OWSA Contributor

The Afghan carpet industry is a significant part of the country's economy and cultural heritage, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to exports.

Drawing on a year-long consultation process with civil society, journalists, human rights defenders, electoral officials, and social media companies, Khan identified three intersecting trends that are accelerating the crisis.

At the border, families endure sweltering temperatures often topping 40°C, armed with the few belongings they could manage to pack. They find shade under blankets, while signs of malnutrition are evident in children, and many mothers appear worn down and anxious.

Debt service payments by developing countries have soared by $74 billion in a single year, from $847 billion to $921 billion.

Though Nepal has introduced climate budget tagging to track climate-related public spending, gaps remain in strategy, transparency, and alignment with national climate goals.

Meanwhile, UNHCR alongside partners is working to address the urgent needs of those arriving – food, water, shelter, protection. However its programmes are also under severe strain due to limited funding.

Since the military coup in February 2021, nearly 6,800 civilians have been killed and over 22,000 remain arbitrarily detained, he said. Humanitarian needs have soared, with nearly 22 million people in need of assistance and more than 3.5 million displaced by conflict.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) confirmed it transferred a record $437 million in June to settle mounting arrears with Adani Power Jharkhand Ltd (APJL), the Indian firm operating the 1,496-megawatt Godda Ultra Supercritical Thermal Power Plant in Jharkhand.