Governance

The transition of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy from a seasonal anti-pollution measure to a permanent, year-round mandate marks one of the most ambitious steps taken by the Delhi government in its fight against vehicular emissions.

As India’s financial and material aid begins to flow into rebuilding efforts across Sri Lanka, the focus has gradually shifted from emergency response to sustainable reconstruction and resilience building.

Experts warn that without addressing underlying causes – including deforestation, corridor fragmentation and climate pressures – human–wildlife conflict will continue to strain India’s conservation gains. Conservation advocates argue that coexistence frameworks must align ecological priorities with local needs, fostering safe practices while safeguarding biodiversity.

International development partners, including the World Bank, have also entered the picture with initiatives designed to boost jobs and trade, although such efforts are longer-term in nature and their impact on immediate job creation is still unfolding.

Experts argue that meeting Nepal’s 2045 net-zero target and Sustainable Development Goal 7 – affordable and clean energy for all – will require a fundamental rethink of biogas policy.

Long-term climate risk, particularly heat exposure, also carries socio-economic consequences, threatening jobs, livelihoods and economic growth if unchecked.

The minister said that the government is also pursuing new free trade agreements and working to improve the utilisation of existing FTAs.

The case has sparked alarm about shrinking civic space, erosion of rule of law and misuse of cybercrime legislation to criminalise dissent.