A tragic fire at the popular nightclub Birch By Romeo Lane in North Goa’s Arpora on Saturday night has claimed 25 lives and injured six others. The fire broke out during a “Bollywood Banger Night,” where about 100 tourists were enjoying the event.
The 16th Finance Commission has identified the poor financial performance of State Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs) as a pressing issue. With over half of the 1,107 SPSEs reporting losses or no profit, the Commission suggests implementing a State-level policy, modeled after the Union government's New PSE Policy, to improve the situation and alleviate the burden on the states.
Telecom operators are urging for a raise in international incoming call termination charges due to concerns of fraud, spam, and revenue loss. They claim that the current rate is not in line with global standards and puts Indian telcos at a disadvantage. Higher charges are also necessary to prevent malicious traffic and address currency risks. The government is being called upon to take action.
Addverb, an industrial robotics and automation company, has unveiled Elixis-W, its first Made-in-India wheeled humanoid robot. This development marks a significant step towards integrating Physical AI into industrial shop floors through autonomous operation, adaptive mobility, and safe human-robot collaboration.
The Metropolitan Stock Exchange has implemented a liquidity enhancement scheme and upgraded systems in its equity segment to compete with the NSE-BSE duopoly in the cash market. With over Rs 1000 crore raised from investors and the launch of the scheme, analysts predict a strong presence for the exchange with the support of big brokers.
Nasscom, India's tech industry body, reassures that the country's technology services sector will not be bypassed by the rise of AI tools. They state that AI will instead reshape and expand the role of service providers, requiring coordination, domain expertise, and a strong understanding of enterprise workflows.
The report emphasizes the advantages of using non-animal methods (NAMs) in drug development, such as significant cost reduction and more ethical and accurate predictions of human outcomes. India, the US, and the UK have approved the use of NAMs, and companies like Dr Reddy's, Sun Pharma, and Biocon are actively adopting them.
The recent passenger fare hikes implemented by the railways minister will not significantly reduce the subsidy burden on the national transporter. The revisions are not enough to cover the subsidies, and only major train services were affected to maintain affordability for lower and middle-income families. The railways is expecting a 9.1% jump in passenger fares.
Tata Motors will launch the updated Punch EV on February 20 to regain its 46% market share in the electric vehicle segment. CEO Shailesh Chandra acknowledges intense competition and plans to offer a wide price range of ₹8-30 lakh to maintain volume and resilience. New launches are driving majority of the market growth.
USCIS announced the opening of the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap on March 4, 2026. However, due to the current visa backlog, some applications from 2025 are still pending. Immigration attorney Dobrina M Ustun shared the shocking news of extreme wait times for H-1B approvals, with one recent approval taking 9 months.
Tata Motors MD and SIAM President Shailesh Chandra expressed the auto industry's anticipation for clarity on the next phase of CAFE norms. SIAM has presented a comprehensive proposal to the government, currently being discussed with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The industry is under pressure to meet the 2027 deadline and align their product plans to avoid last-minute changes.
India and the GCC have signed a Free Trade Agreement after 20 years of talks, bringing numerous benefits. The agreement will boost bilateral relations, facilitate trade and investments, and benefit the 10 million Indians living and working in the GCC. With a trade value of $178.56 billion, the GCC is India's largest trade partner, making the FTA a step towards economic growth and stability.
India's PV registrations in January hit a record high of 539,543 units, with a 12.9% increase from last year. Maruti Suzuki remained the leader, but SUVs dominated the market and Tata Nexon was the top model. Petrol vehicles were the most popular, but EVs saw growth. Urban and metro areas had the most registrations, driven by strong demand and wider model availability.
The report 'Landscape Analysis on Alternatives to Animal Testing for Drug Development in India' proposes creating an industry-led consortium and raising awareness of global best practices to promote non-animal testing methods. It has the support of multiple stakeholders and aims to make humane, predictive, and efficient drug development the standard in India.
Market commentator Nihal Gupta's cautionary post on options trading is gaining traction on X, as he shares the story of his cousin's decade-long financial downfall. Despite a successful start and strong academic credentials, the cousin fell into a Rs 70 lakh debt trap due to overconfidence and repeated loss-chasing.
Senator Bernie Sanders has criticized Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos for prioritizing certain projects and laying off employees, including award-winning journalists. Bezos has faced backlash for spending on a Melania Trump documentary and a $500 million yacht while cutting jobs at the Post. Other top figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren have also criticized Bezos.
India's gas trading activity in January 2026 showed a significant increase, with volumes on the Indian Gas Exchange rising by 50%. This was driven by a surge in city gas distribution demand and higher trading of domestic high-pressure high-temperature gas. Despite a 3% decline in benchmark gas prices, traded volumes saw a 17% year-on-year increase.
Reliance Industries has bought 2 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at a discounted price, marking their first purchase in a year. The news is yet to be verified by Financial Express. India's Foreign Ministry has expressed interest in buying oil from Venezuela, prioritizing energy security for its large population. The government plans to diversify its oil sources.
The Budget has allocated Rs 10,000 crore for 5 years to promote domestic container production and support containerized cargo growth. The scheme is part of PM Gati Shakti and Sagarmala and is expected to benefit stocks like Texmaco Rail & Engineering, Titagarh Rail Systems, Shipping Corporation of India, Container Corporation of India, Larsen & Toubro, and Trans Freight Containers.
Ultra-processed foods, such as chips and cookies, are designed to drive compulsive consumption and can be just as addictive as tobacco. These products are engineered to be highly palatable and marketed towards children, leading to the obesity epidemic. Experts suggest eliminating these foods from diets and opting for home-cooked meals.
Bharti Airtel reported a significant 55% decline in profit in Q3 FY26, with a consolidated net profit of Rs 6,630 crore. However, its revenue from operations grew by 19.6% YoY. The company's India business reported a 13.2% growth in revenues, with a total customer base of 46.6 crore. Bharti Airtel also strengthened its digital infrastructure by deploying 1,147 towers and 16,
India is considering buying oil from Venezuela and other nations, depending on commercial viability. US President Trump has agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods and claimed that PM Modi has assured him of stopping Russian oil imports. However, India's priority is to ensure energy security and diversify its energy sources.
Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif has supported the boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, standing in solidarity with Bangladesh. He stressed that politics should not interfere with sports. The decision was made after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland due to security concerns. The ICC has warned of consequences, but Sharif stands by the government's decision.
BMRCL has implemented a formula-based mechanism to avoid sharp fare hikes and announced an annual fare revision, effective from February 9, 2026. The revised fare, based on the recommendations of the FFC, will be valid for one year and will gradually increase in line with inflation and operating expenses. The maximum increase will be Rs. ___.
Indian Oil Corporation reported a 515% YoY profit growth in Q3 FY26, with a consolidated net profit of Rs 13,006 crore and a 7.6% YoY revenue growth. Its operating margin increased to 7.94% and net profit margin stood at 5.72%. Indian Oil's Average Gross Refining Margin for April-December 2025 was $8.41 per bbl, compared to $3.69 per bbl in the same
The WPL 2026 finale between RCB and DC will be held on February 5 at Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The winning team will receive a prize money of Rs 6 Crore, more than three times less than IPL 2025 winners. However, individual players will receive half the amount compared to IPL winners. Here's a comparison of prize money between the two leagues.
The Women's Premier League (WPL) finale between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals will take place on February 5th. Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB will aim for their second title and a hat-trick for the franchise, while DC will seek their first-ever league title on Indian soil. The match will be live-streamed on JioHotstar and telecasted on Star Sports.
A US movie theatre faced backlash and cancelled screenings of a documentary about Melania Trump after making a joke about the First Lady on their marquee. The theatre's manager clarified that they were not trying to make a political statement but simply show a popular movie. The documentary has been well-received and Amazon, its distributor, remains confident despite the controversy.
Fractal Analytics, a leading AI solutions provider, is preparing for its IPO with shares trading at a premium in the grey market. The IPO includes a mix of fresh issue and OFS, with a price band of Rs 857-900 per share. The company aims to use the funds for growth, investments in its US subsidiary, and general corporate needs.
The popular Amazon Prime Video series Mirzapur is now making its way to the big screen with Mirzapur: The Film, set to release on September 4, 2026. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh, the movie will see the return of beloved characters such as Kaleen Bhaiya, Guddu Pandit, and Gajagamini.
A minor derailment of the Chennai–New Jalpaiguri Express disrupted operations at the Jakhapura Yard on Thursday morning. Three coaches derailed within yard limits, but no passengers were injured. The ECoR responded quickly, sending an Accident Relief Train and arranging for passenger accommodations. This incident raises concerns about yard safety, following a similar derailment last month.
Low risk mutual funds are essential for conservative investors, especially seniors and those close to financial goals. They offer stability, liquidity, and smoother returns through debt and money market investments. Types include liquid, ultra-short duration, index, multi-asset allocation, banking and PSU debt, and conservative hybrid funds.
Nomura maintains a 'Buy' rating on Cognizant Technology Solutions, citing steady execution, strong deal activity, and improving margins as key factors. North America and financial services have been driving growth, and the company has exceeded its full year guidance. Cognizant's balanced outlook for FY26, with a focus on AI and cost actions.
The release of BTS's new official light stick, the ARMY Bomb, has caused excitement among fans. The design includes the group's logo and comes with attachments, but some fans are disappointed as it will make older versions obsolete and only be supported for wireless control at concerts in 2026.
NBA star James Harden thanks the Los Angeles Clippers for their support during his time with the team and expresses his emotions in an Instagram post. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland, adding a valuable player to the roster. Despite his reputation, Harden did not actively seek the move and had to approve it due to his contract.
Trent reported strong Q3FY26 results, with a 36% increase in net profit and 16% growth in revenue. However, brokerages are divided on the stock, with Nuvama slashing the target price due to operating deleverage, while Motilal Oswal remains confident about the medium-term outlook. Trent's cost discipline and store economics continue to drive growth, but weak LFL sales.
On February 4, Washington Post, a highly reputable news outlet, caused a stir by announcing major job cuts, including one-third of its staff, closure of its sports section, and several foreign bureaus. The layoffs also affected employees of Indian descent, including Ishaan Tharoor, son of Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Employees expressed their sadness and said their goodbyes on social media.
Republican Representative Nancy Mace has demanded that Bill Gates testify about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein in front of the Oversight Committee. Gates, who has denied any involvement in Epstein's crimes, has been publicly called out by Mace, a sexual assault survivor. His ex-wife Melinda Gates has also spoken out against his association with Epstein.
Indian markets likely to open with positive sentiment, driven by global cues and impact of rupee and commodity prices. Keep an eye on Asian market trends, response to India-US trade deal and Budget announcements, and tech stocks. US markets closed mixed, with tech stocks dampening overall sentiment. Dollar and crude oil prices down, gold rates in focus.
Investors will closely monitor companies with rising profits, new projects, or fund-raising plans, as well as regulatory news and other updates, which could impact trading. Indian benchmark indices ended the day with modest gains, with stocks to watch including Tata Power, Apollo Tyres, Trent, NSDL, IndiGo, Marico, Lloyds Engineering, Kalpataru Projects, and more.
The Competition Commission has launched an investigation into IndiGo for unfair practices, specifically the cancellation of thousands of flights which limited consumer access to air travel during peak demand. The airline has spent over Rs 22 crore on facilitating these cancellations, impacting over 9.82 lakh passengers.
Mukesh Ambani predicts India's GDP to reach $25-30 trillion in the next 20-30 years due to its ability to execute large-scale projects and consistent policy frameworks. He also discusses India's growing global attention and potential for further growth in a fireside chat with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who believes the next 20-25 years will be the "era of India's economic dominance."
A man caused chaos at the elite Bangalore Club when he stripped naked and nearly got run over by a car. In videos, he can be seen arguing with staff and showing aggressive behavior, which was allegedly due to him being intoxicated. The club staff remained calm and warned him of potential consequences. The man's father is a member of the club.
Tata Power Company reported a 25% decline in YoY profit in Q3 FY26, with a consolidated net profit of Rs 771 crore. Revenue from operations also fell by 9.3% YoY. However, the company's EBITDA saw a growth of 12% YoY. CEO & MD Praveer Sinha stated that the company's nine-month performance was strong, with growth in renewable energy and manufacturing.
Vandi Verma is an Indian-origin NASA engineer who played a central role in the first AI-planned drives on Mars by the Perseverance rover. She has a background in robotics and has been involved in various Mars missions since 2007. Verma's work is crucial in increasing robotic autonomy for future missions as human control becomes impossible due to communication delays.
"Farmer's walk is a popular fitness trend that involves carrying heavy weights while walking, inspired by the daily activities of farmers. This full-body workout is simple and effective for weight loss, improving heart and lung health, and building functional strength. It can be done with minimal equipment and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Crisil Rating forecasts a 16-18% increase in India's electric two-wheeler market next fiscal, thanks to improved rare-earth supply. This fiscal, growth is expected to slow to 12-13% due to supply issues and GST changes. Traditional companies hold the majority market share, while newer players struggle with economics and reliability.
BHEL secures Rs 1,200-1,500 crore order from Hindalco Industries for 2 x 150 MW BTG package at Aditya Aluminium plant. The contract includes design, engineering, supply, installation, and performance testing. Civil works excluded. BHEL is a leading power equipment manufacturer globally, providing products and services in various sectors.
Indian IT stocks fell sharply on Wednesday, with Infosys down 7.3%, TCS sliding 5.8%, and the NIFTY IT index plunging 6.3%. Investors are spooked by new AI tools from US-based Anthropic that could automate routine tasks, threatening the labour-heavy model that has long powered India’s tech exports.
Bajaj Finance, a financial service sector company, reported a slight decline in Q3 FY26 profit, but total income grew by 24% YoY. Its key subsidiaries, Bajaj General Insurance and Bajaj Life Insurance, saw positive performance. Assets Under Management for the company and its subsidiaries also saw significant growth.
Varun Arora, an Indian man with no lawful status in the US, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a sleeping woman on a flight from Rhode Island to Washington. He could face up to 2 years in prison and is being prosecuted by the DOJ and investigated by the FBI. This incident adds to the ongoing immigration operation by the Trump administration.