5, Aug 2026
Utility Global Names Robert Lane Chief Financial Officer to Drive Commercialization at Scale
Capital markets veteran joins company to fuel next phase of rapid growth
HOUSTON, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Utility Global (“Utility”), a global company enabling the economic industrial decarbonization of heavy industries, today announced the appointment of Robert Lane as Chief Financial Officer. Lane joins Utility at a defining time as the company pivots into its commercialization phase.
Lane has a proven record of scaling organizations and guiding companies through rapid commercial growth. He brings more than three decades of financial leadership across energy, industrial and growth-stage companies, most recently as CFO of Quva Pharma, where he led finance, accounting, IT and treasury functions through a period of process modernization and liquidity improvement. Previously, as Executive Vice President and CFO of Sunnova Energy International, he helped lead the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) and closed more than $10 billion in tax equity, debt and equity financing to fund its growth. At Spark Energy, Lane helped lead the company through several acquisitions and integrations, simplified the corporate structure, and led creative and innovative financing strategies. At Emerge Energy Services, he guided the company through its IPO and capital expansion while significantly lowering the cost of debt. Across his career, Lane has led dozens of capital markets transactions collectively worth tens of billions of dollars and has a proven track record of building the financial infrastructure to support fast-growing companies to help them scale.
“Robert has built his career taking companies from early-stage growth to full-scale commercial operations, which is exactly what Utility needs right now,” said Utility Global Chief Executive Officer Parker Meeks, “His financial leadership and experience guiding organizations through periods of growth gives us the right partner to expand the commercial deployment of our proprietary H2Gen® technology and enable our customers to advance their decarbonization goals while extending the economic value of their existing assets.”
Utility’s proprietary H2Gen® technology enables the production of low-carbon hydrogen by using industrial off-gases or biogas to convert water into hydrogen without electricity, while simultaneously producing a concentrated carbon dioxide stream with up to 98% purity. As Utility advances multiple commercial projects and expands its footprint across North America, Asia and Europe, Lane will lead the finance function through this next stage of growth.
“Utility is at the stage where proven technology achieves rapid commercial growth, which is the environment where I have spent my career,” Lane said. “H2Gen offers hard-to-abate industries a genuinely practical path to economic decarbonization, and I am looking forward to building the financial foundation that enables Utility to scale that technology quickly and efficiently.”
Utility Global is a portfolio company of Ara Partners, a global private equity and infrastructure firm decarbonizing the industrial economy.
About Utility Global
Utility delivers practical solutions that enable economic industrial decarbonization across hard-to-abate sectors including steel, mobility, refining, chemicals, and upstream oil & gas. The company’s patented and proprietary H2Gen® technology harnesses energy from industrial off gases and biogases to produce application-specific, high-purity hydrogen with low-to-negative carbon intensity on-site from water, without electricity, using a proprietary electrochemical process.
H2Gen also produces a high-concentration carbon dioxide stream, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of carbon capture. Modular, scalable, and operationally flexible, H2Gen systems integrate seamlessly into existing industrial assets with a record-small footprint, enabling practical and economical decarbonization.
Utility is a portfolio company of Ara Partners, a global private equity and infrastructure firm that is decarbonizing the industrial economy.
For more information on Utility’s solutions and services, visit www.utilityglobal.com
About Ara Partners
Founded in 2017, Ara Partners is a global private markets firm focused on decarbonizing the industrial economy. The firm invests in the middle market across three strategies: Private Equity, Infrastructure, and Energy. The firm scales commercially demonstrated decarbonization solutions, supports the businesses and infrastructure that enable their adoption, and reduces emissions at the source across the conventional energy value chain. Ara’s model combines investing, market and policy expertise, project execution and operational optimization, and rigorous carbon accounting to reduce emissions economically and unlock growth at an industrial scale. The firm operates from Houston, Boston, Dublin and Washington D.C., and, as of March 31, 2026, had approximately $8.2 billion in assets under management.
For more information about Ara Partners, please visit www.arapartners.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/utility-global-names-robert-lane-chief-financial-officer-to-drive-commercialization-at-scale-302843425.html
- 0
- By Sai Krishna
5, Aug 2026
REAL Jet and Crypto.com Give Customers a New Way to Pay for Private Flights
Customers Can Now Use Crypto.com Pay™ to fly REAL Jet
NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — REAL Jet, a REAL SLX company, has officially launched Crypto.com Pay, allowing customers to use the digital payment solution on the company’s charter booking platform. With it, REAL Jet becomes the first private aviation company to accept Crypto.com Pay for private charter flights. Customers with a Crypto.com account, booking through REAL Jet, can now select Crypto.com Pay, with transactions processed securely and in compliance with applicable regulatory standards. Crypto.com Pay is available to eligible US residents for bookings priced and settled in US Dollars (USD). The launch builds on the Crypto.com–REAL partnership formed in February 2026 to reimagine VIP experiences across business, sport, and culture.
“In 2001, we created the fractional jet card, making private aviation accessible to a much wider audience. Crypto.com Pay is the next leap forward. Crypto.com has more than 100 million users and they’re building for the next 100 million. These are the people that REAL Jet was built to serve. This generation transacts the way they live: instant, digital, and frictionless,” said Kenny Dichter, Founder and Chairman of REAL SLX.
“Partnering with REAL Jet is a milestone for Crypto.com and our Crypto.com Pay feature, which was designed for ease of use and seamless integration,” said Joe Anzures, Chief Business Officer, Crypto.com. “We are proud to support REAL Jet as it embraces the crypto payments space.”
The collaboration comes as Crypto.com accelerates its expansion across all asset classes. In July 2026, Crypto.com secured a $400 million strategic investment from Citadel Securities, its first institutional funding round, valuing the company at $20 billion. This is one of many signals that digital assets are entering the mainstream, as adoption and institutional interest continue to rise across the globe.
About Crypto.com
Founded in 2016, Crypto.com is trusted by millions of users worldwide and is the industry leader in regulatory compliance, security and privacy. Our vision is simple: Cryptocurrency in Every Wallet™. Crypto.com is committed to accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrency through innovation and development of new use cases including prediction markets and tokenized RWAs.
Learn more at https://crypto.com.
About REAL Jet
Created by the founders of Marquis Jet and Wheels Up, REAL Jet delivers global access to premium aircraft with flexible booking and a commitment to safety, precision, and seamless execution. Private aviation, simplified, and without long-term contracts or forced commitments. REAL Jet LLC arranges flights on aircraft operated by FAR Part 135 air carriers, or foreign equivalent, who maintain full operational control of charter flights at all times.
About REAL SLX
REAL SLX is a global sports and lifestyle experience club. REAL creates and curates bespoke real-life experiences, best-in-class hospitality, exclusive offerings, exceptional benefits, and travel for its individual members and corporate partners. REAL SLX creates meaningful connections and lasting memories.
For more information, visit: realslx.com
Follow REAL SLX on social media: @realslxofficial (Instagram) @realslx (Facebook)
@real_slx (Twitter) @real-slx (LinkedIn)
For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:
press@realslx.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/real-jet-and-cryptocom-give-customers-a-new-way-to-pay-for-private-flights-302843006.html
5, Aug 2026
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.
5, Aug 2026
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
5, Aug 2026
Hexnode Partners with Ingram Micro in Indonesia
This agreement comes as a concrete response to rising cyber threats and the increasingly complex device management needs of Indonesia’s hybrid-work era
Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug 05: Hexnode, the enterprise software division of Mitsogo has announced a new distribution agreement with Ingram Micro , appointing it as an Authorized Distributor in Indonesia. The collaboration strengthens Hexnode’s presence in Southeast Asia while expanding Ingram Micro’s portfolio in enterprise endpoint security. The appointment was unveiled at a media and partner gathering in Jakarta.
As Indonesia’s digital economy continues to grow, organizations are managing an increasingly diverse mix of corporate, personal, frontline, and specialized devices while facing a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. According to Indonesia’s National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), the country recorded 5.5 billion cyber incidents in 2025—a 714% increase over the previous four-year average—with another 1.52 billion incidents detected during the opening months of 2026. The trend highlights the increasing importance of centralized endpoint security and management across enterprises.
Through this, organizations across Indonesia will gain broader access to Hexnode’s unified endpoint management platform through Ingram Micro’s extensive network of resellers, system integrators, and managed service providers. Together, the companies aim to help businesses simplify endpoint management, strengthen security, support compliance with regulations such as Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP), and improve operational efficiency across increasingly distributed IT environments.
“At Ingram Micro, our role as a distributor goes beyond making technology available. We build the local capabilities that enable our partners to successfully position, deploy, and support solutions for their customers. By adding Hexnode to our portfolio, we can help resellers and system integrators develop stronger managed services and recurring-revenue opportunities around endpoint management. Through technical enablement, solution integration, and go-to-market support, we aim to help our partners address a broader range of customer needs and accelerate the adoption of modern device management across Indonesia.” — Mulia Dewi Karnadi, President Director of Ingram Micro
Hexnode UEM enables organizations to manage and secure endpoints across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and other enterprise platforms from a single console. The platform combines policy management, application lifecycle management, patch management, remote monitoring and management, automation, and compliance capabilities to help IT teams streamline operations while maintaining a strong security posture. It also supports specialized deployment scenarios, including kiosk devices, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments, and rugged endpoints used across industries such as retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and field services.
“We’re honoured to launch our distribution partnership with Ingram Micro. Together, we’re strengthening our commitment to the Indonesian market and empowering businesses with world-class endpoint management solutions. We look forward to growing alongside Ingram Micro and its outstanding partner ecosystem.”
— Keith O’Leary, Enterprise Sales Director, ASEAN, Hexnode
5, Aug 2026
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.
5, Aug 2026
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.
5, Aug 2026
Odisha Highways Turn Greener as NHAI Plants Over 2.4 Lakh Saplings Across the State
Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: In a major step towards promoting sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has planted more than 2.40 lakh saplings along National Highways in Odisha, strengthening green cover across the state.
The plantation drive is part of NHAI’s efforts to combine road development with environmental conservation by creating greener highway corridors and improving ecological balance along major transport routes.
As part of the initiative, NHAI has also launched its first bamboo plantation drive in Odisha, recognising bamboo’s potential in supporting sustainable development, soil conservation, and carbon absorption.
Officials said plantation along highways will help improve air quality, reduce dust pollution, provide shade for commuters, and contribute to a healthier environment. The green corridors are also expected to enhance the visual appeal of highways while supporting local biodiversity.
The initiative reflects the growing focus on environmentally responsible infrastructure development, where economic growth and ecological protection move together.
Experts said such plantation programmes can play an important role in tackling climate challenges by increasing green cover and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
With continued efforts towards greener roads, Odisha’s highway network is set to become not only a symbol of connectivity and development but also a contributor to environmental conservation.
5, Aug 2026
RBI’s Stable Policy to Drive Growth in Tier 2 Real Estate Markets:Mr. Nikhil Madan
By:- Mr. Nikhil Madan, MD Mahima Group on RBI MPC Announcement
“The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25%, coupled with an upward revision in the GDP outlook to 6.7%, reinforces the view that the economy is entering a phase of measured and sustainable growth. For Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, this macroeconomic stability is particularly significant, as rising incomes, infrastructure investments and improving business activity continue to reshape both residential and commercial demand.
In the luxury housing segment, buyers today are driven less by short-term market movements and more by long-term confidence in the economy and the quality of the product they are investing in. At the same time, a stable inflation trajectory creates a supportive environment for commercial real estate, as businesses remain focused on expansion and long-term capacity building. The current economic indicators point towards a market that is becoming more mature, with Tier 2 centres emerging as important engines of growth across both residential and commercial real estate.”
5, Aug 2026
Haier Partners with AO 1 Point Slam to Bring Grassroots Tennis to the Grand Slam Stage
Partnership creates a new pathway for community players to experience the Australian Open
QINGDAO, China, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Haier, the world’s No.1 major appliances brand, today announced its partnership with AO 1 Point Slam, an innovative tennis initiative launched by the Australian Open that provides grassroots players with the opportunity to experience the excitement of Grand Slam competition.
The partnership connects local tennis communities with the world’s premier tennis stage, giving players of all ages and skill levels the chance to compete in local qualifying events and earn the opportunity to compete on Rod Laver Arena during Australian Open Opening Week.
To encourage broader community participation, Tennis Australia and Haier are calling on tennis clubs, associations, schools, and coaches across the country to host qualifying events. Each main-draw player at AO Opening Week will represent a local community, with the club associated with the eventual champion receiving a tennis development grant to support grassroots growth.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Australian Open has allowed Haier to connect with tennis fans and communities around the world. By expanding our collaboration to include AO 1 Point Slam, we are creating new opportunities to engage with a broader community of players and fans, bringing the excitement of the Australian Open closer to tennis communities worldwide,” said Wang Meiyan, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Haier Group.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Haier to the AO 1 Point Slam,” Tennis Australia Chief Commercial Officer Cedric Cornelis said. “Haier’s dedication to innovation and quality aligns perfectly with the values of our sport. This collaboration will not only elevate one of the newest tennis events but also supports grassroots tennis communities around the country.”
Building on more than two decades of sports marketing experience since its first collaboration with the Melbourne Tigers in 2004, Haier has expanded its presence across world-class sporting properties, partnering with leading football clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC, as well as major global events including the Australian Open and Roland-Garros.
Through these partnerships, Haier engages with diverse audiences around the world while gaining deeper insights into local cultures and consumer lifestyles. These experiences continue to inform Haier’s approach to developing products and solutions that meet the evolving needs of households across different markets.
With a global R&D network and localized innovation capabilities, Haier develops smart home solutions designed around different household environments and lifestyles. From energy-efficient washing machines tailored to European households to large-capacity appliances developed for North American consumers, Haier continues to adapt its innovations to meet diverse consumer needs.
Recognized as the world’s No.1 major appliances brand by retail volume for 17 consecutive years and as a leading global smart home enterprise, Haier strengthens its market leadership through innovation, consumer-focused solutions and local engagement. By bringing together sports, communities and technology, the company seeks to create lasting value for consumers worldwide.
For more information on community event hosting, registration, and participation details, visit tennis.com.au/one-point-slam.
About Haier Group
Founded in 1984, Haier Group is a leading global provider of solutions for better living and digital transformation, with the purpose of “More Creation, More Possibilities”. The company has established 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks, and 173 manufacturing centers worldwide, generating global revenue of USD 59.8 billion in 2025. Haier is the world’s only IoT Ecosystem Brand that has been ranked among the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for 8 consecutive years. Additionally, Haier has ranked No.1 in brand share of global major home appliance sales by Euromonitor International for 17 consecutive years.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/haier-partners-with-ao-1-point-slam-to-bring-grassroots-tennis-to-the-grand-slam-stage-302843586.html
