Global hidden enemy
Compared to related occurrences in the past, for instance the SARS outbreak in 2003, the global economy has become significantly more integrated, and China plays a far superior role in…
Anglo American swims against the current in backing fuel cells
Anglo American is placing a contrarian bet on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as it tries to squeeze more profit from its platinum reserves, but risks being left behind as rival…
Electric planes start small as industry wrestles with emissions
An all-electric commuter plane and a small Airbus-backed hybrid are among aircraft programmes being touted at the Paris Airshow, as the industry tries to convince a sceptical public it can…
Quest for clean energy: Pros and cons of electric cars
The new buzz is about clean and renewable energies. After witnessing the ill-effects of climate change on weather, environment and health, various countries are rethinking on how best to use…
US transit agencies cautious on electric buses despite bold forecasts
Communities across the United States are looking to replace their dirty diesel buses, ushering in what some analysts predict will be a boom in electric fleets. But transit agencies doing…
Our fight
There is no doubt that we are pushing our planet to the brink, as the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2018 has warned. It’s why a special report currently…
Automakers, tech companies decide to make deals, not war
A flurry of deals between big automakers and ride hailing and transportation start-ups is rewriting the playbook in the contest to control the future of personal transportation. Automakers now recognize…
Frankness at Frankfurt
As always attending the annual meeting of Asian Development Bank, at Frankfurt this time, was a great learning experience. Germany for the first time hosted ADB meeting between 2nd and…
A case for reviewing nuclear power plants
Last month, something interesting and unusual happened in Britain that should give a pause to Islamabad as it walks in a certain direction without thinking what lies in store. July…
Japan’s lofty ‘hydrogen society’ vision hampered by cost
Japan has lofty ambitions to become a "hydrogen society" where homes and fuel-cell cars are powered by the emissions-free energy source, but observers say price and convenience are keeping the…
