9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is proud to announce the outstanding achievement of 92 of its students, who have successfully cleared the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) 2025 from the B.Ed Department under Prof Qomrul Hoque School of Education, USTM.
This remarkable accomplishment highlights the dedication, hard work, and academic excellence of our future educators.
The MTET qualification is a significant milestone for aspiring teachers, opening doors to teaching positions in government and aided schools across Meghalaya. The success of these 92 students is a testament to USTM’s commitment to nurturing competent and passionate educators who are well-equipped to shape the future of education in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of USTM, Prof GD Sharma, expressed immense pride and joy. “This achievement reflects our consistent efforts to provide quality teacher education and create an environment that supports the all-around development of our students.
I congratulate every successful candidate and encourage them to serve society with sincerity and dedication.”
The B.ed Program under Prof Qomrul Hoque School of Education has played a pivotal role in guiding the students throughout their preparation journey, offering regular training sessions, mock tests, and mentorship support. Faculty members also extended their heartfelt congratulations and shared their happiness over the remarkable success rate.
As these young achievers step closer to fulfilling their dreams of becoming educators, USTM continues its mission to empower students with knowledge, values, and vision.
NEW ZEALAND: – Ayesha Halal Certification Ltd, United World Halal Development (UNWHD) and Trade Not Riba dot Com proudly announces the 1st New Zealand Halal Expo And Halal Economic Forum 2025, a premier one-day international event focused on leveraging the country’s strengths in agriculture, sustainability, tourism and inclusive innovation to drive the global Halal economy forward.
Organized by UNWHD and supported by local stakeholders and international partners, this forum will bring together over 500 participants including global policymakers, business leaders, trade experts, investors, and Halal certification bodies. The event will serve as a strategic platform to explore transformative opportunities across sectors such as Halal-certified food and beverage (F&B), tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and digital innovation.
New Zealand’s reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture, tourism, multicultural inclusivity, and high-quality exports positions it as an ideal venue for this global event. The Halal Economic Forum 2025 will catalyze dialogue, foster investment, and facilitate meaningful cross-border partnerships across the OIC, ASEAN, and Asia-Pacific regions.
Key highlights of the forum include:
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Addresses by New Zealand government representatives, ambassador/consulate general, and industry pioneers.
Investors Summit & B2B/G2G Networking Sessions focusing on Halal market opportunities and trade expansion.
Sector-Focused Panels & Workshops covering Halal tourism, certification, compliance, logistics, digital transformation, and innovation in food and health sectors.
Product Showcase of Halal-certified goods and services by global and local brands.
This event continues the global momentum set by Halal Economic Forum & World Halal Day, celebrated annually on November 1st and initiated by UNWHD. Previous celebrations were held in:
2014 – Singapore, 2015 – India, 2016 – Croatia, 2017 – United Kingdom, 2018 – South Korea, 2019 – Russia, 2020 – Virtual, 2021 – South Africa, 2022 – Tatarstan, 2023 – Indonesia, 2024 – Singapore.
These events have left a lasting economic, cultural, and diplomatic impact across continents, creating a unified voice for Halal awareness, trade promotion, and ethical growth.
New Zealand 2025 aims to solidify the country’s place in the global Halal ecosystem by fostering:
Enhanced trade connectivity
New investment pipelines
Halal-friendly tourism initiatives
Inclusive job creation and academic collaboration
Long-term economic resilience through ethical practices
Allen, TX – In a dazzling display of linguistic prowess, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, has etched his name in history as the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The young wordsmith secured the coveted title in the competition’s milestone 100th edition, correctly spelling “éclaircissement” in the grueling 21st round.
Faizan’s victory marks a remarkable comeback after finishing as runner-up in last year’s competition. His journey to the top was fueled by determination, rigorous preparation, and an unshakable love for language. The winning word, “éclaircissement,” meaning a clarification or enlightenment, proved a fitting capstone to his stellar performance.
The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, held in National Harbor, Maryland, showcased the nation’s brightest young spellers, with Faizan standing out among hundreds of competitors. His triumph not only earns him the prestigious title but also a slew of prizes, including a cash award, a trophy, and bragging rights as the best speller in the country.
“Faizan’s dedication and resilience are truly inspiring,” said his coach, Sarah Thompson, who has worked with him for two years.
“He’s spent countless hours studying, and this win is a testament to his hard work.” The Allen community is buzzing with pride, with local schools and residents rallying to celebrate their hometown hero.
Social media posts from X highlight the excitement, with one user exclaiming, “Faizan Zaki is a spelling superstar! Allen, TX is proud!” Another post praised, “100 years of the Bee, and Faizan made it unforgettable!”
Faizan’s victory adds to Texas’s strong legacy in the competition, following in the footsteps of past champions like 2019 winner Rishikesh Vedula. As the newest Scripps champion, Faizan plans to continue honing his skills, with aspirations to mentor future spellers.
For now, Faizan is basking in the glow of his achievement, savoring the sweet taste of victory—perhaps with an éclair or two.
Congratulations, Faizan Zaki, on a spellbinding performance!
Kolkata: – The Sirri Saqti Foundation (TSSF), a Kolkata-based non-profit dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities, hosted its annual Award Night at Indian Council of Cultural Relations (IICR), Kolkata. The event was a vibrant celebration of the foundation’s achievements, marked by inspiring speeches, the launch of new initiatives, and the election of a new leadership team.
The evening’s chief guest, Dr. Samina Khan, delivered a compelling address on early childhood development and contemporary student behavior, while TSSF’s founder, Mr. Abdul Rahim, energized attendees with his vision for the organization’s future.
Dr. Samina Khan’s Insightful Address
Dr. Samina Khan, a noted expert in education and child psychology, captivated the audience with her keynote speech on the importance of early childhood development and its impact on shaping student behavior. Drawing from her extensive research, she emphasized the need for nurturing environments in the formative years to foster emotional resilience and social responsibility among young people. Dr. Khan highlighted how modern challenges, such as digital distractions and peer pressure, are influencing student behavior, urging educators and community leaders to prioritize holistic development. “Early childhood is the foundation of a child’s future. By fostering empathy, critical thinking, and self-awareness in these years, we can shape a generation that is both compassionate and capable,” Dr. Khan remarked. Her speech resonated deeply with TSSF’s mission to empower youth through self-development and social service, inspiring attendees to continue their efforts in community building.
Mr. Abdul Rahim’s Motivational Vision
Mr. Abdul Rahim, the founder of The Sirri Saqti Foundation, took the stage to reflect on the organization’s journey since its inception in 2012. Inspired by a dream of the 8th-century Sufi saint Sirri Saqti, Mr. Rahim established TSSF with a mission to “light a candle rather than curse the darkness.” His address was a heartfelt call to action, motivating volunteers and team members to remain committed to the foundation’s ethos of universal brotherhood and social responsibility.
Mr. Rahim praised the dedication of TSSF’s volunteers, who have been instrumental in initiatives such as food support, medical assistance, and disaster relief, including free oxygen cylinder distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our work is not just about service; it’s about building a community where youth feel empowered to create change while staying true to their values,” he said. He also announced the launch of new chapters focused on social causes, including skill development programs for underprivileged youth and environmental sustainability projects, aimed at expanding TSSF’s impact across West Bengal.
New Chapters and Leadership
The Award Night also marked the launch of new TSSF chapters dedicated to addressing pressing social issues. These initiatives will focus on education, healthcare, and livelihood support, with an emphasis on engaging young people in meaningful community service.
A significant highlight of the evening was the election of a new leadership team to steer TSSF into its next phase of growth. The newly elected members, chosen for their dedication and vision, were introduced to enthusiastic applause. Their mandate includes strengthening existing programs, expanding outreach, and fostering collaborations with other NGOs.
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
The event culminated in an awards ceremony honoring outstanding volunteers and contributors who have exemplified TSSF’s mission. From organizing workshops like the “Discover Yourself” self-introspection program to executing relief efforts during crises like Cyclone Amphan, the awardees were celebrated for their tireless dedication. The night was a testament to TSSF’s holistic approach, which combines service with leadership and communication skill-building for its volunteers.
The Sirri Saqti Foundation’s Award Night not only celebrated past achievements but also set an ambitious tone for the future. With Dr. Samina Khan’s insights, Mr. Abdul Rahim’s inspiring leadership, and a renewed team at the helm, TSSF is poised to continue transforming lives and fostering hope in communities across West Bengal.
Dr. Abdul Salam Mohammed, the pioneering CEO of Markaz Knowledge City in Kerala, India, has been awarded the prestigious WWMI Global Excellence Award in Resource Recovery for his transformative work in sustainable rural development. The honour, presented by Commissioner Sharon Waller of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, recognised Dr. Mohammed’s success in converting a once-neglected rural hamlet into India’s leading model urban eco-system.
The award was announced during an international conference hosted by the World Water Management Institute (WWMI) at the University of Illinois, where Dr. Mohammed’s project was lauded as a “roadmap for the world.” His work has not only garnered global attention but also earned national recognition, with Markaz Knowledge City receiving the 2025 Sustainable Green Smart City Award from the Government of India. Additionally, the project’s case study was presented at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva during the 22nd International Conference on Sustainable Development.
Under Dr. Mohammed’s leadership, the once-barren land has been revitalised into a vibrant, eco-smart township powered by solar energy, featuring integrated rainwater harvesting, zero-waste management, and green mobility solutions. “We prove that villages can lead India’s green revolution,” Dr. Mohammed declared upon receiving the award.
A Global Movement Begins: The Rural Development Alliance
Building on this success, WWMI has launched the Rural Development Alliance (RDA), a global initiative aimed at transforming impoverished villages into self-sustaining “smart villages.” The program will initially focus on three pilot locations—two in India (Pedda Karampalli and Puthuppadi) and one in Thailand (Na Phiang)—with Dr. Mohammed leading the Kerala project.
“Why should villagers live with disease and pollution while cities have all the technology?” asked Sam Pappu, President of WWMI. “We’re connecting these communities to simple, scalable solutions—clean water, waste management, and renewable energy—on their own terms.”
In Puthuppadi, Kerala, Dr. Mohammed will implement innovative waste and water management systems, replicating the success of Markaz Knowledge City. Meanwhile, Pedda Karampalli will receive sanitation upgrades to protect drinking water, and Na Phiang, Thailand, will adopt eco-friendly farming solutions to combat pollution.
Sunnyvale, Texas: A Meeting of Sustainable Minds
Just days before receiving the WWMI award, Dr. Mohammed visited Sunnyvale, Texas, a town celebrated for its eco-conscious urban planning, to exchange ideas with Mayor Saji George. The two leaders, both former scientists (Dr. Mohammed at ISRO, Mayor George in aerospace engineering), discussed strategies for sustainable governance, revenue generation, and community-focused development.
“Sunnyvale’s commitment to putting people and the planet first, even at the cost of lucrative projects, is truly inspiring,” Dr. Mohammed remarked. His own Markaz Knowledge City, designed for a similar population size, mirrors Sunnyvale’s ethos, integrating UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its framework.
A Scientist with a Mission
Dr. Mohammed’s journey—from a humble village upbringing to advising global sustainability projects in India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—exemplifies his unwavering commitment to social and environmental progress. A lifelong admirer of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, he has dedicated his career to tackling poverty, education gaps, and water scarcity through science and innovation.
Now, as he leads the Rural Development Alliance and expands his eco-smart model, Dr. Mohammed’s vision is clear: “Rural communities don’t need charity—they need opportunity. And sustainability is that opportunity.”
With Markaz Knowledge City serving as a global benchmark, and the RDA poised to replicate its success worldwide, Dr. Abdul Salam Mohammed is proving that the future of development lies not in sprawling metropolises, but in empowered, green villages.
