Articles curated and written by students of Sunmarke School and Regent International School

Business & Finance

Oops! The US Just Lost its Perfect Credit Rating


It looks like the US administration did not exactly imagine the repercussions of the instability caused by its confusing tariff policy and subsequent trade war with many countries. In the latest blow to the economy, Moody’s Ratings has downgraded the US’ debt and its creditworthiness, joining Fitch Ratings and S&P who took similar actions earlier. What does this mean for America and the world? Unfortunately, the news for consumers is not that great.

Meet Labubu: The Recession and Tariff Proof Chinese Toy Taking Over the World


Donald Trump may say kids need not have too many toys, but there is one Chinese collectible that’s making not just kids but even adults disregard the tariff chaos to possess one. We are talking about the Labubu, a rather weird gremlin-like toy that people are willing to queue up to buy. The TikTok fuelled trend has become such a craze among Gen-Zers that it propelled the makers, toy company Pop Mart, to meteoric growth. So how did a tiny Labubu cause a twist in the US-China trade war? Read it here. 

Fortes News

Regent Basketball Boys Team Do the School Proud


What a big win for Regent’s U14 Boys Basketball team! They scored a comprehensive 59-10 victory over Brighton College, with standout defense and sharp offensive play. A huge shoutout to Edward for dropping 28 points and earning the Best Player title. 

All About Sunmarke’s Career Development Programme


The Sunmarke Career Development Programme is transforming the way students approach their future. With personalised guidance, real-world internships and global university connections, they are gaining the confidence, skills and clarity to succeed. From university fairs to networking events and sessions with leading mentors, every experience is designed to inspire and empower them.

News & Views

Reset of Brexit?


The UK, it appears, is inching towards a patch up with the European Union years after Brexit. In a very significant move, Britain has decided to “reset” trade and defence ties with countries of the European Union, a move that is likely to have great economic impact on the country, especially since BrexitAs of now, the deal covers only certain areas but not all experts are happy. And this has something to do with the agreements on fishing in particular! Click here to know what critics find ‘fishy’ about this deal. 

Who Stole Melania Trump’s Statue?


Donald Trump’s wife Melania evokes mixed feelings in her native country, Slovenia. What else explains the mysterious disappearance of the US First Lady’s bronze statue that had first come up in 2020? Incidentally, this is not the first time that the unfortunate statute has been targeted. Earlier, her artistic iteration in wood was set on fire by miscreants! And now, the replica has been sawed off. While the police investigate the mystery of the missing statue, we wonder what Melania - who is often missing in action - has to say about it. 

Local News

Top Takeaways from Donald Trump’s Visit to the GCC


It was a whirlwind visit with plenty of headlines generated. From the lavish welcome he received in Saudi Arabia to the much-discussed Al-Ayyala tradition in the UAE, US President Donald Trump’s visit to the GCC was significant in more ways than one. All the three countries - KSA, Qatar and the UAE - had their own wish list but did everyone get what they wanted? Beyond the hype, if you want to know what actually transpired as a result of Trump’s visit, read this feature

Revealed: This is when the Etihad Rail Passenger Train Service Will Begin


After years of waiting, we finally know when the UAE will be connected by a rail line. The Etihad Rail, which will connect the seven emirates and reduce travel time between cities, has announced it will finally launch its passenger services in 2026. The freight trains are already operational but with passenger services launched, the UAE’s transportation scene will undergo a sea change. From free Wi-Fi to the travel time to the stations, here’s a full updated guide. 

Technology

How AI Helped a Road Rage Victim ‘Speak’ To his Killer During Trial


AI is playing a growing role in legal and criminal justice systems but one recent case has sparked global debate. During a road rage trial, a woman used AI to recreate her deceased brother, allowing a video version of him to "share his thoughts" on the incident and even forgive his killer. The family’s aim was to humanise the victim and help the judge understand who he truly was. While some see this as a powerful tool for empathy, others question its place in the courtroom. Why has this stirred such a huge debate?

The Best Digital Notebooks and Smart Pens


Take a lot of notes? Whether it’s daily to-do lists, class notes or random thoughts, writing things down helps you remember better. If you're looking to upgrade from your Notes app, we’ve rounded up the best digital notebooks and tools just for you. From E Ink tablets and smart pens to devices that save and transcribe your handwritten notes, there’s something for every style. Click here to find out the best digital notebooks available.

AI Recommendation of the Week

AI Tools to make life easier 

Ultimate.ai


This is a dream tool for HR professionals. Ultimate.ai provides AI-powered chatbots designed to streamline HR support and handle employee inquiries efficiently. Its natural language processing capabilities ensure accurate responses and improve employee satisfaction by resolving queries promptly.

Personio


Another handy solution for overworked HR teams, Personio has an AI-driven platform that offers comprehensive solutions for managing employee records, benefits and payroll. It helps centralise HR processes and data, thereby increasing efficiency and accuracy and saving time. HR officers can then focus on strategic initiatives and employee development - the real purpose of the department.

Sports & Entertainment

Shock Split: Djokovic and Murray End Coaching Partnership 


In a surprise twist, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have abruptly ended their high-profile coaching partnership after just six months, as the 24-time Grand Slam legend continues to falter in a turbulent 2025 season. It began well - a semifinal run at the Australian Open and a dramatic win over Carlos Alcaraz - but soon fizzled into disappointment, with Djokovic suffering early exits. The former rivals-turned-allies still have kind words for each other but will Djokovic return to form ahead of the French Open? 

Tune In: Rihanna to Release New Song in Three Years


She is one of the most popular artists of our times with her professional and personal moves documented closely. But while Rihanna consistently makes headlines, it’s been a long dry spell as far as her music is concerned. The wait is now over as fans got a glimpse of her new track Friend of Mine that was released a few days ago. The only catch: it’s not part of a studio album but the new Smurfs movie where she lends her vocals to Smurfette. So when will Rihanna finally drop a full-fledged album? This article gives an indication. 

Wellness

Ways to Deal With Emotional Triggers


Healing is never a linear process. You may think you have gotten over a negative emotion but some small incident or episode is enough to send you back to square one, leaving you feeling doubtful and heavy. This does not mean that you haven’t healed, it simply means that something inside you is calling for attention. In the journey of life, these ‘triggers’ come and go but there is a way to navigate sudden emotional upheavals. Find out how. 

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