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

 

Business & Finance

 
 

The New Startup Mentor Might Be an AI


Harvard Business School is experimenting with a new kind of entrepreneurship coach: an AI version of a real professor. Through HBS Foundry, founders get round-the-clock access to digital faculty mentors alongside coursework, online communities and live sessions. Participants say the ability to practise and refine their ideas before real-world encounters is one of the platform’s biggest advantages. But Harvard’s experiment also reinforces a powerful lesson — even in an AI-powered future, entrepreneurship remains deeply human. Read the full article here.

Seven Side Hustles That Became Business Giants


What do Apple, Slack, Instagram, Under Armour, Oculus and Khan Academy have in common? They all began as side projects, built by founders who were working other jobs or pursuing their ideas in their spare time before turning them into full-time ventures. From Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak building a computer in a garage to Sal Khan creating educational videos after tutoring his cousin, these stories show how seemingly small ideas can evolve into extraordinary businesses. The article explores how these founders recognised opportunities, experimented with their ideas and eventually made the leap from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship. Check out the list here.

 

Fortes News

 

Celebrating GCSE Success at Regent


Regent International School is proud to celebrate an outstanding year of GCSE results, reflecting the hard work and determination of its students and the dedication of its Secondary community.


This year, Regent achieved a 100% overall pass rate, with 93% of grades awarded at 9–4, 74% at 9–6 and 55% at 9–7.


Results Day was a particularly memorable occasion, as students celebrated their achievements alongside their families, friends and teachers. The pride, excitement and sense of accomplishment across the school made the day truly special.


Congratulations to all Regent students on their achievements, and to the teachers and families whose continued guidance and support have played an important role throughout their journey.


Sunmarke Celebrates Outstanding GCSE Results


GCSE results for the Class of 2025–26 reflect another strong year of academic achievement at Sunmarke School.


With a 100% pass rate, students achieved an impressive set of results:


67% of grades were 9–7 (A*–A)

86% of grades were 9–6 (A*–B)

99% of grades were 9–4 (A*–C), meeting the internationally recognised benchmark for a strong pass.


These results reflect the commitment and determination of the students, alongside the dedication of their teachers and the continued support of their families.


Congratulations to the Class of 2025–26 on this significant achievement, and best wishes for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

 

NEWS & VIEWS

 

Planet or Dwarf Planet? Scientists Are Still Divided Over Pluto


It has been 20 years since the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet, reducing the solar system’s recognised planets from nine to eight. Yet the controversial 2006 decision continues to divide scientists, with some arguing that Pluto’s complex geology and planetary processes make it deserving of full planet status. Critics particularly question the requirement that a planet must have “cleared its neighbourhood” around its orbit, suggesting the definition may not adequately reflect our modern understanding of planetary systems. Check out the full story here.

Oceans Reach Unprecedented Heat Levels as El Niño Adds Pressure


The world’s oceans have reached their highest recorded temperatures, adding to growing concerns about the accelerating impact of climate change. Scientists say human-caused global warming remains the underlying driver, while the El Niño weather phenomenon is adding further heat to an already warming planet. Rising ocean temperatures can have far-reaching consequences, including increased stress on marine ecosystems and changes to global weather patterns. The latest record highlights the crucial role oceans play in absorbing excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions. Read on for more.

 

Local News

 

UAE Parents Embrace AirTags



A growing number of mothers in the UAE are placing Apple AirTags in their children’s backpacks or attaching them to wristbands for added reassurance during school journeys, bus rides and field trips. Parents say the devices can help ease anxiety, particularly when young children begin travelling independently for the first time. However, AirTags are designed to locate belongings rather than serve as dedicated child-safety devices. A Dubai neuropsychologist warns that constant tracking could encourage hyper-vigilant parenting and potentially affect a child’s confidence, independence and emotional resilience.

Read the full article here.

Dubai’s Beloved Toyota Sign Set for a New Chapter


Dubai’s famous Toyota Building on Sheikh Zayed Road is set to be demolished in 2027, but its instantly recognisable red-and-white rooftop sign will continue to have a place in the city’s story. Al-Futtaim Toyota has confirmed plans to preserve the sign’s legacy, although exactly how and where it will appear next remains under wraps. First installed in 1981, the Toyota sign became a familiar navigational landmark and a nostalgic symbol for generations of Dubai residents. The 15-storey building itself dates back to 1974 and stood through decades of dramatic transformation along Sheikh Zayed Road. Read the full article here.

 

Technology

 

China’s Quiet Robot Revolution Is Transforming Its Factories


Beyond the attention-grabbing humanoid robots that run, box and dance, a much quieter technological revolution is transforming China’s factories. More than two million industrial robots are already working alongside people, carrying out tasks such as welding, assembling, painting and lifting as China pushes towards greater automation. The shift forms part of the country’s broader effort to become a global leader in robotics and AI while responding to an ageing population and a potentially shrinking workforce. However, rapid automation also raises concerns about the future of millions of manufacturing jobs that could eventually be replaced by machines. Read the full story here.

 

Apple’s Next iPhones Could Come With a Bigger Price Tag


Apple is reportedly preparing to raise prices across its upcoming iPhone lineup, with the iPhone 18 Pro potentially costing at least $100 more than its predecessor. The expected increase comes amid an AI-driven shortage of memory chips and other components that has pushed manufacturing costs higher across the technology industry. Apple’s move would follow similar price increases from rivals Samsung and Google, while the company has already raised prices on several Macs and iPads. Despite the potential increase, analysts believe Apple’s loyal customer base, trade-in options and financing programmes could soften the impact on demand. Read on for more.

 

AI Recommendation of the Week

 

AI Tools to make life easier 

Gamma


Gamma is an AI-powered presentation builder designed to simplify the creation of visually appealing pitch decks. Beyond presentations, the platform can also be used to create social media posts, websites, proposals, PDFs and a wide range of other documents. It offers a comprehensive suite of generative AI tools that help users create and design content quickly and efficiently. In many ways, Gamma can be described as a Canva-like platform specifically focused on presentations, documents and other professional content.

Originality AI


Originality AI is a content analysis platform primarily designed to detect AI-generated content. Among the various AI detection tools available, it is widely regarded for its strong accuracy and comprehensive analysis capabilities. In addition to AI detection, the platform offers features such as plagiarism checking, readability analysis and fact-checking assistance, making it a versatile solution for content evaluation.

 

Sports & Entertainment

 

Djokovic and Nadal Faced the End Differently — Body vs Mind


Novak Djokovic has opened up about the mental and emotional strain of continuing his extraordinary tennis career as he approaches 40, revealing that his mind — rather than his body — could ultimately determine when he retires.


Unlike Rafael Nadal, whose career was increasingly restricted by physical injuries, Djokovic says he can still recover physically but finds the relentless pressure, expectations and demands of professional tennis harder to manage mentally. Despite winning 24 Grand Slam titles and achieving virtually everything possible in the sport, he admits that anything short of winning can still feel insufficient. Read the full article here.

India Pile On 503 as Jurel Shines against Sri Lanka


India strengthened their grip on the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after declaring their first innings on an imposing 503 for 9. Dhruv Jurel led the charge on Day 2 with an unbeaten 115, registering his second Test hundred and first overseas century, while Rishabh Pant contributed a rapid 63.


Devdutt Padikkal had earlier laid the foundation with a composed 117, with captain Shubman Gill adding 50. India then struck twice before stumps, reducing Sri Lanka to 8 for 2 and putting the hosts under enormous pressure. With India already leading the series after their 165-run victory in Galle, the visitors are well placed to push for a series sweep. Check out the full match details here.

 

Wellness

 

What Really Happens to Your Body When You Drink Soda Every Day


Drinking soda every day may offer a quick burst of refreshment and energy, but registered dietitians warn that the long-term health effects can add up. Regular soda can repeatedly spike blood sugar and contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance and an increased risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diet sodas may eliminate the sugar, but experts also raise concerns about artificial sweeteners and their potential effects on gut health and metabolism. Check out the full article here.

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