Archives February 2026

Valentine’s Day 2026: Instagram and Edits Unveil Limited-Edition Features

Valentine’s Day 2026: Instagram and Edits Unveil Limited-Edition Features

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Instagram and Edits are rolling out a suite of limited edition creative features to help you express yourself, and connect with your loved ones in unique ways. These updates—ranging from new fonts, text effects, and love-themed sticker frames to custom mention stickers—make it easier than ever to personalize your Stories, Reels, and DMs.

Whether you’re sharing a romantic moment, celebrating friendships, or simply spreading love, these Valentine’s Day-themed features add a festive and playful flair, so you can make your conversations and content more engaging and memorable.

On Edits, the addition of themed fonts, sound effects, and dramatic speed controls empowers creators to craft reels that capture the spirit of the season. Altogether, these features foster connection and creativity, helping everyone share their feelings and celebrate love in ways that feel authentic and fun.

New features on Instagram:

  • New Fonts & Text Effects: Add custom Valentine’s Day text elements and animations to your Stories and Reels to make them more expressive.
  • Photo Sticker Frames: Frame your selfies and moments with love-themed photo stickers in Stories.
  • Story Comments Secret Phrases: Try commenting with specific words to unlock special themes and animations.
  • Custom Story Mentions: Tag your S.O. or galentine using the custom mention sticker in Stories.
  • Notes Hint Text & Themes: Update your Notes with Valentine’s-themed text and discover secret phrases and themes to make them fun and interactive.
  • DM Chat Theme: Switch your chats to the Valentine’s Day theme in dark or light mode for a festive touch.

New features on Edits:

  • Valentine’s Day Fonts: Enjoy new fonts and text presets perfect for any Valentine’s Day reel.
  • Valentine’s Day Sound Effects: Make your videos stand out with Harp Music, Heartbeat sounds, and more!
  • Speed to 100x: Speed up your Reels up to 100x for dramatic or fun effects.

While on Instagram, these features are available from February 12th to the 16th, they will remain available on Edits now onwards.

PHURR turns mascots into “Love Birds” with episodic Valentine’s campaign “For The Love Of Vegetarians”

PHURR turns mascots into “Love Birds” with episodic Valentine’s campaign “For The Love Of Vegetarians”Bengaluru, Feb 13: Bengaluru-based elevated vegetarian dining restaurant PHURR has launched a Valentine’s Day campaign titled “For The Love Of Vegetarians,” using episodic storytelling and mascot-led narratives to introduce a seasonal menu across its Jayanagar and Indiranagar outlets.
The campaign unfolds through a three-part digital reel series centered around the disappearance of PHURR’s famous bird mascots who have always been a constant part of the brand’s creative expression through merchandise, wall murals, and even its signature mocktails, transforming them from static brand assets into characters within a narrative universe.

The first episode shows the female mascot from Indiranagar going missing, followed by the disappearance of the male mascot from Jayanagar in the second installment. The final film reveals the mascots reuniting as “love birds,” coinciding with the launch of PHURR’s Valentine’s seasonal menu.
The approach reflects a broader industry shift toward episodic advertising formats that build engagement through storytelling rather than standalone promotional messaging, keeping audiences invested across multiple content drops. For PHURR, the campaign also serves a brand-building purpose by connecting the identities of its two locations through narrative symbolism. The Jayanagar outlet represents familiarity and comfort, while Indiranagar reflects experimentation and expressive dining experiences.

Speaking about the campaign, Rahul Lunawat, Co-Founder, PHURR, said, “Valentine’s Day in the f&b industry is usually centered around special menus and dining offers, and while those remain important, we wanted to approach the occasion playfully this year. The idea was to explore storytelling as a way to deepen brand recall during a high-competition marketing period like Valentine’s Day, and create a narrative that people could engage with even before they walked into the restaurant.”

Instead of focusing solely on discounts or limited-time offers, the campaign uses character-driven content to create anticipation, aligning with the growing importance of narrative continuity in digital brand communication. The campaign culminates in the launch of PHURR’s Valentine’s seasonal menu, designed around themes of sharing, romance, and playful presentation. The menu includes themed dishes and beverages inspired by the mascot storyline, reinforcing the connection between content and dining experience.

Industry observers note that character-led episodic campaigns often help brands build stronger recall and emotional affinity when audiences connect with recurring protagonists, a strategy increasingly visible across digital-first campaigns. With “For The Love Of Vegetarians,” PHURR positions vegetarian dining not just as a cuisine category but as a story-led experience, using content, characters, and cuisine to create engagement during the Valentine’s season.

Ramadan Special: A Soulful Reading Series by Dubai author

Why reading that doesn’t improve your CV matters

Ramadan Special: A Soulful Reading Series by Dubai author

Authored by: Purva Grover

“So, you read fiction?” she said.
I mean, who reads fiction? The scorn and judgement in her voice was direct, cold, and, if I may, unnecessary — even uninformed.

Yet something about the way she spoke those words suggested I could not simply dismiss her reaction. I decided to dig deeper. She reads only non-fiction, for that’s helpful for her work, as she explains — how to be a better manager, how to grow the company, how to deal with people you dislike, how to stay positive, and the like. Each book, each title, teaches her something, furthering her career and nudging her personality in the right direction.

What could fiction offer? she raised a brow.

My most recent reads have been The Names by Florence Knapp (e-book), Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (audio), and If I Could Turn Back Time by Beth Harbison (hardback). I am currently reading Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson (paperback). What could these books — about domestic violence, relationships, turning older, and a love story set in the publishing world — possibly teach me? They don’t offer bullet points or frameworks. They do not promise five habits or ten steps. But they teach me how to sit inside someone else’s fear. How to recognise loneliness before it becomes loud. How regret feels at 40, 50. How ambition sounds in a twenty-five-year-old voice. Fiction does not improve my CV, I agree.

Yes, self-help books sell a lot, but so did Harry Potter. I could have argued with her, but I think her choice of genre requires a deeper understanding. We’re taught early on to do things—and invest time in them—that bring results. Good marks = good university = good job. Eat a fruit = get the nutrients. Read a book = gain a benefit, become smarter. In all this, where do emotion, imagination, patience, wonder, and pleasure lie?

I read a variety of genres, and I love both fiction and non-fiction. Of course, I am happy that, regardless of the motivation for picking up a book, books are being picked up ‘for gain’. But in 2026, when we are always complaining of a lack of time — and always multitasking — why did I even imagine that books would be read for pure pleasure, peace, love?

We listen to podcasts as we walk, to make the most of our time. We watch Netflix while sharing a meal with our partner, to make the most of the hour. We reply to Insta stories as we wait for the cab to arrive. We fold laundry while attending Zoom calls. We want to make the most of every moment, every page.
And fiction, perhaps for some, doesn’t allow one to do that.

So then, who reads fiction? Well, a few of us — who are okay doing something “unproductive” in a very productive life.

“So, you read fiction?” Yes, this is one of the most common questions one hears — from non-readers, or rather, readers with a purpose. Fiction asks for stillness. It demands attention without promising results, and that is rare to chase.

LOOKS Salon Launches Its Oshiwara Salon as Another Addition to Its Pan-India Expansion Journey

LOOKS Salon Launches Its Oshiwara Salon as Another Addition to Its Pan-India Expansion Journey
Feb 13: LOOKS Salon continues its steady expansion with the launch of a new outlet in Oshiwara, further strengthening the brand’s presence in Mumbai. The opening marks an important milestone for the brand, as 2026 becomes a landmark year with LOOKS Salon completing 250 salons across 55 cities in India.

Strategically located, the Oshiwara outlet reflects LOOKS Salon’s focus on Mumbai’s cosmopolitan, evolving luxury consumer. Rather than entering a new market, the launch reinforces the brand’s long-term commitment to the city, where it continues to build thoughtfully designed, experience-led spaces.

Spanning approximately 1,500 sq. ft., the Oshiwara salon features 8 styling stations, 2 dedicated barbering stations, and 4 wash stations. The space has been designed around a concept of modern, understated luxury, with warm tones, soft lighting, and a calm, wellness-led spatial flow that encourages relaxation and personalised care.

Standout elements at the salon include dedicated Kérastase ritual private zones, barbering areas, curated nail and grooming spaces, and integrated device-led skin treatment zones. The outlet also introduces advanced device-led skincare rituals, making it one of the few locations to offer these specialised services.

Elevating the overall LOOKS Salon experience, the Oshiwara outlet places strong emphasis on personalised consultations, senior expertise, advanced services, and a deeper wellness focus, offering guests a more refined and immersive journey.

The salon is staffed by senior stylists, expertly trained by LOOKS Salon along with L’Oréal, Dermalogica, ensuring high standards of service and professional expertise. The outlet partners with leading global professional brands including L’Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase, Redken, and Dermalogica.

To mark the launch, the Oshiwara salon will also offer curated opening privileges and introductory experiences for guests.

Speaking on the launch, Samir Srivastav, CEO, LOOKS Salon, said, “Oshiwara reflects how LOOKS Salon is evolving more experience-led, more personalised, and deeply focused on expertise. Mumbai continues to be a key market for us, and this new opening — our ninth in the city in the last three years represents our commitment to steadily building the LOOKS Salon legacy of excellence in Mumbai.”

Platform 8 Premieres Khanikta Premer Mato; A Romantic Comedy To Mark The Occasion Of Valentine’s Day

Platform 8 Premieres Khanikta Premer Mato; A Romantic Comedy To Mark The Occasion Of Valentine’s Day
Kolkata, Feb 13: This Valentine’s Day, Platform 8 is set to celebrate love in all its imperfect beauty with the premiere of its upcoming Bengali web series Khanikta Premer Mato, launching on 14th February, 2026. Directed by Rahool Mukherjee, the modern romantic comedy offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of contemporary relationships, emotional growth and second chances.

Khanikta Premer Mato features a compelling ensemble cast led by Rahul Dev Bose as Ujaan and Megha Chowdhury as Mohona, whose performances anchor the emotional core of the series. Avery Singha Roy delivers a refreshing portrayal of Shreya, while Durbar Sharma brings warmth and maturity to the role of Priyam. The supporting cast includes Rishav Chakraborty as Soumya, Moupiya Goswami as Sohini, Ayan Bhattacharya as Boss, and Debi Saha as Srabanti, each adding depth and texture to the storytelling.

Music plays a vital role in the emotional fabric of the series. The soundtrack features soulful and mesmerizing songs sung by Aishwarya Sen, Rishabv Chakraborty, Shilajit Chakraborty, Utsha Saha and Atar Mukherjee, elevating the romance, heartbreak and healing that define the story.

“Khanikta Premer Mato reflects the changing language of love in today’s world, where emotions are real, relationships are complex and vulnerability is strength. At Aakash Aath and Platform 8, we are committed to telling stories that feel honest and contemporary and this series beautifully captures that spirit. Launching it on Valentine’s Day makes it even more special, as it celebrates love in all its imperfect yet meaningful forms,” said Ms. Priyanka Bardia, Director, Platform 8.

“Khanikta Premer Mato is a deeply personal journey for me, as the story kept revealing new emotional layers the deeper I went into it,” said director Mr. Rahool Mukherjee. “Working with the entire cast, our committed crew and the creative team at Platform 8 led by Ms. Priyanka Bardia made the process truly enchanting, rooted in collaboration, trust and a shared love for honest storytelling.”

“Ujaan is a character many of us can relate to—someone who loves deeply but struggles with understanding and expression. Khanikta Premer Mato is not just a love story; it’s about timing, growth and emotional maturity. Portraying Ujaan allowed me to explore the fragility of modern relationships and I believe audiences will see a reflection of themselves in him,” said Mr. Rahul Dev Bose.

 “Mohona is independent, expressive and unafraid to question what she truly wants from love. This story speaks about choosing clarity over comfort, which is very relevant today. Khanikta Premer Mato handles romance with warmth and honesty and I am excited for viewers to experience this journey with us on Platform 8,” said Ms. Megha Chowdhury.

“Shreya is warm, emotionally intuitive and quietly strong—someone who heals while she loves. Playing her was about celebrating empathy, friendship and the courage to step in when love needs a second chance. Khanikta Premer Mato captures the quiet, real emotions of modern relationships and that honesty is what makes the story so special,” said Ms. Avery Singha Roy.

“Priyam is thoughtful, grounded and emotionally mature—someone who believes love grows through patience and understanding. Portraying him was about exploring quiet strength and the beauty of choosing empathy over ego. Khanikta Premer Mato speaks about the small, often overlooked moments that shape relationships, making it a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant story,” said Mr. Durbar Sharma.

The story is penned by Sadeep Bhattacharya, with the screenplay written by Aritra Sengupta and Sayantan Dhara, bringing freshness and emotional depth relatable to the narrative.

The series follows Ujaan and Mohona, two polar opposites who fall in love but begin to question their compatibility during a transformative trip to Darjeeling. As emotional differences surface, their relationship slowly unravels, leading to a painful separation. In the aftermath, an unexpected romance blossoms between Ujaan’s elder cousin Priyam and Mohona’s best friend and flat mate Shreya. In a gentle role reversal, the new couple attempts to mend broken hearts by reuniting Ujaan and Mohona. Blending humor, heartbreak and healing, the story explores whether love is about chasing perfection—or learning to grow through understanding and adjustment.

Blending humor, heartbreak, healing and music that linger long after, Khanikta Premer Mato promises to resonate with audiences who believe that even fleeting love can leave a lasting impact.

Love, Thoughtfully Chosen: Valentine’s Day Gifts That Fit Everyday Life

Love, Thoughtfully Chosen: Valentine’s Day Gifts That Fit Everyday Life

Valentine’s Day today is less about grand gestures and more about meaningful ones. As self-care and wellness continue to define modern lifestyles, gifting has naturally evolved, shifting from one-day indulgences to choices that reflect care, intention, and everyday comfort. Whether it’s grooming, beauty, or wellness, gifts that become part of daily routines often leave the deepest impression.

This Valentine’s Day, Vestige presents a thoughtfully curated range of personal care, nutrition, and lifestyle products that make gifting feel relevant, practical, and heartfelt, celebrating love through everyday moments of care.

What Vestige Can Offer This Valentine’s

Vestige’s product portfolio is rooted in wellness, mindful living, and everyday essentials. From grooming and beauty to nutrition and lifestyle products, the brand focuses on offerings that fit seamlessly into modern routines. Many of Vestige’s personal care and wellness products are vegan and cruelty-free, making them a thoughtful choice for consumers who value conscious, responsible gifting alongside quality and effectiveness.

Valentine’s Picks for Him and Her

1. Vestige Prime Krill Oil Capsules

Vestige Prime Krill Oil 30 Capsules

Vestige Prime Krill Oil is sourced from Antarctic krill and contains Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, along with astaxanthin that helps naturally protect the oil from oxidation. These nutrients are easily absorbed by the body and help support heart, brain, and liver health. Regular use helps reduce harmful triglycerides, lower bad cholesterol, and improve overall Omega-3 levels. It’s a great daily supplement for long-term heart health.
2. Veslim Shake for healthy weight management

Veslim Shake Vanilla Flavour 500 g

Veslim Shake is a nutritious meal replacement that helps manage weight in a healthy way. It provides balanced nutrition of 9 g of protein with PDCAAS #1, 3.35g fiber and 20 essential vitamins and minerals. It is available in five different flavours – Mango, Vanilla, Rise Kheer, Kulfi and Dutch Chocolate to break the taste barrier and hep you choose your favourite flavour as per your preferences. The shake keeps you full for longer, helps reduce unhealthy cravings, and is easy to digest. With a low glycemic index and no trans-fat, it fits well into a healthy lifestyle.

3. Vestige Prime Concentrated Mineral Drops (CMD)

Vestige Prime Concentrated Mineral Drops (CMD) 60ml

Vestige Prime Concentrated Mineral Drops is a natural sea mineral supplement that is extracted from the Great Salt Lake of Utah, USA. It comes with 84 human-grade minerals that are highly bioavailable, resulting in faster absorption. Just 7 drops in one litre of water can mineralise your drinking water instantly and help in improving hydration, digestion and supports overall well-being.

4. Veg-Collagen with Rosehip Extract & Vitamin C

As we age, collagen level naturally decreases, which can affect joints, skin, and flexibility. Vestige Veg-Collagen supports joint comfort, flexibility, and skin health. Rosehip extract helps reduce joint stiffness, while Vitamin C supports natural collagen formation. This vegetarian formula also helps improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce signs of ageing.

5. Veslim Personalised Protein Powder

Protein plays a key role in maintaining steady energy levels between meals, keeping you fuelled and focused throughout the day. Support your nutrition goals with our high-quality Veslim Personalised Protein Powder, which is a blend of whey and soy protein. Each serving (6 grams) provides 5 grams of protein, which will fulfill your daily protein needs and support your overall well-being by curbing your hunger. Whether you are adding extra protein to your shakes or meals, it’s a simple and convenient way to stay on track. Add a scoop to your routine and enjoy the benefits of an easy protein boost anytime, anywhere.

Valentine’s Picks for Her

1. DewGarden Fly Sanitary Napkin

buy sanitary napkins online

Personal care is an important part of wellness. DewGarden Fly Sanitary Napkins are designed for comfort and hygiene, making them a thoughtful addition to a wellness gift. It is a hygienic, antibacterial sanitary napkin that comes with 8-layer protection and is also embedded with a graphene-anion chip with FIR technology for advanced protection. Far Infrared energy enhances blood circulation, supports women’s health, and may relieve menstrual discomfort. It prevents bacterial growth, eliminates odour for all-day freshness and eases menstrual cramps. Including such essentials shows care for everyday needs and comfort.

2. Vellino Nail Lacquer Starlit Moonstone Kit

Vellino Starlit Nail Lacquer Kit is designed to be chip-resistant & long-lasting wear. Each featuring three y shades designed to suit different moods, moments, and occasions. Whether playful, bold, subtle, or celebratory, the kits empower consumers to express how they feel-right at their fingertips. The products are best known for intensely high-pigmented colours, Quick-dry formula for effortless application and a mirror-like glossy finish.

3. Vestige Shatavari Max

Shatavari has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years as a female reproductive tonic. It is also known as the Queen of Herbs due to its numerous benefits in promoting women’s health and as a hormone balancer. It is rich in plant estrogen that supports female health from adolescence to menopause. It helps to relieve symptoms of PCOD, PCOS and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), regulates irregular cycles and related hormonal levels.

4. Skin Formula 9 Youth Elixir

An exquisite blend of precious gold dust and multi-functional botanical actives that instantly boosts the skin’s natural radiance and gives it a supple, renewed and youthful look. A youth extending serum, which works to restore skin’s elasticity, remarkably reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

This Valentine’s Day, choose a gift that supports health from the inside out. So, choose the wellness products that are practical, thoughtful, and show genuine concern for your loved one’s well-being, not just for one day, but every day.

Six Sense Mobility raises INR 44 crore led by ace-investor Ashish Kacholia and Piper Serica to build next-gen automotive tech in India

New Delhi, India, Feb 13: Six Sense Mobility, an IIT Delhi incubated, automotive deep tech startup focused on building intelligent electronic systems and connected vehicle solutions, has raised ₹44 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by ace investor Ashish Kacholia. The round also saw participation by existing investor Piper Serica Angel Fund.

The fresh capital will drive manufacturing expansion, including a new state-of-the-art electronics manufacturing plant in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, with initial capacity exceeding one million units annually. R&D acceleration will continue to be one of the main focus areas for Six Sense to build advanced engineering products for automotive OEMs with a deeper focus on product quality, testing, and compliance.

Founded in 2022, Six Sense Mobility is redefining the automotive supply model by operating as a full-stack Tier 1 supplier. The company delivers end-to-end, in-house capabilities across hardware, firmware, and software design, supported by OEM-grade manufacturing at scale, enabling faster integration, higher reliability, and seamless collaboration with automotive partners.

The company has already designed, developed and delivered next-gen mobility products like Advanced Telematics Control Units, Body Control Units and Intelligent Implement Control Systems to some of India’s top automotive OEM’s like Sonalika Tractors and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles.

Commenting on the fundraise, Sumit Roy, CEO & Co Founder, Six Sense Mobility, said, “We have demonstrated product maturity, strong customer adoption, and global readiness, with 25,000–30,000 devices already deployed across India and Europe. Backed by an order book exceeding ₹160 crore, our customers have shown strong confidence in our design and manufacturing capabilities—confidence that is further reinforced by our investors through this latest round of funding. This investment will enable us to accelerate product development and scale production significantly. By indigenising critical automotive technologies, we aim to reduce India’s reliance on imports while positioning Six Sense Mobility as a credible, globally competitive alternative to established auto component suppliers”.

As the global automotive industry undergoes a fundamental transition—from mechanical systems to software-defined, connected platforms—driven by evolving consumer expectations and rapid technological change, OEMs are rethinking both innovation cycles and supply-chain resilience. In parallel, the Government of India’s Make in India push in electronics and deep-tech is accelerating demand for localized, globally competitive manufacturing partners. Positioned at the intersection of these shifts, Six Sense Mobility is evolving beyond component supply to become a long-term technology partner for OEMs—enabling faster innovation cycles, stronger unit economics, and greater control over vehicle technology roadmaps.

Commenting on the investment, lead investor Ashish Kacholia said,“Automotive electronics and software will define the next era of vehicle innovation. Six Sense Mobility’s execution speed, vertically integrated platform, and production-ready capabilities give them a strong edge in building enduring OEM partnerships.”

Ajay Modi, Investment Director, Piper Serica VC Fund, added, “From early pilots to scaled Tier-1 OEM deployments, Six Sense has built a credible, full-stack automotive electronics platform with strong product maturity and customer validation. Our follow-on investment reflects deep conviction in their ability to become a long-term technology partner to leading OEMs in India and globally.”

Commenting on the future technology plans, Kapil Rao, CTO of Six Sense Mobility, said, “The Government of India’s vision to enhance road safety through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication in new vehicles marks a critical step toward safer, smarter mobility. Six Sense Mobility already possesses the core technology and engineering capabilities required to design and manufacture V2V-enabled devices at scale, fully aligned with global standards and India’s localization objectives. We are well positioned to support this national initiative and partner with OEMs to translate the government’s vision into real-world impact” .

This round builds on the company’s earlier pre-seed funding in September 2023, led by Saurabh Nayyar of Docbel Group, and a successful seed round in August 2024, led by Piper Serica, underscoring strong and continued investor confidence in the company’s vision, execution, and long-term growth potential.

Bank of Baroda Champions People-First Leadership at the ‘Leadership in Action’ Meet with Sachin Tendulkar

Bank of Baroda Champions People-First Leadership at the ‘Leadership in Action’ Meet with Sachin Tendulkar

India Feb 13: Bank of Baroda, India’s International Bank, hosted Leadership in Action, a leadership meet with its Global Brand Ambassador, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, focused on leadership excellence, employee engagement and recognising top performers across regions. The event brought together the Bank’s Board of Directors and senior leadership from its corporate office and across zones. 

The programme began with a leadership interaction between the Board of Directors and Mr. Tendulkar, followed by a fireside chat that explored leadership lessons from the cricket field and their relevance in the corporate world. The discussions highlighted the importance of consistency, decision-making under pressure, discipline, teamwork and values-led leadership in building strong and resilient institutions. 

As part of the meet, the Bank felicitated its top 10 Regional Heads and all 25 Zonal Heads for sustained business performance and people-centric leadership, recognising their critical role in strengthening customer relationships and driving growth. 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shailendra Singh, Chief General Manager (HRM & Marketing), Bank of Baroda, said, “This leadership interaction with a global sporting icon like Sachin Tendulkar reinforced our belief that enduring success – whether in sport or in business – is built on discipline, teamwork and adherence to values. The meet reflects Bank of Baroda’s commitment to nurturing leadership, recognising performance and fostering a culture where employees can perform with pride.”

Ingersoll Rand India Reports Strong Q3 FY 2025-26 Performance Driven by Robust Demand Across Industrial Sectors

Gurugram, Feb 13: Ingersoll Rand (India) Limited, a leading provider of compressed air solutions in India, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26, reporting resilient performance and sustained demand across industrial and commercial markets.

For the quarter ending Q3 FY 2025-26, the company reported revenue from operations of INR 455.58 crores, supported by strong performance across its compressed air portfolio. PBT before exceptional items for the said quarter stood at INR 121.67 crores, reflecting disciplined execution, cost management, and continued investment in innovation.

Consolidated financial highlights for Ingersoll Rand – Q3 FY2025-26

                                                                                      (Rupees in Crores)

Financial Highlights Q3FY2025-26 Q-o-Q

% change

YTD Q3 FY 2025-26 Y-o-Y

% change

Revenue from operations  455.48 19% 1092.74 8%
Total Income 466.98  20% 1122.77 8%
Total Expenses 345.31 22% 840.69 9%
PBT (before exception item) 121.67 15% 282.08 4%
PAT 71.89 -7% 191.22 -4%

Note: PBT is before exceptional expense of Rs. 26.58 crores towards incremental expenses arising from new labour codes.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Sunil Khanduja, Managing Director, Ingersoll –Rand (India) Limited, said, “During the quarter, the company delivered strong momentum across its compressed air portfolio, supported by its highest-ever production of large centrifugal compressors, air treatment products and strong adoption of its new E series oil-free rotary compressors.

Tough tariff conditions in the market were effectively mitigated through our strategic initiatives, enabling us to expand our business in India. High order intake for the quarter was driven by the growing demand for energy‑efficient compressed air systems, customized solutions for complex industrial applications, and long‑standing customer partnerships across key sectors. Our Services portfolio also continued to gain traction, supported by a growing installed base, and increased aftermarket demand for reliable solutions.

Ingersoll Rand (India) Limited is advancing its innovation roadmap with a clear focus on oil‑free low‑pressure solutions for power and infrastructure, while scaling contact‑cooled rotary technologies to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding Tier‑2 industrial market. Key strategic priorities include accelerating OEM and rental growth, expanding diversified oil‑free platforms, strengthening the distributor network, driving AGS localization, and positioning India as a strategic global hub for manufacturing and engineering.

Operational efficiency remained strong, supported by disciplined execution, effective people management, agile and resilient supply chain practices, supplier optimization, and strict control over discretionary expenses, enabling scalable growth while maintaining productivity and delivery commitments.” 

Growth Roadmap and Strategic Investments

A key milestone in the company’s growth journey is the launch of a new manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The facility is equipped to design and manufacture engineered-to-order centrifugal compressors, dryers, gas compressors, reciprocating compressors, nitrogen generators to meet complex customer requirements across industries.

The company aims to achieve over 90% localization of rotary screw compressors in India within the next year through continued investments in manufacturing and operational excellence. The company will continue to focus on energy-efficient technologies, digital monitoring, lifecycle services, and expansion in high-growth markets through partnerships and selective acquisitions. 

Strategic Business Highlights – Q3 FY2025-26 

Demand and Market Momentum

  • Strong demand from thermal power, renewable energy (solar), semiconductors & electronics, and steel sectors
  • These sectors continue to be among the fastest-growing industrial segments in India 

Product and Technology Wins

  • Increasing market adoption of the newly developed oil‑free rotary E‑Series high‑pressure compressor technology.
  • Growing market acceptance of energy-efficient and contamination-free compressed air technologies 

Operational Excellence

  • Effective FX and currency impact mitigation
  • Strong people management and supply chain agility
  • Strict control over discretionary expenses
  • Manufacturing output scaled up by 1.5x, supported by the commissioning of the Sanand facility

Innovation and strategic priorities

“We are building a future-ready organization,” Sunil Khanduja added. “With a strong portfolio, a clear strategic roadmap, and the launch of our mega manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat—designed to build large and highly customised compressed air machines—we see a compelling opportunity to double our growth over the next few years.

Our Q3 FY 2025-26 performance underscores the strength of our compressed air business and the trust our customers place in our solutions. Achieving record centrifugal output, expanding oil-free rotary adoption, and commissioning our Sanand facility reflect our strong execution and commitment to supporting India’s industrial growth with speed, reliability, and sustainability.”

Sustainability and Manufacturing Initiatives

The company continues to advance its sustainability agenda through energy-efficient manufacturing practices, and next-generation compressed air technologies, aligned with its broader ESG commitments and long-term sustainability goals.

In India, the company aims to play a larger role in supporting industrial growth by increasing localisation, shortening delivery timelines, and offering tailored solutions backed by global expertise and local execution.

Icc’s Cricket 4 Good Clinics Bring Young Fans Closer To The Icc Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Stars

Icc’s Cricket 4 Good Clinics Bring Young Fans Closer To The Icc Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Stars
New Delhi, Feb 13: The ICC’s Cricket 4 Good initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF, has delivered a series of cricket clinics during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, engaging young fans across multiple locations as part of the ICC’s global community outreach programme.

Delivered alongside the tournament and featuring teams participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the clinics provided children with opportunities to engage directly with international players, develop cricketing skills and experience the confidence, joy and life values that sport brings. The sessions reflect the ICC’s commitment to harnessing the power and reach of cricket to create a positive and lasting impact on children and families worldwide.

At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Cricket 4 Good clinic with Team India offered children a memorable and immersive cricketing experience. They participated in interactive on-field activities, learned basic cricket skills, and engaged closely with the players during a special meet-and-greet session. The clinic also included photo opportunities and informal interactions, giving the young fans a rare chance to connect with their heroes and experience the values of teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship first-hand.

The Mumbai venue also hosted a Cricket 4 Good clinic with Team USA, England, West Indies & Nepal where children participated in cricket-based activities and enjoyed meet-and-greet interactions with the players.

In Chennai, the Cricket 4 Good programme featured clinics with Afghanistan players at High Performance Centre, and with New Zealand players at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Players from both teams spent time playing cricket with children and engaging in informal interactions, with the New Zealand clinic also welcoming specially-abled children, reflecting the initiative’s inclusive focus.

The clinics continued at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where children connected with the Italy team through cricket-based activities, and at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, where young fans interacted with Namibia, enjoying the opportunity to play cricket and spend time with the players.

In Colombo, Cricket 4 Good clinics were delivered across several venues. At the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, children participated in sessions with Oman, while the Colombo Cricket Club Ground hosted a clinic with Pakistan. A further clinic took place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, where Australia engaged with young fans through cricket activities and meet-and-greet interactions.

Cricket 4 Good is the ICC’s global Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and umbrella programme for community outreach, reflecting the ICC’s ongoing commitment to the Spirit of Cricket and its vision of making cricket the world’s favourite sport. Delivered in partnership with UNICEF, the initiative supports children’s rights, inclusion and wellbeing and works across key focus areas including nutrition and child development, water, sanitation and hygiene, quality education, adolescent empowerment, child protection and child health.

Through Cricket 4 Good, the ICC and UNICEF continue to leverage the platform of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 while also working with local community organisations and partners to deliver activities that extend beyond tournaments, creating lasting and meaningful impact for children and families around the world.