Environment

The minister informed that a 50 per cent rebate in the revenue share for coal used in gasification has been introduced in commercial coal block auctions, provided that at least 10 per cent of the total coal production is used for gasification purposes.

The minister said that the Farmers Distress Inde is designed to develop a forewarning system to take preventive measures to identify farmer distress, providing alerts three months in advance.

The report's optimism stems from the observation that 2023 marked the first year where the continued expansion of building construction was decoupled from the corresponding rise in sector greenhouse gas emissions.

A 2017 study by the Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment Foundation found that over one-third of shipbreaking workers surveyed had developed preventable health complications due to asbestos exposure.

The minister said that as Sri Lanka moves forward, the challenge remains clear: finding sustainable, humane solutions that protect both livelihoods and biodiversity for future generations.

Since 2014, India has improved electricity access, strengthened energy security, and set a foundation for clean energy transition. However, meeting the 2030 goal requires adding 56 GW of non-fossil capacity annually.

This smog season, AQI levels exceeding 1,000 have become routine, with Multan even breaching the 2,000 mark. Hospitals are overflowing with patients suffering from respiratory ailments, their numbers a stark testament to the invisible enemy in the air.

Whether the two parties can bridge the gap and reach a mutually acceptable agreement remains to be seen. The Sri Lankan government's insistence on price revision and Adani’s re-affirmation of the initial terms, clearly sets the stage for a tense negotiation period.