MANILA, Philippines — SM Investments Corp. won its 17th consecutive Platinum Award at The Asset Corporate Sustainability Leadership Awards. This event was organized by Hong Kong-based The Asset Publishing and Research Ltd.
The Asset Corporate Sustainability Leadership Awards spotlight companies that have successfully tackled today’s business complexities and demonstrated how integrating sustainability principles strengthens long-term business resilience and investor confidence.
READ: SMIC
Tata Power has energised the newly inaugurated Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line, the city’s first fully underground metro corridor, marking a major milestone in Mumbai’s sustainable transport journey.
The 33.5-kilometre corridor connects Aarey to Cuffe Parade and operates with a total connected electrical load of approximately 40 megawatts (MW).
### Robust Dual Power Supply Ensures Reliable Operations
According to a press statement, Tata Power has implemented a dual busbar system to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply. The system draws power from the company’s Saki, Dharavi, and Mahalaxmi receiving stations, creating a robust power backbone for Metro-3’s smooth and efficient functioning.
“This infrastructure plays a crucial role in supporting the seamless operation of the metro line, contributing to Mumbai’s focus on sustainable and efficient urban transport,” the company said.
### Powering Mumbai’s Expanding Metro Network
As per Tata Power’s Wednesday statement, the total connected load for Metro-3 is around 40 MW, while Metro-1 operates on about 8 MW, bringing the combined metro power supply to 48 MW.
This reflects Tata Power’s capacity to meet the growing energy demands of Mumbai’s expanding public transport network.
### A Historic Link in Mumbai’s Transit Evolution
“With the opening of the Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line, Tata Power’s role in Mumbai’s transit story has come full circle. The company supplied electricity to the city’s suburban railways for decades,” the statement further read.
This milestone underscores Tata Power’s long-standing contribution to Mumbai’s mobility ecosystem, bridging the city’s traditional suburban rail network with its modern underground metro system.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/tata-power-energises-mumbai-metro-3-aqua-line-with-40-mw-supply-strengthening-citys-underground-transit-network
**Basis Bay’s Green Commitment Predates Today’s Mega Trend of Sustainability**
Engineered to Tier-4 standards, the new Cyberjaya centre ensures no single point of failure.
Basis Bay is putting the finishing touches on a new eco-premium, Tier-4 infrastructure, world-class data centre in Cyberjaya, slated to go live in October. Speaking at the MDX Summit 2025 fireside on 17 September, Dinesh Manoharan, Data Centre Project Lead at Basis Bay, outlined three core value propositions: fault-tolerant resilience, designed-in sustainability, and the critical guarantee of data sovereignty in a single Malaysian-owned facility.
### Where Uptime is the Baseline, Not a KPI
Every minute of downtime hurts, but for financial services, insurers, and government workloads—sectors where Basis Bay has nearly two decades of experience—it can be existential. This is why the new Cyberjaya data centre is engineered with no single point of failure, mirroring Tier-4 design principles where each critical system has a full redundant pair.
“It may be Tier-4, yet our data centres are built above and beyond the industry standards,” said Dinesh, adding, “Maximum uptime isn’t a target; it’s table stakes.”
He was quick to share a remarkable record: since 1996, Basis Bay has not lost a single client due to a service-level agreement (SLA) breach—a bar it intends to carry into its new generation of facilities.
### Green by Design, Not by Afterthought
Basis Bay’s green commitment predates today’s mega trend of sustainability. Proof lies in the fact that in 2009, it built Asia’s first purpose-built green data centre in Cyberjaya. That site, and the experience of running it for almost two decades for demanding world-class clients, led to what Dinesh calls an eco-premium approach—merging environmental considerations into form, fabric, and operations from day one.
The new Cyberjaya DC2 extends Basis Bay’s green DNA under an eco-premium banner. Clarifying what this means, Dinesh explains:
“When we say eco-premium, it is the amount of effort and thought process that is put in before even building. That shows up in EIA-led site planning, transplanting trees, sourcing local, lower-impact materials, and hydrology features.”
Dinesh is specific about cooling logic: “We have a bathtub rooftop design that drops shadow on the roof, which enhances cooling. Every degree Celsius of cooling power that you save translates into energy saved, and energy saved is income saved.”
Not surprisingly, the design input for the new facility involved the best consultants—local and global—with 17 consultants engaged.
### Key Highlights Include:
– A unique bathtub rooftop that channels rainwater to improve cooling efficiency.
– A BioSwell pond to support local ecosystems.
– Relocating trees and flora during construction to preserve local biodiversity.
– Sourcing eco-friendly building materials from local suppliers.
“It’s about designing with the environment in mind, not just the data,” he explained. “In today’s world, both matter equally.”
### Selling White Space is Not Basis Bay’s Game
Plenty of data centre providers sell white space. That is not Basis Bay’s approach. Instead, the company focuses on pushing its service layer as the differentiator.
A 24/7 ‘Smart Hands’ team acts as an on-site extension of client operations, handling installs, swaps, and triage without waiting for off-site engineers. This is reinforced by preventive lifecycle management, which aims to keep assets running past vendor end-of-life labels through checks and maintenance cycles.
### Sovereignty by Design
With global hyperscalers expanding across ASEAN, control over where data lives has re-entered board agendas. Dinesh stresses that Basis Bay’s facilities are Malaysian-owned and operated, offering enterprises and public sector clients a sovereign alternative with a single point of accountability across design, build, operations, and management.
“Everything is done by us in-house,” he emphasized.
Its value proposition is clear: “We are offering world-class compliance certainty, reduced supply-chain ambiguity, and data residency on home soil.”
In other words, one accountable Malaysian owner-operator for design, build, operations, and facilities management.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/malaysias-data-centre-pioneer-basis-bay-takes-it-next-level-its-eco-premium-tier-4
Thousands of residents of Farash Town and James Town in the twin cities are pleased because they now have access to clean drinking water. Not just that, they have also learned useful skills like how to reuse water and recharge the water table by employing rain harvesting techniques. This positive change has come through a megaproject focused on water security.
The project was a collaborative programme started by the World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, an Australian Aid-funded project aimed at strengthening cooperation between Australia and Pakistan on urban water resources management. The megaproject consisted of a series of smaller projects, all scheduled to be operational by the end of December. It is expected that these will be maintained and run with community help.
The primary goal was to tailor, adopt, and demonstrate the Water Sensitive Cities approach in Pakistan. Islamabad and Rawalpindi—two major cities in the country—are among those expected to face water scarcity over the coming years.
### Focus Areas: James Town and Farash Town
The pilot project focused on two neighbourhoods of the twin cities:
– **James Town, Rawalpindi:** Home to over 450 Christian households, James Town has faced acute water shortage problems.
– **Farash Town, Islamabad:** This neighbourhood, with a population of over 20,000, has also been struggling with water scarcity.
“Our area had a severe water shortage. The water table had also gone down. With the help of these projects, we were able to recharge the aquifer and get water from filtration plants installed at various places in the town,” says Yasmin Bibi, a resident of Farash Town.
### Clean Water Access and Community Involvement
WWF installed seven water filtration plants—five within the locality and two in larger schools. As many as 24,500 people now have access to clean drinking water. Impressively, the filtration plants are maintained by the community itself.
“This is a blessing for us,” says Imran Ali, another resident. “Earlier, many families had to go to the Chak Shahzad government filtration plant to get water. We even had to hire rickshaws to fetch water from there. Now, we have clean drinking water at our doorstep.”
Before these interventions, people were so distressed by the water scarcity that those who could afford to were selling their properties and moving to other parts of the city. “But now, with this project, our lives and priorities have changed. It is such a relief not to have to go out of our way to get something as basic as water,” Imran adds.
### Project Interventions
Started in April 2021, the project included several key interventions in both neighbourhoods:
– **James Town:**
– 275 rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS)
– Six water recharge interventions
– Two green spaces
– Two large and one small filtration plants
– 15 solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens
– A sewerage system for 450 houses
– **Farash Town:**
– 375 rainwater harvesting system interventions
– Four ablution water reuse systems
– 31 recharge interventions
– Three green spaces
– Three communal RWHS
– Five large and two small filtration plants
– Four solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens
### Promoting Water Security Awareness
“Such projects are very important. They provide a serious demonstration of models creating awareness about water security,” notes Farah Nadeem, the project lead.
“We have also included water security issues in the curriculum of local schools under this initiative,” she adds.
Through this project, WWF-Pakistan has helped improve access to safe water and sanitation services for two disadvantaged communities. The initiative has also ensured community resilience to climate change and other water-related shocks, while building the capacity of key stakeholders regarding water use and conservation.
### The Bigger Picture: Water Stress in Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with an average per capita water availability of only 964 cubic meters per annum. Scientific studies suggest that Pakistan is undergoing significant depletion of groundwater resources. This problem adds to the climate change-induced vulnerabilities faced by millions of people already affected by the lack of water, food, health services, and energy security.
The success of the Farash Town and James Town water security megaproject offers a hopeful example of how community involvement, innovative techniques, and international cooperation can address critical water challenges in Pakistan.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346830-covering-the-basics
**A Baby Land Rover Defender SUV Is on the Way**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 04:02 PM*
Land Rover is gearing up to launch a smaller, entry-level version of its iconic Defender SUV. Although the new model has been in development for years without an official announcement from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), recent test sightings suggest its arrival is imminent. The company aims to introduce this highly anticipated vehicle as part of its electric car lineup as early as 2027.
### Design Evolution
The upcoming Defender will maintain the chunky, straight-edged proportions that define its full-sized counterpart. However, expect a smaller, lower-riding silhouette with a design that leans less towards rugged off-road capability and more toward everyday road use. Interestingly, the name **‘Defender Sport’** briefly appeared on Land Rover’s website, hinting that JLR may adopt this naming convention for its sportier, road-focused variants—similar to the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Sport.
### Model Transition: Could It Replace the Discovery Sport?
Positioned below the full-sized Defender, this new model—sometimes referred to as the **‘Defender 80’**—may replace the aging Discovery Sport, which has been part of JLR’s range since 2014 and is currently available only as a plug-in hybrid. With its chunky proportions and strong off-road heritage, the baby Defender could also serve as a spiritual successor to the Freelander, a beloved model that was phased out in favor of the Discovery Sport.
### Market Strategy and Platform Sharing
Priced lower than the larger Defender but boasting similar features and a clear family resemblance, the baby Defender aims to broaden JLR’s appeal and become a volume seller globally. It will share its platform with the next-generation Range Rover Evoque and Velar, all built on JLR’s new 800V EMA (Electric Modular Architecture) platform. This strategy promises to deliver a modern, efficient vehicle with strong electric capabilities.
### Manufacturing Plans
Production of the baby Defender will take place at JLR’s Halewood plant in Merseyside, which is currently undergoing upgrades to support electric vehicle manufacturing. This EV will be equipped with in-house electric motors and batteries sourced from Tata’s upcoming Somerset plant. However, it’s worth noting that JLR recently announced a strategic scaling back of its pure EV plans in favor of increased production of plug-in hybrids, responding to shifting market demand.
**In summary**, the arrival of a smaller, electric-powered Land Rover Defender is set to expand the brand’s footprint in the SUV market by offering a versatile, family-friendly option that balances ruggedness with road-ready refinement. With production slated to begin by 2027, enthusiasts and potential buyers alike have plenty to look forward to.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/land-rover-s-baby-defender-in-works-could-be-ev-only-model/story
**This Company Will Use AI to Develop Healthier Ice Cream**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 23, 2025, 08:01 PM*
Magnum Ice Cream Company, which is set to go public in November, has announced an exciting new partnership with Chilean start-up NotCo. This collaboration will leverage NotCo’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to reformulate existing Magnum products and develop innovative new offerings.
**A Commitment to Sustainability**
Zbigniew Lewicki, Chief Research, Design and Innovation Officer at Magnum Ice Cream Company, explained that this initiative is part of their broader effort to create more sustainable options while navigating rising commodity costs. “Consumers want to indulge but are also looking for smaller portions and more sustainable products,” Lewicki noted, highlighting the evolving preferences of today’s buyers.
The partnership aims to use NotCo’s AI capabilities to explore and reduce the calorie content in Magnum’s ice cream ranges. Additionally, the technology will assist in developing new plant-based products that align with consumer demand for healthier alternatives.
**NotCo’s AI Technology in Action**
NotCo’s AI has already been adopted by several major consumer goods companies, including those under the Magnum umbrella such as Ben & Jerry’s and Cornetto. Matias Muchnick, CEO of NotCo, shared that many leading food manufacturers rely on their AI to swiftly adapt to shifting consumer tastes—an especially crucial advantage amidst movements like Make America Healthy Again and the rising costs of ingredients such as cocoa.
**Expanding Applications in the Food Industry**
Beyond ice cream, NotCo’s AI technology is helping companies find alternatives for artificial colors, reduce sugar content, and innovate new flavors. NotCo’s previous collaborations include partnerships with Kraft Heinz to develop plant-based macaroni and cheese, cheese singles, and mayonnaise.
These developments underscore a growing trend in the food industry: major brands increasingly turning to AI-driven solutions for product reformulation, aiming to meet consumer demands for healthier, sustainable, and delicious food options.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/magnum-ice-cream-company-announces-it-will-use-ai/story
**DRT Combines Private Transport Convenience with Public Transport Affordability**
Asia Mobiliti, Malaysia’s leading Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) technology company, in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), has announced the upcoming launch of Oman’s first Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) service in Muscat.
The announcement was made during the Gulf Green Mobility Forum held earlier this month in Salalah, a significant regional gathering of transport ministers from across the GCC and beyond. The forum showcased major initiatives shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
### Introducing Community Demand-Responsive Transit
The pilot project will introduce a community DRT service — a flexible form of public transport that dynamically adjusts routes and schedules based on passenger demand. Utilizing smaller vehicles, this model extends the reach of public transport into neighborhoods that are not served by traditional bus lines, while minimizing empty runs and significantly reducing operational costs.
For Oman, the importance of this pilot goes beyond just technology. DRT offers the convenience of private transportation combined with the affordability of public transport. It provides a scalable approach to improving accessibility, reducing inefficiencies, and developing a more inclusive mobility system for residents, said Asia Mobiliti.
### A Milestone in Oman’s Public Transport Journey
The launch of this pilot marks a crucial step forward in Oman’s public transport evolution. Demand-Responsive Transit bridges the gap between fixed-route services and private transport, offering a financially sustainable and socially inclusive mobility model.
“We believe technology cannot simply be transplanted from one market to another,” said Ramachandran Muniandy, CEO and co-founder of Asia Mobiliti. “For Oman, we are working closely with the ministry and local partners to tailor the service to the culture and needs of its people, crafting a solution that truly belongs here.”
### Supporting Sustainability and Electrification Goals
Eng. Abdullah Al-Busaidi, Director General of the Oman Logistics Centre at MTCIT, emphasized the significance of the pilot: “This marks an important milestone in Oman’s journey towards sustainable mobility. Demand-Responsive Transit provides a practical solution to improve accessibility while reducing inefficiencies in the transport system.”
He added, “By starting with community DRT, we are testing an approach that can help us reach underserved areas, optimize resources, and advance our national net-zero objectives. This pilot also lays an excellent foundation for electrification, where flexible operations and intelligent routing can maximize the benefits of zero-emission fleets, supporting Oman’s broader logistics innovation agenda.”
### Building Towards an Integrated MaaS Ecosystem
The DRT pilot is a strategic move toward building a fully integrated Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) system in Oman. By addressing current gaps in the transport network and encouraging a shift toward shared and sustainable travel, DRT sets the foundation for greater public transport adoption.
Looking ahead, this initiative paves the way for a MaaS ecosystem that seamlessly connects different modes of travel, ensures interoperability across services, and delivers a truly integrated mobility experience for all residents and visitors in Oman.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/startups/asia-mobiliti-launch-demand-responsive-transit-service-muscat-collaboration-omans-ministry
**How to Keep Your Home Clean on a Budget**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 18, 2025, 05:14 pm*
Keeping your home clean and organized can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a budget. However, with some innovative strategies, you can maintain a tidy living space without breaking the bank. This article provides practical tips and tricks to help you achieve a clean home using affordable and creative methods.
From repurposing household items to utilizing natural cleaning solutions, these insights will help you keep your home spotless without spending much.
### 1. Use Vinegar for Natural Cleaning
Vinegar is an inexpensive and versatile cleaning agent that can be used for several purposes around the house. Its acidic nature makes it great for cutting through grime and mineral deposits on surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and windows.
To use vinegar as a cleaner, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. This solution can be used to clean surfaces easily without any harsh chemicals.
### 2. Repurpose Old Clothes as Cleaning Rags
Instead of throwing out old clothes, repurpose them into cleaning rags. Cotton fabrics like t-shirts or towels make great absorbent materials for dusting or wiping surfaces.
Simply cut them into manageable pieces and store them in a convenient place for easy access during cleaning sessions. This way, you not only save money but also reduce waste by giving new life to old garments.
### 3. Utilize Baking Soda for Stain Removal
Baking soda is another budget-friendly item that works wonders when it comes to tackling tough stains around the house. Its mild abrasive properties make it perfect for scrubbing surfaces such as sinks or stovetops.
To use baking soda effectively, make a paste by mixing it with water and apply it directly on stains or spills. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a cloth or sponge.
### 4. Create an Organized Storage System with Jars
Transform glass jars into storage solutions to organize small items around the house, like buttons, screws, or craft supplies. Label each jar clearly so that you can find what you need quickly when you need it.
This not only declutters spaces but also makes them visually appealing without spending extra money on expensive storage solutions.
### 5. Implement a Daily Cleaning Routine
Establishing a daily cleaning routine goes a long way in keeping your home consistently tidy without spending much money on professional services.
Devote just 15 minutes every day to simple tasks like dusting surfaces, sweeping floors, or organizing cluttered areas. This way, you can prevent dirt from accumulating over time while maintaining an orderly environment within budget constraints.
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By incorporating these practical, budget-friendly tips into your cleaning routine, you can enjoy a clean and organized home without stressing over expenses. Give them a try and see the difference!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-keep-your-home-clean-on-a-budget/story
