Afghanistan’s recurring natural disasters – from earthquakes to extreme winters – highlight the country’s vulnerability, amplified by political isolation, economic hardship, and restrictive governance.
The episode marks a critical moment for global health diplomacy. As pandemics and health crises increasingly transcend borders, the debate over the US withdrawal from the WHO highlights the fragile balance between national interests and collective security in an interconnected world.
If these working group meetings proceed as planned, they will be the first major technical talks under the Doha framework to take place on Afghan soil.
A staggering majority of Afghans returning from Iran, Pakistan and other neighbouring countries are struggling to find livelihoods, shelter and basic services as they attempt to rebuild lives in a country beset by economic collapse, climate shocks and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, the United Nations and International Organization for Migration (IOM) warn.
In a bold move to address one of Maldive’s most pressing challenges – severe housing shortages in the densely populated capital region – the Maldives government has rolled out its comprehensive ‘Housing for All’ policy.
Speaking at the launch, officials highlighted how PANKHUDI aligns with prime minister Narendra Modi's vision of leveraging technology as a bridge between the government and citizens.
A groundbreaking new report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) reveals that the region requires approximately USD 12.065 trillion from 2020 to 2050 to adequately fund climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
The report underscores persistent questions about accountability for civilian harm. Related reporting on the region has highlighted ongoing challenges in post-conflict justice and the human costs of prolonged international military engagement.
While natural climate variability such as El Niño plays a role, the background warming linked to climate change adds to the heat available to these systems.
The report underscores persistent questions about accountability for civilian harm. Related reporting on the region has highlighted ongoing challenges in post-conflict justice and the human costs of prolonged international military engagement.
While natural climate variability such as El Niño plays a role, the background warming linked to climate change adds to the heat available to these systems.
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.
In 2024, India experienced extreme weather on 322 days, leading to over 3 400 deaths. The first 90 days of 2025 alone saw 87 days of intense weather events – including floods and heat waves – underscoring an alarming upward trend in disasters.