Features

Kabul, Afghanistan’s sprawling capital, finds itself on the edge of an unprecedented crisis: according to a recent Mercy Corps report, the city’s underground water reserves could be entirely depleted by 2030.

Way back in 2007, the land at Kuberpur, functioned as a typical landfill site. Thousands of tons of solid waste collected daily by the municipal corporation were dumped here. Over the years, this dumpsite dutifully served the city, but gradually it became a centre of distress itself.

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.

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.

While some countries are expected to end malaria by 2030, major challenges remain to eliminate HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and neglected tropical diseases, the study found, with new HIV/AIDS cases increasing steadily in the past decade.

Bhutan stands at a crossroads between survival and sacrifice, tradition and transformation. Its model is not perfect—but it offers the world something rare: a vision of development that does not cost the Earth.

For Delhi’s waste pickers, a working bus route is not a luxury. It is a pathway to dignity, safety, and survival. In a city battling extreme heat, toxic air, and rising inequality, climate justice might just begin with a seat on a functioning, inclusive bus.

Researchers say this makes it well-suited to planting in fire-affected areas for quick reforestation and regeneration — although experts also stress the need for a mix of species.