Tag: smart cities

EduConnect

Maharashtra @ Davos 2026: MMRDA Signs Strategic MoU with University of California, Berkeley

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Davos, 2026: Maharashtra strengthened its global academic and innovation footprint at Davos 2026 with the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Maharashtra (MMRDA) and the University of California, Berkeley.

The five-year partnership aims to foster deep academic and research collaboration to enhance metropolitan planning and urban transformation across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The collaboration reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to integrating global best practices into city governance and infrastructure development.

Key focus areas of the partnership include Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Policy Innovation, all aligned toward building a sustainable and circular urban economy. The MoU envisions leveraging cutting-edge research and technological expertise to address complex urban challenges such as mobility, housing, climate resilience, and infrastructure efficiency.

As part of the collaboration, MMRDA and UC Berkeley will jointly undertake research initiatives, hackathons, capacity-building programs, and accelerator initiatives. These efforts aim to translate academic insights into real-world policy solutions and innovation-led urban governance models.

Officials highlighted that the partnership will also help nurture future-ready urban professionals while positioning Maharashtra as a leader in data-driven, innovation-led metropolitan development.

The MoU signed at Davos underlines Maharashtra’s growing role on the global stage as a hub for smart cities, sustainable development, and international academic collaboration.

TechPulse

AI-Powered Traffic Signals Coming to 91 Junctions in Goa, New Road Signage System Also Announced

Tanisha Cardozo

In a bid to combat road mishaps and fatalities, Goa is embracing technology on its streets. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday announced that AI-powered traffic signals will soon control traffic flow at 91 crucial junctions across the state.

This initiative, set to roll out in a phased manner over the next 6–8 months, is part of a broader campaign to improve road safety. Alongside these intelligent signals, a new statewide road signage system will also be implemented. The Public Works Department is expected to float tenders for the project shortly.

Data Shows Progress—but Challenges Remain

Minister Godinho revealed that Goa has seen a 14% decrease in road accidents this quarter—progress attributed to improvements at 80% of identified black spots across the state.

Yet, he was quick to note that infrastructure alone cannot prevent accidents.

“We are taking steps, and we are serious about reducing the accident rate,” he said. “But if you choose to drive at high speed or party into the night and drive unfit—how can I stop that? You’ll be a bomb on the road.”

Expanding the Safety Council

To strengthen coordination, the State Road Safety Council is being expanded. New permanent members now include:

  • Superintendents of Police (North & South Goa)
  • Officials from the Electricity Department
  • Representatives from the Health Department
  • Medical experts from Goa Medical College

This broader scope is intended to create a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to road safety.

Road Safety Week & Public Awareness

The state is also gearing up for Road Safety Week, which will feature awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and public institutions. The government aims to instil safer road habits, especially among the youth.

Digging Dilemma and Restoration Plans

Acknowledging public frustration over road digging, the minister confirmed that restoration work will resume after the monsoon. Many of the ongoing diggings are linked to utilities and inter-departmental projects.

What’s Next?

The tendering process for AI traffic signals is expected to commence soon, targeting high-density areas first. The combined use of smart technology and policy reform signals Goa’s commitment to safer roads.

However, the human factor remains central. As Minister Godinho aptly put it, “Technology is just one tool—real change starts with responsible citizens.”

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Prayagraj and Varanasi Score Full Marks in India’s National Clean Air Programme

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New Delhi | July 2025 : In a commendable achievement, the twin cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as national role models in the fight against air pollution, securing full marks under the Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) performance index.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which monitors the implementation of the NCAP across India, noted that Prayagraj and Varanasi were the only two cities to score 100 out of 100 for their coordinated and sustained actions to improve urban air quality.

The comprehensive evaluation measured key performance areas including:

  • Reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels
  • Citizen participation and awareness campaigns
  • Transition to cleaner fuels
  • Urban forestry and green cover expansion
  • Improved public transport and reduced vehicular emissions
  • Stringent control of industrial emissions

Officials attributed the success to proactive governance, public awareness, and the integration of environmental considerations into urban development.

“These results show that holistic and community-driven planning can reverse the tide of air pollution,” said an MoEFCC spokesperson.

Both cities implemented rooftop solar schemes, electric vehicle incentives, solid waste management upgrades, and smart traffic controls as part of their clean air action plans.

Experts have hailed this recognition as a blueprint for other cities aspiring to improve urban air quality and meet India’s climate goals.

With this milestone, Prayagraj and Varanasi are not only spiritual centres but now also symbols of sustainability, proving that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.