Realty firm Gaurs Group will invest Rs 100 crore to set up a precast manufacturing plant in Greater Noida as part of its strategy to strengthen construction capabilities through backward integration.

In a statement on Monday, the company said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Elematic India, an arm of Finland-based Elematic Group, for sourcing of precast concrete technology.

The MoU was signed on February 19, 2026, in the presence of Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland and also the Ambassador of Finland Kimmo Lahdevirt.

The agreement was formalised between Veshesh Gaur, Director of Gaurs Group, and Chander Dutta, MD of Elematic India and Teppo Voutilainen, CEO of Elematic Oyj, Finland.

Under the agreement, Gaurs Group will invest Rs 100 crore to set up a precast manufacturing plant in Greater Noida.

The facility, spread over 5 acre land, will manufacture advanced precast concrete components that would include slabs, columns, beams and walls.
The plant is expected to be operational within six months. Gaurs Group has also placed an advance order to Jindal Elematic, Alwar to supply 45,000 units of modular bathrooms and 10,000 units of kitchen pods for its under-development projects.

The order book is worth Rs 150 crore.

The company intends to integrate technology-led construction practices to improve execution efficiency and reduce project timelines by almost 30 per cent.

Precast construction enables key structural and utility components to be manufactured and assembled off-site in a controlled environment and installed on-site.

Veshesh Gaur said, “Construction technology is becoming increasingly important as the scale and complexity of residential developments continue to grow. Our partnership with Elematic will enable us to integrate advanced precast manufacturing into our construction processes, improving efficiency, quality control and project timelines.”

Gaurs Group is one of the leading real estate developers in Delhi-NCR. It has developed many townships, Group housing and commercial projects.

US technology group Avalara has acquired Manchester-based integration startup Versori in a deal that underscores the growing international appeal of the UK’s regional tech sector.

The value of the transaction has not been disclosed, but it includes Versori’s proprietary technology platform and its 23-strong team. Co-founders Sean Brown and Daniel Jones will remain with the business, which will operate under the name “Versori, by Avalara”.

Founded in 2022, Versori specialises in next-generation integration technology, enabling companies to connect complex systems such as ERPs, ecommerce platforms, marketplaces and financial applications with greater speed and automation. The company raised $10.5 million in prior funding and graduated from the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator programme in March 2023.

Sean Brown said the acquisition aligns closely with Versori’s founding vision.

“We want Versori to connect the world’s systems. That was the mission statement from day one,” he said. “As we were going through a period of growth we were facing doing another investment round, but Avalara were already a customer and the strategic fit was very strong.”

Avalara describes itself as an “agentic” tax and compliance leader, providing automated tax calculation, reporting and compliance solutions to more than 200,000 customers across 75 countries. Its long-term ambition is to embed real-time, always-on compliance into global commerce systems.

Scott McFarlane, chief executive and co-founder of Avalara, said the acquisition would significantly accelerate that ambition.

“Compliance at global scale depends on seamless, reliable integration,” he said. “Versori’s technology and team significantly accelerate our ability to connect into the world’s commerce systems quickly, at scale, using intelligent, AI-driven automation that meets the reliability and accuracy standards global compliance demands.”

The move strengthens Avalara’s unified platform strategy, particularly as regulatory complexity increases worldwide and multinational businesses seek automated, audit-ready compliance solutions embedded directly into transactional workflows.

Versori’s platform uses automation-first architecture to reduce the time and engineering resources required to build and maintain integrations. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the system can simplify deployment and ongoing maintenance, making it attractive to enterprises operating across multiple jurisdictions and platforms.

Since its launch, Versori has worked with high-profile organisations including Frasers Group, Macy’s and the UK Ministry of Defence. Its growth trajectory has made it one of Manchester’s fastest-rising enterprise software startups.

Brown said the acquisition demonstrates that Manchester can produce globally competitive technology businesses.

“It’s proof that Manchester can grow companies like Versori,” he said. “Hopefully it will bring more investment into Manchester and more talent. I’ve never done it for the rewards. I love building things and I’m looking forward to keeping building things with Versori. I’ve got a lot of unfinished business.”

The deal also reflects continued US interest in UK AI and enterprise software firms, particularly those outside London. Manchester’s tech ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, supported by university spinouts, venture capital inflows and accelerator programmes.

For Avalara, the acquisition adds advanced AI-enabled integration capabilities at a time when global tax and compliance requirements are becoming increasingly digitised and complex. The company has spent more than two decades building one of the most extensive libraries of tax content and system integrations in the industry. Integrating Versori’s automation technology is expected to enhance speed, scalability and reliability across that network.

Both companies indicated that integration work is already under way, with Versori’s technology forming a key part of Avalara’s push towards AI-native compliance systems that operate continuously and autonomously within global commerce infrastructure.

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Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR), the data analytics and artificial intelligence software firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, has seen its shares rebound sharply in early March 2026 following a post-earnings pullback, fueled by strong analyst upgrades, accelerating AI platform adoption, and fresh government contracts amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

As of March 2, 2026, PLTR shares traded around $142 in pre-market and early sessions, up from a Feb. 27 close of $137.19 (+0.92% that day) on volume exceeding 50 million shares in recent sessions. The stock has fluctuated between roughly $133 and $143 intraday, with a 52-week range of $66.12 to $207.52 (hit in November 2025). Market capitalization hovers near $328 billion, reflecting a forward P/E ratio over 200 amid explosive growth expectations.

The momentum builds on Palantir’s blockbuster fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings released Feb. 2, 2026. Revenue soared 70% year-over-year to $1.407 billion in Q4 — the highest growth rate as a public company — surpassing estimates of about $1.33 billion to $1.34 billion. Adjusted EPS reached $0.25, beating consensus of $0.23. Full-year 2025 revenue climbed 56% to $4.475 billion, with U.S. commercial revenue surging 109% to $1.47 billion and U.S. government up 55% to $1.85 billion.

CEO Alex Karp hailed the results as “historic” and “iconic,” crediting demand for the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) and Foundry for enterprise and government operational AI. U.S. commercial revenue jumped 137% in Q4 to $507 million, while total U.S. revenue hit $1.076 billion (+93%). The company closed deals including 180 worth at least $1 million, 84 at $5 million-plus, and 61 exceeding $10 million — record figures.

Guidance reinforced the bullish case: Q1 2026 revenue projected at $1.532 billion to $1.536 billion (well above estimates), with full-year 2026 revenue eyed at $7.182 billion to $7.198 billion — implying 61% growth. U.S. commercial revenue is forecast to exceed $3.144 billion (+115% at minimum). Adjusted operating income targets $4.126 billion to $4.142 billion, with adjusted free cash flow between $3.925 billion and $4.125 billion. Palantir expects GAAP profitability each quarter in 2026.

Wall Street has responded enthusiastically. UBS upgraded PLTR to Buy from Neutral in late February, citing 70% revenue growth potential in 2026 despite AI market volatility. Rosenblatt initiated coverage with a Buy, calling Palantir a “unique company” at an “attractive entry point.” Consensus leans Buy, with median price targets around $196 (43% upside from $137 levels), and highs reaching $260. Recent revisions lifted 2026 EPS estimates significantly, with some projecting $1.31 for 2026 and $1.83 for 2027.

Recent developments bolster the outlook. In mid-February 2026, Palantir partnered with Rackspace Technology to deploy Foundry and AIP in production environments with governed operations, accelerating enterprise AI adoption in regulated sectors. A five-year blanket purchase agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), valued up to $1 billion, streamlines AI and analytics platform access across agencies like Customs and Border Protection and ICE.

Other wins include extended collaborations with Airbus for aviation data platforms, DISA authorization for on-premises and edge deployments, and sovereign AI infrastructure projects with Accenture in EMEA. Geopolitical events, including U.S.-Iran military actions, have spotlighted Palantir’s defense moat via platforms like Gotham and Maven, used in intelligence and battlefield operations.

Profitability metrics shine: Q4 adjusted operating margin hit 57%, full-year adjusted free cash flow margin 51%, with $7.2 billion in cash reserves. The Rule of 40 score reached 127% in Q4, blending growth and margins exceptionally.

Challenges remain. The stock dipped 34% from its 2025 peak amid valuation concerns and broader AI sector volatility. Critics point to high P/E ratios, reliance on government contracts (potentially politically sensitive), and competition from Snowflake, Databricks, and cloud giants. International growth lagged at 8% in recent quarters, though commercial traction improves.

Analysts argue the pullback creates opportunity, with AIP’s bootcamps driving faster deployments and customer counts up 34%. Options sentiment has been mixed but tilted bullish on dips.

Next earnings arrive around May 4-11, 2026, for Q1. Investors will track AIP momentum, commercial deal flow, and any new defense or enterprise wins amid global uncertainties.

Palantir’s 2026 narrative centers on transforming from government specialist to AI powerhouse, leveraging AIP for explosive U.S. commercial gains while securing strategic federal footholds. With guidance crushing expectations and analysts turning bullish, PLTR trades as a high-conviction AI play — volatile, but backed by accelerating fundamentals.

Lockheed Martin Corp. shares climbed sharply in recent trading, reflecting heightened investor confidence in the defense sector amid ongoing global conflicts and robust U.S. military spending priorities.

The aerospace and defense giant’s stock (NYSE: LMT) closed at $658.08 on Feb. 27, up $16.45 or 2.56% from the previous session, with pre-market activity on March 2 pushing it toward $691, marking gains of more than 5% in extended hours. The rally comes as the stock trades near its 52-week high of $669.75, achieved earlier in February, and well above its low of $410.11 from mid-2025. Year-to-date performance has been strong, fueled by a combination of contract wins, production milestones and broader market dynamics favoring defense contractors.

Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest defense contractor by revenue, benefits from a massive backlog and long-term government commitments. The company reported record financials for 2025 in late January, with full-year sales reaching $75.0 billion, a 6% increase from the prior year. Net earnings stood at $5.0 billion, or $21.49 per share, though results included a one-time $479 million pension settlement charge. Free cash flow was solid at $6.9 billion, supported by $8.6 billion in cash from operations.

The company’s backlog hit an all-time high of $194 billion, providing strong visibility into future revenues. For 2026, Lockheed Martin guided sales between $77.5 billion and $80.0 billion, with diluted earnings per share expected in the range of $29.35 to $30.25 and free cash flow projected at $6.5 billion to $6.8 billion. Analysts view these targets as achievable, given steady demand across key programs.

The F-35 Lightning II fighter jet remains the cornerstone of Lockheed Martin’s portfolio. In 2025, the company delivered a record 191 F-35s, surpassing previous highs and underscoring ramped-up production rates. The program, involving international partners and the U.S. military, continues to drive revenue in the Aeronautics segment. Recent advancements include flight testing of an AI-enhanced Combat Identification system, known as Project Overwatch, integrated into the F-35’s sensor fusion. This innovation improves pilot situational awareness by generating independent combat ID recommendations in real time.

Missiles and fire control systems have also seen significant momentum. Lockheed Martin’s Grand Prairie, Texas, facility received more than $77 million in contracts this month for Patriot PAC-3 MSE modifications and related work. A landmark $9.8 billion U.S. Army award from September aims to boost annual production capacity to 1,970 units from 620, responding to global demand, including support for Ukraine and allied nations. The company delivered 620 Patriot units in 2025 following production increases.

Other recent developments highlight diversification into emerging technologies. Lockheed Martin announced a $10 million order for high-energy laser systems and partnerships in quantum computing research, signaling growth in directed energy and advanced computing. In unmanned systems, the company unveiled the Lamprey multi-mission autonomous undersea vehicle in February, developed in just 14 months to meet U.S. Navy needs for covert operations and sea denial. Plans include larger variants and additional platforms by year-end.

The company is also positioning for space and lunar initiatives. It advances fission surface power concepts for NASA’s Artemis program, with White House directives emphasizing nuclear reactors for lunar bases by 2030. Lockheed Martin secured Phase 1 contracts and extensions to develop these systems, supporting long-duration lunar missions.

Geopolitical factors appear to underpin the recent stock momentum. Escalating tensions, including reported Iran-related developments and broader Middle East instability, have boosted defense stocks industrywide. Lockheed Martin’s exposure to missiles, aircraft and integrated systems aligns with increased Pentagon focus on readiness and modernization. The company’s low beta of around 0.23 indicates relative stability compared to the broader market, appealing to investors seeking defensive plays.

Market capitalization hovers near $151-152 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio around 30.6 based on trailing earnings and a forward-looking valuation that some analysts describe as fully priced or stretched. The dividend yield stands at approximately 2.0-2.1%, with a quarterly payout supporting income-focused shareholders. Ex-dividend date was March 1, 2026.

Analysts maintain a generally positive outlook, though some caution that growth remains concentrated in certain segments like missiles, with modest overall acceleration expected. A recent Seeking Alpha analysis characterized Lockheed Martin as “operationally strong” but a “textbook hold” for 2026 due to valuation.

The company continues to invest in next-generation capabilities, including collaborative combat aircraft like Vectis, designed to integrate with fifth-generation platforms such as the F-35 and F-22. Leadership has emphasized readiness for initiatives like “Golden Dome for America,” focusing on multi-domain connectivity.

As Lockheed Martin navigates 2026, its blend of legacy programs, production ramps and innovation in AI, autonomy and space positions it to capitalize on sustained defense priorities. Investors will watch upcoming quarterly results, expected around April 21, for further updates on execution and potential adjustments to guidance.

Texans across the state marked Texas Independence Day on March 2, 2026, commemorating 190 years since delegates boldly declared the region free from Mexican rule in 1836. The annual observance, a legal state holiday, blends solemn historical reflection with lively festivities, parades and reenactments that highlight Texas’ unique path to sovereignty.

As state offices closed and flags flew high, communities from Austin to San Antonio hosted events honoring the Texas Declaration of Independence. The centerpiece remained Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where the declaration was signed, drawing crowds to a revamped venue after major renovations.

Here are 10 key things to know about Texas Independence Day and its enduring significance:

1. The date marks the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. Fifty-nine delegates, representing Texian and Tejano settlers, convened at Washington-on-the-Brazos amid the Texas Revolution. They unanimously approved the document, severing ties with Mexico and establishing the Republic of Texas. The declaration cited grievances against Mexican centralist policies, including lack of representation and violations of rights.

2. Washington-on-the-Brazos is forever known as the “birthplace of Texas.” The small settlement hosted the Convention of 1836, where delegates worked swiftly — completing the declaration in a single day. The site now features Independence Hall replica, the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Living History Farm, preserving the story of Texas’ brief era as an independent nation.

3. 2026 marks the 190th anniversary of the declaration. Celebrations emphasized this milestone, with the Texas Historical Commission hosting a major event Feb. 28 at Washington-on-the-Brazos following $54 million in renovations completed in late 2025. The free public gathering included an opening ceremony, parade starting at 10:30 a.m., live performances, musket and cannon demonstrations, vendor booths and food trucks. A special exhibit displayed the “Ark of the Covenant” box crafted from original Independence Hall wood to house the declaration.

4. Texas Independence Day is a state holiday, but not federal. State government offices, libraries and many agencies close, though banks, post offices and federal facilities remain open. Public schools typically hold regular classes, often incorporating educational programs about the Texas Revolution. The day also coincides with Texas Flag Day and Sam Houston Day observances.

5. The Republic of Texas existed for nearly a decade before joining the United States. After independence, battles like the Alamo (February 1836) and San Jacinto (April 1836) secured the victory. Sam Houston’s forces captured Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna at San Jacinto, forcing recognition of Texas sovereignty. Texas became the 28th U.S. state on Dec. 29, 1845.

6. Only one original copy of the Texas Declaration survives. Of the five handwritten versions produced in 1836, four were lost or destroyed over time. The lone surviving original is preserved at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin. Modern replicas and digital versions allow widespread access to the text, which echoes the American Declaration in structure and ideals.

7. Celebrations extend statewide with parades, reenactments and cultural events. In Austin, the annual Texas Independence Day Parade features floats, historical attire and community groups. San Antonio hosts observances at the Alamo, including commemorations from March 1-2 with free admission and programs. Gruene Hall near New Braunfels offers live music and activities, while university campuses like the University of Texas at Austin uphold traditions dating back over a century, including gatherings inspired by early 20th-century student observances.

8. The holiday underscores Texas’ distinct identity. Texans often proudly note their state’s unique history as a former independent republic — a status shared by few others in U.S. history. Popular lore includes myths like Texas’ right to secede or divide into five states, though legal experts clarify these claims lack foundation under current U.S. law. The day reinforces pride in symbols like the Lone Star flag, which flew over the Republic and remains the state banner.

9. Modern observances tie into broader American commemorations. In 2026, Texas America250 initiatives highlight the state’s role in U.S. history ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4. Events at Washington-on-the-Brazos featured new exhibits on 1836 convention scenes, emphasizing American influences on Texian settlers who drew inspiration from the 1776 Declaration.

10. The spirit of independence lives on through education and community. Reenactments, storytelling sessions, homeschool days and lantern tours (like the sold-out Feb. 27 event at Washington-on-the-Brazos) engage new generations. Other sites, such as Boonville Heritage Park, offer hands-on 19th-century activities. Amid ongoing renovations and investments, historic sites aim to preserve this chapter as Texas continues evolving while honoring its revolutionary roots.

Texas Independence Day remains a point of pride for millions, blending history with celebration. As one observer at Washington-on-the-Brazos noted, the holiday reminds residents that Texas began with a bold assertion of freedom — a legacy that endures 190 years later.

After a bruising Monday that wiped out Rs 6.59 lakh crore of investor wealth, Dalal Street now faces a fresh overhang after US President Donald Trump indicated that the war with Iran could stretch for four to five weeks.

Indian markets were shut on Tuesday for Holi, leaving investors to react on Wednesday to Trump’s comments that the conflict “has always been a four-week process” and could continue for “four weeks or less”. He said he remained open to talks with Iran but did not indicate whether negotiations would happen soon.

On Monday, equity markets had already cracked under geopolitical pressure. The BSE Sensex plunged 2,743 points in early trade before trimming losses to end 1,048 points lower at 80,238, down 1.29%. The Nifty also fell sharply, closing near 24,850. The total market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms fell by Rs 6,59,978 crore.

Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said the sell-off reflected a clear risk-off move. “Indian equities witnessed a sharp decline as escalating tensions in West Asia triggered a pronounced risk-off response. Markets reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent regional retaliation, prompting a flight to safe-haven assets,” he said.

With Trump now signalling a potentially longer conflict, market participants will be watching crude oil and global cues closely when trading resumes.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, said rising crude oil prices and a weakening rupee reflect concerns over potential disruptions to oil supply, which could increase inflationary pressures in India, impact fiscal balances and strain margins for energy- and chemical-dependent sectors.
He added that the India VIX has moved higher, signalling greater uncertainty and risk aversion, while foreign institutional investor selling has intensified following the spike in crude. Also Read | NFO Insight: Will TRUSTMF Mid Cap Fund’s GARV and LIM strategy help identify quality mid-cap opportunities?

Technically, analysts see the market in a weak but potentially oversold zone.

Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research at Kotak Securities, said the market is trading well below short- and medium-term averages and, on intraday charts, it is holding a weak formation, which is largely negative. However, he added that the market appears oversold and a technical bounce cannot be ruled out.

Analysts see 24,750 on the Nifty and 80,000 on the Sensex as key support levels. “As long as the market is trading above this, a pullback formation is likely to continue,” Chouhan said, adding that on the upside the Nifty could attempt a move towards 25,000-25,075. A break below 24,750, however, could push the index towards 24,650-24,500.

Gaurav Udani, Founder of Thincredblu Securities, sees immediate resistance around 25,100 on the Nifty, with support in the 24,550-24,600 range. “A sustained break below this support band could extend downside pressure, while reclaiming resistance is necessary for any short-term stabilisation,” he said. Given heightened geopolitical uncertainty, he advised traders to remain cautious and avoid leveraged positions.

The key variable for Wednesday’s trade will be oil. A sustained rise in crude could worsen inflation expectations, pressure the rupee and complicate the interest rate outlook. If crude stabilises or cools, markets may attempt a relief bounce from oversold levels.

Oil prices rose marginally on Tuesday as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran intensified. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose more than 1% to around $70.59 a barrel by 11:48 GMT, extending gains from the previous session when prices had surged nearly 14%.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)