DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, January 28, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a significant step towards enhancing intelligent transportation infrastructure, Smart City UAE has successfully integrated an advanced taxi dispatch system, marking a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the region’s mobility landscape. The initiative supports the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to establish smarter, technology-driven urban ecosystems. This latest deployment introduces real-time vehicle tracking, predictive route optimization, and automated dispatch operations, ensuring faster response times, transparent pricing, and improved rider experience. City authorities have confirmed that the upgrade is part of a broader plan to transform urban mobility through data-driven decision-making and digital infrastructure. Transforming Mobility Through Technology The new system, developed in partnership with Mobility Infotech, is designed to enhance operational performance and service quality across public and private transport fleets. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, the solution continuously analyzes traffic conditions and passenger demand to help dispatchers allocate vehicles more effectively. Officials associated with the project stated that the system’s integration aligns closely with the UAE’s “Green Mobility Vision 2030,” as it reduces fuel wastage and optimizes routing to minimize emissions. The deployment also lays a strong foundation for future integration with electric and autonomous vehicles. “The UAE continues to lead the way in implementing smart technologies that enhance quality of life,” said Smart City UAE spokesperson. “This initiative sets a new benchmark in intelligent mobility, one that prioritizes convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.” Human-Centric Design for Drivers and Passengers Beyond automation, the system focuses on human-centric features that elevate the overall travel experience. Enhanced safety protocols, multilingual communication support, and driver performance analytics are among the features incorporated to ensure a seamless interaction between passengers, drivers, and city administrators. The integration also provides administrators with real-time dashboards to monitor key performance metrics, including demand
Apr 5, 2026 · via thedestinlog.com
Field notes from New Delhi Iran energy shocks give rise to urban-to-rural migration in India Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments - Rising energy prices due to the Iran conflict are disrupting India's energy supplies, causing some migrant workers to return home. - Surat's industries, particularly textile, are suffering losses. The industry may be losing "up to 10 million rupees" daily, with 30% of workers leaving. - Rural economies face strain from returning migrants and fertiliser shortages, potentially impacting India's consumption and global food production. AI generated NEW DELHI – The first sign of trouble for migrant worker Sadlu, 21, was in the makeshift kitchen in a tiny room he shared with six other migrants in Surat city in western Gujarat state. The supply of cooking gas became erratic in mid-March, with prices increasing fourfold at one point, as a distant war in Iran disrupted India’s energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, affecting Indian homes like his. Then rumours of a lockdown due to low energy supplies started circulating on the floor of the textile processing plant where he worked. Alarmed by the uncertainty, his mother insisted that he and his brother, who was also in the same industry, immediately return to their home town in Prayagraj district in Uttar Pradesh state, some 1,400km away. On March 27, Mr Sadlu, who goes by only one name, followed in the wake of his brother, who had left a day earlier, packing his meagre belongings, even though it meant losing about 500 rupees (S$6.90) in daily wages. “My mother insisted I should come home. And also, I was wondering how I would buy gas at such a high price. I didn’t want to come back to the village,” he said over the phone from his village in Uttar Pradesh.
Apr 5, 2026 · via straitstimes.com
05 Apr REAL ESTATE FUTURIST KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR CORPORATE EVENTS: RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Top real estate futurist keynote speaker pros, thought leaders and consulting experts explore how emerging future trends, technologies, and societal shifts are remaking the future of the commercial and residential property market. The job of consultants and SMEs who rank among the best real estate futurist keynote speaker choices is to help industry professionals (developers, investors, brokers, and corporate leaders) understand what’s coming next and how to prepare for it. Linking data-driven insights with forward-thinking perspectives, keynotes offer a roadmap for adapting to a fast-changing market. A big point of coverage technology and innovation in the space. Celebrity real estate futurist keynote speaker advisors cover advancements such as artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality property tours, and smart building systems. Leading futurologist consultants explain how the tools are transforming how properties are bought, sold, managed, and experienced. Influencers and KOLs also highlight the growing job of automation and digital platforms in streamlining transactions and improving efficiency. Also of note is changing consumer behavior. Famous real estate futurist keynote speaker picks examine how demographics, lifestyle preferences, and remote work trends are influencing demand. For example, shifts toward flexible living, co-working spaces, and suburban or secondary markets are often explored. The insights help businesses anticipate where opportunities will emerge and how to meet evolving client expectations. Urbanization and city planning are also leading themes. International real estate futurist keynote speakers discuss how cities are adapting to population growth, sustainability challenges, and infrastructure demands. Topics like smart cities, green buildings, and mixed-use developments are addressed, providing a broader view of how real estate fits into the future of communities. Also global real estate futurist keynote speakers analyze economic and investment trends. SMEs examine factors such as interest rates, global markets,
Apr 5, 2026 · via futuristsspeakers.com
As enterprises enter 2026, cloud computing is evolving from a foundational IT layer into a strategic platform driving innovation, resilience, and competitive differentiation. The growing integration of artificial intelligence is enabling predictive scaling, intelligent resource management, and real-time decision-making, helping organisations enhance performance while optimising costs. At the same time, security has taken centre stage, with zero-trust frameworks becoming essential to protect increasingly distributed and complex digital environments through continuous verification and identity-led controls. Industry leaders also highlight a decisive shift towards hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, where enterprises balance agility with control by operating across public clouds, private infrastructure, and on-premises systems. This evolution, while enabling flexibility and scalability, has intensified the need for unified orchestration, observability, and governance. Experts across cloud, OEM, and solution provider ecosystems emphasise that the focus is now on simplifying complexity, embedding AI into core operations, and ensuring data sovereignty in line with emerging regulatory requirements. Against this backdrop, VARINDIA spoke to a cross-section of Cloud & Data Center companies, OEM players, and solution providers/ partners to understand how they are aligning strategies, investments, and platforms to power the next phase of enterprise digital transformation in an AI-driven world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Building a unified connectivity cloud to enable AI, edge, and secure innovation GORAN RISTICEVIC VP & MD, ASIA PACIFIC, CLOUDFLARE “At Cloudflare, we are seeing cloud evolve from a collection of services into a more unified, intelligent layer that connects users, applications and data seamlessly. Our focus has been on building a connectivity cloud that integrates networking, security, and compute into a single platform, reducing fragmentation and enabling organizations to operate more efficiently. As AI adoption accelerates, particularly in markets like India, there is a growing need for infrastructure that supports real-time processing and low- latency experiences. We are investing in edge capabilities that allow
Apr 5, 2026 · via varindia.com
Chicago might have too many nicknames. We’re the Windy City. The City of the Big Shoulders. City in a Garden. The Second City. The Third Coast. New ones seem to crop up all the time, and I’m saying right here that you’ll never get me to call it “Chi-Town.” But I’ve always been partial to “The City that Works.” I have more than a decade working for the city in urban planning, parks and transportation, and for me, “The City that Works” means we’re a city that, well, works. And we work hard and smart. We grind, adapt, move forward, build and rebuild, figure it out, get big things done, and we ought to work well for the people who live here. The tilt toward action, movement, is part of the appeal. The current “Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050” design competition launched by World Business Chicago asks us to propose bold and transformative ideas for Chicago’s future. This includes how we move around cities and what we might do with the streets and sidewalks we share that make up the public realm. In short, what transportation future should the City that Works work toward? It’s a critical question because the future is upon us. Autonomous vehicles. Delivery drones. Sidewalk robots. Electric air taxis. Traffic management powered by artificial intelligence. Vehicles and infrastructure that talk to each other. An unending number of new technologies and tools seem to land on our streets every day. To prevent the proverbial tail (technology) from wagging the dog (our city), we need to design for the public realm we want, and the right tools will follow. Too often, our conversations about mobility confuse the tool with the job we want the tool to perform. The job is to move us from where we are
Apr 5, 2026 · via chicagotribune.com
Dubai to invest Dh348 million in parks If you like the idea of an active lifestyle and a kid-friendly environment, you are going to love this development. Dubai Municipality has announced that it’ll be opening 35 new parks across Dubai this year – which will require an investment of Dh348 million. The move is in line with the Dubai Parks and Greenery Strategy within the ambit of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The projects are also aligned with the Municipality’s Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030. Together, these new parks will span over 340,000 square metres and serve 23 residential communities. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. These green spots will be within a five-minute walking distance from surrounding neighbourhoods. “All parks will be developed as open, unfenced spaces that integrate seamlessly with surrounding communities and reflect their local identity. Designs incorporate climate-responsive features and resilient infrastructure, positioning parks as everyday destinations,” said a statement. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality continues to accelerate the delivery of public and neighbourhood parks in line with the Dubai Parks and Greenery Strategy and the Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030. This portfolio reflects our commitment to expanding integrated public spaces within a human-centric urban ecosystem that enhances wellbeing and strengthens social cohesion. “By ensuring parks are within walking distance and designed around the evolving needs of communities, we are setting a new benchmark for the role of public spaces in improving quality of life and supporting sustainable urban growth across the emirate.” Initiatives include expanded tree planting, the use of recycled irrigation water, renewable energy solutions, and the deployment of artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance environmental governance, optimise resource efficiency, and support
Apr 5, 2026 · via gulfnews.com
The goal is outlined in Resolution No. 80, recently issued by the Government, which updates the national action program on urban planning, construction, management and sustainable development through 2030, with a long-term vision to 2045. Rising urbanization and expanding city networks Under the plan, Vietnam aims to achieve an urbanization rate of at least 45 percent by 2025 and over 50 percent by 2030, placing it among the higher-middle tier of urbanized countries in ASEAN and across Asia. The total number of urban areas is projected to reach between 950 and 1,000 by 2025, and approximately 1,000 to 1,200 by 2030. Urban land is expected to account for around 1.5-1.9 percent of the country’s total natural land area by 2025, rising to 1.9-2.3 percent by 2030. By the end of the decade, Vietnam also plans to establish several national and regional urban centers that meet key benchmarks in healthcare, education, training and cultural development, comparable to leading cities in the top four ASEAN countries. Infrastructure, connectivity and quality of life The program sets out clear targets for urban infrastructure. Transport land is expected to account for 11-16 percent of urban construction land by 2025 and increase to 16-26 percent by 2030. Green space per capita is projected to reach 6-8 square meters by 2025 and 8-10 square meters by 2030. Average housing floor space in urban areas is targeted at a minimum of 28 square meters per person by 2025, rising to at least 32 square meters by 2030. Digital infrastructure is another central pillar. By 2025, fiber-optic broadband is expected to cover more than 80 percent of urban households, alongside widespread access to 4G and 5G networks and smartphones. Over 80 percent of the adult urban population is expected to have electronic payment accounts. By 2030, universal broadband access
Apr 5, 2026 · via vietnamnet.vn
Related Topics Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Articles View All Hover to load posts Resource Hubs Featured Resources Link to Best Practices for Deploying and Scaling Industrial AI Best Practices for Deploying and Scaling Industrial AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industrial operations, helping organizations optimize workflows, reduce downtime, and enhance productivity. Different industry verticals leverage AI in unique ways. Link to The Center for Adaptive Edge Intelligence The Center for Adaptive Edge Intelligence Adaptive edge intelligence brings real-time decision-making to the point of data creation, whether from sensors, machines, or cameras. Link to The Value of Vehicle Electrification The Value of Vehicle Electrification Electric vehicles (EVs) present automakers with many design, engineering, and manufactu ring challenges. Link to Accelerating Manufacturing Digital Transformation with Industrial Connectivity and IoT Accelerating Manufacturing Digital Transformation with Industrial Connectivity and IoT Digital transformation is empowering industrial organizations to deliver sustainable innovation, disruption-proof products and services, and continuous operational improvement. Link to Smart Manufacturing for Automotive Smart Manufacturing for Automotive Leading a transportation revolution in autonomous, electric, shared mobility and connectivity with the next generation of design and development tools. Link to Center for Data Pipeline Automation Center for Data Pipeline Automation As businesses become data-driven and rely more heavily on analytics to operate, getting high-quality, trusted data to the right data user at the right time is essential. Link to Center for Automated Integration Center for Automated Integration The goal of automated integration is to enable applications and systems that were built separately to easily share data and work together, resulting in new capabilities and efficiencies that
Apr 4, 2026 · via rtinsights.com
About the Initiative Varkala Joins Global Zero Waste Cities Initiative: The “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” initiative is a global programme promoting sustainable urban waste management. It is led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste with support from UNEP and UN-Habitat. The initiative recognises cities adopting innovative strategies to reduce waste generation and improve resource efficiency. It encourages a shift toward circular economy models. Static GK fact: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Varkala’s Inclusion Varkala, a coastal town in Kerala, has been selected among the 20 global cities in this initiative. This highlights India’s growing focus on sustainable urban governance. The town is known for adopting eco-friendly practices such as waste segregation, plastic reduction, and community participation. Its inclusion places it on a global sustainability platform. Static GK Tip: Kerala is known for its high Human Development Index (HDI) among Indian states. Key Objectives The initiative aims to promote innovation in waste management and recognise cities demonstrating leadership. It focuses on sharing best practices across nations. A major objective is to implement circular economy principles, where waste is minimised and materials are reused. This reduces dependence on landfills and promotes sustainability. The programme also encourages global cooperation to address environmental challenges collectively. Static GK fact: The concept of circular economy focuses on reduce, reuse, and recycle principles. Importance for India Varkala’s selection strengthens India’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It reflects progress in urban environmental management. The initiative boosts India’s image as a contributor to global sustainability efforts. It also encourages other Indian cities to adopt zero-waste strategies. Such recognition supports tourism development by promoting eco-friendly destinations. It also improves local governance and community awareness. Static GK Tip: SDG 11 focuses on making
Apr 4, 2026 · via usthadian.com
The scaffolding has come down at Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. And like a pivotal makeover reveal in a classic rom-com or coming-of-age movie, the transformation showcases a retouched version of the beauty that’s always been there, it just needed a little help to make it shine. In the case of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Pennsylvania residence, the home underwent a three-year, $7 million preservation project to address a leaky roof, among other concerns. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which owns and operates the estate, recently announced that the work, including waterproofing the roof, repairing concrete, and replacing windows and door frames, has been successfully completed, allowing the house to reopen for tours and programming. Designed in 1935, the project was commissioned by the Kaufmann family, owners of a prominent Pittsburgh department store. “I want you to live with the waterfall,” Wright famously told his clients. To realise this vision, he conceived a series of concrete “trays” anchored to the natural rock, allowing the house to hover just above, almost within, the rushing water below. According to accounts from his apprentices, the design came together in a matter of hours. “I just shake the buildings out of my sleeves,” Wright reportedly said. Today, the restoration brings renewed clarity to Wright’s radical vision of organic architecture, reinforcing the house’s seamless dialogue with its landscape. Careful conservation has preserved not only its structural integrity, but also the sensory experience of the space, from the sound of water flowing beneath the terraces to the shifting natural light that defines its interiors. Arguably his most famous design, the singularity of the home has meant it comes with equally unique challenges. Among the most pivotal, its integration into the natural site has made it particularly vulnerable to the elements. “If you think about your own house, you replace
Apr 4, 2026 · via admiddleeast.com
The main assumption behind China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is that economic connectivity can be insulated from geopolitics. The war with Iran is not just a regional conflict; it strikes at the structural heart of the BRI vision by showing that the BRI corridors are deeply impacted by regional security shocks. The BRI is an ambitious, multi-year Chinese program involving up to 150 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It aims at securing stable flows of goods and services to and from China. The BRI was designed to pave the road for China to become the leading superpower of the 21st century. It was launched in 2013, with an investment of $1 trillion dollars, which is expected to grow, over time, to $4-$5 trillion. Iran was a central hub in the BRI China-Middle East corridor, where it served as a land bridge linking Central Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Along with other key countries in this corridor (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt), the BRI invested in oil and gas infrastructure, ports, industrial zones, logistic hubs, etc., providing critical energy for the entire network while serving as a keystone for China’s westward expansion. The effects of the war on the BRI The war with Iran is affecting the BRI at three levels. First, it directly disrupts a key node (Iran). Chinese projects in Iran (rail, ports, energy) face uncertainty, suspension, or destruction; infrastructure corridors tied to Iran are now high-risk or unusable. Second, China depends heavily on Gulf energy, much of it passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now blocked by Iran. This hits the economic foundation of BRI (cheap energy + trade stability). Third, the war creates a spillover of instability across other countries involved in the BRI. Chinese
Apr 4, 2026 · via jpost.com
PUNE: A Kashmir-based deep-tech start-up is looking to bring futuristic, wire-free power solutions to Pune, positioning the city as a potential early adopter of its laser-based energy transmission technology. Prime Movr, which has developed a system to convert laser beams into usable electrical power, is planning pilot deployments in the city in the coming months, targeting industrial clusters, surveillance networks and IoT-driven infrastructure. As global technology players race to crack long-distance wireless power transmission, Prime Movr is carving out a niche by focusing on practical, near-term applications rather than large-scale infrastructure. The companyâs laser power beaming system enables focused energy transfer over distance, eliminating the need for physical wiring in specific use cases. âThis technology holds promise for applications such as powering remote sensors and outdoor surveillance cameras, where wired connectivity or frequent battery replacement is not feasible,â said co-founder Parvez Rishi. Industry observers say Puneâs strong ecosystem of manufacturing, engineering talent and ongoing smart city initiatives makes it a suitable testbed for such emerging technologies. Early deployments could include factory monitoring systems, perimeter surveillance setups and connected infrastructure in large campuses. Globally, laser-based wireless power transmission has seen renewed interest. Companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NTT have demonstrated kilometre-scale energy transfer, while US-based Star Catcher Industries is working on space-based power networks. The US defence agency DARPA is also investing in similar programmes. Unlike these large-scale efforts, Prime Movr is focusing on smaller, deployable solutions. Its systems are aimed at low-power devices operating in hard-to-reach environments, where consistent energy supply remains a challenge. The company is also exploring wireless power transfer through radio frequency (RF) technology in collaboration with the University of Kashmir Institute of Technology. However, it says laser-based transmission offers higher energy density and more precise targeting, improving efficiency while reducing energy loss. With teams
Apr 4, 2026 · via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Chinese surveillance tech rolled out in Africa with ZTE, Hikvision and Huawei at the helm
China’s ‘safe city’ project can counter terrorism and curb crime but critics worry it may repress political opposition and peaceful protests
In a report released in March, researchers mapped smart city surveillance across 11 countries and found that Chinese companies supplied equipment and technology to every nation surveyed, including Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt.
However, despite being marketed for public safety, IDS researchers said African governments frequently repurposed the surveillance systems to monitor and repress political opposition, peaceful dissidents and human rights activists in the absence of adequate legal oversight.
“Our new research shows that the rapid growth of smart city surveillance in Africa is occurring without adequate legal regulation or oversight,” said Tony Roberts, an independent digital rights researcher and co-author of the IDS “Smart City Surveillance in Africa” report.
“Unregulated surveillance creates a chilling effect that inhibits the right to peaceful protest and reduces the freedom to speak truth to power and hold governments to account.”
Apr 4, 2026 · via scmp.com
| The people of Hue are not only proud of their history but also of their harmonious natural landscape. Photo: Minh Anh | Unique, vibrant The Hue Imperial Citadel complex, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1993, comprises over 300 architectural structures including imperial palaces, tombs, temples, pagodas, and other historical relics. Remarkably, these structures in Hue have retained a relatively high degree of integrity, creating a unique architectural landscape. These relics do not stand alone but are integrated into a comprehensive urban planning scheme deeply rooted in the Nguyen Dynasty style. From the surrounding citadel walls to the main thoroughfares, the overall structure forms a complete "open-air museum" of unprecedented scale. If tangible heritage is the "backbone," then intangible heritage is the "soul" of Hue. Hue Royal Court Music – a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity – is still performed regularly. Hue folk songs are regularly performed in concert halls or on the Perfume River. Traditional craft villages such as bronze casting, incense making, and rattan and bamboo weaving continue to exist and develop. In particular, Hue's royal and folk cuisine boasts hundreds of exquisite dishes that have been passed down and prepared daily. Traditional festivals such as the Lantern Festival, the Ao Dai Festival, and the Hue Festival have become distinctive cultural features. All of this creates a "living" cultural ecosystem, not merely artifacts in a museum. Hue's strength lies in the strong connection between its community and its heritage. Many families have lived around the historical sites for generations, becoming natural "keepers of the flame." The people of Hue are not only proud of their history but also express that value through their lifestyle, language, clothing, and daily behavior. It is this human element that makes Hue's heritage seem like a living,
Apr 4, 2026 · via vietnam.vn
Morocco presented its smart city strategy on Thursday in Strasbourg, France, as officials and youth delegates discussed artificial intelligence and local governance during a session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported. At a plenary session dedicated to AI, Moroccan delegate Mohammed Amine El Guermat addressed the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe dedicated to AI. The delegate said Morocco uses technology to modernize local governance and expand access to public services. He pointed to smart city projects underway in major urban areas, including Rabat and Casablanca. El Guermat cited the “Rabat Smart and Sustainable City” project as a concrete example of Morocco’s digital transition. He said the initiative reflects national efforts to integrate innovation into urban planning and public administration. “Innovation alone does not ensure inclusive outcomes,” the delegate noted. Without training, oversight, and full implementation, digital policies may benefit highly connected groups while excluding vulnerable populations, El Guermat added. Speaking on behalf of youth delegates, he said many cities and regions lack readiness to manage complex digital transitions. He cited limited training, tight budgets, and outdated infrastructure as key constraints for local authorities. These limitations risk leaving large segments of the population behind as governments expand digital services, he added. During his comments, the delegate called for measures to protect access for older adults, rural communities, and people with disabilities. He said digital transformation must align with human rights, democratic governance, and the rule of law. AI should serve people rather than replace human-centered decision-making, he explained. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities runs a youth delegate program that brings younger participants into institutional discussions. Youth delegates take part in debates, committee work, and policy exchanges along with elected representatives. They
Apr 4, 2026 · via barlamantoday.com
At a working session held in the capital city of Hanoi on April 3, representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of National Defense, Dien Bien authorities and relevant agencies and businesses discussed the development of the pilot project involving UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) applications. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong stated that Dien Bien was chosen not only due to its mountainous terrain and fragmented geography but also to serve as a reference model for other localities in the future. UAV technology has already been applied in various locations. Therefore, the project will focus on building practical application models to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating UAVs into economic activities, particularly in cargo transportation, while also supporting data collection for production, business operations and management. The Ministry of National Defense has agreed in principle with the pilot project in Dien Bien Province. However, implementation must strictly ensure national defense and security requirements, airspace management, flight safety and public order. At the session, a representative of Vietnam Post Corporation (VNPost) proposed deploying a UAV-based cargo transport model in the province. With its rugged mountainous terrain, Dien Bien faces significant challenges in upgrading road infrastructure, which requires substantial resources and time due to complex construction conditions. Therefore, alongside planned road investments, the province could enhance connectivity through an integrated logistics system combining UAVs and road transport under the low-altitude economy framework, implemented step by step along priority corridors and key nodes.
Apr 4, 2026 · via en.sggp.org.vn
Abstract The 15-minute city presents a novel approach to sustainable urban environments; however, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This paper proposes a methodological framework that classifies 15-minute cities by overall performance and relative performance across facility categories. The study of 339 Chinese cities identifies four distinct city types: high-performance livability-oriented, high-performance consumption-oriented, medium-performance essential service-oriented, and under-served. More affluent cities with more dispersed population and facilities generally perform better. City performance is associated with facility provision profile, with high-performing cities investing more in quality-of-life amenities, while others focus on meeting residents’ basic service needs. These findings support tailored development strategies, suggesting that cities should first ensure access to essential services, before progressively developing livability and consumption-oriented amenities that satisfy more diversified needs. By linking city typologies to facility provision profiles, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of differentiated urban development strategies and provides actionable insights for planning 15-minute cities. Similar content being viewed by others Data availability The original POI data for Chinese cities collected from Amap [https://www.amap.com/] and the national road network data obtained from OpenStreetMap are not publicly available due to licensing and privacy restrictions, but may be obtained from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Population data were obtained from the open dataset by Chen et al. [https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.24916140.v1]. The City Construction Statistical Yearbook 2021 was sourced from China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development [https://www.mohurd.gov.cn/gongkai/fdzdgknr/sjfb/tjxx/jstjnj/index.html], and the China City Statistical Yearbook was obtained from China Statistics Press [https://www.zgtjcbs.com/]. References Moreno, C., Allam, Z., Chabaud, D., Gall, C. & Pratlong, F. Introducing the “15-minute city”: sustainability, resilience and place identity in future post-pandemic cities. Smart Cities 4, 93–111 (2021). Urban and Transit Planning: City Planning: Urbanization and Circular Development https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20995-6 (Springer International Publishing, 2023). Allam, Z., Bibri, S. E., Chabaud, D. & Moreno, C. The ‘15-minute
Apr 4, 2026 · via nature.com
Microsoft invests in Japan’s AI infrastructure by Alimat Aliyeva As part of its development strategy in Japan, Microsoft plans to invest 1.6 trillion yen (about $10 billion) in the country’s economy between 2026 and 2029, AzerNEWS reports. The program is aimed at expanding artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and strengthening collaboration with Japan in cybersecurity. During his visit to Japan, Microsoft President Brad Smith unveiled the plan, which includes an educational initiative to train 1 million engineers and developers to work with AI by 2030. As part of the project, Microsoft will collaborate with local partners such as SoftBank and Sakura Internet. The joint effort is expected to enable Japanese companies and government agencies to use Microsoft Azure cloud services while ensuring that sensitive data remains within the country. Additionally, the partners plan to enhance intelligence sharing to prevent cybercrime, reflecting a broader commitment to secure digital growth. According to Microsoft’s internal data, AI adoption in Japan has surged, with one in five working-age residents currently using generative AI tools. However, government forecasts suggest that by 2040, Japan could face a shortage of more than 3 million specialists in robotics and AI, making investments in education and talent development critical for the country’s economic future. Experts also note that Microsoft’s investment could spur innovation hubs across Japan, potentially creating AI-powered solutions in healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities. This ambitious initiative positions Japan as a global leader in AI and cybersecurity, while also highlighting the strategic role of private-public partnerships in shaping the future of technology. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all
Apr 4, 2026 · via azernews.az
Everything we know about the giant car‑free Chinese city being built as the urban playground of the future Published on Apr 03, 2026 at 11:17 PM (UTC+4) by Jason Fan Last updated on Apr 02, 2026 at 2:16 PM (UTC+4) Edited by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones The car‑free Chinese city, named Net City, backed by tech giant Tencent, sounds like a utopia straight out of science fiction. The ambitious project promised to rethink how cities work from the ground up. Instead of roads packed with cars, it would prioritize people, green space, and smart technology. Now in 2026, it’s still evolving, but the vision remains just as bold. Enter our competition to win a stunning 2006 Ford GT or $400,000 cash! Construction of the Chinese city began in 2020 Planned for Shenzhen’s Dachan Bay, Net City was designed as a massive mixed-use district roughly the size of Midtown Manhattan. Tencent envisioned it as a fully integrated live-work-play ecosystem, combining offices, homes, schools, parks, and retail into one seamless environment. A multinational conglomerate having its own giant headquarters isn’t uncommon, but what really sets it apart is its car-free philosophy. Instead of prioritizing roads, the master plan focuses on walking, cycling, ferries, and public transit, with green corridors, wetlands, and public spaces woven throughout The idea was simple: design a city around people, not vehicles. Add in AI systems, environmental sensors, and smart infrastructure, and Net City quickly became one of the most ambitious ‘future city’ concepts anywhere in the world. Fast forward to 2026, and the reality is a little more grounded. Construction began in the early 2020s, and parts of the development have now entered phased rollout. Early zones tied to Tencent’s headquarters, including residential towers and office spaces, were moving toward completion by late 2025, with trial operations already
Apr 4, 2026 · via supercarblondie.com
Top 25 Companies in Global Remote Infrastructure Management Market (2024–2035): Spherical Insights Analysis RELEASE DATE: Apr 2026 Author: Spherical InsightsRequest Free Sample Speak to Analyst Introduction Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) market refers to services that enable organizations to monitor, manage, and optimize IT infrastructure such as servers, networks, databases, and cloud systems from remote locations. The market is driven by rising cloud adoption, increasing complexity of hybrid IT environments, cost optimization needs, and demand for real-time monitoring and cybersecurity. RIM solutions are widely applied in industries such as BFSI, healthcare, IT & telecom, retail, and government for ensuring operational efficiency, business continuity, and system performance. Governments worldwide support digital transformation through initiatives like smart cities, data localization laws, and IT infrastructure modernization, encouraging RIM adoption. Recent developments include AI-driven AIOps platforms, partnerships among companies like IBM, SAP, and AWS, and expansion of cloud-managed services. Additionally, investments in AI infrastructure and data centers are shaping the market landscape. Technological advancements such as automation, machine learning, predictive analytics, and edge computing are significantly enhancing remote monitoring capabilities and driving market growth globally. Navigate Future Markets with Confidence: Insights from Spherical Insights LLP The insights presented in this blog are derived from comprehensive market research conducted by Spherical Insights LLP, a trusted advisory partner to leading global enterprises. Backed by in-depth data analysis, expert forecasting, and industry-specific intelligence, our reports empower decision-makers to identify strategic growth opportunities in fast-evolving sectors. Clients seeking detailed market segmentation, competitive landscapes, regional outlooks, and future investment trends will find immense value in the full report. By leveraging our research, businesses can make informed decisions, gain a competitive edge, and stay ahead in the transition toward sustainable and profitable solutions. In May 2025, HCL Technologies launched a solution in collaboration with CareAR (a Xerox company) and ServiceNow to
Apr 4, 2026 · via sphericalinsights.com