24, Sep 2026
Cairns Crocodiles Launches 2027 With Bold New Identity, First Speakers, Regional Ambassadors & Awards Now Open
Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest, has officially launched its 2027 festival, unveiling a bold new brand identity, revealing its first wave of speakers, launching a new regional ambassador program and opening entries for the 2027 Cairns Crocodiles Awards.
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Lindsey Belknap, Global Vice President, Marketing, ŌURA
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Joe La Pompe, Creative Plagiarism Hunter, Founder & Author
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Tetyana Denford, Founder of the Nobody Cares Movement, Author & Speaker
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Cheryl Goh, Group Head of Marketing, Sustainability, Loyalty and Support, Grab
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Sherele Moody, Award-Winning Social Justice Journalist, Founder Australian Femicide Watch, She Matters Podcast Host
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Tristan Graham, VP, Executive Creative Director, Vacation
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Serena Kim, Integrated Media & Marketing Communications Manager, IKEA Korea
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Lem Zakharia, Creator, Brand Builder, Podcast Producer & Director, Bedou
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- By Neel Achary
24, Sep 2026
Fishermen Advised Against Venturing Into Sea as Rough Conditions Persist Off Odisha Coast
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): Fishermen have been advised to stay away from the sea along and off the Odisha coast for two days as rough to very rough conditions are forecast amid the prevailing weather system over the region.
Representational Image
The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a fishermen warning for September 24 and 25, cautioning against venturing into the sea during the period.
Winds Up To 70 Kmph Expected
According to the weather warning, squally conditions are likely along and off the Odisha coast on Thursday, with wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph.
Conditions are expected to remain unsettled on Friday, September 25, with winds likely to reach 45–55 kmph and gust up to 65 kmph.
Sea To Remain Rough To Very Rough
The Meteorological Centre has forecast rough to very rough sea conditions along and off the Odisha coast during both days.
In view of the strong winds and deteriorating sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea on September 24 and 25.
The warning comes as Odisha continues to experience the impact of a deep depression over the region, which has triggered heavy rainfall and strong winds across several parts of the state.
Authorities and coastal communities have been advised to remain alert and follow weather-related advisories during the period.
24, Sep 2026
Over 37.43 Lakh People Affected by Floods, Heavy Rain in Odisha This Year: Minister
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): More than 37.43 lakh people across 26 districts of Odisha have been affected by floods and heavy rainfall this year, while seven people have lost their lives, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the State Assembly on Thursday.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Tankadhar Tripathy on relief measures for flood-affected people, Pujari said the state has also reported damage to crops spread over 2,12,533 hectares and 18,067 houses.
The minister said 93 livestock deaths have also been reported in incidents linked to floods and excessive rainfall.
Over Rs 234 Crore Released for Compensation
According to the minister, the state government has released Rs 234 crore 84 lakh 86 thousand to districts under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms towards compensation for losses to personal property and other damages.
Of the amount released, Rs 33.63 crore has been earmarked for house-building assistance, while Rs 151.96 crore has been provided towards crop-loss assistance.
The figures come as Odisha continues to deal with episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding during the 2026 monsoon season. The state administration has maintained disaster preparedness measures amid the latest spell of heavy rain triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
Relief Measures Under Review
The government has been monitoring the situation in affected districts and coordinating relief and disaster-response measures through district administrations and the State Emergency Operations Centre.
The Odisha government has also kept disaster-response teams on standby in vulnerable areas amid the latest weather system. The Chief Minister’s Office said 33 ODRAF teams, along with NDRF and Fire Services personnel, had been kept prepared ahead of the current spell of heavy rainfall.
With rainfall continuing in several parts of the state, authorities are keeping a watch on vulnerable areas, water levels and possible damage to infrastructure and property.
24, Sep 2026
RAKEZ recognises companies for excellence in health, safety and sustainability
Ras Al Khaimah, Sept 24: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recognised companies within its business community for their achievements and commitment to high standards of health, safety and environmental practices through its HS&E Excellence Awards and Nujoom Al Salama Programme.
The recognition highlighted businesses that have demonstrated strong performance in workplace safety, environmental responsibility, compliance and the continued improvement of HS&E practices across their operations.
As part of the HS&E Excellence Awards, Vesuvius Ras Al Khaimah was recognised for completing one million safe working hours by World Refractories Association, while Ni Met Recycling was honoured for receiving a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis Sustainability Rating based on its environmental, social, and ethical performance across its operations and supply chain.
RAKEZ also recognised four companies under its Nujoom Al Salama Programme, which evaluates and rewards businesses for excellence in HS&E practices. Elegant Industries and Peikko Gulf each received a four-star rating, while Sobha Modular Industries and AG Metal Industries achieved the programme’s highest five-star rating.
Under Nujoom Al Salama, businesses are rated from three to five stars based on their adherence to safety regulations, proactive measures and incident records. The programme is designed to encourage continuous improvements in safety and compliance across industrial, land and warehouse facilities.
Congratulating the awardees, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Strong businesses are built on environments where people can work safely and where responsible practices are embedded into everyday operations. The achievements of these companies demonstrate what can be accomplished when health, safety and environmental responsibility become an integral part of how a business operates. Through initiatives such as these, we want to recognise good practices while encouraging our wider business community to continuously raise standards across their facilities.”
Through its HS&E recognition initiatives, RAKEZ continues to promote a culture of safety, sustainability and responsible business practices across its growing business community
24, Sep 2026
XLRI – Xavier School of Management to Organize Annual CHRO Strategy Conclave at Metamorphose 2026 in Udaipur
Metamorphose 2026, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur will organise its Annual CHRO Strategy Conclave to be held on September 25–26, 2026 at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Udaipur.
Returning for its second edition following its inaugural gathering in 2024, Metamorphose 2026, themed “Emerge, Sustain, Lead” will bring together around 120 CHROs and people leaders from India, the Middle East and Singapore for two days of strategic dialogue and knowledge exchange. The conclave will provide an opportunity for leaders to step back from operational priorities, exchange experiences and reflect on the organisational choices that will shape the future of work.
As part of the Metamorphose initiative, XLRI, Jamshedpur organised a series of mini-conclaves led by CHROs on the Future of Work and Organisational Readiness, bringing together 24 CHROs representing diverse sectors. The insights emerging from these conversations were further triangulated through inputs from more than 160 HR and business leaders, creating a broader perspective on how organisations and the HR function are evolving.
A key insight emerging from these discussions is that the HR function of the future will need to move beyond managing the next generation of the workforce towards designing organisations where people can create greater value. In this evolving landscape, CHROs are increasingly being called upon to play a broader role as architects of the future organisation.
The outcomes of the mini-conclaves and the broader survey have been brought together in a Future of Work White Paper which will be officially launched at Metamorphose 2026 in Udaipur.
The 2026 edition will examine the evolving challenges facing organisations and the choices required to translate them into meaningful action. The key areas of discussion will include Agentic AI and the evolving digital workforce, organisational value and agile design, future-ready talent and succession planning.
The discussions will look beyond individual trends to examine the organisational choices required to build more adaptive, technology-enabled and people-centric organisations while continuing to create sustainable value. A key highlight of the conclave will be a keynote address by Mr. Sandeep Bakhshi, Managing Director & CEO, ICICI Bank, who will offer perspectives on leading through change and building organisations for the future.
For XLRI, Metamorphose is more than a forum for discussing emerging trends. It will bring together academic perspectives, industry insights and lived leadership experience to explore how organisations can evolve while remaining grounded in people and purpose.
The journey leading to the 2026 edition reflects this approach with conversations involving CHROs and business leaders informing the research and insights that will be presented at the conclave. As leaders gather in Udaipur, Metamorphose 2026 will seek to move the dialogue beyond anticipating the future of work towards understanding the choices that will shape it.
24, Sep 2026
BIX 2026 Names Canada as Country of Honor Showcasing Bioindustry Trends from BCI To Biotech Foods
24, Sep 2026
Saraf and Partners advised AMPIN Energy Transition on its USD 100 million equity fund raise from Norfund, the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund
25, September 2026: Saraf and Partners acted as the counsel for AMPIN Energy Transition on its equity fund raise of up to USD 100 million from Norfund, the developmental finance institution of the Norwegian Government, through the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund. The capital infusion takes AMPIN’s total equity raised to nearly USD 1 billion, enabling capital deployment of over USD 4 billion.
This transaction is a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy landscape, with AMPIN becoming the only energy transition company in India to attract leading investors from Europe, North America, and Asia. The deal reinforces India’s position as a key growth market for international clean energy capital and supports the country’s ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel generation capacity by 2030.
The transaction team was led by Avirup Nag (Partner) and comprised Ankit Sahoo (Partner Designate), Ashwini Panwar and Sneha Smriti(Associates).
24, Sep 2026
Point S International launches new fully EV-compatible all seasons tyre
New Point S 4 Seasons 3 range developed in Germany and manufactured in Europe, 100% compatible with EVs. • TÜV SÜD Product Service testing confirms strong safety and performance across wet, snow, and high-speed conditions. • Available in more than 50 sizes, covering majority of the European vehicle fleet, including van.
Sept 24: To meet the changing needs of motorists and independent businesses across its growing network, Point S Europe has launched its new-generation Point S 4 Seasons 3 all-season tyre range. The new range comprises Point S 4 Seasons 3 for passenger cars, sports cars, and SUVs, alongside Point S 4 Seasons Van + for vans, commercial vehicles, and caravans. Notably, the full range is 100% compatible for electric vehicles.
Designed in Germany and manufactured in Europe, the new tyres have been developed in close collaboration with one of Europe’s leading premium tyre manufacturers, combining exceptional manufacturing expertise with Point S’s own tyre knowledge and requirements. The result is a range designed specifically around key industry specifications, weather conditions, and fleet requirements, while delivering improvements across a number of key performance criteria.
The new tyre delivers an improved European tyre label, with rolling resistance moving from a C rating compared with D previously, while wet grip is rated B for specific sizes. Development testing also recorded improvements in snow, wet and dry performances compared with its predecessor. The tyres incorporate EV technology designed around the specific requirements of electric vehicles, including enhanced load capacity, optimised rolling resistance, reduced noise levels, and improved wear resistance.
With more than 50 sizes available, including 12 sizes for commercial vehicles and increased coverage across 17-, 18- and 19-inch diameters, the range has been designed to address growing demand for medium and large tyre sizes.
TÜV SÜD Product Service tested for harsh weather conditions
To validate the performance of the new range, Point S International commissioned independent testing from TÜV SÜD Product Service, comparing the Point S 4 Seasons 3 205/55 R16 94V XL against three mid-range and three budget tyre brands. Conducted in February and March 2026 using a Volkswagen Golf VIII and Audi A3, the testing examined the tyres across a range of safety-critical conditions, including wet braking, wet lateral grip, aquaplaning, and snow performance.
The results demonstrated the strong performance of the new Point S 4 Seasons 3, particularly in wet conditions. During wet braking tests from 80 km/h to a complete stop, the mid-range tyres travelled 2.66 metres further than the Point S 4 Seasons 3, while the budget tyres travelled 3.3 metres further. The tyre also recorded a higher wet grip rating than the mid-range and budget tyres tested, while the aquaplaning results demonstrated a lower risk of grip loss compared with the competing tyres.
On snow-covered roads, the Point S 4 Seasons 3 again demonstrated strong performance. From 40 km/h to a complete stop, the mid-range tyres and budget tyres travelled 0.4 metres and 1.7 metres further than Point S Tyres’ tyre, respectively. Acceleration testing on snow also saw the Point S 4 Seasons 3 outperform both the mid-range and budget tyre groups.
Fabien Bouquet, CEO of Point S International, said: “Point S 4 Seasons 3 represents a significant step forward for our own-brand tyre range, combining European manufacturing with the expertise and quality standards we expect from a premium manufacturer. The results acquired from TÜV SÜD Product Service’s independent testing demonstrate that the range delivers the levels of safety and performance our customers expect, particularly in the wet, while also demonstrating strong capability in dry conditions.”
Emilie Faure, International Private Labels Product Manager, added: “Drivers are increasingly looking for a tyre that gives them a year-round solution without the need to compromise on safety, convenience, or value. At the same time, our members need a range that gives them the breadth and performance required to serve an increasingly diverse vehicle parc, including the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. Point S 4 Seasons 3 is one of our solutions, providing our network with a competitive all-season offering and giving motorists confidence that they are choosing a tyre designed for the conditions they face throughout the year.”
1 Commissioned by Point S International, the tests took place in February and March 2026 using a VW Golf VIII and Audi A3. In addition to the Point S 4 Seasons 3 205/55 R16 94V XL, three mid-range tyres and three budget tyres were tested under the report number 713389589-AS1.
24, Sep 2026
Atlantis Dubai Announces Major Investment in Enhancements Across the Destination
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sept 24: Atlantis Dubai has announced a series of major enhancements across Atlantis, The Palm, Aquaventure World and Atlantis The Royal, as part of its continued investment in the evolution of the destination and the guest experience.
Plato’s Lounge expansion into the heart of the lobby Plato’s Lounge will be transformed with a new terrace balcony boasting views of the Dubai skyline, as well as a larger seating area in the main lobby of Atlantis, The Palm, introducing more than double the original seating. The new Plato’s Lounge will invite guests to relax, dine, and enjoy coffee or afternoon tea overlooking the resort’s iconic water features. A new accessible ramped pathway will replace the existing stairs, while guest circulation will be reconfigured to improve the overall flow through the space. A new cascading water feature will further enhance the resort’s aquatic surroundings, creating a peaceful ambiance. The new Plato’s Lounge is set to open in October 2026.
Poseidon’s Village set to become Aquaventure World’s largest indoor dining destination Aquaventure World is set to welcome Poseidon’s Village, a reimagining of the space previously known as Barracudas, which will become the park’s largest indoor dining destination. Designed as a fully themed dining experience, the venue will accommodate almost 400 guests indoors and almost 300 outdoors, significantly expanding the park’s dining capacity while creating a dedicated space for guests to refuel and relax. The new menu will feature a wide range of options, including vegan dishes, healthy salad bowls and wraps, a loaded hot dog bar, burgers, oven-baked pizza, pies and Asian specials, alongside a revamped children’s menu. The experience will extend beyond the food, with four self-service ordering kiosks and sunbed ordering, allowing guests to have food delivered directly to their sunbeds. An exclusive merchandise outlet will also form part of the new offering.
Further enhancements across Aquaventure World include the full refurbishment and resurfacing of River Rapids, alongside restoration, painting and landscaping works carried out throughout the park. These updates form part of the wider investment in the guest experience, ensuring the park continues to offer an exceptional environment for guests to explore and enjoy.
24, Sep 2026
Flir and MentorAPM Streamline Asset Condition Assessment with New iXX-Series App Integration
Sept 24: Flir announced the worldwide availability of the MentorLens® app by MentorAPM on its professional-grade iXX-Series thermal imaging cameras, bringing AI-driven asset condition assessment directly onto the camera.
Flir announced the worldwide availability of the MentorLens® app by MentorAPM on its professional-grade iXX-Series thermal imaging cameras, bringing AI-driven asset condition assessment directly onto the camera. Developed by MentorAPM, a provider of asset performance management software for critical infrastructure, the app allows maintenance and reliability teams to capture nameplate, condition and thermal imagery on a single device and send it straight to the asset record, without the file transfers and manual data entry that have long slowed condition monitoring programs.
In industrial operations, the value of a thermal inspection is determined less by the image itself than by what happens to it afterward. Files are moved from an SD card to a laptop, thermal metadata is altered or lost along the way, and findings end up in a folder rather than in the system where maintenance work is actually planned. Running natively on the iXX-Series, the MentorLens app removes that handoff. Images upload from the camera directly to the asset record with their thermal data intact, and technicians can create new assets or update existing ones without leaving the camera. All Flir imaging and hardware controls remain available, including MSX, palette selection, lamp and laser, so the same device that captures the thermogram also captures the nameplate photo and the condition photo.
Once the images are synced, MentorLens processes them automatically. Nameplate and tag data is transcribed into standard asset attributes, visual imagery is scored for condition, and thermal imagery is measured against operating baselines taken from the asset’s own nameplate data or from manufacturer manuals. Reports return observed anomalies, temperature readings and recommended actions, and because previous assessments for the same asset are carried into the analysis, degradation is tracked across inspections rather than judged one image at a time.
“Customers don’t need more inspection data. They need actionable information that helps them prevent downtime and make better maintenance decisions,” said John Gould, Sr. Director of Strategic Business Development, FLIR. “With MentorAPM integrated into the iXX-Series workflow, thermal findings become part of a broader asset health picture. Data is automatically evaluated against previous conditions and delivered to the teams responsible for maintenance planning, enabling earlier intervention and more effective predictive maintenance programs.”
For the wider organization, the benefits go beyond the inspection itself. Condition and thermal results feed the MentorLens platform, where rules can automatically trigger preventive work orders and where condition history, work history and SCADA events are held against the same asset record. Reports are exported as standardized PDFs, and the underlying data can be pushed by API into an existing CMMS or EAM system, so operators are not obliged to change their system of record in order to benefit. Every AI-assisted workflow keeps a human in the loop, with a person confirming what is committed against the asset.
“For most operators the hardest part of asset management is still the most basic one, which is knowing what you own and what condition it is in,” added Tacoma Zach, CEO of MentorAPM. “Putting our app on the iXX-Series means high-quality thermal data now enters that picture at the point of capture, from the same technician and the same device. In plants where downtime is measured in millions of dollars an hour, the payback on that is very quick.”
First proven in water and wastewater utilities, the combined solution is now being adopted in manufacturing, metals, and oil and gas, where thermographic inspection has typically been outsourced to specialist contractors at considerable expense. MentorAPM reports that customers using MentorLens achieve up to 10x faster field data collection and cost savings of more than 75 percent against conventional condition assessment methods. The MentorLens app is available worldwide now for Flir iXX-Series users with a MentorAPM subscription.
Both companies will present the integration at the SMRP 34th Annual Conference, held 28 September to 1 October 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tacoma Zach, CEO of MentorAPM, leads an Innovation Lab session titled “From Camera to Asset Intelligence: AI Workflows for Reliability Teams” on Tuesday 29 September, 1:15 to 2:15 PM ET, in Innovation Lab #3. The session walks through practical workflows using MentorLens with Flir thermal cameras to capture equipment information, analyze visual and thermal conditions and generate structured asset intelligence automatically. John Gould of Teledyne FLIR joins the session to discuss the iXX-Series. The solution will also be demonstrated at the Flir booth, 1307, and at the MentorAPM booth, 512.
