NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that central projects worth around Rs 55,000 crore have been sanctioned for the state over the past year, marking significant progress on infrastructure commitments made earlier.
Addressing a press conference, Sarma outlined a series of projects that have either received approval or are in advanced stages of clearance. He linked the developments to the commitments made during the second Advantage Assam investment summit.
“The Centre had assured infrastructure projects worth Rs 80,000 crore during the second Advantage Assam investment summit last year, and the state has already received approval for different projects worth Rs 55,000 crore,” he said.

The ‘Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit’ was organised by the state government in February 2025 to attract investments and push major infrastructure expansion across the state.

Among the key projects, Sarma said that the government has floated the tender for the Kamakhya Ropeway Project, which will connect Kamakhya railway station to the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

“When the PM visits Assam next, he will lay the foundation for it,” he said.

He added that the Centre is likely to approve a Rs 1,500 crore project within the next few days to build an elevated corridor from Guwahati airport to Jalukbari, the main entry point to the state capital. The project is aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity.

Sarma also said that a major highway expansion project is nearing final approval.
“The Rs 14,000-crore project for four-laning of the national highway from Baihata Chariali to Tezpur is at last stages of approval. We hope for it very soon,” he added.

On the stalled Kamakhya corridor project, the Chief Minister said work is expected to resume soon after expert bodies found no ecological risks.

“After some people opposed the corridor, the Gauhati High Court asked IIT Guwahati and the National Institute of Hydrology to study if the project would have any ecological impact. They said there would be no impact,” he claimed.

In the healthcare sector, Sarma said expansion works worth Rs 2,200 crore are underway at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, while projects worth Rs 600 crore are ongoing at Assam Medical College and Hospital.

He further said that another strategic highway project is under consideration. The proposed route will connect the semiconductor plant at Jagiroad in Morigaon district to the Bhutan border via Udalguri and will include construction of a new bridge over the Brahmaputra river.

“This project is under active consideration of the Centre. These strategic assets will also be used by civilians,” Sarma said.

Separately, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, on Friday approved the construction of India’s first 34-km-long twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra river between Gohpur and Numaligarh at a cost of Rs 18,662 crore.

Macroeconomic data, global geopolitical developments and rising concerns over AI-related disruptions are likely to dictate stock market sentiment in the coming week, analysts said, even as investors remain cautious amid persistent volatility.Trading activity of foreign investors and movements in the domestic currency are also expected to influence market direction.

Focus on US data, fed outlook and AI risks

“In the near term, with tariff-related concerns easing and the domestic earnings season drawing to a close on a mixed trend, market focus will hinge largely on global cues, including the US labour data and shifting expectations surrounding the US Fed’s policy path”, Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Investments Ltd, said, as quoted by news agency PTI.“However, the overall sentiment is likely to remain cautious as investors monitor global AI-driven disruptions and geopolitical risks, while improved valuations and constructive GDP forecasts may help sustain FII inflows”, Nair added.He added that with IT and metals facing persistent structural and external headwinds, market leadership may rotate towards domestically oriented sectors such as banking, automobiles and select consumption-driven segments. However, broader indices are expected to remain range-bound until clearer macroeconomic and policy signals emerge.Analysts said investors will also watch the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), scheduled for release on Thursday, for cues on the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook.

Inflation, PMI and external data in spotlight

Ajit Mishra, SVP, research at Religare Broking Ltd, said markets will track wholesale price index (WPI) inflation and balance of trade data for signals on price trends and external sector dynamics.“High-frequency indicators due include HSBC flash PMI readings for manufacturing, services, and composite, along with bank loan growth and foreign exchange reserves data.“These releases will be evaluated for confirmation of growth momentum amid volatile global cues and continued repricing in technology stocks,” he said, as per PTI.Strong US jobs data has already reduced expectations of near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts, pressuring global risk assets and contributing to domestic market weakness, Mishra added.

Benchmarks end lower amid tech selloff

On a weekly basis, the 30-share BSE Sensex slumped 953.64 points, or 1.14 per cent, while the NSE Nifty dropped 222.6 points, or 0.86 per cent.Both indices ended the week on a negative note as a global selloff in technology stocks and concerns over artificial intelligence-led disruptions weighed on sentiment.On Friday alone, the Sensex tumbled 1,048.16 points to close at 82,626.76, while the Nifty plunged 336.10 points to settle at 25,471.10 amid a broad-based selloff, particularly in metal, IT and commodity stocks.“The Nifty IT index touched a 10-month low during the session before closing 1.4 per cent lower… The sector continues to face headwinds amid rising concerns that rapid AI advancements could disrupt traditional service models and weigh on future revenue visibility,” Siddhartha Khemka of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd said, as per PTI.Metal stocks also saw profit-booking amid a stronger dollar index and reports that Russia may consider re-entering the US-dollar settlement system, raising concerns over weaker realisations for metal companies, Nair said.The broader market remained under pressure, with the BSE SmallCap Select Index falling 1.90 per cent and the MidCap Select Index slipping 1.19 per cent.

Rupee, FII flows and global markets

The rupee consolidated in a narrow range and settled 5 paise lower at 90.66 against the US dollar on Friday.Foreign institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 108.42 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors were also net buyers of Rs 276.85 crore, according to exchange data.Analysts noted that while the previous week saw support from favourable developments in the India-US trade deal and renewed FII inflows, sentiment turned cautious following escalating concerns over AI-led disruptions and a global technology selloff.Geopolitical tensions and continued repricing in technology stocks have increased sectoral volatility, prompting widespread selling pressure.Market experts said broader indices are likely to stay range-bound until clearer macroeconomic signals and policy clarity emerge, with global cues continuing to dominate investor sentiment in the near term.

When a bar of soap becomes the centre of a political slugfest, one knows the story runs deeper than lather and fragrance.The appointment of actor Tamannaah Bhatia as the new brand ambassador of Karnataka’s iconic Mysuru Sandal Soap has triggered a heated debate that cuts across politics, identity, branding strategy and regional pride. What began as a marketing announcement has spiralled into a controversy over language, representation and the cultural ownership of a 108-year-old legacy product.

At the heart of the row is Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the government-owned company that manufactures Mysuru Sandal Soap. Founded during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the brand is not merely a commercial product. For many Kannadigas, it is an aromatic symbol of heritage.

Reason behind trigger?

The controversy intensified after Karnataka industries minister MB Patil announced that Tamannaah Bhatia would serve a two-year tenure as brand ambassador for KSDL. The actor reportedly signed for a fee of approximately Rs 6.2 crore. Her contract, which was finalised last year, formally came into effect this month.The announcement coincided with the relaunch of Mysuru Sandal Soap in refreshed packaging and a broader strategy to reposition the brand for national and global markets. Several advertisements featuring the actor were unveiled at an event in Bengaluru, along with an expanded portfolio of nearly 60 products.But almost immediately, political opposition emerged.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP K Sudhakar accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of displaying what he called an “anti-Kannada mindset”. He questioned why a Mumbai-born actor was chosen to represent a brand rooted in Karnataka’s cultural identity when several Kannada film stars enjoy national and international recognition.He named actors such as Ramya, Rashmika Mandanna, Srinidhi Shetty, Pooja Hegde and Rukmini Vasanth, arguing that they have carried Kannada cinema to wider audiences and would have been more appropriate faces of the brand.The debate quickly moved from business logic to emotional ownership.

A century-old legacy

To understand why a soap can trigger such strong reactions, one must go back to its origins.Mysuru Sandal Soap was born in 1916 in the princely state of Mysore. At the time, the region was rich in sandalwood, a precious and aromatic resource. During the First World War, the export of sandalwood was disrupted. Faced with surplus stock, the Mysore administration decided to explore value addition.Under the guidance of chemists and the encouragement of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the government established a soap factory that used pure sandalwood oil. The idea was simple but visionary. Instead of exporting raw material, produce a finished product of premium quality.

The result was Mysore Sandal Soap, one of the few soaps in the world made with genuine sandalwood oil.In 1980, the operations were reorganised under Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a state enterprise. Over the decades, KSDL expanded into detergents, cosmetics and other personal care products. Yet the flagship soap remained its crown jewel.For many households in Karnataka, the soap is associated with childhood memories, temple visits, wedding gifts and the distinctive scent of sandalwood that lingers long after use.It is not merely hygiene. It is nostalgia.

The business behind the move

Minister MB Patil has defended the appointment, saying the decision was based purely on marketing considerations. According to him, KSDL is entering a transformative phase with ambitious targets. The company aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 5,000 crore by 2030.Currently, the company’s turnover is expected to touch around Rs 2,000 crore this year, with profits reportedly exceeding Rs 500 crore. However, only a small percentage of sales occur within Karnataka. Patil has said that roughly 8 to 12 per cent of sales are in the state, with significant portions in Telangana, other southern states, north India and a small international presence.

The government’s argument is straightforward. If the brand wants to expand aggressively in North India and overseas markets, it needs a face with pan-India recognition.Tamannaah Bhatia, though born and brought up in Mumbai, has worked extensively in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema. With millions of followers on social media and cross regional appeal, the government says she fits the bill.Officials have stated that several names were evaluated, including actors from Karnataka. However, some were reportedly endorsing competing brands, which made them ineligible under marketing norms.The state government maintains that branding decisions must align with commercial objectives, not political sentiment.

The cultural counterargument

Critics, however, view the decision through a different lens.For them, Mysuru Sandal Soap is intertwined with Karnataka’s linguistic and cultural pride. In a state where language identity remains politically sensitive, the selection of a non-Kannada-speaking actor to represent a heritage brand has symbolic implications.Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, a descendant of the Mysore royal family, publicly questioned the rationale. He argued that soap is not gender-specific and that a cricketer or prominent Kannadiga could have been chosen. He also clarified that he had no interest in serving as brand ambassador himself, despite his name circulating on social media.

Forest minister Eshwar Khandre defended the appointment but assured that Kannadigas would continue to receive priority in other contexts.Meanwhile, housing minister Zameer Ahmed indicated that although the decision had been taken, there were numerous capable Kannada actresses who could have been considered.The disagreement even within the ruling establishment reflects the sensitivity of the issue.For pro-Kannada groups, the controversy touches on a larger fear of cultural dilution. They argue that state-owned enterprises should reinforce regional identity rather than dilute it for broader appeal.

A brand in transition

Beyond the politics, KSDL is attempting a major brand refresh.At the recent relaunch event, the company unveiled 57 products, including new variants of soaps, sandalwood oil, jasmine scented bars, perfumes, toothpaste, coconut oil, petroleum jelly and organic lines. Two coffee table books documenting KSDL’s heritage were also released.The refreshed packaging aims to appeal to younger consumers who are increasingly drawn to premium natural and heritage brands.In recent years, India’s beauty and personal care market has undergone a rapid transformation. Consumers shifted towards global brands and K-beauty trends. However, there has also been a renewed interest in Ayurvedic and traditional formulations.

Mysuru Sandal Soap, with its authentic sandalwood oil base, occupies a unique niche. It combines tradition with premium positioning.The launch of KSDL eStore, an e-commerce platform for its products, signals a shift toward digital retail. The company has established stock-keeping units closer to consumers to ensure timely delivery and freshness.In this context, the appointment of a high-profile celebrity ambassador is part of a broader strategy to reposition the brand as aspirational and nationally visible.

The politics of scent

The row highlights how even consumer goods can become sites of political contestation.In Karnataka, language and regional identity have historically shaped electoral politics. Debates over Hindi imposition, local employment and cultural representation frequently surface in public discourse. Against this backdrop, the choice of a brand ambassador becomes more than a marketing decision.Opposition leaders have framed the issue as evidence of disregard for Kannada pride. Supporters of the government argue that commercial pragmatism should not be conflated with cultural betrayal.The controversy also raises a larger question about public sector branding. Should government-owned companies prioritise regional representation as part of their mandate, or operate strictly on business metrics?For private corporations, such decisions are typically driven by reach, cost and market impact. But when the brand belongs to the state, expectations shift.

The actor at the centre

Tamannaah Bhatia has not publicly commented on the controversy in detail. At the Bengaluru event, she described Mysuru Sandal Soap as deeply associated with emotion and trust. She said she felt privileged to be associated with an institution of such legacy.Her filmography spans multiple industries, and she enjoys a significant social media presence. From a marketing standpoint, that digital footprint is valuable in an era where brand recall is shaped as much by Instagram reels as by television commercials.Yet, the backlash shows that brand endorsement in India cannot be divorced from identity politics.

More than just a soap

Mysuru Sandal Soap’s enduring appeal lies in its authenticity. Unlike synthetic fragrance soaps, it reportedly uses genuine sandalwood oil, a resource historically associated with Karnataka. The state has long regulated sandalwood harvesting due to its high value and ecological importance.The soap’s emblem, featuring the royal insignia of Mysore, reinforces its historical roots. For many, it represents a time when princely states invested in industrial innovation and self-sufficiency.In that sense, the brand is a bridge between pre-independence industrial vision and modern state enterprise.As of now, the appointment stands. Tamannaah Bhatia’s two-year tenure has begun, and marketing campaigns are underway. KSDL is pushing forward with its expansion plans, eyeing higher turnover, greater exports and a stronger digital footprint.Whether the controversy fades or continues to simmer will depend on political developments and public reception.If the refreshed branding leads to significant growth in north India and overseas markets, the government may point to it as vindication of its strategy. If the backlash persists, opposition parties may continue to frame it as symbolic of deeper cultural concerns.

In a political landscape often defined by upheaval and leadership churn, one resident of 10 Downing Street has remained a constant. Larry, the British government’s official Chief Mouser, marked 15 years in the role on Sunday, becoming one of the most enduring figures associated with the prime minister’s residence.First adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home by then-Prime Minister David Cameron, the gray-and-white tabby arrived at Downing Street on Feb. 15, 2011. Since then, Larry has served under six prime ministers, earning a reputation as both a symbol of continuity and an unofficial mascot of British politics.“In turbulent political times, stability comes with four legs, whiskers and a fondness for napping,” said Philip Howell, a Cambridge University professor who has studied the history of human-animal relations. “Larry the cat’s approval ratings will be very high,” Howell added. “And prime ministers tend not to hit those numbers. He represents stability, and that’s at a premium.”Larry’s official responsibilities, according to his government profile, include “greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defenses and testing antique furniture for napping quality.” In practice, his presence has often extended beyond ceremonial duties. The cat has become a familiar sight for photographers gathered outside Downing Street, frequently appearing at moments that coincide with high-profile political arrivals.“He’s great at photo-bombing,” said freelance photographer Justin Ng, who has covered Downing Street for years. “If there’s a foreign leader that’s about to visit then we know he’ll just come out at the exact moment that meet-and-greet is about to happen.”Over the years, Larry has encountered a succession of world leaders, sometimes forcing visiting dignitaries to navigate around him on the famous black doorstep. Observers have noted that while he can be selective in his affections — reportedly less friendly toward men — he appeared comfortable around former U.S. President Barack Obama and drew a smile from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during one of his visits.During Donald Trump’s 2019 visit to London, Larry famously wandered into the official photo opportunity before settling down beneath the presidential limousine known as “The Beast.”Despite his official title, assessments of Larry’s rodent-catching abilities have varied. He has occasionally been photographed catching mice and once attempted to capture a pigeon, which escaped. Ng described the cat’s appeal differently. “He’s more of a lover than a fighter,” he said. “He’s very good at what he does: lounging around and basically showing people that he’s very nonchalant.”Life at Downing Street has also included rivalries and uneasy coexistence with other political pets. Larry shared space with Boris Johnson’s Jack Russell cross Dilyn and Rishi Sunak’s Labrador Nova. Under current Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Larry remains confined to the working areas, while the Starmer family’s cats, JoJo and Prince, stay in the private residential quarters.Perhaps his most notable rivalry was with Palmerston, the Foreign Office’s resident cat across the street. The two were repeatedly photographed fighting before Palmerston retired in 2020. Palmerston died earlier this month in Bermuda, where he had taken on the honorary role of “feline relations consultant” to the governor.Now believed to be 18 or 19 years old, Larry has slowed with age but continues to patrol Downing Street and spend long stretches resting on a window ledge above a radiator near the entrance — a familiar sight for visitors and staff alike.For many observers, Larry’s enduring popularity reflects something deeper in British political culture. Howell argues that the cat occupies a unique space as a nonpartisan presence in a highly partisan environment.“A cat-hating PM, that seems to me to be political suicide,” Howell said.Unlike American presidential pets, which are often seen as extensions of political image-making, Larry’s appeal lies partly in his independence. “The fact that cats are less tractable is part of the charm, too,” Howell said. “He’s sort of whimsically not partisan in a political sense, but he tends to take to some people and not to others and he won’t necessarily sit where you want him to sit and pose where you want him to pose.“There is a certain kind of unruliness about Larry which I think would endear him, certainly, to Brits.”

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said the interim trade agreement between India and the United States will factor in India’s rising energy requirements and help the country secure crude oil at more competitive prices.Speaking to reporters, Goyal said India and the US have agreed to work towards increasing annual bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, and the government is actively working to achieve this target.

Energy imports to form key part of $500 billion trade target

He said the proposed $500 billion trade basket would include India’s energy requirements such as crude oil, LNG and LPG.“India is the fastest-growing large economy in the world, and its energy demand is rising by around 7 per cent annually. Increasing imports and having more suppliers would help India secure crude oil at more competitive prices,” Goyal said, as quoted by news agency PTI.Last week, India and the US announced that they had reached a framework for an interim trade agreement under which both sides will reduce import duties on several goods to boost two-way trade.Under the framework, the US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent, while India will eliminate or cut import duties on all US industrial goods and a wide range of American food and agricultural products.

Diversification in strategic interest, buyers decide on sourcing

Earlier, addressing concerns about whether the trade pact influences India’s imports of Russian crude oil, Goyal had said such decisions are taken by domestic buyers and are not dictated by the trade agreement.“The buying of crude oil, LNG, or LPG from the US is in India’s strategic interest as we diversify sources. But the decisions are taken by the buyers themselves. The trade deal does not decide who will buy what and from where,” he said in an interview to news agency ANI.On whether the agreement affects India’s approach to Russian oil imports, the minister said, “I don’t deal with that,” adding that such matters fall under the purview of the ministry of external affairs.He emphasised that free trade agreements are about ensuring preferential market access. “The trade deal ensures that the pathway to trade is smooth and ensures preferential access. FTAs are all about preferential access to your competition. So today, when we’ve got an 18 per cent reciprocal tariff, we have a preference over other developing nations who are usually our competition. And that’s why the free trade deal becomes very attractive,” Goyal added.

Steel, coking coal and IT exports in focus

The minister also highlighted India’s growing industrial needs. He said the country currently manufactures around 140 million tonnes of steel annually and expects this to double in the coming years.To support this expansion, India requires large quantities of coking coal, imports of which are currently worth about Rs 1.50 lakh crore and are likely to rise to Rs 3 lakh crore, he said, as per PTI.Goyal noted that India is presently dependent on two to three countries for coking coal, and increasing the number of suppliers would ensure competitive pricing and improved supply security.He further pointed out that the US has strengths in infrastructure, connectivity and distribution-related products, and India seeks greater access to these to expand sectors such as data centres.India’s information technology exports currently stand at around $200 billion (Rs 18 lakh crore), he said, adding that access to advanced US equipment could help raise IT exports to nearly Rs 45 lakh crore.

Broader bilateral trade framework

The interim agreement reaffirms the commitment to a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025.India has indicated plans to purchase $500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, technology products and coking coal over the next five years under the framework.The interim pact, while focused on reciprocal tariff reductions and market access, is also positioned as a strategic step toward diversifying supply chains, strengthening energy security, and expanding India’s export footprint across key sectors.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached a fever pitch in India and Sri Lanka, but the New Zealand camp faces a bittersweet moment as they prepare for their final Group D encounter. Lockie Ferguson, the Black Caps’ premier pace merchant known for his high-octane bouncers and searing yorkers, is set to miss the upcoming fixture against Canada. While his absence leaves a significant void in the bowling attack, the reason behind his departure is a cause for celebration within the cricketing fraternity.

Why Lockie Ferguson is set to miss New Zealand’s upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match?

New Zealand’s star pacer Ferguson is set to fly back home on February 15 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stages. Ferguson will return home to be with his wife Emma and welcome their first child. The news was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Sunday, stating that the fast bowler has been granted parental leave to witness this major life milestone.

An exciting time for the Ferguson whānau 🖤

Full story | https://t.co/eKUglas9Xs

📷 = ICC/Getty #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CqKoG64m2a

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 15, 2026

Head coach Rob Walter addressed the media, expressing the team’s full support for Ferguson’s decision. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma, and we’re pleased that he’ll be at home for such a special occasion,” Walter remarked. Despite the high stakes of the tournament, the Black Caps have a long-standing culture of prioritizing family, and this situation is no different.

While Ferguson will miss the clash against Canada in Chennai, the team has opted not to name a formal injury replacement. The plan is for the speedster to rejoin the squad in time for the Super Eight stage, provided New Zealand secures their progression. In the interim, the team will look toward traveling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie, or potentially bring Kyle Jamieson into the playing XI to maintain the pace battery’s intensity.

Also READ: Fans react as Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram lead South Africa to emphatic win over New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand’s rollercoaster journey in Group D of T20 World Cup 2026

The Black Caps’ 2026 campaign has been a story of clinical precision followed by a sudden reality check. Currently sitting second in Group D with four points from three matches, New Zealand started their journey with dominant displays. They began with a comprehensive victory over Afghanistan in Chennai, where the bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, followed by a professional win against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, their momentum hit a speed bump on February 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Facing a formidable South African side, the Kiwis posted a competitive 175/7, thanks to a vital 74-run stand between Mark Chapman (48) and Daryl Mitchell (32). Unfortunately, South Africa’s Aiden Markram played a captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 86 to chase down the target with 17 balls to spare.

This seven-wicket loss to the Proteas has made the upcoming match against Canada a must-win for the Black Caps to ensure they don’t rely on net run rate math. Ferguson’s departure comes at a time when his pace was starting to peak, having already claimed four wickets in the tournament but the Kiwis remain favourites to brush past Canada and march into the Super Eights.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Tom Banton powers England to thrilling 5-wicket win over Scotland at T20 World Cup 2026

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended the week lower, each falling more than 1%, dragged down by a sharp selloff in IT stocks that weighed on investor sentiment amid growing concerns over potential AI-driven disruptions. Stronger-than-expected US jobs data for January also reduced hopes of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve.According to The Economic Times, here are seven factors that could influence market action in the coming week:Infosys, Wipro ADRs rebound: Friday’s session offered relief for IT giants Infosys and Wipro, whose ADRs had dropped up to 14.5% over two days. Bargain hunting at lower levels drove a sharp recovery, with Infosys rising 3% and Wipro gaining 4%, allowing both stocks to finish the week on a stronger note.US CPI data boosts rate cut expectations: Softer-than-expected US inflation lifted hopes of monetary easing. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% year-on-year, slightly below the 2.5% forecast in a Reuters poll. The moderation in inflation fueled market bets that the Federal Reserve could implement at least two rate cuts this year. A White House spokesperson responded positively, suggesting that the American economy could gain further momentum if the Fed lowers interest rates.FIIs and AI-led disruption fears: According to VK Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have remained net sellers this month, offloading Rs 1,374 crore so far. The trend was heavily influenced by a sharp selloff of Rs 7,395 crore on February 13, when the Nifty fell 336 points amid heavy IT stock losses triggered by the Anthropic-related shock.Vijayakumar noted that market sentiment has improved following a “fiscally prudent and growth-oriented” 2026 Budget and the India–US trade agreement, with large-cap valuations appearing “fair” given the improving corporate earnings outlook for FY27. He expects FIIs to return as buyers once volatility in the IT sector eases and added that any prolonged unwinding of the AI trade in the United States could further boost foreign flows into India, which he called a “non-AI market.“Rupee vs Dollar: The Indian rupee closed at Rs 90.64 per US dollar, largely unchanged from the previous close of Rs 90.59. A stronger dollar can weigh on equities by prompting foreign fund outflows from emerging markets like India toward safer US assets.“USD/INR remains in a short-term corrective consolidation after rejecting recent highs but continues to trade comfortably above rising channel support near 90.20–90.40. The 90.00 zone remains the structural pivot; as long as this base holds, the broader upward bias stays intact. A consolidation phase seems likely before a renewed move toward 91.80–92.50, which in turn supports domestic bullion pricing dynamics,” said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.Nifty shows weakness: The Nifty closed below 25,500, dropping amid IT stock losses. It is now near key support at 25,400–25,300 (200-DMA/EMA), with a deeper floor around 25,200–25,000. Immediate resistance is at 25,550–25,600, and a move above 25,700–25,800 could signal stabilization. As long as 25,300 holds, the broader uptrend remains intact, but a breach could trigger further downside.Options data indicate a bearish bias, with aggressive call writing at higher strikes and put buildup at lower levels. Near-term trading is expected between 25,200 and 25,700, favouring selective dip buying at strong support zones while tracking global cues.US GDP data next week: Investors will watch closely the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting and the US GDP data for Q4, due next week. These releases are expected to provide clearer signals on the Fed’s policy direction and near-term interest rate outlook. For Indian markets, global cues carry extra weight, particularly amid volatile FPI flows. Early inflow optimism was offset by sharp selling on the week’s final trading day during a global tech-led rout.Geopolitical tensions: Reuters reported that the American military is preparing for the possibility of “prolonged operations” against Iran if US President Donald Trump authorises military action against the Iranian regime, raising the risk of serious escalation. This comes as US and Iranian representatives recently met in Oman to revive talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme, following a build-up of American forces in the region. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed an additional aircraft carrier, thousands of troops, fighter jets, and guided-missile destroyers to the Middle East, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.