Pankaj Pandey, Head Research, ICICIdirect.com said PSU banks continue to look attractive, even as he refrained from commenting directly on SBI due to compliance reasons. He said Bank of Baroda remains his top pick in the space, with a target price of ₹340. According to him, the second half of the financial year is expected to be significantly better than the first half, and recent volatility in performance is likely to subside.

“PSU banks overall look very attractive to us. What we have in terms of our top pick is Bank of Baroda, there we have a target price of 340. Overall sense is that H2 is expected to be a lot better compared to H1 and whatever volatility we have seen in the past in terms of performance should do better and this bank also should do well from the perspective of potential M&As or potential consolidation in the PSU space,” Pandey said.

He added that broader policy changes could further support PSU banks. “There are other factors which might also help if the government reviews the potential voting rights plus FDI guidelines. I think PSU banks will probably continue to outperform private sector counterparts,” he said.

On Kotak Mahindra Bank, Pandey said he remains constructive on the stock, highlighting improving growth visibility and easing concerns around potential involvement in the IDBI Bank acquisition. “Kotak on a standalone basis, we have been liking this bank because now they are guiding for one-and-a-half to two times nominal GDP growth rate in terms of advances. Credit cost has been a challenge for them, which they are expecting to trend lower,” he said.

He added, “So, we see this bank as growing at say 15-odd percent and ROAs at about 2.1-odd percent. So, we like this bank. And whatever overhang was there because they were one of the potential bidders for IDBI has been sort of put to rest. So, from that perspective we are very constructive on Kotak Bank.” He said IDBI Bank is not under his coverage.

On Tata Steel, Pandey said he remains positive and prefers the stock over JSW Steel. “We have a pretty constructive stance. Previously, we had a buy rating. This particular quarter, we have seen realisation being down by about Rs 3,300 per tonne, whereas impact on EBITDA was relatively less at about Rs 1,800 per tonne,” he said.
He expects margins to improve in the coming quarter. “Our sense is that with 12% kind of a safeguard duty coming in, in Q4 we would expect overall EBITDA per tonne to improve by or net realisation to improve by 2,300. And the good part is that going forward you will see bulk of the EBITDA growth is going to be driven by Indian operations, which means that this company will do some catch-up in terms of EV/EBITDA multiple compared to JSW. So, between the two we like Tata Steel more compared to JSW,” Pandey said.On the potential merger of power sector NBFCs, Pandey said his preference is for PFC over REC, citing long-term funding opportunities in renewable and nuclear energy. “In both these entities, preference is towards PFC and both of the companies carry advance book in excess of five lakh crores,” he said.

He highlighted the long-term opportunity size in nuclear power financing. “The broader perspective is that if we were to do a lot more in terms of financing in terms of renewable energy or nuclear power, nuclear power itself is a 20 lakh crore kind of an opportunity which could unfold and the potential merger there will create or you need bigger NBFCs to fund,” he said.

While near-term numbers may not be a strong trigger, Pandey said the longer-term outlook remains positive. “So, from a near-term number perspective, we may not be really sort of that constructive, but our sense is that from a bigger scheme of things this NBFC looks a lot more good to us.”

President Donald Trump‘s branded smartphone, how called the Trump T1, has resurfaced after months of silence, this time with upgraded hardware, a redesigned look, and a higher price point.

Early adopters are now thinking whether they will still purchase this controversial device after learning about the new information.

Trump T1 Specs Get a Significant Overhaul

According to recent comments from Trump Mobile executives via The Verge, the T1 will feature a 6.8-inch display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series processor. Storage appears to be a major selling point, with 512GB of internal memory and SD card expansion support.

The phone is also expected to include a 5,000mAh battery designed for all-day use. Camera specifications look ambitious on paper, with 50MP sensors on both the front and rear. Industry watchers speculate the rear system could include ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, though no official confirmation has been provided.

Trump T1’s Pricing Strategy Appears Suspicious

The Trump T1 is expected to launch at $499 for early buyers, but that price is described as temporary. Trump Mobile says the device will cost more at a later date, though the final price has not been disclosed.

This revised pricing strategy has raised eyebrows, particularly given the phone’s earlier announcements, which included features and timelines that ultimately failed to materialize.

Manufacturing Claims Quietly Reversed

One of the most notable changes involves manufacturing. Despite earlier marketing that implied the phone would be made in the United States, company executives have now confirmed that domestic production is no longer planned.

According to Mashable, the reversal directly contradicts previous messaging and has added to concerns about transparency surrounding the project.

Launch Timeline Remains Unclear

The Trump T1 was originally expected to launch months ago, but repeated delays, redesigns, and shifting specifications have clouded its credibility. Executives now claim shipments could begin by spring, though the current version reportedly looks nothing like earlier promotional materials.

With its specs, pricing, and production plans all evolving, the Trump T1 remains a product surrounded by uncertainty. And even though there will be changes in its pricing for the coming months, the fact that it is connected to Trump is enough to make it controversial—always.

Originally published on Tech Times

Kerala Peppery was an external tenant based within the hotel

The owner of a Cornwall hotel has slammed its restaurant operator amid the sudden closure of the eatery and claims staff working there have been “left unpaid”.

Newquay Beach Hotel is owned by Oleg Ignatiev, who bought the property in 2019 and let it out to global hotel operator OYO in 2024. OYO, in turn, sublet the restaurant to an external tenant – Indian chain Kerala Peppery, which is owned by 32-year-old Jyothi Prakash, according to Companies House.

It is understood that Kerala Peppery employed its staff, including the chef, separately from other workers in the hotel.

All the issues came to light after the mum of a Kerala Peppery restaurant worker criticised the hotel on Facebook, claiming staff – including her daughter – had not been paid since late October.

Emma Butterly wrote: “Staff have not been paid since the end of October. All still awaiting this!!! After continuously asking the manager for an update, told to just resign!!!! The staff have since refused to work due to being left out of pocket with no updates from management. Refusing to resign!!”

Speaking to Business Live, Mr Ignatiev said OYO had paid all its own staff – but accused Kerala Peppery’s owner of leaving the restaurant workers out of pocket.

“When OYO took over, they wanted to sublet and they chose an Indian restaurant,” he told Business Live. “They let it to Kerala Peppery. It’s so seasonal and a hard restaurant to run, and you need to win the locals, and it wasn’t focused on locals – it was about feeding people in the hotel.

“They have failed. The restaurant in my hotel shut before January.” He added: “OYO has paid their staff and me consistently. But Kerala Peppery has not paid rent to OYO, hasn’t paid its chef or the restaurant workers.”

Business Live has contacted Ms Prakash about the allegations but has had no response. According to Google, Kerala Peppery’s other restaurant, in Crewe, is permanently closed.

A spokesperson for OYO said: “Certain hotel functions, including kitchen and food operations, were operated by an independent third-party restaurant partner. The restaurant was leased to an experienced and growing operator with an existing track record of running food businesses, and there was no indication at the outset that operations or staff would be put at risk.”

OYO said it was “taken by surprise” by the operator’s “sudden disappearance and failure to meet basic obligations”, including payment of staff wages and rent.

“The operator subsequently became unresponsive,” the spokesperson added. “OYO continues to make efforts to locate and engage with the operator to seek clarity and resolution.

“We are especially concerned about the impact on the restaurant staff. Their situation is deeply regrettable. As arrangements are made to bring in a new operator, OYO would strongly encourage the incoming partner to consider retaining these employees.

“In the meantime, OYO will continue trying to trace the previous operator for the fulfilment of outstanding obligations. We regret the disruption caused by these events and remain focused on stabilising operations and maintaining the standards expected at the hotel.”

Mr Ignatiev says the restaurant within his hotel is a “great opportunity”, and a potential future tenant could currently “get a good deal”.

“It is huge and has outside terrace space,” he said. “It’s a great spot and because you’re coming into season for the next eight months OYO are willing to make a deal.”

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, after rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and adding 26 receiving yards in the Seahawks’ dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.

Walker, in his fourth NFL season, became the first running back to earn Super Bowl MVP honors since Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII following the 1997 season — a span of 28 years. His performance anchored Seattle’s offense in a game largely controlled by defense, helping the Seahawks secure their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

The Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense set the tone, sacking Patriots quarterback Drake Maye six times, forcing three turnovers and holding New England to 13 points despite a late rally. Kicker Jason Myers contributed a Super Bowl-record five field goals, but voters rewarded Walker’s consistent production on the ground and in the passing game.

Walker totaled 161 scrimmage yards, outgaining the entire Patriots offense in the first half. His runs included bursts of 30, 29 and 10 yards that sustained drives and kept pressure off quarterback Sam Darnold. The former Michigan State star, drafted 9th overall in 2022, overcame early career injury concerns to emerge as Seattle’s offensive centerpiece.

In postgame comments, Walker expressed gratitude to his teammates. “This don’t happen without them,” he said on the field, holding the MVP trophy. “Our defense carried us all year, and tonight they did it again. I’m just blessed to be part of this group.”
The award came amid debate over whether a defensive player or Myers deserved

recognition. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon and edge rusher Leonard Williams disrupted Maye throughout, while Myers’ kicks provided the margin in a low-scoring affair. Some analysts, including those from The New York Post, argued coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme deserved MVP consideration for outmaneuvering New England’s defense.

Still, Walker’s impact proved decisive. He became the first Seahawks player to win Super Bowl MVP since Malcolm Butler’s interception in Super Bowl XLIX — though that game ended in heartbreak for Seattle. This time, the Seahawks flipped the script against their old rivals, avenging the 2015 loss where a goal-line interception sealed defeat.

The game unfolded as a defensive struggle. Seattle led 9-0 at halftime on Myers’ field goals. The third quarter saw more of the same, with Myers extending the lead to 15-0. New England’s first points arrived in the fourth on a Maye touchdown pass to Mack Hollins, but Seattle responded with a fumble return touchdown by DeMarcus Lawrence and Darnold’s scoring strike to tight end A.J. Barner.

Maye finished under duress, completing passes at a low clip amid constant pressure. The Patriots managed under 200 total yards, underscoring Seattle’s defensive dominance.
Walker’s MVP selection highlighted the value of a strong ground game in championship games. His 27 carries controlled tempo, limited possessions for New England and wore down their front seven. The performance capped a postseason where Walker rushed for over 400 yards across three games.

For the Seahawks, the win validated their rebuild around young talent and a ferocious defense under Macdonald, who previously coordinated Baltimore’s unit. Seattle entered as NFC champions after a strong regular season, overcoming injuries to key players.
The Patriots, led by second-year quarterback Maye (the regular-season MVP runner-up), fell short in their bid for a seventh title. The loss ended a promising campaign but exposed vulnerabilities against elite defenses.

Halftime provided contrast with Bad Bunny’s Apple Music performance, featuring Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin in surprise cameos. The cultural celebration offered a lively interlude to the on-field grind.

Postgame ceremonies included the traditional trophy presentation, with owner Jody Allen accepting on behalf of the franchise. Walker posed with the MVP award amid confetti, joined by teammates in celebration.

The victory sparks discussions about Seattle’s potential dynasty. With young stars like Walker, Darnold and Witherspoon, the Seahawks position themselves as contenders for years ahead.

For Walker, the MVP caps a remarkable arc from injury doubts to championship glory. His father attended his first NFL game in person at the Super Bowl, adding personal significance.

As the NFL offseason begins, focus shifts to free agency, the draft and 2026 Hall of Fame class announcements. Super Bowl LX will endure as a testament to defense, grit and one running back’s breakout moment on the biggest stage.