World Social Report 2025 Highlights Rising Global Inequality and Economic Insecurity
The United Nations’ World Social Report 2025 reveals a concerning surge in global economic insecurity, with over 2.8 billion people surviving on just $2.15 to $6.85 per day. The report warns that growing inequality and declining trust in institutions are threatening global stability and sustainable development. It calls for a new policy framework centered on equity, economic security, and solidarity to rebuild social cohesion. Released ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha later this year, the report urges immediate international action to reverse these alarming social trends.
AI Kiran Initiative Launched to Boost Women’s Leadership in AI
India has launched the “AI Kiran” initiative to promote women’s leadership in the rapidly growing field of Artificial Intelligence. Led by former Meta India head Kirthiga Reddy and backed by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, the program aims to empower one million women over the next year through mentorship, learning opportunities, and funding access. As India’s AI market is projected to hit $17 billion by 2027, AI Kiran seeks to close the gender gap, highlighting over 250 women AI leaders and fostering an inclusive, innovation-driven ecosystem through partnerships and digital platforms.
Use of M4 Carbines by Terrorists in Kashmir Sparks Security Concerns
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has raised alarm over the use of sophisticated M4 carbine assault rifles by militants. Five terrorists, armed with M4s and AK-47s, launched an assault on Hindu tourists in Baisaran Valley, killing 26 and injuring over 20. The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Security agencies believe the weapons may have originated from Pakistani military supplies or were smuggled from Afghanistan. The incident underscores the growing threat posed by better-equipped terror groups, prompting calls for enhanced counterterrorism measures in the region.
ZSI Study Sheds New Light on South Asian Tree Shrews and Conservation Needs
Recent research by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), published in Ecology and Evolution, has redefined the understanding of South Asian tree shrews. The study reveals that the Nicobar tree shrew is actually the largest among its regional counterparts, overturning previous assumptions. Using detailed analysis of over 100 years of specimens, researchers differentiated between the Madras, Northern, and Nicobar tree shrews. This breakthrough highlights the urgent need for focused conservation efforts, particularly for island species like the Nicobar tree shrew, and calls for integrating genetic studies to better protect these vulnerable mammals.
Krishna River Dries Up Early, Worsening Drought Crisis in Karnataka
The Krishna River, a vital water source for northern Karnataka, is facing an unprecedented drought, drying up much earlier than usual. Districts like Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and Yadgir are witnessing failed crops and acute water shortages, severely impacting farmers and rural communities. Although the government is supplying drinking water through tankers every fortnight, agricultural distress remains widespread. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appealed to Maharashtra to release water from the Koyna and Varna reservoirs to ease the crisis. However, the situation remains critical as no official response has been received yet, heightening concerns across the region.
India Achieves Major Poverty Reduction, Lifting 171 Million Out of Extreme Poverty
According to a World Bank report, India has lifted 171 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011–12 and 2022–23. The extreme poverty rate dropped from 16.2% to just 2.3%, with rural poverty falling from 18.4% to 2.8%, and urban poverty from 10.7% to 1.1%. The rural-urban gap has significantly narrowed. Using the $3.65 per day benchmark for lower-middle-income countries, poverty also declined sharply, lifting 378 million people. While the progress is remarkable, challenges like youth unemployment and gender disparities in the workforce remain key areas for further action.