Following Israel's surprise attack on Iran under “Operation Rising Lion,” which killed 78 including top Iranian officials and scientists, Iran responded with missile strikes in “Operation True Promise-3.” As tensions soared, Israeli PM Netanyahu retreated to a bunker. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to stop the violence and pursue peace. EU leaders echoed similar concerns, stressing the importance of regional stability and restraint. Iranian missiles later struck Tel Aviv, killing one woman and injuring 48, according to Al Jazeera.

A UN report reveals that global tech companies increased their carbon emissions by an average of 150% between 2020 and 2023, driven by rapid growth in artificial intelligence and data center energy use. Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet saw emissions spike by over 130%. Experts warn that AI systems alone could soon emit over 100 million tons of CO₂ annually. Data centers now consume 1.5% of global electricity, with usage projected to surpass Japan’s annual demand by 2030 if unchecked.

A UNHCR report reveals that 123.2 million people are now forcibly displaced worldwide—1 in every 67 globally. Conflict, violence, and disasters have driven this surge, with Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine accounting for the majority. Gaza faces extreme displacement, while returns remain unsafe and fragile. Despite some hopeful signs, such as refugee returns to Syria, the UN warns this crisis reflects not just human suffering but a global failure to resolve conflict and protect the vulnerable.

A new UN report reveals an unprecedented global decline in fertility rates. Surveying 14,000 people across 14 countries, the UN Population Fund found millions unable to have their desired number of children, mainly due to financial constraints and lack of suitable partners. The study covered diverse income and fertility contexts and highlighted that 39% cite money as a barrier, while 12% mention infertility. The findings underscore a growing crisis as many cannot build families according to their wishes.

Global food prices fell by 0.8% in May, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), driven by declines in vegetable oil, cereal, and sugar prices. Despite a slight rise in meat and dairy costs, the overall index dropped to 127.7 points. The FAO forecasts record cereal production in 2025, potentially stabilizing global supply. While food prices remain higher than last year, they are significantly lower than the peak seen in March 2022 during the Ukraine war. Consumers may find some relief in this trend.

Hungary has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move follows the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Despite being a member state of the ICC, Hungary has refused to cooperate with the arrest order, further complicating international legal matters.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. However, Hungary refused to detain him during his visit. ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah criticized Hungary’s decision, stating that ICC member states cannot unilaterally disregard its rulings. "Member states are obligated to enforce court decisions, and any disputes must be resolved through judicial processes," he said. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long faced criticism for his EU-oppositional stance, judiciary control, and suppression of civil rights groups.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that women’s rights are under threat globally. Speaking at a UN event on International Women’s Day, he said new challenges are deepening long-standing discrimination. He pointed out that digital tools are silencing women, reinforcing bias, and encouraging harassment. Guterres also warned that online violence is escalating real-world violence, and extremism and misogyny are becoming mainstream. Urging global action, he emphasized that gender equality is about power, representation, and building a fairer world for all. (Source: Reuters)