Germans were once dead set against nuclear energy. But high energy costs are forcing them to rethink.

BEIJING: China said Wednesday that it would raise consumption tax on large vehicles and cut the tax on small cars in an effort to reduce pollution and save energy.
The tax on small cars will fall to 1 percent from 3 percent beginning on Sept. 1.

The tax on big cars will rise to 25 percent to 40 percent, compared with the current rate of 15 percent to 20 percent, depending on the vehicle's size, the Ministry of Finance said. (Reuters),

THIRTY minutes load-shedding every day, undeclared power-cuts any time and the looming threat of an increase in the electricity tariff. For Keralites, electricity comes at a heavy price. No wonder many people are looking for alternative power sources that can keep homes welllit without burning the pocket.

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

The energy-efficient "Metro Bhawan' has been designed by Raj Rewal
Modern Marvel: The Atrium of the new Metro Bhawan in New Delhi.

NEW DELHI: When he envisioned a suitable new office space for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), noted architect and urban design consultant Raj Rewal wanted the structure to be an amalgamation of dynamism, sustainability and energy efficiency. Almost four years later now, DMRC's new address boasts of all three.

BEIJING: China's drive to improve energy efficiency lost pace in the i first half of2008, data showed.

The country used 2.88 percent less energy to generate each dollar of national income in the six months to June than the same period the previous year, the National Bureau of Statistics said. Last year it cut its energy intensity by 3.66 percent.

China set a target of improving energy intensity by 4 percent a year from 2006, but ultimately managed only a 1.79 percent improvement that year. (Reuters)

The Spanish government plans to cut speed limits in and around cities as part of a drive to reduce the country's fuel bill and do its bit for the environment.

Miguel Sebasti

T. Ramakrishnan

For 2008-2009, the government proposes to give eight lakh connections

CHENNAI: The State government is yet to receive the Centre's sanction for eight lakh LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections, proposed to be given in the current financial year, under its free LPG connection scheme.

For 2008-2009, the State government proposes to give eight lakh connections with two-burner gas stoves.