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Best of BS Opinion: The quiet undercurrents changing the world today
You know that moment at the lakeside when everything looks still, no wind, no ripples. And then suddenly, your feet feel something shift below? A swirl. A stirring. A current quietly turning things over beneath the calm surface. That's how change often arrives, not like a bolt of lightning, but like a whisper under the surface. That's what our world today feels like as well. On the surface, institutions still stand, celebrities still smile, the city still runs. But beneath it all, subtle forces are rearranging the landscape. Let's dive in.
Shang-Jin Wei notices one such tectonic ripple: the growing financial and ecological anxiety that's unravelling the global order we've long taken for granted. With Trump's fiscal recklessness threatening the dollar's credibility and climate cooperation fraying post-Paris exit, Asia and Europe are being nudged toward deeper, alternative alliances. From stablecoin diplomacy to carbon tariffs and WTO rewiring, a new architecture is quietly forming, not in resistance, but in response.
In the shadows of this global churn, R Gopalakrishnan spotlights India's own deep-sea innovators — Suhas Patil and Anjan Bose — whose life-long work in chips and grid technology never grabbed headlines but shaped industries. They're the hidden champions, steadying the foundation even as waves crash up top. They built not for the quarter but for the quarter-century and India's future may well depend on unearthing and honouring many more like them.
Then comes the political tremor from New York. Devangshu Datta writes about Zohran Mamdani, the unlikely mayoral frontrunner whose democratic socialist platform has stirred the status quo. His agenda, rent freezes, public transit, tax-the-rich, may sound radical, but it's tapping into real pain. And if implemented well, it might just recalibrate NYC's urban engine. The current he rides on? Economic justice wrapped in a rejection of capitalist excess.
But as Shekhar Gupta reminds us, Mamdani's rise is no quiet ripple in India. It has unleashed a storm of identity debates, religion, origin, ideology, triggering unease within India's right-wing circles. Ironically, Mamdani's agenda resembles India's own socialist past, even as it tries to distance itself from that very memory. What we buried, others now revive and perhaps better dressed, perhaps better timed.
And Vishal Menon watches another tide turn: Aamir Khan's shifting cinematic presence. Once the harbinger of meaningful cinema, his recent roles falter even as his vision behind the camera still gleams. Maybe it's time he lets the current carry him back to where his true strength lies.
Stay tuned, and remember, sometimes, the storm isn't loud. But the undercurrent? That's what pulls the future in!
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Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
What Mamdani's plan for 911,000 NYC students says about the next era of US education
If Zohran Mamdani wins New York City's mayoral race in November, he could usher in a bold new chapter not just for the city's public schools, but for urban education across the US. As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Mamdani would oversee the nation's largest school system—serving roughly 911,000 students across 1,600 schools—and he's signaling that he doesn't intend to lead with a top-down approach. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 33-year-old Queens assemblyman and democratic socialist told Chalkbeat he is "opposed to mayoral control in its current iteration," expressing support for a more participatory system that involves school communities directly. His platform emphasizes equity, transparency, and investment, combining sweeping progressive ideals with a personal connection—Mamdani is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and a former standardized testing tutor. A vision grounded in equity, care, and public investment Mamdani's education agenda centers heavily on combating child poverty and homelessness—issues he argues are inseparable from student success. During the first primary debate, he highlighted that "500,000 children go to bed hungry each night and 100,000 of the city's students are homeless," as reported by Chalkbeat. He supports expanding the Bronx pilot program "Every Child and Family Is Known," which connects children in shelters with dedicated adult mentors who check in daily. In line with this care-focused model, Mamdani wants to improve services for students with disabilities. He suggested boosting wages for paraprofessionals to address current staff shortages, which is critical to reducing class sizes and supporting inclusive classrooms. He has also proposed cuts to consultant contracts within the Department of Education to reallocate funding directly into schools. Rethinking early education, child care, and public college Mamdani's platform proposes universal free child care from birth to age five, with salaries for child care workers matched to those of public school teachers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On higher education, he advocates for a "new deal" for the CUNY system—including tuition-free education, infrastructure funding, better staff pay, and free OMNY transit cards for students—framing it as an investment in economic justice and workforce development. Challenging traditional governance and curriculum models In a departure from recent administrations, Mamdani opposes centralized mayoral control. He envisions a model that leverages bodies like the Panel for Educational Policy and school leadership teams to co-govern, according to Chalkbeat. As the current city school governance structure awaits renewal in 2026, this stance could spark major debates. While he supports the literacy initiative launched under Mayor Eric Adams as "a step in the right direction," Mamdani told Chalkbeat he would adjust the program to allow greater teacher discretion and ensure materials are adapted for diverse learners. He underscored the need for culturally responsive teaching and robust professional development. Addressing class sizes, school safety, and segregation Mamdani has expressed a commitment to meeting the state's class size mandate, even though it's projected to cost up to $1.9 billion annually. He suggested conducting a full audit of the Department of Education to locate inefficiencies and reinvest funds in hiring teachers and expanding classroom space. He also mentioned capping enrollment at overcrowded schools and pursuing mergers "where appropriate," Chalkbeat reported. On school safety, he proposes investing in guidance counselors, mental health professionals, and restorative justice models over expanding the school safety force. Mamdani told Chalkbeat he supports forming a youth advisory committee to prevent hate violence and believes restorative practices will help "students remain in schools, learn from mistakes, grow conflict resolution skills, and improve academic outcomes. " A progressive but uncertain path forward While Mamdani's agenda resonates with a growing progressive movement in US education, critics may raise concerns about its feasibility. The scale of proposed spending lacks full financial detail, and his opposition to mayoral control could raise questions about accountability. With limited experience managing education systems, Mamdani's ability to deliver on sweeping promises remains to be seen. Still, as reported by Chalkbeat, Mamdani stated: "I am running to protect New Yorkers from Trump," adding that his education policies will shield families from "his attacks on funding for vital services." His campaign makes clear: the future of NYC's schools—and perhaps urban education nationwide—may hinge on how voters interpret that promise.
NDTV
an hour ago
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Zohran Mamdani Isn't New York Mayor Yet But Already Faces MAGA's Heat
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Time of India
2 hours ago
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Study, intern, and get hired: 5 countries with best job prospects for international students
Countries with best job prospects for international graduates For international students, studying abroad isn't just about lectures and assignments—it's about building a future. The real challenge begins after graduation: Will you be able to stay and work in the country you studied in? Fortunately, some countries offer clear, supportive pathways from classroom learning to professional employment. Here are five nations that stand out in 2025 for turning international students into successful global professionals. Canada Canada remains one of the most popular study destinations for Indian and international students—and not just for its welcoming culture. Canadian universities are known for their co-op programs , where students alternate between academic terms and paid work placements directly related to their field. This hands-on experience often leads to full-time offers from the same employers. After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their program. What makes Canada even more attractive is its immigration system. Through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, many international graduates transition smoothly from student status to permanent residents. With booming sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance, Canada offers real career growth for graduates ready to contribute. Germany Germany has become a favorite for international students—especially those in STEM fields—thanks to its tuition-free public universities and strong industrial economy. Many degree programs, especially in engineering and applied sciences, require mandatory internships. These internships often turn into long-term job offers, particularly in sectors like automotive, robotics, and renewable energy. After finishing their studies, graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit to find employment. Once they land a skilled job, they can apply for the EU Blue Card, which offers accelerated residency and career security across the European Union. Germany's demand for highly qualified workers, coupled with a stable economy and pro-student policies, makes it an ideal destination for those who want more than just a degree. The Netherlands The Netherlands is increasingly popular among students who want a quality European education with practical job prospects. One of its biggest advantages is the 'Orientation Year' visa, which allows international graduates to stay in the country for 12 months after finishing their degree to look for work. Many Dutch universities offer English-taught programs and maintain strong relationships with industries in fields like sustainability, AI, and finance. During their studies, students often take on internships as part of their coursework or through career services, which can convert into long-term employment. The work culture is international and inclusive, and the hiring process for skilled graduates is efficient. With its high quality of life, widespread use of English, and growing startup scene, the Netherlands offers the perfect mix of education and career-building. Australia Australia has long been known for its diverse universities and high standard of living, but it's also a top country for students looking to stay and work after graduation. Many degree programs include Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) , where students gain real-world experience through internships, placements, and industry projects. After graduating, students are eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live and work in Australia for two to four years, depending on their qualification level. This post-study work period gives students time to gain local experience and even apply for skilled migration if eligible. With growing demand in sectors like public health, IT, engineering, and business, Australia remains one of the most practical choices for long-term career planning. Singapore Singapore may be small in size, but it punches above its weight when it comes to career opportunities for international students. As one of Asia's biggest business and tech hubs, it's home to multinational companies like Google, Grab, and DBS, which regularly recruit interns from local universities. Many of these internships convert into job offers—especially in high-demand fields like fintech, logistics, and AI. Singapore's employment pass system is well-structured and efficient, making it easier for skilled graduates to transition from student to professional. Universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are deeply connected to industry and government initiatives, offering students access to career fairs, mentorship, and global networks. For students looking for international exposure in a fast-growing economy, Singapore is a standout choice. What students should know If you're planning to study abroad and hope to build a career there, it's important to look beyond course rankings and tuition fees. Research the country's post-study visa options, talk to alumni, and check whether your course includes internships or industry projects. Also, don't wait until the final semester—start attending job fairs, networking events, and applying for internships from day one. The earlier you plan, the easier the transition will be from graduation to full-time employment. In today's global economy, a degree alone isn't enough—you need experience, connections, and the right location to turn your study abroad dream into a long-term career. These five countries—Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and Singapore—not only welcome international students, but actively invest in their futures. So if you're ready to study abroad, choose a destination that helps you go from classroom to career—with confidence. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
