Politics
Policymakers Look to China for Tax Solutions and Transportation Advances

PAPILLION, Nebraska, USA — Policymakers are urged to draw lessons from 21st-century China rather than 20th-century America to alleviate tax burdens. India, boasting a road network of over 6 million kilometers (4 million miles), now has the second-largest system worldwide, following the United States.
Intercity travel in India is evolving, and experts believe adopting China’s modern approach could ease financial pressures on its emerging middle-class motorists. Currently, this group, which constitutes fewer than one in ten households, pays around $7 billion in tolls annually.
Meanwhile, the electric transport industry is seeing rapid advancements. For instance, the Temo 450 Carbon, a lightweight electric paddle device, offers a novel way to navigate waterways, delivering up to 200 watts of power with a 10-pound frame. Users enjoy up to 80 minutes of cruise time before needing to recharge for about 4.5 hours.
In another development, eight electric buses have commenced operations in Perth, Australia, powered by an innovative design from Volgren that enables a single charge to cover distances up to 300 kilometers. The state government has committed an additional $61.9 million to enhance electric vehicle infrastructure.
The aviation sector is also innovating; Electra‘s unique wing design enables aircraft to take off and land in just 150 feet. This feature significantly reduces the distance required compared to traditional aircraft. The prototype has already passed tests demonstrating impressive lift capabilities.
As electric vehicle technology expands, the Volvo BZRT aims to revolutionize urban transport with its bi-articulated format, accommodating up to 250 passengers while maintaining efficiency with two powerful electric motors.
In the realm of heavy trucking, a new initiative by CATL aims to establish standardized battery packs capable of being swapped to enhance logistics efficiency. By the end of 2025, more than 300 battery swap stations are expected to be operational in key regions across China.
And in a significant legal move, a coalition of eleven states, from California to Maine, are introducing climate Superfund bills. These bills aim to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their environmental impact, with New York targeting $75 billion collected over the next 25 years from major fossil fuel corporations.