Singapore and the Philippines have signed a bilateral agreement to collaborate on carbon credit projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, marking a key step in regional climate cooperation. The pact enables both countries to trade carbon credits generated from emissions-reduction projects, supporting global efforts to combat climate change. Under the agreement, Singapore can purchase carbon credits from projects in the Philippines that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. These projects may include renewable energy initiatives, reforestation efforts, and sustainable developmen
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ganga Expressway in Hardoi, marking a major milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure development. The 594-kilometre-long expressway connects Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh to Prayagraj in the east, significantly enhancing connectivity across the state. The six-lane, access-controlled greenfield corridor has been constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹36,230 crore and is designed to be expandable to eight lanes in the future. The expressway passes through 12 districts, linking key regions and facilitating smoother transportation of g
Union Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya has stated that female workforce participation in India has increased significantly from 23.3 percent to 40 percent over the past seven years. The rise reflects a combination of policy interventions, economic opportunities, and social shifts contributing to greater inclusion of women in the workforce. The minister highlighted that government initiatives aimed at skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion have played a key role in enabling more women to seek employment and start businesses. Improved access to education and digital plat
Global city leaders, policymakers, and mayors are set to convene in Singapore for the World Cities Summit 2026, a major international platform focused on sustainable urban development and governance. The summit will bring together key stakeholders from across the world to discuss pressing challenges facing cities, including climate change, urban mobility, housing, and digital transformation. The event is expected to feature high-level discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative initiatives aimed at building more resilient and inclusive urban environments. City leaders will e
Thailand’s automobile production recorded a 2.7% year-on-year increase in March, reflecting a gradual recovery in the country’s automotive sector. The rise was accompanied by higher domestic car sales, indicating improved consumer demand and stabilising economic conditions. Industry data suggests that increased production was driven by both domestic consumption and export demand, as manufacturers adjusted output levels to meet market needs. The growth comes after a period of fluctuation caused by supply chain disruptions and global economic uncertainty. Local sales saw a notable upt
The World Bank has approved an investment of $24.5 million to support food sustainability initiatives in the Philippines, aiming to strengthen agricultural resilience and improve food security. The funding is expected to address challenges posed by climate change, supply chain disruptions, and rising food demand. The investment will be directed toward enhancing sustainable farming practices, improving resource management, and supporting smallholder farmers. It will also focus on modernising agricultural systems through technology adoption and better infrastructure, helping to reduce post-h
Paraguay has been selected to chair the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, scheduled to take place in Bangkok. The decision marks a significant moment for Paraguay, highlighting its growing role in global economic governance. The IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, and policymakers from around the world to discuss pressing economic issues. Topics typically include global growth, financial stability, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. As chair, Paraguay will play a key role in shapi
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled the “Agra: World Capital of Footwear” campaign, positioning the historic city as a global manufacturing and export hub. The initiative comes at a strategic time as India advances negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, aiming to boost bilateral trade and open new markets for Indian products. Agra, long known for its leather and footwear industry, contributes significantly to India’s exports in this sector. The campaign seeks to modernize the industry through branding, innovation, and improved global ou
India’s textile exports witnessed strong growth in FY26, driven largely by the performance of the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. The segment accounted for a significant share of total exports, reflecting rising global demand for Indian apparel. Industry data indicates that competitive pricing, improved quality standards, and diversification of export markets have contributed to the sector’s expansion. Indian manufacturers have also benefited from government initiatives aimed at boosting textile production and exports. The growth in ready-made garment exports has been particularly
India has emerged as the fastest-growing export destination for Sri Lanka in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strengthening trade ties between the neighboring countries. The surge in exports highlights India’s growing importance as a key market for Sri Lankan goods. According to trade data, several sectors contributed to the increase, including textiles, agricultural products, and industrial goods. Improved logistics, favorable trade agreements, and geographic proximity have played a crucial role in facilitating this growth. India’s expanding economy and rising consumer demand