Month: February 2023

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Lite Blogs Woman

Modern women today are unstoppable

Speaking on the new campaign, Manoj Gadgil, Vice President, Marketing and Essential Health BU Head, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health said, “Stayfree has always celebrated the spirit and strength of young women…reports Asian Lite News

Stayfree®, a women’s menstrual hygiene brand today named Bollywood’s superstar and popular youth icon Kiara Advani, as its brand ambassador, and the face of its latest campaign for Stayfree Secure XL pads.

Kiara Advani represents the ethos and principles of the brand and reflects the women of modern India.

In its latest marketing campaign designed by DDB Mudra for Stayfree Secure XL, Kiara represents the hustle and can-do spirit of women entrepreneurs who are confident with ambitions, who need day-long protection and comfort, making Stayfree Secure XL with its 12 hours leakage protection her preferred choice.

Kiara Advani said, “Modern women today are unstoppable and I truly believe nothing could bog down the spirit, determination, and courage of today’s woman. I am glad to become the new face of Stayfree and represent this iconic brand that strives to help millions of young girls and women fulfill their aspirations, free from the fear, shame, and discomfort associated with periods. Stayfree Secure XL offers comfort and long-lasting protection for up to 12 hours enabling women to live their lives to the fullest potential, without letting anything come between their dreams. I am proud to be a part of this empowering campaign that celebrates the can-do spirit of young women.”

Speaking on the new campaign, Manoj Gadgil, Vice President, Marketing and Essential Health BU Head, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health said, “Stayfree has always celebrated the spirit and strength of young women. With Stayfree XL’s latest campaign ‘Din tumhare saath chalega’, the brand empowers women to fulfil their dreams and aspirations by leading life on their terms, so their day marches to its beat. We are delighted to onboard Kiara Advani as part of the Stayfree family. She represents the aspirational young women of today’s generation.  Through our association with Kiara Advani, we aim to accelerate the brand’s mission of empowering women to seize every moment, pursue their dreams, and not miss on any opportunity, even during their periods.”

Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group, said, “We’ve all heard the adage – too much to do, too little time. There’s no generation that’s felt it more than the youth of today. Stayfree believes that every girl should have total control over their time and what they want to do with it… even when she’s on her period. In Kiara, we have the perfect person to deliver this message. She too does it all and is someone that girls of today look up to.”

ALSO READ-‘OTT and theatrical releases are completely different experiences’

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Health

Healthy diet for healthy lifestyle

At least once a week, try to eat a bean-based dish. Add legumes, such as beans and lentils, to soups, stews, casseroles, salads, and dips, or consume them on their own…reports Asian Lite News

Actor Arjun Kapoor recently shared a post with which people from all walks of life could probably relate. The ‘2 States’ actor posted how it started v/s how it ended video which portrays an unending fight between ‘stick to diet’ and ‘binge on junk food’. So there’s something for everyone! If you want to have a binge day on the weekend, you must be fit and healthy during the week. To avoid becoming sick, fill your plate with nutritious grains, seafood, beans, and lentils. So Here’s a list of some foods that you should have throughout the week.

Green vegetables

Consume green veggies three to four times each week. Broccoli, peppers, brussel sprouts, and leafy greens such as kale and spinach should be part of your daily diet.

Whole Grains

Consume whole grains at least twice a day. Look for whole wheat flour, rye flour, oatmeal, barley flour, amaranth flour, quinoa flour, or a multigrain flour. Each serving of a high-fiber food contains 3 to 4 grams of fibre.

Beans and Lentils

At least once a week, try to eat a bean-based dish. Add legumes, such as beans and lentils, to soups, stews, casseroles, salads, and dips, or consume them on their own.

Fish

Eat two to three servings of fish every week. A serving of cooked fish is 3 to 4 ounces. You may eat mostly local seafood with a side of salmon, herring, and bluefish.

Berries

Consume two to four portions of fruit every day. Take berries such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

Flaxseed, Nuts and Seeds

Every day, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or other seeds to your cuisine, or include 1/4 cup of nuts in your diet.

Organic Yogurt

Men and women aged 19 to 50 require 1000 milligrammes of calcium per day, while those aged 50 and over require 1200 mg. Three to four times each day, consume calcium-rich foods such as nonfat or low-fat dairy products.

Most importantly, don’t forget to drink 8-12 cups of water daily.

Remember, food should be enjoyed. And to achieve that, following discipline is equally important. (ANI)

ALSO READ-How to choose a summer perfume?

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Lite Blogs

Good scent for long lasting aroma

Long lasting perfumes for women.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The most popular gift package with four distinctive, long-lasting women’s scents is the Bella Vita Organic Women’s Luxury Perfume Set. As it is made with exotic notes, this gift package is trending online…reports Aroma

Women’s long-lasting perfumes often have fascinating notes that astound both the wearer and passerby. Why not, too? Women who hold the belief that “A good scent completes their OOTD” have given their seal of approval to the pyramid of scents outlined by the most well-known perfume manufacturers.

Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker Eau De Parfum Spray

This Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker Eau De Parfum Spray is a must-have for women who enjoy floral, woodsy, and musky scents. It has lovely undertones that come together to create a pleasant yet modern aroma. Patchouli, orchid, and paperwhites are introduced as the top notes of bergamot, mandarin, rosewood, apple martini, and lavender gradually fade. The underlying notes of white amber and cedar wood complete the perfume and keep your senses piqued all day.

Long lasting perfumes for women.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Oscar by Oscar de la Renta Eau de Toilette

This Oscar Eau de Toilette has a wonderful perfume that begins with a floral note of orange blossom, coriander seeds, and basil. These notes combine beautifully with the delicate middle notes of ylang-ylang, tuberwood, and jasmine. As the earlier notes fade, the base notes of lavender, amber, sandalwood, opoponax, and carnation become more apparent. This Eau de Toilette draws its inspiration from the lush garden of Santo Domingo and has a timeless scent.

Bella Vita Organic Women’s Luxury Perfume Set

The most popular gift package with four distinctive, long-lasting women’s scents is the Bella Vita Organic Women’s Luxury Perfume Set. As it is made with exotic notes, this gift package is trending online. It has a total of 4 perfumes for ladies, including CEO with a musk blend, fruity and floral Honey Oudh, Rose with rose and jasmine notes, and energising Glam with jasmine and citrusy orange notes. All four of these scents’ calming aromas gently envelop you, giving you the appearance of a refined, classy woman.

Guess Seductive

With Guess Seductive Women’s Eau de Toilette, it’s time to become more seductive. The top notes of this perfume are pink pepper, cardamom milk, and orange pulp. It is bursting at the seams with violet leaves, vetiver, and vanilla orchids. Patchouli, amber, sandalwood, and musk are built upon the base notes. Clearly, you need this EDT if you want to smell good all day. Calling this perfume an extension of your personality wouldn’t be incorrect. It is not excessively pricey or inexpensive. Put it in your Amazon basket right away.

Skinn by Titan Celeste Perfume for Women

The smell of Skinn by Titan Celeste for Women has a lingering quality. All praise belongs to its exquisite fusion of fruits and flowers. Fruits like green pears, grapefruit, and blood oranges, which are sweet, combine smoothly with floral aromas. At the core of this perfume is the alluring aroma of jasmine sambac, flowery nectar, waterlily, and orange flower. After the shower, spray a splash and prepare to snag a tonne of compliments. The base notes of sandalwood, apricot nectar, amber, and patchouli stimulate vitality while the top and heart tones fade away.

Mauboussin A La Folie

This Mauboussin A La Folie, which comes from a family of floral and oriental smells, has exquisitely sparkling top notes of raspberries and champagne. These top accords subtly release the scent of a moist, fresh rose. Gourmand caramels encase the perfume’s aroma, hiding the wonderful mix. This perfume’s stunning jewel-like container is its finest feature. Your senses are awakened and renewed by the incredible perfume of all the notes.

Christian Dior – Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet

This EDT spray by Christian Dior – Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet exudes a fruity freshness with enticing, delectable overtones. Strawberry leaves are paired with patchouli and crystalline musk in the top, middle, and base notes. Caramel popcorn and wild strawberry sherbet enliven these notes. This perfume is a need to start your day with because of its all-natural flavour, genuine aroma, and essential oils themselves. It is expensive, and the high-end combination of components and their potency is to blame.

ALSO READ-Ajmal Perfumes names Abdulla Ajmal as new CEO

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Echoes of Tibetan freedom at Biennale

Tibetan freedom also reverberates at Kochi Biennale.

Tsundue was in the limelight in January 2002 when he displayed a banner with the words “Free Tibet: China, Get Out” and a Tibetan flag by climbing the scaffolding outside the hotel in Mumbai where People’s Republic of China Premier Zhu Rongji stayed…reports Asian Lite News

“Every evening I return to my rented room, but I am not going to die this way. That has got to be some way out here” read aloud poet-activist and Tibetan refugee Tenpin Tsundue from one of his poems.

Tsundue said this while taking part in ‘Let’s Talk’, an interactive poetry reading session organised by Kashi Townhouse, a Kochi-Muziris Biennale Invitations Programme.

The wandering poet who combines activism and academia to share his thoughts on exile, writing, resistance, culture, and identity, says independence is only a status that is different from freedom.

“In 70 years of Tibetan freedom struggle, we have realized that we need to think for the world, not just one country. When it comes to the Tibetan freedom movement, we know that it may take time but we are confident. Be it fifty or a hundred years, we will continue to fight. We also know that we are not going to lose anything anymore and we will return to Tibet, one day,” said Tsundue.

He went on to add that Tibetans keep their culture and identity alive from generation to generation through stories and art on Tibet.

“We sustain our life in the land we left behind through the elders’ tales. I lived in a refugee camp on the edges of the Sathyamangalam forest in Karnataka but our lives were filled with vivid images of snow mountains, apples, peaches, apricots, and a magical land named Tibet. This continues in our refugee camps even now. We may have been born a refugee but we are destined to be free,” he asserted.

Tibetan freedom also reverberates at Kochi Biennale.

Tsundue was in the limelight in January 2002 when he displayed a banner with the words “Free Tibet: China, Get Out” and a Tibetan flag by climbing the scaffolding outside the hotel in Mumbai where People’s Republic of China Premier Zhu Rongji stayed.

Of all the places he travelled, Tenzin finds peace in Kerala.

“Coming to Kerala is always a romantic trip for me. Here, I see people at ease in their own land and language. It relaxes me and gives me hope. As a refugee, my tribe is forced to learn multiple languages for survival and none could be called one’s own,” said the wandering poet.

Kashi Townhouse is currently showcasing a project by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam in collaboration with Natasha Ginwala titled Shadow Circus: A Personal Archive of Tibetan Resistance (1957-1974).

ALSO READ-Ethnic outfits for wedding season

Categories
Films Interview Lite Blogs

‘OTT and theatrical releases are completely different experiences’

The actress was also seen in ‘Raju Gari Gadhi 2’ opposite Nagarjuna and ‘Touch Chesi Chudu’ opposite Ravi Teja…reports Asian Lite News

Seerat Kapoor, who made her debut with the Telugu film ‘Run Raja Run’ and was also seen playing a gray character in the crime thriller ‘Maarrich’ starring Tusshar Kapoor, discussed the importance of finding the right medium for the right content, and her thoughts on OTT versus theatrical release.

She said: “In just a few years, I believe filmmaking has expanded dramatically for all of us. Cinema and its experience have evolved. From theatrical releases to now having content instantly accessible on your phone. There are even web series and shows that have travelled across the world in terms of content. Whereas many people are concerned that the growth of OTT would result in fewer people going to see movies in theatres, I disagree.”

The actress was also seen in ‘Raju Gari Gadhi 2’ opposite Nagarjuna and ‘Touch Chesi Chudu’ opposite Ravi Teja.

She added: ” I believe OTT and theatrical releases are completely different experiences altogether. Either way, it lies in the hands of the audience really. Whether it’s the taste of the kind of story they prefer or the experience they chose to enjoy it.”

While concluding the conversation, she shared that for her, medium is not that important as she is more concerned about the story and the role given to her. She wants to give her best in her work and this matters most for her.

Seerat Kapoor.

“For me, the story and the characters have always held utmost importance regardless of the medium. Over the years, I have formed a relationship with my audience, where they shower and support me with their love for the characters I have chosen.”

“Most of my films have left them pondering while also entertaining. It’s a very sacred connection I share with them. So whichever platform the story may release, on the bright side, today as creatives we have extended ways to explore our potential and give back to our audiences to keep their smiles around life intact,” she concluded.

On the work front, Seerat will be seen playing the lead in Dil Raju’s next, which is yet untitled.

ALSO READ-Samantha celebrates 13 years in the industry

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Arab News UAE News Woman

EVENT: Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai

For the first time, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers will be showcasing their new range at Exclusive Edit, 1st March 2023. At Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hill, Dubai. 11.00AM- 7.00PM

In 1940, just as India was fighting for independence, one creator decided to break out and build one of India’s first jewellery brand! Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers was born, with the commitment of fostering Indian jewellery tradition and supporting India’s rich artisanal talent. Focused on creating high quality jewels, with elegance and imagination, their brand ethos is committed to treating a precious jewel with reverence.

Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai

The passion, artistic flair and intuitive eye for the traditional style became a buzz word in the narrow lanes of Jaipur. Their techniques were perfect and their design language was inspired by the cultural fabric of the land of India.

Even today, this legacy continues as their design mavens, refine design and methodology to create every piece uniquely. Honing the rare skills of their craft-artisanal talent, with years of experience and training, enabling their passion and vision they craft masterpieces, which is raising jewellery-making into an art form.

Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai

Over the years, through their journeys, they have built a repertoire of rare gems- precious Burmese Rubies, Colombian Emeralds, Tanzanite and Tourmaline- powering their design teams to use this treasure trove in creating Fine Jewellery Collections, or personalising Classic Couture Collections. Whilst most jewellers have turned to machine-made jewellery, Birdhichand believes the most authentic manner to create hand-design and hand-craft jewels in an intimate way in their workshop. So, whilst reviving and reinventing techniques, preserving India’s rare heritage, modernising it with contemporary aesthetics, evolving techniques they are setting global trends.

Deservedly, culture, creator and art aficionados have been collecting their pieces. To delight their customers in Dubai, they have created a collection of statement pieces. Combining age old craft techniques and evolving settings to create timeless jewels. Stemming from an extreme need to experiment and push boundaries, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas has taken inspiration from Nature, the flora-fauna and the art deco movement. Every piece combines traditional craft accentuated with modern aesthetics.

For the 1st time, they will be showcasing at Exclusive Edit, 1st March 2023. At Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hill, Dubai. 11.00AM- 7.00PM

The Lead Designer Will Personally Be In Attendance To Advice / Curate Individually.

Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers To Showcase New Range in Dubai
Categories
-Top News Asia News World News

ECOCIDE: CPEC projects fuelling climate crisis

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is more sensitive to temperature increase than previously reckoned. The biggest challenge will be the emerging environmental issues due to the release of 36.5 million tons of Carbon Dioxide from the CPEC route. World Meteorological data reported increase of CO2 levels from 2020 to 2021 larger than the average annual growth rate over the last decade. The three road-corridors planned under CPEC would only add-on more CO2 emissions to the environment … writes Anasudhin Azeez

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a 3000 km infrastructure network project which connects China’s northwest Xinjiang Autonomous Region and Gwadar Port in the western province of Balochistan in Pakistan, has immense strategic value for China to access to the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea from Gwadar Port, allowing a complete dominance over the Indian Ocean region. However, its devastating impact on the environment should be of significant concern not only to Pakistan but also to other countries. Currently, Pakistan ranks 7th most vulnerable country on the Global Climate Risk Index. For this, a brief Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the micro-level needs to be carried out for mitigating long-term environmental damage to be caused by these large-scale projects under CPEC.

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is more sensitive to temperature increase than previously reckoned. The biggest challenge will be the emerging environmental issues due to releasing 36.5 million tons of Carbon Dioxide from the CPEC route. World Meteorological data reported an increase in CO2 levels from 2020 to 2021 larger than the average annual growth rate over the last decade. The three road corridors planned under CPEC would only add-on more CO2 emissions to the environment. Experts have pointed out that the impact of transport and infrastructure development would be the cause of cardiovascular diseases, bronchitis problems, and other health disorders in the population of Pakistan.

A bulk of the energy is planned to be produced by coal-fired power plants including, 660 MW at port Qasim, 660 MW at Sahiwal, and 300 MW at Gwadar. It will have a detrimental influence on glacier strength and severe flooding as we saw in Hasanabad city in Pakistan in May 2022.

The transport infrastructure development in Gilgit-Baltistan is leading to uncontrolled pollution and irreversible depletion of aquatic ecosystems, as this region holds large glaciers and water reserves. Global warming is evidently the main cause of the rise in global greenhouse gas emissions from human activities mainly due to deforestation, fossil-fuel burning, and land use.

Negative impacts on flora and fauna such as loss of habitat, species extension, less grass in pastures, more diseases in wild animals, pest attacks, and waterborne epidemics as it requires forest cutting are also foreseen. Apart from the above, experts also warn about other environmental impacts such as increased frequency and intensity of melting of glaciers, high turbidity in water bodies, heat waves, cold spells, droughts, cloud bursts, land sliding, water-borne epidemics, avalanches, heavy rainfalls, heavy snow falls, and lake-outburst floods due to the developments of CPEC road projects in Pakistan.

The long-term impacts of these mega projects need to be addressed on a priority basis as the destruction of traditional livelihoods, backyard dairy farms and small-scale fisheries are certain in Pakistan. In addition to that reports say that China is initiating work on mega-dams, oil and gas pipelines, and uranium and heavy metal extraction in this area.

Gradually, China has taken a geopolitical strategy by investing in Pakistani infrastructural growth to establish an economic corridor between China and Pakistan. According to the United Nations assessment of ozone depletion, the last eight years have been the warmest on record and the telltale signs and impacts of climate change have been dramatic with extreme heat waves, drought and devastating floods.

Transparency and accountability of the CPEC Project regarding energy, infrastructure, and transportation are the main aspects to be mulled over since these elements are important to accomplish environmental protection and sustainable development. This project is an essential component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the modern Silk Road project envisioned by Chinese President Xi Jinping, intended to create new production sites and trade routes to connect China better with the rest of the world. However, till the terms and conditions are not disclosed, one cannot predict the objective of the overall assessment and whether it could be potentially beneficial for the world or not!

Categories
-Top News China USA

It’s time to stop misleading world on Taiwan, China tells US

Chinese Spokesperson Mao Ning made tremarks in response to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent erroneous remarks on Taiwan…reports Asian Lite News

The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. It is time for the US to stop walking on the edge, stop using the salami tactics, stop pushing the envelope, and stop sowing confusion and trying to mislead the world on Taiwan, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

If the US refuses to change course and goes down that wrong path, there will be real consequences and it will come at real costs to the US, Spokesperson Mao Ning made the comment in response to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent erroneous remarks on Taiwan.

“Secretary Blinken’s remarks are absolutely irresponsible and absurd. China firmly opposes that,” Mao said, adding that it seems that some history lessons are in order for the top US diplomat on the Taiwan question, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The one-China principle is a universally recognised basic norm in international relations and the important political prerequisite and foundation for China’s diplomatic relations with countries in the world,” the Spokesperson stressed.

In 1972, the US stated in the Shanghai Communique that “The US acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The US government does not challenge that position,” Mao said.

In 1978, the US stated in the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the US and China that “The US recognises the Government of theRepublic of China as the sole legal government of China. The US government acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China,” he added.

She also mentioned in 1982, the US stated in the August 17 Communique that “the US recognised the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China, and it acknowledged the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China. The US government…reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in China’s internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of ‘two Chinas’ or ‘one China, one Taiwan’.”

“For some time, the US made those political commitments to China on the Taiwan question, which are written down in black and white,” the Spokesperson said.

The US has been deliberately ignoring and twisting the history and sending the wrong message on the Taiwan question. The US has significantly relaxed its restraint on official interactions and reinforced military contact with Taiwan and touted “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow.” It has even been revealed by the media that the US government has a plan for “the destruction of Taiwan,” Mao said.

“We cannot help but ask what exactly is the US trying to achieve?”

The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. It is at the very core of China’s core interests. It is the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in this relationship. China will never allow any external force to interfere in our internal affairs, Mao added.

“We have a clear message for the US: It is time to stop — stop walking on the edge, stop using the salami tactics, stop pushing the envelope, and stop sowing confusion and trying to mislead the world on Taiwan,” she said.

ALSO READ: China leans on courts to pry western technologies

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Lite Blogs

Showcasing Assam’s Pride

This proves that language , border was never a barrier when expressed through Art and Culture and mainly through music and dance forms…reports Asian Lite News

Luitporia Nasoni group led by Mrs Chinu Kishore along  with Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar Awardee Dipjyoti Das and Dipankar Arandhara from Assam has showcased mesmerising performances which were based on Vaishnavism of East .

Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1568) saint-scholar, playwright, social-religious reformer, is a colossal figure in the cultural and religious history of Assam.

The stories depicted through the dances captivated the audience . The energetic Dasavatar Dance was the highlight of the show , the audiences were clapping through the each incarnation Dipjyoti and Dipankar were dancing . This proves that language , border was never a barrier when expressed through Art and Culture and mainly through music and dance forms. 

The hard works Chinu , Debarchana , Porinita, Pallavi and Junmoni have put through reflected through out their performances. Considering all the ladies are either full time employee or full time mother of young children , this is an achievement of the whole Luitporia Nasoni Team.

The community leaders from each community have supported and attended the programme . Chinu Kishore who is a full time associate director on a rail infrastructure project and passionate about promoting Assam and its culture in UK financially sponsored the whole programme  anticipating she is going to able to achieve her dream making Assam and it’s culture part of every part of community in UK.

ALSO READ-Sanskruti’s SaptaTandava enraptures diverse audiences

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-Top News Asia News Sri Lanka

Lanka govt prepares for mass strike

President Wickremesinghe’s directives comes following Professional Trade Union Alliance (PTUA) comprising 40 trade unions has threatened to cripple the country with a massive strike…reports Asian Lite News

In the wake of mass protests planned on Wednesday by professionals against major tax hikes and postponement of election, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a gazette notification declaring ports, airport and public transport as essential services with immediate effect.

“President Wickremesinghe signed a Gazette notification a short while ago declaring public transport services for passengers or goods, discharge, carriage, landing, storage, delivery & removal of articles of food or drink, or coal, oil, fuel from vessels within any port as definedfor the purposes of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services by road, rail or air, including roads, bridges, culverts, airports, ports & railway lines, as essential services with immediate effect,” President’s Media Division announced on Monday night.

President Wickremesinghe’s extraordinary gazette comes following Professional Trade Union Alliance (PTUA) comprising 40 trade unions representing doctors, professionals and workers from ports, railway and bus services has threatened to cripple the country with a massive trade union action on Wednesday.

Trade unions have termed the new tax policy – introduced to “please” the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) to obtain a bailout package of $2.9 billion – “unfair and oppressive”.

During the weekend President Wickremesinghe, who met some trade unions, had stressed that the country cannot be push out of the ongoing economic crisis without the IMF bailout package.

“Revising the taxes before reaching a final agreement with the IMF could have a negative impact on the ongoing discussion with the IMF,” Wickremesinghe has told the trade unions which opposed his stance.

ALSO READ: UAE, Sri Lanka activate consular cooperation deal