Global Archives - Page 8 of 171

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Wins Cinema for Peace Award

19Feb

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Global, Pakistan, Showbiz

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Wins Cinema for Peace Award

Oscar-winning Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy received a prestigious award at the 2025 Cinema for Peace Gala. She received the Cinema for Peace Dove Award for Women's Empowerment for her film "Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge." Renowned Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won the Cinema for Peace Dove Award for Women’s Empowerment at the 2025 Cinema for Peace Gala. She received the award for her documentary Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, which highlights resilience, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. The film follows the inspiring journey of Diane von Furstenberg. The legendary fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg created the iconic wrap dress. Her story premiered at the Tribeca Festival and later debuted on Hulu in June 2024, earning widespr...

Pakistan Wins Basmati Rice Ownership Battle Against India

18Feb

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Global, Pakistan

Pakistan Wins Basmati Rice Ownership Battle Against India

Australia and New Zealand have officially recognized Basmati rice as a Pakistani product. Historical records show that India did not export Basmati before 1965, while Pakistan had been exporting it since the 1960s. The EU’s expected decision in Pakistan’s favor will provide long-term benefits to the rice industry. In a major win for Pakistan, both Australia and New Zealand have officially recognized Basmati rice as a Pakistani product. A similar decision is expected soon from the European Union, strengthening Pakistan’s claim over the globally popular long-grain rice. For years, India has been trying to secure exclusive rights over Basmati in the international market. However, trade experts and historians have confirmed that the rice originates from Pakistan’s Hafizabad district. In...

World’s First Openly Gay Imam Shot Dead in South Africa

17Feb

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Global, Islam

World’s First Openly Gay Imam Shot Dead in South Africa

Muhsin Hendricks, an openly gay imam from South Africa, was tragically shot and killed near the city of Gqeberha. He founded the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg, Cape Town. It is a safe space for queer Muslims and marginalized women to practice their faith. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association has called on authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. Muhsin Hendricks, widely regarded as the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot and killed near Gqeberha, South Africa, on Saturday. Local police confirmed the attack, stating that Hendricks was in a car when two masked gunmen ambushed the vehicle and opened fire. Hendricks, known for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ Muslims, founded the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town, offering a safe space for margin...

The Sacred Matchmaking Shrine of Izumo, Japan

13Feb

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Culture, Global

The Sacred Matchmaking Shrine of Izumo, Japan

Izumo Taisha, also known as Izumo Grand Shrine, is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine is said to be particularly popular with young people who are looking for love and marriage. Izumo Taisha is also a popular place to hold traditional Japanese weddings. Looking for love? The historic city of Izumo in Japan might just be the place for you. Home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, this city is known as the ultimate matchmaking destination. Every November, the gods of Japan are believed to gather in Izumo to decide human relationships for the coming year. This sacred event, called Kami-ari-dzuki (the month with gods), transforms the city into a powerful place of spiritual matchmaking. Singles from all over Japan visit Izumo...

Croatia Opens First Laughter Museum to Chase Away the Blues

12Feb

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Global

Croatia Opens First Laughter Museum to Chase Away the Blues

Croatia has opened the world's first laughter museum, called the HaHaHouse, in Zagreb. It's a fun and interactive space designed to make people happy and help them forget the stresses of modern life. Moreover, there's a karaoke room where you can sing along to your favorite songs with distorted voices. A new laughter museum in Zagreb, Croatia, is bringing joy to visitors by helping them shake off negativity through laughter and fun experiences. The HaHaHouse, founded by Andrea Golubic, offers interactive exhibits designed to boost happiness and bring out the inner child in everyone. The laughter-filled journey begins as visitors step inside and are greeted with a puff of white smoke meant to "blow away their worries." Next, they climb into a giant "washing machine" that spins them a...