IN: MoS Nityanand Rai inaugurates projects under Smart City Mission in Puducherry
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai visited Puducherry on Saturday to inaugurate several civic infrastructure and urban development projects under the Smart City Mission.
As part of Puducherry's development, the Union Minister participated in the inauguration of the Mini Stadium in Anna Thidal, a project under the Smart City Mission.
He arrived at the event with several leaders, including the Puducherry CM, and cut the ribbon at the inauguration. They held a Pooja inside to start the ceremony.
Islamabad to Become Pakistan’s first capital smart city
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that Islamabad will become Pakistan’s first Capital Smart City, with a comprehensive plan to transform the existing Safe City project into a modern, technology-driven model for urban management and public safety.
Speaking during his visit to the Safe City Headquarters alongside Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Naqvi reviewed the city’s monitoring systems on the digital wall and inspected advanced security surveillance at the special Chinese desk in the control room. He emphasized that reforms and effective use of technology in Safe City are the need of the hour.
NG: Federal Government urged to deploy AI in public service reform
A data scientist, Gbolahan Temilorun, has urged the Federal Government to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of a broad reform of Nigeria’s public service, saying the technology could significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement across government institutions.
Temilorun said Nigeria is at a critical juncture where rising public expectations, rapid population growth, and limited resources require smarter approaches to governance, adding that AI offers practical tools to address long-standing administrative bottlenecks.
KZ: How Smart City project implemented in Astana
The Smart City project in Astana is becoming one of the key directions of the country’s digital transformation. It integrates the automation of municipal services, the development of transport infrastructure, increased energy efficiency, enhanced public safety, and environmental monitoring, El.kz reports.
Digitalization and security
The project includes the expansion of video surveillance systems using AI technologies. Authorities emphasize the importance of transparent and lawful use of data. The issue of personal data protection is actively discussed among residents, and the city administration notes that digital solutions will be implemented strictly within the legal framework.
Vietnam charts path to mature smart cities with AI at the core
Vietnam is shifting from pilot smart city projects to full-scale implementation, using technology to tackle pressing urban challenges like traffic, flooding, and energy efficiency.
On December 23, the 2025 Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit opened in Hanoi, organised by the Vietnam Software & IT Services Association (VINASA) in collaboration with the Hanoi People’s Committee and under the patronage of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST). The summit marked a turning point for smart city development in Vietnam, ushering in a phase of implementation, standardisation, and effectiveness, driven by Decree No. 269/2025/ND-CP and accelerated AI adoption.