February 2026 – Page 5

SMFG India Credit Champions “Sarvottam Seva” Through Pashu Vikas Day; Impacts Over 1.55 Lakh Rural Lives

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

SMFG India Credit, one of India’s leading NBFCs, successfully concluded the 8th edition of Pashu Vikas Day (PVD), its flagship livestock welfare and rural livelihood initiative, on February 14, 2026. Anchored around the theme ‘Sarvottam Seva: Pashu, Parivar aur Pragati’, the initiative reinforced the organisation’s commitment to holistic rural development by strengthening livestock health, family wellbeing, and sustainable progress. Launched in 2014, Pashu Vikas Day addresses the critical healthcare needs of cattle owners by providing access to free veterinary services and expert guidance. Over the years, the initiative has evolved into one…

It Is Time to Exit the Macaulay Mindset and Lead India into Viksit Bharat” — Dharmendra Pradhan

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

# Dharmendra Pradhan Announces Conversion of SRCC GBO Diploma into Full-Fledged Master’s Degree Programme at Yugantar ’26 The Education Minister on Friday called on institutions to “exit the Macaulay doctrine” and align higher education with the vision of Viksit Bharat, and announced the conversion of SRCC’s Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO) into a full-fledged Master’s degree programme. He made these remarks while inaugurating Yugantar ’26, the Annual Management Conclave of SRCC’s Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO), themed “AI for Sustainability & Startup Innovation.” The…

India Exports First GI-Tagged Salem Sago Consignment to Canada

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, facilitated the export of 0.5 MT of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Salem, Tamil Nadu to Canada. This marked the first export consignment shipped directly by the GI Authorised User, SAGOSERVE, since the product received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March 2023. Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of Tapioca Sago, also commonly known as Sabudhana. Salem has long been recognised as the hub of the country’s sago and starch industry. Sago…

India Achieves Key Success in Gaganyaan Parachute Testing

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

India’s human spaceflight programme has achieved a key milestone with the successful qualification level load test of Drogue Parachute for Gaganyaan programme at Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh. RTRS is a specialized dynamic test facility being used extensively for high speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations. The test was conducted on February 18, 2026 with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO alongside various TBRL’s dedicated teams. The RTRS dynamic…

Ancient Ecosystems Unearthed in Jharkhand Coalfields

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

A recent scientific study has revealed that coal mines in Jharkhand are offering valuable insights into Earth’s ancient past, helping researchers reconstruct ecosystems that existed millions of years ago. The findings, based on detailed analysis of fossil remains preserved within coal-bearing rock formations, indicate that the region once supported dense forests and diverse plant life. These deposits are part of the Gondwana sedimentary sequences, which date back to the Permian period, approximately 250–300 million years ago. Scientists observed well-preserved fossilised flora, including ancient plant species that thrived in swampy,…

Researchers develop a novel cathode material for sustainable energy storage

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

In a significant stride for sustainable energy storage, researchers have developed a novel cathode material that dramatically enhances the performance and stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Aqueous zinc-ion batteries, which use water-based electrolytes, are hailed as safe, cost-effective, and environmentally benign contenders for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. Zinc metal offers high theoretical capacity, abundant reserves and used directly as the anode. However, the development of high-capacity, long-lasting cathode materials has been a key challenge. Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences…

IIFL Finance to Raise Rs. 2,000 Crore through Bonds; Offers up to 9% Yield per annum

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

IIFL Finance Limited, one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), has announced the launch of a public issue of secured redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs) opening on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with an issue size of ₹500 crore and a green-shoe option to retain oversubscription up to ₹1,500 crore, aggregating to a total of ₹2,000 crore. The funds raised will be utilized for business growth and capital augmentation. The NCDs offer an effective yield of up to 9% per annum, with investment tenors of 24 months, 36 months, and 60…

Build Connect 2026 Highlights Industry Shift Toward a Next-Gen Dealer–Distributor Network

20 February 202620 February 2026 Vijay Raman

As India’s steel production crosses 160 million tonnes and installed capacity moves toward 300 million tonnes by 2030, the industry’s growth narrative is entering a new phase. While capacity expansion remains strong, the focus is increasingly shifting to a critical pillar of the value chain — India’s dealer and distributor network. With nearly 50 million tonnes of finished steel in FY26 flowing through trade-led channels, dealers and distributors now account for a significant share of market movement. As steel demand is projected to rise steadily in the coming years, industry…

Poulomi Estates Announces Strategic Entry into Bengaluru with Launch of Premium High-Rise Residential Development

19 February 202619 February 2026 Vijay Raman

Poulomi Estates, a Hyderabad-headquartered real estate and infrastructure development company with a legacy spanning over two decades, today announced its formal entry into the Bengaluru residential real estate market with the launch of a high-rise residential project located in North Bengaluru. The announcement was made at a press meet held in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in Poulomi Estates’ growth journey as it expands beyond Telangana to establish a long-term presence in one of India’s most progressive and opportunity-rich urban markets. A Calibrated Expansion into India’s Most Aspirational Housing Market…

India, France Launch Joint Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS Delhi

19 February 202619 February 2026 Vijay Raman

India and France on Tuesday formalised a new phase of cooperation in digital medicine with the launch of the Indo-French Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The centre was inaugurated by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the growing strategic alignment between the two countries in advanced technologies and healthcare innovation. Conceived as a joint academic and research platform, the initiative brings together AIIMS Delhi, Sorbonne University and the Paris Brain Institute, with participation from Indian…