A sharp selloff in technology stocks has pushed the Nifty IT index into its steepest monthly decline since the 2008 global financial crisis, as fears around artificial intelligence disruption rattled investor confidence.With Tuesday’s 6% decline, the Nifty IT index has plunged over 21% in February alone, marking its worst monthly fall since the 2008 global financial crisis, according to an ET report. The trigger this time is not only macroeconomic weakness but also concerns about potential disruption to traditional IT services.Anxiety intensified after AI startup Anthropic said its Claude tool can help streamline COBOL code, raising fears over long-standing revenue streams for technology companies. The announcement sent shockwaves across global tech stocks, with IBM shares plunging 13% overnight — the company’s worst single-day selloff in about 25 years.During the latest trading session, IT stocks fell as much as 8%, with Coforge, Persistent Systems and HCLTech leading losses, declining about 7-8%. Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Mphasis and Tata Consultancy Services dropped roughly 4-6%, while the Nifty IT index tanked 6%.Following the correction, the Nifty IT index now trades at an eight-year low relative to the Nifty 500, drawing attention from contrarian investors searching for value opportunities.

Cheap valuations alone may not be enough

Market experts cautioned investors against rushing into the sector despite lower valuations.“The sector is in a flux along with heightened fear. If the growth risks do not materialise, there is scope for meaningful returns. However, clarity on long-term growth is essential before becoming decisively positive. In a sector which is facing disruption, cheap valuation alone will not suffice,” S Naren, ED and CIO at ICICI Prudential AMC told The Economic Times earlier.Alok Agarwal, Head Quant and Fund Manager at Alchemy Capital Management, said the sector’s weakness predates current AI-related concerns, noting that earnings growth over the past 3, 5 and 10 years has largely remained in single digits or barely reached double digits.He said the underperformance reflects commoditisation of services, pricing pressure and sluggish demand from key Western markets. Adding AI disruption on top of these trends could further weaken earnings visibility.High dividend yields and attractive free cash flow yields may appear supportive but remain backward-looking indicators, he added. If growth weakens further, cash generation could come under pressure, making such yields less sustainable. Until companies demonstrate clear strategies to pivot towards AI enablement or move up the value chain, the risk-reward balance may remain unfavourable even over a four- to five-year horizon.

Technical indicators point to further downside risk

Technical analysts said market signals continue to favour caution.Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said oscillators had earlier turned oversold with signs of positive divergence, but the latest breakdown pushed the index below the February 13 reaction low of 31,422, with momentum indicators favouring further downside. He identified 29,961 as the nearest support level, followed by 28,800 and 27,200 in case of deeper declines, while 30,300 intraday and 31,300 on a closing basis remain key reversal levels and 36,200 acts as major resistance.Sachin Gupta, VP Research at Choice Broking, said the index entered a clear bearish phase after breaking down from a Head and Shoulders pattern on the weekly chart. The fall below the crucial 10-month low of 30,918 confirmed a structural trend reversal, while the breach of the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level and a negative crossover of key moving averages — commonly referred to as a Death Cross — suggests the earlier buy-on-dips strategy has shifted to sell-on-rise.He sees further downside towards the 29,300–28,700 zone unless a strong global trigger, particularly stability in the Nasdaq, improves sentiment.Ajit Mishra, SVP at Religare Broking, said the index has formed a pattern of lower highs and lower lows, signalling weakening momentum. Immediate support is seen near 29,600, with a major support zone around 26,300. Any rebound towards 33,000–34,000 could attract fresh selling pressure, and he advised traders to avoid fresh long positions and instead look for shorting opportunities on rebounds.

More pain or opportunity ahead?

The valuation discount in IT stocks is evident, but uncertainty around AI-led disruption continues to cloud the outlook. If technological changes prove incremental, the sharp correction could eventually create long-term opportunities. However, if demand for traditional services weakens materially, the downturn may persist.For now, experts recommend a wait-and-watch strategy as investors look for clearer signs of growth stability and sector adaptation.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

NEW DELHI: Tyson, a four-legged Army hero, was shot in the leg during Operation Trashi-I in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, and is “recovering well.” The Army on Tuesday said he is “wounded but in high spirits,” showing courage while leading the entry into a terrorist hideout.The German Shepherd, serving in the Army, demonstrated true Indian spirit by playing a key role in neutralising Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Saifullah and his two associates inside their mudhouse hideout (dhok) in the foothills of Passerkut in the Chatroo belt on Sunday.“In the recent Operation Trashi-I at Kishtwar, assault dog ‘Tyson’ displayed extraordinary courage by taking the first bullet while leading the entry into the terrorists’ hideout. Undeterred by his injuries, he pressed forward and launched a fierce assault, compelling the terrorists to open fire and thereby confirming their presence,” the Army’s White Knight Corps said in a post on X.The Army added that Tyson’s fearlessness enabled troops of the White Knight Corps, police, and CRPF to precisely engage and neutralise the three Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.“Wounded yet in high spirits, alert and recovering well, Tyson exemplifies unwavering devotion to duty — a true warrior and a soldier in every sense,” the Army said, adding, “the hunt continues – those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary.”After sustaining an injury to one of his front legs, the K9 soldier was evacuated by helicopter and admitted to a veterinary hospital, officials said.General Officer Commanding of White Knight Corps, Lt Gen P K Mishra, visited Tyson at the veterinary facility and reviewed his medical condition, they added.The corps commander interacted with the attending veterinary team, directed that the best possible care be ensured, and commended the role of Army dog units in counter-terror operations.

In the high-stakes pressure cooker of the T20 World Cup 2026, even the most composed cricketers can find their temperament tested. During the marquee Super 8 clash between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on February 22, 2026, fans witnessed a rare flashpoint between two of the game’s coolest heads: Washington Sundar and David Miller. While the match itself was a masterclass in Proteas dominance, the mid-pitch altercation became the defining viral moment of the evening, sparking a massive debate on social media about the spirit of the game and tactical gamesmanship.

What sparked the David Miller–Washington Sundar altercation in the IND vs SA Super 8 clash?

The friction ignited in the 14th over of the South African innings, a period where the Proteas were shifting gears to post a formidable total. With Tristan Stubbs on strike and Miller at the non-striker’s end, Sundar abruptly halted his delivery stride. The Indian off-spinner was visibly incensed by Miller’s positioning, gesturing sharply toward the non-striker’s crease.

The crux of the dispute lay in Miller’s backing up technique. Visuals suggested that the veteran left-hander was leaving his crease early and positioning himself remarkably close to the stumps—not necessarily to steal a run, but potentially to navigate the wet outfield grass by staying on the firmer edge of the pitch. Sundar, viewing this as an unfair advantage, raised a formal concern with on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney.

The disagreement didn’t end with the umpire; it quickly escalated into a heated face-to-face shouting match. Miller, known for his “Killer Miller” persona but rarely for on-field vitriol, approached Sundar with a defiant stance. The exchange was so animated that Ishan Kishan and the umpires had to physically intervene to separate the duo. Even as the teams headed for a drinks break, South African skipper Aiden Markram had to step in to mediate and restore calm. While the specific words exchanged remain a mystery, the tension was palpable, marking a rare breach of professional composure for both players.

Also READ: India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenario after West Indies’ dominant win over Zimbabwe

South Africa bulldozes India in one-sided Super 8 encounter

Despite the early drama, South Africa refused to let the distraction break their rhythm. After a shaky start that saw them reeling at 20/3, the Proteas mounted a spectacular recovery. Miller channelled his on-field aggression into a match-winning performance, smashing a blistering 63 off just 35 balls. Alongside young Dewald Brevis (45) and a late flourish from Stubbs (44*), South Africa catapulted to a commanding total of 187/7.

India’s response was, by contrast, a catastrophic collapse. Chasing 188, the defending champions looked out of depth on a slightly sluggish Ahmedabad surface. South Africa’s pace spearhead Marco Jansen dismantled the top order with figures of 4/22, while the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Markram squeezed the middle order.

The Indian batting lineup, missing the steady hand of Axar Patel, whose exclusion for Sundar sparked significant post-match scrutiny, crumbled for a meager 111. Only Shivam Dube (42) offered any meaningful resistance. This 76-run drubbing not only ended India’s 12-game unbeaten streak in T20 World Cups but also severely dented their Net Run Rate, leaving them in a must-win territory for their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

Also READ: 2007 reloaded? Here’s how Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign mirrors a legendary comeback

NEW DELHI: The government is set to roll out a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 and above, offering the Gardasil jab free of cost as part of a major push to curb cervical cancer, according to official sources cited by PTI.The voluntary programme, to be implemented across the country in the coming weeks, aims to expand equitable access to life-saving immunisation and strengthen India’s fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women.Officials said the quadrivalent HPV vaccine to be administered under the programme protects against HPV types 16 and 18 — responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases — as well as types 6 and 11.Emphasising the scientific backing for the initiative, an official source said, “Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group.”Citing strong global and Indian scientific evidence, a senior source noted that a single dose administered within the recommended age group provides “robust and durable protection”.“Vaccination under the national programme will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups,” the PTI reported, citing sources.

What is ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar’ drive?

The ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ is described as the largest-ever health outreach initiative for women and children in India. Jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of health & family welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of women & child development (MoWCD), the nationwide campaign saw lakhs of health camps organised between 17 September and 2 October at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), district hospitals and other government health facilities.The initiative focused on delivering women-centric preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services at the community level. It strengthened screening, early detection and treatment linkages for non-communicable diseases, anaemia, tuberculosis and sickle cell disease.Simultaneously, it promoted maternal, child and adolescent health through antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition support, menstrual hygiene awareness, and lifestyle and mental health interventions.The campaign also sought to mobilise communities towards healthier living, placing particular emphasis on obesity prevention, improved nutrition and voluntary blood donation, reinforcing the broader goal of building healthier families through empowered women.

Women’s T20 World Cup (Pic Credit – X)

NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council on Tuesday announced the full schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, setting the stage for the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, with 12 teams competing for the coveted title from June 12 to July 5 in England.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Hosts England will launch the tournament against Sri Lanka on June 12, marking the beginning of a nearly month-long spectacle that will culminate in the final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5. India will open their campaign against Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14.

This edition will feature the largest field ever assembled in the competition. Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands secured the final four spots through the qualifying tournament in Nepal, joining defending champions New Zealand, six-time winners Australia, 2016 champions West Indies, hosts England, ODI world champions India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.The group stage promises several high-profile clashes.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta described the schedule release as a significant moment for the global game.“The release of the schedule is an important milestone in the run-up to the global, premier sporting event,” Gupta said, emphasising the governing body’s continued investment in women’s cricket through expanded participation, improved pathways, enhanced production standards and increased commercial opportunities.He added that recent global events had helped elevate the women’s game and expressed confidence that the upcoming tournament would further strengthen its popularity and global reach.“The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India served as a force multiplier for the sport – breaking records, capturing imaginations and inspiring communities – and our ambition is to carry the momentum into the event in June-July,” he added.

Full Schedule of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday reacted with wordplay after the Union Cabinet is understood to have approved the proposal to change the name of Kerala to ‘Keralam’, asking what Anglophones would now call residents of the state.The Thiruvananthapuram MP asked how people from the state now would be referred to, and what happens to terms like “Keralite and Keralan”. “All to the good, no doubt, but a small linguistic question for the Anglophones among us: what happens now to the terms ‘Keralite’ and ‘Keralan’ for the denizens of the new ‘Keralam’? ‘Keralamite’ sounds like a microbe and ‘Keralamian’ like a rare earth mineral…! @CMOKerala might want to launch a competition for new terms resulting from this electoral zeal,” Tharoor said in a post on X.Sources cited by PTI said the Union Cabinet, at a meeting held on Tuesday, approved the Kerala government’s proposal to rename the state. The meeting was the first to be held at Seva Teerth, the newly inaugurated Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet Secretariat complex.The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly on June 24, 2024, urging the Centre to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution to reflect the name ‘Keralam’. The Assembly had earlier passed a similar resolution in August 2023, but the ministry of home affairs suggested technical changes, prompting the state to adopt it again.Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who moved the resolution, had said the state is referred to as ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam and that the demand for a unified Kerala for Malayalam-speaking people dates back to the national freedom struggle. “The name of our state is written as Kerala in the First Schedule of the Constitution. This assembly requests the Centre to take immediate steps to amend it as ‘Keralam’ under Article 3 of the Constitution and have it renamed as ‘Keralam’ in all the languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution,” Vijayan had said.The resolution sought changes in the First Schedule under Article 3. Upon review, it was indicated that the amendment would be required in the First Schedule of the Constitution.Assembly elections in the state are expected in April-May.

Gold edged eased on Tuesday, with April futures slipping 0.31% to Rs 1,61,102 per 10 grams amid ongoing global uncertainty over US tariffs. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the yellow metal fell by Rs 496 in a turnover of 7,587 lots. In the international market, Comex gold futures for April fell $28.16, or 0.54%, to $5,197.44 an ounce.The decline comes as the Trump administration looks to restart its global tariff agenda, following a Supreme Court decision last week that blocked several levies imposed last year. Here’s how much gold costs in your city today:

Gold price in Ahmedabad today

In Ahmedabad, 24K gold is trading at Rs 16,183 per gram. The rate for 22K gold stands at Rs 14,835 per gram, while 18K gold is available for Rs 12,139 per gram.

Gold price in Bangalore today

Bangalore sees 24K gold priced at Rs 16,178 per gram. Buyers can get 22K gold for Rs 14,830 per gram, and 18K gold is sold at Rs 12,134 per gram.

Gold price in Bhubaneswar today

The current gold rates in Bhubaneswar are Rs 16,178 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,830 per gram for 22K, and Rs 12,134 per gram for 18K gold.

Gold price in Chennai today

In Chennai, 24K gold costs Rs 16,244 per gram. Meanwhile, 22K gold is priced at Rs 14,890 per gram and 18K gold at Rs 12,730 per gram.

Gold price in Delhi today

Delhi’s gold market lists 24K gold at Rs 16,193 per gram. The 22K variant is Rs 14,845 per gram, while 18K is Rs 12,149 per gram.

Gold price in Hyderabad today

Hyderabad residents can buy 24K gold at Rs 16,178 per gram. The price for 22K gold is Rs 14,830 per gram, and 18K is Rs 12,134 per gram.

Gold price in Kanpur today

In Kanpur, the rates are Rs 16,193 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,845 per gram for 22K, and Rs 12,149 per gram for 18K gold.

Gold price in Kolkata today

Kolkata’s gold prices today are Rs 16,178 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,830 per gram for 22K, and Rs 12,134 per gram for 18K.

Gold price in Mumbai today

The gold rates in Mumbai show 24K at Rs 16,178 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,830 per gram, and 18K at Rs 12,134 per gram.

Gold price in Jaipur today

Jaipur reports 24K gold priced at Rs 16,193 per gram. The 22K variety is Rs 14,845 per gram, and 18K is Rs 12,149 per gram.

The West Indies’ record-breaking 107-run victory over Zimbabwe in Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026 has essentially turned Group 1 into a statistical minefield for the Indian cricket team. After suffering a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa, India finds themselves at the bottom of the table with a daunting -3.800 Net Run Rate (NRR), while the Windies have surged to the top with a massive +5.350. For the defending champions, the room for error has completely vanished; they now face two mandatory wins in Chennai and Kolkata to keep their title defense alive.

The Super 8 standings: T20 World Cup 2026

The current Group 1 table reflects a massive divide that India must bridge in just two matches. Because the West Indies and South Africa both secured “blowout” victories in their opening games, they have created a massive NRR buffer that acts as an extra point in their favor. India, sitting at 0 points, is not just trailing in the win column but is effectively 9.15 runs per over behind the West Indies.

This means that simply winning their remaining fixtures may not be enough if the points are tied; the Men in Blue must approach their next two games against Zimbabwe and the West Indies with an ultra-aggressive mindset to systematically dismantle these surpluses and move their own NRR back into the positive territory.

Group Points Table

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Fans react as West Indies hand Zimbabwe 107-run hammering in Super 8 game at Wankhede

What India need to qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals after West Indies thrash Zimbabwe?

Scenario 1: The clean sweep and South African assistance

The most straightforward and mathematically safe path for Suryakumar Yadav‘s India is to win both of their remaining matches while hoping South Africa wins their remaining two games as well. If the Proteas defeat the West Indies on February 26 and then beat Zimbabwe on March 1, they would finish as the undisputed group leaders with 6 points. Under these conditions, if India successfully defeats Zimbabwe and the West Indies, they would finish on 4 points, while the Windies and Zimbabwe would be capped at 2 points each. This scenario is the “Gold Standard” for India because it allows them to qualify in the second spot based on points alone, completely removing the hazardous Net Run Rate tie-breaker from the equation.

Scenario 2: The three-way tie and NRR calculations

A much more volatile situation arises if the West Indies defeat South Africa in their upcoming clash. If that result occurs and India goes on to win their next two matches, India, South Africa, and the West Indies would all be tied on 4 points (each with 2 wins and 1 loss). In this deadlock, the semi-finalists would be determined solely by Net Run Rate. To survive this, India would need to win their matches by colossal margins, potentially winning by a combined total of 100+ runs across both games, to leapfrog the NRR of at least one of their rivals. This would require India to not just win, but to effectively “demolish” Zimbabwe in Chennai to set up a final-day shootout in Kolkata.

Scenario 3: The strategic last-mover advantage

India possesses a vital tactical advantage due to the tournament’s scheduling. Their final match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens (March 1) takes place after the South Africa vs. Zimbabwe game has concluded. This sequence provides the Indian team with absolute ‘mathematical clarity’ before they even step onto the field. They will know the exact result needed, down to the specific over or run, to overtake their rivals on the points table or the NRR column. This allows the coaching staff to tailor their strategy, whether it requires a steady chase for a simple win or an all-out blitz to reach a target within a specific timeframe to satisfy NRR requirements.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Sunil Gavaskar slams star India batter following humiliating defeat against South Africa