India's brick kiln industry, the second largest globally, employs millions of migrant workers under exploitative conditions, lacking healthcare and social security. Workers face extreme heat, pollution, and health risks, exacerbated by the demand for bricks due to government housing schemes. Despite the availability of less polluting technologies, high costs and resistance hinder their adoption, leaving workers vulnerable to harsh conditions and modern-day slavery.

The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia faced a severe heatwave, resulting in over a thousand deaths and numerous heat strokes among pilgrims. The extreme temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, pose increasing challenges for future pilgrimages. Allegations of mismanagement by Saudi authorities, including inadequate water supply and medical support, have surfaced. The Saudi government is urged to implement proactive measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims in the face of intensifying climate conditions.

Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) third term win under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has seen a rise in anti-Muslim violence, including lynchings and riots. Despite hopes for reduced extremism, the BJP's continued push for Hindutva and the support of right-wing groups have exacerbated tensions. Critics argue that Modi's leadership undermines India's secular and democratic values, with minority communities facing increased hostility. The opposition's silence on these issues raises concerns about unchecked violence against Muslims.

The article discusses the ongoing struggle for justice faced by survivors of the 1991 mass rape in Kunan and Poshpora, Kashmir, committed by Indian army personnel. Despite initial reports confirming the rapes, subsequent investigations and legal proceedings have been marred by delays and attempts to dismiss the case. Human rights groups criticize the Indian judiciary's handling of the case, and survivors continue to demand justice as many key witnesses have passed away. The article highlights the broader issue of impunity for Indian security forces in conflict-ridden regions like Kashmir.

Bangkok faces severe flooding issues exacerbated by climate change and poor urban planning, particularly affecting its poorer neighborhoods. The city's rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have led to increased vulnerability to floods, with concrete surfaces preventing natural water drainage. The government has initiated relocation efforts for slum dwellers, but challenges such as high resettlement costs and reluctance among the poor hinder progress. Experts warn of the urgent need for action to prevent further submersion of the city.

India aims to increase its electricity production by 7% this fiscal year, with a significant focus on renewable energy, particularly hydropower. Despite the environmental benefits, hydropower projects face strong opposition due to their social, cultural, and environmental impacts, including displacement of local communities and disruption of ecosystems. Notable resistance is seen in regions like Chamoli in Uttarakhand and Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite this, the Indian government plans to commission seven new hydroelectric projects, primarily in the northeast, to meet the country's growing energy demands.

Reported cases of child abuse in India, particularly sexual abuse, have significantly increased, with an 8.7% rise in 2022, totaling 162,000 incidents. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) attributes this surge to the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns. Child abuse thrives due to social and economic factors, with perpetrators often being known to the child. Despite comprehensive laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child abuse persists. Experts emphasize the need for effective law implementation and increased human resources for timely intervention and rehabilitation.

India faces a significant challenge with manual scavenging, a practice involving the manual cleaning of human excreta, which affects around 60,000 people according to government data. Private initiatives, particularly in AI and robotics, are stepping in to address this issue. Generobotics, a start-up from Kerala, has developed the 'Bandicoot' robot to clean sewers and drains, while researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras have created the 'HomoSEP' robot to perform similar tasks. These robots aim to increase productivity, reduce health risks, and eliminate the need for manual scavenging, thereby improving safety and dignity for sanitation workers.

India faces a significant water crisis, with 20% of its rural population lacking access to consumable water. The country, which holds 20% of the global population but only 4% of the world's water resources, is severely water-stressed. Climate change exacerbates the issue, affecting agriculture and leading to infertile farmland. Government initiatives like the Jal Shakti ministry's water conservation projects and the World Bank-supported groundwater management have shown some success. Non-governmental efforts, particularly by individuals like Mahadev Gomare in Maharashtra, have also made a substantial impact. Gomare's natural farming practices have rejuvenated rivers and supported local communities. The article emphasizes the need for more effective solutions to combat water stress, suggesting that Maharashtra's methods could serve as a model.

Glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas are melting at unprecedented rates, potentially losing up to 75% of their volume by the end of the century. This poses significant risks of flooding and water shortages for nearly 2 billion people downstream. The region, known as 'the third pole,' is warming faster than the global average, exacerbating environmental challenges, particularly in India's Gangetic basin. Addressing this crisis requires regional cooperation, enhanced observation networks, and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.