Efforts to advance sustainable buildings and climate-resilient cities in Nigeria are being undermined by fragmented initiatives and a lack of coordination among stakeholders, the Green Building Council Nigeria (GBCN) said on Wednesday at the opening of the Future Cities Summit 2026 in Lagos. Speaking at the summit themed “Building the Future: Scaling Sustainability for Greener Cities,” Danjuma Waniko, president of GBCN, said Nigeria is not short of sustainability initiatives, innovation or policy interventions, but lacks the framework needed to connect and scale them. “The real issue is not that nothing is happening, but rather it’s an issue of disconnectedness and fragmentation,” Waniko said. “We have many different people and organisations who are doing great work in this space. But it often feels like there is no connective tissue. There is no clear framework connecting our efforts,” he added. Read also: Africa’s borderless economy is outgrowing its financial infrastructure, says tech expert The two-day summit, organised by the GBCN, brought together policymakers, developers, financiers, academics, urban planners and climate experts to discuss pathways to building sustainable and resilient cities. Waniko noted that sustainability activities are taking place across government institutions, the private sector, academia and local communities, but their impact remains limited because they are often implemented in isolation. “They are often scattered. They are not visible enough. And so ultimately, even though a lot is happening, these things are not reinforcing one another and they are not delivering impact at the scale we would like,” he said. According to him, one of the central questions confronting the sector is why years of discussions, policies and projects have not translated into the scale of transformation needed to address climate risks and rapid urbanisation. “Why does awareness not translate into action? Why does the finance that is available not reach the projects
Jul 20, 2026 · via businessday.ng
5 Reasons Why Smart Infrastructure Companies Should Leverage IAA MOBILITY 2027 Smart Infrastructure brings together vehicles, energy, and digitalization with strong partners to create new opportunities for collaboration and investment. Learn more now. - 5 reasons for IAA MOBILITY - 5 Reasons for Smart Infrastructure The future of mobility won't be decided by new vehicles alone. Just as crucial are intelligent charging infrastructures, networked traffic systems, smart city solutions, digital platforms, and close cooperation between industry, politics, and the public sector. Smart infrastructure companies play a central role in this evolution. The transformation of mobility can only succeed through the interplay of vehicles, infrastructure, energy, and digitalization. IAA MOBILITY 2027 brings together this exact ecosystem of tech companies, infrastructure operators, OEMs, mobility providers, energy companies, cities, policymakers, and investors. This creates a unique mobility ecosystem where new partnerships are formed, investments are triggered, and innovative solutions are co-developed. The future of mobility won't be decided by new vehicles alone. Just as crucial are intelligent charging infrastructures, networked traffic systems, smart city solutions, digital platforms, and close cooperation between industry, politics, and the public sector. Smart infrastructure companies play a central role in this evolution. The transformation of mobility can only succeed through the interplay of vehicles, infrastructure, energy, and digitalization. IAA MOBILITY 2027 brings together this exact ecosystem of tech companies, infrastructure operators, OEMs, mobility providers, energy companies, cities, policymakers, and investors. This creates a unique mobility ecosystem where new partnerships are formed, investments are triggered, and innovative solutions are co-developed. Meet Decision-Makers from Industry, Cities, and Politics Developing intelligent infrastructure requires collaboration among a wide variety of stakeholders. Companies need to reach not only OEMs and mobility providers, but increasingly municipalities, transit authorities, and policymakers as well. IAA MOBILITY provides exactly this access. At the IAA Summit, companies meet
Jul 20, 2026 · via iaa-mobility.com
JOINING forces with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Central Visayas, the local government of Mandaue unveiled its plans at the opening of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) last July 13 toward becoming one of the first smart and sustainable cities in the region. During its launch, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano introduced the “Smart Mandaue” Road map that targets to provide better public service and governance to the city through science, technology, and innovation. Through the DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), Smart Mandaue encompasses better evidence-backed policy making for disaster resilience, urban planning, conservation, and community empowerment. Among these is the Mandaue Digital Twin, the flagship initiative of the road map, which will develop a digital model of the city that integrates data on traffic infrastructure, mobility, environmental conditions, and development projects into a single platform. Mandaue City joins the other 152 benefitting LGUs across the country under the expanded implementation of the department’s SSCP. Meanwhile, the DOST Central Visayas spearheaded the kickoff of the Smart Community Consortium — a multi-stakeholder platform for the SSCP across the region — through a ceremonial digital signing of DOST officials and other industry partners. The consortium will focus on the development and implementation of the program, mobilizing collaboration among the government, academe, industries, and communities to help local government units employ and scale smart and sustainable solutions.
Jul 20, 2026 · via manilatimes.net
MCMC senior adviser for operations Zurkarnain Yasin said the conference is intended to align regulators, industry leaders, technology providers and academics around three expected outcomes. The first is a stronger shared understanding of how to address emerging challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) governance, data protection, online safety, and digital trust. The second is the identification of practical policy and regulatory approaches that could keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies while safeguarding consumers. The third is the formation of stronger partnerships to enable coordinated responses to increasingly borderless digital risks. “The real measure of success is not the number of discussions held during the conference, but what happens after the conversations conclude,” Zurkarnain told FMT. He said observers should look for tangible outcomes such as new regulatory frameworks, strengthened industry codes, enhanced cross-border cooperation mechanisms, and the adoption of practical safeguards by digital service providers. However, new regulations and frameworks would take time to develop as they required extensive engagement with various stakeholders whose interests could differ. “In the shorter term, follow-up action could include further deliberations, stakeholder discussions, and regulatory sandbox initiatives arising from ideas or issues raised at the conference,” he said. He said other indicators would include the introduction or enhancement of regulatory instruments, guidelines and codes of practice, as well as increased industry compliance with online safety, consumer protection, and digital trust requirements. Separately, Zurkarnain said digital platforms should provide greater transparency through the publication of safety, enforcement and accountability reports, while organisations should adopt stronger AI governance, risk management, and data protection measures. He said that while enforcement remained an important part of MCMC’s regulatory toolkit, effective digital governance should not be judged solely by penalties or enforcement action. The most meaningful indicators would be safer online environments, stronger protection of personal data and greater accountability
Jul 20, 2026 · via freemalaysiatoday.com
The Smart Green Living Week 2026 is taking place at the Saigon Innovation Hub (SIHUB) in Ho Chi Minh City from July 17 to 19, featuring more than 50 businesses, startups, and innovation projects. The participants represent a wide array of sectors, including green materials, architecture, smart home technology, IoT, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), environmental technology, clean energy, and the circular economy. The event is held as part of Startup Connection Day 2026, a series of activities designed to bridge the innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration between startups, enterprises, experts, investors, and state management agencies. Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, Mr. Tran Trong Tuyen, emphasized that green urban development requires the active participation of all stakeholders within the startup and innovation ecosystem. He noted that Smart Green Living Week was organized to create a dedicated space where startups, businesses, experts, investors, and regulators can connect, refine their solutions, and accelerate their practical application in real-world scenarios. In addition to the exhibition area, the event features a series of seminars, business dialogues, and networking activities. These sessions serve as a forum for stakeholders to discuss the latest trends in green urban development, innovation, and sustainable growth. Topics include sustainable consumption trends and the integration of technology and green materials into architecture, landscaping, and modern living spaces. During the event, experts also highlighted pressing challenges such as climate change, energy efficiency, emission reduction, urban management, and the need to improve quality of life. Addressing these issues, they argued, requires a strategic combination of advanced technology, new materials, data-driven insights, modern governance models, and innovative solutions that are ready for practical implementation.
Jul 19, 2026 · via en.vneconomy.vn
From：Internet Info Agency 2026-07-19 17:30:03 China has officially released two mandatory national standards for Level 2 (L2) combined driving assistance systems. Among them, GB 47955–2026 will take effect on January 1, 2027, marking the first mandatory regulation specifically governing L2 driver assistance products. The other standard, GB 39901–2025, will be implemented on January 1, 2028. Developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), these standards were jointly formulated by nearly 40 automakers and technology companies. They cover key aspects including product development, hardware configuration, marketing claims, and data retention, and have been integrated into the vehicle type approval system. Starting from the implementation dates, all relevant technologies and promotional activities must comply with these regulatory requirements; non-compliance will constitute a legal violation. All-New BMW X5 M60 Spied with Plug-In Hybrid System, Likely Debuting in 2027 Geely Unveils World’s First 16-in-1 Smart Electric Drive, Sets Two Guinness World Records BMW Sales Plummet in China, Losing Title as World's Largest Single Market for First Time XPeng X9 Air Suspension Fails Frequently in Heat; Company Extends Warranty to Cover Used Car Owners Avita 07L Launches Pre-sales with Zhang Linghe as Brand Ambassador, Starting at RMB 249,900 Xiaomi Auto Kicks Off Malaysia Expansion, Hiring Government Relations Manager Spy Shots Reveal BMW's All-Electric i3 Touring—High-Performance Quad-Motor Variant Expected
Jul 19, 2026 · via english.news18a.com
Amsterdam's Smart Streetlights Are Doing Much More Than Cutting Costs Amsterdam has a reputation that precedes it, drawing in millions of tourists annually to view its charming narrow lanes and various districts, including the red-light ones. Red-lit cities don't always have a seedy connotation, though, as evidenced by Odense, Denmark. But these days, Amsterdam is more concerned with optimization than with special lighting that benefits wildlife. After all, it's known as a European tech hub of sorts, and its smart streetlights initiative reveals just how "smart" the city aspires to be, beyond simply trimming electricity bills. Currently, in the city's Hoekenrodeplein square, there's a pilot project that transformed 144 LED streetlights into a connected digital patchwork, each with its own IP address and sensors. The automated lights can communicate with a centralized control system, hence the "smart" prefix. According to the LUCI Association and Amsterdam Smart City, this network of lights dynamically adjusts its brightness based on weather — thereby saving the city money — and accommodates public events and traffic flow. Its integrated functionality can transform ordinary lampposts into modern, multifaceted tools that profoundly enhance public spaces. Companies such as KPN collaborated on the initiative as part of a broader smart-lighting agreement among the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven. Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology also studied how adaptive lighting can affect the public's perception of safety and ambiance. The project highlights how modern streetlights are evolving into data-gathering infrastructure that can support communications networks, environmental monitoring, and future smart-city applications. Seeing the city in a new light The definition of a smart city can mean many things, but ideally, the material improvements brought about by these initiatives are directly felt by its inhabitants. What makes Amsterdam's public smart-lighting initiative interesting is that the technology quietly blurs the
Jul 19, 2026 · via slashgear.com
Abu Dhabi’s Liveability Strategy and its focus on creating holistic, people-centric districts was highlighted as a global success story to government leaders, mayors, and city officials at the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2026 in Singapore. Addressing global leaders at the event, His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Blooshi, Director General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre (UPPC) at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), presented the emirate’s vision for building resilient communities that seamlessly embed its livability agenda within a single, unified framework. This approach is underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s centralised administrative model, which consolidates planning, transport, and municipal infrastructure under the DMT to streamline complex masterplans. This close alignment has enabled the emirate to successfully manage a 51 per cent population growth over the last decade, by setting adaptable development objectives that evolve alongside demographic changes, utilising real-time data and resident feedback to ensure rapid expansion never compromises community well-being. Speaking at the Future Cities Leadership Plenary, How Do We Build New Cities?, His Excellency Al Blooshi demonstrated how Abu Dhabi translates the event’s theme — Livable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now! — into tangible outcomes. He highlighted that Abu Dhabi is shaping its cities to enhance the daily lives of those who call the emirate home. This is evaluated by tracking how comfortably people can navigate and access their districts, while monitoring resident satisfaction alongside walkability, public spaces, and proximity to essential services. These metrics are then used to optimise targeted investments in parks, facilities, and public services designed to foster social connection. His Excellency Al Blooshi said: “The World Cities Summit serves as an essential forum for uniting global leaders dedicated to advancing liveable societies, and it was a pleasure to share the strides Abu Dhabi has made, and continues to make, when it comes to
Jul 19, 2026 · via mediaoffice.abudhabi
From 16 to 17 July, a high-level meeting of the General Assembly dedicated to the mid-term review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda took place at the UN headquarters in New York. Participants discussed the achievements of the decade since 2016 and measures to develop sustainable cities up to 2036, according to the news agency Orient. The forum took place against a backdrop of growing global challenges: around 58 per cent of the world’s population already lives in cities, more than 3 billion people face housing problems, and urban areas account for over 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The Turkmenistan delegation presented its approach to the development of urban infrastructure. Abdylla Geldiyev, Minister of Construction and Architecture, noted that creating a safe and comfortable urban environment is one of the country’s strategic priorities. The city of Arkadag – Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart city’, built from scratch – attracted particular attention from participants. The project combines digital technologies, intelligent transport systems, environmental standards and energy-efficient solutions. Following the forum, the participants adopted a Political Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation and developing sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced cities by 2036. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with the UN in the field of urban development.
Jul 19, 2026 · via vestiabad.ru
This photo shows the street installation for 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, which is set to open on July 17, 2026, bringing together more than 1,100 companies and over 3,000 exhibits. Photo: VCG Inside the vast halls of the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, visitors from around the world crowded around booths showcasing the latest AI models, robots and intelligent devices, while just steps away, representatives from Global South countries discussed AI governance, industrial cooperation and common standards. The closely connected scenes observed by a Global Times reporter at the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance showcased how AI is moving rapidly from technological demonstrations into practical applications and global policy discussions. A senior UN official and a technology practitioner from Uzbekistan participating in the event told the Global Times that the conference, together with China's fast-growing ecosystem of open-source models and customizable public-service solutions, is providing developing countries with AI options that are more "accessible, affordable and applicable." AI applications move into real worldA series of new applications unveiled on the third day of the conference showed how AI is already being used in areas that directly affect public safety. At a Sunday forum, China Earthquake Administration released an earthquake-science AI agent, a large model for seismology, an intelligent earthquake-processing system and authoritative benchmark datasets, covering key fields including earthquake monitoring, forecasting, early warning and disaster prevention. By 2028, the plan aims to establish effective AI support for earthquake prevention and disaster-reduction operations and reinforce China's early advantages in the field, according to CCTV News. Another project that drew attention at the conference was MAZU, China's AI-powered meteorological early-warning solution. The name MAZU - Multi-hazard, Alert, Zero-gap and Universal - also evokes Mazu, a widely revered guardian of the
Jul 19, 2026 · via globaltimes.cn
Abu Dhabi’s livability blueprint showcased as global model at World Cities Summit Abu Dhabi’s Livability Strategy and its focus on creating holistic, people-centric districts was highlighted as a global success story to government leaders, mayors, and city officials at the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2026 in Singapore. Addressing global leaders at the event, Abdullah Mohammed Al Blooshi, Director General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre (UPPC) at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), presented the emirate’s vision for building resilient communities that seamlessly embed its livability agenda within a single, unified framework. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. This approach is underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s centralised administrative model, which consolidates planning, transport, and municipal infrastructure under the DMT to streamline complex masterplans. This close alignment has enabled the emirate to successfully manage a 51 per cent population growth over the last decade, by setting adaptable development objectives that evolve alongside demographic changes, utilising real-time data and resident feedback to ensure rapid expansion never compromises community well-being. How Abu Dhabi build livable and Sustainable cities? Speaking at the Future Cities Leadership Plenary, How Do We Build New Cities?, Al Blooshi demonstrated how Abu Dhabi translates the event’s theme — Livable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now! — into tangible outcomes. He highlighted that Abu Dhabi is shaping its cities to enhance the daily lives of those who call the emirate home. This is evaluated by tracking how comfortably people can navigate and access their districts, while monitoring resident satisfaction alongside walkability, public spaces, and proximity to essential services. These metrics are then used to optimise targeted investments in parks, facilities, and public services designed to foster social connection. Al Blooshi said: “The World Cities Summit serves as an essential forum
Jul 19, 2026 · via gulfnews.com
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Jul 19, 2026 · via youtube.com
More News20 Jul 2026 | 1:44 PMPanchkula, July 20 (UNI) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has extended the validity of empanelment of all existing Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) empanelled Health Care Organisations (HCOs) till August 15, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted medical services for lakhs of CGHS beneficiaries while the empanelment process under the Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM) 2.0 is completed. see more.. 20 Jul 2026 | 1:35 PMLucknow, July 20 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that Uttar Pradesh, blessed with the country's largest youth force, will not only pave the way for a developed state through skill development but will also play a key role in achieving the goal of a trillion-dollar economy. see more.. 20 Jul 2026 | 1:31 PMKanpur, July 20 (UNI) The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Green Hydrogen under the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy 2024. see more.. 20 Jul 2026 | 1:16 PMLucknow, Jul 20 (UNI) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati, at the start of the monsoon session of Parliament, demanded the central government's serious attention to public issues, saying that amid the political, economic, and social challenges facing the country, confrontations from Parliament to the streets should be avoided. see more.. 20 Jul 2026 | 12:53 PMLucknow, Jul 20 (UNI) A massive fire broke out at Jawahar Bhawan, a multi-storey government office complex in Hazratganj, Lucknow, on Monday morning, causing panic. see more..
Jul 19, 2026 · via uniindia.com
Why I Support Kim Bo-mi's Revolt: 'Dismantle the 586 Power Headquarters.' A Conservative's Call for Generational Change in the Democratic Party [Choice Times=Jeong-kee Kim, Columnist; Secretary - General of World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO)] There are moments in politics that signal the end of an era. At times, the voice of an unknown young politician foretells the coming of a new age more accurately than the declaration of a powerful leader. Such a moment came when Kim Bo-mi, former Chair of the Gangjin County Council and a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, declared that "the 86 Generation should now prepare for a graceful farewell." Her statement that "the achievement of democratization does not entitle anyone to monopolize South Korean politics for forty or fifty years" was not merely a criticism of one generation. It was a direct challenge to the internal power structure of the Democratic Party. I am a conservative. I am not writing this column to help the Democratic Party remain in power, nor am I endorsing Kim Bo-mi's candidacy for party leader. Yet I pay close attention to her because she dared to confront a taboo that few within the Democratic Party have been willing even to mention. For decades, the 586 activist generation has positioned itself not as the object of criticism but as the authority that judges others. They condemned the long dominance of the industrialization generation and the conservative establishment, yet once they themselves became the center of political power, they portrayed their own prolonged rule as a continuation of democratization. They were uncompromising toward the privileges of others while remaining remarkably tolerant of their own. They seized power in the name of reform, but after taking office, reform was always something to be imposed on others—never on themselves. In
Jul 19, 2026 · via bosik.kr
During the “Cities of the Future” mayors summit, which was held in Geneva from September 30 to October 1 and organized by the UNECE, the Turkmen delegation proposed to start an international dialogue on two key issues: water management and urban youth development.
In particular, the Turkmen speaker, the hyakim of the Avaza etrap Dovlet Jumayev voiced a proposal to create a new legal instrument for water resources management under the auspices of the UNECE and organize an international youth meeting in the smart city of Arkadag. This was reported on the website of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN Office in Geneva.
Also, D. Jumayev in his speech noted the country's achievements in the field of sustainable urban development, successful projects, emphasizing the role of Turkmenistan in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Turkmen speaker spoke about the Arkadag “smart city” project and presented the “Avaza” national tourist zone, the source notes.
Jul 19, 2026 · via turkmenportal.com
Senate backs elevation of Thika to a smart industrial city Audio By Vocalize The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has recommended that Thika Municipality be elevated to a smart industrial city, saying it meets all legal requirements under the Urban Areas and Cities Act. The committee found that the municipality has adequate infrastructure, public amenities and essential services to support city status after reviewing reports submitted by the Kiambu County Government. As part of the assessment, the committee conducted public participation, consulted key stakeholders, verified population and revenue data, and inspected roads, health facilities, water and sewerage infrastructure. The committee concluded that Thika has demonstrated its readiness for city status, paving the way for the Senate to consider and approve the recommendation. “Thika has been known as the Birmingham of Kenya for four years because of Industrialization. We have good infrastructure, factories, companies and industrial facilities that were established many years ago, and they are still there. We just need to revitalise them,” said Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi. Broadway's Kenya Managing Director, Bimal Shah, added, “We have also seen many industries relocate from Nairobi to Thika over the last 10 years. That is a clear indication that the conditions put in place by the county government have enabled industries to thrive in Kiambu County, especially in Thika. "We now have city status. Of course, we know that some rates and other charges may increase, but attaining city status is a positive development for any town." Join the Discussion Share your perspective with the Citizen Digital community. No comments yet This discussion is waiting for your voice. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Jul 19, 2026 · via citizen.digital
From：Internet Info Agency 2026-07-18 22:15:10 NIO has announced that NIO Day 2026 will be held in Wuhan. This decision was determined by a vote from NIO’s user community. Among the candidate cities—including Changchun, Chongqing, Harbin, Jinan, Nanjing, Qingdao, Wuhan, and Xiamen—Harbin, Wuhan, and Xiamen advanced to the final voting round, with Wuhan ultimately winning by securing 178,854,028 votes. To date, NIO has not yet disclosed the specific date or agenda for NIO Day 2026. Historically, NIO Day events have typically featured major new product or technology launches. Since the inaugural NIO Day in 2017, each edition has been hosted in a different city and has unveiled key models such as the ES8, ES6, EC6, ET7, ET5, EC7, and ET9, along with core technologies including battery swap stations, ultra-fast chargers, intelligent driving systems, and in-house developed chips. NIO Day 2024 took place in Guangzhou, where the ET9 was officially launched alongside the debut of the new sub-brand “Firefly.” The 2025 event was held in Hangzhou, featuring the official launch of the all-new ES8 and marking the first time the event was moved to the autumn season. All-New BMW X5 M60 Spied with Plug-In Hybrid System, Likely Debuting in 2027 Geely Unveils World’s First 16-in-1 Smart Electric Drive, Sets Two Guinness World Records Tesla FSD Strategy Revealed: Full Version for Cybercab First, Stripped-Down for Mass-Market Vehicles XPeng X9 Air Suspension Fails Frequently in Heat; Company Extends Warranty to Cover Used Car Owners RoboSense Unveils Second-Gen All-Solid-State Perception Platform E2, Advancing Physical AI Robotics XPeng MONA L03 Launches Globally from ¥123,800, Debuts in China and Europe German Chancellor Merz Calls Chinese EV Takeover of Local Plant a Temporary Measure
Jul 18, 2026 · via english.news18a.com
The Municipal Council of Mbabane (MCM) hosted its second edition of the Smart City Living Masterclass under the theme ‘Transforming Mbabane into a Responsive Smart City to Drive Economic Growth’. The event convened a diverse group of leaders, including innovators, development partners and financial institutions, to discuss how technology, innovation and sustainable governance can collectively shape a smarter, greener and more resilient capital city. The session was headlined by Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) CEO, Masotja Vilakati, who delivered the keynote address and MCM Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze, who presented the council’s vision and roadmap towards a smart and inclusive Mbabane. Driving economic growth through smart governance In her presentation, Fakudze outlined Mbabane’s economic outlook, reaffirming its role as the administrative and financial hub of Eswatini and the anchor of the nation’s service, finance and governance economy. She noted that local opportunities lie in digital transformation, green infrastructure and managing urban growth pressures.The municipality’s roadmap is guided by the Integrated Development Plan (2024–2029), the Town Planning Scheme under review and the Local Economic Development Strategy (2019–2025). These frameworks form the foundation for transforming Mbabane into a responsive smart city. Strategic priorities for a smarter Mbabane Under its smart city strategic priorities, MCM focuses on: - Digital transformation: Enhancing e-governance, open data systems and ICT integration in urban management. Infrastructure development: Modernising roads, improving lighting and stormwater systems and promoting renewable energy. - Economic diversification: Promoting investment, innovation industries, tourism infrastructure and circular economy initiatives. - Urban resilience: Leveraging real-time data for planning, safety and traffic management while deepening stakeholder engagement. - Digital inclusion: Expanding Wi-Fi hotspots and promoting digital literacy to ensure that no resident is left behind. Fakudze emphasised that the ultimate goal is to position Mbabane as an inclusive, data-driven and sustainable city that improves service delivery,
Jul 18, 2026 · via times.co.sz
From：Internet Info Agency 2026-07-18 20:24:10 The GWM Tank H10 has officially launched pre-sales, offering both five-seat and six-seat configurations. As the first “boxy” SUV built on GWM’s Guiyuan platform, it features the brand’s “Fangding Aesthetics” design language and comes standard across all trims with the Coffee Pilot 3 advanced driver-assistance system, including a LiDAR unit and 27 intelligent driving sensors. Four pre-sale variants are available: - Hi4 1.5T Max (5-seater) - Hi4 1.5T Pro (6-seater) - Hi4 1.5T Max (6-seater) - Hi4 1.5T Ultra (6-seater) Their pre-sale prices are RMB 219,800, RMB 219,800, RMB 229,800, and RMB 239,800 respectively, with limited-time promotional prices of RMB 214,800, RMB 214,800, RMB 224,800, and RMB 234,800. In terms of dimensions, the five-seat version measures 5,138 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,970 mm in height. The six-seat variant extends the length to 5,299 mm while maintaining the same width and height. Both share a uniform wheelbase of 3,000 mm. Powering the H10 is GWM’s Hi4 plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5T engine delivering a maximum output of 123 kW. The vehicle supports an 800V high-voltage fast-charging platform and features a “crab-walk” mode to enhance maneuverability in narrow spaces. It is equipped with a 42.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering a CLTC-rated pure-electric range of up to 180 km. Inside, the cabin features a 15.7-inch central touchscreen and a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted rear screen, both supporting P3 wide color gamut and AI-enhanced image quality. Additional amenities include a 7.7-liter smart refrigerator, second-row foldable tables rated for 10 kg, rear privacy glass, and sunshades. All-New BMW X5 M60 Spied with Plug-In Hybrid System, Likely Debuting in 2027 Geely Unveils World’s First 16-in-1 Smart Electric Drive, Sets Two Guinness World Records Tesla FSD Strategy Revealed: Full Version for Cybercab First, Stripped-Down for
Jul 18, 2026 · via english.news18a.com
Indian Society Sustainable Urban Development Roadmap - 18 Jul 2026 - 17 min read This editorial is based on “The precarity of living in urban slums”, published in The Hindu Businessline on 18/07/2026. The article emphasises that while physical infrastructure expands, structural governance gaps cause highly uneven outcomes. Resolving this requires a basti-centric collaborative paradigm driven by devolved untied funds, genuine digital inclusion, and institutionalised community agency. For Prelims: Urbanisation, Wetland, World Bank, Day Zero, Heavy Metals, Urban Local Bodies, 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, Blue-Green Infrastructure, Material Recovery Facilities, Energy Conservation Building Code, Municipal Bonds, Public-Private Partnerships. For Mains: Key consequences of rapid urbanisation in India and steps required for sustainable urban development. India's rapid urbanisation has induced severe structural stress, manifesting in extensive slum proliferation, hazardous environmental degradation, acute water crises, and governance deficits. Addressing these systemic bottlenecks requires an immediate shift toward climate-resilient planning, nature-based solutions, and the fiscal empowerment of local bodies. This holistic transformation is vital to build sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable future cities. What are the Key Consequences of Rapid Urbanisation in India? - Proliferation of Informal Settlements and Urban Slums: The acute gap in affordable housing supply has led to the exponential growth of informal settlements. Skyrocketing real estate prices and structural constraints in land recycling have forced low-income rural-urban migrants into overcrowded, sub-human living conditions. - Around 17% of India's total urban population resides in slums and informal ghettos, operating entirely outside the formal urban layout. - E.g., Dharavi in Mumbai stands as one of Asia's largest slums, compressing over 1 million people into just 2.1 square kilometres, highlighting severe density stress. - Severe Environmental Degradation and Air Pollution: Unplanned industrial expansion, rapid vehicle motorization, and continuous construction activities have severely compromised ambient air quality and wiped out urban green covers.
Jul 18, 2026 · via drishtiias.com