Sensex Today Trades Lower; Nifty Below 25,000

Asian markets traded sharply lower on Monday as the war between Iran and the US-Israel escalated.

US stock futures tumbled in overnight trading amid the Iran war. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped 517 points, or 1%, while S&P 500 futures lost 1% and Nasdaq 100 futures declined over 1%.

Here's a table showing how US stocks performed on Friday:

Source: Equitymaster

At present, the BSE Sensex is trading 790 points lower, and the NSE Nifty is trading 224 points lower.

Bharat Elec is among the top gainers today.

Maruti Suzuki, Adani Ports, and Trent, on the other hand, are among the top losers today.

The BSE Midcap index is trading 1.5% lower, and the BSE Smallcap index is trading 2.1% lower.

Baring metal sector, all other sectoral indices are trading negatively today, with stocks in the realty sector and the service sector witnessing selling pressure.

The rupee is trading at Rs 90.9 against the US dollar.

Airtel Partners Google for Smarter Messaging

Bharti Airtel has announced that it will use its AI-based spam protection system for text messages sent through Google's messaging platform, including messages that contain web links.

The goal of this partnership is to protect customers from online fraud and unwanted spam messages.

Airtel has also encouraged other internet-based apps to work with it to fight spam more effectively.

By combining Airtel's network intelligence with Google's Rich Communications Services (RCS) platform and its spam filters, users will be able to enjoy advanced messaging features like high-quality photos and videos, message reactions, and interactive elements - while also getting stronger protection against spam and digital fraud.

Airtel said that in the past one and a half years, its AI tools have blocked around 7,100 crore spam calls and 290 crore spam SMS messages. This has helped reduce financial losses from fraud on its network by nearly 68.7%.

The company added that traditional telecom networks follow strict safety standards, while many non-telecom apps may not have the same level of protection. By adding its security system to Google's RCS platform, Airtel says it is setting a new standard for safer, carrier-backed messaging services.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Sales Surge 35%

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported a 35% increase in total sales in February, selling 63,331 units compared to 46,811 units in the same month last year.

Domestic passenger vehicle sales rose 34% to 62,329 units, up from 46,435 units a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing.

In international markets, passenger vehicle sales grew to 1,002 units in February, compared to 376 units in February 2025.

The company also reported strong growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales. Total EV sales across domestic and international markets jumped 57% to 8,385 units, up from 5,343 units in the year-ago period.

BEL Sets Interim Dividend Record Date

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has announced an interim dividend of Rs 1.95 per share for the financial year 2025-26.

The company has fixed Thursday, March 5, as the record date to identify shareholders who will be eligible to receive the dividend. According to its exchange filing, the interim dividend will be paid within 30 days from the date it was declared.

A record date is the cut-off date set by a company to decide which shareholders qualify to receive the announced dividend.