Author: Tanjid Osman

As the General Assembly gathers for its spring session, the Virginia Capitol Semester program has reached a new high. This year, 68 students are working inside legislative offices across the Virginia Capitol. This is the largest group in the program’s history and a clear sign of growing interest in public service learning. The program is run by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. It allows students to take part in the lawmaking process while the legislature is in session. Instead of learning only from textbooks, students work directly with lawmakers and staff…

Texas has become the first U.S. state to end American Bar Association (ABA) oversight of its law schools, ending a 42-year reliance on the national organization. The Texas Supreme Court finalized the decision on Tuesday, following a tentative ruling in September. Under the new order, the ABA will no longer determine which law school graduates can sit for the Texas bar exam. This exam is required to become a licensed lawyer in the state. The Texas Supreme Court will now have sole authority to approve law schools and establish criteria for graduates to take the bar. “The Court intends to…

In north China’s Inner Mongolia, frozen lakes are turning winter chill into economic opportunity. Yakeshi city has transformed a frozen lake in the Miandu River National Wetland Park into the country’s largest winter automotive testing ground. The ice-covered lake draws more than 60,000 engineers annually to test vehicle performance in extreme cold. Winters here last six months, with temperatures dropping below- 40 degrees Celsius. Yet the harsh climate is fueling a booming industry. The idea began in 2006: could the lake’s 300-hectare ice surface be leased to automakers while migratory birds leave for the south? Bosch was the first to…

A hospital in eastern China’s Jiangsu province has suspended a midwife after a serious medical accident during childbirth led to injury to a newborn baby. Local health authorities confirmed the incident and said the hospital has taken full responsibility for the case. The incident happened on December 25 at a county-level public hospital in Jiangsu. The baby was delivered by cesarean section. During the procedure, the midwife accidentally injured the baby while cutting the umbilical cord. According to the county health commission, the midwife made a major operational mistake. The baby’s left middle finger was partially cut during the process.…

Moving abroad can seem exciting, but it often comes with unexpected challenges. For those considering a major life change, advice from people who have learned the hard way can be invaluable. Greece has been named the world’s best place to retire in 2026, according to the International Living annual index. Panama and Costa Rica follow closely, attracting many North Americans seeking warmer climates and lower costs of living. However, living overseas isn’t always straightforward. Navigating taxes, banking, and local regulations can be confusing, even for seasoned travelers. Barbara Olpinski, originally from New Jersey, moved to Poland in 2020. She admits…

Martin Ødegaard has made history for Arsenal, surpassing club legend Patrick Viera with his latest Premier League assist. The Norway international provided the key pass that allowed Declan Rice to score against Bournemouth, helping Arsenal secure an important win. This assist moves Ødegaard to 34 Premier League assists for the Gunners, one more than Viera achieved during his time at the club. Remarkably, Ødegaard reached this milestone in 114 fewer appearances, underlining his growing influence in the team. Arsenal fell behind early in the match after defender Gabriel gifted Bournemouth a goal. The Brazilian defender’s error put the visitors ahead,…

China has raised concerns at the United Nations about safety and security risks posed by the rapid expansion of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. Chinese representatives told the UN Security Council that unregulated growth of commercial satellite constellations threatens orbital stability worldwide. The warning came during an informal Security Council event, where Beijing emphasized the lack of effective international rules governing satellite operations. The Chinese diplomat cited past incidents, including 2021, when the Tiangong space station had to perform preventive maneuvers to avoid collisions with Starlink satellites. China described the current pace of commercial space activity as a risk for astronauts…

Malaysian tower runner Soh Wai Ching started 2026 with a stunning record. The world No. 1 athlete became the first to finish the 54-storey Cinda International Financial Centre Run Up in Shanxi, China, in under eight minutes. Soh completed the race in seven minutes and 49 seconds. He shaved nearly a minute off the previous record of 8:48. China’s Xue Jian Dong, ranked 12th in the world, finished second in 8:01. Former record holder Han Shi Ming took third place in 8:22. The fourth edition of the Shanxi tower run attracted more than 500 competitors. Soh’s victory marked Malaysia’s first…

A breakthrough in China’s green hydrogen technology is set to transform the global energy landscape. Scientists in Rizha, Shandong Province, have developed a plant that can convert seawater and industrial electricity into three outputs: drinking water, green hydrogen, and mineral-rich salts. The innovation comes at a time when the world faces two major crises: the decline of fossil fuels and a growing global water shortage. With rising demand for clean energy and potable water, this plant offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. Each cubic meter of seawater can be processed at just 2 euros—around 24 Bangladeshi taka—far cheaper than…

The much-anticipated Dunhuang lantern fair 2025 opened on Wednesday, drawing crowds eager to enjoy the city’s unique cultural charm. Tourists from across China and abroad flocked to Dunhuang’s night markets, where colorful lanterns illuminated the streets and created a festive atmosphere. The event showcases hundreds of traditional and modern lantern designs. Visitors can walk through rows of glowing displays, each depicting local legends, historical scenes, or imaginative art. Many attendees take photos, capturing the vivid lights against Dunhuang’s historic backdrop. Organizers said the fair aims to highlight the cultural heritage of Dunhuang while providing a lively experience for families and…