Author: Sreelatha M

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Corporate

BSE shares jump 6% to yearly high after strong Q3

Shares of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) climbed sharply on Tuesday, rising over 6% to hit a 52-week high, after the company posted strong results for the third quarter of 2025‑26. Investors reacted positively to BSE’s higher-than-expected earnings and optimistic outlook from brokers.

BSE reported a net profit of ₹602 crore, up around 174% from ₹220 crore in the same period last year. Revenue also grew about 62%, reaching ₹1,244 crore, helped by increased trading activity and more participation in different markets.

The growth came mainly from derivatives trading, mutual fund transactions, and new listings, which boosted transaction charges and overall revenue. Analysts said the results show BSE’s strong position in India’s capital markets and its ability to generate consistent income across business segments.

On the stock market, BSE shares traded at nearly ₹3,175 each, marking their highest level in a year. This rally reflected strong investor confidence in the exchange’s performance and growth prospects.

Brokerages also reacted positively. Nuvama raised its target price and recommended buying the stock, while Jefferies increased its target price and suggested holding it, citing BSE’s growing market share and earnings momentum.

Also Read: US soybean prices drop as Brazil boosts supply

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Beyond

US soybean prices drop as Brazil boosts supply

US soybean prices fell on Monday, stepping back from a recent rise that pushed them to multi-month highs. The main reasons were profit-taking by traders and an increasing supply from Brazil’s soybean harvest, which is putting downward pressure on global prices.

On the Chicago Board of Trade, the March soybean contract dropped from last week’s high of around $11.37 per bushel. Prices had jumped earlier after hints that China might buy more U.S. soybeans, which are a major export for American farmers.

However, China has not yet made large purchases. Brazilian soybeans are cheaper and more available, especially during their harvest season. This is making Chinese buyers prefer Brazilian soybeans over US supplies.

Brazil is expecting a record soybean crop this year, with strong exports already underway. These large supplies are reducing the need for China to buy more from the US, even with recent diplomatic talks encouraging sales.

US soybeans are still more expensive than Brazilian ones, which makes them less attractive for Chinese buyers, even though some small purchases have been made.

Other crops like corn and wheat also saw slight price drops, as there were no new factors to push prices higher.

Also Read: Trump’s chip tariffs may spare big tech, pressure TSMC

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Technology

AI safety expert quits Anthropic, warns world at risk

Mrinank Sharma, a senior AI safety researcher at US-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic, has resigned from his role, issuing a stark warning that the world is heading towards danger if powerful technologies continue to grow without strong ethical grounding.

In a widely shared resignation note posted online, Sharma said humanity is facing several interconnected crises at the same time, from environmental stress and social unrest to rapid technological change. Artificial intelligence, he warned, could intensify these challenges if its development is not guided by wisdom, restraint, and clear human values.

Sharma headed Anthropic’s safeguards research team, where he worked on reducing risks associated with advanced AI systems. His work included studying how AI could be misused, such as assisting harmful biological research or influencing human behaviour at scale. Despite these efforts, Sharma said it was often difficult to ensure that ethical principles consistently shaped real-world decisions in high-pressure technology environments.

Without directly accusing the company of wrongdoing, Sharma wrote that aligning actions with values is far harder in practice than it appears on paper. He suggested that the broader tech ecosystem tends to prioritise speed, competition, and capability over reflection and long-term responsibility.

His resignation has sparked fresh debate across the technology sector, where concerns are growing that AI development is moving faster than society’s ability to understand and manage its consequences. Sharma’s departure adds to a list of researchers and engineers who have raised alarms about whether current safeguards are enough.

The announcement surprised many in the tech community, Sharma where he is stepping away from AI research altogether and turning to poetry and creative writing. He said this shift would allow him to explore deeper questions about meaning, responsibility, and humanity’s future in a more honest and personal way.

Also Read: Belagavi tech company in Karnataka sues Anthropic over name

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Corporate

Belagavi tech company in Karnataka sues Anthropic over name

An Indian software company based in Belagavi, Karnataka, has filed a lawsuit against US-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic, accusing it of using a name that the Indian firm says it has owned and operated under for years.

The company, Anthropic Software Private Limited, was founded in 2017 and provides technology solutions in areas such as education platforms, digital connectivity, and safety systems. It claims that it has been legally using the name “Anthropic” in India well before the US AI startup entered the Indian market.

According to the lawsuit, the Indian firm says the arrival of Anthropic PBC, the American company known globally for developing the AI model Claude, has led to serious confusion among customers, partners, and even government departments. The firm argues that people often assume both companies are linked, which it says has affected its reputation and business operations.

Anthropic Software has approached the Commercial Court in Belagavi seeking legal protection for its brand identity. It has asked the court to recognise its prior use of the name in India and to stop the US company from using “Anthropic” in a way that could mislead customers. The Indian firm is also seeking damages of ₹1 crore for the alleged loss and harm caused by brand dilution.

The company’s founder stated that attempts were made earlier to resolve the issue through the trademark process, but the matter remained unresolved, forcing the firm to take legal action.

The case comes at a time when Anthropic PBC is expanding its footprint in India, including plans to set up offices and hire talent as part of its global growth strategy. The US company is backed by major investors and is considered one of the leading players in the fast-growing AI sector.

The court has issued notices to the US firm and is expected to hear the matter later this month. No interim relief has been granted so far.

Also Read: China’s BYD challenges Trump’s tariffs at US court

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Leaders

Balaji Krishnamurthy named Uber CFO

Uber Technologies has named Balaji Krishnamurthy as its new Chief Financial Officer, marking an important leadership transition at the global ride-hailing and mobility company.

An Indian-origin executive with deep financial expertise, Krishnamurthy will take over the role from February 16, succeeding Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah, who is stepping down after nearly three years. Mahendra-Rajah will continue to support Uber as a senior finance advisor for a few months to ensure a smooth handover.

Krishnamurthy is not new to Uber. He has spent more than six years at the company and was most recently Vice President for Strategic Finance and Investor Relations. In this role, he worked closely with Uber’s leadership on financial planning, long-term strategy, capital allocation, and communication with global investors. His appointment reflects Uber’s preference for continuity and internal leadership as it navigates an evolving business environment.

Before joining Uber in 2019, Krishnamurthy built a strong foundation in finance and research. He spent over eight years at Goldman Sachs, where he served as Vice President in equity research, covering technology and internet companies. Earlier in his career, he also worked with Indian firms such as Info Edge India, iTrust Financial Advisors, and Irevna, gaining exposure to both Indian and global markets.

Academically, Krishnamurthy has an impressive background. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurugram. He also participated in an exchange programme at Copenhagen Business School and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). In 2025, he further strengthened his leadership credentials by completing the CFO Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.

His elevation comes at a crucial time for Uber. The company has reported strong growth in trips and gross bookings, even as it balances profitability goals with investments in future technologies such as electric mobility, autonomous vehicles, and platform expansion.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has expressed confidence in Krishnamurthy’s ability to guide the company’s financial strategy, citing his deep understanding of Uber’s business and culture.

Also Read: Radiance Renewables raises $100m from Danish, Dutch Funds

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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

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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

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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.