Cast(e) in Stone: Uncovering How Inequality Shapes Our Global Village Beyond India

The news highlights the global reach and impact of anti-caste movements, particularly those led by Dalit organizations. These movements have been active in asserting their rights and challenging the entrenched caste system, but what is notable is the lack of support from India-based institutions for those operating beyond India's borders. This indicates a disconnect between the international efforts to combat caste discrimination and the local support systems in India. Anti-caste movements have a long history, dating back to early efforts by figures like Ambedkar, who sought to draw parallels with international struggles against racial and social oppression. For instance, in the early 20th century, the Mahad movement in western India, led by Ambedkar, aimed to secure access to public water resources for Dalits, symbolizing a broader fight for equality and social justice. Despite these efforts, local resistance from upper-caste communities often hindered progress. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for international solidarity in combating caste-based discrimination. This includes comparing the struggles of Dalits with those faced by historically marginalized communities worldwide. The absence of institutional support from India for international Dalit organizations underscores the challenges faced by these movements in achieving global recognition and impactful change. <br /> <br /> The global anti-caste movement is evolving, with new forms of activism emerging and connecting with broader social justice movements. However, the lack of institutional backing from within India highlights the complex nature of these movements, which must navigate both local resistance and international neglect. Despite these challenges, the persistence and determination of anti-caste activists worldwide continue to push for a more equitable society.

Discover the Remarkable Fish Whose Surreal Looks Defy Imagination

These exotic fish species look so bizarre and unusual that they might appear fake, but they are very real and fascinating inhabitants of Earth's waters. Among these strange creatures is the blobfish, often called the world's ugliest fish. This pale pink, gelatinous fish looks droopy and sagging when pulled from the deep, but in its deep-sea habitat, intense pressure shapes it perfectly for survival. Living at depths between 1,970 and 3,940 feet, the blobfish has no swim bladder to prevent it from being crushed; instead, its jelly-like flesh keeps it neutrally buoyant near the ocean floor, where it ambushes food without expending much energy. Another marvel is the Pacific barreleye fish, recognized by its transparent head and upward-facing tubular eyes beneath the skin. This extraordinary adaptation allows it to see prey and bioluminescent signals in the dark depths up to 1 kilometer below the surface. Its tubular eyes provide a tunnel vision that helps it stealthily hunt jellyfish and other small creatures. The coelacanth is a living fossil, unchanged for 400 million years and once thought extinct until rediscovered in the 20th century. With a prehistoric appearance, this large, slow-growing fish inhabits deep waters near the Comoro Islands and is critically endangered due to fishing pressures and habitat loss. Additionally, the wobbegong shark, which resembles a large, fringed carpet camouflaging on the ocean floor, waits patiently for prey like fish and crabs to come close. These weird fish highlight the astonishing diversity of marine life, evolving unique features perfectly tailored to survive in their often extreme and mysterious underwater environments.

How stablecoins could replace credit cards and bank accounts in the future

The GENIUS Act, signed into law on July 18, 2025, marks the first major cryptocurrency legislation in the United States, focusing primarily on stablecoins. This Act establishes a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for the issuance and oversight of payment stablecoins, aiming to boost their use while safeguarding consumers and the broader financial system. Payment stablecoins are defined in the Act as digital assets designed for payment or settlement, backed by a fixed monetary value with the issuer committed to maintaining their stable value. The GENIUS Act differentiates these from national currencies and securities and mandates that stablecoins be fully backed by liquid assets such as U.S. dollars or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. Issuers must also provide monthly public disclosures detailing the composition of their reserves. Under the Act, only licensed U.S.-based issuers, regulated through federal or state-approved frameworks, or foreign issuers subject to comparable oversight, may offer payment stablecoins within the country. This regime aims to ensure stablecoin issuers operate transparently, contribute to the U.S. economy, and adhere to anti-money laundering laws. It also restricts unauthorized stablecoins from being traded in the U.S. secondary markets after a three-year transition period. Consumer protection is a key focus of the GENIUS Act. It forbids misleading claims about government backing or insurance and prioritizes stablecoin holders’ claims in issuer insolvencies. By setting clear rules and standards, the Act is expected to enhance trust in stablecoins, encourage wider adoption, and position the U.S. as a leader in digital asset innovation and financial technology.<br /> <br /> The Act also provides for ongoing regulatory guidance, with enforcement beginning no later than 18 months after passage or sooner if regulations are finalized within the first year. This legislative milestone signals a new era for stablecoins, combining innovation facilitation with financial system stability and consumer security.

Boston College Student Tackles Global Marathons; Now Sets Sights on Record Breaking Challenge

A Boston College junior, 20-year-old James Redding, has ambitiously run marathons across the globe as part of his campaign to set a new world record. In less than two years, he has completed all but one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a prestigious series of the world’s top marathon races. This global running challenge has been both a physical and eye-opening journey for Redding, expanding his horizons beyond his starting point in high school when he ran local routes in Brighton with his mother. Redding credits his early running development to the encouragement and accountability shared with his mother, who motivated him to push past comfort zones while he encouraged her as well. While running has become a major focus, his first sports passion was hockey, which he continues to nurture by coaching players of various ages at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton. His coaching style is comprehensive, earning him a nickname that reflects his thorough approach. Despite initial challenges with self-confidence related to his physical size affecting his place on his high school hockey team, Redding found his stride with running, blending his love for speed and movement. His current quest for a marathon world record symbolizes not only his athletic ambition but also his dedication to pushing personal and global limits, making him a notable figure in collegiate and international long-distance running. This combination of personal dedication, coaching influence, and international competition illustrates the evolving path of a young athlete striving for excellence on the world stage.<br /> <br />

Eastman School, Rochester leaders, and others honor Chuck Mangione with heartfelt tributes

Local leaders and businesses in Rochester are paying heartfelt tributes to Chuck Mangione, the city's most legendary jazz musician. Mangione, who passed away at the age of 84, was celebrated for his iconic smooth jazz sound that resonated globally. His most famous single, "Feels So Good," released in 1977, became a defining piece of his career, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the adult contemporary chart. This song remains a staple on smooth-jazz radio stations, often compared in recognition to classics like "Michelle" by the Beatles. It propelled Mangione to an international stature, elevating his already established reputation as a jazz performer. Mangione's contributions to music also included his involvement in notable events, such as the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, where he performed "Give It All You Got," a song commissioned for the occasion. He was a two-time Grammy Award winner and had an enduring presence in Rochester, where he was deeply admired by both locals and fans worldwide. His impact extended beyond music; he was also recognized for his work as a voice actor, notably in the animated series "King of the Hill." Mangione's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, and his passing has brought the community together in remembrance and celebration of his life and achievements. <br /> <br /> Tributes to Mangione reflect not only his musical genius but also his dedication to his craft and his hometown. His retirement in 2015 marked a period of reflection on his illustrious career, and his passing has prompted a renewed appreciation for his music and contributions to the cultural fabric of Rochester. As the city mourns the loss of this iconic figure, it also honors his lasting impact on the world of jazz and beyond.

Volkswagen proposes over $10 billion in U.S. investments to secure tariff exemptions in talks with Trump administration

The world’s second-largest carmaker, Volkswagen Group, has sharply revised down its financial guidance for 2025 due to significant challenges related to U.S. import duties. The automaker reported that these tariffs imposed in the first half of the year have resulted in a $1.4 billion hit this quarter alone, impacting revenue, profit margins, and cash flow projections for the full year. This tariff burden stems from U.S. policies targeting vehicle imports from companies that manufacture predominantly outside the United States, affecting Volkswagen's core brand and luxury divisions such as Porsche and Audi, which rely heavily on exports without domestic production facilities. In response to this financial strain, Volkswagen has cut its sales and profitability forecasts, despite achieving a modest 1.5% global shipment increase in the first half of 2025. However, the North American market told a different story, with a nearly 10% drop in deliveries contributing to its difficulties. North America still represents a significant portion—about 18.5%—of the group’s global sales revenue, intensifying the impact of these tariffs on Volkswagen’s overall results. The company is actively seeking relief by engaging with U.S. government officials, including efforts to negotiate tariff exemptions. Volkswagen has proposed potential investments exceeding $10 billion in the U.S. as an incentive to mitigate the tariff effects. Amid these challenges, the automaker continues its broader restructuring plans targeting efficiency improvements, including a reduction of over 35,000 jobs by the end of the decade to counterbalance cost pressures and adapt to evolving industry dynamics. This situation highlights the complex interplay between international trade policies and global automotive supply chains, with significant implications for major manufacturers like Volkswagen navigating a volatile geopolitical landscape.