SouthAsia

The 2025 monsoon season arrived with unusual ferocity, delivering 8 per cent more rainfall than the long-term average across the Indian subcontinent.

The body plays a central role in reviewing project proposals, approving budgets, and setting the inter-governmental agenda for regional cooperation.

As thousands of Afghans are loaded onto trucks for forced return, the crisis reflects not just the failure of diplomacy but also the erosion of trust between two interdependent nations. Unless talks resume on a more equal footing, analysts warn, South Asia may face yet another cycle of displacement, resentment and instability.

The meeting came amid a broader push by both countries to reinvigorate bilateral ties – spanning trade, defence cooperation and connectivity – in what Karachi and Dhaka describe as a “reset” in relations.

A new report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) warns that as demand for energy surges, regional cooperation will be crucial to meeting development and climate goals.

The second edition of the Just AI Awards – Asia Pacific is now open for nominations, spotlighting individuals and organisations that are building ethical, inclusive, accountable, and impactful AI solutions for the public good.

Launched in commemoration of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the ‘Seeding Strength’ campaign highlights the transformative role of agricultural cooperatives in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Nepal.

Participants at the meeting recommitted themselves to working with all stakeholders to advance the ICPD PoA and achieve the 2030 Agenda and reaffirmed the 2024 Oslo Statement of Commitment.