Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the two countries had reached an understanding on the main “guiding principles”, but work still needs to be done.
France releases suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker after fine paid
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the vessel was departing Marseille after a payment of “several million euros”.
Ways of Seeing: An Interview with Dörte Eißfeldt
Dörte Eißfeldt’s photography is grounded in the experience of seeing: a relational seeing that holds in view not only the self and the world, but also the photographic object itself, which can act as a vital intermediary between the two. Making us encounter gentler close-ups of a neck pressed into sheets of silver, nebulated, spectral hands and snowballs that seem to glow far beyond the print’s…
Radical Inclusivity: An Interview with Tabita Rezaire
This article is part of our feature topic Wellness. Tabita Rezaire’s art practice has explored the ways in which healing and the longing for healing define the human experience. Her works are determined to engage subjects and lineages that unsettle historic understandings of power and knowledge. From the appropriation of the cellular body of Henrietta Lacks—a Black woman whose cells were…
Open Call for AI and XR Artists at HTW Berlin
HTW Berlin has launched IUNO–Innovation Center for Intelligent and Immersive Technologies in the Independent Cultural Scene–a new EU-funded research project supporting artists in developing projects combining AI and XR technologies. IUNO will host an artistic fellowship at HTW Berlin focused on supporting artists in shaping the discourse on the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and…
The Week Feb. 16–22, 2026
Crystal Z Campbell: ‘Makahiya’ Screening: Feb. 16–22, 2026 Part of: ‘Uglier, Louder, Taller, Weirder – Hearing the Weeds grow’ galerie-im-turm.net/weeds Frankfurter Tor 1, 10243 Berlin, click here for map Ran Zhang, Lolo & Sosaku: ‘Weirder, Taller, Uglier, Louder – Feral Possible, around Karl-Marx-Straße and Carrer Cobalt’ Opening Reception: Wednesday, Feb. 18; 6–9pm Exhibition: Feb.
Post-National Flows: Colomboscope’s ‘Rhythm Alliances’
Colomboscope, a multi-arts festival in Sri Lanka’s capital, presented its ninth edition, ‘Rhythm Alliances,’ at the end of January, and a Berlin–Colombo axis was evident throughout. Festival Advisor and co-ordinator and former Berliner, Jan de Saram, has been a driving force behind Colomboscope since its inception in 2013, while Artistic Director Natasha Ginwala joined in 2019. A curator-at-large…
Rana Tahir Faisal
Rana Tahir Faisal (Urdu: راناطاہر فیصل) is a Pakistani public figure known for his involvement in spiritual activities, music, business, and local-level politics. He is primarily recognized for his personal transformation and subsequent engagement in religious, cultural, and social initiatives.
Early life
Rana Tahir Faisal was born on 1 January 1982 in Okara, Punjab, Pakistan, into a Rana Rajput family. He received his early education in Okara, where he attended several local schools, and later completed his matriculation from a government high school in the city in the late 1990s. He spent most of his formative years in Okara, where his social environment and early experiences played a significant role in shaping his later public life.
Career
Spiritual and religious activities
Around 2010, Rana Tahir Faisal underwent a notable personal and spiritual transformation after associating with Sufi teachings, influenced by the spiritual figure Sain Sher Ali Qalandar. Following this period, he became actively involved in Sufi-inspired religious activities. He began participating in and organizing religious gatherings, devotional programs, and community welfare initiatives, including langar (free community meals). He is often described by followers as a spiritual guide and mentor, although he does not hold any formal clerical position.
Music and cultural work
Rana Tahir Faisal is also involved in music, particularly devotional and spiritual genres. His musical work centers on themes such as faith, repentance, moral reform, and inner transformation. He has released several spiritual songs through independent production platforms and digital media channels, contributing to contemporary religious and cultural expression in Pakistan.
Business activities
In addition to his spiritual and cultural work, Rana Tahir Faisal is engaged in business activities. His ventures include media-related projects and service-based enterprises. He has also been associated with private-sector development and infrastructure-related initiatives, particularly at the local and regional levels in Pakistan.
Political involvement
Rana Tahir Faisal has been active in local political activities in Punjab. He has been associated with the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and is known for his involvement in grassroots-level political engagement and organizational support. His political role has largely focused on community-level participation, and he has not held a nationally elected public office.
From Academic Setbacks to Global Digital Leadership: The Career Evolution of Akshay Dhengale
Career success does not always begin with clarity. Sometimes, it begins with confusion, failure, and the courage to start over.
Akshay Dhengale’s professional journey is a powerful example of how resilience, self-learning, and discipline can redefine destiny.
Born in 1995 into a middle-class Indian family, Akshay Dhengale’s early life was shaped by his parents’ struggle and sacrifice. His father moved to Pune in 1990 in search of stable employment, laying the foundation for the family’s progress. Despite limited financial resources, Akshay Dhengale’s parents ensured he received an English-medium education, often at personal sacrifice.
However, Akshay Dhengale’s academic journey was far from smooth.
While he had potential, his school and college years were marked by distractions, fear of stepping out of his comfort zone, and a lack of direction. Engineering dreams faded due to low academic scores. A mechanical diploma extended with multiple year-downs. Attempts at competitive examinations followed, but none aligned with his natural strengths.
For a long time, Akshay Dhengale carried the label of being capable, but undisciplined.
The real turning point came after repeated setbacks and a defining confrontation at home. With no completed degree, no clear career path, and diminishing support, Akshay Dhengale was forced to step out and build something independently.
That moment led him to an unexpected opportunity in the digital marketing industry.
With zero prior knowledge of marketing, social media strategy, or business operations, Akshay Dhengale joined a digital marketing company through a professional reference. What followed was not luck, but relentless effort.
While official work hours ended in the evening, Akshay Dhengale continued learning late into the night studying campaigns, analytics, platforms, and consumer behavior. He became known for being the first to open the office and the last to leave.
Within six months, his growth was evident.
Starting as an executive, Akshay Dhengale earned a leadership role through consistency, accountability, and performance. As a Team Leader, he managed teams, handled client portfolios, improved campaign execution, and developed strong skills in digital branding, social media growth systems, and team management.
Over nearly three years, his professional identity transformed completely.
Once hesitant to speak with strangers, Akshay Dhengale evolved into a confident professional engaging with entrepreneurs, founders, and public figures. His career expanded beyond India, giving him exposure to international markets and global business culture.
Through his work, Akshay Dhengale traveled across multiple countries in Asia and the Middle East, becoming the first in his family to experience global travel. This exposure reshaped his vision and ambition.
His career milestones include participation in high-profile international platforms such as Forbes 30 Under 30 networking events, the 1 Billion Summit, and GITEX, where he connected with global business leaders, technology innovators, and decision-makers.
Today, Akshay Dhengale is based in Dubai, where he works with international clients, manages digital growth strategies, and closes cross-border business deals. His career reflects the shift from traditional degree-based success to skill-driven, performance-led growth in the digital economy.
Beyond professional achievements, Akshay Dhengale’s journey carries a deeper mission.
His father elevated the family from hardship to middle-class stability. Akshay Dhengale’s vision is to take that foundation to a global level building international exposure, financial growth, and long-term legacy.
Akshay Dhengale’s career story reinforces an important truth.
Academic failure does not define ability.
Late beginnings do not limit success.
And global careers are built through skills, not shortcuts.
From uncertainty to global digital leadership, Akshay Dhengale’s journey stands as a testament to reinvention, resilience, and the power of disciplined effort.
And this career story is still unfolding.
Building a Career with Purpose, People, and Progress
Every professional journey begins with a decision , to step into the unknown and trust the process. Mine began with curiosity, courage, and a strong desire to grow beyond comfort zones. With an academic background in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in MBA (Marketing), I entered the corporate and digital world equipped with both analytical thinking and business strategy. Over time, these two disciplines helped me develop a unique approach as a Social Media Strategist.
Transitioning into social media was not just a career shift; it was a mindset shift. The digital world demands adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning. From the very beginning, I understood that success in this field is not about shortcuts , it is about consistency and value. Early in my journey, I experienced how quickly trust can be built when work is backed by clarity and commitment. Acquiring my first client in the initial phase reinforced my belief that confidence and preparedness create opportunities.
A major strength behind my growth has always been guidance and collaboration. Learning from experienced professionals shaped my understanding of real-world challenges. Having the right mentor at the right time helped me recognize that knowledge alone is not enough , wisdom comes from experience, observation, and honest feedback. Equally important were the teams and colleagues who contributed to shared learning and mutual growth. Strong professional ecosystems accelerate success.
Like every evolving career, my journey involved uncertainty and pressure. There were moments that tested patience and self-belief. However, I learned that resilience is built when we accept challenges as part of progress. Each difficult phase improved my decision-making skills, strengthened my confidence, and refined my work ethic. Growth does not happen overnight it happens through reflection and responsibility.
One of the defining moments in my career was working with a high-impact client , an athlete , which gave me deeper exposure to personal branding and audience influence. This experience taught me that when strategies are aligned with authenticity, results follow naturally. Even today, continuing that collaboration reminds me that long-term success is built on trust and consistent delivery. Clients who stay are proof of value.
As I gained experience, my focus shifted from execution to evolution. I invested in skill enhancement, leadership thinking, and personal development. Embracing AI-driven tools and new technologies became essential to staying relevant in a fast-changing industry. Participation in international platforms such as the G Tech Summit 2025 and the One Billion Followers Summit 2026 exposed me to global perspectives and innovative marketing frameworks, further sharpening my strategic mindset.
One belief that strongly defines my work philosophy is client education. I believe clients should not feel dependent; they should feel informed and empowered. When clients understand strategies, timelines, and possibilities, collaboration becomes stronger and results become sustainable. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds long-term partnerships. That is why I focus on guiding clients, not just servicing them.
For me, client satisfaction goes beyond metrics and numbers. It is about alignment, clarity, and emotional assurance. A successful project is not only one that performs well, but one where the client feels confident, supported, and valued. Over the years, maintaining a friendly, respectful, and honest working environment has helped me build meaningful professional relationships that last.
When a client sets a vision, it becomes a shared mission. Achieving that goal with integrity and strategy is my highest priority. I believe that growth achieved together is stronger than growth achieved alone.
Today, my journey stands as a reminder that careers are not built only on skills, but on values, relationships, and continuous improvement. With a clear vision for the future, I continue to evolve ,learning, adapting, and creating impact through purposeful digital strategies.