News related to
City

The laboratories will be established across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities under the IndiaAI FutureSkills programme. They are intended to provide practical training in artificial intelligence, data annotation, data curation and applied data science, giving students in technical institutions access to infrastructure and courses aligned with emerging employment needs.

The 58 Centres of Excellence will be developed across states and Union Territories through partnerships involving state administrations, academic institutions and industry. Their mandate is expected to include research, product development, startup support, workforce training and the application of AI to local economic and public-service challenges.

The expansion forms part of the ₹10,372 crore IndiaAI Mission approved in March 2024. The programme is structured around seven areas covering computing capacity, indigenous foundation models, application development, skills, datasets, startup financing and safe deployment of artificial intelligence.

Twenty-seven Data and AI Labs have already been established with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations. The additional 543 facilities will take the planned national network to 570 laboratories, extending the initiative through ITIs and polytechnics in all states and Union Territories.

Courses are being designed to offer both foundational instruction and sector-focused training. Planned subjects include data cleaning, Python-based annotation and curation, data science, generative AI awareness and the responsible use of automated tools. The laboratories are also expected to provide hands-on access to computing systems rather than relying solely on classroom theory.

The programme addresses a persistent concentration of technology education, research institutions and high-value digital employment in major cities. Students in smaller industrial and educational centres often face limited access to specialised trainers, computing infrastructure and industry networks, even as companies seek workers capable of handling data-intensive operations and AI-supported processes.

Industrial training institutes and polytechnics have been chosen because of their role in preparing students for technical occupations. Integrating AI modules into these institutions could connect traditional vocational education with changing requirements in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, retail, financial services and public administration.

The government is also developing standardised curricula for different levels of technical ability. The YUVA AI for All programme supports introductory literacy, while the Skilling for AI Readiness framework offers nationally aligned learning pathways for school students, educators, technical trainees and workers without formal computing backgrounds.

More than 120 AI-related courses are available through the Skill India Digital Hub, including 11 focused specifically on generative artificial intelligence. A 15-hour course titled AI to be Aware introduces learners to generative tools, practical applications, limitations and responsible usage under the National Skills Qualification Framework.

The laboratory rollout is being accompanied by a wider effort to strengthen research and deployment. The IndiaAI Mission has identified 762 potential AI use cases across 62 ministries, covering areas such as healthcare, agriculture, climate management, cybersecurity, financial regulation and government service delivery.

Eleven national hackathons and innovation challenges have been launched to move selected ideas from initial development towards pilot projects and wider implementation. The government has also approved applications for AI solutions designed around domestic languages, datasets and operational conditions.

The common computing programme has onboarded more than 38,000 graphics processing units, which are being offered to startups, researchers and academic institutions at subsidised rates. Access to such computing power is essential for training and testing large models, but costs remain a barrier for smaller companies and institutions.

Twelve organisations and consortia have been selected to develop large and small language models using domestic datasets. Participants include startups, technology companies and academic groups working on multilingual, multimodal and sector-specific systems. The resulting models are expected to support government applications and become available to the broader research and startup ecosystem.

Talent development under the mission includes support for more than 8,000 undergraduate students, 5,000 postgraduate students and 500 doctoral researchers. The laboratory network is designed to widen the entry point further by reaching students enrolled in vocational and diploma-level programmes.

Implementation will depend on the availability of qualified instructors, reliable connectivity, maintained hardware and sustained coordination between institutions and industry. Training outcomes will also need to be measured against employment, certification and practical competence rather than the number of laboratories formally approved.

At the main venue, the Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center, six sections have been set up: “Intangible Heritage: Music and Dance,” “Intangible Heritage: A Feast of Local Flavors,” “Intangible Heritage: Technology and Innovation,” “Intangible Heritage: Learning and Transmission,” “Intangible Heritage: Cultural and Creative Market,” and an interactive exhibition and performances themed “Intangible Heritage in Poetry.” Together, they offer a diverse range of experiences, including Chaoshan Yingge dance, Xinjiang Muqam, heritage food tastings, XR digital experiences and interactive educational activities. At the sub-venue, the Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District, seven intangible cultural heritage items, including Nanjing Yunjin brocade and Hainan Li brocade, will be featured on a permanent basis, helping move intangible cultural heritage presentation beyond short-term exhibitions toward sustained transmission.

Using intangible cultural heritage as a bridge, the event promotes interaction, exchange and integration among all ethnic groups. By encouraging intangible cultural heritage practitioners to learn from one another and collaborate, it injects new vitality into the safeguarding and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition brings together more than 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items and is expected to receive 200,000 visits.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Rain measured at the Hong Kong Observatory’s headquarters had already exceeded the normal July total before the final third of the month. Further heavy showers linked to Typhoon Noul and moist south-westerly air lifted the cumulative figure closer to levels last recorded nearly three decades ago.

The territory received 474.7 millimetres of rain during the first 20 days of July, 23 per cent above the monthly average of 385.8 millimetres. Additional downpours later in the month strengthened the prospect of July becoming one of the wettest on record since observations began in 1884.

Forecasters expect unsettled conditions to extend into early August. A broad area of low pressure over the northern South China Sea and the western Pacific is likely to maintain a flow of moisture towards the Guangdong coast, bringing showers, thunderstorms and periods of heavier rain.

Rainfall this month followed an unusually wet June, when about 600.5 millimetres was recorded, roughly 22 per cent above normal. The back-to-back wet months have saturated hillsides, raised the risk of landslides and placed greater pressure on drainage systems across densely built districts.

Typhoon Noul added to the disruption after approaching the southern China coast and bringing squally showers, powerful winds and rough seas. Hundreds of flights were cancelled in Hong Kong, while transport services were adjusted and residents were warned to avoid shorelines and exposed areas.

At least 21 people were injured as the storm affected the city. Fallen trees, damaged scaffolding and blocked roads were reported, although Hong Kong avoided the larger-scale destruction seen in parts of Guangdong, where hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated before landfall.

Noul became the third tropical cyclone to affect southern China during July, underlining an active phase in the western North Pacific. Cyclones Bavi and Maysak had already contributed to difficult weather conditions across parts of the region, with heavy rain extending beyond coastal areas.

Meteorologists say the extraordinary rainfall has resulted from repeated interactions between tropical systems, low-pressure troughs and moisture-rich monsoon winds. Such patterns can produce long periods of rain even when the centre of a cyclone remains some distance from Hong Kong.

The city’s steep terrain and dense urban development increase its exposure to sudden flooding. Intense rainfall can overwhelm drains within minutes, particularly in low-lying districts and older neighbourhoods where water has fewer routes to escape.

Officials have repeatedly reminded residents to monitor rainstorm warnings, avoid watercourses and report signs of slope instability. Schools, businesses and public transport operators are required to follow warning arrangements when Amber, Red or Black rainstorm signals are issued.

The Observatory has issued dozens of rainstorm warnings since June, far more than during the same period last year. The frequency reflects not only the amount of rain but the number of intense bursts capable of disrupting travel and daily activity.

Hong Kong has experienced several severe rainfall episodes over the past few years. A record-breaking storm in September 2023 produced 158.1 millimetres of rain in a single hour, the highest hourly total since records began, flooding roads, underground stations and shopping areas.

A cluster of four Black rainstorm episodes between late July and early August 2025 further demonstrated the difficulty of forecasting small, fast-developing systems. Some storms formed rapidly near the Pearl River estuary, leaving limited time for highly localised warnings.

Climate researchers expect warmer air and seas to increase the moisture available to tropical weather systems. A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapour, raising the potential for heavier short-duration rainfall when atmospheric conditions trigger thunderstorms.

Natural year-to-year variations remain important, and no single wet month can be attributed solely to climate change. Long-term observations, however, show growing concern over the intensity of extreme rainfall events across subtropical coastal cities.

The financial impact extends beyond damaged property. Persistent bad weather can affect aviation, shipping, construction, retail activity and outdoor tourism. Insurance claims may rise when flooding damages vehicles, homes and commercial premises.

The launch ceremony was attended by Mr. Do Quang Thai, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Kingdom of Denmark, together with representatives from leading Danish organizations, including 3F, Dansk Erhverv, DPT and Carnegie Investment Bank, alongside strategic partners and industry stakeholders from the transport, technology, energy, finance and infrastructure sectors.

As one of the world’s leading cities in sustainable urban mobility, Copenhagen was chosen as Green SM’s first European market. Here, the company aims to complement the city’s existing transport network by offering another reliable, fully electric mobility option for residents and visitors alike.

In Denmark, the company operates a fully electric fleet of VinFast VF 6 and VF 8 vehicles, serving a wide range of everyday urban travel needs. Unlike many ride-hailing platforms that primarily connect passengers with independent drivers, Green SM directly owns and manages its fleet and oversees driver operations to help ensure consistent service quality and customer experience. During the initial phase of operations, Green SM will focus on establishing a reliable local operation, ensuring full compliance with Danish regulations, and continuously improving its service based on feedback from customers, drivers, and other stakeholders.

Delivering a safe, professional, and consistent customer experience begins with Green SM’s drivers. Before serving customers, every driver completes comprehensive training in road safety, customer service, operating procedures, and electric vehicle operation. Together with ongoing training and a robust local operations system, this helps ensure every journey reflects the high standards Green SM is committed to delivering.

Customers can book rides through the Green SM app, available on the App Store and Google Play. Fares are displayed before each trip is confirmed, and electronic receipts are issued automatically at the end of every journey. To mark its launch in Copenhagen, Green SM is offering new customers five (5) vouchers worth 25% off each trip, up to a maximum discount of 100 DKK per ride throughout the Grand Launch period from July 30 to September 30, 2026.

Richard Nabil Chahine, CEO of Green SM Europe, said: “Cities shape the future of mobility long before companies do. Copenhagen is one of those cities. That is why beginning our European journey here carries special meaning for Green SM. We come with deep respect for the standards already established here, drawing on what we have learned from serving millions of journeys across Asia. Our ambition is simple: to become a trusted mobility partner by delivering safe, professional and fully electric journeys that people can rely on every day. If we earn that trust, growth will naturally follow.”

Green SM’s expansion into Europe reflects the company’s long-term approach to international growth. Rather than prioritising rapid expansion, Green SM focuses on building well-structured local operations, adapting its services to local market needs, and earning trust through consistently reliable service.

With its fully electric fleet and low-emission operating model, Green SM hopes to contribute to Denmark’s long-standing ambitions for more sustainable mobility while providing another practical transport choice for everyday journeys.

Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India and Kazakhstan. Through its fully electric fleet, technology platform and consistent operating standards, the company is steadily expanding internationally while adapting its services to local market needs.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Largest category marketing investment in 15 years supports Desert diamonds’ debut in Asia, opening a brilliant new chapter for natural diamonds

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – De Beers Group hosted the Desert diamonds Asia launch event in Shanghai on 29th July, marking the official arrival of the Desert diamonds beacon in China, embodying the spirit of “authenticity, individuality and inner radiance”. This is the first new beacon launched by the Group in over a decade. Backed by its largest category marketing investment in 15 years, the campaign champions a renewed perspective for natural diamonds and aims to unite the industry, further underscoring the strategic role of China in shaping future demand for natural diamonds and supporting the industry’s long-term growth.

First unveiled in 2025 at the JCK Las Vegas Show, the Desert diamonds beacon marks a new chapter in the celebration of natural diamonds. Drawing inspiration from the desert landscapes that echo the ancient desert routes of Dunhuang and the lingering charm of the Silk Road, Desert diamonds pays tribute to the untamed authenticity of natural diamonds, celebrating a spectrum of colours from warm whites to champagne tones and amber hues. Desert diamonds jewellery has been seen on international stages – worn by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, and Aryna Sabalenka. By bringing the beacon to China, De Beers Group aims to meet the growing consumer demand for self-reward, emotional gifting, and milestone celebrations — reaffirming the enduring desirability of natural diamonds for a new generation of consumers.

Departing from traditional jewellery marketing, De Beers Group has creatively invited “Real People” to interpret the unique allure of Desert diamonds. These “Real People” are not celebrities or professional models, but pioneering individuals from diverse fields who dare to pursue authenticity and illuminate their individuality through their own stories. They vividly embody the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance that Desert diamonds represent, through their personal journeys. This groundbreaking approach forges a deeper resonance between natural diamonds and genuine emotions, echoing today’s consumer desire for sincere and diverse narratives.

Lynn Serfaty, General Manager, Natural Diamonds, De Beers Group, said, “From red carpets to everyday life, consumers want a natural diamond that tells their personal story – a unique symbol for life’s most precious moments. Following its global success, we are confident in bringing Desert diamonds, a natural inspiration from the desert to China.”

She added: “Our research shows that Desert diamonds resonate strongly with Chinese consumers: 95% desire to own them, 94% find them distinctive, and 96% consider them innovative. Consumers increasingly see jewellery as a key expression of emotional connection and self-affirmation. The authenticity, individuality and inner radiance they seek are the soul of Desert diamonds. I’m delighted to see the industry is uniting to reignite passion for natural diamonds and shape a brilliant future.”

Departing from conventional advertising fronted by celebrities, De Beers Group has for the first time selected four “Real People” through authentic storytelling, breaking away from the traditional celebrity endorsement model. Each of them interprets the campaign’s theme — “Authenticity” — through their unique life stories: embracing every mark of life with truth, the singular stance of being born one of a kind, and the brilliant light that shines from deep within.

In China, consumers are increasingly drawn to jewellery that is authentic, rare, and everlasting — a clear shift toward self-expression through pieces that reflect authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance. De Beers Group observes that today’s consumers seek not only the timelessness of natural diamonds but also designs that are distinctive, personal, and value-driven — Desert diamonds perfectly embodies this exceptional realm of effortless refinement.

Leading retailers Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and TSL | Tse Sui Luen, which are the strategic partners of the Desert diamonds campaign, have been developing collections that showcase the desert-inspired palette, underscoring the industry’s strong confidence in the campaign. The retailers will debut their Desert diamonds jewellery collections at the launch and lend their firm support to the campaign in future marketing initiatives.

Created to resonate with a new generation, this campaign targets young consumers through a holistic media and digital strategy. Today’s young consumers are proudly embracing tradition, finding meaning in their cultural roots. The creative storytelling parallels each diamond’s natural journey with the wearer’s own path, allowing the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance of Desert diamonds to strike a chord, and reinforcing that every Desert diamond and every individual is one of a kind. This narrative also echoes a timeless legacy of diamonds as the indestructible stone, a symbol of resilience and everlasting brilliance, and qualities this generation deeply admires. The campaign will steadily ramp up marketing investment, harnessing robust media and social influence to establish Desert Diamonds as the preferred choice of discerning consumers.

Beyond engaging consumers and retailers, the Desert diamonds campaign supports national efforts to drive quality consumption and product innovation. It aligns with the Shopping in China initiative, which promotes high-quality goods with strong provenance, traceability and sustainability. De Beers Group is leveraging the launch to drive natural diamond category education in China and champion premium natural diamond jewellery. With a focus on brand building, quality assurance, product innovation and sustainable development, Desert diamonds provides Chinese consumers with a trustworthy, high-quality choice, supporting the high-quality development of China’s consumer market and the initiative’s goal of stimulating domestic consumption.

Building on its global momentum, Desert diamonds has become a powerful cultural phenomenon. In the U.S., it has captured attention on red carpets and through high-profile celebrity engagements, with warm-toned diamonds growing increasingly visible across fashion, music, and entertainment. Retailers who took part in the initial U.S. campaign reported higher foot traffic and a surge in enquiries tied to life milestones – clear signs of growing consumer desire for these naturally warm diamonds at life’s defining moments. By drawing a parallel to the wearer’s own journey, the campaign positions Desert diamonds not just as gems, but as emotional keepsakes rooted in the earth and elegant symbols of true individuality and enduring meaning.

Please follow the official accounts to find more information regarding Desert diamonds.

De Beers Group Official Website www.debeersgroup.com
Natural Diamond Instagram Page：@ADiamondisForeverhk

Hashtag: #Naturaldiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #Desertdiamonds #ADiamondisForever

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

As audiences increasingly consume content through AI-powered search, personalized recommendations, and immersive digital experiences, #legend is investing in artificial intelligence to enhance editorial excellence, deepen audience engagement, and create greater value for readers, luxury brands, and business partners.

“AI is not replacing creativity; it is enhancing it,” said Bruce Rockowitz, Chairman of Legend Publishing. “Luxury has always been about delivering exceptional experiences. By embracing AI, we can better understand our audience, produce richer content more efficiently, and connect brands with consumers in more meaningful ways.”

Central to the transformation is a new AI-powered editorial ecosystem built to support journalists and creative teams. Editors will be assisted with research, multilingual translation, trend analysis, and workflow efficiencies, freeing them to concentrate on the original storytelling and high-quality journalism that have defined the publication since its founding.

Readers will also notice a more personalized experience. #legend will introduce intelligent content discovery across its digital platforms, surfacing articles, luxury products, travel destinations, events, and business insights tailored to individual interests. For the brand’s commercial partners, this translates into more targeted, measurable, and meaningful marketing opportunities backed by real audience data.

For luxury brands working with #legend, AI-powered analytics will offer a clearer window into audience behavior, campaign performance, and emerging consumer trends, enabling stronger strategies and more accountable investment.

The company will also accelerate the production of premium marketing content, social campaigns, newsletters, video and multilingual editorial through generative AI, supporting its continued growth across Asia without compromising the editorial standards the brand is known for.

Recognizing that readers increasingly discover content through conversational AI rather than conventional search, #legend is investing in publishing infrastructure built for this new reality. By strengthening structured content, digital discoverability, and intelligent search capabilities, the platform is cementing its place as a trusted voice for luxury and lifestyle content wherever readers choose to find it.

Across the business, the benefits are expected to be tangible: faster production cycles, stronger reader engagement, sharper advertising performance, and more confident, data-informed decision-making at every level of the organization.

Through it all, the qualities that built #legend’s reputation remain non-negotiable. Authentic storytelling, trusted journalism, and premium experiences are not features of the old model to be discarded. They are the foundation upon which everything new will be built.

“Our future lies at the intersection of innovation and creativity,” Rockowitz added. “By combining human expertise with intelligent technology, we are building a smarter media platform that will continue to inspire readers, empower brands, and shape the future of luxury publishing in Asia.”

Hashtag: #legend

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About #legend

#legend is Hong Kong’s premier digital destination for fashion, beauty, culture, and the extraordinary lives of the city’s most influential figures. Founded in Hong Kong, #legend has grown from a local publication into an influential voice in Asian luxury lifestyle media. The platform covers Culture, Watches & Jewellery, Fashion, Travel, Wellness, Design, Beauty, and related verticals, through print, digital, social media, and event experiences, with a mission to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence, connects influential audiences with the people, brands, and ideas shaping the future of luxury living.

For more information, visit: https://hashtaglegend.com/about