SRINAGAR: Mahira Shah, 24, a resident of Pinglish Tral in South Kashmir has marked her entry in the Indian Book of Records, by creating world’s smallest Shikara in Mandala Art.
Mahira Shah, a talented mandala artist was interested in art from childhood and honed her skills with time.
“I am a self taught mandala artist. In 2008, I started doing paintings and sculptures but as I proceeded to make myself better in this field of art, my art pieces were not so attractive following which I got an idea of making mandala art and succeeded in it,” Mahira said.
“With the blessings of Allah, I became interested in creating world records. With this dedication I created the world’s first and smallest Shikara in mandala art,” she said.
“I applied for the Indian Book of Records recently and after being verified by the team, I got confirmation mail from them of creating a world record,” she added adding that she has nominated for the gold medal as well.
“Since my childhood, I had a passion to promote Kashmir and things related to Kashmir in the whole world. So far i have made different art pieces that are widely appreciated,” Mahira said.
She claimed that she has also made another world record of making kangri in mandala art and has applied for Asian Books of Records; however, she is expecting confirmation in this regard very soon.
Mahira said that she will continue to work for the promotion of this mandala art because this art can generate employment and is looking to get appreciation and encouragement from people as well as the administration. (KNO)
Pulwama, Mar 27: A talented woman from South Kashmir has created the world’s smallest Shikara in Mandala Art, getting entry in Indian Book of Records.
Mahira Shah (24), a resident of Pinglish Tral who has got married in Sallar Pahalgam has made pieces of different things that are uniquely associated with Kashmir so as to promote Kashmir.
Mahira told news agency–news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that she is a self-taught mandala artist as she was interested in the art since her childhood and started making different art pieces in 2008.
“In 2008, I started doing paintings and sculptures but as I proceeded to make myself better in this field of art, my art pieces were not so attractive following which I got an idea of making mandala art and succeeded in it,” Mahira said.
“With the blessings of Allah, I became interested in creating/breaking world records. With this dedication I created the world’s first and smallest Shikara in mandala art,” she said.
“When I made the shikara in mandala art with the intention of making a world record. I applied for the Indian Book of Records recently and after being verified by the team, I got confirmation mail from them of creating a world record,” she added.
According to Mahira, who is a mother of one, they nominated her for the gold medal as well.
She said that before marriage, her parents were very supportive to her and after the marriage her in-laws are also supporting her very well.
“Since my childhood, I had a passion to promote Kashmir and things related to Kashmir in the whole World, she said, adding, so far she has made different art pieces that are widely appreciated,” Mahira said.
She claimed that she had also made another world record of making kangri in mandala art and has applied for Asian Books of Records, however, she is expecting confirmation in this regard very soon.
“My prior message for our youth is to be consistent in any field you are trying to conquer, and never losing hope and most of all todays youth got so much demoted that they are commiting suicides,” she said.
Mahira said she is looking to get appreciation and encouragement from people as well as the administration—(KNO)
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) refused to issue entry visas to an Israeli delegation to participate in the conference of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Israeli media reported on Sunday evening.
Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation Kan 11 stated that the Israeli delegation had received an invitation to participate in the conference, which started on Sunday, in Saudi Arabia.
It added that the Israeli side was interested in attending the conference, whose visit would have been “a rare visit by an official Israeli delegation to Saudi Arabia.”
According to Bloomberg, the Saudi authorities refused to issue visas for the Israeli delegation, without disclosing the reasons, despite the United Nations’ request to Riyadh, for equal treatment for all members of the organization.
On Sunday, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) conference was launched in the city of Al-Ula, northwest of Saudi Arabia, and it will last for two days, around 32 tourist villages in 18 countries, which are included in the organization’s classification of best villages in the world.
The delegation was representing the Circassian town of Kfar Kama in the Galilee region of northern Israel, which was among 32 sites chosen by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the best rural tourism destinations for this year.
Muscat: Oman has announced that it is offering visa-free entry for up to 14 days for the people of 103 countries, local media reported.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has published a list of countries whose nationals are eligible for this new policy.
Countries include
Portugal
Sweden
Norway
Italy
Bulgaria
Switzerland
Croatia
Hungary
Serbia
Georgia
Denmark
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Belgium
Romania
Slovenia
Finland
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Cyprus
Ukraine
Spain
Czech Republic
Austria
Ireland
United Kingdom
Poland
Slovakia
France
Netherlands
Venezuela
Colombia
Uruguay
Paraguay
Argentina
Brazil
Japan
Thailand
South Africa
Russia
China
United States of America
Turkey
South Korea
New Zealand
Iran
Australia
Indonesia
Taiwan
Canada
Malaysia
Singapore
However, some Indian tourists can also obtain a visa on arrival, provided that they have an entry visa to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Schengen countries or Japan, or have a residence permit in one of the Gulf countries and work in a profession approved by the Omani government.
As per media reports, the tourists from 103 countries now have the option to extend their visa-free stay in Oman for more than 14 days, with a fee applicable for the extension.
After the specified period, travellers from these countries must apply online for an e-Visa at a cost of 20 Omani Riyals (Rs 4,280) for one month.
The move aims to encourage more tourists to visit Oman.
In recent years, this country has made efforts to develop its tourism industry with the aim of diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenues.
According to the report of the National Statistics and Information Center, the Sultanate of Oman saw a 348 percent increase in tourists in 2022 compared to 2021, and 2.9 million tourists entered Oman in 2022.
Oman has also witnessed an increase in domestic tourism, with an increase in festive events across the governorates, which were jointly hosted by Amran and the governorate administrations.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on Wednesday announced the implementation of a new services of 15 updates related to visas and entry permits, available through its smart channels, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
The set of updates comes as part of a plan to develop the service system in line with the latest developments, to meet the needs of customers, and to enhance the ability of the authority and the state to cross into the future.
Updates include
The issuance of group family visas for tourism, treatment, and patient companionship, available for both single and multiple entry, for a period of 60 days and 180 days.
Exempting people of determination from the fingerprint requirement when applying for issuing, renewing or replacing a passport.
The visa extension service has also been expanded to allow a 30-day extension for one-time 90-day visa holders, with a ban on renewal of residency visas valid for more than six months.
The updated smart services system also provides cancellation and amendment services for visa data in the accounts of citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries without the Emirates ID.
Extending a visit visa for a relative or friend for single or multiple entry for 30, 60 and 90 days in their account.
Major General Al Khaili indicated that the authority adopted the new updates in the smart services system and began implementing them on February 1, 2023.
الهيئة الاتحادية للهوية والجنسية والجمارك وأمن المنافذ تحدث 15 خدمة وإجراء، وذلك في إطار خطتها لتطوير منظومة الخدمات بما يتواءم مع المستجدات ويلبي احتياجات المتعاملين، ويسهم في تعزيز قدرة الهيئة والدولة على العبور إلى المستقبل.#وام https://t.co/DLgV1Ddn17 pic.twitter.com/FmTeylagu5
New Delhi: OMG! Newlyweds Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani dropped some memorable moments of their wedding that was solemnised earlier this week, and since then everyone has been in awe of how the two are head over heels in love with each other.
Taking to Instagram, Kiara and Sidharth shared a video from the varmala ceremony.
The mesmerising clip begins with Kiara walking towards her groom. She made her bridal entry romantic and filmy as she danced her heart out while walking to the stage where Sidharth was standing. Sidharth jokingly looked at his watch, as if he was asking her to hurry up.
As Kiara finally walked upto him, the couple hugged each other and exchanged garlands. The couple sealed the varmala ceremony with a perfect kiss.
That moment when Sidharth saw Kiara in her bridal avatar, with their song ‘Ranjha’ playing in the background, is all things magical and emotional.
The couple captioned the post with their wedding date – 7.02.2023 and folded hands, infinity and heart emojis.
Reacting to the clip, Neha Dhupia commented, “Uff! beautiful ki n Sid.”
“Toooooo sweet,” actress Ananya Panday commented.
Karan Johar described the video as “awww of all awwws.”
Sidharth and Kiara got hitched on February 7 at Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer. After tying the knot, the couple flew to Delhi for their ‘griha pravesh’ at Sidharth’s residence.
The duo even hosted a wedding reception for their close friends and family members in Delhi on February 9 and now will host another reception for the members of the film industry on December 12 in Mumbai.
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the entry of women into mosques for offering namaz inside is permitted.
The board said a Muslim woman is free to enter a mosque for prayers and it is her option to exercise her right to avail such facilities as available for prayers in a mosque.
The AIMPLB said this in an affidavit filed in the apex court which is seized of a plea relating to the entry of Muslim women into mosque for offering namaz.
“It is submitted that the questions raised in the present petition are not in the background of state action. The practices of religion in the places of worship (which in the present matter are mosques) are purely private bodies regulated by ‘Muttawalis’ of the mosques,” the affidavit, filed through advocate M R Shamshad, said.
One Farha Anwar Hussain Shaikh has filed a petition in the top court in 2020 and has sought a direction that the alleged practices of prohibition of entry of Muslim women into mosques in India are illegal and unconstitutional. The plea is likely to be heard by the apex court in March.
The affidavit said the AIMPLB, being a body of experts without any state powers, can only issue advisory opinion based on Islamic principles.
It said the AIMPLB and the apex court, for that matter, cannot enter into the arena of detailed arrangements of a religious place, which is completely privately managed entity for religious practices of believers in religion.
“Considering the said religious texts, doctrines, and religious beliefs of the followers of Islam, it is submitted that entry of women into mosques for offering namaz inside mosques is permitted,” it said.
“Thus, a Muslim woman is free to enter into a masjid (mosque) for prayers. It is her option to exercise her right to avail such facilities as available for prayers in a masjid,” the affidavit said.
It said the AIMPLB does not want to comment on any contrary religious opinion to this effect.
The affidavit said that Islam has not made it obligatory on Muslim women to join daily five times prayers in congregation nor is it obligatory for woman to offer weekly Friday ‘Namaz’ in congregation, though it is so on Muslim men.
“The Muslim woman is differently placed because, as per doctrines of Islam, she is entitled to the same religious reward (sawab) for praying as per her option, either in masjid or at home,” it said.
The affidavit said there is no religious text authorising “free intermingling” of genders in any masjid.
“It is submitted that the Masjid An-Nabawi in Medina has separate spaces/chambers for men and women inside the mosque. In the area surrounding the Masjid An-Nabawi, designated and separate spaces are available for men and women worshippers with temporary barricades in place demarcating them,” it said.
The affidavit said when it comes to performing namaz around the Kaaba in Mecca, there are temporary arrangements by putting barricades to provide separation between men and women worshippers during the prayer.
“The etiquettes of prayer, particularly no free inter-mixing of both sexes, are adhered to willingly, strictly, and sincerely by all worshippers whether men or women,” it said.
Beijing: A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed the “unintended” entry of a “civilian” airship into US airspace due to “force majeure”.
According to previous media reports, a Chinese unmanned airship has been recently spotted in the US airspace.
The spokesperson said in a statement that the airship is from China, noting it is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes.
Affected by the Westerlies and with limited self-steering capability, the airship deviated far from its planned course, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the spokesperson.
“The Chinese side regrets the unintended entry of the airship into U.S. airspace due to force majeure,” said the spokesperson, adding the Chinese side will continue communicating with the US side and “properly handle this unexpected situation caused by force majeure”.
Top EU leaders are traveling to Ukraine this week, but they won’t be bringing promises that the war-torn country can join the bloc anytime soon.
Brussels is expected to pour cold water on Ukraine’s hopes that it could swiftly join the EU during a two-day summit in Kyiv, according to a draft statement set to be issued at the event and seen by POLITICO.
The statement makes no specific mention of the ambitious timeline Ukraine has set out, with the country’s prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, even telling POLITICO this week that he hopes to join within two years. Instead, the document offers only vague assurances about moving the process forward once all EU-mandated milestones are met.
“The EU will decide on further steps once all conditions specified in the Commission’s opinion are fully met,” the draft states. “Ukraine underlined its determination to meet the necessary requirements in order to start accession negotiations as soon as possible.”
The wording follows significant pushback from some EU countries about over-promising Ukraine on its EU membership prospects, a subject Kyiv asked to address at the summit, according to several EU diplomats and officials. Though EU national leaders will not be in attendance at Friday’s summit, officials at the European Council — which includes all 27 EU leaders — have been liaising with EU countries about the final communiqué.
EU leaders last June granted Ukraine formal candidate status in record time, but that move was much easier than rapidly moving Ukraine through the grueling negotiations required to align a candidate country with the EU’s byzantine systems, rules and regulations. That process typically takes years and years, and often stalls for long periods of time.
Still, EU countries have split over how quickly the bloc should try to move Ukraine through that accession process.
“There were clear tensions between Poland and the Baltic states on one hand and other EU countries on the language to EU accession,” said one EU official.
The official added that tensions between European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are playing into the debate as well.
“They are in a race of outbidding each other toward the Ukrainians,” the official said.
Still, while no breakthroughs are expected in EU accession talks, there is a strong will in Brussels to show solidarity with Ukraine on other issues.
“The mere fact that we’re holding a summit in a country at war” is itself significant, said a senior EU official ahead of the meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen | Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images
Indeed, a large gathering of senior EU leaders and commissioners are expected to make the trek to Kyiv this week for meetings with EU officials.
Progress is expected in certain areas — for example, an agreement on a visa-free regime for industrial goods; the suspension of customs duties on Ukrainian exports for another year; movement on Ukraine joining an EU payment scheme easing bank transfers in euros; and integrating Ukraine into the EU’s free mobile roaming area.
Also on the summit’s agenda will be Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan, the reconstruction challenge facing Ukraine, and food security issues, with the EU set to announce a new €25 million humanitarian aid package to address Russian mining in the country.
Another EU official said that the summit sends “a strong signal that we support a country that is a victim of aggression and we underline the right of Ukraine to have a just peace at the end of this war. Ukraine has been attacked, Ukraine has a right to self-defense which they’re exercising … and only this can be a basis for a just peace.”
Reform path
The document also stresses the need for “comprehensive and consistent implementation of judicial reforms” in line with the Venice Commission’s advice, citing, in particular, the need to reform Ukraine’s Constitutional Court.
Though Ukraine recently announced changes to the court, particularly on how judges are appointed, the Venice Commission — a prominent advisory body featuring constitutional law specialists — still has concerns about the powers and composition of the body that selects the court’s candidates.
Shmyhal told POLITICO this week that Ukraine will address these questions. Kyiv has been keen to signal it is clamping down on corruption amid concerns in Washington and Brussels.
“We are holding consultations with the European Commission to see that all issued conclusions may be incorporated into the text,” he said.
[ad_2]
#Ukraine #cold #shoulder #rapid #entry
( With inputs from : www.politico.eu )
Hyderabad: The 13th edition of the Hyderabad Literary Festival, is all set to begin on Friday at Vidyaranya High School and will end on Sunday.
The three-day event will be inaugurated in the presence of Goan author Damodar Mauzo, German deputy ambassador to India Stephan Grabherr, and Principal Secretary (industries and IT) Jayesh Ranjan.
Organised by Hyderabad Literary Trust in association with several literary and cultural organisations and publishing houses, the festival will feature Germany as the guest nation and Konkani as the Indian language in focus.
The literary festival is an annual gathering of more than a hundred authors, artists, researchers, intellectuals, and publishers from India and abroad.
The main objective behind the multidisciplinary, multilingual event is to promote Hyderabad’s brand image as a city of creative energy.
“It not only gathers local, national, and global authors and artistes on the same platform but also acts as a bridge between writers and readers, artistes and audiences on the one hand, and aspiring writers and publishers on the other,” the organisers said.
Exhibitions of paintings, drawings, photography and other art forms will be displayed at the festival.
“Entry will be free for all events during the festival,” organisers said.
Eminent Indian speakers Damodar Mauzo, P. Sainath, and Deepti Naval, as well as two German speakers, Helena Bukowski and Christopher Kloeble, are among the notable speakers who will be included.
