Author: Staff Writer

Categories
Technology

Mark Zuckerberg grilled in social media addiction trial

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified on February 18 in a Los Angeles courtroom in a landmark case alleging that social media platforms, including Instagram, are designed to be addictive and can harm children’s mental health. The lawsuit, filed by a California woman, claims that her early use of social media contributed to worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. The case has drawn attention nationwide, raising questions about the responsibility of tech companies for the mental health of young users.

During his testimony, Zuckerberg strongly denied that Meta intentionally designs its platforms to be addictive. He said the company prioritizes user safety and has introduced multiple measures, including age restrictions, parental controls, and safety tools to protect younger users. “We do not intentionally make platforms addictive,” he told the court, adding that engagement metrics are not designed to harm users.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers highlighted internal Meta documents discussing user engagement goals and features that encourage users to spend more time on the platform. They argue these features show a deliberate focus on keeping users hooked, despite known risks to mental health. Zuckerberg acknowledged that enforcing age restrictions can be challenging because users can provide false birth dates when signing up, but maintained that Meta actively works to reduce underage use.

The case also examines whether social media companies have a duty to warn users and parents about potential mental health risks. Experts note that the trial could have significant implications for the tech industry, potentially influencing how platforms manage safety features, transparency, and engagement practices in the future.

It is observed that the trial as a test case for social media regulation, as it could set a precedent for other lawsuits across the United States targeting tech giants over addiction and harm to minors. Zuckerberg’s testimony is seen as a key moment in the proceedings, with both sides presenting evidence about the effects of social media use on children and adolescents.

Also Read: Dixon Technologies down 38% with rising memory costs

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Dixon Technologies down 38% with rising memory costs

Brokerage CLSA has downgraded Dixon Technologies from Outperform to Hold, cutting its 12-month target from ₹15,800 to ₹12,100.

Analysts cited rising global memory prices due to AI demand, which could increase smartphone costs by 10–25% and reduce demand, particularly for budget devices. Dixon, a major electronics contract manufacturer, is exposed to imported memory, making it vulnerable to these price pressures.

The stock has already fallen nearly 38% from its 52-week high, reflecting growing concerns over near-term profitability and medium-term growth prospects.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Boeing secures 50-aircraft order from Vietnam Airlines

Boeing has won an order for 50 737-8 MAX jets from Vietnam Airlines during Vietnamese leader To Lam’s visit to the United States, marking a major boost for the American planemaker.

The agreement, valued at about $8.1 billion, will help the national carrier modernise its fleet and expand short- and medium-haul operations, with deliveries scheduled from 2030 to 2032.

Alongside this, other Vietnamese aviation firms also signed aircraft deals with Boeing, taking the combined value of the announcements to nearly $30 billion.

The purchases underline Vietnam’s fast-growing aviation market and signal stronger trade and commercial cooperation between Hanoi and Washington.

Categories
Corporate

Novartis India 70.68% stake sold to ChrysCapital-led group

Swiss drug maker Novartis AG has agreed to sell its entire 70.68% stake in Novartis India to a consortium led by private equity firm ChrysCapital, along with Waverise Investments and Two Infinity Partners, in a transaction valued at about ₹1,446 crore. The move marks the Swiss company’s complete exit from its listed Indian subsidiary and will result in a change in management control.

The buyers will acquire around 1.74 crore shares at a price of ₹829.80 per share through a share purchase agreement. Following the acquisition, they have announced a mandatory open offer to purchase an additional 26% stake from public shareholders at ₹860.64 per share, in line with market regulations. If the open offer is fully subscribed, the consortium’s total holding could rise to nearly 96.7%.

The deal is part of Novartis’s global strategy to streamline operations and focus on core geographies and high-growth areas. Over the past few years, the company has been reducing its exposure to businesses that are not central to its long-term innovation-driven model. Its Indian arm primarily operates as a marketing and sales platform for pharmaceutical products, with limited manufacturing presence.

After the completion of the transaction and receipt of regulatory approvals, Novartis will cease to be the promoter of the Indian company.

Also Read: OpenAI–Tata partner for 100mw AI data centre in India

Categories
Beyond

Gold tops ₹1.56 lakh, Silver near ₹2.70 lakh

Gold prices registered a slight increase in the domestic market on Thursday, with the metal trading at ₹1,56,500 per 10 grams, up by ₹10 from the previous session. Silver also moved higher, gaining ₹100 to ₹2,70,100 per kilogram, reflecting a modest but steady trend in the bullion segment.

The rise in gold prices was seen across major cities, with 22-carat gold priced around ₹1,43,450 per 10 grams, while retail rates varied marginally depending on local levies and jewellers’ margins. Chennai continued to record higher price levels compared to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, in line with its traditional premium in bullion trade.

Silver prices remained largely uniform in key markets, trading close to ₹2.70 lakh per kg. Market participants attribute the metal’s firmness to consistent industrial demand and supportive international trends.

Analysts say the domestic bullion market is closely tracking global signals, particularly the movement of the US dollar and international gold rates. The yellow metal continues to draw interest as a safe-haven investment amid ongoing economic uncertainties, which has helped prices remain near elevated levels despite only small day-to-day changes.

Jewellers noted that retail buying is steady, supported by the ongoing wedding season and long-term investment demand. However, high prices have prompted many customers to opt for lighter jewellery or staggered purchases instead of bulk buying.

While the latest increase is marginal, bullion prices have remained significantly higher compared to previous years, underlining the strong underlying sentiment in precious metals. Traders expect the market to remain range-bound in the near term, with any sharp movement likely to be driven by global macroeconomic data, inflation trends and central bank policy signals.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 400 points, Nifty nears 25,600

Categories
Corporate

Data firm Palantir shifts HQ to Miami

Palantir Technologies, the data-analytics firm known for its work with governments and enterprises, has officially moved its headquarters from Denver, Colorado, to Miami, Florida. This relocation marks another milestone in a broader trend of companies seeking the financial and operational advantages offered by the Sunshine State. Over the past few years, Miami has become increasingly attractive to tech firms and executives, drawn by lower taxes, fewer regulations, and a vibrant business environment.

Founded in California in 2003, Palantir initially operated from Silicon Valley before moving to Denver in 2020. Its decision to relocate to Miami follows several high-profile corporate moves to Florida, including Tesla, Blackstone, and Citadel, reflecting a growing migration of talent and capital away from traditional tech hubs like California and New York. Florida’s governor and local business leaders have actively promoted the state as a destination for innovation, emphasizing the absence of personal income tax and a strong pro-business climate.

Palantir employs more than 4,000 people worldwide, including a significant number in the US., and its Miami headquarters is expected to strengthen the company’s operations and talent acquisition. Analysts say the relocation may also influence other tech startups to consider Florida, contributing to the city’s ambition to become a global technology hub.

While Miami is not yet on par with Silicon Valley in terms of startup ecosystem depth, venture funding, or established tech infrastructure, the city’s momentum is evident. Entrepreneurs, executives, and investors are increasingly exploring Miami for its combination of business incentives, lifestyle appeal, and connectivity to Latin America. Palantir’s move is seen as a significant endorsement of this emerging trend, underlining Florida’s potential to reshape the US tech landscape.

Also Read: Cigarette stocks jump up to 12% on sharp price hikes

Categories
Corporate

Sensex tumbles 1,236 pts, Nifty ends below 25,500

The equity markets fell sharply on Thursday, 19 February 2026, erasing nearly ₹8 lakh crore in investor wealth as widespread selling pressure dominated trading. The BSE Sensex plunged 1,236 points to 82,498, while the Nifty 50 slipped below 25,500, ending at 25,454, breaking a three-day rally.

Analysts attributed the sell-off to a combination of global and domestic factors. Escalating US-Iran tensions sparked fears of potential military action this weekend, driving investors away from emerging markets like India into safer assets. Meanwhile, Brent crude surged above $70 per barrel on concerns over Middle East supply bottlenecks, intensifying inflation worries and pressuring the Indian Rupee.

Investors also engaged in profit booking after the Sensex and Nifty had recorded gains over three consecutive sessions, particularly following major domestic events such as the Union Budget and RBI policy announcements. Adding to the pressure, uncertainty over US Federal Reserve policy and a “higher-for-longer” interest rate outlook strengthened the US Dollar, prompting Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) to reduce exposure to Indian markets.

Local technical factors compounded the decline, including a clearing holiday in India for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti that limited liquidity, as well as thin foreign participation due to Lunar New Year closures in key Asian markets.

Among the top gainers, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd and HDFC Life Insurance Co Ltd rose over 5 %, along with modest gains in Wipro Ltd. On the other hand, Trent Ltd, Adani Enterprises Ltd and InterGlobe Aviation Ltd fell 1–2 %, while Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Asian Paints Ltd and Jio Financial Services Ltd also ended lower, dragging the broader market down.

Also Read: Gold nears ₹1.53 lakh, silver tops ₹2.35 lakh

Categories
Corporate

Cigarette stocks jump up to 12% on sharp price hikes

Shares of major cigarette makers, including ITC, Godfrey Phillips India, and VST Industries, surged sharply this week, with some rising up to 12%, following a wave of price hikes aimed at offsetting recent tax increases.

The jump comes after the government’s excise duty hike in January had raised concerns about profitability and volume pressures across the sector. Investors had feared that higher taxes would significantly impact earnings. However, companies have acted quickly, passing most of the additional cost to consumers through price increases across their product lines.

Godfrey Phillips led the rally, with its Marlboro Compact sticks now priced at around ₹11.5, up from ₹9.5 earlier. ITC, meanwhile, raised prices across premium brands, some by as much as 41%, while moderating increases in more price-sensitive segments to balance sales volumes.

Brokerage firm UBS welcomed these moves, saying the pricing action could limit the hit to earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to just around 2%, far below earlier estimates of 8–15%. The firm maintained a “Buy” rating on ITC, with a target price of ₹395, signaling strong upside potential.

Analysts say this carefully calibrated strategy demonstrates the sector’s pricing power and ability to protect margins despite regulatory pressures. Tobacco contributes over 40% of ITC’s revenue, so margin preservation is crucial for the company’s overall earnings outlook.

The market rally also reflects renewed investor confidence after recent corrections, with traders betting that demand for established cigarette brands remains resilient. Strong pricing and the ability to pass on taxes quickly have reassured the market that the sector can weather the new tax regime without major disruptions.

Also Read: Trump’s first Japanese investments under $550 bn trade pact

Categories
Beyond

Trump’s first Japanese investments under $550 bn trade pact

US President Donald Trump has unveiled the first set of Japanese investments in the United States under the recently signed bilateral trade pact, marking the operational rollout of Tokyo’s massive $550-billion financial commitment to the American economy.

The opening tranche, estimated at about $36 billion, is centred on energy, critical minerals and high-technology manufacturing—sectors that both countries consider crucial for economic security and resilient supply chains. The projects are expected to generate employment, strengthen industrial capacity and reduce dependence on imports in strategically important areas.

The largest investment is a $33-billion natural-gas-based power project in Ohio. The plant, to be developed by SB Energy, a unit backed by SoftBank Group, is designed to produce around 9.2 gigawatts of electricity. It is expected to support the fast-growing power demand from data centres and artificial-intelligence infrastructure in the United States.

Another key project is a $2.1-billion deep-water oil export terminal off the coast of Texas, which will expand the country’s energy export capability. In addition, a $600-million synthetic industrial diamond manufacturing facility will be set up in Georgia. The unit will produce critical materials used in semiconductors and advanced electronics, helping to cut reliance on overseas supplies.

Under the broader agreement, Washington has agreed to reduce tariffs on Japanese imports, while Japan will fund industrial and infrastructure projects through a combination of equity investments, loans and financial guarantees. The initiative is also aimed at giving Japanese companies greater access to the US market while reinforcing the strategic alliance between the two nations.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the investments would deepen economic cooperation and enhance long-term security for both countries. More projects are expected to be announced in phases as the two sides move to implement the full investment framework.

Also Read: Sarvam Kaze, India’s multilingual answer to Meta ray-ban

Categories
Leaders

Tata Sons move to renew Chairman’s term

Tata Sons is preparing to extend the tenure of its chairman N. Chandrasekaran for a third term, with the board expected to clear the proposal at its forthcoming meeting. The decision will subsequently be placed before shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), in line with the group’s governance process.

Chandrasekaran’s current term runs until February 2027, but the early move to reappoint him signals the Tata Group’s intent to maintain leadership stability at a time when it is executing some of its most ambitious and capital-intensive projects. The Tata Trusts, the principal shareholders of Tata Sons, have already backed his continuation, indicating strong internal consensus.

Since taking over in 2017, Chandrasekaran has overseen a period of significant transformation. Under his leadership, the group has streamlined its structure, strengthened its balance sheet and pushed into new-age sectors such as semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, electric mobility and digital platforms. The high-profile acquisition and ongoing turnaround of Air India has been one of the defining developments of his tenure.

The proposed extension is also notable because it would go beyond the group’s conventional retirement age for executive roles, reflecting the importance placed on continuity as several long-gestation investments move from planning to execution.

The upcoming board meeting is expected to review broader business strategies across key companies. Tata Consultancy Services will present its roadmap in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, while updates from Air India and Tata Electronics are also likely to be discussed as the conglomerate accelerates its global expansion and manufacturing push.

Chandrasekaran, who previously served as CEO and managing director of TCS, became the first non–Tata family professional to lead the holding company. His reappointment is being seen by industry watchers as a vote of confidence in his leadership and a signal that the group wants a steady hand to guide it through a complex investment cycle and an evolving global business environment.

Also Read: Ola Electric shares jump 5% after HC relief to CEO