Countries

Experts tracking these trends note that sustained improvements in female LFPR could play a pivotal role in achieving broader economic goals, including higher productivity and inclusive growth.

The report stresses the need for drastic improvements in the public procurement system. Recommendations include establishing clearer bid evaluation criteria, strictly screening abnormally low bids that often lead to abandoned contracts, and enhancing the government’s e-procurement system.

The 2026 report, based on interviews with roughly 100,000 people across 140+ countries, reinforces that happiness is not solely about wealth. Social support and trust in institutions often outweigh raw GDP in explaining national differences. Costa Rica’s surge into the top four proves that strong community ties and life satisfaction can propel mid-income nations upward.

As the NCHR report concludes, comprehensive judicial reform and a shift from punishment to rehabilitation are essential.

The transition will require careful policy planning to ensure that the gains achieved over decades are not undermined by sudden changes in trade and development frameworks.

Beyond records, impacts could include intensified heatwaves, coral bleaching, and disruptions to agriculture and water supplies across multiple continents. In regions like India, where monsoon rains support hundreds of millions, a developing El Niño often correlates with weaker rainfall, though exact outcomes depend on the event’s strength and timing.

State food safety departments are now required to submit detailed action taken reports to the central regulator every fortnight.

Such collaborations are expected to yield faster development of new interventions, strengthen training pipelines, and create models that other institutions can replicate.