Omnicom and IPG have merged to create a new #2 advertising network in India, with an estimated Rs 25,000 crore in annual billing. The creative business has been unified under Omnicom Advertising India (OAI) and will be led by Aditya Kanthy as president and MD. Prasoon Joshi will be the chairman of OAI. Omnicom will also have a strong presence in media, with Kartik Sharma as CEO of Omnicom Media
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.
Lenskart's share price is in the spotlight as the company's profits have risen in the December quarter, exceeding expectations. Revenue growth was driven by store expansion and more eye tests. Operating margins have also improved, indicating a promising earnings phase. Despite a lackluster IPO debut, the stock has gained 4% in the past five months.
Wingify, a SaaS startup, recently merged with AB Tasty to create a digital experience optimization company. The company also acquired Blitzllama to expand into qualitative feedback and voice-of-customer capabilities. Wingify's VWO platform serves top companies like Microsoft, Disney, and UNICEF. The CEO talks about the merger, growth plans, global expansion, and product enhancements.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the India-US trade deal and Union Budget, emphasizing PM Modi's commitment to India's interests. She addressed Rahul Gandhi's criticism, stating that the deal prioritizes national interest and supports domestic sectors. The Budget aims to boost trade, manufacturing, and MSMEs
Popular K-pop group ZEROBASEONE, originally with 9 members, has been repositioned as a quintet, leaving fans disappointed. Agency WAKEONE announced future activities will only include 5 members, while the others will part ways. Upcoming concert will still feature all members. Decision made through discussions and mutual understanding between all parties.
Pakistan and India are set to face off in a highly anticipated cricket match, with an estimated ₹4,000 crore in commercial value at stake. Advertisers and broadcaster JioStar are banking on the massive viewership and advertising rates have surged in the lead up to the match.
Authorities have identified the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, in the British Columbia school shooting. He died from a self-inflicted injury and his motive is still unknown. The victims were a female educator and six students. Rootselaar was a resident of Tumbler Ridge with a lapsed gun license. The shooting happened at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence.
India’s biggest airlines — IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet — have raised concerns over the new rest rules proposed for cabin crew by the aviation regulator. The airlines say the draft rules are “more restrictive” than global standards and do not give them enough flexibility to manage operations smoothly.
A nationwide strike has been called on February 12 by trade unions and farmers to protest against new labour codes and other policy issues. Over 30 crore workers are expected to participate in the strike, with essential services like hospitals and airports operating normally. The strike aims to address concerns over labour and wage issues, India-US trade deal, and privatisation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has clarified that, apart from President Trump, no one has said that India will stop buying Russian oil. He made these remarks on Wednesday in Russia’s parliament, the State Duma.
India's medical devices sector heavily relies on imports, with 70-80% demand being met through imports. Valued at $15.2 billion, it is expected to reach $50.1 billion by 2030 due to factors like rising income levels, health insurance coverage, and medical tourism. The country ranks fourth in Asia with 800 domestic manufacturers and has seen a rise in private equity and venture capital investments.
Minister Piyush Goyal urges exporters to diversify into new markets, enhance quality, and boost competitiveness to fully utilize trade agreements. He promises global opportunities for traditional medicines and yoga, and protection for agriculture and dairy sectors. FTAs with developed countries, especially the US, have boosted confidence and competitiveness for Indian exporters.
Direct tax collection for the current financial year has surpassed the projected target of 9%, with a growth of 9.4% till February 10. The total collection of Rs 19.43 lakh crore is attributed to a decline in refunds and compliance campaigns, but tax relief measures have caused a slowdown in collections.
Experts caution that the government's revised IT Rules may encounter legal and enforcement hurdles as they lack new penalties. While the changes impose stricter compliance timelines for intermediaries, the only punishment for non-compliance is losing safe harbour protection. The rules also mandate prompt removal of intimate imagery and deepfake content.
The 2nd edition of the D Awards was held at Korea University in Seoul on February 11, 2026. The event was hosted by Myung Jaehyun and Lee Jong Won, with actress Shin Ye Eun. It was broadcasted live on Channel A Plus and delayed on Channel A. The lineup included 16 artists and 21 presenters, with awards given in categories such as "Delight" and "Dream."
India's pulse imports have decreased by 23% in volume and 38% in value due to ample carry-forward stocks and strong domestic crop prospects. The decline in global prices has also played a role. However, there has been an increase in urad imports and a decrease in yellow peas. India imports 18%-20% of its annual pulse consumption and has experienced a drop in imports.
India's decision to import agricultural products from the US has raised concerns among farmers about possible concessions and the removal of non-tariff barriers. Although the government is against importing genetically modified crops, there are fears that this could change in the future. Poultry and dairy farmers support importing feed to meet demand.
Airfares to Colombo have significantly increased due to the upcoming India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match on February 15. Prices have tripled, with business class tickets costing up to Rs 2.25 lakh. The demand is fueled by the intense rivalry between the two countries and the visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travelers. Airlines are strategizing to meet the high demand.