Vandita Sarjya, an Indian filmmaker, was awarded the special prize in the Climate Change and Health Film category at the 4th Annual Health for All Film Festival held in Geneva. Sarjya’s documentary titled “When climate change turns violent” explores the connection between gender-based violence and climate change. The powerful 4-minute 32-second film highlights the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly women, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 to utilize audio-visual language as a key tool in their “communicating for health…
Author: Akancha Mishra
Akancha Mishra
Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.
Nachhattar Chandi, the President and CEO of Chandi Group U.S., has been appointed as the chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). This announcement was made in April 2023, following the resignation of Harold Matzner, who had held the position since 2000. Chandi currently oversees the Palm Springs International Film Society and is preparing for the upcoming PSIFF, scheduled to take place from January 4 to 15, 2024. As an Indian American entrepreneur who owns and manages more than 30 businesses across the Coachella Valley and California, Chandi expressed his commitment to preserving the festival’s legacy, emphasizing its…
The successful flight test of the new generation ballistic missile Agni Prime was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Taking place on 7 June at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, the test achieved all its objectives, as confirmed by the ministry of defence. This particular launch marked the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users, following three previously successful developmental trials of the missile. The success of this test further validated the system’s accuracy and reliability, according to the defence ministry. To capture flight data throughout the missile’s trajectory, range instrumentation…
A legislation has been introduced by an Indian-American lawmaker in the state of Michigan, United States, to classify defacing a place of worship as a hate crime. Michigan State Representative Ranjeev Puri, whose parents immigrated from Amritsar to the US in the 1970s, has also put forth a bill to designate Diwali, Baisakhi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Lunar New Year as official state holidays in Michigan. Puri, currently serving his second term as State Representative and holding the influential position of Michigan House Majority Whip, has been actively addressing social issues. The proposed legislation aims to update the definition of hate…
Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered on Thursday to participate in the consecration ceremony at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest temples. Recognized as a national monument by the government in 2014, the temple holds significant importance during the Thaipusam festival. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, a revered deity symbolizing courage, strength, and virtue in Hinduism, the temple serves as the final destination for the traditional Thaipusam pilgrimage. This consecration ceremony, the first since the temple’s designation as Singapore’s 67th National Monument, occurs every 12 years. The event commenced with morning rituals and blessings conducted by priests, followed by Kumbhabhishekam, where…
The Finance Ministry has released data indicating that the country’s gross Goods & Services Tax (GST) revenue collected in May this year has shown a 12% increase compared to the same month last year, surpassing the Rs 1,57,000 million mark. For the past 14 consecutive months, monthly GST revenues have consistently exceeded Rs 1,40,000 million, indicating strong economic activity in the country. This is only the 5th time since the introduction of GST that the collection has crossed Rs 1,50,000 million. The government has allocated Rs 53,690 million to Central GST and Rs 2,97,690 million to State GST from IGST.…
Report predicts India to have over 1,900 global capability centres (GCCs) by 2025, creating 2 million jobs and valued at $60 billion. India is set to establish more than 1,900 global capability centres (GCCs) by 2025, employing approximately 2 million individuals and contributing an estimated value of $60 billion, according to a report titled “GCC 4.0 – India Redefining the Globalisation Blueprint.” The research was conducted by Nasscom in collaboration with consultancy firm Zinnov. The report defines Indian GCCs as operational hubs that handle various functions of organizations, aiming to develop capabilities, foster global leadership, and generate revenue through services.…
The sudden demise of actor Kollam Sudhi has left his family in a state of shock. Sudhi shared a close bond with his second wife, Renu, who stood by him during his difficult times and financial struggles. Sadly, his untimely demise comes at a time when things were starting to look promising for the family. For the past one-and-a-half years, Sudhi and his family had been living in Renu’s house in Njaliyankuzhi, Kottayam. Renu’s parents also resided with them. It was from this house that the talented artist set off for Vadakara to perform in a program. A large crowd…
Over the course of the past nine years, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated itself to fostering inclusive, progressive, and sustainable development. With a steadfast commitment to creating equity and opportunities for all citizens, the government has successfully placed the politics of development at the forefront of national discourse and policy action. Since assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Modi has remained resolute in prioritizing the interests of India in every policy decision and action. This commitment is evident in the government’s effective handling of both external and internal security, efficient economic management, implementation of empowerment…
The 14th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, the largest LGBTQ+ film festival in South Asia, is scheduled to take place from June 7 to 11, 2023, at Liberty Cinema, and from June 8 to 10, 2023, at Alliance Française de Bombay. Additionally, the festival will be available for online viewing from June 16 to 25, 2023. The festival will showcase a total of 110 films from 41 countries during its in-person event and a total of 127 films from 45 countries overall. Sridhar Rangayan, the festival’s founder and director, has provided a recommended film for KASHISH 2023…