Author: Neel Achary

Bajaj Electricals Foundation’s ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project Wins CSR Times Award

India, Aug 6: Bajaj Electricals Foundation, the CSR arm of Bajaj Electricals Limited, has been recognised with the Silver Award in the Clean Energy category at the CSR Times Awards 2026 for its flagship ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project. The award was presented at the 13th National CSR & ESG Summit, held on 4 August 2026 in New Delhi by the Managing Director of CSR Times, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Juan Rolando Angulo Monsalve, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to India & Air Marshal Shri VPS Rana, PVSM, VSM, Jury Member, CSR Times. The recognition celebrates the Foundation’s efforts to restore nature through sustainable cooking practices by improving rural health, reducing indoor air pollution, lowering dependence on firewood, empowering women and contributing to climate action.

Over the years, Bajaj Electricals Foundation has distributed 14,000 improved cookstoves across Karauli and Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan and Jawhar and Vikramgad in Maharashtra, positively impacting over 70,000 lives. By replacing traditional biomass cookstoves with cleaner, fuel-efficient alternatives, the initiative has helped create healthier kitchens, reduce firewood consumption, improve household well-being and save valuable time for women, while contributing to forest conservation. The project’s impact has also been independently validated through a third-party assessment of 8,000 cookstoves distributed in Rajasthan, which estimated a carbon mitigation potential of approximately 222,711 tCO₂e over five years, reinforcing the initiative’s contribution to environmental sustainability.

Commenting on the recognition, Pooja Bajaj, Executive Director – CSR & ESG, Whole-time Director, Bajaj Electricals Limited, said,

“This recognition is a proud milestone for Bajaj Electricals Foundation and reinforces our belief that sustainability creates the greatest impact when it addresses everyday challenges while protecting the environment. The Improved Cookstove Project is a simple yet powerful example of how thoughtful interventions can transform lives—creating healthier homes, empowering women, reducing pressure on forest resources and contributing to climate action. As we have strengthened our focus on environmental sustainability over the past two years, we have remained committed to investing in initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. We are encouraged by the independently validated impact of this project and will continue to build scalable solutions that create long-term value for communities and the planet. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our CSR team, led by Shreya Sudhir, along with our NGO and implementation partners. Their passion, commitment and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life and creating meaningful, measurable impact on the ground.”

Guided by a focused approach to environmental sustainability, Bajaj Electricals Foundation continues to invest in high-impact interventions that create measurable and lasting change. The Improved Cookstove Project reflects this commitment by combining community development with nature restoration through sustainable cooking practices. The initiative contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty , Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality , Affordable and Clean Energy , Decent Work and Economic Growth , Climate Action and Life on Land , reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.

Global independent tyre network sets its sights on LATAM region

Aug 06 – Following this year’s World Endurance Championship round in São Paulo, Point S International, official sponsor of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies confirmed that the race weekend has reinforced its strategic ambitions to accelerate its expansion across Latin America (LATAM).

Point S International currently maintains a global footprint spanning 54 countries, representing more than 3,150 independent tyre businesses and in excess of 7,000 points of sale. Building on its established presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, the network has stated its ambition to achieve significant long-term growth throughout LATAM.

Point S International CEO, Fabien Bouquet, explained: “When we look at the positive future trajectory of our network, the LATAM region represents an exceptionally strong strategic opportunity.

“Brazil in particular is one of the world’s largest automotive markets, and we recognise both the opportunity and the importance of working alongside experienced local partners to establish a network that supports independent tyre dealers, garages, and motorists for years to come.”

Point S first entered the Brazilian market in 2022. What began with flagship sites in São Paulo, Recife, and Vitória has since evolved into a growing national network, and Bouquet believes the market is now ready for a major expansion of the brand.

“The LATAM market offers enormous, untapped potential for the independent sector. With a car parc of well over 100 million vehicles across the region and a growing appetite among motorists for professional, multi-brand service, the conditions are right for a network like ours to make a real difference. Our success across Europe, North America, and Asia has shown what independent businesses can achieve when they combine local expertise with global scale, and we see no reason why that story cannot be repeated across Latin America.”

 

The WEC race at the Interlagos Circuit served as a powerful commercial platform to drive regional momentum. Beyond the trackside action, the event brought together prospective partners from across LATAM to experience Point S first-hand. Delegation members visited local points of sale, met with international suppliers, and engaged directly with the Brazilian Master Franchisee to exchange operational best practices.

Point S International’s expansion strategy in the region will mirror the proven business model that has driven its global growth: partnering with established local operators who retain their commercial independence while gaining access to global supplier agreements, private label products, training programmes, and international marketing support.

With the Team Peugeot TotalEnergies partnership continuing to showcase the Point S brand to millions of motorsport fans across the region this season, the network’s message to Latin America’s independent tyre dealers is clear: the world’s largest independent network is open for business in LATAM, and there has never been a better time to join.

Supporters of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies do not have to wait very long before their next taste of the action. The Lone Star Le Mans is scheduled to take place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September, with Point S’s partner taking to the track at Circuit of The Americas in the hope of securing a podium.

Zain Omantel International wins Sustainable Stand Construction Award at Oman Sustainability Week 2026.

NIVEA India launches its next-generation Serum-Infused Gel Moisturiser

Mumbai, Aug 6: NIVEA, India’s most trusted skincare brand, expands its skincare innovation portfolio with the launch of the all-new NIVEA Soft Gel, a next-generation hybrid moisturiser designed to deliver intense hydration with a lightweight sensorial experience. Bridging the gap between skincare efficacy and everyday comfort, this breakthrough formula combines the freshness of a gel with the potency of a serum offering a new standard in hydration-led skincare.

This product features an advanced serum-infused gel technology, a key differentiator that elevates it beyond conventional moisturisers. The ultra-light, fast-absorbing formula penetrates up to 10 layers deep into the skin, delivering up to 100 hours of hydration while maintaining a non-sticky, breathable finish. Designed for modern skincare users seeking high performance without heaviness, the formula leaves skin feeling instantly refreshed and visibly healthier.

Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, the formulation works synergistically to boost hydration and improve overall skin quality. Hyaluronic Acid helps replenish and lock in moisture, enhancing skin’s hydration levels and leaving it feeling soft, supple and revitalised. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, helping improve texture and resilience for healthier-looking skin over time.

Together, these powerful actives deliver visibly plump and bouncy-looking skin, making the NIVEA Soft Serum Infused Gel an ideal choice for consumers looking for lightweight yet effective hydration solutions. Its airy texture glides effortlessly onto the skin, absorbing quickly to provide long-lasting hydration making it perfect for everyday use across seasons.

Commenting on the launch, Geetika Mehta, Managing Director, NIVEA India, said:

 “At NIVEA, innovation is driven by reimagining our most iconic products to meet evolving skincare needs. The NIVEA Soft journey – from the OG moisturiser known for hydration, to NIVEA Soft UV offering the dual benefit of hydration and sun protection, and now to NIVEA Soft Gel reflects this commitment. With this launch, we introduce a next-generation, serum-infused gel format that brings together advanced skincare science and a sensorially elevated experience, setting a new benchmark for lightweight hydration.”

With this launch, NIVEA continues to strengthen its position in the hydration skincare segment by offering innovative formats that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The NIVEA Soft Gel is designed to simplify skincare routines while delivering powerful hydration and skin-enhancing benefits in one effortless step.

The product is now available across  retail outlets and e-commerce platforms across India.

GMM Pfaudler announces Q1 results FY 2026-27

Mumbai, Aug 06: GMM Pfaudler Limited, a diversified global engineering company serving the process industries, announces its financial results for the first quarter (Q1 FY27) ended June 30, 2026.

Financial Performance

Consolidated

Key Highlights

Performance Highlights:

·Revenue up 16% YoY and down 2% QoQ

·EBITDA down 7% YoY and up 25% QoQ 

·PAT up 118% YoY and 44% QoQ

·Order Intake of ₹ 1,007 Crores up 16% QoQ

·Backlog of ₹ 2,289 Crores up 20% YoY and 4% QoQ

Corporate Highlights:

·Reorganization of our businesses into four distinct global divisions to drive growth, diversification and cost efficiencies.

·Repayment of approx. EUR 7 million of debt by the end of Q2 FY27, funded through internal accruals.

·Revision of the dividend payout frequency from semi-annual to annual, with no change in the Company’s Dividend Distribution Policy.

Commenting on the Company’s Q1 FY27 results, Mr. Tarak Patel, Managing Director, said; “Revenue for Q1 FY27 grew 16% year-on-year, reflecting the strength of our diversified business portfolio and execution capabilities. While EBITDA was lower compared to the corresponding quarter last year, the initiatives undertaken over the past year have improved our earnings flow-through, resulting in profit after tax more than doubling year-on-year.  Our order intake momentum continues to remain strong, with our backlog increasing 20% YoY.”

He further commented, “As part of our ongoing Global Transformation Programme, we have now reorganized our businesses into four distinct divisions. This new global structure allows each division to focus on its strategic priorities, while unlocking meaningful value across the group.We believe this strategic realignment will enable us to leverage our global scale more effectively, unlock operational synergies, improve profitability, and support our long-term vision of building a diversified, technology-driven global engineering company.”

Commenting on the Company’s Q1 FY27 results, Mr. Gregory Gelhaus, Group CEO, said; “Q1 marks a positive start to the year and reflects the benefits of the strategic decisions and operational initiatives undertaken over the past year. With our new global operating structure now in place, our focus is on driving execution, strengthening accountability, and accelerating growth. This multi-quarter transformation programme is designed to build a simpler, more efficient organization with higher-quality earnings and stronger cash generation.”

Imagicaaworld Entertainment Accelerates India Expansion Strategy with 50 percent Stake in Mehsana Next Park

Aug 06: Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, India‘s largest amusement and water park operator, today announced that it has signed an investment agreement to acquire a 50% equity stake in Mehsana Next Parks Private Limited (MNPPL), the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to own, operate and expand Shanku’s Water Park in Mehsana, Gujarat.

The investment marks another significant milestone in Imagicaaworld‘s expansion strategy, which is focused on scaling its presence across high-growth markets through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and disciplined capital deployment. By partnering with established regional destinations, the company is building a stronger nationwide network of leisure assets while elevating guest experiences and creating sustainable long-term value.

As part of the transaction, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited will invest ₹50 crores in MNPPL, which has acquired Shanku’s Water Park through a slump sale arrangement. The SPV also plans to raise additional capital over the next 12–18 months to introduce new attractions, enhance infrastructure and further strengthen the park‘s appeal as a leading family entertainment destination. Beyond its equity participation, Imagicaaworld will rebrand it as Aqua Imagicaa at Shanku’s and will serve as the Operations & Management (O&M) partner for the park, bringing its proven expertise in park operations, safety systems, guest experience, food & beverage, retail and revenue optimisation. Under the O&M arrangement, the company will earn management fees ranging between 6% to 10%, based on agreed performance parameters.

Commenting on the investment, Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, said: “This investment represents another important step in our long-term growth journey. Our strategy is to expand Imagicaaworld‘s presence by partnering with strong regional assets where we can create value through our operational expertise, guest-centric approach and proven capabilities. Gujarat is one of India‘s fastest-growing leisure and tourism markets, and Shanku’s Water Park has built a strong brand and loyal customer base over the years. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to elevate the park into a destination that sets new benchmarks for water-based entertainment while delivering sustainable growth for all stakeholders.”

He further added: “India‘s leisure and entertainment industry is entering an exciting phase of growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing domestic tourism and growing demand for quality family experiences. At Imagicaaworld, we believe this presents a significant opportunity to build a stronger ecosystem of professionally managed entertainment destinations across the country. Our expansion strategy is designed not only to grow our business but also to contribute to the development of India‘s leisure infrastructure by bringing global operating standards, innovation and exceptional guest experiences to more markets.”

The investment further reinforces Imagicaaworld Entertainment‘s vision of becoming India‘s leading integrated leisure and entertainment platform. By combining strategic investments with best-in-class operational capabilities, the company continues to expand its footprint across the country, strengthen regional tourism, generate local employment, and contribute to the growth of India‘s rapidly evolving leisure and entertainment industry.

A Visionary Leader for a New Era: Abnash Kumar Joins OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI as General Manager

Maldives, Aug 05 – In a strategic appointment that signals a new chapter of operational refinement and sustainable innovation, THE OZEN COLLECTION welcomes Abnash Kumar as General Manager of its ultra-luxury sanctuary, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Abnash arrives with more than two decades of distinguished leadership across some of the world’s most iconic hospitality destinations—from a legendary hotel  in New York to the pristine shores of the Maldives. His career traverses the United States, South Africa, India, and the Maldives, offering a rare synthesis of global perspective and hands-on operational mastery.

Colleagues and industry peers describe him as a leader who quietly transforms the spaces he touches—elevating guest experiences not through grand gestures, but through the steady calibration of service, culture, and sustainability. His tenure at luxury resorts in the Maldives saw him spearhead award-winning projects celebrated globally for their innovation and eco-conscious design.

His philosophy is grounded in a belief that luxury and responsibility are not opposing forces, but essential partners. This alignment with THE OZEN COLLECTION’s ethos of Refined Elegance makes his arrival at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI particularly resonant. As the resort continues to evolve as a haven of privacy, personalisation, and quiet grandeur, Abnash’s leadership is expected to further deepen its reputation as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished retreats.

Reflecting on his appointment, Abnash shared: “It is a privilege to join OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI at such an exciting time. The brand and resort’s dedication to authentic, sustainable luxury resonates deeply with my own values. I look forward to working alongside this talented team to elevate the guest journey, nurture our people, and continue building a legacy of excellence across our island sanctuaries.”

His arrival comes as THE OZEN COLLECTION enters a transformative phase, with plans for international expansion and deepened commitments to regenerative tourism. Abnash’s expertise in Strategic Planning, Project Management, Business Operations and Hospitality sector makes him as a key architect of this next chapter.

“We are delighted to welcome Abnash to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI,” said Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core. “His notable career across the world’s most iconic destinations, combined with being a well-rounded hotelier with his passion for guest and team care, reflects our philosophy of Refined Elegance. We are confident that his leadership will further elevate the personalised journeys we craft for our guests—moments of quiet luxury that linger long after they leave our island.”

Abnash holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Mumbai and a Diploma from Rizvi College of Hotel Management. His appointment reflects THE OZEN COLLECTION’s continued investment in visionary leadership, ensuring that its island sanctuaries remain at the forefront of luxury hospitality in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The Deconstructed Self: Natalie Christensen Explores the Psychology of Place

University of South Dakota Presents Solo Exhibition by Internationally Recognized Santa Fe Photographer Natalie Christensen

Aug 5 – VERMILLION, SOUTH DAKOTA and SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The University Art Galleries at the University of South Dakota are pleased to present The Deconstructed Self: Photographic Works by Natalie Christensen on view October 7–30, 2026, in the John A. Day Gallery at the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, University of South Dakota. An Opening Reception will be held Friday, October 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Previous (Traveling) Exhibition: Deconstructed Self, Installation View, Intersect Arts Center, St. Louis, Missouri, 2022

In The Deconstructed Self, internationally recognized photographer Natalie Christensen transforms the overlooked spaces of everyday life into quietly compelling meditations on perception, memory, and identity. Rather than documenting dramatic landscapes or decisive moments, Christensen photographs the peripheral spaces of the American Southwest—parking lots, adobe walls, sidewalks, swimming pools, and the shifting interplay of light and shadow—revealing them as places where ordinary experience becomes psychologically resonant. Rooted in what might best be described as a psychology of place, her photographs explore the ways our inner lives are shaped by the environments we inhabit, inviting viewers to discover profound meaning within the most familiar surroundings.

open to new ideas

According to Amy Fill, Director of the University Art Galleries, Christensen’s work shows “the unexpected convergence of photography and identity,” asking viewers “what it means to find yourself in the places you least expected to look.” These spaces reveal themselves as psychologically charged landscapes that quietly reflect the complexities of personal transformation.

sign and chair

Christensen’s photographs are deeply informed by her previous career as a psychotherapist, where exploring the hidden, the unconscious, and the unspoken formed the foundation of her professional life. After relocating from Kentucky to New Mexico in 2014, she found herself captivated not by the grandeur of the Southwestern landscape, but by its quieter, overlooked spaces. Rather than documenting place alone, Christensen asks viewers to participate in the act of seeing itself, encouraging them to project their own experiences, emotions, and memories onto seemingly ordinary scenes. In doing so, she transforms commonplace environments into visual metaphors that reveal the subtle relationship between landscape and the human psyche.

you can’t get there from here

As Christensen explains,

“As a psychotherapist, I learned the art of asking the question—in many ways these photographs are an extension of that work.”

Deconstructed Self has enjoyed a successful national tour, premiering at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center in Fort Worth, Texas, before traveling to Intersect Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri; Sahara West Museum and Performing Arts Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; and most recently the Gannett Art Gallery at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York. Following its presentation at the University of South Dakota, The Deconstructed Self will travel to the Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a solo exhibition in the spring of 2028.

can’t escape my own escape

During the exhibition, Christensen will also present an artist talk and featured lecture as part of the South Dakota Art Education Association (SDAEA) and South Dakota College Art Association (SDCAA) Art Educators Conference, held October 8–10, 2026, at the University of South Dakota. The annual conference brings together K–12 art educators, university faculty, museum professionals, practicing artists, and students from throughout the region for lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and the exchange of innovative ideas in arts education.

The University Art Galleries at the University of South Dakota have established themselves as one of the region’s leading academic venues for contemporary art, presenting nationally and internationally recognized artists while serving as a vital cultural and educational resource for the university and the broader community. For students of art, design, psychology, education, and the humanities alike, the exhibition demonstrates the remarkable capacity of contemporary photography to foster critical thinking, close observation, and meaningful dialogue across disciplines. It is precisely the kind of exhibition that enriches both academic study and public conversation.

Natalie Christensen in her Santa Fe, New Mexico, studio – Photographer Credit: Christine Alexander

Natalie Christensen is an internationally recognized photographer whose work has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Her recent honors include the Great Meadows Foundation Grant (2025), the All About Photo Merit Award (2024), selection as a UAE Embassy Culture Tour Delegate, the commissioned cover photograph for the Santa Fe New Mexican special edition celebrating the opening of the Vladem Contemporary (2023), and selection for the New Mexico Purchase Initiative through New Mexico Arts / Department of Cultural Affairs (2023). Her work has received widespread critical acclaim in publications including The Guardian (London), Creative Boom, and The British Journal of Photography. She has also been featured in several distinguished publications, including Minimalism in Photography (teNeues, Düsseldorf, Germany), for which she was the cover and featured artist, and the monograph 007 – Natalie Christensen (Setanta Books, London). Her photographs are held in numerous public collections.

University of South Dakota, Art Galleries

Exhibition Information

The Deconstructed Self: Photographic Works by Natalie Christensen October 7–30, 2026

Opening Reception Friday, October 9, 2026 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Artist Talk & SDAEA/SDCAA Art Educators Conference Presentation October 8–10, 2026

University of South Dakota John A. Day Gallery University Art Galleries Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, South Dakota 57069