Consumers planning to buy air conditioners may face higher prices in the coming months as Voltas prepares to raise rates by an estimated 5% to 15%. The expected hike reflects mounting pressure from increased input costs, currency volatility, and supply-chain expenses affecting the consumer durables industry. With demand remaining resilient ahead of the peak summer season, manufacturers are seeking to protect margins while balancing affordability.

Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp sell-off, with benchmark indices tumbling nearly 1,000 points in a single session as investor sentiment turned decisively risk-averse. The decline was driven by broad-based selling across banking, information technology, and metal stocks, reflecting concerns over global cues, stretched valuations, and persistent foreign fund outflows. Volatility spiked as traders rushed to cut exposure amid uncertain macroeconomic signals.

India’s largest online travel platform has reached a significant milestone in its business-to-business segment, with corporate travel bookings surpassing USD 1 billion. The achievement highlights the steady recovery of business travel and the growing preference among enterprises for technology-driven travel management solutions. Rising demand from large corporations, improved compliance tools, and integrated expense management have fueled this growth. Industry analysts view the milestone as evidence of structural strength rather than a cyclical rebound.

In a move that signals growing interest among Indian entrepreneurs in strategic technologies, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal has acquired a stake in a defence-focused robotics startup. The acquisition marks Goyal’s entry into a sector far removed from consumer internet platforms, reflecting broader investor appetite for deep-tech and national security-linked innovation. While financial details were not publicly disclosed, the transaction underscores rising confidence in India’s defence manufacturing and robotics ecosystem.

The global information technology industry is undergoing a difficult but necessary transition as artificial intelligence reshapes business models, revenue streams, and workforce structures, according to the chief executive of HCLTech. While AI adoption promises long-term efficiency and growth, the immediate impact has been uneven, creating pressure on traditional IT services and margins. Enterprises are re-evaluating spending priorities, delaying discretionary projects, and demanding faster returns on technology investments.

Equity markets retreated sharply as heavy selling in information technology stocks coincided with renewed anxiety over global trade policy. Investor sentiment weakened after fresh concerns emerged around the potential return of protectionist tariffs, a theme closely associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Technology shares, already under pressure from valuation concerns and muted global demand, bore the brunt of the sell-off. The downturn erased recent gains, pushing benchmark indices lower and reinforcing risk-off behavior among institutional investors.

Gold prices climbed sharply to around Rs. 5,230 in early Asian trading Thursday, propelled by escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. The rally follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed sweeping tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump unlawful, only for the administration to respond with a fresh 15 percent levy effective immediately. The abrupt policy reversal has unsettled global markets and revived demand for safe-haven assets. Investors are now turning their attention to the upcoming U.S.

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has raised concerns over reports suggesting that Pakistan cricketers may be overlooked by Indian-owned franchises participating in The Hundred. Calling any potential exclusion “discriminatory,” Ali cautioned that players would not remain silent if they perceived bias in recruitment decisions. The controversy emerges against a backdrop of political tension between India and Pakistan, raising questions about the intersection of geopolitics and franchise cricket.

Jammu & Kashmir seized early control of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy final with a commanding batting display against Karnataka cricket team in Hubballi. Led by a composed unbeaten century from Shubham Pundir and crucial contributions from Yawer Hassan and Abdul Samad, the visitors closed Day One at 284 for 2 after electing to bat. Despite disciplined spells from Karnataka’s pace attack, including Prasidh Krishna, Jammu & Kashmir demonstrated tactical discipline and resilience.

Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have commenced wedding festivities in Udaipur ahead of their February 26 ceremony, transforming a private milestone into a high-impact cultural and economic event. Hosted at the luxury property ITC Mementos, the celebration reflects the expanding financial footprint of India’s celebrity wedding industry.