👶 US Childcare Cost Doubled. Global Solar Energy Capacity Up 30%. +25% VC Investment in AI.

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MGEN advances world’s largest solar-BESS project, trains 600 locals for clean energy workforce. Australia pledges $5.7 million to strengthen Fiji’s HIV response and healthcare services. Changan launches first EV plant in Thailand as part of global “Vast Ocean Plan”. Nigeria loses $11bn to digital skills gap annually.

South Africa and Google launched a cybersecurity program for youth and SMEs.
Renaissance launches AI-powered Core Publisher to streamline data-driven instruction for pre-K-12 teachers. Enago launches DocuMark to promote AI transparency and academic integrity in universities.

Today's Topics

👶 Preschool. 2x childcare cost in the US between 2021 and 2023
🍃 Green Skills. >30% rise in global solar energy capacity by 2024
🤖 Artificial Intelligence. 25% increase in global VC investment in AI

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👶 2x Childcare Cost in the US Between 2021 and 2023

The net cost of childcare for US dual-parent households increased to 40% of wages in 2023. The rise in childcare education costs is pushing an estimated 134K families into poverty annually. According to a new analysis, childcare costs now exceed college tuition in 38 states. To combat this, the 2025 Promoting Affordable Childcare for Everyone (PACE) Act expands tax credits and assistance, aiming to ease financial burdens on working families and improve childcare affordability nationwide.

🍃 >30% Rise in Global Solar Energy Capacity by 2024

Global solar capacity doubled between 2021 and 2024, driven by government initiatives and advances in energy storage technologies that improved the reliability of solar power. China and India emerged as global leaders, with India reaching a major milestone of 100 GW in solar capacity. However, challenges persist as some countries begin to withdraw from climate commitments due to economic situations and other challenges, threatening climate investments and slowing the momentum of renewable energy growth.

🤖 25% Increase in Global VC Investment in AI

AI investment rose from nearly $110B in 2023 to over $135B in 2024, recovering after a close 40% drop from the record $220B peak in 2021, an unprecedented year for venture capital funding across sectors. Despite the drop, 2024 levels remain 4x higher than 2017. This growth is supported by government policies like the US administration’s AI Initiative and China's New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, which boosted global AI development and risk management, fueling continued investor confidence.

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