Latest news with #Corridor
Kuwait Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Expert: Kuwait to revive global trade role through partnership with China
Silk City, renewable energy projects align with Kuwait's Vision 2035 and BRI goals KUWAIT: Kuwait is poised to play a key role in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to a global expert on supply chain geopolitics. Thomas Tronet, co-director of the Centre for Geopolitical Studies on the Middle East, made the remarks during a recent international congress focused on the Middle East and the Islamic world. Tronet emphasized Kuwait's geographical significance. Located at the northern tip of the Gulf, the country is well-positioned to serve as a critical node in the BRI's global logistics network. Its proximity to the China–Central Asia–West Asia Economic Corridor, he noted, makes it a vital gateway for East-West trade. He aimed to fill a knowledge gap often found in French and Western discussions regarding the Gulf region. 'Kuwait is frequently overlooked in France, despite its strategic importance,' Tronet said. He reminded the audience that Kuwait was historically known as the 'Marseille of the Gulf' during the 19th century — a testament to its once-vibrant trading legacy. Today, he sees that the country is reviving that role through modern infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships, especially with China. Central to his discussion was Kuwait's 'omnibalancing' foreign policy strategy. According to Tronet, Kuwait balances its core security reliance on the United States with deepening economic ties to China. 'The US remains Kuwait's indispensable security guarantor,' he said, 'but China has been its primary economic partner for over ten years,' noting that China's policy of non-interference is also well received in the region. Tronet highlighted several key developments under the BRI framework. 'The main focus of Chinese investment is concentrated on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Boubyan Island. A recent decision was made to accelerate this megaproject, which will make it one of the largest ports in the Gulf. With this development, Kuwait is returning to its roots as a trading center.' He explained that the port, which is designed to handle over eight million containers upon completion forms part of a larger vision to transform northern Kuwait — including Subiya and Boubyan — into a logistical and economic hub. Chinese-backed transport corridors, such as a proposed link to Dammam and the Saudi Landbridge, are set to improve regional connectivity. These would offer alternative routes to bypass politically unstable zones like the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. These infrastructure projects are closely linked to Kuwait's national development strategy, known as Vision 2035. The plan seeks to diversify Kuwait's oil-dependent economy and position the country as a regional cultural, commercial, and financial center, according to Tronet. 'Silk City is another megaproject central to Kuwait Vision 2035, projected to accommodate 700,000 residents,' he said adding that China has expressed strong interest in supporting its integration into the BRI, aligning with its global infrastructure investment goals. While acknowledging the challenges of building such a city from scratch, Tronet noted that similar regional projects like Saudi Arabia's NEOM or the UAE's Masdar City show that the ambition is yet still feasible. He clarified that Kuwait is also advancing in renewable energy, another pillar of Vision 2035. China recently secured a contract to construct a new solar plant within the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, further supporting Kuwait's push to diversify its energy portfolio. Tronet noted that Kuwait's solar potential makes it well-suited for such investments and that China's global leadership in green energy supports mutual interests in sustainable development. In closing, Tronet expressed appreciation for the opportunity to spotlight Kuwait. 'I was delighted to help participants of the congress from France and the world get to know Kuwait better, a country I find fascinating,' he said. 'The few Kuwaitis I have met in France are among the most incredible people I know.'
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Land pooling for Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor starts
Indore: Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) has announced the commencement of land pooling for the proposed 19.60 km Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor, which will have commercial and industrial activities on its both sides. The infrastructure project aims to enhance connectivity between Pithampur, airport, and other key urban areas, thereby promoting commercial and industrial activities in the state. MPIDC, Indore executive director Himanshu Prajapati said, "The layout for the proposed 19.60 km Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor has been finalised, and with this, the process of land pooling has started. Consents for more than 250 acre reached us, and we are actively collecting documents from the landowners. " The corridor, stretching 20 km in length and 75 metre in width, will encompass both govt and private lands, with an expected extension of 300 metre on either side. The project carries an estimated cost exceeding Rs 2,400 crore. MPIDC has published the plot numbers of lands from 17 villages, including Kordiabardi, Nainod, Rinjalay, Bisnavada, Navadapanth, Shriram Talavali, Sindoda, Sindodi, Shivkheda, Narlay, Mokalay, Dehri, Sonvay, Bhainslay, Bagoda, Tihi, and Dhannad. Under the Land Pooling Act, there is currently a provision to return 50 per cent of the land to its owners. However, for the Economic Corridor, chief minister Mohan Yadav in March announced the allocation of 60 per cent of the total developed land to the farmers. "As the land acquisition process gains momentum, anticipation builds around the potential economic benefits that the Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor will unlock, paving the way for enhanced industrial growth and job creation in the region. The coming months will be crucial as MPIDC continues its efforts to realise this ambitious infrastructure project," said Prajapati.
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Gadkari opens purse strings for highway projects across Jharkhand
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the Centre is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of Jharkhand and will implement national highway projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Garhwa, the minister said so far NH projects worth Rs 40,000 crore have been completed in the state and work is in progress on projects worth Rs 70,000 crore. Apart from this, schemes worth Rs 75,000 crore are in the pipeline. The minister was in Jharkhand to inaugurate and lay foundation stones of multiple national highway projects worth Rs 6,350 crore. In Garhwa, he launched two important projects — inaugurated a 23-km-long four-lane highway from Shankha to Khajuri, built for Rs 1,130 crore, and laid the foundation stone for a Rs 1,330-crore project for widening (four-lane) a 32-km stretch of NH-39 from the Chhattisgarh–Jharkhand interstate border to Gumla. He made a series of infrastructure-related declarations for Ranchi and other parts of Jharkhand. Speaking in Ranchi during the inauguration of the city's elevated flyover, Gadkari said India's logistics cost, once as high as 16% of the GDP, has now come down to 10% and will further reduce to 9% by the end of this year. 'This will help boost exports, promote industrial growth and generate employment across sectors,' he said. The minister announced several ongoing and new national highway and expressway projects across Jharkhand. Among the major corridors mentioned were the Rs 40,000-crore Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata corridor, Rs 10,000-crore Ranchi–Patna economic corridor (88% work completed), Rs 13,000-crore Ranchi–Varanasi four-lane upgrade (60% completed) and Rs 18,000-crore Raipur–Dhanbad four-lane economic corridor (77% completed). He also said that 60% of the work on the Rs 35,000-crore Delhi–Kolkata six-lane corridor was over; 146 km of the corridor passes through Jharkhand. Apart from these, Gadkari announced new projects including a Rs 8,000-crore economic corridor (121 km in Jharkhand) that will reduce the Ranchi–Odisha route by nearly 100 km, and a Rs 7,000-crore 90-km stretch of the Raxaul–Haldia expressway passing through the state, which will connect regions of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal to the Haldia port. He also mentioned bypasses, elevated roads and underpasses in Ranchi, Deoghar, Jamshedpur and other cities worth thousands of crores aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity. Gadkari said there is no shortage of funds for infrastructure development in Jharkhand. 'Funds are not a constraint. The only hurdles are environment and forest clearances and land acquisition. The state government must resolve these issues quickly. Once that is done, I will ensure all projects are funded and implemented without delay.' Speaking in Garhwa, Gadkari said the Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata Greenfield Corridor worth Rs 36,000 crore will be completed by March 2028. The Ranchi–Varanasi Economic Corridor worth Rs 12,800 crore will be ready by January 2028. He said that Jharkhand's NH network, which was 2,600 km in 2014, has now increased to 4,470 km. Also, 19 aspirational districts of the state have been connected with national highways, said the minister. Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Apple Music celebrates 10 years with the launch of a global artist hub designed to foster creativity and connection
Apple Music celebrates 10 years: Apple Music's 10-year celebration is in full swing as the streaming giant unveils a stunning global artists hub in Los Angeles to mark a decade of musical innovation. This state‑of‑the‑art, three‑story Apple Music Studio offers immersive Spatial Audio, high-end radio suites, and a 15,000 sq ft soundstage—designed for live performances, creative content, and deeper artist‑fan connection. As part of the milestone, Apple is also launching the Replay All Time playlist and a week of Apple Music Radio specials, including a top‑500 streamed songs countdown. With creative hubs planned in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris and more, Apple is signaling its ambition to revolutionize how music is created, shared, and experienced. Read on to discover how this marks a bold new chapter for artists worldwide. When is the new studio opening? The new studio, which opens this summer, marks a significant turning point in Apple's ongoing efforts to help artists at all levels by providing them with the resources, platform, and artistic freedom to tell their tales in original ways. The new location is a creative campus that embodies ten years of Apple Music's dedication to excellent sound, genuine storytelling, and artist-first experiences. It is more than just a studio in the conventional sense. An ecosystem of creativity designed with artists in mind Apple Music's new studio in Los Angeles is a three-story, more than 15,000-square-foot facility designed with artists in mind. It features: Two state-of-the-art radio studios featuring immersive spatial audio playback and flexible configurations for spontaneous performances, informal conversations, or live interviews. A 4,000-square-foot soundstage for screenings, fan events, live performances, and multi-cam filming. A 9.2.4 PMC speaker system is installed in a special spatial audio mixing room for cutting-edge sound creation. A green room, edit room, and picture and social media lab to facilitate material production in real-time. Private isolation booths for one-on-one interviews, podcasting, and songwriting. The Archive Corridor and A-List Corridor include photographs and artwork of iconic events from Apple Music's history and present. Where is the studio opening? With more studios on the way, Apple Music's new Los Angeles location will serve as the focal point of a worldwide network of creative hubs that are already operating in cities like New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris, and Nashville. With its debut, the service keeps innovating not only in the streaming space but also in the creation, consumption, and dissemination of music. For the upcoming 10 years of music, this new studio will act as a creative hub for everything from radio to live performances, fan interaction, and content production. What is the vision behind the studio? The new studio is intended to develop into a creative haven that strengthens ties with innovators and artists. To facilitate the development of content in real time, the studio will have a green room, an edit suite, and a picture and social media lab. Intimate one-on-one interviews, podcasting, and songwriting will all be possible in private isolation booths. Curated photos and artwork will honor significant events from Apple Music's past and present throughout the hallways.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Rethink summer style with MR PORTER
With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with warm-weather essentials to get you through the season in style. Whether you're dressing for the city heat, want to look your best at a summer event, or just want to relax on vacation, the right clothes and accessories will help you stay comfortable — and look sharp — all season long.. MR PORTER is a go-to destination for those who appreciate a touch of luxury in their everyday lives, offering a curated selection of fashion and lifestyle products from the world's most respected designers. From lightweight shirts and tailored summerwear to shoes, bags, and sunglasses, MR PORTER has everything you need to stay stylish all summer long. We've taken a close look at the products available to bring you a selection of our favorite items Rethink summer style with MR PORTER's edit of sunny essentials for the city and beyond — shop online or keep reading for inspiration from our selection below. Corridor Convertible-Collar Embroidered Cotton-Hopsack Shirt We love this casual shirt cut from hopsack cotton that comes in a glorious blue hue that demands to be worn throughout summer. The neatly stitched seams and chest pocket add a refined touch, while the detailed floral embroidery on the sleeves and collar lend it some charm and personality. With its relaxed fit and sunny-day appeal you'll be reluctant to pack it away when summer's over. MR P. Textured-Cotton Polo Shirt The polo shirt is a timeless classic, favored by style enthusiasts for its versatility—equally suited to laid-back and polished looks. MR P. brings a sense of refined luxury to this everyday staple with soft cotton knit in a textured wavy stitch, finished with smart buttons at the placket. It's available in a cool beige, but we're especially drawn to the bold brick red—perfect for staying cool from midday heat to relaxed late evenings. Stòffa Linen-Twill Jacket Stòffa's navy jacket is a modern take on classic utilitarian workwear, tailored with finesse to give you a relaxed look for summer. The linen twill is both breathable and durable, offering comfort and practicality during the warmer months. Deep patch pockets enhance its functional appeal, while the distinctive buttons add a unique and refined touch. De Petrillo Slim-Fit Straight-Leg Linen Drawstring Shorts It's not always easy to stay stylish in shorts, but this lightweight linen pair from De Petrillo helps you look your best—whether you're running around the city or relaxing with a cold cocktail on the beach. Featuring an elastic drawstring waistband and a smart, straight-leg fit, they prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. MR P. Edward Straight-Leg Organic Cotton-Blend Ripstop Cargo Trousers Cargo pants are a dependable summer essential for anyone with an active lifestyle. The 'Edward' cargo pants from Mr P. are made from a cotton-blend ripstop fabric that adds durability to the breathability of cotton, along with a bit of stretch for maximum comfort. Smart stitching around the generously sized pockets ensures you'll look sharp, even on the go. Loro Piana Carlo Straight-Leg Linen Suit Trousers Business doesn't pause just because the sun's out—but you can still keep your cool and look your best in a finely tailored summer suit. Loro Piana's 'Carlo' pants are crafted in Italy from the highest-quality linen, featuring a clean, straight-leg cut. Wear them as part of a full suit for business-ready sophistication, or mix and match with other pieces from your summer wardrobe for a more relaxed look. John Lobb Seaford Cutout Suede Sandals If you want to look your best when it's time to jet off on vacation, it's worth investing in a pair of top-quality sandals. We're big fans of the 'Seaford' sandals from the world-renowned British bootmaker John Lobb. Their artful intersecting strap design, made from thick suede, offers durability, while the cutouts provide extra ventilation. A VELCRO® back strap lets you quickly slip them off for a dip in the pool, and the rubber soles give you good grip, so you can stroll into the evening while keeping your style intact. Brunello Cucinelli Leather-Trimmed Suede Penny Loafers For smart footwear to complement your summer style, look no further than the Italian craftsmanship of Brunello Cucinelli. Made with dedication and precision, right down to the hand-stitched finishes, these buffed suede penny loafers not only add class and comfort for formal occasions but also elevate your look for more casual summer gatherings. When it's time to hit the beach, you'll likely need a handy bag to carry essentials like a book, sunscreen, towel, and a bottle of water. With a pair of playful eyes peeking out from wavy sea-blue stripes, this bag is sure to attract admiring glances and plenty of smiles. Exclusive to MR PORTER, the bag is unlined for lightness and features a long, sturdy strap for carrying by hand or slinging over your shoulder. Cutler and Gross are leaders in the eyewear industry, influencing others with their iconic designs and meticulous craftsmanship. These round, layered acetate tortoiseshell sunglasses are handcrafted in Italy using a process that takes 270 hours to complete, ensuring every pair is unique. Stylish details include distinctive green lenses and 'Compass Star' pins on the temples. It's no surprise that celebrities flock to this brand when the sun comes
