The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
CRM stock fell after Salesforce gave a weak future revenue forecast. Investors are worried about slow business software demand and heavy AI spending. Even though the company reported strong earnings and growth, the outlook disappointed the market. Salesforce is focusing on AI technology and long-term plans to increase revenue in the coming years.
Nvidia reported very strong earnings and its stock went up after the news. The company made record revenue and expects more growth next quarter. Its AI data center business is the biggest reason for this success. Experts say Nvidia is very important for the AI industry, and many big tech companies are spending heavily on AI, helping Nvidia grow.
A worker shared online that their job is very toxic and causing panic attacks, stress, and long work hours. They want to quit to protect their mental health but feel scared because the job market is tough. People advised them to plan carefully, keep applying for jobs, and take care of their health before making a final decision.
President Trump is working with big tech companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, xAI, Oracle, and OpenAI to make them provide their own electricity for AI data centers. The plan aims to protect Americans from rising energy bills while supporting AI growth. Some critics say the pledges may not be enough, but the administration hopes this will lower electricity costs.
The Reserve Bank of India has called in senior Yes Bank executives after a major security incident involving the Yes BankBookMyForex multi-currency forex card. According to reports, card numbers and CVV details of numerous customers may have been exposed. The RBI has demanded a full account of how the breach occurred and what safeguards failed.
Quote of the day by Anthony Bridgerton: Anthony Bridgerton's words highlight the importance of actions matching words. Flattery without follow-through lacks authenticity. This principle applies to all relationships, promoting accountability and honesty. The Netflix series Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn's novels, explores these themes.
In a key tax ruling, the Supreme Court classified Hamdards popular beverage Sharbat Rooh Afza as a fruit drink. As a result, it is liable to only 4% tax. The Court dismissed the Uttar Pradesh commercial tax departments attempt to shift it into a higher tax bracket, underscoring that the drink is fundamentally derived from fruit ingredients.
The microfinance sector is consolidating after a period of stress. Private banks and NBFC-MFIs have increased their lending portfolios. While the overall market saw a slight dip, early delinquency rates are improving. Experts anticipate a return to normal growth by the end of the first quarter of FY27. This marks an inflection point for the industry.
Apple is set to open its sixth retail store in India at Sky City Mall in Borivali, marking its second location in Mumbai and signalling a deeper push into city-level markets. The new outlet will stock the latest Apple products, including the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and new iPad and Mac models powered by the M5 chip, along with services such as Trade In, financing, Personal Setup and business support.
America has imposed new sanctions on Iran. These target individuals and companies involved in Iran's missile and drone programs. The move comes as the US presses Iran for a deal before nuclear talks. The sanctions aim to curb Iran's weapons capabilities and support for terrorism. This action signals continued pressure on Tehran regarding its nuclear ambitions.
J&K Polices ACB filed a disproportionate assets case against inspector Vijay Singh Choudhary, brother of deputy CM Surinder Choudhary. Searches in Jammu recovered incriminating documents. The deputy CM called the action revenge-driven, while investigation continues.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, including the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, with a strong focus on making AI feel seamless rather than feature-driven. The company says this generation embeds AI into everyday tasks like searching, editing, planning and photography, aiming to reduce effort and complexity in daily use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra leads the lineup with a customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, delivering notable boosts in CPU, GPU and AI performance, alongside improved
The Bengal assembly polls will not see any booth rationalisation. The total number of polling stations will be 80,738. Earlier, the Election Commission of India had directed poll officials to rationalise stations with over 1,200 voters. This move aimed to enhance voter accessibility. Polling stations will be set up in high-rise buildings across Bengal.
Two more suspects have been taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency in relation to the November 2025 explosion at Delhis Red Fort, bringing the total arrests in the alleged plot to eleven. Investigators allege that the pair provided arms to the primary accused.
Free hotel breakfast is becoming less common. Some hotels are charging for it or removing it completely to save money. Families and business travelers may need to pay extra or eat outside. High-end hotels are more likely to charge, while budget hotels still often offer it. Guests value free breakfast, but costs and hotel rules are changing.
Five years after Japans Kubota Corp acquired majority control of Escorts, the merged entity, Escorts Kubota, is struggling to gain significant market share in Indias competitive tractor sector. Domestic sales growth lagged the industry at 11% versus 20%, though exports rose 54%. Management acknowledged delays in aligning Indian and Japanese strengths, rebuilding systems, and developing a quality-focused corporate culture. The limited Kubota product lineup, import dependence, and regional gaps hi
Travis Kelce revealed he and Taylor Swift watched a hockey game together. They also celebrated Travis' father's birthday. Kelce mentioned experiencing a blizzard in Manhattan. The couple has been keeping a low profile since January. They are reportedly planning a wedding in Rhode Island in June. Travis proposed to Taylor in August 2025.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Union government should accept West Bengals plea to rename the state as Bangla, pointing out that the Cabinet had already cleared a similar move for Kerala.
Amid currency swings, volatile commodity prices and global trade uncertainty, leaders at Voltas, Tata Consumer Products and Bisleri International say long-term forecasting is losing relevance, as supply chain disruptions, tariffs and inflation push companies toward agile, short-cycle planning across consumer sectors.
BJP president Nitin Nabin has labelled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the 'poster boy of negative politics'. Nabin accused Gandhi of having ties with anti-India and pro-Pakistan groups. He stated that the people, especially the youth, see through Gandhi's rhetoric. Nabin also referenced historical events involving Nehru and Indira Gandhi to support his claims.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared the upcoming assembly election a contest between Tamil Nadu and the NDA. He stressed that the state should be governed from Chennai, not Delhi. Stalin characterized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits as politically motivated. He stated that the more the PM visits, the greater the NDA's electoral loss will be.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of engaging in narrow, divisive politics that allegedly obstruct Indias development agenda. Union Minister Piyush Goyal claimed that Rahul Gandhi and his party are compromised, while the BJP further charged the Congress with corruption and serving the interests of anti-India elements.
Government officials will meet top non-banking financial company executives on Thursday. The discussion will focus on sector issues. A key topic is the possibility of NBFCs converting into full banks. This aims to boost financial inclusion under the Viksit Bharat Mission 2047. Capital availability and liquidity for NBFCs will also be reviewed. Suggestions on RBI's IWG report may be sought.
Federal agents served court-approved search warrants at Los Angeles Unified School District offices and Superintendent Alberto Carvalhos home. The FBI confirmed the action but declined further remark as affidavits are sealed. The searches come amid lawsuits and scrutiny over LAUSDs handling of Proposition 28 arts education funds, attendance reporting questions, and other financial concerns. Carvalho, who has led the nations second-largest school district since 2022, has not been charged.
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday clarified that Class 10 (Madhyamik) admit cards can be submitted as supplementary documents, along with pass certificates, to verify a candidates date of birth and parentage during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
More than 3 million Americans quit jobs monthly, per recent labor data. The debate over one-day notice after bonus pay is exploding online. An employee asked if they should resign after bonus payout and skip the traditional two weeks notice. The answer is simple. In most at-will employment states, it is legal if the performance bonus policy requires active employment on payout date only. You keep earned money. But quitting after bonus can affect references and reputation. Always read your employ
The Election Commission of India will release the final voter list on February 28. Approximately 60 lakh names are currently under adjudication and will be marked as such. These names will not be counted initially but can be added later if cleared.
Kantar's global CEO highlights India's crucial role in the company's future. India is no longer just an emerging market but a core focus for innovation and growth. It serves as a live laboratory for consumer intelligence and a template for global expansion. Kantar is leveraging India for research, delivery, and analytics, with AI-powered tools developed there reshaping brand strategies.
All Union ministries are cataloguing reforms undertaken since 2024. These will be presented at upcoming Cabinet meetings. The exercise covers legislative, statutory, policy, and administrative changes. Measurable outcomes, including ease of doing business and living, will be assessed. This structured performance assessment consolidates previous reviews. The initiative aims to drive policy transformation and recalibrate governance priorities.
India is gearing up to scale green methanol output, with the renewable energy ministry preparing a tender for 500,000 tonnes per year. The Deendayal Port Authority is expected to source this low-carbon fuel for use by shipping lines. The move is part of a broader strategy to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, with clarity on subsidy and incentive structures anticipated by March.
Credit card spending in India moderated in January to Rs 1.99 lakh crore, down from December's festival-led high but up over 8% year-on-year. This indicates a normalization of growth after a festive surge, with active card numbers rising to 116.6 million, though new additions slowed due to tighter underwriting and regulatory caution.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that approximately 1.2 crore names are expected to be removed from voter lists in Bengal. She expressed concern over the deletions, particularly those under the Special Intensive Revision. Banerjee inaugurated projects in her Bhabanipur constituency. The final voter rolls are scheduled for publication by the Election Commission of India on February 28.
Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order deals today: Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders commence on February 25th at 1 PM ET. Early birds can secure deals through the Reservation program. Expect a free $30 accessory credit and potential trade-in savings up to $900 on the S26 Ultra. Free storage upgrades might also be available. Students and professionals can look forward to additional discounts.
Indian banks are working together to create a unified platform for validating paper-based bank guarantees. The system is designed to curb fraud during the transition from traditional paper guarantees to fully digital ones.
An IRDAI official has called for insurance companies to cut high customer acquisition and management costs. This move is crucial for boosting profits and making insurance products more affordable. The focus is on reaching households not covered by government schemes. Reforms aim to simplify processes and encourage new product launches.
Samsung has launched its new Galaxy S26 series, comprising the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, with a stronger focus on Galaxy AI and practical everyday improvements. The most notable upgrade arrives with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which introduces what Samsung calls the worlds first built-in privacy display on a smartphone.
Fairfax-backed IIFL Finance is planning to raise $500-750 million in external commercial borrowings and dollar bonds this March. This move aims to diversify its funding sources and support business growth, with discussions underway with existing investors and banks from Singapore and Taiwan. The fundraising will utilize dollar-denominated loans and foreign currency social bonds.
Xiaomi faces a Supreme Court challenge against a customs tribunal ruling. The tribunal found the company liable for evading 653 crore in customs duty. This is linked to royalty payments on imported smartphone components. Xiaomi argues royalty payments are separate from import transactions. The customs department issued notices based on DRI investigations. The court is now reviewing Xiaomi's appeal.
India's economy is poised for robust growth, with expectations of a 7.4% expansion in the December quarter. Festive season demand and Goods and Services Tax adjustments are fueling this positive trend. Economists anticipate continued resilience amid global challenges, with domestic demand and the services sector remaining strong.
Zydus Lifesciences is set to launch a generic version of the weight-loss injection semaglutide next month. The drug will be available under brand names Semaglyn, Mashema, and Altreme. Zydus will offer a unique reusable pen for easier dosage adjustment. This move aims to simplify treatment for patients managing Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Balram Mehta, Chief Operating Officer at ReNew, has departed after more than 14 years. Mehta was an early employee and led the company's wind business. His exit was announced internally. Sivaprasad Manikkapurath will assume Mehta's responsibilities immediately. Manikkapurath has been with ReNew since July 2020.
India's major oil companies and the Shipping Corporation of India are joining forces. This new venture will acquire ships to transport crude oil and refined fuels. The goal is to reduce dependence on foreign vessels. This move aims to save India significant foreign exchange annually. The joint venture will also boost India's energy security.
Telecom regulator TRAI is observing 5G network slicing's impact on net neutrality. Telecom operators want explicit permission for slicing, deeming it vital for 5G revenue. Network slicing creates virtual networks for customized services. Critics fear it violates net neutrality by allowing differentiated service quality. Operators argue slicing can coexist with current rules, offering dedicated services without degrading general user experience.
Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has rejected calls for an extension on SIM binding for OTT apps. This mandate, effective March 1, requires apps like WhatsApp to link to a registered SIM card. Scindia emphasized national security as the driving force behind this decision. He stated that user experience concerns are secondary to security imperatives.
Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the approval of the final alignment for the Gurugram-Faridabad-Noida-Greater Noida Namo Bharat RRTS-cum-Metro Corridor. This 64 km project, with over 52 km in Haryana, aims to connect key economic hubs. It will integrate with existing metro networks, offering high-speed travel and reducing congestion.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Tuesday recommended auctioning the entire available radiowave spectrum, while proposing lower entry barriers for new players and a uniform 35 per cent spectrum cap to safeguard competition in the telecom sector.

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