Category: Life & Style

India and Thailand celebrated a significant cultural exchange as holy relics (20 bone fragments) of Lord Buddha and his disciples arrived in Thailand from India, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the governor of Bihar, and Union Minister Virendra Kumar led a delegation of 22 people as they transported the relics, which included those of Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, to Thailand on an Indian Air Force plane.

The Archaeological Survey of India excavated the artefacts in Piprahwa, which date back to the fourth and fifth centuries BC. This marks the first display of Lord Buddha’s relics and those of his disciples together. Four of the relics from India’s National Museum were showcased in Thailand, signifying the deep historical ties between the two countries.

An Exposition Agreement was signed between the Department of Religious Affairs, Thailand, and the National Museum, marking another milestone in the 75-year diplomatic relations between India and Thailand. The relics will be enshrined in a grand pavilion in Bangkok, allowing people to pay their respects, symbolising the enduring connection between the two countries through the teachings of Lord Buddha.

The Thai Culture Minister expressed gratitude for India’s gesture in sending the relics for exposition, further solidifying the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

According to a Morning Consult survey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again cemented his position as the most popular leader in the world, with an impressive 77% approval rating.

According to the survey, PM Modi has a sizable advantage over other world leaders, with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador coming in second with 64%, Swiss President Alain Berset coming in third with 57%, and Poland’s Donald Tusk coming in fourth with 50%.

According to Morning Consult’s approach, opinions from the youth demographic are tracked across polled countries using a seven-day moving average. Based on a trailing seven-day simple moving average of daily surveys, the data points are arranged by total approval shares for leaders.

Other notable leaders on the list include Italy’s Giorgia Meloni (7th), US President Joe Biden (9th), Canadian PM Justin Trudeau (10th), and UK PM Rishi Sunak (12th). Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were also included.

Earlier in December, PM Modi held a 76% approval rating, and in November 2023, it surged to 78%, underscoring his popularity both domestically and internationally.

Morning Consult, a global decision intelligence company, utilises high-frequency data and applied artificial intelligence to provide insights into public opinion and behaviour.

On June 5th, the Bank of England will introduce banknotes featuring King Charles for the first time, prompting businesses to ensure their machines can accept them.

King Charles’s portrait will adorn all UK banknotes, with existing designs remaining unchanged except for his image and see-through security windows. Despite anticipation, the rollout might be subdued due to the king’s environmental concerns, voiced in his 1970 speech against plastic and chemical pollution.

New notes will replace worn ones and meet increased demand, aligning with royal guidance to minimize environmental and financial impact. The transition to polymer banknotes in 2016 marked the end of a 320-year tradition of paper money in Britain. Existing notes featuring Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender, with over £81bn worth in circulation.

The announcement initiates updates for machines handling banknotes, urging businesses to complete necessary adaptations by June 5th. Shops, rail firms, car parks, casinos, and vending machine operators are among those affected. Equipment manufacturers are releasing updates for installation, ensuring readiness for the change. This marks the start of a series of changes in the currency landscape, requiring businesses to adjust to the new note designs and ensure smooth transactions for consumers across various sectors.

In January, Japan welcomed over 2 million visitors, marking the eighth consecutive month of robust tourism and hinting at a potential record-breaking year.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the number of foreign arrivals stood at 2.69 million, slightly lower than December’s 2.73 million, which set a record for that month. Despite the pandemic-related halt in tourism, currency depreciation fueled Japan’s recovery, with tourists spending more than 5 trillion yen in 2023, exceeding government targets.

Even though January’s arrivals were affected by the Ishikawa earthquake, they were still on par with 2019’s record-breaking 39.9 million visitors to Japan. Chinese tourism is still lower than it was before the outbreak, although January recorded a 33% increase in

According to industry experts, 415,900 Chinese tourists visited in January and favoured slow travel, indicating a trend towards “chill stays” that emphasized local experiences. With more than 25 million visitors, December was yet another high point in a year of recovery. During the Lunar New Year season, department retailers reported robust sales of duty-free and luxury products, indicating a rebound in consumer spending.

On Monday, British Foreign Minister David Cameron visited the Falkland Islands and pledged to protect the area, demonstrating Britain’s steadfast support for the islanders’ wish to remain under British sovereignty.

Argentina keeps pushing for talks on sovereignty, but the UK sticks to its guns and supports the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination. Cameron highlighted the UK’s unwavering defence commitment to the islands, which will guarantee protection for as long as it is desired.

During Cameron’s visit to Argentina, the Argentine Foreign Minister appreciated his diplomatic gesture, which demonstrated a sophisticated diplomatic conversation amidst historical difficulties. Argentina’s President Milei supports diplomatic negotiations to resolve the Islas Malvinas dispute. The vote held in 2013 showed how strongly the people of the Falklands preferred to remain British.

In addition, Cameron’s visit served as a moving remembrance of the sacrifices made by those who died in the Falklands War and the islands’ emotional and historical value. Cameron restates that any engagement will prioritise the wishes of the Falkland Islanders over all other considerations, even as he works to build strong relations with Buenos Aires.

The journey highlights the South Atlantic’s complicated geopolitical environment, which is characterised by a persistence of historical grudges and conflicting territory claims.

“Oppenheimer” dominated the nominations with an impressive 13 nods, followed closely by “Poor Things” with 11. While “Killers Of The Flower Moon” amassed nine nominations, it failed to secure any wins. Additionally, “Barbie” also left without any wins at the awards.

Oppenheimer, the epic biographical thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, awards including Best Film, Director, Editing (Jennifer Lame), Cinematography (Hoyte van Hoytema), Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Actor (Cillian Murphy), and Original Score (Ludwig Goransson).

Despite its strong showing, “American Fiction” managed to secure the Adapted Screenplay award.

Additionally, “The Zone of Interest” secured three wins, including the coveted Sound category. “Poor Things” showcased its prowess with five BAFTAs, with Emma Stone receiving acclaim as Leading Actress. The film also excelled in Costume, Makeup & Hair, Production Design, and Special Visual Effects. “The Holdovers” managed to secure victories in two categories, including Supporting Actress.

The BAFTA ceremony took place At London’s Royal Festival Hall where David Tennant, served as host. The results of the BAFTA serve as a barometer for potential Oscar contenders, offering valuable insights into the landscape of the upcoming March 10 ceremony at the Dolby Theatre.

The Biden administration intends to relax projected annual standards through 2030 to reduce tailpipe emissions and increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs). The decision was made in response to concerns expressed by automakers and the United Auto Workers (UAW).

With an aim of 60% EVs by 2030 and 67% by 2032, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had originally suggested a 56% reduction in new vehicle emissions by that time. However, under the amended plan, the EPA would reduce the annual emissions standards. Thus, EVs will account for less than 60% of all vehicles produced by 2030.

Meanwhile, a more gradual increase in strictness was demanded by automakers and the UAW. It cited the significant expenses associated with EV technology and the requirement for additional charging stations. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) states that 40–50% of vehicles should be electric by 2030, highlighting the significance of the upcoming years for the EV sector.

The White House climate adviser, Ali Zaidi, has emphasised the significance of making wise investments in guiding the global auto sector while the EPA’s proposal is still being reviewed. Additionally, it is anticipated that the EPA will address automakers’ concerns about fuel efficiency rating changes, engine methods, and particulate matter reduction.

Thailand has introduced a medical coverage scheme to reassure tourists about their safety while visiting the country. Under the programme, foreign tourists are entitled to medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht (approximately $14,000) for accidents and compensation of up to one million baht for fatalities.

The campaign, launched on February 14, is a collaboration between Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry and its Public Health Ministry. With a budget of 50 million baht, the scheme covers incidents occurring between January 1 and August 31, 2024, with a maximum coverage of one million baht per person for death and 300,000 baht for permanent disabilities.

In 2023, Thailand received 28 million visitors, a significant increase from the previous year’s 11 million but still below the pre-pandemic level of 40 million in 2019. The government targets 35 million visitors in 2024, aiming for $55 billion in revenue.

Foreign tourists can apply for coverage at provincial tourism offices, Bangkok airport assistance centres, or online. Despite postponing a previous tourism fee plan due to the pandemic, Thailand prioritises increasing arrivals and tourism spending. The Thailand Traveller Safety (TTS) platform expedites insurance disbursement, allowing tourists to claim medical expenses within 15 days, with compensation expected in the same timeframe.

Indonesian authorities are geared up for today’s election, deploying 25,000 police to ensure security. The election marks a milestone in the country’s democratic journey since the end of authoritarian rule 25 years ago.

Overseeing economic growth and stability, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has established Indonesia as a hub for international corporations in the supply chain for electric vehicles. However, in the run-up to the election, complaints of political involvement and attempts to create a political dynasty have emerged. Jokowi isn’t endorsing any one candidate, but his relationship with Prabowo Subianto—a former special forces commander whose son is a vice president candidate—has garnered media interest.

According to opinion polls, Defence Minister Prabowo might receive more than 50% of the vote and win hands-down.

There are still issues; weather warnings affect voting in West Java, and flooding forces Central Java to postpone voting. Accusations of election rule violations against Jokowi have stirred controversy, leading to protests against perceived democratic regression.  After the fall of Suharto’s regime in 1998, student-led protests that marked Jokowi’s presidency initially represented a break from Indonesia’s political past.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the family members of late Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, who was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. Thakur’s family expressed gratitude during their meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Delhi. His son, Ram Nath Thakur, a Rajya Sabha member, represented them.

Modi praised Karpoori Thakur as the protector of the underprivileged, highlighting his dedication to social justice. Ram Nath Thakur compared the event to a second Diwali celebration and expressed gratitude on behalf of the family, Bihar, and underprivileged groups.

Ranjit Kumar, Thakur’s grandson, shared the Prime Minister’s outreach after the award announcement and described meeting the PM as a family member. Born in 1924, Karpoori Thakur climbed through the ranks of the Nai Samaj to become the Chief Minister of Bihar, where he steadfastly promoted affirmative action and social equality.

Thakur’s political journey, which saw him go from the Praja Socialist Party to the Janata Party and then the Janata Dal, represented his dedication to empowering the underprivileged. His legacy is one of compassion and tenacity, encouraging continued work towards a more equitable society.

Karpoori Thakur passed away in 1988, leaving a lasting impact on Indian politics and social justice.