India’s extreme poverty down by 12% in last decade, according to World Bank
The global bank’s policy research team said the poverty headcount in the country has dropped from 22.5% in 2011 to 10.2% in 2019 with rural areas showing better results.
South Asia
Indian companies invest big in renewable energy projects in economically-struggling Sri Lanka
As one example, Adani Group recently agreed to develop 500 megawatts of renewable energy projects in Mannar and Pooneryn provinces.
Indian government to raise $3.3 billion through green bonds
At COP26, India announced the target to have 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade. These green bonds will offer a major boost toward this end.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. pledges to plant 6 million trees across the U.S., Brazil, India, and Indonesia
Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Teen, West Elm, and others will plant one tree for every piece of indoor wood furniture sold.
Endangered markhor population doubles in 3 decades in Pakistan
The markhor was listed as an endangered species by the IUCN in 1994 due to overhunting for meat and horns, and its population number was estimated to be less than 2,500 at the time.
In landmark order, India’s Karnataka High Court affirms sexual assault on wife against her consent is rape
Justice M Nagaprasanna said that the institution of marriage cannot be used to confer any special male privilege or a license for unleashing a “brutal beast” on the wife.
Nepal’s first bird sanctuary takes flight, raising hope for conservation
More than 360 bird species, some of them native and some migratory, have been recorded in the complex, which covers 2,563 hectares (6,330 acres).
India’s National Medical Commission forbids conversion therapy throughout the country
Any doctor in India found engaged in LGBTQ conversion therapy is now liable to be prosecuted for professional misconduct.
Sara Gill becomes Pakistan’s first transgender doctor
Dr. Gill has been described as a “beacon of hope” for the country’s neglected transgender community to pursue their dreams.
Pakistan confirms appointment of first female Supreme Court judge
A commission that decides on the promotion of judges on Thursday voted to make 55-year-old Justice Ayesha Malik the first female judge on the Supreme Court in the 75 years since the South Asian country’s independence.