Maharashtra has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy with the launch of Asia’s largest solar power network for farmers, a landmark initiative aimed at providing reliable daytime electricity and reducing dependence on diesel and grid power. The scheme connects thousands of solar-powered feeders across the state, enabling farmers to run irrigation pumps using clean energy while cutting input costs and carbon emissions. Officials said the network is expected to significantly improve farm productivity, water management and income stability, particularly in drought-prone regions.
Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is collaborating with private companies to develop malapari (Pongamia pinnata) in Lembata District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), as an alternative fuel source to strengthen national energy security. The initiative positions malapari as a promising green energy crop with both environmental and socio-economic benefits. Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, Budi Leksono, a researcher at BRIN’s Applied Botany Research Center, said malapari is increasingly being recognised as a strategic renewable energy source for the future. He noted that t
Tourists arriving at Dubai International Airport on January 17 were welcomed with a special passport stamp commemorating the UAE’s Day of Solidarity, transforming a routine immigration process into a symbolic moment of reflection and unity. The initiative was shared by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on social media, highlighting how arriving passengers at the world’s busiest international airport received the commemorative stamp. The gesture serves as a subtle yet powerful expression of the UAE’s core values of unity, resilience and s
Bangkok has been ranked the 3rd best city to visit globally in 2026 by The New York Times, emerging as the top destination in Asia and the ASEAN region. The recognition places the Thai capital on the prestigious “52 Places to Go in 2026” list, highlighting its strong progress in sustainability, culture, and urban innovation. According to Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the ranking reflects years of focused efforts to improve the quality of life and modernise the city. Topping the global list is “Revolutionary America,” followed by
The Maldives has opened one of its largest fully solar-powered hydroponic farming facilities, taking a major step toward boosting local food production and reducing dependence on imported vegetables. The Vaadhoo Green Farm, located on Vaadhoo Island, is a community-led project that combines large-scale hydroponic farming with renewable energy. The farm is designed to produce vegetables throughout the year while keeping environmental impact low, a key priority for the climate-vulnerable island nation. The project was developed through a partnership between the United Nations Development
Singaporeans continue to hold the world’s most powerful passport, retaining the top position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 out of 227 destinations worldwide. The index, released on January 13, places Singapore firmly ahead of all other countries. Japan and South Korea ranked joint second, each offering access to 188 destinations. A group of European nations — Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland — followed in joint third place with 186 destinations. Malaysia also performed strongly, ranking ninth globally and remai
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently announced strict new safety rules for sleeper buses to reduce accidents and protect passengers’ lives. He said only accredited automobile companies will be allowed to manufacture sleeper coach buses in the future, with the central government overseeing accreditation to ensure safety standards are met. In a video address, Gadkari said existing sleeper buses will have to be retrofitted with key safety features. These include fire detection systems, emergency exits with hammers, emergency lighting, and driver drowsiness a
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said renewable energy is becoming a key driver of climate-resilient agriculture, energy security, and rural prosperity in India, as the country works to link clean energy with agrifood systems. Addressing an inter-ministerial dialogue jointly organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization, Joshi said India carries a major global responsibility, supporting one-sixth of the world’s population while running large food security programmes and one of the fastest-growing renewable energy
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday said the Gujarat model of renewable energy will play a key role in helping India achieve its target of 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2030. Speaking at a seminar on Solar Dividends during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, Goyal said two major central government schemes have helped citizens become self-reliant in energy through solar power. He said that after the NDA government came to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi significantly raised India’s renewable energy ambitions. “The earl
The opening of a new train service between Laos and China has made it possible to complete the world’s longest train journey. With this new connection, passengers can now travel from Portugal to Singapore by train, covering more than 11,600 miles and passing through 13 countries. The journey begins in Lagos, Portugal, and ends in Singapore, allowing travellers to cross Europe and Asia almost entirely via railway. It is the longest train route ever created and is the result of cooperation between several national railway companies. From Lagos, passengers travel to Lisbon before heading