Latest news with #BBCUK
Indian Express
04-08-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Paan-Indian' issue goes global: viral video of spitting stains across London streets sparks outrage
Chewing tobacco has long been a public nuisance in India, with paan stains frequently visible on streets and in public spaces. Now, the issue has crossed borders and reached Harrow in London, where tobacco consumers have been spitting paan, leaving noticeable stains across the area. A video capturing distressing scenes from the streets of Harrow has triggered outrage on social media. The viral video shows paan spit over a dustbin placed on the roadside. As the clip progresses, several stains can be seen on the trees and pathways. Shared by Harrow Online, the report states that the stains are mostly found in Rayners Lane and North Harrow. Residents in the area claimed that the stains have become common outside shops and takeaway restaurants selling chewing tobacco products. 'Paan spitting is becoming a big problem in Harrow – with stains spreading from Rayners Lane to North Harrow. Residents are calling for more action,' the caption read. Watch the viral video here: A post shared by Harrow Online (@harrowonline1) The video quickly gained traction, triggering outrage as several users blamed Indians. 'The paan shop needs to take some responsibility for selling this tobacco,' a user wrote. 'It's these illegal students and uber eats drivers . Polluting Harrow near the college on the hill,' another user commented. 'Indians doing their thing,' a third user reacted. 'It's disgusting and causes mouth cancer so puts more strain on the already overstretched NHS,' another user chimed in. In a 2010 report published by BBC UK, the Brent Council ran an education campaign to eradicate the problems of paan spitting and also imposed fines of 80 pounds on those caught spitting paan in public places. Earlier, many videos of the media reporting the growing issue in Wembley went viral.
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Building Sustainable Mobility In MEA: Trends And Tips For EPC Leaders
Hany Naeem, CEO of Boldbridge Capital (BBC) UK. Railway, infrastructure, FTTX cable renewable energy and sustainability management. With sustainable mobility in full swing, I believe the transportation sector is bound to change for good. Interestingly, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are playing an important role in this shift. Various countries have already pushed sustainability initiatives. In the United Arab Emirates, for example, Dubai wants to have 42,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030. But while it looks good on paper, implementing sustainable mobility in such traffic-dense and climate-changing regions can be problematic without a blueprint to follow. This is something I've learned firsthand through my experience working on EPC projects across the MEA region, from leading the transition of railway systems from diesel to electric locomotives in Egypt and implementing intelligent traffic management solutions. My focus on integrating clean energy into transportation infrastructure drives my commitment to sustainable mobility and enabling EPC firms to navigate the shift toward eco-friendly solutions effectively. Here are the emerging trends I'm paying attention to, along with some action steps to help EPC firms design, build and deliver sustainable and future-proof mobile solutions in MEA. Trends In Sustainable Mobility In The MEA Region A range of factors has created the urgency for sustainable mobile solutions, from escalating fuel costs to escalating urban congestion, pollution and climate change risks. This opens a huge opportunity for MEA-based EPC firms to implement smart infrastructure to deal with operational knots. There are a few trends that will pave the way forward: • Expanding EVs: Global EV sales are skyrocketing, tasking EPCs with designing battery storage solutions, local energy infrastructure and supporting grid refinements. South Africa appears to be keeping up well here, with the country planning to invest nearly $55 million to back up the production of new energy vehicles and battery systems. • Charging infrastructure dominance: From power load management to building local charging stations, MEA's EV charging market is expected to grow from around $163 million to $380 million by 2029. • Integrating renewable energy: I expect charging systems to integrate zero-emission transport alternatives. The UAE, for example, noted that it aims to build a $6 billion solar and battery energy plant that "will combine 5 GW of solar capacity with 19 GWh of storage, which will ensure uninterrupted delivery of 1GW of electricity," according to Reuters. • Electric fleets: Some corporations are starting to use electric fleets in the MEA region, which warrants more building and adjustments. In Africa, EV owners are on the rise, and it figures, given the continent's EV market is expected to reach close to $18 billion by the end of 2025. Sustainable Mobility In MEA: Key Steps For EPC Firms In the MEA region, sustainable mobility solutions have become the logical next step. With fuel dependencies hitting some economies hard, there's a unique chance to become a leader in the future of transport. Here are the key steps EPCs can take to get there. First, it's vital to evaluate the current landscape of your transportation solutions, especially for EPCs in congested urban centers like Cairo and Lagos. Audit all transportation initiatives, fuel consumption, vehicle usage and logistics efficiency, including emissions impact. Identify any gaps, and then allocate resources to improve. Inefficient, too-long commutes are a common challenge in MEA cities, which impact productivity and air quality. EPCs can step up here by developing accessible, sustainable alternatives that support both employee mobility and the climate. Start by launching e-mobility programs for employees, like e-bike sharing or e-shuttle services. Consider the infrastructure behind it, like docking and solar-powered charging stations. As we've seen, EV adoption is the latest move in the MEA region. EPCs should begin shifting their fleets at this stage, keeping them in line with road maps across their respective countries. Map which vehicles to upgrade. Install EV charges at key locations and allocate sufficient budget. It might seem like a bigger investment, but in the long run, it could equate to lower fuel and maintenance costs. With the African population expected to double by 2050, running an EPC business on poor logistics is just bad math. And it's not just Africa. I believe all MEA-based EPCs will likely be required to become more agile and build efficient systems that limit carbon output and serve the growing communities. Use route optimization tools, and focus on consolidating loads to cut unnecessary trips. This is highly valuable in MEA cities with bad public infrastructure. Sustainability regulations are piling up every year. Meeting these regulations is a no-brainer—it helps EPC firms stay legal and keep up with the latest changes. From Egypt's green procurement rules to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 environmental regulations, EPC firms must be on high alert. It's good to perform regular audits, check for updates occasionally and conduct training programs to align employees with the latest. MEA On The Move: Sustainable Mobility Is Here To Stay Across MEA, cities are growing quickly, putting even bigger emphasis on the need for smarter, cleaner ways to commute. With initiatives well underway, EPC firms in the region are at the perfect stage to go big or stay behind. There's the benefit of potentially reducing operational costs, but that's not the only perk. With the population growing and urbanization becoming more complex across MEA, EPCs that act early on these projects can secure vital projects for the future and lead the change into the next era of mobility. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
