OWSA Contributor

According to the police, 1,663 scam cases were reported, with losses exceeding MVR 22.7 million, of which MVR 8.5 million has now been retrieved. Before the centre’s formation, authorities were only able to recover about two per cent of stolen funds.

The decision to halt salary payments has drawn concern from civil society groups and international observers, who warn that continued economic contraction could fuel social unrest or increased migration out of the country.

As of mid-December, authorities reported 643 deaths and 183 people still missing. More than 107,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, making shelter one of the most urgent needs.

For a nation of nearly 90 million people, the limits of traditional water management have been laid bare. Whether Iran’s new strategies can avert wider social and ecological breakdown remains a central question for policymakers, communities, and neighbouring countries alike.

Despite these tensions, many Sri Lankans express cautious optimism about the recent crackdown’s potential to disrupt entrenched trafficking networks, though some warn that without sustained investments in education, rehabilitation and community support, the cycle of addiction and crime will persist.

Integrating waste minimisation, climber accountability and community engagement is seen as critical to safeguarding fragile ecosystems while preserving access for future generations.

As the government prepares to publish more detailed data and possibly a national action plan, child rights activists are urging stakeholders to prioritise transparency, victim support and preventative outreach – especially in vulnerable communities where children remain at greatest risk.

Experts caution that timely implementation, effective supervision and coordination among agencies will be key to ensuring project success. Nepal’s road sector has historically faced challenges related to delays, cost overruns and difficult terrain.