University of Oxford rises to#1, reclaiming the top spot for the first time since 2024.
ETH Zurich slips to #2, maintaining its position as continental Europe’s strongest performer.
University College London (UCL) and Imperial College Londontie at #3, underscoring London’s dominance in higher education.
Over 950 universitiesare ranked, with 290 institutions debutingin this edition, reflecting the growing diversity of European higher education.
The UK leads the table, with seven universities in the top 10, while Switzerland, France, and other nations also secure strong representation.
Top 20 Universities in Europe (2026)
Rank
University
Country
1
University of Oxford
United Kingdom
2
ETH Zurich
Switzerland
=3
University College London (UCL)
United Kingdom
=3
Imperial College London
United Kingdom
5
University of Cambridge
United Kingdom
6
University of Edinburgh
United Kingdom
7
King’s College London
United Kingdom
8
Université PSL
France
9
University of Manchester
United Kingdom
10
EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Switzerland
11
LMU Munich
Germany
12
University of Copenhagen
Denmark
13
University of Amsterdam
Netherlands
14
KU Leuven
Belgium
15
University of Helsinki
Finland
16
Stockholm University
Sweden
17
University of Barcelona
Spain
18
Trinity College Dublin
Ireland
19
University of Oslo
Norway
20
University of Geneva
Switzerland
Regional Insights
UK universities dominate, with Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Edinburgh, King’s College London, and Manchester all in the top 10.
Switzerland remains a powerhouse, with ETH Zurich and EPFL both ranked in the top 10.
France’s Université PSL continues to rise, holding strong at #8.
Germany’s LMU Munich leads among continental EU universities outside Switzerland and France.
Nordic universities (Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo) showcase the strength of Europe’s northern academic hubs.
Why It Matters
The QS Europe Rankings provide students, policymakers, and institutions with a benchmark for academic reputation, employer recognition, research impact, and international collaboration. With nearly 300 new entrants, the 2026 edition reflects the expanding competitiveness of European higher education.
In summary, Oxford’s return to the top signals the UK’s continued dominance, while ETH Zurich, PSL, LMU Munich, and Nordic universities highlight Europe’s diverse academic excellence. For students worldwide, the 2026 QS Europe Rankings serve as a roadmap to the continent’s most prestigious institutions.
India’s New Diamond Rule: Why Only a Natural Diamond Can Be Called a “Diamond”
For years, Indian consumers shopping for diamond jewellery—especially online—have faced a confusing maze of terms. Words like lab-grown, cultured, real, or eco-friendly have often blurred the line between natural diamonds and their laboratory-created alternatives. Without a single, enforceable standard, many buyers were left uncertain about what they were actually purchasing.
That ambiguity is now set to end.
A Clear Standard from BIS
In a major step toward transparency, the Bureau of Indian Standards has adopted IS 19469:2025, a modified version of ISO 18323:2015 – Jewellery: Consumer Confidence in the Diamond Industry.
The new standard establishes one simple but powerful rule: only a natural diamond can be called a “diamond.”
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India.
Welcoming the move, the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) described the standard as a long-awaited framework that strengthens consumer protection and builds trust across India’s vast gem and jewellery market.
What This Means for Consumers
The BIS standard brings clarity at every stage of a diamond purchase. Here’s how it affects buyers:
2. The Definition of “Diamond.”
When the word “diamond” is used on its own, it now refers exclusively to a natural diamond. Retailers may use descriptors such as natural, real, genuine, or precious—but the core term remains reserved for diamonds formed by nature.
2. Mandatory Disclosure for Laboratory-Grown Stones
Man-made alternatives must always be disclosed using only the full terms:
laboratory-grown diamond
laboratory-created diamond
Shortened or casual expressions like LGD, lab-grown, or lab-diamond are no longer acceptable in formal communication or disclosure.
3. Misleading Language Is Out
The standard explicitly bans marketing terms such as “nature’s,” “pure,” “earth-friendly,” or “cultured” for laboratory-grown products. Even using brand names alone—without the approved laboratory-grown qualifier—is considered insufficient disclosure.
Industry Voices Welcome the Change
According to Richa Singh, Managing Director of the Natural Diamond Council, the new rule is fundamentally about consumer trust:
“When someone buys a diamond, they deserve to know exactly what it is—clearly, honestly, and without confusion. Defining what can be called a diamond strengthens trust and protects the value of a truly natural diamond.”
Jewellery leaders from across India have echoed this sentiment.
Tarun Kanwar of Navrattan Jewellers emphasised that transparency is the backbone of the trade, while Vaibhav Saraf noted that the exclusive use of the word ‘diamond’ for natural stones ensures fairness and informed choice.
Calling the standard a milestone, Gaurav Anand said it places consumers at the heart of the diamond ecosystem, helping retailers build lasting trust. From West India, Sunil Datwani added that transparency is not optional—and the BIS guidelines give the industry much-needed direction.
Why This Matters
Diamonds are not just financial purchases; they carry deep emotional value, often marking life’s most important moments. By removing ambiguity and misleading terminology, the new BIS standard empowers consumers to make confident, informed decisions—and protects the integrity of natural diamonds in the process.
The Natural Diamond Council has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Indian authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of IS 19469:2025. Together, these efforts signal a more transparent, trustworthy future for India’s diamond jewellery market.
Natural Diamond Council
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC), headquartered at 28 West 44th Street in New York City, operates globally with major offices in London, Shanghai, and Mumbai. Together, these offices coordinate the organization’s worldwide promotional and educational initiatives for natural diamonds.
As a leading authority on natural diamonds, the NDC offers trusted resources, expert education, and inspiring content through its Only Natural Diamonds platform, powered by its international network of offices and members.
“Only a natural diamond can now be called a diamond—bringing clarity, confidence, and consumer protection.”
“When a consumer buys a diamond, they deserve absolute clarity—this standard ensures that a diamond is exactly what it claims to be.”
— This article is also available on CitiTimes, a website managed and edited by the author.
Moody’s Upgrades Northeastern Illinois University to Investment-Grade Status
CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2026 — Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) has achieved a major financial milestone with an upgrade from Moody’s Ratings. The agency raised NEIU’s issuer rating from Ba1 to Baa3, officially restoring the University’s investment-grade status. Moody’s also revised the outlook to stable following the January 9, 2026, upgrade.
At a meeting of the NEIU Board of Trustees on January 15, university leaders highlighted the significance of the achievement. “Reaching investment-grade status positions Northeastern to access capital markets on more favorable terms,” the Board noted in its statement. “This increases our financial flexibility and supports the University’s long-term stability.”
Moody’s cited several factors supporting its decision, including NEIU’s targeted enrollment-growth initiatives, disciplined cost management, ongoing support from the State of Illinois, and overall stable operational performance. The agency also recognized the University’s manageable debt levels, prudent capital planning, and limited near-term borrowing needs.
“This upgrade is a significant milestone for Northeastern Illinois University,” said President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan. “A credit rating reflects an institution’s overall financial health. It’s also a testament to thoughtful stewardship and the collective efforts of our campus community. This affirmation shows that progress and stability go hand in hand when guided by a clear, long-term vision — one focused on sustaining our mission and expanding opportunity for future generations.”
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer Beni Ortiz echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the outcome as validation of NEIU’s sound fiscal management. “It confirms the hard work we’ve done to manage expenses responsibly and positions the University well as we move forward,” Ortiz said.
Looking ahead, Moody’s outlined conditions that could support further upgrades, such as continued improvement in operating performance, positive enrollment and tuition growth, and maintenance of strong liquidity levels.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, stewards, and partners who continue to strengthen the University’s financial foundation,” President Bell-Jordan added. “Their commitment enables NEIU to serve our students, the city of Chicago, and the State of Illinois for generations to come.”
Northeastern Illinois University
Founded in 1867, Northeastern Illinois University is a Minority-Serving Institution and the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The University offers more than 40 undergraduate programs and certificates and over 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure, and endorsement programs. NEIU’s main campus sits on 67 acres in a residential area on Chicago’s Northwest Side, with additional locations at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, and the University Center of Lake County.
World Economic Forum 2026: Rekindling Global Trust Through a Spirit of Dialogue
Impressions from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, January 19, 2025. Image provided by & Copyright World Economic Forum/Gabriel Lado.
From January 19 to 23, 2026, the alpine town of Davos-Klosters in Switzerland will once again become the epicentre of global decision-making as the World Economic Forum convenes its 56th Annual Meeting. At a time marked by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, climate urgency, and rapid technological disruption, the Forum’s theme—“A Spirit of Dialogue”—signals a deliberate return to conversation, cooperation, and consensus-building.
Impressions from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Schatzalp, Switzerland, January 19, 2025. Image provided by & Copyright World Economic Forum/Thibaut Bouvier.
A Moment That Demands Conversation
The 2026 meeting arrives at a crucial juncture for global cooperation. As nations grapple with slowing growth, climate transitions, AI governance, supply-chain realignments, and widening social divides, Davos aims to move beyond rhetoric toward constructive engagement. The emphasis this year is not merely on debate, but on dialogue—listening across divides, rebuilding trust, and forging practical pathways forward.
Impressions from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, January 20, 2025. Image provided by & Copyright World Economic Forum/Ciaran McCrickard.
An Unprecedented Global Gathering
Reflecting the urgency of the moment, the World Economic Forum 2026 will host nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries, making it one of the most broadly representative Davos meetings to date.
Government and Public Leadership: A record 400 high-ranking political leaders are expected, including nearly 65 heads of state and government and six leaders from the G7 nations. Their presence underscores the Forum’s growing role as a neutral platform for diplomacy and multilateral coordination.
Business and Industry: Around 850 of the world’s top CEOs and chairpersons will participate, representing sectors ranging from finance, energy, and manufacturing to healthcare, media, and advanced technologies. Their discussions will focus on navigating uncertainty while driving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Innovation and Technology: Nearly 100 leading unicorns and technology pioneers are set to attend, highlighting Davos’ increasing focus on frontier technologies—artificial intelligence, quantum computing, clean tech, and biotechnology—and their governance at scale.
Civil Society and Academia: Leaders from international organizations, non-profits, think tanks, and universities will contribute perspectives on equity, ethics, education, and the societal impact of global transformation.
Impressions from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, January 20, 2025. Image provided by & Copyright World Economic Forum/Jason Alden.
Agenda Highlights: What Will Shape Davos 2026
The programme for the 56th Annual Meeting is expected to revolve around several interconnected priorities:
Revitalising Multilateralism: Strengthening international institutions and cooperation frameworks in an era of strategic rivalry.
Economic Resilience: Addressing debt, inflation, trade realignments, and inclusive growth in both developed and emerging economies.
Climate and Energy Transition: Accelerating climate action while ensuring energy security and a just transition.
Technology and Trust: Governing AI and digital platforms responsibly, balancing innovation with ethics and accountability.
Human Capital and Social Cohesion: Investing in skills, jobs, and social systems to prevent widening inequality and fragmentation.
Impressions from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, January 18, 2025. Image provided by & Copyright World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell.
Davos as a Platform for Dialogue
Beyond formal sessions, Davos-Klosters will once again host hundreds of bilateral meetings, informal roundtables, and cross-sector conversations—often where breakthroughs quietly begin. In keeping with the theme, the Forum is positioning itself less as a stage for grand declarations and more as a listening space for competing viewpoints to converge.
Switzerland will host this year’s meeting, which is expected to draw 400 government leaders. This participation marks the highest level of government involvement in the Annual Meeting’s history. Among those attending will be nearly 65 heads of state and government, 55 ministers of economy and finance, 33 ministers of foreign affairs, 34 ministers of trade, commerce, and industry, and 11 governors of central banks. High-level representation is anticipated from all key regions, including six leaders from the G7 and heads of state from countries crucial to discussions on critical global issues, such as Ukraine, Gaza, and the broader Middle East, and beyond.
Top political leaders participating include:
Donald Trump, President of the United States of America
Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of Germany
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China
Javier Milei, President of Argentina
Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia
Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain
Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation (2026)
Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the Republic of Armenia
Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of Belgium
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Daniel Noboa Azín, President of Ecuador
Alexander Stubb, President of Finland
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece
Micheál Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland
Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco
Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of Mozambique
Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands
Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
Mohammed Mustafa, Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority
Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland
Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar
Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore
Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel
Ahmad Al Sharaa, President of Syria
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
The following international leaders will be participating:
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
Ajay S. Banga, President of the World Bank Group
Mark Rutte, Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization
Alexander De Croo, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme
Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union
Barham Salih, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council
Approximately 1,700 business leaders will participate, including nearly 850 of the world’s top CEOs and chairpersons from the World Economic Forum’s members and partners. Additionally, almost 100 CEOs and chairpersons from unicorn companies and tech pioneers transforming industries and shaping the global future of technology will be in attendance.
Looking Ahead
As the world faces overlapping crises and opportunities, the World Economic Forum 2026 seeks to reaffirm a simple yet powerful idea: progress begins with dialogue. Whether it leads to renewed cooperation, pragmatic compromises, or bold collective action, Davos this year aims to remind global leaders that meaningful solutions are forged not in isolation but through sustained, respectful conversation.
“In a fractured world, Davos 2026 calls leaders back to the table—where dialogue becomes the first step toward global renewal.”
— This article is also available on CitiTimes, a website managed and edited by the author.
The desert wakes before dawn. Engines growl against the silence, headlights pierce the mist, and competitors steel themselves for another day in the Dakar Rally 2026—a race that is less about winning and more about surviving.
For nearly half a century, Dakar has been the crucible where human endurance and mechanical resilience are tested against the raw elements. It is not a race for the faint-hearted. It is a pilgrimage into the unknown, where dunes swallow tracks, mountains punish suspensions, and fatigue gnaws at even the strongest wills.
“It is a pilgrimage into the unknown, where dunes swallow tracks and mountains punish suspensions.”
Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz of the Ford M-Sport Team during the Prologue of the Dakar 2026 on January 3, 2026, around Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Photographer Credit: Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool.
A Legacy Written in Sand
The Dakar story began in 1979, when Thierry Sabine transformed his desert misadventure into a vision: a rally-raid across continents, where the journey mattered as much as the finish line. From the Sahara’s golden expanses to the Andes’ jagged peaks, Dakar has always been a moving epic.
Now, in Saudi Arabia, the rally has found a new stage—vast deserts echoing the spirit of its African origins. The 2026 edition promises routes that twist through canyons, sweep across endless dunes, and climb into rocky highlands, each stage a chapter in a saga of survival.
“Dakar is the crucible where human endurance and mechanical resilience are tested against the raw elements.”
Carlos Sainz (ESP) of Bahrain JCW Team races during stage 6 of Rally Dakar 2020 from Ha’il to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 10, 2020. Photographer Credit: Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool.
Heroes of Dakar
Every Dakar produces legends. Some are seasoned champions, others unexpected underdogs.
Hubert Auriol, the “African,” etched his name as the first to conquer both bikes and cars.
Carlos Sainz, the Spanish matador, proved that rally instincts translate into desert dominance.
Nasser Al-Attiyah, the Qatari sharpshooter, became synonymous with precision and persistence.
And in 2026, new names rise—like Sanjay Takale, whose podium finish in the Cars category signals Dakar’s growing global reach.
These competitors embody Dakar’s paradox: it is both a race and a relentless endurance trial, where glory is measured not just in trophies but in scars, grit, and stories told around campfires.
Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) of Toyota Gazoo Racing races during stage 9 of Rally Dakar 2020 from Wadi Al Dawasir to Haradh, Saudi Arabia, on January 14, 2020. Photographer Credit: Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool.
Machines Forged for the Impossible
The vehicles of Dakar are not ordinary machines—they are desert warriors.
Toyota Hilux DKR GR: A beast built for balance, speed, and durability.
Ford Raptor T1+: Muscular, relentless, engineered to devour dunes.
IVECO Trucks with FPT Engines: Towering giants, carrying teams and dreams across punishing terrain.
Each is a marvel of engineering, designed to withstand blistering heat, shifting sands, and the punishing rhythm of thousands of kilometers. In Dakar, technology is not a luxury—it is a survival tool.
Edgar Canet of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing during the Prologue of the Dakar 2026 on January 3, 2026, around Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Photographer Credit: Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool.
The Spirit of Dakar
What makes Dakar magnetic is not just the spectacle of machines tearing across deserts, but the human drama behind it. Competitors wrestle with exhaustion, navigate by instinct when GPS falters, and repair broken parts under starlit skies.
It is a race where victory is fragile, and survival itself is a triumph. For fans, Dakar is a reminder that adventure still exists in its rawest form—a place where courage, innovation, and endurance collide.
Carlos Sainz (ESP) of Bahrain JCW Team races during stage 9 of Rally Dakar 2020 from Wadi Al Dawasir to Haradh, Saudi Arabia on January 14, 2020. Photographer Credit: Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 edition unfolds, the desert will write new stories. Some will be of heartbreak, others of triumph. But all will carry the essence of Dakar: a relentless pursuit of the horizon, where every grain of sand whispers the same truth—this is the ultimate test.
“The desert wakes before dawn. Engines growl against the silence, and headlights pierce the mist.”
— This article is also available on CitiTimes, a website managed and edited by the author.
A World United in Celebration: How the Globe Welcomed 2026
As the clock struck midnight across time zones, the world burst into color, sound, and joy to welcome 2026. From the first fireworks in the Pacific to the final cheers in New York, each city added its own magic to the global countdown, reminding us that, despite distance, celebration is a universal language.
Auckland and Sydney: Dawn of the New Year
The Pacific greeted 2026 before anyone else. Auckland, New Zealand’s Sky Tower, lit up in a dazzling pyrotechnic display set to music, while crowds gathered along the waterfront to count down the final seconds of 2025. Just two hours later, Sydney followed suit with one of the planet’s most spectacular fireworks shows over its iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Over a million spectators watched as the night sky shimmered in rainbow hues, dancing across the water.
Asia Lights Up: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo
In Bangkok, the celebration along the Chao Phraya River was electric — sky lanterns floated upward as fireworks erupted above luxury riverfront hotels. Hong Kong filled Victoria Harbour with synchronized fireworks and light shows projected from the city’s skyscrapers. In Singapore, Marina Bay transformed into a festival of light and music, complete with laser shows and thousands of glowing orbs reflecting in the water.
Tokyo’s countdown, marked by the ringing of temple bells and a brilliant skyline display, blended tradition with modern energy. People flocked to Shibuya Crossing for the city’s own midnight countdown, while others gathered at shrines for a peaceful first prayer of the year.
Europe Joins the Festivities: London and Paris
As the clock turned midnight in Europe, the River Thames sparkled under the most ambitious fireworks show London has hosted yet. Big Ben tolled twelve times, signaling the start of a brilliant cascade of color across the sky, choreographed perfectly to music celebrating unity and hope. Paris celebrated in elegance — the Eiffel Tower glowed with thousands of twinkling lights as fireworks burst above the Champ de Mars, painting the winter night with gold and red.
New York: The Grand Finale
Finally, the world’s eyes turned to New York City for the iconic Times Square Ball Drop. Over a million people braved the chill to watch the glittering sphere descend, marking the start of 2026 amid confetti showers and cheers. A star-studded lineup of performers and countless lights made it a night to remember, closing the planet’s 24-hour wave of celebrations on a dazzling note.
A Fresh Start, A Shared Moment
From Auckland to New York, the arrival of 2026 reminded humanity of the joy that comes from togetherness. In every city, every cheer, and every burst of light across the sky, there was a shared wish: for a brighter, kinder, and more connected year ahead.
“From Auckland’s first spark to New York’s final cheer, the world lit up as one to welcome 2026 in a cascade of color and hope.”
“As fireworks danced from Sydney Harbour to Times Square, midnight became the moment the world stood united in celebration.”
— This post is also available on CitiTimes.com, another website that is run and edited by the author. It has garnered significant popularity on both LinkedIn and Twitter.
Times Square New Year’s Eve 2025: A Global Countdown to Hope
The Ball That Captivates the World
At the stroke of midnight, the Constellation Ball—adorned with 5,280 Waterford crystals—will descend, lighting up Times Square with dazzling LED brilliance. Since 1907, this ritual has symbolized renewal, and in 2025, it promises to be more spectacular than ever.
A Stage for Stars and Unity
From Carrie Underwood and the Jonas Brothers to Rita Ora and Megan Moroney, this year’s lineup blends pop, country, and international flair. Cultural showcases by the Sino-American Friendship Association and Triad Brass remind us that Times Square is not just New York’s stage—it’s the world’s.
Millions Gather, Billions Watch
Over a million revelers will pack Times Square, while billions worldwide tune in. The roar of the crowd, the confetti storm, and the glowing screens make this more than a party—it’s a shared ritual of hope.
Safety First, Celebration Always
With the NYPD, the FBI, and Homeland Security coordinating, the event remains one of the most secure gatherings in the world. Visitors are urged to arrive early, dress warmly, and embrace the long wait as part of the tradition.
The World’s Most Watched Countdown: New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Every December 31, as midnight approaches, Times Square in New York City becomes the focal point of a worldwide celebration. What unfolds here is not just a party—it is one of the most recognizable rituals marking the transition into a new year, followed live by millions and broadcast to hundreds of millions worldwide.
A Tradition More Than a Century Old
The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration dates back to 1904, when New York City first marked the new year in what was then called Longacre Square. The tradition evolved dramatically in 1907 with the introduction of the now-famous Times Square Ball Drop.
Since then, the Ball Drop has taken place every year—except during wartime blackouts—making it one of the longest-running public New Year’s traditions in the world.
The Iconic Ball
The modern Times Square Ball is a technological marvel. Suspended from the rooftop of One Times Square, the Ball is 12 feet in diameter, weighs nearly 12,000 pounds, and is covered with thousands of LED panels. Each year, it descends precisely 77 feet in the final 60 seconds before midnight, synchronizing the crowd’s countdown with the arrival of the New Year.
The Ball’s design and lighting are updated periodically, often reflecting contemporary themes such as unity, hope, sustainability, or global solidarity.
A Global Broadcast Event
While roughly one million people gather in person—often enduring long hours, cold weather, and tight security—the celebration reaches far beyond Manhattan. The event is broadcast live across television networks and digital platforms, making it one of the most-watched annual events worldwide.
For many international viewers, Times Square serves as the symbolic “first celebration” of the New Year, even before midnight arrives in their own time zones.
Performances and Festivities
The evening typically features:
Live musical performances by internationally known artists
Appearances by cultural figures, entertainers, and public personalities
Choreographed light displays and multimedia visuals
The collective countdown that unites audiences across continents
Despite the spectacle, the moment midnight strikes is brief and quiet in its own way—confetti fills the air, cheers erupt, and a new calendar year officially begins.
More Than a Party
What sets Times Square apart is its symbolism. The celebration represents renewal, collective hope, and a shared global pause—a rare moment when people around the world look toward the same place, counting down the same seconds.
In an age of fragmented media and divided attention, New Year’s Eve in Times Square remains a powerful reminder of the human desire to mark time together.
“New Year’s Eve in Times Square is less about spectacle and more about a shared human instinct: to begin again, together.”
— This post is also available on GlobalGiants.com, another website that is run and edited by the author.
Academy Unveils List of International Feature Films Eligible for the Upcoming Oscars
The Academy Awards are more than Hollywood’s annual celebration — they are a global stage where diverse voices converge. The International Feature Film category has become a powerful lens into the world’s cultural, political, and artistic landscapes. It is not just about cinema; it’s about understanding how storytelling reflects global identity and influence.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the slate of feature films eligible for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards. This annual reveal marks the start of the Oscar season for global cinema, spotlighting outstanding storytelling and artistic excellence from filmmakers worldwide.
Each year, countries submit their best films for the category, and this newly announced list represents the diversity, creativity, and cultural richness of contemporary filmmaking. The eligible titles proceed to the following stages of the selection process, including shortlisting and final nominations.
The International Feature Film category remains one of the most anticipated sections of the Academy Awards, offering audiences a chance to discover compelling stories and cinematic voices beyond mainstream Hollywood. With this year’s submissions, the global film community once again showcases its ability to inspire, challenge, and captivate viewers across borders.
Official Schedule
The Academy members from all branches have been invited to opt in to participate in the preliminary round of voting. The shortlist of 15 films will be announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Preliminary voting for select categories of the 98th Academy Awards will begin on Monday, December 8, 2025, and end on Friday, December 12, 2025.
The shortlists for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
Films Eligible for Consideration in the International Feature Film Category for the 98th Academy Awards
(Listed in Alphabetical Order by Country or Region)
Albania, “Luna Park” Argentina, “Belén” Armenia, “My Armenian Phantoms” Australia, “The Wolves Always Come at Night” Austria, “Peacock” Azerbaijan, “Taghiyev: Oil” Bangladesh, “A House Named Shahana” Belgium, “Young Mothers” Bhutan, “I, the Song” Bolivia, “The Southern House” Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Blum: Masters of Their Own Destiny” Brazil, “The Secret Agent” Bulgaria, “Tarika” Canada, “The Things You Kill” Chile, “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” China, “Dead to Rights” Colombia, “A Poet” Costa Rica, “The Altar Boy, the Priest and the Gardener” Croatia, “Fiume o Morte!” Czech Republic, “I’m Not Everything I Want to Be” Denmark, “Mr. Nobody against Putin” Dominican Republic, “Pepe” Ecuador, “Chuzalongo” Egypt, “Happy Birthday” Estonia, “Rolling Papers” Finland, “100 Liters of Gold” France, “It Was Just an Accident” Georgia, “Panopticon” Germany, “Sound of Falling” Greece, “Arcadia” Greenland, “Walls – Akinni Inuk” Haiti, “Kidnapping Inc.” Hong Kong, “The Last Dance” Hungary, “Orphan” Iceland, “The Love That Remains” India, “Homebound” Indonesia, “Sore: A Wife from the Future” Iran, “Cause of Death: Unknown” Iraq, “The President’s Cake” Ireland, “Sanatorium” Israel, “The Sea” Italy, “Familia” Japan, “Kokuho” Jordan, “All That’s Left of You” Kyrgyzstan, “Black Red Yellow” Latvia, “Dog of God” Lebanon, “A Sad and Beautiful World” Lithuania, “The Southern Chronicles” Luxembourg, “Breathing Underwater” Madagascar, “Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story” Malaysia, “Pavane for an Infant” Mexico, “We Shall Not Be Moved” Mongolia, “Silent City Driver” Montenegro, “The Tower of Strength” Morocco, “Calle Malaga” Nepal, “Anjila” Netherlands, “Reedland” North Macedonia, “The Tale of Silyan” Norway, “Sentimental Value” Palestine, “Palestine 36” Panama, “Beloved Tropic” Paraguay, “Under the Flags, the Sun” Peru, “Kinra” Philippines, “Magellan” Poland, “Franz” Portugal, “Banzo” Romania, “Traffic” Saudi Arabia, “Hijra” Serbia, “Sun Never Again” Singapore, “Stranger Eyes” Slovakia, “Father” Slovenia, “Little Trouble Girls” South Africa, “The Heart Is a Muscle” South Korea, “No Other Choice” Spain, “Sirât” Sweden, “Eagles of the Republic” Switzerland, “Late Shift” Taiwan, “Left-Handed Girl” Tunisia, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” Turkey, “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies” Uganda, “Kimote” Ukraine, “2000 Meters to Andriivka” United Kingdom, “My Father’s Shadow” Uruguay, “Don’t You Let Me Go” Venezuela, “Alí Primera” Vietnam, “Red Rain”
A Global Stage for National Pride
Each country submits one film to represent its cinematic voice. This process is both competitive and symbolic:
National committees: Film boards and cultural institutions select the entry, often sparking debate at home.
Cultural diplomacy: A nomination signals recognition of a nation’s creative power.
Global resonance: Films rooted in local realities often strike universal chords, from family bonds to political struggles.
Cinema Beyond Borders
International films prove that storytelling transcends language. Subtitles are not barriers but gateways. Consider the impact:
Japanese dramas: Exploring family and tradition with quiet intensity.
African thrillers: Tackling corruption and resilience with bold narratives.
Latin American documentaries: Preserving memory and confronting history with raw honesty.
These works remind us that cinema is a universal language of empathy.
Oscars as Cultural Diplomacy
Recognition at the Oscars is more than artistic validation — it reshapes global perception.
Parasite’s triumph: South Korea’s historic Best Picture win signaled a shift in cinematic power.
Visibility for smaller industries: Nominations elevate filmmakers from regions often overlooked.
Catalyst for dialogue: Films spark conversations on identity, politics, and history across borders.
Emerging Trends in Global Cinema
The international category is evolving, reflecting both tradition and innovation:
Hybrid storytelling: Documentaries infused with fiction, blurring reality and imagination.
Regional authenticity: Indigenous languages and traditions preserved on screen.
Cross-border collaborations: Co-productions pooling talent and resources across nations.
Why It Matters for Audiences
For viewers, these films are more than entertainment — they are windows into the human condition.
Empathy: Experiencing lives far removed from one’s own.
Understanding: Engaging with cultures beyond headlines.
Connection: Finding shared humanity in diverse narratives.
Closing Insight
The Academy Awards may be rooted in Hollywood, but their embrace of international cinema reflects a broader truth: the future of film is global. The International Feature Film category is not just about who wins — it’s about how cinema continues to unite, challenge, and inspire across borders.
— This post is also available on CitiTimes.com, another website that is run and edited by the author.
100 Years of Design Excellence: A Look at the WIPO Hague System
The World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of streamlining global design protection. Established by treaty in The Hague in 1925, the system has evolved from a small European framework into a genuinely global mechanism that simplifies life for designers and businesses.
The treaty was signed in November 1925 in The Hague, Netherlands.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is using the occasion to reflect on a century of global design protection, innovation, and international cooperation.
What is the Hague System?
The Hague System is an international mechanism that allows creators to secure and manage design rights simultaneously in multiple countries or regions through a single international application filed with WIPO.
Design Rights: It protects the appearance of a product, such as its shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation. It is generally known as an “industrial design.”
Centralized Filing: A single application, in one language (English, French, or Spanish) and one set of fees (paid in Swiss Francs), can be used to designate protection in numerous member countries.
Its global reach has expanded significantly from its initial 11 signatories in 1925 to 82 members covering 99 countries/jurisdictions today, including the European Union and the African Intellectual Property Organization. This growth underscores the system’s global impact and the interconnectedness of the design community.
Key Benefits for Designers and Businesses
The system’s core value lies in its simplicity, efficiency, and economy, allowing designers to focus more on creativity and less on administrative complexity.
Simplicity and Efficiency: One application replaces a whole series of separate national or regional filings, saving significant time and reducing bureaucracy. One application can include up to 100 different designs (provided they belong to the same Locarno Classification class).
Cost-Effectiveness: Filing one application and paying a single set of international fees (basic fee, publication fee, and designation fees) is generally more economical than filing and managing multiple separate applications.
Centralized Management: All administrative tasks, such as changes in ownership, name/address updates, and renewals, are managed centrally through WIPO. Renewals can be completed with a single request and payment of the fee.
Flexibility: Applicants can choose to delay the publication of their design for up to 30 months (subject to domestic law), which can be a critical strategy for businesses before a product launch.
Duration of Protection: The initial period of protection is five years, and it can be renewed for at least two additional five-year periods, guaranteeing at least 15 years of protection in most member states (and up to 25 years in some, like the EU).
A Century of Design & Innovation
The 100th anniversary serves as a testament to the Hague System’s adaptability and enduring relevance in the ever-evolving world of commerce and technology. Its evolution over the past century reassures us of its continued importance.
Evolution of Designs: The system has protected a vast range of creations, from 1920s fabrics and stationery to modern-day graphical user interfaces (GUIs), mobile phones, and green-tech equipment.
Iconic Registrations: Many well-known products have been protected through the Hague System, including the Sony PlayStation, the KITKAT bar, and the World Cup Trophy. In 2024, a record 27,161 designs were filed through the Hague System, a testament to its continued relevance and value to the global design community. This growth underscores the system’s adaptability and enduring importance in the world of commerce and technology.
Why It Matters
For Creators & Businesses
Design-intensive industries, such as textiles, garments, consumer goods, and electronics, can significantly benefit from the Hague System. It offers a streamlined process for protecting designs beyond your country, reducing duplication of filings, saving time and cost, and facilitating entry into export markets.
Using the Hague route can reduce duplication of filings in multiple countries, save cost/time, and make it easier to enter export markets.
It also signals that designers and firms can operate on a level playing field internationally by leveraging a global system-wide mechanism.
For policy / IP ecosystem
The Hague System promotes harmonisation of formalities and administrative procedures — this helps reduce fragmentation in design protection globally.
It encourages countries to align with international practices and thus increases predictability for rights-holders and users. The Hague System strengthens the global IP ecosystem by making design protection more accessible. This, in turn, supports innovation, creativity, trade, and investment. It’s a testament to the system’s commitment to fostering and protecting innovation, inspiring creators and businesses alike.
As WIPO Director General Daren Tang notes, the system supports the enduring human instinct to “blend function with beauty.” The Hague System continues to evolve, ensuring that the vital yet often lesser-known right of design protection keeps pace with technological advancements.
Source: The World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO)
Zohran Mamdani Elected Mayor of New York City: A Historic Milestone
New York City has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Zohran Mamdani as its mayor, marking a historic moment in the city’s political landscape. Mamdani’s victory is notable not only for its generational significance but also for the cultural milestones it represents—he is the first Muslim, first Indian-origin, and first African-born individual to hold the office in the city’s history.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and political scholar Mahmood Mamdani. His upbringing and education in the United States shaped his commitment to social justice, equity, and grassroots activism. Before his mayoral run, Mamdani served as a New York State Assembly member representing Queens, where he gained recognition for his advocacy on housing rights, public transit, and immigrant protections.
His campaign for mayor was built on a platform of affordability, inclusive governance, and progressive reform. Mamdani emphasized the need to address rising living costs, expand access to public services, and ensure that New York remains a city for all—not just the wealthy few. His message resonated with a broad coalition of voters across boroughs, leading to a decisive win in a crowded field of candidates.
Mamdani’s election reflects the evolving identity of New York City—a global hub shaped by immigrants, artists, and activists. His leadership promises to bring fresh energy to City Hall, with a focus on transparency, community engagement, and long-term resilience. As he prepares to take office on January 1, Mamdani faces the challenge of governing a city that is both deeply complex and full of possibility.
His victory is more than symbolic—it signals a shift toward inclusive representation and a renewed commitment to tackling the city’s most pressing issues. Whether in housing, climate policy, or public safety, Mamdani’s administration will be closely watched as a potential model for urban leadership in the 21st century.
Surender Hastir 