Author: Sreelatha M

Categories
Corporate

Sensex rises 485 Points, Nifty crosses 25,850

The Indian stock market ended sharply higher on Monday, 9 February 2026, as positive global cues and optimism surrounding the India–US trade deal boosted investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex climbed 485 points, while the NSE Nifty 50 crossed 25,850, marking a robust start to the week for Dalal Street.

Market gains were broad-based, led by Titan, UltraTech Cement, and SBI, with strong buying in financial, metal, and realty stocks. Consumer and private banking shares also saw healthy inflows, while FMCG stocks slightly capped the rally. On the other hand, heavyweights like Infosys, HDFC Bank, and Reliance Industries slipped, partially offsetting the upside.

Among notable movers, Kalyan Jewellers surged 10% to hit the upper circuit after posting strong Q3 earnings, with brokerages projecting a potential 80% upside from current levels. Conversely, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC shares fell up to 4% after PFC approved an in-principle merger with REC, in line with government plans to restructure major public sector NBFCs.

Global markets supported domestic sentiment, with S&P 500 futures up 0.1%, Japan’s Topix rising 2.4%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbing 1.3%. The rupee strengthened 21 paise to 90.44 against the US dollar, while gold prices in major cities remained stable, with 24-carat gold trading around ₹1,25,000 per 8 grams.

Overall, the day reflected investor confidence on trade optimism and strong global trends, with selective profit booking in IT, pharma, and auto sectors.

Also Read: Sensex up 300 points, Nifty near 25,800

Categories
Corporate

FPIs return, pump ₹8,100 cr into Indian stocks

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have returned to the Indian stock market as net buyers, pumping over ₹8,100 crore into equities in early February. This marks the first major inflow after three consecutive months of heavy selling, reflecting renewed optimism following a landmark India‑US trade deal and improving global risk sentiment.

Data from depositories shows FPIs invested around ₹8,129 crore up to 6 February. This is a sharp turnaround from the outflows seen over the past months, where investors withdrew ₹35,962 crore in January, ₹22,611 crore in December, and ₹3,765 crore in November. The selling spree had been driven by global uncertainties, currency volatility, and fears of trade restrictions, which dampened foreign investor confidence.

Analysts say the recent inflows are largely motivated by the interim India‑US trade agreement, which eased geopolitical concerns and boosted expectations for stronger export growth and corporate earnings. “The trade deal has removed some of the uncertainty around bilateral trade, encouraging FPIs to return to Indian equities,” noted a market strategist.

Apart from the trade deal, stabilising domestic and global conditions, a stronger rupee, and lower market volatility have contributed to improved investor sentiment. Positive policy measures and clearer regulatory frameworks have further reassured foreign investors about India’s growth trajectory.

Despite the encouraging inflows, experts caution that this may not signal a long-term reversal yet. “While early February’s data is positive, sustained foreign investment will depend on macroeconomic stability, corporate performance, and the broader global trade environment,” said an economist.

The return of FPIs is seen as a welcome support for the Indian stock market, which had been under pressure from prolonged foreign selling.

Also Read: India pledges $175 mn economic support for Seychelles

Categories
Beyond

India clarifies $500bn US import figure

India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has clarified that the $500 billion figure for imports from the US over five years reflects India’s growing commercial needs, not a firm commitment under the new trade framework.

Goyal emphasized that India “intends to” source goods from the US where it makes sense, but there is no obligation to buy a fixed annual amount. Decisions will depend on price, quality, and demand.

The estimate comes from India’s rising import requirements, expected to reach $2 trillion over five years. Key sectors include energy (crude oil, LNG, LPG), aviation (aircraft, engines, spare parts), technology products, precious metals, and coking coal.

India already has aircraft orders with Boeing worth $50 billion, and future aviation needs could push imports to $80–100 billion. Similarly, growing tech infrastructure,  data centres, AI, and quantum computing,  will drive demand for high-end US products.

Goyal noted that India currently imports about $300 billion of goods that could come from the US. He described the $500 billion figure as conservative, reflecting intent to diversify supply chains rather than any enforced quota.

The interim trade framework also reduces tariffs and gives Indian exporters better access to the US market, benefiting sectors such as pharma, gems and jewellery, and labour-intensive industries.

The clarification addresses concerns that India might be forced into higher imports, reassuring that sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy remain protected.

Also Read: Sarvam AI beats global rivals in India tests

 

Categories
Technology

Over a billion Android phones at risk

More than one billion Android smartphones worldwide are now vulnerable to hacking, data theft and malware attacks after Google stopped providing security updates for older versions of its operating system. The warning highlights a growing digital safety concern for millions of everyday users who continue to rely on ageing devices for banking, communication and work.

Google’s latest data shows that over 40 per cent of Android phones are running on Android 12 or older. These versions no longer receive regular security patches, which means newly discovered flaws are left unaddressed. Cybercriminals often target such weaknesses to install spyware, steal passwords or gain unauthorised access to personal data.

The problem is not limited to very old or low-cost phones. Several popular models that were considered premium just a few years ago have also reached the end of their software support cycle. Once updates stop, even a well-functioning phone becomes increasingly unsafe to use, especially for financial transactions or storing sensitive information.

While Google continues to offer Play Protect, a built-in malware scanning service, experts say this is not enough. Play Protect can detect harmful apps, but it cannot fix deep system-level vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Without core security updates, phones remain exposed to more advanced and sophisticated attacks.

The issue is worsened by Android’s fragmented ecosystem. Software updates depend heavily on phone manufacturers and mobile carriers, leading to delays or early discontinuation of support. As a result, many devices that are still in daily use are left behind as newer Android versions roll out.

Google and cybersecurity experts are urging users to check their Android version and update their phones if possible. For devices that cannot be upgraded beyond Android 12, the safest option may be to switch to a newer model that guarantees regular security updates for several years.

Also Read: SpaceX puts Moon first, Mars to wait now

Categories
1 Minute-Read

N Chandrasekaran leads TCS’ AI shift

Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran has stepped into a more active leadership role at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to drive its transition towards artificial intelligence.

Addressing employees in Dubai, he stressed that AI is reshaping the global technology landscape and warned that traditional IT service models face disruption. Chandrasekaran urged TCS to rethink its operating model, embed AI across all offerings, and focus strongly on reskilling talent.

He also highlighted the need for agility, innovation, and selective acquisitions to stay competitive. The push aims to position TCS as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation worldwide.

 

Categories
Corporate

SpaceX puts Moon first, Mars to wait now

Elon Musk has once again reshaped the future of space travel, saying SpaceX will now focus on building a “self-growing city” on the Moon before sending humans to Mars. The decision marks a pause to Musk’s long-held dream of colonising the Red Planet.

In simple terms, Musk believes the Moon is the smarter place to start. It is closer to Earth, easier to reach, and allows SpaceX to move faster. A trip to the Moon takes just two days, and rockets can be launched every few weeks. Mars, on the other hand, is far away and only reachable during narrow windows that open once every 26 months. Each journey to Mars takes about six months, making mistakes costly and progress slow.

Musk says this difference matters. Being close to Earth means SpaceX can test new technology, fix problems quickly, and improve life-support systems through trial and error. That learning speed, he believes, could help build a sustainable lunar city within the next decade — a place that slowly grows as more people, machines and supplies arrive.

The idea of a “self-growing city” is not science fiction, Musk insists. He imagines small beginnings, basic shelters, power systems and supply chains, that expand over time. With frequent missions, the Moon could become a permanent home for humans, not just a research stop.

Importantly, Musk has made it clear that Mars is still the ultimate goal. He says serious work on a Martian city could begin in five to seven years. But first, SpaceX wants to reduce risks by learning how humans can live off Earth for long periods, starting closer to home.

The shift also fits well with global space plans. SpaceX is a key partner in NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon later this decade. Starship, SpaceX’s next-generation rocket, is expected to carry people and cargo for these missions.

By learning to live there on the Moon , Musk believes humanity will be better prepared for the much harder journey to Mars. In his vision, the future of human life beyond Earth will begin not on a distant planet, but on the Moon just above us.

Also Read: Adani Energy wins Japanese funding for 6,000 MW link

Categories
Corporate

Sensex up 300 points, Nifty near 25,800

Equity benchmarks opened firmly on Monday as buying interest in heavyweight banking stocks lifted market sentiment. The BSE Sensex rose over 300 points, while the NSE Nifty 50 hovered near the 25,800 level in early trade, supported by positive global cues and steady domestic flows.

The rally was led by State Bank of India (SBI), which advanced sharply after reporting strong quarterly earnings and outlining a healthy growth outlook. The stock’s rise spilled over to the broader PSU banking space, with several public sector lenders posting solid gains. Other frontline financial stocks also traded higher, reflecting renewed confidence in the sector.
Outside banking, select infrastructure and metal stocks moved up on expectations of steady demand and supportive macro conditions, adding to the upward momentum in the indices.

On the flip side, IT stocks remained under pressure, as investors stayed cautious amid concerns over global demand and booked profits after recent gains. The auto sector also saw selling, with most major auto names trading lower as valuations prompted profit-taking. In addition, select pharma stocks slipped, contributing to the mixed tone in the broader market.

Overall market breadth was balanced, with advances in financials offset by weakness in IT, auto and pharma counters. The India VIX declined, indicating easing volatility, while the rupee traded marginally stronger against the US dollar.

Market participants said sentiment remains positive in the near term, but the Nifty’s move towards the 26,000 level will be closely watched, with global cues and ongoing corporate earnings likely to guide further direction.

Also Read: Mahindra to invest ₹15,000 cr in Maharashtra plant

Categories
Corporate

Dow Jones tops 50,000, hits historic milestone

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) soared past 50,000 points for the first time on Friday, marking a historic achievement for the US stock market. The index closed at 50,115.67, up 1,206.95 points, or roughly 2.5%, reflecting strong gains across multiple sectors.

This milestone comes after a volatile week in which technology stocks faced heavy selling pressure, prompting some investors to shift their focus to broader market sectors. Analysts say the Dow’s diverse composition, covering industrials, finance, and consumer goods, helped it outperform tech-heavy indices like the Nasdaq.

Among the top contributors, Caterpillar stood out, surging over 7% after posting strong earnings, while Goldman Sachs and Nvidia also rose sharply. Caterpillar’s stock has gained about 27% so far this year, building on last year’s impressive 50% rise.

Investor sentiment has been boosted by expectations that the Federal Reserve may consider future interest rate cuts without disrupting economic growth. Economists note that the market’s broad-based rally signals renewed confidence in the economy, beyond just high-profile tech stocks.

Even as some analysts caution that volatility may continue, Friday’s surge reflects a wider participation in equities, with companies tied to industrial and consumer activity leading the gains. President Donald Trump celebrated the milestone, attributing it to pro-growth policies and a strong economic outlook.

While the Dow hit the historic mark, other major indices posted more modest gains. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose, but they remain closely tied to tech sector performance, which continues to experience ups and downs.

Breaking 50,000 points is more than a symbolic achievement. It highlights the resilience of US markets and the confidence of investors across sectors. Analysts say sustained gains will depend on corporate earnings, Fed policy, and global economic conditions, but Friday’s rally provides a boost to market morale and investor optimism.

Also Read: Alphabet breaks $400 bn revenue barrier in 2025

Categories
Corporate

Tata Steel Q3 profit soars to ₹2,700 cr on Dutch boost

Tata Steel reported a huge increase in its net profit for the third quarter (October–December 2025), reaching around ₹2,690–₹2,730 crore, up more than nine times from roughly ₹300 crore a year ago.

The company’s revenue grew about 6% year-on-year, reaching nearly ₹57,000 crore, helped by strong sales in India and higher steel deliveries. Domestic deliveries crossed 6 million tonnes, marking a record for the company.

A major reason for the profit surge was the turnaround at Tata Steel’s Netherlands unit, which moved from a loss last year to a healthy profit. However, the UK business continued to face challenges due to weak demand.

Tata Steel’s EBITDA rose nearly 39%, reaching over ₹8,300 crore, thanks to cost-cutting measures and better efficiency. The company saved around ₹3,000 crore in the quarter and ₹8,600 crore in the first nine months of the year.

Despite tough global steel markets, including competition from China and trade uncertainties, Tata Steel maintained strong performance. The company also reduced its net debt to about ₹81,834 crore, strengthening its financial position.

In India, while steel prices were slightly lower, higher production and deliveries kept profits steady. Overall, the results reflect robust domestic demand, improved margins, and operational efficiency across key units.

Also Read: AI stethoscopes boost early health screening

Categories
Beyond

Reliance returns to Venezuelan oil, buys 2 mn barrels

Reliance Industries has bought 2 million barrels of crude oil from Venezuela, marking its first purchase from the country since mid‑2025. The deal is for delivery in April, and the crude was purchased through trading firm Vitol at a discount compared to global oil prices.

This move shows Reliance is taking advantage of cheaper Venezuelan oil, which is a heavy, sour grade that fits well with its large Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat. The refinery is equipped to process these kinds of crude, helping the company make better profits when refining it. Sources say the oil was bought at roughly $6–7 per barrel lower than Brent crude.

The purchase comes as the United States has eased sanctions on Venezuela, allowing some trading firms to handle its oil. This has made it easier for companies like Reliance to buy Venezuelan crude without running into legal or financial hurdles.

While the US has encouraged India to reduce purchases of Russian crude, India continues to make decisions based on price and energy needs, rather than politics. Officials say India will keep looking for reliable oil sources to meet its growing demand.

Analysts see this as a smart business move by Reliance. With global oil supplies changing due to geopolitical tensions and US‑Venezuela agreements, buying discounted Venezuelan crude can give Indian refiners an economic advantage.

The deal also highlights India’s strategy of diversifying its oil sources to secure steady supplies at competitive prices. By resuming trade with Venezuela, Reliance joins other Indian refiners in exploring alternative crude options while keeping costs under control.

Also Read: Bitcoin slumps to $60,000 as crypto market shakes