Google Maps is moving beyond navigation and discovery with new Gemini-powered features that can prepare food orders, search for hotels and events, and tailor recommendations using information from a user’s connected Google services. The expansion gives Ask Maps, Google’s conversational artificial intelligence interface, more agent-like capabilities. Instead of merely suggesting restaurants, the service can now interpret a detailed request, locate a suitable business along a route and […]
Brain Corp has pushed its global fleet of BrainOS-powered autonomous mobile robots beyond 50,000 units, as deployment growth accelerated sharply during the first half of 2026 and artificial intelligence began removing one of the biggest manual steps in commercial robot installation. The San Diego-based robotics technology company recorded a 68% year-on-year rise in global deployments during the six months to June. Its machines logged more than 5.3 […]
AMD has agreed to acquire Toronto-based chip startup Taalas, adding technology that embeds artificial intelligence models directly into silicon as the semiconductor group intensifies its push into the fast-growing AI inference market. The deal, announced on August 6, will bring Taalas’s specialised inference technology and engineering team into AMD’s Artificial Intelligence Group. Financial terms were not disclosed. Completion remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. […]
Coinbase has opened US stock trading to customers in the UK, accelerating its push beyond cryptocurrencies as the exchange seeks to become a broader financial platform spanning digital assets, equities, savings and borrowing. The service began rolling out progressively to eligible UK users on August 6, giving customers access to nearly 4,000 US stocks through the same Coinbase application used for crypto and fiat holdings. Trading is […]
By Nitya Chakraborty INDIA Bloc, the anti-BJP front of the opposition parties will be meeting at Hyderabad shortly to review the national situation since its last meeting on June 8 in New Delhi. In the last two months, there have been major positive developments for INDIA Bloc which have helped in rejuvenating the anti-BJP opposition. […]
Roblox shares have lost about 70% of their value over the past year after weaker-than-expected second-quarter monetisation and a subdued bookings outlook intensified concerns about the gaming platform’s ability to turn expanding engagement into sustained spending growth. The sell-off accelerated after Roblox released its second-quarter results on July 30, with the stock suffering its worst one-day decline as a public company. Shares dropped nearly 27% in the […]
Meta has launched Muse Code, its first dedicated artificial intelligence coding agent, escalating competition with OpenAI and Anthropic as developers increasingly turn to autonomous software tools capable of handling complex programming assignments. The terminal-based agent, released in beta, runs on Meta’s new Muse Spark 1.2 model and is designed to work across large code repositories. It can plan software changes, write and modify code, test its work […]
Tether is expanding its asset-tokenisation business into Saudi Arabia, beginning with institutional real estate as the stablecoin group deepens its move into blockchain-based financial infrastructure beyond its core USDT franchise. The company’s Hadron platform will provide the technology needed to issue and manage tokenised property assets for institutional investors. Riyadh-based First Data will serve as issuer and market operator, while fintech company BKN301 will connect the system […]
Aramex reported record quarterly revenue of Dh1.83 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2026, as freight-forwarding demand and flexible routing helped the logistics group navigate regional transport disruption. Second-quarter revenue increased 22 per cent from Dh1.50 billion a year earlier, marking the highest quarterly total in the company’s history. May and June also produced record monthly revenue figures. Net profit rose to Dh47.4 million, compared […]
African technology developers are increasingly adopting Chinese artificial intelligence models as lower costs, open access and easier customisation reshape competition with more powerful proprietary systems developed in the United States. Models from Alibaba, DeepSeek and Beijing-based Moonshot AI are becoming widely used foundations for applications in education, agriculture, healthcare and financial services. Their appeal is strongest among start-ups and research teams working with limited computing capacity, constrained […]
Dubai has ranked second worldwide in Boston Consulting Group’s inaugural Intelligent Cities Index, placing behind London and ahead of New York, Washington and Amsterdam. The benchmark assessed 61 major cities across 39 countries on how effectively they use artificial intelligence and digital technology to serve residents and businesses. Dubai received an overall score of 80, compared with London’s 85, and was classified among the five cities demonstrating […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the best-positioned global centres for low-carbon hydrogen production, processing and export, supported by competitive energy costs, industrial capacity and expanding links to overseas markets. A new assessment by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry places the emirate at the forefront of a hydrogen sector that is moving beyond policy pledges towards commercially focused projects. […]
Google is concentrating more of its artificial intelligence leadership and development work at its Mountain View headquarters as it seeks faster decisions, tighter product integration and a stronger response to Anthropic and OpenAI. The shift places Koray Kavukcuoglu, Alphabet’s chief AI architect, at the centre of the company’s effort to turn advanced research into widely used products. Kavukcuoglu has moved full-time from London to California after previously […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai BNW Developments plans to build about 10,000 homes across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah over the next four years, marking a significant expansion of its residential and hospitality-led property portfolio in the UAE. The developer is preparing projects ranging from branded residences and waterfront apartments to mixed-use communities and hotels. Its current pipeline comprises 12 developments at different stages of planning and construction, […]
Chainlink’s LINK token is being withdrawn from centralised cryptocurrency exchanges at its fastest pace in more than a month, signalling that a growing number of holders may be moving assets into private wallets rather than preparing to sell them. About 1.26 million LINK left known exchange addresses during the 24 hours to August 4, the largest daily net outflow since June 29. The transfer was worth roughly […]
The UAE’s non-oil private sector expanded at its strongest pace in four months during July, supported by a revival in customer demand, improving exports and smoother regional trade flows. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 52.7 from 50.8 in June, moving further above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction. The increase marked a sharp recovery from June, when business conditions […]
Wynn Resorts has set September 2027 as the opening date for Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, providing its clearest timetable yet for the UAE’s first licensed integrated gaming resort. The Las Vegas-based company announced the date while reporting stronger second-quarter revenue and profit, supported by a sharp improvement at its Macau properties and sustained demand from wealthy customers. Wynn contributed $48.1 million during the […]
Apple has opened an internal lottery for United States retail employees to help manage its September product unveiling, signalling that preparations are advancing for the company’s most important hardware event of the year. The programme will bring selected store workers to Apple Park in Cupertino, California, where they will assist with the in-person gathering expected during the first half of September. Their duties will include organising queues, […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has officially awarded Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio the InterimCustom ISO 37122Smart CityCertification. This milestone marks another significant step in Vinhomes Green Paradise’s journey toward becoming the first mega urban development in Vietnam to achieve an internationally recognized smart city certification, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban development on a global scale.
The certification recognizes the substantial progress Vinhomes Green Paradise has made in advancing its smart city development in alignment with international standards. WCCD acknowledged that the project has achieved remarkable progress in its design, planning, and development strategy. This WCCD Certification serves as an important foundation for the project as it advances toward Full Certification upon commencement of operations.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by the WCCD and based upon the customized indicators framework WCCD specifically developed for greenfield development projects. The framework incorporates the core principles of ISO 37122, one of the world’s most respected international standards for measuring and evaluating smart city performance.
Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director of Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), stated: “This WCCD InterimCustom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification recognizes Vinhomes’ long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model. The Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio urban development project is now equipped with a powerful baseline of data designed to propel success, providing a strong foundation for year-over-year monitoring of development goals in smart urban governance, infrastructure development, technology adoption and sustainability, ensuring Full ISO 37122 Certification once operations commence. We congratulate Vinhomes on this important certification milestone, a global first, setting a new precedent for greenfield developments in cities worldwide.“
Mr. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), commented: “The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam. KMAC will continue to support the project in developing smart city solutions and implementation strategies and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model during the operational phase.”
In March 2026, Vinhomes Green Paradise officially launched its Smart City Certification Project in partnership with WCCD, SUM, and KMAC. Under the agreed roadmap, the Interim Custom Certification represents the first major milestone in the process of assessing and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model aligned with international standards.
Vinhomes Green Paradise benefits from a unique geographical setting, overlooking the Can Gio Sea and adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, which spans over 75,000 hectares. The development features a total area of 2,870 hectares, and a construction density of only 16%. Vinhomes is pioneering the project under its enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation.
Upon full operation, the entire urban management system will be greened, with the goal of utilizing 100% clean electricity generated from renewable energy sources and achieving 100% net-zero emission transportation. In addition to strict compliance with environmental protection standards, the project places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, aligned with Ho Chi Minh City’s climate adaptation strategy.
To support these efforts, a Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will be established to finance research, restoration, and long-term resilience initiatives. A key focus of the fund is the regeneration of the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem, helping to create a protective green belt for the entire development.
With its pioneering ESG++ vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise has become the first Official Participant in the “7 Wonders of the Future Cities” campaign initiated by New7Wonders.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification further reinforces Vinhomes Green Paradise’s pioneering vision in advancing a smart and sustainable urban model that meets international standards, while progressing toward becoming a benchmark future city for the region and the world.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate investment, development, and management company. It currently operates 32 urban developments while expanding its portfolio of flagship projects across strategically important provinces and cities nationwide. By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles with modern, highly connected infrastructure, Vinhomes is creating world-class integrated townships and megacities that are redefining Vietnam’s real estate market, driving sustainable development, and elevating the country’s urban landscape to international standards.
About the World Council on City Data (WCCD):
Established in Canada in 2014, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) is committed to helping cities and communities of all sizes globally embrace ISO standardized, independently verified, and globally comparable city data. The organization facilitates data-driven decision-making processes in management, planning, and investment, enabling cities to become more sustainable, safe, resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and smart.
The WCCD team of professionals spearheaded the development and implementation of three international standards on city data, which have been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva. These standards, referred to as the WCCD ISO 37120 Series on City Data, encompass ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities), ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities), and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities).
Since its inception, the WCCD has been expanding its global network of cities dedicated to high-caliber data. The WCCD collaborates with more than 125 cities across 40 different countries.
About Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM):
Cities worldwide are taking centre stage in the drive toward sustainable development and the prosperity of nations. Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) is designed to build on the strengths of its rapidly expanding global network of city leaders, senior levels of government officials, private capital market professionals and key international organizations and industry innovators dedicated to securing a better future for cities.
SUM’s service provision spans services connected to the ISO 37120 Series (ISO 37120 – Indicators for City Services and Quality of Life, ISO 37122 – Indicators for Smart Cities and ISO 37123 – Indicators for Resilient Cities) in partnership with the World Council on City Data (WCCD). The SUM team work with city leaders and private developers to customize these ISO certifications for new greenfield developments – new cities, new business districts and new communities.
SUM houses a new global first – the ISO 37125 International Standard on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Indicators for Cities and Regions. The SUM ISO 37125 certification protocol supports cities to report ESG city level data in conformity with the ISO globally standardized definitions and methodologies. SUM’s third-party verification process ensures the highest calibre data for cities across the globe. This Standard provides city leaders, governments, and the private sector with a robust, data-driven framework to guide ESG initiatives, drive infrastructure investment, attract investment, create and implement strategic planning decisions, propel innovation, and ensure socially inclusive planning and management. SUM is welcoming cities to join an exciting global cohort of World Premiere Cities – the first ISO 37125-certified cities.
SUM establishes a global hub for innovative learning partnerships among leaders of cities and private capital markets. Together, SUM and its partners foster innovation, imagine alternative futures, and create more livable cities. Certification by SUM underscores a collective commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for cities and regions.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Patricia McCarney President & CEO, World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director, Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) patricia.mccarney@globalcities.ca
About KMAC
Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) is one of Asia’s leading management consulting firms, delivering end-to-end capabilities from strategy formulation and transformation design to operational implementation and performance improvement. For decades, KMAC has served as a trusted innovation partner to the Korean government, public institutions, and leading private-sector enterprises, helping shape and execute initiatives that strengthen national competitiveness, modernize industries, and advance digital and AI transformation, sustainability, and organizational excellence. By combining deep sector expertise, rigorous strategic insight, and proven execution capabilities with an extensive regional network, KMAC enables clients to convert ambitious visions into actionable roadmaps, measurable operational outcomes, and sustainable growth across Asia and global markets.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Young Hwan Park Team Lead of Asia Business Center, Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) Davidpark819@kmac.co.kr
Siemens and Arizona State University have launched an online printed circuit board design programme aimed at expanding the pool of engineers and technicians capable of turning electronic concepts into production-ready hardware. The 40-hour, self-paced programme, titled “PCB Design Fundamentals: From Discovery to Production”, combines university instruction with practical training using Siemens’ Xpedition electronic design automation software. It is open to engineering students, working professionals, technicians and career […]
Apple’s annual sales in India surpassed $10 billion for the first time, strengthening the country’s position as one of the technology group’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
Revenue for the financial year ended March 2026 rose from nearly $9 billion a year earlier, driven mainly by demand for iPhones, Mac computers and services. The increase came as Apple widened its company-owned retail network, expanded financing options and deepened distribution beyond the largest metropolitan centres.
The performance marks a sharp acceleration from the roughly $8 billion recorded in the year ended March 2024. It also underlines Apple’s ability to gain ground in a price-sensitive market where devices using Google’s Android operating system account for the overwhelming majority of smartphone sales.
The iPhone remained Apple’s largest source of revenue in the country. Sales were supported by premiumisation in the smartphone market, trade-in programmes and instalment plans that reduced the upfront cost of devices. Older iPhone models also continued to attract buyers after price reductions following new product launches.
Apple does not disclose country-level sales in its global financial statements. The India figure reflects sales booked through its local operation and may include products distributed through company stores, online channels, authorised resellers and large electronics chains.
The company now operates six physical stores across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Noida. Its latest outlet opened in Borivali, Mumbai, in February, adding to Apple BKC, Apple Saket, Apple Hebbal, Apple Koregaon Park and Apple Noida.
Further retail expansion is being prepared, including another store in Bengaluru. Apple has also been recruiting specialists, technical staff and customer-support employees for multiple locations, indicating that its direct-sales presence will continue to grow.
Company-owned stores offer Apple greater control over pricing, product presentation and after-sales support. They also provide space for training sessions, product demonstrations and technical services, helping the group build customer loyalty in a market where many purchases have traditionally been made through third-party retailers.
The Apple Store online, launched in 2020, remains an important part of the company’s strategy. It allows customers across the country to access trade-ins, custom Mac configurations, education pricing and direct delivery, including in cities without a physical Apple outlet.
Apple’s sales expansion has coincided with a substantial increase in local manufacturing. Contract manufacturers Foxconn and Tata Electronics have raised iPhone assembly capacity, while suppliers are expanding component operations to support a broader production ecosystem.
The country is expected to account for about a quarter of global iPhone production during 2026. Apple has also been working to supply a larger share of devices sold in the United States from factories operated by its partners in the country, reducing dependence on China.
The manufacturing network includes operations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with further investment planned in assembly, enclosures, display components and semiconductor-related infrastructure. The expansion is being supported by production incentives and proposed tax concessions for foreign companies supplying equipment to contract manufacturers.
Authorities have proposed extending exemptions covering machinery provided to electronics producers until 2041. The measures are designed to reduce tax uncertainty for global suppliers and encourage longer-term investment in mobile phones, laptops, tablets and wearable devices.
Local production has helped Apple avoid some import duties and improve product availability. However, the company still relies heavily on components sourced from abroad, and manufacturing costs can remain higher than in China because of logistics, tariffs and a less developed supplier base.
India delivered another record quarter for Apple during the three months ended June. Mac sales reached an all-time high in the country, while demand for iPhones and other devices continued to expand.
Globally, Apple reported revenue of $109.42 billion for its fiscal third quarter, up 16 per cent from a year earlier. iPhone revenue climbed 22 per cent to $54.25 billion, while Mac revenue advanced 29 per cent to $10.35 billion.
Despite its growth, Apple remains a relatively small player by unit volume in the country’s smartphone market. Its share is considerably stronger in the premium category, where consumers are showing greater willingness to spend on high-end devices, financing plans and connected services.
Bitcoin’s largest holders have accumulated 19,610 coins since July 29, widening a sharp divide with smaller investors who reduced their exposure after a major security failure involving Coldcard hardware wallets. Wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 Bitcoin increased their combined balances by 0.14 per cent over the period. Addresses containing less than 0.01 Bitcoin cut their holdings by 0.55 per cent, indicating that retail investors were more […]
By Nantoo Banerjee The U.S. President Donald Trump seems to be desperately looking for a graceful exit fast at least to save the U.S. partnership with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and also the massive financial cost of war. The financial cost of the Iran war already reached approximately $37.5 billion in direct Pentagon […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Future Foundation and autonomous vehicle technology company Oxa have launched a laboratory to develop, test and commercialise self-driving logistics systems for ports, airports and other industrial sites. The Autonomous Logistics Future Lab will operate through SHIFFT, a joint venture established under the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Ecosystem. Its first commercial deployment is planned in Dubai before the end of 2027. The […]
patricia.mccarney@globalcities.ca
