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“Cities have just 2,000 days left to achieve critical sustainability goals,” warns Arcadis in latest report

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Arcadis’ Sustainable Cities Index 2024 reveals major disparities in sustainability progress, as cities race to meet 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  Amsterdam takes top spot as most Sustainable City, thanks to strong economic performance, social equity, and renewable energy investment. Maintaining trajectory critical as SDG deadline approaches, with opportunities for even highest-ranking cities to accelerate sustainability goals

AMSTERDAM, June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Arcadis has issued a rallying call to cities worldwide, as the publication of its Sustainable Cities Index 2024 reveals the need for accelerated action in tackling climate change and other sustainability challenges.

The publication of the report comes with nearly 2,000 days until the 2030 deadline for achieving the UN SDGs. It reveals clear differences between leading cities such as Amsterdam (1st), Copenhagen (3rd) and Munich (5th), and those trailing behind – particularly US and Asian cities like New York (48th), Boston (56th), and Taipei (62nd).  

Arcadis’ Sustainable Cities Index ranks 100 cities across three pillars of sustainability – Planet, People, and Profit. Marking the 6th edition of the report since its inception in 2015, it comprises 67 metrics that highlight our evolving understanding of sustainability, including air pollution, waste management, and investment in low carbon infrastructure (including renewable energy and sustainable transport), as well as economic performance, social equity, and natural disaster resilience.

This year Arcadis has also added a fourth ‘Progress’ pillar to measure change over time. This demonstrates the impact of sustainability interventions over the last decade and, when considered alongside the other pillars, provides insights into a city’s future trajectory.

Overall, European cities dominate the top of the Index. All four German cities included in the report – Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin – claim spots in the top 10, buoyed by achievements in water sanitation and waste management, and low greenhouse gas emissions.

High performance in the Planet pillar is associated with overall success, with eight of the top 10 cities for Planet also appearing in the overall top 10. The Planet pillar is comprised of metrics like sustainable energy systems and low-emission transport, suggesting these are powerful tools for urban sustainability.

This year’s index also highlights that high performance on the Profit metric does not necessarily come at the expense of environmental sustainability. The report emphasizes how a thriving economy should support investment in infrastructure, alternative energy sources, green initiatives, and social programs. Amsterdam, the most sustainable city of 2024, also ranks at the top of the Profit pillar, excelling in income and living standards, employment, and transport infrastructure.

North American cities dominate the Profit pillar. San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, Houston, New York, and Seattle all appear in the top 10 for Profit, thanks to ease of doing business, GDP per capita, and employment rates. However, while these cities demonstrate business success, wage levels and living standards are not keeping pace. To move higher up, socially inclusive development strategies are critical, and North American and European cities must draw inspiration from each other to continue making progress.

When it comes to progress over the last decade, many European cities have made significant strides – despite their sustainable starting points – to cement their position at the top of the Index. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin all feature in the top third of the Progress pillar and the top third of the index overall. This is thanks to a commitment to renewable energy production, as well as socio-economic factors like female labor force participation, and healthcare.

Although low in the overall rankings, the dominance of Asian cities such as Jakarta, Wuhan, and Shanghai at the top of the Progress pillar shows that, in cities with limited prior sustainable infrastructure or practices, early steps can have enormous impact in generating momentum.

John Batten, Arcadis Global Cities Director, said:

“Cities play a critical role in advancing the sustainable development agenda. However, our progress assessment shows that more needs to be done to meet the SDG deadline. With just 2,000 days to go, the challenge is to keep innovating. Whether by scaling up renewable energy initiatives, integrating climate considerations into infrastructure planning, improving mobility through intelligent traffic management, or supporting the retrofit of existing buildings, there are always areas to improve. As 2030 approaches, cities must build on successes, identify areas for progress, and foster collaboration to address challenges.”

Download the full report here.

About Arcadis

 

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PDRL Secures Order for 500 AeroGCS Software Licenses from AVPL International, Signalling Major Growth in India’s Drone Ecosystem

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November 13, 2024

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NASHIK, India, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PDRL, an innovative drone technology leader based in Nashik, Maharashtra, is thrilled to announce a landmark order of 500 AeroGCS software licenses from AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd.). AVPL International, a key player in Aerial Innovative Technology for Mapping and Conservation (AITMC), has partnered with PDRL in a move that underscores both organizations’ commitment to advancing India’s drone industry and its application in agriculture and mapping.

Empowering the Indian Drone and Agriculture Sectors

AVPL International’s operations extend across 12 states and encompass an extensive network of 50 Global Incubation and Skill hubs (GISH), with an additional 20 World Incubation and Skill Hubs (WISH) focused on the drone and agriculture sectors. These hubs play a critical role in fostering technological innovation, building workforce skills, and creating opportunities in India’s expanding drone landscape. The substantial order of drone software licenses from PDRL will empower AVPL International’s mission to integrate cutting-edge drone technology into precision agriculture, environmental conservation, and resource mapping.

AeroGCS GREEN: The Backbone of Indian Agriculture Drone Operations

AeroGCS GREEN, a software developed by PDRL, has quickly gained recognition as India’s premier, made-in-India Ground Control Station (GCS) software suite tailored specifically for agriculture drone operations. From precision flying to agriculture spraying and comprehensive drone analytics, AeroGCS offers a robust solution for every aspect of drone usage in agriculture. This product has become indispensable in the Indian drone industry, driving efficiency and data-driven insights that are essential for sustainable farming practices.

Strategic Partnership for Technological Advancement and Rural Empowerment

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in AVPL International’s vision to transform agriculture and environmental conservation through drone technology. By deploying PDRL’s advanced technology, AVPL International aims to optimize resource use in agriculture, and support conservation projects across India.

PDRL and AVPL International have expressed excitement about the potential this collaboration holds for the future. “Partnering with AVPL International represents a significant milestone for PDRL, allowing us to contribute meaningfully to India’s agricultural and environmental sectors,” said Mr. Anil Chandaliya, CEO of PDRL. Further, Himanshu Sharma, CEO at AVPL International stated “We’re enthusiastic about a collaborative future that drives sustainable growth and technological advancement, fostering progress in precision agriculture and beyond.”

A Milestone for India’s Drone Ecosystem

The collaboration promises to catalyse transformative progress in drone technology and its applications in agriculture, positioning India as a global leader in drone innovation.

About PDRL:

Established in 2018, PDRL has swiftly risen as a dominant force in the Drone Technology, commanding a market share exceeding 50%. With three patents secured and three more in the pipeline, PDRL is committed to pioneering advancements that Create More Time to Live.

Central to PDRL’s mission is the development of cutting-edge drone technologies that streamline operations, boost efficiencies, and create more time to live.

At the heart of PDRL’s innovation is AeroMegh, a revolutionary drone SaaS solution integrating flight management, data capture, processing, and analytics. AeroMegh consists of: AeroGCS: Ensures seamless flight operations, AeroMegh GeoAI platform Delivers precise photogrammetry solutions and provides advanced GeoAI data analytics. Together, these products empower users with actionable insights, simplifying drone operations and enhancing overall efficiency.

PDRL remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and responsible innovation. By leveraging eco-friendly drone solutions, PDRL aims to mitigate carbon footprints and promote environmentally conscious practices across various sectors.

Through continuous research and development, strategic partnerships, and unwavering customer focus, PDRL envisions leadership in the market and also a future defined by efficiency, sustainability, and enduring societal impact.

Contact Details:
Marketing@pdrl.in, +91 7770013322

 

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AU10TIX Expands Global Presence in Bengaluru to Support India’s Digital Identity Transformation

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November 13, 2024

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Dedicated Presence to Empower Local Businesses with AI-Driven Identity Verification Solutions, Enabling Seamless Global Expansion

BENGALURU, India and TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AU10TIX, a global leader in identity verification and management, today announced a significant expansion of its operations in India with the establishment of a dedicated presence in Bengaluru. This strategic move makes AU10TIX’s advanced identity verification solutions even more accessible to the world’s largest democracy, enhancing the company’s ability to serve the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens and support its rapidly growing digital economy with cutting-edge AI-powered technology.

With security embedded in its DNA for over two decades since inception, AU10TIX’s advanced smart capture technology and sophisticated LLM-powered verification systems can process over 3,000 ID types across more than 150 countries. This uniquely positions AU10TIX to help Indian businesses scale globally with seamless cross-border operations.

The company’s India operations will be led by identity verification market veteran Bhushan Sawant, who previously held sales and partnership positions with IDfy, CARD91 and Experian. He will spearhead the integration of AU10TIX’s advanced technologies within India’s unique identity ecosystem, focusing on empowering startups and established businesses in their global growth ambitions, particularly in expanding to APAC and other international markets.

“India’s digital transformation is occurring at an unprecedented scale,” said Bhushan Sawant, Regional Director, India, AU10TIX. “Our goal is to support this growth by providing identity verification solutions that are secure, scalable, and tailored to local needs, while also enabling Indian businesses to expand globally. Our deep expertise ensures the highest security standards while our smart technology delivers a smooth user experience.”

AU10TIX’s two-decade legacy in security-critical environments, combined with its advanced AI capabilities, makes it an ideal partner for India’s growing global business.

Dan Yerushalmi, CEO of AU10TIX, emphasized the company’s collaborative approach, saying, “We’re not here to compete with local solutions, but to complement them. We have the global expertise to help Indian businesses expand internationally, while we simultaneously learn from India’s impressive innovations in digital identity.”

About AU10TIX 
AU10TIX plays a pivotal role in establishing trust between individuals/companies and digital systems. Founded in 2002, it is the global leader in identity verification and management, protecting the world’s largest brands against advanced fraud. The company’s future-proof product portfolio helps businesses provide frictionless customer onboarding and verification in 4-8 seconds while staying ahead of emerging threats and evolving regulatory requirements. AU10TIX offers the world’s only 100% automated global identity management system, as well as the industry’s only solution that can detect organized mass attacks by analyzing traffic patterns and cross-checking data in a consortium of more than 60 major companies. With its deep roots in airport security, AU10TIX has authenticated billions of identities and prevented over $18 billion in identity fraud. AU10TIX is a subsidiary of ICTS International N.V. (OTCQB: ICTSF). Connect with AU10TIX on LinkedIn and on X at @AU10TIXLimited. For more information, visit AU10TIX.com. 

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COMPUTEX 2025: Seize Global Tech Opportunities – Registration Now Open!

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November 13, 2024

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TAIPEI, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — COMPUTEX 2024, organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), attracted global attention with 1,500 exhibitors and over 80,000 attendees, including tech professionals, startups, buyers, and media worldwide. As a premier platform for AI innovation, it solidified COMPUTEX’s position in the global tech scene. The upcoming COMPUTEX 2025 will be held from May 20 to May 23 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centers, focusing on the theme “AI Next.” Interested exhibitors are encouraged to register and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the global tech market.

2025 Main Themes: Embracing AI and Innovation

The theme for COMPUTEX 2025, “AI Next,” focuses on the latest trends in artificial intelligence and how AI will drive industrial transformation in areas like content creation, product design, and manufacturing. By 2025, over half of global data analytics tasks will be cloud-based, with AI-related investments projected to surpass USD 300 billion by 2026. COMPUTEX 2025 will spotlight three main themes: AI Robotics, Next-Gen Tech, and Future Mobility. This focus aims to provide a robust platform for tech companies to present pioneering AI solutions and showcase advancements in robotics, next-gen tech, and mobility.

InnoVEX Pavilion: A Hub for Innovation 

The InnoVEX pavilion, renowned for supporting startups, will continue to be a highlight at COMPUTEX 2025, offering emerging companies an avenue to connect with manufacturing partners and access global distribution networks. This area will host various startup-focused activities, including competitions and product showcases, to attract interest from international venture capitalists and foster collaboration.

Diverse Events and Industry Leader Participation COMPUTEX 2024 concluded with influential keynote speakers, including leaders from AMD, Qualcomm, Intel, MediaTek, Supermicro, NXP, and Delta Research Institute. These leaders provided insights into how cutting-edge technologies can drive the future of AI, making COMPUTEX a critical forum for industry discussion. For 2025, the event will feature similar high-level talks and forums, along with theme-based tours, startup showcases, and procurement matchmaking sessions to facilitate networking and foster partnerships across borders.

Registration for COMPUTEX 2025 Open – A Premier Global Platform 

With registration now open, COMPUTEX 2025 offers a valuable platform for tech companies to enter international markets and form strategic partnerships. The event will feature keynote speeches, themed tours, and business matchmaking sessions, providing both established industry leaders and startups with valuable opportunities for exposure and growth. Don’t miss this unique chance to be part of the global tech scene; register now and visit the official website for more details.

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