Why New Delhi residents are finding it hard to switch to electric vehicles for personal use

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Mr Shouryendu said it takes four hours to get his Nexon EV, a sport utility vehicle produced by India’s iconic carmaker Tata Motors, fully charged. 

Charging his EV at home is as easy as charging his phone, he added. 

“The manufacturer has given us an option between a rapid charger and a slow charger. We have opted for a rapid charger. It charges quickly,” he said. “There are also charging stations located quite conveniently at malls (and) shopping complexes.”

His Nexon EV, which costs nearly US$22,000 two years ago, is among the most popular and affordable personal green vehicles on Indian roads, according to market watchers. Today, the same model has gone up in price, costing about US$1,000 more.

Currently, there are two Indian carmakers that produce EVs. Compared with foreign brands, they are a cheaper option for Indian consumers.

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Sony pulls out of merger with India’s Zee

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TOKYO: Sony confirmed on Monday (Jan 22) it is pulling out of a US$10-billion merger agreed in 2021 of its Indian operations with local rival Zee Entertainment. The collapse is a blow to both firms’ hopes of better competing with streaming rivals such as Disney, Amazon and Netflix in the boomingContinue Reading

47 buried in south-west China landslide

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BEIJING: Forty-seven people were buried in a landslide in China’s south-western Yunnan province on Monday (Jan 22), state media reported. The landslide took place at 5.51am local time in Zhenxiong County, state news agency Xinhua reported, citing local authorities. State broadcaster CCTV said around 18 households were buried in theContinue Reading

Commentary: Three years on from the coup, Myanmar’s civil war looks headed for a fourth year

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NO FOREIGN GOVERNMENT WANTS TO BECOME DIRECTLY INVOLVED

Not only activists, but even some experienced observers have advocated such measures, including the provision of lethal aid to the NUG. They have argued that, should these ideas get picked up by governments, the opposition movement would be in a good position to consolidate its recent gains and make further advances against the junta.

For various reasons, however, few if any of these recommendations are likely to be accepted.

To date, the international community has made some helpful gestures but it has kept the civil war, and the opposition movement, at arm’s length. It has refused to recognise the NUG, or to establish direct contact with Myanmar’s many ethnic armed organisations. Foreign governments and international organisations have also baulked at providing aid to the opposition movement, particularly across national boundaries.

In explaining this approach, officials have invariably cited customary diplomatic practice and sovereignty issues, but it is plain that there is also a strong element of self-interest.  Whether or not they believe in the opposition cause, or simply fear the historical durability of Myanmar’s military regimes, it is clear that no foreign government wants to become directly involved.

The conflict appears to offer a clear choice, between those forces repressing the Myanmar people and those fighting for a more open, humane and democratic system. However, the conflict is a very complex one, loaded with the kind of ambiguities and contradictions that policymakers hate.

Besides, external involvement in the civil war would not guarantee an acceptable final outcome.

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India’s Kashmir ski industry melts as temperatures rise

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A lone helicopter waits for the few tourists who have still come, offering flights over higher peaks that have a dusting of snow. “Our guests are mainly skiers, and they have all cancelled their bookings,” said hotel manager Hamid Masoodi. “Those who come despite no snow are also disappointed.” SkiContinue Reading