SUSTAINABILITY IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION
A Minnesota couple built a business around rice harvested from lakes and rivers. Now it eyes $50,000 more in annual revenue
The Minnesota family business is among 26 recipients of an Entrepreneur Fund grant programme that awarded $450,000, with support from the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Bengaluru to get nine new townships, 300-km metro line, 210-km ring road and RRTS network in the next 10-year plan. Where will they come up?
Karnataka plans to construct nine new integrated industrial townships, 312 km of new Metro lines, a 210-km ring road and a 270-km RRTS network across Bengaluru Metropolitan Region over the next decade. The government has already acquired 7,900 acresfor the proposed townships.
India's commercial vehicle market just had its best year in seven. Then the June quarter arrived, and margins fell
There is, at this point, an apparent contradiction at work in the Indian commercial vehicles space. One: FY 2026 was the best of the last seven years. A tax cut saw prices of trucks drop by about 10%, releasing pent-up replacement demand in a fleet with an average age of about 10 years. Two: Although the sector's second-largest truck maker sold a record number of vehicles in the June quarter, adding 10% to revenue, the benefits did not flow in. Rising material costs swallowed the operating leverage.
Stocks in news: Infosys, HDFC Bank, Jio Financial, IRFC, NCC and Blue Dart
Indian equity benchmarks experienced a decline over two sessions due to profit booking and rising oil prices. The Nifty 50 index closed down by 95.75 points, reaching 22,620.45. Jio Financial Services and Allianz Europe B.V. have invested in their joint venture for business operations. Infosys has expanded its partnership with ABN AMRO for AI-driven transformation initiatives.
Where Does China Fit in Your Company’s Innovation Strategy?
For decades, multinationals treated China primarily as either a vast growth market or a rising competitive threat. But as growth slows, competition intensifies, and operating conditions become more difficult, many firms are rethinking China’s role. Increasingly, they are using the country not just as a destination market but as a platform for accelerating innovation—leveraging its fast-moving regulatory environment, tightly integrated R&D and manufacturing ecosystems, and deep engineering talent pools to speed learning, validate technologies, and scale capabilities globally. Companies including Pfizer, Michelin, BMW, Bosch, and Nvidia illustrate how firms are using China to shorten innovation cycles while managing geopolitical and operational risks by defining China’s precise role within their global innovation system, designing for controlled knowledge-sharing, and avoiding overdependence through diversified R&D and supply chains.
Mumbai’s infrastructure push reshapes housing demand, property prices
Mumbai’s rapid infrastructure expansion is reshaping residential demand and property prices across the city and MMR, with projects such as the MTHL, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Coastal Road, Metro network and Goregaon-Mulund Link Road improving connectivity and widening housing catchments. Areas including Chembur, Mulund, Bhandup, Thane, Kandivli, Malad and Borivali have seen property prices rise by around 10–12% over the past two years, experts said.
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Kerala turns plastic waste into roads: How 4,447 tonnes of discarded plastic were reused to build nearly 7,249 km of roads across the state
Kerala turns plastic waste into roads: Kerala has converted 4,447.93 metric tonnes of discarded plastic into shredded material used for road construction across nearly 7,249 km. Since the programme began in 2016, the Public Works Department and local bodies have emerged as major users of the recycled material, helping divert plastic waste from landfills while supporting infrastructure development across the state.
In 1879, a French postman Ferdinand Cheval stumbled over an unusually shaped stone; 33 years later, he had built a palace in his vegetable garden
Ferdinand Cheval’s work was not immediately treated as a major artistic achievement. His creation existed outside conventional architectural movements, and he was an outsider to the established art world. Yet the Ideal Palace eventually attracted attention from influential artists, particularly figures associated with Surrealism.
In 2023, an Australian city put 76,000 recycled bottles into its roads; 25 tonnes of crushed glass replaced virgin sand in a major resurfacing trial
Recycled glass roads Australia: Latrobe City Council in Traralgon, Victoria, trialed recycled glass in road resurfacing. Over 76,000 bottles and jars replaced virgin sand in the asphalt mix. This project utilized 25 tonnes of processed recycled glass for the road's wearing course. The recycled glass asphalt met VicRoads standards and performed well during installation.
Delhi-Meerut-style RRTS in Assam? Himanta Sarma says ADB talks have begun for high-speed rail network; here’s what comes next
Delhi-Meerut-style RRTS in Assam: Assam is exploring a Delhi-Meerut-style RRTS network, with preliminary talks underway with the Asian Development Bank. The proposed Assam Rapid Transit System could connect key growth areas and improve regional connectivity. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said a blueprint is being discussed, while routes, project cost, stations and implementation timelines are yet to be finalised.
In 2008, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen bought 4 acres in LA's Brentwood and built with solar, composting and gray water. 4 years later, 90% of its materials were reclaimed
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen built an eco-friendly French Provincial chateau in Brentwood. This large home incorporated solar panels, gray water systems, and composting. Ninety percent of the construction materials used were reclaimed, emphasizing sustainability. The estate featured a country French chateau design with a moat-like koi pond. Recording artist Dr. Dre later purchased this notable Brentwood property.
A British zoologist was denied an entomology job because she was a woman; in 1945, at just 24, she went alone to a landlocked African nation and helped transform the study of tropical tilapia, one of the world’s most consumed fish
Rosemary Lowe-McConnell's journey into ichthyology began when she was rejected for an entomology job, leading her to study Malawi's freshwater fish. Her pivotal research on tilapia not only supported the development of aquaculture around the world but also showcased her resilience against societal obstacles. Her efforts earned her esteemed accolades and ensured her legacy in the science of fish studies.
Meet Tom Hodgdon, a California rancher who built a two-story cabin in 1879; 81 years later, the National Park Service moved it to Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite History Center
The Hodgdon Homestead Cabin, constructed in 1879, found its new home in Yosemite National Park after being meticulously disassembled. This historic cabin serves as a museum and symbolizes an intricate tale of American pioneers. Moreover, it shines a light on the significant yet often overlooked efforts of Chinese immigrant laborers, whose hard work laid the groundwork for the park's infrastructure and boosted its tourism.
Each female red crab can carry 100,000 eggs to the sea; Christmas Island closes roads and deploys bridges to protect the moon-timed journey
Every year, millions of red crabs embark on a mesmerizing migration across Christmas Island as the wet season rains commence. Males lead the charge, while females follow to mate and transport their eggs. Timing is crucial, as females release eggs into the ocean during specific lunar cycles, ensuring the next generation can hatch and initiate their own adventure back to the depths of the island.
Stocks in news: Tata Group, Wipro, BEL, HAL, Petronet LNG and Bharat Forge
Indian equity benchmarks exhibited a mixed performance on Thursday, September 17, amid ongoing volatility. The Nifty 50 index experienced a modest increase, while the Sensex noted a slight decrease. Corporate developments drew attention to Tata Group firms and Wipro, with Bharat Electronics securing fresh orders and Petronet LNG initiating discussions for a joint venture. Other notable advancements came from HAL and Bharat Forge.
New CRPF Headquarters with modern facilities likely to be ready by December 2026
The Central Reserve Police Force's new headquarters in New Delhi is nearing completion. This expansive facility is expected to be operational by the end of December this year. The modern building will consolidate various scattered branches of the large paramilitary force. Construction began in 2019, with a revised completion target after initial delays. The new headquarters will enhance the force's operational capabilities and efficiency.
Scientists in China have turned worn-out wind turbine blades into material for building roads: ‘The roads don’t show any cracks’
Wind turbines can last for decades against the punishing winds, but what happens when they reach the end of their lives? A group of researchers from China did the impossible – they came across a technology which would transform the blades to concrete for making roads.
In 2018, Melbourne put 200,000 plastic bags, 63,000 glass bottles and 4,500 used printer cartridges into a road; 250 tonnes of recycled asphalt showed 60% better fatigue resistance
In 2018, Melbourne tested a road with an unusual ingredient list: 200,000 plastic bags, 63,000 glass bottles and 4,500 used printer cartridges. About 250 tonnes of recycled asphalt went into the project. The result was more than a clever way to reuse waste. The recycled mix showed 60% better fatigue resistance, suggesting discarded materials could help build tougher roads.
In 2025, Netherlands turned retired wind-turbine blades into a 60-metre highway noise barrier; tests found it performed like a conventional concrete wall
Netherlands’ 60-metre Blade Barrier represents more than an unusual highway wall. It is an experiment in what a circular economy can look like when renewable-energy waste is treated as a potential construction resource instead of an unavoidable disposal problem.
In 2017, Hong Kong's 30,643-square-meter King Wah Road building used special paint to improve air quality; 9 years later, its WELL certification supports healthier indoor spaces
Hong Kong's 18 King Wah Road demonstrates that the future of green buildings is not only about consuming less energy—it is also about creating spaces that are healthier and more comfortable for the people inside them. Its 30,643-square-meter footprint brings together low-VOC photocatalytic coatings, sophisticated air treatment, natural ventilation analysis, solar desiccant technology, chilled beams, daylight strategies and external shading.
In 2020, Australia built more than 90% of a road project from recycled waste; five million bottles went into a job that cost no more than a standard build
In 2020, Australia built more than 90% of a road project from recycled waste; five million bottles were used in a Central Coast Council project in Wyongah. The road included recycled materials in its base, surface, kerb, guttering, footpaths and drainage. The project used waste concrete, road gravel, glass, plastic and other materials while keeping costs and construction time in line with a standard road project.
In 2018, Victoria put the equivalent of 40 million discarded bottles into a freeway; 8,000 tonnes of crushed glass went into one widening project
Science news: 8,000 tonnes of recycled glass used in the 2018 Tullamarine Freeway widening project is a powerful example of how recycling can move beyond the household bin and into the built environment. The material represented roughly 40 million discarded glass bottles, yet instead of becoming a symbol of waste, it became part of a major transport project.
In 2025, Sizewell A sent over 15,000 tonnes of crushed turbine-hall concrete to Sizewell C; the recycled material was used as sub-base beneath new foundations
The repurposing of old nuclear station concrete has paved the way for innovative construction projects. With over 15,000 metric tons of crushed material put to good use, this initiative significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions while minimizing landfill waste. Additionally, the local roads saw a drop in truck traffic, leading to less congestion. This project showcases a forward-thinking method of handling construction resources in an eco-friendly manner.
Jindal Steel builds world’s longest steel slag road, enters Guinness World Records
Jindal Steel achieved a Guinness World Records title for constructing the world's longest road. This 1.85-km four-lane road was built exclusively with processed steel slag aggregates. Around two lakh tonnes of steel slag replaced natural aggregates, reducing quarrying dependence. Scientifically processed steel slag offers cost-effectiveness and durability compared to traditional road materials. India's steel ministry promotes this technology for large-scale industrial by-product utilization.
6,000 milk bottle road in China: How plastic waste found a strange second life in Shanghai
More than 6,000 used milk bottles in Shanghai were given an unusual second life when they were processed into recycled plastic and incorporated into polymer-modified asphalt. The 2021 project by Dow and dairy brand Shiny Meadow aimed to address the challenge of plastic bottles that are technically recyclable but often rejected by recyclers because of milk residue. The initiative was also presented as a potential way to reduce plastic waste, bitumen use and emissions while exploring new applications for recycled materials.
In 1972, FHWA used 5 inches of scrubber waste in a parking-area base at Washington's Dulles Airport. 2 years later, wet weather caused the experimental base to soften and be replaced
Early tests explored scrubber waste for road bases and subbases. Florida projects between 1977 and 1989 showed highly satisfactory performance. Pennsylvania roads survived severe freeze-thaw conditions, proving successful. Texas and Ohio tests compared FGD material with gravel and haul road applications.
Maine buried 20,000 old tires beneath a road and they helped against frost damage. Now engineers are exploring them for walls, highways and more
In an innovative engineering experiment, shredded tires were utilized in road construction, effectively tackling both durability and tire waste problems. The incorporation of tire chips offered enhanced insulation and superior drainage underneath the road surface. This groundbreaking method outperformed traditional gravel, particularly noted during the spring thaw, revealing discarded tires as a valuable resource in construction.
In 2021, Victoria used 2,100 tons of recycled road base to rebuild the Hume Freeway. 5 years later, its 850-metre stretch had turned waste into a longer-lasting road too
Plastic bags and glass bottles usually end up in the trash. In Australia, some became part of a highway instead. Engineers rebuilt an 850-meter section of the Hume Freeway using more than 2,100 tons of recycled material. The mix included plastic bags, glass bottles, printer cartridges and reclaimed asphalt. The trial tested whether waste could help create stronger roads.
In 2021, Missouri added just 1% waste plastic to a two-mile road, that tiny share consumed 10 tons, equal to 750,000 soda bottles
In 2021, Missouri transportation officials discussed a road project that tested recycled plastic in asphalt pavement. Engineers from the University of Missouri, Dow and MoDOT worked together to determine how single-use, polyethylene-based plastic waste could be incorporated into pavement mixtures. The real-world test took place on a two-mile section of Stadium Boulevard, or State Route 740, in Columbia, between College Avenue and U.S. Highway 63. Recycled plastic made up one percent of the mixture, but the project was expected to use 10 tons of recycled material, equivalent to about 750,000 soda bottles.
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