Sensex closes 0.91 per cent down

MUMBAI, Nov 12: A benchmark index of the Indian equities markets closed 0.91 per cent lower on Thursday with realty, metal and banking stocks coming under selling pressure.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,822.18 points, shut shop at 16,696.03 points, 0.91 per cent or 153.57 points lower than its previous close at 16,849.6 points. The S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also ended lower at 4,952.65 points, down 1.03 per cent from its last close.

Broader market indices fell as well - the BSE midcap index ending 0.93 per cent lower and the BSE small cap index closing 0.27 per cent down. The market breadth was negative, with 1,201 stocks advancing, 1,516 declining and 89 remaining unchanged.

Among prominent gainers on the Sensex were Reliance Communications, up 1.87 per cent at Rs 174.55; Wipro, up 1.44 per cent at Rs 625.10; TCS, up 1.42 per cent at Rs 654.20, and Grasim Industries, up 0.66 per cent at Rs 2,266.40.

Among losers were State Bank of India, down 3.51 per cent at Rs 2,295.90; DLF, down 3.4 per cent at Rs 370.85; ICICI Bank, down 3.2 per cent at Rs 895.05, and Tata Steel, down 2.75 per cent at Rs 511.85.

According to data with the regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), foreign institutional investors bought shares worth $208.9 million on Thursday. Other leading Asian markets closed in the red too. The primary index of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hang Seng, ended 229.64 points or 1.01 per cent lower at 22,397.57 points. The Kospi, benchmark index of the Korean Stock Exchange, shut at 1,572.73 points, down 22.09 points or 1.39 per cent. The Nikkei, a key index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, closed at 9,804.49 points, down 67.19 points or 0.68 per cent. In China, the Shanghai Stock Exchange composite index ended at 3,172.95 points, down 0.07 per cent.

European markets were trading on a dull note. Britain’s FTSE 100 index was ruling 0.2 per cent higher at 5,277.08 points, while its French peer, CAC 40, was trading 0.1 per cent up at 3,817.33 points. (IANS)

ICC introduces anti-racism, anti-corruption codes

DUBAI, Nov 12: The International Cricket Council on Thursday introduced anti-racism and anti-corruption codes in its revised Code of Conduct to maintain and promote “fair play and multiculturalism”.

The new codes were put in place after a “comprehensive consultation and review process with all stakeholders”, the ICC said in a statement.

“These codes help to copper-fasten the unique spirit of cricket by effectively laying out what behaviour is acceptable and what is not, not just by players but by everyone involved in the game,” said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

“These codes are practical, workable and user-friendly while also acting as genuine deterrents to anyone who seeks to undermine the integrity of cricket. With their implementation we are helping to protect the game for future generations to enjoy,” he added.

Racism in cricket had become a burning issue during India’s tour of Australia last year when Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds were embroiled in an ugly showdown.
Symonds had accused Harbhajan of racially abusing him, a charge that was dropped after a hearing but the episode created a furore in both the countries.

The ICC said the stand-alone code has been put in place to prevent any racial spats arising out of language or cultural differences.

“It is felt that alleged issues of racism across the wide range of cultures that make up cricket’s group of stakeholders may arise out of confusion, misunderstanding, ignorance or language and translation barriers,” the statement read.

“In those cases, provided both parties agree, it is felt that the best way to resolve these issues is through a non-adversarial process such as a conciliation with an expert in the field. If that fails to resolve the matter satisfactorily for all parties, then a disciplinary process would be initiated and tough sanctions could be applied,” it added.

The anti-corruption code, meanwhile, seeks to further empower the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).

“It provides important support to the activities of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) by requiring players to report approaches or invitations to act in a corrupt manner and to co-operate fully with investigations being carried out by the ACSU,” the governing body said. “The code sets out a detailed charging and hearing process which preserves the players’ right to a fair and impartial hearing before a specifically convened tribunal and a final appeal right to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland,” it added.

“Players who are found guilty of such offences can expect to serve long suspension periods and face hefty fines.” (PTI)