
India's urban population expected to almost double by 2050 to 951 million
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Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
CM seeks Singapore knowhow in housing
Singapore: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday underscored the critical need for continued cooperation between Singapore and Andhra Pradesh, emphasising that the state's new capital, Amaravati, is being built with a blend of modern infrastructure and future-oriented thinking. Naidu's remarks came during his second day in Singapore, where he undertook an extensive two-hour walk-through of the Bidadari Housing Project, praising its innovative and eco-friendly approach to community housing development. The Chief Minister lauded the Bidadari project's "thoughtful integration of nature, heritage, and community living," calling it a powerful example for cities worldwide. He affirmed that Amaravati is being developed following globally recognized best practices and drawing on international expertise to ensure it embodies both innovation and sustainability. He acknowledged that while the Government of Singapore had already provided the master plan for Amaravati, and the World Bank is now a key development partner, "certain past events had created distance" between the two governments. He stated that his current visit is squarely aimed at restoring and strengthening that partnership, expressing hope for ongoing collaboration. During Naidu's visit to the Bidadari Estate, a development housing over 10,000 families, Singaporean officials presented their "City in a Garden" concept. This included design features that preserved mature trees, protected natural water bodies, and emphasised walkability and connectivity – aspects that deeply impressed the Chief Minister. Naidu also held discussions on building quality, affordable housing in Andhra Pradesh's urban and semi-urban areas. He commended the Housing Development Board (HDB) for its pivotal role in planning and executing Bidadari, which spans 250 acres and incorporates extensive green infrastructure and public amenities. He was particularly impressed by how Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) transformed a former cremation site into a serene and welcoming urban park, showcasing how even sensitive spaces can be reimagined for community benefit. Following the estate visit, the Chief Minister met with senior officials from HDB, URA, Singapore Corporation Enterprise, and the World Bank. Their discussions primarily focused on potential collaboration in Andhra Pradesh's upcoming urban housing projects, especially those within Amaravati. Naidu extended an invitation to Singapore's Housing Development Board to participate as a development partner, sharing Andhra Pradesh's urban vision, strategic goals, and ongoing initiatives. He reiterated his praise for the Bidadari model as an inspiring example for Andhra Pradesh as it works to build liveable, inclusive cities for the future.


Hans India
5 hours ago
- Hans India
AP, Singapore eye deeper ties in green energy, data centres
Singapore: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday met Singapore's minister for manpower and minister-in-charge of energy and science and technology in the ministry of trade and industry, Dr Tan See Leng, to discuss enhanced collaboration in key sectors including green energy, data centres, logistics, and housing. During the meeting, held as part of his second-day visit to Singapore, Chandrababu Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's significant initiatives in the green energy sector. He called for greater cooperation from Singaporean firms in projects related to green hydrogen, transmission corridors, and port development. The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for Singapore's participation in establishing data centres and elaborated on the state's rapid expansion of its port infrastructure. Recognising Singapore's global strength in logistics, Chief Minister Naidu sought its support in implementing best practices across Andhra Pradesh's ports and logistics sectors. He also underscored the importance of Singapore's involvement in human resources, science and technology, and trade collaboration. Addressing concerns faced by Singaporean companies during the previous administration, the Chief Minister assured Minister Tan that measures are being taken to resolve those issues, emphasising that his visit reflects a commitment to transparency and rectification. He affirmed that his government is investment-friendly and deeply values its relationship with Singapore. Recalling past successful collaborations, Chandrababu Naidu cited the development of Singapore Township in Hyderabad during his earlier tenure as a symbol of admiration for Singapore's planning and efficiency. He also noted that Hyderabad once adopted nighttime street-cleaning practices inspired by observations in Singapore. To further solidify the partnership, the Chief Minister extended a formal invitation to Minister Tan to attend the upcoming Global Investors Summit scheduled for November in Visakhapatnam. In response, Minister Tan See Leng expressed Singapore's keen interest in working with Andhra Pradesh in the fields of housing and subsea cables, affirming that both sides could jointly pursue initiatives in these areas. The Minister also mentioned Singapore's ongoing collaboration with the World Bank on green energy and housing-related programmes. Reminiscing about his previous visit to Hyderabad and his earlier meeting with Chandrababu Naidu, minister Tan expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation. The meeting was attended by Andhra Pradesh Ministers Nara Lokesh, P. Narayana, and TG Bharat along with senior officials from the State government.


Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's ancestral homes in Pakistan to turn into heritage museums over next two years
The reconstruction and renovation work on the ancestral homes of legendary Indian actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor officially began in Pakistan's Peshawar city on Monday, according to officials. The project is set to be completed in two years at an estimated cost of ₹70 million, said Director of Archaeology Dr Abdus Samad. The project aims to restore the buildings and convert Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's homes into museums, promoting heritage tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the next two years. Funds released for aesthetic restoration of the historical residences The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government released the funds for the project, which includes structural and aesthetic restoration of the historical residences. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has been tasked with overseeing the work, which aims to restore the buildings to their original condition. The provincial Archaeology Department has planned to convert both structures into museums dedicated to the lives and careers of the legendary actors. The then-Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, declared these houses a national heritage site on 13 July 2014. The initiative to boost heritage tourism According to Dr Samad, the project's primary goal is to safeguard the province's historical and cultural heritage while promoting heritage tourism. This initiative will boost local tourism and create new employment opportunities, he said. "With the support of the World Bank, these projects will revolutionise the tourism sector in the province. Our aim is to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's beautiful cultural landmarks a focal point for tourists worldwide," said the provincial government's Advisor for Tourism Zahid Khan Shinwari. Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's ancestral homes are located in Peshawar, Pakistan, in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar. These iconic structures, built in the early 20th century, reflect traditional colonial-era architecture and are deeply tied to the early lives of the legendary Bollywood actors. Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar are the biggest stalwarts of Hindi cinema who are revered for their timeless performances, influential films, and immense contributions to shaping Indian cinema's golden era.