MARKETS
CreditAccess Grameen, Bajaj Finance, UltraTech Cement were among top gainers and losers on Feb 27
Indian equity markets opened slightly higher on February 27 but quickly traded flat as investors prepared for volatility ahead of the monthly derivatives expiry. With the Nifty 50’s February contract expiring, traders either closed their positions or rolled them over to the March series, expecting choppy moves. Both benchmarks have declined nearly 14 percent from their record highs in September 2024. Here's a look at the key gainers and losers in trade today.
WORLD
Prayers Held for Pope Francis at Gemelli Hospital Amid Health Battle | N18G
Cardinal Baldassare Reina led prayers for Pope Francis at Rome's Gemelli Hospital as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia. The mass, held at the St. John Paul II Chapel, was attended by faithful and health workers. The Vatican reports that Francis is resting well, receiving treatment, and able to eat and move about his hospital room.
SPORTS
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | Afghanistan VS England Match Highlights | Cricket
Afghanistan have knocked England out of the Champions Trophy 2025 with a 8-run win at the Gaddifi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (February 26). Azmatullah Omarzai was key for Afghanistan as he took five wickets after contributing with the bat as well in the first innings. Earlier, Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran slammed 177 runs, his highest one-day total, and shared a 103-run partnership with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi. The duo helped their side post a massive 325 for 7 against a listless England in their Champions Trophy match on Wednesday. Zadran notched up his total off 146 deliveries, while Shahidi struck 40 off 67 balls after Afghanistan were left struggling at 37 for 3 in the ninth over. Zadran also shared a 72-run stand for the fifth wicket with Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31 balls) and a 111-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24 balls) while building the strong total. Coming to England's bowling, pacer Jofra Archer accounted for the top-order, returning figures of 3/64 in his 10 overs. England made just one change, bringing Jamie Overton in place of injured Brydon Carse, while Afghanistan remained unchanged. Root and Duckett kept England in the hunt with a steady partnership, but Duckett’s dismissal shifted momentum. Brook and Buttler got promising starts but couldn’t convert, allowing Afghanistan to claw their way back. When Root eventually fell, Archer provided a late spark with some boundaries, briefly tilting the game in England’s favor. However, Overton’s rash shot to long-on proved costly. In the end, Farooqi and Azmatullah held their nerve to seal a thrilling win for Afghanistan.
WORLD
Putin Hosts Guinea-Bissau’s President Amid Russia-Africa Push | N18G
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to the Kremlin for key economic and security talks. Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska was present, amid reports that Rusal is eyeing major infrastructure and bauxite projects in the West African nation. Meanwhile, political tensions rise in Guinea-Bissau as Embalo faces opposition disputes and coup attempts.
