UNESCO chief 'deeply regrets Israel's decision to withdraw from agency
By Deepak Arora
 NEW YORK, Dec 29: The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voiced “deep regret” on Thursday over Israel's decision to withdraw from the agency.
Noting that she had received official notice from the Government of Israel's withdrawal from the agency effective on December 31, 2018, a decision which was announced on October 12, 2017, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret, saying she was convinced that it “is inside UNESCO and not outside it” that States can best seek to overcome differences in the its fields of competence.
“A Member of UNESCO since 1949, Israel has a rightful place inside the United Nations agency that is dedicated to education, culture and science,” she continued, adding that Israel has a rightful place inside an institution committed to the defence of freedom of expression, the prevention of all forms of antisemitism and racism, which has developed a unique programme of education about the Holocaust and the prevention of genocide.
Israel also has a rightful place inside an institution that is among the most active in promoting dialogue among cultures, fighting violent extremism and conserving heritage affected, notably, by the destructive acts of terrorist organizations.
“In the face of disagreements among Member States, which lead to votes for which they are responsible, engaging fully in the work of UNESCO makes possible sustained dialogue, cooperation and partnerships that are more necessary than ever and that I committed to support when I took office,” Ms. Azoulay concluded.
'No clear evidence' social media leads to more violent behavior, UN-backed study reports
By Deepak Arora
 NEW YORK, Dec 29: Violent extremists use the Internet to attract younger audiences, to disseminate content and to foster direct dialogue with young people, a United Nations agency-backed study found, but more research is needed to find out if social media has an effective role in radicalization.
“Rather than being initiators or causes of violent behaviours, the Internet and social media specifically can be facilitators within wider processes of violent radicalization,” according to research conducted for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The goal of the study was to answer the question: “Does social media lead vulnerable individuals to resort to violence?”
According to the authors, violent radicalization generally entails a number of tools, and should be seen in the context of other communication platforms and significant social factors, such as the political, social, cultural, economic and psychological causes
The findings, Youth and violent extremism on social media, are based on more than 550 studies in Arabic, English and French which were published in scientific literature and so-called “grey literature” outside of the traditional and publishing channels.
The study also found that the use of social media is meant to foster fear among internet users and to polarize societies.
In response, attempts to combat social media use have not proved effective, but could “damage online freedoms, especially freedom of expression, freedom of information, privacy and the right to association,” the study reported.
Among other points, the authors recommend that Governments should recognize the status of women as both actors and targets of online radicalizations, and support greater representation of women.
The study also recommends that news media avoid “fearmongering, stereotyping, confirmation bias, fake news and the creation of “media panics”, and to reassert the importance of media ethics in the face of radicalization of young people for violent extremism.”
India, Say Cheese!
NEW DELHI, Dec 14: The best cheese in the world comes undoubtedly from Europe where artisans and big producers use their ancestral know-how to produce a wide variety of fine cheese. From French Camembert to Italian Burrata, the range of cheese is very diverse. Today, the dairy industry in the European Union is the most productive and the most successful in the world. Its strict regulations by the European Union, makes cheese from Europe, the best and safest products for the consumer. CNIEL (National Interprofessional Center of the Dairy Economy, France), is a privately-run organization whose main objective is to promote dairy products and to facilitate relationships between dairy producers and processors.
The European Union and the CNIEL have several initiatives in the world lined up to create more awareness about cheese. As part of the “Open your taste” program, India is one of the key market to showcase the wide and rich cultural diversity of cheese from France and from Europe.
As a continuation to the promotional campaigns held in the past, a networking cocktail of Cheese tasting of Vegetarian Cheese was organized here in Mumbai on Monday at Jyran Terrace, Sofitel and on Wednesday December 13 at Lodhi- The Garden Restaurant, New Delhi for members of the media (food journalists, critics, bloggers and culinary specialists), food importers, chefs & restaurateurs.
François Robin, who has been awarded one of the best Cheese Monger in France, prepared various delicacies with European cheese and Indian spices.
The recipes were simple yet delicious and demonstrated a very successful pairing with the different varieties of European cheese in traditional Indian recipes. Chef François Robin partnered with Chef Jyoti who developed the concepts of the Indian recipes displayed in the buffet.
Mansi Jasani, founder of Cheese Collective in Mumbai, spoke about cheese consumption of European cheese by Indians; how & when to consume the cheese et how to present the cheese, simple suggestions which were accessible to the journalists and invitees. All cheese presented and available for tasting allowed all Indian guests to taste and enjoy the best Europe has to offer.
Furthermore, two workshops for food bloggers were organized on the 12th December at Indigo, Mumbai and on the 14th December at Lodhi - The Garden Restaurant, New Delhi. Special recipes and cheese pairings concepts developed by François will be at the center of these workshops.
Cheese consumption in India :
Positive trends indicate that sales of cheese in 2016, are estimated at 23 billion INR i.e. 60 400 tons and should almost double in value to 40 billion INR with sales of 100 000 tons in 2021.
Even though the consumption of cheese has increased by 15-20% in India in recent years, Indian consumption of cheese is quite low compared to world consumption (200gms vs 7kgs) but food habits are changing. This is largely due to the fact that disposable incomes are increasing & today Indian consumers are open to acquiring new tastes. Also traditionally Indians are big consumers of dairy products and cheese is consumed as a part of meals or as a snack.
France ranks 3rd as a supplier of cheese to India after Italy and Denmark, with a market share of around 13% and the consumption of French cheese has been steadily rising in India. Spreading awareness about the variety, textures and qualities of the French cheese is very important & an adaptation to local tastes is necessary to increase consumption since cheese is tasty & also an important source of protein.
Distribution of cheese & the regulatory environment is still a challenge, however the availability of imported cheese in gourmet stores across India and the innovations offered by companies are helping to develop the market.
About the professionals:
"François Robin takes his first steps in the world of cheese by helping his parents in the Vendée region of France. This experience allows him to discover the secrets of making goat cheese but does not convince him to continue in this way. He then directed his studies on science and mathematics, but subsequently favored more artistic professional experiences (film festival, contemporary art center).
Finally, the need to return to the source is felt, so he decides to enroll in a 9-month training center to prepare a Certificate of professional qualification of "Crémier Fromager".
He began his career as a cheese specialist with Nicolas Julhès in Paris where cheeses, wines and delicatessen of high quality are found. Francois learns to tune the cheeses with the finest dishes while appropriating their history. These new skills permitted him to join the famous Fauchon delicatessen where he found his place in the cheese department, which he animates and develops in close collaboration with Hervé Mons, a world-renowned refining cheese maker and manages to create a real synergy with the other departments of the grocery store. He participates in the contest of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France that he wins in 2011 from his first participation after only 4 years of experience in this field.
Mansi Jasani, founder of Cheese Collective, is based in Mumbai. Passionate about cheese, she works regularly with the Mons refiner and is completely immersed in the culture of cheese. Her artisan group offers cheese workshops to the public and also provides cheeses for special occasions
Jyoti Sankar is currently Chief of Park Hyatt Chennai; he works regularly with renowned French chefs and is very familiar with European cheeses.
Cheese is divided into Four types :
- Soft : Ripened from the outside in with a white rind, often runny at room temperature. Examples : Brie, Camembert, Reblochon
- Semi-soft : Smooth or creamy interior with little or no rind. Flavor ranges from mild to pungent Examples : Raclette, Morbier
- Hard : Firm texture with tastes ranging from mild to pungent; easy to grate
Examples : Emmental, Beaufort, Mimolette, Tomme de Savoie
- Blue : Green or blue veining caused by the addition of the mould penicillium roqueforti during production
Examples : Bleu de Auvergne, Bleu de Gex
Pope Francis Seeks Peace In Jerusalem
VATICAN CITY, Dec 25: Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas address on Monday called for peace in Jerusalem and highlighted the plight of children scarred by conflict, having earlier urged the world's Catholics not to ignore the conditions migrants face.
Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at the Vatican to hear the pontiff's fifth "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and The World) message. It was delivered hours after a Christmas Eve mass where he spoke on how migrants had been "driven from their land" because of leaders willing to shed "innocent blood".
On Monday, Francis's message sought "peace for Jerusalem and for all the Holy Land.
"We see Jesus in the children of the Middle East who continue to suffer because of growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians," he said.
"Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two states within mutually agreed and internationally recognised borders."
The pontiff's plea came as fresh tensions simmered in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Following Trump's declaration, Guatemala's President Jimmy Morales said Sunday his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Trump's announcement on December 6 triggered demonstrations and clashes, including in Bethlehem in the West Bank where Christians marked the birth of Jesus at a midnight mass.
"May the Lord also sustain the efforts of all those in the international community inspired by good will to help that afflicted land to find, despite grave obstacles the harmony, justice and security that it has long awaited," the pope said.
The pontiff also mentioned other global flashpoints such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan and Venezuela, after stressing that the "winds of war are blowing in our world".
"Let us pray that confrontation may be overcome on the Korean peninsula and that mutual trust may increase in the interest of the world as a whole," the 81-year-old said.
Earlier, celebrating midnight mass in the ancient town, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, used his homily to lambast the wars that "the Herods of today fight every day to become greater, to occupy more space".
Criticising Trump's announcement, Pizzaballa insisted "Jerusalem is a city of peace, there is not peace if someone is excluded. Jerusalem should include, not exclude," stressing the principle that the city is for both peoples and the three Abrahamic faiths.
Hundreds had gathered in the cold on Bethlehem's Manger Square to watch the annual scout parade towards the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where tradition says Mary gave birth to Jesus.
But the square was noticeably quieter following recent violence between Palestinian protesters and the Israeli army.
Twelve Palestinians have been killed since Trump's declaration, including a 19-year-old who died of his wounds on Sunday nine days after he was shot during a Gaza protest.
Israel seized east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed it, in moves never recognised by the international community.
Palestinians view east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, and interpreted Trump's statement as rejecting their right to a capital in east Jerusalem, although the Americans deny this.
Christmas decorations have meanwhile become more visible in Christian areas of Syria's capital Damascus this year.
In the central Syrian city of Homs, Christians will celebrate Christmas with great fanfare for the first time in years after the end of battles between regime and rebel forces -- with processions, shows for children and even decorations among the ruins.
In Iraq too, this year marks a positive turning point for the Christian community in the northern city of Mosul.
In Europe, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to the cities of London and Manchester which this year suffered what she called "appalling" terror attacks.
"This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past 12 months," the 91-year-old monarch said in the pre-recorded televised message.
And just two hours before the pope delivered his traditional message Monday, there was a disruption on St Peter's Square as a bare-breasted woman shouting "God is a woman" stormed the Christmas Nativity display and seized the baby Jesus statue.
Police said a 25-year-old Ukrainian woman, reportedly a member of the feminist movement Femen, was arrested. Femen, founded in Ukraine, has staged anti-Kremlin protests and now in western Europe has focused on the Catholic Church which it accuses of suppressing women's rights.
Elsewhere, a tragic Christmas weekend in the Philippines was compounded Monday by the deaths of 20 people in a bus collision while travelling to mass.
Sharp increase in British visas for Indians; 27 pc increase in students
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Dec 12: UK visas granted to Indian nationals have seen significant increases in the last year, according to the latest available statistics.
According to the UK Office for National Statistics’ regular report, visas granted to Indian nationals in the year to September 2017 stood at 517,000 – a 9 per cent increase on the previous year.
Within this number, visit visas increased by 11 per cent to 427,000 and work visas remained steady at 53,000 – meaning that Indians still get more work visas for employment in the UK than all other nationalities combined.
The largest increase however was seen in the Tier 4 Student visa category. In the last year, over 14,000 student visas were issued to Indian nationals, an increase of 27 per cent compared with the previous 12 months. In addition to this, over 5,000 Indians came for short-term study in the UK during the same period. This is the third successive quarter that student visa numbers have increased.
The British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, welcomed the update, saying: “It is an exciting time for the UK-India relationship. Prime Minister Modi has often talked about the living bridge that exists between India and other countries in the world. These statistics show that India’s bridge with the United Kingdom is as strong as ever.
“I particularly welcome the sharp increase in Indian students choosing to take advantage of the UK’s world-beating higher education. Our visa service for Indians is as good as any other on offer. Some 90% of applicants receive a visa and 99% of those are processed within our target time of 15 working days.
“I want more Indians to see the UK as their partner country, whether for business, tourism, study or work. Visits to India last week by the Mayor of London and the Deputy First Minister of Scotland show the depth of interest in working with India.”
Millennium Alliance Calls Indian Social Enterprises for Global Scale-Up
By Deepak Arora
 MUMBAI, Dec 7: At the 9th Sankalp Global Summit, the Millennium Alliance called for applications to its Global Grant for Indian social enterprises. An exclusive session titled ‘Millennium Alliance global grant: Indian Innovations for Global Impact’ was organized at the summit with close to 50 social enterprises interested in taking their innovations other developing countries.
The Millennium Alliance grant program is currently seeking applications under its global grant, the deadline for which is December 31. The call is open for social enterprises interested in replicating and scaling their innovations to other low-income developing countries in the focus sectors of Health, Agriculture et al.
Since 2012, the global grant has enabled enterprises to extend their reach to other geographies in Africa (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia) and South Asia (Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal), impacting over 187,000 beneficiaries on the ground through 12 projects.
The session also included a panel discussion focused on the ‘Risks, Challenges and Opportunities of taking Indian Innovation to Other Developing Nations’; moderated by Mr. Anil Sinha, Former Regional Head at IFC - International Finance Corporation-World Bank group; Advisor - Global Impact Investors Network; Chairman - Millennium Alliance Strategic Advisory Board who remarked, ”The Alliance has expanded its growth and impact to affect other geographies creating sustainable socio-economic impact”.
The panel saw representation from Millennium Alliance partners - FICCI and USAID India. Ms. Moni Sinha Sagar, Development Assistant Specialist (Innovation), Center for Innovation and Partnerships (CIP), USAID/India highlighted “We are really happy to be founding partners to the Millennium Alliance program. Along the way we have seen the program grow exponentially in its reach and impact”.
Also on the panel were past Millennium Alliance global grant awardees who engaged in an enlightening and encouraging interaction on their respective experiences in scaling to other low-income developing countries. These included Mr. Jaydeep Mandal, Aakar Innovations who has taken his affordable menstrual hygiene solution ‘Anandi’ to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda; Mr. Sudesh Menon, CEO Waterlife India which is currently scaling its’ Community Water Systems in Rwanda; and Mr. Vaibhav Tidke, CEO S4S Technologies which has scaled its Solar Conduction Dryer in Nepal and Cassava Tech in Kenya.
An India-led initiative, the Millennium Alliance is an innovation-driven, impact-focused platform which has received and evaluated over 7,000 applications since its’ inception in 2012 of which 86 innovations have already been awarded.
A multi-stakeholder partnership, Millennium Alliance brings together the Technology Development Board, Government of India, USAID, UKAID, FICCI and other partners. The program has contributed to the socio-economic development agenda in over 20 Indian states and 7 developing countries; thereby directly benefitting more than 6.8 million people at the BoP level.
Additionally, innovators have also been able to leverage their association with Millennium Alliance to raise external funds worth Rs. 451 million as well as develop over 90 partnerships for extensive and sustainable project implementation.
Concluding the session, Mr. Nirankar Saxena, Assistant Secretary General, FICCI assured the enterprises of continued engagement and support through FICCI Center for Innovation, Science and Technology Commercialization (C-Tech) through its’ current set of programs as well as future programs in the pipeline.
This 6-year-old earns $11 million on YouTube, makes it to Forbes’ list
NEW YORK, Dec 11: Kids love toys but there aren’t many who earn millions of dollars by just playing with them. Six-year-old Ryan from the United States has made it into the global list of Forbes’ “Highest-Paid YouTube Stars 2017” by reviewing toys and candies on YouTube.
According to Forbes’ annual list of the highest-earning YouTube celebrities, he earns over $11 million for it. He shares the eighth position on the rich list with fellow YouTuber Smosh.
Ryan was only four when he started his YouTube channel Ryan ToysReview with the help of his family. The channel has many videos of Ryan reviewing the latest toys for kids.
“Ryan loves Toys. Toys Review for kids by a kid! He loves Cars, Trains, Thomas and friends, Lego, Superheroes, Disney toys, open surprise eggs, play doh, Pixar Disney cars, Disney Planes, monster trucks, minions, playtime at the fun, family fun adventure and so much more!” his channel describes him.
His review of a “GIANT EGG SURPRISE” box containing over 100 toys from Disney Pixar’s “Cars” series was the one that eventually made him a YouTube star. The video has more than 800 million views so far.
Ryan’s channel has over 10 million subscribers and is ahead of Lilly Singh, a Canadian YouTube personality, in Forbes’ list. |
