Author: Sreelatha M

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Corporate

Sensex at 82,405, Nifty near 25,510, markets trim early gains

Equity benchmarks pared early gains on Wednesday as the BSE Sensex was trading around 82,405, nearly 700 points below its intra-day high. The Nifty 50 hovered near 25,510, slipping from levels above 25,600 touched earlier in the session.

Markets opened higher, supported by buying in information technology and banking stocks. Among the key gainers were Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra and HCL Technologies, which rose up to 2–3% during the day. Private banking shares also contributed to the early rally.

However, gains were capped as selling pressure emerged in select auto and mid-cap counters. Analysts said profit booking after recent gains and cautious global cues weighed on sentiment. Foreign institutional investors were also seen trimming positions, adding to volatility.

Traders are watching the 25,400–25,600 range on the Nifty as a key near-term zone. Despite the pullback from day’s highs, broader market breadth remained relatively stable.

Also Read: Sensex rises 560 points to 88,200, Nifty climbs to 25,580

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Corporate

Canva buys two startups to boost AI, animation

Design platform Canva has bought animation specialist Cavalry and AI advertising startup MangoAI to deepen its presence in advanced content creation and marketing technology.

Cavalry is known for its 2D motion design software used in advertising, gaming and digital media. Its tools will be integrated into Canva’s professional design suite, Affinity, allowing users to produce high-end animations alongside photo editing, vector graphics and layout work without switching platforms. The move is expected to simplify workflows for designers and creative teams.

MangoAI, which focuses on improving video advertising using reinforcement learning and performance data, will help Canva strengthen its marketing capabilities. Its technology enables brands to create ads, analyse results and automatically improve future campaigns. MangoAI co-founder Nirmal Govind, a former executive at Netflix, will join Canva as its first Chief Algorithms Officer to lead AI-driven personalisation and optimisation efforts.

These deals add to Canva’s earlier investments in marketing tools and reflect its broader goal of becoming a single platform where users can design, publish and measure content performance. By combining creative production with real-time analytics, the company aims to help businesses produce campaigns faster, cut costs and gain clearer insights into what works.

The acquisitions also support Canva’s push into the professional design market, where demand for motion graphics and video content is growing rapidly. As digital advertising becomes more video-focused, brands are looking for tools that can handle both creative development and performance tracking in one place.

With hundreds of millions of users and billions of AI-generated designs already created on its platform, Canva is moving beyond its image as a simple design tool.

Also Read: Berkshire Hathaway VC buys ₹85-cr apartment in Gurugram

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Leaders

Berkshire Hathaway VC buys ₹85-cr apartment in Gurugram

Ajit Jain, Vice-Chairman of insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway, has acquired a super-luxury apartment worth around ₹85 crore in Gurugram, in one of the country’s most exclusive residential developments, DLF Camellias.

The apartment, spread across roughly 7,400 square feet, is part of a gated community known for its high-end amenities, privacy and strong security. Sources indicated that Jain was recently in India to complete the transaction. The purchase places him among a growing list of global Indian business leaders and ultra-high-net-worth individuals investing in premium homes in the National Capital Region.

The deal highlights the continued boom in India’s luxury housing segment, particularly in Gurugram, which has emerged as a preferred destination for high-value real estate investments. Industry observers say the city has seen a sharp rise in sales of homes priced above ₹10 crore over the past year, driven by strong demand from top executives, entrepreneurs and non-resident Indians.

Real estate experts note that many wealthy buyers now prefer luxury condominiums in integrated townships over independent houses. Such projects offer managed services, lifestyle facilities, and the convenience of a secure lock-and-leave format for owners who live abroad but visit India periodically.

Non-resident Indians account for a significant share of purchases in projects like The Camellias, with buyers largely coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the Middle East. Apart from lifestyle considerations, these properties are increasingly seen as long-term investments and a base in India amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Jain is regarded as one of the most influential Indian-origin executives in global finance and a key aide to legendary investor Warren Buffett. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and Harvard Business School, he joined Berkshire Hathaway in 1986 and built its reinsurance operations into a major profit centre.

Also Read: Haryana recovers ₹578 cr in IDFC First Bank fraud in 24 hrs

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Corporate

Paramount enters Warner Bros. deal race against Netflix

Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to evaluate a fresh takeover proposal from Paramount, intensifying its ongoing deal process with Netflix and setting up a major contest in the global entertainment sector.

Warner had earlier moved ahead with a deal involving Netflix, but the new and improved offer from Paramount has forced the company to reconsider its options. The board will now examine whether the revised proposal delivers greater value to shareholders.

Paramount’s bid is seen as an attempt to take control of the entire company, while the Netflix agreement is focused mainly on Warner’s studio and streaming assets, including HBO. By making a stronger financial offer and adjusting its terms, Paramount is trying to position itself as the more attractive partner.

The development is significant for the media and streaming industry because Warner owns some of the world’s most valuable film, television and digital content businesses. Any change in ownership could alter the balance of power among major entertainment companies.

If the Netflix deal goes through, it would strengthen the streaming giant by adding a massive content library and well-known franchises to its platform. On the other hand, a merger between Paramount and Warner would create a much larger traditional media and streaming player capable of competing more aggressively on a global scale.

The possible transactions are also likely to face close scrutiny from regulators concerned about competition and market concentration. Industry groups and creative communities are watching the situation carefully due to fears of job cuts and structural changes in content production.

For now, Warner has not taken a final decision and will review Paramount’s improved bid before moving ahead.

Also Read: Nvidia plans AI laptop chips launch in 2026

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Beyond

Rupee stands flat at 90.94 vs dollar

Indian rupee moved in a narrow range and ended nearly unchanged at 90.94 against the US dollar on Wednesday, as early gains supported by a weaker greenback faded due to importer demand and caution in the market.

The local currency opened slightly higher in early trade, tracking a soft dollar and lower global crude oil prices. A fall in oil, a major component of India’s import bill,  typically supports the rupee by reducing demand for the US currency. However, dollar buying by importers, especially oil companies, erased most of the initial gains and kept the unit confined to a tight band.

Forex dealers said market participants are also factoring in the global uncertainty linked to the US tariff environment, which has been influencing currency movements worldwide. Concerns over trade measures and their impact on capital flows have kept traders from taking aggressive positions in emerging market currencies, including the rupee.

Another key factor limiting sharp movement is the expectation of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention. The central bank has been actively managing volatility in the foreign exchange market, and its presence near crucial levels has prevented the rupee from strengthening or weakening sharply. This has led to a phase of consolidation over the past few sessions.

Foreign fund inflows and positive cues from other Asian currencies offered some support to the rupee, but mixed trends in domestic equities restricted further upside. Analysts said the currency is currently driven by balanced demand and supply for the dollar, resulting in range-bound trading.

Going ahead, the rupee’s direction will depend on the movement of the US dollar, crude oil prices, global trade developments, particularly tariff-related news, and the trend in foreign portfolio investments.

For now, the currency continues to hover near the 91 mark, reflecting a cautious market as traders await fresh global and domestic triggers while keeping a close watch on the RBI’s actions.

Also Read: Gold at ₹1.61 lakh, Silver near ₹2.85 lakh

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Corporate

Sensex rises 560 points to 88,200, Nifty climbs to 25,580

The markets rebounded sharply on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after a steep decline in the previous session. The BSE Sensex surged 560 points to 88,200, while the NSE Nifty50 gained 130 points to 25,580, recovering losses from Tuesday’s sell-off.

Investor interest was strongest in IT stocks, with TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, and Tech Mahindra climbing 2–3%, driving much of the upside. Blue-chip names in energy and finance, including Power Grid, Reliance Industries, and SBI, also contributed to the rally.

However, market gains were uneven. Solar exporters faced heavy pressure after the US imposed a preliminary 126% import duty on Indian solar equipment, pushing Waaree Energies and Premier Energies down by up to 14%. Financials and consumer names such as Bajaj Finance, Maruti Suzuki, and Asian Paints showed limited movement, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

Tuesday’s sharp losses had pushed the Sensex down over 1,000 points and the Nifty below 25,450, triggered by selling across IT, banking, and auto sectors. Analysts noted that Wednesday’s recovery was aided by positive global cues from Asian markets and Wall Street, alongside bargain buying in beaten-down technology stocks.

Despite the rebound, market watchers caution that Nifty faces resistance near 25,800, and volatility may continue amid domestic and international uncertainties.

Categories
Technology

Amazon opens second-largest Asia office in Bengaluru

US e-commerce giant Amazon has opened its second-largest office in Asia in Bengaluru, highlighting the city’s importance as a tech and business hub. The new 12-storey campus spreads over 1.1 million square feet on a five-acre site near Yelahanka, about 15 km from Kempegowda International Airport. It will accommodate more than 7,000 employees working in technology, operations, e-commerce, payments, and seller services.

The office is designed to encourage collaboration and employee well-being, with modern workspaces, meeting rooms, breakout zones, landscaped lawns, sports courts, and cafeterias. The campus combines productivity with comfort, reflecting Amazon’s focus on employee experience.

The opening was attended by Karnataka Industries Minister Dr. M.B. Patil, who said the investment shows India’s growing role in global technology and innovation. Samir Kumar, Amazon India Country Manager, said Bengaluru has been central to the company’s growth in India and continues to be a key location for expansion in Asia.

This new office adds to Amazon’s existing operations in Karnataka, where the company runs multiple corporate offices, fulfillment and delivery centers. Amazon has invested over $40 billion in India so far and plans an additional $35 billion by 2030 to expand its business, support local sellers, create jobs, and develop technology.

The Bengaluru campus demonstrates Amazon’s long-term confidence in India’s growth and reinforces the city’s position as a hub for global operations, innovation, and talent.

Also Read: Prestige Group secures ₹115 cr co‑branding deal for Bellandur Metro

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Beyond

Mis-selling a crime under BNS, FM tells banks

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has warned banks and financial institutions that mis-selling financial products is now a punishable offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and asked them to return their focus to core banking activities instead of aggressively cross-selling third-party offerings.

Speaking at a meeting with bank chiefs, Sitharaman said customers must not be forced or misled into buying insurance, mutual funds or other investment products that do not match their needs. She stressed that such practices erode public trust in the banking system and will invite legal consequences under the new criminal law framework.

The minister made it clear that banks exist primarily to mobilise deposits and provide credit, and that these fundamental functions should not take a back seat to fee-based income from distribution of financial products. She urged lenders to strengthen their due diligence and ensure that products are sold only after proper assessment of a customer’s risk profile and financial goals.

The government’s message comes amid rising complaints from customers who say they were pressured into purchasing policies or investment schemes while availing loans or opening accounts. Officials noted that mis-selling not only harms consumers but also exposes banks to reputational and regulatory risks.

Sitharaman also asked bank managements to improve internal training and accountability so that frontline staff do not prioritise sales targets over customer interest. Senior executives were told to closely monitor sales practices and put in place transparent grievance redressal mechanisms.

The finance minister further emphasised the need for responsible growth in the financial sector, calling on banks to support productive sectors of the economy, improve credit flow and maintain strong asset quality.

Also Read: Gurugram tops Mumbai with ₹24,000 cr ultra-luxury home sales

Categories
Corporate

Bharti Airtel earmarks ₹20,000 crore for digital lending push

Bharti Airtel has announced a ₹20,000-crore capital plan for its NBFC arm as it looks to rapidly expand its digital lending business and build a stronger presence in financial services.

The investment will be made in phases, with around 70% of the funds coming from Airtel and the remaining from its promoter group, Bharti Enterprises. The move will strengthen the lending arm’s balance sheet and allow it to offer more credit to customers across segments.

Airtel plans to use its large base of mobile users, digital payments platform and data insights to provide faster and more targeted loans. The company sees a major opportunity in reaching customers and small businesses that still have limited access to formal credit.

The focus will be on fully digital loans, including personal loans, small consumer credit and financing for micro and small enterprises. By using data analytics and its wide distribution network, Airtel aims to speed up approvals and improve risk assessment.

The decision highlights Airtel’s strategy to go beyond telecom services and create new revenue streams. Over the past few years, it has been steadily building its financial services portfolio through Airtel Finance and its payments bank, offering products such as insurance, savings and payments.

The push also comes at a time when telecom companies, fintech firms and traditional lenders are competing to tap India’s fast-growing digital credit market. With millions of active users on its platform, Airtel believes it has a strong advantage in cross-selling financial products.

Also Read: EVs may lose zero-emission tag under CAFE-III

Categories
Leaders

Nikhil Kamath’s podcast to feature Anthropic CEO

Zerodha co-founder and podcaster Nikhil Kamath is set to host Dario Amodei, the chief executive of Anthropic, for a wide-ranging and unscripted discussion on artificial intelligence, its risks and its transformative potential.

Kamath announced the upcoming episode of his podcast People by WTF on social media, sharing a short teaser that frames the conversation as a deep dive into the technology that is rapidly reshaping industries and economies. The full episode is yet to be released.

In the preview, Amodei describes the rise of advanced AI as an approaching “tsunami”, cautioning that most people are underestimating the scale and speed of change. He points to sweeping economic disruption, shifts in global power and the urgent need to build strong safety frameworks as some of the biggest challenges ahead.

The discussion is expected to cover concerns around job displacement, the concentration of technological power and the geopolitical race to dominate AI development. At the same time, Amodei emphasises that the technology itself is not inherently dangerous, but its impact will depend on how responsibly it is developed and deployed.

Kamath noted that those building cutting-edge AI systems are often among the most vocal about the need for safeguards, reflecting growing awareness within the industry about the risks of uncontrolled advancement.

Amodei previously led AI safety research at OpenAI before co-founding Anthropic in 2021 with a focus on creating more reliable and controllable AI models. He has consistently warned that future systems could surpass human capabilities in several domains, bringing both unprecedented opportunity and serious challenges.

The episode adds to Kamath’s list of global business and technology leaders featured on his podcast and comes amid intensifying global debate over how AI will reshape work, regulation and international competition in the years ahead.

Also Read: Google stops Antigravity access for OpenClaw tied accounts