Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie is set to be honored with the prestigious Maltin Modern Master Award at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). The award ceremony will take place on February 5, 2025, at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara. Jolie, celebrated for her versatile acting and impactful directorial work, has left an indelible mark on the film industry, making her a fitting recipient of this accolade.
The Maltin Modern Master Award, named after esteemed film critic Leonard Maltin, recognizes individuals who have significantly influenced the world of cinema. Established in 1995, the award was renamed in 2015 to honor Maltin’s contributions to the festival as a longtime moderator. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which runs from February 4 to February 15, 2025, will also showcase a variety of international films, with the full lineup expected in January.
Jolie’s latest film, *Maria*, directed by Pablo Larraín and depicting the life of opera singer Maria Callas, will premiere in select theaters on November 27, 2024, before its streaming release on Netflix in December. Additionally, Jolie’s directorial project, *Without Blood*, starring Salma Hayek, has garnered acclaim following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year.
Jolie’s career highlights include her Academy Award-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted and her roles in iconic films such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent. Beyond acting, she has directed critically acclaimed films like Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. Her humanitarian efforts, particularly with the UN, further demonstrate her global influence.(input from agencies)
A wave of outrage has erupted outside Cambridge School in Noida after a three-year-old girl was reportedly assaulted by a staff member. The child’s mother alleges that the school’s management failed to protect her daughter, claiming there were multiple lapses that enabled the assault to occur twice.
The incident occurred on October 4 when the child was taken to a locked medical room. After the child screamed, the assailant reportedly escaped. Initially, school staff dismissed the child’s complaints, attributing them to inappropriate online content.
In response to the growing anger, parents gathered to demand accountability and transparency from school officials. “We need to ensure our children’s safety,” stated one parent, calling for urgent action from the school.
Authorities have arrested the alleged perpetrator, a 30-year-old housekeeping staff member, along with two school officials who failed to report the assault. The Child Welfare Committee has issued a notice to the school, insisting on stronger safety measures.
This alarming incident highlights the critical need for enhanced safety protocols in educational institutions to protect young children. Parents are calling for immediate reforms, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of students must always be prioritized.
Mumbai: In a shocking turn of events following the murder of Baba Siddique, a photograph of his son, NCP MLA Zeeshan Siddique, was discovered on the phone of one of the accused. This photo, reportedly sent via Snapchat by the conspirators’ handler, has raised serious concerns regarding potential threats to Zeeshan’s safety.
Baba Siddique was shot dead near his office on October 12, 2024, allegedly due to a contract orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Shubham Lonkar, a key figure in the conspiracy, has been linked to the gang and reportedly provided weapons to the shooters. According to the police, the initial contract for the assassination included a demand for ₹1 crore, although details of the payments remain murky.
The investigation revealed that Lonkar had intended to eliminate both Baba and Zeeshan Siddique, with the shooters chosen for their ignorance of Baba’s prominence. It was reported that they received a flex banner and a photograph of Baba to aid in identification. The police have arrested nine individuals connected to the murder, including two shooters, while three others remain at large.
Additionally, the Mumbai police have faced scrutiny over security measures for Baba Siddique, who had received threats before his death. Despite being granted Y-category security, only one constable was present at the time of the shooting, and he has since been suspended for failing to act amid the chaos, which was exacerbated by smoke released to conceal the gunfire.
Residents and political leaders are now expressing alarm over the apparent rise in gang-related violence in Mumbai. The police are continuing their investigation, aiming to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and prevent further attacks.
A drone launched from Lebanon reportedly crossed into Israel and struck a structure in the coastal town of Caesarea on Saturday, heightening security concerns as the site is near one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residences. While no injuries were reported, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they are investigating the incident and its origins.
In addition to the drone that hit Caesarea, two more drones were intercepted by Israeli defense systems, and warning sirens were triggered in Glilot, near Tel Aviv. However, the military later clarified that no drone attacks took place in Glilot, indicating that initial alarms may have been a precautionary response to the perceived threat.
At the time of the incident, it was unclear whether Netanyahu was present at his Caesarea home. Recent tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated, leading to concerns about increased cross-border provocations from Lebanon. Military officials are continuing their investigations to determine the intent behind the drone infiltration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently praised Bollywood’s popularity in Russia, emphasizing its cultural and economic influence. Speaking ahead of the BRICS Summit, Putin revealed plans to discuss expanding Bollywood’s presence in Russia with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia already hosts a channel dedicated to Indian films, but Putin sees potential for greater collaboration, especially in marketing.
“Indian cinema is more popular here than entertainment from any other BRICS country,” Putin noted. He expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with India during the summit, aimed at boosting cultural and economic ties.
New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, with the AQI crossing 300 in multiple areas, entering the ‘very poor’ category. Key areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur saw AQI levels of 334 and 390, respectively, with smog covering large parts of the capital. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 1 is now in place, including dust control measures.
Experts warn that stubble burning from neighboring states could worsen the situation. Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged immediate local interventions, while BJP criticized AAP’s ineffective pollution control efforts.
Resident Ashish Kumar Meena said, “The air is choking us, especially near Akshardham; the government must act before it worsens after Diwali.”
Forecasts predict the air quality will continue to worsen over the weekend.
Adv Ashish Fule, BA,LLB is a Constitutional Expert
Nagpur: The imagery of Lady Justice has long served as a powerful symbol within the legal framework of India, embodying the core ideals of fairness, impartiality, and authority. As society evolves, so too must its symbols. This principle has recently manifested in the transformation of the statue of Lady Justice at the Supreme Court of India, reflecting both a departure from colonial legacies and an embrace of contemporary democratic values.
The previous statue of Lady Justice at the Supreme Court was a familiar sight to many Indians. It depicted her as a blindfolded figure holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The blindfold symbolized the idea that justice is blind—implying that it should be administered impartially, without bias towards wealth, status, or power. This representation, deeply rooted in Western traditions, echoed the ideals of figures like the Greek goddess Themis and the Roman Justitia
For the common public, this imagery conveyed a sense of assurance that justice would prevail regardless of external influences. However, it also sparked criticism and debate. Many citizens felt that the concept of “blind justice” could lead to a lack of sensitivity towards the nuances of individual cases and the realities faced by marginalized communities. While the blindfold represented impartiality, it also risked suggesting ignorance of the societal complexities that influence legal outcomes
As India seeks to redefine its identity in the post-colonial era, the old idol began to be seen as an anachronism. The sword, representing authority, often overshadowed the principles of democracy and fairness. This imagery, while historically significant, became increasingly viewed as outdated in a nation striving for equality and inclusivity
The transformation of Lady Justice is not merely about aesthetics; it signifies a broader need within the Indian judiciary for symbols that resonate with the current societal values and aspirations. The public’s call for a more responsive legal system that acknowledges the complexities of justice has been growing, emphasizing the necessity for a representation that aligns with modern Indian society
On October 16, 2024, the Supreme Court unveiled a new statue of Lady Justice, signifying a pivotal shift in the representation of justice in the country. This modern idol features several key changes:
1. Open Eyes: The removal of the blindfold marks a significant departure from tradition. The open eyes symbolize awareness of societal complexities, reinforcing the notion that the law should not be ignorant of the realities faced by citizens
2. The Constitution: Instead of a sword, the new statue holds a copy of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing that justice must be grounded in constitutional values rather than punitive authority. This shift signifies a commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law, reflecting the core tenets of the Indian judicial system
3. Retained Scales of Justice: While the statue has evolved, it retains the scales in Lady Justice’s hand, symbolizing the careful consideration required in judicial decision-making. This element underscores the importance of weighing evidence and arguments from all parties involved
4. Cultural Relevance: The design of the new idol aligns more closely with Indian identity and values, emphasizing inclusivity and equity. This transformation is vital for a nation that seeks to uphold its democratic ideals while shedding colonial symbols
The unveiling of the new idol is a reflection of ongoing reforms within the Indian legal system aimed at modernizing legal frameworks and replacing outdated colonial laws, such as the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Legal experts have lauded the transformation, asserting that the new representation fosters public trust in the judiciary by promoting values that resonate with modern Indian society. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud articulated this vision, stating that the law must see everyone equally, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles.
(The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official stance of Channel 6 Network)
Chandigarh: In a significant step fulfilling one of his key election promises, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced free dialysis services for chronic kidney patients across all government hospitals in Haryana. This initiative marks the first major move by the new BJP government after Saini took oath as the state’s Chief Minister for the second time on October 17, 2024.
The free dialysis program, a part of the BJP’s electoral manifesto, addresses the critical financial burden faced by kidney patients, who often spend up to Rs.25,000 per month on dialysis treatments. By covering these expenses, the government aims to provide relief to thousands of patients who rely on long-term dialysis for survival. Saini signed this policy into action immediately after assuming office, declaring it as a top priority for his administration.
Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed that the state would promptly implement the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that allows states to create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes for reservation purposes. This move is expected to provide more targeted benefits to marginalized groups within the SC category, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Saini’s government is also focused on strengthening law and order. During a press briefing, Saini warned criminals operating in the state, urging them to either reform or face stringent action from the government agencies.
