Mumbai,  Feb 5: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited reported its consolidated financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2025.

Financial Highlights for Q3FY26

• Revenue from operations increased by 11% to Rs.1,876 Cr.

• EBITDA increased by 14% to Rs. 308 Cr 
• EBITDA Margin at 16% of revenue 
• Profit Before Exceptional Items and Tax increased by 15% to Rs 205 Cr
• Pursuant to changes under the new labour code, the Company has recognised a one-time provision of Rs 42 Cr towards employee benefits.
• Reported Profit After Tax after this one-time provision was at Rs.133 Cr. 

Commenting on the results, Mr. Pranav Amin MD, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, said,

Our Q3 performance underscores the sustained momentum across our businesses supported by consistent execution, continued focus on profitability and operating rhythm. We further strengthened our presence in Australia, Canada, Europe, the USA and other key markets delivering an overall growth of 11%.  Our pre-R&D EBITDA margin at 25% remains healthy. We continued to invest around 9% of revenue in R&D to build a robust pipeline for future growth. The integration of Utility Therapeutics progressed well, and we are working towards launch of PivyaTM in quarter 4 positioning us to expand our footprint in branded drugs in the US and create new avenues for sustainable growth. 

Operational Highlights 

India Branded Business

• India Branded Business delivered a 6% YoY growth, reaching Rs 652 Cr. in revenue for the quarter.
• Gynaecology, Ophthalmology and Animal healthcare segments supported the growth for the quarter.
• Anti-infective segment grew in line with market performance.
• Successfully introduced 4 new products during the quarter.

International Business

• US Generics grew by 6% to Rs. 553 Cr. for the quarter.
• 2 Launches in the US market during the quarter.
• Ex-US International Generics grew by 36% to Rs. 406 Cr. for the quarter.
• 7 ANDA approvals received during the quarter, 232 Cumulative ANDA approvals. 

API Business

• API business grew by 2% to Rs. 264 Cr. for the quarter. 

Earnings Call: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited will host an investor call at 4:30 pm IST on February 5, 2026, where the senior management will discuss the Company’s performance and answer questions from participants. Please dial the numbers provided below ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time to participate in this conference call. The dial-in number for this call is +91 22 6280 1411/ +91 22 7115 8312. Other toll numbers are listed in the conference call invitation, which is posted on the Company website www.alembicpharmaceuticals.com. The operator will provide instructions on asking questions before the start of the call.

Bengaluru,  Feb 5: Myntra today announced the expansion of its hyper-speed fashion delivery service, M-Now, to four Tier-2 cities  Patna, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad, taking its footprint to 10 cities across India. By introducing the M-Now service starting 30-minutes in these cities,  Myntra is tapping into the rapidly rising demand for speed-led convenience for premium and trend-first selections beyond metros. Powered by 87+ dark stores, Myntra is doubling down on strengthening its delivery grid and assortment depth, bringing customers closer to international and homegrown brands and styles.

Customers across these newly expanded tier-2 markets now have access to over 500 brands and 10,000+ styles, broadening their choice at speed. Early traction during the pilot phase in select pincodes has been highly encouraging, with shoppers showing a strong interest in Women’s Western Wear, Women’s Indian Wear, Men’s Casual Wear, Men’s and Women’s Inner Wear and Lounge Wear and Beauty and Personal Care. This momentum accelerated during the Diwali period last year, with these cities witnessing a 2X spike in orders, highlighting the growing demand for premium lifestyle choices at hyper-speed delivery in these markets. Brands that emerged as popular choices in these cities include Levi’s, United Colors of Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Vero Moda, ONLY, MANGO, NEXT, Jockey, Metro, Mochi, L’Oréal and Maybelline.

M-Now’s expansion beyond metros, where it has been adopted for last-minute trend-first and branded fashion, beauty and lifestyle needs,  will be towards meeting the evolving needs of customers across the country. Myntra’s presence spans 98% of India’s serviceable pincodes, and over 70% of new customers who joined the platform in 2025 are from non-metro markets. Customers from these regions showed high demand for categories like ethnic wear, western wear, lounge wear, inner wear essentials like briefs and vests, wedding collections, beauty essentials, and sportswear.

Speaking on the expansion, Maneesh Kumar Dubey, Vice President, Category Management, Myntra, said,

“ As fashion-forward shoppers, especially Gen Z, prioritize instant gratification, the demand for immediate fulfillment, from festive wear to everyday essentials is rising. By delivering trends in minutes, we’re helping brands meet the ‘instant’ expectations of Gen Z. The expansion into Bharat reflects Myntra’s category-defining approach to hyper-speed fashion delivery, enhancing M-Now’s capability to keep pace with rapidly evolving consumer expectations around speed and convenience. The enthusiastic adoption during our pilot reinforces the significant headroom for growth as we scale M-Now across the country and shape the future of convenience-led fashion shopping in India.”

M-Now’s expansion into these cities further strengthens Myntra’s commitment to democratising premium brand access and speed-led convenience for shoppers in India’s emerging markets. As hyper-speed delivery becomes a defining expectation among digital-first shoppers, M-Now is set to play a central role in Myntra’s ambition to build a nationwide, fashion-first, convenience-led ecosystem, strengthening its position in India’s evolving e-lifestyle landscape.

New Delhi, Feb 5: The 3rd Delhi State Para-Athletics Championships 2025–26 commenced on Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, with over 1,000 para-athletes expected to take part during the three-day championship, reflecting the expanding scale of para-sports in the national capital.

Organised by the Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi (DPSA Delhi), the championships will run till February 7, featuring track and field events across Under-12, Under-17 (Sub-Junior), Under-19 (Junior) and Above-19 (Senior) categories.

The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Shri Divesh Chandra Srivastava (IPS), Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police; Ankit Singh (IPS), DCP, Dwarka; and Neeraj Basoya, MLA (Kasturba Nagar). Shri Satya Babu, Director of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Shri V K Dubey – Chairman – VKDL NPA Advisory Council and member of Hindi Advisory Committee, Home Ministry was also present, underscoring institutional support from the national paralympic body.

Senior office-bearers of the Delhi Paralympic Committee, including President Parul Singh, Vice-President Gaurav Choudhary and Treasurer Lalit Kumar, were present throughout the opening day.

Addressing the gathering, Parul Singh, President, Delhi Paralympic Committee, said the championships play a critical role in strengthening the competitive pipeline for para-athletes.

“The scale of participation in this championship is extremely encouraging and reflects the determination of para-athletes across age groups. Their zeal, courage and commitment to sport are deeply inspiring. As an organisation, we remain committed to doing our utmost to create sustained opportunities, competitive exposure and a supportive environment that enables athletes with disabilities to realise their full potential,” she said.

MLA Neeraj Basoya highlighted the importance of translating policy intent into on-ground opportunities.
“Schemes like Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana reflect a shift towards empowerment through self-reliance. Sporting platforms like this provide confidence, visibility and opportunity to athletes with disabilities,” he said.

Competitions will continue over the next two days, with para-athletes vying for state honours and progression to higher levels of competition.

Aqaba, Jordan / Abu Dhabi, UAE – Feb 5: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) to manage and operate the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, Jordan’s only and exclusive general cargo and multipurpose seaport, strengthening the Group’s investments in the coastal city’s logistics infrastructure.

The agreement will establish a Joint Venture to manage and operate the port, with AD Ports Group holding 70% ownership and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) holding the remaining 30%. Under the terms of the agreement, AD Ports Group will invest a total of AED 141 million (USD 38.4 million) in the Joint Venture, in addition to bringing extensive port development and operational expertise to the transaction. The Group anticipates to formally assume operations of the port in August of this year.

The signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) in Aqaba, in the presence of Counselor Hamad Al Matrooshi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Amman; H.E. Mr. Shadi Majali, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Hussein Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation; and Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional Chief Executive Officer of AD Ports Group.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “Today’s signing represents a continuation of the strong and enduring economic cooperation between the two countries, including the development initiatives implemented by AD Ports Group in Aqaba City. This aligns with the directives of our wise leadership to strengthen cooperation with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and to support the Kingdom’s vision of transforming the Port of Aqaba into a leading commercial gateway in the Red Sea region.”

He added: “This agreement further strengthens AD Ports Group to drive long-term, transformative economic impact in the region, enabling further business growth in support of the aspirations of our partners in Jordan. We extend our appreciation to our partners at the Aqaba Development Corporation for their confidence in AD Ports Group as a strategic partner in driving growth in Aqaba City and contributing to the advancement of its economic ecosystem. We look forward to further strengthening our long-term partnership, founded on collaboration to achieve shared interests and mutual benefits.”

H.E. Mr. Shadi Majali, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), commented: “This strategic partnership represents a key milestone in advancing Aqaba’s role as a competitive and integrated economic zone. The development of the Aqaba Multi-Purpose Port, in collaboration with AD Ports Group, reinforces ASEZA’s mandate to create an enabling regulatory and investment environment that supports efficient trade, high-value logistics services, and sustainable economic growth.

This project will enhance Aqaba’s attractiveness as a regional logistics, industrial, and tourism hub, while strengthening connectivity with regional and international markets. It also reflects the effectiveness of close coordination between national institutions, the private sector, and international partners in delivering transformative projects that generate employment, stimulate investment, and contribute to long-term economic resilience.

ASEZA remains fully committed to facilitating this project through streamlined procedures, investor-friendly policies, and continuous support, ensuring that Aqaba continues to serve as a strategic gateway for Jordan and the wider region.”

H.E Hussein Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation, stated: “We look forward to working with AD Ports Group, ADC’s strategic partner, to further develop and position Aqaba Multi-Purpose Port as a central trade and transport hub in the upper Red Sea region. Leveraging AD Ports Group’s expertise, global connectivity, digital trade solutions, and its expanding regional ports and maritime network, Aqaba is set to continue its rapid evolution into a world-class logistics and trade hub that generates sustainable economic growth. This collaboration strengthens Aqaba’s ecosystem across logistics, tourism and port services, we are pleased to welcome this important step forward with AD Ports Group.

We are confident that this partnership will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth for Aqaba and the Kingdom as a whole, and we are pleased to welcome this important milestone with AD Ports Group as we move forward together in delivering a world-class logistics and trade hub.”

The Port of Aqaba is situated at the crossroads of three continents and is Jordan’s dominant gateway for foreign trade, handling about 80% of the country’s exports and 65% of its imports. Aqaba is also a key transit point for the trade of Jordan’s neighbours, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Aqaba Multipurpose Port handles a diverse range of cargo, including general cargo, grains, livestock, Ro-Ro, and project cargo. The port has an annual handling capacity of 11 million tonnes, supported by nine berths, a quay length of 2 km, and a draft of 13.5 metres. In 2025, the terminal handled over 5.3 million tonnes of cargo and nearly 85,000 car equivalent units (CEUs) of Ro-Ro imports.

The Aqaba Multipurpose Port, marks AD Ports Group’s largest infrastructure investment in Jordan to date. The Group has worked closely with ADC since 2021 to develop Aqaba’s tourism, transport, logistics, and digital trade infrastructure. This includes the development and operation of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, enhancing the city’s connectivity as a regional cruise destination, and the Maqta Ayla Joint Venture, which is building a digital Port Community System (PCS) to streamline cargo processing and strengthen Aqaba’s role as a modern maritime hub.

In January 2025, AD Ports Group appointed MAG Group Holding, a leading UAE-based real estate developer, to lead the first phase of development of Marsa Zayed, a 3.2 million m² beachfront tourism and business community in Aqaba, designed to position the city as a regional tourism centre and gateway to the Red Sea.

Furthermore, in February 2025, the Group secured a landmark contract with Jordan Customs Department to manage and operate the Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman, the centre aims to streamline cross-border trade, reduce clearance times, and enhance supply chain efficiency, aligning with global standards for trade facilitation.

With the addition of Aqaba Multipurpose Port, AD Ports Group expands its global portfolio to 35 ports and terminals, spanning across the UAE, Jordan, Spain, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo.

This Valentine’s Day, love doesn’t need grand gestures. At Ray Ethnic, it’s found in intention, craftsmanship, and stories stitched into every piece of gifts that feel lived-in, meaningful, and made to last.

Three Pieces, One Love Language

1. Aakruti Rust Ajarakh Cotton Dress Ray-Ethnic -Timeless in form and effortless in feel, this rust mul mul cotton dress is crafted in soft, breathable cotton with handcrafted Ajarakh prints and fine embroidery. Designed for comfort and everyday elegance, it’s the kind of piece that feels special without trying too hard—perfect for Valentine moments and beyond.

2. Indian Summer Rust Printed Kota Dress – A gentle mix of rust, purple, and yellow brings this dress to life. With intricate florals and a fluid silhouette, it’s made to move easily through days that feel a little more special.
Where colour meets calm vibrant hues, delicate florals, and an effortless flow, finished with a quiet Valentine charm.

3.  Raysham Red Block Printed Munga Silk  – This Valentine’s Day, let rich textures and timeless details do the talking. Crafted in tussar munga silk, this deep red kurta set features gold khat embroidery and classic block prints, paired with fluid layers for an understated, heartfelt look.

Why it best for valentine day Ray Ethnicalentine’s Day is about choosing with intention, and pieces crafted with care, comfort, and timeless detail make the most meaningful gifts. Rooted in artisanal techniques, rich fabrics, and thoughtful silhouettes, each choice feels personal, meant to be worn, lived in, and remembered long after the day has passed. It’s a softer, more thoughtful way to celebrate love

New Delhi, Feb 5: As cloud adoption accelerates across industries, many businesses continue to grapple with fundamental questions around cloud computing—what it really is, how secure it can be, and whether it truly delivers on cost and flexibility promises. Addressing this growing need for clarity, Whitespider, a cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure management company, has released a practical explainer addressing the most common cloud-related questions faced by organisations today.

Despite its widespread use, cloud computing is often misunderstood. Terms are used interchangeably, responsibilities are blurred, and misconceptions around cost, control, and security persist. Through this initiative, Whitespider aims to cut through jargon and offer clear, actionable insights to help organisations better understand how cloud environments work, where responsibilities lie, and how risks and opportunities should be managed.

At its core, Whitespider explains that cloud computing is not a “place” but a delivery model—one that enables businesses to access computing resources such as servers, storage, and applications over the internet without owning physical infrastructure. This model allows organisations to scale rapidly, improve flexibility, and reduce heavy upfront investments, while still requiring strong IT governance and oversight.

Addressing security concerns, the company notes that cloud platforms can be highly secure—often more so than traditional on-premises environments—provided they are properly configured and managed. While major cloud providers invest heavily in enterprise-grade security controls, most cloud-related breaches result from misconfiguration, weak access controls, or poor visibility, rather than flaws in the technology itself.

Whitespider also highlights that cloud cost efficiency depends on active management. While consumption-based pricing can be highly effective, poor governance and unused resources can quickly inflate expenses. The cloud, the company notes, rewards disciplined management and exposes inefficiencies faster than traditional IT models.

Other key areas covered include the differences between public, private, and hybrid cloud models; the shared responsibility model for cloud security; common risks associated with cloud migration; and the importance of strong backup and data protection strategies. For small and mid-sized businesses, Whitespider emphasises that cloud adoption can be transformative—offering access to enterprise-grade capabilities—but only when complexity is controlled and aligned with business objectives.

Summarising its perspective, Whitespider reiterates that cloud computing is not a shortcut or a cure-all. It offers flexibility, scalability, and choice, but demands informed decision-making, planning, and accountability. Organisations that succeed in the cloud are those that take time to understand the model, challenge assumptions, and design strategies rooted in real operational needs.

As cloud continues to reshape the digital landscape, Whitespider believes that clarity—not speed—will be the defining factor in successful cloud adoption.

Hyderabad, Feb 05: BioAsia 2026, Asia’s premier life sciences and healthcare forum, will bring together an exceptional assembly of global scientific pioneers, artificial intelligence leaders, industry CEOs, and policymakers at a defining inflection point for healthcare innovation. With the theme “TechBio Unleashed: AI, Automation & the Biology Revolution”, the two-day conference on February 17–18, 2026, will examine how AI, advanced biology, and intelligent manufacturing are converging to fundamentally transform how therapies are discovered, developed, and delivered worldwide.

As biology becomes increasingly programmable and AI rapidly compresses R&D and manufacturing timelines, the TechBio paradigm is moving from experimentation to execution. BioAsia 2026 is positioned squarely at this moment—convening leaders who are actively shaping AI-driven discovery platforms, next-generation biologics, and digitally integrated operating models across global healthcare.

Leadership Commitment and Telangana’s Global Vision

The conference will open with inaugural addresses by Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, and Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries and Commerce
Government of Telangana is reaffirming Telangana’s long-term commitment to positioning Hyderabad among the world’s top five life sciences hubs. A dedicated session on Telangana Rising Vision 2047 will outline the state’s roadmap for innovation-led growth across advanced modalities, AI-enabled R&D, and next-generation biomanufacturing.

Global Science and AI Leaders at the Forefront of TechBio

BioAsia 2026 will feature a distinguished lineup of global leaders whose work has materially advanced modern biopharma, AI-driven science, and digital healthcare.

• Dr Stefan Miltenyi, Founder and President, Miltenyi Biotec (Germany), whose innovations have been foundational to cell therapy research, translational science, and manufacturing platforms globally, will address the evolution of next-generation biologics from discovery to clinical proof and scalable CMC.
• Dr Howard Y. Chang, Chief Scientific Officer, Amgen (USA), a globally recognised authority in functional genomics, epigenetics, and RNA biology, will share how AI-powered biology is transforming target discovery, disease understanding, and precision medicine at scale within one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies.
• Mr Pushmeet Kohli, Vice President of Science, Google DeepMind, one of the world’s foremost AI research organisations, will bring perspectives from the frontier of artificial intelligence—highlighting how foundational models, protein science breakthroughs, and advanced reinforcement learning are accelerating discovery across biology and medicine.
• Ms Madeleine Roach, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Operations, Sanofi (France), will deliver a plenary address on Day Two, reflecting on Sanofi’s AI-first transformation and the integration of digital, data, and advanced analytics across global R&D, manufacturing, and operations.
• Mr Anton Groom, Chief AI Officer, MSD (USA), will open the flagship session on innovation-first Global Capability Centres, drawing on his leadership in embedding AI across one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical R&D engines—driving smarter clinical development, predictive science, and digitally native workflows.
• Dr Despina Solomonidou, EVP & Global Head – Technical Research & Development, Novartis (Switzerland), leads end-to-end pharmaceutical and biologics development, playing a pivotal role in embedding digital, data-driven, and automation-led CMC models to accelerate global scale-up of innovation.
• Ms Rashmi Kumar, SVP & Chief Information Officer, Medtronic (USA), is driving large-scale digital and AI transformation across MedTech, integrating data platforms, software, and connected systems to enhance product innovation and patient outcomes.
• Mr Eamonn Warren, Group Vice President – Manufacturing (API & Dry Products), Eli Lilly (USA), oversees global manufacturing operations, advancing automation, digital quality systems, and resilient supply chains to translate innovation into reliable patient access at scale.
• Mr Badhri Srinivasan, Group CEO, Unilabs (Switzerland), is leading the AI-enabled transformation of diagnostics, leveraging automation and advanced analytics to improve diagnostic accuracy, speed, and clinical decision-making across healthcare systems.

Global Industry Voices Shaping the Next Decade

Across nine high-impact sessions, BioAsia 2026 will host senior leaders from Amgen, Novartis, Lilly, Medtronic, Sanofi, Roche, AbbVie, BMS, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, Takeda, MSD, Lonza, Miltenyi Biotec, Google DeepMind, Thermo Fisher Scientific, alongside leading Indian innovators, including Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Bharat Biotech, Biocon Biologics, Zydus Lifesciences, Laurus Labs, Sai Life Sciences, Aragen, Piramal Pharma, Syngene, TCS, and Apollo Hospitals.

Key discussions will explore:

• What it truly takes to scale innovation across science, software and supply chains
• Growth drivers and structural headwinds for pharma and biotech (2026–2030)
• Next-generation biologics and advanced modalities, from discovery to clinical validation and manufacturing readiness
• AI as a force multiplier across CRDMO and biomanufacturing value chains

A marquee CEO Conclave will bring together global industry leaders for a candid dialogue on growth, geopolitics, resilience and innovation pathways as the sector looks toward 2030.

GCCs, India’s Innovation Moment and Global Impact

Day Two will spotlight the rapid evolution of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in life sciences—now emerging as strategic innovation engines rather than cost centres. Sessions will examine AI-enabled R&D, digital transformation and direct end-patient impact, alongside discussions on India’s innovation moment, financing TechBio and deep-tech manufacturing, and scaling breakthrough science from India to the world.

With participation from global pioneers, policymakers, investors and next-generation innovators, BioAsia 2026 will continue its legacy as a definitive platform for collaboration, insight and investment—while reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems for life sciences, biotechnology and TechBio innovation.

Jaipur, Feb 05: Raffles Hotels & Resorts officially unveiled the Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 during an intimate and elegant ceremony held at Raffles Jaipur, marking the commencement of one of Jaipur’s most anticipated sporting highlights of the season. Hosted in association with the Rajasthan Polo Club, the evening paid tribute to the enduring legacy of polo, royal heritage, and sporting excellence.

The unveiling ceremony brought together an esteemed gathering of patrons, polo enthusiasts, and leaders from the world of luxury hospitality. The trophy was revealed by Maharaj Narendra Singh ji of Jaipur, alongside Th. Digvijay Singh, Honorary Secretary, Rajasthan Polo Club, and Kr Vikramaditya Singh Barkana, Joint Secretary, Rajasthan Polo Club. The occasion was further graced by the presence of the cup owners Mr. Ratan Kant Sharma and Mrs. Jui Sharma, and senior Raffles leadership including Mr. Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, and Mr. Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.

Deeply rooted in royal patronage, polo has long been an intrinsic part of Rajasthan’s cultural and sporting identity. Established under the patronage of the Royal Family of Jaipur, the Rajasthan Polo Club continues to uphold this legacy by hosting premier tournaments that draw national and international attention. The Raffles Sirmour Cup, a prestigious 14-goal tournament scheduled from 9 to 15 February 2026, stands as a defining feature of the Jaipur Polo Season.

For Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the Sirmour Cup represents more than a sporting collaboration. It reflects a shared reverence for heritage, discipline, and craftsmanship—values central to the brand’s philosophy of gracious and thoughtful hospitality. Unveiling the trophy within the palace-inspired setting of Raffles Jaipur offered guests a glimpse into the quieter, reflective moments that precede great sporting occasions.

As the polo season unfolds, the Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 promises a week where tradition meets contemporary refinement, celebrating the spirit of the sport with understated elegance both on and off the field.

Commenting on the occasion, Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, said,

“The Sirmour Cup holds a special place in Jaipur’s sporting calendar. Unveiling the trophy at Raffles Jaipur was our way of honouring the quiet moments that come before the game begins. It allows us to bring guests closer to the spirit of polo and the heritage that surrounds it, in a way that feels thoughtful and true to the city.”

Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, added,

“Our association with the Sirmour Cup is grounded in continuity and culture. Supporting a tournament nurtured over generations aligns naturally with the values of Raffles, where experiences are shaped by heritage and delivered with quiet confidence.”

Sharing his perspective, Th. Digvijay Singh, Honorary Secretary, Rajasthan Polo Club, said,

“The Rajasthan Polo Club has always stood for the preservation and promotion of the sport in its most authentic form. Our continued association with Raffles brings a shared sense of respect and values to the tournament, and we look forward to a season that celebrates skill, sportsmanship, and the enduring legacy of polo.”

The Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 stands poised to reaffirm Jaipur’s position as a centre of polo excellence, blending heritage, hospitality, and high-calibre sport in a celebration of timeless tradition.

Mumbai, India, Feb 05: Valentine Week has evolved into more than a single-day celebration, becoming a series of moments defined by emotion, comfort, and meaningful connection. This season, Ultra Soft Toys, a trusted name in the Indian soft toy industry, curates a thoughtfully designed Valentine Week collection that reflects how love is increasingly expressed through warmth, companionship, and gifts that last well beyond February 14.

As consumers seek gifting options with emotional depth and longevity, plush toys continue to emerge as one of the most resonant categories during Valentine’s Week. Ultra Soft Toys’ Valentine Week range is designed to accompany every phase of the celebration, from Rose Day through Valentine’s Day, aligning with changing consumer behaviour that favours comfort-driven, sentimental gifting over fleeting trends.

The collection brings together a diverse selection of plush designs crafted to suit different expressions of love. Classic Be My Valentine and Love You teddy bears cater to Promise and Propose Day moments, offering timeless silhouettes paired with heartfelt messaging. For Hug Day and everyday comfort, lying and sitting teddy bears holding red hearts deliver soft, huggable reassurance. Adding a lighter touch, playful plush dogs and lion soft toys introduce charm and warmth, while compact options such as cap teddy bears and hanging white teddies function as keepsakes that blend easily into personal spaces. For those seeking an alternative to traditional designs, the plush elephant with a ‘Hug Me’ heart offers a distinctive expression of affection.

The Valentine Week focus also arrives at a significant moment for India’s toy industry, which is steadily positioning itself as a global manufacturing and design hub. Valued at close to USD 2 billion and projected to grow substantially over the next decade, the sector continues to see strong demand for plush toys, particularly during festive and occasioned retail cycles. Valentine Week remains one of the most sentiment-driven periods for the category, driven by consumers’ preference for gifts that feel personal, soothing, and enduring.

Speaking on evolving gifting preferences, Ms. Brinda Agrawal, Head of Product Development at Ultra Soft Toys and Marketing Head at Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, shared,

“Valentine Week today is about meaningful connections rather than grand gestures. Plush toys offer emotional comfort and a sense of presence that people naturally relate to. When thoughtfully designed and made in India, they also represent care, trust, and craftsmanship, values that resonate strongly with today’s consumers.”

Ultra Soft Toys, part of the Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, reflects the growing strength of the Make in India movement within the toy sector. Designed and manufactured in India, the brand places strong emphasis on safe materials, soft textures, and thoughtful detailing, factors that have helped it build trust among consumers across age groups. Its Valentine Week collection underscores how locally made products can successfully combine quality, emotional relevance, and retail appeal.

Beyond its core plush portfolio, Ultra Soft Toys has also been actively developing custom and licensed plush solutions for leading brands across the hospitality and personal care segments, including Starbucks and Cetaphil. These collaborations highlight the brand’s expertise in quality manufacturing, compliance standards, and brand-aligned design, further strengthening its position as a reliable partner for premium, purpose-led plush creations.