World Happiness Report 2025

The World Happiness Report is an annual ranking of countries based on happiness indicators. In 2025, India ranks 118th, showing improvement from its previous position of 126th in 2023. The report evaluates six key factors:

• GDP per capita: Economic prosperity.
• Social Support: Strength of family and community relationships.
• Healthy Life Expectancy: Average number of healthy years lived.
• Freedom to Make Life Choices: Ability to make personal and professional decisions.
• Generosity: Acts of kindness and donations.
• Perception of Corruption: Trust in government and institutions.

India has made progress in personal freedom, ranking 23rd, but still faces challenges such as economic inequality, lack of social trust, and rising mental health concerns. Finland remains the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year.

Super Solid Discovery

For the first time, scientists have created a new state of matter called a Supersolid, which combines solid properties with superfluid motion. This was previously thought to be impossible. Researchers from CNR-INO, CNR-Nanotec, and the University of Pavia used light to form quantum droplets that maintain structure while flowing without friction.

This discovery has potential applications in:

• Quantum Computing: Enhancing stability of quantum processors.
• Advanced Materials: Development of new materials with unique properties.
• Energy Storage: Improvements in optical and photonic storage systems.

East Coast Railway Milestone

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has become the first railway zone in India to load 250 million tons (MT) of freight in the financial year 2024-25, reaching the milestone 11 days ahead of schedule. Freight trains are crucial for transporting coal, iron ore, and industrial goods across India.

Key contributors to this record include:

• Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (Odisha) – A major source of coal transportation.
• Iron Ore Mines (Chhattisgarh & Odisha) – Essential for steel production.
• Key Ports: Paradeep, Dhamara, and Visakhapatnam handle large shipments.

International Day of Forests 2025

International Day of Forests is celebrated every year on March 21 to highlight the importance of forests. The 2025 theme, “Forests and Food”, emphasizes the connection between forests and food security.

Forests provide essential food sources such as:

• Fruits, nuts, and seeds for human consumption.
• Medicinal plants used in healthcare.
• Habitat for wildlife, supporting ecological balance.

India’s Green India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) focus on sustainable forestry practices to benefit rural and indigenous communities.

World Water Day 2025

World Water Day, observed on March 22, highlights the importance of water conservation. The 2025 theme, “Glacier Preservation”, focuses on the impact of climate change on freshwater sources.

Glaciers store 70% of the world’s freshwater, but they are melting due to rising temperatures, affecting water supply for millions of people.

• Major Threats: Global warming, deforestation, and pollution.
• Solutions: Reducing carbon emissions, afforestation, and water conservation efforts.

Gaps in Forest Finance

Forests are crucial for biodiversity and climate stability, but there is a significant funding gap in conservation. Approximately $460 billion is required annually to combat deforestation, but actual funding remains insufficient.

Challenges include:

• Deforestation: More funds are allocated to deforestation-driven industries than to conservation.
• REDD+ Program: A global effort to reduce deforestation, but financial incentives remain inadequate.
• Funding Solutions: Direct support for local communities, stricter financial regulations, and sustainable forestry management.