Author: Neel Achary

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

Sridhar Babu to inaugurate HIPLEX 2026, India’s third-largest Plastics Expo

Hyderabad, Aug 05: Telangana Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries & Commerce D. Sridhar Babu will inaugurate HIPLEX 2026, South & Central India’s largest plastics exhibition and India’s third-largest plastics expo, at 11.30 am on August 7 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad.

The exhibition will remain open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm on all four days.

Online registration before August 7 is free. Visitors registering at the venue from August 7 onwards can enter by paying a ₹300 visitor fee.

Organised by the Telangana and Andhra Plastics Manufacturers Association (TAAPMA), the four-day triennial exhibition will be held from August 7 to 10 across seven exhibition halls covering over 26,000 square metres, making it the largest edition of HIPLEX since its inception. The entry to the expo toll 6th August is free and can be revered online. From the inaugural days onwards, the entry will be by way of tickets priced at Rs 300/- per person per day. 

Other dignitaries expected to attend the inaugural include Krishna Aditya S., Special Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana; Arvind Mehta, Chairman, Governing Council, All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA); Dr. Raju Desai, President, Plast India Foundation. 

Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference at FTCCI, Narendra Baldwa, President, TAAPMA; Meela Jayadev, Convener, HIPLEX 2026; Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President, AIPMA; and N. Bhaskar Reddy, Senior Vice President, TAAPMA, said HIPLEX 2026 would be the biggest-ever edition of the exhibition.

More than 550 exhibitors will showcase products and technologies, while over 50,000 business visitors from India and abroad are expected to attend. Around 160 companies from Gujarat, 110 exhibitors from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and nearly 40 companies from China are participating.

The exhibition will feature live demonstrations of plastics processing machinery, moulds, raw materials, automation technologies, recycling systems, packaging innovations, specialty chemicals and finished plastic products.

Mr. Narendra Baldwa said TAAPMA, a 55-year-old apex industry body representing more than 1,000 members, has been working to promote technological advancement, sustainability and responsible growth in the plastics industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Meela Jayadev said plastics have become indispensable to modern life.

From a pin to an aeroplane, plastics are everywhere. The question today is not whether plastics should exist, but how responsibly they should be produced, used and recycled.”

He said India’s per capita plastic consumption is about 7 kg, compared to around 24 kg in China, indicating enormous potential for future growth.

One of the biggest attractions at HIPLEX 2026 will be the Dedicated Recycling Pavilion, showcasing the remarkable transformation of plastic waste into high-value products.

Visitors will witness how 25 discarded PET bottles can be converted into a wearable T-shirt, while a wide range of innovative products made from recycled plastics—including roads, railway sleepers, bricks, benches, bus shelters, furniture, roofing materials and even houses—will be on display.

The pavilion carries a simple yet powerful message: Without recycling, garbage remains garbage. With recycling, garbage becomes a resource.

Mr. Jayadev said India has already built over one lakh kilometres of roads using waste plastic, making it one of the world’s leading adopters of plastic road technology. Around one tonne of waste plastic can be utilised for every kilometre of road, resulting in stronger, more durable and water-resistant roads.

He announced that school benches made from recycled plastic are expected to be introduced in Telangana shortly, reflecting the growing acceptance of recycled plastic products in public infrastructure.

The Recycling Pavilion will also showcase global innovations including plastic houses, recycled plastic bridges, plastic boats, bottle-to-fashion technologies and sustainable construction materials, demonstrating how discarded plastic is becoming tomorrow’s raw material.

Visitors will also learn how recycled plastic furniture outlasts conventional materials. Unlike wood, it neither rots nor attracts termites. Unlike metal, it does not rust. Many such products last 25 to 50 years and can themselves be recycled again.

Mr. Jayadev said plastics today extend far beyond packaging and consumer goods.

Advanced engineering plastics are replacing steel, copper and wood in several applications because of their strength, durability and lightweight properties. Today, plastics are extensively used in aerospace, defence, automobiles, electronics, precision engineering and renewable energy.

Modern medical-grade polymers are increasingly used in artificial joints, cardiovascular devices, life-saving medical equipment and components of next-generation artificial heart systems.

From hospitals to highways, from satellites to sustainable housing, plastics are quietly transforming modern life,” he observed.

Welcoming the Government of India’s move towards introducing ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes, Mr. Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President, AIPMA, described it as another milestone in the adoption of advanced polymer technology.

Polymer banknotes last significantly longer than paper currency, offer superior security features and reduce replacement costs. They are another example of how innovation is redefining the plastics industry.”

Mr. Reddy said that, based on industry discussions, polymer currency notes are expected to enter circulation later this year, though the rollout schedule rests with the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India.

He expressed the view that the first generation of polymer banknotes should preferably be manufactured using virgin polymer to ensure the highest standards of quality, durability and security. As recycling technologies continue to advance, he believes future generations of polymer currency could progressively incorporate recycled polymers wherever technically and security-wise feasible.

Mr. Reddy added that the Government of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework has mandated the phased use of recycled plastic content in several categories of plastic packaging, encouraging the industry to move steadily towards a circular economy.

He noted that India has emerged as one of the world’s largest plastic recycling ecosystems, with nearly 40% of plastics being recycled nationally, while Telangana has significant potential to further improve recycling levels.

The plastics industry, he said, is currently growing at 8–10% annually.

He also pointed out that PET bottles are increasingly being recycled into garments, furniture and other products. Coca-Cola and several other companies have significantly expanded bottle collection and recycling initiatives, contributing to the circular economy.

According to Mr. Reddy, the future belongs to smart plastics, recyclable plastics and circular manufacturing.

Plastics are no longer just packaging materials. They are enabling technologies for healthcare, transportation, aerospace, infrastructure, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

HIPLEX 2026 will also host technical conferences, knowledge sessions and business networking events covering new raw materials, emerging applications, sustainability, automation and future technologies.

HIPLEX 2026 aims to showcase how innovation, recycling and the circular economy are transforming the plastics industry while creating new opportunities for investment, technology partnerships and sustainable manufacturing.

Beyond Ola & Uber: Five mobility apps driving the future of urban transportation in India

Aug 5: As India’s urban mobility landscape continues to evolve, the conversation is shifting beyond traditional ride hailing. A new generation of startups is reimagining transportation through electric vehicles, premium customer experiences, technology driven fleet management, and more sustainable business models. These companies are not just moving people from one place to another, they are shaping the future of urban mobility in India.

As India’s urban mobility ecosystem evolves, commuters are looking beyond traditional ride hailing for experiences that are smarter, cleaner, and more reliable. A new generation of mobility apps is redefining how people travel by combining electric vehicles, premium service, technology-led operations, and customer-first experiences. Here are five mobility platforms that are shaping the future of transportation in India.

1. Trev Mobility

A Gurugram-based all-electric chauffeur-driven mobility app, Trev Mobility is redefining premium urban travel with services spanning airport transfers, city rides, rentals, corporate travel, and outstation journeys. Starting with just two electric vehicles, the company has grown to a fleet of over 100 EVs across Delhi NCR and has completed more than 50,000 rides. Its recent ₹3.65 crore community-led funding round, backed by users and customers, reflects the trust it has built by delivering a reliable, premium, and sustainable mobility experience.

2. Green SM

The international electric ride hailing platform has entered India with an app-first approach focused exclusively on electric mobility. Its expansion underscores the growing confidence in India’s EV ecosystem and rising demand for sustainable urban transportation.

3. Rapido

Originally known for bike taxis, Rapido has evolved into a full stack mobility app offering bike, auto, and cab services. Its focus on affordability, accessibility, and technology has made it one of India’s fastest-growing urban mobility platforms.

4. Shoffr

Shoffr is a chauffeur-driven mobility app designed for users seeking scheduled, premium, and dependable transportation. The platform caters to business travellers and professionals who prioritise comfort, punctuality, and a superior ride experience.

5. Namma Yatri

Built on an open network model, Namma Yatri is reimagining ride hailing through a driver-first approach. The platform offers greater transparency, lower commissions for drivers, and a community-led ecosystem that is reshaping the economics of urban mobility.