As Congress works on priorities for the next multiyear legislation to fund highways, bridges and mass transit, it will need to find a mechanism to cover the costs of these programs. Funding for previous surface transportation bills relied in part on fuel taxes from the Highway Trust Fund, but the fund repeatedly outspent its revenues. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the current HTF will run out of money in 2028, largely because the federal gas tax hasn’t increased since 1993. “We're not really seeing a whole lot of deep thought into how to actually develop good policy in this space and almost no consideration of impact on consumers,” said Chris Harto, manager of sustainability advocacy for Consumer Reports. Harto co-authored a CR report outlining five principles for policymakers to consider when evaluating the equity and viability of potential road funding. These include the proportionality of user fees; easy collection of user fees; fair contributions among commercial and consumer road users; protecting consumer privacy; and a solution that maintains revenue stability as future vehicles and fuel types change. The report says the trust fund’s inability to cover transportation infrastructure projects stems from three factors: rising costs of building and maintaining highways, more fuel-efficient vehicles and electric vehicles. EVs accounted for a 2% reduction in the purchasing power of the federal gas tax, while inflation was responsible for 77%. U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, proposed a $250 annual registration fee for EVs – but that would leave the average EV driver paying more than three times as much in annual federal vehicle taxes as the average owner of a new gasoline-powered vehicle, according to a CR analysis. The CR report also found that fees paid by heavy-duty trucks do not contribute equitably, which
Apr 6, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Toward a Cleaner Sky: The Technology That Can Improve Air Quality STORY INLINE POST The problem of air pollution is increasingly worrying in Mexico, mainly in Mexico City and its metropolitan area, as well as in other large cities in the country, such as Monterrey and Guadalajara, and even in Puebla, Leon, and the Bajío area in general, where the combination of industry, traffic, fires and grassland fires (during certain periods) complicates the situation each year. This leads to an increase in environmental contingencies, both in number and duration. In Mexico City, from having a single contingency during all of 2020 (thanks, in large part, to the confinement caused by COVID), we went on to add six contingencies in 2021; three each year between 2022 and 2023, and 12 in 2024, which meant an increase of 500% year-on-year. How is 2026 going? In the first 77 days of the year, according to data from the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe),[1] Mexico City and the State of Mexico have accumulated five environmental contingencies, which added up to 10 days under restriction measures ,such as the well-known Double Hoy No Circula (doubling what was recorded in the same period of 2025, according to press [2]reports). In a simple random exercise, on the day I wrote the introduction for this article (March 17), the Directorate of Atmospheric Monitoring[3] reported that the air quality in Mexico City due to ozone was bad, and the level of risk, high. As we already know, air pollution wreaks havoc on people's health, both in the short and long term, including the likelihood of developing chronic respiratory diseases, among many others, but it can also have a negative impact on the health of businesses and the country's economy, as restrictions on mobility generate interruptions in supply chains,
Apr 6, 2026 · via mexicobusiness.news
Gujarat Completes 357 Smart City Projects Worth Rs 112.77 bn CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28 The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o.. India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli.. G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book
Apr 6, 2026 · via constructionworld.in
Twenty-Eight innovative startups selected to participate in a 6-month incubation program with a chance to win $255,000 in cash prizes HANOI, VIETNAM, April 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, announced the shortlisted companies for the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2026 (QVIC) program on March 30, 2026. Twenty-Eight hi-tech teams specializing in industry sectors such as Smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics/ Drones, Healthcare, AgriTech, and more, have been selected into the program. They will receive a program grant, technical support (especially in AI and data analytics), business coaching, intellectual property training and patent incentives to further develop their proposals during an initial 3-month incubation period. Fifteen of the twenty-eight startups will advance to a three‑month acceleration phase with additional technical support and patent‑filing incentives, culminating in a chance to win prizes totaling USD 255,000 at a finale event to be held in August 2026. The selection of shortlisted companies was based on various criteria, including their technical capabilities, innovative products, patentable technologies, and relevance to Vietnam’s digital transformation and Industry 4.0. “The Department of Startup and Technology Enterprises (NATEC) highly appreciates the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge (QVIC) initiative by Qualcomm in supporting Vietnam’s innovation and startup ecosystem. The expansion of QVIC 2026 from 10 to 28 supported startups and research projects demonstrates Qualcomm’s strong commitment to accompanying Vietnamese startups and researchers in developing pioneering technological solutions. DSTE believes that the program will continue to create opportunities for startups and research teams in Vietnam to develop valuable technology solutions, contributing positively to the national goal of fostering economic development based on science, technology, and innovation.” “Vietnam continues to be a strategic hub for cultivating breakthrough innovation, and its startups, SMEs, and research teams are central to driving the country’s digital transformation and economic momentum,”
Apr 6, 2026 · via freep.com
PHOTO
RIYADH — Eight Saudi cities recorded strong performance in the 2026 IMD Smart City Index.
Riyadh advanced to 24th globally, up from 27th, while Makkah ranked 50th, Jeddah 55th, Madinah 67th, and Alkhobar 64th.
AlUla recorded a notable jump, rising from 112th to 85th, highlighting rapid progress in its development and tourism projects.
Hail and Hafr Al-Batin were included in the index for the first time, ranking 33rd and 100th respectively, among 148 cities worldwide.
The global index measures how cities adopt modern technologies based on residents’ perceptions of services, digital infrastructure, and their impact on daily life.
The results underscore Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to enhance urban services and build smart, sustainable cities that improve quality of life and strengthen global competitiveness, as the Kingdom marks the Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026.
© Copyright 2026 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Apr 6, 2026 · via zawya.com
Kanpur: Power supply was disrupted in several areas due to strong winds on Sunday.
Areas including Pandu Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Double Puliya, Faithfulganj and Rail Bazar remained in dark for several hours exposing the Smart City claims made by the authorities.
"Rain and storms cause the entire civic infrastructure to collapse, leaving residents without power and water," said Prem Chauhan, a resident of Shivaji Nagar.
"After Lucknow, Kanpur has been showcased as one of the best cities in the terms of infrastructure and amenities, but the rain and storm on Sunday exposed the reality of these claims," said Sudhir Singh of Pandu Nagar.
Senior vice president of the Provincial Industries Association, Atul Seth, said, "There are two incoming sources of powerâone overhead and one undergroundâat most substations so that if one fails, the other can immediately serve as a backup. However, the unfortunate aspect of our working style is that when one source suffices, the malfunction of the other is ignored. Today's situation seems to be a glaring example of that negligence." tnn
Apr 6, 2026 · via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
| Artists take part in the National Day (September 2) anniversary celebration last year. — Photo cafef.vn | HÀ NỘI — November 24 is set to be officially recognised as Việt Nam Culture Day and designated a fully paid public holiday under a draft resolution aimed at boosting the country’s cultural development and widening public access to arts and heritage. The proposal appears in appraisal documents for a draft National Assembly resolution on breakthrough mechanisms and policies for cultural development, published by the Ministry of Justice. The draft, prepared by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is expected to be submitted to lawmakers for consideration. Under the proposal, workers would be entitled to a paid day off on November 24 each year. On that day, public cultural and sports institutions nationwide would waive entrance fees, allowing broader access to museums, theatres, libraries, stadiums and other facilities. The draft resolution comprises 10 articles covering its scope, principles for special mechanisms, mobilisation of investment resources, financial incentives, the operation of cultural and sports institutions, funding guarantees and policies to nurture cultural and sporting talent. To accelerate key projects, the draft allows urgent cultural and sports investments directed by central authorities to proceed even if not yet included in existing master plans. Such projects would later be incorporated into provincial and sectoral plans during revisions. Local people’s councils would also be permitted to add medium-term public investment projects in the cultural and sports sectors without waiting for the next planning cycle. Provincial authorities would be required to allocate sufficient land for cultural and sports infrastructure, as well as for the development of creative industry clusters. A range of tax and financial incentives is proposed to encourage private sector participation. Cultural exhibitions, artistic performances, film production, distribution and screening activities would be subject
Apr 6, 2026 · via vietnamnews.vn
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, January 28, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a significant step towards enhancing intelligent transportation infrastructure, Smart City UAE has successfully integrated an advanced taxi dispatch system, marking a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the region’s mobility landscape. The initiative supports the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to establish smarter, technology-driven urban ecosystems. This latest deployment introduces real-time vehicle tracking, predictive route optimization, and automated dispatch operations, ensuring faster response times, transparent pricing, and improved rider experience. City authorities have confirmed that the upgrade is part of a broader plan to transform urban mobility through data-driven decision-making and digital infrastructure. Transforming Mobility Through Technology The new system, developed in partnership with Mobility Infotech, is designed to enhance operational performance and service quality across public and private transport fleets. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, the solution continuously analyzes traffic conditions and passenger demand to help dispatchers allocate vehicles more effectively. Officials associated with the project stated that the system’s integration aligns closely with the UAE’s “Green Mobility Vision 2030,” as it reduces fuel wastage and optimizes routing to minimize emissions. The deployment also lays a strong foundation for future integration with electric and autonomous vehicles. “The UAE continues to lead the way in implementing smart technologies that enhance quality of life,” said Smart City UAE spokesperson. “This initiative sets a new benchmark in intelligent mobility, one that prioritizes convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.” Human-Centric Design for Drivers and Passengers Beyond automation, the system focuses on human-centric features that elevate the overall travel experience. Enhanced safety protocols, multilingual communication support, and driver performance analytics are among the features incorporated to ensure a seamless interaction between passengers, drivers, and city administrators. The integration also provides administrators with real-time dashboards to monitor key performance metrics, including demand
Apr 5, 2026 · via thedestinlog.com
Field notes from New Delhi Iran energy shocks give rise to urban-to-rural migration in India Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments - Rising energy prices due to the Iran conflict are disrupting India's energy supplies, causing some migrant workers to return home. - Surat's industries, particularly textile, are suffering losses. The industry may be losing "up to 10 million rupees" daily, with 30% of workers leaving. - Rural economies face strain from returning migrants and fertiliser shortages, potentially impacting India's consumption and global food production. AI generated NEW DELHI – The first sign of trouble for migrant worker Sadlu, 21, was in the makeshift kitchen in a tiny room he shared with six other migrants in Surat city in western Gujarat state. The supply of cooking gas became erratic in mid-March, with prices increasing fourfold at one point, as a distant war in Iran disrupted India’s energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, affecting Indian homes like his. Then rumours of a lockdown due to low energy supplies started circulating on the floor of the textile processing plant where he worked. Alarmed by the uncertainty, his mother insisted that he and his brother, who was also in the same industry, immediately return to their home town in Prayagraj district in Uttar Pradesh state, some 1,400km away. On March 27, Mr Sadlu, who goes by only one name, followed in the wake of his brother, who had left a day earlier, packing his meagre belongings, even though it meant losing about 500 rupees (S$6.90) in daily wages. “My mother insisted I should come home. And also, I was wondering how I would buy gas at such a high price. I didn’t want to come back to the village,” he said over the phone from his village in Uttar Pradesh.
Apr 5, 2026 · via straitstimes.com
05 Apr REAL ESTATE FUTURIST KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR CORPORATE EVENTS: RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Top real estate futurist keynote speaker pros, thought leaders and consulting experts explore how emerging future trends, technologies, and societal shifts are remaking the future of the commercial and residential property market. The job of consultants and SMEs who rank among the best real estate futurist keynote speaker choices is to help industry professionals (developers, investors, brokers, and corporate leaders) understand what’s coming next and how to prepare for it. Linking data-driven insights with forward-thinking perspectives, keynotes offer a roadmap for adapting to a fast-changing market. A big point of coverage technology and innovation in the space. Celebrity real estate futurist keynote speaker advisors cover advancements such as artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality property tours, and smart building systems. Leading futurologist consultants explain how the tools are transforming how properties are bought, sold, managed, and experienced. Influencers and KOLs also highlight the growing job of automation and digital platforms in streamlining transactions and improving efficiency. Also of note is changing consumer behavior. Famous real estate futurist keynote speaker picks examine how demographics, lifestyle preferences, and remote work trends are influencing demand. For example, shifts toward flexible living, co-working spaces, and suburban or secondary markets are often explored. The insights help businesses anticipate where opportunities will emerge and how to meet evolving client expectations. Urbanization and city planning are also leading themes. International real estate futurist keynote speakers discuss how cities are adapting to population growth, sustainability challenges, and infrastructure demands. Topics like smart cities, green buildings, and mixed-use developments are addressed, providing a broader view of how real estate fits into the future of communities. Also global real estate futurist keynote speakers analyze economic and investment trends. SMEs examine factors such as interest rates, global markets,
Apr 5, 2026 · via futuristsspeakers.com
As enterprises enter 2026, cloud computing is evolving from a foundational IT layer into a strategic platform driving innovation, resilience, and competitive differentiation. The growing integration of artificial intelligence is enabling predictive scaling, intelligent resource management, and real-time decision-making, helping organisations enhance performance while optimising costs. At the same time, security has taken centre stage, with zero-trust frameworks becoming essential to protect increasingly distributed and complex digital environments through continuous verification and identity-led controls. Industry leaders also highlight a decisive shift towards hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, where enterprises balance agility with control by operating across public clouds, private infrastructure, and on-premises systems. This evolution, while enabling flexibility and scalability, has intensified the need for unified orchestration, observability, and governance. Experts across cloud, OEM, and solution provider ecosystems emphasise that the focus is now on simplifying complexity, embedding AI into core operations, and ensuring data sovereignty in line with emerging regulatory requirements. Against this backdrop, VARINDIA spoke to a cross-section of Cloud & Data Center companies, OEM players, and solution providers/ partners to understand how they are aligning strategies, investments, and platforms to power the next phase of enterprise digital transformation in an AI-driven world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Building a unified connectivity cloud to enable AI, edge, and secure innovation GORAN RISTICEVIC VP & MD, ASIA PACIFIC, CLOUDFLARE “At Cloudflare, we are seeing cloud evolve from a collection of services into a more unified, intelligent layer that connects users, applications and data seamlessly. Our focus has been on building a connectivity cloud that integrates networking, security, and compute into a single platform, reducing fragmentation and enabling organizations to operate more efficiently. As AI adoption accelerates, particularly in markets like India, there is a growing need for infrastructure that supports real-time processing and low- latency experiences. We are investing in edge capabilities that allow
Apr 5, 2026 · via varindia.com
Chicago might have too many nicknames. We’re the Windy City. The City of the Big Shoulders. City in a Garden. The Second City. The Third Coast. New ones seem to crop up all the time, and I’m saying right here that you’ll never get me to call it “Chi-Town.” But I’ve always been partial to “The City that Works.” I have more than a decade working for the city in urban planning, parks and transportation, and for me, “The City that Works” means we’re a city that, well, works. And we work hard and smart. We grind, adapt, move forward, build and rebuild, figure it out, get big things done, and we ought to work well for the people who live here. The tilt toward action, movement, is part of the appeal. The current “Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050” design competition launched by World Business Chicago asks us to propose bold and transformative ideas for Chicago’s future. This includes how we move around cities and what we might do with the streets and sidewalks we share that make up the public realm. In short, what transportation future should the City that Works work toward? It’s a critical question because the future is upon us. Autonomous vehicles. Delivery drones. Sidewalk robots. Electric air taxis. Traffic management powered by artificial intelligence. Vehicles and infrastructure that talk to each other. An unending number of new technologies and tools seem to land on our streets every day. To prevent the proverbial tail (technology) from wagging the dog (our city), we need to design for the public realm we want, and the right tools will follow. Too often, our conversations about mobility confuse the tool with the job we want the tool to perform. The job is to move us from where we are
Apr 5, 2026 · via chicagotribune.com
Dubai to invest Dh348 million in parks If you like the idea of an active lifestyle and a kid-friendly environment, you are going to love this development. Dubai Municipality has announced that it’ll be opening 35 new parks across Dubai this year – which will require an investment of Dh348 million. The move is in line with the Dubai Parks and Greenery Strategy within the ambit of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The projects are also aligned with the Municipality’s Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030. Together, these new parks will span over 340,000 square metres and serve 23 residential communities. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. These green spots will be within a five-minute walking distance from surrounding neighbourhoods. “All parks will be developed as open, unfenced spaces that integrate seamlessly with surrounding communities and reflect their local identity. Designs incorporate climate-responsive features and resilient infrastructure, positioning parks as everyday destinations,” said a statement. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality continues to accelerate the delivery of public and neighbourhood parks in line with the Dubai Parks and Greenery Strategy and the Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030. This portfolio reflects our commitment to expanding integrated public spaces within a human-centric urban ecosystem that enhances wellbeing and strengthens social cohesion. “By ensuring parks are within walking distance and designed around the evolving needs of communities, we are setting a new benchmark for the role of public spaces in improving quality of life and supporting sustainable urban growth across the emirate.” Initiatives include expanded tree planting, the use of recycled irrigation water, renewable energy solutions, and the deployment of artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance environmental governance, optimise resource efficiency, and support
Apr 5, 2026 · via gulfnews.com
The goal is outlined in Resolution No. 80, recently issued by the Government, which updates the national action program on urban planning, construction, management and sustainable development through 2030, with a long-term vision to 2045. Rising urbanization and expanding city networks Under the plan, Vietnam aims to achieve an urbanization rate of at least 45 percent by 2025 and over 50 percent by 2030, placing it among the higher-middle tier of urbanized countries in ASEAN and across Asia. The total number of urban areas is projected to reach between 950 and 1,000 by 2025, and approximately 1,000 to 1,200 by 2030. Urban land is expected to account for around 1.5-1.9 percent of the country’s total natural land area by 2025, rising to 1.9-2.3 percent by 2030. By the end of the decade, Vietnam also plans to establish several national and regional urban centers that meet key benchmarks in healthcare, education, training and cultural development, comparable to leading cities in the top four ASEAN countries. Infrastructure, connectivity and quality of life The program sets out clear targets for urban infrastructure. Transport land is expected to account for 11-16 percent of urban construction land by 2025 and increase to 16-26 percent by 2030. Green space per capita is projected to reach 6-8 square meters by 2025 and 8-10 square meters by 2030. Average housing floor space in urban areas is targeted at a minimum of 28 square meters per person by 2025, rising to at least 32 square meters by 2030. Digital infrastructure is another central pillar. By 2025, fiber-optic broadband is expected to cover more than 80 percent of urban households, alongside widespread access to 4G and 5G networks and smartphones. Over 80 percent of the adult urban population is expected to have electronic payment accounts. By 2030, universal broadband access
Apr 5, 2026 · via vietnamnet.vn
Related Topics Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Resource Hubs Featured Resources Link to Best Practices for Deploying and Scaling Industrial AI Best Practices for Deploying and Scaling Industrial AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industrial operations, helping organizations optimize workflows, reduce downtime, and enhance productivity. Different industry verticals leverage AI in unique ways. Link to The Center for Adaptive Edge Intelligence The Center for Adaptive Edge Intelligence Adaptive edge intelligence brings real-time decision-making to the point of data creation, whether from sensors, machines, or cameras. Link to The Value of Vehicle Electrification The Value of Vehicle Electrification Electric vehicles (EVs) present automakers with many design, engineering, and manufactu ring challenges. Link to Accelerating Manufacturing Digital Transformation with Industrial Connectivity and IoT Accelerating Manufacturing Digital Transformation with Industrial Connectivity and IoT Digital transformation is empowering industrial organizations to deliver sustainable innovation, disruption-proof products and services, and continuous operational improvement. Link to Smart Manufacturing for Automotive Smart Manufacturing for Automotive Leading a transportation revolution in autonomous, electric, shared mobility and connectivity with the next generation of design and development tools. Link to Center for Data Pipeline Automation Center for Data Pipeline Automation As businesses become data-driven and rely more heavily on analytics to operate, getting high-quality, trusted data to the right data user at the right time is essential. Link to Center for Automated Integration Center for Automated Integration The goal of automated integration is to enable applications and systems that were built separately to easily share data and work together, resulting in new capabilities and efficiencies that
Apr 4, 2026 · via rtinsights.com
About the Initiative Varkala Joins Global Zero Waste Cities Initiative: The “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” initiative is a global programme promoting sustainable urban waste management. It is led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste with support from UNEP and UN-Habitat. The initiative recognises cities adopting innovative strategies to reduce waste generation and improve resource efficiency. It encourages a shift toward circular economy models. Static GK fact: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Varkala’s Inclusion Varkala, a coastal town in Kerala, has been selected among the 20 global cities in this initiative. This highlights India’s growing focus on sustainable urban governance. The town is known for adopting eco-friendly practices such as waste segregation, plastic reduction, and community participation. Its inclusion places it on a global sustainability platform. Static GK Tip: Kerala is known for its high Human Development Index (HDI) among Indian states. Key Objectives The initiative aims to promote innovation in waste management and recognise cities demonstrating leadership. It focuses on sharing best practices across nations. A major objective is to implement circular economy principles, where waste is minimised and materials are reused. This reduces dependence on landfills and promotes sustainability. The programme also encourages global cooperation to address environmental challenges collectively. Static GK fact: The concept of circular economy focuses on reduce, reuse, and recycle principles. Importance for India Varkala’s selection strengthens India’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It reflects progress in urban environmental management. The initiative boosts India’s image as a contributor to global sustainability efforts. It also encourages other Indian cities to adopt zero-waste strategies. Such recognition supports tourism development by promoting eco-friendly destinations. It also improves local governance and community awareness. Static GK Tip: SDG 11 focuses on making
Apr 4, 2026 · via usthadian.com
The scaffolding has come down at Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. And like a pivotal makeover reveal in a classic rom-com or coming-of-age movie, the transformation showcases a retouched version of the beauty that’s always been there, it just needed a little help to make it shine. In the case of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Pennsylvania residence, the home underwent a three-year, $7 million preservation project to address a leaky roof, among other concerns. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which owns and operates the estate, recently announced that the work, including waterproofing the roof, repairing concrete, and replacing windows and door frames, has been successfully completed, allowing the house to reopen for tours and programming. Designed in 1935, the project was commissioned by the Kaufmann family, owners of a prominent Pittsburgh department store. “I want you to live with the waterfall,” Wright famously told his clients. To realise this vision, he conceived a series of concrete “trays” anchored to the natural rock, allowing the house to hover just above, almost within, the rushing water below. According to accounts from his apprentices, the design came together in a matter of hours. “I just shake the buildings out of my sleeves,” Wright reportedly said. Today, the restoration brings renewed clarity to Wright’s radical vision of organic architecture, reinforcing the house’s seamless dialogue with its landscape. Careful conservation has preserved not only its structural integrity, but also the sensory experience of the space, from the sound of water flowing beneath the terraces to the shifting natural light that defines its interiors. Arguably his most famous design, the singularity of the home has meant it comes with equally unique challenges. Among the most pivotal, its integration into the natural site has made it particularly vulnerable to the elements. “If you think about your own house, you replace
Apr 4, 2026 · via admiddleeast.com
The main assumption behind China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is that economic connectivity can be insulated from geopolitics. The war with Iran is not just a regional conflict; it strikes at the structural heart of the BRI vision by showing that the BRI corridors are deeply impacted by regional security shocks. The BRI is an ambitious, multi-year Chinese program involving up to 150 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It aims at securing stable flows of goods and services to and from China. The BRI was designed to pave the road for China to become the leading superpower of the 21st century. It was launched in 2013, with an investment of $1 trillion dollars, which is expected to grow, over time, to $4-$5 trillion. Iran was a central hub in the BRI China-Middle East corridor, where it served as a land bridge linking Central Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Along with other key countries in this corridor (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt), the BRI invested in oil and gas infrastructure, ports, industrial zones, logistic hubs, etc., providing critical energy for the entire network while serving as a keystone for China’s westward expansion. The effects of the war on the BRI The war with Iran is affecting the BRI at three levels. First, it directly disrupts a key node (Iran). Chinese projects in Iran (rail, ports, energy) face uncertainty, suspension, or destruction; infrastructure corridors tied to Iran are now high-risk or unusable. Second, China depends heavily on Gulf energy, much of it passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now blocked by Iran. This hits the economic foundation of BRI (cheap energy + trade stability). Third, the war creates a spillover of instability across other countries involved in the BRI. Chinese
Apr 4, 2026 · via jpost.com
PUNE: A Kashmir-based deep-tech start-up is looking to bring futuristic, wire-free power solutions to Pune, positioning the city as a potential early adopter of its laser-based energy transmission technology. Prime Movr, which has developed a system to convert laser beams into usable electrical power, is planning pilot deployments in the city in the coming months, targeting industrial clusters, surveillance networks and IoT-driven infrastructure. As global technology players race to crack long-distance wireless power transmission, Prime Movr is carving out a niche by focusing on practical, near-term applications rather than large-scale infrastructure. The companyâs laser power beaming system enables focused energy transfer over distance, eliminating the need for physical wiring in specific use cases. âThis technology holds promise for applications such as powering remote sensors and outdoor surveillance cameras, where wired connectivity or frequent battery replacement is not feasible,â said co-founder Parvez Rishi. Industry observers say Puneâs strong ecosystem of manufacturing, engineering talent and ongoing smart city initiatives makes it a suitable testbed for such emerging technologies. Early deployments could include factory monitoring systems, perimeter surveillance setups and connected infrastructure in large campuses. Globally, laser-based wireless power transmission has seen renewed interest. Companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NTT have demonstrated kilometre-scale energy transfer, while US-based Star Catcher Industries is working on space-based power networks. The US defence agency DARPA is also investing in similar programmes. Unlike these large-scale efforts, Prime Movr is focusing on smaller, deployable solutions. Its systems are aimed at low-power devices operating in hard-to-reach environments, where consistent energy supply remains a challenge. The company is also exploring wireless power transfer through radio frequency (RF) technology in collaboration with the University of Kashmir Institute of Technology. However, it says laser-based transmission offers higher energy density and more precise targeting, improving efficiency while reducing energy loss. With teams
Apr 4, 2026 · via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Chinese surveillance tech rolled out in Africa with ZTE, Hikvision and Huawei at the helm
China’s ‘safe city’ project can counter terrorism and curb crime but critics worry it may repress political opposition and peaceful protests
In a report released in March, researchers mapped smart city surveillance across 11 countries and found that Chinese companies supplied equipment and technology to every nation surveyed, including Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt.
However, despite being marketed for public safety, IDS researchers said African governments frequently repurposed the surveillance systems to monitor and repress political opposition, peaceful dissidents and human rights activists in the absence of adequate legal oversight.
“Our new research shows that the rapid growth of smart city surveillance in Africa is occurring without adequate legal regulation or oversight,” said Tony Roberts, an independent digital rights researcher and co-author of the IDS “Smart City Surveillance in Africa” report.
“Unregulated surveillance creates a chilling effect that inhibits the right to peaceful protest and reduces the freedom to speak truth to power and hold governments to account.”
Apr 4, 2026 · via scmp.com