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Panorama Golden Book Awards to Be Conducted Regionally in All Languages Starting From 2023

The Panorama Golden Book Awards, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world, will now be conducted regionally in all languages, starting from 2023. This initiative aims to ensure the inclusion of all world languages in the awards and give more authors the recognition they deserve.

Entries will be accepted throughout the year and regional awards will be announced in regular time periods. The awards will be for the best book in the language and 10 books that show the highest quality in various categories. The judging criteria include various elements such as quality of the work, relevance, and overall design of the book. The awards will also recognize the best publishing agencies across the world.

“We are thrilled to announce this expansion of the Panorama Golden Book Awards,” said Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar, President and CEO of Writers Capital Foundation and Chairman of the jury. “By conducting the awards regionally in all languages, we hope to showcase the rich diversity of literature across the world and provide a platform for more authors to be recognized for their work.”

In addition, the international awards will be announced during the Panorama International Literature Festival, which will feature the best books from each language. One book will be selected for the prestigious Panorama International Golden Book Award.

The Writers Capital Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting writers and literature around the world, will be organizing the Panorama Golden Book Awards. “We are committed to recognizing and promoting the best literature from around the world. The Panorama Golden Book Awards will continue to be a hallmark of excellence in the literary world,” said Johanna Devadayavu, Chief Operating Officer of Writers Capital Foundation and a member of the jury.

Irene Doura Kavadia, Secretary General of Writers Capital Foundation and a member of the jury, added, “The Panorama Golden Book Awards have always been about celebrating the best of literature, and we are excited to now include all languages in this celebration.”

The Writers Capital Foundation invites writers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from all around the world to participate in the Panorama Golden Book Awards and celebrate the diversity of literature. For more information, please visit their website.

Writer’s Capital Foundation’s Panorama Golden Book Awards 2023 winners announced

The Writer’s Capital Foundation announced the Panorama Golden Book Awards today. The awards are presented to the best entries received during the Panorama international literature festival that was held from 1-31 January 2023. The foundation congratulated all participants of the festival and the awardees who exhibited the highest standards in their literary works.

The Golden Book Awards went to Sunil Sharma from Canada, Christos Sanos from Greece, Joan Josep Barcelo from Spain, Sotiria Kyrmanidou from Greece, Xenia Yerolemidou from Spain, Saiyid Zaidi from India, and Konstantina Kontomari from Greece. The Panorama International Book Awards were presented to Elena Magiati-Karabi, Pantelis Hatzis, Dr Ramakrishna Perugu, Giorgos Sardelis, Marianella Salapatas, Prof. Sreemati Mukherjee from India, Jenny Sakorafa, Katerina Erakleous, Smaragdi Mitropoulou, Arun Bhaskar from India, Gloria Castaño de Martinez from Colombia, Alejandra Brañes Araya from Chile, Prof. Sreemati Mukherjee from India, Lauren Clark from Thailand, and Ivis Campos from the USA.

The Special Jury Awards were presented to Minti Gogoi from India, Dhanonjoy Saha from the USA, Md Mizanur Rahman from India, Christian A. Chávez Tejada from Peru, Isabella Sordi from Italy, Maria Retali, Dimitrios Karousis, and Manos Melissourgakis from Greece.

Preeth Nambiar, the president and CEO of the foundation, stated that the awards were indicators of the set guidelines and were decided by a jury consisting of eminent writers and academicians. The award certificates are being processed now, and the awardees will be communicated separately in the coming days, according to Writers Capital Foundation Secretary General Irene Doura Kavadia. The foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Johanna Devadayavu reminded the importance of more books to spread humanitarian values and congratulated the awardees.

The festival aims to foster humanitarian values through the media of arts and literature and to help cultural exchange between nations to promote global peace and harmony. The Panorama International Literature Festival is an annual, multilingual literary festival founded in 2020 by Preeth Nambiar, an English poet and humanitarian, under the Writers Capital Foundation, an international non-profit, non-political, and non-religious literary organization for writers and creators across the world.

The festival aims at inspiring writers to spread humanitarian values through their literary works. Prominent writers from across the world are a part of the festival in which themes that are relevant to the concept of one world are being celebrated.

 

Writers Capital Foundation’s Panorama International Literature Festival Awards Announced

The results of the Writer’s Capital Foundation’s Panorama International Literature Festival Awards were announced today, recognizing outstanding literary works from the festival held from 1-31 January 2023.

The prestigious Panorama Golden Award 2023 was presented to Raymond N Whitaker Jr. from the United States, for his exceptional literary contribution. The Alfredo Pasolino Memorial Panorama International Literary Awards 2023 were awarded to sixteen other writers, including Hamid Larbi from France, Arena Lucia from Italy, Angeliki Stratidaki from Greece, and Raúl Hernández Correa from the USA/Cuba.

The Panorama International Youth Award was given to nine young writers, including Montzerrat Lincona from Mexico, Jay Rose Ana from the UK, and Alexandra Koligioti from Greece. The Panorama Special Jury Award recognized the exceptional writing skills of Antonietta Micali from Italy, Chaitali Sengupta from the Netherlands, and Manosi Saha from Canada.

The Panorama Wordsmith’s Prize (Fiction) was awarded to Chrisa Charlampidou and Ioanna Lazarou from Greece, and Olga Alanis from Mexico. The Panorama Prodigy Award recognized the exceptional literary talent of Karnav Rastogi from India, Despotidis Dimosthenis from Greece, and Austin Ajit, Aadya Shanmukhi Palaparthi, and Nairithi from India.

Congratulating all delegates and awardees, Preeth Nambiar, the president and CEO of the foundation, reminded them that awards do not define the caliber of a writer but are just a perspective of the jury. He urged all poets to continue contributing to literature that brings positive changes to the world.

Writers Capital Foundation Secretary General Irene Doura Kavadia congratulated the awardees, highlighting the tough competition and the difficult task the jury faced in determining the winners. Foundation Chief Operating Officer Johanna Devadayavu emphasized that the judging process considered not just the writer’s caliber, but also their contributions to humanitarian values.

The Panorama International Literature Festival is an annual, multilingual literary festival to inspire writers to spread humanitarian values through their literary works and promotes cultural exchange between nations to foster global peace and harmony. The festival celebrates themes that are relevant to the concept of one world and encourages prominent writers from across the world to participate.

Panorama Golden Award 2023

Raymond N Whitaker Jr, USA

Alfredo Pasolino Memorial Panorama International Literary Awards 2023

  • Hamid Larbi, France
  • Arena Lucia, Italy
  • Angeliki Stratidaki, Greece
  • Raúl Hernández Correa, USA/Cuba
  • Hamid Larbi, France
  • Dora Muñoz, Spain
  • Athanasia Katsigianni, Greece
  • Gloria Castaño, Colombia
  • Maruzzella Parodi Royo, Chile
  • Leo Acosta, Nicaragua
  • Kostas Katehis, USA
  • Gabriella Paci, Italy
  • Norma Marina Solis Zavala, Peru
  • Pedro Peglez, Cuba
  • Aneek Chatterjee, India
  • Paromita Mukherjee Ojha, India

Panorama International Youth Award

  • Montzerrat Lincona, Mexico
  • Jay Rose Ana, UK
  • Alexandra Koligioti, Greece
  • Ingrid Caro Tobias, Colombia/Italy
  • Shehla Ashkar, India
  • Riccardo Gaffuri, Italy
  • Mariela Cordero García, Venezuela
  • Fer de la Cruz, USA
  • Manuela Cecchetti, Italy
  • Srishti Sharma, Canada

Panorama Special Jury Award

  • Antonietta Micali, Italy
  • Chaitali Sengupta, Netherlands
  • Manosi Saha, Canada
  • Suja Jayaprakash Menon, Bahrain
  • Rajeev Moothedath, India

Panorama Wordsmith’s Prize (Fiction)

  • Chrisa Charalampidou, Greece
  • Ioanna Lazarou, Greece
  • Olga Alanis, Mexico

Panorama Prodigy Award

  • Karnav Rastogi, India
  • Despotidis Dimosthenis, Greece
  • Austin Ajit, India
  • Aadya Shanmukhi Palaparthi, India
  • Nairithi, India

 

Kareena Kapoor Khan Hints at 3 Idiots Sequel, Leaves Fans Curious

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has set tongues wagging with a recent Instagram post that has many people speculating about the possibility of a sequel to the 2009 blockbuster movie, 3 Idiots. In the post, Kareena shared a picture of Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, and R Madhavan from an alleged press conference, wondering if they were planning a sequel to the film.

“I think they are coming for a sequel. But only these three, without me? I don’t think even Boman knows about this. Calling Boman right now to check aakhir chal kya raha hai yaar. This smells like a sequel for sure,” Kareena said in the video.

While fans were excited about the possibility of a 3 Idiots sequel, some were less than pleased, stating that a sequel might not work as well as the original. Released in December 2009, 3 Idiots was directed by Rajkumari Hirani and starred Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Boman Irani, and Mona Singh, among others in key roles. The film was widely loved by all and earned nearly Rs 400 crore worldwide.

Whether or not a 3 Idiots sequel is in the works remains to be seen, but fans of the film will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating any news about a potential follow-up.

Violent Protests Erupt Across France as Police Clash with Anarchists over Pension Age Hike

On Thursday, police in Paris and across France clashed with violent black-clad anarchists firing tear gas at protestors who were marching against President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to raise the pension age. It was the ninth day of nationwide protests, mostly peaceful, that disrupted train and air travel. The demonstrations were generally peaceful in central Paris, but groups of “Black Bloc” anarchists smashed shop windows, demolished street furniture and ransacked a McDonald’s restaurant. The clashes ensued as riot police drove back the anarchists with tear gas and stun grenades.

According to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, 149 police officers were injured, and 172 people were arrested across the country. Dozens of protestors were also injured, including a woman who lost a thumb in the Normandy town of Rouen. Small groups continued to clash with police in Paris late into the night, lighting fires throughout the city center and playing cat-and-mouse with security forces.

Labour unions fear protests could turn more violent if the government does not heed mounting popular anger over pension curbs. “This is a response to the falsehoods expressed by the president and his incomprehensible stubbornness,” Marylise Leon, deputy secretary general of the CFDT union, said. “The responsibility of this explosive situation lies not with the unions but with the government.”

The main entrance of the Bordeaux town hall was set ablaze on Thursday, days before the monarch was due to walk through on his visit to the southwestern city. On Wednesday, Macron broke weeks of silence on the new policy, insisting the law would come into force by year-end. He compared protests to the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Opinion polls have long shown a majority of voters oppose the pension legislation. Anger mounted last week when the government rammed the changes through the lower house of parliament without a vote. The French Interior Ministry said 1.089 million protested across the country, including 119,000 in the capital which was a record since protests started in January. The CGT union said 3.5 million people marched in the country, equalling a previous high on March 7.

“I came here because I oppose this reform, and I really oppose the fact that democracy no longer means anything,” Sophie Mendy, an administrative medical worker, told Reuters at the Paris rally. “We’re not being represented, and so we’re fed up.”

The unions called for regional action over the weekend and new nationwide strikes and protests on March 28, the day Britain’s King Charles is due to travel to Bordeaux from Paris by train.

Writers Capital Foundation Announces International Women’s Awards 2023 Winners

The Writers Capital Foundation is proud to announce the winners of its International Women’s Awards 2023, which recognize and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of women in various fields, including science, arts, education, business, and social activism.

The awards are given as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, which aim to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment around the world. After receiving numerous nominations from across the globe, the foundation is thrilled to announce the following winners:

  1. Aggeliki Kompocholi, Greece
  2. Antonietta Micali, Italy
  3. Bozena Helena Mazur Novak, Poland
  4. Cristina Pizarro, Spain
  5. Elham Hamedi, Iran
  6. Elisa Mascia, Italy
  7. Eralieva Umutkan Polotovna, Kyrgyzstan
  8. Harinder Cheema, India
  9. Irma Bacci, Italy
  10. Kasturika Mishra, India
  11. María Margarita Salirrosas Sánchez, Peru
  12. Mou Modhubontee, Canada
  13. Panagiota Zaloni, Greece
  14. Patricia Magdalena Soto Vieyra, Mexico
  15. Pipina D. Elles, Australia
  16. Shalini Yadav, India
  17. Stella Sorotou, Australia
  18. Tanya Ivanova, Bulgaria
  19. Vicky Papageorgopoulou, Greece
  20. Zoe Valaoriti, Greece

The foundation extends its warmest congratulations to all the winners and recognizes the hard work, dedication, and achievements that have earned them prestigious recognition.

“We are honoured to recognize these outstanding women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Their accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for women around the world, and we hope that their success encourages more women to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact,” said the spokesperson of the Writers Capital Foundation.

The Writers Capital Foundation acknowledges the significance of women’s contributions in various sectors and believes that it is imperative to acknowledge and appreciate the same.

A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: Alarming Increase in Maternal Deaths Despite Progress in Some Regions

Every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth, according to a report released by United Nations agencies on Wednesday. The report titled “Trends in maternal mortality” showed alarming setbacks for women’s health over recent years, as maternal deaths either increased or stagnated in nearly all regions of the world.

While pregnancy should be a time of hope and a positive experience for all women, it is still a shockingly dangerous experience for millions around the world who lack access to high-quality, respectful healthcare,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). “These new statistics reveal the urgent need to ensure every woman and girl has access to critical health services before, during and after childbirth, and that they can fully exercise their reproductive rights.”

The report tracked maternal deaths nationally, regionally, and globally from 2000 to 2020 and shows that there were an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2020. This marks only a slight decrease from 309,000 in 2016 when the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came into effect. While the report presents some significant progress in reducing maternal deaths between 2000 and 2015, gains largely stalled or in some cases, even reversed, after this point.

In two of the eight UN regions, maternal mortality rates increased from 2016 to 2020. Europe and Northern America and Latin America and the Caribbean recorded increases by 17% and 15% respectively. Elsewhere, the rate stagnated. The report notes, however, that progress is possible. For example, Australia and New Zealand and Central and Southern Asia experienced significant declines (by 35% and 16% respectively) in their maternal mortality rates during the same period, as did 31 countries across the world.

The report further revealed that maternal deaths continue to be largely concentrated in the poorest parts of the world and in countries affected by conflict. In 2020, about 70% of all maternal deaths were in sub-Saharan Africa. In nine countries facing severe humanitarian crises, maternal mortality rates were more than double the world average (551 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births, compared to 223 globally).

Severe bleeding, high blood pressure, pregnancy-related infections, complications from unsafe abortion, and underlying conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy (such as HIV/AIDS and malaria) are the leading causes of maternal deaths. These are all largely preventable and treatable with access to high-quality and respectful healthcare.

“With immediate action, more investments in primary health care, and stronger, more resilient health systems, we can save lives, improve health and well-being, and advance the rights of and opportunities for women and adolescents,” said Juan Pablo Uribe, Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, and Director of the Global Financing Facility.

COVID-19 may have further held back progress on maternal health, and more data will be needed to show the true impacts of the pandemic on maternal deaths. However, COVID-19 infections can increase risks during pregnancy, so countries should take action to ensure pregnant women and those planning pregnancies have access to COVID-19 vaccines and effective antenatal care.

The report reveals that the world must double down on the commitment to women and adolescent health. Providing universal access to quality maternal healthcare requires sustained national and international efforts and unwavering commitments, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. It is the collective responsibility of everyone to ensure that every mother, everywhere, survives childbirth, so that she and her children can thrive.

Panorama International Literature Festival 2023 Spain to be held in the month of March

Palma de Mallorca, Spain: The Panorama International Literature Festival (PILF) 2023 will take place on March 4, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Llibreria Lluna in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The event coordinated by the Writers Capital Foundation Chief Advisor Joan Josep Barcelo and Creative Director Filippo Papa is set to be broadcast live via Zoom, and it will feature a variety of writers, poets, and special guests.

The event will start with a brief address by Maria Barceló, owner and director of Llibreria Lluna. Then, Joan Josep Barceló, Chief Advisor, and Coordinator of Spain, will offer greetings and introduce the Secretary General of WCIF, Irene Doura-Kavadia, who will present the Panorama International Literature Festival and the work done by WCIF in the field of culture.

The event will also feature special guests, including Cati Palou, an integrative health expert from Spain, and Nermin Goenenc, a singer from Germany. They will perform music and share their experiences with attendees.

Moreover, the festival will showcase several poets and writers, such as Aldo Gallina, Cristina Pizarro, and Dora Muñoz, who will read their literary works and receive certificates of participation. The event will conclude with a few words of thanks from Joan Josep Barceló and Filippo Papa, a member of the working committee from Italy, followed by Irene Doura-Kavadia’s concluding remarks.

The festival is organized by the Writers Capital International Foundation (WCIF), a non-profit organization that promotes cultural exchange and cooperation among writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts around the world. The WCIF is dedicated to advancing literary and cultural exchange and creating a platform for literary and cultural dialogue and cooperation.

Chinese company asks candidates to wear costume mask for interview

Job seekers follow interview guidelines provided by their respective companies, which vary in their standards. Some companies may consider factors like marriage, weight, and height, in addition to age, gender, and education, but these are not very common.

A Chinese company, Chengdu Ant Logistics, has recently implemented a unique interview policy requiring both the interviewer and the interviewee to wear full-face masks.

The instruction of a mask was reportedly given in order to avoid discrimination over appearance while selecting candidates during the company’s biannual recruitment fair. The masks, the company believes, would else ease the stress and anxiety among candidates.

The video of the interview process went viral on social media, with many people applauding the company’s decision as a step towards combating racism and bias. Chengdu Ant Logistics had previously used unconventional methods to assess candidates, including testing their athletic abilities.

“It could benefit people with a social phobia,” South China Morning Post quoted the woman who filmed the video as saying.

Shocking tradition of ‘breast flattening’, or breast ironing

Breasts are often considered a symbol of femininity and beauty in many cultures around the world. They play an important role in women’s physical and emotional well-being. Breasts not only provide nourishment to newborns, but they also have an important psychological and social function, as they are often associated with attractiveness, sexuality, and motherhood. For many women, their breasts are an integral part of their self-image and self-confidence. As such, it’s important to appreciate and respect the beauty and importance of breasts, while also recognizing the need to prioritize their health and well-being.

‘Breast flattening’, or Breast ironing

Breast flattening, also known as breast ironing, is a harmful practice that is predominantly carried out in some African countries, such as Cameroon, Nigeria, and Guinea. The practice involves massaging, pounding, or using hot objects to flatten or suppress the growth of a girl’s breasts during puberty.

Breast flattening is often carried out by the girl’s mother or other female relatives in an attempt to delay the onset of puberty and reduce the likelihood of sexual harassment or assault. However, the practice can cause physical and psychological harm to the young girl.

Physically, breast flattening can cause tissue damage, infection, and even breast cancer. It can also lead to the misalignment of breasts, scarring, and other long-term health complications. Psychologically, breast flattening can result in feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem, which can negatively impact a girl’s mental health and well-being.

Several organizations and governments have taken steps to raise awareness of the dangers of breast flattening and encourage its eradication. Education campaigns, laws, and policies have been implemented to discourage the practice and promote the health and well-being of young girls. However, changing deeply ingrained cultural practices and beliefs can be a slow process, and continued efforts are needed to protect young girls from the harmful effects of breast flattening.