Archives February 2026

Mumbai, Feb 17th: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Monday inaugurated SIAM Sustainable Mobility Week in New Delhi, a first-of-its-kind initiative by the auto industry body that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and global stakeholders on a single platform to deliberate on sustainability issues spanning decarbonisation, road safety, circularity and material compliance.

The four-day programme, being held at India Habitat Centre until February 19, opened with the 4th edition of the International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility (ISTEM), themed “Partnering for a Sustainable Future: Accelerating India’s Multi-Fuel Mobility Transition.”

Marking a key highlight of the programme, SIAM also unveiled the Sustainable Mobility Zone, a curated exhibition space presenting a cross-section of next-generation mobility innovations. The showcase spans road safety technologies, electric and hybrid systems, hydrogen solutions, CNG/LNG platforms, ethanol and biofuel-compatible vehicles, as well as recycling technologies, sustainable components and enabling infrastructure. The exhibition was inaugurated by Guest of Honour Mr Ashwini Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India; Guest of Honour Mr Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India; and Chief Guest H.E. Mr Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, in the presence of senior industry leaders and dignitaries.

Vehicle exhibitions and technology showcases have been set up in an accessible public format for the first time at the venue, enabling not only conference participants and institutional occupants but also the general public to engage with next-generation mobility solutions. The zone features 11 vehicles, offering a practical demonstration of how alternative fuel technologies are moving from concept to deployment, and reflecting the industry’s broader push toward diversified, low-emission mobility pathways

The opening day featured ISTEM 2026, which convened experts from government, industry and international organisations to discuss scalable pathways for clean and diversified mobility. The week-long programme will continue with the 2nd Summit for Automotive Future Advancement in Road Safety (SAFAR) scheduled for February 17th, further expanding discussions to safety innovation and policy priorities within the mobility ecosystem.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Mr. Prashant K. Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “India achieved 20% ethanol blending in the shortest period of time, and this was possible only with the support of multiple stakeholders. Our ethanol blending journey is rooted in learnings from Brazil. As we transition from conventional fuels, mobility remains a sunrise sector in India. The nation has adopted a multi-fuel mobility strategy, and biofuels, hydrogen, and gas-based mobility have a key role to play in our decarbonization efforts.”

Guest of Honour Mr Ashwini Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, said, “Sustainable mobility requires a strong push towards cleaner automotive fuels, and India’s ethanol blending programme has made significant progress. Our focus is on reducing emissions, improving air quality, lowering import dependence and creating economic value within the country. Ethanol blending has reduced crude oil imports, cut emissions and created a reliable market for agricultural produce while making the sugar sector more self-sufficient. Fuel diversification remains essential to sustain the biofuel ecosystem, and we are moving towards 2G ethanol production with financing as a key enabler for expansion.”

Guest of Honour Mr. Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, said, “Cost, technology readiness and infrastructure remain central to the clean mobility transition. From low EV penetration and limited charging networks in 2017–18, adoption has steadily improved. We are advancing methanol engines and green energy corridors while hydrogen pilots expand across vehicles and refuelling systems. As costs decline and deployment quality improves, hydrogen will play an increasingly important role in the mobility ecosystem.”

Chief Guest H.E. Mr. Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, said, “The energy transition must be ambitious yet pragmatic, advancing biofuels, electrification and green hydrogen together. Brazil’s experience, from record ethanol output and diversified feedstocks to higher blending targets, shows how supply resilience strengthens when multiple pathways are pursued. With the right financing, incentives and global commitments, including COP30 Belém, we can scale clean fuels worldwide. India’s achievement of 20 per cent ethanol blending and our growing collaboration on standards, sustainable fuels and multi-fuel mobility can help shape the future of sustainable mobility globally.”

Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, said, “Times have changed, and sustainability challenges are far more visible today. We have learned from Brazil’s use of biofuels and must rethink what and how we produce. The entire automobile industry deserves appreciation. While vehicles earlier offered comparatively modest mileage, the adoption of alternative fuels and continued technological advancements has led to significant improvements in fuel efficiency. Renewable energy will play a crucial role in multi-fuel mobility, with equal importance to shipping and freight, as we move towards E30 and E40 and strengthen highway infrastructure.”

Mr. Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, Managing Director, Indraprastha Gas, said, “We have personally witnessed the shift from CNG-run DTC buses to EVs, showing how mobility continues to evolve in India. Agricultural waste is available in large quantities but has largely remained unused, despite its potential to release methane. Through innovation, it can be converted into Bio CNG, helping manage waste and emissions. With the rapid rise of two-wheelers, we must widen practical fuel options. We have already started one LNG station and will commission three more in the coming months, and LNG provides the range of three CNG fills in a single fill.”

Mr. R. S. Sachdeva, Deputy CEO & CTO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “India’s multi-fuel mobility approach is advancing steadily with 26,000 EV charging stations and penetration expected to cross 10 percent in five years. The industry seeks deeper collaboration with the government on green hydrogen, alongside progress in storage, supply and battery management systems. Four focus areas remain critical minerals, scaling hydrogen for mobility, accelerating advanced biofuels and building EV corridors, requiring policy support and collaboration across industries.”

Ashish Chutani, Head Government and Policy Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., said, “India’s green mobility transition is defining how change should be implemented, and the world is looking forward to India’s multi-pathway approach as a model.”

The first thematic session, themed “Mobility Transition – Overcoming Barriers in Innovation, Infrastructure and Finance for Alternate Fuels in India’s Mobility Ecosystem,” was chaired by Mr. Nitin Pawar, Division Head, External Affairs, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and featured presentations by Mr. Nandan Agrawaal, Managing Director, Nandan Group, and Mr. Srinivasa Raghavan, CTO, Cummins Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. The session also included a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Payal Goel, Director, Deloitte, with panellists Mr. Ashwini Srivastava; Dr. Santanu Gupta, Director (Technical), Global Biofuels Alliance; Mr. Srinivasa Raghavan; Mr. Vedang Pittie, Executive, Harinagar Sugar Mills who shared perspectives on policy frameworks, technology adoption, infrastructure readiness, and financing mechanisms required to scale alternate fuels in India’s mobility ecosystem.

The second thematic session, themed “Innovations for Accelerating Clean Mobility in India,” was chaired by Mr. Ashish Chutani, Head – Government & Policy Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., and featured presentations by Mr. Yashodhan Mankame, Executive Vice-President, Praj Industries Ltd., and Mr. D. M. R. Panda, Executive Director (Hydrogen) & CEO (APNHAL), NTPC. The session included a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Aniket Dasgupta, Director, PwC India, with panellists Mr. Ashish Chutani; Dr. Madhusudan Joshi, ICAT; Mr. D. M. R. Panda; Mr. Yashodhan Mankame; Mr. Subhash Kumar, Director General, ACE; and Mr. Akshay Kashyap, Founder & Managing Director, Greenfuel Energy Solutions, who discussed innovation pathways, emerging technologies, and collaborative approaches for clean mobility adoption.

The third thematic session, themed “Strategy for Scaling Alternate Fuels in India,” was chaired by Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and featured presentations by Mr. Santosh Gurunath, CEO, Umagine Hydrogen Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Swadhin Banerjee, Senior Director, Lanzatech India, which also included a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Nishant Shekhar, Principal, NRI Consulting and Solutions, with panellists Mr. Vikram Gulati; Mr. Sameer Sinha, CEO (Sugar Business), Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd.; Sqn Ldr Ankur Naik, Director – Corporate Affairs, Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. (PRESPL); Mr. Swadhin Banerjee; and Mr. Santosh Gurunath, who deliberated on infrastructure expansion, market mechanisms, policy support, and industry collaboration required to accelerate alternate fuel adoption.

SIAM Sustainable Mobility Week will continue over the next three days, which will feature a series of international conferences, including the 2nd Summit for Automotive Future Advancement in Road Safety (SAFAR) on 17 February, the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Circularity (ICSC) on 18 February, and the 1st International Conference on Automotive Material Compliance & Sustainability (AMCS) on 19 February, creating a platform for focused discussions on technology, policy, safety, circularity, and sustainability across the mobility ecosystem.

Chandigarh University Students along with University Officials after receiving NASA Citizen Scientists certificates; initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Chandigarh, Feb 17th: Taking a giant leap in the global space-science research, the students of Chandigarh University have been designated as NASA Citizen Scientists under the internationally renowned International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), a prestigious citizen–science initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently.

The rhythmic beats of music and the graceful swirl of ghagras transformed D Y Patil International School (DYPIS), Worli, into a kaleidoscope of Indian culture on February 14, 2026.

Ved Institute of Performing Arts (VIPA) proudly presented Kala Dharohar, a marquee event of the NCPA Mumbai Dance Season, supported by TATA Investment Corporation Limited.

 A Divine Beginning

The morning commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, a ceremony involving all collaborators to symbolize unity and reverence for the arts. This was followed by the Satkar (Felicitation), where esteemed partners were invited on stage with their logos displayed via projector, honoring the collective effort behind this cultural extravaganza. The show was graced by the esteemed presence of Miss Aanchal, representative of NCPA, giving the event the value it deserved.

 A Journey Across India’s Soil

The stage came alive with a breathtaking lineup of folk traditions, showcasing the sheer diversity of India’s heritage:

Inaugural Grace: The event opened with a performance from the DY Patil International School, bringing the spirit of divinity to the stage.

The East & North: From the soulful movements of Abahani and Dalkhai which are folk dances from southern and western Odisha respectively by Renata Pavrey and the energetic Bihu by Sheetal Dandekar, to the high-octane Bhangra by Kinjal Shah, the audience was transported across regional borders.

Heart of the West: The grace of Rajasthan’s Ghoomar (presented by both Miss Swati and the VIPA team) met the vibrant energy of Maharashtra’s Lavani by Miss Anuya and Abhang from Maharashtra, presented by Shruti Nandoskar.

 Spirituality in Motion: Miss Sushmita presented the ethereal Gandharva.

 Mastery of Form: The showcase was further enriched by a specialized Mor Dance by Mr. Pramod, a stirring Odissa performance by Miss Singha, and a masterful Sufi Presentation by Dr. Anupama. The charm of cuteness was masterfully presented by the young students from Brightmind.

 Gratitude to Our Pillars of Support

The success of Kala Dharohar is a shared victory. We extend our deepest gratitude to:

 Our Venue Partner: D Y Patil International School, Worli, for their unparalleled warmth, world-class facilities, and cooperative staff who ensured a flawless execution.

 Our Supporters: TATA Investment Corporation Limited and NCPA Mumbai, for championing the cause of Indian classical and folk dance.

 Our Featuring Partner: Stay Featured , for helping us share this cultural journey with a wider audience.

 Our Creative Partner: The Momma Clan (TMC), for their vision, storytelling expertise, and creative direction in bringing this “Unspoken Diaries” collaboration to life.

The Gurus & Participants: To the mentors who preserve these traditions and the dancers whose passion breathed life into every mudra and step.

As the curtains fell with a final vote of thanks and a celebratory group photo, the message of Kala Dharohar remained clear: our folk traditions are a living, breathing legacy.

Bon Appétit to the soul! A perfect start to Valentine’s Day with our love for Dance

Kozhikode, Feb 17: As AI reshapes competitiveness and decision-making pipelines tighten across sectors, the premium boardroom-ready judgement has never been higher. Against this backdrop, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in collaboration with TimesPro, has launched the fourth batch of the Strategic Management for CXOs to empower current and C-suite aspirants, and entrepreneurs with the skills and insights needed to enhance strategic thinking, interpret global market dynamics and excel in execution.

The 10-month blended learning journey features a distinct S.T.A.R. Curriculum advantage, structured around four critical dimensions aligned to organisational goals: Strategic Thinking, Technology Adoption, an All-Rounder Perspective and Responsible Managerial Competencies. The curriculum spans 18 contemporary modules, including business analytics, corporate strategy, digital transformation, AI and data science for leadership, cybersecurity and crisis management. Participants build future-ready, tech-enabled capabilities with a strong focus on decision-making, innovation and resilience, qualities professionals need to drive sustainable growth in today’s business ecosystem. The programme culminates in a capstone module and simulation, designed to test strategy and execution under real-world constraints.

McKinsey has highlighted how the advent of AI has compelled business professionals to re-examine value creation, productivity and growth at scale, noting that organisations with leading digital and AI capabilities can outperform lagging competitors by two to six times on total shareholder returns. The same perspective underscores the rising importance of capabilities such as cybersecurity risk management, data governance, analytics and machine learning in the new age of business. In parallel, India’s Global Capability Centres continue to face a shortage of experienced senior professionals who form the backbone of the GCC ecosystem, creating a leadership bottleneck and intensifying demand for future-ready business leadership across sectors.

Speaking at the announcement, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode said, “Strategy today sits at the intersection of market volatility, digital acceleration and responsible governance. With the fourth batch of our Strategic Management Programme for CXOs, we help senior professionals sharpen strategic judgement, interpret global signals and execute with discipline. The S.T.A.R. framework anchors learning in strategic thinking, technology adoption, an all-round perspective and responsible decision-making, capabilities that boardrooms demand now across industries worldwide.” 

Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head – Executive Education, TimesPro said, “Senior professionals cannot delegate digital literacy or strategic execution; they must own both. This programme with IIM Kozhikode gives CXOs a structured, practical route to lead AI-enabled transformation, strengthen cybersecurity and data governance and make better decisions under uncertainty. Through simulations, cases and the capstone, participants convert concepts into action, building resilience, innovation and measurable business impact for complex enterprises.”

The programme serves as a career catalyst for senior professionals who aim to recalibrate their competencies, lead large-scale organisational transformations and step confidently into broader enterprise mandates. This has attracted participation from senior professionals holding designations such as Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Director Generals, Managers and Heads. Over 70 per cent of past learners brought more than 15 years of professional experience and represented diverse industries, including automotive, IT and ITES, healthcare and BFSI, among others.

The programme delivers a highly interactive learning experience through live lectures, simulations, case studies, in-class exercises and capstone simulations. The curriculum draws on globally respected academic research and real-world case studies from recognised sources, including Harvard Business School (HBS), Harvard Business Review (HBR) and Stanford. Faculty and experts will deliver sessions through TimesPro’s state-of-the-art Interactive Learning (IL) platform in Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode.

In addition, learners will participate in an exclusive three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode, designed to deepen learning, build meaningful peer connections and spark fresh perspectives. Applicants need a minimum of 10 years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree to apply. Upon successful completion, IIM Kozhikode will award participants the institute’s prestigious alumni status.

Mumbai, Feb 17: Kesar Petroproducts Limited (524174) today announced its unaudited financial performance for the third quarter and nine months ended FY26. The Company is among India’s leading producers of Phthalocyanine Blue Crude and its value-added downstream products, commanding nearly 15% of the domestic Copper Phthalocyanine market.

For Q3 FY26, the Company reported revenue of ₹41.02 crore as against ₹49.66 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. EBITDA stood at ₹6.59 crore, while net profit was ₹2.92 crore. Profitability during the quarter was impacted by elevated trade-related costs arising from U.S. trade tariffs, along with margin compression in select export markets.

For the nine-month period ended FY26, the Company reported revenue of ₹140.74 crore as against ₹144.18 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year, supported by steady demand across core pigment segments and a balanced product mix. Despite the marginal moderation in revenue, EBITDA increased by 74.01% YoY to ₹23.30 crore from ₹13.39 crore, with EBITDA margin improving by 727 basis points to 16.56% from 9.29%. Profit After Tax rose by 84.71% YoY to ₹14.74 crore from ₹7.98 crore, while PAT margin expanded by 494 basis points to 10.38% from 5.44%, reflecting improved operational efficiency and margin expansion.

Financial Summary (Standalone):

Operational highlights – Q3 & 9M FY26

• Strong demand momentum across core pigment segments, particularly Alpha Blue, Beta Blue and Green pigments
• Exports continued to account for a significant share of revenues, spanning over 55 countries
• Improved capacity utilisation across pigment manufacturing lines, driving operating leverage
• Early commercial traction from by-product verticals, including complex fertilisers and zinc phosphate
• Continued focus on cost optimisation through consolidated production and cogeneration initiatives

Management commentary

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Ramjan Shaikh, Executive Director of Kesar Petroproducts Limited said: “Demand across our key markets continues to demonstrate healthy underlying strength. While recent tariff developments in the US led to short-term margin and volume pressures, these are being proactively addressed through swift strategic recalibration. The Company is accelerating its expansion into alternative high-growth geographies, deepening customer relationships, and driving focused operational efficiencies, positioning us well for sustained and profitable growth ahead.

During Q3 FY26, export momentum across certain pigment segments moderated, primarily due to temporary softness in the US market. Encouragingly, demand across Asia, Europe and Latin America remained resilient and stable, underscoring the strength of our diversified geographic footprint. Although margins faced near-term pressures, the Company’s agile cost management initiatives and improving product mix continue to support earnings quality. For the nine-month period, revenues were strengthened by a diversified portfolio and higher contribution from value-added by-products, reflecting the effectiveness of our strategic focus on higher-margin offerings.”

Outlook

Looking ahead, the Company is highly optimistic about growth opportunities in the pigment sector, supported by robust demand from key end-use industries such as paints, plastics and inks. The recent trade agreement between India and the United States is expected to ease demand softness and pricing pressures, particularly in export markets, where pressure was seen across the industry, providing greater stability to volumes and margins going forward. Ongoing initiatives around cost optimisation, improved capacity utilisation, product innovation and geographic diversification are expected to further enhance competitiveness and drive margin expansion. With a solid balance sheet, disciplined execution and a clear growth strategy, the Company is well positioned to deliver consistent value creation and sustainable performance over the medium to long term.

Nagpur, Feb 17th: Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited, a leading player in hybrid SaaS and enterprise software solutions, registered 18.56 per cent rise in net profit on a standalone basis at Rs

9.58 crores for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, as compared with Rs 8.08 crores same period last year. The growth in net profit was backed by a growing demand for IT solutions across various sectors.

Revenue from Operations on a standalone basis grew by 39.23 per cent at Rs 41.26 crores during the quarter under review, up from Rs 29.64 crores last year.

The company’s EBITDA increased by 24.30 per cent at Rs 18.16 crores in Q3FY26, as compared with Rs 14.61 crores last year. The EBITDA margin stood at 44.00 per cent during the period under review.

For the nine-months ended December 31, 2025, net profit increased by 25.48 per cent at Rs 31.60 crores while Revenue from Operations grew by 25.83 per cent at Rs 127.40 crores.

Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited (VGIL) is an AI-first technology company delivering intelligent solutions across core banking, fintech, digital payments, cybersecurity, ERP, and e-Governance. Its offerings include AI-driven core banking, Conversational AI platforms, Banking-as-a-Service, digital payments, AI-enabled cybersecurity, and blockchain-based transaction frameworks. While the BFSI segment contributes nearly 92% of revenues, VGIL is witnessing strong momentum in AI-led growth across public sector, ERP, and governance solutions.

Commenting on the company’s performance during the quarter, Sachin Pande, Co-founder & Managing Director of Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited, said, “There has been a steady surge in demand for advanced IT solutions across various sectors including BFSI, ERP and e-governance. We have been coming up with customised products and solutions to cater to the diverse needs of these sectors and this has helped shore up our revenues. While BFSI constitutes a major chunk of our total business, we are expecting the other sectors such as ERP and e-governance to also scale up in the coming quarters. We are hopeful of sustaining the growth momentum going forward.”

The company had, in 2025, forayed into the cybersecurity domain by launching a ground breaking cybersecurity product to address the rapidly evolving threat landscape. With this product, the company aims to leverage its extensive expertise in AI-driven technologies and enterprise solutions and redefine how organizations safeguard their digital assets in an era of increasing cyber risks.

With its recent foray into the African markets of Tanzania and Malawi, it expects the growth to receive a further impetus moving forward.

Pune, Feb 17th: HCLFoundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility agenda of HCLTech in India, is supporting the National T20 Tournament for the Visually Impaired, to be held in Pune from February 15-19, 2026.

Organized by The Poona Blind Men’s Association (PBMA) and the Blind Cricket Association (BCA), the tournament provides a national platform for visually impaired cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering inclusive sports across communities. A total of eight teams — representing Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab — are competing in the tournament, with matches held at Deccan Gymkhana Ground and Tembekar Ground, Padmavati.

Ravi Wagh, President, Cricket Association for the Blind in Maharashtra, said “Since its inception in 2011, the T20 Blind Cricket Tournament has grown from a state-level competition in Pune to a nationally recognized platform, hosting multiple state, national and international events—including World Cup league matches and national team selections. We hope it continues to grow bigger.”

Mr. Rajesh Shah, President, The Poona Blind Men’s Association (PBMA), said “Over the years, the Blind Cricket Association, in partnership with The Poona Blind Men’s Association, has consistently championed the cause of inclusive sports, providing athletes with visual impairments opportunities for competitive participation across India, and we are proud of this association.”

“For the past decade, Sports for Change has enabled inclusive sports pathways across India, with strong focus on gender inclusion, grassroots development and elite coaching. The T20 tournament reiterates our belief in the power of sports to expand access, unlock potential and uphold dignity and excellence,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCLFoundation.

Launched in 2011 as a state-level event in Pune, the T20 Blind Cricket Tournament has grown into a nationally recognized platform, hosting major state, national and international matches, including World Cup league matches and national team selections.

All participating players will be provided with accommodation, meals, travel support, medical support, sports kits and local transport during the tournament.

HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change initiative empowers young athletes from underserved communities, alongside dedicated assistance for Indian para‑athletes through equipment and fellowship programs. The initiative has reached over 64,000 athletes to date, with 25 para‑athletes representing India internationally, and nearly ₹2 crore invested in para sports.

Bengaluru, Feb 17th: Visionet Systems, a leading global IT services firm, announced that it has been Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for the second consecutive year across all five key regions: USA, Canada, India, UKI, and Germany.

This prestigious recognition reflects Visionet’s unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment. Achieving Great Place to Work® certification across all regions for the second year in a row underscores the company’s focus on valuing its people, strengthening trust with clients, and continuing its journey toward being an employer of choice globally.

Great Place to Work® certification is based entirely on employee feedback and evaluates core dimensions of workplace culture, including credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and a sense of belonging. Visionet once again recorded strong participation across geographies, highlighting the consistency of its culture worldwide.

 This certification, especially for the second year in a row across all our regions, is a reflection of the culture we continue to build together,” said Suvarna Nikam, SVP – Human Resources at Visionet. “It reinforces our commitment to creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported, inspired and empowered to grow- while also strengthening the trust our clients place in us as their partner of choice.

Visionet’s people-first culture is embedded in its values and reinforced through open communication, inclusive initiatives, and policies that support both professional development and work-life balance. Employees consistently point to leadership accessibility, fairness, and a strong sense of belonging as key drivers of their engagement.

“Our people are at the heart of Visionet’s success,” said Kamran Ozair, CEO of Visionet. “Being recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the second consecutive year across all our regions is an achievement we are immensely proud of. It reflects our continued commitment to fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared growth- creating meaningful impact for our employees and clients alike.”

By continuously listening to its people and evolving with their needs, Visionet remains committed to being a workplace where employees feel inspired to do their best work– today and in the future.

Feb 17th: Visa, a world leader in digital payments, has partnered with TBO.COM, one of the leading B2B travel distribution platforms, to provide Visa cardholders exclusive access to a global network of hotels at competitive rates, complemented by exclusive benefits designed to enhance every stay – whether for business or leisure.

TBO has developed www.journeycollection.travel, a white-label solution created in partnership with Visa. Through the platform, Visa cardholders will be able to seamlessly make hotel reservations across global destinations while enjoying a curated selection of Visa exclusive offers at participating properties. Powered and managed by TBO, the website has been developed to position itself as the preferred hotel booking platform for Visa cardholders.

Commenting on this development, Yuri Topunov, VP, Head of Products and Solutions for MENA at Visa, said, “We are committed to elevating every step of the travel journey for our cardholders, and this partnership with TBO represents a meaningful progress on  that promise. By bringing together Visa’s focus on seamless, secure digital payment experiences with TBO’s technology-led platform, we are enabling travellers to access exceptional value with greater ease and confidence.”

Ankush Nijhawan, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director of TBO, said, “We are very excited to enter into this significant partnership where Visa’s customer base will enjoy the best offers from the finest hotels at their favourite destinations across the world. Visa will be leveraging the global supply strength of TBO, which will enable them to deliver even more value to their customers.”

TBO is a leading global B2B travel distribution platform, enabling seamless connections between 159,000+ buyers and 1 million+ suppliers across 100+ countries. The platform offers an extensive portfolio of travel products, including hotels, air, rail and cruise, car rentals, transfers, and sightseeing experiences.

Mumbai, Feb 17th: As temperatures continue to soar across Mumbai, healthcare providers are reporting a steady rise in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) complaints linked to the harsh summer climate. The mix of extreme heat, humidity, dust exposure, pollution, and prolonged air conditioning use is contributing to an increase in throat infections, sinus flare-ups, nasal allergies, and ear-related conditions. At Apex Super Speciality Hospitals, Borivali, specialists are observing a noticeable seasonal pattern. Patients are presenting with persistent sore throat, nasal blockage, facial heaviness, ear discomfort, and allergy-related symptoms more frequently compared to cooler months.

Dr. Binhi Desai, Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT Specialist) at Apex Super Speciality Hospitals, explains that dehydration is one of the primary triggers behind many summer ENT issues. “When the body loses fluids due to heat, the protective mucosal lining of the nose and throat becomes dry. This reduces natural defense mechanisms and makes individuals more prone to infections and irritation,” says Dr. Binhi Desai Long hours in air-conditioned environments combined with sudden exposure to outdoor heat further stress the respiratory tract. Many patients complain of throat dryness, mild voice changes, and recurrent throat pain. Maintaining adequate hydration and limiting excessive consumption of chilled beverages can help reduce inflammation and throat sensitivity. Dust from ongoing construction activities and rising pollution levels across Mumbai are also aggravating sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Patients with pre-existing sinus conditions are reporting increased nasal congestion, sneezing, headaches, and facial pressure. Regular saline nasal cleansing and steam inhalation can help keep nasal passages clear and reduce the risk of secondary infections.

Ear infections, particularly fungal infections caused by moisture retention from swimming or sweating, are another concern during summer. Experts advise against inserting cotton buds or sharp objects into the ear canal, as this may cause injury and increase infection risk. Keeping ears dry and seeking timely consultation for persistent pain or discharge is essential.

Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable during extreme weather conditions. Early medical attention for symptoms lasting more than a few days can prevent complications.With summer intensifying in Mumbai, increased awareness and simple preventive measures can play a vital role in protecting ENT health and ensuring a safer season for all.

Apex Group of Hospitals is a leading healthcare provider in Mumbai, known for its advanced infrastructure, specialized departments, and expert medical team. For over 25 years, it has delivered world-class, affordable care while promoting preventive health. With 350+ beds and state-of-the-art facilities across Borivali, Kandivali, and Mulund, Apex Hospitals continue to set high standards in patient-centered, quality healthcare.