Finalized in mid-2025 after extensive talks between Pakistan’s SIFC and US agencies, the deal supports Washington’s strategy to diversify critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
The report, filed under Section 7044 of the foreign operations appropriations legislation, outlines multiple fronts on which Washington plans to back human rights, education, and free expression – particularly for Afghan women and girls – even as the Taliban remain in control of most of the country.
This was the first major disaster to strike since the Trump administration suspended US foreign aid to Afghanistan in January. While Washington released statements of sympathy, it has made no formal pledge of direct financial assistance to quake relief.
Large projects like the Mes Aynak copper deposit, the vast iron ore reserve at Hajigak, the Balkhab copper prospects, and rich gemstone deposits in Badakhshan have long drawn interest from potential foreign partners.
The rollover, agreed after high-level talks in Malé, reflects India’s continued financial support to its maritime neighbour and long-standing development partner.
Japan’s grant for dairy development is designed to empower smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the country’s dairy production. The funding will go towards modernising farming practices, improving milk quality and safety, and introducing sustainable methods to make dairy farming more profitable and resilient.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $126.42 million loan along with $1 million in technical assistance to promote sustainable and climate-resilient tourism in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Lake area, one of the state’s most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged regions.
As Minister Jayatissa and experts emphasise, the private sector’s dynamism, combined with targeted public support, offers the best path to a competitive, sustainable livestock industry that delivers for consumers, producers, and the nation.
Officials from the Thromde and national agencies continue assessments, with calls for enhanced collaboration between government, development partners like ADB and UNDP, and local residents.
As Minister Jayatissa and experts emphasise, the private sector’s dynamism, combined with targeted public support, offers the best path to a competitive, sustainable livestock industry that delivers for consumers, producers, and the nation.
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.
The cost of Tuesday’s two flights alone is estimated at ₹1.2 crore (approximately) as part of the pilot. While rainfall did not materialise, IIT Kanpur reported modest reductions in particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) at test locations, roughly 6 to 10 per cent lower concentrations.
Public health experts caution that while C-sections remain a life-saving intervention when medically necessary, their overuse undermines maternal and neonatal health outcomes.