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Indian Express
23-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why is the Global Liveability Index 2025 relevant for UPSC Exam?
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today on Global Liveability Index 2025. (Relevance: UPSC frequently asks questions on reports and indices. The key takeaways from these reports are also essential fodder for your Mains examination for intricate points. In 2023, UPSC has asked questions on the World Water Development Report; in 2019, the question was on the Global Competitiveness Report. Therefore, you need to get a comprehensive understanding of these indices.) Urbanisation and urban migration have increased in recent years as people pursue better economic opportunities and living conditions. This has led to the concept of liveable cities—places that are sustainable, inclusive, and offer essential services, amenities, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth. In this context, let's know about the Global Liveability Index 2025 and its key highlights. 1. Global Liveability Index 2025, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), assesses which locations around the world offer the best and worst living conditions. 2. Methodology and Indicators: The EIU's Global Liveability Index 2025 assessed 173 cities globally based on 30 indicators across theses five categories to disclose how comfortable these cities are to live in. 📌Stability, 📌Healthcare, 📌Culture and environment, 📌Education, and 📌Infrastructure. 3. Each indicator is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable. The ratings are then weighted to provide a score from 1 to 100. The liveability rating of a city is given both as an overall score and as a score for each category. An overall position in the ranking of 173 cities is also provided. 1. This year's global average livability score across the 173 cities in the index was the same as last year, at 76.1 out of 100. 2. The index saw overall gains in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in 2025; however, the global average stability scores declined by 0.2 points amid rising geopolitical instability, civil unrest, and the global housing crisis. 3. Copenhagen has claimed the top spot to become the world's most liveable city in 2025, ending Vienna's three-year dominance by achieving perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure. The Austrian city saw a massive decline in its stability score due to terror threats, yet it outpaced the Danish capital in healthcare. 4. Western European cities once again dominated the global liveability rankings in 2025, followed closely by the Asia Pacific region, and the Canadian city, Vancouver represented North America in the top ten. 5. In contrast, cities in the Middle East and Africa ranked among the least liveable; however, on a more positive note, with marginal improvements in healthcare, education and infrastructure on average. -care Note: While there are no formal rankings for 3rd and 4th place, their relative positions are implied by their differing scores. (Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit- Global Liveability Index 2025.) 6. At the other end of the spectrum, cities in conflict zones or those battling weak infrastructure and public services continued to rank poorly. 7. Among the least Least Liveable Cities in 2025, Damascus retained its position as the least liveable city in the world, scoring just 30.7. Tripoli, Dhaka, and Karachi also remained near the bottom. 8. Notably, Stability scores have also declined in places like Tehran, Taiwan, and India due to mounting tensions and the threat of armed conflict. 1. The Smart Cities Mission was launched on June 25, 2015 with the aim of creating 100 smart cities. The cities were selected in rounds of competition held from January 2016 to June 2018, and they had five years from their respective selection, that is 2021 to 2023, to complete the projects. 2. Among its strategic components was 'area-based development', which includes city improvement (retrofitting), city renewal (redevelopment) and city extension (greenfield development), plus a pan-city initiative in which 'smart solutions' are applied covering larger parts of the city. 1. Statutory towns — those which have urban local bodies like municipal corporation, municipality or municipal committee. 2. Census towns — All those places satisfying the following 3 criteria: a) Population of atleast 5000 persons. b) Minimum population density of 400 persons per sq. km. and c) 75 per cent of the male workforce is employed in non-agricultural activities 3. In 2021, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs decided to push the deadline for all 100 cities to June 2023. The deadline was further pushed to June 30, 2024 and then to March 31, 2025. Consider the following statements with regard to the Global Liveability Index 2025: 1. It is released by the World Economic Forum. 2. Copenhagen is the world's most liveable city in 2025. 3. Damascus is the least liveable city in the world. How many of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None (Sources: World's top 10 most and least liveable cities in 2025, 7 % projects to continue as Smart Cities Mission set to end March 31, Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why Global Peace Index 2025 is important for your UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: UPSC frequently asks questions on reports and indices. The key takeaways from these reports are also essential fodder for your Mains examination for intricate points. In 2023, UPSC has asked questions on the World Water Development Report; in 2019, the question was on the Global Competitiveness Report. Therefore, it is important for you to get a comprehensive understanding of these indices.) Currently, there are 59 active state-based conflicts, the most since the end of WWII, and 1000 conflict-related deaths recorded in 17 countries in the last year, according to the 10th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The report covers 163 countries, comprising 99.7 per cent of the world's population. The report states, there is a deterioration of global peacefulness by 0.36 per cent, marking the 13th deterioration in peacefulness in the last 17 years, with 74 countries improving and 87 deteriorating in peacefulness. 1. Since 2007, the report has been published annually and provides a comprehensive data-driven analysis of trends in peace, its economic value, and ways to develop peaceful societies. There are 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators used to measure the state of peace across three domains: the level of Societal Safety and Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of Militarisation. 2. The internationalisation of conflicts is becoming more common, leading to difficulty in reaching solutions. The geopolitical fragmentation, increasing major power competition, and the rise in influence of middle-level powers are the reasons noted by the report for increased internationalisation. 3. The report finds that only nine per cent of conflicts today result in a decisive military victory, and just four per cent end with negotiated settlements. Reflecting the broader shift toward 'forever wars, ' pointing to the failure of traditional resolution strategies. To de-escalate these conflicts, the report suggested the need for sustained investment in positive peace, which is correlated with higher GDP growth, lower interest rates, societal wellbeing, and more resilience to shocks. 4. With the average country score deteriorating by 5.4 per cent, the report noted that the world has become less peaceful over the past 17 years since its inception in 2008. 94 countries out of 163 recorded deterioration, while 66 recorded improvements and one recorded no change. Between 2008 and 2023, seventeen of the 23 GPI indicators have deteriorated. 5. The report points to the major shift in international affairs in the past years. According to the report, 'Every nuclear-armed state has held or expanded its arsenal since 2022, and great-power rivalry is fuelling an arms race in advanced technologies, from AI-enabled drones to counter-space systems'. Recently, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, 2025, also highlighted that the nuclear arms race has once again intensifed, especially in Asia. 6. Iceland continues to lead and set global standards in maintaining its position as the world's most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008. Iceland is followed by Austria, New Zealand and Switzerland. Western and Central Asia are the most peaceful regions in the world. 7. India ranks 115th globally with a GPI score of 2.229, a 0.58 per cent improvement in its level of peacefulness over the past year. This marks a gradual upward trajectory from its rankings of 116 in 2024, 126 in 2023, 139 in 2020, and 141 in 2019. 8. According to the report, 'South Asia recorded the largest average deterioration of all the regions, with significant falls in peacefulness in both Bangladesh and Pakistan'. It is the second least peaceful region in the world. The least peaceful country in the region is Afghanistan. (Eurasia) Source: GPI, 2025 1. The Institute for Economics Peace, established in 2007 by Steve Killelea AM, publishes global reports that influence the 'global narratives on matters of security, defence, terrorism and development.' These reports include the Global Peace Index, Global Terrorism Index, and Ecological Threat Report. 2. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, terrorism remains a persistent global threat. 'The number of countries experiencing at least one terrorist incident increased from 58 to 66, the most countries affected since 2018.' Pakistan is among the countries where terrorist activities have increased since 2007. (Source: Global Terrorism Index, 2025) Consider the following indices: 1. Human Development Index 2. Global Peace Index 3. Global Gender Gap Index 4. Global Terrorism Index How many of the following indices are published by the Institute for Economics and Peace? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (Source: Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world 2025: Where does India rank in comparison to Pakistan?, How India's defence spending is aligned with its regional ambition, Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New UN report warns of dire threat that could impact billions: 'Disappearing at an alarming rate'
A new report from the United Nations warns that the rapid melting of mountain glaciers is endangering billions of people and ecosystems everywhere reliant on these massive freshwater sources. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recently released this year's World Water Development Report, per Pakistani online outlet Dawn, this time with a special focus on mountains and glaciers. The report underscores that alpine glaciers — those formed high up in mountainous regions — are under serious threat due to human activity, pollution, and rising global temperatures, with serious implications for not only our environment broadly but also daily life in communities worldwide. Prominent glaciers — such as those on Mount Kenya, in the Rwenzori mountains, and on Mount Kilimanjaro — may vanish by the year 2040, per Dawn, if no action is taken to address the crisis. The report from UNESCO noted that alpine glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region are "disappearing at an alarming rate ... faster than the global average." As Arctic ice melts, the environment itself is affected by floods, habitat loss, and more. Human life is also threatened — and in multiple ways — as this critical water supply is compromised. The Carbon Brief explained that "up to 60% of the world's freshwater originates in mountain regions." An estimated 2 billion people and "countless ecosystems," per UNESCO, depend on glacial melt and a consistent cycle of runoff for drinking water and agriculture, so accelerated melting suggests worsening water scarcity. Higher sea levels are also a big concern. When huge quantities of ice melt, oceans rise, resulting in floods. Coastal communities are especially vulnerable to the risk of losing homes and livelihoods. Food systems are also set to be impacted by this alpine glacial melt. According to this new World Water Development Report, "Globally, up to two-thirds of irrigated agriculture may depend on mountain waters." Disruption to this water supply can lead to droughts and crop failures, while extreme flooding can jeopardize growing seasons and supply chains, causing product shortages and higher prices all around. UNESCO emphasized the need for knowledge building and capacity strengthening, including the "need for expansion of the observational infrastructure in high mountain areas, and also, importantly, for data to be open access." To improve global monitoring, local decision-making, and coordination across countries, the report underscores the importance of engaging women and Indigenous communities — some of the groups most impacted by water scarcity, floods, and ensuing crises and too long marginalized in these conversations. International communications are also needed. The significance of not only governmental but also private sector funding is highlighted. Cross-sector partnerships have the potential to support communities around the world as they prepare for sea-level rise, leveraging options such as sea walls, relocation, and more. Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Yes — often Yes — but only sometimes Only when it's bad outside No — I never do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. No matter where you are located, you can help fight water scarcity and extreme floods. By switching to solar power or an electric vehicle to reduce heat-trapping pollution, conserving water, and advocating for policies that prioritize climate action, everyone can play a meaningful role in combating glacial melt and rising global temperatures. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The National
25-03-2025
- Climate
- The National
Chart of the week: The future of glaciers
World Water Day has been marked annually on March 22 since 1993. It is an annual UN observance focusing on freshwater, primarily to support the sixth Sustainable Development Goal: Water and sanitation for all by 2030. Every year, the UN releases the World Water Development Report, and for more than 10 years, the report has covered different thematics. This year's report is on mountains and glaciers. According to the UN's current report, mountains and glaciers supply half the annual freshwater flows - around 55 to 60 per cent - and two-thirds of irrigated agriculture may depend on mountain waters. Additionally, mountains and highlands reduce the risk of erosion and landslides, cool local temperatures and produce high-value products such as medicinal plants. However, due to climate change and rapidly rising global temperatures, many of these benefits are at risk. According to the World Glacier Monitoring Service, the world has been losing tonnes of ice mass. Nearly 80 per cent of the greatest losses - "negative mass balances" - have been recorded since 2010. In 2024, the world lost more than 1.2 tonnes per square metre of ice, the highest amount in the past three decades. Since 1950, it has accumulated a mass balance of minus 27.4 tonnes per square metre or the loss of more than 30 metres of glacier-wide ice thickness. The regions more affected are Central Europe and the Southern Andes. Melting glaciers are also responsible for rising tides. By 2023, two-thirds of sea level rises were due to melting glaciers. According to the European Space Agency, between 2000 and 2023, ice loss contributed 18mm to global sea levels. Although the mountains of the Arab region are often overlooked, these areas have an essential role in providing water, in the form of snowmelt, for agriculture, particularly in sustaining crops during the summer when rainfall is limited. It is also responsible for communities and centres of economic activity in tourism and industry. Mount Lebanon (extending nearly the entire length of Lebanon) and the High Atlas Mountains (stretching through Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia) are the main providers of water in the region. Snowfall accumulates in several mountains over winter. As the weather warms up during the spring, the melting snow feeds into streams, reservoirs and aquifers at lower elevations. Nonetheless, due to climate change, seasonal snowfall and overall precipitation are expected to decrease, affecting snow cover duration, depth, and the availability of freshwater resources. These expected reductions together with projected population growth will lead the Arab region to struggle with water-related issues such as sanitation and hygiene and fall below the absolute water scarcity threshold by 2050. For this reason, scientists in the UAE are working to develop more effective desalination and water treatment in the Gulf. Nidal Hilal, a professor of engineering and the director of NYU Abu Dhabi Water Research Centre, works on membrane technology and nanotechnology for water purification. At the Water Research Centre, teams work to improve membrane design to reduce energy and carbon emissions when treating water and heavy metal removal from wastewater, a relevant issue in water-scarce regions. Also, the team has manufactured the first UAE-made membrane for reverse osmosis, focused on water properties in the Arabian Gulf. Considering 70 per cent of water usage goes to agriculture, they use membrane technology to reclaim wastewater for this sector.
