Picture of Benazir Paikan

Benazir Paikan

Bio: Benazir Paikan is a graduate student at Binghamton University, where she is pursuing an MS in Business Administration. Originally from Afghanistan, she graduated with a BA in Economics from the American University of Central Asia in May 2023. Her academic journey is complemented by active involvement in various student organizations and a strong background in marketing, content development, and economic research. She is fluent in Farsi, Pashto, English, Turkish, and Urdu, with intermediate proficiency in Russian. She has been honored with several academic awards, including the Dean's List and the Best Senior Thesis Award. She is passionate about enhancing cultural activities and supporting her fellow graduate students.
Politics

Water Wars: Political Tensions Over Access to Freshwater

As the global population surges and climate change accelerates, freshwater scarcity has become one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. Political tensions over access to freshwater are rising as nations compete for control of rivers, lakes, and aquifers that cross borders. Termed “water wars,” these conflicts underscore ...

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Latest News

The Future of International Trade Agreements Under President Trump

The election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency marked a significant shift in American trade policy, sparking questions about the future of international trade agreements. Trump’s approach diverged from the multilateralism championed by previous administrations, favoring instead a protectionist “America First” stance. This shift had profound implications for existing ...

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Beauty

Men’s Beauty Boom: The Rise of Male-Centric Skincare and Makeup

The beauty industry is witnessing a significant shift as more men embrace skincare and makeup as part of their daily routine. What was once considered a largely female-oriented market has evolved, with male-centric products and beauty lines seeing a sharp rise in demand. This “men’s beauty boom” is reshaping standards, ...

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Politics

Internet Censorship vs. Free Speech: Where is the Line?

In an increasingly digital world, the balance between internet censorship and free speech is a hotly debated issue. As online platforms become central to public discourse, the challenge is to find a line that protects users from harmful content without infringing upon their rights to express diverse viewpoints. Defining this ...

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Latest News

UK’s Response to Trump’s Re-election: Political and Economic Perspectives

With Donald Trump projected to secure re-election as U.S. President, the UK faces a renewed relationship with a familiar, albeit polarizing, ally. The response from the UK has been one of cautious pragmatism, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government weighs the benefits and challenges that Trump’s return to power may ...

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Movies

Hollywood’s New Age of Horror: Why Audiences Can’t Get Enough of Elevated Scares

Horror is experiencing a renaissance in Hollywood, with a new wave of films that challenge traditional genre boundaries and appeal to wider audiences. Dubbed “elevated horror,” these films blend fear with complex themes, thoughtful storytelling, and psychological depth. Unlike conventional slasher films or simple jump-scare flicks, elevated horror uses fear ...

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Politics

Women Leaders Under Pressure: Navigating Gendered Criticism in Politics

Women in leadership have made remarkable strides globally, from running countries to leading influential organizations. Yet, these leaders frequently encounter a distinct set of challenges their male counterparts seldom face: gendered criticism. The scrutiny of women in politics often transcends their policy decisions, extending into deeply personal realms such as ...

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Latest News

Integrity of Elections: Biden’s Closing Message to Dispel Doubts

In the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, President Biden delivered a strong message emphasizing the integrity of the American electoral process. His statement followed Vice President Kamala Harris’s concession after her loss to former President Donald Trump. Biden’s message wasn’t just one of unity but also a call to ...

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Fashion

Digital Fashion: Are Virtual Clothes the Next Big Thing?

The fashion industry is undergoing a digital revolution, and virtual clothing is emerging as a surprising yet powerful trend. With the rise of social media, virtual reality, and the metaverse, digital fashion—garments that exist solely in the digital realm—is gaining momentum. Digital fashion items are designed to be worn by ...

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Politics

Privacy vs. Surveillance: How New Tech Policies Could Reshape Personal Freedom

In today’s digital age, the boundaries between personal privacy and state surveillance are increasingly blurred. With technology advancements enabling faster data collection and analysis, governments worldwide are enacting new policies to regulate information flows. While many policies aim to bolster security and prevent cyber threats, they also raise concerns about ...

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Latest News

Misinformation in the Polls: How Fake News Is Influencing Voter Behavior

Misinformation has become a powerful force in the modern political landscape, especially during election seasons. The spread of fake news on social media, messaging apps, and even mainstream outlets often influences voter behavior in ways that challenge democratic integrity. False information, intentionally or unintentionally spread, can confuse voters about candidates, ...

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Politics

U.S. Presidential Campaigns on the Rise

With Election Day just days away, U.S. presidential campaigns are entering their final phase, intensifying rallies and outreach efforts to sway voters in critical battleground states. Both Democratic and Republican candidates are focusing on areas where voter margins are slim, aiming to capture undecided voters and energize their bases. Key ...

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