Winter Weather Alert: Lesotho’s Meteorological Services warns of snowfall in the highlands overnight Wednesday, followed by severe cold Thursday to Friday, with icy roads and travel risks prompting the Disaster Management Authority to urge people to avoid unnecessary trips, especially early mornings and nights, and to protect livestock from disease. Waste Crisis: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with only 20% entering formal collection; the rest is dumped or burned in unsafe sites, including serious risks from healthcare waste and contaminated sharps. Clean Energy Push: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority seeks a consultancy for a floating solar (PV) feasibility study on Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut land-use conflicts and reduce reliance on electricity imports. Water Security & Regional Cooperation: The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s Phase II acceleration continues, with the second Tunnel Boring Machine launch at Polihali underscoring long-term water and energy cooperation with South Africa. Biodiversity Conservation: Conservationists mark 20 years of Bearded Vulture protection in KZN, warning that only about 20 breeding pairs may remain and urging action against poisoning, persecution, habitat degradation and infrastructure collisions. Food & Nutrition Resilience: The Lesotho Red Cross, with UNICEF support, launches a community nutrition messaging project in Qacha’s Nek and other districts, targeting gaps worsened by climate shocks and food insecurity. Drought’s Human Toll: A new study in The Lancet Planetary Health links prolonged drought in southern Africa (including Lesotho) to a higher risk of violence against adolescents, based on research with over 20,000 young people.