A leopard was spotted roaming near a busy toll plaza in Bengaluru’s Electronic City, prompting a search operation by authorities and raising concerns about wildlife encroachment in urban areas. This incident follows a previous leopard sighting in another industrial area of the city.
The global water and wastewater pipe market is expected to reach USD 22.95 billion by 2028, driven by increasing urbanization and growing concerns over water quality. The use of anti-microbial pipes is a major trend, as they help prevent contamination and ensure cleaner water supplies. However, the environmental impact of pipe materials poses a significant challenge.
The global rail gangways market is poised for substantial growth, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing passenger transportation needs, and a shift towards more passenger-friendly rail systems. This growth is particularly pronounced in regions like Europe and Asia-Pacific, where investments in rail infrastructure and metro systems are driving demand for innovative gangway solutions.
In Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, a clash between modernization and tradition is playing out on the streets. Fulani herders, historically nomadic, are increasingly pushed into urban areas due to climate change and shrinking grazing lands. This is causing conflict with developers and residents, highlighting the need for government intervention to address land use and support the livestock industry.
China’s government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at stimulating consumer spending and revitalizing its economy. The plan includes expanding basic consumption in key sectors like catering, home services, and elder care, enhancing financing for small businesses, and easing restrictions on household registrations in major cities.
A BJP MP has proposed the establishment of ‘NaMo Nagar’ – hi-tech cities in every state of India. This proposal, presented as a Private Member’s Bill, aims to drive economic growth and enhance infrastructure through urbanisation. The MP cites the example of Chandigarh and highlights the need for well-planned urban spaces.
The global plywood market is expected to experience significant growth over the next four years. Rising wages in manufacturing hubs, urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies, innovative products, and concerns for sustainability are key drivers of this growth. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.36% during the forecast period, with hardwood plywood being a major contributor. Plywood finds applications in various sectors, including concrete shuttering, doors, stairs, and framing, as well as in urbanization, infrastructure projects, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
The global tomato market is projected to experience steady growth from 2023 to 2027, driven by urbanization, water scarcity, and changing food consumption patterns. Producers are embracing modern irrigation techniques to optimize water usage, contributing to sustainable tomato production while meeting the growing demand for tomato-based products like paste, juice, sauce, and ketchup. These products are becoming increasingly popular in Western diets and the fast-food industry. Tomatoes are also gaining recognition for their health benefits, including cancer and heart disease prevention due to their abundance of vitamins, antioxidants, and lycopene.
India’s rapid economic development over the past three decades has coincided with a significant shift towards urbanization, with 30% of Indians now residing in cities. This ongoing urban growth has highlighted the need for improved urban governance to address challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and poor service delivery. The growing influence of urban voters is expected to drive political attention to urban development, leading to potential improvements in infrastructure, financial independence for cities, and citizen engagement in solving urban problems. Empowering municipalities, involving citizens in governance, and leveraging digital technology are crucial steps towards transforming urban governance in India.
