Connected Transport Summit Event description Traditional means of transport have entered the digital realm at an exponential rate – redefining modern mobility. Digital connectivity is not only a solution for new efficiency, safety and sustainability standards, but also a regulatory reality. Theory is turning into practice: so how will the authorities of today build the future of tomorrow? The EU’s third and final installment of its ‘Europe on the Move’ mobility package was announced in May, the EU budget post-2021is subject to intense negotiations and there have been agreements on key digital files, so lawmakers are grappling with the nuts and bolts of intelligent transport systems, autonomous vehicles, datamanagement, research spending priorities, smart cities and multi-modal networks. - What are the most promising real-world applications of technologyin connected transport from vehicle to vehicle communication to satellite technology, platooning and mobility services? - What are the key regulatory challenges to multimodal networks ? - How will lawmakers mitigate the risks to connected transport systems while simultaneously protecting consumers and allowing innovation? - Where should resources be concentrated in research, application and infrastructure of alternative fuels? - How should the next multi annual financial frameworkbe configured to fund transport projects? - How will key decision makers use the building blocks of connected transport – data(AI, 5G and all things digital); power (alternative fuels and decarbonization); money (financing and funding challenges) – to shape the future of mobility that is cooperative, connected, automated and intelligent ? Join over 120 policymakers, experts, regulators and disruptors cross-cutting sectors such as transport, tech, telecommunications, energy and more for a full-day, highly-interactive summit in Brussels. POLITICO’s journalists will lead high-level interviews, dynamic discussions and breakout sessions. Join the conversation on Twitter! @EventsPOLITICO #POLITICOTransport Contact information POLITICO Brussels Belgium.
Aug 17, 2026 · via atc-network.com
Cities as Brands: The Global Competition Shaping the Urban Future Discover how cities like Singapore, Seoul, Dubai and Copenhagen are competing globally through technology, culture, sustainability and quality of life. For centuries, the world’s most influential cities earned their reputations gradually. Their prominence was shaped by trade, geography, political power or cultural significance, often over the course of generations. Today, however, urban identity is no longer something that simply evolves. It is increasingly something that is deliberately designed. From Singapore to Seoul, Copenhagen to Dubai, governments are investing heavily in the idea of the city itself. Architecture, cultural institutions, sporting events, digital infrastructure and public spaces are no longer viewed solely as civic amenities. Together, they form part of a broader strategy to attract investment, talent, tourism and international recognition. As capital and skilled professionals become more mobile, cities are competing on a global stage. The question is no longer which city is the largest or the wealthiest, but which offers the strongest combination of opportunity, innovation and quality of life. In many respects, cities have become brands, and their reputations have become strategic assets. Technology and Liveability Go Hand in Hand For much of the twentieth century, urban success was often measured by scale. Today, functionality is becoming equally important. Cities are increasingly judged by how efficiently they operate, from digital government services and smart transport systems to environmental performance and public safety. Residents and businesses alike expect seamless digital experiences alongside reliable infrastructure and high-quality public services. Singapore has long been recognised as a leader in smart city initiatives, while Tallinn has demonstrated how digital governance can simplify everyday interactions between citizens and government. Tokyo continues to combine technological sophistication with efficient public transport and high levels of urban resilience. Across the Gulf, the UAE has also placed
Aug 17, 2026 · via hauteliving.com
Morocco has established four public-interest institutions focused on artificial intelligence, education, industry, and smart cities, following the publication of joint decisions approving their founding agreements in the Official Gazette. The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform said the new institutions include the Jazari Nucleus Institute, Jazari Institute for Education and Technological Innovation, Jazari Industry X.0 Institute, and Jazari Smart City Institute. The institutes are designed to support Morocco’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and digital transformation across strategic areas including AI, digital infrastructure, education, industrial modernization, and smart-city development. The initiative was led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform under the supervision of Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with government bodies, public institutions, universities, and economic stakeholders. Focus on Sovereign AI The Jazari Nucleus Institute will focus on training, research and development, technological advancement, and innovation in artificial intelligence. Its areas of specialization include data centers, high-performance computing, digital storage systems, and sovereign AI. The institute will also contribute to developing national expertise, modernizing public administration, and improving public services. The institute forms part of Morocco’s broader efforts to strengthen digital sovereignty and build domestic capabilities in emerging technologies, in line with the Maroc IA 2030 roadmap. AI and Digital Transformation in Education The Jazari Institute for Education and Technological Innovation will support the digital transformation of Morocco’s education system. Its activities will include developing data- and AI-driven solutions, strengthening future skills among students, and improving teachers’ technological capabilities. The institute aims to connect technological innovation with the needs of the education sector as Morocco expands the use of digital technologies and AI across public services. Supporting Industry 4.0 The Jazari Industry X.0 Institute will focus on modernizing Moroccan industry through
Aug 17, 2026 · via entarabi.com
KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 17): Straits Energy Resources Bhd (KL:STRAITS) has proposed to diversify into engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) services, saying the move would allow it to pursue higher-value contracts in areas such as renewable energy, data centres and smart city infrastructure. The diversification is expected to result in the EPCC business contributing 25% or more of the group’s net profit, or diverting 25% or more of its net assets to an operation that differs widely from its existing businesses, said Straits Energy in a bourse filing on Monday. The EPCC business, it said, will be undertaken through its existing subsidiary Straits CommNet Solutions Sdn Bhd (SCS), whose principal activities currently include the provision of telecommunications and network services, information technology services and construction work. SCS is a CIDB-certified Grade G7 contractor, which allows it to undertake civil engineering and building construction projects without a limit on project value. Straits Energy said the certification, together with its Malaysia Digital status, would position the group to undertake high-value, end-to-end turnkey projects in areas such as renewable energy, data centres and smart cities. The group intends to tender for high-value infrastructure projects, including smart city and modern urban infrastructure developments, as well as renewable energy facilities such as solar photovoltaic farms and related power infrastructure. Straits Energy said it would leverage its existing technical expertise, project management capabilities and vendor network to expand its EPCC operations into sectors including oil and gas, smart city and public infrastructure, high-tech industrial and data centres, renewable energy and utilities, healthcare and education. The proposed diversification builds on the group’s expansion into telecommunications and network services, which was approved by shareholders in March 2023. Since then, revenue from the segment rose 93.12%, or RM97.96 million, to RM105.19 million for the 18-month financial period ended June
Aug 17, 2026 · via theedgemalaysia.com
Rundu residents and leaders have criticised a proposed N$100 300 trip for mayor Andreas Jikerwa to attend a smart city conference in Barcelona, saying the money should instead be used to address the town’s challenges. Jikerwa has been nominated to attend the 15th Smart City Expo World Congress in Spain from 3 to 5 November. The proposal, seen by The Namibian, says the congress is intended to expose Jikerwa to international best practices, innovative solutions and collaborations essential to building future-ready territories. Jikerwa declined to comment last Monday, telling The Namibian that a council meeting would be held on Tuesday last week to discuss the matter. Rundu chief executive Olavi Nathaniel on Thursday said the submission is not a final decision. He said when a council receives an invitation, a submission is prepared for consideration and recommendation by the management committee before being forwarded to the full council for approval or rejection. “All official travels beyond the border are subjected and based on the merits to be approved by the line minister,” he said, adding that the council will not engage the media on matters still before the authority. The mayor’s cost includes N$54 776 for subsistence and travelling allowance, N$20 449 for economy-class air tickets, N$12 000 for transport, N$8 784 for the driver’s daily subsistence allowance, N$2 000 for the visa and a clothing grant of N$2 336. The expenditure would be drawn from the mayoral or corporate services vote. The proposed itinerary shows Jikerwa travelling from Rundu to Windhoek from 28 to 31 October, then flying to Barcelona on 31 October, before returning to Windhoek and eventually to Rundu on 9 November. Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa last week referred The Namibian to the ministry’s executive director, Wilhelmine Shivute, who says she had not yet
Aug 17, 2026 · via namibian.com.na
Dive Brief: - The Federal Railroad Administration announced $5.3 billion in safety grants Friday for 41 projects in 23 states and for new and replenished Amtrak trains. - Amtrak will get $2.05 billion for 43 new passenger train sets and $140 million to repair 41 locomotives used on the railroad’s Midwest and Pacific routes. - Approximately $3.2 billion is allocated to improving highway-rail grade crossings, rail bridge repairs and replacement, station improvements and other projects. Dive Insight: Funding for the grants came from the National Railroad Partnership Program, authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. “The projects we announced today will help make our nation’s rail network much safer because now state DOT’s across America will have the funds they need to eliminate dangerous grade crossings across the nation,” FRA Administrator David Fink said in a statement. “FRA also collaborated with Amtrak over a two year period to determine how best to distribute these funds so passenger trains can run on time and freight isn’t delayed.” Rail Passengers Association Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy Sean Jeans-Gail called the new passenger trains “a big winner” in an Aug. 14 blog post. These are some of the state and local projects funded from the grants: - Chicago rail bridge renewal: Up to $87 million to rehabilitate or replace some 17 aging viaducts, bridges and related structures at the Canal Street Yard to fix structural deficiencies and eliminate hazards for rail operations, drivers and pedestrians. - New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal: Up to $2.5 million to modernize electrical and mechanical systems and address deteriorating 70-year-old platforms and canopies. The project will benefit Amtrak’s Mardi Gras route. Since launching on August 18, 2025, that route has carried 150,000 passengers, exceeding expectations, according to WLOX. - Portland, Maine, station relocation: Up
Aug 17, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Dive Brief: - Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued the owners and managers of three affiliated apartment complexes in Tucson, Arizona, for failing to supply residents with adequate air conditioning, among other alleged patterns of “neglect.” - The lawsuit, filed Aug. 7, said the tenants’ risk exposure has been “particularly pronounced during the 2026 summer” as they were without adequate air conditioning during “ruthless, triple-digit heatwaves” and temperatures inside their homes reached as high as 98.9 degrees Fahrenheit. - Mayes and Arizona State Sen. Lauren Kuby in February introduced a bill that would require “fit and habitable” indoor temperatures for rental housing that must not exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 68 degrees Fahrenheit during periods of extreme cold. Dive Insight: Over the past two years, Mayes has issued a spate of demand letters and sued landlords for providing allegedly inadequate air conditioning. The Aug. 7 lawsuit calls for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, alleging a pattern of neglect that potentially violates the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Arizona landlords are required to fix broken air conditioners within five days of written notice if temperatures rise to a level that presents a health and safety risk, according to the attorney general’s office. The time frame may be shorter if inside temperatures climb higher than what individual city codes allow. Mayes warned landlords of these obligations and reminded tenants of their rights in an April 7 press release after an early heat wave pushed temperatures in the state to over 20 degrees above normal. "Extreme heat poses a serious health risk, and it is unacceptable for tenants to be without proper cooling,” she said in a statement. "Landlords and management companies must take swift action when cooling systems fail so that
Aug 17, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Hyderabad: The development of the 3,245-acre Zahirabad Industrial Smart City project is expected to be completed by March 2028, with Telangana govt aiming to attract investments worth â¹15,000 crore and create nearly two lakh direct and indirect jobs, IT and industries minister D Sridhar Babu said on Monday. He announced this while participating via video conference in a meeting of National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust that was chaired by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal from New Delhi. Sridhar Babu said Zahirabad Industrial Smart City has been planned as a major industrial and manufacturing hub for Telangana. Telangana govt holds a 51% stake in the project through land contribution, while Centre is extending financial support for development of the industrial corridor. Sridhar Babu said the development plan for the project has already been submitted to the special purpose vehicle set for the project, and works are being taken up under the engineering, procurement and construction model. The minister said infrastructure works would be completed within the committed schedule. The tendering process for water supply infrastructure has been completed, while power supply-related works would also be finished within the stipulated time frame, he added. During the meeting, Sridhar Babu also sought greater central govt support for Telanganaâs industrial expansion. He urged Goyal to allot four of the 100 plug-and-play industrial parks proposed under Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana to Telangana, stating that such an allocation would strengthen the stateâs industrial ecosystem and accelerate investment, manufacturing activity and employment generation.
Aug 17, 2026 · via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Heatwaves, floods and other climate extremes are exposing the limits of Europe’s ageing buildings and infrastructure. Researchers across the continent are exploring how cities can adapt to a changing climate. Climate change is forcing many European cities to rethink how they are designed and managed. Infrastructure built for the weather conditions of the past is increasingly being tested by heavier rainfall, hotter summers and more frequent extreme weather. According to a recent global survey, over 80% of cities report facing significant climate hazards. For Dr Clemente Fuggini, an Italian engineer whose research focuses on the resilience of cities and critical infrastructure, cities and their communities urgently need to work together to face the challenges of a changing climate. “Resilience relies on an intricate interplay between individuals, communities, institutions and infrastructures,” he said. “In practice, that means understanding not only how buildings respond to climate hazards, but how transport, utilities, public services and the people who rely on them can continue to operate when disruption occurs.” Fuggini is coordinating an EU-funded research initiative, MULTICLIMACT (2023–2027), exploring practical ways to help cities understand their vulnerabilities, prepare for multiple climate hazards and decide where adaptation efforts are most needed. No one-size-fits-all solution The MULTICLIMACT team brings together researchers, engineers and local authorities from nine European countries to assess the range of challenges facing European cities. Rather than proposing a one-size-fits-all solution, the researchers are developing flexible methods that cities can adapt to their own geography and infrastructure, and to the specific climate risks that they face. To see how this works in practice, they have set up four pilot sites across Europe, each representing a different climate challenge. “We chose these locations because they embody certain common European complexities and particular climate and environmental living conditions,” Fuggini said. In the Netherlands, the work
Aug 17, 2026 · via innovationnewsnetwork.com
Monday’s Headlines Pony Up It's getting hot in here, so take off all your cheap gas prices. By Blake Aued 12:01 AM EDT on August 17, 2026 Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York. Read More: Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org. More from Streetsblog USA San Francisco Advocates Document Harassment on Public Transit 'Eyes on Board' is a new project from the San Francisco Transit Riders to track incidents of harassment. August 17, 2026 Friday’s Headlines Got Charlie Brown Again Why won't Democrats punt and then try a field goal if and when they take more power next year? August 14, 2026 Friday Video: How Red Curbs and Bike Racks Can Save Lives What is daylighting, and how can cities use it to increase street safety? August 14, 2026 Trump’s New ‘Roadway Safety Strategy’ Leaves Out The Good Parts The Trump administration’s new blueprint for improving the nation’s poor road-safety record ignores well-established safety measures and leaves vulnerable road users completely out of the picture — a roadmap that advocates said would not change the ongoing road death crisis that is increasingly unique to the United States. August 14, 2026 Talking Headways Podcast: The Bikeable Forest Of Texas (Yes, Texas!) Who knew that there was a town in Texas
Aug 17, 2026 · via usa.streetsblog.org
Africa’s climate crisis is no longer a warning written in the future tense. It is a lived reality unfolding across our farms, rivers, cities, coastlines and communities. The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Climate in Africa 2025 provides sobering evidence. At least 13 million people across the continent were affected by extreme weather and climate-related events in 2025. Yet fewer than 40% of African countries report having the preparedness and response capabilities required for effective multi-hazard early warning systems. These figures matter not simply because they are alarming. They tell us something deeper about the nature of the challenge before us. Climate change is not only an environmental problem. It is a systems problem. When water systems fail, food systems are threatened. When extreme weather damages infrastructure, economies and livelihoods suffer. When communities lack access to reliable climate information, vulnerability deepens. And when governments, universities, businesses and communities work in isolation, even good ideas struggle to achieve meaningful scale. This is why our response to climate change must increasingly focus on how we design the systems that sustain society. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides an important framework for understanding this interconnectedness. Sustainable development goal (SDG) 13, Climate Action, cannot meaningfully be pursued in isolation from goals dealing with hunger, clean water, energy, innovation, sustainable cities, responsible production and partnerships. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are sometimes presented as 17 separate ambitions. In reality, they describe one interconnected human system. A climate-resilient community requires secure water, reliable energy, sustainable food production, functioning infrastructure, economic opportunity, knowledge and capable institutions. Yet the world remains worryingly behind schedule. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 found that only 35% of SDG targets were on track or showing moderate progress. As 2030 draws closer, this should not encourage
Aug 17, 2026 · via mg.co.za
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has renewed its commitment to strengthening professional standards, expanding membership and promoting sustainable urban development to address Nigeria’s growing urbanisation challenges. Speaking at the institute’s Founders’ Day Symposium in Kaduna, NITP President, Dr Ogbonna Chime, described the Institute’s 60-year journey as one of resilience, growth and remarkable professional accomplishments. Chime traced the origins of the Institute to April 1966, when nine pioneering town planners led by Pa S.O. Tokun founded the professional body in Ibadan. He recalled that the Institute’s formal establishment was confirmed on September 5, 1966, at the Lagos Executive Development Board, where a Protem Executive Council was inaugurated to oversee its affairs, while its first National President, Chief M.O. Onafowokan, emerged during the maiden National Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Lagos in September 1968. According to him, the institute’s founders overcame enormous challenges, including the uncertainty preceding the Nigerian Civil War, to establish what has become the country’s foremost professional body for town planners. “The chronology of these events reminds us of the sacrifices, dedication and risks undertaken by our founding fathers to bring the Institute to where it is today,” he said. Chime urged members to preserve the founders’ legacy by remaining committed to advancing the planning profession. He said the institute has expanded from operating in 12 states in 1968 to establishing chapters in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while membership has grown to 7,411 across various categories. According to him, collaboration with the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) has strengthened professional regulation, while affiliations with organisations such as the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) have enhanced the Institute’s international profile. He added that professional platforms, including
Aug 17, 2026 · via guardian.ng
High-tech skills to power real economy China has launched a major policy push to democratize artificial intelligence skills across its workforce, aiming to bridge the gap between high-level technological development and its real economy to drive long-term industrial productivity. The push follows top-level directives, including the State Council's August 2025 guidelines on the "AI+" action plan and an April 2026 Ministry of Education framework targeting universal AI literacy by 2030. In January, Zhang Yunming, vice-minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that China's core AI industry exceeded 1.2 trillion yuan ($178 billion) across 6,000 enterprise players in 2025. At the annual two sessions in March, National Development and Reform Commission Chairman Zheng Shanjie estimated the broader AI ecosystem will top 10 trillion yuan during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) period. To reach these macroeconomic targets, national authorities are pinning their hopes on widespread AI application in traditional sectors like manufacturing, textiles, power and healthcare. At the local level, municipal initiatives are serving as direct matchmakers between technology vendors and regional industrial hubs. In Nantong, Jiangsu province, the government-backed "Oasis Spark AI Night School" offers free courses ranging from basic office automation to industry-specific applications in home textiles and medical care. A recent "AI + Home Textiles" session drew nearly 20,000 online and offline participants. Wang Hao, general manager of Nantong Minxing Software Co, said he was drawn to the event due to the strong local home textile industry cluster and became more confident about establishing his project there as a one-person company. Wang, who was invited to deliver a project roadshow that evening, said he received friend-request messages from eight home textile entrepreneurs, and is now busy visiting the companies, connecting with their needs and steadily advancing cooperation. "Startups lack channels and resources. The AI night school,
Aug 17, 2026 · via chinadaily.com.cn
ABOUT RM1mil in grants will be disbursed to 32 community projects focusing on green and low-carbon initiatives in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, under ongoing effort to promote environmental sustainability. Iskandar Puteri mayor Datuk Hasrin Kamal Hashim said the programme by Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) was in its sixth year and offering its highest allocation yet. “With the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) expected to bring rapid development to the area, MBIP wants to ensure balance through environmental sustainability and resilience against future climate change challenges. “This year’s Iskandar Puteri Low-Carbon Community Grant (IPRK) 6.0 has two new priority areas, Green Digital Ecosystems and the Circular Economy, in line with JS-SEZ’s focus on green investment and sustainability,” he said in a statement. Hasrin Kamal said the programme expanded beyond lowcarbon initiatives to support smart city and learning city projects, following MBIP’s recognition as a member of the Unesco Global Network of Learning Cities. IPRK funded 125 community projects with allocations of over RM2.3mil since 2021. “These initiatives were projected to benefit 70,000 residents in Iskandar Puteri, having already diverted more than 200,000kg of waste from landfills and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 639,533kg,” he said. For 2026, Hasrin Kamal said MBIP and its strategic partners – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Johor Education Department and SWM Environment Sdn Bhd received 144 applications. Submissions came from residents associations, places of worship, schools, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations. He said IPRK prioritised inclusive and sustainable projects capable of creating long-term benefits for both the community and environment. “Among the selected projects is Ecosoap Empowerment by Johor Down Syndrome Association, which educates on recycling used cooking oil into circular economy products.” Hasrin Kamal shared. Another recipient, Hibiscus Zone residents’ association in Taman Pulai Indah, previously received RM20,000 under IPRK 5.0 for its
Aug 16, 2026 · via thestar.com.my
Keeping pace with news and developments in the real-time analytics and AI market can be a daunting task. Fortunately, we have you covered with a summary of the items our staff comes across each week. And if you prefer it in your inbox, sign up here! The Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF), the neutral home where the open standard agentic AI stack is being built, has announced 57 new member organizations over the past quarter. The influx, comprising 3 Gold, 33 Silver, and 21 Associate Members, brings total foundation membership to 247 organizations worldwide. The scope of the AAIFâs mission can be put into perspective by looking at the work being carried out over the last year. A recently released Agentic AI Momentum Report, which tracks 116 open-source projects across five layers of the agentic AI stack, shows that open-source agentic AI has evolved into a mature, densely connected ecosystem. Continuous participation from new members, including financial institutions, enterprise platforms, and international leaders, reinforces the demand for robust, secure, and interoperable agentic AI infrastructure as organizations standardize how agents interact, especially across compliance-critical domains like payments, banking, and supply chain management. Real-time analytics news in brief The AI Trust and Security Consortium (AITSC) opened applications for its founding cohort of 50 enterprise security and technology leaders to define how AI gets deployed, governed, and trusted inside the worldâs largest organizations. This is an independent, practitioner-led standards initiative. It brings together cross-industry security and IT leaders to build the AI guardrails that regulators are now demanding and no existing framework supplies. Airbyte announced a new service that enables organizations to migrate from Airbyte Core (open source) to Airbyte Cloud without rebuilding pipelines or performing expensive historical data re-syncs. The new migration capability preserves an organizationâs existing Airbyte workspace, including sources, destinations, connections,
Aug 16, 2026 · via rtinsights.com
The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department of Andhra Pradesh is caught in the time warp of archaic administrative measures. But now it seems the light has dawned as it tries to catch up with the times. A top official of the department, at the recent Green Andhra Summit organised by the Indian Green Building Council, noted in disbelief that one of the most laughable things about urban local bodies was its imposition of a ‘tree guard fee’. The audience went into a fit of giggles as the official continued to say that about 45 different types of charges are being collected by the MA&UD Department. He stated that he has since sought to make systemic changes with a new sense of urgency in order to achieve sustainable development. An overhaul The government is streamlining a whole lot of procedures and doing away with redundant ones in keeping with the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision. A significant step towards transforming cities and towns into cleaner urban agglomerations is a mandate to apartment complexes, if the waste generated per day exceeds 100 kilos, to set up their own in-situ solid waste management units. This has not yet been made formally mandatory, but it is a welcome move as the government intends to rid cities and towns of waste. To complement this move, the department contemplated giving incentives for using treated wastewater, like it is done in some advanced countries across industrial, commercial, and drinking purposes. The Reuse of Treated Used Water Policy, 2026 has been approved by the government to boost long-term water security, reduce freshwater dependence, and promote a circular water economy. Additionally, the existing model of developing slums is being reworked to achieve the twin objectives of improving the quality of life for the slum dwellers and making cities
Aug 16, 2026 · via thehindu.com
Introduction Urbanization is reshaping the global landscape. By 2050, nearly 70% will live in cities, making sustainability indispensable. Resilient planning ensures inclusive prosperity, future‑ready infrastructure, and thriving communities. Strategic Insight: Cities are laboratories of sustainability — when they thrive inclusively, nations prosper collectively. Dimensions of Urban Sustainability – Affordable Housing: India’s PMAY transforms equity. – Resilient Infrastructure: Metro, renewable grids, flood‑proof systems. – Green Public Spaces: Parks reduce pollution, foster inclusivity. – Sustainable Mobility: Transit, cycling, pedestrian equity. Strategic Insight: Urban resilience is the foundation of competitiveness. Technology as a Catalyst – Smart Infrastructure: IoT, AI optimize systems. – Digital Governance: Transparency via e‑platforms. – Circular Economy: Waste‑to‑resource, green jobs. – Urban Data Platforms: Real‑time analytics, predictive modeling. Strategic Insight: Smart cities serve people first. Benchmarking Nations India: Smart Cities Mission, PMAY, metro expansion. Denmark: Green mobility, carbon‑neutral targets. Japan: Disaster‑resilient infrastructure. UAE: AI‑driven smart hubs. Netherlands: Circular economy, water resilience. Kenya: Affordable housing, digital inclusion. Strategic Insight: Sustainability is achievable across contexts. Combined Impact – Economic Competitiveness – Innovation Ecosystems – Market Expansion – Social Stability – Environmental Resilience Strategic Insight: Sustainable cities multiply prosperity. Call to Action Governments: legislate housing, transport, infrastructure. Corporations: invest in green innovation. Civil Society: advocate equity. International Organization: finance and share frameworks. Summary Sustainable cities are necessity, not choice. Embedding resilience, inclusivity, and innovation secures prosperity, stability, and competitiveness.
Aug 16, 2026 · via andamanchronicle.net
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) marked its 25th anniversary on Friday. In power for more than two decades, the party looks forward to more feats under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During the celebrations marking the anniversary, the party also rolled out a "vision paper.” The paper summarizes a strategy for growth and development across 10 chapters. Comprehensive goals were laid out under headings covering a leading country in the global system, a high-tech and high value-added economy, national technology and digital sovereignty, a predictable legal system, a human-centric state, a strong family and prosperous society, women's role in the "Century of Türkiye,” youth as architects of the future, green transformation, and Türkiye on the threshold of its second quarter-century. Erdoğan had earlier announced similar goals for what he called the "Century of Türkiye" vision, in reference to the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye in 2023. In the first chapter, the document aims for Türkiye to transcend being merely a regional actor and become a global leader that inspires trust, builds partnerships, and shapes the international order. Key elements include an order-building foreign policy, a resilient security ecosystem, energy security, strategic production and a terror-free region. Regarding economic growth, the focus centers on high-value-added production across industry, agriculture, and energy. Domestic production in the defense industry has expanded significantly, while agriculture emphasizes food security and farmer welfare. In health care, the target moves toward manufacturing health technologies, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. For energy, goals include expanding renewables, diversifying through nuclear power and small modular reactors, and manufacturing solar, wind, and battery assets domestically. Digital sovereignty initiatives emphasize artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and technological independence, ensuring technology serves the public good while addressing data protection, digital addiction, and cyberbullying under the Cyber Homeland framework. In the legal
Aug 16, 2026 · via dailysabah.com
Thang met with Russian State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport Dmitry Zverev and leaders of Russian Railways (RZD) in Moscow on August 13, affirming that Vietnam always values the support and valuable experience of Russian partners in national construction and development. He noted that Russia has advanced technologies and expertise in transport, while Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's two special cities and economic locomotives - are prioritising the development of urban transport, urban railways and smart infrastructure, offering significant potential for expanded cooperation. Thang said that Hanoi has approved a 100-year master plan envisioning a smart city, underground space, and low- and high-altitude economy, while investing in urban railway lines and inter-regional transport links. Against this backdrop, Hanoi hopes that Russia's Ministry of Transport and partners will share experience in policymaking and technical standards for urban railways and underground infrastructure, and support design, technology integration, training and technology transfer. The city also invited Russian businesses to explore investment in metro projects under Hanoi's transport development plan to 2030, with a vision to 2050. Hanoi also proposed studying flexible investment models suited to local needs and conditions, while enhancing expert exchanges and sharing experience in metro construction, management and operation. The two sides were encouraged to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in traffic management and regulation to help ease congestion. Hanoi is also interested in designing underground structures and stations as architectural landmarks reflecting the city's cultural and historical identity, integrating technologies across metro lines, developing a centralised control centre and forming consortia to implement urban railway projects, said the official. Regarding Ho Chi Minh City, Thang called on Russia to work with Vietnamese authorities to study investment in, and supply equipment and technologies for, key metro projects. Hanoi and Ho Chi
Aug 16, 2026 · via vietnamnet.vn
RWE Scales Renewable Energy and Grid Investment in H1 2026 RWE reported financial results for the first six months of 2026 that reflected increased wind generation and portfolio expansion. The German energy company's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation reached €3bn (US$3.3bn), compared with €2.1bn (US$2.3bn) in the corresponding period of 2025. Adjusted net income rose to €1.3bn (US$1.4bn) from €800m (US$880m) year on year. The company added 2.6GW of generation capacity in the 12 months to end June, including wind, solar and battery storage assets. Portfolio expansion supports results According to RWE, the company commissioned 752MW of new generation capacity during the first half of 2026. Total portfolio capacity across renewables, flexible generation and battery storage reached almost 41GW. A further 10.3GW remains under construction. Wind conditions across Europe during the period were stronger than in the first half of 2025, which could have contributed to higher generation volumes. Offshore wind adjusted EBITDA increased to €810m (US$891m) from €643m (US$707m). Onshore wind and solar earnings rose to €1.016bn (US$1.1bn) from €830m (US$913m) in the same period last year. "2026 has been a decisive and successful year for us so far," says Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE, on LinkedIn. "Our strong first-half results show our continued progress in strengthening our portfolio while meeting our operational and financial targets. We deliver on our promises." Flexible capacity earnings increase RWE's flexible generation segment recorded adjusted EBITDA of €1.025bn (US$1.1bn) in the first half of 2026, up from €606m (US$667m) a year earlier. The increase included a €332m (US$365m) compensation payment from the Dutch state relating to restrictions placed on coal-fired generation at the Eemshaven power plant in 2022. Earnings from the segment also benefited from higher revenues generated through the UK capacity market. Battery storage is becoming a larger component
Aug 16, 2026 · via energydigital.com