More than 350,000 European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from a new €17.5 billion financing package by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, supported by the European Commission. The initiative, announced today in Brussels, aims to help SMEs cut energy bills, strengthen competitiveness, and advance Europe’s decarbonisation goals. Running from 2025… [Read More]
CSR Funding Strengthens Subhojanam Kitchens with New Equipment
Touch Stone Charities, an organization affiliated with the Hare Krishna Movement, has received kitchen equipment worth ₹3 lakh from PharmaZell Pvt. Ltd. as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The equipment was formally handed over by PharmaZell MD, Anant Dattatray Barbadhikar, to Nishkrinchan Bhakta Das, President of Touch Stone Charities. PharmaZell’s HR… [Read More]
Journalists Invited to Report on Polio Eradication in Africa Through UN Foundation Fellowship
The United Nations Foundation is seeking applications for its 2025 Polio Press Fellowship, offering journalists a unique opportunity to report on the critical efforts to eradicate polio across Africa. This fellowship aims to raise global awareness about the ongoing fight against polio and its connection to broader health initiatives. Key Takeaways Journalists can receive funding… [Read More]
US Tightens Visa Rules: Indian Students and Visitors Must Apply Domestically
The United States has implemented a significant change in its visa application policy, mandating that Indian students and visitors must now apply for non-immigrant visas exclusively within their country of residence or citizenship. This directive, issued by the Department of State on September 6, aims to streamline the process and potentially curb the practice of… [Read More]
India’s Poverty Reduction Efforts Significantly Impact Global Figures
The World Bank’s recent revision of the International Poverty Line (IPL) to $3 per day has revealed a significant impact from India’s updated poverty data. While the higher threshold was expected to increase global poverty numbers substantially, India’s own revised figures, reflecting improved survey methods and economic progress, have offset a large portion of this… [Read More]
Yemen’s Journalists Under Siege: Arbitrary Detentions, Torture, and Silencing Tactics Intensify
Journalists in Yemen are facing escalating dangers, with warring factions systematically targeting them through arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and intimidation. This crackdown severely curtails freedom of expression, forcing many journalists to flee the country or self-censor their reporting. Key Takeaways Warring parties in Yemen, including the Houthis, Southern Transitional Council (STC), and the Yemeni… [Read More]
UNICEF Appeals for US$22 Million to Aid Children and Families Affected by Earthquakes in Eastern Afghanistan
In response to the devastating 6.0+ magnitude earthquake that struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces on 31 August, followed by multiple aftershocks, UNICEF has launched a US$22 million humanitarian appeal to support recovery efforts. The plan aims to reach 400,000 people—including more than 212,000 children—over the next six months with life-saving assistance. The disaster has left… [Read More]
The Asia Foundation Names 2025 William P. Fuller Fellows in Peacebuilding
The Asia Foundation has announced the 2025 cohort of William P. Fuller Fellows in Peacebuilding, recognizing three outstanding young leaders from Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka for their commitment to advancing peace, justice, and community resilience. The fellowship honors early and mid-career professionals who have demonstrated both leadership and promise in the field of… [Read More]
NITI Aayog and UNDP Host National Workshop on Strengthening Capacity for India’s Multidimensional Poverty Index
NITI Aayog, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a one-day National Workshop on “The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Strengthening Outreach and National Capacity” on 9 September 2025 in New Delhi. Organized under the NITI–State workshop series as part of the State Support Mission, the event highlighted India’s MPI journey while… [Read More]
Eldik Bank and UNDP Join Forces to Boost Green and Climate Finance in Kyrgyzstan
Eldik Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate Kyrgyzstan’s shift toward a green and climate-resilient economy. The agreement paves the way for closer cooperation on sustainable development, climate finance, and the creation of innovative financial products. The partnership will strengthen the banking sector’s ability to… [Read More]
Ukraine Expands Universal Design School to Champion Inclusive and Accessible Recovery
With support from the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has launched a new cycle of the Universal Design School, an initiative dedicated to advancing inclusive and barrier-free recovery in the country. The programme is designed to ensure that Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts respond to the needs of all citizens, particularly… [Read More]
Mãezinha of Rincão: A Woman of the Sea Pioneering Change in Her Community
On the western coast of Santiago Island in Cabo Verde lies the tranquil fishing village of Rincão, where the Atlantic Ocean shapes the rhythm of daily life. Among the village’s modest homes and bustling fish markets, Maria Sábado Horta Fidalgo, known affectionately as Mãezinha, has carved out a remarkable path. At 44, she is more… [Read More]
Lighting Up Lives: How Clean Energy Is Revolutionizing Healthcare in Africa
In the small rural community of Mhandamabwe, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, healthcare used to arrive under the dim glow of candlelight. “We used to request mothers to bring candles and torches as part of delivery services. Installation of solar power has tremendously changed our services,” said Petunia Tshuma, acting Nurse-in-charge at Mhandamabwe Clinic, reflecting on the… [Read More]
Africa Accelerates School Meal Programmes: Millions of Students Benefit as Governments Take the Lead
Across Africa, millions of students are increasingly receiving nutritious school meals as governments take ownership of programmes formerly run by the World Food Programme (WFP), marking a transformative shift in child nutrition, education, and local food systems. At Olympic Secondary School in Nairobi’s sprawling Kibera informal settlement, 17-year-old Mercy Mmboga tends to rows of spinach… [Read More]
King County Allocates $755,000 in Grants to Strengthen Local Food Infrastructure Amid Federal Funding Cuts
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced today that a total of $755,000 in grant funding has been allocated to support local hunger relief organizations, farm businesses, and food distributors following the abrupt withdrawal of federal funds for a planned South Seattle Community Food Hub earlier this year. The grants are intended to help these organizations… [Read More]
Ireland Launches 2025 Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme with €650,000 Funding
The Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, responsible for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, has officially opened applications for the 2025 round of the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) on 10 September 2025. This annual initiative aims to support innovative projects that advance Ireland’s circular economy, providing crucial funding… [Read More]
Canada and FCM Commit $85.5 Million to Green Municipal Fund to Drive Sustainable and Affordable Housing Nationwide
Canada is taking decisive steps toward building a sustainable and affordable future, recognizing that energy-efficient housing is essential in the fight against climate change. With buildings representing the country’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, investments in green and resilient housing are central to reducing Canada’s environmental footprint while supporting inclusive communities. In observance of… [Read More]
UK Promotes Inclusion in Public Health: Launch of Sign Language Training for Health Workers in Guatemala
The United Kingdom Government, through its Embassy in Guatemala, has launched the 2025 Sign Language Course Cycle in Quetzaltenango, marking a significant step toward inclusive healthcare in the region. This programme is aimed at personnel from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) and seeks to strengthen communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing patients,… [Read More]
Nepal Crisis: Army Deployed as Youth Protests Turn Deadly Amid Political Turmoil
Nepal is grappling with widespread unrest as youth-led anti-corruption protests have left at least 30 people dead, with the death toll continuing to rise amid ongoing political uncertainty. The protests, organized by self-described “Gen Z” groups, initially aimed to oppose corruption, nepotism, and restrictions on social media. However, the demonstrations escalated dramatically after security forces… [Read More]
New Report Reveals Growing Inequalities Among Displaced Communities Worldwide
A joint report by the International Organization for Migration’s Global Data Institute (IOM GDI) and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) highlights stark inequalities affecting communities impacted by internal displacement. The analysis shows that the world’s most vulnerable populations—children, low-income households, and those with limited education—bear the heaviest burdens of displacement. Between 2018 and 2024,… [Read More]
EU Provides €22.85 Million to Support Refugee Programmes in Jordan
The European Union has contributed €22.85 million to support refugee programmes in Jordan, benefiting initiatives led by UNHCR and the World Food Programme (WFP). The funding will address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable refugees and their host communities, while also fostering self-reliance for those able to work. The support ensures a social safety… [Read More]
EU and India Hold 15th Joint Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels
The European Union and India convened the 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (CT) on 9 September 2025 in Brussels, co-chaired by Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, and K.D. Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter-terrorism) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. During the dialogue, both… [Read More]
European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina Launches Call for First Youth Advisory Board
The European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has opened applications for its inaugural Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a group of fifteen young leaders who will provide guidance on EU-driven policies, projects, and initiatives. The board offers a unique opportunity for young people to directly engage with the EU office in BiH and contribute to… [Read More]
