Samsung Electronics officially launched the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, at its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, introducing the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra as its most intuitive AI-focused smartphones yet. Pre-orders began immediately, with general availability scheduled for March 11, 2026, across major markets including the United States, Europe and Asia.

The lineup emphasizes refined design, powerful performance and expanded Galaxy AI capabilities, building on the foundation of the Galaxy S25 series. All models run Android 16 with One UI 8.5, promising seven years of major OS upgrades and security patches.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra stands as the premium flagship, featuring a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz), Vision Booster for enhanced outdoor visibility and peak brightness up to 2,600 nits. It measures 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9mm and weighs 214g — 0.3mm thinner and slightly lighter than its predecessor for improved ergonomics. The device includes rounded Armor Aluminum corners, IP68 water and dust resistance, and an integrated S Pen stylus.

Power comes from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 customized for Galaxy, delivering claimed improvements of 19% in CPU, 24% in GPU and 39% in NPU performance for AI tasks. Configurations offer 12GB or 16GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage options (no microSD expansion). The 5,000mAh battery supports up to 31 hours of video playback, with a major upgrade to 60W wired charging (up from 45W) and 25W wireless charging, plus reverse wireless charging.

The camera system leads with a 200MP wide main sensor (f/1.4 aperture for better low-light performance), 50MP ultrawide (f/1.9), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4) and 50MP 5x periscope telephoto (f/2.9). It enables up to 10x optical-quality zoom via adaptive pixel technology, improved Nightography and Super Steady video stabilization. The 12MP front camera supports enhanced selfies.

A headline feature is the world-first built-in Privacy Display, which limits visibility from side angles to prevent shoulder surfing in public settings while remaining clear from the front.

The Galaxy S26+ features a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage. It weighs 190g at 7.3mm thick with a 4,900mAh battery offering 31 hours of video playback and faster charging. The rear setup includes a 50MP wide main, with similar AI enhancements.

The base Galaxy S26 sports a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the same processor, 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage. It measures 7.2mm thick and weighs 167g with a 4,300mAh battery supporting 31 hours of playback.

Pricing reflects adjustments amid component costs: the Galaxy S26 starts at $899.99 for 256GB (up $100 from the S25), the S26+ at $1,099.99 for 256GB (also up $100), and the S26 Ultra holds steady at $1,299.99 for 256GB. Higher tiers reach $1,799.99 for the Ultra’s 1TB model. Pre-order promotions include up to $900 trade-in credit or $150 accessory discounts on Samsung.com.

Galaxy AI enhancements across the series include advanced contextual awareness, proactive suggestions, improved photo editing, real-time translation and Bixby upgrades for more natural interactions. The custom chipset optimizes on-device processing for efficiency and privacy.

Availability spans carriers, retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, and Samsung Experience Stores. Colors vary by model and region, including Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow and Pink Gold.

Early hands-on impressions highlight the Ultra’s slimmer profile, brighter display and faster charging as meaningful upgrades, though some note incremental changes from the S25. The privacy screen and AI refinements position the series strongly against competitors like Apple’s iPhone lineup.

As pre-orders roll in, the Galaxy S26 series arrives at a pivotal time for Samsung, emphasizing AI integration and user privacy in a crowded premium smartphone market.

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Iran fired ballistic missiles at multiple Gulf Arab states on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in retaliation for joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership and military sites, killing one person in Abu Dhabi and prompting widespread air defense activations, airspace closures and emergency alerts across the region.

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence confirmed the country was subjected to a “blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,” with air defense systems intercepting several projectiles with high efficiency. Debris from the interceptions fell in residential areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohammed bin Zayed City and Al Falah, causing material damage and resulting in the death of one civilian of Asian nationality, according to state news agency WAM and the ministry’s statement. No additional injuries were reported in the second wave of missiles, which UAE defenses also neutralized without casualties.

The fatality marked the first confirmed civilian death on Gulf soil from the escalating conflict, which began earlier Saturday with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior figures in Tehran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the retaliatory launches, stating they targeted U.S. military assets across the region and vowed operations would continue “until the enemies are defeated.”

Multiple countries reported incoming threats. Bahrain confirmed missiles struck near the U.S. Naval Support Activity in Juffair, Manama, with thick smoke rising and residents evacuated from nearby areas. Qatar intercepted at least one projectile, with explosions reported in Doha. Kuwait and Jordan also activated defenses against Iranian missiles, while Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh experienced blasts amid heightened alerts. Explosions echoed in Dubai, leading to a full suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport and disruptions at other regional hubs.

The UAE strongly condemned the attacks as a “dangerous escalation” and “cowardly act” threatening civilian safety and regional stability. The Ministry of Defence affirmed the nation’s categorical rejection of targeting civilian objects and reserved its full right to respond. Authorities issued emergency text alerts urging residents to shelter in place, avoid military sites and monitor official channels.

The strikes extended the conflict beyond Iran and Israel, drawing in Gulf states that host significant U.S. military presence, including Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi and facilities in Bahrain and Qatar. Analysts described the Iranian response as unprecedented in scope, targeting American allies to deter further involvement and signal resolve amid regime threats from Washington and Jerusalem.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in earlier statements, confirmed “major combat operations” against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, urging Iranians to overthrow their government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the initial strikes as pre-emptive to eliminate existential threats. Both nations indicated multi-day operations, with sources suggesting additional waves possible.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry denounced the U.S.-Israeli aggression as violations of sovereignty, accusing the attackers of striking defense infrastructure and civilian areas during ongoing negotiations. Tehran reported dozens killed in its territory, including claims of civilian deaths at an elementary school, though independent verification remained limited due to blackouts and restricted access.

Regional airspace closures compounded the chaos. Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, British Airways and IndiGo suspended or diverted flights to and from the Middle East. The former Iranian crown prince, in exile, called for nationwide protests, labeling the moment a “destiny” for regime change.

Oil prices surged more than 15% on fears of disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, with global markets opening lower and defense stocks rising. Humanitarian organizations prepared for potential mass casualties, while the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session. Russia and China condemned the initial strikes as “illegal aggression,” urging de-escalation.

Eyewitness accounts from Abu Dhabi described loud explosions, smoke plumes and sirens as residents sought shelter. Video footage shared on social media showed dark clouds over the capital following interceptions. The UAE emphasized stability, with authorities monitoring developments around the clock.

The attacks underscored the rapid spread of the conflict, transforming a bilateral U.S.-Israeli operation into a multi-front crisis involving Gulf monarchies. Diplomats warned of risks to global energy supplies and broader instability if retaliation cycles continued.

As sirens persisted in parts of the region and defenses remained active, the Gulf’s relative safety — long a hallmark amid Middle East turmoil — faced its most severe test in years.

Wordle players faced a formidable challenge on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with puzzle #1715 delivering a word that stumped many and earned a “very challenging” rating from The New York Times’ WordleBot analysis. The daily brain teaser, hosted by the Times since its acquisition from creator Josh Wardle, continued its streak of testing vocabulary, logic and persistence as enthusiasts worldwide logged in for their morning ritual.

The solution to today’s Wordle is **HYDRA**, a five-letter noun rooted in Greek mythology. According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, it refers to a multi-headed serpent slain by Heracles (Hercules) in one of his famous labors, or more broadly to any persistent problem that multiplies when addressed. In modern pop culture, HYDRA also names a secretive villainous organization in Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, known for its motto “Cut off one head, two more shall take its place.”

WordleBot reported that the puzzle took testers an average of 5.3 guesses out of six in easy mode — bordering on the game’s upper difficulty threshold — with some players hitting the limit or failing entirely. Hard mode scores averaged slightly better at 3.9 to 4.0 attempts for skilled solvers, but the word’s uncommon letters and lack of repeats contributed to the frustration.

Hints circulated widely across gaming sites and social media to guide players without spoiling the answer outright. Mashable offered a subtle clue: “A mythological creature.” Parade described it as “the many-headed serpent slain by Heracles in Greek mythology.” CNET noted it could refer to “a mythological serpent” or “a batch of Marvel Comics bad guys.” Tom’s Guide and other outlets emphasized structural details: the word starts with H, ends with A, contains one vowel (Y acting as a sometimes vowel) and no repeated letters.

Additional tips included the absence of double letters, a consonant start and an ending vowel. Forbes contributor Erik Kain shared his solving path, starting with STALE (leaving 202 possibilities) before narrowing it down, joking about nearly choosing HARDY instead. Many players reported luck with openers like SLATE or ADIEU, though uncommon consonants like H and D tripped up early guesses.

The puzzle’s difficulty sparked lively discussion on Reddit’s r/wordle community, where users posted grids and commiserated over near-misses. One thread highlighted the word’s dual meaning, with some solvers arriving via mythology references and others through comic book knowledge. No widespread complaints emerged about unfairness, unlike occasional past puzzles accused of obscure terms.

Wordle #1715 arrived amid the game’s enduring popularity, now approaching its fifth anniversary since launch in October 2021. The Times maintains a streak counter, shareable grids with emoji squares (green for correct position, yellow for wrong position, black for absent) and a simple black-and-white interface that keeps focus on deduction rather than flashy graphics.

For those who prefer strategy, experts recommend starting words rich in common vowels and consonants — ADIEU, AUDIO, CRANE or SLATE — to eliminate possibilities quickly. Hard mode forces players to reuse revealed letters in subsequent guesses, increasing challenge but sharpening skills.

The daily reset occurs at midnight local time, with the puzzle accessible free at nytimes.com/games/wordle. No login is required for basic play, though a Times subscription unlocks additional games like Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword.

As February draws to a close, Wordle continues delivering bite-sized mental workouts that unite millions. Saturday’s HYDRA proved a fitting capstone to the month, blending ancient lore with modern gaming in a puzzle that rewarded persistence and broad knowledge.

Players who missed it can still practice similar words or await Sunday’s challenge. The game’s design ensures one puzzle per day worldwide, preventing spoilers through timed release and share restrictions.

In a digital era of endless distractions, Wordle’s simplicity — five letters, six tries, no ads — remains its strength. Whether HYDRA felled your streak or boosted your confidence, it reminded fans why the game endures: the quiet thrill of cracking the code, one guess at a time.

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena BMPS -6.76%decrease; red down pointing triangle pledged to return around 16 billion euros ($19 billion) to shareholders over the next five years and detailed targets for higher earnings as it progresses with the integration of recently acquired peer Mediobanca MB -6.24%decrease; red down pointing triangle.

The Italian group, which is considered the world’s oldest bank in operation and is still partly state-owned following a bailout, pursued its Milanese peer in a bid to marry Mediobanca’s heft in investment banking and wealth management with its own retail banking strength. The tie-up, which created the country’s third-largest lender by assets, is among the largest in a wave of consolidation sweeping the European banking sector.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Although Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers in February, picking up Indian equities worth Rs 22,615 crore during the month, Friday’s sharp sell-off has cast doubt on the sustainability of that trend reversal. With the Iran-Israel conflict escalating over the weekend, risk appetite could take a back seat, prompting foreign investors to adopt a wait-and-watch approach before committing fresh flows to emerging markets.

The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a risk-off situation in financial markets. It remains to be seen how the conflict will evolve and impact crude and currency markets, Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments said, commenting on the crisis. In his view, FIIs are likely to wait and watch how things evolve before making further commitments in emerging markets.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Nachiketa Sawrikar, Fund Manager at Artha Bharat Global Multiplier Fund said he expects broad selling of risky assets across both the developed and emerging markets against the backdrop of a USA-Israel attack on Iran.

He said trading activity appears increasingly tilted toward US securities, with a parallel shift in flows toward bullion, signalling the possibility of capital moving out of emerging markets. “We would expect the ongoing rally in USA treasuries, oil, gold, and silver to extend,” the expert added.

Sawrikar also sees a deeper impact of war on India, accelerating the foreign capital outflow because of its reliance on imported crude oil. “Higher crude oil prices could widen the current account deficit, stoking domestic inflation, pressure the rupee,” he warned.

Vijayakumar said FIIs buying on most days in February indicated a clear shift in their investment strategy towards India. “There are variations in sectoral investments in February. FPIs had sold heavily in IT stocks due to the Anthropic shock and the continuing weakness in this segment. But they were buyers in financial services and capital goods,” the Geojit analyst said.
While FPIs invested Rs 19,782 crores in the secondary markets, around Rs 2,832 crores was pumped-in the primary market.On Friday, FII sold shares worth Rs 7,536.36 crore, triggering a massive sell-off. The benchmark indices Nifty and the BSE Sensex, ended with deep cuts on Friday amid selling pressure across the board. Auto, financials and FMCG were major laggards while the IT sector saw selective buying action. In a volatile session, the broader Nifty edged lower by 317.90 points, or 1.25%, to close at 25,178.65, while the 30-share Sensex plunged by 961.42 points, or 1.17%, to settle at 81,287.19.

FPI trends
February recorded inflows after a sharp January exodus of Rs 35,962 crore. FIIs are still net sellers in 2026 at Rs 13,347 crore.

In 2025, the FII buying trends remained patchy, but the overall trend was bearish. They took out Rs 1,66,286 crore from Indian markets as trade deal delay and premium valuations weighed on the sentiments.

FIIs were net sellers in December, offloading domestic shares worth Rs 22,611 crore.

April–June period of 2025 witnessed inflows totalling Rs 38,673 crore. Meanwhile, massive selling to the tune of Rs 1,16,574 crore happened during the January–March quarter.

Israel, with U.S. support, launched a series of airstrikes early Saturday targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top political and military figures in a bold operation aimed at dismantling the Islamic Republic’s regime, Israeli officials said. Explosions echoed across Tehran and other key sites, marking a dramatic escalation in the longstanding conflict that could reshape the Middle East.

The strikes, described by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as a “pre-emptive attack” after months of joint planning with Washington, focused on Khamenei’s downtown Tehran compound, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s residence and headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Satellite imagery from Airbus captured multiple buildings destroyed amid rising smoke at Khamenei’s fortified site, with assessments indicating a direct hit. Iranian state media reported blasts near an elementary school, claiming civilian casualties, though independent verification was unavailable due to communication disruptions.

A senior Israeli official told Reuters that the entire Iranian regime was targeted, including Khamenei, Pezeshkian and IRGC commanders like Mohammad Pakpour. Channel 12 in Israel reported a high likelihood that Ali Shamkhani, Khamenei’s advisor overseeing the nuclear program, was eliminated in the strikes. Other potential targets included Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and armed forces Chief of Staff Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, framed the operation as essential to “remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran” and empower the Iranian people to overthrow their leaders. “The time has come for all sections of the people in Iran to topple the Ayatollah regime,” he said, emphasizing strikes on nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and Karaj.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed American involvement in a video posted to Truth Social, announcing “major combat operations” to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump stated, urging Iranians: “The hour of your freedom is at hand. Take over your government.” A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said the strikes involved over 500 aircraft and were expected to span several days, focusing on military targets but with clear regime-change intent.

Iranian officials denounced the assault as “barbaric aggression.” Military spokesman Amir Hatami promised a “decisive response,” and the IRGC launched a “first wave” of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Tel Aviv, northern Israel and U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. One civilian in northern Israel was injured by shrapnel, and a fatality was reported in Abu Dhabi from debris. Explosions near the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, prompted air raid sirens across the Gulf.

Khamenei’s whereabouts remain unknown. Reports indicate the 86-year-old leader was evacuated to a secure location before the strikes, with Iranian media claiming he and Pezeshkian are safe. Tehran denied Pakpour’s death, asserting senior officials are in “perfect health.”

The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by some U.S. sources, follows a 12-day air war in June 2025 and stalled nuclear negotiations. Tensions escalated amid Iran’s suppression of domestic protests, with reports of thousands killed, and its support for proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. Khamenei had warned Israel of “severe punishment” Friday, accusing it of striking residential areas.

International reactions were swift. Russia and China condemned the strikes as “illegal aggression,” while the U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting. European leaders urged restraint, and Gulf states like the UAE reserved the right to respond to Iranian missiles. In the U.S., congressional leaders received briefings, with bipartisan support emerging amid calls for caution.

Oil prices surged 15% on fears of Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and global stocks plummeted. Airspaces closed across the region, grounding flights and stranding travelers.

Humanitarian concerns mounted. Amnesty International demanded civilian protections, warning of risks in urban areas. The exiled Iranian crown prince called for protests, labeling it a “moment of destiny.”

Social media captured jubilation among some Iranians and diaspora, with chants of “freedom” in Tehran videos. Analysts like Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment predicted potential full-scale war, noting regime-change ambitions raise stakes.

As waves of attacks continue, the region braces for retaliation. Trump and Netanyahu plan further briefings, while Iran’s IRGC mobilizes reserves. The strikes thrust the Middle East into uncharted territory, with global implications for security, energy and alliances.