The Indian market for RTE and RTC foods is booming due to the increasing demand for convenience and food experimentation. The consumer base for these products has grown by 40% in two years, leading to strong demand for companies like ITC and Prasuma. The trend of quick commerce has also contributed to this growth, with independent living and urbanization driving sustained growth.
The government is launching a pilot program in Gujarat to use RBI's digital currency for distributing foodgrains and other items to PMGKAY and state government beneficiaries. This aims to prevent diversions and ensure subsidies reach the intended recipients. Similar pilots will be introduced in other urban areas, with digital food coupons deposited into mobile wallets.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released a revised CPI series with a 2.75% headline print for January. The new series, based on 2024, covers more consumer goods and shows a decrease in core inflation. The Reserve Bank of India has increased its inflation forecast to 2.1% for 2025-2026, viewing the new series as a more accurate representation.
A critical illness rider, purchased with a life insurance policy, provides financial security for patients battling terminal illnesses or chronic diseases. It covers lost income, additional liabilities, and offers a premium-waiver benefit for a specified period. It also offers coverage for early-stage diseases and can be tailored to individual needs.
Hardik Pandya, a key player in the Indian T20 and ODI team, was seen with his girlfriend at the team hotel during the ICC T20 World Cup, raising questions about the BCCI's strict rules for players' partners. However, Pandya's performance on the field has been exceptional, leading India to two victories.
NHAI to launch its first public infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) soon, raising Rs 9,500 crore through monetisation of five functional highways. Retail investors can apply for units with a minimum investment of Rs 10,000. With strong oversight and maintenance by NHAI, stable returns are expected through regular distributions.
NRIs are opting for term insurance policies from India due to their cost-effectiveness, which can lead to significant savings in the long run. With options for high coverage and extended tenures, Indian insurers cater to the long-term family goals of NRIs. Digital onboarding has simplified the process, but currency fluctuations and tax implications should be considered.
The Department of Posts (DoP) is expanding its pilot projects to become a mutual fund distributor through its Post Office network nationwide. The successful initial project in Maharashtra is now being scaled up, with an MoU signed between DoP and AMFI to promote financial inclusion and train employees.
India's FTAs aim to boost economy by easing import of necessary products. Deal with US to aid local manufacturing and improve aviation sector. Steel industry set to double capacity, increasing coking coal imports. FTAs address tariff disadvantages, aiming to double exports and create millions of jobs in various sectors.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's controversial joke about ICE agents monitoring international employees at the company's 'Company Kickoff' has caused outrage and discomfort among employees. The comments have been removed from the recording and executives have addressed the issue, but employees are still circulating an internal response.
Valentine's Day is a joyful celebration of love, but it's also a time when online daters are at risk of falling victim to scams. Catfishing, a deceptive practice of creating fake identities, is a common tactic used by digital predators. With the help of AI, scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics.
Shah Rukh Khan's London home in Mayfair is a luxurious and prestigious address, valued at over Rs 200 crore. Designed by Gauri Khan, it serves as a sanctuary for the family to escape the media frenzy and enjoy a normal life. It has been a home base for his children while studying in the UK, providing them with a sense of anonymity and a family support system.
The EU restrictions on Russian crude exports have caused a decrease in India's imports, while China's imports have reached a record high. India has also stopped purchasing Russian oil, following the US's removal of tariffs. This has resulted in a change in global oil trade patterns, with China filling the gap in Indian imports.
India is ramping up its hydrocarbon exploration in the Andaman Sea, with the government opening up a large sedimentary area and state-run explorers reporting natural gas presence. However, challenges such as lack of infrastructure and the need for significant investment remain.
Gold prices rebounded over 1% on Friday, driven by bargain-hunters and anticipation for U.S. inflation data. Spot gold and U.S. gold futures both rose, with the Chinese market showing high demand before the Lunar New Year and India experiencing a decrease due to price volatility. Despite this, gold remains strong.
The introduction of Credit Line on UPI (CLOU) faces a high-stakes test, with potential to change how small businesses access working capital. Success will depend on participation and ability to support a wider range of use cases and borrower segments, while managing risks such as over-borrowing and consumer protection.
Trai plans to add an appeal feature to the DND app for unsatisfactorily addressed complaints, while also introducing a multilingual option for better accessibility. The revamped DND and MySpeed apps will also allow users to report spam calls and test speeds for 5G technology and fixed-line broadband. The move is expected to improve consumer experience and make the complaint process more efficient.
Border 2, a Bollywood blockbuster released in early 2026, has become a cultural phenomenon and has reignited audiences' interest in patriotic films. For Mona Singh, who plays the wife of the lead character, the film has a personal connection as her father fought in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. She sees her role as a tribute to military families and their sacrifices.
Nuvama, a brokerage firm, has identified three stocks with a 'Buy' rating, offering potential upside of up to 56%. The three recommended stocks are Apollo Hospitals, Capacit'e Infraprojects, and Whirlpool of India. Nuvama has provided detailed analysis and reasoning for each stock, highlighting their potential for growth and profitability.
Derrick Callella, who sent a fake ransom message to Nancy Guthrie's family, has been released. The FBI has shared new information about a potential suspect seen on Guthrie's doorbell camera. The investigation is ongoing and the FBI has increased the reward for information. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
As Valentine's Day approaches, the rise of AI companions as substitutes for human relationships is becoming more prevalent. This billion-dollar industry offers a stress-free and intimate experience without the challenges of a real partnership. However, the lack of true emotions and consequences raises questions about the authenticity of these relationships.
Valentine's Day 2026 has shifted from superficial displays of love to a deeper understanding of self-love and meaningful connections. Gen-Z challenges traditional dating norms and prioritizes setting expectations. Despite societal pressure, it is crucial to normalize heartbreak and view it as a natural part of growth. Love is still celebrated, but with a new focus on self-reflection.
CBSE to conduct live webcast on February 13, 2026 to inform schools and stakeholders about major changes for the 2026 Board Exam. The session will cover exam-day procedures, shift towards digital evaluation for Class 12, and other reforms for Class 10. CBSE also reintroducing On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 and considering optional second board exam for Class 10.
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.