KLA Signs MoU with Government of Tamil Nadu to Expand Regional Investment with Up To Dollar 400 Million for a New KLA R&D and Innovation Campus in Chennai

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.”

This Valentine’s, Carysil Celebrate Love with Chunky and Bhavana Pandey

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.

LOOKS Salon Launches Its Oshiwara Salon as Another Addition to Its Pan-India Expansion Journey

Feb 13: LOOKS Salon continues its steady expansion with the launch of a new outlet in Oshiwara, further strengthening the brand’s presence in Mumbai. The opening marks an important milestone for the brand, as 2026 becomes a landmark year with LOOKS Salon completing 250 salons across 55 cities in India.

Strategically located, the Oshiwara outlet reflects LOOKS Salon’s focus on Mumbai’s cosmopolitan, evolving luxury consumer. Rather than entering a new market, the launch reinforces the brand’s long-term commitment to the city, where it continues to build thoughtfully designed, experience-led spaces.

Spanning approximately 1,500 sq. ft., the Oshiwara salon features 8 styling stations, 2 dedicated barbering stations, and 4 wash stations. The space has been designed around a concept of modern, understated luxury, with warm tones, soft lighting, and a calm, wellness-led spatial flow that encourages relaxation and personalised care.

Standout elements at the salon include dedicated Kérastase ritual private zones, barbering areas, curated nail and grooming spaces, and integrated device-led skin treatment zones. The outlet also introduces advanced device-led skincare rituals, making it one of the few locations to offer these specialised services.

Elevating the overall LOOKS Salon experience, the Oshiwara outlet places strong emphasis on personalised consultations, senior expertise, advanced services, and a deeper wellness focus, offering guests a more refined and immersive journey.

The salon is staffed by senior stylists, expertly trained by LOOKS Salon along with L’Oréal, Dermalogica, ensuring high standards of service and professional expertise. The outlet partners with leading global professional brands including L’Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase, Redken, and Dermalogica.

To mark the launch, the Oshiwara salon will also offer curated opening privileges and introductory experiences for guests.

Speaking on the launch, Samir Srivastav, CEO, LOOKS Salon, said, “Oshiwara reflects how LOOKS Salon is evolving more experience-led, more personalised, and deeply focused on expertise. Mumbai continues to be a key market for us, and this new opening — our ninth in the city in the last three years represents our commitment to steadily building the LOOKS Salon legacy of excellence in Mumbai.”

Visionary Achievers Awards and Vysya Achievers Awards announce ownership change

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.

Indigrid Raises INR 40 Cr to Scale Electronics Manufacturing in India

Indigrid Technology Raises INR 40 Crore in Additional Funding to Close Extended Series A Round at INR 75 Crore and Scale Integrated Electronics Manufacturing in India 

GURUGRAM, Feb 12: Indigrid Technology Private Limited, India’s leading integrated electronics manufacturing company operating across EMS, ESDM, and ODM services, has raised INR 40 crore in additional funding to close its extended Series A round at INR 75 crore. The round was led by Cactus Partners, which played a key role in the company’s growth and subsequent capital raise from Valour Capital, with participation from ITI Growth Opportunities Fund, Vimson group, and Global South Capital.

The funding comes amid accelerating demand for localised electronics manufacturing in India, driven by global supply chain realignment and rising domestic demand across automotive, consumer, and industrial electronics. Indigrid plans to deploy the capital to scale capacity across its recently commissioned manufacturing facilities, deepen technology and process capabilities, and evaluate strategic acquisitions to expand its footprint across key electronics segments.

“We are excited to welcome Valour, Vimson group, ITI Growth, and Global South Capital on board. This investment endorses our vision and provides the strategic capital needed to accelerate our ambitious expansion plans in high-growth electronics verticals. Earlier investments from Cactus Partners provided us a strong base and knowledge for growing into a large business, and this new investment will further strengthen our footing in the domain,” said Rishab Puri and Sameer Narang, Co-Founders of Indigrid Technology.

Over the past few years, Indigrid has built an integrated manufacturing platform serving over 35 marquee customers, combining design, engineering, testing, and large-scale production under one umbrella. The company currently operates three advanced manufacturing facilities across Manesar and Goa and has steadily expanded its capabilities to support OEMs and global customers seeking reliable, compliant, and scalable manufacturing partners in India.

Commenting on the fundraise, Karan Goshar, Managing Partner of Valour Capital said,

“Indigrid Technology is building critical capabilities for India’s industrial resilience and their integrated model is a strong platform for the ‘China-plus-one’ shift” and Mohit Gulati, Managing General Partner ITI Growth Opportunities Fund said “Indigrid’s technology focus in high growth electronics sector gels well with our investment thesis” while Mragank Jain, Managing Partner, Global South Capital, said, “Indigrid’s remarkable growth places it perfectly to capture the manufacturing localisation opportunity, and we will support the company in its global expansion and M&A.”

“From our earliest conversations with the Indigrid team, we saw their capabilities and potential to build a scaled, integrated manufacturing platform. Over the past few years, we have worked alongside the team to sharpen execution and governance, and this follow-on raise is a strong validation of the platform they have built and the long-term opportunity ahead,” added Rajeev Kalambi, General Partner, Cactus Partners.

This additional investment builds on the strong foundation created with Cactus Partners’ early backing and hands-on guidance, which supported Indigrid’s initial scale-up and operational strengthening. With the closing of its Series A round, Indigrid is entering its next phase of growth, focused on capacity expansion, automation, and strengthening its position as a full-stack electronics manufacturing partner.

Amagi Media Labs Reports 30 Percent Revenue Growth, PAT Turns Positive in Q3 FY26

Mumbai, Feb 12: Amagi Media Labs Limited, a cloud-native SaaS platform providing AI-enabled solutions to global media and entertainment companies, today announced its financial results for Q3 FY26 and the nine months ended December 31, 2025, demonstrating robust growth and profitability.

Key Highlights:

• 9M FY26 Performance: Revenue increased 30% year-on-year to ₹1,109 Cr; Adjusted EBITDA rose over 10x to ₹116 Cr; PAT turned positive at ₹37 Cr, driven by operating leverage and cost discipline.

• Q3 FY26 Update: Revenue grew 22% YoY to ₹404 Cr, with Adjusted EBITDA of ₹58 Cr and PAT of ₹31 Cr, reflecting strong execution and seasonal monetization strength.

• Liquidity Position: Cash and bank balances totaled ₹803.4 Cr as of December 31, 2025, providing ample liquidity for ongoing operations and planned investments.

• Strategic Focus: Continued investments in core platform and AI-enabled capabilities to support scaling and deeper customer integration.

Commenting on the results, Baskar Subramanian, Managing Director & CEO, said:

“We delivered a strong quarter, with 22% revenue growth and meaningful profitability expansion. Our platform, connecting content providers, distributors, and advertisers, continues to strengthen, and operating leverage is translating into improved Adjusted EBITDA and PAT performance.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on deepening customer integration, investing in AI-enabled capabilities through Amagi Intelligence, and maintaining capital discipline. The investments we are making today are designed for long-term growth and sustainability, beyond just the next quarter.”*

Amagi continues to leverage its AI-powered solutions to support global media and entertainment companies, delivering scalable and data-driven monetization opportunities while building a robust platform for the future.

Cosmo First Reports Improved Q3 FY26 EBITDA; Expects Double-Digit Revenue Growth Ahead

New Delhi, Feb 12: Cosmo First Limited today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 2025 and year-to-date December 2025, reporting improved EBITDA performance in Q3 FY26 compared to the previous year.

The improvement was driven by a strong 29% increase in sales volumes and better performance from the specialty chemical subsidiary. However, overall EBITDA was partially impacted by margin decline in BOPP and BOPET core films, the full-quarter impact of high USA tariffs, a volume loss of around 6% due to the shutdown of one BOPP line, and a non-repetitive inventory loss of ₹8.4 crores arising from a drop in raw material prices.

Profit After Tax (PAT) remained muted due to higher depreciation and interest costs related to newly commissioned capacities.

The Company expects double-digit revenue growth in the coming quarters, supported by enhanced utilization of recently added capacities. Additionally, the recently announced reduction in USA tariffs is expected to improve profitability from USA operations starting Q1 FY27, once the higher-duty-paid inventory is fully exhausted.

Cosmo Plastech, the Group’s rigid packaging vertical, achieved positive EBITDA in December 2025. The focus going forward will be on improving profitability through higher capacity utilisation and operational efficiency.

Both consumer-facing businesses—Zigly (Petcare) and Cosmo Consumer (Window Films, Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings)—continued to scale up. Zigly posted over 50% year-on-year topline growth in Q3 FY26, reflecting strong momentum in the petcare segment.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First Ltd., said,

“The FY26 focus will be on achieving close to full capacity utilization for the Films business and faster scaling of new businesses.”

 Key Developments During the Quarter

1. Films Business (Cosmo Films)

• Announced a strategic joint venture in South Korea with Filmax Corporation to introduce and scale multiple Cosmo First business verticals in the South Korean market.

• Honoured with the IFCA Star Award for excellence in packaging innovation.

• Launched high-performance packaging films for the pet food industry.

2. Rigid Packaging (Cosmo Plastech)

• Expanded into rigid packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry with PET sheets.

3. Petcare Business (Zigly Petcare)

• Expanded footprint in Western India.

• Opened its first complete pet care centre in Pune and second centre in Jaipur.

4. CSR & Foundation (Cosmo Foundation)

• Partnered with the Border Security Force (BSF) to expand Delhi’s green cover with a 15,000-tree Miyawaki and fruit-bearing forest initiative.

• Ms. Yamini Kumar Jaipuria was honoured as ET NOW Impactful Women Leaders of India 2025 and Impactful CSR Leader of India 2025 at the ET Edge GSA Transformation Series.

5. Corporate / Group-Level Milestone

• Achieved the globally recognised Information Security Management System certification – ISO/IEC 27001:2022.

IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Reports Strong Q3 FY26 Growth with Margin Expansion

New Delhi, Feb 12: IOL Chemicals s Pharmaceuticals Ltd., one of the leading Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturers, announced its Financial Results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2025.

Key Standalone Financial Highlights

 PBT and PBT Margin are calculated after netting off exceptional items arising from new labour laws.

  Commenting on the performance, Mr Vikas Gupta, Joint Managing Director said,

“Ǫ3 FY2c has been a resilient quarter for IOL, marked by double-digit revenue growth, margin expansion, and a 3S% YoY increase in profit before exceptional items and tax, despite prevailing geopolitical uncertainties. This performance underscores the resilience of our operations and sustained demand across our businesses.

Our Pharmaceuticals segment continues to lead growth, delivering an 18% revenue increase year-on-year. Importantly, pharma’s share of overall revenue has risen from 57% in Ǫ3 FY25 to c1% in Ǫ3 FY2c, highlighting its growing contribution. EBIT from Pharmaceuticals grew 32% YoY, driven by healthy volume growth and strong traction in non-Ibuprofen APIs, which are broadening and diversifying our product portfolio.

In Chemicals, we achieved optimal capacity utilisation, reflecting improved demand and operational discipline. EBIT grew 37% YoY, supported by efficiency gains and sustained customer traction. This validates the strength of our diversified business model and the meaningful contribution of both segments.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on expanding our presence in regulated markets, strengthening our new product pipeline, deepening backward integration, and enhancing R&D capabilities. These measures will help us sustain growth momentum, enhance competitiveness, and deliver long-term value creation for our stakeholders”

Jupiter International commissions third solar cell manufacturing unit, doubles production capacity

Chandigarh, Feb 12: Jupiter International Limited, one of India’s leading solar cell manufacturers has successfully commissioned its third solar cell manufacturing unit marking a major capacity expansion that effectively doubles the company’s solar cell manufacturing capability in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

The milestone marks a significant leap in Jupiter’s manufacturing capabilities. With this commissioning, Jupiter adds 1 GW of mono PERC capacity to its existing 959 MW base, taking its total installed capacity to nearly 2 GW. The new unit has been developed by Jupiter Solartech Private Limited (JSTPL) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Jupiter International Ltd.

Strategically located in Village Katha, Baddi, District Solan, the new facility is built with a focus on high-efficiency mono PERC technology, aimed at aligning with global benchmarks in quality and productivity.

Jupiter International’s capacity expansion is expected to double its local workforce, creating a significant pipeline of skilled green jobs across advanced solar manufacturing operations.

As part of its long-term roadmap to drive vertical integration and technology leadership, Jupiter International is also on pathway setting up another 1.25 GW TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell line.

“The commissioning of Unit III at Baddi is a major milestone in our journey to scale the company’s solar manufacturing capabilities. This expansion reaffirms Jupiter’s commitment to our vision of delivering world-class clean energy technologies that are Made in India, for India and the world,” said Mr Alok Garodia, Chairman and Managing Director – Jupiter International Ltd.

Jupiter’s integrated approach of combining manufacturing with R&D capabilities continues to strengthen its position as a tech and sustainability-driven solar manufacturer and a key enabler in India’s clean energy transition. With this latest expansion, the company is further strengthening domestic capacity and supporting national priorities under India’s 500 GW renewable energy roadmap.

Jiostar Eclipses All Previous Benchmarks as ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Kicks Off with the Biggest Ever Opening Day

Bangalore, Feb 12: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka has enjoyed a strong start on JioStar, delivering the biggest ever opening day across JioHotstar and the Star Sports network for any ICC event.

Total consumption across JioStar’s digital and linear platforms grew by 59% compared to the 2024 edition, reaching 14.7 billion minutes on the opening day, together delivering the biggest ever opening day in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history. As the opening day concluded with India beating USA in their opening fixture of their title defence, JioHotstar recorded a reach of 101.9 million, up by 81% over the 2024 edition.

India’s opening game against the USA drove strong viewership momentum across platforms as linear TV ratings went up 41% and digital reach went up 98% compared to India’s first match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 against Ireland.

Mr. Ishan Chatterjee, CEO – Sports, JioStar, said:

“The record-breaking viewership for the opening day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka demonstrates India’s appetite for innovative broadcast and high-octane on-field action.

“JioStar’s expansive presentation in nine languages coupled with exciting matches have kept fans engaged right since the first match. Such massive engagement creates a powerful ecosystem that ensures our partners and stakeholders derive the maximum value, reaching a diverse, engaged audience at an unmatched scale.”

Mr. Anurag Dahiya, ICC Chief Commercial Officer, said:

“We are delighted to see the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begin with such unprecedented momentum. The surge in viewership across linear and digital platforms is a testament to the strength and scale of our partnership with JioStar in delivering a truly world-class broadcast experience, alongside the valued contribution of our broader broadcast and commercial partners.

“Reaching 14.7 billion minutes of consumption on day one alone reflects the extraordinary passion for the tournament and the quality of cricket on display. We look forward to building on this momentum as the event progresses.”

JioStar’s build up to the tournament has generated strong momentum, led by the widely appreciated

“Champions Backing Champions” film featuring India’s World Cup winning women’s team supporting the Men in Blue, followed by Rohit Sharma’s call to Team India to “Repeat History and Defeat History.”

With 130+ experts delivering coverage in nine languages, JioHotstar is enhancing the viewing experience through innovations like MaxView in English and Hindi on mobile and Indian Sign Language for India games and knockouts, bringing fans closer to the action.

JioStar’s presentation of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India & Sri Lanka is partnered by Thums Up, OpenAI, Emirates, Sting, Birla Opus, Mahindra & Mahindra Auto, Apollo Tyres, Rapido, Amul, Vanesa, Axis Max Life Insurance, Hyundai, MoneyView, Britannia, Google Pixel, General Insurance Council, Haier and Life Insurance Council.