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Dreams of a midnight metropolis
Dreams of a midnight metropolis

Hindustan Times

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Hindustan Times

Dreams of a midnight metropolis

The world's great metropolises rarely sleep. In New York, bars buzz till dawn, Broadway theatres run late shows, and Harlem's jazz clubs play well past midnight. London stays alive with West End performances, rooftop cinemas, and 24-hour diners. In Bangkok, night markets thrive into the early hours, while in Berlin, the party often begins after dark. Indian megacities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have attempted to create a formal night-time economy in other parts of the city — but with little success. (Raj K Raj/HT photo) These cities boast a vibrant 'night-time economy' (NTE) — a vital, revenue-generating ecosystem of retail, dining, entertainment, food, and transportation that thrives after dusk. But, in India, despite more than a decade of policy discussions, pilot projects, and political promises, metro cities have largely failed to nurture a robust night economy –– quite an odd mismatch in a country with a rapidly growing urban middle class, millions of gig workers, and a youthful population hungry for flexible work hours and diverse entertainment options. Cities continue to struggle to overcome a deeply entrenched 'daytime mindset'. Come midnight, metros halt, shops shut, and streets empty — leaving behind only delivery riders and night-shift workers navigating an urban landscape that many find unsafe. Reshaping nightlife 'Hyderabad is our engine of growth , contributing half of Telangana's GDP. And the government believes a vibrant night-time economy can significantly boost the state's economic growth by creating a city that never sleeps,' a senior Telangana government official said. Citing New York City's flourishing NTE, the official says that NYC's GDP rivals that of entire countries like the Netherlands or Poland. 'Hyderabad has the potential to be a truly global city. The government aims to grow Telangana's economy to $1 trillion by 2035, from $200 billion today, and believes Hyderabad's night-time economy could add a 3.5% annual increase to the city's GDP, and help realise that dream, ' the official added. 'The draft policy is ready, and an expert committee is finalising it. We plan to roll it out in phases starting October 2025, beginning with areas such as Gachibowli, Hi-Tec City, Financial District, Necklace Road, Tank Bund, and Hussain Sagar.' Eligible businesses in these designated NTE zones will require no additional permits. These zones, the official said, will feature enhanced law enforcement, CCTV coverage, improved lighting, clear signage, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and extended access to public transport. 'We will also partner with global cities that have successfully built night-time economies to implement best practices,' he added. Shutdown after sundown Indian megacities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have attempted to create a formal night-time economy in other parts of the city — but with little success. Mumbai, for example, launched a 24/7 zone in Kala Ghoda in 2017, but the initiative faltered due to complex licensing, weak inter-agency coordination, and limited late-night mobility. Similarly, Delhi's attempts to extend business hours in Connaught Place and Hauz Khas collapsed amid safety concerns and enforcement failures. In a notification issued in September last year, the Karnataka government allowed shops and commercial establishments with more than 10 employees to stay open 24/7, but Bengaluru has seen little change on the ground, with a cautious approach from law enforcement keeping most businesses adhering to traditional hours despite the state-level clearance. Delhi's Master Plan 2041 briefly outlines a vision for a '24-hour city', vision suggesting 'nodes' , precincts, or circuits for cultural and commercial activity at night, leveraging the Model Shops and Establishments Act, 2015. This central law allows states to permit 24/7 operations for businesses while ensuring worker welfare. According to experts, the core issue is the lack of an integrated city-level ecosystem –– one that unifies licensing, mobility, safety, and zoning. Bureaucratic inertia, inadequate public transport, fragmented licensing, and persistent safety issues have all contributed to the failure of Indian cities' night economy ambitions. 'Many of these challenges are deeply layered — rooted in governance, social norms, and the psychological makeup of our cities,' said Dikshu Kukreja , an architect and urbanist. 'Our licensing systems often reflect a legacy mindset that equates 'activity after hours' with risk or deviance. Urban safety is a genuine concern, especially for women. And, cities lack the infrastructure for 'casual lingering' — benches, clean toilets, late-night eateries, and reliable transport that allow people to stay out by choice.' Ready for the 24/7 leap? But, the biggest challenge, he added, is cultural. 'In Indian cities, darkness is often associated with danger, uncertainty and shutdown. Changing that perception will require more than policy — it needs a cultural narrative shift, one that imagines the city as a shared home, not a place to retreat from after sundown.' 'What's needed is smarter, coordinated allocation of resources. Mumbai introduced a 24/7 policy in select areas back in 2020, though implementation has been slow. Still, the city has the most promising night economy in India.' But, a successful NTE, experts stress, must go beyond pubs and late-night eateries. 'The night-time economy is a good concept, but it must include more than just commercial activity,' said Kalpana Viswanath, co-founder and CEO of SafetiPin, an organisation that works to make cities safe and inclusive, especially for women. 'It should encompass parks, libraries, cultural venues, and spaces for street vendors. Inclusivity is essential. From a woman's perspective, this means safe, well-lit public areas, reliable and accessible transport, and amenities such as clean public restrooms that remain open at night.' Urban designer Aakash Hingorrani said that Indian cities lack the kind of social infrastructure needed to sustain a healthy night culture. 'Most people end up at malls by default because we don't have enough diverse public spaces where people can gather, sit, eat, or just be,' he said. 'I believe a city is best experienced after hours. But, we need more inclusive public spaces to make that possible. Cities with vibrant nightlife are often safer — thanks to the 'eyes on the street' principle,' he added. 'For example, Delhi's monuments like Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb could remain open late. Even neglected spaces like Barapullah Nallah could be repurposed as canals for boating.' Not all projects require massive budgets. 'Even simple interventions in neighbourhoods can kickstart the process,' he said. Kukreja echoes this view, emphasising that night-time placemaking requires more than lighting and surveillance. 'It's about creating perceived safety through lighting design and spatial orientation, offering sensory comfort through soundscapes, and encouraging behavioural flow through interconnected public zones,' he said. 'Neuroscience tells us that humans perceive space differently at night. So the nighttime city must evoke comfort, curiosity, and care—not overstimulation or isolation. A cultural shift, not just policy Kukreja noted a vibrant NTE can foster social cohesion, bringing together people who may otherwise never cross paths. 'It's also a powerful tool for urban regeneration,' he said, adding that Hyderabad's model shows real promise — because it's thinking systemically. 'The appointment of a night mayor and the creation of a dedicated authority suggest a shift from simply 'managing' the night to curating it.' 'Integrating transport, licensing, and digital governance shows a deep understanding of how night ecosystems work. But more than structural innovations, success will depend on whether the city can use the new policy framework to cultivate a local night culture that feels safe, inclusive, and rooted in its unique identity.' Hyderabad's cosmopolitan history, he said, gives it an edge. 'It's a city of layered identities — and night-time could become a space where those layers are expressed more freely. If done right, this policy could be a blueprint for other Indian cities to reimagine night — not as leftover time, but as a realm of vibrant possibility.'

New pilot grant to support Waterford's night-time economy
New pilot grant to support Waterford's night-time economy

Irish Independent

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Irish Independent

New pilot grant to support Waterford's night-time economy

Waterford Purple Flag and Waterford City and County Council have teamed up to announce the launch of the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant for 2025. The new scheme is designed to support creative, cultural, and community activity during off-peak evening hours in Waterford city. The pilot scheme seeks to energise the city's Purple Flag Zone with fresh, engaging events that will take place between Sunday and Thursday after 5pm, bringing new life to Waterford after dark and diversifying its cultural and social offering for residents and visitors alike. Waterford City and County Council has a long-standing commitment to support the cultural and creative life of Waterford, said a spokesperson. 'In 2025 the elected members approved a budget of €1.6 million to support festivals, cultural events, and artistic programming across the city and county. 'The launch of this new NTE pilot grant reflects and compliments that same commitment, with a specific focus on stimulating safe, inclusive and imaginative activity during traditionally quieter hours.' Grants, ranging from €500 to €1,000, are available to artists, venues, businesses, community groups and creative collaborators who wish to trial events such as live performances, exhibitions, wellness evenings, guided tours, workshops, and more. Collaborative, multi-partner applications with larger ambitions may also be considered, subject to available funding. The project aligns with Waterford's Purple Flag goals, which are the recognition of excellence in evening and night-time management and the local authority's 'ongoing commitment to nurturing a vibrant, safe and sustainable cultural life for all.' Michael Quinn, director of services with Waterford City and County Council explained: 'The NTE grants will give artists, groups and businesses the opportunity to develop night-time initiatives that not only contribute to Waterford's evening economy but place an emphasis on Waterford's city centre as a safe, accessible and vibrant place after dark. 'The importance of the nighttime economy cannot be overemphasised, and the introduction of new, engaging and value-added initiatives will only serve to complement and enhance what's on offer throughout the day.' Jim Gordon, Chair of the Purple Flag Committee, welcomed the launch, saying: 'The NTE Pilot Grant builds on the great progress already made in enhancing Waterford's night-time economy. It provides targeted support to creative projects that bring life into the city centre in the evenings and encourages collaboration across the community. 'We're pleased to see Waterford City and County Council continue to lead in this space, helping to grow and sustain the Purple Flag standard.' Applications are now open and the deadline for submissions is 4.30pm on Friday, August 22. All supported events must take place Sunday to Thursday after 5pm between September 4, and November 13, within Waterford City's Purple Flag Zone.

‘City That Never Sleeps': Hyderabad's night economy gets a bold policy push
‘City That Never Sleeps': Hyderabad's night economy gets a bold policy push

Time of India

time12-07-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

‘City That Never Sleeps': Hyderabad's night economy gets a bold policy push

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is preparing to usher in a transformative chapter in urban governance with the proposed rollout of a full-fledged night-time economy (NTE) framework—one that not only stretches the city's productivity beyond daylight hours but also aims to redefine it as India's first truly 24x7 economic powerhouse. At the core of this shift is the appointment of a night mayor, the creation of a night-time economy authority (NTEA), and a NTE digital registry, all working together to streamline governance, ensure safety, and remove bureaucratic hurdles. Officials cite Amsterdam's night mayor model, which led to a 20% surge in night-time economic activity while reducing friction with residential communities. Hyderabad's version will be tailored to local governance but aims to replicate similar success, a senior official explained. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad According to policy highlights available with TOI, the state govt is actively considering the creation of designated NTE zones, where a broad spectrum of establishments—from tech companies and hospitals to retail shops and food courts—can operate during extended hours without having to apply for individual night permits. These zones will be regulated by the NTEA and supported by the digital registry, which will serve as a monitoring and coordination tool (but not a licensing body), sources said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 4 måder at se, om du har råd til at gå på pension med 2,5 mio. kr. Fisher Investments Norden Undo New zoning, new vision Under the 'open zone' policy, businesses located within designated night economy zones would be exempt from seeking separate night-time permits. Key areas like Hi-Tec City, Madhapur, and Financial District, with their high density of IT and commercial establishments, are being considered for 24x7 commercial zone classification. Retail zones, including Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Madhapur, and major shopping malls, are recommended to operate until 2.30 am, while iconic public spaces such as Charminar, Necklace Road, Tank Bund, and KBR Park are envisioned as tourism and recreation zones, open until 1.30 am. Holistic urban shift While night-time activity often conjures images of entertainment, the proposed policy goes much further. It covers sectors like healthcare, logistics, transport, IT services, retail, and tourism, reflecting a broader shift in urban economics, sources said. The NTE digital registry will enhance zone-level coordination, provide real-time insights, and support transparency and safety—without assuming licensing authority. The NTEA will oversee implementation, with a focus on digital governance, cross-agency collaboration, and branding Hyderabad as 'The City That Never Sleeps,' officials explained. Despite the potential, several regulatory and infrastructure-related challenges remain. Urban experts highlight the need to update labour laws, taxation systems, and licensing mechanisms to support night-shift operations. There are also pressing concerns around safety, noise control, carbon footprint, and coordination between departments like GHMC, labour, and excise. Enhanced policing, AI-based surveillance, public transport at night, and sustainable urban planning will be crucial to balance economic growth with livability, an urban expert explained. 2023 attempt In April 2023, the state govt had issued a GO permitting round-the-clock operation for shops, offices, and establishments in Hyderabad. While the policy was welcomed, especially by the hospitality, tech, and retail sectors, implementation ran into serious hurdles. Under the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, 1988, any business operating beyond standard hours must still obtain prior approvals. Although the 2023 order offered a broad exemption, a mandatory police NoC remained in place—especially for operations beyond 10 pm. This lack of interdepartmental coordination proved to be a bottleneck. The Hyderabad city police denied NoCs to many establishments, citing concerns over night-time enforcement capacity, noise, public order, and the absence of synchronised planning between departments.

NTE Announces Closed Beta Test for 3 July During Livestream Showcase
NTE Announces Closed Beta Test for 3 July During Livestream Showcase

Globe and Mail

time23-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Globe and Mail

NTE Announces Closed Beta Test for 3 July During Livestream Showcase

BEIJING, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Publisher Perfect World Games, and Hotta Studio, developers of the highly-anticipated, supernatural urban open-world RPG NTE (Neverness to Everness), have announced a new Closed Beta test for Windows PC, taking place from July 3-16. In a special livestream event aired on Sunday, the team detailed a huge range of new features, improvements and additions, all of which will further enhance this latest round of testing. Firstly, the new vehicle requisition and wanted system adds even more depth to the driving element of the game, with players now able to commandeer vehicles as they wish throughout the city. But be warned - breaking the law will trigger a multi-level warning system which escalates depending on your actions. Players can then race with friends or take on various racing crews in online street racing challenges, to prove who truly has the mastery of the city streets. The game's dynamic weather system has also been updated with sophisticated new snow mechanics, bringing even more realism and immersion to the city of Hethereau with real-time PBR (physically based rendering) snow materials and subsurface scattering effects, with every snowflake that falls appearing translucent and lifelike. For a full breakdown of the latest development updates, visit the NTE website and check out the VOD of the livestream on YouTube. NTE is an ambitious and unique online RPG that takes place in the city of Hethereau - a vast, seamless open world rendered with the power of Unreal Engine 5, where humans co-exist with supernatural anomalies. Players will control a range of vibrant and dynamic characters, each with their own unique personalities and abilities, in order to explore the city and investigate these anomalies in episodic, comedy-drama storylines. Aside from the core story and RPG gameplay, players will also be able to take part in an ever-expanding roster of activities, including collecting, modding and racing sports cars, buying and designing their own chic city getaways and even running a business. Whatever you choose to do with your time in Hethereau, the experience always promises to be immersive, absorbing, and never-ending. NTE is in development for PC, console and mobile. More information is available via the NTE website, or by following the game on X and joining the official Discord server. A full press kit, including logo, screenshots, key art, and more, can be found here: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at About Perfect World Games Perfect World Games is a global gaming company specializing in game development, operations, and publishing. With a diverse product portfolio across MMO, open-world, action, turn-based, and other genres, the company has expanded its presence on multiple platforms, including PC, mobile, consoles, and VR. Leveraging its industry-leading in-house development capabilities, Perfect World Games is committed to delivering high-quality game content and experiences to players worldwide. For more information, please visit: About Hotta Studio Hotta Studio previously developed the globally released open-world game Tower of Fantasy. Tower of Fantasy features a light sci-fi art style with anime aesthetics, and was created with Unreal Engine 4, providing players worldwide with a rich and diverse open-world gaming experience.

US raises issue with South Korea's restrictions on beef imports, data transfer
US raises issue with South Korea's restrictions on beef imports, data transfer

Hans India

time01-06-2025

  • Business
  • Hans India

US raises issue with South Korea's restrictions on beef imports, data transfer

Seoul: The United States has called for resolution of South Korea's restrictions on beef imports, living modified organisms (LMOs), overseas transfer of high-precision map data and other non-tariff measures in their latest trade negotiations, government sources said on Sunday. The three items were mentioned in the second round of technical discussions on various trade issues, including trade imbalance and non-tariff barriers, between the two countries in Washington last month, according to the sources familiar with the matter, reports Yonhap news agency. All the items are listed on the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, issued by the office of the U.S. Trade Representative ahead of the Donald Trump administration's announcement of country-specific reciprocal tariffs in early April. The NTE report pointed out South Korea has an import ban on American beef from cattle aged 30 months or older, claiming such a "transitional measure" has remained in place for 16 years following the signing of a bilateral free trade agreement in 2008. The report also claimed Seoul's regulatory system for agriculture biotechnology, including the LMO act, presents challenges to U.S. agricultural exports, and Korea's restrictions on the export of location-based data have led to a competitive disadvantage for international suppliers. Google has repeatedly requested the South Korean government to allow the company to transfer the country's high-precision map data overseas, but the government has dismissed the request, citing national security and digital sovereignty concerns. The Seoul government plans to decide by August whether to allow such a transfer. Seoul and Washington have been working to craft a package deal on trade issues, including tariffs, non-tariff barriers and economic cooperation, by July 8, when the 90-day pause on the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs will end. South Korea has been seeking either a full exemption from or reduction in the Trump administration's 25 percent reciprocal tariffs for the country, as well as sectoral tariffs on steel, automobile and other imports.

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