In the mid-2000s, Walmart was in for a shock when it was informed that its maximum carbon emissions were not from its supply trucks, but refrigerators placed inside stores. Storage of ice cream and other frozen foods in open shelves was resulting in higher energy consumption as they were required to be cooled at higher temperatures.

India is at a very interesting and crucial moment right now. The Indian government has stimulated a lot of activity involving infrastructure development such as the Smart Cities programme and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.

The Internet is out of the reach of nearly 950 million Indians, according to an ASSOCHAM-Deloitte joint study. Internet penetration is increasing in India, but the access to affordable broadband, smart devices and monthly data packages is required to spread digital literacy to make their ends meet, noted the study titled ‘Strategic national measures to combat cybercrime,’ jointly conducted by ASSOCHAM and research firm Deloitte.

Over the last couple of years, the brick & mortar operator has quickly learnt that getting to know a customer's behavioural pattern is the key to engaging them in the shopping mall experience, says Kanchana V Gokhale, Senior Manager, Design Development Team, Pioneer Property Zone Services.

India is unique in many ways. It is one of the oldest surviving civilisations and still promises to drive the world economy for many years to come. It has the potential to power global manufacturing and offer solutions to medical & educational needs of all of Asia - and the world.

Smart Cities support the comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic urban infrastructure, improve the quality of life, protect the environment and create jobs for millions, says Deepak Premnarayen, President, Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC), and Chairman, FirstRand Bank India.

'Has the Mumbai Revised Draft Development Plan (RDDP) 2034 of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) taken into the consideration the urban reforms suggested in the Smart City concepts launched by the Central government?' asked a senior colleague in a typically criticising tone, while the RDDP was still being prepared. Having been a part of the RDDP core team, it was natural for me to go on a defensive mode.

Like the term 'middle-class', the term 'Smart City' also lacks a definitive definition with many seeking to define it on their own terms. A coherent definition eludes both. Having said so, just as we know how the term 'middle-class' is loosely defined, Smart Cities can be defined as sustainable cities with self-containing amenities and infrastructure which give a decent quality of life to the citizens.

Speaking recently at the industry lobby group FICCI's annual general meeting in New Delhi, Nitin Jayram Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, said the government has proposed a multimodal transport hub plan, which seeks to integrate major modes of transport such as roads, railways, ports and air.