The year 2025.

The Year 2025 The year 2025 passed without much positivity across the world. Earthquakes and other natural calamities were more visible on the global stage. Political instability in several regions, particularly in the Middle East—Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza—led to increased chaos and uncertainty. India, however, continued to progress steadily in production, infrastructure, and overall development. The introduction of more Vande Bharat trains connecting major destinations is truly admirable and reflects the country’s forward momentum. In the latter part of the year, from September onward, tensions arose due to new U.S. tariff policies and changes in the education sector. New restrictions and increased fee structures affected students significantly. Indo–U.S. relations, which have been cordial for decades, experienced some strain due to tariff issues and hikes in H-1B visa fees, leading to a certain lethargy in discussions. Recent developments suggest that the relationship is expected to stabilize and return to normal, though clear signs are yet to be seen. Apart from tariffs, student deportations and safety concerns have created hesitation among new students, even those who have secured admissions, due to increased costs and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the UAE—especially the capitals Abu Dhabi and Dubai—has shown dramatic growth across all sectors. Artificial Intelligence is set to dominate the country’s future development and innovation landscape. Despite many unpleasant events, the coming year should bring hope. The world needs peace, happiness, and solidarity. To fight terrorism and hatred, the international community must stand united. Only through collective effort can we expect a brighter and more peaceful 2026. Wishing all readers a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. With warm regards, K. Ragavan Bengaluru