"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Oxford

Star Citizens

The Boy Genius: Joshua Beckford's Remarkable Story

Joshua Beckford, a British-Nigerian child prodigy, has made history as the youngest person to ever attend Oxford University, enrolling at the remarkable age of six. His extraordinary journey is a testament to his exceptional intellect, determination, and passion for learning. A Child Ahead of His TimeBorn to a Nigerian father, Joshua demonstrated remarkable abilities from an early age. By 10 months old, he could identify numbers and letters, and by two and a half years old, he could read fluently using phonics and had begun learning Japanese and Mandarin . His father, Knox Daniel, recognized his son's exceptional abilities and sought to challenge him further.Joshua's academic journey began through a special online learning program designed for gifted children. He excelled in Philosophy and History, securing distinctions that astonished educators and showcased his exceptional intellect. His father took a bold step by writing to Oxford University, advocating for Joshua's admission despite the program's usual age range of eight to 13. The unprecedented move paid off, cementing Joshua's place in history .A Future NeurosurgeonWith aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon, Joshua has already demonstrated surgical skills far beyond his years. Using the Microsoft Surgery Simulator, he has successfully performed virtual procedures like cataract removal, hernia repair, and leg fracture correction, showing remarkable precision with medical instruments .Beyond medicine, Joshua is a multi-talented individual, excelling in art, Information Technology (IT), sports, and foreign languages. He has been recognized for his achievements, including being named Positive Role Model of the Year at the UK's National Diversity Awards in 2017. Joshua has also been listed among the Top 30 Most Extraordinary People worldwide who have made societal impact .Giving Back to the CommunityJoshua serves as an ambassador for the Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN), a non-governmental organization dedicated to mentoring young boys and adolescents in Africa. He also serves as the face of the National Autistic Society's Black and Minority (BME) campaign, helping to spread awareness about autism and its effects on minority communities .Joshua Beckford's is a story of the power of determination, hard work, and passion for learning. As he continues to pursue his dreams, he serves as an inspiration to people around the world, showing that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible

5 Apr 2025
Star Citizens

The Amazing Story of Ilma Afroz, a Farmer’s Daughter Who Left New York to Become IPS Officer in India

Ilma Afroz lived with her younger brother and parents in a small village in Kundarki in Uttar Pradesh. Fate dealt a blow when her father passed away when she was only 14 years old. Her strong-willed mother defied the norm of marrying away her daughter and instead chose to educate her so that she realizes her potential. A Brilliant Student Ilma Afroz after completing her high school education sought admission in St. Stephen’s College, Delhi where she studied philosophy. Ilma recounts that those days were the best days of her life where she learned to give shape to an argument, write convincingly and listen patiently. Her hard work and determination took her to Oxford University for higher studies. There she was exposed to more debates and discussions which gave her a perspective of world views. Life’s Purpose Ilma later went to New York and it was there that she realized her purpose in life. She narrates that every single day she would come back to her downtown Manhattan room and yearn for her home and the smile on her Ammi’s face. One day, in her office, she wondered whether her mother was destined to wait for her all alone in Kundarki and remembered the efforts that her near and dear ones put in so that she could succeed in life. She recollected how when she would visit her village, her village folks would be so delighted to see her thinking that she will alleviate their sufferings. That is when she made up her mind to return to her home and serve her country. Soon 26-year-old Ilma was back in India and preparing for Civil Services Exam. She cracked it in 2017 claiming 217th rank which is no mean feat and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). Ilma Afroz motivates and inspires the youth to utilize their education and skills for the service and betterment of the country. Image Source: YouTube

2 Sep 2019
Star Citizens

Global News

The Happiest Country on Earth (Again!): Finland's Eighth Consecutive Year at the Top

Finland has once again taken the top spot in the World Happiness Report, a position it has held for eight consecutive years. The report, which ranks countries based on self-assessed life evaluations, also highlights the importance of access to nature, strong welfare systems, and social connections in achieving happiness.World Happiness ReportThe World Happiness Report is a leading publication on global wellbeing, combining data from 140+ countries with expert analysis. Published annually by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre and partners, the report provides insights on happiness and wellbeing, empowering individuals to create positive change.The report's global happiness ranking is based on a single question from the Gallup World Poll, using the Cantril Ladder scale, which asks respondents to rate their life from 0 (worst possible) to 10 (best possible)The top 10 happiest countries in the world, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report :-Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, and Mexico. Other countries mentioned in the report include the United Kingdom, which ranked 23rd, and the United States, which ranked 24th, marking its lowest-ever position.The Secret to Finland's SuccessSo, what sets Finland apart from the rest of the world? According to experts, it's a combination of factors, including a strong belief in others, optimism for the future, trust in institutions, and support from friends and family. Finland's unique approach to education, which emphasizes equity and inclusivity, is also mentioned as a key factor in its success.The report also highlights the importance of social connections in achieving happiness. In fact, sharing meals with others was found to be strongly linked with wellbeing across the globe. In contrast, the report notes that Americans are spending more and more time dining alone, with roughly 1 in 4 reporting eating all their meals alone in 2023.A New Era of HappinessThis year's report also saw some newcomers to the top 10 list, including Costa Rica and Mexico. According to social science researcher and consultant Ron Levey, these countries demonstrate that you don't need to be one of the world's wealthiest countries to make people happy. "High life evaluation is possible when basic economic needs are being met," she says.The report also explores the role of trust and kindness in achieving happiness. In a unique experiment, researchers deliberately lost wallets in various countries and measured how many were returned. The results showed that strangers are about twice as kind as people think, and that belief in the kindness of others is more closely tied to happiness than previously thought.As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the World Happiness Report offers a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing happiness and wellbeing. By showing  the importance of social connections, trust, and kindness, we can create a more compassionate and equitable world for all.

24 Mar 2025
Global News

Uncharted Waters: English Expedition Discovers Over 5,000 New Ocean Species in the Pacific

An English expedition has discovered 5,000 new ocean species that were previously unknown to science during a research trip in the Pacific. The expedition, led by the University of Oxford's Professor Alex Rogers, spent six weeks exploring the deep sea using cutting-edge technology. The team used underwater robots to explore the depths of the ocean and collect samples of marine life. They discovered a wide variety of new species, including fish, crustaceans, and corals. Many of the species are believed to be new to science, and some may have important ecological or commercial value. The discovery is a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the biodiversity of the ocean and highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The expedition's findings will be used to inform conservation efforts and help protect vulnerable marine species. Professor Rogers said, "This is a major discovery that will help us understand the biodiversity of the ocean and the role that these species play in the ecosystem. We hope that our findings will inspire others to explore the ocean and discover new species." The researchers plan to further analyze the samples collected during the expedition and publish their findings in scientific journals. The discovery underscores the importance of investing in scientific research to better understand our planet's biodiversity and protect it for future generations.

29 May 2023
Global News

Good News

Pune's Cake Artist Makes Global Waves at Oxford and UK Parliament!

The UK recently hosted India Week, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and contributions, with a standout moment that spotlighted Pune-based cake artist Prachi Dhabal Deb. Prachi's exceptional work in Royal Icing Art was honored at two prestigious venues: Oxford University and the UK Parliament. Her recognition marks a historic milestone, as she is the first cake artist to be celebrated at the world-renowned Oxford University. Prachi’s Journey to Global Recognition Prachi Dhabal Deb's journey to global acclaim is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and educated in Kolkata, Prachi's passion for cake artistry took flight after studying Royal Icing Art in London. Over the past decade, she has championed this niche art form, combining traditional techniques with innovative designs. Her artistic prowess has not only earned her accolades but has also led to several world records certified by the World Book of Records, London. These include a stunning 100 kg cake structure inspired by the Milan Cathedral, the maximum number of vegan royal icing structures, and a massive 200 kg edible structure of an Indian-inspired palace created with vegan royal icing. Source: Google Images Celebrating Excellence at Oxford University At Oxford University, Prachi was felicitated by Kevin McCole, Managing Director of the UK India Business Council. This recognition underscores her significant contributions to Royal Icing Art, a craft she has explored and expanded with unparalleled skill. Prachi expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is an honour to be acknowledged for my work in a field that I am so passionate about. The journey has been challenging but immensely rewarding." The celebrations continued at the UK Parliament, where Prachi was further honored by Navin Shah CBE. This double recognition—at both Oxford University and the UK Parliament—highlights Prachi’s dedication and creativity, making India proud on the global stage. A Commitment to Vegan Artistry Prachi’s accomplishments highlight not just her artistry but also her dedication to a vegan lifestyle. She has skillfully merged her love for confectionery with sustainability, redefining the possibilities of vegan royal icing. "I want to demonstrate that vegan alternatives can be as grand and beautiful as traditional ones," Prachi said. Her creations prove that vegan confectionery can be both innovative and visually breathtaking. Currently residing in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, Prachi Dhabal Deb is more than just a cake artist; she is a true ambassador of creativity and innovation in the culinary arts. Her work continues to set new standards and inspire others in the world of cake artistry. In a heartfelt Instagram message, Prachi reflected on her monumental achievement: “I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude, pride, and humility. Being honored with this prestigious award at Oxford University by Kevin McCole and at the UK Parliament by Navin Shah CBE for my contributions to Royal Icing Art is not only a recognition of my work but also a validation of the countless hours of dedication, passion, and perseverance.” She dedicated her award to her family, friends, and mentor Sir Eddie Spence MBE, expressing her commitment to keeping the art of piping alive.

22 Jul 2024
Good News

Oxford English Dictionary Adds 70 Indian Words

From Indian delicacies like 'Ghosht', 'Gulab Jamun', 'Bhelpuri' and 'Bhindi' to colloquial terms such as 'Yaar', 'Chi-Chi', 'Jugaad' and 'Chup', 70 Indian words have found recognition in the Oxford English Dictionary(OED). The words included in the OED have been taken from various Indian languages such as Telugu, Urdu, Tamil, Hindi and Gujarati. ‘Abba’, the term of endearment used to address one’s father in many families has also been added. With yoga making an impact all over the world, it is no surprise that ‘Surya Namaskar’ has found a place in OED. ‘Anna’ a monetary term which equals one-sixteenth of a rupee already existed in the OED as a noun. Now, it has been included as a Tamil and Telugu word, which is used to address one’s elder brother. The OED is updated four times in a year, in the months of March, June, September and December, and so far, 900 Indian words have been recognized in the dictionary. The words are selected carefully and they are taken into consideration only after they have been used in public for a couple of years. Every year, the new words that are coined are closely monitored by the Oxford Dictionary and The Oxford University Press. The words are included in the dictionary only after a lot of consideration.

1 Nov 2017
Good News

Chana dal is new entrant of Oxford English Dictionary

Chana and chana dal are not only a popular component of Indian cuisine, but they have been deemed so popular that they have found a place in the Oxford English Dictionary. They are among the 600 other words and phrases that the authoritative Oxford English Dictionary ( OED )has deemed popular enough to be included in its quarterly update. The list of words introduced in this year’s update of the OED covers everything from lifestyle and current affairs to the educational world. The unofficial custodian of English language has included tennis-related words like "forced error" as well as slang such as "bagel" - which refers to a score in a set of six games to love, due to the similarity of the numeral zero to the shape of a bagel. The word “post-truth” which was announced Word of the Year in 2016 following Britain’s Brexit referendum and Donald Trump’s presidential victory has also entered the OED in its latest update. A new sense of ‘woke’, meaning "alert to racial or social discrimination and injustice" has also been added. Its use by supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement, and in particular the phrase "stay woke", is thought to have introduced the word to a broader audience, especially on social media. The Oxford Dictionary also got a new last word as ‘zyzzyva’, which is a kind of weevil (insect) native to South America was added to it.

28 Jun 2017
Good News

Oxford launches compact English – Assamese Dictionary

It will now be easy for the Assamese people to master the English language as the Oxford University Press (OUP) launched the Oxford Compact English-English Assamese Dictionary in Guwahati on Wednesday. It is an addition to OUP’s 23 existing bilingual dictionaries in Indian Languages. The dictionary contains as many as 24,000 words, phrases, idioms, phrasal verbs and derivatives with their translations and over 200 illustrations, 13,000 example sentences and 1,100 synonyms and opposites. While preparing this dictionary, the current usage of the language was taken into account and the Assamese translation was kept very simple. To help users with the pronunciation, a pronunciation guide using the International Phonetic Alphabet is also provided with the dictionary. The OUP said that this dictionary will be helpful not only for students but also for adult learners of English, teachers, translators and also general readers. The launch event was attended by several educators, academicians and representatives of educational institutions. Paras Bansal, Business Head (Higher Education, Trade and Professional Learning) OUP India, said that the launch is a significant milestone as Assam has a large young population eager to improve their proficiency in the English language for both personal and professional development.

18 Jun 2017
Good News

Global Inspirations

New words in Oxford dictionary - Quiddtich, Latte art

Every year, new words are added to the Oxford Dictionary, and this year words like Quidditch, cli-fi and showmance are among the 40 new additions in the latest update of the Oxford Dictionary. Quidditch, a fantasy game which originated at Middlebury College in Vermont, is played with broomsticks held between the legs. Another word that has found a place in this reputed book is 'cromulent' which means  “acceptable or adequate”. Another new entrant is ‘showmance’. It refers to a romantic relationship between co-stars, but particularly one which is skillfully done for the sake of publicity. Latte art is another new word which means illustrations made by carefully pouring steamed milk onto the drink’s surface  Another word added to the update is Mary Sue’ which  refers to “a type of female character who is depicted as unrealistically lacking in flaws or weaknesses”. Cli-fi’ refers to the genre of fiction that addresses issues around climate change and global warming. As people are growing more concerned about the environment, it has given rise to new words like ‘agroecology’ which means the ‘application of ecological principles to agricultural system'.

15 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

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