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PhonePe lets users pay via fingerprint or face ID

PhonePe has introduced a new biometric UPI payment feature, allowing users to complete transactions using their smartphone’s fingerprint scanner or facial recognition instead of entering a UPI PIN. The move aims to make digital payments quicker, safer, and more convenient for everyday transactions.

With this update, users can authorise payments up to ₹5,000 simply by verifying their identity through biometrics. For transactions above this limit, the traditional UPI PIN will still be required, ensuring additional security for higher‑value payments.

The new feature addresses common issues in daily digital transactions, such as mistyped PINs or delays when entering PINs in crowded or busy places. Biometric verification also reduces the risk of PIN exposure, enhancing security in public settings.

Currently, the feature is available for Android users whose devices support fingerprint or face recognition. PhonePe plans to roll out the service for iOS users soon. To enable biometric payments, users need to go to Profile → Manage Payments → Biometric Pay in the PhonePe app and complete a one‑time setup with their UPI PIN and biometric verification.

According to PhonePe officials, the feature combines convenience and security, making small-value transactions faster while retaining safety protocols. In cases where biometric authentication fails, such as poor lighting or sensor issues, users can always revert to entering their UPI PIN manually.

Also Read: Vishal Sikka sees AI boosting Indian entrepreneurs

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Corporate

Qualcomm and Tata Electronics to make automotive modules in India

Qualcomm Technologies,  has partnered with Tata Electronics to manufacture Qualcomm Automotive Modules in India, a move aimed at boosting local production and supporting the country’s growing automotive electronics sector.

Tata Electronics will produce these modules at its upcoming semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam — India’s first indigenous Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) plant. The facility, with an estimated investment of around USD 3 billion, will focus on advanced packaging technologies including wire bonding, flip-chip, and integrated systems packaging, which are crucial for automotive, AI, IoT, and communication electronics.

Qualcomm Automotive Modules combine Snapdragon Digital Chassis chips with essential system components into production-ready units. These modules simplify design for automakers, enabling faster development of digital cockpits, infotainment, connectivity, and intelligent vehicle systems. They are also key to the shift toward software-defined vehicles, providing scalable, ready-to-use solutions.

This collaboration aligns with India’s Make in India initiative and global efforts to diversify semiconductor supply chains. By manufacturing locally, Qualcomm and Tata Electronics aim to serve both Indian and international automakers more efficiently while enhancing supply-chain resilience.

Executives from Qualcomm highlighted the growing global demand for automotive modules and the importance of regional manufacturing hubs. For Tata Electronics, the partnership marks a major milestone in its ambition to become a global center for advanced electronics manufacturing, leveraging its expertise in integrated systems packaging to deliver high-performance products.

Also Read: Boeing secures 50-aircraft order from Vietnam Airlines

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Beyond

Supreme Court blocks Trump’s global tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down the bulk of former President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, ruling that he overstepped his authority by imposing wide-ranging import taxes without Congress’s consent. The 6–3 decision, announced on February 20, 2026, marks a significant setback for Trump-era trade policies that affected goods from countries across the globe.

The dispute centered on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law meant to give the president authority in national emergencies. The court found that using it to levy broad tariffs on imports from multiple countries went beyond the law’s intent, since the US Constitution grants Congress the power to impose taxes and tariffs.

Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” had targeted goods from major trading partners, including China, Mexico, Canada, and India, aiming to protect U.S. industries and reduce trade deficits. While the administration viewed them as essential tools for negotiating fair trade, critics challenged them as unconstitutional and disruptive to businesses and global markets.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized that significant economic decisions require clear congressional authorization. The court’s ruling leaves sector-specific tariffs under other trade laws, such as duties on steel and aluminum for national security, intact. Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh dissented, believing the tariffs were within presidential authority.

The decision has major financial implications. Billions of dollars collected under the invalidated tariffs could be eligible for refunds, though the Supreme Court left details to lower courts. Businesses and exporters now face a clearer legal framework for US trade, while the White House may explore other statutory avenues to enforce parts of its trade agenda.

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Corporate

Cristiano Ronaldo invests in Herbalife Health Tech, shares jump 15%

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, is making headlines off the field as well. The superstar has invested $7.5 million to acquire a 10 % stake in HBL Pro2col Software LLC, a health tech company owned by Herbalife. The company uses technology to provide personalised nutrition and wellness plans, combining health data with software to help users achieve better lifestyles.

The announcement immediately excited investors. Following news of Ronaldo’s investment, Herbalife’s shares surged more than 15 %, reflecting the market’s positive response. This boost comes alongside Herbalife’s recent financial results, which showed steady sales growth for 2025 and stronger performance in the fourth quarter, further cementing investor confidence.

Ronaldo has been associated with Herbalife for years as a brand ambassador, endorsing their products since 2013. However, this move marks his first publicly disclosed financial investment in the company. In a statement, Ronaldo described the deal as a “natural next step” in his long-standing relationship with Herbalife. He emphasized his personal commitment to health, wellness, and innovation, saying that the investment aligns with his passion for promoting healthier lifestyles.

For Herbalife, the investment is more than just a financial boost—it is also a significant endorsement from one of the world’s most influential athletes, highlighting the growing intersection between sports, wellness, and technology. The company’s platform, Pro2col, aims to revolutionize the way people approach nutrition and personal wellness, combining data-driven insights with tailored health plans.

Ronaldo’s involvement could attract more attention to the wellness technology sector, inspiring other high-profile investors to explore similar opportunities. For Ronaldo, this investment represents a blending of personal interest and strategic business acumen, demonstrating how athletes are increasingly leveraging their influence to make impactful business decisions.

Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg grilled in social media addiction trial

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Corporate

Sensex rises 316 points, Nifty climbs past 25,550

Equity markets ended the week on a positive note on Friday, February 20, 2026, with strong buying in cyclical and rate-sensitive sectors. The BSE Sensex climbed 316.57 points to close at 82,814.71, while the NSE Nifty50 rose 116.90 points, settling at 25,571.25. Broad-based buying helped indices recover from midweek volatility, giving investors some relief after a week of swings.

Sectoral performance was mixed but tilted positive. Metals and public sector banks were the biggest gainers, reflecting renewed investor interest in sectors expected to benefit from economic activity and policy support. NTPC surged nearly 3%, L&T added 2%, and other PSU names like SBI and Tata Steel showed steady gains. Power, capital goods, and financials also contributed to the market’s upward momentum.

However, the rally was not uniform. IT and media stocks underperformed, with major technology counters ending in the red as investors rotated funds toward value-oriented and cyclical sectors. Midcap stocks recorded moderate gains, while smallcaps were slightly weaker, highlighting cautious sentiment in riskier segments.

Global cues remained mixed. Asian markets traded lower in early sessions, pressured by geopolitical concerns and rising oil prices, while US. futures showed moderate resilience. This combination kept domestic investors cautious, despite strong pre-market indications from GIFT Nifty futures, which suggested a slightly positive opening.

Also Read: Vishal Sikka sees AI boosting Indian entrepreneurs

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Vishal Sikka sees AI boosting Indian entrepreneurs

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Vishal Sikka, former Infosys CEO, urged India to harness AI to create a “human revolution” that empowers entrepreneurs nationwide.

He said AI should not just drive profits but help people lead meaningful, productive lives. Drawing lessons from India’s past successes in connectivity and food security, Sikka stressed the importance of making AI accessible, responsible, and practical.

He reflected that Infosys had built an AI platform over a decade ago, but the technology then was not widely adopted. Today, he sees an opportunity for AI to unlock innovation for millions.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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