Archives 2026

Mumbai, Feb 14: Marking a historic milestone, Sony Pictures Networks India takes Indian Idol beyond India, with its maiden international edition set on Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Adding to the extravaganza and elevating the ‘Yaadon Ki Playlist’ experience, renowned Indian playback singer and composer Madhubanti Bagchi will grace the episode as a guest. Known for her versatility, Madhubanti Bagchi is the voice behind some of India’s most favourite songs like Aaj Ki Raat from Stree 2, Peelings from Pushpa 2: The Rule, Shararat  from Dhurandhar, as well as Bengali favourites like Sesher Isharay, Bhalo Lege Jaay, among many more.

Indian Idol has long served as a strong platform for discovering remarkable voices and shaping careers that resonate with audiences across the country. The special episode from Yas Island enhances the scale and energy, bringing in a fresh dimension to the show. As one of the world’s leading entertainment and leisure destinations, Yas Island is home to award-winning theme parks, world-class attractions, and global live events, making it a natural and compelling fit for a show that celebrates ambition, spectacle, and star-making moments.

Vishal Dadlani adds, “Moments like these are defining for young emerging artists as they inspire confidence, sharpen ambition, and truly spotlight the scale at which Indian Idol operates. Given how widely Indian music today is being consumed, shared, and celebrated across the world, this special episode at Yas Island further exposes contestants to a larger stage, preparing them for the global music industry.”

Badshah adds, “This special episode brings a whole new level of excitement for everyone. Indian music and talent are celebrated and followed across the globe and shooting the episodes in Yas Island will further boost the contestants’ confidence to new heights. Performing on a global stage will surely push them to raise their game.”

Aditya Narayan adds, “Indian Idol has continued to set new benchmarks in identifying and nurturing talent. The show has always celebrated dreams, and this international episode reflects how the show continues to grow in scale and ambition.”

Catch Indian Idol’s Yas Island special episode exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV on February 21 and 22, 2026 at 8:00 pm

Mumbai, Feb 14: Leading Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufacturer, Tilaknagar Industries Limited (TI) (BSE: 507205 | NSE: TI), today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3 FY26), reporting strong volume growth, revenue momentum and sustained profitability.

During Q3 FY26, TI’s total volumes grew by 76.1 per cent year-on-year to 53.1 lakh cases. This included Imperial Blue volumes of 17.9 lakh cases for December 2025 and Ex-IB volumes of 35.2 lakh cases, reflecting a steady 16.8 per cent year-on-year growth.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2025 (9M FY26), total volumes increased by 40.5 per cent year-on-year to 119.3 lakh cases. Ex-Imperial Blue volumes stood at 101.4 lakh cases, registering a healthy 19.5 per cent year-on-year growth, highlighting strong underlying demand and continued market share gains.

Net revenue for Q3 FY26 stood at ₹664 crore, marking a robust 95.0 per cent year-on-year growth. Revenue adjusted for subsidy grew by 89.2 per cent year-on-year. Ex-IB net sales realization (NSR) improved from ₹1,161 per case in Q3 FY25 to ₹1,209 per case in Q3 FY26, reflecting a favourable product mix and impact of continued premiumisation.

On the profitability front, EBITDA (adjusted for subsidy income) for Q3 FY26 stood at ₹90 crore, registering a 49.6 per cent year-on-year growth. EBITDA margin for the quarter was 14.0 per cent. The Advertising & Promotional reinvestment rate (as a percentage of subsidy-adjusted net revenue) increased from 1.1 per cent in Q3 FY25 to 1.2 per cent in Q3 FY26, reflecting continued investments behind brands.

For 9M FY26, EBITDA (adjusted for subsidy income) stood at ₹206 crore, up 28.5 per cent year-on-year. EBITDA margin for the nine-month period was 14.6 per cent. The A&P reinvestment rate strengthened to 1.5 per cent compared to 0.7 per cent in the corresponding period last year, underscoring TI’s focus on building long-term brand equity.

Mr. Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director, Tilaknagar Industries said, “As we progress with the integration of Imperial Blue into our portfolio, we have established dedicated work-streams across operations, distribution, systems and human capital to ensure a smooth transition and synergy realization, strengthening our pan-India presence. With improving realizations, disciplined cost management and focused brand investments, we remain confident of driving sustainable profitable growth in the years ahead”.

A clearly defined strategic roadmap built around category leadership, premiumisation, margin expansion and accelerated deleveraging would help TI remain focused on disciplined execution and sustainable value creation for all stakeholders, Mr Dahanukar added.

Bengaluru, Feb 14:  In a moving story of resilience, compassion, and medical expertise, doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, have successfully restored vision to a 30-year-old factory worker who lost sight in his right eye following a severe workplace accident involving molten aluminium. While working in a factory, the patient sustained a devastating thermal injury when molten metal splashed into his right eye, placing the eye at risk of complete damage. The initial emergency treatment and reconstructive surgery were performed at other hospitals, including amniotic membrane grafting to prevent the eye from melting due to the intensity of the injury. Although the eye was saved, as is common in severe thermal and chemical injuries, he was left with a dense corneal scar and negligible vision.

As the sole breadwinner of his family, the loss of vision had a profound impact on his ability to work and live independently. Following significant hardship and with limited options, he approached Apollo Hospitals seeking hope for sight restoration. After detailed evaluation, the ophthalmology team determined that a corneal transplant offered the best chance for visual recovery. Recognising both the medical need and the patient’s circumstances, the hospital decided to take up his care as a community service.

The corneal transplant surgery was successfully performed, and the patient is now recovering well. The corneal graft is healthy, adapting well to the eye, and the patient has already begun regaining useful vision, bringing him closer to returning to work and reclaiming his independence.

“Restoring vision in eyes affected by severe thermal injuries requires meticulous planning and precise surgical execution,” said Dr. Dr Sharon D’Souza, Consultant Ophthalmologist Cornea, Cataract and Refractive surgeon Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. “These injuries leave behind complex scarring. Seeing the graft settle well and the patient slowly regain vision is extremely rewarding for the entire team.”

Reflecting on the emotional journey, the patient shared, “After the accident, I thought my life was over. I couldn’t work properly and felt like a burden on my family. When the doctors told me there was a chance to see again, it felt like hope had returned. Today, I can see again, and I can dream of going back to work.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO, Apollo Hospitals Karnataka Region, added, “At Apollo, we believe healthcare must heal lives, not just organs. This young man’s journey from injury to vision restoration highlights what is possible when clinical excellence is backed by empathy and purpose. Giving someone the ability to see again is also giving them a future.”

Doctors emphasized that severe eye injuries often result in long-term vision loss due to corneal scarring. However, with advances in corneal transplantation and timely intervention, vision restoration is possible even years after injury. Early eye protection in industrial settings and prompt specialized care remain critical to preventing such life-altering injuries.

As he continues to recover, the patient is preparing to return to work – this time with vision, confidence, and renewed independence.

Chennai, India Feb 14: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of its 40th dedicated smartphone service centre in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in its continued investment in the state and further strengthening one of the country’s largest service networks for mobile devices.

Strategically located in Edappally, Ernakulam, near the high-footfall Lulu Mall corridor, the new premium facility underscores Samsung’s focus on delivering fast, transparent and high-quality after-sales support for Galaxy smartphone users. The launch of the 40th service centre takes the total number of Samsung service points for smartphones in Kerala to 50, which includes 10 dedicated service sections in Samsung Experience Stores across the state.

With over 3,000 authorised service points nationwide, Samsung operates one of India’s most extensive service networks in the consumer electronics segment — ensuring its connected device and appliance ecosystem is consistently backed by dependable and accessible support infrastructure across both urban and emerging markets.

A Premium Service Experience for a Digital-First Generation

Designed as a next-generation smartphone service hub, the premium Edappally centre moves beyond conventional layouts to offer a modern, lounge-style environment tailored for today’s connected consumers — particularly Gen Z and young professionals who expect speed, convenience and seamless digital integration.

Customers are welcomed into plush seating areas equipped with built-in wireless charging stations, while large-format digital displays showcase the latest Galaxy ecosystem innovations. Dedicated interaction kiosks provide personalised product assistance and hands-on exploration of new smartphone launches, transforming what was once a routine repair visit into a more engaging brand experience. Integrated online appointment booking further enhances efficiency, enabling customers to schedule visits in advance and significantly reduce waiting times.

Powered by Advanced Diagnostics, Built for Speed

The facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic systems that enable precise issue detection and faster turnaround times for smartphones. Omni-channel integration connects service records, warranty details and customer history across platforms, ensuring transparency and continuity at every touchpoint.

Designed to manage a high daily volume of walk-ins and scheduled appointments, the centre balances operational scale with personalised attention — a critical differentiator in a premium, tech-savvy market such as Kerala. 

Strengthening Trust Through Long-Term Investment

The launch of the 40th smartphone service centre reflects Samsung’s continued investment in infrastructure, technician training and digital integration in Kerala — reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the region.

Speaking on the milestone, Sunil Cutinha, VP, Customer Satisfaction, Samsung India, said: “Kerala remains one of our most engaged and quality-conscious markets. The opening of our 40th smartphone service centre in the state reflects the deep trust customers place in Samsung and our commitment to delivering service excellence at scale. As smartphones become more intelligent and interconnected within the Galaxy ecosystem, service must evolve alongside technology. By investing in advanced diagnostics, digital systems and premium infrastructure, we are ensuring faster resolutions, greater transparency and a superior experience for every Samsung customer.”

With this milestone, Samsung further strengthens its presence in Kerala — reaffirming that its premium smartphone innovation is supported by industry-leading service capability and a future-ready network built for long-term growth.

Samsung Newsroom India: Samsung Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Kerala with 40th Smartphone Service Centre – Samsung Newsroom India

New Delhi, Feb 14: Shri Satish Chandra, IAS (Retd.), RERA Chairman, J&K on Friday disclosed that National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) is most likely undertake housing and real estate projects in the UT of J&K.

Addressing a Panel Discussion on RERA Reforms in Housing Sector under the aegis of National Urban and Real Estate Development Conclave-2026 here Mr. Chandra added that RERA of J&K is in talks with its multiple agencies to effectively undertake approvals for a few real estate projects both in Jammu and Sri Nagar region for which parcels of land are being identified.

He, however, added that the NBCC is planning to effectively take part in constructing such housing projects after the details are worked out without disclosing much of details on this front.

Mr. Chandra has also added that RERA has been allotted office space both in Sri Nagar and Jammu to approve real estate projects in the two regions which currently number in five and lot of enthusiasm is being seen to construct such projects under the eyes of RERA regulations.

Chandigarh, Feb 13:  Savita Oil Technologies Limited (SOTL), one of India’s leading lubricant manufacturers, today signed a strategic multi year partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Farm Equipment Business (Mahindra Tractors), further strengthening a long-standing relationship between the two organisations built on shared values, technological expertise, and service reliability. This development marks a new phase in an association spanning over 25 years between SOTL and the Mahindra Group, reinforcing a shared commitment to reliable product quality, enhanced customer confidence, and long-term value creation for India’s farming and rural mobility ecosystem. With this association, SOTL will be supplier to all major business divisions of Mahindra & Mahindra across product categories.

As part of this expanded collaboration, Savita Oil Technologies Limited (SOTL) will supply Mahindra Tractor Genuine Engine Oils under the MStar brand across Mahindra’s franchise workshop and spare parts distributor network in assigned geographies. The partnership is designed to deliver consistent performance, dependable service, and engine protection for Mahindra tractors operating in diverse and demanding agricultural conditions.

The agreement was formally signed on February 12, 2026, by Mr. Gautam N. Mehra, Chairman & Managing Director, Savita Oil Technologies Limited, and Mr. R. Veeraraghavan, Senior Vice President – SSU, Mahindra & Mahindra – Farm Tractor Division, denoting a significant milestone amid the evolving partnership between the two organisations.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Gautam N. Mehra, Chairman & Managing Director, Savita Oil Technologies Limited, said, “Our long standing association with Mahindra & Mahindra has been built on trust, performance, and common commitment to customer value. This key partnership marks an important step forward as we deepen our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable lubrication solutions for Mahindra tractors. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration and creating sustained value for customers across India’s agricultural landscape.”

Through this partnership, SOTL will leverage its cutting-edge operational expertise and robust manufacturing capabilities to support Mahindra Tractors with high-performance, genuine lubricants designed for modern tractor engines. The collaboration is intended to ensure enhanced engine protection, improved operating efficiency, and steady performance for end customers across the agricultural sector.

This partnership shows both organisations’ continued focus on innovation, operational excellence, and the delivery of dependable solutions that support India’s evolving mobility and agriculture needs.

Bengaluru, Feb 13th: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru is set to transport visitors into the fascinating world of wildlife with Enter the Wild, a pet-friendly, immersive experiential event curated in association with Animal Planet. Scheduled to take place on 21st and 22nd February 2026, the activation promises a unique blend of fun, learning, and interactive discovery for families, children, and pet lovers alike.

Designed to spark curiosity and awareness, Enter the Wild invites visitors to explore how animals survive and adapt in their natural habitats. Drawing inspiration from Animal Planet’s core DNA of survival, predators, and coexistence, the experience is educational yet light-hearted, encouraging hands-on participation and social sharing.

An Immersive Wildlife Experience

The mall will be transformed with a wildlife-themed backdrop inspired by Animal Planet, featuring lush, high-impact visuals representing diverse ecosystems such as jungles, deserts, icy terrains, and rivers. Rich colours, immersive settings, and vertical standees combined with interactive activity zones will create an engaging environment that encourages longer dwell time and memorable moments.

Key Engagement Highlights

Visitors can participate in a range of thoughtfully designed activities that blend play with learning, including:

• Animal & Survival Factoids: Bite-sized, engaging insights into animal behaviour and survival tactics
• Camel Survival Station: Build a water well using clay to understand desert survival
• Jump Like a Kangaroo: A sack-race challenge inspired by powerful kangaroo jumps
• Penguin Waddle Challenge: A fun waddle-and-roll movement game
• Elephant Memory Power: An animal-themed memory matching game
• Hippo Feeding Game: Feed the hippo using playful watermelon props

Photo & Social Zones

Adding to the excitement are dedicated photo and video experiences, including a 360-degree camera video zone and a special “Date With Your Pet” photo booth, where families and children can pose with their pets against themed backdrops—making it a truly pet-inclusive celebration.

With Enter the Wild, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues its commitment to creating immersive, family-friendly experiences that blend entertainment, education, and community engagement, making the mall a destination beyond shopping.

Event Details:
When: 21st & 22nd February, 2026
Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Hyderabad, Feb 13: Today, Mars, Incorporated announced the appointment of Manish Syag as Managing Director of its Pet Nutrition division in India. Manish will lead the business, home to some of the country’s most trusted and pioneering pet food brands, including PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, among others.

Manish brings over two decades of FMCG leadership experience, having held senior sales leadership roles at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and GSK Consumer Healthcare. Manish joined Mars in 2024 as Chief Sales Officer and has played a key role in shaping the next phase of Mars India’s pet nutrition growth story. An alumnus of IIM Lucknow, Manish is widely regarded as a strong people leader with a proven ability to scale businesses while building high-performing teams. In his new role, Manish will drive a focused India Growth Agenda, build world-class operational capabilities, and strengthen the company’s leadership in the pet food industry one of the fastest emerging FMCG categories in the country.

Speaking on his appointment, Manish Syag said, “India is at a defining moment for the pet food market, which is expected to grow into a USD 2 billion category in a decade, evolving much as mainstream FMCG did in its early growth years, driven by access, awareness, and trust. I am excited to take on this role and lead the next phase of growth for our business in India, serving pets and pet parents across the country with trusted, high-quality packaged pet food by further strengthening our portfolio of deeply loved brands and expanding our market presence. At the heart of this journey will be our Mars Five Principles, and our Purpose: “A Better World For Pets.”

Manish succeeds Salil Murthy, who has been elevated to the role of Global Vice President, Enterprise Transformation, Mars Pet Nutrition. In this global leadership role, Salil will focus on advancing Mars Pet Nutrition’s long-term transformation agenda, strengthening leadership and organisational capability, and driving growth through building a simpler, faster and more future-ready operating model. Salil will be based in London, the site of Mars Pet Nutrition’s global headquarters.

Talking about his new role, Salil Murthy said, “I am excited to take on this new global role and help shape the future of Mars Pet Nutrition. This role offers an opportunity to focus on driving accelerated growth for the global Pet Nutrition business through unleashing the power of our associates across the world, strengthening our strategic resource allocation process and our digital and AI capabilities, and accelerating transformation to win with pet parents and our customers in every market. Leading the India Pet Nutrition business has been deeply fulfilling, and I’m incredibly proud of the growth we have driven and the high-performing team we have built over the last few years. I have every confidence in Manish’s leadership to take the business forward in its next phase of growth.”

Francisco Fernandez, Regional President, Mars Pet Nutrition – Rapid Growth Markets, said, “India is one of the most important growth markets for Mars Pet Nutrition. Salil’s elevation reflects the strong, purpose-led business he and the team have built in India and the depth of leadership talent emerging from this market. Manish’s appointment demonstrates our confidence in his expertise, leadership capability, and deep understanding of pet parents and customers in India. Together, these appointments reinforce our commitment to developing leaders from within and further strengthening India’s role in our global strategy and future growth of the business.”

Mars Pet Nutrition has been present in India since 2002, following the launch of PEDIGREE. In 2007, Mars established the country’s first pet food manufacturing facility, marking a key milestone in the development of the organized pet food category in India. Today, Mars Pet Nutrition serves millions of pets and pet parents across the country through its portfolio of trusted, high-quality products for both dogs and cats.

Bangalore, Feb 13: Indication Instruments Ltd. (IIL) has announced a strengthened strategic alliance with Vayavya Labs Pvt. Ltd., reinforcing its long-term commitment to next-generation automotive technologies. The move deepens a relationship that has evolved over several years and reflects a shared focus on building capabilities aligned with the automotive industry’s transition toward software-defined and safety-critical systems.

The association between the two companies began with early-stage angel investments by the promoters of Indication Instruments Ltd. in Vayavya Labs. Over time, the collaboration has matured into a more consolidated strategic engagement, following Vayavya Labs’ recent secondary restructuring.

The expanded collaboration brings together Vayavya Labs’ expertise in automotive software, ADAS platforms, functional safety, cybersecurity, and virtualised ECU development with Indication Instruments Ltd.’s trusted portfolio of instrument clusters and sensors. This evolving partnership is expected to support deeper collaboration across solution development and customer engagement, including closer engagement with OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in India and global markets.

Commenting on the development, R. K. Patil, CEO of Vayavya Labs, said, “This deeper alignment enables us to invest with greater confidence in core engineering capabilities and next-generation automotive platforms. It also allows us to engage more meaningfully with OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers as the industry moves toward increasingly software-led architectures.”

Vishal Lalani, Managing Director of Indication Instruments Ltd., said, “This alliance reflects our conviction in the direction the automotive industry is heading and the importance of building strength in safety-critical, software-driven systems. Vayavya brings strong technical depth in areas that are becoming central to the future of mobility. For Indication Instruments, this collaboration supports our long-term strategy to build capabilities across ADAS, functional safety, cybersecurity, and virtualised ECU development.”

Company: Altimetrik

ByArun Kumar, Product & Industry Head – CPG, Retail, Manufacturing & Fintech, Altimetrik

“Enterprise innovation is defined by the ability to engineer ideas into repeatable business outcomes at scale. AI has become a core enterprise capability shaping architecture decisions, operating models, and competitive advantage. This reality places engineering discipline, applied AI, and execution accountability at the center of modern innovation agendas.

India’s innovation landscape reflects this maturity. Enterprises are advancing beyond fragmented initiatives toward outcome-aligned platforms built on deep domain expertise, data-driven design, and product-led engineering. Innovation functions as a system governed by speed, precision, and measurable impact across the value chain.

Sustained innovation demands workforce readiness, responsible AI, and engineering excellence working as a unified model. Organizations that institutionalize this approach will define the next phase of enterprise value creation in an AI-driven economy.”

Company: Agora

By Ranga Jagannath, Senior Director, Growth, Agora

“Innovation often begins with a simple shift in how people connect and communicate. Today, real-time digital interaction is becoming core infrastructure for modern services and user experiences rather than an added feature. Its importance is evident as users now expect instant, intelligent, and interactive engagement across education, healthcare, finance, retail, and public services. Experiences are increasingly judged by responsiveness, personalization, and the ability to support live human and AI driven conversations at scale. In India, strong digital adoption, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and government-led programs such as Digital India and the IndiaAI Mission are accelerating innovation at a population scale.

At the same time, enterprises face challenges around latency, reliability, reach, language diversity, data responsibility, and seamless AI integration across platforms. Meeting these demands requires resilient real-time infrastructure and developer-ready platforms that can be deployed quickly and scaled securely. Agora enables this through enterprise-grade real-time voice, video, messaging, and conversational AI capabilities, helping organizations create immersive, human-centric digital experiences.”