Global Pulse

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  • Columbia taps University of Wisconsin chancellor to lead school after 2 years of turmoil

    Columbia taps University of Wisconsin chancellor to lead school after 2 years of turmoil

    Columbia University has selected Jennifer Mnookin, currently serving as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to assume its presidential leadership effective July 1. This appointment marks a strategic move by the Ivy League institution to navigate beyond a period of significant disruption spanning the past two years.

    The university’s presidency has experienced considerable instability, with Mnookin becoming the fifth individual to hold this position within just four years. Her predecessor, Nemat Shafik, resigned in August 2024 following intense scrutiny of her administration’s handling of campus protests and deepening divisions within the university community.

    Columbia’s recent challenges have been substantially influenced by federal intervention during the Trump administration. Shortly after assuming office last year, the administration targeted Columbia as the initial focus of a broader campaign to reshape protest policies, admission criteria, and academic curricula at elite American universities.

    Federal authorities took severe measures against student activists, including the imprisonment of participants in pro-Palestinian demonstrations during 2024. The administration additionally canceled $400 million in research grants allocated to the university and its affiliated hospital network, citing concerns about combating antisemitism on campus. Further financial threats involved potentially withholding billions in government support.

    These pressures culminated in a settlement agreement wherein Columbia consented to pay over $220 million to reinstate research funding. The university also committed to restructuring its student disciplinary procedures and implementing a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism across both academic instruction and disciplinary committees investigating students critical of Israeli policies.

    Mnookin brings substantial academic leadership experience to her new role, having previously served as dean of UCLA School of Law before assuming her current position at Wisconsin-Madison in August 2022. She holds an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, a law degree from Yale Law School, and a doctorate in the history and social study of science and technology from MIT.

  • 2026 is set to reinforce India’s position as a future-ready real estate market

    2026 is set to reinforce India’s position as a future-ready real estate market

    India’s real estate market is positioned for unprecedented expansion throughout 2026, with comprehensive analyses indicating the sector’s trajectory toward achieving $1 trillion in valuation by 2030. This remarkable growth narrative is underpinned by multiple structural drivers including robust domestic consumption patterns, sustained occupier activities, and strengthening investor confidence across all asset classes.

    Industry specialists from leading consultancies Colliers India and Cushman & Wakefield identify several transformative forces reshaping the market landscape. Urbanization acceleration, demographic advantages with a median age of 30 years, rising disposable incomes, and infrastructure modernization are creating synergistic growth conditions. The residential segment demonstrates particular vigor, maintaining annual sales between 300,000-400,000 units in the post-pandemic recovery phase, with this momentum expected to intensify throughout 2026.

    Commercial real estate exhibits parallel robustness, driven by evolving workplace strategies and enhanced connectivity infrastructure. The industrial and warehousing segment anticipates accelerated demand as manufacturing capabilities expand and supply chains undergo technological modernization. Simultaneously, alternative asset classes including data centers, co-living spaces, and senior living facilities are attracting increased institutional investment attention.

    Market segmentation analysis reveals the mid-segment housing category maintains dominance with 52% market share over recent quarters, while luxury and high-end properties show sustained growth potential fueled by non-resident Indian investment and evolving lifestyle aspirations. Residential pricing structures have demonstrated approximately 57% appreciation in recent years, partially influenced by premium project launches altering overall market composition.

    The institutional investment landscape is transforming through democratized access vehicles including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), small and medium REITs, Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). Concurrently, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are becoming fundamental to development strategies, with green construction methodologies, energy-efficient materials, and climate-resilient communities gaining significant traction.

    According to Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer of Colliers India, ‘2026 will reinforce India’s position as a future-ready, globally competitive real estate market. The convergence of technological integration, sustainability imperatives, and institutional maturity creates an unparalleled growth ecosystem that transcends traditional real estate paradigms.’

    This comprehensive market evolution establishes India’s property sector as a multifaceted growth engine, characterized by deepening asset class diversification, technological adoption, and institutional sophistication that collectively support its journey toward trillion-dollar valuation.

  • Fathima Healthcare Group UAE: Building an Inclusive Healthcare Ecosystem

    Fathima Healthcare Group UAE: Building an Inclusive Healthcare Ecosystem

    Fathima Healthcare Group UAE is revolutionizing healthcare accessibility through digital innovation and strategic partnerships, with Founder Chairman Dr. K.P. Hussain outlining the organization’s transformative vision for inclusive medical services. The initiative, operating under FMC Network’s mission of “Cost-effective, Comprehensive and Affordable Healthcare for All,” has dramatically expanded coverage to over 8 million UAE expatriates since its late 1990s inception.

    The organization’s breakthrough approach emerged from Dr. Hussain’s firsthand observations of healthcare access challenges among blue-collar and low-income expatriate communities. Through extensive market research and actuarial analysis, FMC Network successfully challenged conventional cost assumptions, enabling insurers and corporations to extend coverage while maintaining sustainable risk models.

    Technological innovation forms the cornerstone of FMC Network’s transformation strategy. The implementation of automated, rule-based adjudication systems has significantly reduced processing times while minimizing manual intervention. The organization has pioneered teleconsultation services that provide remote medical access, reducing unnecessary outpatient visits and enabling early intervention.

    Centralized digital platforms now integrate hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, facilitating standardized pricing and electronic billing. The FMC Network mobile application offers real-time access to policy benefits, pre-authorization tracking, and multilingual support specifically designed for diverse user demographics.

    Looking ahead, FMC Network’s five-year vision emphasizes AI-driven claims adjudication, predictive analytics, and expanded inclusive healthcare programs. A landmark collaboration with Jamia Hamdard University will establish an off-campus facility in Dubai, further strengthening the group’s educational and healthcare infrastructure.

    As Republic Day 2026 approaches, FMC Network reaffirms its commitment to the Indian expatriate community through wellness sessions and medical camps focused on preventive healthcare and early detection initiatives.

  • Building an education destination for non-resident Indians

    Building an education destination for non-resident Indians

    The southern Indian city of Coimbatore has undergone a remarkable transformation from its industrial roots to become a leading destination for higher education, particularly attracting Non-Resident Indian families from Gulf regions. This evolution stems from the city’s unique combination of robust industry presence, academic excellence, and exceptional quality of life that creates an ideal ecosystem for globally-relevant education.

    Central to Coimbatore’s educational appeal is its strong integration with thriving engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and emerging deep-tech sectors. This industrial connectivity provides students with unparalleled opportunities for industry-linked learning, applied research, and practical problem-solving experiences. The city offers academic distinction within a culturally grounded, safe environment without the excessive pressures and costs associated with larger metropolitan centers.

    For Gulf-based NRI families, Coimbatore presents particular advantages including cultural familiarity, English-medium instruction, robust infrastructure, and strong academic outcomes that ease the transition from overseas schooling to Indian higher education. The city delivers global standards and employability while maintaining affordability and traditional values that resonate with international Indian families.

    Karunya University stands at the forefront of this educational transformation, having established itself as a benchmark for private higher education in South India. The institution’s impressive credentials include NAAC A++ accreditation, UGC Category 1 status, QS I-GAUGE Platinum rating, and recognition in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. These accolades reflect sustained investments in research infrastructure, faculty development, and global engagement initiatives.

    The university’s industry-integrated programs represent a significant draw for international students. Notable collaborations include B.Tech in Computer Science with Google, Robotics and Automation with FESTO, MBA integrated with Zoho, Energy Science with AMARON, and Biomedical Engineering with Phoenix Medical Systems. These partnerships ensure academic learning remains aligned with real-world market requirements.

    Financial accessibility is enhanced through scholarship programs offering up to 70% support for eligible NRI students, complemented by structured assistance for accommodation, mentorship, and visa processing. This combination of affordability and credibility creates a compelling proposition for international families.

    Beyond teaching excellence, Karunya has established itself as a research-intensive institution, securing over ₹600 million in funded projects from prestigious agencies including DST, DRDO, ISRO, DBT, and ICMR. Research focuses address critical global challenges through advanced AI, robotics, renewable energy, water sustainability, biomedical innovation, and precision agriculture.

    The university’s technological infrastructure includes an Nvidia DGX Supercomputer supporting advanced AI and deep learning research. Centers of Excellence with industry leaders such as Siemens, IBM, Nvidia, CISCO, Microsoft, and Novell bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

    Karunya’s research initiatives have generated substantial societal impact through collaborations with international partners. These include developing desalination and wastewater treatment systems with Ben-Gurion University and SUEZ India, creating AI-based assistive technologies for the visually impaired in partnership with Harvard Medical School, and designing precision farming solutions with Israel’s Agricultural Research Organization.

    Global engagement forms a core component of Karunya’s educational philosophy. The university maintains active collaborations with prestigious institutions worldwide including Technion and Hebrew University in Israel, RWTH Aachen in Germany, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and numerous partners across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Students benefit from semester-abroad programs, international internships, joint research opportunities, and academic exchanges spanning more than 90 countries.

    While maintaining a 100% placement record across all departments, Karunya measures success beyond conventional employment metrics. The university’s comprehensive incubation ecosystem—comprising the Karunya Technology Business Incubation Park (K-TBIP), Karunya Incubation Foundation (KIF), and Karunya Innovation Design Studio (KIDS)—supports student startups, patent development, and entrepreneurial ventures. This approach cultivates not just employable graduates but ethical innovators and change-makers prepared for global leadership roles.

  • Rain, patriotic songs, and tricolour: UAE’s Indian community marks 77th Republic Day

    Rain, patriotic songs, and tricolour: UAE’s Indian community marks 77th Republic Day

    Under steady morning rainfall on the first working day of the week, hundreds of Indian expatriates gathered at the Indian Consulate in Dubai to commemorate India’s 77th Republic Day. Families with children arrived early, carrying national flags, demonstrating unwavering patriotic spirit despite weather challenges.

    At precisely 7:15 AM, Consul General of India in Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan hoisted the Indian tricolor flag while community members observed respectfully—some recording the moment, others watching with folded hands in contemplative silence. Parallel ceremonies occurred at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, followed by cultural programs honoring freedom fighters with special tributes to Dr. BR Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution.

    Consul General Sivan highlighted significant milestones in India-UAE relations, noting bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion in 2025-26. “These gains represent jobs created, products traded, markets expanded, and livelihoods transformed,” he emphasized, adding both nations have agreed to double trade volumes by 2032. He referenced recent agreements in energy, defense, space, and digital infrastructure following UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit, characterizing the relationship as “co-creating a future shaped by innovation, resilience, and mutual prosperity.”

    Beyond diplomatic achievements, the event held profound personal significance for participants. Sixteen-year-old Harsvartha Sathiskumar from the Just Dance team expressed performing instilled national pride, while first-time performer Ashil D’Souza, 20, described the emotional experience of representing different Indian states through dance. Sahil, a dance instructor with 15 years experience, noted how patriotic songs evoked deep emotions among expatriates living away from their homeland.

    Not all planned performances proceeded smoothly. JaiChitra Parasuraman, Manager at Just Dance, reported a student group traveling from Ajman encountered a minor vehicle accident that delayed their arrival, preventing them from performing after nearly a month of preparation.

    Across the UAE, Indian educational institutions celebrated with equal enthusiasm. The Indian High Group of Schools integrated themes of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, involving over 7,000 students and 15,000 parents and guests—reportedly among the largest Republic Day events organized outside India. Shining Star International School conducted special assemblies, classroom viewings of the Delhi parade, and educational skits titled ‘Guru Versus Google.’

  • Rushdie warns of political violence as he recounts his attack

    Rushdie warns of political violence as he recounts his attack

    Author Salman Rushdie delivered a sobering warning about escalating political violence in the United States during the Sundance Film Festival premiere of “Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie” on Sunday. The documentary, directed by Alex Gibney, serves as a cinematic companion to Rushdie’s memoir detailing the horrific 2022 attack that left him blind in one eye and with permanent injuries.

    Rushdie characterized his near-fatal stabbing as symptomatic of broader societal dangers, stating that ‘everybody’s in danger now’ in America’s increasingly volatile climate. His comments coincided with recent fatal shootings of protesters by federal agents and an assault on Congressman Maxwell Frost at the same festival.

    The film incorporates graphic footage of the Chautauqua, New York attack where 24-year-old Hadi Matar stabbed Rushdie 15 times on stage. It also explores the historical context of the 1989 fatwa issued by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini, which forced Rushdie into decade-long hiding after declaring his novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ blasphemous.

    Rushdie connected his personal ordeal to wider patterns of authoritarian violence targeting cultural institutions. ‘For the authoritarian, culture is the enemy,’ he observed, citing current attacks on journalism, universities, and literature through book bans and rhetorical assaults. The author specifically referenced the Trump administration’s crackdown on higher education and immigration enforcement operations that have resulted in civilian casualties.

    Despite the documentary’s original focus on his personal trauma, Rushdie acknowledged its unintended relevance to contemporary political tensions. ‘I’m now beginning to think that maybe the film is here at a kind of apposite moment,’ he noted, suggesting that all citizens now face similar risks of ideological violence.

    Hadi Matar, sentenced to 25 years for the attack, admitted to barely reading Rushdie’s controversial work while claiming the author had ‘attacked Islam.’ The documentary juxtaposes this limited engagement with the profound consequences it inspired, examining how political manipulation transforms cultural disagreements into violent acts.

    The Sundance screening occurred against a backdrop of heightened security concerns, reflecting the very dangers Rushdie described in his warning about America’s deteriorating civic landscape.

  • Adil Group of Supermarkets: A taste of India, rooted in Trust

    Adil Group of Supermarkets: A taste of India, rooted in Trust

    For decades, the Adil Group of Supermarkets has served as far more than a conventional retail chain for the Indian diaspora in the UAE. It has evolved into an essential cultural touchstone, providing a tangible connection to homeland traditions through authentic culinary products. With an expansive network exceeding 50 outlets throughout the GCC region, the enterprise has established itself as a preeminent name in ethnic retail by maintaining uncompromising quality standards and preserving genuine Indian flavors.

    Dr. Dhananjay Datar, the visionary Chairman and Managing Director renowned as the ‘Masala King,’ has been the architectural force behind this remarkable transformation. His profound understanding of expatriate community needs enabled him to develop a basic retail concept into a comprehensive cultural institution. The Group’s product ecosystem now encompasses everything from traditional spices, pulses, and grains to specialized festive items, sweets, and ready-to-cook solutions—effectively creating complete Indian kitchens abroad.

    The organization’s distinctive identity stems from its pioneering commitment to operating purely vegetarian supermarkets, a revolutionary approach that resonated powerfully with families prioritizing authenticity, ethical sourcing, and dietary purity. This strategic positioning, combined with consistently affordable pricing, has made the brand accessible across all community segments while maintaining premium quality.

    Reflecting on India’s Republic Day significance, Dr. Datar emphasized: ‘This occasion powerfully symbolizes India’s core values of unity, resilience, and cultural pride. Our fundamental mission has always centered on keeping the overseas Indian community connected to their roots. Customer trust represents our most valuable asset and continuously inspires elevated standards. As India celebrates this historic milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to strengthening bilateral bonds between India and the UAE.’

    Transcending commercial objectives, the Group maintains active involvement in community development initiatives. From supporting cultural celebrations to partnering with charitable programs, the organization consistently demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility. These efforts embody principles of compassion, inclusivity, and service that align seamlessly with the Indian Constitution’s foundational spirit.

    As India commemorates its democratic journey, the Adil Group stands as a testament to how businesses can effectively bridge nations, preserve cultural heritage, and foster enduring people-to-people connections between India and the UAE through purposeful commerce.

  • Shing-Tung Yau: We aim to cultivate interdisciplinary talent

    Shing-Tung Yau: We aim to cultivate interdisciplinary talent

    In an exclusive interview with China Daily, renowned mathematician and Fields Medal recipient Shing-Tung Yau outlined the educational philosophy behind Tsinghua University’s Qiuzhen College, emphasizing the critical need for cultivating interdisciplinary talent rather than narrow specialists. As the founding dean of this specialized institution launched in October 2020 with central government approval, Yau articulated a vision for developing innovative thinkers with broad knowledge bases and adaptable mindsets.

    The distinguished mathematician criticized conventional educational approaches that confine students within rigid disciplinary boundaries, advocating instead for an integrated learning model that fosters intellectual versatility. Yau’s comments come as China continues to strengthen its advanced education system, particularly in foundational sciences and mathematics.

    Qiuzhen College represents a significant experiment in Chinese higher education, established specifically to nurture exceptional mathematical talent through a unique curriculum that encourages cross-disciplinary exploration. Yau emphasized that true innovation emerges from the intersection of different fields, where mathematical thinking can inform and transform other domains of knowledge.

    The college’s approach aligns with global trends in elite education that prioritize synthetic thinking and problem-solving capabilities over specialized technical proficiency. Yau, who has previously noted that Tsinghua’s mathematical talent rivals top US institutions, believes this educational model will produce graduates capable of addressing complex, multidimensional challenges that define contemporary scientific and technological advancement.

  • Nobel laureate inspires students in Beijing: the ‘Goldbach’s conjecture’ of life sciences

    Nobel laureate inspires students in Beijing: the ‘Goldbach’s conjecture’ of life sciences

    Nobel Prize-winning scientist Sir Paul Nurse presented a captivating analogy for one of biology’s greatest mysteries during an inspirational lecture to students in Beijing, framing a fundamental cellular question as life science’s equivalent of mathematics’ famous Goldbach Conjecture.

    The renowned geneticist and physiologist, who received the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning cell cycle regulation, engaged young scholars with a thought-provoking hypothetical: what scientific question would he leave for prehistoric ancestors to accelerate life science development?

    Sir Paul identified the central mystery as understanding how a simple cell, the fundamental unit of life, coordinates thousands of simultaneous chemical reactions within its minimal structure. He described this cellular coordination puzzle as biology’s version of the Goldbach Conjecture – mathematics’ centuries-old unsolved problem regarding prime numbers that has challenged generations of mathematicians.

    ‘The cell is where all the processes of life come together,’ Nurse explained to the attentive audience. ‘How this extraordinarily complex chemistry is organized within such a simple structure remains one of our field’s deepest mysteries.’

    The event, held on January 26, 2026, provided Chinese students with rare access to one of contemporary science’s most distinguished voices. Nurse emphasized that solving biology’s equivalent of the Goldbach Conjecture would represent a transformative breakthrough in human understanding of life itself.

    His presentation blended scientific insight with philosophical reflection, encouraging students to pursue ambitious scientific questions despite their apparent difficulty. The lecture highlighted China’s growing role in global scientific education and its commitment to exposing students to world-leading scientific minds.

  • Israel military says remains of last Gaza hostage Ran Gvili returned

    Israel military says remains of last Gaza hostage Ran Gvili returned

    Israel has confirmed the identification and repatriation of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza, concluding a nearly two-year ordeal that began with Hamas’ October 2023 assault. The Israeli military announced Monday that Gvili’s remains had been returned for burial, marking the resolution of a complex diplomatic and military effort to recover all 251 captives taken during the cross-border attack.

    The repatriation fulfills Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to bring home “everyone back… down to the very last captive.” President Isaac Herzog noted this moment represents the first time since 2014 that no Israeli citizens remain hostage in Gaza, acknowledging that “an entire nation prayed and waited for this moment.”

    Gvili, a 24-year-old motorcycle enthusiast and elite police officer, was on medical leave for shoulder surgery when Hamas attacked. Despite his injury, he grabbed his personal weapon and raced toward the conflict zone to engage militants, where he was ultimately killed in combat near Alumim kibbutz.

    The recovery operation involved Israeli forces searching cemeteries in northern Gaza, with the discovery occurring amid U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiations. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem characterized the body’s return as demonstrating the group’s “commitment to all requirements of the ceasefire agreement.”

    The ceasefire’s second phase had faced opposition from Gvili’s family until his remains were recovered. The agreement also includes reopening Gaza’s Rafah crossing, though initially for pedestrian travel to Egypt only.

    Remembered as “the Defender of Alumim” by his community, Gvili was described by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum as “a true friend, loved by everyone” who “carried a powerful yet calm presence.” His father recalled him as always being “the first to help and the first to jump in,” even while injured.

    The conflict that began with Hamas’ attack (which Israeli figures indicate killed 1,221 people) has resulted in extensive destruction across Gaza, with the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 71,660 fatalities—figures the UN considers reliable.