Author: Closed Account

Films

Goan Filmmaker,  Miransha Naik Returns 14 Awards in Protest Against ESG Grading

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Goan filmmaker Miransha Naik has taken a bold and unprecedented step by returning all 14 awards his film Juze won at the recent Goa State Film Festival, organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). His decision stems from a serious protest against the ESG’s evaluation of the same film as ‘C’ grade in its long-delayed Film Finance Scheme — a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate across the Indian film community.

Juze, a critically acclaimed Konkani film that brought international attention to Goa’s regional cinema, had swept the awards at the state-level event, establishing Naik’s voice as one of the strongest in contemporary Konkani storytelling. However, the filmmaker expressed deep disappointment when the ESG, which had just celebrated his work, assigned it the lowest grade possible in its finance evaluation process.

This grading has significant implications — not just financial, but symbolic — as it determines whether filmmakers receive state support to continue their work. For Naik, it was a contradiction too stark to ignore. Returning the awards, he stated that such grading undermines not only his film’s merit but also the broader credibility of the ESG’s support for homegrown cinema.

The move has reignited concerns over transparency, consistency, and fairness within the ESG’s evaluation framework. For many in the regional and national film industry, Naik’s protest is a wake-up call — a demand for clearer policies and genuine encouragement for films that aim to elevate Konkani cinema on the global stage.

As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this protest will lead to any institutional change. What’s clear is that Miransha Naik has made a powerful statement: recognition means little without respect and integrity in the process that grants it.

Human Interest

PM Modi Plants Kadamb Sapling Gifted by King Charles III on His 75th Birthday

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, by Team Allycaral

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday with a deeply symbolic gesture—planting a Kadamb sapling gifted to him by British King Charles III. The event took place at Modi’s official residence on Friday and was in line with his ongoing environmental initiative, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, which encourages citizens to plant a tree as a tribute to their mother.

The British High Commission in India had earlier announced the gift on September 17, stating that it was inspired by Modi’s call for environmental stewardship. According to the Commission, the gesture reflects the shared commitment of King Charles III and Prime Minister Modi to promoting sustainability and environmental conservation across global platforms.

The act also underscores the deepening partnership between the United Kingdom and India, particularly in the area of climate and clean energy. During his official visit to Britain in July, Prime Minister Modi had presented a Sonoma tree to King Charles III as part of the same initiative. The reciprocal nature of these symbolic gifts highlights a growing collaboration that transcends traditional diplomacy.

An official video released by the government showed PM Modi planting the sapling, emphasizing the strong personal and political significance of the moment. The British High Commission reaffirmed that environmental cooperation remains a key pillar of the UK-India partnership, as outlined in the “Vision 2035” roadmap jointly developed by the two Prime Ministers.

As the world faces the growing challenges of climate change, such initiatives—both symbolic and practical—demonstrate the potential of global partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared values. The Kadamb sapling now stands not just as a birthday gift, but as a living testament to a vision for a greener, more sustainable future.

Finance

Bank of Baroda Wins First Prize in Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for Excellence in Official Language Use

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Bank of Baroda, one of India’s foremost public sector banks, has been honoured with the First Prize under the Government of India’s prestigious Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar scheme for the year 2024–2025. This award recognises the bank’s exceptional contribution to the promotion and effective use of Hindi as the official language across its services and operations.

The award ceremony took place on 14 September 2025, during the Hindi Day celebration and the Fifth All India Official Language Conference held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. The honour was conferred by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah.

Accepting the award on behalf of the bank was Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda. He was accompanied by Executive Director Ms. Beena Vaheed and Mr. Sanjay Singh, Head of Official Language and Parliamentary Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chand expressed the bank’s commitment to inclusivity through language. “This award reflects the bank’s sensitivity towards its millions of customers who interact in Hindi and other Indian languages and feel more comfortable availing banking services in their native languages,” he said.

Bank of Baroda has significantly expanded its multilingual capabilities across its digital platforms, including its flagship mobile banking app BoB World and WhatsApp Banking services. The bank also ensures that transaction-related SMS, chatbot conversations, and customer support are accessible in Indian languages, fostering a more inclusive and user-friendly banking environment.

The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar is one of the highest honours awarded by the Government of India to institutions for outstanding performance in implementing the official language policy. This recognition positions Bank of Baroda not only as a leader in banking services but also as a pioneer in promoting linguistic inclusion in the financial sector.

With this award, Bank of Baroda reinforces its commitment to enhancing customer experience by speaking the language of its people – both literally and technologically.

Entertainment

Huma Qureshi Receives Face of Asia Award at the Busan Film Festival

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Huma Qureshi has added another significant achievement to her growing list of accolades, as she was honored with the Face of Asia Award at the prestigious Busan Film Festival in South Korea. The recognition comes as her film Bayan is being screened at the festival, drawing global attention to Indian storytelling and talent.

In a deeply emotional and inspiring acceptance speech, Huma expressed her gratitude and dedicated the award to young girls across the world. “This is my first experience in Busan, and this award is very special to me,” she said on stage. “My father was born in Nizamuddin, Delhi, and my mother was born in a village. I was always told that becoming an actress was beyond my reach. That’s why seeing myself here today is a big deal.”

Her powerful message resonated with many, as she opened up about the societal and cultural barriers she faced during her journey to becoming an actress. By sharing her story, Huma not only celebrated her own success but also encouraged young girls to believe in themselves, no matter their background.

The Face of Asia Award is presented to artists who represent the spirit and diversity of the continent, and Huma’s journey from Delhi to the global stage truly embodies that vision. Her performance in Bayan and her growing influence as an actress, producer, and advocate for women’s empowerment continue to solidify her position as a force in global cinema.

As she stood on the Busan stage, Huma Qureshi wasn’t just receiving an award—she was passing the torch to the next generation of dreamers.

Fit & Fabulous

Runway to Paris Brings the Magic of Paris Fashion Week to India

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Mumbai recently played host to a spectacular fashion event that brought the spirit of Paris Fashion Week to Indian shores. Titled Runway to Paris, the showcase was more than just a glamorous evening—it was a celebration of empowerment, individuality, and Indian creativity meeting global fashion.

Aligned with the global theme “Walk Your Worth” from the L’Oréal Paris show Le Défilé, the event championed the message of self-expression and confidence. Each fashion presentation was paired with the launch of L’Oréal Paris’s latest beauty innovation—the Infallible Laque Resistance Liquid Lipstick—under the campaign “What’s Your Shine Statement.” The high-shine lipstick perfectly captured the bold, fearless energy of the night.

Runway to Paris was created in collaboration with L’Oréal Paris and Tira Beauty, offering a unique platform where fashion students from across India could bring their vision to life. The event embraced the synergy of fashion and beauty, encouraging participants to craft designs that reflected personal empowerment and artistic innovation.

The Mumbai showcase mirrored Parisian elegance while infusing it with India’s rich cultural and design sensibilities. It stood as a symbol of inclusivity, nurturing the next generation of fashion leaders. The evening culminated in a moment of excitement and promise—the announcement of the winning team who will now attend Le Défilé at Paris Fashion Week.

This exceptional opportunity not only recognizes the immense talent within India but also reinforces the commitment of L’Oréal Paris and Tira Beauty to elevate local voices on a global stage.

With Runway to Paris, the worlds of fashion, beauty, and empowerment converged—reminding us all to walk our worth and let our shine be our strongest statement.