Dive Brief: - The Philadelphia Department of Sanitation on Friday announced plans to award solid waste disposal contracts to WM, Reworld and Republic Services. The decision adds Republic to the city's list of waste providers and retains WM and Reworld, the latter of which operates the contentious Delaware Valley Resource Recovery Facility in nearby Chester, Pennsylvania. - Several Philadelphia city councilmembers have advocated for an end to the practice of burning Philadelphia's waste, making the contract procurement process particularly contentious. Opponents say ending shipments of the city's waste to Reworld Delaware Valley would likely force the facility to shut down. - The four-year contracts with the providers still need to be finalized. The city has not yet disclosed details, including the amount of waste each company is likely to accept. Dive Insight: Philadelphia has spent several months analyzing proposals from waste companies in the area. It initially released a request for proposals on Dec. 23, and began accepting bids on March 20, per the procurement department. The city had previously signed seven-year contracts with WM and Reworld that expired at the end of Philadelphia’s fiscal year on June 30. The Sanitation Department extended those contracts by six months to cover the belated RFP process, according to a release. Last year, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a bill that would forbid the burning of Philadelphia's MSW. The bill came close to a vote, but at a council meeting in January she postponed that vote as it didn't appear clear the bill would pass. The Reworld Delaware Valley facility was built in 1992, and has long faced opposition from area residents. Pennsylvania considers Chester to be an area with environmental justice concerns, due in part to a pollution burden in the 99th percentile compared to other communities around the state. The area is
Jul 14, 2026 · via wastedive.com
Investment Case Summary - The A$2.5m annual minimum converts Algho pipeline into a contractually committed revenue floor for three years. - URBANnext gives Vection instant reach into European public sector accounts it could not access as efficiently direct. - Real catalyst is orders visibly exceeding the floor inside twelve months, otherwise it stays a structural win only. A committed A$2.5m annual floor turns European smart cities into a structured Algho pipeline Vection Technologies (ASX:VR1) has signed a three-year framework agreement with Switzerland-based URBANnext SA to deploy the Algho AI platform across European smart city, infrastructure and urban services markets. The deal carries a minimum annual purchase commitment of A$2.5 million and a minimum aggregate value of A$7.5 million over the initial term. This is a different shape of contract to what Vection investors have been reading about for most of FY26. The recent flow has been firm orders, mostly recognised inside FY26, driven by the defence programme and a growing sweep of Algho enterprise wins. This one is a channel agreement with a committed floor and an open ceiling that scales with how many projects the partner actually delivers. The way to read it is not as a single A$7.5 million contract win. It is the first sizeable framework that gives Algho a durable revenue base outside defence, plugged into a partner that already sells into European municipalities and infrastructure operators. Why the A$2.5m floor matters more than the A$7.5m headline The committed annual minimum is the number investors should anchor on. It is not a forecast, it is contractually required purchasing across the three-year term. That converts a chunk of Algho revenue from pipeline into something closer to a booked schedule. Smart city programmes almost never stay at their initial scope. Pilots expand, cities add adjacent departments, and infrastructure
Jul 14, 2026 · via stocksdownunder.com
Governments are working to find the next generation of civic technologists. Although there is strong interest in solving real challenges, agencies are creating new pathways to attract talent. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) Commissioner Lisa Gelobter on Monday launched the PIT Crew initiative. Each of the five planned crews will include product managers, designers, engineers, user researchers and data experts. They will work with city agencies to quickly design, create and launch real digital solutions — and be expected to deliver on implementation in months rather than years. Hiring is underway, and officials expect the first PIT Crew team members to begin working in the next few weeks, according to an email from NYC's Deputy Press Secretary Jeremy Edwards: “We plan to launch this first product to New Yorkers by fall 2026.” “These teams will move quickly and deliberately to solve real problems, make city government easier to use, deliver for working New Yorkers and advance our agenda of affordability and public excellence,” Mamdani said in a statement. The first of the five total PIT Crew teams will focus on a solution to support implementing the Mamdani administration’s Click to Cancel protections. The new rule, which takes effect Oct. 1, aims to protect consumers from businesses that do not clearly disclose subscription terms or provide a straightforward cancellation process. The first PIT Crew will work with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to build a portal for filing complaints against companies violating this new rule. DCWP is charged with enforcing the rule, and companies that violate it will be liable for civil penalties starting at $525. Three of the other four PIT Crew teams will advance the mayor's agenda. An additional crew is being developed with The Rockefeller Foundation’s support
Jul 13, 2026 · via govtech.com
For over a hundred years, the Brazilian electricity sector functioned as a one-way street. Energy was produced in large power plants, transmitted through long lines, and passively distributed until it reached the consumer. This centralized model was efficient for the 20th century, but it no longer meets the needs of the 21st century. We are witnessing a historic transformation comparable to the arrival of the internet or mobile telephony. Electricity is no longer just an instantaneous flow, but a manageable, digital, intelligent, and distributed resource. It is at this point that energy storage ushers in a new era. What changes is not just the technology, but the logic of the system. If before the consumer was a passive agent, now they can become a producer, storer, and trader of energy. Solar panels on rooftops, batteries in homes and businesses, electric vehicles connected to the grid, microgrids In hospitals and universities: all of this makes up a mosaic of distributed energy resources that challenges traditional infrastructure. But for this revolution to happen, the electrical grid needs to stop being just a wire that carries energy and transform into an intelligent exchange platform. Storage is the missing link for this transformation. This is not some distant, futuristic vision. In recent years, the entire world has been investing in energy storage systems. China, the United States, Germany, and Australia have already demonstrated that batteries are not just a capital expense, but an investment in efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness. Brazil, with one of the cleanest electricity grids on the planet, has the opportunity to lead this new energy economy. But to do so, it needs to understand that modernization will not come solely from renewable generation. It will come from grid intelligence. Energy storage is versatile. It reduces the intermittency of renewable sources, improves
Jul 13, 2026 · via canalsolar.com.br
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Jul 13, 2026 · via maaal.com
Verse Raises $54m to Tackle the Data Centre Power Crunch Verse, a platform that helps large energy users manage and access power, has raised US$54m in Series B funding to help launch its new product Dispatch Intelligence. The company was founded in 2022 by Matt Penfold and Seyed Madaeni and has quickly built a reputation in the tech sector thanks to its proprietary software, Aria. The platform is now used by several Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart, Meta and BASF, all of which are looking to make sense of their sprawling energy portfolios by tracking utility bills, contracts and power purchase agreements. Dispatch Intelligence promises to build on those capabilities by helping companies secure power rather than simply manage it. Specifically, Dispatch Intelligence will be aimed at data centre operators, helping them to bring sites online faster by making better use of on-site energy resources. The proposition has been welcomed enthusiastically by the tech sector, with the likes of NVIDIA and Google involved in this latest funding round. Solving AI’s power bottleneck The announcement lands at a moment when power, rather than chips or capital, has become the primary constraint on the expansion of AI. Data centre developers around the world regions are currently grappling with generation shortages, transmission bottlenecks and lengthy interconnection processes. This is something Verse’s founders are keenly aware of. “Today the energy industry is facing an entirely new set of challenges,” says Matt. “AI has driven an unprecedented surge in demand for power. Time to connect to the grid has gone from a couple of years to seven, eight, nine years,” he adds, underlining just how big this issue is getting. Verse estimates that hundreds of data centres are currently stuck in these queues, representing what it describes as US$500bn in annual revenue left on the
Jul 13, 2026 · via energydigital.com
As the framework for advanced air mobility (AAM) continues to evolve around the globe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states—including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in particular—have taken an operations-led path, allowing regulation, vertiports, air corridors, airspace management, and early commercial deployment to develop alongside one another rather than strictly in sequence. HOW THE GCC REGULATORS ARE APPROACHING THE MARKET The defining feature of the GCC regional approach is the speed of regulatory response rather than the comprehensiveness of any single instrument. Gulf regulators benefit from fast policy networks, and they have used that advantage to integrate multiple authorities at both federal and local levels (including road and transport, air traffic management, and infrastructure and financing) around a workable solution, before building a fully robust regulatory landscape. The emphasis is on tying the pillars together so that operations can begin, with the rules evolving as the market matures. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: IMPLEMENT FIRST, REGULATE ALONGSIDE The UAE is the most advanced AAM jurisdiction in the GCC region and is arguably one of the most advanced globally. Its implementation method for AAM is similar to the way it has handled other emerging technologies such as AI and virtual assets: begin operating while developing the regulatory framework in parallel. The logic is to make progress and refine the rules as real experience accumulates, rather than hinder deployment to wait for a complete framework. The physical buildout is also advanced in the UAE. A vertiport near Dubai International Airport is reported to be substantially complete, with several other hubs in development, and the country is pursuing two parallel models across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, each progressing with its own original equipment manufacturer relationships. The UAE frames AAM specifically as an urban mobility solution (i.e., a response
Jul 13, 2026 · via jdsupra.com
Best Cities for Engineers: The Top Regional Hubs for Career Growth Finding a place to live that supports both your personal and professional aspirations is more important than ever. For engineering professionals, choosing where to call home is all about work-life balance – you want a place to live that offers an exceptional quality of life and where you can build a thriving career. Engineered for Success: 15 Cities for Engineering Innovation To help navigate this, we partnered with the labor market data experts at Chmura Economics & Analytics to analyze relevant nationwide data. Rather than delivering a one-size-fits-all national list, we’ve broken our guide down by region. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to stay close to your university network or a seasoned professional wanting to return to your roots, this regional approach highlights top-tier engineering hubs across the country to match your geographic preferences. In This Article Our Data-Backed Methodology To create this list, Chmura evaluated communities across four data categories, examining: - Opportunity (Where the jobs are): Examines how specialized the city is in engineering jobs and compares active openings to overall employment to gauge hiring activity. - Earnings Quality (What the jobs pay): Looks at engineers’ pay advantage in the market and how far that money will actually go when factoring in the local cost of living. - Growth & Demand (Where the market is heading): Evaluates the future of engineering hubs, highlighting which cities are growing the fastest, showing steady hiring trends and actively attracting new talent. - Career Acceleration (How far you can go): Focuses on long-term upward mobility – including the potential to climb the ladder, land raises over time and switch industries without having to relocate. From the robotics corridors of the Northeast to the aerospace hubs of the Southwest, here are
Jul 13, 2026 · via livability.com
WATG has announced the appointment of Bhavya Kukrety as the new Managing Director of Asia Pacific, where she will focus on strengthening WATG’s integrated approach across the region, embedding sustainability, ecology and resilience into the firm’s built-environment work… Kukrety will draw on 22 years of experience in the industry where she has delivered sustainable, high-quality solutions to complex land planning problems. As Managing Director at Meinhardt Group, she led over 20 large-scale projects, from bid strategy to execution, and unified delivery teams across its urban development, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital verticals. She also served as Director of Urban Development, where she was responsible for urban infrastructure planning and design projects and smart city development initiatives. David Moore, CEO of WATG, commented: “Bhavya brings a rare combination of strategic planning, sustainability, infrastructure and digital transformation expertise to WATG. Her experience aligns directly with the opportunities we see across Asia Pacific, where clients are seeking destinations and developments that are commercially resilient, environmentally responsible and deeply connected to local culture. We are delighted to welcome her to the firm as we continue to advance our ambitions in this important region.” Bhavya Kukrety, Managing Director of APAC, WATG said: “WATG has an extraordinary legacy in shaping some of the world’s most memorable hospitality and destination experiences. I am excited to build on that foundation across Asia Pacific, working with our clients and studios to create places that are sustainable, contextually grounded and responsive to the future of travel, lifestyle and urban living.” Kukrety holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from IPS Academy and a master’s in urban and regional planning from the School of Planning and Architecture. She was recognized as a Top LinkedIn Voice 2024 for insights on urban infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation. She has been a keynote speaker and panelist,
Jul 13, 2026 · via hoteldesigns.net
Foresight Q&A: Dan Wells on Investing in Climate Technology Without investment, the energy transition would still be little more than a pipe dream. According to the IEA, around US$2.2tn was invested in renewables, nuclear energy, grids, storage, low-carbon fuels, efficiency measures and electrification in 2025. For context, that was twice as much as the US$1.1tn spent on fossil fuels during the same period. With such a large amount of capital being funnelled into climate technology, the story of the investors at the heart of the transition is fascinating. One of the UK's largest transition investors right now is Foresight Group, a London-based investment firm which has £13bn (US$17.4bn) of assets currently under management. In this interview, Dan Wells, a Partner at the firm, discusses how the investment landscape is evolving, why grid infrastructure has become a priority and where he sees the biggest opportunities for climate finance. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Foresight. I’m Dan Wells, a Partner at Foresight Group, where I co-manage our flagship energy transition fund, FEIP, and sit on the Executive Committee. My role at Foresight is focused on raising and deploying capital into infrastructure and energy transition projects that are positioned to benefit from the long-term macro shift toward decarbonisation. My role involves originating and executing investments, as well as working closely with our portfolio companies to support their growth and operational development. Ultimately, my role is about backing high-quality assets and teams and playing an active role in scaling solutions that are critical to the energy transition. What kind of work does Foresight do? Foresight Group is a FTSE 250 investment manager with a focus on private markets through its UK & Ireland regional Private Equity vehicles, and our UK and European Real Assets strategies. Within our Real Assets’
Jul 13, 2026 · via energydigital.com
Dive Brief: - Begin workplace renovations by planning around the technology employees and operators use, a Cisco executive says. - The company has already scaled this blueprint, which treats IT infrastructure as the primary architecture layer, across 30 capital projects worldwide, according to Christian Bigsby, senior vice president of workplace resources at Cisco. - As operators work to align office infrastructure with the demands of hybrid work, this tech-first approach can help organizations right-size meeting rooms, optimize building use and improve energy performance, Bigsby told Facilities Dive in an interview. Dive Insight: Many buildings need to be radically repositioned in the marketplace, with between 20% and 30% of assets non-viable without major reinvestment, Bisgby said. Smart buildings are one key way that landlords and facility managers can differentiate their buildings, he said. Cisco’s “future-proofed workplace approach” began with its Penn One office in New York City. Technology is traditionally an afterthought of retrofits and new construction, but at Penn One, the company flipped that model, starting with the network, Bigsby wrote in a blog post Monday. The building desperately needed renovation, he said. By starting with IT infrastructure and what the company wanted to accomplish in the space, Cisco was able to account for the the needs of major stakeholders when designing the space, according to Bigsby. Laying the framework for smart sensors, automated lighting, HVAC, wayfinding and collaboration from the start allowed Cisco to build the space and experience around technology, “not the other way around,” Bigsby wrote. “The collaboration and the connectivity between the technology, the people and the operators was arguably the biggest revolution that we went through,” he said. “That’s giving us great advantage in the marketplace, but more importantly, some amazing experiences for our employees. … The technology is … anticipating show-up rates, it’s anticipating
Jul 13, 2026 · via facilitiesdive.com
Dive Brief: - New York state and New York City leaders agreed on a plan to improve travel times for bus riders on 50 corridors across all five boroughs, according to a July 8 press release. - The program calls for automated bus lane enforcement cameras to be mounted on city buses along 25 routes, in addition to 67 routes as of July 8. An additional 200 roadside cameras will be installed targeting vehicles driving illegally in marked bus lanes. The New York City Police Department will also increase its bus lane enforcement from 14 to 20 corridors beginning this year. - Separately, the New York City Council and Mayor Zohran Mamdani agreed to expand the city's reduced-fare program to 340,000 additional low-income residents, bringing total eligibility to some 1.3 million people. The June 30, 2027, fiscal year budget proposal includes half-price subway, bus and paratransit fares. Dive Insight: The two agreements follow a long period of efforts to improve bus service and make public transit affordable to more people in New York City. “For years, we at MTA have wanted more bus lanes, more enforcement of cars and trucks blocking bus lanes …. But it’s no secret we didn’t have support at the local level,” New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement. “That is not the case anymore.” New York City buses make 2.75 million passenger trips daily at an average speed of 8 mph, according to the news release. Five corridors in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx were selected as the first new fast routes. Starting this year, the MTA and the New York City Department of Transportation will install protected bus lanes, upgrade bus stations and provide frequent all-day service. “For too long, bus riders have endured
Jul 13, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
A homeowner in Australia named Sam recently opened his electricity bill and found he had over $700 AUD ($500 USD) in credit. He had solar panels, a home battery, an EV and he was being paid for the flexibility his system gave the grid. Stories like Sam's are becoming ordinary in Australia. They point to something the United States (U.S.) energy sector should study closely as it works out how to meet surging data center electricity demand. How Australia got here Australia leads the world in distributed energy adoption: 990 watts of solar per person, the highest rate anywhere. 40% of houses have rooftop solar, totaling 28.3 GW, more than the country's entire coal fleet. Nearly 5% of homes have batteries, with over 400,000 installed between July 2025 and June 2026 alone. This is the product of two decades of deliberate policy. Rooftop solar incentives launched in the early 2000s and evolved into today's small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, cutting 30% to 40% off installed system costs. In 2025, the federal government launched the Cheaper Home Batteries subsidy, since been expanded to $7.2 billion AUD (over $5 billion USD), targeting two million batteries by 2030. It covers roughly 30% of a battery's cost, stacks with state incentives and lets owners earn ongoing revenue through virtual power plant (VPP) programs. Why it worked Australia's National Electricity Market has run some of the highest and most volatile prices in the world for 20 years, swinging from negative, meaning customers get paid to consume, to $23.20 AUD/kWh when supply is tight (over $16/kWh USD). A battery absorbs cheap solar and discharges it when prices spike. Since the policy push took hold, solar costs have fallen more than 90% (and 60% in the last five years), battery costs are down roughly 50% in a decade.
Jul 13, 2026 · via utilitydive.com
Dive Brief: - Chicago is building a $12 million pilot project that will capture and temporarily store nearly 1.7 million gallons of excess stormwater in an underground detention system during heavy rainfall and gradually release it into the sewer system as capacity becomes available. - The Wing Storage project — a partnership between the Chicago Department of Water Management and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago — will be installed beneath city streets and attached to existing sewer infrastructure on Chicago’s West Side, where major storms caused severe flooding in 2023. - Wing Storage is part of Chicago’s broader strategy ”to advance climate resilience and environmental justice through equitable infrastructure investments,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office said in a news release. Dive Insight: Deep Tunnel, Chicago’s system of more than 100 miles of underground tunnels and reservoirs designed to hold floodwater, was nearly at capacity for the first time in the city’s history last week after more than 3 inches of rain — nearly a month’s worth — fell over the July 4 weekend, according to WBEZ. The likelihood of heavy rainstorms that can dump more than 8.5 inches of rain in 24 hours has increased more than sevenfold in Chicago over the past century, but the city’s sewers can handle just 2 inches of rain before flooding is likely, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “We can only expect more storms to come as the effects of climate change hit Chicago’s communities,” Johnson said during a July 8 news conference. “And of course, they hit the South and West Side communities especially hard.” The Center for Neighborhood Technology found that 87% of flood damage insurance claims in Chicago between 2007 and 2016 were in communities of color on the city’s south and west sides. The Illinois Institute of
Jul 13, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
| Business | | Making openness tangible | | | | | | The Tajikistan Pavilion at the Ninth China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on June 29 (XIANG YUTING) Inside one of the international pavilions at the Ninth China-Eurasia Expo, glass display cases sparkled with jewelry. Green jade bracelets, colorful gemstone necklaces and loose stones for custom-made rings were neatly arranged under the lights. A Chinese customer selected a jade bracelet and paid for it via Alipay, a mobile payment app popular in China. The expo was held from June 25 to 29 at the Xinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Themed New Opportunities of Silk Road, New Vitality for Eurasia Cooperation, this year's expo featured six major exhibition zones, covering investment cooperation, Silk Road cooperation, new quality productive forces, industries with distinctive strengths, green development and cultural tourism integration. According to Li Hongqi, Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, both the scale and profile of this year's event reached record highs. Representatives from 49 countries, regions and international organizations participated in the expo, with 27 countries setting up national pavilions. The United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Thailand established national pavilions for the first time. More than 3,100 domestic and overseas institutions and enterprises took part, including over 300 central state-owned enterprises, Fortune Global 500 companies and specialized and innovative firms. The expo also attracted 25,700 professional buyers and business representatives from China and abroad. Regional cooperation and connectivity were promoted at the expo. Closer than before Xinjiang borders Central Asia and serves as an important gateway linking China with markets across Eurasia. As China's major opening-up window to the west, the region has long stood at the forefront
Jul 13, 2026 · via bjreview.com
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Jul 13, 2026 · via youtube.com
UNESCO discusses prospects for Kokand to join the Alliance of “Media and Information Literacy Cities” July 13, 2026. 08:10 • 3 min • 195PARIS, July 13. /Dunyo IA/. An online meeting was held to discuss the accession of the city of Kokand to the UNESCO “Media and Information Literacy Cities” initiative, reports Dunyo IA correspondent. Meeting was attended by Alton Grizzle, representative of the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector; Muhammadrashod Mavlonkulov, Advisor to the Khokimiyat of Kokand; Uktam Zhuraev, official of the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO; Bakhrom Radjabov, representative of the UNESCO Office in Tashkent; as well as officials from the Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO. During the meeting, representatives of Kokand expressed strong interest in developing cooperation with UNESCO in the field of media and information literacy. It was noted that Kokand, which possesses a rich historical, cultural, educational, and social potential, views the “MIL Cities” initiative as an opportunity to systematize its efforts in developing digital skills, fostering the responsible use of information, and engaging youth, educational and cultural institutions, libraries, museums, mass media and local communities. UNESCO representatives noted Kokand's interest in developing cooperation within the “MIL Cities” initiative, emphasizing that the city's rich historical and cultural heritage, educational traditions and active community life provide a solid foundation for promoting media and information literacy at the local level. During the meeting, it was highlighted that Kokand possesses significant potential to become an active urban platform for implementing modern UNESCO approaches to critical thinking, digital skills, responsible information consumption, and resilience to disinformation. In this context, particular importance is attached to drafting a municipal Action Plan, which will unite the efforts of the khokimiyat, educational and cultural institutions, libraries, museums, media, youth organizations, families, civil society and other stakeholders. UNESCO emphasized the importance of an
Jul 13, 2026 · via dunyo.info
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 July 2026 - The inaugural LEAP East 2026 was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (8-10 July), gathering more than 35,000 technology professionals, policymakers and investors from 30 countries and regions. The three-day event, the first LEAP summit staged outside Saudi Arabia, featured over 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors and over 400 investors, covering cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, smart cities and new energy industries. "This turnout speaks volumes about the global appeal of LEAP East and the strength of our shared vision," said Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) at the opening ceremony of the event. "I am particularly delighted to note that this conference will continue to be held in Hong Kong in the coming three years." Other top government officials attending the opening ceremony included Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSARG and Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia. The event underscored the deepening partnership between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, and highlighted Hong Kong's role as a unique gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world. "Hong Kong is perhaps the only city in the world that connects seamlessly to both the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world at the same time," Chan said. "Working under the common law system, we have robust protection for intellectual property. As a free port, capital, goods, talent and data freely flow in and out of this city. Simple, low tax is a standing feature of our regime. And we are one of the safest, most stable cities anywhere in the world. These are the foundations on which businesses, talent and creativity thrive." Chan invited Saudi and
Jul 13, 2026 · via vir.com.vn
| Cần Giờ mangrove forest seen from above. — VNA/VNS Photos | HCM CITY — Việt Nam’s green transition is accelerating, with the State, businesses and citizens aligning to create a stable 'three-legged stool' for sustainable growth. Cần Giờ in HCM City offers a vivid case of the green transition in practice. Low-lying and encircled by rivers and the sea, it is among the city’s most climate-exposed areas. Alongside moves into renewable energy and a greener economy, strict conservation of its mangrove ecosystem is treated as a prerequisite for development. According to Dr Huỳnh Đức Hoàn, head of the HCM City Protective Forest Management Board, the Cần Giờ mangroves act as an ecological shield, mitigating climate impacts, curbing erosion, and protecting coastal communities. Mangroves absorb and store large volumes of carbon, much of it locked long-term in waterlogged soils and sediments, an asset for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and developing a future carbon credit market. Local green livelihood models, from floating solar over shrimp ponds and harvesting nipa palm sap to eco-tourism, are creating economic value while easing pressure on the mangroves. Across the country, major cities such as Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng are taking the lead in cutting emissions, adapting to climate change and building smart cities. Nguyễn Trung Kiên, Northern Region Executive Director of An Cường Wood Joint Stock Company, said the company is developing low-emission materials, optimising energy use and automation, and conducting greenhouse gas inventories under ISO 14064-1, independently verified. Its integrated management systems meet ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, helping control emissions and improve efficiency. The firm is also adopting clean energy, including rooftop solar. “An Cường is steadfast on the path to Net Zero and sees it as central to our sustainability strategy,” Kiên told Tin tức và Dân tộc (News
Jul 13, 2026 · via vietnamnews.vn
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 982 development projects worth ₹1,047.09 crore in Muzaffarpur district on Sunday (July 12, 2026). The programme was organised by the Urban Development and Housing Department and Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) at the MIT Muzaffarpur ground. These include 669 projects worth ₹375.04 crore under the ‘Mukhyamantri Samagra Shahri Vikas Yojana’ (Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Urban Development Scheme), three projects worth ₹233.77 crore under the Storm Water Drainage Scheme, and the Muzaffarpur Smart City project worth ₹213.25 crore, among others. He also inaugurated the Sikandarpur Lake Front, developed at a cost of ₹225.03 crore under the Muzaffarpur Smart City project. Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister inspected the Sikandarpur Lake Front. A total of 673 projects were inaugurated, and foundation stones were laid for 309 other projects. Mr. Choudhary announced that 12 new townships would be developed across the state, including the establishment of the ‘Tirhut Township’ in Muzaffarpur. He asserted that construction work for the Muzaffarpur airport would commence soon. He added that the development of the Patna-Muzaffarpur Rapid Rail Corridor will reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately 40 minutes. He expressed special thanks to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the ongoing construction of a grand temple dedicated to Mata Sita in Sitamarhi. He announced that a University of Architecture and Civil Engineering would be opened within the MIT campus in Muzaffarpur. Mr. Choudhary said that this university would emerge as a centre of excellence for technical education, research, and innovation, providing new opportunities for quality technical education to the youth of Bihar. The Chief Minister stated that the state government is operating on a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy on corruption and cybercrime. “Approximately 5 lakh applications have been resolved
Jul 12, 2026 · via thehindu.com