Top headlines: Biden to warn Putin; challenges rise for new Sebi chief

From March 3, investors in India will be able to trade in select US stocks through the NSE International Exchange. More on that in our top headlines.

US President Joe Biden is slated to deliver his first State of Union speech in the shadow of Russia's invasion into Ukraine—the largest military mobilisation in Europe since World War II. Closer home, Business Standard looks at the key challenges that lay ahead for Sebi's new chairman Madhabi Puri Buch. Head further down for more on these stories and other top headlines in our morning newswrap.

Putin's war 'premeditated, unprovoked': Biden in State of Union speech

U.S. President Joe Biden will say on Tuesday that the West was ready for Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and his administration is prepared with a plan to fight inflation, according to excerpts of his State of the Union address.

"Throughout our history we've learned this lesson - when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos. They keep moving. And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising," Biden will say, according to excerpts of his address released by the White House. Read more

Himalayan challenges before Madhabi Puri Buch as new Sebi chairman

Madhabi Puri Buch takes charge as Sebi chairman on Wednesday. Having demitted office as a whole-time member in October 2021, she must be fully aware of the challenges and the tasks ahead. Business Standard spoke to industry players and Sebi watchers to put together some of the key challenges before the new Sebi boss. Read more

Endemic: Fourth Covid wave unlikely as immunity levels rise, say experts

After oscillating between surges or ‘waves’ of Covid infections and ‘retreats’, the world seems to be finally getting back on its feet. Experts feel the country is entering the endemic phase of infection. The chances of a debilitating fourth wave in India are low unless a major mutation happens. Read more

Indian investors can trade in select US stocks via NSE IFSC from March 3

From March 3, investors in India will be able to trade in select US stocks through the NSE International Exchange (NSE IFSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Investors can invest in NSE IFSC receipts on US stocks, which will be in the form of unsponsored depository receipts (DRs). For a start, this will include DRs of 50 US stocks such as Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Tesla, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Nike, P&G, Coca-Cola, and Exxon Mobil. Read more

High net exports signal rising pressure on India's current account deficit

India’s current account deficit (CAD) is set to widen in Q3 with net exports ratio touching the highest level in three years — at 3.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the October-December quarter of FY22, GDP data has shown. Experts believe growing geo-political risks and hardening commodity prices could further widen CAD in the near term. Read more