April 18, 2024
US Postal Service releases Blooms Stamp to spread Good Cheer and Trust.
— The stamp exhibits imaginative flowers to commemorate significant events associated with good cheer and trust.
Photo: The U.S. Postal Service introduces Blooms, a new stamp well-suited for spreading good cheer and trust.
ST. LOUIS, April 18, 2024— The U.S. Postal Service has introduced Blooms, a new stamp well-suited for spreading good cheer and trust. In a momentous event, USPS held a dedication ceremony for the stamps in St. Louis, inviting the public to be part of this exciting launch.
The “Blooms” stamp features fanciful flowers to mark special occasions.
The “Blooms” stamp is not just for envelopes; it’s a versatile tool for spreading joy and trust. Whether for party invitations, thank-you notes, important announcements, or general correspondence, it can be used for any occasion, empowering you to express your creativity.
This stamp is a masterpiece featuring brilliantly colored flowers rendered in ink and gouache. These artistic details add luster to the vivid red, yellow, purple, pink, green, and blue hues, making them a visual delight.
Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using an existing illustration by artist Kim Parker.
Source: U.S. Postal Service
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:29 PM | View the original post
April 17, 2024
TIME releases its 2024 list of 100 Most Influential People.
• Global TIME100 leaders will gather in NYC on April 24, 2024, for the TIME100 Summit to showcase solutions for a better world.
Photo: The 2024 TIME100 Covers featuring singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Taraji P. Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a leader of Russia’s opposition movement. Images provided by TIME.
NEW YORK, April 17, 2024 — Today, TIME magazine released its annual list of the 100 most influential people globally, known as the 2024 TIME 100. This year’s issue features four different covers, each highlighting a member of the TIME 100 list. The covers feature singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Taraji P. Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a prominent figure in Russia’s opposition movement.
The annual TIME magazine list, denoted as TIME100, features unexpected pairings of the list members with guest contributors who write about them. The twenty-first annual list features Alex Rodriguez on Patrick Mahomes, Burna Boy on 21 Savage, Maren Morris on Jack Antonoff, Blake Lively on America Ferrera, Kate Hudson on Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Obama on Thelma Golden, Jon Huntsman on William Lai, Naomi Watts on Tory Burch, Tom Brady on A’ja Wilson, Mark Zuckerberg on Jensen Huang, Ryan Reynolds on Michael J. Fox, Richard Branson on Jigar Shah, Joe Biden on Shawn Fain, and more.
Jessica Sibley, the CEO of TIME, stated that the individuals recognized on this year’s list of the world’s most influential people have impacted various industries and continents.
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs mentioned in his letter to readers that the 2024 list of influential people is complex and can have positive and negative effects. He also stated that influence can span generations, categories, and perspectives. TIME has been evolving for 101 years, and today, it brings together its influential community across the globe with events in 12 cities and four continents. According to Jacobs, the 2024 list is an unparalleled way to share essential stories about people and their ideas that shape and improve the world.
• HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2024 TIME100
Other notable writers include Kamala Harris, Mary J. Blige, Amy Poehler, Padma Lakshmi, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Anderson Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Fauci, Zoe Saldaña, Tarana Burke, Salma Hayek, Lenny Kravitz and more.
This year’s list features 51 women, including Sofia Coppola, Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Yulia Navalnaya, Jenny Holzer, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Norah Weinstein, Joanne Crevoiserat, Alia Bhatt, Lauren Groff, Kelly Ripa, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and others.
The list features world leaders and other U.S. political figures, including William Burns, Greg Abbott, Ajay Banga, Diana Salazar Mendez, Jack Smith, Elise Stefanik, Donald Tusk, Andriy Yermak, Marina Silva, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman AlThani and more.
Over a dozen entertainers are featured on this year’s list, including Elliot Page, Burna Boy, Dua Lipa, 21 Savage, Jeffrey Wright, Kylie Minogue, Fantasia Barrino, America Ferrera, Taraji P. Henson, Maya Rudolph, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Colman Domingo, Dev Patel, Alex Edelman and more.
This year’s list includes athletes Max Verstappen, Patrick Mahomes, Siya Kolisi, A’ja Wilson, Jenni Hermoso, and Sakshi Malik.
Fashion, visual, and literary arts icons featured include Jenny Holzer, Tory Burch, Jonathan Anderson, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Thelma Golden, James McBride, and more. Media figures and journalists include Kelly Ripa, Connie Walker, Motaz Azaiza, and E. Jean Carroll.
• THE 2024 TIME100 SUMMIT AND GALA
TIME will celebrate the 2024 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people at the TIME100 Summit on April 24 and the TIME100 Gala on April 25 in New York City. The gala will air as a primetime television special on May 12 on ABC.
The fourth-annual TIME100 Summit will convene leaders from the global TIME100 community to spotlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world.
TIME is an exceptional media brand that has informed and inspired millions worldwide for over 100 years. Its iconic magazine and digital platforms are trusted by consumers and partners globally, providing unparalleled access to the world’s most influential people. TIME’s unique ability to convene people has been instrumental in bringing about positive change in the world. Its mission is to share stories of individuals and ideas that shape and improve our world. By doing so, TIME encourages people to think constructively and take action to make the world a better place for all.
Source: TIME
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:46 AM | View the original post
April 16, 2024
The Olympic Flame for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 lit in a Symbolic Ceremony in Ancient Olympia.
Photos: The Olympic flame for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 lit in a symbolic ceremony in Ancient Olympia. Images provided by & copyright © International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Olympic flame was lit on April 16, 2024, with 100 days remaining until the start of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The flame was ignited in Ancient Olympia, Greece, the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Olympic flame symbolizes peace and hope, and will now embark on a journey across Greece before making its way to France. The flame will arrive in Marseille on May 8 and travel throughout the country, including some French overseas territories, before finally reaching Paris for the Opening Ceremony on July 26.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach underscored Paris 2024’s commitment to upholding Olympic values and promoting global unity. He highlighted that the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the world together in peaceful competition. In their fierce yet peaceful competition, the athletes convey a powerful message that it is possible to compete against each other while living peacefully under one roof. He remarked that the athletes would showcase their excellence, determination, and resilience, demonstrating the greatness of human potential.
Source: International Olympic Committee (IOC)
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:43 PM | View the original post
Nobel Prize-winning Economist Joseph Stiglitz will present the findings of a new UNESCO study at the National Press Club Headliners event on April 17.
WASHINGTON, DC, April 15, 2024 — Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz will release the findings of a new study on the relationship between press freedom and advancing democratic values and economic development at a National Press Club Headliners Coffee and Conversation at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17 in the First Amendment Lounge.
Stiglitz’s remarks will be followed by a panel discussion of the report with esteemed experts in the field, Arturo Herrera Gutierrez, global director for Governance Global Practice in the Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions Practice Group at the World Bank, and Eliot Minchenberg, Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to the United Nations in New York. The study is part of UNESCO’s “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development” series.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with coffee provided.
Registration is a prerequisite to attending this event, so please register to confirm your attendance.
Source: National Press Club
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— The editor is a National Press Club member.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:55 AM | View the original post
April 15, 2024
IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings 2024 Calendar
Photo: Promotional signage goes up ahead of the 2024 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, DC., April 5, 2024. IMF Photo / James Mertz. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: Preparation for the Spring Meetings at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., April 11, 2024. IMF Photo/Joshua Roberts. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank President Ajay Banga, UK MP and Chair of Business and Trade Liam Byrne, and Jamaican MP and Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Forte at the Global Parliamentary Forum during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, April 15, 2024. IMF Photo / James Mertz. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) Spring Meetings 2024 Calendar provided by the IMF.
The upcoming IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, a significant event in the global financial calendar, will take place next week in Washington, DC. Financial leaders worldwide will convene to discuss various critical issues that directly impact people’s lives. These issues include inflation, the economic ramifications of the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and the effects of artificial intelligence on the global economy.
It’s important to note that the G20 Finance meetings, led by Brazil this year, will also be held concurrently with the Spring Meetings.
The Spring Meetings, a platform for diverse perspectives, are an annual event that brings together central bankers, development and finance ministers, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organizations, and academics. They gather to discuss global issues such as economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. The event will feature seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and other activities focused on the world’s financial system, international development, and the global economy. The central ministerial meetings and events will occur from April 17-19, with other events and activities taking place throughout the week from April 15-20.
Source: IMF
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— The editor is an IMF-certified Financial Market Analyst.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:33 PM | View the original post
April 14, 2024
Dove celebrates 20 years of its Campaign for Real Beauty.
- As Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatens the representation of natural beauty today, Dove commits to never using AI to represent real women in its ads.
Photo: Singer-songwriter Jessie J partners with Dove to mark 20 years of Dove’s Campaign For Real Beauty. Dove has committed to keeping beauty ‘real’ by never using AI to represent real women in its ads.
LONDON, April 13, 2024 — Twenty years ago, Dove launched the Campaign for Real Beauty, a global movement that revolutionized beauty standards by showcasing its natural form. In 2004, the campaign unveiled a startling truth: only 2% of women believed they were beautiful. Since then, the Campaign for Real Beauty has been a beacon of change, challenging the beauty industry, society, and media worldwide to redefine their portrayal of women and be more transparent about digital manipulation. The campaign has been a powerful advocate, urging them to confront the detrimental effects of unrealistic beauty standards on women and girls.
In November and December 2023, Edelman DXI, a global research, analytics, and data consultancy, carried out a 25-minute online survey in 20 different countries around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, KSA, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Turkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Based on the above research and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Campaign for Real Beauty, Dove conducted a comprehensive study to gain insights into how beauty affects women and girls globally. While there is some positive progress, unrealistic beauty standards are still a cause for concern.
Singer-songwriter Jessie J has highlighted the immense pressure women and girls face worldwide due to societal expectations of appearance, especially in the music industry. The ever-changing definitions of beauty make it difficult for them to feel accepted and confident in their skin. Therefore, Jessie J has partnered with Dove to promote a message of embracing natural and honest beauty that celebrates the individuality of all women.
Dove reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting transparency and diversity and shattering beauty stereotypes in emerging media. The company stands firm in its decision never to use AI to represent real women in its ads. Dove will establish the Real Beauty Prompt Guidelines to set new digital representation standards.
“At Dove, we are committed to protecting, celebrating, and championing Real Beauty. Our pledge to never use AI in our communications is just one step. We will not rest until beauty becomes a source of happiness for every woman and girl,” Alessandro Manfredi, Dove’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated.
Source: Dove
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:17 PM | View the original post
April 9, 2024
Call for Nominations: UNESCO World Book Capital 2026
Every year, the Advisory Committee for World Book Capital recommends to the Director-General of UNESCO the Name of the City that deserves to be designated as World Book Capital for one year, starting from April 23, celebrated as World Book and Copyright Day.
The Advisory Committee includes prominent organizations such as the International Authors Forum, the European and International Booksellers Federation, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, and the International Publishers Association, alongside UNESCO.
Recently, Strasbourg, France, was designated the World Book Capital for 2024, while Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will hold the title in 2025.
A city designated as UNESCO World Book Capital must promote books and reading across national borders and organize activities for all ages and groups.
• World Book Capitals
- Madrid (2001)
- Alexandria (2002)
- New Delhi (2003)
- Antwerp (2004)
- Montreal (2005)
- Turin (2006)
- Bogota (2007)
- Amsterdam (2008)
- Beirut (2009)
- Ljubljana (2010)
- Buenos Aires (2011)
- Erevan (2012)
- Bangkok (2013)
- Port Harcourt (2014)
- Incheon (2015)
- Wroclaw (2016)
- Conakry (2017)
- Athens (2018)
- Sharjah, (2019)
- Kuala Lumpur (2020)
- Tbilisi (2021)
- Guadalajara (2022)
- Accra (2023)
- Strasbourg (2024)
UNESCO has now opened nominations for the World Book Capital 2026, inviting City Administrations and Municipal Corporations worldwide to submit their applications.
To ensure your nomination gets considered, please submit all applications in English or French by May 10, 2024.
In India, the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has announced UNESCO’s Call for nominations for the 2026 World Book Capital.
The Commission recommends that the City Administrations or Municipal Corporations send their applications to the National Book Trust, New Delhi, by April 15, 2024.
The National Book Trust will examine the applications and forward them to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, for consideration.
Sources: UNESCO; Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:59 PM | View the original post
April 7, 2024
UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize 2024 is Open for Applications
The International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement (ICM), under the auspices of UNESCO, has announced the opening of the call for the 2024 UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize.
Applications are Open from March 20 to May 20, 2024 (Korea Standard Time). Individuals, groups, or organizations significantly contributing to martial arts education and social development, including youth and women’s empowerment, may apply for the prize.
The prize aims to acknowledge and support exceptional martial arts education initiatives globally.
Applications from India should be delivered to the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU), Government of India, Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, no later than April 30, 2024, for further consideration and onward transmission to UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France.
Source: Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU), Government of India, Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education.
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:05 AM | View the original post
April 6, 2024
Audrey Azoulay meets with Antony Blinken at UNESCO.
Photos: Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s director-general, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris. During his visit, Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ enduring support for UNESCO’s fundamental mission, notably safeguarding culture and education. Images provided by UNESCO; copyright © UNESCO/Christelle ALIX.
Paris, France, April 06, 2024 — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his first official visit to UNESCO headquarters since the United States re-joined the Organization in July 2023. In a meeting with Audrey Azoulay, he reaffirmed the United States’ total commitment to supporting UNESCO’s mandate for education, sciences, culture, and information.
The Director-General praised the United States’ commitment to the Organization’s multisector priorities, including gender equality, improving access to quality education for all, and globally implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which UNESCO’s Member States unanimously adopted in November 2021.
Audrey Azoulay and Antony Blinken also discussed actions that UNESCO implements in crisis and conflict environments, notably Iraq, Gaza, and Ukraine.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is comprised of 194 Member States and has its headquarters in Paris. It leads international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO oversees over 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. Additionally, it manages networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive, and Sustainable Cities. Further, it operates over 13,000 associated schools, university chairs, training academies, and research institutions.
Source: UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:52 AM | View the original post
April 4, 2024
Chandigarh's Hero, Ayushmann Khurrana, signs a Global Deal with Warner Music India.
Photo: L-R: Jay Mehta, Max Lousada, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alfonso Perez-Soto. Image provided by Warner Music India, copyright © Warner Music India.
MUMBAI, India, April 3, 2024 — Ayushmann Khurrana, the esteemed Bollywood superstar known as the “Hero of Chandigarh,” has signed a global recording deal with Warner Music India, the country’s leading music label.
• While the Panjab University of Chandigarh has conferred on him its distinguished “Kala Rattan” award, saluting him as a true gem among actors and artists, the people of Chandigarh celebrate Khurrana as an idol for his exceptional performance in “Vicky Donor.”
Signing with Warner Music India will enable Khurrana to access the label’s global ecosystem, helping him connect with audiences and artists beyond India’s borders. The first release from this partnership is expected to drop next month.
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Ayushmann Khurrana said: “I have always wanted to collaborate with like-minded people in my pursuit of creative excellence. I want to take my music to a global audience, and I’m confident I will make significant strides in this realm with Warner Music India. I cannot wait to unveil my next song to people. It will be a new sound that people haven’t heard from me before, which is extremely exciting.”
Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India, commented: “Ayushmann has experienced unparalleled success with his films, and we’re excited to see him now scale new heights as a pop star. With his passion for music, a versatile sonic identity, and our artist-first ecosystem, we are thrilled to build an iconic roadmap for him on his music journey.”
Alfonso Perez Soto, President of Emerging Markets at Warner Music Group, added, “Ayushmann already enjoys immense popularity in India and among the global Indian diaspora. We believe he has the talent and charisma to connect with even more audiences worldwide and become a truly global music and entertainment icon.”
Max Lousada, CEO of Recorded Music, Warner Music Group, concluded: “Ayushmann and his distinctive voice light up the stage and screen, and he has the star quality to captivate audiences worldwide. I’m very excited about the music culture in India right now - its diversity, pace, and dynamism are inspiring - and we have big global plans for our artists and our company.”
Over the past decade, Ayushmann has contributed his voice to numerous iconic pop songs, including chart-toppers like “Mitti Di Khushboo,” “Paani Da Rang,” and “Mere Liye Tum Kaafi Ho,” each accumulating millions of views. Throughout his cinematic career, he has distinguished himself as the only Indian actor recognized for his pioneering use of cinema as a catalyst for social change.
Source: Warner Music Group
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:13 AM | View the original post
April 1, 2024
Prime Minister Modi releases Commemorative Coin to mark 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India.
Photos: Prime Minister Modi attended the 90th-anniversary commemoration ceremony of the Reserve Bank of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on April 1, 2024. The gathering included India’s top industrialists, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, among others.
Mumbai, India, April 1, 2024 — The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, delivered an inspiring address at the opening ceremony of RBI@90, a program celebrating 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, today. Shri Modi also unveiled a commemorative coin to mark this significant milestone during the event. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) commenced its operations on April 1, 1935, and today marks its 90th year.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the historic significance of the RBI completing 90 years of service. He highlighted the RBI’s journey through pre- and post-independence eras and establishing a global reputation based on professionalism and commitment. The Prime Minister congratulated all staff on this achievement and expressed optimism about the RBI’s current policies. He also noted the importance of the next ten years leading up to RBI’s centenary year, emphasizing the RBI’s priority towards rapid growth, trust, and stability. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes for the RBI’s future goals and resolutions.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:46 PM | View the original post
March 31, 2024
The UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women's Education is now Open for 2024 Nominations.
Photo: A group of participants at a meet on Education for Women. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. March 7, 2024. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Marie ETCHEGOYEN.
Paris, France, March 30, 2024 — On International Women’s Day, UNESCO launched the Call for Nominations for the 2024 UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women’s Education. The Prize awards US$50,000 annually to two laureates who make outstanding efforts toward girls’ and women’s education.
At the Transforming Education Summit in 2022, countries called for actions that put gender equality at the heart of education plans, budgets, and policies as part of their commitment to transforming education for the world we live in today.
It means promoting gender equality in curricula and pedagogies, creating safe, inclusive, and transformative learning spaces, supporting collaboration across sectors and generations, and investing in the most marginalized.
The Governments of UNESCO Member States can make the nominations. They can nominate up to three individuals, institutions, or organizations who have made solid and innovative contributions to girls’ and women’s education.
Interested candidates should contact their country’s National Commission for UNESCO, Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, or the Prize Secretariat for more information.
Nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria set by the Prize. Nominated projects must have been established and running for at least two years, showing potential for replicable and scalable growth.
An independent International Jury of five experts will assess nominations based on the project’s impact, innovation, and sustainability prospects.
Based on the jury’s recommendations, the Director-General of UNESCO will announce the 2024 laureates, who will receive the award on or around October 11, 2024, as part of the International Day of the Girl celebrations.
The submission deadline is May 24, 2024 (midnight, Paris time).
Photo: UNESCO Director-General’s letter to the Education Ministers of all Unesco Member Countries inviting Nominations for the UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women’s Education.
Photo: The University Grants Commission (UGC) India Public Notice announcing UNESCO’s Call for Nominations for the 2024 Girls and Women’s Education Prize. The UGC has advised all Higher Education Institutions to submit their nomination applications to the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) by April 30, 2024. INCCU will then screen and forward the recommended nominations to UNESCO.
(The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) is a part of the International Cooperation Cell within the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The Minister of Education serves as the President of the Commission. The Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, acts as the Secretary-General of the Commission and is responsible for overseeing the work of the Commission.)
Sources: UNESCO; Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
— The Editor is a UNESCO-IIEP-Certified Education Planning Consultant.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:55 AM | View the original post
March 29, 2024
UNESCO delivers the Certificate for "Garba of Gujarat" to India.
Photos: UNESCO delivers the Certificate for “Garba of Gujarat” to India. March 22, 2024. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. Images provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Fabrice GENTILE.
Paris, France, March 29, 2024 — The Director-General of UNESCO delivered the “Garba of Gujarat” Certificate to India on March 22, 2024.
Recently, UNESCO declared the “Garba of Gujarat” as an intangible cultural heritage. This designation recognizes the role of Garba as a unifying force that fosters social and gender inclusivity. Garba is a dance form deeply rooted in ritualistic and devotional traditions that involve people from all walks of life.
The Evaluation Body of the 2003 Convention recognized India’s outstanding supporting material for the dossier. It acknowledged the importance of an element that champions unity in diversity and cultivates social equality among varied communities. UNESCO’s acknowledgment of inscribing an intangible cultural heritage element from Gujarat, Garba, will significantly elevate Garba’s global visibility and authentic essence.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed happiness on the inscription of the Garba of Gujarat on the Intangible Heritage List of UNESCO. He said, “Garba is a celebration of life, unity, and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases the beauty of Indian culture to the world. This honor inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats on this global acknowledgment.”
Source: UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:22 PM | View the original post
March 28, 2024
Diamond Ring Maker Neil Lane participates in the Finale Episode of ABC's Hit Reality Series "The Bachelor"
Photo: Emerald & Shield Shaped Neil Lane Diamond Ring chosen by “The Bachelor” Joey Graziadei.
Photo: Oval Engagement Ring made by Neil Lane.
Photo: Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson, participants in “The Bachelor,” final episode, with Kelsey wearing a Neil Lane Diamond Engagement Ring (Photo Credit: Disney/John Fleenor).
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 28, 2024 — Diamond Ring Maker Neil Lane participated in the finale episode of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” The episode featured a stunning proposal from the newest Bachelor, Joey Graziadei, to Kelsey Anderson, set against the exquisite scenery of the beaches of Tulum, Mexico. This episode aired on Monday, March 25, on ABC.
On ABC’s hit primetime reality series “The Bachelor,” one lucky man gets the chance to find true love. A single and eligible bachelor embarks on a romantic journey, getting to know several beautiful women, gradually narrowing the field as he searches for his soul mate. At the end of the romantic journey, he proposes to his soulmate if he has found one. Warner Bros. produces the show.
In the final episode, Joey proposes to Kelsey with an emerald-cut stunner handmade in platinum. The diamond features two shield-shaped side stones, further accented by 18 round brilliant-cut diamonds. The approximate total weight of all 21 diamonds is 4 carats. They were designed and signed by Neil Lane.
Neil Lane is the go-to jeweler for Hollywood brides-to-be. He has designed engagement rings for stars like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson, Emily Blunt, and Miley Cyrus.
A fine jewelry designer with an eye for style and elegance, Neil Lane has earned the respect and admiration of leading film stars. From the Oscars to private celebrity events and red-carpet engagements, Neil Lane’s iconic pieces have adorned some of the most beautiful and influential women in Hollywood, including Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lopez, Brie Larson, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner, Sofia Vergara, and Oprah Winfrey.
Source: Neil Lane
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:59 PM | View the original post
March 24, 2024
Happy Holi
Happy Holi
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:22 PM | View the original post
NASA sets Coverage for Crew Launch; Trio to Join Expedition 70
— UPDATE —
• NASA Astronaut Tracy Dyson, Crewmates Safely En Route to Space Station
Photo: The Soyuz rocket launches to the International Space Station with Expedition 71 NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and Belarus spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya, onboard, Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Photo: Belarus spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya is seen behind glass during a press conference at the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Expedition 71 NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and Belarus spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya launched aboard their Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft on March 23. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Photo: Belarus spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya gives a thumbs-up as she waits to have her Russian Sokol suit pressure checked. She and crew mates Expedition 71 NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy were preparing for their Soyuz launch to the International Space Station on Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2024 — Three crew members, including NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson, successfully launched at 8:36 a.m. EDT Saturday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station.
Dyson, along with her crewmates Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus, will dock to the space station’s Prichal module at about 11:09 a.m. on Monday, March 25, on the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft.
When the hatches between the station and the Soyuz open about 1:40 p.m., the new crew members will join NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara, Matthew Dominick, Mike Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, as well as Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, and Alexander Grebenkin, already living and working aboard the space station.
Novitskiy and Vasilevskaya will be aboard the station for 12 days before providing the ride home for O’Hara on Saturday, April 6, aboard Soyuz MS-24 for a parachute-assisted landing on the steppe of Kazakhstan.
Dyson will spend six months aboard the station as an Expedition 70 and 71 flight engineer, returning to Earth in September with Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub of Roscosmos, who will complete a year-long mission on the laboratory.
It will be the third spaceflight for Dyson, the fourth for Novitskiy, and the first for Vasilevskaya.
Source: NASA
Photo: NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus pose for a portrait at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center on November 2, 2023. Credits: GCTC/Andrey Shelepin.
Photo: Expedition 71 Soyuz Rollout. The Soyuz rocket is seen shortly after being rolled out to the launch pad at Site 31 on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Expedition 71 NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and Belarus spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya are scheduled to launch aboard their Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft on March 21. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2024 — Three crew members will blast off on Thursday, March 21, to support Expedition 70 aboard the International Space Station. NASA will provide complete launch and crew arrival coverage at the microgravity laboratory.
NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus will lift off on the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:21 a.m. EDT.
Dyson, Novitskiy, and Vasilevskaya will journey to the station on a two-orbit, three-hour trajectory, resulting in docking to the station’s Prichal module at 12:39 p.m.
Shortly after, hatches between the station and the Soyuz will open, and the new crew members will connect with NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara, Matthew Dominick, Mike Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, as well as Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, and Alexander Grebenkin, already living and working aboard the space station.
Dyson will spend six months aboard the station as an Expedition 70 and 71 flight engineer, returning to Earth in September with Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub of Roscosmos, who will complete a year-long mission on the laboratory.
Novitskiy and Vasilevskaya will be aboard the station for 12 days, providing the ride home for O’Hara on Tuesday, April 2, aboard Soyuz MS-24 for a parachute-assisted landing on the steppe of Kazakhstan. O’Hara will have spent 200 days in space when she returns.
It will be the third spaceflight for Dyson, the fourth for Novitskiy, and the first for Vasilevskaya.
Source: NASA
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:13 AM | View the original post
March 22, 2024
Tangier, Morocco, will be the Global Host City for International Jazz Day in 2024.
— Worldwide Celebration on April 30, 2024
Photos: International Jazz Day 2024 Posters from various countries.
PARIS and WASHINGTON, March 19, 2024 — More than 190 countries will celebrate the upcoming edition of International Jazz Day on April 30, 2024. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock announced that Tangier, Morocco, will be the Global Host of the event. The city will serve as the anchor for all International Jazz Day programs taking place around the world.
“Tangier’s designation marks the first time a city on the African continent will host International Jazz Day, the world’s largest and most significant celebration of jazz,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Morocco and the City of Tangier, a four-day celebration will take place from April 27-30, highlighting the city’s jazz heritage and promoting cultural and artistic ties between people in Morocco, Europe, and Africa. The celebration will include a series of education programs with events for students of all ages, a special presentation showcasing the significance of Morocco’s Gnawa music and its connection with jazz, and conversations about the history of jazz and its impact on Tangier. The event will culminate with an All-Star Global Concert at the Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier, broadcast worldwide on YouTube, Facebook, the United Nations, and UNESCO, reaching millions of viewers.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling event in Tangier featuring legendary figures of jazz, blues, and more. This event will also be broadcast worldwide. Led by the iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and Musical Director John Beasley from the USA, the All-Star Global Concert will showcase performances by an international lineup of artists from all corners of the globe, including the master Gnawa musician Abdellah El Gourd from Morocco. Other confirmed artists include Claudia Acuña from Chile, Ambrose Akinmusire from the USA, Lakecia Benjamin from the USA, Richard Bona from Cameroon, Dee Dee Bridgewater from the USA, Moreira Chonguiça from Mozambique, Shemekia Copeland from the USA, Kurt Elling from the USA, Antonio Faraò from Italy, Melody Gardot from the USA, Jazzmeia Horn from the USA, JK Kim from the Republic of Korea, Magnus Lindgren from Sweden, Romero Lubambo from Brazil, Marcus Miller from the USA, Yasushi Nakamura from Japan, Tarek Yamani from Lebanon, and many more artists to be announced soon.
Tangier is a city located at the junction of Europe and Africa and is known for its diverse cultural expressions. Jazz has a long and rich history in Tangier, with many world-renowned jazz artists such as Josephine Baker, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Mann, and Archie Shepp having performed and spent time in the city. For many years, jazz master Randy Weston lived in Tangier, where he collaborated with Gnawa master Abdellah El Gourd to explore the roots of jazz and African music. Morocco’s traditional Gnawa music and jazz fusion, known as Gnawa-jazz, is widely appreciated across Morocco and beyond.
The International Jazz Day was established by UNESCO in 2011 and later recognized by the United Nations General Assembly. It is celebrated annually on April 30 and brings together countries and communities worldwide. The celebration highlights jazz’s power in promoting peace, facilitating dialogues among cultures, encouraging diversity, and respecting human dignity.
International Jazz Day has evolved into a worldwide movement that annually reaches over 2 billion people on all continents. The movement achieves this through education programs, performances, community outreach, radio, television, streaming services, and electronic, print, and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the primary nonprofit organization responsible for annually planning, promoting, and organizing International Jazz Day.
Source: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:19 AM | View the original post
UGC India asks Universities to prioritize the well-being of New Mothers within their Community and comply with National Minimum Standards for Creches.
New Delhi, India, March 20, 2024— The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed the Vice-Chancellors of all Universities that the “Maternity Benefit Act, 2017” requires that all establishments with fifty or more employees provide a creche facility within a prescribed distance. The creche facility can be provided separately or along with shared facilities. Further, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has developed the National Guidelines for Setting Up and Running Creches under the “Maternity Benefit Act 2017.”
The UGC has asked all Higher Educational Institutions to adhere to the National Minimum Standards and Protocol for Creches (Operation and Management) outlined by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). The UGC has also urged the Universities to inform their affiliated colleges of this requirement and ensure compliance.
• Universities and colleges must prioritize the well-being of their staff and students, focusing on new mothers within their community. Academic institutions are responsible for providing adequate support and resources for new mothers to help them balance their educational and family commitments.
Source: UGC
|GlobalGiants.Com|
• To support the academic aspirations of women, working parents, scholars, and students, the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced a scheme a few years ago to provide daycare facilities for infants at universities on a payment basis. This initiative was a valuable resource for University employees and students away during the day. It gave them peace of mind that their infants were cared for in a safe and reliable environment. The scheme was also available to male employees, scholars, and students whose wives were working elsewhere. The UGC has discontinued this scheme.
Photo: The format for submitting a proposal for a daycare center (for information only). Eligible universities could submit an application outlining their need for the facility. Once accepted, the UGC released the permissible amount. This scheme is no longer available.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:34 AM | View the original post
March 18, 2024
U.S. Postal Service issues Garden Delights Stamps, celebrating Hummingbirds' vital role in Spring and Summer Gardens
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, March 18, 2024 — The United States Postal Service released a collection of four stamps called “Garden Delights.” These stamps celebrate the beautiful flora of America’s spring and summer gardens and acknowledge the crucial role of hummingbirds in pollination. Each stamp features a ruby-throated hummingbird gracefully hovering next to a zinnia, cigar flower, spotted touch-me-not, or sunflower. The ceremony to dedicate these stamps was held today in Strongsville.
The sight of spring flowers blooming is a delight for everyone, whether you’re an avid gardener or not. Gardens provide joy, food, and a sense of purpose to those who tend them and serve as a haven for birds, plants, and animals to find refuge and the necessary resources to survive.
No garden is complete without the buzzes, hums, and musical melodies of nature’s wildlife. Hummingbirds add charm to summer gardens with their unique features and small size.
Hummingbirds are exclusively found in the Americas, with around 16 species native to the United States. Among the smallest hummingbirds are the Ruby-throated ones, weighing about the same as a penny and measuring 3.5 inches long. These birds are the only hummingbirds found in the gardens of the eastern and central parts of the United States.
Hummingbirds are unique birds and remarkable pollinators. They can pollinate more than 7,000 flowering plants, which rely on them to collect and deliver the pollen necessary to produce fruit and seeds.
Greg Breeding used existing photographs by wildlife photographer Ben King to design the USPS stamps.
Source: U.S. Postal Service
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:21 PM | View the original post
March 17, 2024
Lakme Fashion Week March 2024, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI)
Photos: Sara Ali Khan. Models represent various designers. Lakme Fashion Week presented leading designers in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). March 13-17, 2024. Images provided by FDCI/Lakme Fashion Week.
Mumbai, March 17, 2024 — Lakme Fashion Week, India’s premier fashion and lifestyle event, has been redefining fashion for over 25 years.
Over five days, over 100 designers, brands, and industry stakeholders showcase their work, making Lakmé Fashion Week the go-to destination for emerging talent, sustainability, and fashion businesses.
This season, Lakme Fashion Week and FDCI have combined their forces to present a joint schedule comprising the best curation and designers from Delhi, Mumbai, and across India.
Source: Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) / Lakme Fashion Week.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Check out the coolest vibrant looks and comfortable styles with @SkechersIndia @ILoveLakme @fdciofficial #reliancebrandsltd @R1SEWorldwide #UltimateFaceDefinition#SkechersAtLakmeFashionWeekxFDCl#Lakm?FashionWeekxFDCI #LFWxFDCI#Lakm?FashionWeek #LFW #FDCI #SkechersIndia pic.twitter.com/sKCqGXayLD
— Lakmé Fashion Week (@LakmeFashionWk) March 17, 2024
#janhvikapoor for KALKI on Day 5.@kalkifashion @ILoveLakme @fdciofficial #reliancebrandsltd @R1SEWorldwide #UltimateFaceDefinition#KalkiAtLakmeFashionWeekxFDCl#LakmeFashionWeekxFDCI #LFWxFDCI#Lakm?FashionWeek #LFW #FDCI#KALKIpresentsINARA #KALKIInara #SpringSummer24 pic.twitter.com/JeFScluLg8
— Lakmé Fashion Week (@LakmeFashionWk) March 17, 2024
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:13 AM | View the original post
