Thursday, March 28

Day: May 17, 2016

Eleventh century Chinese letter just 124 characters long sells for $32m
Asia, ENGLISH

Eleventh century Chinese letter just 124 characters long sells for $32m

    A Chinese film tycoon has splashed out nearly £22m on a 124-character letter that was penned nearly 1,000 years ago by a Song dynasty scholar. Wang Zhongjun, a self-made billionaire who some say is China’s answer to Shakespeare in Love producer Harvey Weinstein, purchased the letter at an auction in Beijing on Sunday, according to reports in the Chinese media. Wang, the 55-year-old chairman of Huayi Brothers Media, one of China’s largest entertainment groups, reportedly paid 207 million yuan (£21.9m/US$31.7m). Related: Cultural Revolution reduced to footnote as Communist party says China has moved on The letter – thought to be the only surviving work by Song dynasty scholar and government official Zeng Gong – was written on 27 September 1080, according to China Radio Inter...
Feasibility of Brick Kiln Control Act
Bangladesh, ENGLISH

Feasibility of Brick Kiln Control Act

Imtiaz Ahmed Sajal: In 2013 the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kilns Establishment (Control) Act has been passed to establish control over brick manufacturing and brick kiln establishment for the interest of conservation and development of environment and biodiversity. This Act came into force from 1st July 2014, and permits two years' time limit to convert the brick kilns into modern technology and relocate thereof. After three years of enactment of this Act, now the question arises as regards feasibility and enforceability of the provisions of this Act. Following are the challenges to face for implementation. The Act imposes prohibition on establishment of brick kilns within the boundaries of several areas, like residential, preserved or commercial area; City Corporation, Municipality or ...
Britain on storm alert as a MONTH’S rain set to fall in just one day
ENGLISH, United Kingdom

Britain on storm alert as a MONTH’S rain set to fall in just one day

    Britain is on storm alert with up to half a month's rain forecast for parts of the country on Wednesday. Torrential downpours and coastal gales will bring an abrupt halt to the mild and relatively calm spring weather. Forecasters warn things will start to turn unsettled on Tuesday with northern and western regions first in the firing line. Several low pressure systems lined up to move across the country will bring further heavy showers into the weekend, they say. Cumbria and northern England is braced for around an inch of rain - almost half a month's worth - over the next 48 hours. The Met Office said winds could hit gale-force in some regions with gusts of 50mph likely across exposed coasts. Forecaster Alex Burkill said: "It is going to turn unsettled as the week goes on...
Salman and Iulia to make relationship official at Preity Zinta’s wedding reception!
Asia, ENGLISH

Salman and Iulia to make relationship official at Preity Zinta’s wedding reception!

    Looks like the D-day is almost here guys! While yesterday we got to see pictures of Salman Khan’s girlfriend Iulia Vantur arriving at the airport along with his mother Salma. Our source EXCLUSIVELY reveals to us how Salman is further set to make his relationship official with Iulia at Preity Zinta’s wedding reception tonight, similar to how Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan had made their relationship official at the Lakme Fashion Week back in 2009. Yes! This is happening for real! Salman, who is a very dear friend to Preity, plans to officially introduce Iulia to all his industry peeps at the wedding bash tonight. In fact, this would be their first official public appearance together as a couple which explains why we are so excited. However, despite making things official,...
Iranian models arrested and forced to give public self criticism for posting pictures without headscarves
Arab world, ENGLISH

Iranian models arrested and forced to give public self criticism for posting pictures without headscarves

    A leading Iranian model has been forced to give a public self-criticism after being charged with “promoting western promiscuity” for posting pictures of herself online without a headscarf. Elham Arab, famous for her blonde hair, doll-like looks and wedding dress model shoots, is one of a string of Iranian models caught up in a sting operation code-named “Spider 2”. It is aimed at models and other figures in the fashion industry who have advertised themselves or appeared on Instagram and other social media sites. Before a hearing at the Iranian Revolutionary Court in a case brought by the special cyber-crimes unit, Ms Arab was questioned on camera by the prosecutor, Abbas Doulatabadi. Wearing black chador over her newly dark locks, she said she regretted entering the fashio...
Five Bangladeshis selected for Locarno’s Open Doors
Bangladesh, ENGLISH

Five Bangladeshis selected for Locarno’s Open Doors

    Locarno's Open Doors has unveiled its selection of projects from South Asia which will make the trek to Switzerland to present in front of potential European and International Partners. At this year's festival, Open Doors, a co-production initiative, will support eight projects and eight emerging producers from South Asia. Five Bangladeshi filmmakers and producers have made the selection in two different sections. Ishtiaque Zico's Cinema, “City and Cats” and Kamar Ahmad Simon's “Day After Tomorrow” have been selected for the Open Doors Hub. These two projects will compete for the prize worth $49,000. Three Bangladeshi directors-producers, including Aadnan Imtiaz Ahmed of Kino-Eye Films, Abu Shahed Emon of Batayan Productions and Rubaiyat Hossain of Khona Talkies, have been...