Month: March 2025

The Dalai Lama was presented with a Gold Mercury Award on Monday in recognition of his lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, education and human rights at his residence at Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh.

Nicolas De Santis, President and Secretary General of Gold Mercury International, presented the Gold Mercury Award for Peace to the Dalai Lama.

“It is a profound honour to present to you the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability 2025. You are a leader whose wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to peace have inspired the world,” he said.

Santis said that Dalai Lama’s message of universal responsibility inspired peace in the fragile planet.

“We reflect on your extraordinary legacy. For decades, you have championed non-violence, human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship, always reminding us that true peace begins within. Your message of universal responsibility teaches us that we are all connected–not just as nations, but as one human family, sharing one fragile planet,” he said.

Santis praised Dalai Lama’s advocacy for non violence and sustainability, and the way he advocated for the rights of Tibetans.

“Your Holiness you have defended the rights of the Tibetan people through non-violent means, and you are also a global voice for sustainability, warning of the urgent need to protect our environment long before climate change became a worldwide concern,” he said.

Santis said that the award was presented to the Dalai Lama for his teachings, which advocate for world peace.

“At Gold Mercury International, we honour visionary leaders who shape the future with courage and integrity. Your Holiness embodies these ideals, and your teachings will continue to guide generations toward a more peaceful and ethical world. Your Holiness, it is with deep respect and gratitude that we present you with the Gold Mercury Award 2025–in recognition of your lifelong commitment to a better world for all,” he stated.

China labels the Dalai Lama a “separatist” and asserts that it will select his successor. However, the 89-year-old has stated that any successor chosen by China would not be honored.

Human rights groups and media sources report that China suppresses Tibetan culture, religion, and freedoms through intense surveillance, forced assimilation, and crackdowns on opposition. (ANI)

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan captivated the audience with her stunning appearance at the gala celebrating 25 years of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. Reflecting on her fashion journey, she recalled walking the ramp at different stages of her life, from her size-zero days to her pregnancy with son Taimur.

During the event, Kareena said, ” I do everything with my heart. So, whether it was walking the ramp when I was size-zero or walking the ramp with Taimur in my belly, or whether it was, you know, size 10 or 12, that never really mattered. What mattered was my heart….my heart was on stage..was with each and every designer that I walked for was also in my confidence. Thank you Lakme for having me..I enjoyed my time.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan, who has been the face of Lakme for many years, walked the ramp for eminent designers at the Lakme Fashion Week and also announced her renewed association with the brand.

“We are also going to embark on a new chapter because I am back again with the Lakme family and hopefully will be on the ramp with all my favourite designers,” she said.

Kareena honoured the designers and everyone who contribute to the gala event saying at the, “I am nervous because it’s not just me there are so many icons in this room…of course all the eminent designers and the real icons are fashion stylist l, makeup artists, hair stylists, choreographers, and those smashing hot 60 models who are back stage.”

Kareena looked ethereal in traditional outfit that she opted for the day. She kept her hair open and wore a stunning necklace.

Taking to her Instagram handle, she posted beautiful pictures from the gala night and wrote, “Tonight was special… celebrating 25 years of Lakme Fashion Week and being back home… as the Lakme Girl!

Lakme has been such a big part of my journey for as long as I can remember, and to be a part of this milestone is truly an honor. Here’s to us being back together… because as everyone knows, when we come together, iconic things happen #OGLakmeGirl #LakmeFashionWeekAt25″

32 renowned designers showcased their archival creations, paying tribute to the evolution of Indian fashion at the gala night, marking a special celebration of 25 years of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.

The Lakme Fashion Week concluded with a gala night and showcased tremendous creations of popular designers. (ANI)

A massive crowd marched through downtown Dallas today, protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and demanding the release of students who have been detained by immigration officials across the country, as reported by CNN.

The sea of demonstrators, stretching several blocks, carried American flags as a symbol of unity and patriotism.

The march began at a cathedral and ended at City Hall, where protesters gathered in front of a stage to make their voices heard. Daniel Beltran, a 60-year-old marcher, emphasised the importance of catching the authorities’ attention “in a good way” to show that they’re “good people” seeking a better life.

“We need to catch the attention of the authorities in a good way because we’re good people,” Beltran said, adding, “Most of us, we come here because we want a better life.”

According to CNN, many protesters carried signs specifically referencing Mahmoud Khalil, Khan Suri and Rumeysa Ozturk, all foreign national students at prestigious US universities arrested for what the Trump administration claims were activities related to terrorist organizations.

After reaching city hall, the crowd recited the pledge of allegiance, and a mariachi performer led the group in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Hector Flores, a past national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, addressed the crowd, saying, “Latinos are the backbone of this great state.”

He highlighted the significant contributions of Latinos to various fields, including architecture, art, cuisine, healthcare, education, and science.

“We build the buildings. We paint the murals. We cook the meals from every culture and every corner of this country. We are the architects, the artisans, the chefs, the caregivers, the teachers, the scientists,” Flores said.

Meanwhile, during his campaign for Trump’s second term, he outlined an assertive plan for his second term, pledging sweeping policy changes and controversial actions on immigration, criminal justice, and executive leadership.

Further emphasising his ambitions to reshape immigration policy, Trump pledged to eliminate birthright citizenship, a constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment that grants citizenship to anyone born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

While legal scholars have largely dismissed this as unconstitutional, Trump said, “We’re going to have to get it changed,” leaving open the possibility of pursuing executive actions or constitutional amendments. “We’ll maybe have to go back to the people. But we have to end it,” he added. He inaccurately claimed, “We’re the only country that has it,” despite 34 other nations also offering unrestricted birthright citizenship, reported the New York Times. (ANI)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) opened their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a thrilling 6-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati. Despite a blazing 81 off 36 balls from Nitish Rana, CSK made a comeback with the ball, restricting the Royals to 182/9. However, their batting unit fell short in the chase, leaving captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to reflect on the key moments that cost them the match.

Speaking after the game, Gaikwad admitted that CSK could have been more proactive in the field, especially during Rana’s explosive innings.

“In the powerplay, during their batting, Nitish [Rana] batted well, but we were not proactive. He was going behind square, so we had to be more ahead. It is always about one hit, and we were one hit away from crossing the line. We gave 8-10 runs in misfields, and that is something we are looking to improve but that is something that is costing us,” Gaikwad said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Despite the loss, the CSK skipper remained optimistic about their batting approach and praised his bowlers for their effort in the latter half of Rajasthan’s innings.

“180 was chaseable. It was still a good wicket. If you timed the ball well, it was a good wicket. I was happy towards the end of the innings, after the score they had in the powerplay, they were looking at 220-230,” he added.

Gaikwad also spoke about his batting position and the team’s strategy, particularly the decision to have Rahul Tripathi take on an aggressive role while he moved down the order.

“Over the years, we had Ajinkya batting at 3 and Rayudu taking care of the middle order. We thought it is better I come back one step. Rahul is known for playing aggressive roles and he can free himself up. Not much difference anyway, so I am getting to bat in the first or second over itself (smiles). Till now, no discussions have happened about me batting at three. It was decided during the auction time and I was convinced about that. I have no problem. I can take risks, rotate strike when needed – that is what you want when you have Shivam [Dube],” Gaikwad explained.

The CSK captain also acknowledged the positives in their bowling attack, particularly the performances of Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, he emphasized the need for better fielding to build pressure on opponents.

“Lots of positives – Noor, as usual, bowling well, Khaleel is bowling well, and Jaddu bhai bowled well. You need that sort of momentum in the bowling department when you get a wicket to build pressure. Not happening since the last game. Once fielding comes together, we will be a really good side,” he concluded.

With a long flight ahead and a chance to regroup, CSK will now focus on improving their execution as they aim to bounce back in their next fixture against Delhi Capitals on April 5 in Chennai.

Coming to the match, CSK opted to bowl first after winning the toss. After Jaiswal was dismissed early, an 82-run stand between Sanju Samson (20 in 16 balls, with a four and a six) and Nitish Rana (81 in 33 balls, with six fours and six fours). Later on, skipper Riyan Parag (37 in 28 balls, with two fours and two sixes) held one end steady, but he kept running out of partners. In the end, RR was restricted to 182/9 in their 20 overs.

Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) each were the pick of the bowlers for CSK. Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) also delivered a fine spell for CSK.

During the run-chase, CSK lost Rachin Ravindra early for a duck. Following that came a 46-run partnership between Rahul Tripathi (23 in 19 balls, with two fours and a six) and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Shivam Dube (18 in 10 balls, with a four and two sixes) and Vijay Shankar (nine in six balls) fell early, reducing CSK to 92/4. Gaikwad did score a fighting 63 in 44 balls, with seven fours and a six, but his wicket changed the game for CSK, leaving them out at 129/5 in 15.5 overs. MS Dhoni (16 in 10 balls, with a four and a six), Ravindra Jadeja (32* in 22 balls, with two fours a six) and Jamie Overton (11* in four balls, with a six) tried their best, but CSK fell six runs short at 176/6 in their 20 overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) was the pick of the bowlers for RR, while Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer got a wicket each.

With this win, RR finally has two points in front of their name and are at the ninth spot in the points table. CSK is at the seventh spot with a win and two losses. (ANI)

Rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country, killing at least 1,700 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The quake, which was felt as far away as Bangkok and Chinese provinces, has left many more injured or trapped under rubble, CNN reported.

At least 1,700 people are dead and around 3,400 injured, according to the country’s military government. Nearly 300 others remain missing.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that the final death toll could surpass 10,000 people based on early modeling, as per CNN.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Myanmar’s central Sagaing region, near the historic city of Mandalay. The region, home to over 1.5 million people, has been severely affected, with multiple buildings, bridges, and temples destroyed or damaged.

In Bangkok, the earthquake’s impact was devastating, with at least 18 people killed and dozens more trapped under the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building. The building, which was under construction, came crashing down in a matter of minutes, claiming the lives of 11 people.

According to CNN, seven more fatalities were reported elsewhere in the capital as authorities scrambled to respond to the disaster. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with around 80 people still missing. Families of the missing are gathering at the site of the collapsed building, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar was the most powerful to hit the country in over a century, with a magnitude of 7.7. It was followed by a series of aftershocks, including a 6.7-magnitude tremor, which continued to rattle the region throughout the weekend.

Rescue teams are racing against time to reach those affected, particularly in areas cut off by the collapse of a key bridge over the Irrawaddy River. With many still unaccounted for, experts fear that the true death toll may take weeks to emerge.

Meanwhile, foreign aid and international rescue teams have started arriving in Myanmar after the military junta issued a rare plea for help.

Friday’s quake was the deadliest natural disaster to hit the country in years and comes as Myanmar reels from a civil war that, since 2021, has damaged communication networks, battered health infrastructure and left millions without adequate food and shelter.

The level of devastation that has wreaked in the country “hasn’t been seen in over a century in Asia,” according to an official from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The impact of the earthquake will be felt “for the next few weeks,” Marie Manrique, Myanmar program coordinator for the IFRC, told CNN’s Lynda Kinkade, suggesting that the numbers of deaths and injuries were likely to rise as some people were still trapped under collapsed buildings. (ANI)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Sunday jested that netizens must stop generating AI images, as his team was losing on sleep!

Altman said that people must ‘chill’ on generating images.

In a post on X, he said, “can y’all please chill on generating images this is insane our team needs sleep”.

Earlier on Thursday, he said in a hyperbole that the AI-generated images are in so much of a trend that the Graphics Processing Units in their office were melting!

In a post on X, he said, “it’s super fun seeing people love images in chatgpt. but our GPUs are melting. we are going to temporarily introduce some rate limits while we work on making it more efficient. hopefully won’t be long! chatgpt free tier will get 3 generations per day soon.”

Just days after OpenAI launched its most advanced AI image generator to date, a social media trend imitating the work of Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli is demonstrating both the technology’s power and the copyright concerns it raises, CNN reported.

The latest update to GPT-4o, released Tuesday, features many practical advancements, including more accurate text rendering and the ability to follow more detailed, complex prompts. But it has also been trained at length on a “vast variety of image styles,” according to a post on OpenAI’s website, stunning users with its ability to generate still images and videos reminiscent of their favorite animations, from “South Park” to classic claymation.

But one style quickly flooded X and Instagram, as users of ChatGPT (and OpenAI’s text-to-video service, Sora) began emulating the work of beloved animation studio behind movies like “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle,” as per CNN.

Some recreated scenes from pop culture or politics in the Japanese company’s iconic style, including a reworked trailer for “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” scenes from “The Sopranos,” and Donald Trump and JD Vance’s heated real-life White House exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (ANI)

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been withdrawn from Assam’s Dibrugarh district, as per a government order. However, AFSPA will remain in effect for an additional six months in the Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar districts due to ongoing security concerns.

This development follows a significant improvement in the overall security situation in Assam, particularly in the past three and a half years, owing to the combined efforts of the Assam Police and other security agencies.

Following this decision, former Assam police chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh and current Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), GP Singh, said, “The years of hard work of Assam Police and sister agencies bearing fruit under able political leadership.”

The years of hard work of @assampolice and sister agencies bearing fruit under able political leadership.
असम की प्रगति का पथ अब प्रशस्त हो चला है। https://t.co/EzaNTU69hW

— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) March 30, 2025

A government order dated March 30 read, “In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act No. 28 of 1958), the Government of Assam declared the areas of four districts-Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sivasagar -as “Disturbed Area” vide notification No. HMA-19015/9/2019-Political(A)/Pt-1/104, dated 08/10/2024, with effect from 01/10/2024, for a period of six months.”

Whereas, following the receipt of reports from various security agencies, it has been observed that the overall security situation in Assam has significantly improved, particularly over the last three and a half years, due to the sustained efforts and proactive counter-insurgency measures by the Assam Police and security forces.

“Whereas, in light of these improvements, the Government of Assam believes that the ‘Disturbed Area’ status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, need not be extended in Dibrugarh district beyond 31st March 2025,” the order read.

Despite these improvements, there have been sporadic incidents of IEDs being planted by ULFA (I), the only militant group active in the state, in various districts, alongside their involvement in kidnapping for ransom to fund their activities.

“Therefore, the Government of Assam recommended that the ‘Disturbed Area’ status under AFSPA be continued for an additional six months in the three districts of Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar,” the order read.

The Government of Assam submitted a proposal to the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, through letter No. ECF-200043/119 dated 11/03/2025.

“And whereas, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in its letter No. 11011/51/2015- NE.V dated 24/03/2025, has communicated its agreement with the State Government’s view to retain the “Disturbed Area” status under AFSPA for an additional six months in the three districts of Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar, beyond 31st March 2025,” the order read.

Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, and in continuation of the earlier notification vide HMA-19015/9/2019-Political(A)/Pt-1/104, dated 08/10/2024, the Governor of Assam is pleased to declare the areas of Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar districts as “Disturbed Area” for an additional period of six months, effective from 01/04/2025, unless withdrawn earlier. (ANI)

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service on April 19 from Katra.

Singh added that the train service will initially begin from Katra due to the renovation work at the Jammu railway station. Once the work is completed, around August, the train will start running from Jammu.

“On April 19, the Prime Minister will arrive in Udhampur. Afterwards, he will visit the world’s highest rail bridge, which has been constructed, to inspect it and inaugurate it. Then, he will reach Katra and inaugurate the Vande Bharat train. The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat service is being started temporarily from Katra due to the renovation work at the Jammu railway station. Once the work is completed, around August, the train will start running from Jammu as per the schedule,” Singh said.

According to a Ministry of Railways release, the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train is specially designed with anti freezing features. The Snow removal train, moving ahead of passenger and freight trains, will make sure that trains on this strategic route run all through the year, day and night.

This will ensure all-weather connectivity between both regions. To give passengers a comfortable & safe travel experience, Railways has used Anti-Vibration seismic devices in the project as this region falls in zone-V earthquake vulnerability. These dampers will absorb the tremors in the Himalayan terrain and thus maintain faster and safer travel for commuters.

“The Vande Bharat Express running in Kashmir is different from the Vande Bharat Express running across the country. It is specially designed to operate smoothly in extreme cold conditions, i.e. as low as -20°C. To ensure comfort for passengers and drivers, the train is equipped with advanced heating systems,” as per the release.

The driver’s cabin features a heated windshield to prevent it from fogging up or freezing, ensuring clear visibility in extreme temperatures. Further, the train has heating elements in the plumbing and bio-toilets to prevent water from freezing, ensuring that essential systems continue to function during cold weather. (ANI)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday strongly condemned the Sangh Parivar for “unleashing communalism through widespread hate campaigns” against the Malayalam movie ‘L2 Empuraan’ that features superstar Mohanlal.

The Chief Minister, who watched the movie a day before, said that the Sangh Parivar leaders are angered about the film because it referenced “one of the most brutal genocides the country has ever seen.”

“I saw the film Empuran, which is leading the Malayalam film industry to new heights. I saw the film at a time when the Sangh Parivar is unleashing communalism through widespread hate campaigns against the film, its actors and crew,” Vijayan wrote in Malayalam in a post on social media platform Facebook .

“The fact that the film references one of the most brutal genocides the country has ever seen has angered the Sangh Parivar, its planners. Not only the followers, but even leaders of the BJP and RSS are raising public threats.”

The Chief Minister said that violent calls to destroy and ban artwork and artists are the latest manifestations of fascist attitudes.

“There have even been reports that the producers are being forced to re-censor and edit the film under this pressure. This atmosphere of fear created by the Sangh Parivar is worrying. It is not a good thing for democracy for communalists to destroy a work of art and viciously attack artists just because it has taken a stand against communalism and depicted its horror,” he said.

“In a democratic society, the freedom of expression of a citizen must be protected. Violent calls to destroy and ban artwork and artists are the latest manifestations of fascist attitudes. They are a violation of democratic rights. The rights to make films, watch them, enjoy them, evaluate them, agree and disagree, etc., must not be lost. For this, the united voice of this country, which is rooted in democratic secular values, must be raised.”

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that “communal hate campaign against” ‘Empuraan’ is “deeply disturbing”

“The communal hate campaign against #Empuraan and its creators is deeply disturbing. This is yet another example of a growing pattern where coercion and intimidation are used to silence dissent – tactics that have always been hallmarks of authoritarianism. Undermining creative freedom through fear and threats strikes at the very core of democracy. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right; we must stand united to defend it,” he said in the post.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan also accused the Sangh Parivar of having “a habit of distorting history.”

“The Sangh Parivar does not know much about history. Moreover, it has a habit of distorting history. The Sangh Parivar thinks that freedom of expression means freedom for constructions created in their favor. Their agenda is to celebrate such distorted works,” Satheesan said in a Facebook post.

“Cinema is the work of a group of artists. Correcting the content of a work of art by threatening, insulting and humiliating through social media is not a success. It is a sign of radical failure and cowardice. Do not forget that no matter how much you try to cover it up, historical truths will always be clear,” he said.

Meanwhile, the production team of ‘Empuraan’ has announced that the film will undergo revisions in response to the controversy. According to reports, 17 scenes, including those featuring riot sequences and depictions of violence against women, will be edited out.

Mohanlal also issued a statement today acknowledgign that certain aspects of the film had caused distress to some of his fans and assured that the team had decided to remove such references.

“I have come to know that some political and social themes that were included in the unveiling of Empuran, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused considerable distress among many of my loved ones,” the actor wrote in a Facebook post.

“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group. Therefore, both I and the Empuran team express our sincere regret for the distress caused to my dear ones, and we all take responsibility for it, with the realization that such issues must be removed from the film,” he wrote in Malayalam.

Despite the backlash, ‘Empuraan’ has achieved remarkable success at the box office. The film, which hit theatres on March 27, became the first Malayalam movie to gross Rs 80 crore worldwide on its opening weekend. (ANI)

Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin walked the ramp as the showstopper for Max Presents Sicilian Summer & Amalfi Escape on Day 5 of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI.

Dressed in a stunning white printed frock-style dress, Kalki grabbed attention with her elegant look.

Take a look

As a mother to daughter, Sappho, with her partner Guy Hershberg, the actress humorously spoke about the everyday struggles of parenting, especially when it comes to choosing outfits. Talking about the challenges, Kalki said that dressing comfortably while carrying a toddler is not easy.

“Challenges of parenting–what to wear when you are carrying a toddler. Because you know that you carry a toddler, and you don’t want anything to go on your dress, so you need a flexible dress… You need something comfortable. It’s hard to dress properly when you have a kid,” Kalki told ANI.

Speaking about her outfit for the show, Kalki shared that it was inspired by Italy and its vibrant culture. “This outfit represents Italy, and you can see a lot of references to Italy. It’s really about escape and travel and the sort of summery, light feeling that you have when you go on holiday,” she said.

On the work front, Kalki recently made her Tamil film debut with Nesippaya, where she played the role of a lawyer. The film was directed by Vishnuvardhan, with music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. It hit theatres on January 14 this year. (ANI)