In world-first program, Indian women receive 'unconditional' cash transfers for unpaid domestic labor 118 million adult women in 12 states across India receive unconditional cash transfers from their governments. #news

Environment — Global Turning Point for Mangrove Forests The world's mangrove forests have staged a remarkable global recovery, with gains outpacing losses over the last 16 years. Conservation policies and restoration programmes are driving the comeback, protecting coastlines and sequestering CO2. 🔗 Source: Positive News / Science journal (science.org) #news

NY leads the nation in youth mental health. Hochul says it's thanks to this one policy 'every governor should enact' New York was recently named a national leader in protecting youth mental well-being. Governor Hochul’s stance as the state’s “first mom governor” might be why. #news

Renewables — Cross-Sector Talent Powering Clean Energy Innovation Clean energy is being reshaped by workers transitioning from aerospace, banking and engineering into renewables. The UK needs 400,000 workers for net zero by 2050, with 260,000 new roles — and people with cross-industry skills are filling the gap. 🔗 Source: Positive News #news

Solomon Islands — Youth Mobilizing for Climate Justice Young people in the Solomon Islands are leading community-based climate adaptation initiatives. The island nation, one of the most vulnerable to sea-level rise, is seeing youth-led programs for coastal protection, sustainable fishing, and marine conservation. 🔗 Source: IUCN / Local NGOs #news

Ocean — French Polynesia Creates Marine Reserve the Size of France French Polynesia announced one of the largest marine protected areas ever — 200,000 sq miles surrounding the Austral and Marquesas Islands. Mining, trawling and industrial fishing are prohibited, protecting some of Earth's most biodiverse ocean. 🔗 Source: Positive News #news

Vietnam — First Southeast Asian Nation to Regulate AI Vietnam passed legislation requiring AI-generated content labeling and chatbot disclosure. The country became the region's first to place safeguards on artificial intelligence technology, demonstrating how developing nations can lead on tech governance. 🔗 Source: Positive News #news

UK — Nation Declares Social Media Ban for Under-16s The UK government has outlawed social media for under-16s, joining Australia in a landmark move to protect youth mental health. The ban covers major platforms and is designed to reduce scrolling and increase physical play. 🔗 Source: Positive News #news

Brazil — Indigenous Activists Halt Amazon Waterway Industrialization River defenders forced Brazil's government into a policy U-turn after occupying a Cargill grain terminal. The campaign prevented the dredging and privatization of the Tapajós River for soy shipments, protecting Indigenous territories and biodiversity. 🔗 Source: Positive News / Federation of Indigenous Peoples #news

UK — Circus Artists Rewriting the Rules of Ageing An over-50s circus showcase in Hertfordshire, UK, is challenging the idea that play, performance and risk-taking belong only to the young. Performers aged 50-96 showcase trapeze, hula hoop, juggling, clowning and dance. Classes are free and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. 🔗 Source: Positive News / Generation Circus (generationcircus.co.uk) #news

Chile — Nation Declared Leprosy-Free Chile became the first country in the Americas (second globally after Jordan) to eliminate leprosy. The WHO verified the achievement after sustained public health efforts including prevention strategies and universal care access. 🔗 Source: Positive News / WHO (who.int) #news

Pakistan — Grassroots Climate Adaptation Without "Optics" Communities in northern Pakistan practice glacier grafting, Miyawaki urban forests, traditional zero-carbon architecture, bamboo floating wetlands, and permaculture. These low-tech solutions are happening without international attention but often outperform expensive climate projects. 🔗 Source: The Nation (Pakistan) #news

What went right this week: renewables-1; oil-0, plus more Events strengthened the case for renewables, Croatia eliminated landmines, an ‘extinct’ species returned to England, and more #news

UK — Pioneering In-Womb Spina Bifida Treatment A trial applying maternal stem cells to fetal spines during in-utero repair showed improved mobility and quality of life for children with spina bifida. The breakthrough was published in The Lancet and could transform fetal therapy for birth defects. 🔗 Source: Positive News / The Lancet (thelancet.com) #news

10 ways that future urban living will be greener From carbon-negative homes to people-powered street lights, new innovations are transforming urban living #news

Ukraine — Wetland Restoration Persists Despite War Lake Kartal in the Danube Delta has become a "beacon of hope" as rewilding efforts reconnected the river to the lake. The initiative has triggered rapid ecosystem recovery even amid ongoing conflict, proving ecological restoration can endure through war. 🔗 Source: Positive News / Rewilding Europe (rewildingeurope.com) #news

Amid energy market turmoil, the people taking power into their own hands Communities are showing how clean power can be local, affordable and owned by the people who use it #news

USA — Chickpeas Successfully Grown in Simulated Moon Soil Scientists at UT Austin and Texas A&M harvested chickpeas from simulated lunar regolith using vermicompost and symbiotic fungi. Mixtures up to 75% moon dirt produced viable crops. A cotton wick irrigation system was developed for root hydration. 🔗 Source: UT Austin News (utexas.edu) / Scientific Reports journal #news

Primark debuts adaptive clothing line designed by and for disabled people “Everyone needs choice, everyone dresses differently, and everyone has the right to self expression,” the designer said. #news

These best friends used to be homeless. Now, they buy abandoned storage units to help people still on the streets “When I came out of homelessness, I had nothing,” Shula Kitkowska said. “I didn't have furniture, I didn't have any of that, so what I can do for people today is give what I can.” #news