India, Jan. 21 -- The world has moved beyond a water crisis and into a state of global water bankruptcy, says a new flagship report released on Tuesday by UN researchers.

For decades, scientists, policymakers and the media warned of a "global water crisis," implying temporary shock - followed by recovery.

What is now emerging in many regions, however, is a persistent shortage whereby water systems can no longer realistically return to their historical baselines.

"This is not to kill hope but to encourage action and an honest admission of failure today to protect and enable tomorrow," he told a press briefing in New York on Tuesday.

Mr. Madani emphasised that the findings do not suggest worldwide failure - but there are enough bankrupt...