Kolkata, India Feb 24: Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd (HSCL), a global leader in speciality chemicals and advanced carbon materials, today announced the commencement of commercial operations of its newly commissioned 70,000 MTPA Speciality Carbon Black line at its manufacturing facility in Mahistikry, Hooghly, West Bengal.

With the successful commissioning of this brownfield expansion, Himadri’s total Carbon Black manufacturing capacity now stands enhanced to 2,50,000 MTPA, including a Speciality Carbon Black capacity of 1,30,000 MTPA at the Mahistikry site. With this scale, the Mahistikry facility becomes the world’s largest single-location Speciality Carbon Black manufacturing site.

This milestone marks a significant step in Himadri’s strategic growth journey and reinforces its leadership position in the global speciality carbon black market.

The expansion substantially strengthens the Company’s speciality portfolio and enhances its ability to serve high-value, performance-driven applications across plastics, inks, paints, coatings, and other niche segments. The project incorporates advanced process technologies, state-of-the-art quality control systems, energy efficient operations, and scalable infrastructure, ensuring consistent production of premium grades for global customers.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd said: “The commencement of commercial operations of our 70,000 MTPA Speciality Carbon Black line at Mahistikry marks the beginning of the next phase of growth in our advanced carbon materials journey. With this expansion, Mahistikry becomes the world’s largest single-location Speciality Carbon Black facility, with a capacity of 1,30,000 MTPA. This milestone significantly enhances our production capabilities and positions us strongly to capture rising global demand in premium, application-specific segments such as plastics, inks, paints, coatings, and other specialized industries. We remain committed to disciplined expansion, operational excellence, sustainability, and delivering high-performance solutions that create long-term value for all stakeholders.”

The newly commissioned capacity is expected to contribute meaningfully to revenue growth and strengthen the Company’s margin profile over the medium term. As global demand continues to shift toward high-performance, customized carbon solutions, Himadri’s enhanced scale provides competitive advantages through operational efficiencies, supply reliability, faster market responsiveness, and improved product innovation capabilities.

Chennai, Feb 24: Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet, successfully performed a complex minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to remove a large 15 cm laterally spreading adenoma, a type of Polyp in the sigmoid colon of an 80-year-old woman using Advanced Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection. It is supported by Zoom scope technology, marking the first time this advanced technology has been used for such a, a type of procedure in Tamil Nadu.

The patient had presented with rectal bleeding and abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a large laterally spreading adenoma in the sigmoid colon, which carried a high risk of malignant transformation if left untreated. Given the size and location of the tumor, the case required advanced endoscopic expertise and precision.

The medical team successfully performed an en-bloc removal of the entire 15 cm lesion using Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, a highly specialized therapeutic endoscopy technique that enables removal of complex gastrointestinal tumors without the need for open abdominal surgery. The procedure lasted approximately six hours and was supported by Zoom scope technology, which provided enhanced magnification and detailed visualization of tissue layers. This allowed accurate identification of tumor margins and precise dissection of submucosal planes, ensuring complete removal while preserving the organ.

By opting for this advanced endoscopic approach, the team avoided major colorectal surgery that would typically involve bowel resection and prolonged recovery. Histopathology results confirmed that the tumor was non-cancerous, effectively preventing potential progression to colorectal cancer.

The minimally invasive nature of the procedure ensured significant benefits for the patient, including absence of abdominal incisions, reduced post-procedure pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and a lower risk of complications compared to conventional open surgery. The success of this case underscores the expanding role of advanced therapeutic endoscopy in managing large and complex gastrointestinal tumors, particularly in elderly patients who may not be ideal candidates for major surgery. 

 Dr. R. Ravi, Clinical Lead, Gastroenterology, Liver Disease & Advanced Endoscopy, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet said, “Advanced Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection allows us to treat large and complex gastrointestinal tumors with remarkable precision while preserving the organ. The use of Zoom scope technology significantly enhanced our ability to visualize tissue layers and safely remove the lesion in a single piece. This case demonstrates how advanced endoscopy can prevent major surgery and significantly improve patient outcomes.”

Mr. Karan Puri, CEO, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Taramani said ” Apollo Hospitals continues to invest in advanced technologies and specialized expertise that enable minimally invasive treatment options for complex conditions. This successful procedure reflects our commitment to innovation in gastrointestinal and cancer care, ensuring that patients receive safer treatments with faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.”

The successful outcome of this complex case highlights how advanced endoscopic innovations are transforming the management of gastrointestinal tumors. By leveraging Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection supported by Zoom scope technology, the medical team was able to achieve complete tumor removal while preserving the patient’s colon and avoiding major surgery, offering safer treatment and improved quality of life.

Mumbai, Feb 24: Akme Fintrade (India) Limited (AFIL) is looking to raise close to ₹ 85.75 crore through preferential issue of warrants. It plans to issue up to 12,25,00,000 convertible warrants into equivalent number of fully paid-up equity shares having Face Value of ₹ 1 each at a price of ₹ 7.

The warrants will be convertible into equity shares in one or more tranches within a period of 18 months from the date of allotment of the Warrants. An amount equivalent to 25% of the consideration of the warrants would be payable at the time of application and the balance 75% of the total consideration would be payable at the time of conversion of the warrants into equity shares. The funds raised would help the NBFC grow its lending portfolio in the rural and semi urban markets of India.

Commenting on the development, Mr Akash Jain, CEO, Akme Fintrade, said,

“The preferential allotment of warrants will help strengthen our capital base and enable us to shore up our lending portfolio, particularly in the fast-growing vehicle, SME and LAP segments. Further investment by promotors in the warrants also shows the faith on the current management team. We have a strong presence in the rural and semi urban markets and this fund raising will help us to further strengthen our network in these markets.”

For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, Akme Fintrade registered 16.35% growth in net profit at ₹ 10.39 crore, as against ₹ 8.93 crore in the same period last year on the back of higher disbursements of vehicle loans. Gross interest income increased by 38.26% at ₹ 37.26 crore for the quarter under review, as compared with ₹ 26.95 crore registered in the same period last year. The company’s net interest income grew by 17.49% over previous quarter at ₹ 21.36 crore.  AUM increased by 12.40% during this quarter backed by a steady demand for loans particularly from vehicle segment.

Bengaluru, India Feb 24: Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa. Set along the tranquil Nun River, framed by the foothills of the Himalayas, the resort marks the brand’s arrival in Dehradun, an emerging leisure hub and key gateway to some of North India’s most sought-after hill destinations, including Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.

“Le Méridien continues to see strong affinity from both owners and guests, driven by its distinctive positioning and growing appeal among experience-led travellers. The brand’s steady expansion reflects that confidence”, said Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International. “With the opening of Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa, we continue to make our mark in high-potential leisure and gateway destinations that are becoming increasingly important in India’s evolving travel landscape. We see tremendous opportunity ahead as we thoughtfully grow the brand across the country.”

Nestled within the serene Doon Valley, Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa invites guests to embrace a slower rhythm. Designed for creative-minded travellers who value style, culture, and ease, the resort offers an unhurried setting to settle in and savour the moment. Dehradun is a sought-after leisure destination, with scenic landscapes, pleasant climate, and relaxed pace. The city is a gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, and also offers access to cultural landmarks, nature trails, and riverfront experiences. The resort is 45 minutes from Jolly Grant Airport and 15 minutes from Dehradun Railway Station, well positioned for both extended stays and onward journeys into North India’s most celebrated hill and spiritual destinations.

Rooted in mid-century modern design, the resort features a calm, purposeful aesthetic with natural tones, layered textures, and curated art inspired by Uttarakhand’s landscape and culture. Architectural elements reinterpret the iconic arches of the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun through a contemporary lens, creating spaces that feel both distinctive and welcoming. The resort features 103 guest rooms and suites overlooking the river or surrounding hills, each designed with nature-inspired palette and modern amenities.

Culinary experiences at Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa celebrate flavour and the pleasure of gathering. Riviera Café, the all-day dining restaurant, presents global favourites alongside regional specialties inspired by the tastes of Uttarakhand. A modern, vibrant coffee bar and gourmet bakery by day, Longitude transforms into a lively bar by night. At Aqua Current, the poolside bar, petit plates and refreshing beverages complement the natural surroundings. For a playful touch, Le Scoop by Le Méridien, the brand’s signature gelato programme, turns a simple treat into a daily ritual worth savouring.

The Explore Spa by Le Méridien draws on Himalayan botanicals and elemental traditions, with signature treatments such as the Chakra Art Massage and Himalayan Hot Salt Poultice designed to restore and rebalance. Guests can also recharge at the fully equipped fitness centre or unwind by the pool. Additionally, the Le Méridien Family Club, offers hands-on activities including pottery, pinecone painting, board games, and croquet, alongside shared family experiences, like the curated riverside picnics, inviting moments of simple pleasure and reconnection.

Le Méridien’s Unlock Art™ programme connects guests with local culture and creative communities. At Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa, the programme includes a partnership with the Forest Research Institute (FRI), offering access to its museums, botanical collections, and historic forestry exhibits.

The resort also caters to events and gatherings, with over 24,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor venues, including riverside lawns. These spaces are designed for destination weddings, social events, and corporate meetings, supported by intuitive service and thoughtful planning.

“Dehradun has long been celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural depth, and unhurried pace of life,” said Saurabh Khanna, General Manager, Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa. “With Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa, we envisioned a destination that reflects the character of the city while offering guests a refined, contemporary retreat. From locally inspired experiences and thoughtful design elements to curated moments that foster connection, every aspect of the resort has been crafted to honor Dehradun’s spirit, elevate the guest journey, and deliver the distinctive sophistication synonymous with the brand.”

Mumbai, Feb 24: Sectoral/thematic funds, which had been witnessing a steady surge in inflows in the last two years, seems to be losing sheen now amid performance-related issues, market-driven factors and shifting investor sentiment, ICRA Analytics said. 

Net inflows into these funds dropped by nearly 88.44% on a year-on-year basis at Rs 1,042.56 crore in January 2026, as compared with Rs 9,016.60 crore in January 2025. Net assets under management (AUM) of sectoral/thematic funds grew by 13.63% at Rs 5.24 lakh crore in January 2026, up from Rs 4.61 lakh crore in January 2025. 

In the last five years, the net AUM has grown by a CAGR of 42.54% from Rs 89,007.40 crore in January 2021. 

“Inflows into sectoral and thematic mutual funds have declined due to a combination of performance-related issues, market-driven factors, and shifting investor sentiment. A major driver has been underperformance and failure to beat benchmarks, which led investors to reassess concentrated thematic bets as returns slowed or turned negative, resulting in a sharp drop in monthly inflows,” Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head Market Data, ICRA Analytics, said. 

The net flow of sectoral & thematic funds, as a % of total net flow of open-ended equity-oriented funds dropped to 4.34% in January 2026, as against 22.72% in January 2025 and 22.06% in January 2024. Net flow of sectoral & thematic funds, as a % of total inflows into open-ended equity-oriented funds, went up as high as 55.37% in May 2024 and 55.04% in June 2024 before declining to 0.68% in March 2025 and subsequently moderating to 4.34% in January 2026. Such trend, signals a broad retreat from concentrated sector exposure amid volatile markets and a growing preference for diversification. 

“These categories are highly cyclical, and as sector cycles reversed, fund performance corrected sharply, prompting cautious behaviour among investors who had earlier been attracted by strong historical returns. This caution has been reinforced by heightened market volatility, particularly in mid cap and small cap segments, and broader economic uncertainties such as currency depreciation, global macro concerns, and trade related risks, all of which dampened investor appetite for high-risk thematic strategies,” Kumar added. 

There are as many as 248 sectoral/thematic funds currently available in the market. The average returns on these funds are 6.28%, 18.60% and 17.00% on a 1-year, 3-year and 5-year basis, respectively. 

Many retail investors, particularly those who may have been mis-sold thematic ideas without fully understanding the volatility involved, are using market rebounds to liquidate their holdings, further contributing to reduced fresh investments, he pointed out.

“Sectoral and thematic funds are likely to remain volatile and highly cyclical in the near term due to external uncertainties and recent performance corrections. However, the long‑term outlook for select themes, particularly those supported by government policy and structural economic drivers, remains constructively positive. The category is expected to see slower but more sustainable inflows, with investors becoming more selective and data‑driven,” Kumar said.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 24 February 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions; and Nimex Terminals today marked the groundbreaking of the UAE’s first private-sector Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal hub at Khalifa Port, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global energy logistics and trading hub.

 Announced in November 2025 in parallel with the LNG terminal hub development, the LPG terminal hub is being developed to accommodate large, long-haul gas carriers and will deliver large‑scale refrigerated storage and marine handling infrastructure for propane, butane, and LPG mix products.

 The development will further strengthen the UAE’s role in facilitating global LPG flows between major production centres and high‑growth demand markets across Asia, Africa and Europe.The facility will expand Khalifa Port’s energy infrastructure capabilities to meet the evolving demands of international energy trade.

 Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO, Ports Cluster – AD Ports Group, said: “The Nimex LPG terminal exemplifies the type of high‑quality strategic infrastructure investment that strengthens the port’s energy ecosystem and reinforces its position as a leading regional and international gateway. This development reflects a shared commitment to disciplined execution, operational excellence, safety and long‑term value creation.”

 Phase 1 of the development will comprise two full‑containment refrigerated storage tanks of 50,000 and 67,000 cubic metres for propane and butane respectively, together with four mounded LPG bullet tanks with an aggregate capacity of 21,000 cubic metres for mixed LPG products. A similar expansion is planned under Phase 2, bringing total terminal capacity to approximately 280,000 cubic metres.

 The project also includes the construction of dedicated LPG jetties with a 16‑metre depth, enabling efficient berthing and handling of large‑scale LPG carriers and supporting seamless maritime trade flows. Phase 1 is expected to be commissioned within 36 months from the commencement of construction.

 Azmat Mahmood, Chairman – Nimex Terminals, said: “Today’s groundbreaking represents a defining milestone for Nimex Terminals. Our vision is to build a resilient, world‑class LPG logistics platform that connects global supply with regional demand through Abu Dhabi. We are proud to work alongside AD Ports Group in delivering strategic infrastructure that supports trade growth, enhances energy connectivity, and underpins the UAE’s role as a trusted global energy hub.”

 The terminal will be developed and operated in accordance with the highest international standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. Safety has been embedded into the project from inception, with full-containment tanks and mounded LPG bullet storage selected to enhance protection, mitigate risk, and ensure long-term operational reliability.

 The Nimex LPG terminal will strengthen regional energy security and storage resilience, providing traders and industrial users with enhanced flexibility and optionality, while supporting the continued growth of Khalifa Port as a multi‑commodity gateway. The project reflects growing private‑sector investment in advanced energy infrastructure aligned with the UAE’s long‑term trade and logistics ambitions

Mumbai, Feb 24: Findability Sciences Pvt Ltd has been officially shortlisted for innovation funding and strategic support by the Government of Maharashtra under the transformative Maha Agri-AI Policy 2025–2029 — a groundbreaking state policy designed to unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GenAI), and frontier digital technologies across the entire agricultural ecosystem. 

The Maha Agri-AI Policy charts an ambitious roadmap to accelerate a technology-enabled, farmer-centric agricultural transformation that enhances productivity, builds climate resilience, increases farm incomes, and contributes to the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through innovation funding, the Government of Maharashtra aims to establish the state as a national leader in AI-driven agri-innovation and model sustainable economic growth for farming communities. 

Findability Sciences’ selection for the final round of state-level sanctioning recognizes its deep domain expertise in deploying enterprise AI, advanced analytics, and domain-specific digital solutions that deliver measurable impact at scale. The company’s work spans predictive decisioning, operational optimization, and data-driven intelligence — including through Stomata Labs, its next-generation AI division focused on AI-first solutions for agriculture and sugar mill operations worldwide. Stomata Labs unifies farm, factory, and commercial data into actionable intelligence that improves field outcomes, augments mill performance, and drives sustainable economic value across the sugar value chain. 

Anand Mahurkar, Founder & CEO, Findability Sciences, said, “This recognition by the Government of Maharashtra validates our relentless focus on driving actionable AI outcomes that matter to decision makers in agriculture and industrial operations. We build solutions that help farmers improve yields, enable mill operators to optimize margins, and empower leaders to make faster, better decisions. Our deep work in Agri-AI and agro-industrial intelligence, from field forecasting to process optimization through Stomata Labs is directly anchored in real-world impact, not experimentation. We look forward to partnering with the state to accelerate scalable, measurable value across the agricultural economy.” 

Findability Sciences has a strong track record of advancing AI-augmented decision systems that improve operational performance, enhance resource efficiency, and unlock measurable value in complex environments — from agriculture to manufacturing and beyond. Its portfolio blends predictive analytics, generative insights, and operational workflows that help organizations move from reactive to predictive performance. 

Bengaluru, India, 24 Feb: GoTo, the leader in cloud communications and IT, has promoted Sivakumar Ekambaram as the company’s new India Site Leader. In his expanded role, Sivakumar will lead GoTo’s India operations and strategy, overseeing one of the company’s most critical global hubs. He will focus on strengthening India’s contribution to GoTo’s global growth and innovation agenda across both core platforms and emerging technologies.

Sivakumar brings over two decades of experience in the IT industry and has spent nearly a decade as a leader at GoTo. A seasoned product engineering leader Sivakumar previously acted as senior director of engineering at GoTo, a position he continues to hold in addition to his new role. His expertise spans unified communications, remote support, cloud technologies, and AI-led innovation.

Commenting on the promotion, Rich Veldran, CEO, GoTo, said, “Sivakumar’s leadership and impact at GoTo over the past several years have been instrumental to our product and engineering success. India is central to our innovation and execution model, and this expanded role reflects both Sivakumar’s deep expertise and our continued commitment to strengthening India’s role in GoTo’s global growth and AI-first strategy.”

“India has always played a pivotal role in GoTo’s global journey,” said Sivakumar Ekambaram, India Site Leader, GoTo. “As we continue our multi-year transformation focused on growth, innovation, and customer value, my priority is to further strengthen GoTo India as a full-function, high-impact organization. We will continue to invest in talent, build next-generation capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to GoTo’s growth products, while sustaining excellence across our core platforms.”

Under Sivakumar’s leadership, the India team will continue to drive execution excellence while expanding its role in emerging areas such as AI, digital transformation, and cloud-based innovation. Prior to his tenure at GoTo, Sivakumar has previously worked with global and Indian organizations, including IBM, Aztec Software, AOL, and Citrix.

Mumbai, Feb 24: Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (“KMAMC” / “Kotak Mutual Fund”) today announced that its Assets Under Management (AUM) have crossed ₹6 lakh crore as of the close of business on February 18, 2026. The milestone reflects the collective confidence and long‑term commitment of investors across the country and comes just over a year after the AMC crossed the ₹5 lakh crore mark on December 4, 2024.

The steady progression in AUM underscores how investors have continued to stay invested and add systematically, even as global markets navigated periods of uncertainty.

Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mahindra AMC said, “Crossing ₹6 lakh crore belongs as much to our investors as it does to us. Markets will always move in cycles, but long‑term wealth creation is built through discipline, fundamentals and staying invested. Over the past year, investors have continued to demonstrate maturity and conviction by remaining committed to their long‑term goals despite global uncertainties. Our role at KMAMC is to support this journey through prudent risk management, relevant investment solutions and guidance that helps investors navigate volatility with confidence.”

KMAMC recorded a 25% year-on-year increase, expanding its AUM by ₹1,19,133 crore over the past twelve months. This growth has been driven by strong participation across both equity and debt categories. The equity business, which accounts for approximately 63% of the total AUM, remains the larger contributor, supported by consistent performance and long‑term retail flows, while the debt business represents around 37% of the AUM1.

Over the last twelve months, KMAMC recorded a 25% year‑on‑year increase, with AUM growing by ₹1,19,133 crore. This expansion has been driven by sustained investor participation across both equity and debt categories. Equity assets, accounting for approximately 63% of total AUM, continue to be the larger contributor, supported by consistent performance and long‑term retail flows. The debt business, representing around 37% of AUM, has also seen steady participation as investors seek balance and stability in their portfolios.

The growing preference for disciplined, long‑term investing is reflected in KMAMC expanding SIP ecosystem. As of January 31, 2026, the AMC’s monthly SIP book stands at over ₹1,500 crore, while total SIP AUM has reached ₹1,07,112 crore as of February 18, 2026, highlighting the role of systematic investing in helping investors build wealth over time2.

The depth and diversity of the investor base further reinforce this trust. KMAMC now manages 1,47,81,821 folios* and services over 74,00,000 unique investors# across India, reflecting sustained engagement across geographies, income segments and investment needs3.

KMAMC’s consistent ability to scale alongside its investors across market cycles reinforces its commitment to responsible fund management, investor‑centric growth and supporting long‑term financial outcomes.

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