Atos And WWF Partner Up To Leverage Technology To Support Biodiversity Conservation

Atos and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) today announce a 3-year strategic partnership to leverage technology to support biodiversity conservation and to encourage businesses to decarbonize. This comprehensive partnership has been designed to tackle three key priorities – business transformation, financing and influence – which are essential to effectively tackle the current biodiversity crisis.

As part of the partnership, four main initiatives are being rolled out, leveraging the expertise of Atos and WWF teams from all over the world.

sAtos to develop responsible IT solutions for WWF and its partners

Atos and WWF have defined the following projects by which conservation organizations and other stakeholders could benefit from Atos’ technological expertise.

Automating biodiversity surveillance - The first project aims to bring automation to the monitoring of important ecosystems. Atos experts are working to combine the use of artificial intelligence to analyze satellite imagery with the development of algorithms which identify patterns over a given time period in order to identify irregular trends which might indicate a negative biodiversity impact. In the future, organizations will not only be able to identify the areas of greatest concern, but also benefit from predictive solutions for nature conservation. The first pilot, currently being developed, will analyze grasslands and savannahs in East Africa.

Predicting & preventing epidemic risk - The second project focuses on predicting hotspots of emergence for zoonoses – diseases that jump between species, including humans. Atos teams are developing machine learning algorithms to analyze demographic, environmental, animal health and pathogen data, in order to identify patterns and predict the risk of new diseases. These solutions will complement existing surveillance systems by providing predictive data, to help governments and organizations anticipate and take preventive actions before the threat of an epidemic becomes a reality. A pilot is being developed to analyze data available in the Mekong basin.

Improving tech tools - The third project aims at improving an existing solution known as SMART - a Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool – which is already used by 50,000 agents in 80 countries to support wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Atos experts are developing a streamlined, more efficient process with SMART’s IT team, to enhance its usability in the field. In addition, they are developing improved dashboards and visualization options to give users greater and more granular insight into their data. They are also enhancing SMART with a tool to support users working to shift ‘conflict to coexistence’, that is, holistically manage conflicts between humans and wildlife to create mutual benefits of coexistence.

Atos and WWF to help advance decarbonization initiatives for industries

Atos and WWF have envisioned to analyze every year, an industry which has a significant carbon footprint, to identify its main decarbonization levers and provide recommendations to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The first report focuses on shipping, which accounted for around 80% of global trade by volume in 2022, and is responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions*.

Since the publication of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee's new greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy in July 2023, Atos and WWF teams have compiled the literature devoted to the decarbonization of shipping into a comprehensive report. They found that most research focuses on new fuels and ship design, initiatives that could take a long time to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions. In order to provide sustainability leaders with a clear and more achievable mid-term roadmap, the research focuses on energy efficiency, operational levers and concrete use cases where digital technology can help the shipping industry decarbonize its operations.

Atos to support on-site WWF France biodiversity projects

As part of the partnership, Atos supports two carbon capture and restoration projects managed by WWF France:

the Posidonia project, which aims to protect the meadows of Posidonia, a plant noticeable by its extensive capacity to stock carbon, in the Mediterranean region,

the Nature Impact project for the conservation or restoration of forest biodiversity in France, using the approach developed by WWF based on Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES).

Atos and WWF to encourage employee involvement in sustainability projects driven by WWF

Many of Atos employees are already regularly involved in volunteer work and environmental preservation. Atos and WWF aim to facilitate and encourage their commitment with a dedicated program that will integrate onsite and digital volunteering opportunities in one platform compliant with CSR reporting frameworks. The first engagement programs for Atos employees will be launched in pilot countries in 2024.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space

MAGGI Empowers The Next Wave Of Home Cooks With MAGGI Apna Food Business

MAGGI is excited to introduce the latest edition of its unique initiative, 'MAGGI Apna Food Business.' This edition signifies a new chapter as MAGGI prepares to support budding home cooks across the country. MAGGI aims to empower aspiring content creators with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful culinary content creators. The winners will also have the opportunity to win INR 5 lakhs in seed capital to kickstart their own online food channel.

MAGGI has been a trusted companion over the last four decades in India, igniting the culinary curiosity of budding chefs. With the MAGGI portfolio, millions of homemakers and foodpreneurs are delighting people with extraordinary dishes each day. In line with the commitment towards fostering culinary talent and innovation, MAGGI Apna Food Business is offering individuals the perfect platform to embark on their journey as food content creators. Further to this, every registrant also gets a thoughtfully crafted starter kit. This kit comprises all the essential tools and guidance required to foray into the realm of food content creation.

Commenting on this initiative Rajat Jain, Director, Foods business, Nestlé India said, “Over the years MAGGI has evolved into a symbol of empowerment, innovation, and a celebration of the culinary arts. ‘MAGGI Apna Food Business’ is another testament of our unwavering commitment towards celebrating the chefs and being their ally. We would like to thank our partners: India Food Network and some of the most prominent food influencers in India, Kabita Singh (KabitasKitchen), Madhura Bachal (MadhurasRecipe), Teja Paruchuri (Vismai Foods), and Tanhisikha Mukherjee (Tanhir Paakshala), who have joined hands with us in this endeavour.

In our country, numerous individuals who possess remarkable culinary skills, aspire to venture into content creation. However, they require the essential direction, expertise, and resources to initiate their own online food channel. MAGGI Apna Food Business is designed to provide them with the initial support they need to turn their dreams into reality.”

Registration for ‘MAGGI Apna Food Business’ is now open, inviting all aspiring food content creators to seize this remarkable opportunity and be part of something that's not just bigger and bolder but better in every way. To ensure the ease of accessibility for all, a missed call to 9289722997 is all it takes to register for MAGGI Apna Food Business initiative. The participants can even choose the language in which they would like to register and receive content in English, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada and Telugu. Like its debut edition, this edition also aims at being a step-by-step guide for culinary enthusiasts to explore their passions, create mouth-watering content, and connect with audiences across the nation.

PURE EV Launches Eco Dryft 350: Electric Motorcycle Packed With 171 KM Range & Performance

PURE EV proudly announces the launch of its new motorcycle variant, ecoDryft 350 with a range of 171 KM. ecoDryft 350 is positioned as the longest-range e-Motorcycle in the Commuter segment (~110 CC), that boasts an array of features tailored to enhance rider experience for Indian roads.

With a remarkable 171 KM on a single charge, ecoDryft 350 is best suited for consumers who travel extensively on a daily basis and, at the same time, looking for monthly savings to the tune of INR 7000 & above. This electric motorcycle is powered by a 3.5 kWh Li-Ion battery, 3 KW Powertrain integrated with 6 MCUs providing processing power more than a smart phone. It boasts a top speed of 75 KMPH with 40 NM torque and in three different modes, aligning with the needs of motorcycle riders.

ecoDryft 350 stands out with features designed to enhance the overall rider experience. From Reverse Mode, Coasting Regen, and Hill-Start Assist to Down-Hill Assist and Parking Assist, which help to distinguish itself from an average 2W ICE vehicle. The vehicle's Smart AI takes center stage in ensuring battery longevity as per the State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH).

The ecoDryft 350 is not merely any other electric motorcycle; it's a strategic step towards reshaping e-Motorcycle market, acting as a direct competition to motorcycles like Hero Splendor, Honda Shine, Bajaj Platina in the 110 CC segment.

The ecoDryft 350 comes to market at a convenient price of RS 1,29,999 and with easy EMI options starting from INR 4,000 per month and making it a compelling choice for those seeking value for money and environment friendly transport option. The ecoDryft 350 is available for purchase at over 100 exclusive PURE dealerships, offering appealing financing alternatives with the most competitive rates through partnerships with HeroFincorp, L&T Financial Services, ICICI etc.

Highlighting the launch of ecoDryft 350, Mr. Rohit Vadera, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, "At PURE EV, we are committed to provide pragmatic and sustainable mobility solutions to the masses in India. The ecoDryft 350 is a testament to our dedication to providing value products to our loyal consumer base. We believe it will redefine the way India commutes in the near future, offering a reliable and eco-friendly alternative in the 110 CC segment. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on the electric vehicle landscape. The launch aligns with PURE's broader vision to bring long range vehicles with fully integrated new-age features''.

Unlike conventional product launches, PURE has already deployed ecoDryft 350 to major outlets and consumers can start taking test drives and bookings across Pan India outlets.

Emirates World’s First Airline To Operate A380 Demonstration Flight With 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Dubai’s flag carrier, Emirates, has completed an Airbus A380 demonstration flight using 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making it the first airline in the world to do so.

Emirates test flight EK2641 took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) after 11.36 am with one of four Airbus A380’s powered by SAF. It returned to DXB at 12.12 pm, after circling the Dubai coastline.

The 100% drop-in SAF used on today’s flight includes renewable aromatics and closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel. This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.

The flight carried four tonnes of SAF, comprised of HEFA-SPK provided by Neste (hydro processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene) and HDO-SAK from Virent (hydro deoxygenated synthetic aromatic kerosene).

ENOC helped to secure the neat SAF comprised of HEFA-SPK, and blended it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its facility in Dubai International Airport ahead of the demonstration, and also carried out into-plane services.

Tanker arrive to fill sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Emirates Airbus A380 test flight EK2641 which took off from Dubai International Airport with one of A380 jumbo jet's engines to be powered by SAF.

According to Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Airline, the test flight conducted today paves the way for future standardisation, qualification and adoption for 100 per cent SAF flying.

He said, “Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate an A380 with 100 per cent drop-in SAF (sustainable fuel blended with conventional fuel) powering one of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines.” The PW980 auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt and Whitney Canada also ran on 100 per cent SAF.

Al Redha said the test also marks a significant step in validating the use of SAF in one of the engines of the A380, a wide-body aircraft with four engines.

This is the first time drop-in SAF (sustainable fuel blended with conventional fuel) has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.

SAF needed on a large-scale

Al Redha said, “Now that we have completed this test, the next step would be to ensure the availability of the fuel in various airports. We rely on fuel suppliers to start manufacturing and producing such fuel in the required volume, and that will be the challenge.” He added, “We’re just in the beginning of it and that’s why we’re not seeing the quantity we need but I expect in the next five to seven years we will see a major step-change in this direction.”

The growing global demand for lower-emission jet fuel alternatives is there, said Al Redha. “However, there’s work (cut out) for producers and suppliers to commercialise SAF and make it available will be critical in the coming years,” he explained.

World’s First 3D Printed Temple By Apsuja Infratech In Collaboration With Simpliforge Creations Unveiled In Telangana unveiled In Siddipet

The future of architecture, technology, and spiritual marvel converge in an extraordinary construction as Apsuja Infratech in collaboration with Simpliforge Creations proudly announced the inauguration of the world’s first 3D Printed Hindu Temple at Charvitha Meadows. Nestled in the heart of Burugupally, Vayupuri, Siddipet, this iconic temple stands tall, a testament to pioneering innovation and cultural heritage. Mr. Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, Managing Director, Apsuja Infratech, Mr Amit Ghule, Chief Operating Officer & Mr Waseem Chaudhary, Chief Technology Officer – Simpliforge Creations today inaugurated the temple.

Crafted meticulously over months of dedicated work, the temple embodies the union of tradition and cutting-edge technology. This architectural marvel, standing at 35.5 ft tall and spanning across 4,000 square feet, stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human ingenuity and devotion.

Scheduled for public to visit from 24th November 2023, following the completion of the Prathistapana, the temple welcomes devotees and enthusiasts to experience its spiritual aura and architectural brilliance.

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, Managing Director, Apsuja Infratech said that "Bringing divine visions to life through the synergy of innovation and tradition, the 3D-built Hindu temple at Charvitha Meadows in Siddipet stands as a testament to our dedication in merging technology with spirituality, forging a sacred space that transcends time and elevates the soul." 

Mr Amit Ghule, Chief Operating Officer said “This is a first-of-its-kind 3D Temple not just in India but in the world. This construction takes care of the structural requirements, principles of temple design, 3D printing requirements, while dealing with the challenges of in-site construction. This proof of concept also sets the stage for future applications of Simpliforge's robust systems in inaccessible areas like frontiers, high altitude areas, desserts and snowy regions with applications in challenging terrain, disaster hit areas and defence applications.” 

Mr Waseem Chaudhary, Chief Technology Officer, remarked, "The Garbhagudis have been meticulously designed to enhance the resonance of Vedic chants, mesmerizing devotees with their reverberations. Drawing inspiration from the Puri Jagannath temple style, the Gopuram designs showcase our commitment to architectural finesse and cultural heritage."

Breaking barriers in construction and design, the temple was meticulously built using Simpliforge’s patented 3D Printable Construction material, Simplicrete. The sanctums and dome Spires, including the Modaka, Shivalay, and Lotus Garbhagudis, were crafted entirely through on-site 3D printing, a process that took across 70 days of continuous printing. The temple’s Mandapam slab was constructed using traditional methods, emphasizing the fusion of conventional techniques with futuristic innovation.

Moreover, this ground-breaking endeavour stands as a testament to Apsuja Infratech’s and Simpliforge’s dedication to innovation and drive for automation in construction. Noteworthy points include the temple being built 100% on location, signifying the accelerated pace and structural robustness achievable through 3D printing technology. With this radical achievement, Apsuja Infratech and Simpliforge Creations have not only carved a niche for themselves in the construction industry but have also positioned India as a global pioneer in 3D printed architecture.

The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) Unveils The 3rd Edition Of India Nutrition Index

·         The full report can be found here: www.accesstonutrition.org

Today, the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI), a global independent non-profit organization dedicated to catalyzing market transformation for enhanced access to nutrition, hosts a multi-stakeholder event to launch its third edition of the India Index, in partnership with Consumer Voice and Confederation of Indian Industry.

The India Index 2023 edition assesses 20 of the largest food and beverage manufacturers in India. 14 of the companies are listed on Indian or international stock exchanges.

Full list of companies assessed:

Adani Wilmar; Agro Tech Foods; Britannia Industries; Coca-Cola India; Dabur India; Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) AMUL;  Haldiram's Snacks Private Limited; Hatsun Agro Products; Heritage Foods; Hindustan Unilever; ITC; KMF Nandini (Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers Federation); Lactalis India; Marico; Mondelez India Foods; Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetables; Nestlé India; Parle Products; Patanjali Foods; PepsiCo India.

The full report can be found here: www.accesstonutrition.org

Context

Business in India is booming, particularly in the food sector.

a.      The Government of India aims to double the contribution of the food processing sector to GDP by 2030.

b.      Indian household consumption is set to quadruple by 2030.

c.       The sales of packaged F&B in India surged by 15% annually since 2011, outshining total food sales.

Alongside India’s rapid economic growth, the country is also witnessing a transition in dietary patterns and an increased consumption of processed foods. India’s food processing industry is now the sixth largest in the world, expected to reach INR 40.1 trillion (USD 480 billion) by 2026.

Health Landscape: Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent, with over 23% of adults overweight and 35.5% of children under five facing stunted growth, while 3.4% of children under 5 years of age grapple with early onset of overweight issues. The numbers are too high when compared to developed nations.

The macroeconomic cost to India of malnutrition is immense.

a.      The indirect cost to businesses in India due to obesity-related reduced workforce productivity is projected to be USD 75.65 billion by 2030 (World Obesity Federation).

b.      Reduced workforce productivity due to anemia – just one type of malnutrition – is costing Indian businesses $20.5 billion each year (Chatham House).

Global cost of malnutrition: while the cost of global food consumption is c$9 trillion, the estimated cost to human life of poor diets is $11 trillion.

Key Findings

The F&B industry plays an increasingly pivotal role in determining what consumers in India eat, the quality of their diets, and resulting health impacts.

Companies and products are evolving: Seven out of 20 indexed companies are on a journey of transformation, setting (re)formulation targets in line with dietary guidelines for sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. Half of them wield nutrition strategies, marking a commitment to a healthier tomorrow.

Our deep dive into 1,901 products from the top 20 companies shows only 24% of sales are derived from “healthier” products.

Further Key Points

Ø There is no agreed definition of what constitutes a healthy food so companies resort to using their own definitions that are not necessarily aligned with each other or with (inter)nationally-recognized standards.

Ø Seven out of 20 indexed companies report having at least one (re)formulation target in place to reduce nutrients of concern (e.g., sodium, saturated fat, sugar) in their portfolio and half of the companies have a nutrition strategy in place.

Ø Seven companies have a publicly available policy on responsible marketing to children.

Ø Five companies show evidence of having clearly defined workforce nutrition programs in place, of which two companies clearly include measurable targets.

Ø Seven out of 20 companies were found to have a responsible advocacy policy in place.

Ø The findings of the 2023 India Index show that the F&B industry has significant opportunity to improve its product offerings making them healthier and more affordable for all consumers in India.

Ø Five institutional investors and shareholders of food companies in India have now signed up to nutrition frameworks such as the Investor Expectations on Nutrition, Diets and Health as part of their responsible investment strategies.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing undernutrition and hunger, the India Index serves as a crucial instrument for enhancing product portfolios, striving for at least half of these portfolios to meet healthy standards by 2030.

Greg S Garrett, Executive Director, ATNI, said, “ATNI works on three levels to transform markets and achieve improved access to healthier products and diets: tools including benchmarks and indexes that assess the private sector on their nutrition commitments and products; policy support and alliances including via ATNI’s Investors in Nutrition and Health; and action research which underpin market change for nutrition.

This India index will serve as a powerful catalyst for driving positive change within the food and beverage industry in India. By focusing on private sector contributions to diet, nutrition, and health, the Index sheds light on what is working and what is not among the food industry.

It's exciting to see efforts aimed at driving real impact and fostering a more conscious and health-centric approach within the industry.” 

ZEE & Nasscom Forge Partnership To Support Generative AI Startups

~ Partnership aims to foster innovation and growth in the Generative AI start-up ecosystem ~

~As part of its one-day workshop, ZEE’s Technology & Innovation Hub hosted 14 startups from the

nasscom Generative AI Foundry programme ~

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE), India’s leading entertainment powerhouse today announced its partnership with nasscom for its recently-launched Generative AI Foundry programme, that aims to foster innovation and growth in the start-up ecosystem. Through the strategic partnership, ZEE’s Technology and Innovation Centre will primarily focus on enabling and supporting co-piloted generative AI solutions for India’s media and entertainment ecosystem.

In a collaborative effort, nasscom and ZEE’s Technology and Innovation Centre organised a one-day workshop to identify areas of mutual interest and explore synergies for potential partnerships. As part of the workshop, ZEE hosted 14 startups from the nasscom Generative AI Foundry programme at the ZEE Technology & Innovation Hub in Bengaluru. With this one-of-its-kind initiative, the company aims to foster collaborative growth and empower the select start-ups to succeed in the dynamic AI landscape. Nitin Mittal, President – Technology & Data, ZEE, said “We are delighted to embark upon this exciting journey in collaboration with nasscom, aiming to shape the future of India’s AI community. The synergy between our endeavours, nasscom’s commitment to nurturing tech startups, and ZEE's leadership in media innovation signifies more than just a convergence of minds—it represents a fusion of futuristic visions poised to define the industry's next chapter. As a frontrunner in India’s M&E ecosystem, this partnership stands as a testament to our commitment towards elevating consumer experience by leveraging digital technologies. At ZEE, we believe that collaborations of this nature are instrumental in propelling the growth of startups and fostering innovation in the India’s AI landscape.”

Ankit Bose, Head of nasscom AI, said “The partnership between both organisations is a significant one for the Generative AI startups. It is heartening to witness excellent initiatives from the industry to collaborate with these startups. The innovative solutions possess the potential to transform various sectors including M&E.”

Nasscom’s Generative AI Foundry programme is aimed at nurturing technology startups in the AI domain to elevate India's standing in the global Generative AI startup landscape. In a significant stride towards this mission, the programme, in collaboration with over 30 industry organizations and investors, selected 26 promising startups last month. These startups will receive comprehensive support, including mentorship, access to resources, funding, and industry connections, to propel their products to the next level.

As ZEE joins forces with nasscom, the program is set to chart new frontiers and foster a collaborative environment that stimulates creativity and drives technological advancements. With a presence in 190+ countries offering quality content across multiple platforms and languages, reaching over 1.3 billion viewers, the benefits of the collaboration are set to have a significant influence on the M&E ecosystem in India and beyond.

Being an industry pioneer, ZEE has been consistently introducing an array of tech - centric initiatives in line with the vision and goals laid as part of its strategic vision. Following a tech - first approach, the company has been consistently enhancing its technological capabilities, leveraging AI to disrupt industry norms and provide an unparalleled experience to audiences globally.

About ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL):

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. is a leading content company offering entertainment content to diverse audiences. With a presence in over 190 countries and a reach of more than 1.3 billion people around the globe, ZEEL is among the largest global Media & Entertainment Companies across genres, languages, and integrated content platforms.

About Nasscom:

Nasscom represents the voice of the $245 billion technology industry in India with the vision to establish the nation as the world’s leading technology ecosystem. Boasting a diverse and influential community of over 3000 member companies our network spans the entire spectrum of the industry from DeepTech and AI startups to multinationals and from products to services, Global Capability Centers to Engineering firms. Guided by our vision, our strategic imperatives are to accelerate skilling at scale for future-ready talent, strengthen the innovation quotient across industry verticals, create new market opportunities – both international and domestic, drive policy advocacy to advance innovation and ease of doing business, and build the industry narrative with a focus on Trust, and Innovation. And, in everything we do, we will continue to champion the need for diversity and equal opportunity.