Govt signs pact for solar projects in Fiji, Comros, Madagascar

28 Nov 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has signed a Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to operationalize a $2 million solar project in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. This initiative follows India’s pledge under the Quad Climate Working Group to invest in new solar projects in Indo-Pacific nations.

An ISA study identified key energy challenges in these regions, including unreliable electricity for health centres, insufficient solar mini-grids, and issues related to agricultural perishability and irrigation. The solar projects will focus on cold storage, solar-powered healthcare facilities, and water pumping systems, aiming to address these issues.

The MEA stated that the projects are expected to improve energy access, create jobs, and provide reliable power, supporting these nations in tackling climate change challenges. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to facilitating clean energy transitions in island nations while advancing the Quad’s objectives for shared prosperity and environmental sustainability. "

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

68 Jammu-Katra Trains Cancelled Amid Rain Damage

Jammu and Katra railway services remain severely affected as Northern Railway announced the cancellation of 68 trains—both incoming and outgoing—until 30 September, due to extensive track damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods. Meanwhile, 24 trains are scheduled to resume operations gradually.The Jammu railway division has experienced a complete halt in services for the past eight days, following track misalignment and breaches at several points along the Pathankot–Jammu section. Torrential rainfall since 26 August led to widespread flooding and damage, stranding hundreds of passe..

Bangalore Metro MD Reviews Reach 6 and Phase 2A Progress

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director, Dr J Ravishankar, IAS, conducted inspections of key metro corridors on 29 and 30 August, reviewing the progress of Reach 6 (Pink Line) and Phase 2A (Blue Line).On 30 August, the inspection covered Reach 6, a 21.39-km corridor stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, with 18 stations. This stretch is part of Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro project. Dr Ravishankar assessed the status of civil works, finishing, track laying, and system integration between Kalena Agrahara and MG Road.Earlier, on 29 August, the MD inspected Phas..

Kerala Spends Rs 200 Billion During Onam Celebrations

The Kerala state government incurred expenditure totalling Rs 200 billion during the recent Onam season, covering regular financial obligations such as salaries and pensions, as well as festival-related allowances and subsidies, according to Finance Minister K N Balagopal.Of the total spend, Rs 121 billion was allocated towards salaries, pensions, bonuses, and festival allowances for government employees and pensioners. A further Rs 18 billion was disbursed as welfare pensions benefiting 6.2 million recipients, helping households manage festive costs.Food Kits and Festival AllowancesTo support..