~From sold-out collagen masks to internet-famous PDRN glow, the K-beauty powerhouse makes its omnichannel debut in India, exclusively on Nykaa~

Mumbai, 19th February 2026: Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle company, announces the arrival of medicube, a brand that has redefined results-led skincare globally. Celebrated for its clinically proven formulations, medicube has set new standards in innovation while creating some of the most talked-about, viral skincare heroes across markets. Through a strategic partnership with APR Group, medicube now makes its much-awaited omnichannel debut in India on Nykaa and will be available to shop starting 20th February across Nykaa’s online platforms and select retail stores.

Driven by a results-first philosophy, medicube combines dermatologist-tested formulations with advanced skincare technology, delivering targeted solutions for real skin concerns from pores and pigmentation to elasticity, hydration, and glow. Its high-performance formulas and dramatic before-and-after results have earned it a loyal global following, with multiple ranges consistently going viral and selling out across platforms.

Nykaa continues to lead the charge in curating the most sought-after Korean innovations with the launch of medicube. Over the last decade, Nykaa has shaped India’s K-beauty revolution, building the country’s largest and most thoughtfully curated Korean beauty ecosystem across skincare, derma-cosmetics, and haircare. Through its dedicated Korean Beauty Store online and an expansive network of 280+ retail stores pan-India, Nykaa has cemented its position as the exclusive launchpad for breakthrough disruptors. The arrival of medicube strengthens a category Nykaa has already scaled and mainstreamed, further expanding access to globally trending, performance-driven Korean beauty for Indian consumers across markets.

Debuting with its most in-demand ranges – Zero, PDRN, Collagen and Deep Vita C—medicube introduces a comprehensive, results-focused routine designed to address multiple skin concerns while elevating overall skin health and radiance.

Shop the bestsellers now-

Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, Priced at INR 2600:  The internet’s favourite overnight treatment, this easy-peel sleeping mask wraps the skin in a firming, glow-boosting layer. Infused with Collagen Extract, Niacinamide, and Ceramide NP, it works overnight to improve elasticity, deeply moisturise, and reveal plump, luminous skin by morning.

Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream, Priced at INR 1600: A bouncy, lightweight gel-cream that hydrates, firms, and boosts glow in one step. Powered by soluble and hydrolyzed collagen, it delivers long-lasting moisture while improving skin elasticity and smoothness.

PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask, Priced at INR 2500 : One of the brand’s most viral products globally, this glow-enhancing mask is enriched with Salmon PDRN, Hydrolyzed Collagen, and Niacinamide to visibly brighten, balance skin tone, and restore radiance.

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, Priced at INR 2300: A high-performance treatment formulated with Salmon PDRN and a 5-type peptide complex, designed to improve elasticity, refine uneven skin tone, and support skin regeneration for a firmer, clearer complexion.

Zero Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil, Priced at INR 1900: A brand favourite, the 3-in-1 pore-clearing cleansing oil with 90% plant-based oils that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while targeting blackheads and excess sebum without stripping the skin.

PDRN Hydrating Gel Cleanser, Priced at INR 1900: A refreshing daily cleanser that removes excess sebum and impurities while helping improve overall skin tone and texture for a brighter, more balanced complexion.

PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner, Priced at INR 2300: A multi-layer hydration for plump, dewy skin with a soft pink glow, while helping strengthen the skin barrier even for acne- prone skin. Its lightweight, milky texture absorbs instantly without any stickiness, leaving the complexion smooth, calm, and radiant.

medicube is now available on Nykaa.com, the Nykaa app, and select Nykaa stores across India.

Executive from Turo and Outdoorsy will oversee the company’s revenue engine and sales operations, supporting commercial growth across the car share and mobility insurance industry

(New York, NY, February 19, 2026) – INSHUR, the leader in insurance solutions for the on-demand economy, announced today the appointment of Christopher Aragon as Head of US Sales and Operations. In this role, Aragon will be responsible for overseeing the company’s revenue engine and commercial operations, with a focus on scaling profitable growth, strengthening execution across sales functions, and ensuring tight coordination between commercial strategy and execution as INSHUR continues to expand globally.

Aragon joins INSHUR with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance and mobility industry, having held senior leadership roles at Tint, Outdoorsy/Roamly, Turo, and Progressive. His background spans sales, underwriting, claims, risk management, and automation, with a focus on designing and scaling data-driven insurance programs for shared economy, fleet, and gig-driver ecosystems, aligning closely with INSHUR’s mission to build insurance infrastructure designed for how mobility actually works today.

“Christopher brings a strong blend of expertise and insights thanks to his successes in building data-driven insurance programs across the on-demand mobility economy,” said Dan Bratshpis, CEO and co-founder of INSHUR. “His experience at leading mobility and insurance companies gives us valuable perspective on where the market is headed and where we can push it forward. As we scale our first-to-market Off-rental (Period X™) and On-rental (Period Z) car share products, his expertise in this category will be invaluable. His deep understanding of the on-demand economy allows him to translate complex regulatory and operational constraints into innovative products and scalable commercial systems that customers actually need.”

“I was drawn to INSHUR by the environment they’ve created at the intersection of deep insurance knowledge and modern mobility needs,” said Aragon. “The company’s focus on building durable and cohesive systems is a flywheel where revenue growth, operational integrity, and customer outcomes are constantly reinforcing each other. It’s a rare combination, and I believe it’s the foundation for carrying on the future of mobility insurance in both a responsible and sustainable manner.”

With over 40 million people in the US involved in gig economy work, rideshare and delivery drivers are the backbone of the on-demand economy, powering one of the biggest economic shifts in decades. INSHUR supports this workforce by simplifying commercial insurance for rideshare, carshare, and last mile delivery, aligning coverage with real driving activity to build trust between drivers, platforms, and insurers. Through embedded, flexible commercial auto insurance, INSHUR enables coverage that fits how people actually work today.

Researchers have developed a unified theory of microcavity OLEDs, guiding the design of more efficient and sustainable devices. The work reveals a surprising trade-off: squeezing light too tightly inside OLEDs can actually reduce performance, and maximum efficiency is achieved through a delicate balance of material and cavity parameters.  Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) offer several attractive advantages over traditional LED technology: they are lightweight, flexible, and more environmentally friendly to manufacture and recycle. However, heavy-metal-free OLEDs can be rather inefficient, with up to 75% of the injected electrical current converting into heat.

OLED efficiency can be enhanced by placing the device inside an optical microcavity. Squeezing the electromagnetic field forces light to escape more rapidly instead of wasting energy as heat.

“It is basically like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube,” explains Associate Professor Konstantinos Daskalakis from the University of Turku in Finland.

After a certain squeezing threshold, the original energy levels of the emitting material and the electromagnetic field hybridize. These mixed light–matter states are known as polaritons.

While the static energy levels of polariton OLEDs are well understood, much less is known about how the squeezing affects transitions between these states. As a result, the development of polariton OLEDs has largely relied on trial and error.

Now, a research group at the University of Turku has developed the first theoretical model that explains how these transition mechanisms change as the squeezing increases. Surprisingly, the model predicts that efficiencies decrease once polaritons are formed. This reduction arises from two distinct effects.

“Although polaritons emit light very quickly, they are shared states of typically hundreds of thousands of molecules, which dilutes the processes populating them,” explains Postdoctoral Researcher Olli Siltanen. “These population mechanisms can be further weakened if the polariton energies lie too far from the original molecular energy levels.”

According to the model, maximum efficiency in microcavity OLEDs is achieved through a delicate balance of material and cavity parameters. While the model finds polaritons with many molecules disadvantageous, all hope is not lost.

“Alternative device architectures allow us to reduce the number of molecules involved from hundreds of thousands to just a few,” says Daskalakis. “Such OLEDs have the potential to achieve record-breaking efficiencies.”

The results have been published in the journal Materials Horizons.

Read the research article: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/mh/d5mh01958c#!divAbstract

Metal Park Forms Strategic National Alliance with World Steel Association and Steel University to Build the Middle East’s First Integrated Metals Education Ecosystem (MEEEM)

Abu Dhabi, UAE — Feb 19: Metal Park has signed a strategic agreement with the World Steel Association and

Steel University, establishing a national-level alliance to develop a fully integrated metals education and capability ecosystem for the Middle East.

Witnessed by H.E. Dr. Sultan Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; and Mr. Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park and signed by Navid Fouladkar, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Metal Park, and Jorge Muract, Director of Steel University.

This milestone partnership directly supports the UAE’s industrial vision under Make it inthe Emirates and Operation 300bn, reinforcing the country’s ambition to build globally competitive, value-added metal production capabilities from within the UAE.

The alliance positions Metal Park not only as industrial infrastructure, but as the execution layer where education, standards, talent, and production converge into a single operating ecosystem.

Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, said: “This alliance marks a defining step in how industrial growth is built and sustained in the region. Metal Park was conceived as more than physical infrastructure—it is an operating

ecosystem where standards, talent, capability, and production are developed together. By partnering with the World Steel Association and Steel University, we are embedding global best practices directly into the industrial environment, ensuring that education translates into measurable performance, competitiveness, and long-term national value for the UAE.”

Jorge Muract, Director of Steel University, stated: The alliance seeks to secure the industry talent pipeline through strong collaboration and alignment among academia, industry, its value chain, and government as a key enabler of this interaction, while also providing agile infrastructure to continuously upskill and reskill the workforce and sustain innovation in production systems. Together, we aim to develop high-quality learning and technology solutions that build a more efficient and dynamic workforce. At the same time, the alliance seeks to join efforts with

similar initiatives in Europe, Saudi Arabia, India and Latin America to create a global education and training ecosystem that enables talent mobility and ensures equal access to education and training, fostering social innovation worldwide.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “This agreement strengthens the foundation of our industrial ecosystem by aligning global standards with local production capability. KEZAD Group not only provides infrastructure, but also enables performance. By embedding internationally recognised expertise from the World Steel Association and Steel University directly into Metal Park’s operating environment, we are

accelerating the development of advanced industrial skills, raising productivity, and enhancing the competitiveness of UAE-based manufacturers.

“This initiative directly supports national industrial priorities under Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a globally competitive hub for value-added metal production, driven by capability, standards, and long-term industrial resilience.”

From Global Standards to Industrial Output

At the core of the agreement is a shared commitment to transforming skills development into measurable industrial performance. Through collaboration with the World Steel Association and Steel University, Metal Park will embed internationally recognised standards, certifications, technical frameworks, and sector intelligence directly into its operating environment—ensuring education is applied at the factory-floor level, not abstract.

This ecosystem-driven model ensures that learning, certification, and best practices translate into higher productivity, improved quality, and enhanced competitiveness across UAE-based metal production.

Advancing National Industrial Priorities and Regional Workforce Capability The partnership directly contributes to the objectives of Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn by:

• Strengthening domestic metal and steel industrial capability
•  Developing future-ready technical, engineering, and operational talent
•  Embedding global standards into local production environments
•  Enhancing the long-term competitiveness and resilience of regional manufacturing

By connecting global industry leadership with Metal Park’s integrated infrastructure, the alliance ensures that industrial growth is powered by world-class assets, standards, and people.

Building the Middle East’s Metals Education & Capability Ecosystem

The agreement underpins Metal Park’s long-term vision to establish the region’s most comprehensive metals education and capability ecosystem—spanning foundational skills, advanced metallurgy, engineering, processing, and operational excellence.

This phased, scalable approach ensures that capability building is aligned with real industrial demand, national priorities, and long-term sustainability. Metal Park views this agreement as a foundation for broader collaboration. Delivering a globally recognised industrial talent and standards ecosystem will require continued engagement with government entities, regulators, academic institutions, and industry partners—anchored by Metal Park as the ecosystem platform.

By Dr Mamtamayi Priyadarshini

A balanced reflection from a pro–non-GM advocacy perspective

India’s recent decision to allow concessional imports of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) under the interim trade framework with the United States has sparked discussion across agricultural and feed industry circles. The government has capped imports at 500,000 tonnes — approximately 1% of domestic consumption — and positioned the measure as a calibrated step aimed at easing feed costs for poultry, dairy and aquaculture sectors.

At first glance, the policy appears limited in scope. Yet agricultural markets are shaped not only by volumes, but also by signals. Even relatively modest trade concessions can influence price expectations, bargaining power and rural income structures in ways that extend beyond their numerical share.

Understanding DDGS in the Broader Context

DDGS is a protein-rich by-product of maize-based ethanol production. In the United States — where most maize cultivation is genetically modified — DDGS is produced at industrial scale and widely used as animal feed. For India, the question is not merely about substituting one feed ingredient for another. It is about how such imports may interact with domestic maize markets, farmer incomes and India’s precautionary approach toward genetically modified crops.

Policymakers have emphasized the potential for cost relief to livestock industries. That objective is understandable, particularly in sectors that directly influence food prices and nutritional security. At the same time, it is worth examining how the distribution of benefits and risks may unfold across different stakeholders.

The Subtle Dynamics of Market Signals

On paper, a 1% import quota seems modest. In practice, however, imports can establish a reference price in the market. Large feed manufacturers and integrated poultry companies now have an additional sourcing option. This potentially strengthens their negotiating leverage when purchasing domestic maize or soybean meal.

In commodity markets, perception can influence pricing as much as supply volumes do. If buyers can point to lower-cost imported DDGS, domestic suppliers may feel pressure to align prices accordingly. Even before significant quantities enter the supply chain, the signalling effect alone can shape market sentiment.

For India’s maize farmers — many of whom operate on thin margins — these shifts can matter. Rising input costs for hybrid seeds, fertilizers, irrigation and transportation already weigh heavily. Limited storage infrastructure often compels farmers to sell soon after harvest, reducing their ability to wait for favorable price cycles. In such conditions, even a 5–10% softening in farmgate prices can meaningfully affect annual household income.

Distribution of Gains and Pressures

The potential advantages of DDGS imports are likely to accrue primarily to large feed integrators and industrial processors, who may benefit from diversified sourcing and improved margins. Whether such cost efficiencies translate into lower consumer prices for poultry, dairy or aquaculture products remains uncertain and depends on value-chain dynamics.

Conversely, small and marginal maize farmers could bear a disproportionate share of adjustment pressures if local demand weakens. Domestic traders, regional feed processors and associated rural service providers — transporters, warehouse operators, commission agents and labourers — form part of a broader ecosystem linked to maize cultivation. Gradual shifts in sourcing patterns could affect this interconnected rural economy.

These concerns do not imply that imports will inevitably destabilize markets. Rather, they underscore the importance of monitoring and policy responsiveness.

The Regulatory and Precedent Dimension

India has historically adopted a cautious approach toward commercial genetically modified food crops. While DDGS is a processed residue and not a seed, its origin from predominantly GM maize introduces a regulatory nuance. Some stakeholders view this development as a potential shift in precedent, even if indirect.

Agricultural policy is shaped not only by scientific assessments but also by public trust and consistency. Transparent biosafety evaluation, clear documentation of origin and open public communication can help maintain confidence. Once trade pathways are established, they often evolve, making early safeguards particularly important.

India also occupies a distinct position in certain export markets as a supplier of non-GM agricultural products. Preserving clarity around this identity may carry long-term strategic value. In that sense, the DDGS decision intersects with broader considerations of trade positioning and agricultural branding.

Balancing Feed Efficiency and Farmer Welfare

The needs of the poultry, dairy and aquaculture sectors are legitimate. Feed efficiency contributes to food affordability and nutritional security. However, agricultural policy works best when it carefully balances industrial competitiveness with farmer welfare.

If concessional imports proceed, they could be accompanied by defined safeguards — such as mandatory testing of consignments, full chain-of-custody documentation, disclosure requirements for feed mills and periodic policy reviews involving farmer representation. A clearly defined trial period with transparent evaluation metrics may also enhance accountability.

Parallel investment in domestic capacity offers another constructive pathway. Strengthening India’s ethanol industry and encouraging indigenous production of feed co-products would allow the country to meet rising feed demand while retaining value addition within domestic supply chains. Supporting innovation in non-GM feed alternatives could further reinforce resilience.

A Question of Calibration

The DDGS import decision may appear numerically small, yet its economic and symbolic dimensions are meaningful. Trade engagement is a natural component of a modern economy. The broader question is how such engagement is calibrated to protect those who may face adjustment costs.

Maize farmers are central participants in India’s agricultural landscape. Ensuring that short-term feed cost considerations do not unintentionally weaken long-term farmer resilience is a shared responsibility. Agricultural policy, ultimately, is measured not only in tonnes and percentages, but in the stability of livelihoods and the confidence of rural communities.

About the author: Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini is an environmentalist, social worker and author of Maize Mandate. She has written extensively on agricultural sustainability, seed sovereignty and the intersections of food and fuel policy in India.

New Delhi, Feb 19 – As India’s steel production crosses 160 million tonnes and installed capacity moves toward 300 million tonnes by 2030, the industry’s growth narrative is entering a new phase. While capacity expansion remains strong, the focus is increasingly shifting to a critical pillar of the value chain — India’s dealer and distributor network.

With nearly 50 million tonnes of finished steel in FY26 flowing through trade-led channels, dealers and distributors now account for a significant share of market movement. As steel demand is projected to rise steadily in the coming years, industry leaders note that distribution capability, financial resilience, and digital readiness will determine how effectively this growth translates into market reach.

This industry-wide conversation took centre stage at Build Connect 2026, held on February 19–20 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The platform was organised by BigMint, a commodity market intelligence firm, in association with the Akhil Bhartiya Loha Vyapar Sangh (ABLVS) as Supporting Association. The event recorded over 1,500 footfall, including 500+ confirmed participants and 1,000+ registered visitors, representing 400+ companies across 72 cities and 15+ states. Nearly 48% of attendees were senior decision-makers, including Directors, Managing Directors, and business owners.

The platform also saw participation from SAIL as Strategic PSU Partner, alongside institutional and industry support from the AIIFA Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association, National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST), Bureau Veritas, and prominent trade and construction organisations including BAI, GISF, CFI, RISTA, and BIMA — reflecting broad alignment across manufacturing, trade bodies, and technical institutions.

The inaugural ceremony featured senior industry figures including Shri V. R. Sharma (Member Advisory Board, Jindal Steel & Power), Shri Bimlendra Jha (Ex-MD, JSP & Ambuja Cements Ltd.), Mr. Anurag Sinha (Executive Director, Engineers India Limited), Mr. Vishesh Shahra (Chairman, Shreeyam Power & Steel Industries Ltd.), Mr. Vivek Adukia (Chairman, SRMA), and Mr. Amit Gupta (President, ABLVS).

Across 12 focused sessions and 40+ expert addresses, discussions spanned infrastructure demand, GST compliance, green steel adoption, supply chain finance, digital transformation, e-commerce integration, quality standards, branding impact, and payment recovery mechanisms. A recurring industry view emerged: expanding production capacity must be complemented by a more structured and financially empowered distribution ecosystem.

The Build Connect Awards 2026 recognised excellence across India’s steel distribution landscape, honouring regional distributor leadership, dealer performance, and technology adoption.

As India’s steel demand moves toward higher consumption levels, industry stakeholders reinforced that sustainable sectoral growth will depend not only on manufacturing scale but on building a stronger, more organised, and next-generation dealer–distributor backbone. Build Connect 2026 reflected that shift in focus — from capacity expansion alone to ecosystem strengthening across the value chain.

New Delhi, Feb 19th:  Today, adidas and Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team unveil their first performance-optimized team and fanwear range, marking the start of their journey together. Designed expertly for those racing around the track to those cheering in the grandstands, and beyond, the collection fuses style-first design cues with industry-defining technology from two icons of sport performance.​

Following the multi-year partnership announcement, which saw adidas become the official team partner of Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team – and in preparation of the team’s much-anticipated entry to the grid – the pieces set out to bring a touch of style on and off the track. Incorporating adidas’ latest technologies, the collection comprises of technical pieces tailored specifically for all the team – from drivers and engineers to mechanics – as well as ensuring the team’s dedicated fanbase can showcase the looks, no matter where they are supporting across the globe.

At the core of the collection, subtle red accents act as a unifying design anchor, subtly mirroring the performance and functionality of the Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team car itself. Embracing greyscale hues, inspired by the strength and stealth of titanium feature on the car, the silhouettes tap into a powerful yet refined aesthetic, complete with minimalistic line designs and branding. Comprising of around 160 pieces, key highlights from the drop include:

• Engineers: The tee exudes elegance through its close-to-the-body cut, contrasted by the oversized puffers and jackets – all complete and tied together with subtle red highlights.
• Mechanics: Rooted in a distinct utility black, charcoal and graphite colorway, the jacket comes with a strategic zipper shape that significantly increases pocket space, whilst adidas’ CLIMACOOL technology supports optimal temperature regulation.
• Footwear: A bespoke ADIZERO EVO SL taps into the grey and red color palette to complete the coordinated team wear looks. Serving up all-round comfort with a Lightstrike Pro midsole, the silhouette maintains a stripped-back aesthetic whilst ensuring the entire team is equipped with a lightweight offering.

Michael Batz, Motorsport Category GM at adidas said: “We are excited to officially mark the start of our journey with Audi Revolut Formula 1 Team, through a full teamwear collection which features adidas’ signature design and best in class technology at the forefront. Expertly crafted for the team to introduce themselves to the grid with style, each piece embodies the power, strength, and design of the car to meet the overall build up to and race-day demands. We can’t wait to see it in the paddock and stands across upcoming race weekends!”

NICO HULKENBERG, DRIVER AT AUDI REVOLUT F1 TEAM SAID: “The first time representing two leading icons on the track. Wearing the three stripes next to the four rings is a huge moment, and I’m excited to put on the jersey that has been built with precision and driven forward by adidas’ highest level of technical detailing – meaning it delivers style, functionality and hopefully a lot of speed.”

GABRIEL BORTOLETO, DRIVER AT AUDI REVOLUT F1 TEAM SAID: “Working with adidas is an incredible opportunity for our team. In a sport fueled by constant advancement and innovation, having the best in the game designing pieces for athletes, to meet their needs to perform at the top, is incredible. Knowing our kit has been crafted with careful thought and tailored to what we require, makes that first moment that I get to wear it, alongside my team, in front of our fans, even more special.”

The adidas x Audi Revolut F1 Team’s teamwear collection was formally unveiled in Berlin on 20 January <a>at the official Audi Revolut F1 Team Lauch Event, signaling the first moment the two brands will come together to announce the team’s new identity. 

The full teamwear drop, designed for the drivers and beyond, will be available to purchase from today, 19th February, online at <a>adidas.co.in/audirevolutF1team</a> and a worldwide selection of adidas wholesale accounts.

Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein has unveiled its ‘Protein Resolution Matlab No Cheating’ on-ground activation for New Year 2026, addressing India’s widespread protein deficiency through experiential engagement. Created and conceptualised by Schbang, the campaign features an innovative approach: using bold yellow-and-black footsteps inspired by metro wayfinding systems to physically guide commuters toward protein awareness – a smart intervention designed to convert fitness resolutions from mental intentions into physical actions. 

The campaign’s strength lies in its behaviour-led approach. Instead of passive advertising, Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein embedded protein awareness directly into people’s daily commute. Studies indicate that over 60% of urban Indians don’t meet their daily protein RDA* , with unhealthy snacking being a major contributor. The activation addresses this by using footsteps that lead commuters step-by-step to Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein Kiosks where they take the New Year’s Protein Pledge, participate in interactive fitness challenges like Bend the Bar and Arm Wrestling, engage with nutritionists through trivia, and sample products.

This approach creates memorable moments that make people physically walk towards their fitness goals rather than just thinking about them. Most resolutions fail because they remain just thoughts. People decide something in their mind, but they do not take physical action. There is no trigger that pushes them to actually move.

The campaign resonates with urban Indians aged 18-40, particularly office-goers and daily commuters who intend to eat better but struggle with unhealthy snacking habits, making protein awareness accessible to first-time protein snack users through non-intrusive, metro-embedded experiences.

Dr. Ravinder T Varma, Sr. Brand Manager at Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein says, “Every year, New Year resolutions begin with intent but often lose momentum. We wanted to change that. Instead of only talking about fitness, we encouraged people to take a visible step towards their goals. By placing footsteps in their daily commute, we turned a routine journey into a simple reminder about mindful protein choices. ‘Protein Resolution Matlab No Cheating’ is our way of bringing protein awareness into everyday life. When Protein Snacking options are visible and accessible, making better choices becomes easier.”

Tejasva Amarnani, Creative Lead, Schbang says, “New year’s campaigns every year bombard audiences with motivation that leads nowhere. We realised that when it comes to protein intake resolutions, motivation isn’t the gap. People lack the steps and the direction to fulfill them. So we thought, “Let’s help them take the steps in the most fun way possible.” The #ProteinResolutionMatlabNoCheating campaign establishes Zydus Wellness – RiteBite Max Protein as a brand that thinks differently about New Year resolutions, proving that protein snacking means no cheating on fitness commitments.

The Sand Stone collection by Technogym offers a renewed aesthetic inspired by nature, combining careful design and advanced materials to differentiate and elevate the design of the most exclusive wellness spaces. The authenticity and warmth of typical Mediterranean sandstone give rise to a versatile and sophisticated palette, capable of combining performance, sustainability, and timeless elegance in a wide variety of premium wellness contexts. The neutral tones and meticulously designed finishes allow the products to blend perfectly with wood, stone, and other high-quality materials, creating authentic and immersive spaces.

Sand Stone’s versatile and cross-cutting aesthetic offering is the only one that enables the creation of wall-to-wall wellness spaces that include products for cardio, strength and functional training in a complete family feeling. This creates a refined environment where design and performance merge into a seamless experience across different lines and products: Technogym Checkup, Artis cardio, Artis strength, Biostrength, up to Personal Tools and Technogym Reform.

Designed for both homes and high-end wellness spaces in hotels, residential complexes, and fitness clubs, Sand Stone allows you to create highly distinctive environments. Thanks to Sand Stone, architects can differentiate their offerings thanks to a consistent and uniform aesthetic that helps improve brand identity, customer experience, and perceived value. Every space becomes an opportunity to communicate quality, refinement, and a wellness-conscious approach.

Sand Stone’s innovation extends to its materials and finishes, designed to foster a renewed connection with nature through textures, colors and sensations inspired by the natural world.

·        Speckled Stone: the product casings are made from an innovative plastic material that contains 2-3% natural mica for a texturized effect reminiscent of real stone. 30% of these components come from recycled materials to reduce production impact.

• Warm Titanium: frames and inlays (the details that define the silhouettes of Artis products) in a metalized titanium finish express both luxury and technology, inspired by contemporary design’s most iconic hi-tech objects.
• Clay: all the tactile surfaces that come into direct contact with the user, such as handles and seats in vegan leather, are made from an opaque warm material that is pleasing to the touch, designed for natural and comfortable interaction.
• Beech and ash wood: the presence of natural wood veining reflects the most organic, living dimension of the material (in the Personal Tools handles and Technogym Reform frame).

Together, these elements create a holistic and exclusive design language made up of warm and welcoming tones that invite everyone to train without intimidation, offering users a unique wellness experience and operators the opportunity to create unique and differentiated spaces.

Founded in 1983, Technogym is a world-leading brand for fitness, wellness, sport, and health. Technogym offers a complete ecosystem made of connected smart fitness equipment, digital services, training content and apps that enable each user to access a fully personalized workout experience, anywhere and anytime: at home, at the gym and on-the-go. With over 2,500 employees Technogym is present in over 100 countries. More than 70 million people train with Technogym equipment in 100,000 wellness centers and 500,000 private homes in the world. For the tenth time, Technogym has been appointed as the Official Supplier of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics and it’s the reference brand for the training of worldwide champions.

Chennai, Feb 19th: Marking a major milestone in India’s sleep care landscape, SIMS Hospital has inaugurated the Integrated Sleep Institute, India’s first fully coordinated, multidisciplinary centre dedicated exclusively to sleep health. Designed to overcome the fragmented approach traditionally seen in sleep medicine, the institute brings together 10 specialties under one structured framework, integrating medical, surgical, diagnostic, and supportive services into a seamless, evidence-based care pathway. With a dedicated sleep board and advanced sleep analysis technologies, the institute offers comprehensive and personalised treatment for neurological, psychological, and respiratory sleep disorders across all age groups.

The institute was inaugurated by the Chief Guest actress Aishwarya Rajesh, who played the lead role in DeAr, a Tamil film portraying the challenges faced by a newly married couple when the wife’s snoring disrupts the husband’s sleep. Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SRM Group was the Guest of Honour at the event.

The Sleep Institute offers specialised treatment for sleep-related disorders, which are linked to sleep-time cardiac events, and stroke. A multidisciplinary team comprising ENT surgeons, pulmonologists, neurologists, bariatric specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and conservative dentists work collaboratively to deliver personalised care, adhering strictly to gold-standard protocols. The treatments provided include Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy – CPAP, Auto PAP, BiPAP, and gold standard conservative solutions using advanced, minimally invasive technologies including endoscopic, plasma-based, and radiofrequency (RF) methods that are designed to be precise, bloodless, and painless.

The facility houses a dedicated sleep lab staffed by experienced sleep technologists who conduct attended sleep studies in exclusive cabins. Live, real-time data is captured and analysed to evaluate how sleep impacts physiology, brain function, and cardiovascular health. The institute is equipped to perform DISE (Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy), conducted using monitoring leads similar to ECG. With the support of an anesthetist, sleep is induced to closely simulate natural sleep, during which a flexible endoscope is introduced into the airway to observe obstructions live and in real time.

The institute provides counselling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based treatment for insomnia and sleep apnea. It also offers specialised sleep optimisation programmes for sports professionals who frequently travel across time zones and need rapid circadian adjustment to remain match-ready.

In her comments, Actress Ms. Aishwarya Rajesh said, “While snoring can be normal, there are disease-related forms of snoring that pose a risk. These may arise from neurological or psychological issues, leading to disturbed sleep, difficulty waking from deep sleep, insomnia, or even involuntary physical actions during sleep. There is also the issue of ‘sleep divorce,’ where a snoring partner is forced to sleep separately. I am happy that with the launch of the Integrated Sleep Institute at SIMS, the city now has a comprehensive solution that can address not just health concerns but also relationship challenges within families that arise out of snoring.”

Speaking about the institute’s vision, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu said, “We are happy to launch India’s first dedicated multidisciplinary institute for comprehensive sleep care. The Advanced Institute of Sleep Health redefines how sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated in India. Unlike conventional models where patients move between disconnected departments, this institute functions as a fully integrated, multidisciplinary centre. Medical, surgical, diagnostic, and supportive services operate though a unified pathway rather than isolated consultations. We are equipped to manage the complete spectrum of sleep-related conditions – from pediatric to adult – through collaborative, evidence-based protocols.” 

Dr. Karthik Madesh Ratnavelu, Director and Senior Consultant, ENT, who heads the Sleep Institute, said, “Stroke and nighttime heart attacks frequently occur in individuals with sleep disorders. In fact, at least three-fourths of patients who experience these life-threatening events have underlying sleep disorders. The problem with snoring is that oxygen intake reduces while carbon dioxide elimination becomes inadequate, leading to serious systemic complications. In many ways, untreated sleep disorders are as risky for heart disease and stroke as cigarette smoking is for cancer.”

Talking about the care delivery model at the Institute, he explained that every patient will be assigned a dedicated sleep navigator, a trained professional who serves as a single point of coordination, guiding the patients through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up until discharge. The institute’s sleep board ensures shared decision-making. Once investigations are completed, the board, comprising airway specialists, pulmonologists, neurologists, CBT experts, and other specialists, discusses all available options with patients and their families, outlining the benefits and risks of treatments ranging from medication and CBT-based insomnia therapy to surgical interventions. A tailored treatment plan is then finalised with the patient’s informed consent.

On preventive care, Dr. Karthick Madesh emphasised the importance of sleep hygiene: “Waking up at a consistent time helps regulate when we fall asleep. Exposure to morning sunlight suppresses melatonin and triggers cortisol release, which keeps us alert for 12 to 14 hours. Thereafter, melatonin secretion resumes naturally to promote sleep. It is important to avoid arguments and distractions during sleep hours, complete dinner at least two hours before bedtime, and refrain from partying at midnight, late-night eating, or spending entire weekends awake. Such habits disrupt the body’s natural rhythm and increase long-term health risks.”