Archives February 2026

Chennai, India Feb 13: KLA Corporation (NASDAQ: KLAC), a global leader in semiconductor process control and process-enabling technology, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish a new research & development (R&D) and innovation campus in Chennai. As part of the agreement, KLA intends to invest up to $400 million (₹3,600 crore) over the next decade, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to India as a strategic hub for R&D, software, and AI-led semiconductor innovation.

Planned on a 12-acre site, the campus is envisioned as one of KLA’s largest innovation hubs, building on the success of the company’s existing operations in Chennai, with a potential capacity of up to 1.5 million square feet over time. The facility is designed to support advanced research and engineering and is expected to generate up to 4,000 jobs over 10 years.

“KLA’s decision to establish their new R&D and innovation campus in Tamil Nadu reinforces the state’s role in the global semiconductor value chain,” said Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce. “We welcome KLA’s long-term commitment and continue to support investments that create high-quality jobs, build advanced technology capabilities, and further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a preferred destination for global innovation.” The MoU was signed between KLA and the Government of Tamil Nadu in the presence of Thiru M.K. Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu; Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu; Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries; Thiru N. Muruganandam, IAS, Chief Secretary to Government; Dr. Darez Ahamed, IAS, MD & CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu; Shri. Arun Roy IAS, Industry Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu; Bobby Bell, EVP, Head of Government Relations, KLA; and Dominic David, President, KLA India.

Once opened, the planned R&D and innovation campus is intended to serve as KLA’s flagship innovation hub in Chennai, expanding on decades of growth in the region.

“India has been a critical part of KLA’s global growth story for over two decades,” said Dominic David, President, KLA India. “This MoU continues our long-term vision to scale India as a global centre for AI and software-led semiconductor innovation. We expect the planned Chennai campus to extend our existing R&D capabilities, strengthen collaboration across global teams, and provide broader support to customers.”

Bengaluru, Feb 13: HOSMAT Hospitals, a recognised leader in orthopaedics, trauma and sports medicine for over three decades and now expanding into a multi-specialty hospital group, has entered into a three-year strategic medical partnership with South United Football Club (SUFC) a professional football club with a structured development pathway and a world-class residential academy model, situated in the heart of Bengaluru and operating a professionally structured football ecosystem spanning grassroots to elite competition,  to deliver end-to-end sports medical services, emergency readiness, and on-site clinical care for the Club.

As part of this partnership, HOSMAT has launched a dedicated On-Site Sports Medical Centre at SUFC, creating a structured, hospital-grade medical support system embedded within the Club’s training and competition environment. HOSMAT will lead and operate SUFC’s medical clinic and manage all medical-related requirements for players and team personnel across training and championship periods.

The collaboration establishes a structured sports-medicine and emergency-care framework integrating preventive screening, rapid response, sideline medical readiness, and referral continuity – aligned with global best practices in competitive sport.
Sports medicine partnerships of this nature are increasingly becoming the standard across professional sports ecosystems worldwide.

International sports health studies indicate that structured medical oversight and periodic screening programs can reduce preventable sports injuries by 30-50% and significantly improve return-to-play timelines through early intervention and rehab planning. Event-side emergency response systems have also been shown to reduce critical response times by up to 40% when on-site medical teams are embedded.

Under the agreement, HOSMAT will provide:

*   Annual comprehensive health checks and sports-specific medical screening
*   Dedicated ambulance services with a trained medical team during championships and major matches
*   Full clinical management and nursing support for the SUFC On-Site Sports Medical Centre
*   Discounted inpatient and outpatient treatment services at HOSMAT for SUFC players and staff
*   Supply of essential medical consumables for the on-site clinic at no cost
*   Referral pathways for advanced orthopaedic, trauma, and rehabilitation care

This integrated model ensures that medical care is available across the full athlete journey – from prevention and screening to emergency care and rehabilitation – within and beyond the sporting venue.

Speaking about the partnership, Anisha Chandy Eckardt, Managing Director, HOSMAT Hospitals, said: “Modern sport demands structured medical leadership – not just emergency response, but prevention, monitoring, and recovery continuity. At HOSMAT, sports medicine is built on decades of orthopaedic, trauma, and rehabilitation excellence. Our partnership with SUFC, along with the launch of the on-site sports medical centre – brings hospital-grade medical systems directly into the sporting environment, reducing response time, improving injury outcomes, and supporting athlete longevity.

The Union Budget’s strong emphasis on emergency care expansion, allied-health capacity, and decentralised healthcare delivery reinforces exactly this kind of embedded, ecosystem-level medical model. We see this partnership as both performance-enabling and policy-aligned.”

Mohamed Rafik – CEO, SUFC, addressed the crowd reinforcing on the strategic collaboration, said: “Player safety and medical preparedness are core to competitive performance today. Partnering with HOSMAT Hospitals, a leader in sports injuries, orthopaedics and trauma care, gives us clinical depth both on and off the field. With an on site sports medical centre, medical leadership, ambulance readiness and preventive health screening, we are strengthening our athlete care framework to global standards.

Importantly, this medical facility is not limited to our professional first team. It will support our football academy, community programmes and all on-ground activity at SUFC – from toddlers and grassroots participants to amateurs, semi-professionals and elite players. As one of the few football clubs offering structured medical support across the full football community, SUFC will have a deployed physiotherapist and a trained male nurse on-site to ensure immediate first aid, injury management and clinical care for everyone within our ecosystem.”

This Valentine’s Day, as Mumbai’s restaurants fill up and prix-fixe menus dominate the scene, a quieter, more meaningful trend is emerging — couples choosing experiences over extravagance.

Developed and curated by WeNaturalists, these immersive nature walks across the city offer an alternative way to celebrate love: through shared sunrises, flamingo-filled wetlands, breezy coastal trails, and mindful explorations of urban forests. Designed to foster connection, presence, and environmental awareness, these experiences invite Mumbaikars to step outdoors and celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that feels intentional, refreshing, and far from ordinary.

1. Shorewalk at Juhu Beach

Stroll hand-in-hand along Juhu Beach’s serene shorewalk this Valentine’s Day, where the Arabian Sea whispers sweet nothings and golden sunsets paint the sky in hues of pink and orange. Perfect for couples seeking a free-spirited escape, this trail blends salty breezes, rhythmic waves, and distant city lights—ideal for sharing dreams under the stars without a care.

2. Boat Safari at Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

Embark on a romantic boat safari through Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, gliding amid flocks of pink flamingos that dance on the horizon like nature’s confetti. Couples will love this unique Valentine’s adventure: the gentle sway of the boat fosters closeness, while spotting rare birds and mangroves creates magical, shared memories in Mumbai’s hidden wetland paradise.

3. Birding at Bhandup Birdwatching Area

Discover quiet intimacy at Bhandup Birdwatching Area, where couples can bond over binoculars amid 250+ bird species flitting through lush mangroves. This Valentine’s gem stands out for its peaceful hides and dawn choruses—perfect for whispering affections while witnessing nature’s symphony, turning a simple birding trail into an unforgettable avian love story.

4. Shorewalk at Priyadarshini Park

Trace the enchanting shorewalk at Priyadarshini Park, hugging Marine Drive’s coastline with breathtaking sea views and breezy palms. Ideal for Valentine’s Day duos craving elegance, its unique blend of urban glamour and tranquil waves offers prime spots for sunset selfies, heartfelt chats, and toasting love against the Queen of India’s iconic backdrop.

5. Scavenger Hunt at Maharashtra Nature Park

Ignite playful sparks with a Valentine’s scavenger hunt at Maharashtra Nature Park, weaving through butterfly gardens, mini forests, and discovery trails teeming with hidden gems. This interactive twist sets it apart for couples—solve clues together, uncover surprises like vibrant orchids, and celebrate finds with kisses, blending adventure and romance in urban greenery.

This Valentine’s, Fall in Love with Nature

At WeNaturalists, each of our trails will inspire you to reconnect, whether you are reconnecting to Nature, other people, or yourself.

So for Valentine’s Day this year, rather than choosing the typical, choose the experiences that allow you to awaken your sense of wonder, promote relaxation and foster sincere connections.

Because love stories are best written outdoors!

Feb 13:  Valentine’s Day calls for a celebration that feels effortless yet indulgent — one where good food, music and mood come together in perfect rhythm. This year, Novotel Mumbai International Airport brings that vision to life with a vibrant evening at Food Exchange, designed for couples who enjoy their romance with flavour, flair and a touch of theatre.

On 14th February 2026, the restaurant transforms into a lively Valentine setting complete with themed décor and live music. The specially curated dinner experience is priced at INR 2,495 plus taxes per person for the non-alcoholic offering and INR 3,695 plus taxes per person for the alcoholic experience, with Accor Plus members enjoying 30% savings for up to 10 guests. The buffet embraces progressive global cuisine, encouraging guests to explore an abundant spread in a setting that feels both relaxed and celebratory.

The evening reaches its sweetest crescendo with a collection of Valentine-themed desserts crafted exclusively for the occasion. The Double Chocolate Molleaux arrives with a molten centre that flows at first touch, while Velvet Romance delivers smooth, indulgent layers true to its name. Truffle of Love leans into deep cocoa richness, and Raspberry Dolce offers a light raspberry mousse accented with caramel notes. Each dessert is playful, polished and designed to linger in memory.

At the Gourmet Bar, specially curated Valentine’s cakes are available both at the hotel and on Swiggy and Zomato, making it easy to extend the celebration beyond dinner or send a sweet surprise across the city.

For those looking to turn an evening out into a relaxed urban escape, the hotel’s Comfort Getaway staycation pairs seamlessly with the celebration — offering buffet breakfasts, rooftop moments at 190 AMSL and access to leisure facilities, transforming Valentine’s Day into a mini city retreat.

With live entertainment, indulgent desserts and a spirited ambience, Novotel Mumbai International Airport presents a Valentine’s evening that feels contemporary, stylish and perfectly suited to modern love.

This Valentine’s Day, Swiggy is turning dining out into a cultural moment. A moment you can claim and make your Valentine’s Day even more special by making it official. Because if it’s not on the table (and on Instagram), did it even happen?

Swiggy Dineout and Swiggy Scenes have launched Hard Launch Tables, a limited-edition activation across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where select premium restaurants will host fully sponsored surprise and beautifully styled “love tables” designed to feel exclusive, experiential, and instantly shareable. Launched with the tagline, “You bring the commitment, we’ll handle the rest”, the campaign is aimed to make Valentine’s Day dining out even more memorable for those willing to commit.

Think of it as the ultimate public declaration dinner.

Each Hard Launch Table is a complete romantic setup for two guests: a table dressed with flowers, candles, and elevated styling that makes the moment feel official, beautifully done up by Swiggy. The experience also includes a non-alcoholic champagne bottle and a bento cake. This is not all! The dining bill for the table will be totally covered by Swiggy.

To keep it truly exclusive, the Hard Launch Tables will be available at select restaurants and limited to a total of 69 tables. Bookings are on first-come-first-serve on Swiggy Dineout and Scenes, via a ₹69 ticket per table that acts as the access pass. Users can book on February 13th 7pm for a few hours exclusively and show up with their love on the 14th of February at the selected restaurant, and leave the rest for Dineout and Scenes to take care of.

Some of the participating restaurants include Bastian Garden City (premium resto-bar), and Yuki (cocktail bar + kitchen) in Bengaluru, Covah – The Cavern (experiential lounge) in Gurgaon and Milagro (premium casual dining) in Mumbai.

Hard Launch Tables are part of Swiggy’s continued effort to create differentiated dining experiences through Scenes and Dineout and push beyond transactions and into experiences, bringing together curated spaces, thoughtful design, and memorable occasions.

Because today, love isn’t just felt – it’s curated. And sometimes, it deserves a hard launch.

Swiggy Dineout is a dining-out platform in India that allows customers to book tables, avail discounts, and discover top restaurants across various cities. With over 50,000 restaurants live on the platform for bookings and bill payments across 60+ cities, Swiggy Dineout strives to make dining experiences seamless, enjoyable, and accessible, enabling food enthusiasts to explore and indulge in culinary delights.

Bengaluru, Feb 13:  Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is pleased to announce the official relaunch of its speciality restaurant, Glass Kitchen & Bar. The establishment unveils a sophisticated culinary direction inspired by the diverse heritage of India’s southern coastline. The menu offers a contemporary interpretation of coastal flavours, seamlessly aligning with Glass Kitchen & Bar’s modern, sophisticated identity.

The redesigned menu is a meticulous reinterpretation of coastal gastronomy through a contemporary lens. By synthesizing the culinary traditions of coastal fringes, the restaurant offers a narrative emphasizing the coast, seasonal produce and slow traditional cooking techniques. These influences come together in a menu that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, honouring regional authenticity while embracing modern culinary sensibilities. 

Shiv Bose, General Manager of Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, commented on the strategic shift: “With the introduction of ‘A Coast Apart,’ we are repositioning Glass Kitchen & Bar with a definitive culinary identity that resonates with the evolving preferences of the modern epicurean. The menu balances innovation and nostalgia, featuring distinctive offerings such as Tender Coconut Payasam Ice Cream, the thoughtfully curated ‘Amma’s Corner,’ and signature Glass Special Starter Platters crafted for shared indulgence. Spearheaded by Chef Tirupathi and Chef Ajit, this cohesive culinary narrative brings together nuanced coastal flavours with presentation..”

“At Glass Kitchen & Bar, we set out to create a menu defined by distinctive flavours and thoughtful contrasts, delivering a layered and immersive dining experience. As the specialty restaurant at Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, Glass continues to champion refined yet authentic cuisine, and ‘A Coast Apart’ brings that vision to life through a focused coastal narrative. We believe regional favourites such as Lobster Mappas, Meen Pollichathu, Kuttu Paratha and Gongura Mamsam will particularly resonate with our guests”, said , Mr Ajit Tiwari, Executive Chef at Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse

Complementing the coastal menu is an inventive beverage experience led by Kuldeep Bhure, Food & Beverage Manager, who shares his enthusiasm for the newly introduced cocktail selection under the banner “Madya Mix.” Designed to pair seamlessly with the dishes, the range features signature creations such as Coorg’s Paradise, Bangalore Blossom, and Memories by Glass. Crafted using botanicals widely found along India’s coastal belt, these innovative mixed beverages are layered with tropical infusions and citrus-forward notes, thoughtfully composed to enhance the bold, flavour-rich nuances of the cuisine.

With this relaunch, Glass Bar & Kitchen solidifies its status as a premier destination for contemporary Indian coastal cuisine, driven by culinary craftsmanship and thoughtful storytelling. The revamped menu is a must-try, offering an elaborate selection that caters to diverse palates. With extended service hours spanning both lunch and dinner, guests can choose their preferred dining time while exploring their favourite dishes from this expansive coastal repertoire.

This Valentine’s, Carysil turns its attention to the kind of love that shows up in unexpected moments: not perfectly planned, but sincerely felt. It’s the love that finds its way even when life gets in the way, because intention matters more than perfection.

The campaign film captures a moment of beautiful improvisation, where forgotten plans transform into heartfelt gestures and last-minute becomes meaningful. Featuring Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey, the narrative unfolds with warmth and authenticity as the kitchen becomes a space of possibility rather than pressure.

Carysil believes that modern kitchen appliances should feel instinctive and welcoming, spaces where anyone can step in with confidence, regardless of experience or expectation. When technology is designed with empathy, it doesn’t demand expertise; it simply responds, creating room for genuine connection and care to unfold naturally.

“Carysil kitchen appliances are tech-enabled spaces where anyone can take control with confidence,” says Rhea Parekh, VP, International Marketing, Carysil. “ This campaign aims to break outdated gender roles and show that mastery in the kitchen comes from ease of use, not expertise or tradition. We believe that modern kitchen technology should not feel intimidating, instructional, or exclusive. Carysil kitchen appliances are German engineered: designed intuitively, confidence follows naturally.

By placing men confidently at the centre of everyday kitchen moments not as helpers, but as decision-makers we’re reframing the kitchen as a space defined by skill enabled by technology, not by gender, making it easily accessible for everyone.”

By placing Chunky at the centre of this story, Carysil reframes the kitchen as a space where care is practised; a place where confidence grows through intuitive design and where anyone can express love through cooking without hesitation or expertise. Chunky and Bhavana’s relationship, shaped over decades, brings a lived-in honesty to the campaign, making it feel less like advertising and more like an intimate glimpse into real partnership, supported by appliances designed to blend into life rather than compete with it.

Rolling out across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, the campaign reinforces Carysil’s core belief; that easy, tech-enabled kitchens are made for everyone. When design removes friction, what remains is intention, expressed through consistency, comfort, and spaces that quietly support the people who use them long after Valentine’s Day has passed.

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.

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.

Why reading that doesn’t improve your CV matters

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.