Environment

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.

Choudhary said that to assist states in regulating groundwater resources, the ministry of Jal Shakti drafted a Model ‘Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) Bill.’ This bill provides a regulatory framework to curb indiscriminate groundwater extraction while promoting rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge.

A high degree of convergence has been reached in 29 out of 32 articles that are proposed to make up the treaty text. However, three areas require significant further work.