5, Oct 2026
Government of Maharashtra and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Expand Maha r-PET Abhiyaan in Thane with Dedicated Collection Infrastructure for Used PET Bottles
~Thane PET Collection Centre, retailer participation initiatives and collection support systems aim to improve used PET bottle recovery and recycling~
THANE, India, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Government of Maharashtra, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) have expanded the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan in Thane with the inauguration of the Thane PET Collection Centre and the launch of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the collection, segregation and recycling of used PET bottles across the city.
The programme included the launch of dedicated used PET Collection Bins, the introduction of the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan Participation Certificate and Green Cool Dukaan Sticker for retailers, the flagging off of three electric vehicles to support collection operations, and the unveiling of benches made from recycled PET plastic collected through the initiative.
The programme was graced by Smt. Pankaja Munde, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra; Sanjay Kelkar – MLA; Mr. Niranjan Davkhare – MLC; Ms. Madhavi Naik – MLC; Shri. Rahul Rekhawar – IAS and member secretary MPCB; Shri. Harishchandra Patil – Additional Collector, Thane Municipal Corporation; Mr. Himanshu Priyadarshi – Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer– Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages; and Actors – Prasad Oak, Shivani Surve, Amit Sial and Rapper – Dino James along with community partners, retailers and hotel owners associations and stakeholders from across the PET collection and recycling ecosystem.
The newly inaugurated Thane PET Collection Centre will serve as a dedicated aggregation and collection facility for used PET bottles recovered through the initiative. Supported by a network of collection partners and retailers, the centre is designed to strengthen the recovery and channelisation of used PET bottles into authorised recycling streams.
Dedicated collection bins introduced under the programme will encourage residents to segregate used PET bottles at source, while the Green Cool Dukaan initiative and participation certificates will recognise retailers who actively contribute to the collection effort. The electric vehicles flagged off during the programme will support efficient last-mile collection across Thane.
The programme also showcased benches manufactured using recycled PET plastic collected through the initiative. These installations demonstrate how used PET bottles can be transformed into valuable products through recycling, bringing to life the principles of a circular economy.
Underscoring the importance of community participation, Smt. Pankaja Munde, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, noted, “I am extremely delighted that the environment-friendly project, Maha r-PET Abhiyaan, is being launched in Thane district in collaboration with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages. The days of ‘use and throw’ are behind us; the time has come for ‘use and collect’. We are beginning this exceptional concept today right here in Thane. Following this, the initiative will be implemented in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, and since I am from Beed myself, it will be carried out there as well.
As Environment Minister, protecting our environment is my responsibility, but it is equally a collective responsibility. I congratulate HCCB for taking this initiative and look forward to seeing it create greater awareness and participation across Maharashtra.”
Avinash Kant Kumar, Head of Integrated Supply Chain, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) said, “Building a robust used PET bottle recycling ecosystem requires strong collaboration across the entire value chain, from collection and segregation to processing and end-use. The Thane Collection Centre is an important step towards creating a more organised and traceable supply chain for recyclable materials, enabling segregation at source and the identification of food-grade PET for high-value recycling applications. This model demonstrates how industries can work alongside public systems to improve resource efficiency, support the availability of quality recycled material, and build resilient, sustainable supply chains for the future. Through our partnership with the Government of Maharashtra under the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan, and in collaboration with the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), we are helping strengthen the systems and infrastructure needed to improve the recovery of used PET bottles.”
Launched by the Government of Maharashtra, Maha r-PET Abhiyaan is a first-of-its-kind statewide movement focused on improving the collection, recovery and recycling of used PET bottles through awareness, source segregation, community participation and collection infrastructure. The initiative seeks to ensure that used PET bottles are collected separately and remain suitable for recycling, helping reduce landfill burden while supporting circular economy objectives. The initiative brings together dedicated collection infrastructure, retailer participation, consumer awareness and collection support systems to improve the recovery of used PET bottles and channel them into the recycling value chain.
About Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB):
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading FMCG companies, was incorporated on 14th February 1997. Since then, HCCB has come a long way in being able to serve over 20 lakh retailers, ~2,000 distributors, and 5,200+ employees. 2,50,000 farmers grow the agricultural produce that HCCB uses in making its products. The company is headquartered in Bengaluru and its operations are spread in 10 states, and 236 districts in South and West India. With 14 factories across India, the company has a significant footprint in Maharashtra, operating two state-of-the-art manufacturing plants at Pirangut, in Pune district, Wada, in Palghar district, and an upcoming manufacturing plant at Lote Parshuram in Ratnagiri district. HCCB manufactures and sells 37 different products across 8 categories. Its products include some of India’s most loved beverages – Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Minute Maid, Maaza, SmartWater, Kinley, Limca, Fanta, and a lot more.
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- By Sai Krishna
5, Oct 2026
Riyadh to Host Sixth Edition of Future Minerals Forum in January 2027
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has announced that the sixth edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) will be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques from 12–14 January 2027 in Riyadh, with the theme “Global Collaboration for Resilient Mineral Supply.”
The fifth edition, held in January 2026, welcomed government representatives from 91 countries and more than 64 governmental and non-governmental organizations, alongside 21,500 participants from 175 countries. It saw the signing of 132 agreements and MoUs worth more than USD26.7 billion (SAR100 billion), bringing the total across five editions to 398 agreements and MoUs valued at over USD75.2 billion (SAR282 billion).
FMF 2027 will focus on mobilizing finance, accelerating project development and shortening time to production, to increase mineral supply and develop value chains in the Kingdom and emerging supplier regions, including the Super Region spanning Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America.
The Forum will be headlined by its government-led Ministerial Roundtable, convening governments, industry leaders, multilateral organizations, and financial and academic institutions. Expanded ‘Gateway to Funding’ activities will connect investors with scalable projects, while ‘State of the Sector’ sessions, an extension of the Future Minerals Barometer, will offer commodity outlooks and market insights. Leadership Roundtables and Knowledge Exchange meetings will develop solutions to strengthen supply chains.
FMF has helped move discussions on the future of minerals from ambition to partnerships, investment and projects, while connecting Saudi Arabia’s mining and industrial opportunities with international capital, technology and expertise.
The Forum has grown alongside the Kingdom’s mining sector. Saudi Arabia’s exploration expenditure rose from USD 54.7 million (SAR 205 million) in 2020 to USD 362.7 million (SAR 1.36 billion) in 2025 and active exploration companies grew from six to 191.
His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, also recently announced that studies at the Jabal Sayid Rare Earth Elements Project in the Madinah Region had revealed estimated resources of 114 million tons of ore with high concentrations of rare earth elements, particularly heavy rare earth elements.
FMF advances the objectives of the Comprehensive Mining and Mineral Industries Strategy. FMF2027 will issue a global call to diversify mineral supply, develop mining capabilities and build a more resilient minerals ecosystem.
For registration and information, visit futuremineralsforum.com
CONTACT: Mustafa Al Refaie, mustafa.alrefaie@omc.com, +966 55 725 1006
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5, Oct 2026
Rajnath Singh to Visit HAL’s Sunabeda Unit in Koraput on Tuesday
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Odisha on Tuesday, with a key engagement lined up at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Sunabeda, Koraput district.
Representational Image
The one-day visit is expected to focus on defence production activities at the strategically important HAL unit and provide an opportunity for the Union Minister to review ongoing operations.
Review of Defence Production Activities
During his visit to Sunabeda, Rajnath Singh is scheduled to attend a programme at the HAL facility and review various aspects of its defence production operations.
He is also expected to interact with senior HAL officials and officers associated with the defence sector and discuss matters concerning the functioning and future activities of the unit.
CM Majhi to Accompany Defence Minister
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is also scheduled to be present during the Defence Minister’s visit.
The engagement is being viewed as significant for the state’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in the context of the role played by the Sunabeda HAL facility in India’s defence production infrastructure.
Visit Holds Significance for Koraput
The Defence Minister’s visit to Sunabeda comes against the backdrop of continued emphasis on strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and production capabilities.
The HAL facility at Sunabeda is an important industrial establishment in Koraput and has a long association with India’s aviation and defence sector.
Following the scheduled engagements, Rajnath Singh is expected to leave Odisha for Delhi in the afternoon via Raipur.
5, Oct 2026
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is proud to sponsor Indian football team’s high-profile international fixtures at the Kolkata matches
MUMBAI, India, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Director (Marketing) Mr. Subhankar Sen said the matches of Indian Football team represent more than just exciting sporting encounters offering an opportunity to inspire millions of young Indians to dream bigger and engage with sport.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, is sponsoring the Indian football team’s high-profile international fixtures against former FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay and Brazil, scheduled to be played in Kolkata.
Brazil defeated India 4–0 at Salt Lake Stadium after India put up a strong fight in the opening 27 minutes. The Blue Tigers entered the match with confidence after holding 44th-ranked Panama to a 1–1 draw, but Brazil, ranked fifth in the world, gradually took control of the game. Brazil’s superior quality and attacking strength helped them score four goals and secure a comfortable victory over India.
On the sidelines of the game, Mr. Subhankar Sen emphasised that BPCL believes sport has the power to unite, inspire and create pathways for excellence, adding that the company’s association with these landmark fixtures reflects its continued commitment to supporting Indian sport and its athletes.
Speaking about the association, Mr. Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), said, “BPCL is proud to support the Indian football team as it takes on two of the most celebrated names in world football, Uruguay and Brazil. These matches represent more than just exciting sporting encounters; they are an opportunity to inspire millions of young Indians to dream bigger and engage with sport. At BPCL, we believe that sport has the power to unite, inspire and create pathways for excellence, and our association with these landmark fixtures reflects our continued commitment to supporting Indian sport and its athletes.”
The two marquee encounters are bringing some of world football’s most celebrated teams to India, offering Indian football fans an opportunity to witness the national team compete against two globally renowned footballing nations. The fixtures are expected to provide a significant platform for Indian football and contribute to the growing popularity of the sport across the country.
BPCL has always been at the forefront of promoting Indian sports and supporting athletes across disciplines. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, is currently backing Team India as its Principal Partner at the 20th Asian Games. The company was also a Principal Sponsor of the Commonwealth Games 2026, further strengthening its association with Indian sport on major international platforms.
In line with its long-term commitment to nurturing sporting talent, BPCL announced the launch of the BPCL Sports Scholarship Initiative last year. The initiative aims to support and nurture emerging sports talent across India by providing financial assistance to promising young athletes, enabling them to focus on their training and competitive aspirations at both national and international levels.
Over the years, BPCL has been proud to be associated with a galaxy of Indian sporting champions who have brought laurels to the nation through their performances on the global stage. The company’s sporting associations have included Saina Nehwal and R.M.V. Guru Sai Dutt in Badminton; Soumyajit Ghosh and Sanil Shetty in Table Tennis; Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari in Archery; Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer and Kuldeep Yadav in Cricket; S.V. Sunil, Harmanpreet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay and Varun Kumar in Hockey; Jerome Vinith in Volleyball; Rishank Devadiga and Vishal Mane in Kabaddi; Vaibhav Suri and Abhijeet Gupta in Chess; Manan Chandra and Shahbaaz Adil Khan in Snooker; and Manasi Joshi and Manoj Sarkar in Para Badminton.
Through its sustained support for athletes, teams and sporting events, BPCL continues to contribute to the development of India’s sporting ecosystem and provide platforms that inspire the next generation of sporting talent.
The upcoming India-Uruguay and India-Brazil fixtures add another significant chapter to BPCL’s association with Indian sport, bringing together the excitement of international football and the company’s enduring commitment to supporting sporting excellence in the country.
About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL):
Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational and financial autonomy.
Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 25,300+ Fuel Stations, over 1000+ CNG stations, over 6,250+ LPG distributorships, 440+ Lubes distributorships, 81 POL storage locations, 56 LPG Bottling Plants, 83 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 6 cross-country pipelines.
Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6800+ Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation and technology.
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5, Oct 2026
Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Sambalpur Residents to Join October 10 Cleanliness Drive
Sambalpur, Oct. 5 (UDN): Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has appealed to residents across the district to participate in a mass cleanliness campaign scheduled for October 10 under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
Representational Image
In a video message shared on social media, Pradhan called upon citizens, youth, women, elected representatives and members of various organisations to come together and clean their villages, hamlets, wards, neighbourhoods and public spaces.
Call for Cleanliness to Become a Mass Movement
Pradhan urged people to transform the campaign into a sustained public movement aimed at making Sambalpur cleaner, healthier and more attractive.
He said cleanliness should not be viewed merely as a household responsibility but as a broader social value reflected in people’s everyday lives and conduct.
Cultural Traditions Linked to Cleanliness
Highlighting Odisha’s cultural traditions, Pradhan said cleanliness and purity have long held an important place in the state’s social and religious practices.
Referring to the Lakshmi Purana, he said the tradition associates cleanliness with the presence of Goddess Lakshmi and noted that religious rituals in Odia households traditionally place strong emphasis on cleanliness and purity.
According to Pradhan, the values associated with cleanliness have been passed down through generations and carry both social and spiritual significance.
Invokes Gandhi, Modi’s Swachhata Message
Pradhan also recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on sanitation and cleanliness, saying Gandhi viewed cleanliness as essential to building a healthy society and improving quality of life.
He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Swachhata Hi Seva” message, stressing that maintaining clean surroundings is a form of service to society, the nation and future generations.
Sambalpur’s Heritage in Focus
Describing Sambalpur as an important centre of Odia literature, culture, art and tradition, Pradhan said maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the region was a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to actively participate in the October 10 campaign and contribute towards creating cleaner public spaces across the district.
The cleanliness drive is expected to cover villages, urban wards, localities and other public places as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
5, Oct 2026
Reap and Collinson International Enter Landmark Partnership to Bring Priority Pass Airport Experiences to the Stablecoin and Crypto Ecosystem
The collaboration connects digital asset customers to premium travel benefits, giving eligible cardholders access to Priority Pass’ global network of over 1,900 airport lounges and travel experiences.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reap, a global financial technology company that enables financial connectivity and access for businesses worldwide through stablecoin-enabled infrastructure, has entered a strategic partnership with Collinson International, the global leader in the provision of airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement solutions, and owner and operator of Priority Pass.
The collaboration enables Reap’s clients in the digital-assets landscape, including leading global crypto exchanges, Web3 neobanks, private banks, and asset managers, to offer premium travel benefits to their customers. This will grant eligible Reap cardholders access to Priority Pass’ global network of over 1,900 airport lounges and travel experiences, including spa, sleep pods, dining, and more.
The partnership comes as meaningful travel benefits take on an increasingly central role in enhancing customer value and engagement. According to Collinson International’s research report, access to airport lounges is ranked as the most desirable travel benefit, while 92% of respondents in Asia Pacific agree that travel rewards and benefits encourage card use for everyday and travel expenses. The findings highlight how travel benefits, including access to airport lounges through Priority Pass, can help drive card use, customer engagement and loyalty.
“As the payments landscape continues to evolve, the ability to provide experiential value is becoming an increasingly important differentiator among financial products,” said Rom Remy, SVP Commercial, APAC at Collinson International. “Travel experiences, in particular, offer payment providers a powerful way to deepen customer engagement, build loyalty and lifetime value. We are delighted to partner with Reap as it expands across high-growth markets. Through access to Priority Pass’ global network of airport lounges and travel experiences, Reap can help its clients to broaden their offerings and deliver more seamless, premium journeys to travellers worldwide.”
The partnership extends Reap’s card issuing offering into lifestyle and travel benefits. By connecting onchain spending to real-world experiences, Reap enables its clients to reward everyday card usage and strengthen their customer retention, bringing the experiential value that has long driven engagement in traditional card programmes to stablecoin-linked cards.
“At Reap, our stablecoin-native infrastructure is built to create real-world value for the businesses we support and the customers they serve,” said Pablo Che Leon, Head of Customer Growth, Reap. “Stablecoins are becoming everyday money for millions of people, and the cards they spend with should carry the same benefits as any premium card. By bringing Priority Pass to Reap-issued cards, a cardholder in Hong Kong or Tokyo can now enjoy the same airport lounge experience as a premium cardholder in London or New York. For our clients, it’s a new way to differentiate their card offerings, reward everyday spending and keep customers engaged.”
For more information, please visit https://reap.global/products/reap-rewards.
About Priority Pass
Priority Pass is the world’s original and market-leading airport experiences programme. We provide travellers with access to over 1,900 lounges and travel experiences in 865 airports in 143 countries. Members can access an ever-growing range of premium experiences – from spas to sleeping pods to dining – that help elevate every journey into something special. By building partnerships with other leading brands, we help to bring a better travel experience to the world.
Priority Pass is owned and operated by Collinson International, part of The Collinson Group, a family-owned business. Formed over 35 years ago, it now has five distinct operating companies that generate a combined annual revenue of £2.1bn, employing more than 2,500 people across 14 countries.
About Reap
Reap is a global financial technology company that enables financial connectivity and access for businesses worldwide through stablecoin-native infrastructure. We transform the financial landscape through more efficient money movement by merging traditional finance with digital assets, bridging disparate economies and connecting key financial markets.
Reap was an early leader in Asia to incorporate stablecoins into our solutions. In 2025, Reap processed billions in stablecoin-funded transaction flows. From stablecoin-enabled corporate cards to cross-border payments, we streamline financial operations and empower companies to scale with our integrated business accounts and embedded finance solutions.
Founded and headquartered in Hong Kong, Reap employs 300 people worldwide.
More information about Reap can be found at reap.global.
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5, Oct 2026
India’s infrastructure challenge shifts from raising capital to making projects investable: Deloitte
New Delhi, Oct 05, 2026: Infrastructure leaders across the Asia Pacific are signalling a fundamental shift in how infrastructure will be financed, delivered and operated over the next decade. New findings from Deloitte‘s Future of infrastructure survey 2026 reveal that the future of infrastructure will be defined by the ability to connect capital, policy, technology and delivery across interconnected infrastructure systems.
For India, the findings suggest that the challenge extends beyond mobilising capital to making projects more investable and execution ready. 38 percent of Indian respondents cite lack of private-sector participation as a key challenge, while 42 percent point to complex policies, regulations and permitting processes as barriers to infrastructure delivery. In addition, 38 percent cite budgetary constraints as a key impediment to project execution. Together, these findings underscore the need for stronger project preparation, clearer revenue models and financing structures that allocate risk to stakeholders best placed to manage it.
“India’s infrastructure opportunity is multi-decadal, but seasoned investors view it as two distinct tranches separated by risk. The public sector has helped reduce risk and attract private investment in greenfield sectors such as renewables and highways. However, similar mechanisms are yet to emerge at scale in urban infrastructure. At the same time, private capital is increasingly participating in brownfield assets through asset recycling, M&A, InvITs and listings. The monetisation of de-risked assets is a sign of the Indian market’s growing maturity, helping recycle capital into new infrastructure development. M&A is playing a key role in this process, connecting brownfield monetisation with new greenfield development and helping sustain India’s investment cycle. As deal sizes expand, supported by deeper capital pools and relaxation of acquisition financing norms, investors will need to focus on unlocking embedded value and generating alpha post-acquisition,” said Manish Aggarwal, National Leader – Infrastructure & Capital Projects, Deloitte South Asia.
India’s HAM demonstrates how targeted government support and risk-sharing can improve project bankability and attract private capital. By balancing risks between the public and private sectors and funding 40 percent of construction costs, the model has helped create more investable infrastructure opportunities. Risk-sharing can help unlock private capital.
The survey highlights that APAC is emerging as a global infrastructure innovation hub, with 80 percent of respondents expecting greater integration of digital technologies across public and social infrastructure and 86 percent identifying data infrastructure as a priority investment area.
India’s priorities mirror these trends while displaying even stronger conviction in select areas. 93 percent of Indian respondents expect increased investment in cybersecurity, while 80 percent expect an increase in public Wi-Fi infrastructure investment. At the same time, 77 percent expect growth in alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal, while 82 percent anticipate increased investment in freight rail and mass transit systems.
The survey also underscores India’s strong focus on digital transformation. 71 percent of Indian respondents agree that the public sector needs to modernise infrastructure and integrate digital engineering technologies to meet evolving needs, compared with 36 percent across APAC. Additionally, 83 percent believe that public and critical infrastructure requires stronger protection from cyberattacks, compared with 63 percent across APAC.
Technology, AI and government modernisation
The findings point to growing momentum around AI-enabled infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. 91 percent of Indian respondents expect adoption of advanced technologies such as GenAI, digital twins and predictive analytics to significantly impact infrastructure and transportation operations, compared with 57 percent across APAC. Meanwhile, 50 percent of Indian respondents agree that AI technologies will revolutionise infrastructure planning and operations, and 50 percent believe that integrating digital twins and real-time analytics is essential to improving asset performance and enabling predictive maintenance.
“Technology is becoming the connective tissue across infrastructure systems. Indian leaders are moving beyond viewing AI as a standalone technology and are beginning to see it as an operating layer for infrastructure planning, financing, delivery and operations. Governments will need to combine AI, digital twins, cybersecurity and real-time analytics to improve project delivery, strengthen resilience and make more informed investment decisions. The next generation of infrastructure will be defined by physical assets and the intelligence embedded within them,” said NSN Murty, Government & Public Services Consulting Leader, Deloitte South Asia.
Organisations are already preparing for this shift. 79 percent of Indian respondents report that they are developing AI training and development programmes, 62 percent are building AI vision and implementation roadmaps, and 54 percent are taking actions to strengthen data quality for effective AI adoption. Infrastructure organisations are deploying AI for predictive maintenance, cyber and physical security, energy demand forecasting and real-time asset monitoring.
As India seeks to accelerate infrastructure development and attract greater institutional capital, the ability to build investable project pipelines, adopt fit-for-purpose financing models and leverage technology to improve delivery outcomes will become important to sustaining long-term growth.
5, Oct 2026
Successful partnership between TÜV SÜD and BRE
“Implementing sustainability in a way that is measurable, comparable, and economically successful”
Munich. With over a million certifications in more than 80 countries, BREEAM is one of the leading global sustainability standards for property. As National Scheme Operator (NSO), TÜV SÜD has been responsible for the national adaptation, quality assurance, training and market development of BREEAM in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the past ten years.
BREEAM has become a crucial tool for the sustainable transformation of buildings. As National Scheme Operator (NSO), TÜV SÜD consistently aligns the national adaptation and further
development of the system with the needs of building owners, investors, asset managers, and occupants. The development of independent DACH adaptations, the introduction of new
system versions, and the continuous expansion of the network of auditors and experts have contributed significantly to establishing BREEAM in the DACH region as a recognized standard
for the assessment and continuous improvement of existing real estate.
As real estate markets become increasingly globalized, the comparability of sustainability performance is gaining in importance; transparent assessments based on internationally recognized standards are becoming a key success factor for institutional investors, international users, and global capital markets. “Against this backdrop, our task is not only to adapt the BREEAM standard to national requirements, but above all to strengthen the DACH region in international competition,” says Alexander Rüb, Head of the BREEAM National System Representation at TÜV SÜD. “Our goal is to combine global requirements and best practices with the high-quality standards and unique characteristics of the German-speaking markets.”
Trends in recent years show that the sustainable development of the real estate portfolio is becoming increasingly important. While new construction activity is slowing in many markets, issues such as decarbonization, ESG compliance, taxonomy compliance, and the long-term preservation of value in existing properties are gaining in significance. BREEAM offers a holistic framework that takes environmental, social, and economic aspects into account and covers the entire life cycle of a property.
An important strategic decision
The tenth anniversary of the National System Representation for BREEAM in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland also highlights an important strategic decision: As early as September
2025, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) – as the developer and standard-setter for BREEAM – and TÜV SÜD had agreed to extend their successful partnership, thereby laying
the foundation for the next phase of the sustainability standard in the DACH region. “The contract extension was a clear signal for the future of sustainable construction in Europe,” emphasizes Rüb. “Ten years after assuming the role of National Standards Organization (NSO), we can see how our shared vision has proven itself in practice. BREEAM has become established as a key tool for the sustainable transformation of real estate, particularly in the existing building stock, and significantly contributes to greater transparency, comparability, and quality in the market.”
BRE and TÜV SÜD will continue to consistently drive the further development of BREEAM in Europe, strengthen the transfer of knowledge between national and international markets, and
further expand the training of professionals. “Together, we are pursuing the goal of providing owners, investors, and project developers with practical tools that enable them to implement
sustainability in a way that is measurable, comparable, and economically successful,” emphasizes Rüb. “At the same time, we want to help ensure that the high quality and innovative strength of our construction and real estate industry remain visible and recognized in the face of international competition.”
TÜV SÜD Is the NSO for BREEAM in the DACH Region
Since 2016, TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH has been the exclusive National Scheme Operator (NSO) for BREEAM in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In this role, TÜV SÜD
develops and operates national BREEAM systems, is responsible for the training and licensing of experts, and oversees quality assurance and project certification in the DACH region. With
over one million certifications in more than 80 countries, BREEAM is one of the world’s leading sustainability standards for the entire life cycle of real estate.
For more information on BREEAM services offered by TÜV SÜD, visit us October 5–7, 2026, at EXPO REAL in Munich (Hall B1, Booth B1.532) or go totuvsud.com/en/services/management-system-certification/breeam-certification-for-green-
buildings.
5, Oct 2026
EVIDENT Completes Acquisition of CrestOptics S.p.A.
NEEDHAM, Mass., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Evident announced today that it has completed the acquisition of CrestOptics S.p.A., a Rome-based developer and manufacturer of advanced optical imaging systems for spinning disk confocal and super-resolution microscopy. The acquisition broadens Evident’s life science imaging portfolio and deepens its capability in high-speed, high-content 3D imaging for research, pharma, and biotech applications.
Founded in 2011, CrestOptics designs and manufactures confocal spinning disk and structured illumination microscopy (SIM) modules that integrate with microscope platforms from leading manufacturers worldwide. Its portfolio includes the X-Light family of spinning disk confocal systems, featuring precise optical sectioning and uniform illumination across a class-leading field of view; the compact CICERO widefield and spinning disk solution, which brings highly capable entry-level confocal within reach of any lab; and DeepSIM, a Lattice SIM super-resolution module that delivers sub-diffraction imaging with the accessibility of a widefield system. Used in laboratories around the world, CrestOptics products are built to be universally accessible tools that advance discovery without barriers.
“Researchers are asking harder questions of increasingly complex biological models, and that demands faster, gentler, higher-resolution imaging,” said Wes Pringle, Evident CEO. “Our customers push the limits of science, and our role is to advance the optical technologies that make new discoveries faster and easier than ever. Evident and CrestOptics operate under a shared vision. After partnering with them, it was clear that their mission, their engineering capability, and most importantly their people, complement our own and together we can deliver more complete solutions to the scientists who depend on us.”
Evident and CrestOptics have collaborated as partners for several years, with CrestOptics spinning disk technology already integrated into Evident microscope configurations. The acquisition formalizes and expands that relationship.
“Joining Evident is a natural next step for CrestOptics,” said Renato Giacobbo Scavo, Chief Executive Officer, CrestOptics. “We share a commitment to advancing what microscopy can reveal. With Evident’s global reach, manufacturing strength, and applications expertise, we can accelerate our innovation roadmap and bring our technologies to many more laboratories worldwide. We are grateful to our previous investors, Apposite Capital and Primo Capital, as well as our Chairman, David Martyr, and the board of directors, for their support throughout this journey.”
CrestOptics will continue to operate from its Rome headquarters and R&D and manufacturing facility and maintain its existing partner and distribution relationships, continuing to be a technology provider for the entire microscopy industry.
Learn more about Evident’s confocal and super-resolution solutions.
About EVIDENT
For over 100 years, Olympus set the industry standard for optical precision in microscopy. Today, Evident carries that legacy forward, helping scientists, physicians, and engineers illuminate the unseen with advanced imaging solutions that combine renowned optics with digital innovation.
Evident’s life science portfolio spans brightfield and darkfield microscopy through advanced fluorescence, 4D analysis, and digital pathology. In industrial microscopy, the company delivers laser scanning, digital, and semiconductor systems for inspection, quality control, and manufacturing analysis.
Evident is headquartered in Tokyo, with R&D and manufacturing centers in Japan, the United States, Germany, and China, and sales and service operations worldwide. For more information, visit EvidentScientific.com.
About CrestOptics
Founded in 2011 in Rome, Italy, CrestOptics develops and manufactures advanced optical imaging systems for life science research. Its spinning disk confocal and super-resolution SIM technologies deliver high-speed, high-contrast imaging with low phototoxicity — enabling work with live cells, 3D models, and thick tissue that conventional techniques cannot resolve.
The portfolio includes the X-Light confocal spinning disk family, the CICERO integrated confocal solution, and the DeepSIM super-resolution module, each designed for broad compatibility with leading microscope platforms. CrestOptics also develops custom optical solutions for OEMs serving research, pharma, biotech, and industrial markets.
CrestOptics operates an ISO 9001-certified R&D and manufacturing facility in Rome and collaborates with research institutions including the Italian Institute of Technology.
For more information, visit CrestOptics.com.
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5, Oct 2026
A LEGACY OF GIVING BACK: CARLSBERG CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF THE CARLSBERG FOUNDATION
- Carlsberg marks the 150th anniversary of the Carlsberg Foundation, the world’s first enterprise foundation
- The milestone honours its legacy of curiosity, generosity, and long-term societal connection
- Almost 30% of Carlsberg’s yearly dividends go back to science, the arts, and youth communities through the Carlsberg Foundations
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Carlsberg Foundation is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Giving back has been central since its founding, established on the principle that commercial business should support local communities and invest in society.
Founded in 1876 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Foundation is the world’s first enterprise foundation. Its primary purpose is to ensure long-term ownership of Carlsberg A/S and distribute funds for philanthropic endeavours, specifically supporting Danish basic research.
To mark the anniversary, Carlsberg is introducing a customised glass featuring a 30% mark. The glassware highlights the company’s ownership structure: through the Carlsberg Foundation, New Carlsberg Foundation, and Tuborg Foundation, almost 30% of annual dividends fund science, the arts, and youth initiatives.
As Carlsberg’s majority shareholder, the Foundation prioritises long-term value creation over short-term financial gains. Over 150 years, foundation-funded research has backed projects ranging from yeast chemistry and astronomy to archaeology, including several Nobel Prize-winning research.
Though Carlsberg operates across 150 global markets with 37,000 employees, its economic footprint remains deeply local. The Carlsberg Group indirectly supports approximately 1.1 million jobs worldwide, fostering sustainable social development where its products are brewed.
“In 2026, we proudly celebrate 150 years of the Carlsberg Foundation – a milestone that honours our legacy of curiosity, generosity, and societal connection,” said Jacob Aarup-Andersen, Carlsberg Group CEO.
“Our financial success translates directly into societal impact, and this new glass is a powerful reminder that our heritage is not just history, it’s a living force that continues to shape everything we do today.”
About the Carlsberg Foundation:
Founded in 1876 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Foundation is the world’s first enterprise foundation. It was established to ensure the long-term, committed ownership of Carlsberg and to distribute funds for philanthropic purposes, with an enduring commitment to advancing independent basic research and creating long-term value for society.
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