Blog

“Our goal has been and continues to be aligning the TOEFL experience with the students taking it and the future they are preparing for,” said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager, TOEFL at ETS. “Today’s learners expect flexibility, authenticity, and support throughout their journey. TOEFL is evolving to reflect the realities of global mobility, digital learning, and the future of work, while continuing to deliver the academic trust institutions rely on.”

 

The shift in Indian student preferences is significant. Countries including Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands are seeing a marked increase in Indian enrollments, driven by more affordable tuition, strong post-study work opportunities, and globally ranked institutions, factors that are reshaping how students think about, and prepare for, higher education abroad.

“India continues to be one of the fastest-growing student mobility markets, with learners exploring a wider range of destinations,” said Karan Lalit, Executive Director – South Asia, TOEFL & GRE, ETS. “The enhanced TOEFL iBT helps students prepare for these global opportunities by focusing on real-world academic communication skills, giving them confidence to succeed wherever their studies take them.”

• Official TOEFL preparation materials that build practical academic communication skills and boost test-day confidence.
• Digital and social engagement campaigns showcasing authentic student experiences, preparation tips, and success stories across global study destinations.
• Creative student-engagement initiatives, including a study playlist and the TOEFL Chief Student Ambassador, Tina, who guides learners through every stage of their preparation.
• Adaptations of global campaigns, including “Learn It. Take It. Review It.” and “You Speak World“, contextualized for Indian learners and their aspirations.

London , June 16 :  Air bp is proud to celebrate 100 years serving the global aviation industry. Since its creation in 1926, when aircraft were still made of wood and canvas, Air bp has remained central to the industry’s most important milestones.  

The scale of change is significant – from 2,582 gallons supplied in its second year of operations to the approximately 6.6 billion gallons used annually today. Air bp is now present at 600 airports across 40 countries.

From pioneering mobile refueling units to the first commercial test flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel transatlantic commercial flight , Air bp’s history tracks the remarkable trajectory of flight.  Today, as aviation faces new challenges, Air bp is using its technical expertise and leveraging its global network to support the shift to a lower-carbon future.

Federica Berra, CEO of Air bp:

 “Air bp has helped shape the way the world flies, from pioneering into-plane fuelling in 1926, to supporting the aviation industry through every major transformation since.”

Air bp has contributed to the evolution of refueling practices through a series of technical and operational advancements, including early mobile refueling services and support for notable long-distance flights in the 1930s. Air bp also helped develop industry-wide safety standards that continue to support safe and reliable operations today. More recently, Air bp supplied fuel for the first 100% SAF transatlantic commercial flight.

Berra added:

“As we enter our second century, our focus remains the same: delivering the reliability, safety and lower carbon solutions our customers and the industry needs for its next chapter.” 

Ras Al Khaimah, June 16: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) concluded a series of business engagements in Germany and Finland aimed at strengthening economic ties, fostering new partnerships, and showcasing the opportunities available to European companies looking to establish and/or expand into the UAE and wider regional markets through Ras Al Khaimah.

The programme was headlined by a business breakfast held at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Düsseldorf, in collaboration with IHK Düsseldorf and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK). The event brought together representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Germany, business leaders, industry representatives, and investors to discuss opportunities for growth amid an evolving global economic landscape and explore the advantages of establishing and expanding operations in the UAE

Discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, including UAE business laws, advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, sustainability, logistics, and innovation, while highlighting the UAE’s position as a globally connected business hub and Ras Al Khaimah’s growing role as a destination for companies seeking competitiveness, operational flexibility, and access to regional and international markets. Germany remains one of the strongest investor markets within the RAKEZ business community, with more than 1,100 German companies operating across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, furnishings, industrial equipment, construction solutions, electronics, and specialised services.

As part of the wider European programme, the RAKEZ delegation visited Finland, where it met with Her Excellency Amna Fikri, UAE Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, in Helsinki to discuss opportunities for enhanced economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the UAE, Finland, and Estonia. During the visit, the delegation also participated in Match & Grow: A business networking event in Lahti organised in collaboration with LADEC. The event brought together Finnish businesses and ecosystem partners to explore opportunities for international growth, investment, and collaboration, while providing direct access to RAKEZ experts and insights into expanding into the UAE market through Ras Al Khaimah.

A key feature of both events was the participation of established RAKEZ investors who shared practical insights into doing business in the UAE from a base in Ras Al Khaimah. In Germany, Harald Hotop, Chief Executive Officer of Kludi, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of bathroom and kitchen fittings, discussed the company’s experience of operating from Ras Al Khaimah and serving regional markets from the emirate. In Finland, Topi Paananen, CEO of Peikko Group, highlighted the company’s growth journey in the UAE and the opportunities the market continues to offer international manufacturers and industrial businesses. Both companies are among the many European businesses that have chosen RAKEZ as a base for their regional operations.

Commenting on the engagements, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Europe continues to be an important strategic market for Ras Al Khaimah, and our engagements in Germany and Finland reflect our commitment to building long-term economic partnerships that create value for businesses on both sides. Germany, in particular, remains one of our most established investor markets, and we continue to see strong interest from European companies seeking a competitive, well-connected, and future-focused environment from which to serve regional and global markets. Through initiatives such as these, we are strengthening the bridges between our business communities and creating new pathways for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

The engagements form part of RAKEZ’s ongoing international outreach efforts to connect with key investor markets, strengthen global partnerships, and support companies seeking growth opportunities through Ras Al Khaimah’s dynamic business ecosystem.

Bengaluru, India, June 16: As the Indian television market shifts toward larger screens and sophisticated OLED and QLED technologies, a dangerous misconception is taking root among consumers, the myth of the “in–built stabilizer.” While many modern sets claim to handle voltage variations, industry experts and performance data suggest that relying on internal electrical system alone may be significantly shortening the lifespan of India’s most expensive home entertainment investments. 

The SMPS Misunderstanding Modern Smart TVs utilize a Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) to convert AC power to DC. While efficient, the SMPS is a functional component, not a protective one. “Operational tolerance is often confused with operational safety,” says a technical spokesperson from V-Guard Industries. “An SMPS can keep a TV running during a dip or surge, but it does so at a high internal cost. Sustained voltage stress leads to increased operating temperatures, which silently degrades sensitive components over time.” 

The Supply Grid Reality Despite infrastructure improvements, the electrical grid remains unpredictable. Urban areas face load imbalances from high-consumption appliances, while semi-urban regions deal with frequent “brownouts.” When power returns after an outage, it often brings microsecond spikes high-voltage surges that can bypass standard internal circuits, leading to catastrophic board failure and expensive out-of-warranty repairs. 

The Hidden Performance Decay

Beyond total failure, there is the issue of long-term output degradation. When internal components are repeatedly stressed by fluctuating voltage, the TV’s performance begins to wither before its time. 

The Extended Warranty Trap

Many consumers forgo external protection, believing an extended warranty acts as a comprehensive safety net. However, warranties are reactive measures rather than preventative solutions. While they may cover certain repairs, they do not shield the television from the ongoing physical toll of electrical instability. Relying solely on a warranty policy often exposes consumers to fine-print exclusions regarding environmental or electrical damage, ultimately leaving them vulnerable to unexpected, exorbitant out-of-pocket repair costs when repeated voltage stress takes its toll. 

Protecting the Premium Experience with Smart TVs now serving as the hub of the modern home, the financial stakes have never been higher. Extensive testing indicates that external stabilization isn’t just about preventing a “pop” during a storm; it is about thermal management. By regulating the input, an external stabilizer ensures the SMPS operates at its intended temperature, effectively preserved the panel’s brilliance and the processor’s speed for years to come.

For the savvy Indian consumer, the message is clear: your premium TV deserves premium protection.

New Delhi, June 16: Fiscal pressures across India’s states have intensified in FY25, with all 28 states reporting revenue or fiscal deficits, according to the latest report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

The report highlights that rising expenditure commitments, coupled with uneven revenue growth, have contributed to widening fiscal stress across several states. Increased spending on welfare programmes, subsidies, and infrastructure projects has added pressure on state finances, even as revenue mobilisation efforts continue.

The CAG noted that while states remain committed to maintaining development momentum, fiscal imbalances have emerged as a key concern in the post-pandemic economic recovery phase. The report underscores the need for improved expenditure management and stronger revenue augmentation strategies.

Experts observing the findings stated that persistent deficits across all states reflect structural challenges in fiscal consolidation, particularly in balancing developmental priorities with financial sustainability. They added that greater efficiency in public spending and enhanced fiscal discipline will be critical going forward.

The report further suggests that strengthening tax administration, improving compliance, and rationalising expenditure could help states move towards more sustainable fiscal paths in the medium term.

Despite fiscal stress, states continue to play a crucial role in driving public investment and delivering essential services, making fiscal health a key area of focus for overall economic stability.

The findings underline the importance of coordinated fiscal reforms to ensure long-term sustainability of state finances while supporting growth-oriented spending.

Jordan itself presents a compelling proposition for travellers seeking authentic experiences with fewer crowds. From the timeless wonder of Petra to the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the therapeutic shores of the Dead Sea, the destination offers a unique blend of heritage, adventure, and wellness.

Royal Jordanian continues to support tourism to Jordan through reliable operations, onboard comfort, and seamless connectivity via Amman. As travel demand gradually rebounds, the airline is also introducing competitive fares and flexible travel options, making it an ideal time for Indian travellers to rediscover the region.

Backed by operational continuity, stability, and renewed traveller confidence, Royal Jordanian remains committed to strengthening Jordan’s position as a key gateway to the Middle East while deepening its presence in the Indian market.