This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of major trends in artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years (roughly 2022–2025). We examine advances in technology (model scaling, generative AI, democratization of AI), shifts in application domains (industry adoption, health, edge/IoT), research and innovation metrics (publications, patents, hardware), and societal, ethical, regulatory implications (energy footprint, bias, regulation, geopolitics). The paper concludes with discussion of key challenges and future directions for AI.