As the world observes the 33rd World Water Day on March 22, 2025, the United Nations has highlighted Glacier Preservation as this year’s theme, emphasizing the critical role glaciers play in sustaining freshwater resources. Held annually since 1993, World Water Day aims to bolster awareness around water conservation and support Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

This year’s theme arrives at a crucial moment, as global glacier loss reaches at an alarming levels. Data from the UN World Water Day Report, released on March 21, underscores the urgency: nearly 2 billion people rely on freshwater sourced from melting glaciers, yet glacier mass loss from 2022 to 2024 has been the highest ever recorded, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

Glaciers: vital yet vanishing freshwater reservoirs

Glaciers, formed from compacted snow that accumulates and transforms into ice over time, store about 70% of the Earth’s freshwater. However, of all water on Earth, only 2.5% is freshwater, and less than 0.3% of that is usable. Despite their crucial role, glaciers are retreating at an accelerated pace due to global warming, seasonal imbalances, and pollution-driven black carbon deposits that reduce their ability to reflect heat. However ,  the rising sea levels, threatened biodiversity, and disrupted freshwater supply are just a few of the consequences of glacier retreat. Initial surges in river flow due to melting can eventually reverse, resulting in water scarcity that affects billions.

Glacier loss in China highlights broader trend

China’s glacier landscape mirrors the global trend. As per the Third Chinese Glacier Inventory, released recently, China had about 69,000 glaciers covering 46,000 square kilometers as of 2020. But since the 1960s, the glacier area has declined by 26%, with an alarming 7,000 small glaciers disappearing entirely.

To address these challenges, China is hosting its 38th “China Water Week” from March 22 to 28, featuring various public awareness campaigns nationwide. These efforts align with the UN’s global call for sharp reductions in carbon emissions and reinforced climate action.

With nearly 2.7 billion people facing severe water scarcity globally, World Water Day 2025 underscores the urgent need for glacier protection as a cornerstone of freshwater conservation strategies.

In a gesture of faith and philanthropy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family donated Rs 44 lakh to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Nitya Annadanam scheme on Friday, March 21, 2025. The amount equals the one-day cost of providing free meals to devotees at the hill shrine.

The donation coincided with the birthday of Naidu’s grandson, Nara Devansh. Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife N. Bhavaneswari, son and State IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and daughter-in-law Nara Brahmani, also participated in serving food to devotees visiting the temple.

The family arrived in Tirumala on the night of March 20 and had a darshan of Lord Venkateswara early on Friday morning.

TTD Chairman B R Naidu, Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao, and Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary received the Chief Minister at the temple entrance, offering traditional honours before escorting him into the sanctum sanctorum.

Following the visit, the CM was presented with theertha prasadams, the Telugu Viswavasu New Year almanac, a diary, calendar, and other temple-manufactured panchagavya prasadams. The ceremonial welcome also included vedasirvachanams by temple priests.

District Collector Venkateswarlu, Superintendent of Police Harshavardhan Raju, and several TTD board members were also present during the Chief Minister’s visit.

The Nitya Annadanam scheme, which provides daily free meals to thousands of pilgrims, has long been a key part of TTD’s services, and Naidu’s donation underlines his family’s continued devotion to the temple.

George Foreman, the legendary heavyweight boxing champion, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. His family announced the news on his official Instagram account, stating that the sports icon died peacefully, “surrounded by loved ones.” A cause of death has not been disclosed.

Foreman, remembered not only for his achievements in the boxing ring but also for his humanitarian work and business ventures, was described by his family as “a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy.”

“He lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” the family’s statement read. “An Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected — a force for good.”

The family has requested privacy during this time, as they mourn the loss and celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who inspired millions around the world.

Viral photo with Donald Trump resurfaces

Soon after the news of Foreman’s passing, an old photograph of him with former US President Donald Trump resurfaced on social media, quickly going viral. The image, taken in 1997 in New York’s Times Square, features Foreman alongside Trump and fellow boxer Shannon Briggs. It served as a reminder of Foreman’s longstanding ties with Trump, dating back to the early 1990s.

Foreman had previously fought Evander Holyfield in 1991 at the Trump Plaza Hotel in Atlantic City — a high-profile bout attended by Trump and his then-wife Marla Maples. Video clips of Trump promoting that event have also been widely circulated online since Foreman’s death.

The photograph sparked widespread nostalgia among fans, underscoring Foreman’s cultural reach beyond boxing.