Reducing poverty and inequality of any kind is a pre-condition for achieving improved quality of life and overall well-being of the masses for attaining sustainable development. In this pre-text, this paper examines the multidimensional aspects of poverty in the rural households of the Kargil district of Ladakh, India. The analysis of primary data collected from 315 sample households using the Alkire-Foster method reveals the presence of multidimensional poverty in about 66.03% of households. In contrast, about 33.33% of households are vulnerable to such poverty. It is found that deprivations in education, standard of living, nature of employment, women empowerment, and social security dimensions are critical in contributing to multidimensional poverty in the district. Besides, the estimation of the multiple regression equation infers that the intensity of multidimensional poverty is positively influenced by the age of the household head and family size, and negatively influenced by monthly food and non-food expenditures. Therefore, the policy focus is required on all these aspects to help households escape from multidimensional poverty so that inclusive growth can be ensured.

In the context of the Anthropocene, and in the face of an unprecedented climate crisis generating 20 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, this study critically examines the transition from a ‘grey’ economy based on fossil fuels to a ‘green’ and regenerative economy, proposing two interrelated strategies: the transformation of terrestrial and agricultural systems to enhance natural carbon sequestration (including halting deforestation, regenerative agriculture and sustainable livestock systems), and the restructuring of global social metabolism (promoting reduced consumption, circular economies and renewable energy). The analysis emphasizes that this transition will require unprecedented global cooperation and bold government policies and will face significant challenges such as resistance from entrenched interests and global inequalities; however, the expected benefits—including a stable climate, healthy ecosystems and a sustainable economy—justify the necessary efforts, framing this transformation not just as a technical challenge but as an ethical and ontological imperative to move from an extractive relationship with the planet to a co-creative role that ensures intergenerational prosperity and planetary health.

Medical social workers play an indispensable role in hospice settings by addressing the multifaceted needs of patients and their families during end-of-life care. This paper focuses on how their expertise in psychosocial assessment, care planning, advocacy, counseling, and resource coordination ensures holistic, patient-centered care that integrates clinical and emotional support. Medical social workers foster culturally sensitive practices through interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance communication among care teams, and provide tailored interventions that address emotional, social, and spiritual concerns. This integration improves the quality of life for patients and alleviates emotional and systemic burdens on healthcare infrastructures. In addition to their immediate contributions, medical social workers support sustainable healthcare systems by promoting health equity and addressing disparities in hospice care. Their work aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by ensuring equitable access to compassionate care for marginalized populations. Furthermore, their efforts to empower communities, advocate for cost-effective care strategies, and integrate social and medical perspectives contribute to the long-term resilience of healthcare systems. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the role of medical social workers in hospice care becomes increasingly critical. Their ability to address root causes of distress, navigate complex family dynamics, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration exemplifies the necessity of their role in advancing equitable and effective end-of-life care.