Mumbai, IANS) Actress Shreya Chaudhry won the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Female) Web Series for her work in “Bandish Bandits” Season 2 at the IIFA Digital Awards 2025. She said it will help her get more good roles for me to shine.
Upon receiving the award, Shreya said, “I am incredibly humbled and grateful for this recognition. It will help me get more good roles for me to shine with and hopefully make a mark in this industry!”
Shreya said that “Bandish Bandits” Season 2 has been an extraordinary experience, and being a part of a project that beautifully blends music, emotions, and storytelling is something I will always cherish.”
Talking about her character, she said: “Tamanna as a character will always be dear to me. I would also like to thank the makers of the show - Amritpal Singh Bindra, Anand Tiwari and Sahira Nair. This award is a huge validation for my hard work and dedication.”
Shreya said that she has never stopped herself “from going the distance for my acting.”
“I have an extremely pure, spiritual connection towards acting as a craft and I hope that I keep getting better at this,” she said.
“Bandish Bandits” is a musical romantic drama, which features Ritwik Bhowmik as Radhe Rathod, a Hindustani Classical musician and Shreya Chaudhry as Tamanna Sharma, a pop singer, who hail from different worlds of music.
Exploring the debate of music being a discipline versus a means of liberation. The series also features Naseeruddin Shah, Sheeba Chaddha and Atul Kulkarni. The series was officially announced in February 2019.This is the actress’ second Best Actor award for the series Bandish Bandits Season 2. Recently, Shreya was seen in The Mehta Boys, directed by Boman Irani, starring alongside Avinash Tiwary. Shreya Chaudhry on winning IIFA award: It will help me get more good roles for me to shine | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Chandrika Tandon, 2025 Grammy award winner. PHOTO: Courtesy Chandrika Tandon
Chennai-born Indian-American businesswoman and musician Chandrika Tandon, 71, of New York, claimed a Grammy award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held Feb. 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, emceed by talk-show host and comedian Trevor Noah.
The singer, songwriter, and producer won the coveted award in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for her album ‘Triveni.’ This marks her first Grammy win and second nomination, lending to her reputation in the world of spiritual and healing music.
“Music is love, music ignites the light within all of us, and, even in our darkest days, music spreads joy and laughter,” Tandon said upon receiving the award. “Congratulations to all the other nominees in our category. Thank you for the music, and thank you for each and everyone that creates and supports the music; may all our lives be enveloped in love, light, and laughter,” she added.
‘Triveni’ is a seven-track album and brings together Tandon, Grammy-winning South African flutist Wouter Kellerman, and Japanese American cellist Eru Matsumoto with the aim to create a deeply meditative musical experience. The album blends ancient mantras with the soothing sounds of flute and cello, serving as a bridge between cultures and traditions, the press release from Tandon said.
The album’s name is meant to symbolize the confluence of three rivers, which metaphorically represents the fusion of the artists’ diverse traditions.
For many years, Tandon has been melding Sanskrit chants and western musical traditions for large choral groups, and her compositions have recently been performed by her and others at the World Cultural Festival and Lincoln Center. She is Artist in Residence for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City Artist and received a New York State Council on the Arts grant to compose Sanskrit chants for choral ensembles.
Music producer George Varghese took to his Instagram handle to congratulate Chandrika Tandon and the team for the big win.
Music producer put up a group photo at the Grammys on Instagram. PHOTO: Screenshot from Instagram via ANI
Sharing a group picture from the Arena, he wrote, “And the winner is !!!!! Wouter Kellerman Chandrika Tandon and Eru Matsumoto and my sister from another mother Tholsi Pillay!!” adding, “Congratulations to the Dream Team for winning the Grammy Awards for the BEST NEW AGE album for their Album ‘TRIVENI’ . I am ever grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of your Video Team but more than that .. always treating me as part of your family over the years.”
This year marks Tandon’s second Grammy nomination, with her first in 2010 for her album ‘Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call’.
She was nominated this year alongside some prominent names, including producer Ricky Kej, sitar player Anoushka Shankar, and Indian-origin British artist Radhika Vekaria.
In a social media post earlier, Tandon wrote, “We wouldn’t be here except for the incredible support of so many! There are such spectacular fellow musicians I met along the way — many nominees and many not — and I want to tell you ALL how much joy you created for me and the world with your artistry. Thank you.” She also gave a shout out to her collaborators Eru Matsumoto and Wouter Kellerman.\
Chennai-born Chandrika Tandon wins Grammy for Best New Age AlbuM ‘Triveni’. PHOTO: Instagram @chandrikatandon
Beyond her musical achievements, Tandon is known for her philanthropic endeavors. She is also a successful businesswoman. The first Indian-American woman elected partner at McKinsey, Tandon is the founder of Tandon Capital Associates and chairs the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation. She also serves as a trustee of NYU, chairs the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and has supported numerous business and community education programs.
Among her many honors, Tandon has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, NYU’s Gallatin Medal, and The Town Hall’s Friend of the Arts Award.She has released six albums under Soul Chants Music and performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Times Square, and Washington D.C.’s National Mall. Chennai-born New Yorker Chandrika Tandon wins Grammy for Best New Age Album
Leema Creations Ltd. has won the South Asian Business Excellence Award for brand excellence in interior architecture for the 8th consecutive year. The presentation of the award took place recently at a glittering ceremony held in Pride Plaza Aero City, New Delhi, India in the presence of Business leaders and distinguished invitees.
Leema Creations Founder Chairman Channa Wijesekara and Managing Director ShamikaWijesekara received the award on behalf of Leema Creations.
South Asian Business Excellence award is a prestigious and celebrated award which was established to acknowledge and reward the exceptional work and its results by the industry leaders of the corporate domain in the countries of the South Asian region.
Excellence is not an easy attainment to come by. Perseverance, dedication and driving towards brilliance are unmistakable requirements in order to gain excellence ultimately. All this can be condensed in a single word, “Obsession”. When obsessed with excellence your dream to the best of the best becomes a reality.
The management of Leema clearly understood this concept and worked towards this goal through direct access to a professional team of in-house interior designers and expert technical team from the inception of a project resulting in Leema been the leading brand to provide the clients with beauty, innovation and cutting edge precision interior solutions.
Leema is one of the recipients of ISO 9001-2015 in the interior industry in Sri Lanka which ensures that its products and services are up to the required standards.
Further the existing manufacturing plant covering 80000 sq.ft. is one of the most advanced in Sri Lanka with a combination of state of the art modern computerised equipment and fine craftsmanship which ensures exact execution of any project undertaken. Leema clinches South Asian Business Excellence Award | Daily FT
Imnainla Jamir with her National Youth Icon Award trophy and citation. (Photo Courtesy: X)
NEW DELHI, (MExN): In a proud moment for Nagaland, Imnainla Jamir, Global Ambassador of MasterPeace COOLeaders, was awarded the prestigious 'National Youth Icon Award' during the National Youth Day celebrations in New Delhi. The event, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, celebrated Jamir's remarkable contributions to youth empowerment and social development.
Hi-Tech Group of Institutions presented the award at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi on January 12 to mark National Youth Day. The award ceremony was graced by Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as the chief guest, along with a host of other dignitaries. Jamir, who follows in the footsteps of Olympic Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra—a former recipient of the award—was recognized for her tireless work in promoting youth leadership and fostering global peace.
The prestigious National Youth Icon Awards are presented to honour youth success in various fields. This year, 30 outstanding youths from across the country were given the honour. Jamir's efforts in youth empowerment, social progress, and peacebuilding earned her this recognition as she continues to inspire others globally.
In a message on social media, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, congratulated Jamir, calling it a "proud moment for Nagaland" and a "terrific new benchmark for Girl Power."
Reflecting on her achievement, Jamir said, "Receiving the National Youth Icon Award is an indescribable honor. It’s not just a personal achievement but a testament to the incredible potential we all carry within us. This award reminds me that no dream is too big when we believe in ourselves and remain committed to our purpose. I hope it serves as an inspiration to others, showing that with passion and perseverance, we can overcome challenges and achieve greatness. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and for everyone who has been part of my journey."
Jamir also shared an empowering message for the youth of Nagaland, urging them to dream big and embrace their unique heritage.
“My message to the youth in Nagaland is to dream big, stay determined, and never underestimate the power of hard work. Our culture and heritage are rich and unique, and we have so much to offer the world. I encourage every young person to embrace their passions, remain grounded in their values, and strive to make a positive difference in their communities. Together, we can show that our talents and voices matter on a global stage.”Imnainla Jamir, known for her talent as a guitarist, gained national attention when she performed the Indian national anthem on her electric guitar at the 2022 Hornbill Festival. Her passion for social change was further recognized when she was honored with the H.E.R Award at the 6th edition of the ‘We The Women Festival’ in Jaipur in March 2023. Nagaland's Imnainla Jamir honoured with 'National Youth Icon Award' | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Kolkata, (IANS) Renowned Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty has reacted by conferring the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to the cinema.
Talking to the media persons, the ‘Disco Dancer’ fame actor said, “Once I was in Bombay. In Bombay, I didn't have food, I slept in the car and I was so scared after that, such a big honor, I have no one, I have no one and only I can say, I dedicate this award to my family and to the fans all over the world who bring a job in our country.”
“Almost, you can say that, 76 Many films I have done then second and third and, you know, my life has never been very smooth. I have to fight for everything, Everything. But, sometimes the result comes like this. Then you forget all this pain, you will, God has given life." Mithun concluded.
Veteran actress Jayaprada who has featured in many films with the ‘Gunda’ fame actor, expressed her joy. She said, “It’s a moment of pride for all of us in the film fraternity because Mithun da is a ‘mahanayak’. He has worked in many films across several languages.”
“For me, it’s extremely special that he is getting this honor because we are working together on two upcoming movies. We have completed ‘Rivaaz’ and the other film ‘Fauji’ as well in which I’m sharing the screen with Dada and Prabhas”. She concluded.
Mithun Chakraborty is set to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award as its 54th honoree. This prestigious award was established in 1969 to honor the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema. Notable previous recipients include legendary actors and actresses like Prithviraj Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, BR Chopra, and Yash Chopra. Waheeda Rehman became the recipient of the prestigious award in 2021.
The Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024 took place in Dubai on Saturday night, honoring the achievements of Indian women who have contributed in various fields of excellence across the UAE. Held at Taj Exotica, Palm Jumeirah, the event celebrated empowerment, resilience, and unity, showcasing the impact of women who are shaping the community. More than 30 awards were presented, recognizing women for their achievements in areas such as technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and the arts.
The gala featured influential voices, with Mrs. Vandana Sudhir, wife of Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir, sharing insights on self-reflection and personal growth. ‘Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) is an incredible platform for women to find support and strength,’ she said, encouraging women to engage in self-care practices such as journaling. Bollywood actress Sameera Reddy, the guest of honor, delivered a heartfelt speech about authenticity and the power of women supporting each other. “People often think women judge each other, but the reality is, we are each other’s biggest allies,” she shared, adding that women should not hesitate to prioritize their own well-being.
The evening was packed with memorable moments, including fashion shows where designers showcased collections that blended traditional Indian elegance with modern styles. A standout performance was a moving qawwali act by the Divyang Children, which resonated deeply with the event’s theme of empowerment. The awards ceremony, hosted by Ms. Reema Mahajan, founder of Indian Women Dubai (IWD), showcased the power of women supporting one another. The event concluded with a call for continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and community building. Indian Women in Dubai is a vibrant community platform created by Reema Mahajan to connect and empower Indian women in the UAE. It serves as a space for members to collaborate, grow, and unlock their full potential while fostering a strong sense of unity and support. Indian women’s contributions across UAE honoured at Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024
The 2024 Booker Prize shortlist has been announced, with the largest number of women represented in its 55-year history. The list includes former Women’s Prize winner Anne Michaels, American writer Percival Everett and British author Samantha Harvey. Five of the six-strong shortlist are women, with authors from five countries represented, including the Netherlands for the first time.
Mr. Everett, a 2022 Booker finalist for “The Trees” is again nominated for “James,” which reimagines Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” from the point of view of its main Black character, the enslaved man Jim. Rachel Kushner, another former Booker finalist with her bestseller “The Mars Room,” is a contender again with spy story “Creation Lake”.
The other finalists vying for the 50,000 pounds award are Britain’s Samantha Harvey, for “Orbital”. Canada’s Anne Michaels for “Held”, Australia’s Charlotte Wood for “Stone Yard Devotional” and Yael van der Wouden the first Dutch author to be shortlisted for the Booker for her debut, “The Safekeep”. Booker Prize 2024 shortlist announced; largest number of women represented this year.
NEW DELHI, The True Topper proudly announced the successful conclusion of the Global Influencers and Leadership Summit & Awards (GILSA) 2024, an unparalleled gathering that celebrates the most innovative leaders and influencers from Bharat and around the world.
Held in the vibrant city of New Delhi, GILSA 2024 has set a new benchmark in recognising excellence and leadership that drives positive change across global communities. Around 100 leaders were recognised on the platform. Building on the remarkable success of the Global Education Mentor Award in 2023, The True Topper along with the Heights Group has once again illuminated the path for excellence with the GILSA 2024, highlighting the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations that have made significant impacts on society.
This year’s summit was not just a ceremony but a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of influence and leadership in shaping a better tomorrow. Distinguished Guests and Honorees
The summit was graced by an unparalleled illustrious array of Guests of Honour including Ritesh Agarwal, the visionary Founder & CEO of OYO Rooms; Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Hon’ble Ambassador of Nepal to India; Navratan Aggarwal, the esteemed MD of Bikanervala Foods Raghav Varma, the enterprising Co-founder of Chaayos; Sandeep Aggarwal, the dynamic Co-founder of Droom Cars; and Vishesh Khurana, the innovative Co-founder of ShipRocket.
Their presence was complemented by celebrated personalities such as the acclaimed actor, Raj Kumar Rao; Padma Shri Dr. Sunil Dabas, the esteemed Coach of the National Female Kabaddi Team of India; Pandit Vishwanath Ji, renowned Indian Classical Musician; the talented musician, singer, and composer, Akhil Sachdeva; Himeesh Madaan, the Motivational Speaker and Corporate Coach; and Social Media Influencer and Fitness Coach, Gunjan Taneja marking a confluence of leadership from diverse sectors.
Ved Mahajan Homemaker Award and the Young Leaders Award The highlight of the event was the introduction of the Ved Mahajan Homemaker Award, a pioneering initiative to honour the dedication and hard work of housewives, marking a world-first in recognising this vital contribution to society. Smt. Dulari Kher, mother Superstar Anupam Kher and actor-director Raju Kher was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Ved Mahajan Homemaker Award.
Furthermore, the Young Leaders Award spotlighted prodigious talents between the ages of 2 to 12 years, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership or skills, setting a precedent for the future. The launch of ODWA logo GILSA 2024 made history when the logo of the One Digital World Alliance (ODWA) was launched by the dignitaries in the presence of a large number of well-known social media influencers. ODWA is envisaged a platform from Bharat for the world that will work to strengthen the social media ecosystem, will provide policy inputs to the governments and will act as a think tank regarding the issues of the digital world.
The jury, comprising senior journalist and author Rasheed Kidwai and former MD and CEO of Nepal SBI Bank, Anukool Bhatnagar, meticulously selected winners who have shown an unwavering commitment to excellence and leadership. A Gala of Global Influence The awards ceremony, held on April 4, 2024, was more than an event; it was a testament to the indomitable spirit of leadership and innovation. Attendees experienced an unforgettable evening of recognition, celebration, and networking, leaving inspired to contribute positively to their communities. Looking Forward As GILSA 2024 concludes, The True Topper invites leaders, influencers, and visionaries from around the globe to join them in their journey towards fostering a culture of excellence and positive change.
The objective would be to carry forward the legacy of GILSA, championing the cause of influential leadership for a brighter, more inclusive future. The True Topper is dedicated to recognising and celebrating leadership and influence that contribute to global betterment. Through initiatives like GILSA, it continues to spotlight those who lead by example, inspiring generations to come. ABOUT THE TRUE TOPPER The True Topper (TTT) was started by a group of educators and intellectuals with a vision to build a system that works for the well-being of kids, parents and educational institutions and is a well-known name in the field of holistic development of the students in India and abroad has launched a new initiative.
The True Topper works towards solving the major block of the current system which focuses on just one dimension of life which leads to stress, chaos and misery that we see around us. TTT achieves this holistic development through the TTT Cup i.e. Customised Unique Program with which one can lead a happy, successful and contended life only when all the dimensions of life are developed in a balanced manner. ABOUT THE HEIGHTS GROUP Heights Group is operating at the forefront of the Entertainment and Advertising & marketing industry specializing in Films, Events, Marketing, and BTL and ATL activities on a global scale with a strong presence in India, North America & UAE., Global Influencers and Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 celebrates Leaders from Bharat & Beyond
The Swedish Academy made the announcement on Thursday (October 6). In a statement about Annie Ernaux, the Swedish Academy said “for the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory.”
Besides, Annie Ernaux also “examines the lives of victims of gender, language and class discrimination consistently from different angles. Her path to becoming a writer was long and difficult,” the statement further read.
Born on September 1, 1940, Annie Ernaux’s literature is mainly autobiographical – related to sociology. She is the 17th woman to win this award.
Novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021. Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Tanzanian citizen, lives in the UK and mainly writes in English. Some of his famous novels include Paradise (1994), By the Sea (2001) and Desertion (2005).
American poet Louise Gluck won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020. According to the Swedish Academy, Gluck was awarded this prize due to her “unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal”.
In 2019, Austrian writer Peter Handke won the Nobel Prize. He is accused of supporting the Balkan wars of Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević.
In 2018, Jean-Claude Arnault, the husband of a member of the Nobel Committee and a popular photographer, was charged with a sex scandal. Later, the court sentenced him to two years imprisonment for that incident. Apart from the sex scandal, he was also accused of leaking the name of the Nobel winners. The 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature was postponed amid controversy.
The Royal Swedish Academy began taking extra precautions in 2019 due to the scandal. The structure of the Nobel Committee also changed. That year, along with the 2019 winners, the 2018 deferred winners were also announced. Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature.
In 2018, the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Literature was called off for the first time based on a direct complaint against the Nobel Foundation. Earlier, no award was given in this category during World War II and World War I – due to war and conflict.
In 2017, Japanese-born British author Kazuo Ishiguro won the Nobel Prize in Literature. In 2016, the Academy Award was given to American rock legend Bob Dylan.
Earlier, 15 women won the Nobel Prize in Literature. The late Toni Morrison is the only black woman to win the Nobel Prize.
Till Thursday, three Nobel Prizes have been announced. Three scientists from the United States and Denmark jointly received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday (October 5). They are – Carolyn R. Bertozzi of the United States, Morten P. Meldal of Denmark, and Karl Barry Sharpless of the United States. They have been nominated for this award for their outstanding contribution to the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry.
On Tuesday (October 4), the Nobel Prize in Physics was jointly won by Alain Aspect of France, John Clauser of the United States, and Anton Zeilinger of Austria. They received the award in recognition of experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities and pioneering quantum information science.
Swedish scientist Svante Paabo received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his contribution to medicine on Monday (October 3). The Swedish scientist has been awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the extinct human genome and the evolution of mankind.
The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday (October 7). The Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (Economics) will be announced on Monday (October 10).
Noted that in November 1895, Alfred Nobel established the Nobel Prize through his will with 94% of his total earnings (30 million Swedish kroner). With this huge amount of money, the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and Peace began.Economics was added to the list in 1968. Alfred Nobel died before the award was announced that year. After the approval of the legislature, the Nobel Foundation was formed as per his will. They are responsible for the overall supervision of the money left by Alfred Nobel and the overall management of the Nobel Prize. The responsibility for selecting the winners is shared between the Swedish Academy and the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com/
Ales Bialiatski is a prominent Belarusian human rights activist, who is currently being held in prison without trial.
Bialiatski, 60, is the founder of the country's Viasna (Spring) Human Rights Centre, which was set up in 1996 in response to a brutal crackdown on street protests by Belarus's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Viasna provided support for the jailed demonstrators and their families, documenting the use of torture against political prisoners by the Belarus authorities.
"He has devoted his life to promoting democracy and peaceful development in his home country," said the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, announcing this year's three Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Bialiatski - who has received numerous international human rights awards - spent three years in jail after being convicted on tax evasion charges he has always denied in 2011. He was released in 2014.
He was detained again in 2021 following massive street protests over what opposition activists say were rigged elections that kept Mr. Lukashenko in power.
"Government authorities have repeatedly sought to silence Ales Bialiatski," Ms. Reiss-Andersen said.
"Despite tremendous personal hardship, Mr. Bialiatski has not yielded an inch in his fight for human rights and democracy in Belarus," she added.
Just before his arrest two years ago, Mr. Bialiatski wrote on his Facebook page that the Belarusian authorities "are acting as a regime of occupation".
"Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators across all of Belarus, and hundreds [of them are] detained."
Mr. Bialiatski's current health is not known.
The activist's wife, Natallia Pinchuk, said she was "overwhelmed with emotion".
"I express my deep gratitude to the Nobel committee and the international community for recognizing the work of Ales, his colleagues, and his organization," she told the AFP news agency,
Mr. Lukashenko - described in the West as Europe's last dictator - has ruled Belarus with an iron fist since 1994.
He has been allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin, his close ally, to use Belarus's territory to launch deadly missile attacks on Ukraine and to send Russian ground troops and armory there since Moscow's invasion began on 24 February.
Alongside, Mr. Bialiatski, the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties (CCL) is one of the three joint winners of this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
CCL is one of Ukraine's leading human rights organizations. It was founded in 2007 when leaders of human rights groups from nine post-Soviet countries decided to create a cross-border resource support center in Kyiv.
Since its founding, the CGS has monitored political persecutions in occupied Crimea, Ukraine's southern peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014; documented war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region; and organized international campaigns to release the Kremlin's political prisoners.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, CCL has engaged in efforts to identify and document Russian war crimes against the Ukrainian civilian population.
A 'Run up to Teachers' Day' programme was organized in various schools of border villages of Dhubri district in the last two days.
By : Sentinel Digital Desk, DHUBRI: A 'Run up to Teachers' Day' programme was organized in various schools of border villages of Dhubri district in the last two days. The programme at Dharmshala Higher Secondary School was inaugurated by Commandant, 19 Bn BSF, Satyendra Giri, in presence of principal of the school, Mainal Haque, President and Vice President of Gram Panchayat, teachers, students and locals. During the programme, many events were organized by 19 Bn BSF including a small walk and run followed by a screening of a documentary film on Border Security Force, a presentation on drug abuse and stopping trans-border smuggling and distribution of pamphlets of recruitment process in BSF. Also Read - Minister Atul Bora visits Namdang Tea Estate under Naharkatia Revenue Circle The winners in running events were also rewarded with special prizes. At the end, Commandant, 19 Bn BSF, Satyendra Giri addressed the students and delivered a motivational speech appealing them to join BSF as a career and advised them to stay away from drugs. The school staff and local people thanked 19 Bn BSF for organizing these types of awareness programme. Source: Sentinelassam
‘Shotoborshi Ananda’ captured by Photographer J. Mumu has won an award at the 3rd MEIHODO International Youth Visual Media Festival held in Japan
A photo titled ‘Shotoborshi Ananda’ of Bangladesh has won an award at the 3rd MEIHODO International Youth Visual Media Festival held in Japan.
The photo was captured by Photographer J. Mumu recently won the award for Best Photography at the three-day festival in Japan.
“I took the picture by phone during the lockdown. The character in the photo is a centenary poor woman,” Mumu said after getting the award.
Explaining the title of the photo, the Photographer said, “The woman wants to survive in this world, even though she is suffering from poverty. I wanted to capture the desire and joy of survival even at the end of life. I never thought that the photo would bring such a great honor to Bangladesh.”
The photographer J. Mumu has passed the Higher Secondary Examination (HSC) from Bogura Government Azizul Haque College this year. She is currently preparing for the university admission test. Mumu won the prize by competing with 200 photographers from 74 countries who took part in the festival.The photo has previously been nominated in the main competition in the Photography category of the Sapixel International Photo Contest 2020 in Romania and the Huntington Beach Cultural Cinema Showcase in the United Kingdom. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
Believe it or not, India which saw its economy contract 7,5 per cent in the second quarter of the 2020-21 financial year, also remains one of the top foreign investment destinations globally.
The United Nations (Unctad) has declared ‘Invest India’ as winner of the 2020 United Nations Investment Promotion Award. The award was presented at a ceremony on Monday (7 December 2020) at Unctad Headquarters in Geneva.
The award is also recognition of India receiving the highest-ever FDI during the first five months of this financial year (April-August 2020), of over $35 billion, one of the highest FDI figures for any major economy so far this year.
India had received foreign direct investment (FDI) amounting to well over $ 500 billion in the last two decades.
The evaluation was based on Unctad’s assessment of work undertaken by 180 national Investment Promotion Agencies across the world. This is also recognition and celebration of the outstanding achievements of `Invest India,’ one of the world’s best-practice investment promotion agencies.
The Covid-19 pandemic had generated important challenges for investment promotion agencies (IPAs), forcing them to shift focus from routine investment promotion and facilitation towards crisis management, notification of government emergency and economic relief measures, provision of crisis support services, and contribution to national Covid-19 business response efforts.
Several of these agencies had closed offices, moved functions online and asked staff to work from home. In March 2020, Unctad constituted a team to monitor IPAs response to the pandemic. Unctad reported best practices from investment promotion agencies in the IPA Observer publications in April 2020 and July 2020. IPAs response to the pandemic became the basis for the evaluation of the 2020 United Nations Investment Promotion Award.
Unctad highlighted good practices followed by ‘Invest India’such as the Business Immunity Platform, Exclusive Investment Forum webinar series, its social media engagement and focus Covid response teams (such as business reconstruction, stakeholder outreach and supplier outreach) created as a response to the pandemic in its publications. Invest India has also shared long-term strategies and practices being followed for investment promotion, facilitation and retention at Unctad’s high-level brainstorming sessions.
Unctad is the central agency which monitors performance of investment promotion agencies and identifies global best practices. Germany, South Korea, Singapore have been some of the past winners of the award.“The award is testament to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of making India a preferred investment destination with a focus on both Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. It bears testimony to his focus on bringing excellence within the Government. This award also recognizes the Indian Government’s effective management of the COVID pandemic,” Deepak Bagla, MD & CEO, Invest India said. Source: https://www.domain-b.com/
Believe it or not, India which saw its economy contract 7,5 per cent in the second quarter of the 2020-21 financial year, also remains one of the top foreign investment destinations globally.
The United Nations (Unctad) has declared ‘Invest India’ as winner of the 2020 United Nations Investment Promotion Award. The award was presented at a ceremony on Monday (7 December 2020) at Unctad Headquarters in Geneva.
The award is also recognition of India receiving the highest-ever FDI during the first five months of this financial year (April-August 2020), of over $35 billion, one of the highest FDI figures for any major economy so far this year.
India had received foreign direct investment (FDI) amounting to well over $ 500 billion in the last two decades.
The evaluation was based on Unctad’s assessment of work undertaken by 180 national Investment Promotion Agencies across the world. This is also recognition and celebration of the outstanding achievements of `Invest India,’ one of the world’s best-practice investment promotion agencies.
The Covid-19 pandemic had generated important challenges for investment promotion agencies (IPAs), forcing them to shift focus from routine investment promotion and facilitation towards crisis management, notification of government emergency and economic relief measures, provision of crisis support services, and contribution to national Covid-19 business response efforts.
Several of these agencies had closed offices, moved functions online and asked staff to work from home. In March 2020, Unctad constituted a team to monitor IPAs response to the pandemic. Unctad reported best practices from investment promotion agencies in the IPA Observer publications in April 2020 and July 2020. IPAs response to the pandemic became the basis for the evaluation of the 2020 United Nations Investment Promotion Award.
Unctad highlighted good practices followed by ‘Invest India’such as the Business Immunity Platform, Exclusive Investment Forum webinar series, its social media engagement and focus Covid response teams (such as business reconstruction, stakeholder outreach and supplier outreach) created as a response to the pandemic in its publications. Invest India has also shared long-term strategies and practices being followed for investment promotion, facilitation and retention at Unctad’s high-level brainstorming sessions.
Unctad is the central agency which monitors performance of investment promotion agencies and identifies global best practices. Germany, South Korea, Singapore have been some of the past winners of the award.“The award is testament to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of making India a preferred investment destination with a focus on both Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. It bears testimony to his focus on bringing excellence within the Government. This award also recognizes the Indian Government’s effective management of the COVID pandemic,” Deepak Bagla, MD & CEO, Invest India said. Source: https://www.domain-b.com
Indian diver Shiva helped police find bodies in Hussain Sagar lake in the country's southern city of Hyderabad for years. And then one day, he stopped someone before they jumped, saving a life for the first time. BBC Telugu's Balla Satish reports.
Shiva, who uses only one name, says he was about 10 years old when he came across a group of policemen who were offering to pay anyone who would bring a body out of a nearby pond.
Many police in India are poorly trained and don't know how to swim and are not given funds to hire professional divers. So it's not uncommon for them to rely on such informal, even risky, arrangements.
But when Shiva volunteered, he says, they were taken aback. "They initially refused saying I was too young. But I convinced them," he recalls.
He did the job and walked away with 40 rupees, now worth about $0.54 or £0.42 but a decent sum for him at the time.
That was 20 years ago. He is now 30 and still helping the local police.
Shiva lives right by Hussain Sagar, a large artificial lake in the heart of the city. The lake, a popular tourist spot, is also used during the Ganesha festival for immersing idols of the Hindu deity.
The statues disintegrate under water and Shiva fishes out the iron rods they are made of to sell to recyclers.
But the lake is also a place where many come to die and Shiva often helps police retrieve bodies out of the water. Sometimes, he also helps them recover bodies from other rivers and lakes in the city.
Shiva does more than pulling bodies out of the lake - he often saves people before they jump into the water, and sometimes even after that.
"I have lost count of how many bodies I have found. But I have saved 114 lives," he told the BBC.
He is now also training his wife to swim so she can help retrieve bodies of women.
Inspector B Dhanalakshmi, who's posted at the police station near Hussain Sagar lake, acknowledges that Shiva has been "a huge help" to them.
"I can't confirm how many people he has saved over the years, but I believe it's more than 100," she told the BBC. Suicide is still a crime in India and many people Shiva saves run away even before he can call the police.
Shiva says he never knew his parents and spent most of his childhood on the streets, with brief spells in orphanages. At some point - he can't be sure how old he was - he started living with a woman and her children who were also homeless. He grew close to them and it was one of her sons who taught him how to swim, a skill that changed the course of his life.
"I have lost a lot of friends over the years - to addictions, to disease, to hunger, to accidents," he says. The boy who taught him to swim - "my brother Lakshman," he calls him - accidentally drowned and another close friend died while trying to save someone else.
He says because he couldn't save them, he's trying to make up for that by saving others.
Saving lives brings him some extra money - sometimes people he saves pay him as a token of their gratitude. And coverage in the local press has turned him into a minor celebrity and fetched him small roles in Telugu films. But Shiva says he doesn't consider saving lives a job.
People's motives for suicide, he says, vary - from exam pressures to love affairs gone wrong to family feuds and financial woes. He says sometimes the elderly try to kill themselves when they are abandoned by their children.
Recently, he says he saw a man jump into the lake, fearing he might have contracted the coronavirus. The man's friend then jumped in to save him and Shiva too jumped in, but he was only able to save the friend. He says the dead man's family members didn't even take the body, afraid of catching the virus.
"So I cremated him," he says. "I saved another man who said his family had begun to neglect him since they thought he had the virus."
But his work comes at a cost - Hussain Sagar is heavily polluted and Shiva, who dives into the water regularly with no gear or suit, says he has developed skin rashes and caught other ailments, including a bout of typhoid.
"There is no time to put on any gear. You have to react fast. If you see someone jump, you have to jump right away."
The lake also smells foul during the summer and snakes are commonly found on its shores, but Shiva has no plans to move on. "I want to stay here," he says. "Only if I stay here, I can save lives. The satisfaction of saving a life is supreme." Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
Kolkata, (IANS) Renowned Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty has reacted by conferring the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to the cinema.
