Saudi to diversify economy away from oil: King Salman 24/12/2015

Saudi King Salman on Wednesday said he has ordered economic reforms to diversify sources of income and reduce high dependence on oil following a sharp drop in crude prices. ...more

India to launch new crop damage insurance scheme 24/12/2015

India will launch a new farm crop insurance scheme early next year and use drones and other technologies to assess crop damage, the agriculture minister said on Wednesday, in what could be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first major move to address rural hardship. ...more

Solar Impulse 2 ready to fly again by April 20: spokeswoman 24/12/2015

The sun-powered plane Solar Impulse 2, grounded in Hawaii since the summer for repairs, will be ready to fly again by April 20, the project's spokeswoman told AFP Wednesday. ...more

More Chinese cities issue red alerts for heavy smog 24/12/2015

More Chinese cities are issuing their first red alerts for pollution in response to forecasts of heavy smog, after the capital, Beijing, issued two this month following criticism for not releasing them earlier. ...more

Colombia hoping to 'repopulate the skies' with condors 24/12/2015

A pair of Chilean condors have been brought to a zoo in Medellin as part of an effort to reintroduce the majestic birds in Colombia, where they have become all but extinct. ...more

Garden Glow opens on Wednesday 23/12/2015

The Garden Glow park in Dubai is all set to have its lights turned up today, providing residents with a new way to enjoy the cooler evenings outdoors. ...more

Costa Rica achieved 99% renewable energy this year 23/12/2015

While it may often seem like we have a long way to go when it comes to global renewable energy generation, there are a few countries that are already closing in on being fully powered by renewables that give us hope that one day soon all countries will be able to boast the same results. ...more

Philippines gets $500 million World Bank credit line to reduce disaster risk 23/12/2015

The Philippines has secured a $500 million credit line from the World Bank to support efforts to manage risks posed by natural disasters. ...more

Amid smog crisis, China vows more liveable cities 23/12/2015

China vowed on Tuesday that it would make "liveable" cities a central goal of China's urban planning, amid persistent problems over choking smog that frequently blankets the populous east and north. ...more

Weather worsens seasonal air pollution in Italian cities 23/12/2015

Rome is limiting auto circulation, and other Italian cities have been offering free bus rides to encourage public transport use as the country battles seasonal air pollution that has been worsened this year by long spells of no rain and little wind. ...more