Month: February 2021

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-Top News Asia News Bangladesh

Education must evolve: Hasina

Hasina said the government is setting up various universities in the country with the aim of providing the necessary tools to succeed in the modern workplace….reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for greater emphasis on science and technology, and technical education to ensure employment opportunities for the people in keeping with the requirements of the modern age.

Hasina said this while speaking at the inaugural event for the distribution of stipends, tuition fees, admission assistance and financial grants among poor and meritorious students under the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust via video conference on Sunday, bdnews24 reported.

She said the government is setting up various universities in the country with the aim of providing the necessary tools to succeed in the modern workplace.

“We have established the Maritime University, the Civil Aviation and Aerospace University. In other words, we are looking at the subjects and the kind of education that is very important in different parts of Bangladesh and setting universities accordingly. We are doing this so that everyone can receive a proper education.”

Also read:Bangladesh thanks India for providing vaccines

Education in science and technology alongside technical training is crucial as it improves job prospects, according to the Awami League chief.

“It’s relevant both at home and abroad. And it’s necessary in our country in light of the 100 economic zones that we are creating. There will be domestic and foreign investment. It will take a lot of people with technical expertise there. Therefore, we want to create a skilled workforce.”

“If we create skilled manpower, they will be able to make a huge contribution to our economic development. Therefore, we are taking various measures to that end.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the steps taken by her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to modernise and develop the education system of the country while outlining the various initiatives taken in this regard by her Awami League government.

Also read:B’desh set to launch mass vax drive

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Unique Indian style of contemporary art

A show of Raza’s works curated by the Mumbai-based curator Ranjit Hoskote entitled ‘Dance of the Elements’ would open in Akar Prakar Gallery, New Delhi from February 18, and continue till March 14…writes Siddhi Jain.

Marking the beginning of the birth centenary celebrations of iconic Indian modernist master Sayed Haider Raza, the Raza Foundation is organising a series of events in February 2021 in New Delhi, Mandla and other cities.

Raza, who was born in 1922 in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla – a place that he carried with him during his decades in France, was awarded the civilian honour Padma Shri in 1981, the Padma Bhushan in 2007, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2013. A founder of the enormously influential Progressive Artists group, he combined western abstraction with Indian visual traditions and helped to create a uniquely Indian style of contemporary art. One of the Raza’s signature motifs is that of the dot, or ‘bindu’. He returned to India in 2010, and passed away on July 23, 2016.

Raza’s 100th year of age starts on February 22 in 2021, said the Raza Foundation, an arts and culture organisation he set up.

“In February 2021 a series of shows of Raza’s prints along with art workshops, readings etc are being organised in Jabalpur (Raza Vitaan), Kanha (Raza Aranya), Indore (Raza Valay), Ujjain (Raza Sambhav), Mandla (Raza Mandal), Ahmedabad (Raza Vistar), Bhopal (Raza Madhya),” said the Foundation in a note.

‘Dance of the Elements’

An exhibition of personal materials of Raza chosen from the Raza Archives by the painter Akhilesh called ‘Raza Antrung’ would be shown at Triveni Kala Sangam from February 6-22. A show of Raza’s works curated by the Mumbai-based curator Ranjit Hoskote entitled ‘Dance of the Elements’ would open in Akar Prakar Gallery, New Delhi from February 18, and continue till March 14. Another show of works of Raza and his friends called ‘Geysers’ is set to open at Vadehra Art Gallery in the capital from February 22.

An exhibition of original prints of Raza’s art works and other artists from Madhya Pradesh in his birthplace (Mandla) is also on schedule, along with the annual ‘Raza Utsav’, a multi-arts festival and workshop in collaboration with Namami Art Foundation, Mandla.

“A new and revised edition of Dr Geeti Sen’s seminal book ‘Bindu: Space and Time in Raza’s Vision’ has been published by Mapin Publishing. A definitive biography by the renowned art critic Yashodhara Dalmia entitled ‘Raza: The Journey of An Iconic Artist’ is published by Harper Collins to be formally launched by the French Ambassador in the last week of February, “said the Foundation.

Also Read-Treasure of Indian art

Read More-Artistic exploration of the symphony of nature

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-Top News ASEAN News Asia News

Thailand begins Covid-19 vax drive

thailand

The Beijing-based Chinese bio pharmaceutical company has already signed vaccine deals with more Asian countries

Thailand on Sunday began its Covid-19 vaccination roll-out, with the first shot, using China’s Sinovac vaccine

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha administered the event at the country’s infectious disease institute, where other officials, including deputy public health minister, agriculture minister, culture minister and deputy education minister, were also vaccinated with the Sinovac vaccine.

“It’s a historic day and a day to help the country rebuild confidence against the pandemic,” Prayut told reporters after all the recipients of the vaccine ended their 30-minute observation period and had shown no adverse reaction.

Also read:Thailand set to begin clinical trials of its own vaccine

Also on Sunday, 159 people in Samut Sakhon province, the epicentre of the country’s new wave of an outbreak that erupted in mid-December, are scheduled to receive their first shot of the vaccine. These included local officials as well as representatives of at-risk groups such as medical workers and migrant workers.

On Wednesday, Thailand received its first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, 200,000 doses from China’s Sinovac, which were then distributed to 13 provinces, including the capital Bangkok. An additional 1.8 million doses are scheduled to arrive in March and April.

Also read:Brunei, Malaysia border to stay closed

Categories
-Top News World News

Mexico gets 2nd batch of of Sinovac

A health worker analyses samples of COVID-19 vaccines, developed by Chinese company Sinovac
China has once again proved it’s commitment towards Covid hit Mexico

Mexican health authorities began vaccinating older adults with the Chinese vaccines on February 22…reports Asian Lite News

The second shipment of Covid-19 vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac has arrived in Mexico City.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Zhu Qingqiao welcomed the vaccines at the airport on Saturday.

The first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines from Sinovac arrived in Mexico City on February 20.

Mexican health authorities on February 22 began to vaccinate older adults with the Chinese vaccines.

Mexico has been carrying out a vaccination campaign in stages since December last year.

Meanwhile,the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russias sovereign wealth fund) announced the delivery of the first batch of Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus to Mexico.

Also read:Mexico begins vax drive with Sinovac jabs

 

On February 3, 2021 the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk of Mexico (COFEPRIS) approved Sputnik V under the emergency use authorization procedure without additional clinical trials in the country. Mexico has become the first country of North America to approve Sputnik V.

Sputnik V is approved for use in more than 30 countries making the vaccine one of the world’s top three coronavirus vaccines in terms of the number of approvals issued by regulatory authorities.

Russia, Belarus, Argentina, Bolivia, Serbia, Algeria, Palestine, Venezuela, Paraguay, Turkmenistan, Hungary, UAE, Iran, Republic of Guinea, Tunisia, Armenia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Republika Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bahrain, Montenegro, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Gabon, San Marino and Ghana have authorized Sputnik V.

Also read:Mexico’s economy rebounds to growth

Categories
Fashion Lite Blogs

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments

These treatments support an individual in enhancing self-confidence as it is truly said, ‘confidence is the best outfit’… Cosmetologist Dr. Monica Jacob interacts with Puja Gupta.

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments which are the minimally invasive procedure aim to improve a person’s appearance, self-esteem and self-confidence. Every individual wishes to look good and have an improved version of themselves, to make the skin look flawless, having the perfect lips, getting rid of the facial fats and acne free skin.

Cosmetologist Dr. Monica Jacob says: “These treatments support an individual in enhancing self-confidence as it is truly said, ‘confidence is the best outfit’. In a way it also leads to psychological benefits for an individual.”

Cosmetologist Dr. Monica Jacob

She adds: “We have noticed that many people who opt for non-surgical treatments like facial contouring, signature clean-ups, dermal vitamin infusion and radio frequency. Some people who are unsatisfied with their looks frequently struggle with anxiety and depression. Indulging in these treatments helps you align your natural appearance with your desired appearance boosting your self-esteem. You are more inclined to socialise due to your improved state of mind regarding how you feel towards yourself.”

Read More-‘Mint’ Magic in health

Dr Jacob is an anti-aging specialist and Aesthetic physician and was seen in the show “Fabulous Life of Bollywood” wives performing anti-ageing treatment on the actress Neelam.

Beauty as Profession

Talking about actresses opting about taking these services, Dr Jacob says actors are more prone to camera lights, the day-night shoot schedules etc and for them it becomes vital to opt for these services. Additionally, they are under heavy make-up most of the time which leads to causing skin hair damage. Hence, for them it becomes crucial, she says.

It is observed that not just the glamour world but today’s office goers and the common public also pamper themselves with these services, right from teenage group to the senior citizens, she points out.

“However, one needs to guide them with the right products and right treatment with an affordable package which will be suitable to every member. Though, the percentage in India is lower as compared to the other countries. Nevertheless, in the coming year, cosmetologist is an ever-emerging field in science of medicine to deal with the beauty with rapid advancements and technology. With the affordable prices, people opting for non-surgical cosmetic transformation is looking very bright indeed.”

Also Read-Weight-loss surgery may cut heart disease risk among adolescents

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News

Bella wants to be stronger

Actress Bella Thorne, who has previously directed her own adult film, claims she feels uncomfortable shooting intimate scenes.

“I want to be stronger, right, and when I’m on set doing these scenes, I’m very, very uncomfortable.

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I’m always working through my uncomfortableness because I want to do it, especially if it’s important for the character,” Thorne said.

“If this is a thing that needs to be in there, it needs to be in there. I’m a writer myself so I understand,” she added, according to a report in femalefirst.co.uk.

Thorne feels there are people who just want to get girls naked on camera.

“(There are) some people that just want to get girls naked on camera. You’ve got to watch out for those movies, but when it’s needed for the character… yeah, it makes me feel uncomfortable,” she said.

Asked if she feels more comfortable working with a female director, Thorne said she’s had just as many bad experiences on set with women as she has had with men.

“I’ve actually worked with female directors and I’ve had an amazing time with some female directors and, of course, there have been some female directors that have made me uncomfortable. It’s not that it’s just a man that’s making me uncomfortable on the set. It’s really more of how the situation is handled from start to finish,” she told Page Six.

Also Read-Kriti plays famous ‘Bella Ciao’ on piano

Read More-Bella praises ‘best friend’ Gigi

Categories
-Top News ASEAN News Asia News

Myanmar’s UN envoy fired

Myanmar is currently seeing some of its biggest protests in years against a military coup

In an emotional speech, Kyaw Moe Tun said no-one should co-operate with the military until it handed back power to the democratically elected government….reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar’s military rulers said they have fired the country’s ambassador to the UN, a day after he called for help to remove the army from power.

In an emotional speech, Kyaw Moe Tun said no-one should co-operate with the military until it handed back power to the democratically elected government.

Security forces intensified a crackdown on anti-coup protesters on Saturday.

Local media say dozens were arrested, and that a woman was shot in the city of Monwya. Her condition is not clear.

  • Myanmar protesters

The country has been rocked by protests since top government leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, were overthrown and detained after the army took power on February 1.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Friday, Kyaw Moe Tun urged the international community to use “any means necessary to take action” against the military to help “restore the democracy”, saying he was representing Suu Kyi’s ousted government.

“We need further strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people and to restore the democracy,” he said.

Also read:Malaysia sends back Myanmar migrants

The speech was met with applause and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the new US envoy to the body, was among those praising his remarks as “courageous”.

In a further show of defiance, Kyaw Moe Tun held up three fingers, a gesture against authoritarian rule that has been adopted by anti-coup protesters in the country.

Myanmar’s state television announced his removal on Saturday, saying he had “betrayed the country and spoken for an unofficial organization which doesn’t represent the country and had abused the power and responsibilities of an ambassador”.

Further protests were held in several cities with water cannon reportedly deployed and journalists among dozens detained.

In the main city of Yangon, crowds of protesters were advanced upon by police firing tear gas.

Also read:China rebuts Myanmar rumours

Categories
Bollywood Lite Blogs

‘Anek’ to hit theaters in Sep

Youth favourite Ayushmann Khurrana’s latest movie ‘Anek’ will hit theatres in September. He took to twitter and announced that his film Anek will release on September 17. The film marks his return with director Anubhav Sinha after the 2019 release, Article 15.

“Naam #ANEK, lekin release date ek! Milte hai aapse 17th September 2021 ko!” Ayushmann wrote on Twitter.

ALSO READ-Ayushmann Thrilled To Work In Hometown

The film is currently on the floors in Assam. Ayushmann’s slit eyebrow in the first look of the film has grabbed eyeballs.

Talking about his character in the film and sporting a distinct look, Ayushmann recently said: “I have been fortunate to collaborate with filmmakers who encourage me to add my creative inputs to their vision of storytelling. The eyebrow slit I am sporting in Anek was an idea I discussed with Anubhav sir. It was about creating a distinct look that the audience has never seen me in, and I am glad that people have noticed and are discussing it.”

Anek is being produced by Bhushan Kumar and Anubhav Sinha.

Also Read-Ayushmann hopes to reignite his passion

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Categories
-Top News EU News

Germany urged to back Oxford jabs

WHO currently recommends the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine even if the variants are present in a country

Watzl’s call comes after recent studies in Scotland showed the AstraZeneca jab to be effective among the elderly….reports Asian Lite News

A senior German immunologist, Carsten Watzl, has urged his country to start allowing persons aged over 65 to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

In a BBC interview, Watzl, head of the German Society for Immunology, predicted regulators would have to reverse their decision to not recommend the jab for older people.

He urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel to have the vaccine live on TV to prove it is safe.

Germany’s vaccine commission is currently reviewing its recommendation.

Watzl’s call comes after recent studies in Scotland showed the AstraZeneca jab to be effective among the elderly.

Germany is one of several EU states that have expressed doubts over the efficacy of the vaccine in older people.

The country is currently struggling to avoid a third wave of infections as cases remain stubbornly high.

Also read: FDA to approve J&J vaccine soon

The EU’s medical regulator approved the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for all age groups in January.

But the rollout was met by some public scepticism after regulators in countries including France, Germany and Italy recommended that it should not be used for people over 65. They citied insufficient data on its efficacy for older people.

German health authorities have so far used fewer than 300,000 of the 1.17 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine the country has received.

Carsten Watzl

In January, French President Emmanuel Macron said the jab was “quasi-ineffective” for older age groups – a claim strongly refuted by the UK government and British medical regulators. AstraZeneca itself says the vaccine is effective at all ages.

The UK is among countries that have approved the jab for all age groups.

The decision was boosted by recent research led by Public Health Scotland, which found that four weeks after the first dose, hospital admissions were reduced by 85 per cent and 94 per cent for the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca jabs respectively.

Among the over 80s, there was an overall 81 per cent reduction in the numbers admitted to hospital when the results for both vaccines were combined.

Also read:WHO backs AstraZeneca vaccine use amid concerns

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Fashion Lite Blogs

Slow fashion makes strong statement

‘The Dawn’ contemplates the state of environmental damage and imagines the world that shall live beyond the interference of the human species.

Rahul Mishras third couture collection at the Haute Couture Week Spring-Summer promises hope for fashion. As a guest member of the Paris couture calendar, the designer renowned for his commitment to slow fashion makes a strong statement which inspires a renewed belief in the world couture.

Rahul Mishra

Dawn’ for Spring 2021

Mishra who is known to take inspiration from nature, presented ‘The Dawn’ for Spring 2021, a collection inspired by Mother Earth’s incredible ability to regenerate.

“The thought for the collections started with David Attenborough’s documentary, ‘A life on our Planet’ where he indicated that humans cannot save the planet, but, they can just prolong their future here with their wisdom,” said the designer in an exclusive statement to us.

Adding, “The lockdown showed us how quickly nature reclaims space, in the absence of human interference. This collection encapsulates the idea of nature’s growth towards biodiversity starting with the growth of mushrooms — one of the most life-giving species of the planet. Filmed in a pristine marble dump-yard situated in the state of Rajasthan, India, the collection represents a flush of life. A retrieval of colour to a world drained of its natural resources, abundance and animation through years of piling marble dust.”

‘The Dawn’ contemplates the state of environmental damage and imagines the world that shall live beyond the interference of the human species. It emerges from an intensified realisation during the lockdown that the humans may not have to save the planet, but themselves. The planet perhaps shall survive regardless and the human species may succumb to their weakness.

The models, as if nature herself, wear ensembles featuring exotic mushrooms which are separately hand tacked over the glimmering tree-bark-texture, hand embroidered on tulle and silk organza. The garments were further embellished with wildflowers.

Mishra states, “Each of the mushroom forms is individually engineered through a unique pattern making process assisted by novel hand embroidery techniques, in order to achieve a realistic fall and movement.”

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