Improving Textile Exports in India

The Ministry of Textiles in India has reported a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports from April to December 2024 compared to the previous year. Various initiatives and schemes have been introduced to enhance the sector, including the PM MITRA Parks Scheme for modern infrastructure and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for manufacturing. To boost technical textiles, the National Technical Textiles Mission was launched, focusing on biodegradable materials and innovative solutions. The government monitors trade and has implemented measures to control the imports of low-quality fabrics.

President Lai meets Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to discuss energy cooperation

On March 21, 2025, President Lai Ching-te met with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy in Taiwan to discuss the longstanding trade relationship between the two regions. President Lai highlighted Alaska as a crucial energy partner, expressing interest in purchasing Alaskan natural gas to enhance Taiwan's energy security. The meeting aimed to deepen ties and explore further cooperative opportunities in energy, fisheries, and tourism, emphasizing a shared commitment to addressing challenges such as climate change and securing a stable supply chain.

ECOWAS Adopts Roadmap Against Illegal Fishing

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its fourth Maritime Stakeholders Meeting in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from March 18 to 20, 2025, to address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The meeting concluded with recommendations for member states to enhance cooperative efforts and develop a cohesive framework for combatting IUU fishing and addressing environmental issues across the ECOWAS maritime sector. Key actions included the establishment of a lead institution for managing the blue economy, improvement of licensing procedures, and strengthening of coastal monitoring and surveillance operations.

ASEAN-UK Workshop Focuses on Engineering Biology Innovation

The ASEAN-UK workshop held from 18 to 20 March 2025 in London involved 25 delegates from all ten ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat. The focus was on engineering biology, with discussions on aligning regulatory frameworks and technical standards to foster economic growth and sustainability. UK representatives emphasized the bioeconomy, projected to reach USD 4 trillion globally by 2040, as key to addressing challenges like food security and climate resilience. The ASEAN Secretariat highlighted the integration of engineering biology into future strategic plans to enhance innovation.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Receives Additional Orders for Methanol-Fueled RORO Cargo Ships

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has received additional orders for three methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships from Toyofuji Shipping Co., Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun Co., and Nichitoku Kisen Co. The ships are scheduled for delivery starting in fiscal 2028 and will be built at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works. They will feature high-performance dual-fuel engines that significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to traditional heavy oil vessels. Future use of green methanol is also expected to further minimize environmental impact.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Launches Regional Food Security Storage Strategy Review

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched the review of its regional food security storage strategy, which aims to adapt to the challenges of food and nutrition security in West Africa. The review process was officially initiated on March 20, 2025, during the first meeting of the Steering Committee in Abuja, Nigeria. This strategy, in place since 2011, focuses on enhancing storage for vulnerable populations, improving market function, and establishing social safety nets for those facing livelihood deficits. The ongoing challenges include conflicts and climatic crises, necessitating a revision to better address these issues and strengthen regional food security efforts.

Amptron introduces new LiFePO4 battery models for 2025

Amptron has announced the launch of four new models in its LiFePO4 battery range, set to be available in Q1 2025. These models feature significant upgrades, including a reduction in size of up to 30% due to increased cell power density. Notable products include the AT-LFP-12-105-BTC-HV10 and the AT-LFP-36-85-BT-AV10, both equipped with Bluetooth communication capabilities for integration with smart energy systems. Each model offers various specifications suited for diverse applications, ensuring convenience and performance.

Switzerland's Glaciers at Risk of Vanishing by 2100

ETH Zurich Professor Daniel Farinotti highlighted that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced significantly, Switzerland’s glaciers could vanish by 2100. Current climate models suggest that stabilizing global temperatures between 1.5°C and 2°C could save a quarter of the glaciers. To address this issue, the Glacier Stewardship Program was initiated by ETH Zurich and EPFL, aiming to slow down glacier melt through scientifically based strategies.

15 Sustainable Water Purification Companies Emerged – Wastewater Energy Generation, Carbon Reduction, Circular Green Transformation Model

The Ministry of Environment has launched the second edition of the Sustainable Water Purification Award, responding to World Water Day on March 22. The award encourages green wastewater treatment technologies to enhance resilience against climate change, leading toward low-carbon and circular resource usage. This year’s theme highlights glacier preservation, stressing the urgency to curb greenhouse gas emissions to combat glacier melting. Fifteen sustainable water purification companies and eight technology partners received recognition for their innovative approaches, helping to conserve water resources and promote sustainability in industrial wastewater management.

UK and ASEAN Collaborate on Engineering Biology for Sustainable Development

The United Kingdom hosted over 25 delegates from all ten ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat from March 18 to 20, 2025, for a regional training and workshop on Engineering Biology Chapter II. This initiative focused on aligning regulatory frameworks, technical standards, and innovation pathways between the UK and ASEAN. UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, highlighted engineering biology as crucial for economic growth and sustainable development. Additionally, the ASEAN bioeconomy, which employs over 8% of the global workforce, is expected to grow significantly, underscoring the importance of integrating engineering biology into regional strategies.

EVA Cutting Technology for Solar Panel Manufacturing

The Horad Group announced the launch of an advanced automated EVA cutter machine designed for efficient handling, cutting, and laying of EVA material in solar panel manufacturing. It features automatic lifting and loading, a hot melt mechanism for seamless application, and servo drive with deviation correction for precise cutting. The machine is tailored for optimal adhesion and high precision in the production process, ensuring consistent quality in the solar panel manufacturing.

High-Speed Framing Machine for Solar Modules

The company introduced a high-speed framing machine designed for efficient and precise frame placement in solar module production. This machine offers faster cycle times by pre-placing frames and utilizes servo and screw mechanisms for smooth operation. It employs a gluing system with double glue heads and features pneumatic fingers to securely grab frames, enhancing precision and durability in the framing process.

National Zoological Park celebrates World Sparrow Day

The National Zoological Park celebrated World Sparrow Day on March 20, 2025, with various activities to promote awareness of sparrows and their environmental significance. 127 school students participated in a zoo walk and sparrow count, thereby engaging with the idea of conservation. Educational talks covered sparrow habitats and conservation roles, contributing to a better understanding. Trainees from Telangana State Forest Academy also attended specialized programs to enhance their conservation skills. Additionally, 100 sparrow nests were distributed to support habitat preservation.

Saint Kitts and Nevis FM highlights delegation's renewable energy aim

The Foreign Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Denzil L. Douglas, led a delegation to Taiwan to learn about renewable energy technologies to aid in achieving the nation's sustainable island state policy. Over 90% of energy in Saint Kitts and Nevis currently comes from fossil fuels, necessitating a shift towards renewable sources such as solar and geothermal. The delegation visited Taiwan Power Co. to explore collaboration opportunities, focusing on enhancing their energy transition. Members included Kaye Bass and Adina Richards from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Development respectively, along with Jonathan Kelly from the Saint Kitts Electricity Co.

Forged Steel Fittings Administrative Review Results

The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined that Samyoung Fitting Co., Ltd. sold forged steel fittings from Korea at prices below normal value during the review period from December 1, 2022, through November 30, 2023. This finding invites interested parties to submit comments on these results. The estimated weighted average dumping margin for Samyoung is 18.72%.

Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ArcGIS Online (AGOL) Platform

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to renew an information collection related to the ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform. This collection involves gathering geospatial data to assist in various conservation efforts, including management of wetlands, endangered species, and migratory birds. The comment period for public input ends on May 20, 2025. The data collected will enhance the Service's ability to manage geospatial resources and improve conservation outcomes through better analysis and decision support.

Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review for Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from Malaysia

The U.S. Department of Commerce has determined that polyethylene retail carrier bags (PRCBs) from Malaysia were not sold in the United States at less than normal value during the administrative review period from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. The final results indicated a zero percent dumping margin for Euro SME Sdn. Bhd. and Euro Nature Green Sdn. Bhd. This decision means that these companies will not face additional duties on their imports. The review confirms that no comments were submitted by interested parties on the preliminary results previously published in September 2024.

Road Projects Under PM-Gati Shakti

The Government in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has been responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) and National Expressways. Under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, 2,474 km of National High-Speed Corridors (HSCs) and Expressways are operational. Four specific corridors in Telangana, including Hyderabad – Vishakhapatnam and Solapur - Kurnool – Chennai, are under development, covering a total of 779 km, with 415 km completed. Steps have been taken to expedite project completion, including streamlined land acquisition and environmental clearances.

Construction of National Highways in Northeastern States

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India has reported on the development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) in Northeastern states and border areas. Over the past five years, 468 developmental works have been completed on NHs covering an aggregate length of 9,337 km. This development was undertaken with a total expenditure of Rs. 1,51,246 crore. Among these projects, 232 have been completed, while the remaining 236 projects are scheduled for completion by 2028.

Mlion Corporation's Exclusive Distributorship of S460 Steel Beams

Mlion Corporation became the exclusive distributor of S460 Steel Grade Beams from Maanshan Iron & Steel at a conference showcasing the product. This partnership aims to enhance construction efficiency and cost savings through the use of advanced steel technology. The S460 Steel Grade boasts superior strength, allowing for less material usage and elimination of anti-corrosion coatings in some projects. Mlion's commitment to delivering high-performance steel solutions was highlighted during the event, along with practical insights into the products' applications and benefits.