Archives February 2026

Bangalore, Feb 9: Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. today announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, reporting robust growth across its key businesses.

Financial Highlights:

• Q3 FY26: Revenue from operations at ₹68,645 mn, up 30% YoY; EBITDA at ₹18,164 mn, up 31% YoY; Net Profit (Adjusted) at ₹11,109 mn, up 9% YoY.

• 9M FY26: Revenue from operations at ₹1,95,614 mn, up 17% YoY; EBITDA at ₹59,207 mn, up 20% YoY; Net Profit (Adjusted) at ₹38,640 mn, up 15% YoY.

• R&D Investments: ₹6,074 mn in Q3 (8.8% of revenue) and ₹15,750 mn in 9M (8.1% of revenue).

• Capex (Organic): ₹4,637 mn in Q3 and ₹13,568 mn in 9M.

Business Updates:

• India Formulations: Revenue at ₹17,094 mn, up 13% YoY; chronic and super specialty segments continue to lead growth.

• North America Formulations: Revenue at ₹28,043 mn, up 16% YoY; multiple new product launches and approvals, including Zycubo® for Menkes disease.

• International Markets: Revenue at ₹7,881 mn, up 38% YoY with broad-based regional growth.

• API Business: Revenue at ₹2,143 mn, up 26% YoY.

• Consumer Wellness: Revenue at ₹9,578 mn, up 113% YoY with full consolidation of Comfort Click Limited.

• MedTech: Revenue at ₹2,996 mn, following full consolidation of Amplitude Surgical.

Operational and Compliance Highlights:

• USFDA inspections completed with EIR status for Jarod injectable (VAI) and Ahmedabad OSD facility (NAI).

• CE mark approval received for proprietary ‘Andy’ robotic surgical system.

Innovation Pipeline Updates:

• NCE Research: Preparing NDA filing for Saroglitazar Magnesium with the USFDA.

• Biotech: Phase III trial approved for second biosimilar antibody drug conjugate in India.

• Vaccines: Phase II trial initiated for Bivalent Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine; awarded rabies and typhoid vaccine supply tenders for PAHO and UNICEF.

• US Specialty & Biosimilars: Licensing and commercialization agreements for novel 505(b)(2) oncology product and biosimilar Pembrolizumab; BLA approval for Nufymco® (biosimilar Ranibizumab).

Commenting on the results, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, said:

“Our robust performance across key businesses reinforces the strength and scalability of our base business. Our disciplined M&A and business development strategy is translating into tangible results. Anchored in patient centricity, supported by compliance and an agile supply chain, we remain focused on consistent execution and driving long-term shareholder value.”

Zydus Lifesciences continues to strengthen its pharma, wellness, and medtech portfolios, delivering innovative solutions to global markets while creating sustainable value for shareholders.

New Delhi, Feb 9: Filatex India Limited   an integrated, ESG-aligned polyester filament yarn manufacturer pioneering India’s next-generation circular materials ecosystem, announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.

Key Financial Highlights – Q3FY26 and 9MFY26

• Standalone revenue from operations stood at ₹1049.70 crore for Q3FY26 and ₹3175.03 crore for 9MFY26.
• EBITDA was reported at ₹93.58 crore with a margin of 8.91% for Q3FY26 and ₹143.65 crore for 9MFY26.
• Profit after tax for the quarter stood at ₹55.34 crore with a margin of 5.27% for Q3FY26 and ₹143.65 crore for 9MFY26.

Key Business and Strategic Updates:

1. Project Execution Updates

• Recycling Project: The ₹300 crore textile-to-textile recycling project (26,750 TPA) progressing as per schedule, with commissioning targeted for September 2026.
• PFY Capacity Expansion: The ₹235 crore brownfield expansion adding ~55,000 TPA, primarily in FDY/DTY, supporting product mix improvement, progressing as per schedule.
• Renewable Energy Transition: The Company continued implementation of renewable sourcing from hybrid wind-solar and solar projects, progressing towards its target of increasing renewable power share from ~26% to ~55%, with commissioning targeted for November 2026
• Automation Initiatives: The auto-doffing and packing line automation project with an Italian technology

partner, focused on improving efficiency and reducing operational losses, to be implemented by June 2026.

2. MoU with Decathlon India

Texfil Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Filatex India Limited, signed an MoU with Indeca Sporting Goods Pvt. Ltd. (Decathlon Group) to collaborate on recycled polyester adoption in sports apparel.

Key Industry & Regulatory Updates:

• MEG anti-dumping duties were not imposed, supporting stable raw material pricing.
• Relaxation of QCO norms has led to higher imports, partially impacting margins.
• EPR and circularity norms continue to drive demand for recycled and traceable polyester products.
• The Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens policy support for man-made fibres and technical textiles through initiatives such as the National Fibre Scheme, Text-ECON, Mega Textile Parks and SAMARTH 2.0.
• The proposed India–EU FTA is expected to reduce/eliminate tariffs on textile and apparel exports, improving competitiveness in the European market.
• US import duties on Indian textile and apparel exports likely to be reduced to 18% from around to 25%, supporting export volumes and market access.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Madhu Sudhan Bhageria, Chairman & Managing Director, said:

“I am pleased to share that the Company delivered a strong performance during the quarter, with stable revenue, supported by constant volumes, improving margins, disciplined execution, and our continued shift towards higher- value products. This reflects the strength of our operating model and our ability to perform consistently in a dynamic environment.

Looking ahead, supportive policy measures, improving market access through recent India-EU FTA and sharp reduction in US tariffs, along with Europe’s sustainability-led sourcing shift are creating strong tailwinds for the Indian textile sector. With our scale, integrated manufacturing and early leadership in circular recycling, we believe Filatex is well positioned to benefit from these trends and drive sustainable long-term growth.”

Chandigarh, Feb 9: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), today announced that it will supply 35,000 units of Scorpio Pik Up vehicles in 2026 to Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, an Indonesian state-owned enterprise, for the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) Project. These Pik Ups will play a crucial role in enhancing logistics for Koperasi (Cooperatives) being set up in the country.

Under this partnership, Mahindra and Agrinas Pangan Nusantara will work together to equip Koperasi with robust, reliable vehicles to ensure effective and seamless flow of fresh supplies from farmers directly to the marketplace, thereby bridging the gap between producer and consumer. This collaboration aims to enhance rural logistics and enable villages to become independent centers of economic growth.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said,

“We are looking forward to this association and to supporting Indonesia’s Koperasi through our partnership with Agrinas Pangan Nusantara. By deploying the Scorpio Pik Ups as a part of the Koperasi, we are strengthening a reliable logistics backbone that connects farmers to markets more efficiently. Our Pik Ups are engineered to perform in tough conditions while keeping operating costs to a minimum. The volume committed for this partnership will significantly boost our International Operations, adding as much as our total export volumes achieved in FY 25. In line with Mahindra’s Rise philosophy, this collaboration reflects our commitment to enabling prosperity and supporting national priorities.”

Manufactured at Nashik Plant, Scorpio Pik Ups are globally recognized for their durability, payload capacity, and low operating costs. These vehicles are tailored to meet the operating requirements of Koperasi – from rough rural roads to farm tracks.

Mahindra Scorpio Pik Ups will bolster Koperasi ecosystem by providing first-mile aggregation, which involves transporting produce from farms to cooperatives, and facilitating intra-village logistics, ensuring the efficient movement of goods within the cooperative network.

Esskay Beauty Resources has received the Outstanding Partnership Award from Spanish professional skincare brand Casmara at the Casmara Beauty Congress 2026, held in Spain, last week. During the same event, Esskay Beauty Resources was also officially recognised as Casmara’s No. 1 Distributor Globally, a recognition based on its 18-year-long collaboration & outstanding performance in market expansion and growth rate across India. The announcement was made in the presence of Casmara’s senior leadership and representatives from its global distributor network.

The Outstanding Partnership Award acknowledges the continuity of the long-standing relationship between Esskay Beauty Resources and Casmara, and Esskay’s contribution to building and expanding the brand in professional beauty markets over time. The company has worked closely with salon professionals, clinics, and industry partners to strengthen Casmara’s footprint and visibility across its operational markets.

Commenting on the recognition, Ankit Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources, said the acknowledgement reflected the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders.

“This recognition belongs not only to our internal teams but also to our partners who have worked alongside us and believed in the brand’s long-term potential. Being recognised at a global platform like the Casmara Beauty Congress is encouraging,” he said.

Subham Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources, said

“the global recognition was the result of sustained and consistent efforts rather than short-term outcomes. “The focus has always been on building the brand steadily across markets and strengthening professional engagement. This recognition reinforces the approach we have followed over the years & motivates us to continue aspiring for our shared goals,” he said.

Esskay Beauty Resources has been associated with Casmara for 18 years, during which the partnership has evolved steadily. Over this period, the collaboration has expanded beyond distribution to include education-led initiatives, professional training programmes, and market development efforts aimed at supporting salons and beauty professionals across India.

Casmara is a Spain-based dermo-cosmetic company specialising in professional skincare solutions. The brand is known for its focus on research-led formulations and professional treatments and operates across 80+ international markets through a network of distribution partners.

Headquartered in Gurugram, Esskay Beauty Resources has operated in the professional beauty and wellness space since 2002 and works with global brands to develop markets through distribution, education, and long-term brand-building initiatives.

New Delhi, Feb 09: After two highly successful seasons, ITC’s Candyman Sourzzz returns with a bolder, punchier, and future-forward edition of its award-winning disruptive clean-roast Intellectual Property, Soury Not Sorry – Season 3. This season marks a category-first leap with the introduction of an AI influencer, Ramya Sathish aka Rysa, as the face of the series.

A first in the confectionery space, Season 3 leverages AI-led storytelling to bring teenagers and young adults a fresh, internet-native voice that mirrors how they think, speak, and clap back. Staying true to the franchise’s signature sass and self-expression, the season unfolds as a 4-week digital campaign, delivering bold, clean “soury” comebacks to misplaced authority figures in everyday life.

Designed to embody unapologetic confidence, Rysa represents a new-age, culturally fluid persona. Delhi-born with Malayali roots, the 23-year-old graduate and corporate baddie is chaotically honest, witty, and thrives on experience-driven internet-native humour.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Subash Balar, VP & Business Head, Confectionery at ITC Foods, said:

“Soury Not Sorry has grown into a powerful youth-culture platform for Candyman Sourzzz, encouraging young consumers to own their individuality without filter, and with flavour. Season 3 is our boldest leap yet. With Rysa, our first-ever AI influencer, we’re stepping into the future of culturally relevant storytelling while staying true to what the Intellectual Property stands for: wit, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression.”

At its core, Soury Not Sorry celebrates the freedom to be unapologetically real. The franchise converts everyday irritants and judgements into fearless, witty roasts, positioning Candyman Sourzzz as the candy of choice for bold, outspoken youth.

Over the years, the series has become a genre-defining digital youth property, with Season 1 achieving 35 million reach and 1.7 million engagement, and Season 2 scaling higher with 36 million reach and 2.7 million engagement. Season 3 continues this trajectory while introducing an AI-powered voice, building a culturally relevant content ecosystem for new-age consumers.

New Delhi, India, Feb 09 : A new evidence-based Viewpoint published online in  Lancet Regional Health: Southeast Asia highlights that the widely used glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, as available in India, may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels for millions of Indians, particularly in regions with high prevalence of anemia, hemoglobinopathies, and red blood cell enzyme (G6PD) deficiency. Led by Professor Anoop Misra and collaborators, the review questions reliance on HbA1c as a sole diagnostic or monitoring tool for type 2 diabetes in South Asia. HbA1c measurements primarily reflect the glycation of hemoglobin. Any condition that affects the quantity, structure, or lifespan of hemoglobin—such as anemia, hemoglobinopathies, or other red blood cell disorders—can distort HbA1c values and lead to misleading estimates of average blood glucose.

“Relying exclusively on HbA1c can result in misclassification of diabetes status,” said Professor Anoop Misra, corresponding author and Chairman of Fortis C-DOC Center of Excellence for Diabetes. “Some individuals may be diagnosed later than appropriate, while others could be misdiagnosed, which may affect timely diagnosis and management. Similarly, monitoring of blood sugar status may be compromised.”

Shashank Joshi, co-author from Joshi Clinic, Mumbai, added:

“Even in well-resourced urban hospitals, HbA1c readings can be influenced by red blood cell variations and inherited hemoglobin disorders. In rural and tribal areas, where anemia and red cell abnormalities are common, the discrepancies may be greater.”

Dr. Shambho Samrat Samajdar, co-author from Kolkata, emphasized a comprehensive approach:

 “Combining oral glucose tolerance test, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and hematologic assessments provides a more accurate picture of diabetes risk. This approach can help refine public health estimates and guide resource allocation.”

Key findings from the review include:

• HbA1c may under- or overestimate blood glucose in populations with high rates of low blood counts (anemia), inherited blood disorders (abnormal hemoglobin), or enzyme problems like G6PD deficiency anemia, hemoglobinopathies.
• In some regions of India ( more than 50% population in some regions, data from 2025), people are nutritionally challenged with widespread have iron deficiency anemia, which can distort HbA1c readings.
• This would affect both diagnosis and monitoring thus misleading clinicians.
• Reliance on HbA1c alone could delay diagnosis by up to 4 years in men with undetected G6PD deficiency, potentially increasing risk of complications.
• In addition, inconsistent quality control across laboratories can further affect HbA1c accuracy, making interpretation challenging
•  Public health surveys based solely on HbA1c may misrepresent India’s diabetes burden.

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, Avinesh Rekhi shares that playing Lord Shiva in Sony SAB’s Ganesh Kartikey has helped him embrace patience and emotional strength

Mumbai, February 09: As the nation gears up to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, actor Avinesh Rekhi, who essays the powerful and benevolent role of Lord Shiva in Sony SAB’s Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey, reflects on the deeper meaning of the festival and the profound impact the character has had on him.

The festival of Mahashivratri, which symbolises inner awakening, balance, and surrender to higher consciousness, holds a special place for Avinesh this year. Stepping into the role of Lord Shiva has been a spiritually enriching journey for the actor, allowing him to explore strength, compassion, and responsibility in a new light.

Speaking about the spiritual resonance of Mahashivratri, Avinesh said,

“Mahashivratri is not just a festival, it is a reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our inner selves. Portraying Lord Shiva in Ganesh Kartikey has been a deeply humbling and transformative experience for me. Lord Shiva is not just a deity of power, but also of immense calm, compassion, and balance. Living with this character every day has helped me understand the importance of stillness and faith, especially in today’s fast-paced world.”

He further adds that the occasion has made his experience on the show even more special. He adds,

 “Through Ganesh Kartikey, we are exploring Lord Shiva not only as the destroyer of evil, but also as a nurturing father and a guiding force for his sons, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikey. Portraying Lord Shiva has taught me to embrace patience, humility, and emotional strength. On this auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I wish that Lord Shiva blesses everyone and may this night bring transformation and positivity in everyone’s life.”

Tune in to watch Ganesh Kartikey, every Monday to Saturday at 8 PM, only on Sony SAB

New Delhi, Feb 09: LISA AI has officially launched SkillOS, a pioneering platform designed to transform how organizations approach workforce development by shifting the focus from passive content consumption to active skill execution. In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, many organizations struggle not because of a deficit in learning materials, but because internal skills remain poorly defined and progress is notoriously difficult to quantify. SkillOS addresses this fundamental disconnect by providing a structured framework that makes competencies measurable, job-specific, and directly aligned with business outcomes.

The platform is engineered to solve the primary frustrations of both leadership and staff. While employees often seek clear, actionable paths for career growth, Learning and Development teams frequently find themselves restricted by traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS) that only track course completion data rather than actual capability. SkillOS disrupts this model by enabling precise competency mapping for every role within a company. This level of detail grants employees full visibility into their current strengths and future growth trajectories, while providing leadership with real-time, data-driven insights into total workforce readiness.

LISA AI has already successfully integrated SkillOS across multiple major corporations, proving its ability to scale across diverse industries and highly specialized roles. By moving away from the “content-led” training model that has dominated the industry for decades, SkillOS allows companies to customize their development strategies to meet specific operational needs. This transition ensures that training is no longer a check-the-box exercise but a strategic driver of accountability and measurable impact.

Mr. Saikiran Sondarkar, CEO of LetsUpgrade said,

 “For years, companies have been drowning in content but starving for actual capability. We built SkillOS to move beyond the era of ‘checking boxes’ and toward a future of ‘proving mastery.’ By replacing the outdated LMS with a system focused on skill execution, we are finally giving both employees and leadership the transparency and accountability they deserve.”

As businesses face increasing pressure to remain agile, LISA AI’s SkillOS offers a comprehensive solution for building future-ready teams. The system provides a single, unified environment where skill execution takes precedence over simple tracking, effectively rendering traditional LMS platforms obsolete. Organizations looking to modernize their talent development and gain a competitive edge in workforce clarity are encouraged to experience the platform firsthand.

Feb 09 : Sunburn Holi Weekend has long been synonymous with music, colour and celebration for EDM fans across India. This festive season, EDM prodigy KSHMR takes centre stage, splashing his signature sound across a five-city tour, produced and promoted by Sunburn, Asia’s Premier Electronic Dance Music (EDM) platform. 

Sunburn Holi Weekend 2026 ft. KSHMR will kick off in Mumbai on March 3rd, 2026, featuring a special performance by DJ Chetas, followed by Chennai on March 4th, 2026, Bengaluru on March 6th, 2026, Bhubaneswar on March 7th, 2026 and Hyderabad on March 8th, 2026. The tour marks a significant milestone with KSHMR making his debut performance in Bhubaneswar, bringing his globally acclaimed experience to the city for the very first time. Tickets are available exclusively on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination.

Niles Hollowell-Dhar, better known as KSHMR, rose from producing hip-hop and pop hits, including anthems ‘Like A G6’, to becoming one of dance music’s most celebrated figures with chart-topping tracks including ‘Secrets’ with Tiësto and ‘Kids’ featuring MKLA. His hits also include ‘Bad’, ‘My Best Life’ and ‘Power’. With 10 Beatport #1s, DJ Mag’s Best Live Act award, his own Dharma Worldwide label and the influential Sounds of KSHMR packs, KSHMR continues to shape global music and headline the world’s biggest stages.

A long-standing favourite with fans in India, KSHMR’s association with Sunburn runs deep, also creating the Sunburn Festival 2024 anthem with OTIOT ft. KEL titled ‘Khoye Yahaan’. He has played a defining role in shaping the evolution of electronic music culture in India. His shows are known for their immersive storytelling, emotional depth and cinematic scale, transforming stages into experiences that go far beyond music.

Talking about the Sunburn Holi Weekend, KSHMR commented,

“India has shaped my music in more ways than people realise, so coming for Sunburn Holi Weekend feels especially full-circle. Holi is a festival that celebrates colour, rhythm and shared emotion – the same elements that run through my sound. Taking this experience across five cities allows me to express that connection more deeply and I’m excited to celebrate this with fans through my music.”

Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn, added,

“Over the years, Sunburn Holi Weekend has evolved into a marker on the cultural calendar for music lovers across India – a time when audiences come together to celebrate sound, colour and shared experiences. 2026 is no different and bringing KSHMR into this moment feels especially organic. His music carries a rare balance of global electronic sensibilities and deeply rooted Indian influences, making him a natural fit for a festival as expressive and spirited as Holi. This five-city tour reflects both the scale of anticipation around Sunburn Holi Weekend and our continued intent to take meaningful, world-class electronic music experiences to audiences across the country. It is these thoughtfully curated moments, where music, culture and emotion intersect, that continue to define what Sunburn stands for.”

KSHMR stands apart as an artist who bridges worlds. A former member of the pop-EDM duo The Cataracs, he broke out as a solo artist in 2014 and rapidly became a global festival mainstay. As the founder of Dharma Worldwide, a sub-label under Spinnin’ Records, he has not only built a distinctive sonic universe for himself but has also championed a new generation of artists worldwide. Regularly ranked among the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs, KSHMR continues to command global stages including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival and Electric Daisy Carnival.

In India, his influence runs even deeper. KSHMR has consistently incorporated Indian sounds, themes and narratives into his music, forging an emotional connection with fans across generations. His collaborations with renowned Indian artists such as DIVINE and Raja Kumari have further cemented his place in the country’s contemporary music landscape, making each of his performances feel both global in scale and deeply personal in spirit.

Known for his deep-rooted connection with Indian audiences and a sound that seamlessly blends cinematic orchestration, big-room EDM and Indian classical influences, KSHMR’s return promises a powerful celebration of music, culture and colour. 

Tuborg Zero Packaged Drinking Water Sunburn Holi Weekend 2026 ft. KSHMR is presented by Rupay and driven by Hyundai, in association with Beardo, Electrorush and Bloom.

New Delhi, Feb 09: In the face of rising geopolitical volatility and growing energy demand, India must significantly scale up domestic oil and gas exploration to secure its energy future, said Mr Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group, calling for nearly 2,000 active exploration licences across the country.

Highlighting India’s heavy dependence on imports, Agarwal noted that the country currently imports nearly 90% of its oil and gas requirements, leaving it strategically vulnerable despite being surrounded by sea on three sides. With India expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing oil and gas market for at least the next two decades, he stressed that boosting domestic production is no longer optional but critical.

“India is vulnerable because we import 90% of our oil and gas. In hostile times, our sea routes can be blockaded. Energy independence is a strategic necessity,” Agarwal said.

Vast Resources, Untapped Potential

India is endowed with an estimated 300 billion barrels equivalent of hydrocarbon resources, more than 30 times the potential of Guyana, Agarwal pointed out. In addition, Indian professionals account for nearly 10% of the global oil and gas talent pool, giving the country a strong human capital advantage.

However, the core challenge remains exploration. “Exploration is the heart of this business,” Agarwal said, citing the United States as an example where opening up exploration to entrepreneurs transformed the country from import dependence to energy self-sufficiency.

Drawing from Vedanta’s experience through Cairn Oil & Gas, Agarwal noted that India can produce hydrocarbons at nearly half the cost of imports. The sector has already contributed over $40 billion to the national exchequer and delivered 1.3 billion barrels of production, despite operating without sector-specific incentives such as Production Linked Incentives (PLI).

Regulatory Clarity Key to Investor Confidence

A major deterrent to investment, Agarwal said, is regulatory unce