The transboundary water dispute between Iran and Afghanistan is historical. Both neighbouring countries have been dealing with the water-sharing dispute somewhat without progressing towards a permanent solution. The problem is centred around the Helmand River, which starts from the Hindu Kush Mountains near Kabul and streams into Iran's Hamoon wetlands in Sistan and Balochistan province (southeast of Iran). This river was defined as the territory of Iran. Until 1857, Herat was part of Iran, and only after Iran and Britain signed the Paris Treaty of 1857 did Iran abandon its claim.

After hosting a successful G20 Summit, India is more than willing to host a climate summit meeting in 2028. On the second day (December 1) of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28) meeting to the UN Framework Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Prime Minister Modi, during his speech in the high-level segment, offered to host COP 33 in India. What has prompted the PM to offer to host such a significant environmental summit in 2028?

Under the UN guidance, a transitional committee on loss and damage due to climate emergency has clinched an agreement of recommendations on operationalising a global fund for vulnerable countries and communities on November 4, 2023, in Abu Dhabi (UAE). Despite a formal objection from the US and reservations from other members in the 24-member transitional committee (TC), the final approval is set for the 28^th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the UNFCCC that will be held from November 30 - December 12 at the Expo City, Dubai (UAE).

Among the most climate-vulnerable groups or weaker sections of society, persons with disabilities (PwDs) have been facing extreme challenges due to climate change and disasters than others. [1] As October and November are usually anticipated as natural disaster months in Odisha, the government and its leading departments usually meet to stocktake the preparedness proactively. Early this month, the government concluded such a high-level preparedness meeting by infusing effective coordination among relevant agencies.

Recently the news has come about an innovative project undertaken by China, which involves digging the biggest (deepest) hole in the Earth. This would be China's first attempt at reaching deep into the Earth's belly. Looking at China's recent history towards undertaking and finishing megaprojects, China is expected to be able to complete this unique project as per its plans.

Our planet is choking with plastic we produce, consume and dispose of. Plastic has become entangled with tradition and modernity. While plastic has been increasingly and immeasurably integrated into our daily lives for the last three decades, littering of single-use plastic items in our ecosphere severely affects terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems.

Pakistan must be prepared to renegotiate the treaty to accommodate new challenges especially mainstreaming climate change in IWT for its own benefit.  

A dramatic title aimed at western influenced security scholars, 'Is China aiming to weaponize water'- in an English daily based in Geneva on 31^st January, has once again triggered apprehensions in India of unilateral water diversion in the Brahmaputra River by China. Weeks ago, Kathmandu-based news portal Epardafas first reported that China is constructing a huge dam on the Mabja Zangbo River for a future water war. Due to the strained relationship between the countries, the Chinese dam buildings have created ripples in public discourse.

On the eve of Human Rights Day, President Draupadi Murmu expressively spoke about the dignity and rights of nature. In Montreal, the 15^th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) tried to iron out a fair and just global biodiversity governance system. Meanwhile, in Dubai, during the inauguration of India Global Forum UAE 2022, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar slammed developed countries that, despite occupying major carbon space, they are not helping poorer countries in addressing climate change.

Expectations from this chapter of the climate conference may not be substantive.