HR Path Strengthens Global Presence with Strategic Acquisition of Grupo PHR in Latin America

PARIS, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HR Path, a global leader in HR consulting and HRIS solutions, is proud to announce its strategic acquisition of Grupo PHR, a Latin American specialist in SAP SuccessFactors, SAP HCM, and ADP Workforce solutions with operations in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.

With a presence in 33 countries and a team of more than 2,600 professionals, HR Path is a trusted partner for companies navigating the complexities of Human Resources. Through its consulting, implementation, and payroll management services, HR Path delivers solutions designed to improve efficiency and drive growth. Since its founding in 2001, the company has remained steadfast in its mission to transform Human Resources globally.

Founded in 1999, Grupo PHR has built a strong reputation for delivering human capital management solutions that optimize and simplify Human Resources processes. Its expertise spans SAP SuccessFactors cloud and SAP HCM solutions, and Time & Attendance Management by ADP Workforce, helping organizations build more efficient, integrated HR management practices aligned with their business needs.

This acquisition marks an important step in HR Path’s Latin American growth strategy. By bringing together HR Path’s global capabilities and Grupo PHR’s regional expertise, the combined organization will be better positioned to support clients with local knowledge and broader end-to-end Human Resources transformation capabilities.

HR Path’s presence in Latin America began in Mexico in 2018. In 2024, its regional footprint expanded across Mexico and Colombia. With the addition of Grupo PHR in 2026, HR Path now extends its presence to Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Argentina, strengthening its ability to support organizations throughout the region with locally grounded expertise and global delivery capabilities.

“The acquisition of Grupo PHR, a company recognized for its expertise in SAP SuccessFactors, SAP HCM, and ADP Workforce solutions across Latin America, is a strategic move that supports our ambition to become the global leader in Human Resources transformation,” said Frédéric Van Bellinghen, Partner at HR Path. “Their deep knowledge and strong client relationships in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina complement our global capabilities, allowing us to bring even greater value to our clients. This partnership is not only about growth: it is about synergy, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.”

Contact : Fabienne LATOUR – Fabienne.latour@hr-path.com 

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LEBUA BANGKOK MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH TOP GLOBAL HONORS AND MULTI-PHASED SERIES OF RENOVATIONS

lebua at State Tower, Chef’s Table, and Mezzaluna earn recognition from Travel + Leisure and La Liste as the property unveils new Tower Club Signature Collection suites and enhanced features to come

BANGKOK, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — lebua Bangkok, the vertical luxury destination and center for elevated culinary in the heart of the Thai capital, has added to its milestone 20th anniversary year with a string of global accolades. lebua at State Tower has been named to Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2026 as one of the Best Hotels in Southeast Asia and the World categories, and La Liste’s Top 1,000 Hotels in the World. This is in addition to two of the property’s celebrated restaurants — Mezzaluna and Chef’s Table by lebua — earning placement on La Liste’s Top 1,000 Restaurants in the World, with Mezzaluna marking its return to the list following previous recognitions in 2017 and 2018.

“Twenty years ago, we set out to redefine what a luxury stay in Bangkok could be, and to be recognized this year by both Travel + Leisure and La Liste is a meaningful affirmation of that vision,” said Narawadee Bualert, President and CEO of lebua Hotels & Resorts. “This milestone comes at a particularly special moment, as we welcome guests to a new chapter of the property with the debut of our Tower Club Signature Collection, the first part in a series of new features and curated experiences we will roll out now through 2028.”

The recognition arrives alongside the launch of the Tower Club Signature Collection by lebua, a newly redesigned suite category set on the hotel’s 55th floor. The collection comprises 28 accommodations spanning one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, each with a spacious, modern layout and interiors hand-selected by Bualert. As an elevated extension of the Tower Club at lebua, guests staying in the new suites gain exclusive access to the Tower Club lounge, afternoon high tea and canapés from the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, dedicated butler service, and limousine transfers — amenities reserved exclusively for the new collection.

The Tower Club Signature Collection represents the first chapter of a long-term vision that will continue in the years to come, with additional culinary concepts – including a Sake Bar, Omakase experience, Thai restaurant, and Steakhouse – a reimagined wellness hub, and regionally curated guest features that will premier as lebua Bangkok continues to raise the bar on what an authentic and sophisticated stay in the heart of Bangkok is meant to represent.

Several of these enhancements are already underway, with completion slated for the end of 2026. Café Mozu will be reimagined as Les Marchands, an all-day dining concept offering a fresh selection of menus that take guests on a gastronomic journey across Indian, Italian, and authentic Thai cuisines. The open-air restaurant will showcase a refreshed color palette echoing the warm, gentle tones of the newly renovated accommodations, alongside a poolside lounge and day club experience featuring private cabanas, roaming ice cream and drink carts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, salon, and a curated merchandise area.

Sirocco at The Dome, the hotel’s signature dining venue and the world’s highest al fresco Mediterranean restaurant, will also undergo complete redesign, with expanded seating and lounge areas, an enlarged bar, and raised flooring within the fountain section. The refreshed space will frame sweeping rooftop views of the Chao Phraya River, the night sky, and the city skyline, set against crisp white hues, natural tones, sculptural columns, elegant lighting, and curated landscaping.

The elevated property’s new collection of suites, enhanced experiences to come, and the year’s award wins underscore lebua Bangkok’s continued investment in providing sophisticated guest service and stays.

For reservations or more information, please visit www.lebua.com.

About lebua Bangkok  

Consisting of the prestigious Tower Club at lebua and lebua at State Tower in Bangkok, the world’s first vertical destination features an impressive collection of elegant suites ranging from one to three bedrooms, 11 iconic restaurants and bars, bespoke experiences, and scenic viewpoints of the bustling city. Delectable and award-winning dining options include Sirocco by lebua, Breeze, two-Michelin-star Mezzaluna, two-Michelin-star Chef’s Table, Sky Bar, Flute Champagne Bollinger Bar, Alfresco 64, Lebua No. 3, Distil Bar and Pink Bar. Globally influenced menus allow diners to select from Mediterranean cuisine, authentic Chinese dishes, contemporary French features, Thai specialties, and more. lebua Bangkok is the only hotel in Thailand that is home to two two-Michelin-starred restaurants. Offering a sophisticated stay with exceptional views and access to major attractions including Chao Phraya River, lebua at State Tower and the ultra-luxe Tower Club at lebua offers couples, friend groups, business travelers, and more the opportunity to take in all that Bangkok has to offer in an elegant setting. For more information on the premier hotel and experiences in the heart of Bangkok visit www.lebua.com or stay up to date with the latest news and promotions on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

CONTACT: lebuahotelsresorts@zapwater.com 

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Arise Launches Halo, an AI DataOps Capability for Enterprise AI

New capability connects credentialed professionals to expert human feedback and domain expertise supporting AI evaluation, RLHF, AI safety, and human-in-the-loop workflows.

MIAMI, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Arise, a technology platform company which connects enterprises to expert ecosystems at scale, today announced the launch of Halo by Arise, an AI DataOps capability that connects credentialed expertise to enterprise AI programs.

As generative AI moves from experimentation to production, organizations face growing pressure to improve model performance while maintaining accuracy, security, and control. Traditional data annotation approaches often lack the specialized knowledge required for increasingly complex and high-consequence AI applications.

Halo connects credentialed professionals to labeling and annotation, preference ranking, human feedback, reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), red-teaming, safety review, and AI evaluation workflows. By bringing domain expertise into these workflows, Halo provides the human insight organizations use to improve model quality, reduce risk, and accelerate deployment.

Drawing on Arise’s global network of experts, Halo connects AI projects with domain credentialed specialists across highly regulated and technically demanding sectors including healthcare, finance, legal, and robotics, aligning expertise to the areas where precision and context matter most.

“This is a natural evolution of Arise’s service offerings,” said Mohit Thukral, Chief Executive Officer of Arise. “For years, Arise has connected enterprises to professionals in workflows where judgment and accountability matter. AI has created that same need at a new scale. Our Halo platform for AI DataOps provides enterprises access to the expertise that supports AI model evaluation, human-in-the-loop feedback, and responsible AI adoption.”

“In regulated industries, AI performance is inseparable from domain expertise and accountability,” said Selena Lyons, Chief Revenue Officer at Arise. “Halo pairs credentialed domain professionals with a delivery model that brings together qualified experts, secure environments, and quality assurance at every layer. That combination turns human feedback into a durable performance advantage.”

Built on years of workforce orchestration, Halo combines rigorous screening and assessment capability, multi-layer quality assurance, and delivery environments that help ensure enterprise-grade security, compliance, and data integrity.

Halo is already supporting AI initiatives that require expertise and human evaluation across complex use cases.

About Arise

Arise is a Warburg Pincus-backed technology company that helps enterprises activate expert ecosystems at scale. Through a global network of more than 200,000+ experts and proprietary workforce orchestration technology, Arise enables organizations to align expertise to business demand with speed, flexibility, and precision. Arise supports customer experience, business services, and AI DataOps solutions for leading enterprises worldwide.

Contact

Media inquiries

Media@arise.com

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Colgate PerioGard Sets a New Gold Standard: Becomes India’s First Gum Care Regimen to Earn the ISP Seal of Acceptance

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Colgate PerioGard announced that its advanced gum care portfolio – comprising PerioGard Toothpaste, Toothbrush and Mouthwash – has become the first in India to receive the Indian Society of Periodontology (ISP) Seal of Acceptance. This recognition marks a significant milestone in Indian oral healthcare, underscoring the brand’s commitment to advancing solution-oriented care through rigorous, clinical innovation.

As awareness of oral health continues to grow, gum health remains an under-prioritized yet critical aspect of overall wellness. Beyond the mouth, clinical research increasingly links poor gum health to broader systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This recognition seeks to bring greater focus to the role of healthy gums in maintaining long-term full-body health, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting proactive education and solution oriented care across India.

The prestigious ISP Seal is awarded only after a stringent scientific evaluation of a product’s safety and efficacy. By earning this distinction, Colgate PerioGard not only reinforces its leadership in evidence-based care but also establishes a new national benchmark for validated gum health solutions.

Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, said, “We fundamentally believe that healthier gums are the foundation of a healthier mouth, yet the category continues to receive far less attention than it deserves. Earning this independent validation is a proud reflection of our mission to elevate the standard of oral care in India. We hope this milestone sparks a wider national conversation around gum health and empowers people to make informed, proactive choices for their overall well-being.”

Dr. Ashish Jain, Secretary, Indian Society of Periodontology (ISP), said, “The Seal of Acceptance helps consumers and dental professionals identify products that meet rigorous standards of safety and efficacy. We are pleased to recognize Colgate PerioGard as the first gum care regimen in India to receive this distinction, reflecting a shared commitment to evidence-based periodontal health.”

Mr. Gunjit Jain, EVP Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, said, “More than half our population suffers from a gum problem, only 1 in 10 realise it. The condition remains hidden because it manifests not through one obvious symptom, but through multiple subtle signs. That’s why the Colgate PerioGard system is specifically designed to create awareness & solve 5 signs of gum disease. Consumers are now empowered with an effective suite of solutions, backed by leading dental experts.”

This historic recognition reinforces Colgate’s 90-year legacy in India of improving public health outcomes through continuous innovation, deep clinical research, and access to superior oral care solutions.

About Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited

Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, and the planet. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market leader in Oral Care in the country, committed to delivering sustainable, profitable growth for its shareholders, while fostering an inclusive workplace for its people. With a primary focus on science-led innovations in Oral Care & Personal Care in the Indian market, the company is recognized for its leadership and innovative efforts in advancing sustainability and community well-being. Among its recent accomplishments, the company has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, conserving water and energy at its manufacturing facilities, empowering women with financial and digital literacy and enhancing children’s oral health through its flagship, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how it is building a future to smile about, visit: www.colgatepalmolive.co.in. 

About the Indian Society of Periodontology (ISP)

The Indian Society of Periodontology (ISP) is India’s premier professional and scientific body dedicated to the advancement of periodontology and implant dentistry. Established to promote excellence in education, research, clinical practice and public awareness, the Society brings together periodontists, academicians and oral healthcare professionals from across the country. Through scientific conferences, continuing education programmes, research initiatives and public health campaigns, ISP works to advance evidence-based periodontal care and improve oral health outcomes in India.

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Cypherpunk Technologies Launches World’s Largest Zcash Mining Fleet

Equity-based transaction with Winklevoss Capital activates 4.2 GSol/s of live, U.S.-based hashrate; approximately 18% of the Zcash network; Industry veteran Kevin Zhang joins as Head of Mining

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cypherpunk Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: CYPH) (“Cypherpunk”) today announced the launch of Cypherpunk Mining, which is now the largest Zcash mining fleet in the world, through a $33.33 million equity-based transaction with Winklevoss Capital. The fleet is online today, with approximately 4.2 GSol/s of Equihash hashrate deployed across the United States, which currently represents approximately 18% of the total Zcash network.

“Up until now, investors have had limited options for Zcash mining exposure. With the acquisition of this mining fleet, Cypherpunk changes that,” said Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. 

With the launch, Cypherpunk now offers public market investors exposure to both Zcash mining and treasury upside and continues Cypherpunk’s evolution into a diversified privacy technology company.

“Following the expansion of our ZEC treasury and investment in ZODL, Zcash mining is the next piece of the constellation of privacy technologies we’re assembling,” said Will McEvoy, Chief Investment Officer of Cypherpunk. “The Zcash flow from Cypherpunk Mining provides financial and operational flexibility to fund future growth, the acquisition of additional ZEC, and new privacy-preserving technology investments.”

Through this transaction with Winklevoss Capital, Cypherpunk Mining immediately becomes the Zcash network’s largest active fleet, currently deployed across U.S.-based facilities with industry-leading uptimes and hosting rates, accessing an addressable market valued at over $250 million per year at current ZEC prices.

Strengthening Cypherpunk’s Treasury and the Zcash Network

Cypherpunk Mining now stands alongside Cypherpunk’s ZEC treasury and its privacy investment strategy anchored by ZODL, the most widely used Zcash wallet. As approximately 43,800 ZEC are awarded to miners each month, mining meaningfully accelerates the company’s path to its target of holding 5% of ZEC supply, at production costs that are significantly lower than spot price. 

As the largest corporate holder of ZEC, currently with 323,394.38 ZEC representing approximately 1.92% of the circulating supply, Cypherpunk’s incentives are aligned with the network’s. The additional mining hashrate and decentralization strengthens Zcash network security, and a more secure Zcash makes Cypherpunk’s treasury more valuable. Cypherpunk intends to serve as a bridge between Zcash miners, developers, and the broader ecosystem.

Kevin Zhang Joins as Head of Mining

Kevin Zhang joins Cypherpunk as Head of Mining, bringing more than a decade of experience at the front lines of Bitcoin and Zcash. Zhang began mining Bitcoin in 2014 and Zcash in 2016, built several of the largest Bitcoin mining facilities in North America, and in 2019 led the first power plant conversion to Bitcoin mining on the continent. At Foundry, he built the largest Bitcoin mining pool in the world and deployed one of the largest crypto mining operations.

“Approximately 1,440 ZEC is awarded to miners each day, making Zcash mining highly profitable. Even if the Zcash network hashrate increases significantly, Zcash mining still out-earns AI colocation and Bitcoin mining at today’s ZEC prices,” said Kevin Zhang, Head of Mining at Cypherpunk. “The opportunity in Zcash mining shows a striking similarity to Bitcoin mining in 2016 and provides exciting growth potential for Cypherpunk.”

Description of the Transaction

Cypherpunk and Cypherpunk Mining LLC (“Cypherpunk Mining”) entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Moria Mining LLC and Winklevoss Treasury Investments, LLC pursuant to which Cypherpunk Mining acquired the latest generation Z15 Pro machines with an aggregate hashpower of approximately 4.2 GSol/s along with their related hosting agreements. The aggregate purchase price of $33.33 million was paid for by the issuance of a pre-funded warrant to Winklevoss Treasury Investments, LLC to purchase 43,290,042 shares of common stock of Cypherpunk at an exercise price of $0.001 per share, reflecting a Cypherpunk common stock purchase price of $0.77 per share.

About Cypherpunk

Cypherpunk Technologies is a privacy technology company. The Company’s mission is to advance technologies that guarantee privacy for humans on the internet. Cypherpunk pursues this mission through two primary strategies: accumulating Zcash (ZEC); and investing in, acquiring, and building technologies that push the frontier of privacy forward. Additionally, through its subsidiary Leap Therapeutics, the Company is developing novel therapies for patients with cancer, continuing the development of sirexatamab and FL-501. For more information about the Company, visit our websites at http://www.cypherpunk.com and http://www.leaptx.com or view our public filings with the SEC that are available via EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project,” and other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements address various matters including statements relating to the Company’s ZEC mining operations, the hashpower represented by the acquired Z15 Pro machines, the potential Zcash flow or profitability of the Company’s mining operations, the comparative economics or profitability of Zcash mining relative to other digital infrastructure or mining activities, the future hashrate of the Zcash Network, the value of the Company’s ZEC holdings, the Company’s target percentage ownership of the ZEC supply, the expected future market, price, and liquidity of ZEC, the Company’s expected use of Zcash flow or other capital generated by its mining operations, the potential value of the Company’s investment in Zcash Open Development Labs (“ZODL”), the macro and political conditions surrounding Zcash or digital assets, the Company’s plan for value creation and strategic advantages, market size and growth opportunities, regulatory conditions, competitive position and the interest of other corporations in similar business strategies, technological and market trends, and future financial condition and performance. Risks and uncertainties of the Company’s strategy include, among others: (a) risks relating to the Company’s operations and business, including the performance of the Company’s Zcash mining machines and highly volatile nature of the price of ZEC; (b) the risk that material changes in the price of ZEC, such as decreases in price, will result in significant changes to the Company’s financial statements, such as unrealized losses on fair value of ZEC holdings, and reduced net income or increased net loss; (c) the risk that material changes in the hashrate of the Zcash Network, such as increases in hashrate, will result in significant changes to the Company’s financial statements, such as reduced revenue, reduced gross margins, and reduced net income or increased net loss; (d) the risk that the price of the Company’s common stock may be highly correlated to the price of ZEC; (e) the risk that the Company will fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the ZEC mining operation or digital asset treasury strategy; (f) risks related to the custody of our ZEC and our reliance on Gemini Space Station and its affiliates for trading and custody services; (g) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; (h) risks related to increased competition in the industries in which the Company does and will operate; (i) risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding digital assets generally; (j) risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; (k) risks related to the Company’s dependence on third-party hosting facilities and service providers for its mining operations; and (l) the Company’s ability to comply with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market.

New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve the forecasts disclosed in such forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, or as may be included in other reports or information we file with the SEC, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

CONTACT:

Douglas E. Onsi

President & Chief Executive Officer

Cypherpunk Technologies Inc.

617-714-0360

For Investors:

Matthew DeYoung

Investor Relations

Argot Partners

212-600-1902

leap@argotpartners.com

For Media:

Jacqueline Ortiz Ramsay

It Factor Strategies

954-294-3249

jacqueline@itfactorstrategies.com

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NPS contribution by Delivery Partners Onboarded on Zomato Crosses ₹1 Crore, as PRAN Enrolments Surpass 2 Lakh

Milestone builds on Zomato’s collaboration with HDFC Pension and PFRDA under the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’

NEW DELHI, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, announced that the National Pension System (NPS) corpus built by the delivery partners onboarded on its delivery platform under the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’ has crossed ₹1 crore, with enrolments under the scheme surpassing 2 lakh Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRANs). The milestone marks a significant step forward from the model’s launch in October 2025, when it was introduced in collaboration with HDFC Pension, India’s largest Corporate NPS Point of Presence and Private sector Pension Fund Manager for the NPS, and enabled by Kfintech, the Central Recordkeeping Agency.

The NPS e-shramik (Platform Service Partner) Model allows delivery partners onboarded on Zomato to build long-term financial security through small, regular contributions, with the flexibility of to retain and carry their benefits and entitlements as they move between livelihoods over time. Onboarding is enabled through the delivery partners’ existing KYC or eKYC, with their consent, at the PRAN generation stage, with additional details submitted subsequently.

Aditya Mangla, CEO, Zomato, said, “Delivery partners are a key part of the Zomato ecosystem and we’ve always aimed to support them beyond their day-to-day earnings, towards a more secure future. Crossing ₹1 crore in NPS contributions is an important milestone, made possible through small, regular contributions from delivery partners themselves. We hope our partnership with HDFC Pension encourages more delivery partners to plan and save for their future, while making long-term savings easier and more accessible.”

Sriram Iyer, MD & CEO, HDFC Pension, noted, “This is a significant milestone, and it truly reflects the collective success of the industry, regulator and corporates coming together for the benefit of a specific customer cohort. The tri-party endeavour started with Zomato’s vision to empower their platform workers with a substantial retirement solution, us pitching with simple on-boarding solution, and PFRDA approving the approach. Today, the solution – The NPS Platform Workers’ Model – is going on to help several other platform workers plan their retirement in a formal and structured manner. I’m happy that we were able to partner with Zomato and deliver a pioneering solution for the benefit of many Indians who are a part of the gig-economy driving India’s growth.”

“Retirement security should not depend on the nature of one’s work. The ₹1 crore contribution milestone under the NPS e-Shramik Model is encouraging because it shows that even small, regular contributions can collectively create a meaningful foundation for the future. The participation of over 2 lakh delivery partners also demonstrates that gig workers are increasingly looking beyond immediate earnings and recognising the importance of building long-term financial security. As India’s workforce becomes more dynamic, creating simple, portable and accessible pathways to retirement savings will be critical to making social security more inclusive. #NPSzarurihai,” said  – Sumit Kumar, Chief General Manager, PFRDA.

Zomato operates on a gig-first model, supporting an average of 6,38,000 independent monthly active delivery partners as of Q1 FY27. The company continues to invest in both industry-first and industry-standard initiatives to enhance the delivery partner experience, including a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers IPD/hospitalization, daycare treatment up to ₹1 lakh, OPD expenses up to ₹5,000, ICU costs, maternity insurance for female delivery partners, and teleconsultations, along with a personal accident cover of up to ₹10 lakh – at no cost to partners. Through the delivery partner app, they have access to 24×7 SOS support in more than 850+ cities, connecting them to ambulances, police assistance, and a dedicated SOS response team, as well as real-time visibility into their earnings, enabling them to track income from orders, incentives, and tips on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

HDFC Pension

Established in 2013, HDFC Pension is a licensed Pension Fund Manager appointed by Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) to manage pension corpus of citizens enrolled under the National Pension System. HDFC Pension is a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Life, one of India’s leading Life Insurance Companies.

HDFC Pension is licensed both as a Pension Fund Manager (PFM) and as a Point of Presence (PoP) and is managed by seasoned professionals with vast experience in Insurance & Pension Administration, Risk Management, Banking, Capital Market and Asset Management. The company is committed to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns, strictly adhering to the prudent investment norms and guidelines defined by PFRDA. As a PoP, the company aims to provide seamless service to Individuals (under the retail NPS scheme) and Corporate Employees (under the Corporate NPS scheme) by helping them subscribe to NPS and for their ongoing service needs through the life of their investment.

Zomato

Launched in 2010, Zomato’s mission is better food for more people. It is a comprehensive services platform for online ordering and food delivery.

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SPJIMR revamps its PGPDM curriculum and programme to create greater impact in the social sector

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India’s social sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional charity-led models are giving way to rights-based development frameworks that are increasingly driven by measurable outcomes, systems thinking, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. The growing influence of social entrepreneurship, impact investing, ESG frameworks, public-private partnerships, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandates is reshaping how social impact is conceived, funded, and delivered.

Recognising these shifts, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) has revamped its Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM) and opened applications for Batch 28 commencing in February 2027.

As India’s only development management programme with the international Triple Crown accreditation of AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, PGPDM has built a strong legacy of developing leaders who drive meaningful and sustainable change. In May 2026, the programme celebrated the graduation of its Silver Jubilee Batch (Batch 25), marking a significant milestone in its journey. 

PGPDM’s distinctive strength is its diverse cohort. NGO leaders, government officials, UN professionals, social impact consultants and entrepreneurs, and CSR leaders learn together, creating a rich environment for peer learning and cross-sector collaboration.

Professor Tanojkumar Meshram, Chairperson, PGPDM, SPJIMR, believes that the social sector no longer works in isolation. Drawing on his own path, from the Indian civil services to the social sector and academia, Prof. Meshram said, “PGPDM has built a community of passionate and competent social change professionals where practitioners across sectors and thematics don’t just study together; they form the alliances that deepen and/or scale real solutions.”

The revised curriculum strengthens four key pillars: ESG, AI for Development, Social Entrepreneurship and Public Policy. To better support working professionals, the programme has introduced flexible online class schedules and updated evaluation methods. The curriculum also expands its elective offerings, including advanced courses in strategy, data, organisational and financial compliance, reflecting the emerging leadership needs of the social sector.

To further strengthen practice-orientated learning, three new experiential labs focusing on leadership, communication, and professional writing have been introduced, providing participants with opportunities to develop critical managerial and organisational capabilities.

A key addition to the programme is a year-long Social Impact Project that will be undertaken jointly with SPJIMR’s full-time management participants. This interdisciplinary collaboration blends the practical realities of development management with corporate rigour, enabling participants to address complex social challenges through integrated, cross-sector approaches.

The institute is also transitioning to a single annual intake each February, replacing the earlier two-batch model. This will bring together a larger cohort (nearly 100) of development professionals to study and learn on campus, creating greater opportunities for networking, community building, cross-sector collaboration, and most importantly, a stronger platform for sector-wide dialogue and knowledge exchange.

As PGPDM enters its 16th year with Batch 28, its impact is evident in the achievements of its alumni. Graduates have gone on to redesign existing programmes, develop innovative solutions, improve impact measurement within their organisations, establish new social ventures inspired by their learning and peer network, and assume leadership and CXO roles across NGOs, social enterprises, and CSR functions.

As Prof. Meshram puts it, “The programme doesn’t just provide knowledge; it equips professionals with the vision, confidence, and clarity to reimagine development challenges and drive systemic change.”

Admissions for Batch 28 are now open. Eligibility criteria and application details are available on the institute’s website.

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New Scientific Approach Offers Fresh Insight Into Great Barrier Reef Health

Aug 18: Australian researchers have developed a new framework to help measure the health of the Great Barrier Reef and understand how climate-related events are affecting coral ecosystems.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The researchers used more than 30 years of reef data, focusing on coral cover and algae levels. The new system classifies reefs as healthy, coping or struggling based on changes in coral cover compared with each reef’s historical condition.

The study found that reefs generally entered a “coping” state when coral cover dropped below about 65 per cent of its historical maximum. A decline below 35 per cent was linked to a “struggling” state, with increased algae and major losses of reef-building corals.

The researchers also found that complex coral structures were more vulnerable to disturbances such as coral bleaching, cyclones and floods. Their loss can reduce shelter for marine life and make reefs more exposed to storm damage.

Researchers said the framework could help scientists identify vulnerable reefs earlier and support more targeted conservation and recovery efforts.