Archives February 2026

Mumbai, Feb 13: The wait for Hyderabad’s most iconic seasonal delicacy is over. Paradise has announced the return of its much-loved ‘Jashn-e-Haleem’ Festival, launching ahead of Ramzan this year in response to overwhelming customer demand. The festival is now live across all Paradise outlets for dine-in, takeaway, and online ordering on Swiggy and Zomato.

For decades, Paradise Haleem has been more than a dish — it has been a ritual that signals the start of the festive season in the city. Crafted using 29 carefully selected ingredients, premium ghee, and slow-cooked mutton, the Haleem continues to be prepared using time-honoured methods that deliver the unmistakable depth, richness, and consistency that customers associate with the brand.

Behind every serving lies a rigorous, end-to-end quality process. From sourcing and preparation to final service, each batch undergoes stringent checks to ensure that every bowl meets Paradise’s benchmark for taste, hygiene, and authenticity.

Along with Mutton Haleem, Paradise also serves Chicken Haleem, offering guests another way to enjoy the same iconic Paradise flavour.

Mr. Abhik Mitra, MD & CEO, Paradise Food Court Pvt. Ltd., said “At Paradise, Jashn-e-Haleem is not just a seasonal launch — it is an emotion that brings people together year after year. Every bowl represents our commitment to authenticity, consistency, and the culinary legacy we have built over decades. The response from our customers continues to be phenomenal, and we are excited to bring the festival earlier this year so they can celebrate longer with the flavours they love.”

Mr. Robinder Singh, COO, Paradise, added “People of Hyderabad look forward to Paradise Haleem Festival as they bond over food and spend quality time together. Hence, we brought in the fest ahead of Ramzan on popular demand. It gives them ample occasions for get-togethers with their most favourite food that come with quality, taste, and Paradise legacy on the table.”

Mr. Swatantra Gautam, Vice President – Culinary, Paradise, said “Our Haleem is the result of meticulous preparation, premium ingredients, and culinary precision. Maintaining the same signature taste across batches and outlets is a responsibility we take very seriously, and that consistency is what keeps customers coming back every year.”

The food chain has acquired its place in the Limca Book of Records for ‘Most Biryanis Served In A Year’. In 2017, Paradise catered over 70 lakh servings of biryani, and in 2018, the numbers crossed over 90 lakh. Paradise won Biryani Restaurant of the yest in 2025 & 2026, at Restaurant Awards, People Choice Brand of the year 2025 at Hybiz-Telangana, Restaurant of the year 2025 at hospitality excellence awards, Restaurant serving the best Hyderabadi Biryani-South India and Best Restaurant chain of the year at Food Connoisseurs Convention 2026.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Feb 13: The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has confirmed eight of the 16 competitive game titles for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based esports competition, set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2-29, 2026.

The ENC introduces national team representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format, enabling players to compete under their national flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.

The confirmed titles are: Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, EA SPORTS FC, Fatal Fury, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Trackmania. These titles reflect a diverse competitive esports ecosystem, spanning historic strategy, tactical shooters, fighting games, mobile titles, world-class sports simulations, and precision racing format.

Across just these titles alone, thousands of players across the world enter qualification pathways for the ENC 2026 main event over the coming months, competing for the opportunity to represent their nation on the global esports stage. These eight titles represent the Esports World Cup Foundation’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem that fuels national fandom, inspires a new generation of heroes, and accelerates the long-term future of the industry:

• Featuring 128 players, the Chess tournament at ENC 2026 (November 2-8) stands as one of the largest international Chess tournaments ever, and will give an unprecedented number of nations the chance to reach new levels as the game continues to evolve as an esport.
• Showcasing elite skill and competition, Counter-Strike 2 at ENC 2026 (November 10-15) will be bolstered by a historic open qualification program featuring more than 15,000 players across 3,000 teams; the largest ever in the game’s two-decade long history.
•  A cornerstone of global esports, Dota 2 at ENC 2026 (November 2-8) will bring elite team competition shaped by international LAN play, with 32 national teams qualifying through rankings, regional qualifiers, and wildcard entries to compete in the main event.
• One of the world’s marquee sports sims, EA SPORTS FC at ENC 2026 (November 17-22) will feature 128 players competing for their nations in Riyadh. Qualification combines open in-game pathways, regional qualifiers, and direct invites via the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Rankings, ensuring global representation.
• An elite fighting game from an iconic franchise, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves at ENC 2026 (November 12-15) will feature 32 players, each representing their nation, competing in a new format designed to support emerging talent and expand national representation within the competitive fighting game community.
• A global pillar of both the mobile and MOBA ecosystems, Honor of Kings at ENC 2026 (November 24-29) will feature 24 elite national teams selected through a combination of the ENC National Team Ranking and rigorous regional qualifiers, culminating in a single-elimination playoff bracket to crown the world champion.
• One of the world’s most widely played esports titles, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at ENC 2026 (November 23-29) will feature 32 national teams competing for a Gold medal in Riyadh through a round-robin group stage and a single-elimination playoff during the closing week of the event.
• Concluding the first wave of announced game titles, Trackmania at ENC 2026 (November 19-22) will introduce high-speed precision and global accessibility to the event, with 32 national representatives competing in in the sport’s signature 1v1v1v1 Cup Mode.

Eight additional game titles will be confirmed in the coming weeks, completing the 16-game competition programme for the inaugural edition.

Additional information about the Esports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, visit esportsnationscup.com and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

Panaji, Feb 13: As part of its continued efforts to build a robust and supportive startup ecosystem in the state, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, through the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), officially launched the Goa Startup Accelerator (GSA) Programme. The initiative aims to support startups in their entrepreneurial journey by providing structured mentorship, market access, investment opportunities and growth support.

The launch brought together startups, ecosystem enablers, industry leaders and government officials for a collaborative and forward-looking engagement.

The event was graced by Shri. Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery, along with Shri. Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; and Shri. D.S. Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell, DITE&C.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri. Rohan Khaunte said, “Today, Goa is not just known for its quality of life, but for its forward-looking policies and a growing startup ecosystem of 734 DPIIT-registered startups, nearly half of which are women-led. Through the Goa Startup Policy 2025 and its 12 comprehensive schemes, along with initiatives like the Goa Accelerator Program and the Goa Open Innovation Challenge, we are creating an environment where startups have access to capital, mentorship, skills, infrastructure and real market opportunities. The Government is committed to providing every possible resource and support and we encourage our entrepreneurs to leverage these platforms.”

The event commenced with an orientation for the startups registered under the Goa Startup Accelerator Programme. Participants were briefed on the structure and roadmap of the accelerator. The startups also pitched their ideas to experts and interacted with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.

The Goa Startup Accelerator Programme is a structured five-month initiative designed to provide startups with direction, mentorship and growth support. The programme will run from February to June 2026, culminating in a Demo Day where participating startups will showcase their progress and innovations.

On the occasion, the winners of the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 were felicitated. The startup category winners included, the SOLO Network, Cidroy Technologies LLP and So-AIR. Student category winners included, Shri Suraj Vishwakarma and team from Padre Conceição College of Engineering, Verna; and Shri Dattaprasad Narendra Prabhu and team from Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda. The Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 Report was also released at the hands of the minister.

Winners of the MedTech Hackathon, organised by National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH & Integrative Medicine (NAPCAIM) in collaboration with DITE&C, were also awarded. The winning teams included, Team Biomade, Team My Pallo Friend and Team Kindred Tech.

The programme additionally recognised government and ecosystem enablers for their contributions to Goa’s growing innovation landscape. Those felicitated included Shri. Praveen Volvotkar, MD, InfoTech Corporation Ltd; Smt. Revati Kumar, CEO, Goa Electronics Limited; Shri. Mangirish Salelkar, President, Goa Technology Association; Shri. Milind Anvekar, Senior Vice President – India Operations, Open Destinations; Shri. Americo (Ricky) Noronha, Director, Online Productivity Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Shri. Vincent Toscano, Managing Partner, Uzoorba Technologies LLP; Shri. Prajyot Mainkar, Founder & CEO, SoFueled; Dr. Anil Wali, CEO, BITS BioCyTiH foundation and Shri. D. S. Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell.

By continuously introducing forward-looking policies, targeted schemes and collaborative platforms, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) is ensuring that startups are fully supported at every stage of growth. Through such initiatives, Goa is steadily strengthening its innovation-driven economy and building a future-ready entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Bengaluru, Feb 13: Stanley Lifestyles Ltd, incorporated in 2007, is a leading home-grown luxury and super- premium furniture brand in India, offering end-to-end solutions across design, manufacturing, and retail, ensuring full quality control and superior customer experience has announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter & nine months ended December 31^st, 2025.

Consolidated Key Financial Highlights: 

 For the third quarter ended December 31^st, 2025:

• Revenue from Operations Q3FY26 was ₹ 1,038 mn subdued by 5.4% YoY primarily impacted by near-term demand softness
• EBITDA margins have reduced by 680 bps YoY to 11.9% in Q3FY26 from 18.7% in Q3FY25.
• In Q3FY26, PAT showed a loss of ₹ 2 mn compared to profit of ₹ 89 mn in Q3FY25. This decline was mainly due to higher depreciation, finance costs and expenses arising from new stores, which are yet to reach optimal utilization and generate commensurate returns.

For the Nine Months ended December 31^st, 2025:

• Revenue from Operations in 9M FY26 was ₹ 3,179 mn registering a growth of 1.4 % YoY. The modest growth reflects evolving consumer preferences, with a noticeable shift toward value-oriented products.
• The company recorded a 6.2% growth in gross profit in 9MFY26 compared to the corresponding period last year, supported by an improved product mix and operational efficiencies.
• EBITDA margins decreased slightly by 10 bps to 18.8% in 9MFY26 from 18.9% in 9MFY25.
• The reported PAT for 9M FY26 stood at ₹ 136 mn, lower by 26.1% compared to ₹ 184 mn in 9M FY25. The reduction in profitability was primarily attributable to higher depreciation and finance costs associated with store expansion and ongoing investments in growth infrastructure

Commenting on the overall performance of the Company, Mr. Sunil Suresh, Managing Director, Stanley Lifestyles Ltd, said, “We are pleased to report resilient gross profit growth of 6.2% in 9M FY26, reflecting the underlying strength of our brand and operating model. While the bottom line has been impacted during the period, this is largely attributable to our strategic investments in strengthening the leadership team and expanding our retail footprint, which have resulted in higher near-term costs.

Encouragingly, we are witnessing improving handovers and maintain a healthy order pipeline, which gives us confidence in delivering stronger performance in the coming quarters.

We are also proud to share that both our manufacturing facilities have been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This is an important milestone that positions us well to benefit from evolving industry regulations. With the Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO) expected to be implemented by the end of this financial year, we believe our preparedness and compliance will create meaningful competitive advantages.

As global consumer preferences continue to shift towards premium, experiential luxury, our unwavering focus on craftsmanship, design excellence, and exclusivity reinforces our positioning for sustained relevance and long-term growth.

Going forward, we remain focused on deepening our COCO network and curating timeless collections that resonate with evolving luxury sensibilities, while building a foundation for scalable and profitable growth”

Feb 13th:  Prime Video debuted the official teaser trailer and premiere date for its groundbreaking new series, Spider-Noir, starring Nicolas Cage in his first leading television role, premiering worldwide on May 27, 2026. Produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video, the hotly anticipated series will debut domestically on MGM+’s linear broadcast channel on May 25, then globally on Prime Video on May 27 as a binge release, in more than 240 countries and territories. For a special and unique viewing experience, Spider-Noir will be available to stream two ways, in “Authentic Black & White” and “True-Hue Full Color” for audiences to choose their own adventure to watch.

Spider-Noir is a live-action series based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir. Spider-Noir tells the story of Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage), a seasoned, down on his luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life, following a deeply personal tragedy, as the city’s one and only superhero.

Full cast includes Academy Award®-winning actor Nicolas Cage (Adaptation, Pig), Emmy Award®-winning actor Lamorne Morris (Fargo, New Girl)), Li Jun Li (Sinners, Babylon), Karen Rodriguez (The Hunting Wives, Acapulco), Abraham Popoola (Atlas, Slow Horses), with SAG Award®-winning actor Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Day of The Fight), and Emmy Award®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin, Harry Potter). Guest star cast includes Lukas Haas, Cameron Britton, Cary Christopher, Michael Kostroff, Scott MacArthur, Joe Massingill, Whitney Rice, Amanda Schull, Andrew Caldwell, Amy Aquino, Andrew Robinson, and Kai Caster.

Spider-Noir is produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video. Emmy Award®-winning director Harry Bradbeer (Fleabag, Killing Eve) directed, and executive produced the first two episodes. Oren Uziel (The Lost City, 22 Jump Street) and Steve Lightfoot (Marvel’s The Punisher, Shantaram) serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Uziel and Lightfoot developed the series with the Academy Award®-winning team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal. Lord and Miller executive produce for their shingle Lord Miller along with Aditya Sood and Dan Shear. Amy Pascal also serves as an executive producer via Pascal Pictures. Cage and Pavlina Hatoupis also serve as executive producers.

New Delhi, Feb 13: This Valentine’s season, Andaz Delhi, by Hyatt, in collaboration with Doggie Bazaar, invites pet lovers to celebrate love in its purest form joyful, loyal, and tail-wagging. Pet Palooza: Valentine Edition, taking place on 15th February, is a pet-friendly celebration where humans and their furry companions come together for a day full of fun, cuddles, and unforgettable moments.

At Andaz Delhi, pet-friendliness is not a trend but an integral part of the hotel’s ethos since day one. The hotel has always welcomed pets as part of the family, thoughtfully accommodating them with pet beds,  fresh food, treats, and warm hospitality that ensures both pets and their humans feel completely at home.

Forget waiting for a text back or making dinner reservations this Valentine’s Day your best company might just be the one who greets you with a sloppy kiss and unconditional love. Whether you’re single, taken, or “it’s complicated,” Pet Palooza is a day to celebrate the soulmates who leave paw prints on our hearts.

Known for its inclusive and welcoming spirit, Andaz Delhi, by Hyatt consistently goes the extra mile to ensure pets are comfortably accommodated, offering dedicated pet amenities and personalised care, making it one of the city’s most loved pet-friendly luxury destinations.

“Pet Palooza reflects Andaz Delhi’s belief in creating experiences that are personal, meaningful, and rooted in joy. Being a pet-friendly hotel since its inception, Andaz Delhi embraces all forms of love. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating that love, and partnering with Doggie Bazaar allows us to extend the celebration to the most loyal companions in our lives, in a setting that’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of heart,” said Deepak Verma, Director of Sales & Marketing, Andaz Delhi, by Hyatt.

What Awaits Guests and Their Pets

• Smooch Your Pooch Photo Booth: Capture adorable moments as our puparazzi team clicks candid memories of you and your furry valentine
• Cupid Fashion Love Walk: Pets strut in their Valentine’s best under twinkling lights and love anthems, with prizes for the most charming duo
• Yappy Hour: Indulge in retail therapy with Doggie Bazaar’s curated collection of pet products at exclusive all-day discounts
• Sniff & Mingle: Meet fellow pet lovers and enjoy playful games and interactive activities
• Spoil Your Valentine: Complimentary fresh food, treats, desserts, grooming experiences, surprise gifts, and delightful surprises for pets
• Heart-to-Heart Love Confessions: A tender moment to express your love because pets understand it better than anyone else

Speaking about the collaboration, Arpit Kapur, Founder, Doggie Bazaar, said, “The love we’re all searching for is already with us – loyal, joyful, and waiting every day. Pet Palooza celebrates our ‘fur-ever’ Valentines with tail wags, good vibes, and the cutest bash of the year.”

Tickets and Entry

Tickets are available for humans only; pets enjoy free entry.

With wagging tails, joyful barks, and heartwarming cuddles, Pet Palooza: Valentine Edition is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the unconditional love that pets bring into our lives every single day.

Hyderabad, Feb 13:  Visionary Achievers Awards and Vysya Achievers Awards – VAA today formally announced that, with immediate effect, Team VAA has separated from Shri Raju Madipadige, who was previously associated as one of the founding directors of the organization. The complete ownership of Visionary Achievers Awards and  Vysya Achievers Awards — VAA including its name, logo, intellectual property, Visionary Achievers Alliance, and all associated rights, activities, and operational matters — now rests exclusively and solely with the following ten Directors mentioned below:

Naresh Meda, Dr. Neelima, Dr. Kalyani Guduguntla, Sivakumar Pabbiseti, Sunil Mathamsetty, Anand Vuppugandla, Santosh Chegu, Dr. Jagannath Jaina, Satish Yelgoe and Anup Kumar Yama

VAA in an official statement clarified that the above-mentioned ten Directors collectively constitute the entire governing body and ownership of VAA. The statement also mentioned that any unauthorized usage of Visionary Achievers Awards and Vysya Achievers Awards related logos is considered a serious offense and can lead to criminal penalties. There is no Chairman or any higher authority above this governing group. All decisions relating to the organization shall be taken collectively by this governing body.

Furthermore, Vysya Achievers Awards and Visionary Achievers Awards – (VAA) and the present governing body categorically state that they have no connection, responsibility, or association with any commitments, undertaken by Shri Raju Madipadige, whether in the past or in the future, in the name of VAA. This media statement was  issued in the interest of public clarity, stakeholder awareness, and organizational transparency.

Mumbai, Feb 13: Sharat Industries Limited (BSE: SHINDL) reported its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, with higher revenues compared to the corresponding period last year. Continued geographic diversification, expansion of value-added products and resilient export demand supported growth amid a challenging global trade environment. 

Sharat Reddy Sabbella, Whole-Time Director, said: “Our Q3 and nine-month performance underscores the resilience of our diversified business model. Despite global trade uncertainty during the quarter, continued expansion into new markets, deeper engagement with existing customers, and enhancements to our product portfolio helped sustain momentum. While volumes grew across the quarter and the nine-month period, the industry operated in a more challenging environment following the escalation of U.S. tariffs. Even so, demand across several non-U.S. markets has remained resilient, providing stability through recent headwinds. Looking ahead, evolving trade developments—including progress on India–EU and India–U.S. discussions could become meaningful tailwinds for the sector, subject to final terms and implementation, and we remain focused on diversification and value-added offerings to capture these opportunities.”

Operational Performance

During Q3FY26, the company continued to benefit from its strategy of market diversification and product innovation. Strong traction in non-US markets, particularly Russia and Asia, alongside steady demand from existing customers, helped offset volatility arising from tariffs, logistics disruptions and input cost pressures.

For the nine-month period, Sharat Industries recorded consistent volume growth across key export destinations, supported by deeper client engagements and an improved product mix, including higher realisations from value-added shrimp products.

Outlook and Strategic Focus

Sharat Industries Limited remains committed to sustaining this growth trajectory by focusing on:

·             Continued    expansion    of    exports    to                      alternative   markets         to    reduce depe dence on any single geography

·             Focus on operational efficiencies across farming, processing and supply chains

·             Ongoing investments in product innovation and quality enhancements

·             Progress on strategic partnerships and capacity optimisation initiatives

India’s seafood export industry could see an improved operating environment over the coming quarters, supported by a combination of regulatory clarity and policy measures. Recent government engagement on the European Union’s revised AMR framework has helped safeguard continued market access for animal-origin exports, reinforcing predictability for exporters serving high-value markets. Meanwhile, the Union Budget’s export-focused measures for the sector including higher duty-free import limits for specified processing inputs and steps to ease export formalities are expected to reduce friction in the supply chain for time and temperature sensitive shipments.

Looking ahead, ongoing trade discussions, strengthening demand across select non-

U.S. markets, product diversification into higher-value segments, and measures that support domestic consumption alongside recent GST rationalisation on certain fisheries and processed seafood categories could together provide incremental support to the sector’s growth trajectory.