Governance

In a move signalling a profound shift in Pakistan’s infrastructure financing and geopolitical posture, China has withdrawn from financing the pivotal Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, a cornerstone of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

The crisis has been compounded by the rise of hardline Islamist groups since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. Women’s rights activists warn that these groups are contributing to an atmosphere of communalism and hostility towards women, exacerbating their vulnerability.

Indian agriculture is at a turning point, under the double pressure of having to feed a rising population while being internationally competitive.

Jagadananda, co-founder of the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), has been conferred the prestigious Justice A.K. Patnaik National Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to grassroots democracy and inclusive development.

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.

This tiered approach underscores APEDA’s commitment to baseline outreach – casting a wide net to capture diverse innovation – and then funnelling support to ventures with the greatest capacity for export success.

The study urged that the Rohingya crisis not be seen in isolation but as a social, economic, and humanitarian challenge requiring integrated responses that combine humanitarian action, climate resilience, and peace-building.

The move comes amid growing criticism over delays in fulfilling the administration’s ambitious anti-corruption and economic promises made during last year’s presidential campaign.