In his latest column for the Financial Times, Ruchir Sharma, a renowned author and fund manager, outlines 10 significant trends that will shape the global economy. These include the rise of AI and international markets, the resurgence of quality stocks, global deregulation, and pressure on the Chinese economy.
A viral video promoting director Gore Verbinski's latest film, "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," sparked both controversy and praise as it flew over Silicon Valley with a banner reading "HIRE HUMAN BEINGS." The movie addresses AI dehumanization and the marketing team offered free tickets to those affected by job loss to AI, causing a mix of reactions.
Seven people were killed in a deadly chain collision on the outskirts of Bengaluru when an XUV car hit a motorcycle and crashed into a canter truck. Emergency teams and police responded to the scene, and initial investigations suggest overspeeding may have been a factor. Concerns have also been raised about the design and construction quality of the highway stretch.
IHCL's share price declined 4% despite strong quarterly numbers, as brokerage houses have mixed opinions on the company's future growth. Nuvama Institutional Equities retained its 'Reduce' call, citing concerns over management fees and renovations. However, Motilal Oswal maintained its 'Buy' rating and expects double-digit revenue growth in Q4. The company has a pipeline of 30,200 keys.
The year 2026 will bring two major solar events, including a partial solar eclipse in February coinciding with the Chinese New Year. This rare event will not be visible in India, but can be seen in Antarctica and parts of South America and Africa. The eclipse holds cultural and astrological significance, as it aligns with the Year of the Fire Horse and will be followed by a total lunar eclipse.
The Nifty IT Index has plummeted by 10% in the last two days and has seen a decline of 15% for 2026. Major companies like Infosys, Wipro, and Persistent have been impacted. Investors are unsure whether to sell or hold, while market experts advise waiting and monitoring the impact of technology on manpower and revenue before making a decision.
Muthoot Finance, India's largest gold loan NBFC, saw a standalone net profit of Rs 2,656 crore in Q3, nearly doubling from last year. This was due to high interest income and record gold loan disbursements, leading to a significant increase in standalone revenue and an all-time high loan AUM of Rs 1.48 lakh crore. The company has raised its full-year growth guidance to 45%.
Experts suggest that Sebi's liquidity window, created to enhance secondary market liquidity, is not being utilized due to cash flow uncertainties and operational challenges. Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey urges more issuers to take advantage of this facility, which allows investors to sell bonds back to issuers before maturity.
The Trump administration and Taiwan have signed a trade agreement with a 15% tariff rate for imports and a commitment for Taiwan to lower tariffs on most U.S. goods. The deal also includes a plan for Taiwan to increase purchases of U.S. goods, such as $44.4 billion of natural gas and crude oil. Both sides believe the agreement will benefit their economies and export opportunities.
Cardi B has started her 'Little Miss Drama Tour' in California and has been vocal about her opinions on ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. She called out the DHS on their silence regarding the Epstein Files and received support from her fans. The feud between Cardi B and Trump continues, with the rapper calling him out for his policies.
India's new consumer price inflation reading, based on a 2024 base year series, recorded at 2.75% year-on-year. The revised index aims to reduce the impact of food prices on headline inflation and improve consistency through technical changes. Economists do not expect it to have an immediate impact on monetary policy.
Wall Street indexes tumbled due to worries about AI disruption, with tech and transportation stocks taking a hit. The S&P 500 and Dow dropped over 1%, while the Nasdaq plunged 2%. Investors considered job data and awaited the January inflation report. Cisco's underwhelming earnings contributed to the decline in tech shares.
JSW MG Motor India has unveiled the MG Majestor, the country's first D+ segment SUV, which aims to compete with traditional full-size rivals like the Toyota Fortuner. With its larger dimensions, superior off-road hardware, and high-tech cabin, the Majestor challenges the status quo and offers a more formidable footprint.
Adani Power has formed a new atomic energy unit, AAEL, with an authorised capital of Rs 5,00,000. The unit received its Certificate of Incorporation on February 11, 2026, and can now generate, transmit, and distribute electric power from nuclear energy. This follows the passing of the SHANTI Bill, which allows corporate entry into the atomic power segment.
Phoenix Mills, the leading mall operator in India, plans to raise Rs 1,500 crore for its Thane project. It is in discussions with GIC and CPP Investments for investment, and may also bring in investors for its Chandigarh project. The company currently operates over 11 million sq ft of retail space and is expanding its portfolio with new malls and office spaces.
Economists worry about the new inflation index's lack of context and its effect on the Reserve Bank of India's pro-growth stance. Stagnant wages, rising costs, and a weaker rupee may hinder the central bank's efforts to boost growth. The new series may not have a significant impact on rate policy in the short term due to the absence of historical data.
Martin Sorrell, founder of S4 Capital, emphasizes the need for agencies to adapt to changing business models in the evolving advertising industry. With the rise of AI, creative agencies must shift from hourly charges to output-based fees. The global advertising market is predominantly digital, with India's market experiencing rapid growth.
Two teens, Alexis Pickett and Melanie Little, have been charged as adults for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a school in Indiana. The suspects, who communicated through social media, were identified as students at Morristown High School and Corinth High School. Law enforcement documents revealed that Pickett had sent a video of the school's layout.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal released a video slamming Rahul Gandhi for his baseless allegations against the India-US trade deal. Goyal defended PM Modi's talks with President Trump, ensuring the protection of farmers' interests. He also clarified that major crops and fruits have been safeguarded, while new markets for various products will boost farmer incomes.
Sebi strengthens regulatory impact analysis, forms committee chaired by Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran to assess outcome of policies. Lower cost of capital for productive sectors emphasized, simplification of regulations while maintaining objectives urged. No new measures to be adopted in derivatives segment for now, STT hike proposal for equity derivatives disappoints traders.
India's retail food inflation increased to 2.13% in January 2026, after seven months of deflation. Garlic, onion, potato, arhar dal, and peas became cheaper, while tomato and coconut prices rose. The new CPI basket, based on 2024 data, has a reduced weightage for food and includes a separate category for restaurants and accommodation services.
In January, retail inflation reached 2.75%, the highest since August 2025, due to rising prices and a revised gauge. This strengthens the likelihood of the RBI keeping interest rates unchanged. The updated CPI series accounts for changing consumption trends, with less emphasis on food and a new housing category. It also includes new items like online media services and exercise equipment.
IT companies experienced a major drop in stocks due to fears surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on their business models. US jobs data also contributed to a decline in investor sentiment, resulting in a 10-month low for the Nifty IT index and a loss of ₹4.70 lakh crore in market capitalisation. Other sectors, including banking, also suffered losses.
AAIB has stated that the investigation into the Air India AI-171 accident is still ongoing and no final conclusions have been made. Reports claiming the probe is complete are incorrect. An Italian newspaper has reported that one of the pilots intentionally turned off the fuel switches, but the government has not directly blamed them.
ARAI has launched India's first ADAS test facility in Pune to aid the development of indigenous ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology, specifically for start-ups. The facility will bridge the gap between simulation, closed-track testing, and real-world conditions.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has selected Rothschild & Co as the independent advisor for its IPO process. The France-based firm will oversee the selection of book-running lead managers, legal counsels, and other intermediaries. NSE plans to file the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) by March-April and get listed in 8-9 months.
Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of being "anti-farmer" and "selling" the country with the India-US trade deal. He pledges to support and defend farmers against the government's actions, criticizing the lack of transparency and consultation. Gandhi warns that the deal will harm Indian farmers and compromise food security, and vows to protect the nation's food providers.
Kim Jong Un is expected to name his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor at the upcoming political conference in North Korea. Her increasing presence at important events and her inclusion in a visit to a family mausoleum suggest she is being groomed for the role. Despite her visibility, not much is known about her, with her name only revealed by former NBA star Dennis Rodman.
The government has introduced the new Income-tax Act, 2025 which will be effective from April 1, 2026. Along with this, draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 and updated tax forms have been released for feedback and comments. The aim is to simplify tax compliance and make filing more practical.
India is making its largest-ever defence acquisition, including 114 Rafale fighter jets, 6 Boeing P8-I surveillance aircraft, and other military equipment worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore. The majority of the jets will be made in India with over 50% local content. The deal may be finalised during French President Macron's visit, but a formal contract may take until the end of the year.
The CBSE has scheduled a live webcast on February 13, 2026, to discuss the details of the Board Examination 2026 and its evaluation changes. The exams will take place from February 17 to April 10, 2026, for 46 lakh students from 31,000 schools. Three key initiatives, including a Second Board Examination for Class 10 and On-Screen Marking, have been introduced by CBSE for the exams.
India will receive the same trade benefits as Bangladesh in an interim deal with the US, including "yarn forward" and "cotton forward" for textile exports. This deal, expected to be finalised by mid-March, will have a positive impact on regional manufacturing and will not harm Indian cotton farmers.
SBI Pension Funds, with Rs 5.7 lakh crore under management, aims to triple its assets in 5-6 years while maintaining a 34% market share. It plans to invest in alternative funds, gold and silver ETFs for portfolio diversification. The company also aims to expand its physical and digital presence and engage with gig-e for corporate penetration.
Namibia and India face each other in the T20 World Cup with both teams still in contention. Namibia will look to their captain Gerhard Erasmus, all-rounder JJ Smit, pacer Ruben Trumpelmann, all-rounder Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, and spinner Bernard Scholtz to lead them to victory. Erasmus, Smit, and Loftie-Eaton have impressive T20I stats, while Trumpelmann and Scholtz have performed well too.
Southern Railway is discontinuing the UTS app and promoting RailOne as the official platform for ticketing and passenger services. The UTS app has disabled certain features and will no longer support platform ticket booking or R-Wallet top-ups. Existing balance on UTS is safe and can be used on RailOne.
Japan's SoftBank Group reported a fourth consecutive quarterly profit, boosted by the rising valuation of its investment in OpenAI. The conglomerate has invested over $30 billion in the AI firm and is seeking to raise more funds. SoftBank's heavy exposure to OpenAI has raised concerns about its finances, but the company remains confident in its investments.
Bombay High Court warns Vijay Mallya to return to India if he wants his plea against the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act to be considered. Mallya given "one last chance" to clarify intentions but has evaded authorities. Court adjourns case, Solicitor General says Mallya must follow the law and cannot invoke equity jurisdiction.
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) reported a 29.64% increase in consolidated net profit and a 10.66% increase in revenue from operations in Q3FY26. The company declared a first interim dividend of Rs 25 per equity share for FY26 and has revised its gratuity and pension schemes, resulting in additional costs.
Delhi Traffic Police has released a detailed advisory for the upcoming T20 World Cup match between India and Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Special arrangements for traffic and security, including road diversions and parking restrictions, will be implemented during the match. Spectators are encouraged to use public transport and follow instructions for a hassle-free experience.
India has decided to step back from a lithium project in Mali backed by Russia’s state nuclear company, Rosatom, citing serious security concerns, sources told Reuters. The move comes as New Delhi looks to protect its investments in the politically unstable West African nation.
Seattle has reached a $29 million settlement with the family of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who was fatally hit by a police officer in 2024. The city hopes this will bring closure to the family, as Kandula's life mattered. The officer, who was fired, was driving at high speeds.
US Congress members are calling on DHS to exempt the health care sector from the $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. The sector relies heavily on these visas to hire staff members, and the lawmakers believe the fee will hinder their ability to provide quality care.
Two women were killed and three others, including two small children, were injured in a car-truck collision in Ghazipur, Delhi. The incident occurred at the MCD toll plaza on NH-9 and the injured were taken to Max Hospital for treatment. The car's driver and two minor children were among the injured. The truck driver fled the scene and the police are investigating the matter.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL) saw a 120% YoY jump in net profit in Q3FY26, driven by the profit from its ice cream business which was demerged into Kwality Wall's (India). Excluding this, the FMCG firm saw a 30% decline in net profit. Revenue increased 5.71% YoY and 3.07% QoQ.
In a shocking case that has left the city disturbed, A 33-year-old techie, who had returned from the United States a few years ago, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his parents to death inside their villa in Vignan Nagar, near HAL township.
A study by NBER found that H-1B workers in the US earn 16% less than American workers with similar qualifications, despite a $100,000 fee on new applications. This wage gap may explain why US employers still hire H-1B workers. The study's author, George J Borjas, suggests that this disparity needs to be addressed.
Adani Power has created a new subsidiary, Adani Atomic Energy, with a share capital of Rs 5,00,000. The company holds 100% stake and will be considered a related party under regulations. Q3 results show a 15% YoY decrease in net profit, attributed to lower one-time income. However, Adani Power is still securing long-term power agreements and has a strong project execution record.
Ceigall India's subsidiary receives a Rs. 2,160 crore order from NHAI for a highway construction project in Bihar. The project covers a 78.94 km stretch on NH-139W and will be completed in 730 days. The company will operate and maintain the highway for 15 years. The project aligns with the Government's PM Gati Shakti vision and will strengthen national highway networks.
Indian IT stocks, such as Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, have faced major losses in 2020, with the Nifty IT Index down 10%. This can be attributed to the impact of AI, economic concerns, and a strong US dollar. However, experts are hopeful that the trend of FIIs buying may help the market stay strong.
The US House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, backed by Trump, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and limits mail-in voting. Democrats oppose it as a GOP voter ID law. Sponsor Chip Roy praised its passage and urged the Senate to bring back the talking filibuster.
The H-1B visa program is back in the spotlight in Texas. After weeks of reporting and political discussion, Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa petitions filed by state agencies and public universities.