MAM
SMS fun for Rajasthan Patrika subscribers
MUMBAI: Rajasthan Patrika a media organisation in Rajasthan, is introducing a deluge of mobile SMS services.
‘SMS 6969’ was recently launched. It will focus on satiating the lust of mobile users for a daily dose of fun and will help users explore the world of facts and figures. One can access games, ringtones, picture messages, astrology, sports, stock updates et al by typing the required service code and SMSing to 6969.
Apart from downloading mono-ringtones, polyphonic ringtones, wallpapers, other services include operator logo, news update, astrology, exchange rate, stock updates. Jokes will tickle the subscribers’ funny bone, while they scratch their brains with a wide range of contests available. There is also a thoughts and quotes section as well as a weather update section. By sending an SMS to 6969, one can download the results of various academic exams too.
The service is available for Airtel, Hutch, BSNL North Zone (Punjab, Haryana, HP, UP (East), UP (West) including Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, J&K), BSNL South Zone (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chennai Telecom District).
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Patrika is organising an event Golden Voice for the people of Rajasthan. The event will last for four months. The aim is to bring to the fore singing talents. Bollywood singers will judge the talents of the finalists.
This show is targetted at those above the age of 15. The preliminary rounds will be organised at different schools/ colleges across the state. The rounds will be organised at all the 12 publication centres of the Rajasthan Patrika including Ajmer, Jodhpur, Pali, Banswara and Udaipur. The quarterfinals will be held at Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur. Semi-finals will be held at Jaipur and Jodhpur and the meg finals in Jaipur.
The prelims will be organised in two rounds. In the first round, songs will be of singers own choice. In the second round, every participant has to sing one song as per the judges choice. The finalists of the event will be invited to Jaipur for a three-day long grooming session which includes personality development and music lessons by personalities of the respective fields.
People will get an opportunity to vote for their favourite singers through SMS on 6969, which will start from the quarter-finals. This mega event will be telecast in 13 episodes on DD-14. The participants will get an opportunity to make his/her own music album.
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
