Archives February 2026

Mumbai, Feb 9: Nisus Finance Services Co Ltd. (Nisus Finance), a leading player in urban infrastructure and real estate finance, today announced the successful and timely exit from its investment in Skytech Estates Private Limited. The exit, completed on February 3, 2026, well ahead of the originally planned timeline of June 2026, yielded an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of approximately 16.5% and a Multiple on Invested Capital (MOIC) of 1.5x over a holding period of approximately three years.

The investment was made in 2023 through the Real Estate Special Opportunities (RESO) Fund in Senior Secured Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures of Skytech Estates Pvt Ltd. The issuer is developing Skytech Mall in Rohtak and Skytech Colours Avenue, a residential project in Greater Noida. The successful exit demonstrates Nisus Finance’s ability to identify and support high-quality real estate opportunities beyond India’s major cities, reinforcing its commitment to enabling urban development in emerging markets.

The investment stands fully discharged, with all outstanding dues settled and security interests released, reflecting Nisus Finance’s strong asset management discipline, strategic stakeholder engagement, and execution excellence.

Commenting on the exit, Avadhoot Sarwate, Chief Investment Officer, Nisus Finance Services Co Ltd, said:

“The successful exit from Skytech Estates highlights Nisus’ disciplined asset management, strong execution capabilities in complex real estate investments, and proven ability to actively manage and turn around stressed assets. This transaction reinforces our RESO fund’s focus on well-located projects with strong fundamentals while bringing hands-on structuring, monitoring, and resolution expertise to protect and enhance investor value. Achieving a full and final settlement ahead of schedule underscores our ability to actively manage risk, engage stakeholders effectively, and deliver targeted, risk-adjusted returns for our investors.”

The Nisus team successfully navigated cash flow challenges, protecting investors’ capital while delivering strong risk-adjusted returns through proactive asset management, disciplined enforcement, and strategic stakeholder engagement. This early resolution highlights Nisus Finance’s expertise in managing and restructuring distressed commercial real estate assets.

Marathi ZEE5 Brings Renuka Shahane and Abhinay Berde Starrer ‘Uttar’ Home on 13^th February: A Tender Drama About a Mother–Son Relationship Tested by Time

Feb 09: In a world constantly rushing forward, Uttar pauses to ask a question we all quietly avoid—what happens to the things we keep for later? Love left unspoken. Truths postponed. Forgiveness assumed to have time. After touching hearts in theatres with its quiet emotional honesty, Uttar is now set to reach audiences across the country with its World Digital Premiere on Marathi ZEE5 on 13th February.

A deeply moving and intimate human drama, Uttar explores the emotional cost of postponement—of love, connection, forgiveness, and selfhood. Rooted in everyday reality yet universal in its resonance, the film captures those fragile moments when time slips through our fingers and life demands answers we are not prepared to give. Told with sensitivity, restraint, and raw emotional clarity, Uttar lingers long after the final frame, inviting reflection on the moments we defer and the bonds we assume will wait.

At the heart of the film lies a tender, complex mother–son relationship shaped by affection, ambition, and growing silences. Uma, a mother whose warmth quietly holds her family together, and Ninad, a young man moving forward in life while drifting almost unknowingly away from home, find themselves navigating emotional distance without confrontation or blame. Set against the rhythm of contemporary life and generational change, Uttar reflects how relationships often fracture not through conflict, but through waiting—for the right moment, the right words, the right time.

Written and directed by Kshitij Patwardhan, and produced by Zee Studios and Jackpot Entertainment, Uttar stars Renuka Shahane and Abhinay Berde in deeply affecting performances, with Hruta Durgule and Nirmiti Sawant adding further emotional depth. As circumstances bring the mother and son to a crossroads, the film unfolds into a soul-stirring exploration of love, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to finally show up—for one another and for oneself.

Sharing her thoughts on the film, Renuka Shahane said,

“Uma is a character shaped by patience, love and an unspoken hope that things will eventually find their way. Portraying her was deeply moving because her silences speak as loudly as her words. I’m grateful that Uttar is now reaching a wider audience, where its emotions can be felt just as intimately”.

Abhinay Berde added,

“Ninad represents a generation constantly moving forward, often without pausing to examine what we leave behind. Playing him helped me reflect on ambition, emotional distance and the quiet pull of home. I’m glad that Uttar will now connect with audiences on ZEE5”.

Director Kshitij Patwardhan shared,

“Uttar was always meant to feel like life—gentle, unresolved, and deeply human. It’s about moments we postpone, believing there will always be time. The film’s digital premiere allows viewers to engage with its emotional core at their own pace, and I hope it resonates in ways that feel personal and lasting.”

Uttar will stream exclusively on ZEE5 from 13th February 2026

Guwahati; Feb 9: Mega Entertainment, the region’s largest fashion and pageant event organizer, announced on Monday that the Grand Finale of the 15th edition of Gatsby Mega Mister North East 2026 will be held on February 12 at the ITA Cultural Complex in Guwahati.

Addressing the media, Abhijeet Singha, Founder and Pageant Director of Mega Entertainment, shared details of the pageant’s progress following the successful completion of auditions conducted across eight Northeastern states, both on-ground and online. 46 candidates have been selected across the weight northeastern states to compete in the Grand Finale for the three winners’ trophies.

He said, “As Gatsby Mega Mister North East enters its 15th year, the journey has been one of steady growth, discipline, and purpose. Over the years, the platform has evolved from a regional pageant into a nationally and internationally recognised gateway for male talent from the Northeast. The response across all eight states this season reflects the maturity of the platform, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of our most competitive editions yet, with a strong focus on grooming, character, and global readiness.”

The press conference was also attended by Okram Nikhil Singh and Nawang Dondup, winners of Mega Mister North East 2025. Nikhil will represent India at the upcoming Mister International pageant, while Nawang will represent India at Mister Eco International pageant. Interacting with the media, they spoke about their journey as Mega Mister North East, and also highlighted the organisation’s role in grooming contestants and preparing them for the international fashion and pageant industry.

Mega Mister North East 2026 is supported by Title Sponsor Gatsby, Furniture Partner Nilkamal, Beverage Partner Coca Cola and Fashion Partner Trends.

Reiterating the pageant’s long-standing vision of “Taking India to the World Stage,” Abhijeet Singha highlighted the international success of previous titleholders. Past winners from the platform who have represented India globally include Lukanand Kshetrimayum, winner of Mega Mister North East 2019 from Manipur, who was crowned the winner at Mister International 2022 in the Philippines; Adong Jamatia, winner of Mega Mister North East 2023 from Tripura, who represented India at Mister International 2024 in the Philippines.

The pageant is produced by Mega Entertainment and marketed by Mega Activation. With the Grand Finale date now announced, the shortlisted finalists will undergo an intensive phase of grooming and mentorship leading up to the final event in Guwahati.

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