On National Technology Day, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) launched futures and options (F&O) contracts on the BSE Focused IT Index, making it the only stock exchange in India to offer derivatives on an IT benchmark. The index comprises 14 leading Indian technology companies and aims to provide a focused benchmark for investors. This initiative is designed to help investors hedge, trade, and manage risks associated with the IT sector, which is influenced by global economic trends and currency fluctuations. On its first trading day, 172 members participated, generating a turnover of ₹148 crore (approximately $17.8 million USD). The IT sector, which includes over 250 listed firms, accounts for around 6% of the total market capitalization on the BSE and nearly 6% of foreign portfolio investments in the Indian equity market. The F&O contracts will be cash-settled and expire on the last Thursday of each month, aligning with the existing index derivatives framework. BSE Managing Director and CEO Sundararaman Ramamurthy stated that this launch reflects the exchange's commitment to adapting to evolving market needs and enhancing risk management options for investors.