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December 31, 2018
New Year's Eve 2018
Photos: Fireworks are seen exploding from the Sky Tower with the Auckland Harbour Bridge in the foreground during the Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. Photos by Phil Walter/Getty Images for ATEED. Copyright © 2018 Getty Images. Images provided by Auckland Tourism, Events, and Economic Development.
Auckland, New Zealand, the first major city in the world to greet the new day, saw the light in 2019 with a New Year’s Eve visual and entertainment extravaganza that lit up Auckland’s cityscape. For the first time, the stunning Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge joined in the celebrations. At the stroke of midnight, Vector Lights exploded into life with a five-minute light show designed in sync with SkyCity’s fireworks spectacular.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
It’s already 2019 in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and North and South Korea. Here’s how people are celebrating all around the world. https://t.co/t6A8zktbLR pic.twitter.com/bKFEhZ1Uc0
— CNN (@CNN) December 31, 2018
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:07 PM | View the original post
Lovely Professional University Jalandhar to Host Indian Science Congress, Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate it
Photo: The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, presenting degrees & certificates to the students and researchers, at the 9th Convocation of Lovely Professional University, at Phagwara, Jalandhar, Punjab on October 22, 2018.
One of the world’s largest science meets, Indian Science Congress (ISC)-2019, is going to be held from 3rd to 7th January 2019, at Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Punjab. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it on 3rd January. PM Modi will also address about 30,000 delegates including many Nobel Laureates, Union Cabinet Ministers of India, science policymakers, administrators, eminent scientists, young men-women researchers and school children from across India & abroad.
During the five days long congress, around 100 plus conferences and events of scientific and technology origin will be held, where eminent personalities from India government organizations like DRDO, ISRO, DST, AIIMS, UGC, AICTE, and many elite universities of the USA, UK, India, and other countries will participate. Union Cabinet ministers including Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, and Textile Minister, Smriti Irani, will also attend the event.
The event will play a pivotal role in stimulating scientific research effort and raising the scientific temperament in the country and the world. The Nobel Laureates who will be participating include German-American biochemist, Prof. Thomas Sudoph, who has been awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine; Hungarian-born Israeli biochemist and Nobel laureate in Chemistry, Prof. Avram Hershko; and British born physicist, Frederick Duncan Michael Haldane, who has been awarded 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics.
General President of the Indian Science Congress Association, Dr. Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti, believes that 106th session of ISC will be a milestone for the future development of India since it is going to provide a great platform for exchanging ideas and innovations among young minds. Mr. Ashok Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, which is hosting the five-day long event, expressed his happiness on organizing one of the leading scientific activities of the world. “Our engineering students have designed a special ‘Solar powered Multi-Seated Driver-Less Bus.’ This bus will ferry PM Modi to the ISC venue,” Mr. Mittal added
To be inaugurated on the 2nd day of ISC, 4th January 2019, Children’s Science Congress will target 10-17 year children for carrying forward innovation and research in science to a next level. Near 150 science projects are to be showcased, and children will also have the opportunity to listen and interact with eminent scientists and Nobel Laureates.
On the third day of ISC, two-day Science Communicators’ Meet- 2019 will be inaugurated, where the main aim will be to brainstorm ways of dissemination of scientific information and inculcation of scientific attitude among masses. Various Journalists from top media-houses would also be a part of the communicators’ meet.
With its inauguration on 5th January, ‘Women’s Science Congress’ will showcase the contribution of women in Science, Technology and the Society. Here, renowned women scientists and leaders from Government, academia, and industry will deliver lectures and participate in panel discussions on promoting talent among women.
Also, there would be 14 Plenary Sessions. Science and technology stalwarts would chair them.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:40 AM | View the original post
December 24, 2018
Tissot presents Heritage Visodate Quartz — A Legacy of Elegance
Photos: Tissot Heritage Visodate Quartz watch. Images provided by and copyright © TISSOT.
Tissot Heritage Visodate Quartz is the watch that every young man dreams of wearing on his wrist: a piece that is passed on from generation to generation. Inspired by the 1950s collection, the Tissot Heritage Visodate Quartz symbolises a smooth combination of sentimental classicism and youthful passion which is expressed in its design: a nostalgic dial with a modern twist, the Tissot logo in the original font, delicate facetted hour markers, the essential date counter at 3 o’clock and - a new feature - a quartz movement.
The 1950s heralded the Tissot Heritage Visodate with its avant-garde design: a streamlined dial; crisp, angular lines; finesse in wear; an original style; and the essential date function at 3 o’clock. The Tissot Heritage Visodate Quartz takes inspiration from its predecessor while adding elegant touches from its own time.
In the company’s opinion, “The Tissot Heritage Visodate Quartz has that surprising spirit, a blend of retro and modernity, that makes ordinary life extraordinary, and reminds you that you can always, somewhere, discover a new experience and write a new chapter.”
Source: TISSOT
|GlobalGiants.Com|
TISSOT Sponsors Superbike World Championship. https://t.co/BlKRtcGzyJ
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 25, 2018
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:18 PM | View the original post
December 22, 2018
India submits its dossier on ‘Monuments Forts of Deccan Sultanate’ for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Photo: The Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Image Credit: Otis Yang.
New Delhi, December 22, 2018 — India’s Ministry of Culture has informed the Indian Parliament that, at present, India has 42 sites listed under UNESCO’s tentative list which is a pre-requisite condition for inscription as World Heritage Sites. This year, ‘The Walled city of Jaipur’ is under process for nomination of World Heritage Site. The dossier on ‘Monuments Forts of Deccan Sultanate’ has already been submitted to UNESCO for the 2019-20 initiative, the Ministry said.
Augmentation of sites on the World Heritage List/Tentative List is a continuous process. UNESCO selects the heritage sites on the basis of their potential for fulfilling criteria under Operational Guidelines and demonstration of Outstanding Universal Value, India’s Minister for Culture, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, explained.
At present, India has 37 World Heritage Sites as follows:
WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA
• CULTURAL SITES:
• Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India
Name of Site — State
- Agra Fort (1983) — Uttar Pradesh
- Ajanta Caves (1983) — Maharashtra
- Ellora Caves (1983) — Maharashtra
- Taj Mahal (1983) — Uttar Pradesh
- Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) — Tamil Nadu
- Sun Temple, Konarak (1984) — Odisha
- Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) — Goa
- Fatehpur Sikri (1986) — Uttar Pradesh
- Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) — Karnataka
- Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986) — Madhya Pradesh
- Elephanta Caves ( 1987) — Maharashtra
- Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Darasuram (1987 & 2004) — Tamil Nadu
- Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) — Karnataka
- Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) — Madhya Pradesh
- Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) — Delhi
- Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) — Delhi
- Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) — Madhya Pradesh
- Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004) — Gujarat
- Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) — Delhi
- Hill Forts of Rajasthan — Rajasthan
- Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan (2014) — Gujarat
- Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda (2016) — Bihar
• Under Protection of Ministry of Railways
- Mountain Railways of India ( Darjeeling,1999), Nilgiri (2005), Kalka-Shimla(2008) — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) — Maharashtra
• Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, (2002) — Bihar
• Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums
- The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) — Rajasthan
• Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration
- The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016) — Chandigarh
• Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
- Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) — Gujarat
• Under Protection of Bombay Municipal Corporation
- Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai (2018) — Govt of Maharashtra
• NATURAL SITES:
• Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
- Kaziranga National Park (1985) — Assam
- Keoladeo National Park (1985) — Rajasthan
- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) — Assam
- Sunderbans National Park (1987) — West Bengal
- Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005) — Uttarakhand
- Western Ghats (2012) — Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
- Great Himalayan National Park (2014) — Himachal Pradesh
• MIXED SITE:
• Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
- Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) — Sikkim
All the world heritage sites are well protected and are in good shape. India is conserving all these sites in accordance with the UNESCO’s conservation policy, India’s Minister for Culture, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, told the parliament.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:18 PM | View the original post
December 21, 2018
TISSOT presents LOVELY SQUARE Ladies' Watches
Photos: TISSOT LOVELY SQUARE watches. Images provided by and copyright © TISSOT.
“Tissot Lovely Square is a tribute to the small Tissot ladies’ watches of the 1960s, and is an utterly feminine creation, calibrated for the finest wrists,” TISSOT stated, “Its beautiful dial, displaying minutes alongside hours, has the sensual aura of the most feminine attire. The design is available in seven distinct versions, naturally attracting women in love with timeless glamour.”
“With its suggestions of romance and rock-and-roll, the Tissot Lovely Square is designed for the woman in search of new adventures, experiences, and encounters,” the company announced.
Source: TISSOT
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:10 PM | View the original post
December 19, 2018
Students from Stanford Graduate School of Business call on the Vice President of India
Photo: The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, with the Students from Stanford Graduate School of Business, in New Delhi on December 18, 2018.
Source: Vice President’s Secretariat
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:33 AM | View the original post
December 18, 2018
OSCARS 2019: Academy Announces Shortlists in Nine Award Categories; Snubs India's Entry for the Best Foreign Language Film
Photo: Filmmaker Geeta Malik, recipient of the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, at the Los Angeles Women’s Lunch hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. October 30, 2018. Photographer: Valerie Macon. Image provided by and copyright © A.M.P.A.S.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced shortlists in consideration for the 91st Oscars in nine categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Foreign Language Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Visual Effects.
• DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 91st Academy Awards.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
- “Charm City”
- “Communion”
- “Crime + Punishment”
- “Dark Money”
- “The Distant Barking of Dogs”
- “Free Solo”
- “Hale County This Morning, This Evening”
- “Minding the Gap”
- “Of Fathers and Sons”
- “On Her Shoulders”
- “RBG”
- “Shirkers”
- “The Silence of Others”
- “Three Identical Strangers”
- “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
• DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Ten films will advance in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 91st Academy Awards.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
- “Black Sheep”
- “End Game”
- “Lifeboat”
- “Los Comandos”
- “My Dead Dad’s Porno Tapes”
- “A Night at the Garden”
- “Period. End of Sentence.”
- “’63 Boycott”
- “Women of the Gulag”
- “Zion”
• FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Nine films will advance to the next round of voting in the Foreign Language Film category for the 91st Academy Awards. Eighty-seven countries had initially submitted their entries in this class.
Los Angeles-based Academy members from all branches screened the original submissions in the category between mid-October and December 10. The group’s top six choices, augmented by three additional selections voted by the Academy’s Foreign Language Film Award Executive Committee, constitute the shortlist.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
- Colombia, “Birds of Passage”
- Denmark, “The Guilty”
- Germany, “Never Look Away”
- Japan, “Shoplifters”
- Kazakhstan, “Ayka”
- Lebanon, “Capernaum”
- Mexico, “Roma”
- Poland, “Cold War”
- South Korea, “Burning”
• MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Seven films will advance in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 91st Academy Awards. All members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films on Saturday, January 5, 2019. Members will vote to nominate three films for final Oscar consideration.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
- “Black Panther”
- “Bohemian Rhapsody”
- “Border”
- “Mary Queen of Scots”
- “Stan & Ollie”
- “Suspiria”
- “Vice”
• MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
Fifteen scores will advance in the Original Score category for the 91st Academy Awards. One hundred fifty-six scores were eligible in the group. Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The scores listed in alphabetical order by film title are:
- “Annihilation”
- “Avengers: Infinity War”
- “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”
- “Black Panther”
- “BlacKkKlansman”
- “Crazy Rich Asians”
- “The Death of Stalin”
- “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”
- “First Man”
- “If Beale Street Could Talk”
- “Isle of Dogs”
- “Mary Poppins Returns”
- “A Quiet Place”
- “Ready Player One”
- “Vice”
• MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
Fifteen songs will advance in the Original Song category for the 91st Academy Awards. Ninety songs were eligible in the division. Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The original songs are listed below in alphabetical order by film title and song title:
- “When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings” from “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”
- “Treasure” from “Beautiful Boy”
- “All The Stars” from “Black Panther”
- “Revelation” from “Boy Erased”
- “Girl In The Movies” from “Dumplin’”
- “We Won’t Move” from “The Hate U Give”
- “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from “Mary Poppins Returns”
- “Trip A Little Light Fantastic” from “Mary Poppins Returns”
- “Keep Reachin’” from “Quincy”
- “I’ll Fight” from “RBG”
- “A Place Called Slaughter Race” from “Ralph Breaks the Internet”
- “OYAHYTT” from “Sorry to Bother You”
- “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born”
- “Suspirium” from “Suspiria”
- “The Big Unknown” from “Widows”
• ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Ten films will advance in the Animated Short Film category for the 91st Academy Awards. Eighty-one films had initially qualified in the group. Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The movies, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
- “Age of Sail”
- “Animal Behaviour”
- “Bao”
- “Bilby”
- “Bird Karma”
- “Late Afternoon”
- “Lost & Found”
- “One Small Step”
- “Pépé le Morse”
- “Weekends”
• LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Ten films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 91st Academy Awards. One hundred forty films had initially qualified in the class. Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The movies, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
- “Caroline”
- “Chuchotage”
- “Detainment”
- “Fauve”
- “Icare”
- “Marguerite”
- “May Day”
- “Mother”
- “Skin”
- “Wale”
• VISUAL EFFECTS
Ten films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 91st Academy Awards. The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
- “Ant-Man and the Wasp”
- “Avengers: Infinity War”
- “Black Panther”
- “Christopher Robin”
- “First Man”
- “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”
- “Mary Poppins Returns”
- “Ready Player One”
- “Solo: A Star Wars Story”
- “Welcome to Marwen”
Nominations voting begins on Monday, January 7, 2019, and concludes on Monday, January 14, 2019.
The Academy will announce the Nominations for the 91st Academy Awards on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
The 91st Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Meanwhile, India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category, “Village Rockstars” directed by Rima Das, is out of the Oscars race.
No Indian film has ever won an Oscar. The last Indian film that made it to the final five in the Best Foreign Film category list was Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan in 2001.
Mother India (1958) and Salaam Bombay (1989) are the other two Indian movies to have made it to the top five.
Source: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:34 AM | View the original post
December 17, 2018
Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines 2018, is crowned Miss Universe
Photo: Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines 2018, is crowned Miss Universe at the conclusion of the three-hour special programming event on FOX on Sunday, December 16, 2018, at the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The new winner will move to New York City where she will live during her reign and become a spokesperson for various causes alongside The Miss Universe Organization. Photographer: Amorn Pitayanant. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines 2018, during a photoshoot in fashion by Sherri Hill at the Dusit Thani Bangkok on December 2, 2018. Photographer: Benjamin Askinas. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Source: The Miss Universe Organization
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Miss Universe 2018. Crowning Moment. https://t.co/ZeXw1AJbxc
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 17, 2018
Final Photoshoot with Miss Universe 2017. https://t.co/iSE3nxF2mM
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 17, 2018
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:27 AM | View the original post
December 13, 2018
United Nations — Award Ceremony: Diwali - "The Power of One"
Photo: A view of an ornamental lamp at the ceremony presenting “The Power of One” awards to commemorate the issuance of the Diwali Stamp by the United States Postal Service. 11 December 2018. United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Manuel Elias.
Photo: Kairat Umarov, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, addresses the ceremony presenting “The Power of One” awards to commemorate the issuance of the Diwali Stamp by the United States Postal Service. 11 December 2018. United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Manuel Elias.
The award, established by Diwali Foundation USA, Inc. in 2017, aims to celebrate and highlight the vital role of diplomats and international officials in promoting peace on Earth.
Source: United Nations, New York.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:34 PM | View the original post
December 12, 2018
First ever Consultation of UNESCO Chairs in India
Photo: A scene from a meeting of the Preparatory Group of the UNESCO Executive Board, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France. Image provided by and copyright © UNESCO/Cyril Bailleul. [File Photo]
New Delhi, December 12, 2018 — The UNESCO Office in New Delhi in collaboration with Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), hosted the first-ever Consultation of UNESCO Chairs, from 10-11 December 2018 in New Delhi. The primary objective of the consultation was to build a more informed and active network of UNESCO Chairs in India and to brainstorm and share ideas on the role of UNESCO Chairs in strengthening the work of UNESCO. The two-day consultation saw the participation by all 11 UNESCO Chairs in India.
On Day 1, the UNESCO New Delhi Director, Eric Falt, welcomed all the participants at UNESCO House, which was followed by the screening of a Film on UNESCO’s 70 years in India. The reception at the UNESCO House was a unique opportunity for all the 11 Chairs present to introduce themselves and to build meaningful networking in an informal setting.
On the second day, the meeting started with an address by Dr. Rajesh Tandon who warmly welcomed all the UNESCO Chairs in India to PRIA campus. UNESCO New Delhi Director, Eric Falt made a presentation highlighting critical activities undertaken by the different sectors in the New Delhi Office. Dr. N. Saravana Kumar, Joint Secretary (ICC), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) thanked UNESCO for organizing the meeting and highlighted the need to engage meaningfully with the UNESCO Chairs in strengthening the programmes and policies of MHRD.
During the work session, the Chairs brainstormed about enhanced collaboration with UNESCO New Delhi and how they could further UNESCO’s agenda in their respective areas of specialization. The members presented key ideas which included reinforcing the network of UNESCO Chairs by setting up e-groups for enhanced networking and knowledge sharing and promoting core values of UNESCO through their ongoing courses and programmes.
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme consists of the establishment of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking) Networks in higher education institutions. Because of the nature and flexibility of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, universities can respond more readily and with greater autonomy to the demands for new learning and research in a world undergoing rapid economic, social and technological change. India has established 11 Chairs on different subjects.
Following is the List of Chairs under the UNITWIN/UNESCO Programme —
- UNESCO Chair in Cultural Development (1994), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi
- UNESCO Chair in Peace, Human Rights and Democracy (1998), Academy of Engineering and Educational Research, Pune
- UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education through Distance Mode (1996), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- UNESCO Chair in Biotechnology (2000), Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, Bangalore
- UNESCO Chair for the Promotion of the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence (1999), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Pune
- UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Chair in Ecotechnology (1996), M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)
- UNESCO Chair for Peace and Intercultural Understanding (2010), Banaras Hindu University
- UNESCO Chair on Community Media (2011), University of Hyderabad
- UNESCO Chair in Climate Science and Policy (2012), TERI University
- UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (2012), Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University
- UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development and the Human Habitat (2013), The Centre for Environment Education and CEPT University
Sources: UNESCO India Office, New Delhi; Indian National Commission for Co-operation with UNESCO
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:42 PM | View the original post
December 9, 2018
International Conference on Sustainable Water Management at Mohali from Tomorrow
Photo: The Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari, in a group photograph at the inauguration of the “India Water Impact Summit 2018”, in New Delhi on December 05, 2018. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, and the Secretary, Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, U.P. Singh, are also seen. [File Photo]
Mohali (Near Chandigarh), India, December 9, 2018 — An International Conference under the aegis of National Hydrology Project, Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation is being organized by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) during 10-11 December 2018 at Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali, on the theme ‘Sustainable Water Management’. The objective of the Conference is to promote integrated and sustainable development and management of Water Resources.
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Acharya Devvrat, would be the Chief Guest and U.P. Singh, Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, would be the Guest of Honour at the inaugural session of the Conference on December 10, 2018.
Many Experts & Delegates from reputed organizations from both within India and other countries, such as Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Spain, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Canada, Germany, and Sri Lanka would be taking part in the event. They would present their experience and expertise in the use of state of the art technology for sustainable development of water resources. About 20 companies and organizations will be putting up stalls in the exhibition to showcase their activities in the area of sustainable water resources management.
The Conference aims to foster the participation of and dialogue between various stakeholders, including governments and the scientific and academic communities, promote sustainable policies for water management, and encourage better management of water resources at local, regional, national, and international levels.
Source: Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:41 AM | View the original post
December 8, 2018
Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak elected National Press Club President
Photo: Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak, the new President of the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 8, 2018 — Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak, a correspondent for NPR (National Public Radio), was elected the next President of the National Press Club, the world’s leading professional organization for journalists, on Friday, December 7, 2018.
A three-time George Polk Award-winner during her lengthy career in both print and broadcast journalism, Kodjak will officially assume the duties of the presidency on January 11, 2019.
Kodjak, in her acceptance speech before her fellow members in the Club’s Truman Lounge, pledged to uphold the work of her predecessors in advocating for press freedom worldwide.
“My goal as president is to see the club become a central player in the fight for the future of quality, fact-based journalism here in the US and fight for the freedom of our colleagues around the world.
“Journalists today are under a huge amount of pressure. There are economic challenges - but even more difficult are the attacks on our credibility and character. Also, by habit, we tend to stay in our lanes - we work for the Post, AP or CNN and we compete. We belong to our groups - WHCA, IRE or NABJ. However, the National Press Club is a place where we break those walls down and gather to enjoy each other’s company,” Kodjak said.
Kodjak, who has enjoyed a successful career covering a wide array of subjects in a variety of platforms, is considered well-suited to foster that sense of camaraderie amongst her journalism colleagues. Before joining NPR in 2015, Kodjak spent two years at the Center for Public Integrity, leading projects in financial, telecom, and political reporting. Before joining the Center, she spent more than a decade at Bloomberg News, where she wrote about the convergence of politics, government, and economics, and as part of Bloomberg’s investigative team, reported on the bankruptcy of General Motors Corp. and the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill. A graduate of Georgetown University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Kodjak is also the co-author of the book “In Too Deep: BP and the Drilling Race that Took It Down,” published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons.
Also elected in Friday’s Club elections were: Michael Freedman (UMUC, GW, The Kalb Report) as vice president; Peter Urban (Freelance) as treasurer; and Fouad Arif (Morocco News Agency) as secretary. Elected to the Board of Governors were: Lisa Matthews of the Associated Press, Ferdous Al-Faruque of MedTech Insight, Emily Wilkins of Bloomberg BNA, Del Quentin Wilber of the Los Angeles Times, freelance journalist Antonella Ciancio, and Danny Selnick of Business Wire.
The inaugural gala for the new president of the club, which was founded in 1908 and has 3,100 members worldwide, would be held on January 12, 2019.
Source: National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
National Press Club, Washington, DC. — Donald Trump's 2014 promise to run for President in 2016. Donald Trump, Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, spoke at a National Press Club luncheon on May 27, 2014. https://t.co/08f6sL27i5
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 9, 2018
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:28 AM | View the original post
December 7, 2018
UNESCO Global Education Meeting Sets Course for Education for the Next Four Years
Photo: Global Education Meeting. December 5, 2018. Brussels, Belgium. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO / G Chekaiban.
Photo: Global Education Meeting. December 5, 2018. Brussels, Belgium. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO / G Chekaiban.
Photo: Global Education Meeting. December 5, 2018. Brussels, Belgium. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO / G Chekaiban.
Photo: Global Education Meeting. December 5, 2018. Brussels, Belgium. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO / G Chekaiban.
Brussels, Belgium, December 6, 2018 — UNESCO convened the Global Education Meeting in Brussels, from 3 to 5 December 2018, to agree on common next steps for education. Stefania Gianini, Assistant-Director General for Education at UNESCO called for “strong political will, sustained collective action and a massive increase of resources.”
UNESCO brought together Ministers, representatives of Member States, multilateral organizations, civil society, the teaching profession, youth, and the private sector. Gianini sought consensus on building an education partnership platform engaging the gamut of development partners across industries. She highlighted the complementary roles and the strengths of partners around the table to keep education on top of the political and private sector agenda.
United Nations Special Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and UNESCO Special Envoy on Literacy for Development, Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, called for partnerships with non-educational players and the private sector. Princess Laurentien urged development partners to make education relevant to other industries and emphasize the shared responsibility of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
UNESCO announced that the WIDE (World Inequality Database on Education) platform would be further developed through the Global Education Monitoring Report and UNESCO Institute of Statistics to understand better inequalities within countries in ensuring access to education, participation, completion, and learning outcomes.
Countries, regional partners, and development agencies adopted the outcome statement - the Brussels Declaration with the following key points:
- Making education and training systems more equitable and inclusive “leaving no one behind.”
- Eradicating illiteracy
- Including migrants, displaced persons, and refugees in education and training systems
- Providing quality gender-responsive education and training
- Strengthening education for global citizenship and sustainable development
- Offering open, flexible and responsive education and training systems to meet new skill needs
- Improving teachers, educators, trainers, and school leaders
- Increasing investment in education
Although the Global Education Meeting only takes place every four years, partners would work on a continual basis, on the harmonization and strengthening of support to Member States and partners to achieve the education-related targets of the global agenda. This work would be carried out through the UNESCO led SDG-Education 2030 Steering Committee, the global multi-stakeholder mechanism for education in the 2030 Agenda.
Gianini closed the Meeting saying, “2019 is the year of education. We have an opportunity that we cannot and must not waste. Beginning with the new International Day of Education on 24 January, to the High-Level Political Forum and G7 in July, to the UNGA 2019, and the UNESCO General Conference in November. It is a time for action”.
Source: UNESCO, Paris & Brussels
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#UNESCO Global Education Meeting. Ministerial Segment. December 4, 2018. Brussels, Belgium. https://t.co/74MMHpfic3
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 6, 2018
#UNESCO Global Education Meeting. Ministerial Segment. December 5, 2018. Brussels, Belgium. https://t.co/ARSsZid5Xq
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 6, 2018
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:19 AM | View the original post
December 6, 2018
Ferrari SP3JC — A One-Off Exclusive Open-Air Motoring
Photos: Ferrari SP3JC. A One-Off Exclusive Open-Air Motoring. Images provided by and Copyright © Ferrari.
Maranello, Italy, December 6, 2018 - The latest Ferrari one-off project, the SP3JC, has been officially consigned to its owner. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP3JC was commissioned by a Ferrari client and collector whose brief set out to create a pure, uncompromising roadster using the chassis and running gear of the F12tdf.
The single one-off car, the SP3JC, is the maximum expression of open-air motoring, harking back to Ferrari’s epic V12-engined spiders of the 1950s and ‘60s. The striking one-off makes an essential and individual styling statement and represents the outcome of over two years of intense work, with close involvement from the client throughout the process.
The SP3JC features a very muscular stance with dynamic sculpturing on the flanks designed to emphasize the front-engine layout, a distinctive air intake outline at the front, and a dramatic rear fascia with horizontal slashes contributing to a broader stance.
The company has reflected the client’s passion for Pop Art in the sharp graphics. The unique combination of the Azzurro Met and Giallo Modena livery over the central Bianco Italia color scheme underlines the car’s sensual volumes.
The sporting theme is reinforced by specific detailing such as split glass inserts on the bonnet to show off the 780cv V12 engine, a flying bridge between the fairings of the carbon-fiber roll hoops and a brushed aluminum external fuel filler cap.
The seats are of blue leather with a white insert. The blue leather extends to the lower dashboard, and the color is picked up in the contrasting stitching to the rest of the interior trim.
Source: Ferrari
|GlobalGiants.Com|
#Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli at Road Atlanta with 55 Ferrari Challenge race cars taking to the track.https://t.co/1sATesd5Rm
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 6, 2018
#Ferrari Challenge Europe - Spa 2018, Trofeo Pirelli Race 1.
— GlobalGiants.Com (@GlobalGiants) December 7, 2018
https://t.co/6ePe4HHnla
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:40 PM | View the original post
December 4, 2018
Miss Universe Contestants reach Bangkok, Thailand for Final on December 16
Photo: EnikÅ‘ Kecskés, Miss Universe Hungary 2018, participates during a demonstration of Batik Painting at Dahla Batik in Krabi Island on December 7. Photographer: Max Louis Miller. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Eva Colas, Miss Universe France 2018, during a demonstration of Batik Painting at Dahla Batik in Krabi Island on December 7. Photographer: Max Louis Miller. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Miss Universe Contestants during a visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok on December 4. Photographer: Benjamin Askinas. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Zahra Khanum, Miss Universe Singapore 2018; Francesca Mifsud, Miss Universe Malta 2018; Tamaryn Green, Miss Universe South Africa 2018; and H’Hen Nie, Miss Universe Vietnam 2018; during a visit to Chinatown in Bangkok on December 3. Photographer: Benjamin Askinas. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Yulia Polyachikhina, Miss Universe Russia 2018, gets hair done by a stylist from Farouk Systems, the Makers of CHI & Biosilk upon arriving at the Dusit Thani Bangkok on November 30. Photographer: Benjamin Askinas. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Andrea Toscano, Miss Universe Mexico 2018, gets makeup done upon arriving at the Dusit Thani Bangkok on November 30. Photographer: Benjamin Askinas. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Nehal Chudasama, Miss Universe India 2018, gets hair done by a stylist from Farouk Systems, the Makers of CHI & Biosilk upon arriving at the Dusit Thani Bangkok on November 30. Photographer: Benjamin Askinas. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
Photo: Francesca Mifsud, Miss Universe Malta 2018, during a visit to Chinatown in Bangkok on December 3. Photographer: Patrick Prather. Image provided by & Copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.
The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Bangkok, Thailand. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live on Sunday, December 16, 2018, from the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, Thailand to see who will become the next Miss Universe.
Source: The Miss Universe Organization
|GlobalGiants.Com|
For the National Costume show tonight, I will be dressed as an Indian Warrior Princess. My National Costume features a matching throne inspired from the scenes of the movie Rudrama Devi, which showcases the Kakatiya Dynasty. #MissUniverse #India @MissUniverse 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/dofOrQiiem
— Nehal Chudasama (@nehalchudasama9) December 10, 2018
My dream of being called India on the @MissUniverse stage came true! This time for India 🇮🇳 #MissUniverse2018 #India #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/QaMm5k1JCC
— Nehal Chudasama (@nehalchudasama9) December 13, 2018
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:02 AM | View the original post
December 3, 2018
Vice President Naidu lauds Chennai Musicians for making Chennai a UNESCO Creative City of Music
Photo: The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, presenting Naatya Padhmam Award to Shreemati Malavika Sarukkai at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma Gana Sabha in Chennai on December 02, 2018.
Chennai, December 2, 2018 — The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that art and dance forms act as a bridge between the ancient and the modern value systems. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma Gana Sabha, in Chennai today.
The Vice President presented - Gaana Padhmam Award to the legendary classical musician, Dr. K.J. Yesudoss, Naatya Padhmam Award to Smt. Malavika Sarukkai and Naataka Padhmam Award to Shri Varadharajan.
The Vice President said that classical music and arts express India’s cultural glory and represent the eternal and everlasting principles of life that promote discipline, obedience, and peaceful coexistence.
Naidu said that music in any form acts as an equalizer. It has no barriers or boundaries. It speaks the universal language. Music, art, and culture promote the concept of oneness.
“Brahma Gana Sabha has grown into a huge brand in 50 years. Its annual music festivals are well known. Events such as these have put Chennai on the world cultural map and gave the city a place in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for contribution in Music. Chennai is the third Indian city on the list of UNESCO Creative Cities list. UNESCO has also recognized Varanasi as City of Music, and Jaipur as City of Crafts and Folk Art.” Mr. Naidu said.
“Indian musicians have given the world a rare menu of soul-stirring musical masterpieces. The electronic era has brought new dimensions to music concerts. We must preserve the best traditions we have inherited, and add further richness with our creative genius,” the Vice President concluded.
Source: Vice President’s Secretariat, New Delhi
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:08 AM | View the original post
December 2, 2018
International Press Institute (IPI) asks G20 Leaders to Commit to Press Freedom
Photo: The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, meeting the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 01, 2018.
Vienna, Austria, December 1, 2018 — The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives, and leading journalists, has advised the leaders of the G20 to commit themselves to uphold press freedom in their countries and around the world.
“As the leaders of G20 meet in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to discuss fair and sustainable development, they need to appreciate the fact that such progress is not possible if they do not guarantee press freedom in their countries and elsewhere,” IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said.
“A free and independent press is essential to induce development that reaches all. People can claim their rights and participate in sustainable development processes only when they are well informed. A free press is what enables people to make informed choices.
“IPI calls on G20 leaders to raise the issue of intimidation of journalists with their counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, India, and the United States, all of whom are attending the summit.
“G20 leaders must take the opportunity of the summit to commit themselves to freedom of the press and safety of journalists and set an example for other countries to follow,” Trionfi stated.
Source: International Press Institute
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:24 AM | View the original post
