The Forest Declaration Assessment report serves as both a critical reminder and a call to action for governments, businesses, and civil society to renew their commitment to forest conservation in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
In 2023, 6.37 million hectares of forest were destroyed, according to a report by the Forest Declaration Assessment. The authors of the report point out that to stay on track for eliminating deforestation by 2030, this figure should not exceed 4.4 million hectares.
The new report from the Forest Declaration Assessment reveals a concerning stagnation in global efforts to halt deforestation, despite ambitious commitments made by world leaders. The report, released on Tuesday, underscores the critical state of the planet’s forests and calls for immediate action to reverse trends threatening biodiversity and climate stability.
This global loss of forests equals about a fiftieth of the size of India’s landmass. The reasons for the loss in forests extends from the destruction of trees for agriculture, road construction, mining and commercial logging, the report said. Much of the forests was also lost to forest fires
From 2001-23, more than 138 million hectares of tree cover were lost globally due to forest fires, the study says, adding, for detail, how nearly one third of the area lost to forest fires since 2001 was burned from 2019-23. “In those four years, nearly 13 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent was released into the atmosphere due to forest fires.” For perspective, that’s nearly double the emissions of the Indian energy sector over the same period.
A Wake-Up Call for Policymakers
The report highlights that, while some countries have made progress in forest conservation, overall global deforestation rates remain alarmingly high. Key findings indicate that land use change, driven primarily by agriculture, continues to be a major driver of forest loss. In particular, tropical regions are experiencing the most significant declines, with local communities and indigenous peoples often bearing the brunt of environmental degradation.
“Despite commitments made in the Forest Declaration, we are not seeing the transformative changes needed,” said Dr. Emily Carter, lead author of the report. “This assessment serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize forest protection and restoration as integral components of their climate strategies.”
The report also outlines a series of recommendations, urging governments to strengthen policies that protect forests, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable land-use practices. It emphasizes the importance of financing initiatives that support both conservation and the livelihoods of those who depend on forest ecosystems.
A Call to Action
In light of the findings, the assessment calls for renewed international cooperation, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts to tackle deforestation at the source. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the report argues that safeguarding forests is not just an environmental issue, but a vital part of ensuring global food security and promoting economic resilience.
“Restoring and protecting forests must be at the forefront of our global response to the climate crisis,” Dr. Carter added. “The time for action is now; we must not let this opportunity slip away.”
Deforestation continues to be a major contributor of greenhouse gases, the report says. “Not accounting for removals, 3.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent were emitted from deforestation last year,” it says – this is a four per cent increase from the 2018-20 baseline.
“If deforestation was its own country, it would have been the fourth-highest emitter in 2023 after China, the U.S., and India,” says the report, adding that “The world is increasingly off track to meet the 2030 goals.” With less than six years remaining until 2030, immediate action to protect forests is essential, the report says.
The Forest Declaration Assessment report serves as both a critical reminder and a call to action for governments, businesses, and civil society to renew their commitment to forest conservation in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
Despite the legislation, environmental activism remains a challenging endeavour in the Maldives. Ongoing court cases, including one aimed at compelling the government to enforce environmental laws, highlight the difficulties faced by activists.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives issued a stark warning on Monday regarding the increasing harm to protected species in the archipelago, emphasizing that the capture, killing, consumption, and trade of these species and their parts are illegal under national law.
In its statement, the EPA noted a troubling trend, highlighting that harm to protected species has escalated year by year. The agency, which is legally responsible for environmental protection in the Maldives, reminded the public that various species are safeguarded under the Protected Species Regulation as part of the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act. Among those protected are five species of tortoises and turtles, the Indian Black Turtle, 207 bird species, all species of rays, and whale sharks.
“These species are crucial for maintaining the Maldives’ natural environment and are integral to the lifestyle, culture, and economy of the nation,” the EPA stated. The agency pointed out that protected species significantly contribute to the tourism sector, particularly in “nature tourism,” which remains a key attraction for visitors.
Seabirds play a vital role in the Maldivian fishing industry, while various protected marine species help sustain the country’s delicate ecosystem. However, the EPA has reported a concerning rise in harmful activities affecting these species, including inappropriate feeding and touching, vessels pursuing whale sharks, and large crowds surrounding these animals.
In response to these challenges, the government implemented new regulations last month aimed at safeguarding these vulnerable species. The EPA announced that it would take stringent action against any violators of these regulations to ensure compliance and protect the natural heritage of the Maldives.
Challenging Endeavour
Despite the legislation, environmental activism remains a challenging endeavour in the Maldives. Ongoing court cases, including one aimed at compelling the government to enforce environmental laws, highlight the difficulties faced by activists. The Maldives is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with 80 percent of its islands lying less than a meter above sea level.
The government has enacted significant environmental laws, notably the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, which mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all development projects. However, critics argue that these assessments often serve merely as formalities, as government ministries frequently preapprove projects before EIAs are completed. This pattern raises concerns about the genuine implementation of environmental protections.
A notable case is the ongoing controversy surrounding the Gulhifalhu reclamation project. Awarded to Dutch construction company Boskalis in 2019 without a formal tender process, the project has faced criticism after an EIA revealed potential irreversible environmental damage. Despite the findings, the government proceeded with the project, prompting legal action from climate activist Humaida Abdul Gafoor.
Earlier this month, the high court granted an injunction to halt work on the project pending a final ruling, but the government quickly appealed, arguing that a suspension would lead to significant financial losses. The Supreme Court subsequently lifted the injunction, allowing construction to continue.
While the legal battle continues, it has underscored the scrutiny facing the government regarding its environmental policies. As the Maldives navigates these challenges, the call for stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws remains urgent, with activists and concerned citizens urging the government to prioritize the preservation of its rich biodiversity and natural resources.
Participants emphasized the need for a unified vision to bolster research, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives that promote India’s rich traditional knowledge on the global stage.
In a move to safeguard and commercialise traditional knowledge within the Ayush systems, a Round Table Conference titled “Intellectual Property, Regulatory Framework, and Commercialization Aspects in Traditional Knowledge of Ayush Systems” was held in New Delhi on Tuesday. The event, organized by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in collaboration with the School of Biotechnology at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur, gathered experts from academia, government, and industry to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in this vital sector.
The conference featured Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation. Other notable attendees included Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University; Prof. Anupam Srivastava from NIA; and Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from JNU’s School of Biotechnology.
In his opening address, Vaidya Kotecha highlighted the critical role of research and education in Ayurveda, emphasizing that these pillars are essential for driving the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) agenda within traditional medicine. He noted, “The evolving digital ecosystem and the generation of scientific evidence are crucial for advancing the Indian system of medicine. Our aim is to integrate traditional wisdom with modern technologies, thereby protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation.”
Vaidya Kotecha elaborated on India’s strategic partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop global standards for traditional medicine. He attributed these collaborations to the remarkable growth of the Ayush manufacturing sector over the past decade, stressing that a close cooperation between academia and industry is vital to enhance the global competitiveness of Ayush products while safeguarding traditional knowledge through robust IPR frameworks.
Protecting Traditional Knowledge
Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman echoed these sentiments, calling for greater collaboration among Ayush agencies. He underscored the necessity of a molecular understanding of traditional medicine and advocated for the inclusion of IPR as a core subject in postgraduate curricula. “Preparing our future scholars to meet these challenges is essential for the progression of Ayush systems,” he asserted.
A notable session led by Prof. Anupam Srivastava traced the evolution of Ayush systems, emphasizing the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)’s role in preventing biopiracy. He proposed a six-month course on IPR tailored specifically for Ayush professionals, addressing the need for enhanced intellectual property awareness in the sector.
Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi addressed the importance of protecting traditional knowledge both nationally and globally. He highlighted the necessity of bridging research gaps to facilitate the commercialization of Ayush products, stating, “The proprietary issues surrounding Ayush systems can only be resolved through dedicated research and innovation. We must safeguard our traditional knowledge while ensuring its global integration.”
The conference featured several panel discussions, bringing together leaders from Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. These sessions focused on creating and protecting intellectual property for Ayush innovations, establishing necessary regulatory frameworks, and developing strategies for commercialization and benefit sharing.
Concluding the conference, participants emphasized the need for a unified vision to bolster research, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives that promote India’s rich traditional knowledge on the global stage. The dialogues initiated during the conference are expected to catalyze advancements in research, commercialization, and intellectual property protection within the Ayush sector.
As India continues to establish itself as a leader in traditional medicine, this conference marks a pivotal moment in addressing regulatory and intellectual property challenges, reinforcing India’s commitment to the advancement of its traditional systems of medicine.
Despite riding a wave of anti-corruption and anti-establishment sentiment, Dissanayake’s promise to renegotiate some austerity measures entails great economic risk and is unlikely to succeed. Yet his presidency can still lay the path for a reformed, more compassionate Sri Lanka — and should be given the benefit of the doubt.
On 23 September 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a left-leaning candidate, was sworn in as the President of Sri Lanka. This was the first election held since mass protests overthrew the country’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July 2022, after Sri Lanka defaulted on its sovereign debt and suffered a crippling economic crisis.
Dissanayake won a free election with a total of 5,740,179 votes to 4,530,902 for his nearest rival Sajith Premadasa — the first time preferential votes had to be counted. With a 75 per cent turnout, the election confirms Sri Lanka’s status as one of Asia’s oldest and most vibrant multiparty democracies.
It is a remarkable victory for a political outsider. Dissanayake, a former agriculture minister and longstanding member of parliament, is the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, which conducted armed uprisings in 1971 and 1988–89. Dissanayake overcame voters’ apprehensions thanks to his charismatic personality and by repositioning the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and its electoral alliance — the National Peoples Power — as a soft-left party capable of democratic government.
Dissanayake’s manifesto: ‘A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life, August 2024’, advocated pro-poor welfare policies, robust anti-corruption measures, and a production-oriented, small-business economy. This caught the attention of voters, whowanted systemic change after the economic crisis. Dissanayake is inheriting a stabilising economy from his predecessor, Ranil Wickremasinghe, an experienced centre-right politician who represented the political status quo.
Gains Over Decades Reversed
The long queues for fuel during the crisis have disappeared. Consumer Price Index inflation is in the single digits, compared to a peak of 70 per cent in October 2022. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka is projecting 4 per cent economic growth in 2024, compared to a 7.8 per cent contraction in 2022. Usable foreign reserves are up to US$4.6 billion, versusUS$25 million in April 2022.
This turnaround is linked to a mix of decisive stabilisation measures by Wickremasinghe’s administration, such as hiking interest rates, removing fuel subsidies, raising taxes and passing a law to improve the independence of the Central Bank. Sri Lanka is also receiving a tough US$3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) Enhanced Fund Facility emphasising revenue-based fiscal consolidation and governance reforms, US$5 billion financing from multilateral development banks and US$4 billion of Indian aid.
Sri Lanka’s previous poverty reduction gains over decades have been reversed. The percentage of people living beneath the US$3.65 per day poverty line has doubled to 25 per cent since 2022. Child malnutrition has increased as families switched to cheaper, less healthy diets.
Debt Repayments Looming
Debt repayments are also looming. Official bilateral creditors agreed to a debt restructuring deal in June 2024, and a restructure with private creditors in September. Based on the agreement with official creditors and the framework reached with private creditors, Sri Lanka must be able to service all its external debt and meet its import requirements by 2028.
Sri Lanka needs annual growth of 5–6 per cent, led by tourism and other export industries, over the next several years to reduce poverty and earn foreign exchange for debt repayments.
The National Peoples Power say they want to work with the IMF’s Enhanced Fund Facility framework but renegotiate some austerity measures. This may have resonated on the campaign trail but carries economic risks. The key structural benchmarks under the Enhanced Fund Facility are fixed — notably the primary surplus requirement of 2.3 per cent of GDP, the Central Bank Act and Debt Sustainability Analysis parameters.
Prolonged negotiations with the IMF may result in interruptions to its IMF programme and external financing drying up. Once Sri Lanka does not have an IMF programme, as in 2021–22, nobody will provide it with any external financing. Sri Lanka barely has 2–3 months of import cover in terms of foreign reserves to finance essential imports of fuel, food and medicine. Leaving the IMF’s programme risks extreme hardship.
A pragmatic approach for Dissanayake is to continue with elements of the current economic stabilisation program, adding structural reforms for long-term growth, while addressing his campaign promises around good governance and reducing poverty.
Compassionate, Efficient Transformation
Sri Lanka should build a cross-party consensus on economic direction to ensure policy consistency and foster investor confidence and ensure external and domestic debt sustainability through proactive debt management and strengthened legal frameworks. The central bank’s independence should be strengthened to enable effective monetary policy and financial stability, and Sri Lanka should support fiscal sustainability through transparent budgeting, spending controls and better tax administration. Undertaking pragmatic efforts to support economic transformation by streamlining business regulations and promoting trade are also essential. Growth should be made inclusive by prioritising targeted social protection, safety nets and food security.
Dissanayake has a historic opportunity to bring about a compassionate and efficient transformation of Sri Lanka out of crisis. His administration should be given the benefit of the doubt to implement their program. To mitigate uncertainty and reassure Sri Lanka’s creditors, the new National Peoples Power administration can build on the post-July 2022 macroeconomic policy framework — an independent central bank, prudent fiscal policy and open trade and investment policies — all while tackling poverty and corruption.
Sri Lanka’s development partners have a huge stake in working these issues through with the new administration, as the consequences of failure are high.
Ganeshan Wignaraja is Visiting Senior Fellow at ODI and Professorial Fellow in Economics and Trade at Gateway House.
This article has been sourced from the East Asia Forum of the Australian National University.
The coalition is demanding an immediate cessation of the Chhujung Khola project and an overhaul of the environment impact assessment process to ensure thorough and transparent assessments.
A coalition of organizations and individuals is calling on the Government of Nepal to halt the Chhujung Khola Hydropower Project, citing serious human rights and environmental violations affecting the indigenous communities in the region. The project, operated by Sangrila Urja Pvt Ltd, is situated in Lungba Samba, Sankhuwasabha District, and is reported to threaten the ancestral lands of the Lhomi Singsa and Bhote communities.
The Chhujung Khola project, which involves extensive road-building and land clearing, is poised to disrupt the livelihoods of local indigenous groups, particularly nomadic yak herders in the villages of Chyamtang, Thudam, and Ridak. These communities have relied on the land for generations for livestock grazing and the collection of medicinal herbs.
In a joint statement, the undersigned groups highlighted significant discrepancies in the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA), alleging that Sangrila Urja Pvt Ltd fabricated data, forged signatures during public consultations, and failed to engage meaningfully with the affected communities. Concerns were raised about the impact of the project on local ecosystems, including endangered species and vital waterways.
“Development projects must respect the rights of indigenous peoples,” the statement emphasized, referencing both the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Nepal’s own constitutional protections. The groups warned that the encroachment of hydropower and infrastructure projects jeopardizes not only the livelihoods but also the cultural heritage and environmental integrity of the region.
Right to Say No
The Chhujung River, sacred to the Lhomi Singsa and Bhote peoples, is among the water bodies threatened by the project. Critics argue that the EIA is misleading, claiming only minor deforestation and neglecting to disclose the full extent of environmental damage, including the use of significant quantities of explosives near critical glaciers.
In response to community grievances, the coalition is demanding an immediate cessation of the Chhujung Khola project and an overhaul of the EIA process to ensure thorough and transparent assessments. They stress the importance of obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from indigenous communities before proceeding with such projects.
“Communities have the right to say no,” the statement asserts, urging the government to prioritize the rights of indigenous peoples in all future development initiatives.
The call to action has gained international attention, with various organizations across Asia and beyond expressing solidarity with the affected communities in Nepal. As the debate continues, the fate of Lungba Samba’s biocultural heritage hangs in the balance, drawing scrutiny to the broader implications of hydropower development in Nepal and the need for sustainable, equitable practices.
Despite their emphasis on the rewards of staying home and raising children, Republicans continue to delegate more of the responsibility of child-rearing to their wives than Democratic fathers.
By Joseph Chamie
Countries around the world are experiencing low birth rates. In 2022, more than one hundred countries, representing two-thirds of world’s population, experienced fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman.
Fertility rates below the replacement level were relatively uncommon in the distant past. But today, many of the countries with sustained rates of fertility below the replacement level are facing demographic decline accompanied by population aging.
Many countries are attempting to reverse their low fertility levels. Their pro-natalist policies include paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, affordable childcare, cash incentives, support to families, subsidized assisted reproductive treatments and encouraging gender equality in housework and caregiving.
In 2023, the fertility rate of the United States fell to a record low of 1.6 births per woman. That level is two births per woman below the 1960 rate and a half child below the replacement level (Figure 1).
Population collapse due to low birth rates, some of them have warned, is a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming.
In contrast to the pronatalist measures adopted by many other countries, women choosing to have few or no children in the United States, according to many Republicans, is the reason for the country’s low birth rate.
Why are Republicans blaming America’s women for the country’s low birth rate, which they claim has created a civilization crisis with catastrophic consequences?
The answer, according to many in America’s Republican party, is because across the country women in their prime childbearing ages are increasingly rejecting the sanctity of marriage, the foundational role of families and motherhood, and avoiding the blessings and emotional satisfaction of giving birth and raising several children at home.
Despite their emphasis on the rewards of staying home and raising children, Republicans continue to delegate more of the responsibility of child-rearing to their wives than Democratic fathers.
It’s also important to recognize the indisputable fact, which some in the Democratic party are reported to frequently ignore or choose to minimize, that men cannot get pregnant and deliver babies. Only women have the capacity to become pregnant, give birth to babies and breastfeed them.
Republicans have stressed that increasing numbers of young women across the country are simply choosing not to have several children.
Many women are avoiding getting pregnant, giving birth and staying at home to raise children to adulthood. For example, among U.S. adults under age 50 years without kids in 2023, the proportion saying they are unlikely to have children was 47 percent, up 10 percentage points from 2018 (Figure 2).
Source: Pew Research Center.
Instead of having children, Republicans claim that growing numbers of young women in America are choosing to remain single and are becoming childless cat ladies or dog ladies, which are a threat to American democracy.
Reportedly, among the notable benefits of having a cat or a dog rather than a husband are cats and dogs are nonjudgmental, relatively easy to train and they don’t come with in-laws.
In the U.S., women are less likely than men to want kids. As a result of women’s decisions about childbearing, America’s fertility rate fell below the replacement level in the early 1970s and the rate has been headed largely downward ever since.
Having children, many women maintain, provides them neither economic compensation nor retirement savings for their time and labor. In contrast to fatherhood, women pay a motherhood penalty for having children and raising them. Working mothers encounter disadvantages in pay and benefits relative to childless working women.
Also importantly, women like men in America want to be compensated financially for their work. They do not want to be simply patted on the back for giving birth to several children and raising them until they are able to have children of their own.
Rather than having children early in life, women are increasingly choosing to become educated, join the labor force, seek rewarding careers, earn their own income and consequently postpone childbearing.
Many women in America say that they want to be able to make their own personal decisions regarding having children. And they definitely don’t want to be told by Republicans to give birth to several children for the well-being of the nation.
The emergence of the women’s liberation movement in the 1960s coupled with the introduction of modern birth control methods, especially the oral contraceptive pill, contributed considerably to the decline of America’s birth rate to far below the replacement level.
In addition, women in the U.S. have been increasingly demanding equal rights and opportunities, especially in education, employment and political participation, as well as control over their bodies and reproduction.
Republicans in the United States Senate, however, continue to block passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). And Republicans were instrumental in overturning women’s right to abortion as well as supporting extreme abortion bans, including those that criminalize the procedure for rape victims and pregnant children.
Women want to enjoy their personal freedoms and make their own decisions regarding childbearing rather than having others, in particular men, tell them what to do and when to do it.
Due to America’s low birth rate, the resulting level of natural increase (births minus deaths) has been declining for decades. The current level of natural increase for the U.S. population is approximately one-quarter of the level experienced at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Moreover, immigration is expected to drive America’s population growth for the remainder of the 21st century.
According to many U.S business leaders and Republican party officials, the sustained low birth rate and the decline in the rate of natural increase are adversely impacting the country’s continued prosperity. Low rates of fertility and population decline are considered catastrophic, seriously threatening America’s economic growth and national strength.
A low birth rate absent high levels of immigration typically leads to depopulation, which many Republicans consider to be a demographic disaster.
Despite their anti-immigration rhetoric, efforts to build a wall along the country’s southern border and explicit calls for a mass deportation of all illegal aliens, Republicans are aware that America’s population and its labour force are projected to decline without immigration. Without international migration, America’s current population of 337 millions is projected to decline to 299 million by 2060 (Figure 3).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Instead of relying on international migration for the country’s population growth, the Republican party and those on the far right are urging women across America to fulfill their traditional obligations to their homeland, namely, by giving birth to no less than several children and raising them at home.
By doing so, they expect America’s fertility rate to return to the replacement level or perhaps even go higher, thereby ensuring sustained economic growth for the country and reducing the need for immigrants.
To encourage childbearing, some Republican officials have offered a number of suggestions. Those suggestions include giving parents the ability to cast votes on behalf of their children, looking to grandparents, aunts and uncles for those who have them and having a higher tax rate on childless Americans.
However, such suggestions and blaming women for America’s low birth rate are unlikely to raise the country’s fertility rate back to the replacement level.
In sum, according to many Republicans, America’s low birth rate and the resulting civilization crisis with its disastrous consequences for the country can squarely be blamed on America’s women in the child-bearing ages.
Joseph Chamie is a consulting demographer, a former director of the United Nations Population Division and author of numerous publications on population issues, including his recent book, “Population Levels, Trends, and Differentials”.
This piece has been sourced from Inter Press Service.
Joseph Chamie is a consulting demographer, a former director of the United Nations Population Division and author of numerous publications on population issues, including his recent book, “Population Levels, Trends, and Differentials”.
Modi also highlighted recent developmental projects, including the virtual inauguration of Hanimaadhoo International Airport and the handover of 700 social housing units, which collectively aim to uplift the living standards of the Maldivian populace.
In a significant move reflecting India’s commitment to its close neighbor, the Maldives, New Delhi has agreed to provide a USD 400 million currency swap facility to assist the island nation during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s inaugural state visit. This financial support comes at a crucial time as the Maldives grapples with a severe foreign exchange shortage, exacerbated by a dwindling reserve that has plummeted to approximately USD 45 million.
During a joint statement following discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s timely assistance, emphasizing that the support offered will be instrumental in alleviating the Maldives’ current economic challenges. “India has always been there to assist us whenever we face difficulties,” he stated, highlighting the importance of this partnership for both countries.
The currency swap agreement, valued at around ₹3,000 crore, is a strategic initiative aimed at stabilizing the Maldivian economy and enhancing its foreign exchange reserves. This collaboration is particularly notable given the backdrop of strained relations between the two nations over the past year, marked by political tensions and diplomatic misunderstandings.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s role as a “close friend” of the Maldives, underscoring the significance of New Delhi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ foreign policy. “We have played a good neighbour in times of need, whether through the provision of essential commodities, COVID vaccines, or even drinking water,” he said. Modi also highlighted recent developmental projects, including the virtual inauguration of Hanimaadhoo International Airport and the handover of 700 social housing units, which collectively aim to uplift the living standards of the Maldivian populace.
Strategic Manoeuver for India
Furthermore, the Prime Minister pointed out the Maldives’ crucial position in ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean region. This concern has gained prominence following the election of President Muizzu, who was perceived as leaning towards China and advocating an “India Out” policy during his campaign. However, Muizzu clarified that his administration seeks to maintain a balanced foreign policy, stating that “Maldives does not want a foreign soldier,” while emphasizing the need for continued collaboration with India for regional stability.
The recent currency swap is not only a financial lifeline for the Maldives but also a strategic manoeuver for India to reinforce its influence in the Indian Ocean, particularly amidst concerns regarding China’s increasing presence in the region. In addition to the currency facility, India has extended a USD 100 million rollover of Treasury bills to bolster the Maldivian economy further.
In a display of commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, both nations have also agreed to launch the RuPay card, an initiative designed to streamline financial transactions and boost economic ties. Moreover, India is supporting infrastructure development in the Greater Male area, marking a comprehensive approach to cooperation that spans economic, social, and developmental sectors.
As the discussions concluded, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit, indicating a hopeful trajectory for future collaboration. The agreements reached during this visit signal a renewed bond between India and the Maldives, aiming to navigate past disputes and focus on mutual growth and prosperity.
India’s generous assistance to the Maldives during this critical period not only highlights its role as a steadfast ally but also showcases a commitment to fostering regional stability in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The surge in extreme hydrological events has been influenced by naturally occurring climate conditions including the transition from La Niña to El Niño weather patterns in mid-2023 as well as human induced climate change.
The year 2023 marked the driest year in over three decades for rivers around the world, according to a new report coordinated by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The State of Global Water Resources report released on Monday also highlights that over the last five years below-normal conditions for river flows have been recorded with less water reaching reservoirs. The reduction in supplies has reduced the amount of water available for communities, agriculture and ecosystems.
Currently, 3.6 billion people worldwide face inadequate access to water at least a month per year and this is expected to increase to more than five billion by 2050, according to UN Water.
The report also reveals that glaciers suffered the largest loss of mass ever registered in the last five decades. Every region in the world where glaciers are present reported ice loss.
The ice loss has produced more than 600 giga-tonnes of water, much of which has ended up in the ocean as well as some river-ways.
Meanwhile, 2023 was recorded as the hottest year on record, leading to elevated temperatures and widespread dry conditions, which contributed to prolonged droughts.
Unprecedented stress
“Water is the canary in the coalmine of climate change. We receive distress signals in the form of increasingly extreme rainfall, floods and droughts which wreak heavy toll on lives, ecosystems and economies said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
The report also paints a stark picture of the world’s freshwater resources, highlighting unprecedented stress, exacerbated by climate change and increasing demand.
Climate change intensifies
A significant number of floods across the world are highlighted in the report.
The surge in extreme hydrological events has been influenced by naturally occurring climate conditions including the transition from La Niña to El Niño weather patterns in mid-2023 as well as human induced climate change.
“As a result of rising temperatures, the hydrological cycle has accelerated. It has also become more erratic and unpredictable, and we are facing growing problems of either too much or too little water,” Ms. Saulo explained.
Africa battered
Africa was the most impacted in terms of human casualties. In Libya, two dams collapsed due to the major flood in September 2023, claiming more than 11,000 lives and affecting 22 per cent of the population.
Floods also affected the Greater Horn of Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as Rwanda, Mozambique and Malawi.
Meanwhile, the southern United States, Central America, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Brazil were affected by widespread drought conditions, which led to the lowest water levels ever observed in the Amazon and in Lake Titicaca on the border of Bolivia and Peru.
Monitoring and data sharing
“Far too little is known about the true state of the world’s freshwater resources. We cannot manage what we do not measure,” Ms. Saulo stated.
“This report seeks to contribute to improved monitoring, data-sharing, cross-border collaboration and assessments. This is urgently needed,” she added.
WMO said the report seeks to enhance the accessibility and availability of observational data, through better monitoring and improved data sharing, particularly in the Global South.
Early warning
The report aligns with the focus of the UN’s global Early Warnings for All initiative in addressing water-related challenges.
The global effort aims to improve data quality and access for water-related hazard monitoring and forecasting, with the goal of providing Early Warning systems for all by 2027.
The WMO has emphasised the urgent need for action to address water-related challenges, calling for improved monitoring, data sharing and cross-border collaboration to better understand and manage global water resources.
In a bid to enhance accountability, President Dissanayake has also made changes within the State Intelligence Service. The body’s head, a former Major General was sent home. The SIS has now been returned to police control.
In a significant move aimed at restoring public trust, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has initiated a renewed and transparent investigation into the tragic Easter Sunday bombings of 2019. This directive, announced by his office, emphasizes the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the attacks that claimed over 260 lives and injured hundreds more.
One of Dissanayake’s first official acts after taking office was to appoint former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ravi Seneviratne, as Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security. Seneviratne previously oversaw the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the bombings, bringing considerable experience to this critical role.
During a recent visit to St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, President Dissanayake expressed the belief that the Easter Sunday attacks may have been politically motivated. “If hundreds of innocent lives were sacrificed for political purposes, it would be a profound tragedy,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of addressing the potential misuse of political power.
Fraught with Controversy
Dissanayake highlighted the dire implications of allowing such a situation to persist, asserting, “If politics in the country has reached such an extreme, the first priority must be to eliminate this dangerous situation.” This statement resonates deeply with a society still reeling from the shock of the attacks, which have left lasting scars on the nation.
The investigation into the bombings has been fraught with controversy. Shani Abeyesekera, the former head of the CID, was removed from his position shortly after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa took office in 2019. Abeyesekera later faced arrest on charges that were deemed by courts to be based on fabricated evidence. He has since claimed that military intelligence misled investigators who were pursuing the bombers prior to the attacks, raising further questions about the integrity of the original investigation.
Dissanayake’s comments suggest a growing suspicion regarding the involvement of the government apparatus at the time of the attacks. “If such allegations are true, the country would remain in a dangerously unstable and insecure state,” he warned, emphasizing the need to uncover the truth to restore stability.
In a bid to enhance accountability, President Dissanayake has also made changes within the State Intelligence Service (SIS). This week, Retired Major General Suresh Sallay was replaced, and the SIS has been returned to police control after operating under military oversight during the previous administration. This shift reflects a broader strategy to ensure that intelligence operations align more closely with democratic principles and civilian oversight.
Complex Path to Justice
The renewed investigation aims not only to find justice for the victims but also to restore faith in the government and its institutions. Dissanayake’s administration has promised a comprehensive and unbiased approach, prioritizing the voices of survivors and their families. During his visit to St. Sebastian’s Church, he met with victims and their loved ones, acknowledging their pain and pledging to prioritize their needs in the ongoing investigation.
The Easter Sunday bombings marked one of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka’s recent history, raising serious concerns about national security, political accountability, and the role of intelligence agencies. As President Dissanayake embarks on this new investigation, many Sri Lankans are hopeful that the truth will finally emerge and that those responsible for the atrocities will be held accountable.
The path to justice is likely to be complex and fraught with challenges, but the president’s commitment to transparency and accountability is seen as a vital first step in healing the wounds of a nation still grappling with the aftermath of tragedy. With the eyes of the world upon him, Dissanayake’s actions in the coming months will be pivotal in shaping Sri Lanka’s political landscape and restoring the faith of its citizens.
Farmers are encouraged to ensure their registration is up-to-date to receive timely benefits under this programme. As the scheme progresses, authorities aim to reach even more farmers, furthering its impact on the agricultural economy.
In a significant achievement, the PM-Kisan scheme, aimed at providing financial support to farmers across India, has successfully disbursed over ₹2.22 lakh crore since its inception in 2019. This initiative has benefited more than 12.5 crore farmers, enhancing their financial stability and promoting agricultural productivity.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PM-Kisan scheme provides direct cash transfers of ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers, helping them manage expenses related to crop cultivation and other agricultural activities. The program has played a vital role in empowering small and marginal farmers, who constitute a substantial portion of India’s agricultural sector.
The government continues to emphasise the importance of this scheme as a critical component of its efforts to boost rural income and improve living standards in farming communities. With its ongoing support, the PM-Kisan initiative remains a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to enhancing the agricultural landscape in India.
Farmers are encouraged to ensure their registration is up-to-date to receive timely benefits under this program. As the scheme progresses, authorities aim to reach even more farmers, furthering its impact on the agricultural economy.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reinforced Modi’s message, stating that the Prime Minister has transferred ₹20,400 crore under the Kisan Samman Nidhi, affirming that every cabinet decision is geared towards benefiting farmers. He highlighted the government’s subsidy programs, which provide ₹2,100 for a 35 kg bag of urea and ₹1,083 for a 50 kg pack of DAP, making fertilizers more affordable for farmers.
With these initiatives, the total funds disbursed to farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme now amount to approximately ₹3.45 lakh crore, underscoring the government’s relentless efforts to uplift the agricultural community and ensure their prosperity.
₹23,300 Crore Agricultural Initiatives Launched
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a series of initiatives in Washim, Maharashtra, today, aimed at transforming the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors with a total investment of around ₹23,300 crore.
During the event, the Prime Minister also introduced the fifth installment of the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, which is set to provide about ₹2,000 crore in financial assistance to farmers. Highlighting the government’s focus on bolstering agricultural infrastructure, Modi dedicated over 7,500 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), valued at more than ₹1,920 crore. These projects include custom hiring centers, cold storage facilities, and post-harvest management units, all aimed at enhancing the storage and processing capabilities of agricultural products.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated 9,200 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which collectively hold a turnover of around ₹1,300 crore, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperative farming practices. He also announced the establishment of five solar parks across Maharashtra with a total capacity of 19 MW, further promoting sustainable energy use in agriculture.
The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of fluctuating crop prices, mentioning a recent reduction of export duties from 40 per cent to 20 per cent on onions to ensure better pricing for Maharashtra’s farmers. He pointed out the long-term commitment of his government to provide a minimum support price (MSP) that guarantees farmers a profit margin of 50% over their costs.
Criticizing previous governments, Modi noted that many farmers in Maharashtra had faced hardships and financial distress, attributing this to mismanagement and corruption. He expressed his administration’s dedication to reversing this trend through transparent governance and effective resource allocation.
