Stock Market Today: Newgen Soars 20%, RIL & TCS Rise on AI Bets | Live Updates

Indian stock markets experienced a broad-based decline on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with both the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 indices falling over 1%. The downturn was characterized by widespread profit-booking and sector-specific pressures, though some companies bucked the trend on positive developments.

As of 2:00 PM local time, the BSE Sensex was down 913.59 points, or 1.09%, trading at 82,820.66. The NSE Nifty50 index similarly declined, falling 262.55 points, or 1.02%, to 25,558.

Sectoral performance was largely negative. Nifty Realty was the worst performer, shedding over 2% of its value. Significant declines were also observed in Nifty Media, Auto, FMCG, Consumer Durables and Private Bank, each falling by more than 1%. Other indices, including Nifty Bank, Financial Services, IT, Metal, PSU Bank, Oil & Gas, and Chemical, also registered losses.

Reliance Industries Doubles Down on AI

Despite the overall market weakness, Reliance Industries (RIL) garnered positive attention following the announcement of a substantial ₹10 trillion (approximately $120 billion USD) investment over the next seven years to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and services in India. RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani stated the company intends to build a sovereign compute infrastructure through gigawatt-scale data centers, with construction already underway in Jamnagar.

Analysts remain bullish on RIL’s prospects, citing the company’s strategic deployment of its cash reserves to capitalize on the burgeoning AI sector. This move positions RIL as a key player in India’s AI ambitions, potentially benefiting from the anticipated growth in demand for AI-related technologies and services.

Tata Group and OpenAI Forge Strategic Partnership

Shares of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) rose 2% in intraday trading following a strategic partnership with OpenAI. The collaboration aims to build AI infrastructure within India and develop joint market solutions. The Tata Group plans to provide thousands of its employees with access to OpenAI’s enterprise ChatGPT offering, aiming to boost productivity and innovation. TCS will also leverage OpenAI’s Codex to enhance software engineering outcomes.

This partnership underscores the growing interest among Indian conglomerates in harnessing the power of AI to drive operational efficiencies and develop new revenue streams. The collaboration between a leading Indian IT services provider and a global AI leader signals a significant step towards accelerating AI adoption in the country.

Newgen Software Technologies Surges on New Contract

Newgen Software Technologies experienced a significant surge in its share price, climbing 20% to a high of ₹618 per share on the NSE. This increase was driven by the announcement of a new order worth AED 53.1 million (approximately ₹13.07 crore) secured through its overseas subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates. The three-year contract involves the provision of licenses, implementation, and support services to a customer in the region.

The contract win demonstrates Newgen Software Technologies’ growing international presence and its ability to secure significant deals in key markets. The company’s focus on providing comprehensive software solutions appears to be resonating with clients seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.

Broader Market Context and Outlook

The recent market correction follows a period of sustained gains, prompting some investors to take profits. The decline also reflects concerns about global economic headwinds and potential interest rate hikes. While the long-term outlook for the Indian economy remains positive, short-term volatility is expected to persist.

The performance of Reliance Infrastructure also warrants attention. Data indicates that retail investors hold approximately 45% of the company’s shares, and the stock has experienced a 13% decline from June 2024 to December 2025. This highlights the vulnerability of stocks with significant retail participation to market fluctuations.

Investors are closely monitoring corporate earnings reports and macroeconomic data releases for further clues about the direction of the market. The upcoming budget session and policy announcements are also expected to influence investor sentiment.