Brands
JSW Steel lifts Q3 crude steel output 6 per cent
MUMBAI: JSW Steel reported consolidated crude steel production of 7.48 million tonnes in the third quarter of FY26, a 6 per cent rise year-on-year, even as a key blast furnace upgrade constrained capacity utilisation at its Indian operations.
Production slipped 5 per cent sequentially from 7.90 million tonnes in Q2 FY26, largely due to the shutdown of blast furnace 3 at the Vijayanagar plant for capacity expansion. The furnace has been offline since late September 2025 and is expected to be commissioned by the end of Q4 FY26.
Indian operations produced 7.28 million tonnes during the quarter, up 7 per cent year-on-year but lower sequentially. Excluding BF3, capacity utilisation stood at about 93 per cent; including the idled furnace, utilisation fell to 85 per cent. JSW Steel’s Ohio facility in the US contributed 0.20 million tonnes.
For the nine months ended FY26, consolidated crude steel production rose 12 per cent to 22.65 million tonnes, driven by stronger domestic output. Indian operations accounted for 21.97 million tonnes during the period, up from 19.58 million tonnes a year earlier.
JSW Steel currently operates consolidated crude steel capacity of 35.7 million tonnes per annum, including 1.5 MTPA in the US. The company plans to expand capacity to 43.4 MTPA over the next three years, with Vijayanagar remaining its largest single-location facility.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
