Tag: Award

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Food Restaurant Reviews UK News

Bardez is on a winning spree, wins two prestigious awards

Manchester-based restaurant Brand Bardez is gathering more feathers in its cap reports Rahul Laud

The dynamic partnership of these entrepreneurs and specialist chefs in Manchester – Markus Dsouza, Zico Dsouza, Surat Singh, Panwar Singh, and Rana Balvir Singh have helped the popular restaurant Bardez located in two locations at Rusholme and Didsbury in the city of Manchester to win two prestigious awards and acclaim in the UK.

Lord Raj Loomba who hosted the Bharat Mahatsov (Festival of One India) in collaboration with Dr. Amitabh Srivastav’s Confluence at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament House of Commons awarded the Bardez team the Bharat Gaurav Sanman – a prestigious title for their stellar contribution in serving in the UK authentic Indian cuisine.   The special award recognized their contribution to culinary art and hospitality.

To add another feather to their cap the Bardez team won the Best Restaurant in Manchester award at the recently held Asian Catering Federation’s 8th Awards function. The award was given to Badez as a special recognition for being the Best Asian Restaurant in Manchester. The Asian Restaurant Awards 2024 gave a special certificate honouring excellence in the catering sector among Asian restaurants. 

On winning these awards, Marcus Dsouza said “It’s sheer hard work, dedication, passion to cook and serve and excellent teamwork and support and encouragement of all customers encouraged us to be the best in the field.” “Bardez is a taluka place in North Goa,” thus as Goans “hospitality and offering the best cuisine comes naturally to us”, he added. Bardez’s popularity has grown in the last two since its inception and it expanded to two outlets quickly.

The judges at the Asian Catering Federation awards recognized the peak performance of outstanding restaurateurs and chefs for their culinary excellence, innovation, creativity, and endeavour throughout the past year.

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Arab News Dubai UAE News

Dubai Civil Defence honoured with NFPA global safety award

Major General Jamal Bin Adeith Almehairi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Civil Defence, accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry of Interior

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced that the Dubai Civil Defence, led by the Ministry of Interior, has been awarded the inaugural NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award. Major General Jamal Bin Adeith Almehairi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Civil Defence, accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry of Interior and in honour of His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Lieutenant General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, the General Director of Dubai Civil Defence, for their unwavering dedication to enhancing safety.

The presentation of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award took place at the NFPA Stars at Night awards ceremony during the annual NFPA Conference & Expo® (C&E) in Orlando. This newly established award by NFPA recognizes individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing safety through the principles of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™. Inspired by the international work of former NFPA board member Hatem Kheir, this award celebrates global leaders who set outstanding standards in fire and life safety.

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, the Dubai Civil Defence has become a beacon of innovation and excellence. Their integration of cutting-edge technologies, rigorous training programs, and proactive community outreach has significantly elevated fire and life safety standards in Dubai and globally. The award also highlights the UAE’s commitment to using and enforcing the latest codes and standards and its innovative firefighting and emergency management approaches.

Major General Jamal Bin Adeith Almehairi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Civil Defense accepted the award from NFPA on behalf of Dubai Civil Defense

“Dubai Civil Defence led by the Ministry of Interior has made exceptional progress in the adoption of smart technology and extensive training programs to deliver vital safety and security services, ultimately improving the quality of life for the UAE community and raising emergency preparedness and disaster management awareness. We are proud to recognize their efforts in setting global standards in fire and life safety. By honoring entities like the Dubai Civil Defence led by the Ministry of Interior, this award promotes the adoption of best practices in fire, life, and property safety and crisis management, setting a high standard globally. It encourages other organizations worldwide to strive for similar excellence in protecting lives and property,” said Eng. Dana Kamal, Director of International Business Development MENA at NFPA.

Among the initiatives led by the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates is the International Initiative for Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC). Launched at the World Government Summit in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2023, I2LEC aims to establish a collaborative approach among law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and governments. This initiative seeks to create global frameworks to build research capacities for law enforcement agencies to combat environmental crimes.

In its first year, I2LEC obtained the support of over 60 law enforcement agencies worldwide and contributed to seizing more than $32 million in proceeds from environmental crimes through international joint operations. Additionally, the initiative trained over 270 law enforcement officials from more than 40 countries. These efforts reflect the UAE’s belief that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring community safety and stability and enhancing global cooperation and partnerships.

ALSO READ: Dubai set to enhance housing ecosystem

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘Paradise’ Wins Audience Award at Las Palmas Int’l Film Festival

The award was received by the director at the closing ceremony of the festival…reports Asian Lite News

Actors Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew-starrer Malayalam film ‘Paradise’ won the Audience Jury Award at the 23rd Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival in Spain.

Directed by Prasanna Vithanage and co-written by Prasanna and Anushka Senanayake, ‘Paradise’, is a tale of emotion, struggle, and resilience.

Produced by Newton Cinemas and presented by Mani Ratnam under the banner of his production company, Madras Talkies, ‘Paradise’ is the first Indian film shot entirely in Sri Lanka.

The audience award is conferred by pre-selected members of the audience, chosen from among the feature films showcased in the Official Feature Films Section of the festival.

The award was received by the director at the closing ceremony of the festival.

Sri Lankan author Prasanna Vithanage’s 10th directorial venture, features a cast, including Darshana Rajendran, Roshan Mathew, Shyam Fernando, and Mahendra Perera.

The crew, including Rajeev Ravi handled cinematography, A. Sreekar Prasad was the editor, Tapas Nayak was the sound designer, and K (Krishna Kumar) was the music director.

The trailer of the film was released by Mani Ratnam and is the debut collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Madras Talkies within the Malayalam film industry.

Recipient of more than 30 international awards, ‘Paradise’ is the 10th feature directorial of Prasanna Vithanage.

The film delves into the profound narrative of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022.

It was screened in the World Cinema category of the International Film Festival of Kerala and Jio MAMI Film Festival, receiving acclaim from both national and international critics. Distributed by Century Films, ‘Paradise’ is to be released in June.

ALSO READ-Actor Roshan Mathew Reflects on His Journey

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone bags Global Humanitarian Award

This status is granted to NGOs with expertise in specific fields covered by ECOSOC. Lone’s music has transcended boundaries, touching the hearts of people from diverse back…reports Asian Lite News

Prominent Music Director Dr Jaan Nissar Lone has received the prestigious “Global Humanitarian Award” from the World Humanitarian Drive (WHD). The occasion, which celebrated the ability of music to bring people together, honoured Dr Lone for his outstanding efforts to promote harmony, particularly among the weaker and less fortunate populations in Kashmir’s scenic valley. He is mainly known for his song “Harmukh Bartal,” featured in Manoj Bajpai’s starter webseries “The Family Man”. The international non-governmental organization, WHD, acknowledged Dr. Lone’s outstanding efforts in utilizing music as a bridge to connect communities and nations. Distinguished dignitaries, including the Right Honourable Chris Philp, Minister of State for Crime, Policing, and Fire in the UK; His Excellency Anthony Carmona SC ORTT, the 5th President of Trinidad & Tobago; and Her Excellency Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, former President of the Parliament in Luxembourg, graced the occasion to celebrate this significant achievement. WHD holds ‘Special Consultative Status’ with the United Nations, enabling its engagement with various UN bodies, including ECOSOC and the Human Rights Council.

This status is granted to NGOs with expertise in specific fields covered by ECOSOC. Lone’s music has transcended boundaries, touching the hearts of people from diverse backgrounds. His melodious creations have provided solace and inspiration, motivating countless individuals to embrace love and understanding for their country and beyond. Through his music and educational initiatives, numerous enthusiastic youths have been encouraged to participate in activities promoting awareness of unity, oneness, and the creation of an inclusive society.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Lone stated, “I’m delighted to receive this prestigious award. It has further motivated me to produce music that embodies human emotions, blurring the divisions between hearts.” Dr. Abdul Basit Syed, the founder of World Humanitarian Drive, commended Dr. Lone’s unwavering commitment to building bridges of unity through music, the arts, and entertainment. Dr. Syed emphasized that “Peace can only be achieved through the heart, and the cradle of the heart is music.

Dr. Lone’s music serves as a soothing cradle to people’s hearts and souls, bringing them closer in the spirit of unity and love. Lone’s journey as a musician and humanitarian professional stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, transcending borders, languages, and cultures to create a world where harmony and peace can flourish. His work has resonated not only within the Kashmir valley but also across the globe, making him an embodiment of peace and tranquility among the masses. Dr. Lone is set to be recognized at the upcoming “Ubiquitous Mega Music Awards – UMMA 2024,” a monumental project endorsed by over 75 countries and valued at USD 150 million. The event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of the world’s musical treasures.

ALSO READ-Indian Embassy Celebrates Sanskritotsava in Riyadh

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-Top News London News UK News

Prof.Kishan Devani BEM wins Top Award

The awards were held amongst business Leaders and Political figures from across the Globe. From Governors of Nigeria to High Commissioners, MPs and Shadow Cabinet Ministers…reports Asian Lite News

Professor Kishan Devani BEM has once again been honoured with yet another award. He received “International Philanthropist & Humanitarian of 2023” Award at the 8th Political Summit and Awards which were held at the Houses of Parliament in the UK and the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London.

Professor Devani expressed his joy and surprise at receiving the award which was presented to him by His Excellency Morie – High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the UK and Cllr Michael Situ – Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark. Kishan said “I was overwhelmed at receiving such deeply humbling news! The award means a lot to me, as I believe in building bridges with communities globally in order to achieve understanding between all in our world. This award will inspire me to continue on this journey and do more for the betterment of our world and to continue working with communities across the globe”.

The awards were held amongst business Leaders and Political figures from across the Globe. From Governors of Nigeria to High Commissioners, MPs and Shadow Cabinet Ministers. Jon Ashworth MP Shadow Paymaster General received the “Parliamentarian of the Year Award 2023” at the awards too. He expressed what a huge honour this was too for him. The 9th Political Summit and Awards will be next year amongst dignitaries from all across the globe.

ALSO READ-Kishan Devani BEM to lead fundraising for London Lib Dems

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-Top News Canada USA

Canada Grapples with Historical Apology for Awarding Nazi Veteran

Canada appoints first indigenous governor general(Photo: Instagram)

The Division members have been accused of killing Polish and Jewish civilians, although the unit has not been found guilty of any war crimes by a tribunal…reports Asian Lite News

 Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon has apologised for conferring the Order of Canada, a top civilian honor in the country, to a Nazi veteran in 1987, who later became the Chancellor of the University of Alberta, local media reported.

“It is with deep regret that we acknowledge that Mr. Peter Savaryn was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1987, and we express our sincere apology to Canadians for any distress or pain his appointment may have caused,” a statement issued by Simon ‘s office to the media said.

Savaryn’s Order of Canada biography includes his experience as a law firm partner, former Chancellor of the University of Alberta, and a World Leader of the World Congress of Free Ukrainians.

However, Savaryn also served during the Second World War in Nazi Waffen-SS Galicia Division, a voluntary unit made up mostly of ethnic Ukrainians under Nazi command.

The Division members have been accused of killing Polish and Jewish civilians, although the unit has not been found guilty of any war crimes by a tribunal.

Concerns arose over Savaryn’s background in the wake of a scandal over Yaroslav Hunka, a Ukrainian-Canadian veteran who served in the same Waffen-SS unit as Savaryn.

On September 22 Hunka was praised by then-Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons Anthony Rota, who later apologised and stepped down on September 26.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also apologised on behalf of the country for the incident, saying that it was “a mistake that deeply embarrassed parliament and Canada”

In its statement, Simon’s office further said that historical appointments would have been made relative to the specific moment and “limited information sources available at that time”.

In instances where more information comes to light after an appointment, termination is possible.

Yet Savaryn’s appointment was terminated when he died in 2017, per protocol. 

ALSO READ-Canada Aims for Constructive Engagement with India

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-Top News COVID-19 UK News

Covid vaccine pioneers awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine

The Nobel Assembly said Karikó and Weissman published their results in a seminal 2005 paper that received little attention at the time but laid the foundation for critically important developments that have served humanity during the COVID-19 pandemic…reports Asian Lite News

Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman have been jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discoveries that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

“The 2023 #NobelPrize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19,” The Nobel Prize posted on X on Monday.

“The findings by 2023 #NobelPrize laureates Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman led to the approval of two highly successful mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines in late 2020. The vaccines have saved millions of lives and prevented severe disease in many more,” the post added.

The Nobel Assembly said the discoveries by the two Nobel Laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020.

“Through their groundbreaking findings, which have fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system, the laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times,” it said.  

It said the laureates discovered that base-modified mRNA can be used “to block activation of inflammatory reactions and increase protein production when mRNA is delivered to cells”.

The Nobel Assembly said Karikó and Weissman published their results in a seminal 2005 paper that received little attention at the time but laid the foundation for critically important developments that have served humanity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mRNA vaccine technology against Covid-19, which on Monday received the 2023 Nobel for Medicine was publicly funded and not by pharma giants, said the People’s Vaccine Alliance.

The People’s Vaccine Alliance is a coalition of organisations and activists working together towards equitable access to medical technologies that help to prevent and respond to Covid and future pandemics.

Their groundbreaking findings have fundamentally changed the understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system, the Nobel committee said.

The umbrella group of NGOs hailed public funding, which it said “delivers incredible medical advances”, even as pharma giants refused to share vaccine technology, as well as test kits and other diagnostics to low-income countries during the pandemic.

“The award challenges the claim that it was solely big pharmaceutical companies who saved the world from Covid-19,” said Mohga Kamal-Yanni, Policy Co-Lead for the People’s Vaccine Alliance, in a statement.

“Just like the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Kariko and Weissman’s groundbreaking work on mRNA vaccines received a huge amount of public funding.”

Kamal-Yanni also advised governments preparing for the next pandemic to prioritise on public funding as drugmakers will not share vaccines with the world.

“Pharmaceutical companies have refused to share mRNA technologies with developers and researchers in developing countries. Fortunately, Weissman is helping a WHO-backed mRNA programme which aims to develop mRNA technology in lower-income countries, even while pharmaceutical companies refuse to share their know-how,” Kamal-Yanni said.

ALSO READ-‘Made in India’ vaccines delivered to 42 African nations

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Africa News Food Lite Blogs

Ugandan food science and nutrition pioneer awarded honorary degree

In her acceptance speech, Joyce thanked Dr. Olatunde Oluwatola from Nigeria for nominating her, the University of Reading for honouring her and said that this degree is a tribute to the Girl Child, not only in Uganda but the whole of Africa…reports Asian Lite News

An inspirational diplomat and academic, well known for her work to reduce poverty and childhood malnutrition in her home country of Uganda, has received an honorary degree from the University of Reading.

Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda is the High Commissioner of Uganda to India and also spearheaded the establishment of Uganda’s first ever Department of Food Science and Technology in 1989. She was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at a ceremony last week.

Professor Kikafunda is one of  few female professors in Uganda. She was educated at Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities, where she graduated with a BSc in Agriculture in 1976, receiving First Class honours. After further study in Canada, she went on to complete a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Reading.

Her research was primarily focused on the risk factors for childhood malnutrition in rural areas of Uganda. After she discovered poor weaning practices were largely contributing to childhood nutrition in the country, Professor Kikafunda and her team worked with mothers to explain how a better diet could improve their children’s health and weight. After word spread, her work on the project “Gender Informed Nutrition in Agriculture” contributed to a reduction of child malnutrition in the western Region of Uganda from 21% to 11% in a period of just four years.

Professor Carol Wagstaff, Research Dean for Agriculture Food & Health at the University of Reading, said: “Joyce’s drive and determination to eradicate poverty and reduce childhood malnutrition in Uganda was instrumental in her establishing, along with colleagues, a unit of Food Science and Nutrition at Makerere University.

“The number of Ugandans studying for a degree in food and nutritional sciences has greatly increased since Joyce founded the Department more than thirty years ago, now elevated to the status of a School due to its strategic national importance. It is particularly notable how the opportunities instigated by Joyce have enabled more women of Uganda to access higher education and to be empowered by gaining a science-based degree level education.”

Professor Kikafunda’s achievements have been recognised both nationally and internationally. She was awarded the Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa Award in 2012 and became a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Rice Research Institute based in the Philippines from 2010-2015.

In her acceptance speech, Joyce thanked Dr. Olatunde Oluwatola from Nigeria for nominating her, the University of Reading for honouring her and said that this degree is a tribute to the Girl Child, not only in Uganda but the whole of Africa.

Between 2013-2016, Joyce was High Commissioner of Uganda to the UK, then High Commissioner to Australia 2017-2022, and she is currently High Commissioner to India. She is also a Founder and Member of Ugandan Action for Nutrition, and is often described as the ‘mother of food science and nutrition’ in Uganda.

ALSO READ-Over 40 killed by rebels in Uganda school attack

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Films Lite Blogs

Vijay Sethupati bags Best Actor Award at Indo-French Int’l Film Festival

Only a week ago, the film had won a Gold medal at the Tokyo Film Awards this year…reports Asian Lite News

Actor Vijay Sethupathi has won the Best Actor Award at the Indo-French International Film Festival for his performance in director Seenu Ramasamy’s critically acclaimed Tamil entertainer, ‘Maamanithan’.

The film has also won the award for Best Picture.

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, director Seenu Ramasamy said, “Congratulations Vijay Sethupathi for Best Actor and Yuvan Shankar Raja for Best Picture. Thank you, Indo-French International Film Festival.”

Interestingly, the film, which had garnered huge praise from various quarters soon after its release, had ace director Shankar calling it a ‘realistic classic’. Shankar had even said that Vijay Sethupathi’s brilliant performance in the film deserved a National Award.

Only a week ago, the film had won a Gold medal at the Tokyo Film Awards this year.

‘Maamanithan’ won the gold in the Best Asian Film category, while Takahiro Kawabe’s ‘Love Song at 5 pm’ won the silver and Mart Bira’s ‘Nomadic Doctor’ took the bronze at the Tokyo Film Awards.

The story of ‘Maamanithan’ is about a simple man who longs to provide good education to his children by getting them admitted to a private school. To increase his income, he enters into a deal with a real estate developer and in the process gets conned. The problems he faces are what the film is all about.

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Events Motoring World

Audi e-tron GT wins at the 2022 World Car Awards

Audi is the most successful manufacturer in the history of the award, with 11 titles since 2005…reports Asian Lite News

The Audi e-tron GT quattro was a big winner at this year’s World Car Awards, which was presented for the 18th time in New York. Nominated in the categories ‘World Electric Vehicle of the Year’, ‘World Performance Car’, and ‘World Car Design of the Year’, the e-tron GT quattro took home the title of World Performance Car at the world’s biggest and most prestigious new car awards ceremony, dubbed the “Oscars of the automotive world”. More than 100 auto journalists from around the globe thoroughly tested the cars that qualified and then voted on them for the 2022 honours.

“We are delighted that the Audi e-tron GT has won the 2022 World Performance Car of the Year award! The e-tron GT was the only EV contestant in its particular category, competing with other powerful world-renowned performance vehicles. This win is testament to our vision of the future of mobility and is a symbol of the path we are on as a brand,” said Carsten Bender, Managing Director of Audi Middle East.

e-tron GT quattro

Sophisticated thermal management system for reproducible performance

The performance that earned the Audi e-tron GT quattro its World Performance Car award is ensured, to a great extent, by a sophisticated thermal management system. In the Audi e-tron GT quattro, that system consists of four thermal circuits. This means that the battery and the components of the drive system each stay at their ideal temperature, resulting in performance characteristics that can be reproduced at any time.

Thanks to its intelligent thermal management, anyone who uses the e-tron route planner in the e-tron GT quattro will put the battery in an ideal temperature range for charging, depending on the exterior temperature, even while the car is driving – very useful for fast charging with up to 270 kW.

Audi continues to expand its winning streak

This year’s victory brings the brand with the four rings to 11 first places at the World Car Awards, making Audi the most successful manufacturer in the history of the award.

ALSO READ: Audi Skysphere concept makes Middle East debut in Dubai

Audi’s victories at the World Car Awards

2005Audi A6World Car of the Year
2007Audi RS 4World Performance Car
Audi TTWorld Car Design of the Year
2008Audi R8World Performance Car
Audi R8World Car Design of the Year
2010Audi R8 V10World Performance Car
2014Audi A3World Car of the Year
2016Audi R8World Performance Car
2018Audi A8World Luxury Car
2019Audi A7 SportbackWorld Luxury Car
2022Audi e-tron GT quattroWorld Performance Car

To learn more about Audi’s recent win at the 2022 World Car Awards, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/mrranmpx