BTTV brings you a new market show - 'Daily Calls,' where you can gain invaluable insights and clarity on your market queries through our live sessions featuring expert analysts. Whether you're confused about where to invest, how to invest, or how to build and structure your portfolio.
Shares of BSE, Groww, Angel One, and other capital market companies fell up to 10% on February 16 after the Reserve Bank of India tightened norms for bank lending to brokers and intermediaries. Under the revised framework, effective April 1, 2026, banks can provide credit to SEBI-regulated brokers only on a fully secured basis. Partial or promoter-only guarantees are no longer allowed. Bank guarantees must have at least 50% collateral, with 25% in cash, and equity collateral faces a 40% haircut. Proprietary trading funding is banned, while market-making and margin trading financing can continue under stricter monitoring. Watch what’s hot in the markets on Business Today, as we track RBI tightening capital market exposure norms, its impact on brokers, and stocks making headlines today.
Delhi will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16–20 at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together the world’s leading AI and tech executives. CEOs including Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, and Dario Amodei will attend, alongside PM Narendra Modi, who will outline India’s AI roadmap. The summit features 700+ sessions on AI safety, governance, ethics, and tools for shared compute and trusted AI. India Inc will also be represented by leaders from RIL, Tata, Infosys, Bharti, and HCLTech. The event positions India as a key hub for AI innovation, investment, and global collaboration.
From February 15, 2026, the Government of India will reduce toll charges on National Expressways that are partially operational. Under the amended National Highways Fee Rules, the 25% expressway premium will apply only after the entire corridor is fully functional. Users will pay the standard National Highway rate for completed stretches. The move aims to encourage greater use of incomplete expressways, reduce congestion on parallel highways, and improve logistics efficiency. This toll relief will remain in effect for one year or until the expressway becomes fully operational, whichever comes first, providing commuters and transporters significant cost savings.
Catch our exclusive LIVE discussion with Ashish Kila, Director at Perfect Group and CIO of Perfect Wealth, as we decode the sharp fall in Indian IT stocks. Is the recent crash driven by panic around AI disruption, or does it signal a deeper structural shift in the sector? From fears of automation replacing traditional IT services to the debate on “revenue deflation,” we break down what it means for investors. Are IT giants like TCS and Infosys still long-term bets, or is the business model changing forever? Don’t miss expert insights, market outlook, and actionable strategies in this must-watch conversation.
A recent SBI Research report paints a bullish picture of the bilateral future between US-India, even as India's opposition leaders fire the deal with fierce criticism. The SBI report suggests that India’s trade surplus with the US could soar past the $90 billion mark annually. This surge is expected to be driven by a "golden opportunity" in tariff reductions, potentially pushing Indian exports of top items up by nearly $97 billion and contributing a 1.1% boost to India’s GDP. Another heated debate around India's export competitiveness involves Bangladesh getting a trade advantage in their textile exports to the US at zero tariffs, Commerce Minister Piyush clears the air over allegations of India's unequal trade terms in this matter. More details by Business Today's Aishwarya Patil.
India’s top airlines IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have urged the government to ease newly implemented cabin crew fatigue rules, warning of possible flight disruptions and higher operating costs. Sources cited by Reuters say the norms — which link duty hours to the number of landings — could severely impact domestic-heavy flight schedules. Airlines argue the rules reduce crew availability, especially on short-haul routes with frequent landings. The mandate for single-occupancy hotel rooms for cabin crew has also raised cost concerns. The rules are already under legal challenge, even as airlines fear a repeat of recent operational disruptions. With peak travel season approaching, carriers say flexibility is crucial to avoid cancellations and delays.
Indian IT stocks saw sharp selling as fresh AI disruption fears resurfaced, despite largely stable Q3 earnings and no major negative surprises. Devarsh Vakil, Head Of Prime Research, HDFC Securities say the sector is going through a structural transition, with margins under pressure and traditional service models being challenged by AI-led software deployment. While caution remains in the near term, experts do not see a deep downside given strong balance sheets and high cash reserves. Investors are being advised to stay underweight for now, avoid panic exits, and wait for further dips or clearer signs of business model stabilisation before adding exposure.
BTTV brings you a new market show - 'Daily Calls,' where you can gain invaluable insights and clarity on your market queries through our live sessions featuring expert analysts. Whether you're confused about where to invest, how to invest, or how to build and structure your portfolio.
Aye Finance, a leading micro-business lender, closed its ₹1,010 crore IPO (₹710 cr fresh issue + ₹300 cr OFS) oversubscribed at ₹122–129/share. Listing: February 16, 2026. MD Sanjay Sharma highlighted the massive underserved market - ~7 crore unorganized micro-enterprises (small manufacturers, traders, service providers) generating 90% of industrial employment. Aye Finance provides small-ticket working capital loans (avg ₹1.5 lakh) via hypothecation or mortgage, operating across 21 states with diversified geography. Key metrics: Borrowing cost down to 10.6% (from 11.3%), lending rates 14-28.5%, credit costs moderating (last year 5.15%, now trending lower), ROA ~3.5% even in tough cycles. Proceeds to fuel 2-3 years of doubling AUM from ₹6,100 cr. Focus: Priority sector lending to transform micro-enterprises.
Indian markets faced selling pressure on February 12, 2026, with Nifty slipping below 25,900 (down ~0.5–0.8%) as IT stocks dragged heavily - index down over 4%. Fresh global fears over AI disruption to traditional software/services hit ADRs overnight and spilled over: Infosys -4.7%, Tech Mahindra -4%, Wipro -4%, TCS -3.5%. Expert Avinash Gorakshakar called it survival of the fittest - larger players (TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, Persistent) resilient via upskilling and competitiveness; no mass layoffs expected. Short-term volatility likely till earnings season ends; favors stock-picking in auto (M&M buy ~₹3,900–3,950 target, Ashok Leyland), textiles, pharma, hospitals, hotels. Positive silver lining: FIIs turning buyers again. Hold IT heavyweights long-term (12–18 months); accumulate on dips in domestic themes.
In an exclusive interaction, Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO – Auto and Farm Sector, M&M, decodes the company’s “near-perfect report card” as describes the company's Q3 earnings. M&M’s revenue rose 26% YoY to ₹38,517 crore, while EBITDA grew 20.7% to ₹5,293 crore, even as margins moderated to 13.7%. Net profit surged 47% YoY to ₹4,675 crore. He points out however, that trade deals with the EU and the US should augur well for the industry. He also highlighted that the company has taken a 1% hike on SUV but that should not offset GST price cut impact. The automotive segment led the growth with revenues up 30% YoY, SUV market share climbing to 24.1%, and quarterly volumes reaching 3.02 lakh units, up 23% YoY. Consolidated revenues also crossed the ₹50,000 crore milestone for the first time. Jejurikar outlines how calibrated capacity expansion, strong industry demand, and sustained gains across SUVs and LCVs are expected to drive volumes going ahead, while maintaining a sharp focus on execution and profitability.
BTTV brings you a new market show - 'Daily Calls,' where you can gain invaluable insights and clarity on your market queries through our live sessions featuring expert analysts. Whether you're confused about where to invest, how to invest, or how to build and structure your portfolio.
Indian markets traded flat-to-positive on February 11, 2026, with Nifty near 25,964 (up ~0.1%) amid cautious optimism post the India-US trade deal clarity. Expert G Chokkalingam (Equinomics Research) highlighted resolved tariff fears boosting services & goods exports, but persistent liquidity issues (promoter/IPO/FII selling, mid/small-cap weakness) capping runaway rallies. He remains extremely bullish, expecting small & mid-caps to outperform Nifty/Sensex in the next 6 months as liquidity improves.Favors domestic demand-driven stocks: M&M (buy – diversified, tractor boom), Apollo Hospitals (buy – robust Q3 across segments), ITC, L&T. Cautious on export-heavy sectors; hold Titan, Jubilant FoodWorks, Eicher Motors; avoid/sell BHEL (prefer HAL). Pharma pricing pressure persists.Watch auto, healthcare, and PSU moves amid ongoing earnings season.
In a major policy shift, the government has tightened regulations on AI-generated and synthetic content by bringing it firmly under the IT Rules. The new amendments, notified this week and effective from February 20, mandate clear labels and permanent metadata on AI-created images, videos and audio. Social media platforms and online intermediaries will now be required to act much faster on flagged unlawful content, with takedown timelines reduced to as little as three hours. Platforms must also deploy tools to verify user declarations of AI usage and introduce quicker reporting mechanisms. The move is aimed at curbing the spread of deepfakes, misinformation and harmful synthetic media, especially impersonation and explicit content, while holding tech platforms to stricter compliance and accountability standards.
BTTV brings you a new market show - 'Daily Calls,' where you can gain invaluable insights and clarity on your market queries through our live sessions featuring expert analysts. Whether you're confused about where to invest, how to invest, or how to build and structure your portfolio.
India's imports of Russian crude oil are estimated to slump to less than 0.8 million barrels per day in February 2026, a significant decline from the 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels per day recorded in the first half of 2025. This shift follows the US-India interim trade deal announced on February 2, 2026, which includes expectations for India to reduce Russian oil reliance. To fill the gap, India is diversifying its crude basket by turning toward the Middle East, West Africa, Brazil, and Nigeria. Additionally, there is a renewed focus on increasing domestic production and exploration, as highlighted during the India Energy Week. While some market experts suggest imports could eventually drop to near-zero levels, the current trend shows India actively replacing Russian supplies with energy products from the US and other global partners. The evolving crude strategy marks a major pivot in India's energy procurement policy following recent diplomatic and trade developments with Washington.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) appear to be gradually returning to Indian equities, with net purchases of around ₹6,000 crore recorded between February 1 and 9. Market experts attribute the improving sentiment to the announcement of the India-US trade deal, which has emerged as a key confidence booster for global investors. Corporate earnings have largely been in line with expectations, with select segments such as financial services delivering better-than-expected results. While a sharp surge in inflows is unlikely, analysts believe FIIs will continue investing in a calibrated manner. The initial focus is expected to remain on large-cap stocks, where valuations are relatively more comfortable. Mid- and small-cap segments may see interest later, once valuations become more attractive and confidence strengthens further.
Big relief is coming for cash transactions and everyday financial deals. The Central Board of Direct Taxes has released the Draft Income Tax Rules 2026, proposing higher thresholds for quoting PAN across a range of transactions — from bank cash deposits and property deals to car purchases and hotel bills. Under the draft rules, PAN will no longer be required for small cash deposits, modest property transactions, or routine spending. Instead, the focus shifts to high-value and aggregate annual transactions, helping reduce paperwork for the ‘aam aadmi’ while keeping large money trails visible to tax authorities. However, the rules also tighten compliance in certain areas. PAN will now be mandatory for all life insurance premium payments, aligning with recent tax changes on high-value ULIPs. These rules are still open for public feedback, but if notified, they are expected to kick in from April 1. Here’s a quick, visual breakdown of what’s changing — and what it means for you.
Indian markets extended gains on February 10, 2026, with Nifty around 25,970–25,979 (up ~100–111 points) and Sensex near 84,400 (up ~300–370 points), driven by renewed FII inflows, post the India-US trade deal clarity. Sudeep Bandyopadhyay (Inditrade Capital) sees gradual FII return, starting with large-caps, citing aligned corporate earnings and attractive valuations. Bullish on chemicals/agrochemicals/specialty (e.g., UPL, RP Industries, Navin Fluorine - Q3 profit +122% to ₹185 cr, revenue +47%) as long-term bets amid China+1 and export tailwinds. Textile stocks corrected on US-Bangladesh zero-duty concerns (US cotton-linked), warranting caution amid volatility despite initial deal boost. Positive on PSU banks (SBI record high post strong results), BSE (record high, up ~6% on Q3), Titan. Cautious on Lenskart, US-focused pharma; favors domestic-heavy like Sun Pharma.
Russia has said it remains open to cooperation with the United States but sees little prospect for a revival of economic ties, despite ongoing efforts to end the Ukraine war. In an interview with TV BRICS, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Washington of pursuing economic dominance and creating barriers to cooperation. While officials like Kirill Dmitriev have spoken of restoring ties, Lavrov pointed to continued US sanctions under President Donald Trump, despite Trump’s outreach to Vladimir Putin. Lavrov also cited US hostility toward the BRICS grouping, saying Russia is increasingly forced to deepen cooperation within the bloc to protect its economic and financial interests.
“AI Is Just A Tool, Not A Friend”: Vishal Sikka On Why Human Judgment Will Decide India’s AI Future
AI Transforming Mining Safety And Productivity, Says Victor Fedeli At AI Summit
India Today Launches AI Anchor Sutra At AI Impact Summit, Redefining The Future Of News Broadcasting
India Today AI Summit 2026 | Prof Ramesh Raskar On From Aadhaar To AI
AI Will Touch Every Indian: Minister Outlines Bold Roadmap At Impact Summit
