5 ways green data centers are increasing efficiency and sustainability

By- Khalid Wani, Senior Director, Sales, Western Digital

Data centers (DC) have become essential components which run the networks that power everything from booking plane tickets, to sending emails, to streaming movies on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. DCs not only store massive amounts of data, but also process and manage it, all at once.

Data centers consume about 2% of the world’s electricity and emit CO2 equivalent to the airline industry, doubling their energy use every four years and contributing significantly to the global carbon footprint. DCs are adopting measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions to mitigate this impact. The majority of energy consumption in DCs is attributed to cooling systems and servers, followed by network devices. Also, considering DCs store massive amounts of data, they require a huge amount of storage devices. Each drive that runs requires cooling, in turn consuming energy. As a result, it becomes imperative to look for sustainable solutions.

Higher capacity HDDs
A significant innovation in HDD technology is OptiNAND, which integrates iNAND embedded flash to enhance drive architecture, firmware, and system-on-chip (SoC) capabilities. This results in improved capacity, performance, and resilience. Western Digital has introduced the Ultrastar DC HC580 24TB CMR HDD in India, incorporating OptiNAND technology to maximize storage capacity while reducing power consumption. This drive enables data centers to optimize space and energy use, making it ideal for power-constrained environments.

By upgrading to higher-density HDDs, such as 26TB drives, data centers can achieve up to 29% reduction in watts per terabyte and 20-25% cost savings. This reduces infrastructure and maintenance costs, contributing to energy efficiency and a smaller facility footprint. The use of high-capacity drives streamlines operations by eliminating servers and supporting infrastructure, leading to significant TCO savings.

Helium-filled hard drives
Using helium-filled hard drives instead of air-filled ones also helps in lowering the power consumption. Since helium has a lower density that is one-seventh of that of air, it causes much less turbulence within the drive which provides several benefits including accommodating more disks in the same 3.5-inch form factor, reducing drag on spinning disks and leading to lower power consumption overall.

Renewable energy sources
Embracing renewable energy is a crucial strategy for reducing carbon emissions in data centers. Several facilities in India have achieved 100% renewable energy use through a combination of onsite solar power and offsite renewable energy procurement. By adopting sustainable practices and technologies, storage solution companies can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of data centers. Technologies like Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) and UltraSMR enhance energy efficiency and reduce power consumption per terabyte, lowering the overall carbon footprint. Transitioning to renewable energy sources further decreases dependence on fossil fuels, promoting clean energy adoption.

Cooling Technologies
In addition to renewables, DCs are embracing innovative cooling technologies such as immersive, liquid, and evaporative cooling that enhance cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption. For instance, Western Digital has introduced innovative technologies, such as the ArcticFlow Thermal Zone Cooling design in its data center storage servers. By optimizing the arrangement of drives and hardware, this design directs cool air through the chassis, maintaining lower and more stable system temperatures. This not only reduces the workload on fans but also lowers power consumption and cooling requirements.

Parameters to measure ROI against sustainability goals
Implementing systems like Battery Health Monitoring Systems (BHMS), Integrated Building Management Systems (IBMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) can help in monitoring battery health and lighting and, improve operational and energy efficiency against sustainability goals.

Data storage is becoming increasingly critical for not just organizations, but for the growth of the digital economy today. As the drive to decarbonise data centers is reaching an inflexion point in India, it has become imperative to adopt green and sustainable practices across industries, including DCs. Businesses today have a moral responsibility towards the environment because it could be the key to their long-term resilience and profitability.

IIM Bodh Gaya signs MoU with Transport Department of Bihar for Training of Officials

Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Transport Department of Bihar to provide training in management, leadership, and skill development for its officials. Under the agreement, officials such as Additional District Transport Officers (ADTO), Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVI), and Enforcement Sub-Inspectors (ESI) will undergo training in phases. The programme will include six-day residential sessions for each batch, conducted at IIM Bodh Gaya.

 Transport Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal stated that the agreement aims to equip the officials of the Transport Department with modern management techniques and skills. He added that the training will improve officials’ skills, work culture, office management, and revenue, while also contributing to better transport services and a reduction in road accidents.

 Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya highlighted that the programme will focus on management, leadership, and skill development, enabling transport officials to perform their duties more effectively.
Sheela Kumari, Minister of Transport, Bihar, remarked that the agreement is an important step for the Transport Department and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing training to officials, leading to improved transport services.
The Transport Department of Bihar manages road transport services, traffic regulation, and vehicle compliance, with an emphasis on safety and efficiency. It focuses on delivering citizen-centric services through its 38 District Transport Officers (DTOs) and 9 Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to ensure responsive governance.

 The collaboration between IIM Bodh Gaya and the Transport Department of Bihar marks a key step in strengthening the skills of transport officials and improving transport services in Bihar. Pinku Kumar, ADTO of Patna, noted that the training would improve decision-making abilities while Baby Kumari, ADTO of Gaya, expressed that training would assist in data analysis and strategizing to reduce accidents.

 IIM Bodh Gaya also provides leadership and management training to various departments of the Bihar government, such as the Water Resource Department, State Health Society, Bihar Police Academy, BIPARD, and the Department of Industries among others.

Canon Elevates Visual Possibilities with An Innovative New Lens

INDIA, 2024 – Canon today announced the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM, a new RF mount lens for the EOS R mirrorless camera system that will take imaging possibilities into a new dimension. As a bright f/2.8 constant aperture standard zoom lens, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM opens accessibility to more users, being Canon’s first non-professional-grade lens of its kind.

Redefining Versatility

A constant aperture zoom lens is one of the most versatile types of lenses available. With its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture and compact, lightweight portability, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM offers even more versatility. Users can freeze their precious moments in low light and achieve dreamy shallow focus (bokeh) effects, regardless if they are shooting glittery urban scenes at the 28mm wide end or taking close-up beauty shots at 70mm. When paired with APS-C cameras, it transforms into a standard zoom ideal for daily scenes, products, and portraits, with a full-frame equivalent effective focal range of 44.8mm to 112mm.

The versatility is boosted with powerful built-in Optical Image Stabilizer, which helps users achieve sharp, steady images even when using shutter speeds up to 5.5 stops slower on cameras with no In-Body Image Stabilizer (In-Body IS) like the EOS R8, and up to 7.5 stops slower on cameras that do, like the EOS R6 Mark II. Movie Digital IS during video shooting is also supported, allowing users to record smooth, steady handheld footage even without a tripod or gimbal.

While the combination of a bright constant aperture with zoom capabilities is usually associated with larger professional-grade lenses, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM dispels that notion. At approximately 9.22cm long when fully retracted and weighing approximately 495g, it is smaller and 45% lighter than its closest professional-grade counterpart (RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM), making it travel friendly. Despite not being an L-series lens, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM boasts weather-sealing^[1], the same level of durability and shock resistance, and an excellent image quality that far exceeds that of a kit lens, thanks to Canon’s advanced optical design technology.

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Abacus Institute of Engineering and Management Organises a One-of-a-Kind Hackathon, SIH 2024

Kolkata, 13th September 2024: Abacus Institute of Engineering and Management (AIEM), a JIS Group Educational Initiative, organised SIH 2024 (Internal). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 200 students, comprising 34 teams with 6 members each, representing various departments of the institute.

The program was chaired by the Principal of AIEM, Prof. Jinia Datta, who commended the students for their active participation and encouraged them to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. The event commenced with a welcome speech by Mr. Shounak Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Professor of the Department of ECE and SPOC of the event, setting a positive tone for the day. The valedictory address and vote of thanks were delivered by Dr. Goutam Kumar Das, Head of the Department of ECE, who appreciated the efforts of the participants and the organising committee.

The participants showcased innovative solutions to the problem statements curated by the SIH Committee, reflecting their technical acumen and creative approaches to real-world challenges. Each team presented its ideas before an esteemed panel of four judges, who provided valuable feedback and insights, enhancing the learning experience for the students. All participants were recognised for their contributions with participation certificates, while the top three teams were awarded winner certificates and attractive prizes for their exceptional ideas and presentations.

The event was conducted with the jury members contributing their insightful perspectives. Their expertise from diverse domains added further value to the students’ innovative ideas.

Speaking on this occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh said, “We at JIS Group firmly believe in nurturing innovation and creativity among our students, and events like SIH 2024 take us a step closer to that vision. Abacus Institute of Engineering and Management has created a platform that encourages students to think critically and develop solutions to real-world challenges. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the participants are commendable, and I am confident that this experience will further inspire them to become future leaders in technology and innovation.”

TARANG: First-Ever Exquisite Art Exhibition by the Children of Migrant Workers in Delhi-NCR

13 September 2024, New Delhi: M3M Foundation, in collaboration with YFLO Delhi, is excited to present “Tarang,” a week-long art exhibition featuring paintings by underprivileged children from labour sites surrounding Delhi-NCR. The exhibition will be held from September 13-19, 2024, at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, 1 Rafi Marg, New Delhi. This unique exhibition highlights the exceptional artistic talents of young artists and reflects YFLO Delhi & M3M Foundation’s dedication to empowering underprivileged communities through its initiatives in education, health, environment and livelihood.

Tarang is the culmination of M3M Foundation’s iMpower program, which aims to bridge learning gaps and prepare children from labourer families for mainstream education. This program has been instrumental in nurturing the creative skills of these young artists, providing them with the tools and encouragement to explore their artistic potential. Through Tarang, M3M Foundation aims to showcase how art can be a transformative tool for personal and educational development, offering these children a platform to express their dreams and aspirations.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson YFLO Delhi & Trustee M3M Foundation, shared her vision for the exhibition, expressing, “Tarang represents a wave of change, showcasing the incredible potential of young artists from underprivileged backgrounds. Through initiatives like these, we aim to support not just these talented children but many more in the future, empowering them to rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams.”

The exhibition will feature 56 paintings by 27 children from our iMpower program, showcasing a diverse range of themes and styles, including rural life, Madhubani art, folk paintings, and natural objects. These artworks are not only a celebration of the children’s achievements but also serve as a powerful testament to the role of art in fostering personal growth and community engagement.

Among the artists are Kavita, Sajid, Anushree, Rahul, Sonam, Muskan, Munni, Rajlaxmi, and Badal from the iMpower program, Aide et Action, Tyagiwada Club, who have explored themes such as village life and folk art. Halima, Farjana, and Aisha have created beautiful designs and Mehndi-inspired paintings. Kavita, a 10-year-old from the Tyagiwada Club, has painted nine pieces depicting flowers, leaves, birds, and women, despite her family’s financial struggles. Sajid, whose parents face similar hardships, has also created

meticulous artworks. From the Bright Orange Club, Dimpy has depicted a fisherwoman in her vibrant painting, while Anjali, Nisha, and Nafeesa from the Sector 65 Club have also presented their impressive works.

The exhibition will also be graced by the presence of several eminent guests from the art world, including Ananda Moy Banerji, Kavita Nayar, Shovin Bhattacharjee, Santosh Verma, Sanjay Roy, Krishnendu Pore, and Joyattam Dutta Roy. These distinguished guests bring a wealth of artistic expertise and passion, enhancing the event’s prestige and supporting the Foundation’s mission to nurture young talent.

The collaboration between M3M Foundation, YFLO Delhi, highlights a shared commitment to community development and empowerment. YFLO Delhi, a platform for young women leaders, a movement focused on unlocking potential through innovative initiatives, both align with the values of M3M Foundation in creating opportunities for underserved communities.

M3M Foundation & YFLO Delhi invites art enthusiasts, media representatives, and the public to attend “Tarang” and experience the extraordinary talent and creativity of these young artists. The exhibition is a celebration of the immense potential within underserved communities and a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in driving social change.

AU Small Finance Bank and Kotak Life partner to expand access of life insurance and financial security solutions

Bengaluru , September 13th, 2024: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd (“Kotak Life”), one of India’s private life insurers, announced their strategic partnership to provide AU SFB’s customers with a comprehensive suite of life insurance and financial security solutions. This collaboration is based on a revised business proposition, in continuation to Kotak Life’s relationship with erstwhile Fincare Small Finance Bank (now merged with AU SFB).

Effective immediately, AU SFB’s new and existing customers, including those from former Fincare SFB branches, can now access Kotak Life’s comprehensive range of life insurance products including term, retirement, savings and select investment plans.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance AU SFB’s offerings in southern India by leveraging Kotak Life’s diversified portfolio. Additionally, Kotak Life will collaborate closely with AU SFB to ensure seamless service options, facilitating a smooth transition and maintaining business continuity for customers.

As AU SFB pursues its universal banking license with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), it is now poised to serve its vast customer base of over one crore with a diverse array of products from leading life insurance companies. This strategic approach enables AU SFB to assess and address the unique needs and financial requirements of each customer, delivering personalised solutions that cater to their individual circumstances.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director and Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank said, “At AU Small Finance Bank, our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to offering them a wide array of choices and personalised solutions. As we expand our offering in the bancassurance segment, partnering with Kotak Life, a trusted leader in life insurance, strengthens our product suite and enhances the financial planning options available to our customers. By combining our expansive distribution network with Kotak Life’s diverse portfolio, we will provide a broader selection of tailored life insurance solutions. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and look forward to collectively shaping a more secure and prosperous future for our customers.”

Mr. Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “At Kotak Life, we firmly believe that life insurance is a necessity for every Indian. We are committed to the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ as outlined by the IRDAI. Through our collaboration with AU SFB, we aim to reach out to the untapped segments of the population. By leveraging AU SFB’s customer reach and our expertise in life insurance, we help ensure a secure future and protect the financial dreams of AU SFB customers.”

HostBooks Survey: 50% of Multi-Chain Business Owners Struggle with Operational Efficiency

Gurugram, September – HostBooks, a leading provider of cloud-based business automation solutions, recently conducted an insightful survey to uncover the biggest challenges multi-chain business owners face. The survey results revealed that 50% of respondents identified operational efficiency as their top concern, followed by inventory management (25%), customer consistency (13%), and staff training (13%).

As multi-chain businesses grow, the complexities of managing multiple locations become more apparent. The HostBooks survey underscores the need for advanced solutions that can help streamline operations and improve overall business performance across various sites.

With half of the respondents identifying operational efficiency as their biggest challenge, it’s clear that managing workflows, optimizing processes, and ensuring smooth coordination across locations are top priorities. Maintaining control over these areas as businesses expand becomes essential to reducing costs and boosting productivity.

Inventory management (25%) and customer consistency (13%) also ranked high among the concerns of multi-chain business owners. Managing inventory across multiple locations requires high real-time visibility and coordination to avoid stockouts, minimize waste, and meet demand. Similarly, delivering consistent customer experiences across all branches is crucial for maintaining brand reputation and loyalty.

Kapil Rana, Founder of HostBooks, emphasized the importance of operational efficiency in scaling multi-chain businesses. He noted, “While operational efficiency is key to growth, managing it can become overwhelming without the right tools.”

Biswajit Mishra, Co-Founder of HostBooks, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Our solutions provide centralized control over inventory, operations, and employee training. This enables businesses to overcome these challenges, maintain efficiency, and deliver consistent customer experiences across locations.”

Puravankara expands its Redevelopment Portfolio in Mumbai

Mumbai, September 13, 2024: Puravankara Limited  has acquired the redevelopment rights of a prestigious society — Miami Apartments at Breach Candy. Spread little over ~2,000 sq m of land, this marks the developer’s entry into the uber-luxury South Mumbai market, where rates (as per market sources) are estimated in the range of Rs 1,25,000 and Rs 1,40,000 per sq. ft.

Commenting on the strategic announcement, Ashish Puravankara, MD, Puravankara Limited, said, “Our entry into South Mumbai with the redevelopment of Miami Apartments at Breach Candy marks a significant milestone for Puravankara Ltd. This project showcases our commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and reinforces our vision to create iconic living spaces in the most coveted locations. We are excited to bring our expertise to South Mumbai and redefine the standards of luxury living in this prestigious neighbourhood, while strengthening our presence in other markets.”

In addition, Puravankara has further extended its footprint in Lokhandwala, Andheri West, where it had previously (in November 2023) acquired redevelopment rights for two societies with land admeasuring around 3 acres. In addition to the above two societies, the company has now been selected as the preferred developer by a cluster of four societies with land admeasuring approximately 1.30 acres, creating a large development with an overall land area of around 4.3 acres. As per market sources, the estimated rate in the micro-market ranges anywhere between Rs 40,000 and 45,000 per sq. ft.

“The addition of new redevelopment projects in Breach Candy and Andheri West further strengthens our portfolio in Mumbai and highlights our growing role in the city’s real estate transformation. Our commitment to design excellence, transparency and adherence to timelines underscore Puravankara’s position as a trusted partner for society redevelopment projects. We will continue to focus on the acquisition of marquee assets in MMR and Pune.” said Rajat Rastogi, CEO – West & Commercial Assets, Puravankara Limited.

In Bengaluru, the company has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for a 1.95-acre land parcel at a prime location in the Electronics City micro-market. This land parcel, adjacent to the Purva Westend project, will have a saleable area of 260,000 sq ft. The project is approximately 100 metres from the Kudlu Gate Metro Station and enjoys easy accessibility to other social infrastructure like tech parks, hospitals and schools. Currently, the market rates for the locality are between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 14,000 per sq ft.

Every tragedy made me a better and stronger person: Pooja Bedi, Film Star, Wellness Evangelist

Hyderabad, September 13, 2024…..FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), Hyderabad Chapter oorganized an interactive session with Pooja Bedi, Film Actress, and wellness entrepreneur on the topic ‘Limitation to Liberation and Unlock your Inner Strength’ at Sattva Knowledge City Gachibowli.

Giving her opening remarks Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO said today we will try to unravel how we can channel our inner strengths to go from limitations to liberation

Pooja was in conversation with Priya Gazdar.

Speaking Pooja gave invaluable perspectives that were powerful reminders of strength within us.

I give a hundred percent. Whatever I did I gave one hundred percent, even when I was going through the process of divorce. I don’t want to be miserable for 50 years for 12 years of happy married life. So, I got liberated, Pooja said

If a sculptor’s child can become a sculptor why can’t an actor’s daughter can become an actress? she asked. Why this question is asked mostly to film wallas?, she asked.

Speaking about relationships, she said, you can’t become a better woman by putting your man down. All are equal. Each must find their own space, she added.

For me, life is too short. And it is very beautiful. We take birth and die. And we do many things in between. It is a little journey. So, make it beautiful. You come into this world to experience the beautiful world. Don’t just exist. Live life to the fullest, she said.

In my life, nothing happened by chance or by accident. Whatever I am, it is planned. One thing led to another and brought me here, she added.

Your story is everyone’s story. Everyone has problems just like you. They are part and parcel of your life. But what you do with things that happen to you is your story. How you react to those events is your real personality. In life, my grandmother died. My favorite dog left us. I have lost a fatherly figure in my life. My mother expired in a landslide. My brother had a problem. Added insult to injury I was going through a divorce. I never cried. I carried on. I started my life from scratch. I built a wellness enterprise. Every tragedy made me a better person. It doesn’t matter what happened to you. What matters the most is how you respond, she explained to her 150-plus audience.

If you see good in a person, you will also see goodness in every person, she concluded her talk.

LCC Computer Education Celebrates Onam with Grand Festivities

Kochi September 12, 2024 : LCC Computer Education, one of the oldest and most renowned software training institutes, celebrated Onam with great enthusiasm alongside students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. The event named “Chilamboli 2024”, took place at BTH Bharath Hotel, Kochi, where the company CEO, Mr. Ramaswami, inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the traditional lamp.

The celebration featured a range of performances by both students and staff, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. The event culminated in an exciting tug-of-war competition, with the winning team receiving special prizes. Attendees were treated to a traditional Onam Sadhya, which added a festive spirit to the day.

Founded in Kochi in 1992, LCC Computer Education began its journey as a premier computer education center. Today, it has grown into one of India’s most respected names in computer training. With a curriculum designed through collaboration with industry-leading technology partners, LCC offers a diverse range of certification courses. Its expert academicians and certified faculties ensure students stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.