Specifics on FDI limits in sectors like defence or manufacturing remain broad, with no immediate changes announced. Implementation timelines are unclear, but the government aims to roll out these reforms swiftly to capitalise on global shifts in investment patterns.
The financial turmoil is already rippling through UN agencies, with humanitarian work bearing the brunt. BBC investigations show that agencies rarely receive full funding for crises, but the past year has been exceptionally grim.
The survey’s outlook emphasises aligning state, private sector, and citizens to navigate global headwinds, positioning India for Viksit Bharat by 2047 through sectoral synergies and resilience.
Afghanistan’s recurring natural disasters – from earthquakes to extreme winters – highlight the country’s vulnerability, amplified by political isolation, economic hardship, and restrictive governance.
Nepal faces international obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals to reduce stunting to 15 per cent, wasting to four per cent, and underweight rates to 10 per cent by 2030 – targets that appear increasingly challenging, particularly in remote and underserved regions like Sudurpaschim.
These developments occur against a backdrop of worsening human rights under Taliban rule, including severe restrictions on women and girls, arbitrary detentions, and impunity for abuses.
Sri Lanka’s involvement in the regional initiative comes amid growing environmental concern about the country's increasing plastic waste. Like many nations in Asia, Sri Lanka has seen a surge in single-use plastics and limited infrastructure to manage them.