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Bourses extend losses in early afternoon session
Feb-19-2026

Indian markets extended their losses to trade near day’s low levels in early afternoon session as traders avoided to take risk. Sentiments were downbeat as Crisil in its latest report stated that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation or retail inflation is likely to rise to around 4.3% in fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27) from an estimated 2.5% for FY26. With assumption of a normal monsoon in 2026, it noted that food prices are likely to remain broadly benign, while a low base effect will push food inflation higher than FY26. Sector wise, healthcare sector remained in limelight as rating agency India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) in its latest report has retained a neutral outlook for the corporate healthcare sector in FY27. On the global front, Asian markets were trading mostly in green following the broadly positive cues from Wall Street overnight, as worries about AI-related disruptions eased. 

The BSE Sensex is currently trading at 83087.05, down by 647.20 points or 0.77% after trading in a range of 82943.49 and 83979.36. There were 2 stocks advancing against 29 stocks declining on the index.

The only gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were IT up by 0.30% and Healthcare was up by 0.05%, while Realty down by 1.65%, Power down by 1.33%, Capital Goods down by 1.21%, Utilities down by 1.11% and Consumer discretionary was down by 1.06% were the top losing indices on BSE.

The top gainers on the Sensex were Infosys up by 1.03% and TCS up by 0.45%. On the flip side, Trent down by 2.73%, Mahindra & Mahindra down by 2.23%, Ultratech Cement down by 1.69%, Interglobe Aviation down by 1.60% and Bharat Electronics down by 1.49% were the top losers.

Meanwhile, India and United Kingdom (UK) have reaffirmed their cooperation in telecommunications, digital innovation, and emerging technologies under the India-UK 2030 Roadmap and the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). The Minister of State for Communications Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar has held a bilateral meeting with Kanishka Narayan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety, UK. The Minister of State has emphasized that India views artificial intelligence as central to the future of telecommunications. He noted that combining India’s scale with the UK’s research strengths can help shape global standards in AI-native networks, Open RAN, and 6G, ensuring that technology drives both growth and trust. He also highlighted India’s National Quantum Mission and pointed out the enormous potential for collaboration in quantum communications and secure networks.

The discussions were focused on deepening cooperation in AI applications for telecom networks, including autonomous network management, AI-driven cybersecurity, spectrum innovation, and non-terrestrial networks. Besides, both sides expressed interest in joint research, pilot deployments, and coordinated engagement in global standardization forums such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP. Further, they reviewed progress under the Department of Telecommunications-DCMS MoU and welcomed the operationalization of the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre.

Moreover, both countries have exchanged insights on ongoing efforts to prevent telecom frauds and digital scams through the use of artificial intelligence. India highlighted initiatives such as the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), the Sanchar Saathi platform, and the deployment of AI-based anti-spam and fraud detection tools by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). Further, UK has shared its experience with open data frameworks and strong deterrence-based regulatory measures as key elements of its approach. Meanwhile, India highlighted its rapid 5G rollout, expansion of rural connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and citizen-centric telecom governance initiatives.

The CNX Nifty is currently trading at 25633.35, down by 186.00 points or 0.72% after trading in a range of 25586.75 and 25885.30. There were 6 stocks advancing against 45 stocks declining on the index.

The top gainers on Nifty were ONGC up by 2.32%, Hindalco up by 1.18%, Infosys up by 1.00%, Dr. Reddy's Lab up by 0.55% and TCS up by 0.42%. On the flip side, Trent down by 2.81%, Mahindra & Mahindra down by 2.28%, Adani Enterprises down by 1.82%, Ultratech Cement down by 1.82% and Grasim Industries down by 1.73% were the top losers.

Asian markets were trading mostly in green; Nikkei 225 surged 412.16 points or 0.72% to 57,556.00, KOSPI increased 170.24 points or 3% to 5,677.25 and Straits Times was up by 61.75 points or 1.23% to 5,000.33. On the flip side, Jakarta Composite was down by 18.69 points or 0.22% to 8,291.54.
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