News & Events

Makar Sankranti, a vibrant harvest festival, showcases the rich cultural tapestry of India through its diverse regional celebrations. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the skies come alive with colourful kites, while Tamil Nadu observes Pongal, a multi-day celebration featuring the eponymous traditional dish. Punjab marks the occasion with Lohri, which precedes Makar Sankranti, and in Assam, Magh Bihu focuses on feasts and bonfires, each adding its unique charm to the nationwide festivities.

A major aspect of Makar Sankranti is the preparation of sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolising unity and goodwill. Many devotees take holy dips in sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari, believing it cleanses sins and brings blessings. In 2025, Makar Sankranti coincides with the Kumbh Mela, one of the most significant pilgrimages in India. The Maha Kumbh Mela, the rarest and most powerful of all Kumbh gatherings, occurs only once every 144 years, following 12 Purna Kumbh festivals. This grand event, marked by unique planetary alignments, attracts millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual merit, making it the largest religious gathering in the world.

Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival; it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between humans, nature, and the changing seasons. This joyous occasion unites people across India, fostering a sense of gratitude and cultural pride. As the festival unfolds in its myriad forms, it continues to be a testament to India’s rich heritage and the spirit of togetherness that defines its diverse populace.

The day marks a pivotal moment in Togo’s history, reflecting on its journey from a German protectorate to a French-administered mandate under the League of Nations and eventually achieving full independence on 27 April 1960. While the official Independence Day celebrates Togo’s autonomy, Liberation Day focuses on the ongoing struggle for political and social justice within the nation.

The origins of Liberation Day lie in the political upheaval of the early 1960s, particularly the assassination of Sylvanus Olympio, Togo’s first President, on 13 January 1963. Olympio was a key figure in Togo’s independence movement, championing economic self-reliance and resisting external pressures. His death marked a significant turning point in Togo’s post-independence political landscape, leading to decades of military influence and political challenges.

Liberation Day allows Togolese citizens to reflect on their history and reaffirm their commitment to building a just and prosperous nation. Celebrations often include cultural events, community gatherings, and educational programmes aimed at fostering national pride and unity. Speeches by political leaders and civil society groups typically underscore the importance of democratic values, human rights, and continued efforts to address social inequalities.

Malta has dropped to 34th in the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), continuing downward from 29th in 2024 to 18th in 2023. While the country performs well in energy use, ranking 16th, it struggles with renewable energy, placing 44th due to slow progress in solar adoption and stalled offshore wind projects despite discussions since the 1990s. The government launched a National Policy for Offshore Renewable Energy in October 2024, but tangible results remain absent. Malta’s reliance on fossil fuels persists, highlighted by purchasing a diesel-powered plant in 2024 to address electricity shortfalls.

In climate policy, Malta ranks 34th, with weak implementation despite the establishment of the Climate Action Authority in 2024. Subsidies aimed at reducing fuel poverty, while commendable, inadvertently promote high energy consumption and waste. The transport sector also lags, with automobiles dominating despite free public transport being introduced in 2022. Bicycle lanes remain limited, although subsidies for electric vehicles have led to increased adoption.

Read the original article here: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/133063/malta_drops_to_34th_place_in_climate_performance_index