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

12 Jan 2026

Dhalbhumgarh Airport Faces 150-km Rule Hurdle

The issue has resurfaced following a recent statement by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who said that under existing aviation policy, a new greenfield airport is generally not permitted within an aerial distance of 150 kilometres of an operational civilian airport. He added, however, that if a formal proposal is submitted, its impact on the existing airport can be examined and relaxations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. While the clarification has revived some hope for Dhalbhumgarh, it has also underlined the scale of the technical challenge facing the project. Unde..

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