Xsolla Boosts Payment Presence in Asia Through New Partnerships, Focusing on Local Gamer Markets

Xsolla Boosts Payment Presence in Asia Through New Partnerships, Focusing on Local Gamer Markets

July 18,2024,Los Angeles, United States : Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announces the further expansion of its payment solution across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific markets. The entry into markets unlocks new territories and optimizes existing payment channels for the most important region for gaming worldwide, representing 46% of global game revenues. Xsolla extends its payment solution by integrating Maya, PayNow, WeChat Pay HK, JazzCash, and Easypaisa for video game developers and gamers in the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Pakistan. With this expansion, game developers can reach over 76 million gamers across these markets and increase conversion rates through localized payment interfaces and local processing.

Maya is the fastest-growing digital bank in the Philippines and the top-rated consumer finance app on the Google Play Store and Apple Store. PayNow in Singapore is a real-time payment channel that offers universal accessibility through its broad network of banks, stringent security measures, and enhanced payment connectivity for more than 5 million users. JazzCash and Easypaisa are Pakistan’s number one digital apps, serving more than 18 million and 15 million users annually, respectively. WeChat Pay HK is a convenient mobile payment channel embraced by more than 1 million online and offline merchants in Hong Kong and beyond. It offers its services to 5 million residents.

For game publishers, large or small, looking forward to international growth—particularly within Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific regions—Xsolla’s latest move offers them an invaluable resource: access not only to advanced technology and local payment solutions but also to deep market insights which come from working closely with local industry experts.

David Stelzer, President of Xsolla, comments, “We are unlocking access to five new payment channels across four booming Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific markets, providing game developers with the tools to reach more gamers, improve conversion rates, and increase revenue. These markets are growing faster than the global average, with an annual growth rate of 9.47% compared to the global rate of 8.76%.

With 54% of global players in the APAC region, these predominantly younger gamers benefit from a high mobile penetration rate: 80.5% in Pakistan and over 140% in the other three countries, far above the global average of 69% in 2023. By offering local payment methods like Maya, PayNow, WeChat Pay HK, JazzCash, and Easypaisa, we’re making it easier for developers to monetize their games in one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming regions.”

The Xsolla Payments solution offers a global reach with over 700 payment methods through a highly customizable multi-platform checkout, delivering a more comprehensive selection than most payment solutions in the industry. This expansion aims to help developers monetize and distribute their games globally while building a credible local presence in Asia.

Holy Trinity Adorned in Gold for Sunabesha at Jagannath Mandir

Sunabesha 3

On the holy occasion of Sunabesha on Ashadha Shukla Ekadasi Tithi, The Holy Trinity, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra has been bedecked as an emperor with all gold ornaments at the Chaariot (Rath) today i.e 17th Jul 2024 at Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar. The Holy Trinity was glittered in gold (plated) ornaments and decorated with flowers. The Darshan was open for the public till 10:30 PM . Over 5000 devotees are joined in this auspicious moment and participated in the Sandhya Aarati at TNRC Premises where the Chariot was kept.

 The Sunabesha is also known as Rajarajeshwari Besha. Lord Balabhadra was adroned with Shreepayar, Shreebhuja, Kirita, Odiani, Kundal, Chandasurya and different chains. Devi Subhadra was adorned with Kirita, Odiani, Chandrasurya, Kana, Adakani, Kadambamali, Sebatimali, and two Tagadis.

 Similarly, Lord Jagannath was adorned and glittered with Shreepayar, Shreebhuja Kirita, Odiani, Kundal, Chandasurya and different chains. A lots devotional songs / kirtan has done by devotees. The ritual started with hymns and mantras by Pandit ji with blowing of conch shell. Lots of Prasad has been offered to the Lord and distributed to the devotees.

 The Mandir Management committee has spiritually fulfilled the comfortable for all devotees by arranging a cultural program (also a special performance by Odissi Dancer Mahasweta Das in front of Rath), security cameras, dinking water, Prasad Distribution and logistical needs by the supervision of Mr. K.D Biswal ( Hony Gen Sectretary, Mr. D. N Sahoo ( Vice-President0, Mr. Pradyuna Pallai ( Joint – Secterary), Ms. Pranati Biswal, Mr.Gyan Ranjan Naik, Mr. Bijayanand Samal, Mr. Pradeep Pradhan, Mr. Manedra Barik, Mr. Sushant Swain, Mr. Sambhunath Aggrawal.

Brickwork Ratings (BWR) approved by RBI for Bank Risk-Weighting Claims

Brickwork Ratings (BWR) approved by RBI for Bank Risk-Weighting Claims

July 18,2024,Bengaluru, Karnataka, India : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted banks to use the ratings of Brickwork Ratings India Private Limited (BWR) for risk-weighting their claims for capital adequacy purposes, according to a statement released by the RBI on July 10, 2024.

In April 2024, after complying with the necessary regulatory requirements, BWR was permitted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to resume normal business operations, including onboarding new clients. Since then, BWR has diversified and broadened its Board of Directors with additional Independent Directors with expertise in banking, ratings, law, information technology, and corporate business. The Board’s Independent Directors now include Mr. Santosh B Nayar, Mr. M R Hegde, Prof. S Sadagopan, Mr. T Y Prabhu, Mr. Chandru Badrinarayanan and Ms. Sudha Ravi.

Mr. Santosh B Nayar, Chairman of the BWR Board, commented, “RBI’s decision supports BWR’s continued commitment to maintaining high regulatory compliance standards and delivering excellence in credit rating services. Every Board member of Brickwork brings unique expertise to the table, and is committed to ensuring and enhancing the integrity of credit rating services and safeguarding investor interests.”

Ras Al-Khair Special Economic Zone Lures Investment with International Partnerships in Maritime Industry and Offshore Cluster

Ras Al-Khair Special Economic Zone Lures Investment with International Partnerships in Maritime Industry and Offshore Cluster

July 18,2024,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia : The Ras al-Khair Special Economic Zone (SEZ) leverages partnerships with major maritime players and has secured backing from the Saudi government to attract global investments.

The largest shipyard in the MENA region

The King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services aims to be both the largest shipyard in the MENA region and the most technologically advanced. The shipyard will focus on shipbuilding, repair, offshore rig fabrication, and repairing, utilizing modern technologies like AI, IoT, and renewable energy sources. Additionally, a fully integrated offshore cluster aims to localize the end-to-end offshore supply chain.

Four key entities have been established within the SEZ to meet the region’s growing demand for maritime applications:

International Maritime Industries (IMI), a joint venture of Aramco, Lamprell, Bahri, and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
Saudi Engines Manufacturing Company (MAKEEN), a joint venture of Aramco, HHI, and the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur).
McDermott Arabia Company Limited, fully owned by McDermott International.
Aramco-Baosteel steel plate plant, a joint venture of Aramco and Baoshan Iron & Steel Company Limited.

IMI has already secured offtake agreements totaling US$10 billion over 10 years with partners Aramco and Bahri, for the delivery of 20 rigs and 52 vessels, covering at least 75% of Bahri’s commercial vessel needs over the period.

Competitive incentives for international investors

Investors in Ras Al-Khair SEZ will play a crucial role in driving Saudi Arabia’s ambition to develop a state-of-the-art Maritime and Offshore Cluster, contributing to the localization of end-to-end supply chains and establishing a docking hub for regional ship repairs and maintenance.

The SEZ offers a range of competitive incentives for investors, including a 5% corporate income tax for up to 20 years, 0% customs duties deferral for goods inside the zone, 0% withholding tax for profit repatriation abroad, and 0% VAT for intra-SEZ goods exchanged within the zone and between zones. These incentives are designed to attract both local and international investors, enhancing the SEZ’s appeal as a business-friendly environment.

Ahmed M. Hassan, CEO of Ras Al-Khair City for Mining Industries, emphasized, “Ras Al-Khair SEZ is transforming into a key global hub for strategic investments with its rapid growth and unique position at the center of the Arabian Gulf. Local and foreign investors will not only gain access to the largest and most technically advanced shipyard but also the materials needed to build the maritime capabilities of the future.”

Connected hub to foster regional growth, create 80,000 jobs

The SEZ benefits from its strategic location next to Ras Al-Khair Port, the Kingdom’s newest industrial port, and is connected to the KSA North-East Rail link and King Fahd International Airport. This connectivity facilitates efficient movement of goods and personnel, further enhancing the SEZ’s attractiveness.

The development of the SEZ and King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services is integral to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy. Saudi Arabia’s economic growth has been robust, with a cumulative 7.2% increase since Q4 2019, and unemployment rates dropping below 5%. The SEZ aims to reach a maritime industry target value of US$14 billion annually and create over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“Projects like Ras al-Khair are spearheading the Kingdom’s drive to become a global investment destination by developing a modern, sustainable maritime and logistics powerhouse,” said Eng. Ahmed Hassan, (RC CEO of RCMI)

Introducing BEAUTY&YOU India 2024

Introducing BEAUTY&YOU India 2024

July 18,2024,Mumbai, Maharashtra, India : The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) (“ELC”) is pleased to announce the third edition of BEAUTY&YOU India. Created by ELC’s New Incubation Ventures (“NIV”) and launched in partnership with India’s preferred beauty and lifestyle retailer – NYKAA, BEAUTY&YOU India continues its mission to discover, spotlight, and propel the next generation of India-focused beauty brands. The program supports India-focused companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators through a competitive application process that will be open to prospective applicants on July 16, 2024, through August 29, 2024, via www.beautyandyouawards.com. Winners will be announced on November 16, 2024, at a live event in Goa.

The 2024 program builds on the success of previous years with the theme of Supercharged Futures. The beauty opportunity in India continues to grow with more brands, increased innovation, significant investment dollars, and a consumer base looking for the best solutions. BEAUTY&YOU India 2024 seeks applicants with a supercharged vision for the future of Indian beauty and its impact on the broader beauty ecosystem. This encompasses companies with social initiatives that enhance the lives of their communities and the ecosystems in which they operate. It also includes founders who are developing new technologies, ingredients, or solutions that address existing challenges for Indian beauty consumers while driving innovation across Skin Care, Makeup, Hair Care and Fragrance categories.

An exciting addition to this year’s program is that winners will have access to the BEAUTY&YOU India Bootcamp, featuring one-on-one mentorship sessions with industry leaders Falguni Nayar, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, NYKAA; Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Founder, Sabyasachi; and Rohan Vaziralli, General Manager, ELCA Cosmetics Private Limited. This unique opportunity is designed to provide the winners with invaluable insights and mentorship from these experts and affirms the program’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of the next generation of Indian-focused beauty entrepreneurs.

From the first edition in 2022 to the second in 2023, the applicant pool doubled in size. This growth has significantly enhanced the visibility and opportunities for the winners, underscoring the program’s positive impact.

“India represents one of the most exciting global economies for beauty today. A growing consumer base, an exciting retail landscape, and one of the most powerful entertainment markets in the world continue to fuel unprecedented growth. The market is poised to continue to drive both national and global trends. We are excited to support the founders and creators in their journey,” said Shana Randhava, Senior Vice President, The Estée Lauder Companies New Incubation Ventures.

“The global recognition of India’s potential as both a powerful consumer market and entrepreneurial hub is more evident now than ever before. NYKAA is proud to be a part of nurturing this ecosystem,” said Anchit Nayar, Executive Director & CEO, NYKAA Beauty. “In its third edition, BEAUTY&YOU India is more than just a platform — it’s a gateway for Indian entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and rigor on a global stage and we are excited to be part of their future.”

“Participating in BEAUTY&YOU India since its first edition has been an immensely rewarding experience, particularly in seeing its transformative impact on the Indian beauty industry. The program enhances the trajectory of emerging brands by providing a platform that fosters growth, innovation, and visibility,” said 2024 BEAUTY&YOU India judge Katrina Kaif, Actor and Co-Founder, Kay Beauty, “In my role as the co-founder of Kay Beauty, I have a deep appreciation for such platforms that support entrepreneurs in their journey. As we enter the third edition, I am as excited and committed as ever to discover and support brands that are shaping the future of beauty in India.”

2024 Prize Program

The following prizes are open to founders, companies, and creatives meeting specific application criteria available at www.beautyandyouawards.com/ application-criteria. The following awards will be presented across categories in Skin Care, Make Up, Hair Care, Personal Fragrance, and Home Fragrance:

IMAGINE: Pre-Launch Beauty Concepts
GROW: In-Market Beauty Concepts
CREATE: The Next Generation of Creative Talent (e.g., photographers, filmmakers, etc.) Submitting Work Around the Theme of ‘Supercharged Futures’

Among other resources, BEAUTY&YOU India 2024 will provide award recipients with financial support (a prize pool up to 4 Crore or $500k), distribution channel access, mentorship, and access to research and innovation resources.

The BEAUTY&YOU 2024 website and application portal go live on July 16, 2024, and will accept applications until August 29, 2024, 11:59 PM IST. Full program details are available at www.beautyandyouawards.com.

2024 Judges

Shana Randhava
Senior Vice President, New Incubation Ventures, The Estée Lauder Companies

Anchit Nayar
Executive Director & CEO, NYKAA Beauty

Katrina Kaif
Actor and Co-Founder, Kay Beauty

Gaurav Gupta
Couturier, Artist and Designer

Anaita Shroff Adajania
Stylist, Creative Director & Founder, Style Cell

Samrath Bedi
Executive Director, Forest Essentials

Diipa Büller-Khosla
Founder, indē wild

Sandhya Devanathan
Vice President & Head – India @ Meta

Rohan Vaziralli
General Manager, ELCA Cosmetics Private Limited

Jaffrey Zaman
Managing Director, Intercos India Private Limited

Gianandrea Ferrari
CEO, Intercos Europe, Middle East & India

Sumit Bhasin
Senior Vice President, Global Fragrance Innovation, Product Development & R&D, The Estée Lauder Companies

Dr. Jaishree Sharad
Celebrated Cosmetic Dermatologist, author and TEDx Speaker

Shruti Chandra,
Vice President, Invest India and Vice Chair, Women Empowerment, Europe India Council for Business and Industry (EICBI)

Rochelle Pinto
Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India

Sujata Assomull
Contributing Editor, Vogue Business

Deepica Mutyala
Founder and CEO, Live Tinted

Rimini Street to Report Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results on July 31, 2024

Rimini Street to Report Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results on July 31, 2024

July 18,2024,Las Vegas, United States : Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support, products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software, and an AWS partner, today announced it will report earnings after market close on July 31, 2024. The company will host a conference call and webcast on that date to discuss the second quarter 2024 results and the third quarter 2024 outlook at 5:00 p.m. Eastern / 2:00 p.m. Pacific time.

A live webcast of the event will be available on Rimini Street’s Investor Relations site via the Rimini Street IR events link and directly via the webcast link. Dial-in participants can access the conference by dialing 1-800-836-8184.

A replay of the webcast will be available for one year following the event.

Asia Pacific IT, Business Services Market Boosted by Strong Demand for Managed Services, Q2 ISG Index Shows

Asia Pacific IT, Business Services Market Boosted by Strong Demand for Managed Services, Q2 ISG Index Shows

July 18,2024,Sydney, Australia : Asia Pacific’s spending on IT and business services surged above US $5 billion for the first time in two years, led by a resurgence in managed services demand, according to the latest state-of-the-industry report from Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm.

The Asia Pacific ISG Index™, which measures commercial outsourcing contracts with annual contract value (ACV) of US $5 million or more, shows second-quarter ACV for the combined market (both cloud-based XaaS and managed services) rose 8 percent versus the prior year, to just over US $5.0 billion, the first time in seven quarters it eclipsed the US $5 billion mark and the third straight quarter the region delivered year-on-year growth.

Growth in the second quarter was powered by a resurgent market for managed services, which saw its ACV climb 32 percent over the prior year, to US $1.4 billion, the region’s best quarter in 12 years. Versus the first quarter of 2024, ACV was up 34 percent sequentially. Both the year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter comparisons came against strong US $1 billion-plus quarters.

During the quarter, 81 managed services contracts were awarded, up 37 percent year on year and 23 percent quarter over quarter. Deal volume was boosted by 44 percent growth in smaller deals valued between US $5 million and US $20 million per year. The value of restructured contracts, meanwhile, reached a record US $548 million of ACV, up 163 percent versus the prior year.

Demand for cloud-based services grew 1 percent, to US $3.6 billion, but ACV was down 8 percent sequentially against the first quarter of 2024. It was the third straight quarter XaaS has grown, averaging 18 percent year-on-year growth over that span, coming off a streak of five straight down quarters averaging 20 percent declines.

“Asia Pacific’s rising demand for traditional IT and business services reflects a continuing focus on cost optimization in a still uncertain economy,” said Michael Gale, partner and regional leader, ISG Asia Pacific. “Cloud-based services, which have been through a brutal downturn, are beginning to rise again, as enterprises focus on the data modernization that will enable GenAI adoption at scale.”

Within managed services, IT outsourcing (ITO) ACV rose 8 percent, to just over US $1 billion, driven by strong demand for bundled infrastructure and application development and maintenance (ADM) services and data center services. Business process outsourcing (BPO), meanwhile, surged 237 percent year on year, to US $367 million, led by triple-digit growth in customer engagement, facilities management, HR and engineering, research and development (ER&D) services.

From a geographic perspective, demand for managed services was up markedly in South Korea, China and Japan, the latter two markets producing their best quarters ever, up triple digits. The region’s two largest markets, Australia/New Zealand (ANZ) and India, meanwhile, moved in opposite directions, with ANZ down 30 percent in the quarter and India up 4 percent.

By industry, manufacturing, telecommunication and energy all moved to the upside, while banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) and travel and transportation pulled back during the quarter.

Within the XaaS segment, infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) ACV was flat, at US $3.2 billion, while software-as-a-service (SaaS) ACV rose 8 percent, to US $430 million.

First-Half Results

Asia Pacific’s combined market ACV rose 19 percent versus the prior year, to US $9.9 billion, a dramatic turnaround from the first half of 2023, when the market was down 20 percent versus the same period in 2022, when Asia Pacific demand reached its zenith.

Managed services produced its best first half ever, with ACV of nearly US $2.5 billion, up 26 percent year on year. ITO ACV was up nearly 5 percent, to US $1.7 billion, while BPO ACV surged 126 percent, to US $773 million.

Among industries, managed services ACV in BFSI was up 43.5 percent year to date, with most other verticals up sizably in the half, with the exception of manufacturing, which pulled back 17 percent.

On the cloud side, XaaS ACV rose 17 percent, to US $7.5 billion. IaaS climbed 18 percent, to US $6.6 billion, and SaaS advanced 13 percent, to US $878 million.

2024 Global Forecast

For the full year, ISG is forecasting 2 percent revenue growth for managed services, down 100 basis points from its April forecast, and 14 percent revenue growth for XaaS, down from its 15 percent growth forecast in April.

“Uncertainty persists in the IT and business services market, with no clear catalyst at the moment to push discretionary spending higher,” said Steve Hall, president and chief AI officer of ISG, and global leader of the ISG Index. “Activity in the important BFSI sector remains dampened, due to the higher-for-longer interest rate environment, impacting the overall growth of the market. Enterprises in general continue to focus on cost optimization, and AI growth, while strong, is likely masking underlying weakness in the IT and business services industry.”

Xsolla Launches Instant Access to Their Core Solutions

Xsolla Launches Instant Access to Their Core Solutions

July 18,2024,Los Angeles, United States : Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announces the launch of Xsolla Instant Game Sales, Instant Launcher, and Instant Cloud Gaming following the release of Instant Web Shop in March 2024.

We have listened to developers express their primary challenges—resource allocation is crucial, yet many struggle to quickly go live with their games and offerings. In response, our streamlined approach facilitates seamless integration and provides developers of any size with instant tools to open new revenue streams for their games. Xsolla partners with game developers and studios of all sizes, offering a swift process to sign license agreements, integrate solutions, and generate revenue promptly, accelerating go-to-market time with direct-to-consumer solutions.

David Stelzer, President of Xsolla, comments: “Xsolla Instant Solutions suite enables developers to quickly and easily launch new monetization channels for their games, attract new paying audiences, and boost revenue by leveraging Xsolla’s comprehensive suite of solutions. We aim to help developers unlock new revenue opportunities while reducing time to market to one day, similar to what we did with the Instant Web Shop launch earlier this year.”

Instant Web Shop

Instant Web Shop enables game developers to swiftly set up a fully operational online store for their mobile games, seamlessly transforming a simple link into a revenue-generating platform. This solution increases awareness of the advantages of online purchases and facilitates an effortless shift to a robust LiveOps monetization system, enhancing user engagement and maximizing revenue streams. Instant Web Shop also helps game developers generate more value and purchases with personalization, limited-time offers, promotions, and deep linking.

Instant Game Sales

Instant Game Sales empowers developers to create store pages and initiate direct-to-consumer sales by importing content directly from Steam and Epic Game Store. This enables developers to integrate these offerings into their Game Sales page. It facilitates immediate game key sales during pre-orders and pre-launch phases, game releases, and seasonal promotions.

For more information about Xsolla Instant Game Sales or to sign up, visit: xsolla.pro/gs1

Instant Launcher

The Instant Launcher is receiving a significant update to enhance its content delivery system. Developers can import content directly from Steam and Epic Game Store to access a pre-designed launcher app with pre-created design, details, and assets to enable instant direct-to-consumer distribution of their games. Instant Launcher benefits games at any release stage, powering test flights during pre-launch, upcoming launch, and further game monetization. With Launcher, developers can easily directly engage with their audience while cross-promoting their games inside one gaming hub, decreasing the average cost per lead.

For more information about Xsolla Instant Launcher or to sign up, visit: xsolla.pro/launcher1

Instant Xsolla Cloud Gaming

Instant Cloud Gaming offers a self-serve solution for seamless game distribution by rapidly launching a branded cloud gaming platform in as little as 30 minutes to 24 hours. Xsolla Cloud Gaming enables developers to engage directly with their audience by offering pre-launch testing, sharing early versions of their games with the community, and providing the opportunity to demo the game directly from the landing page. Scaling game access to any device ensures quick access to new revenue streams and guarantees reaching more players globally.

Indy Autonomous Challenge AI Racecar Presented by Bridgestone Sets Autonomous Hillclimb Record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Indy Autonomous Challenge AI Racecar Presented by Bridgestone Sets Autonomous Hillclimb Record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

July 18,2024, Goodwood, England : On a busy Sunday afternoon, in front of a global audience of motorsport enthusiasts, The Indy Autonomous Challenge’s (IAC) self-driving AV-24 racecar set the record for the fastest autonomous Hillclimb at the Festival of Speed. The AV-24 is piloted by an AI Driver developed by Team PoliMOVE-MSU (Politecnico di Milano and Michigan State University).

The AV-24 performed a series of three runs during the iconic festival. The record was broken during their third and final run up the Goodwood Hill where the racecar reached a top speed of 111.2 mph (179 kph)and a finish time of 66.37 secs. The record-setting run can be watched here. The previous record has been held by Roborace since 2019 when their “DevBot 2.0” autonomous car clocked a 66.96 sec time at a top speed of 101.16 mph (162.8 kph).

Goodwood is known for its unforgiving narrow course, lined with hay bells and limited run-off space. Attempting an autonomous hill climb at the Festival of Speed required absolute control of grip and slippage from the AV-24’s Bridgestone racing tires as well as precision mapping and localization in a GPS limited environment resulting in a higher than usual reliance on the AV-24’s Luminar Iris lidars.

The IAC and PoliMOVE-MSU teams worked closely with Bridgestone’s tire engineers to optimize performance ahead of the Hillclimb including traveling to Bridgestone’s European Technical Center and European Proving Grounds in Rome. The team also had the unique chance to explore each step of tire production and test how impactful tire performance is on track.

Paul Mitchell, Chairman and President of the IAC: “For three years, the IAC has been pushing the boundaries of high-speed autonomy and setting new records along the way. The Goodwood Hillclimb is a historic backdrop with huge crowds and a global audience that is now aware of the potential of self-driving vehicles to be safely deployed on roads in the future.”

Professor Sergio Savaresi, PoliMOVE-MSU Team Principal: “This challenge represents an important milestone for autonomous mobility. This weekend we overcame significant challenges posed by a complicated track and temperamental weather patterns. Thanks to the exceptional work and skills implemented by our engineering team and tire performance ensured by our Bridgestone racing tires, we made history by showing the public that safe and high-speed vehicular autonomy is possible even in adverse conditions. Our record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed will inspire confidence in future autonomous driving applications.”

Sara Correa, Chief Marketing Officer for Bridgestone in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) added, “Bridgestone is proud to support the PoliMOVE-MSU team in this incredible achievement at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. We are committed to partnering with the IAC and its inspiring student engineers to continue testing and improving autonomous technologies in record-setting runs like this and beyond. Motorsports are part of Bridgestone’s DNA, always have been and always will be. And what really matters is that we take the learnings from experiences like this and apply them to the sustainable mobility solutions we develop for society and our customers.”

Bengaluru’s Water Crisis: Can the Tech Capital Fight Its Way Back? How Veolia’s Water Management Is Preparing for Crisis Situations

Bengaluru's Water Crisis: Can the Tech Capital Fight Its Way Back? How Veolia’s Water Management Is Preparing for Crisis Situations

July 18,2024,Bangalore, Karnataka, India : With its range of technologies and expertise, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions, South Asia helps municipalities and companies to better face the water challenge, through the protection and replenishment of resources. Since 2022, Veolia has been publishing the Barometer of Ecological Transformation every two years, in partnership with the Elabe consulting and research firm globally. Notably, the company has also developed the Water Impact Index (WIIX), a tool that enables companies and municipalities to make better informed choices. It assesses the effects of human activity on water resources and the stress on resources in terms of volume and quantity, thereby determining the water footprint of human activities.

Parched and submerged in sorrow, Bengaluru, India’s booming tech hub, fought its worst nightmare. Homes fell silent, businesses sputtered, and the city’s famed energy dimmed under the harsh reality of empty taps. This wasn’t a temporary blip – it was a major wake-up call. Freshwater accounts for only 2.5% of the world’s available water. With the rapid increase in the world’s population, accelerating urbanization and global warming, this resource is becoming scarcer. Today, access to drinking water is a major environmental, social and economic challenge for cities and industries.

This gives rise to a lot of questions in the minds of the inhabitants of the city- couldn’t the situation be avoided? Was it a classic saga of neglect? And most importantly what next?

Delving deeper into the matter, it is understood that the crisis stemmed from many factors. Bengaluru’s population exploded, surging 76% in a decade. But water infrastructure remained stagnant, a relic of a bygone era. The city’s once plentiful lakes – its lifeblood – have dwindled by 79%, choked by pollution and encroachment. The data paints a grim picture of Bengaluru’s water situation. The city guzzles a massive 2,832 million liters of fresh water daily. While the Cauvery River provides 1,460 million liters, it’s not enough. Residents rely heavily on groundwater, pulling out an alarming 1,372 million liters daily. This overuse is causing a water quality crisis. Bengaluru is facing erratic water supplies and the actual threat of running out of usable groundwater.

The water war wasn’t just about inconvenience. Residents battled for every drop, some forced to flee the city for their basic right to live. Tech giants, the lifeblood of Bengaluru’s economy, felt the pinch as water scarcity disrupted operations and threatened the city’s status as a tech magnet.

The city produces a whopping 1.48 billion liters of wastewater daily. Imagine that – enough to fill over 580 Olympic-size swimming pools! But here’s the catch: Bengaluru’s sewage treatment plants aren’t handling it all. This means millions of liters of potentially reusable water are going to waste. In 2004, Bengaluru built a fancy sewage treatment plant with cutting-edge technology. Great start, right? Unfortunately, that seems to be the only one. The city hasn’t embraced other modern solutions, leaving many wondering if there’s a real plan to fix the problem. Remember Bengaluru’s nickname, “City of Lakes”? Well, that’s becoming a distant memory. Pollution and development have swallowed up 79% of the city’s lakes. These natural water sources were once lifelines for Bengaluru, but now they’re a painful reminder of what’s been lost.

Treated wastewater can be reused for agricultural irrigation (which alone accounts for 32% of the global market), landscape irrigation (20%), industry (19%) and even groundwater recharge (2% of the global market) – source: GWI 2010. It can also be treated to drinking water standard in certain regions of the world. Find out how we are helping cities become more resilient.

“While other cities like Mumbai embrace advanced smart water technologies, lake rejuvenation, and MBR technologies, mobile plants to treat wastewater, why does Bengaluru, the heart of innovation and technology, lag in similar steps? The city has yet to implement comprehensive initiatives for lake cleaning and cultivation, and sewage water reuse,” says Mr. Girish Kale, Director, of Municipal Business at Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Bengaluru needs a complete overhaul of its water management system. Here’s what the city can do:

Smarter Planning: Water conservation needs to be a priority in urban development.
Upgrade Time: The city’s water infrastructure is outdated. Modernization with a focus on efficiency and reuse is crucial.
Learning from Leaders: Cities like Mumbai have been using advanced water treatment technologies. Bengaluru should follow suit. Mumbai City is addressing water management via water treatment technologies in its industrial areas. To quote one such successful impact- roughly 30000 families in the Chembur area near the plant location in Mumbai have benefited from uninterrupted access to fresh water supply for domestic use as a direct impact of Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Veolia WTS)’s advanced technology-enabled STP run at a leading chemical fertilizer factory.

“Some municipal initiatives have achieved excellent results. For instance, MCGM has successfully implemented advanced technologies like MBR technology for their ongoing projects in large STP and river rejuvenation and mobile treatment plants for lake projects provided by renowned water technology providers like Veolia Water Tech Zone. Experts agree that membrane technology offers the best results while using MBR-based STPs combined with other technologies like RO, UV, Ozone, etc. which can make the reclaimed water to nearly potable standards suitable for various uses in cities like Bengaluru,” says Mr. Kale. Further, he states that cities like Mumbai are turning to treated wastewater for industries, a smart way to stretch their water supplies. Singapore and Namibia are also water warriors, with impressive tech-driven systems that minimize leaks and ensure steady water flow.

Bengaluru’s got the brains, so why not use them to solve this water war? Here’s the plan:

Smart Meters, Big Wins: Imagine tiny gadgets whispering water usage secrets! The “Internet of Things” (IoT) can track leaks and usage, making water management a breeze.
Wastewater Wizards: Advanced treatment plants can transform icky wastewater into a valuable resource for watering parks or flushing toilets.
Mobile Marvels: Think power banks for lakes! Portable treatment units can clean ponds and lakes, freeing up precious freshwater for homes. From big industries to everyday citizens, everyone has a role to play!
Industry Gurus: Ditch the freshwater and use treated wastewater instead!
Government Guardians: Strengthen those lake protection laws and promote water-saving practices.
Water Warriors at Home: Support Lake restoration efforts and be a water-wise citizen!

The best bit is that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is already showing the way by using treated water at the stadium! Bengaluru has the potential to become an innovation oasis, not just for tech, but for water management too!

According to Mr. Sharad Tandon, CEO of Tandon Urban Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and an industry veteran with 25 years of experience in Mumbai, the MBR-based STPs are like an oasis in urban deserts for cities like Bengaluru. “The MBR-based STPs produce water that can be reclaimed and reused for other purposes. The technology exists to make it fit for human consumption also but we as a public must choose to be without water or condition our mind use even reclaimed water judiciously.”

Corporate responsibility also plays a pivotal role. Gleaming examples like the Hebbal Lake restoration undertaken by the Infosys Foundation prove the impact of corporate investment in water-saving initiatives. According to Mr. Gopal Madabhushi, Senior VP & Business Leader for South Asia at Veolia WTS, industries need to take the initiative to use sewage-treated water for their industrial purpose vis-a-vis utilizing fresh water from civic bodies. “Such an action will allow the re-purpose of the freshwater for drinking purposes. As such, many companies are in discussion with Veolia WTS to follow this approach. Government and regulators also need to consider providing incentives and other mechanisms to motivate the industries to follow this direction,” adds Mr. Madabhushi. One effective strategy is incentivizing industries that utilize STP water for their operations. From tax rebates to utility sops and subsidies, local and state governments could incentivize industries to take up such rejuvenation projects and switch to the use of treated water.

Bengaluru at Crossroads: Industry veteran Mr. Kiran Kumar with over 35 years in the global water treatment industry too reiterates the importance of adopting treated wastewater to ensure Bengaluru’s sustainable growth. Mr. Kumar suggests that Bengaluru could do well by avoiding crises like Cape Town’s ‘Day Zero’. As Bengaluru grapples with its water crisis, it faces a critical choice: take decisive action or suffer irreversible consequences. Strong steps are the need of the hour, like using 100% recycled sewage water for non-drinking purposes.

Breaking the Cycle: A Path Towards Water Security.

But there’s hope. Cities around the world are pioneering innovative solutions. Bengaluru can, too.

Wastewater Warriors: Turning Trash into Treasure

New-age technologies can treat wastewater, transforming it into a valuable resource.

Smart H2O Heroes: Data & Tech to the Rescue By embracing data analytics and smart water management systems, Bengaluru can identify leaks and optimize water use.

Lake Revival: Bringing Back Bengaluru’s Blue Jewels Restoring and reviving the city’s lakes can replenish water supplies and restore Bengaluru’s ecological balance.
The Time to Act is Now

Bengaluru has a choice: succumb to water scarcity or become a leader in sustainable water management. By embracing innovation and learning from successful examples, the city can craft a water-secure future. Bengaluru’s potential for problem-solving is undeniable. With strong leadership and decisive action, the tech capital can rewrite its water story – and emerge as a global model for water resilience.