Author: Azhar Memon

Nature-based solutions are emerging as a highly effective strategy to enhance ecological resilience while supporting human welfare. They focus on integrating ecosystems into both urban and rural environments to create more balanced and healthier societies. Green infrastructure not only restores biodiversity but also reduces pollution and mitigates climate impacts through natural processes. It allows the integration of living systems into infrastructure projects that foster healthier cities and more resilient landscapes. Urban planners, environmental scientists, and public health advocates are prioritizing nature-based interventions such as tree canopies, wetlands restoration, community gardens, and green corridors. These solutions deliver ecosystem services like air…

Kabul’s transformation from a modest provincial city to a booming urban center has been dramatic and complex. Once home to less than a million residents in 2001, this capital now supports over seven million people, presenting a host of urban challenges that touch every aspect of daily life. Daily realities include worrying about water scarcity, unreliable sanitation, overcrowded streets, air pollution, and fragmented infrastructure. These pressures test the resilience of both municipal services and civilian life in an evolving metropolis still recovering from decades of conflict. Finding sustainable solutions requires coordinated efforts across infrastructure planning, environmental governance, public transport, and…

Cities across six continents are undergoing bold transformations, responding to rising urban populations, climate challenges, and technological shifts. These urban centers are blending innovative design with sustainable development, creating vibrant spaces that address environmental and social needs. By reimagining transportation systems, public areas, and governance models, these cities are redefining how people live, work, and connect. The integration of smart technologies, renewable energy, and inclusive policies is shaping the future of urban life for millions. As of June 2025, these six cities stand as global examples of resilience and innovation. Their unique approaches provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers,…

Khartoum before the war held a charm that resonated with both its residents and visitors. Its rich blend of history, culture, and urban life made the city vibrant and full of life. The public spaces in Khartoum were not just recreational spots; they were the veins that kept the city’s heart beating, bringing people together across diverse backgrounds. Public spaces in Khartoum reflected the soul of Sudanese society. Parks, markets, riverfronts, and cultural centers provided not only leisure but also unity. These spaces served as venues where traditions were shared, friendships formed, and community bonds strengthened. Long before conflict disrupted…

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently pledged Rs180 million (equivalent to USD 180 million) to renovate and enhance essential urban infrastructure across two rapidly expanding cities in Punjab. This transformative investment targets improvements in water supply and solid waste management, alleviating pressures from groundwater depletion and urban environmental decay. Its timely arrival underscores ADB’s focus on sustainable, climate-resilient municipal services. The initiative prioritizes Rawalpindi with its expanding populace and Bahawalpur, where waste management challenges are increasing alongside municipal growth. ADB’s funding will support state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge fleet systems, and inclusive service delivery designed to improve living standards within these urban centers. By integrating…

China’s entry into the clinical trial stage for brain implant technology signifies a bold advancement in global neurotech competition. Fuelled by decades of neuroscience research, cutting-edge chip development, and government initiative, this move places China alongside the United States in the race to pioneer brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The significance of clinical trials cannot be overstated. This step bridges laboratory innovation and real-world medical application, offering hope to patients with neurological conditions worldwide. This milestone reflects China’s dedication to transforming its neuroscience ecosystem, expanding from foundational research to translational and clinical execution. By launching human trials, Chinese institutions demonstrate a willingness…

Apple’s relationship with the European Union is entering a critical phase as the tech giant confronts potentially damaging new allegations under the bloc’s stringent Digital Markets Act (DMA). Europe’s regulatory authorities have signaled their intention to file a fresh charge sheet against Apple concerning its App Store policies. The looming legal action highlights the evolving dynamics between global tech powerhouses and the EU’s commitment to preserving fair digital competition. At the heart of the dispute lies Apple’s App Store operational model and its restrictions on developer communication. The EU has previously levied a €500 million fine for “anti‑steering” practices under the DMA .…

Across the Gulf, nations are pouring unprecedented sums into artificial intelligence as part of sweeping economic diversification drives. With ambitions to move beyond oil dependency and gain technological independence, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are reshaping the global AI landscape. This surge in investment has attracted major U.S. tech players—from Nvidia to Microsoft seeking to capitalize on lucrative chip and data center contracts. While the influx of capital has already sparked market optimism, these relationships carry deeper strategic and geopolitical implications. For AI companies, these grand projects present a double-edged sword. On one side, they offer unprecedented access…

Microsoft’s commitment to data protection for European cloud customers represents a pivotal moment in cloud sovereignty and privacy. With EU concerns over cross‑border data flows and third‑country access, this announcement addresses a growing distrust of U.S. cloud service providers. The initiative builds on Microsoft’s earlier strategies announced in April, emphasizing its intent to align with European legal frameworks. By confirming that all customer data hosted in Europe will remain physically and legally within EU borders, Microsoft demonstrates a proactive stance toward data residency, local control, and transparency. This also responds to EU regulatory pressure and privacy concerns in the wake…

Amazon Web Services has announced a historic A$20 billion investment to supercharge Australia’s data center landscape, marking its largest global tech outlay. This move underscores AWS’s ambition to build AI‑ready cloud infrastructure tailored to the evolving needs of enterprises, governments, and startups. With generative AI demanding ever‑more computing power, the urgency to modernize cloud services has never been greater. Australia’s major tech hubs, Sydney and Melbourne, are set to receive expanded capacity, while new Micro‑Local Zones in Perth and Brisbane will deliver ultra‑low‑latency connections. This isn’t just about servers; it’s a sweeping national upgrade. The plan includes solar farms and a…