MAM
Pogo launched art and craft book with Orange Education
MUMBAI: Kids entertainment channel Pogo has partnered with Orange Education, a unit of Saraswati Group, to introduce a series of 11 school graded art and craft books titled ‘M.A.D. Let’s Doodle!’.
These books, aimed at children between the ages of 3-14 years, follow the curriculum prescribed by CBSE, ICSE, State Boards and International schools complimenting the NCERT Art Assessment guidelines and CCE and NCF 2005 directives.
Through the art and craft activities designed by experts, the curriculum focuses on development of non-verbal IQ, numeracy, spatial cognition, higher levels of language development, improved social relations, creative representation, music, movement and logic besides the lasting social and economic benefits in the quality of life led as a result of pursuing arts.
The ‘M.A.D. Let’s Doodle!’ books, priced at Rs. 195, will be available across all the leading retail chains like Landmark, Big Bazaar and Crossword before the commencement of the 2013 academic session. Each book contains about 40 educational activities and comes loaded with art and craft material in an easy to carry box packaging.
Commenting on the launch, Turner International India and South Asia Cartoon Network Enterprises Director Gaurav Brar said, “M.A.D has been one of the most popular shows in the kids entertainment genre and has always pushed the envelope with regard to creative and inspiring content across TV, publishing, licensing products, online, etc. We are very optimistic about the launch of ‘M.A.D. Let’s Doodle!’ which will extend the M.A.D brand core philosophy into school curriculum.”
To launch these books, Orange Education conducted a nationwide art competition inviting more than 1500 schools from across India. The competition culminates in four mega events held across Chandigarh, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai starting October and gives an opportunity to 4000 students and their teachers to interact with Rob, host of M.A.D.
Brands
Nestlé India posts 14.9 per cent sales growth, profit rises in FY26
FMCG major sweetens returns with dividend as strong domestic demand leads
NEW DELHI: Nestlé India has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, with sales and profits rising steadily on the back of robust domestic demand.
The company posted total income of Rs 231,949.5 million for FY26, up from Rs 202,645.5 million in the previous year, marking a growth of 14.9 per cent. Domestic sales remained the key driver, increasing 14.6 per cent to Rs 221,187.0 million, while exports contributed Rs 9,527.6 million to the overall tally.
The final quarter of the financial year added extra momentum, with total sales rising 23.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. This helped lift the company’s annual profit to Rs 35,446.0 million, up from Rs 33,145.0 million in FY25.
Shareholders are set to benefit as the board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 5.00 per equity share. This comes on top of the interim dividend of Rs 7.00 per share paid in February 2026. The record date for the final dividend has been fixed as 10 July 2026, subject to shareholder approval at the 67th Annual General Meeting scheduled for 3 July 2026. If approved, the payout will begin from 30 July 2026.
During the year, the company’s paid-up equity share capital doubled to Rs 1,928.3 million following a 1:1 bonus share issue, strengthening its capital base. The results were also supported by a Rs 1,207.8 million credit from exceptional items, including a Rs 2,023.2 million writeback from resolved income tax litigation, partially offset by restructuring costs and expenses related to new labour codes.
On the cost front, material costs rose to 44.8 per cent of sales for the full year, compared to 43.6 per cent in the previous year, reflecting ongoing input cost pressures. Despite this, the company maintained solid profitability, with EBITDA coming in at Rs 53,060.6 million.
Overall, Nestlé India’s performance underscores its ability to balance growth and margins in a challenging environment. With steady demand, disciplined cost management and consistent shareholder returns, the company appears well placed to carry its momentum into the next financial year.
