First Urban Climate Film Festival to Begin in New Town, Kolkata
The first-ever Urban Climate Film Festival, which aspires to employ the powerful medium of film to enlighten audiences about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change on urban settlements, is going to take place in New Town, Kolkata from June 3 to 5, 2023. Sixtenen films from 12 countries are scheduled to be screened, along with Q&A sessions with filmmakers in order to spark conversations about building climate-resilient cities and invite inputs from the public; further encouraging the citizens to undertake 'environmentally responsible behaviour' in line with the U20 priority areas and the Prime Minister's clarion call through the LiFE Mission.
Launched in New Delhi in March 2023, the film festival is being organised by the National Institute of Urban Affairs, through the CITIIS program under the engagement events of U20 (the urban track of G20). The festival is supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union, and the New Town Kolkata Green Smart City Corporation Limited.
May 27, 2023
Tipu Sultan's Sword Creates New Auction Record in UK with GBP 14 Million
The bedchamber sword of Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysuru, was sold for 14 million pounds ($17.4 million or Rs. 143 crore) at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art sale, an auction house in London. This is a new auction world record for an Indian and Islamic object.
Bonhams further said that the sword was the most important of the weapons with a proven personal association with the ruler.
The sword has an extraordinary history, an astonishing provenance and unrivalled craftsmanship.
The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, at the 76th Cannes International Film Festival in France. The pavilion showcases India's rich culture, heritage, and its thriving creative economy to the global audience. The event witnessed the presence of Indian Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prithul Kumar, and prominent figures from the Indian film industry.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, declared that India has become the world's largest film producer, with over 3,000 films made in more than 50 languages. These films not only showcase India's storytelling prowess but also carry a powerful message across the globe. Murugan highlighted the global impact of Indian content by mentioning the success of Indian animators in international films.
May 20, 2023
World's Oldest Hebrew Bible Sells for $38 Million
A leather-bound, handwritten Hebrew Bible believed to be around 1,100 years old sold for $38.1 million (€35.1 million) in New York. The Codex Sassoon's price surpassed the $30.8 million paid in 1994 for Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester manuscript but is below the world-record $43.2 million paid in 2021 for a first edition of the US Constitution.
Its price tag "reflects the profound power, influence, and significance of the Hebrew Bible, which is an indispensable pillar of humanity.
Former US ambassador and president of the American Jewish Committee Alfred H. Moses bought the codex on behalf of the non-profit American Friends of ANU. It will be donated to the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, Israel.
May 18, 2023
Uttar Pradesh Now Holds 2nd Position in GI Tagged Products
Uttar Pradesh now holds the second position in the country in terms of having the maximum number of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged goods. The state received GI tags for three more One District One Product (ODOP) crafts, taking the total number of GI-tagged products in the state to 48. The three newly-tagged ODOP crafts are Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal horn craft. The GI tag is a valuable asset for the state of Uttar Pradesh. It helps to promote the state's traditional crafts and products, and also helps to boost the local economy. The GI tag also helps to create awareness about the state's rich cultural heritage.
While Tamil Nadu leads with 55 GI-tagged goods, UP and Karnataka follow with 48 and 46 GI products, respectively.
GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The GI tag helps to protect the products from imitation and ensures that consumers get the genuine product.
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