Latest news with #SmartCities
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China's smart cities streets ahead, but same AI challenges apply the world over
Each night in the darkest hours, a fleet of drones patrols the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, watching over potentially dodgy areas such as underground station exits and the riverside to deter any would-be criminals. Advertisement The nightly routine has been operating since last year, according to a report published in April by the city's police bureau, which detailed its use of artificial intelligence to plan patrol routes. According to the report, the AI puts a laser focus on patrolling Nanjing's blind spots – the areas generally ignored by human patrols. The city's experience is part of China's efforts to scale up the use of AI in urban management, to better handle complex challenges brought by the massive scale of city life and rapid urbanisation. The Chinese leadership has long viewed AI as a tool for transforming the economy and refining its governance, launching the 'smart cities' initiative and other programmes over the past decade. Advertisement Despite this rapid progress, analysts warned that China's AI governance faces challenges – including privacy protection and limited community involvement – that are mirrored in other parts of the world as governments race to adopt the technology.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Smart Cities Council and IFZA partner to drive cross-border innovation at Smart Cities Summit North America 2025
DUBAI, UAE – At the recently concluded Smart Cities Summit North America 2025, the Smart City Council (SCC) and IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), Dubai's leading Free Zone community, came together to advance a shared vision for innovation. As the key partner for the event, IFZA helped steer conversations toward building more inclusive, sustainable, and connected cities - starting with Dubai and reaching across international markets. Held in San Francisco, the summit brought together more than 450 senior leaders in government, business, and academia under the theme 'Public Safety, AI, and the Middle East in Focus.' Through keynote sessions, IFZA shared insights on how smart cities and free zones intersect as engines of social transformation through economic innovation, a principle deeply aligned with SCC's mission. 'Dubai represents more than just an economic opportunity; it represents a vision of what future cities can be,' said Holger Schlechter, CFO of IFZA. 'As Smart Cities Council partners, we are proud to champion this vision by building meaningful connections, sharing global insights, and opening new pathways for international tech entrepreneurs. This collaboration reflects the growing synergy between the United States and the UAE across diverse industries - and we believe Dubai offers the ideal platform for American innovators to bring their smart city solutions to life in Dubai and beyond.' Smart Cities Council and IFZA also announced two joint venture organisations, Smart Cities Council Middle East, to support the rapidly increasing demand for smart city solutions across the Middle East, and Smart Cities Academy™, a platform focused on smart city education and training. 'Our collaboration with IFZA marks a new chapter in how smart cities are imagined and built across borders,' said Corey Gray, President of Smart Cities Council. 'By connecting Silicon Valley's innovation with Dubai's dynamic business environment, we aim to create a powerful launchpad for entrepreneurs to test, adapt, and deploy their smart solutions globally. The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for urban innovation, and through our solutions, we aim to equip governments, and organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a smarter, more sustainable future.' Dubai, ranked 4th globally in the 2025 IMD Smart Cities Index, is already a benchmark for smart urban development, with world-class infrastructure, digital public services, and forward-looking policies. As a launching pad for transformative regional projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia and New Cairo in Egypt, it provides international innovators with immediate access to high-growth opportunities across the Middle East. IFZA also announced the launch of Scale360, an open innovation platform based in Dubai designed to connect global startups with corporate partners, investors, and market access. Developed in partnership with Plug and Play, Scale360 reflects IFZA's growing role in supporting not just business setup, but business transformation. IFZA was created to be a platform where entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals come together, do business and thrive - not just by removing barriers to entry, but by building bridges to global markets for businesses, and eventually nations. IFZA believes in the power of business to connect and bring people together, cross borders, and create opportunities that unite individuals around shared goals. There is no better place for this vision to become a reality than the UAE due to the future-oriented mindset of its Government and leaders. Through its role as SCC's partner, IFZA aims to bridge Silicon Valley and Dubai, connecting entrepreneurs and ecosystems. At the summit, IFZA highlighted the evolving UAE–US relationship, built on shared priorities in diverse sectors. With over 1,500 American companies already active in the UAE- including Microsoft, Uber, and Cleveland Clinic - and 75% of the UAE's GDP now driven by non-oil sectors, Dubai has become a natural destination for American businesses that want to grow fast, stay agile, and lead globally. Participation at the summit marks the beginning of IFZA's US strategic engagement roadmap, which includes upcoming events such as Deep Tech Week San Francisco (June 2025) and the flagship Deep Tech Week Dubai (November 2025). About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Musknagar
SpaceX's city in Texas has a message for urban regeneration in India: involve big business Musk company SpaceX's rocket-launch site in Texas is now incorporated as a new city. Locals who're not workers at SpaceX fear closure of a beach and a state park that the company eyes, and which get barred from residents' time to time for launch-related activities. In its seven years, SpaceX has reshaped the sleepy town, as any industry does. It reportedly looks like a science fiction movie set, has rows of identical houses – and a massive bronze bust of Musk. Locals fear it gives Musk 'too much control'. The county keeps what US media reported as 'more pedestrian aspects of life' – clearly both literally and metaphorically. There's nothing new in entrepreneurs building cities out of their company bases. India has a long list of such townships. Govts have long collaborated for cities to grow out of industrial bases built by business pioneers, steel tycoons, mill owners – from Tatanagar to Modinagar and dozens others. PSUs all have urban centres that develop and expand around their plants. But dreams of India's urbanisation have morphed into a nightmare the last three decades. Under several govts, city-building initiatives have been embarked upon, but all have got railroaded by lack of investment despite early interest, and overall administrative incompetence. Politician-land shark-builder nexuses have flourished in that vacuum – a chicken and egg story really – making a costly mess of urban development. Even the Smart Cities project has practically wound down – a govt release noted all pending projects were to end by March 31, 2025. Connectivity, water, power, open spaces, affordable housing – no Indian city govt today can claim to be able to handle its waves of migrants or ability to upgrade infra to meet a growing city's demands. Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru to Kolkata, and even Corbusier's Chandigarh are struggling. In late 1960s, it was suggested Chandigarh be made a chartered city for Delhi to host global events. Chartered cities are enclaves with autonomy to carry on business and cultural activity, like the city of Geneva in New York. Fate of cities should not be left to govts alone. Without private sector collaboration, it looks near impossible for our local govts to cope with city demands – no matter the funds. This is not about a lonely tony Gurgaon reaching to the skies in potholed Haryana, or private hill station Lavasa going bust, but more about imagination, transparency and accountability, and an efficiency associated more with private sector than any govt ever. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Indian Prime Minister Arrives in Jeddah for State Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. He was received by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi (the accompanying minister), and other senior officials upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport. The long-standing and strategically significant relationship between Saudi Arabia and India, spanning over 75 years, has evolved into a robust partnership across diverse sectors, including politics, economy, trade, and clean energy. Frequent high-level exchanges have been instrumental in bolstering these ties. In February 2014, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, then Crown Prince, visited India at the invitation of former Indian Vice President M. Hamid Ansari, and met with former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. The momentum continued in April 2016 when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received Modi in Riyadh. This visit resulted in the signing of a comprehensive cooperation agreement, cooperation programs, an executive program, and a draft memorandum of understanding between the two governments. In September 2016, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in China, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met with Modi, discussing opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Further demonstrating the commitment to this relationship, the Crown Prince met with Modi again in November 2018 during the G20 Summit in Argentina. Their discussions centered on expanding cooperation in political, security, economic, investment, agricultural, energy, cultural, and technological domains. A significant milestone was reached during the Crown Prince's visit to India in 2019 with the establishment of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council. Co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed and Modi, the council, with broad ministerial representation, aims to align Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 with India's key initiatives such as "Make in India,Smart Cities,Clean India," and "Digital India," thereby fostering collaboration across all sectors. Building on this progress, the Crown Prince and Modi met again in June 2019 at the G20 Summit in Japan, where they reviewed the strong bilateral relations and explored avenues for further enhancement. Continuing the tradition of high-level engagement, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received Modi in Saudi Arabia in October 2019 for bilateral talks. In September 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed visited India at the invitation of Modi, during which they explored ways to deepen the strategic partnership and exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and international issues. Economically, India stands as Saudi Arabia's second-largest trading partner, while Saudi Arabia is India's fifth-largest partner and its second-largest oil supplier. Bilateral trade volume reached $39.9 billion in 2024. Saudi Arabia's attractive investment climate has drawn significant Indian investments, reaching $4 billion in 2023, a notable 39% increase from $2.39 billion in 2022. Major Indian companies have established a strong presence in the Kingdom, and the 2023 Saudi-India Investment Forum saw the signing of 53 agreements and memoranda of understanding. Conversely, prominent Saudi companies, including Saudi Aramco and SABIC, have undertaken projects and formed investment partnerships in India, with the total value of Saudi investments reaching $10 billion. Energy remains a cornerstone of the strategic partnership, with both nations sharing a common vision for global oil market stability and energy security. Saudi Arabia is a committed and reliable supplier of crude oil to India. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has provided over $193.8 million in aid to India across various sectors, including education, health, food security, energy, and transportation. Modi's visit to the Kingdom underscores Saudi Arabia's significant political and economic standing and its pivotal role on the global stage.
Asia Times
18-04-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Superpower chess: Is India the next pawn to fall?
Over years spent observing global events and decisions, it's become apparent that a trend has played out time and again in history. America embodies the spirit of action – swift and bold, often preceding thought. For better or worse, it is a nation of action, even if the action is miscalculated. From the Iraq invasion in 2003 to current tariff wars, the US moves first and figures it out later. India, on the other hand, is rich in ideas but tends to get stuck in analysis and debate, resulting in delayed or no action. Grand projects like Smart Cities , Industrial Corridor, Startup India and Make in India are unveiled with fanfare and then quietly buried under bureaucratic rubble. China, in contrast, thinks in decades. It builds slowly and strategically. Then, when it moves, it leaves the world stunned – whether it's turning Shenzhen into a tech mecca or building an AI app called DeepSeek, that shakes Wall Street and triggers a $1 trillion drop in US tech valuations overnight. In their differences lies a pattern, a deeper truth about how civilizations choose to engage with the world: through impulse, introspection or integration. America is known for taking The Bold Action, but never assesses At What Cost? India has tremendous potential and brainpower, but systemic inertia slows progress. China's ability to think and act in harmony provides it a strong edge. In the global balance of power, strength is often measured not just by military might or economic numbers but also by the willingness to stand firm under pressure. India showed such strength in 2008 with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's stance regarding the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. Despite leading a fragile coalition, Singh held his ground. Under immense international pressure to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, he secured a historic NSG waiver without compromising India's nuclear autonomy. Singh pushed the deal through the Indian Parliament amidst fierce domestic opposition, including a no-confidence motion, and simultaneously secured a historic waiver from the NSG in 2008 – without signing the NPT or compromising India's nuclear autonomy. The deal ended India's post-1998 isolation and showcased strategic clarity, political courage, and firm diplomacy. In the current period, Russia and China both have displayed boldness. When the US imposed sanctions on Russia, Moscow didn't flinch – it adapted, recalibrated its economy and adjusted its foreign policy to endure Western pressure. China, faced with aggressive tariffs under Trump, responded decisively – retaliating both economically and diplomatically, signaling it wouldn't be bullied into submission. India, meanwhile, charted a softer course marked by submission. Rather than assert its sovereign interests, it appeared to appease Washington. The Modi government's handling of Trump-era tariffs lacked both conviction and assertiveness. Even the basic level of strategic autonomy seen in 2008 now appears missing. India has shown the world that, despite its size and potential, it remains hesitant when boldness is most needed. In contrast to Russia and China, India's response to US pressure under Trump was marked by submission rather than strength. After winning the US presidential election, Trump invited Xi Jinping to his inauguration but snubbed Modi – despite Modi's repeatedly having called him a 'close friend.' Modi was eventually invited, in February, but the visit was a low-key, business-first affair, typical of a working visit. Trump, who often labeled India a 'tariff king' and a 'trade abuser,' continued his hardline stance. To appease him, the Modi government made several economic concessions ahead of the visit, including slashing customs duties on high-end motorcycles like Harley-Davidson from 50% to 30%, and reducing average tariffs from 13% to 11%. India also stepped back from its 2024 BRICS push for de-dollarization after Trump threatened penalties. Despite these overtures, Trump remained focused on narrowing the US trade deficit – claiming it was $100 billion, double the actual figure of $45.7 billion. Modi, notably, did not challenge this exaggeration during their joint press conference. In return, Trump announced expanded military sales, including F-35 jets, and increased oil and gas exports to India. Yet, the optics quickly soured. Just two days after Modi's U.S. visit, two American military aircraft carrying 228 deported Indians – including women, children, and infants – landed in Amritsar. Images of Indians in chains circulated widely, sparking outrage and highlighting two uncomfortable truths: India's economy is failing to generate sufficient jobs for its youth – 10 million annual new labor market entrants – and Washington offers no special treatment to its so-called allies. Trump's approach has been transactional and dismissive – imposing tariffs and pressing India on trade and immigration while giving little in return. The US treats India less like a strategic partner and more like a subordinate expected to comply. India was once seen as a rising global power – rich in democracy, resources and potential to rival China. But under Modi's decade-long leadership its global stature has declined. India's current trajectory, coupled with its international treatment, is beginning to resemble that of nations like Ukraine and Pakistan that struggled to convert their potential into real global influence. A critical aspect of India's fall from grace is the erosion of its democratic foundations. Over the last decade, the Modi government shifted towards authoritarianism. The very thing that made India unique – a vibrant democracy where mistakes could be made and corrected – has been destroyed. India never was destined to grow as fast as China, but its democratic model allowed for sustainable, steady progress. The strength of India's democracy was in its ability to adapt, to learn from mistakes and to evolve. In the last decade, however, this foundational strength has been compromised. The government's lack of accountability and its increasing centralization of power have stifled the growth of critical institutions. Today the public feels disconnected as the government fails to tackle core issues like unemployment, corruption and poverty. A common sentiment is that while China was preparing for the fourth industrial revolution and the era of artificial intelligence, India was busy finding ancient temples. India's foreign policy, once seen as wise and balanced, now appears misguided. The country has failed to assert its influence in key global negotiations. Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, India's decision to continue importing oil from Russia, despite Western sanctions, has sparked criticism. This decision, while financially pragmatic in the short term, has long-term consequences. The very things that made India unique – its democratic values and its non-aligned stance – have been compromised. India is increasingly perceived as trading principles for short-term gains, weakening the credibility of its foreign policy. Its growing dependence on Russian energy and its lack of alternative sources leave it vulnerable. President Trump's recent warning about potential secondary tariffs on Russian oil further complicates the situation, especially given Russia's role as a top crude supplier to India. This energy reliance opens India to external pressure, with global powers using its needs as a leverage. The challenge is critical. Modi's combination of strong rhetoric and weak results has pushed India to the edge. As the global order shifts, if India cannot assert itself as a strong, independent nation, it may soon find itself – like Ukraine – a pawn in a game it cannot control. The time for meaningful change is now—before the trajectory is set and irreversible.
