and their material unlisted subsidiaries.

SEBI has continuously brought amendments to LODR in order to promote transparency and to prevent misdoings in the corporate world. The latest changes include provision for a Compliance Officer to be a KMP and one level below the Board, enhanced governance related disclosures on Stock Exchanges, and reduction of timeline for disclosures, in order to promote transparency in the markets.

Reserve Bank of Indian (RBI)

Banks in India are regulated by the RBI through the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the guidelines and circulars issued from time to time. RBI continuously takes steps to keep the banking operations safe and smooth. The nature of banking activities is such that risk is an integral part of it. Banks have been the first to have mandatory positions such as that of Chief Risk Officer (CRO). In addition, the CRO has to meet the Risk Management Committee members, without the presence of management, so that he/she has adequate independence in functioning. The number of Board committees too are more than those for other listed.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

IRDAI deals with insurance companies in India. It ensures that insurance companies adhere to regulations, and protect interests of their policyholders. IRDAI has become active in the space of Corporate Governance, and has come out with guidelines on the same. It has been the first Regulator that has put in retirement age for Directors at 75 years.

Consumer protection is one of the key areas of concern for IRDAI. It ensures that policyholders do not get cheated by service providers.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

PFRDA regulates the pension sector in India. It promotes old age income security by establishing, developing and regulating pension funds, and protecting the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds. It also ensures the orderly growth and development of the pension market.

All Regulators have contributed, and continue to, contribute, towards the strengthening of Corporate Governance practices in India, to ensure that there is accountability and transparency by corporates. From time to time, they introduce amendments, in response to the changing business environment, and to address issues and concerns relating to the conduct of business.

Some suggestions on what more can be done by Regulators to improve the governance landscape are –

Address the issue of excessive regulations and kneejerk reactions to mischief – A single episode of mischief in the market should not automatically lead to introduction of a new law/ regulation. There is a need to have better implementation, and not an increase in regulations, as knee jerk reactions.

Regulations should not adversely impact the day-to-day business activities – Regulations are means to an end, not an end in themselves. There is a need to have proper check and balances, such that regulations do not become business destroying.

Regulatory impact assessment – There should be a regulatory impact assessment conducted from time to time, which will help Regulatory bodies to analyse whether the proposed regulation serves public interest.

Sunset clauses – All regulations should have sunset clauses to examine their continuing relevance some years after their coming into effect to see whether they remain relevant or not. At the same time, there should be a Regulations Review Authority to weed out existing regulations that are not relevant, in the absence of a sunset clause in such regulations.

Cost of implementation – Regulators should be mindful of the cost of compliance. The cost, in every case, is passed on to the persons for whose benefit the regulation is written.

Dialogue with industry participants – There is a need for greater dialogue with industry participants. There is also a need for adherence to relevant international standards. Proper harmonisation of regulations would help in raising the standards of Corporate Governance.

SROs are mostly industry bodies or membership bodies, which have the power to regulate. It is important to ensure that the business function and the regulatory function are kept separate, to ensure independence of the regulatory element.

The role of Regulatory bodies is to have meaningful and pragmatic regulations, and not to increase the compliance burden or cost element for the corporates. Source: https://excellenceenablers.com/role-of-regulatory-bodies-in-shaping-corporate-governance-in-india/

[priyashareindia9]

Navigating the world of financial markets necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal features embedded within a trading account. These features serve as the bedrock for executing trades, managing investments, and engaging with diverse financial instruments. In this exploration, let us understand the essential characteristics that define the landscape of a trading account, shedding light on the crucial elements that empower investors in their journey through the dynamic realm of trading.

[zfundsofficial]

NISM Certification: A Gateway to a Professional Career in the Indian Securities Market

The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) certification is a prestigious and sought-after credential for professionals looking to build a career in the Indian securities market. Established by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), NISM aims to promote securities market education and research, fostering a better understanding of the market mechanisms and enhancing the quality of market participants. This article delves into the importance, types, and benefits of NISM certification, guiding aspiring professionals on their journey to becoming certified market experts.

Types of NISM Certifications

NISM offers a wide range of certifications catering to different segments of the securities market. Some of the prominent certifications include:

1. NISM Series VA: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination: This certification is essential for those looking to work as mutual fund distributors, providing comprehensive knowledge about mutual funds, the regulatory environment, and distribution practices.

2. NISM Series VIII: Equity Derivatives Certification Examination: This certification focuses on the derivatives market, covering topics such as derivatives trading, hedging, speculation, and the regulatory framework.

3. NISM Series I: Currency Derivatives Certification Examination: This certification is designed for individuals working with currency derivatives, offering insights into the forex market, trading strategies, and risk management.

4. NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management Certification Examination: This certification is aimed at professionals involved in the operations and risk management aspects of the securities market, encompassing trade life cycle, clearing and settlement, and regulatory requirements.

5. NISM Series XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination: This certification is tailored for research analysts, covering fundamental and technical analysis, research report writing, and ethical standards.

Conclusion

NISM certification plays a pivotal role in shaping the careers of professionals in the Indian securities market. By providing comprehensive education and ensuring adherence to high ethical standards, NISM certifications help create a knowledgeable and trustworthy workforce, essential for the growth and stability of the financial markets. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, obtaining an NISM certification can significantly enhance your career prospects and professional credibility in the dynamic and competitive securities market. You can also prepared for exam using NISM Mock test or NISM Va Mock test.

[attud-com]

Tata Technologies Files Draft Prospectus for IPO to Raise Funds

Tata Technologies, a unit of Tata Motors, has filed a draft prospectus for an IPO. The issue is an OFS by promoters and selling shareholders. Read more. #TataTechnology #NiftyBank #Nifty50 #OptionTrading

Tata Technologies, a unit of Tata Motors Ltd, has filed a draft prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO is an offer for sale (OFS) by promoters and selling shareholders. The shares of the company are proposed to be listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Company…

[madridfangirl]

Escape

Jude Bellingham comfort blurb.

Summary: Literally the title. Jude finds an escape from ongoing shit with the people he loves the most.

(Characters from Star Crossed Lovers.)

.................................................................................

'Heyy you.'

'Heyy.'

Ananya was met with a glum face and a glum voice when she video-called her boyfriend. Last 2 days were nothing short of hell for him. She had been away for her cousin's wedding in India, but the Clasico had bummed her out as well. They had exchanged messages and had a brief call but the wedding celebrations didn't leave her much time to spend with Jude.

And when she saw the Balon d'or fiasco while scrolling through her insta at the airport, her first reaction was disbelief. She wanted to throw her phone at the nearest wall. The travesty and scandal of the whole thing was beyond comprehension.

But she got her reaction out of her system before reaching out to him, knowing he would be 10 times as upset. Just last night he had sent her images of the fully done up suit, along with the classy watch (which she had picked). He had been so excited for the podium finish, to actually attend as one of the best players in the world and not an 'upcoming' player anymore. The post-event party was going to be epic too. But alas - the universe conspired against them real hard.

'How are you?'

'How do you think?'

He responded curtly, then checked his tone immediately.

'Just blah.'

'I know. Me too.'

'When did you see?'

'Just now when I reached the airport.'

She was about to board the connecting flight to Madrid.

'You?'

'Been a few hours.'

'You didn't tell me?'

'Didn't know where you would be. Didn't wanna upset you also.'

Upset was a massive understatement for what she was feeling right now. She wanted to burn down the world. Not just as Jude's girlfriend, but as a Madridista more.

But, she told herself what's done is done. She had to be strong for him. Both of them couldn't have a meltdown at the same time.

'Honestly thought it would be a good distraction from Saturday. But nahh. Man I still can't believe this is true.'

'Me neither. Part of me feels I'd wake up from this nightmare any second.'

'Yeah.'

'When do you go back to training?'

'Day after. Got tomorrow off as well now.'

'Hmm. Denise must be pampering you loads?'

First hint of a smile from the boy, as he thought of his mother fondly.

'Hotdog, pasta, cake, hugs - everything.'

'Awww. Didn't sing you a lullaby?'

She teased fondly.

'Won't put it past her.'

A half-smile again.

Jobe & Mark couldn't make it for the Clasico. Jobe's schedule didn't permit that. The brothers loved nothing more than to be there to support each other for big matches but the realities of their calendars barely permitted that.

Ananya hoped they had been able to make it. Would have been a massive comfort to Jude right now.

But Denise was a superwoman when it came to making Jude feel better & taking care of him. One of the best mums in the world.

Ananya had seen their bond up close for an year now. So she knew he was in good hands.

'She's the best.'

Ananya smiled genuinely at the screen.

'Don't know what I'd do without her honestly.'

He paused for a moment.

'And, without you.'

'Oh you'd walk around the streets crazy if it wasn't for me.'

She shrugged, grinning.

Jude smiled. The kind of smile that recahed his eyes. The ability of this girl to uplift his spirits, just by existing, befuddled him so much.

'How long till I see you?'

'Three hours. Boarding in 5 and coming straight to you from the airport.'

'Come sooner.'

She shook her head fondly at the screen.

'Unless you suddenly turned into Tony Stark and discovered a portal through time & space, not possible to come faster than a plane.'

'Such a nerd.'

'Proud of it.'

'Seriously, come soon.'

'Close your eyes. Take a nap. I'd be there when you wake up.'

Colour drained from his face at her words. He had barely slept AT ALL last two days. Even Denise's cuddles hadn't helped.

'Yeah, will try.'

'Jude, look at me.'

He looked up immediately.

'It's done. It sucks but it's done. Nothing will change it. Don't let it burn you from the inside. Last 2 days were shitty but we can only go up from here, yeah?'

'Easier said than done.'

'With you. 100%. It'd feel shitty for a while but hey, next 1.5 days, lets shut out the world and focus on what's dear to us, what's important, yeah? There is more to life, we both know that.'

'Hmmm.'

'I'll be there by lunch time. Should I get some Toblerone?'

'Yeah.'

'Cool, see you soon baby.'

'Come soon.'

'I'm coming.'

When she landed in Madrid and checked her phone, there were 5 missed calls from Jude. and a message to call him back as soon as she saw it.

Alarmed, she rang him up immediately.

'Hey, where are you? Don't leave the airport.'

'What?'

'We are going to Corsica for a day.'

'WHAT?'

'Mum and I are at the private section of the airport. There is a car waiting for you on arrivals. Sending you the details. Take that & come here. We fly out in 15.'

'Back up. What the hell are you saying? This doesn't make any sense.'

'Makes all the sense. I don't have training tomorrow and you have an off tomorrow. We'll come back early on Wed morning. 2 nights in Corsica. Resort is booked and the flight time is 1.5 hours. I researched, dove. Planned to the T. Now stop wasting time & get here.'

Ananya couldn't register anything he was saying. Freaking out hard at the idea of taking a holiday together with his mum. Sure they had stayed together at his Madrid house many times and she had even visited the family in theri Birmingham home during the summer and she had a good relationship with Denise.

But a holiday with your boyfriend's mum was a big step.

Of all the reasons she had to freak out, she chose the silliest one to voice out loud.

'I don't have any clothes for Corsica.'

'You'd be with me. Why do you need clothes?'

'JUDE.'

'Relax, she's not with me right now. On the phone with dad. Complaining I've gone mad. Her exact words - come get your son he's driving me crazy.'

'I'm with her on this.'

'Did you find the car yet?'

'Yes but Jude..'

'Dove I need this. Can't be here right now. Can't even be in this city. Need an escape. Need you guys. Please?'

There was no way on Mother Earth she could have said no to that voice and those words.

'Ok.'

The plane took off exactly 10 mins later. Ananya insisted on wearing a mask while boarding - the relationship was not public and if there was any chance she was seen with him (Jude insisted it won't happen coz private terminal) then at least they won't get her face.

'Why Corsica?'

'Remote. Pretty. Haven't been there. And you said it's on your list right?'

She had seen the place in a movie and told him about it. Months ago.

'Yeah. But...'

'You shouldn't be the one having to plan all this right now. We should be taking care of you.'

'You are. By being with me right now.'

He leaned down & kissed her, something she was still getting used to in the presence of his family. It had taken Jude some time to understand that PDA worked differently where she came from, and both had gravitated to a midway here.

They landed soon, on a private airstrip of a luxury resort.

Ofcourse.

Ananya didn't even dare to think how much a place like this would have costed. Coz it was luxury personified. Grand sea-facing villas. Normally, she would have told Jude this was too much. But now was not the time. The boy had the right to do whatever he wanted right now.

Instead, she focused on the clear blue waters in sight. And wondered if the place would have a shop to buy at least something appropriate.

The staff walked them to their villa. While Ananya admired the white marbles and fancy chandeliers all around.

'This is us. And that's you, mum.'

Ananya walked in. And kept walking. The place was never ending. Two bed rooms. Three washrooms. Private pool. Sea-facing deck. And a bunch of other rooms she couldn't even understand the purpose of.

'You took 2 villas?'

'Yup.'

'Why? This place can fit a village.'

'Why do you think?'

He said without missing a beat.

'Seriously?'

'I meant what I said about the clothes.'

He said matter of factly, while adding the wifi password to his phone. Leaving his girlfriend gaping at him.

'You can take off that mask now.'

'Oh yeah.'

She had forgotten about that. So lost in this place, and in him.

When his brows furrowed while gaping through his phone, Ananya interved.

'Gimme that.'

'What?'

'No phones while we are here. Let's try that?'

That didn't seem like a bad idea. He did want to forget about the world outside, atleast briefly.

'What should we do then?'

'Lets watch a movie? Ask Denise if she'd be up for it.'

'Naah she's cranky. I literally dragged her out of bed mid-nap. Not knocking on her door now she'll be mad.'

'Cool then we can watch something. On the deck maybe? Sea breeze would be nice.'

'Or we could do some other things. On the deck also if you want.'

She just shook her head at him in exasperation, and he knew it meant a no. But he also knew a no was only for now. She won't keep him waiting for long, not when she wanted to make him feel better.

Honestly, he just did it to get a reaction from her, something he enjoyed a fair bit.

Not having the constant buzz of the phone next to him helped a ton. As did the soothing air. The serenity seeping into his pores.

They watched a random rom-com, with Jude's running commentary on how cheesy it was.

'Please, have you seen you? You are cheesier.'

'Take that back.'

'Nope.'

'Name one cheesy thing I do.'

'Kissing me through the phone?'

'That's not cheesy.'

'Yeah sure.'

The bickering went on, as the movie kept playing in the background.

Denise sent her a quick 'how's he doing?' and she responded with an 'ok.'

After the movie, they did do a few other things he wanted. Not on the deck though, no way she was going to allow that.

It was time for dinner. The resort had set up a table sea-side for them.

'I literally have nothing to wear Jude.'

'Wear my jersey. I have it somehwhere.'

'What a great idea to not draw attention.'

But wearing one of his oversized shirts was the only option. With her jeans.

How badly she hoped she had a dress with her right now. Especially in a fancy ass place like this.

But the shirt, which made her look like a homeless person, will have to suffice. She tucked it in, doing the best she could.

'Don't tell me you're gonna wear a mask here as well.'

'On the way, yes. On the table, it's already dark at the beach.'

He raised his hand in surrender, knowing she'll do what she wanted.

They reached the table and Denise was wearing a supremely elegant dress. And Ananya wanted to jump in the deep waters.

She glared at Jude sideways, and he avoided it pointedly, starting a random conversation with his mum.

Jobe face-timed shortly, and Jude took the phone to show the scenery to Jobe. Denise watched them from a distance, content.

'How was he last 2 days?'

'Oh bad. Very rarely have I seen him like this.'

Ananya hummed.

'But he looks better now. Your being here helped.'

Jude had learnt the matter-of-fact mode of speaking from his mother. He was a carbon copy in this department, and in many other departments.

The said boy returned to the table then, giggling at something Mark was yelling in the background. About Jobe not finishing his dinner.

'I'm 19 dad. 19.'

'19 year old boys don't need to eat anymore.'

'Jobe - why aren't you eating?'

Denise chimed in and Jobe looked distraught.

'You guys - seriously?'

'They're right. You shouldn't skip meals, not on a school night.'

Jude added with a straight face

'Shut up, loser.'

'You're a loser.'

'Ananya - if you love me, you'd make him sleep on the floor tonight.'

She was happily sipping on wine, which she choked on when she heard her name in the middle of the family conversation. And in the context with which Jobe said it.

Her mouth opened and closed like a fish, unable to string words together, but Jude stepped in to help.

'Who said she loves you?'

That did not help.

'Ananya - tell him you love me.'

'Ummm...'

'Alright stop it boys. Jobe - you have training tomorrow. Go to bed now.'

The ever disciplined Denise made her presence known.

'Gosh you guys. I'm 19. NINETEEN.'

'Still a teen.'

'I hate you, bro.'

'Right back at you, bro.'

They hung up shortly after, with another firm nudge from Denise.

When they were wrapping up, Denise took Ananya to the side.

'He hasn't slept in two days.'

'Yeah I figured.'

'Should we give him something?'

'No I think today maybe different. Let me try. Otherwise lets do that tomorrow.'

'Yeah ok. Just....can you check....'

'I'm on it, Denise.'

She smiled reassuringly at the worried mum. And the mum smiled back.

After the usual activities that night in bed, Ananya sighed softly as she was half-laid over Jude's chest. The shirt from earlier laid crumpled over the floor.

'Told you clothes are not a problem.'

'Oh shushhh.'

The sound of his giggle gave her such joy.

'Can I ask you something?'

'Ofcourse.'

'How are you? Truly?'

'Babe...'

'Please? It's important to talk, Jude.'

He was quiet for 2 minutes.

'Hasn't fully sunk in yet. Either thing.'

'I get it.'

'Makes me question a few things.'

'Like?'

'Like how good I am?'

Jude did not like such vulnerability. But the words just started flowing when he was with her.

'You don't need the validation of THOSE people to know how good you are.'

'What about my people?'

'Like?'

'Club. Coach. Squad.'

'Sweetheart - they know more than your family & friends. They are the ones who put you on this pedestal last year.'

'Am I still there though, on that pedestal?'

'What do you feel?'

'Things have changed.'

'For the better or for the worse?'

'A bit of both sometimes. Don't know how to explain.'

'No I get it.'

'Hmm.'

'And I think you should talk to him. He loves you, you know that.'

It didn't need to be said that they were talking about Carlo.

'It can get messy if I do that.'

'Do it nicely. It'd get messier if you don't. Jude, if your head is not in the right place, you think we have a real shot at winning everything?'

'Am I talking to my girlfriend or a Madridista?'

'Both. And both are telling you the same thing. So listen to both.'

'You know I'm not great at these conversations.'

'That's crazy. You're great at addressing things head on. Just do that.'

'Mum said the same thing.'

'See? I knew it.'

'You're so like her sometimes.'

'Like how?'

'Like how smart you are. How correct.'

'Yeah - well - I'm smart can't help it.'

She giggled and he pulled her up for a sloppy, messy kiss.

'Tell me it'll get better.'

'It's you. You will not rest till it gets better. You will turn the world upside down to make it better. And well, it's Real Madrid. No one can keep us down for long.'

'You really should work at the club you know. They'd love you.'

'My dream job. But my current one pays a lot more.'

'Hmmmm.'

As she laid wrapped in his arms, Jude felt a sense of contentment that had evaded him last 2 days. He thought his world was crumbling down, while his world was right there in his arms. And next door. And in Sunderland. And in Birmingham. The pieces of his heart were around him to make him whole again. Ultimately, that's what mattered. This was the most important thing. And he will turn the world upside down till he gets to the very top of it, again. Which was his rightful place anyway.

............................................................................

Written in 2 hours. Not edited at all.

Just me talking to myself, anything to distract from this mess.

Hope you like it.

[pherelesytsia]

Who did this to you? - 9

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x female/Reader

Summary: Bruised and broken, Y/N, trapped in a loveless marriage, arrives at her best friend’s house, desperately hoping someone will help her, aware she cannot return to the estate of her husband.

Warning: fear, anxiety, Angst, swearing 

Word Count: 2.7k

Part 8

Chains, bloodied and graced with torn rotting flesh, moulding in the light of the wanning moon, dangled in all directions in the howling wind. Bones cracked under polished shoes freckled by grime and coated with rotting leaves. The lightbulbs among the broken were shining faintly, breaking the doom, the utter darkness ruling in the endless corridor leading into different vacant rusty halls.

The wind was howling, a lonely wolf, a hound greeting the full moon. Water dripped through the holey ceiling of metal and musty wood. The old building, far away from civilisation, with shattered windows barricaded by boards was surrounded.

The man clothed in a form-fitting suit didn’t bear a map, didn’t need a compass to find the right path. The faint stench of mould lingered in the stiff air. Rats fled in great haste, screeched and warned the brothers hiding in the holes in the ground and empty chests. A few dark grey strands illuminated the dark sea. Untroubled Thomas followed the path. His fingers tapped against the polished metal. He did not put his gaze over his shoulder, focused on the light showing the end of the tunnel. Deep hush voices exchanged brief words and the grin on his lips widened, thought of ways to harm the men who had dared to touch his wife.

Thomas tilted his head. The light hit the tip of his shoes, but the Shelby, a demon, the devil himself waiting patiently, remained in the shadows. Deftly, he leapt to the side, hiding behind the cargo crates stacked high from India, Africa and the far East. Footsteps echoed and a soft whimper, a kitten, a newborn calling for its mother, fell silent. More men, dark dressed creatures, followed the order with drawn weapons and waited for the signal. Thomas leaned forward, peering through the crack between the crates. Two men, shabbily dressed, stood in the light of the flickering yellowish bulb, but his keen eyes couldn’t find the source of the whimper.

            “The money?” the thinner one pecked, wiping the oil from his fingers on his trousers.

The taller one laughed, folding his arms in front of his bulging chest. 

            “The woman will pay us off. I called her. By the end of the day, we’ll get the money.”, “We should have killed his wife right away,” the other said, leaning against the cargo boxes.

            “Karl, I would have killed her, but the other guy came. We would have died otherwise. I know him, Solomons. He would have killed us,” he interjected.

            “And what are we supposed to do now, Jimmy?” Karl questioned.

            “And what will happen to us, Karl?” Jim asked.

Karl shrugged his shoulders. Eyes widened in shock, screams followed, bullets pierced flesh and grazed bones. Men in suits stormed the old run-down complex, a tsunami swallowing villages and towns. Closely followed by his men, Thomas entered the room, stepped closer with his gun drawn, fired and hit the bull’s eye, ran ahead, searched and cursed, but didn’t find the woman. Sweat cascaded his face, turned, and hoped the men could answer his questions, but the eyes had paled. Cursing, Thomas stared at his brothers opening the crates in the hope of finding Peggy in one of them.

            “Where is she?” Arthur asked, heaving.

John cursed, nearly fell into the crate. Perplexed, he stared into the distance, cursed under his breath, turned with paled features towards his brothers and mumbled a short prayer.

            The moon wandered on, over land and mountains, on and on, climbing hills and swimming over lakes and raging streams. Under the cover of the moon, ghastly shadows crept forth. Light burned in the mansion far away from civilisation, from towns and villages. The vehicles parked in front of the mansion were not neatly lined up. Curtains were drawn and didn’t allow to witness the people warming themselves by the flames, gnawing on the hardened biscuits and awakening the sense with the dark unsweetened liquid. The phone didn’t ring, and the bell didn’t announce a guest.

The clock was ticking, heels clicked against the creaking hardwood. Voices had died down, the women did not chatter as the gentle voice breathing delicate word into the microphone sang of love and gentle kisses. The women exchanged meaningless glances, glanced at the man they thought would never enter the house, who had settled down by the fireplace and was leafing through the book with his legs crossed, staring again and again at the doors and windows in search of grim faces pursued by evil intentions. Y/N warmed her fingers on the cup filled with tea and dipped her tongue in the warm liquid.

            “Don’t worry, they will be here soon. It’s just a matter of time. Don’t worry, my dear.” Ada breathed.

She flashed the shaking woman a smile, breathed encouraging words, but they couldn’t banish the fear from her heart.

            “They’ve been gone for a long time. At least three hours now.” Y/N breathed.

            “You worry too much Y/N/N. The Shelby can take something. If he’s not here by seven, then we’ll go looking for him together.” Alfie joked.

Y/N stretched her arms into the air. Sleep gnawed on her bones and the voice in her head assured her that all would be well, that Thomas was on his way back, that the door would open soon and he would stand with Peggy and a promise to change by her side. She counted the seconds, focused on the clock, yet Y/N had lost track of time and space a long time ago. Her eyes widened. The tiredness was gone with the wind. Groaning, Y/N jumped and threw the blanket away. A wall, the last wall of defence rose in front of her and a palm settled on her back.

            “Come, little one. We will go together. You stay here. I have everything under control. I saw a car.” Alfie said.

Y/N tried to argue, telling him to stay with the others, that she wanted to go alone, but no words crossed her lips and nodded. Alfie smiled, gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, stuffed his gun into the pocket, and guided Y/N away from the richly set table. Keys jingled. Alfie pushed Y/N behind him, but the young woman went ahead. The cold air brushed her skin and painted her cheeks. Brows almost touched. Y/N looked questioningly at Peggy, shook her head, and lips parted.

            “Peggy?” Y/N whispered, not believing her eyes, convinced she was about to awake from a dream.

She looked healthy. Not a drop of blood clung to the long white evening dress, looked like a woman on her way to church to walk down the aisle. The hair was laid in curls, dotted with pearls and glass shaped in tears. The bouquet, white and red flowers fell to the ground. A smile, false as a fox’s, sweet as a snake’s voice, spread on her lips.

            “You’re well?” Y/N questioned.

            “Why shouldn’t I be well? I am glad to see that you are well. I see nothing happened to you while I was away. I told you to wait for me at home. I could never have forgiven myself if something bad had happened to you.” Peggy spoke coldly, stoically, emotionlessly.

            “Where’s Thomas? He’s out looking for you. I was worried about you.” Y/N uttered.

Spreading her arms, Y/N wanted to enclose Peggy in a tight hug, but fingers clawed deep into the thin material covering her, forcing her to stagger backwards.

            “Alfie, can you please let go of me?’ Y/N demanded.

Y/N turned and stubbornly demanded to be let free, but Alfie shook his head.

            “Why do you have to make everything more complicated? Get in there and don’t do anything stupid or you’ll all regret it. Are we clear?”, “I wouldn’t do that.” Alfie interjected. He removed his hand from the pistol and rose his hands into the air after he pulled Y/N closer to his chest.

            “Peggy?” Y/N breathed, hoped the person bore a mask, but it was Peggy.

Colour drained from her features. Cold metal pressed deeper into her skin. Bloodshot eyes forced Alfie to step back and told him not to dare to waste a single thought about doing something he might regret. Questions nor curses crossed Y/N´s lips pressed into a fine line. A lonely tear cascaded down her left cheek and left a red burning mark on her skin. Y/N questioned her life, every decision she had made, every word and complain she had said to Peggy in hope she would aid her. Synchronically, Ada and Polly arose, aimed, but no shots pierced the air. Peggy chased Alfie away to stand by the wall and he listened and placed the weapon on the ground as the women as Peggy stood tall behind the crumbling shield.

            “Why?” Y/N inquired, her heart bursting through skin and bone.

Peggy laughed and combed through Y/N´s locks with her long light-coloured nails.

            “I should be in your place. It would have been so easy. But those idiots let you get away and then you were at my door and I just had to let you in. I called these fools. I knew they would be at the bar, and informed them that you were with me, that they should walk in and take care of you. I then set off here, wanting to inform all of you that something might have happened to Y/N. I would have taken your place, but this man had to interfere with my plan.” Peggy joked.

Her bloodshot eyes slid from one person to another and pointing her finger at the tall man settling down on the armchair by the crackling fire.

            “How would you have done it? The Shelby wouldn’t have to believe you. Nobody would have.” Alfie questioned, with his arms crossed in front of his body.

            “Nobody? Suddenly everybody was searching for Y/N. When I returned home, she was gone. I am a good actress, I had classes when I was young and played in the theatre, always the evil and wicked,” the woman huffed.

She chuckled.

            “Thomas would have believed me. I would have played the good friend, helping him through this rough path. I just wanted to play the worried friend. I would have helped to find Y/N and then after a good month the case would have gone cold. The postman would have brought a letter from overseas and the problem would have been solved. Thomas would have found a good friend in me and later a wife,” she sneered.

            “But they trashed your house.” Y/N breathed, eliciting a malicious laugh from the mad woman.

            “I was a bit angry and had to let my anger run free. My plan was perfect.” she huffed, stroking Y/N’s skin with the weapon.

            “You wanted to kill me?” Y/N breathed.

            “No one cared about you, you told me everything, your former husband barely cared about you, you slept alone, spent your days alone, were air for everyone, I didn’t expect anyone to care about you.” Peggy laughed.

Y/N gulped, nodded, and breathed a soft prayer, prayed for the safety of all of them a few steps away from her.

            “A confident woman. Why would I marry you?” a deep voice sneered.

Smiling, Peggy turned around, fixed her hair and let go of Y/N, but she was rooted into the ground, turning into a statue overgrown by moss.

            “All these months you’ve been using me.” Y/N

The veil fell, and the wind carried away the dense mist. Y/N balled her hands into fists, nails bore deep into the soft flesh, but no sound escaped her lips. She faced Peggy, unfearful of the weapon in her right hand.

            “You never told me to give Thomas a chance, to at least try to get along with him. You never said anything nice about him. When he gave me flowers or chocolate, you told me he’d cheated on me and feared I would find out.” Y/N whispered, her voice raising with every fallen word.

She remembered the forgotten, the lonely nights, the long calls, the endless hours spend in the small room and crying her heart out to the wrong person, hoping Peggy would help her like only a friend could.

            “We spoke on the phone when Thomas didn’t come back that evening and instead of telling me that he must be working but you swore on your parents’ lives that you saw him in the arms of a woman.” Y/N cried out.

Y/N faced her friend, unfaced and untroubled by the loaded gun.

            “I suppose that was a lie, too. Probably everything you told me was a lie,” Y/N whispered.

She remembered the nights she was pouring out her heart and the answers that were as false as the snake’s words. She raised her eyes and looked up at Thomas. The man swallowed, saw the questions in his wife’s eyes and smiled.

            “I was never unfaithful, Y/N. I was a terrible husband, but I was always faithful to you,” Thomas assured her.

            “I believe you,” Y/N whispered, but Thomas had heard the answer.

Y/N advanced, oblivious to the woman in the wedding garment, wanting to go towards her husband, but Peggy made it impossible for her to do so, getting in the way.

            “Enough of this sweet talk.” Peggy chuckled.

Metal dazzled the eyes. She grabbed Y/N by the collar, scratched her skin, pressed her tightly against him. And the men and women, apart from Thomas, recoiled with their hands up. Thomas stashed his hands in his trouser pockets and nodded, guessing what she would demand.

            “You let me out and nothing will happen to her.” Peggy requested.

The Shelby nodded, exchanged brief glances with his brothers.

            “Good, go, you know the way. You hand Y/N over to me at the door. I leave my gun here and you put yours away. Do we understand each other?” Thomas spoke.

            “I don’t think you’re in a position to make demands here, Thomas, but I’ll take your offer. But I want them out of here. I want them all out of here in the kitchen.” Peggy interjected.

Thomas gestured to his siblings to leave, nodding, indicating that they should be on their way, that they shouldn’t worry, but his eyes betrayed him. Slowly, they rose from the sofa and did as Thomas ordered them again to leave. Heels clicked against the hardwood. Hush voices exchanged words, and the door slammed shut.

            “Can we go?” Thomas probed.

Thomas walked ahead, showed the way, paused at the open door, pushed it wide open and motioned the woman to leave. His hands clenched into fists. He wanted to free Y/N from the woman’s clutches, heard the soft whimpering as Peggy grabbed her former friend. Teeth gritted. Peggy stopped and turned with Y/N.

            “Here you go.” she shoved Y/N in his direction.

Y/N staggered forward, threatening to fall like a soldier, but arms wrapped tightly around her body, pressing her tightly to his chest. Thomas breathed loving words into her ear, pressed his dried lips on her skin and pressed featherlight kisses on her cheek. He murmured a prayer and begged for her forgiveness. Sweat danced down his face. He pressed another fleeting kiss on her temple. Thomas put his hands over her ears, deafening her to the screams and bullets piercing the air and suddenly, after all this time filled with screams and prayers, silence reigned over the land.

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[finalfrontierpublishing]

For Gladness of You by kariye

tis I, emerging from the depths to release a book into the wild -- ok, no i am lying i sent this book out in April (which was late, terrible of me)

In March 2024, I participated in the @renegadeguild California Mini-Exchange (CAME). as some people might know - i am one of the original interlopers in the server granted i don't actually live in california, but i was promoted to Asia Ambassador status when i visited last year in July.

For the exchange, I very gloriously got @mourningmountainsbindery as my partner for the exchange who i was excited to bind for, but I struggled a little in making this book as my house has been in a state of perpetual crisis until I officially move in November end of this year. This is sadly put my bookbinding on a backburner and I have been rather slow at it (my pace so far has been something like 3 books over 6 months, which is terrible).

Ultimately, I selected the fic because it's one of my favourites in the AOS fandom, and I love its use of non-linear storytelling.

Some stats as usual:

51055 words || 164 pages

body text: liberation serif 11 point

i had previously typeset this fic in word last year and I had really wanted to update the cover design. i've been leaning more into using paper and fabrics to tell a story, and i liked being able to use the different coloured papers to represent the coloured stones featured in the fic. I also painted the edges with liquid graphite, waxed and burnished them to make them shiny. i did a (largely failed) experiment to speckle the edges but mostly gave up as it was too messy to really do indoors. Some papers are from mamor papierie, and another is obtained from a marbler in India from etsy.

Endbands are made of silk, though i'd probably lean into thinner silk for smaller books in the future.

This book also features the second cut-out i've ever made, which i abused my cricut into doing it for me. Guess who found out that it's almost impossible to centralize the cut if you've precut the board already to size.

(Me, that's who.)

Despite the whinging, I do like how cut-outs work and will probably use them more in the future.

Anyway I CAME!!!!!

[ashortdropandasuddenstop]

Noble Blood

The orders had been vague, but with enough clarity that James could adequately perform his task. Commodore Norrington did not ask questions when the East India Trading Company made demands.

A man of status—Count Orlok—was to be given safe passage aboard the Dauntless, along with a handful of belongings, including several large, iron-bound crates. No details had been provided beyond that. No explanation as to why a nobleman required a naval escort rather than a private vessel, nor why the orders had been delivered with such urgency.

Norrington stood at the gangplank, watching as his men strained to load the final crate. The night air was thick with the scent of salt and damp wood, but something else clung to it—something stale, almost like earth turned over in a crypt. He dismissed the thought as foolishness. The hour was late, and exhaustion had a way of making shadows seem deeper than they were.

“Steady,” he called out as one of the sailors nearly lost his grip. The crate thudded against the deck, its weight unnatural. A few of the men exchanged wary glances, muttering under their breath.

Norrington took a slow breath, adjusting his coat. He would allow no superstition aboard his ship. Whatever cargo this Count Orlok carried, it was none of his concern. His duty was to see the man to his destination and nothing more.

And yet, as the last crate was secured, the air itself seemed to still.

The guest of honor had yet to appear.

Norrington squared his shoulders, glancing toward the dock. Any moment now, their passenger would board. Until then, the unease coiling in his chest remained unspoken, shared only in the nervous glances of his men. None of them wanted to be out here this late in this fog.

[priyashareindia9]

The functions of authorised people Vs sub-brokers sometimes overlap in the world of financial markets, but they are also very different. Although both act as brokers linking investors to the world of trading and investments, their obligations, roles, and regulatory status differentiate them from one another. In this article, we will examine the subtle difference between a sub-broker and an authorised person.

[neeraj943]

Dematerialization of Shares in India – A Complete Guide by Neeraj Bhagat & Co.

In today's digital era, the Indian financial market has undergone significant transformation, with Dematerialization of shares in India emerging as a game-changer for investors. The shift from physical to electronic shares has streamlined trading, enhanced security, and improved efficiency. Neeraj Bhagat & Co. provides expert guidance on the dematerialization process to ensure seamless compliance with regulatory requirements.

What is Dematerialization of Shares?

Dematerialization of shares in India refers to the process of converting physical share certificates into electronic format, which is then stored in a Demat account. This eliminates risks associated with paper-based shares such as loss, theft, forgery, and damages.

Why is Dematerialization Important?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has made it mandatory for listed companies to facilitate dematerialization, ensuring transparency and ease of trading. Here are some key benefits:

Enhanced Security: No risk of loss or forgery.

Easy Transfers: Quick and hassle-free transfer of shares.

Cost-Effective: Eliminates stamp duty and paperwork.

Increased Liquidity: Facilitates faster transactions and trading.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to SEBI and stock exchange norms.

Process of Dematerialization in India

Neeraj Bhagat & Co. simplifies the dematerialization process by assisting investors through the following steps:

Open a Demat Account: Choose a Depository Participant (DP) registered with NSDL or CDSL.

Submit Dematerialization Request Form (DRF): Fill out the DRF and attach physical share certificates.

Verification & Processing: The DP verifies the documents and forwards them to the company’s registrar.

Electronic Credit: Upon approval, shares are credited to the investor’s Demat account.

Mandatory Dematerialization for Private Companies

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has mandated that all unlisted public companies must dematerialize their shares, aligning them with listed companies for better governance and transparency.

How Neeraj Bhagat & Co. Can Help

With years of experience in financial consulting, Neeraj Bhagat & Co. assists businesses and investors in:

Setting up Demat accounts.

Filing and processing dematerialization requests.

Ensuring compliance with SEBI and MCA regulations.

Providing end-to-end support for private and public company dematerialization.

Conclusion

Dematerialization of shares in India is an essential step for investors and businesses looking for secure, efficient, and transparent trading. With expert advisory from Neeraj Bhagat & Co., investors can navigate the process smoothly while ensuring compliance with regulatory norms.

[sylfen]

Inversion: Ch. 1 - In Pursuit

Prologue Next→ On Ao3.

Relationships: Ramattra/Genji Shimada, Cole Cassidy/Hanzo Shimada

The atmosphere of the aircraft was quiet, pregnant, as if the pressurized interior encumbered even the moods of its passengers. There was good reason for the tense ambiance; all eyes were pinned to the holotable, the pulsing sphere floating above the projected map never straying.  

They had left the safety of India's coast a while ago. Hence, there was no other topography to draw other than the ocean's surface, a yawn of nothing beneath, offering no tangible reference of movement. In a supplemental fashion, data fluxed in the displays of the table, including that of their target. 

With arms folded, one foot rapping against the floor to ease the apprehension within, Genji waited for Angela's input while she pored over the mess of numbers. All the lights were turning loud in his vision, stinging his eyes. He resigned to let them rest for a beat by patting himself down, displacing small wisps of ash from his singed jacket, and watched them swirl and coil before dispersing.

Though he looked the part, Genji was the sole agent on board not departing from a recent Null Sector invasion. In fact, he had been intercepted and extracted from another type of battlefield entirely; one infinitely more treacherous and insidious. 

Owing to the unforeseen circumstances that led up to this moment, the number of present agents was fewer than usual. Brigitte and Reinhardt accompanied him and Angela in the cabin while their commander, Winston, assisted Lena in the cockpit. Conversely, Vivian was caught up leading the rest of the teams in repelling Null Sector's forces and evacuating civilians. Such an active role would have been preferable to Genji right now, his body itching to move, to assist, to fight – anything to burn away the anxious energy settling within his muscles. 

“Target stationary,” Angela finally reported into her earpiece, confirming her observation with a second check. At the news, Reinhardt and Brigitte exchanged glances. 

“Roger,” Lena's voice acknowledged, too focused on piloting the ship to fret at the implication. "Decelerating.”  

“Were we spotted?” Brigitte asked, weighing her heavy mace with a jittery hand, maybe the only other agent as restless as Genji. She placed herself next to Angela and together they perused the figures for any potential hostile reaction. No signs of the enemy aircraft yawing nor any incoming shots. 

“I can't tell.” Angela shook her head, her eyebrows knitted. “The numbers are static, see?”  

“Oh, yeah, that's so weird. It’s just hovering in place.” 

The unusual behavior prompted Genji to break his silence since boarding. “Be prepared. I was given no quarter.” 

“It was identified as a civilian aircraft, was it not? Could it possibly have weapons?” Reinhardt left his seat to aid the three younger agents, squinting at the instruments in search of an overlooked detail. 

“Maybe we're being tricked,” Brigitte hummed, pursing her lips. 

“Deception! Yes, a wise tactic!” 

“Don't get excited just yet, Reinhardt, we haven't confirmed anything yet.” Mercy let herself smile, the veteran's boisterous attitude infectious – like a child barely able to wait. 

Momentum continued to shift with the slowing ship. Genji was about to comment on his confidence in his intuition, that they were more than likely not on a wild goose chase, but he was cut off by the need to brace himself to not fall over. In the same moment equilibrium returned, the hologram changed.  

A formation ascended from under the static sphere, too large to possibly gauge. For the onlookers, it could very well be the ocean floor shifting upwards, rushing to meet them. 

Winston's voice filled the communications channel, his words calm but weighted under pressure.  

“We need eyes on this.”  

A live view from the cockpit overlaid the map. Whatever Winston was referring to was hard to see at first; it blended well, the small dark spot under the ambulatory waves of water. While the formation continued to rise behind the feed, the dark spot grew in turn. The room became hushed, breaths hitching with the choke of dread. In front of them, the ocean bulged upwards. Slowly, a monster of liquid swelled, distending upwards and upwards. And then suddenly – the surface tension broke. Water parted aside, cascading down white metal.  

“It's rising straight outta the ocean!” Tracer gasped, though her apt observation went unnoticed as everyone silently wrestled with the sudden turn of events. The new arrival continued its path into the sky, its size seemingly endless, until finally, its entire form emerged. 

Hanging in the sky, silhouetted against the setting sun, was an irregular halo of white. Recesses and sections along its hull were lined with glowing pale blue, and within its hollow center, a crescent revolved close to the inner circumference dotted with non-uniform lights. The geometric design was telltale, not unlike the Command ships encountered thus far. 

Indubitably, a hallmark of the same creator.  

“We have been brought directly to the lion's den.” Reinhardt's voice, severe and dark, dispelled the state of astonishment which had frozen his less experienced colleagues; repeated exposure to the psychological effect of shock and awe in the early days of the Omnic Crisis had blunted its effectiveness against the old man. 

Throughout the harrowing reveal, the enemy craft had been just as stationary and unresponsive as earlier. It floated patiently, seemingly in wait of the behemoth from the depths. In other words, it was safe to conclude it was not Overwatch's presence which had spurred on this ordeal. 

“Any plans?” Lena requested, the edge of her voice suggesting she was itching to act on her own volition. More than likely, she was forcibly holding back, as her actions would endanger more than herself. Genji could emphasize, shifting his weight around, desperately trying to think through the storm in his mind. 

“Yes. Approach the ship but keep an escape route prepared,” Winston ordered, already one step ahead of everyone else. “Athena, scan it for any points of entry.”  

“Gotcha. Hang tight, loves!”  

The ship lurched with sudden acceleration, wrenching everyone back. For those stowed in the cabin, the holotable's live view minimized and settled in a corner, replaced with a forming diagram of the Null Sector ship. A point of interest highlighted, showcasing a large hatch in the midst of opening. The very area the civilian craft was now headed towards. 

“That port is more heavily guarded than the Command ships and we barely made it onto those.” Brigitte's observation was confident, and it was plain to see she was Torbjörn's daughter. Emerging details agreed, emphasizing defensive measures along the hatch. 

Even Reinhardt seemed at a loss. “We have nothing among our artillery that will make a dent in it.” 

Angela's eyes darted around as she thought. “Yes, this requires a more pragmatic angle than firepower, I'm afraid.” 

As their distance to the massive ship decreased, the holographic figure turned more detailed. A calculated risk, more than necessary to properly strategize a plan, but a risk nonetheless. More points of interest appeared, presenting possible entries. In a separate panel, they were arranged in descending order of probable usage, and at the top of the list were small ports running along the length of the ringed hull. 

That was all that Genji needed to decide. He was already at the exit of the craft as he spoke. “Bring me close. I’ll disable the defenses from the inside.” 

“That’s suicide!” Angela protested, dislodging herself from her place by the table. A pallor beset her face, eyes wide and pleading, her concern overpowering rationale. She motioned at him, alluding to his singed state. “I know this is personal to you but there has to be another way!” 

“We risk detection every moment we wait to act,” Genji appealed, his tone firm. Whether personal or not, it was the only logical course of action, and try as one might, none could make him reconsider once he had made up his mind. 

“It’s true, this might be our only chance. Tracer, rendezvous. Brigitte, send a report to Sojourn, request immediate backup.”  

“Roger, getting even closer.”  

The decision was expected, yet the doctor could not refrain from showing her dissatisfaction with the situation, hugging her arms close to herself and bowing her head. Reinhardt touched a hand to her shoulder, meeting her gaze with a sympathetic expression. 

Winston scrambled to remove himself from the cockpit, hastily opening a compartment on his armor and rifling around inside. He took a deep breath as he approached the stern, steeling himself for the grim scowls of his colleagues. 

“We don’t know what to expect from here,” the great ape explained, opening his balled fist to present a small device to Genji. “It’s a partial module of Athena. In case we lose contact, she’ll still be able to help you.” 

“Thank you, Winston.” With a click of confirmation, Genji slotted the chip into a hidden port in his helmet. Winston took a step back and the airlock slipped shut soon after, separating Genji from his friends. 

He could see them stand beside Angela, offering her encouraging pats on the back and the most supportive looks they could muster. Though he consistently acted under the pretense of great conviction, the burgeoning venture was uniquely daunting. It was a comfort, then, to see the icon light up in his HUD.

“Hello Genji,” Athena greeted in his ear. 

“Hi Athena,” he greeted back, a smile appearing on his lips. He gave the agents a thumbs up from behind the chamber glass. “Let’s give it our best.” 

“Opening stern. Good luck, Genji!”  

A chorus of well wishes chimed in with Lena's. It imparted a sense of camaraderie in the moment, persisting through the rush of shifting air and temperature. With his wakizashi poised to strike and his shuriken slotted into place, Genji stepped forward until the tips of his shoes hung off the threshold. He clutched onto a bar, bracing against the might of wind to peer directly below.  

Drawing ever closer with the diminutive craft was iconography he had come to anticipate, expanding as if to bathe reality itself in vainglorious metal.  

He inhaled slowly. Cast off the lingering doubts shackling him to safety.  

The resonant voice from the hijacked city systems echoed in his mind, breathed its fiery message down his tingling spine and ignited the fire within. And Genji decided, this once, he would heed it: 

We welcome you into the Iris.

[sanskriti-2751]

What is Mutual Fund?

A mutual fund is a type of investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of securities such as stocks, bonds, and other assets. Investments in securities are spread across a wide cross-section of industries and sectors and thus the risk is reduced.

It is managed by a professional fund manager or an asset management company (AMC) who makes investment decisions on behalf of the investors.

Mutual funds offer good investment opportunities to the investors. Like all investments, they also carry certain risks

SEBI formulates policies and regulates the mutual funds to protect the interest of the investors.

OVERVIEW OF MUTUAL FUNDS INDUSTRY IN INDIA

The mutual fund industry in India was set up through a combination of regulatory changes, legislative reforms and the entry of various market players.

Unit Trust of India- UTI was founded in 1964, which is when the mutual fund sector in India first started to take off. To mobilize public funds and invest them in the capital markets, UTI was established as a statutory body under the UTI Act, 1963. The idea of mutual funds was greatly popularized in India because to UTI.

Regulatory Framework-In India, the mutual fund industry's regulatory structure began to take shape in the 1990s. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, which established SEBI as the governing body for the Indian securities markets, was passed in 1993. Among other market intermediaries, SEBI was responsible with regulating and supervising mutual funds.

The SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations,1996- This regulation established the legal foundation for the establishment, administration, and operation of mutual funds in India. These regulations outlined the standards for investor protection, investment restrictions, disclosure requirements, and eligibility requirements for asset management companies (AMCs).

Introduction of Private Sector Mutual Funds: UTI was the only active mutual fund provider in India prior to 1993. Private sector mutual funds were nevertheless permitted to enter the market as a result of the liberalization of the financial sector and the opening up of the Indian economy. Many domestic and foreign financial organizations launched their own AMCs and entered the mutual fund industry.

Product Line Evolution: The mutual fund sector in India has grown and increased its product selection throughout the years. Mutual funds initially mainly offered income and growth opportunities. To address various investor needs and risk profiles, the industry did, however, offer a wider range of products, such as equity funds, debt funds, balanced funds, and specialist sector funds.

Investor Education and Awareness: Serious efforts have been made to educate and raise investor awareness in order to encourage investor involvement in mutual funds. Industry groups, AMCs, and SEBI have run investor awareness campaigns, distributed instructional materials, and supported systems for resolving investor complaints. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) were introduced, and this was a significant factor in luring individual investors

Technological Advancements-The mutual fund sector in India has embraced technological development, making it possible for investors to access and invest in mutual funds through online platforms and mobile applications. Investors can now transact, track their investments, and get mutual fund information more easily thanks to digital platforms.

The mutual fund industry in India has developed into a strong and regulated sector through regulatory changes, market competition, and investor-centric initiatives. The sector keeps expanding, drawing in more investors and providing them with a wide variety of investment possibilities around the nation.

[nsfwmiamiart]

Fun Fact about Gautam Adani:

On November 20, 2024, Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Green Energy Ltd., and his nephew, Sagar Adani, were accused by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of orchestrating a significant bribery scheme. The allegations involved paying or promising hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to Indian government officials to secure advantageous terms for a large solar energy project.

The bribery scheme coincided with a $750 million bond offering by Adani Green in 2021, which raised approximately $175 million from U.S. investors. The SEC stated that the offering materials falsely claimed robust anti-corruption measures, misrepresenting the company's compliance. Cyril Cabanes, a former board member of Azure Power, was also implicated for facilitating bribes related to the same scheme. The charges included violations of anti-fraud provisions and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), with the SEC seeking penalties and injunctions against the accused​ -

Link - India Today​ - (click on the blue link)

Link - Securities and Exchange Commission - (click on the blue link) - more details, you can view the SEC's press release.

[labourcompliance]

Statutory Labour Law Compliance

Statutory Compliance Services in India focus on helping organizations meet regulatory and legal requirements, which include a wide range of laws, rules, and regulations that businesses need to follow. These services typically cover aspects such as labor laws, tax laws, corporate laws, and industry-specific guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid penalties or legal issues.

Here’s a breakdown of key components:

1. Labour Law Compliance

Covers regulations related to employee rights, wages, and working conditions.

Compliance with acts like the Minimum Wages Act, Employee Provident Fund (EPF) Act, Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, and Shops and Establishments Act.

Ensures timely filing of statutory returns, maintaining registers, and addressing statutory contributions.

2. Tax Compliance

Encompasses both direct and indirect tax laws, including Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and Professional Tax.

Ensures that businesses file timely returns, pay due taxes, and avail of any applicable credits or exemptions.

3. Corporate Law Compliance

Compliance with the Companies Act, 2013, for businesses incorporated in India.

Includes maintaining statutory records (like statutory registers), filing annual returns with the Registrar of Companies, holding board meetings, and ensuring proper governance practices.

Involves meeting specific regulatory requirements based on business structure (e.g., private limited, public limited, LLP).

4. Environmental, Health, and Safety Compliance

Focuses on the rules related to environmental protection, occupational health, and workplace safety.

Compliance with acts like the Factories Act, 1948, and various environmental laws such as the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

5. Industry-Specific Compliance

Industries like healthcare, finance, pharmaceuticals, and IT have specialized regulatory requirements.

Compliance services ensure that companies adhere to specific acts and guidelines relevant to their industry, such as RBI guidelines for financial institutions or the IT Act for IT companies.

6. Other Key Compliance Areas

Intellectual Property Compliance: Protects and manages trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

Foreign Exchange Management Compliance (FEMA): Relevant for businesses with foreign investments, cross-border transactions, or overseas offices.

Audit and Reporting Compliance: Ensures regular audits and financial reporting align with regulatory standards.

Statutory Compliance Services offer businesses peace of mind by ensuring full adherence to India's complex regulatory landscape, minimizing the risk of legal repercussions, and allowing businesses to focus on core operations.