According to Indian newspaper The Hindu, the country's railway operator Indian Railways launched its first solar-powered train on July 14. A set of 16 solar panels atop each coach provide power to lights, fans and information display systems inside the coaches, although the train will still be pulled by a diesel-powered engine.

Amid a growing awareness of sustainable development, solar power has been put into use in many spheres worldwide. Let's take a look at some of the applications of the clean energy around the world.

A staff worker samples water in a river in Shenyang, Liaoning province, after a solar-powered oxygen concentrator was installed on the river. [Photo/VCG]