Best photos of June 19: An airstrike in Israel to growing proteas in South Africa
Bitcoin is the most popular virtual currency in the world. It was created in 2009 as a new way of paying for things that would not be subject to central banks that are capable of devaluing currency. A Bitcoin itself is essentially a line of computer code. It's signed digitally when it goes from one owner to another. There are sustainability concerns around the cryptocurrency, which stem from the process of "mining" that is central to its existence.
The "miners" use computers to make complex calculations that verify transactions in Bitcoin. This uses a tremendous amount of energy via computers and server farms all over the world, which has given rise to concerns about the amount of fossil fuel-dependent electricity used to power the computers.
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Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
How embracing the circular economy can be a game-changer for businesses?
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Electronic waste Globally, e-waste is growing rapidly; around 50 million tonnes are generated annually, and a significant amount of that waste is shipped to Africa and Asia for recycling. According to the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA), South Africans produce about 6.2kg of electronic waste per person per year. That's 360,000 tonnes, equivalent to 432 laptops per minute. Of that total, around 12% is formally recycled, and the vast majority goes straight to landfills, where it can leach harmful chemicals like lead, arsenic, mercury, flame retardants, and certain phthalates into the soil and groundwater, posing a significant risk to human and environmental health. As global and local regulations tighten, businesses that fail to manage their resource consumption and waste effectively could face reputational damage, compliance penalties, and exclusion from supply chains focused on ESG procurement, posing both an environmental and a business risk. IBIS World reports that Europe's consumer electronics repair market size has reached €3.1bn as of 2024. Revenue volatility in this market is low, and revenue has grown at a CAGR of 7.2 % from 2019 to 2024. This indicates confidence in the activity and acceptance of the proposition not only from an environmental perspective but also from a financial and social perspective. In fact, IDC, in their Refurbished Devices Multi Client Study (2024), reports that 74% of those surveyed already use or are planning to use refurbished printing devices in the next two years. The drivers make for interesting reading: - Cost motivates only 56% of respondents. - The desire for sustainability at 40% and policies for sustainability at 39% are strong indicators that considerations are wider than financial;. - Post-decision financial incentives, such as rebates or discounts, are driving consideration in 24% of respondents. - About 24% also listen to recommendations from peers and other influences. A practical, scalable path An important fact to consider is that circular print solutions are only as good as the standards behind them. Businesses must ensure that refurbished devices meet manufacturer specifications, include relevant certifications, and integrate seamlessly into modern IT environments. The proposition doesn't just stop at the equipment. Xerox CEO Steve Bandrowczak pointed out to clients – at a business breakfast on 1 April 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa – that more than 65% of service calls into the global contact centre were resolved remotely, negating the need for numerous car journeys and minimising pollution. If a technician needs to be dispatched to service a device, they depart already knowing from data provided by AI-driven remote diagnostics what the issue is and can then carry the necessary parts with them, making a return to fix far less likely, again driving down the number of journeys. If further support is needed, the technician can access an augmented reality session through tools that allow them to get support from experts as if they were in the room, reducing the potential for unnecessary repairs and the consumption of spare parts. This approach contributes to the overall sustainability of a refurbished equipment experience and reduces risks to adoption. As South Africa faces increasing pressure to deliver on ESG targets, manage resource scarcity, and enable inclusive growth, circular economy initiatives offer a practical, scalable path forward. As the ACEA states, by 2030, global circular economy efforts could generate $4.5trn in economic benefits. That is a number that South African businesses cannot afford to ignore. The technology is here. The expertise is here. Now all we need is the effort to embrace the circular economy.
Zawya
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NIA Invites You to Countdown to "SITE 2025" Southeast Asia's Largest Innovation and Startup Expo, uniting 10 Countries and Over 100 Organizations to Drive Global Innovation Collaboration
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In addition, over 100 organizations will participate, including 20 international agencies, 12+ leading private-sector companies, 7 professional associations, and 50 universities from across Thailand. "More Than an Expo – A Global Collaboration Platform" Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, stated: "SITE 2025 is more than an expo—it's a platform where meaningful global collaboration takes place with depth, inclusivity, and a shared purpose. With AI and sustainability at the core of the global economy, our goal is to drive real-world impact across business, investment, and innovation policy." The 2025 edition of SITE will feature more than 30 seminars, covering the full spectrum of global innovation across three major stages: Main Stage – the "heart" of the event, where international thought leaders will share visionary insights and the latest trends in AI, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration. Global Stage – in-depth policy and strategy sessions exploring opportunities, challenges, and pathways to bring innovation to the global market. Pitch Stage – a dedicated arena for Thai and international startups to pitch their ideas, promote technologies, and scale their ventures in front of global investors. Highlights: From Global Policy to Groundbreaking Pitches One of the major highlights on the Pitch Stage will be the National Pitching Startup Thailand League 2025, alongside the 100 Startup Pitching showcase, featuring cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Deep Tech, and sustainability-driven innovation. The expo will also include exhibitions from over 300 startups and leading innovation organizations, presenting real products, prototypes, and market-ready solutions. More than 30 Business Matching sessions will be held to facilitate direct connections between entrepreneurs, investors, technology owners, and partners from both Thailand and abroad. The Prime Minister Awards, a prestigious national honor, will recognize organizations, startups, and collaborations that have created significant and measurable impact both nationally and internationally. Dr. Krithpaka concluded: "NIA invites everyone with a creative spirit—innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, students, or those seeking new opportunities—to be part of SITE 2025. This is a platform to connect with global players, update on future trends, and create meaningful change together. It's also a critical opportunity to help drive Thailand forward in alignment with the 'Groom – Grant – Growth – Global' strategy." The 30+ Business Matching rounds are designed to help entrepreneurs meet with investors and technology owners in a targeted and impactful way. Special Panel at the Press Conference: "Accelerating Innovation Through Global Partnerships" This session highlighted cross-sector collaboration driving Thai innovation to the global stage. From the government perspective, Mr. Pariwat Wongsamran, Deputy Executive Director of Innovation System at NIA, said: "Innovation today knows no national borders. What NIA is doing is not just about giving opportunities to entrepreneurs—it's about laying the foundation for an ecosystem that connects Thailand to the world in a tangible way. Through partnerships in Europe and Asia, we're not only focusing on current innovations but also building infrastructure to support long-term growth so that Thai startups can scale more sustainably." Ms. Salinee Phonprapai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, added: "Innovation is now a key engine driving Thailand's economy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pushing Thai startups onto the global stage through a network of 98 embassies and consulates worldwide. We're also working with partners like NIA, BOI, EEC, depa, and the Department of Trade Negotiations to promote investment, open new markets, and facilitate trade deals. In addition, visa policies are being introduced to attract global talent to enhance Thailand's innovation ecosystem." On the private sector and innovation business side, Na Ranong, President of the Thai Venture Capital Association (TVCA), emphasized: "Global partnership is the heart of modern investment. It increases business expansion opportunities and leads to higher value exits, particularly in hot sectors like AI and Deep Tech, which are drawing attention from global investors. Today's investors are looking for startups that can truly connect to the global network." Mr. Thanawit Tonkanya, President of the Thai Startup Association (TSA), said: "Thai startups must dream big, embrace international perspectives, and develop pitch skills that appeal to investors. SITE 2025 is a real-world arena for testing, connecting, and growing global networks." "Be part of the global change! and connect with innovators, creators, and investors shaping the future at SITE 2025." The event will take place from July 4–6, 2025, at Paragon Hall, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon. Free entry! Register at: For more updates, follow on Facebook: NIA - National Innovation Agency Thailand, and Startup Thailand Hashtag: #NIA #SITE2025 #StartupThailand #InnovationThailand #DeepTech #AI #Sustainability #GlobalInnovationPartnership The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo 2025 (SITE 2025)
Zawya
4 hours ago
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Qatar accelerates push for food production in bid for sustainability
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