Category: International

International

Breaking Barriers: Lubna Qazi Becomes New Jersey’s First Muslim Woman Judge

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark moment for representation and diversity in the American legal system, India-born Lubna Qazi has made history by becoming the first Muslim woman judge in New Jersey. Her appointment marks not just a personal milestone but a significant achievement for the Indian diaspora and the wider Muslim community in the United States.

Her journey to the bench is being widely celebrated as a reflection of perseverance, dedication, and deep-rooted commitment to the principles of justice. Over the years, she has built a reputation grounded in legal expertise and integrity, earning the respect of both her peers and the communities she serves. Those familiar with her work describe her elevation as a well-deserved recognition of consistent effort in a highly competitive field.

Beyond individual success, this moment carries broader significance in the evolving landscape of the U.S. judiciary. As conversations around diversity and inclusion continue to gain importance, milestones like this highlight the value of representation within institutions that shape public life. A judiciary that reflects varied backgrounds and perspectives is often seen as better equipped to uphold fairness and justice for all.

For many, especially young women from minority and immigrant communities, her achievement stands as a powerful symbol of possibility. It sends a clear message that traditional barriers can be overcome with determination, resilience, and excellence. Her story is not just about reaching a prestigious position—it is about redefining what leadership looks like and expanding the horizons of opportunity.

As her journey continues, it is expected to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in law and public service, reinforcing the idea that representation matters and that progress, though gradual, is both meaningful and necessary.

International

Countries With The Most Miss World Titles: India, Venezuela Lead the Pack

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

The Miss World pageant has seen decades of global competition, with certain countries consistently producing winners. As of 2026, India and Venezuela top the list, each securing six Miss World titles, showcasing their dominance in international beauty and poise.


The United Kingdom comes next with five crowns, followed by Jamaica with four. Several countries, including South Africa, the United States, Iceland, and Sweden, have each won three times. The Czech Republic and Poland round out the top ten with two titles each.

This list highlights nations that have not only celebrated individual beauty queens but also cultivated strong pageant cultures, producing contestants capable of competing on the world stage consistently. India’s record, for instance, reflects a sustained investment in grooming, preparation, and international representation, while Venezuela’s success is often attributed to its rigorous pageant training academies.

Overall, these countries have become synonymous with Miss World excellence, combining talent, confidence, and cultural appeal to leave a lasting mark on the pageant’s history.

International

Dog Day Schools in Canada Help Pets Stay Active and Well-Behaved

Tanisha Cardozo

Across Canada, dog day schools are emerging as a popular solution for pet owners who spend long hours at work. Designed to provide structure and engagement, these facilities offer dogs a balanced routine that includes supervised playtime, basic training sessions, social interaction with other dogs and scheduled rest breaks.

Unlike unstructured daycare, dog day schools focus on guided activities that stimulate both physical and mental development. Trainers and caregivers monitor group play to ensure safety while also reinforcing positive behaviours. Rest periods are carefully built into the day to prevent overstimulation and fatigue.

This approach has proven particularly beneficial for nervous, anxious or high-energy dogs. Regular socialization helps build confidence, while consistent routines create a sense of stability. For energetic breeds, the structured activities help burn off excess energy in a healthy and controlled manner.

Many pet owners report noticeable improvements at home. Dogs that attend day school often return calmer, more relaxed and better behaved by evening, making the arrangement beneficial for both pets and their families.

As modern work schedules continue to evolve, dog day schools in Canada reflect a broader shift toward prioritising animal wellbeing through structured, professional care.

International

South Korea Opens Royal Palaces and Joseon Tombs Free for Lunar New Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Royal palaces and Joseon-era royal tombs across South Korea are open to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience historic landmarks and seasonal traditions without admission fees.

The four main palaces in Seoul — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung — along with Jongmyo Shrine and 22 Joseon royal tomb sites nationwide, are operating without regular closure days from Saturday to Wednesday during the five-day holiday period. Admission fees are waived at all participating sites, allowing both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in Korea’s royal heritage.

Jongmyo Shrine, which is typically accessible only through guided tours at designated times, will allow visitors to explore the grounds freely during the holiday. However, all four palaces, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs will be closed on February 19 after the free-admission period ends.

A highlight of the celebrations is the “2026 Byeong-o Year Sehwa Sharing” event taking place at Heungnyemun Square inside Gyeongbokgung Palace from Monday to Wednesday. During the event, visitors receive traditional New Year paintings known as “Sehwa,” which symbolise wishes for good fortune in the year ahead.

Sehwa, meaning “New Year painting,” refers to artworks created to ward off disease, disasters and misfortune while inviting luck and prosperity. The custom dates back to the Joseon dynasty, when the king presented such paintings to his officials at the start of the year. Over time, the tradition spread among the public and became a cherished seasonal folk practice.

Today, the annual Sehwa event at Gyeongbokgung blends cultural heritage with festive celebration, offering visitors a meaningful and historic way to welcome the Lunar New Year while exploring some of Korea’s most iconic royal landmarks.

International

Isha Ambani and Queen Rania Al Abdullah Unite with India’s Leading Women Voices at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre

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Mumbai:

In a powerful gathering celebrating leadership and collaboration, Isha Ambani and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah came together with some of India’s most influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).

The evening brought together voices from diverse sectors including fashion, finance, philanthropy, sports, and the arts — creating a platform for dialogue centered on bold ideas, transformative leadership, and the importance of collaboration.

The conversation highlighted how women across industries are shaping India’s cultural and social narrative, breaking barriers and driving meaningful change. From entrepreneurial innovation to creative excellence and social impact, the gathering underscored the collective strength of women-led initiatives.

The event reflected NMACC’s broader commitment to amplifying voices that are redefining India’s cultural landscape. By fostering conversations between global leaders and Indian changemakers, the platform continues to position itself as a hub for dialogue, creativity, and empowerment.

The presence of Queen Rania — internationally recognised for her advocacy in education and women’s rights — alongside Isha Ambani, who has played a pivotal role in expanding India’s cultural and retail ecosystems, symbolised a shared vision of inclusive growth and cultural diplomacy.

The gathering stood as a celebration of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of women shaping the future.