UN: Morocco’s Hilale to co-chair ECOSOC forum on science, technology and innovation

Technology

The President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Ambassador Bob Rae, has appointed Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, to co-chair, with Finland’s Ambassador, Elina Kalkku, the ECOSOC Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to be held on May 7 and 8, 2025.
The choice of Morocco reflects the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the field of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in light of the remarkable progress in the digital transformation of the Kingdom’s infrastructure and its positioning as an African leader in AI.
This designation is also a recognition of the Royal vision that initiated an ambitious digital transformation project since the start of His reign, aimed at modernizing digital and telecommunications infrastructures, improving access to technology for citizens and integrating technology and innovation into education and for the benefit of young people.

Brits will be flocking to this ‘pretty’ winter travel hotspot over Christmas

Travel

It might not be your first choice, but it’s well worth a visit (Picture: Getty Images)Jetting off on holiday is not as easy as it used to be. With countries cracking down on holiday lets, hiking tourist taxes, charging for popular attractions and imposing curfews, going abroad is becoming more expensive and less convenient. 
It’s tempting to head far away from the UK around this time of year, in search of warmer climates and smilier faces, but we often forget about the magical destinations we have right on our doorstep.
And, research by Airbnb has found that Brits are flocking to an unexpected spot this festive season: a quaint market town on the edge of the Salisbury Plain.
Warminster in Wiltshire has been named one of the rental platform’s top 10 trending UK destinations.
And while it might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think ‘holiday’ or even ‘staycation’, the town is steeped in natural beauty and history, with plenty to do for the whole family. 

Warminster is nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Picture: Getty Images)How to get to Warminster
Warminster is located in southwest Wiltshire, on the western side of the Salisbury Plain. It’s about 18 miles away from Bath, under 30 miles from Glastonbury, and a stone’s throw from Stonehenge.
The quickest way to get to Warminster from London is by train, though you’ll have to change at Salisbury, Southhampton or Bath.
Alternatively, you can drive there from London in around three hours (or less) via the M3, M4 and A303.

Warminster is on the western edge of the Salisbury Plains (Picture: Google Maps/MetroUK)Things to do in Warminster
Get in the Christmas spirit
On Saturday November 30, Warminster’s Christmas Celebration will see residents and tourists alike take to the streets for an array of market stalls, a Santa’s Grotto, carols, and performances from local bands.
Alternatively, Bath – which is just a 30-minute train ride away – opens its Christmas Market on Thursday November 28, offering a winter break that’s as festive as can be.
Wander around the quaint streets
Warminster is a market town filled with independent eateries. Grab a pizza or tapas at the Old Fire Station restaurant, which Ellie G on Tripadvisor called a ‘hidden gem’, or go for coffee and cake in the ‘delightful’ Taste Deli. 
There’s also a shopping centre with a whole host of popular retailers — but don’t forget to check out the independent shops around the town for cute, handmade decor. 

Still beautiful regardless of the colder weather (Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)See a show at the Athenaeum Centre
The Athenaeum Centre is the oldest working theatre in Wiltshire, run mainly by volunteers. If you’re heading to Warminster with children around Christmas, this year’s pantomime is Beauty and the Beast, and it’s running from December 12 to Christmas Eve.
David, who went to the panto last year, said the show was ‘fantastic’ on Tripadvisor, adding: ‘We are lucky to have such a gem of a place and is well supported by the community.’

It’s the oldest working theatre in Wiltshire (Picture: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Check out the festivities at Longleat Safari Park
Longleat, which is just an eight-minute drive from Warminster, was the first ever safari to open outside of Africa. It’s home to the longest maze in the country and has loads of Christmas activities for the family.
You can book tickets now for a winter safari, and the lions and tigers are ‘particularly active’ in the cooler weather, according to the website. 
Kiddies can also take a ride on the Santa train and there’s the Festival of Light, an Enchanted Christmas Tree show along with a variety of guided house tours to choose from. 

Longleat Maze is the longest in the country (Picture: Getty Images)Take a walk up Cley Hill
If hikes are more your thing, Cley Hill is absolutely beautiful in winter. 
The 30-minute moderate walk to the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, for a dose of history, you can also check out the Iron Age hillfort and Bronze Age burial mounds.

Cley Hill has panoramic views and historical landmarks, making it ideal for a quick winter hike (Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)Stourhead, which is about 25 minutes away from Warminster by car, is another great option for a less-steep winter walk. It’s home to a Grade I-listed mansion from the 18th century and one of the most famous landscape gardens in the country. 
Visit the Warminster UFO Mural
Finally, if you’re after some wacky Warminster history, the UFO Mural near the Warminster Community Hub is well worth a trip. 
Back in 1965, numerous people reported sitings of a UFO in the town, which became known as the Warminster Thing. 
The mural was painted by a secret artist working with the Warminster Information Centre and is meant to ‘immortalise’ the history.
More Trending

Read More StoriesGraeme M heard about the Warminster Thing in the ‘70s and got to visit the town in 2021, six years after the mural was painted. 
‘If you are interested in alternative items to see, then this is certainly that,’ he wrote on Tripadvisor.
‘Well worth a photo or two.’

Where to stay in Warminster

For a cheaper stay
Family rooms at the Travelodge Warminster start at £45 per night, offering a perfect base for your break. Book here.
For a luxury stay
If you’re looking for something a little swankier, family rooms at the Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa start from £285 per night. Book now.
Fancy an Airbnb?
This lovely cottage costs £96 per night, and sleeps six guests. Book now.
Prices checked in November 2024.

This article was first published on November 11, 2024.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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Camp Crasher OTT Release Date: Here’s when you can stream the Argentinian Comedy Film Online

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Camp Crasher OTT Release: The Argentinian Comedy film is all set to premiere on December 6th on Netflix.  The film is about a Single Mother’s struggle and how she balances her life with her son.
[embedded content]
Plot
The story of the film follows the life of a single mother and her son. How the mother does everything for her son all by herself and tries to maintain a balance with her work and personal life.
However things take a dramatic turn when the mothers co-incidentally reads one of her son’s what’s app chat’s with his father in which he had asked his father to take him away as he doesn’t feel like living with his mother anymore.
However, as the mother goes through the text, she feels shocked and surprised and thinks of all the better ways to keep him to herself. In the end of the message, the father says okay he’ll think about it.
Meanwhile her son is planning for his school trip and is excited to be with his friends and have lots of fun. Finally the day of the school trip comes and all the children reach the school to board the bus
Meanwhile one of the teachers in the school informed the parents that he has some bad news to share. He informs the parents that the driver who was suppose to take the bus is tested positive for drugs and won’t be able to make it.
All the parents and the children look at each other and start whispering. However, Romi’s mother jumps in and offers a plan. She tells them that she has 2 proposals, one to drop the trip or she can drive the bus.
The parents happily agree and she safely takes the children to the trip and all of them had lots of fun.

Camp Crasher – Official Trailer (2024) Natalia Oreiro, Milo Lis, Comedy Series pic.twitter.com/EbWnq5ZEmN
— Movie Coverage (@MovieCoverage_) November 7, 2024

Chikwarakwara gets temporary tourist border post status

Travel

Beitbridge

ZIMBABWE, South Africa and Mozambique were on Monday involved in the historic establishment of a temporary border post at Chikwarakwara, a few kilometres west of the Crooks Corner, and about 130 kilometres east of Beitbridge town.
The temporary post called Limpopo Tourism Access Facility is a scheduled crossing point where prior arrangements with the three States will see tourists and adventurers driving all-terrain vehicles crossing the three countries and being attended to by Customs and Excise and Immigration officials from the three States.
The international co-ordinator for The Great Limpopo Trans Frontier Conservation, Gwinyai Muti told stakeholders that the facility would see tourists enjoying seamless movement from the Kruger National Park in South Africa to Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe and Mozambique without having to go through Beitbridge.
Muti was accompanying journalists, who are expected to market the facility and tourism products in all countries to the international community.
“We are trying to establish a facility that will link the Kruger National Park to the Gonarezhou National Park in the context of the Great Limpopo Trans Frontier Park,” Muti said.
He said tourists had been requesting an alternative entry point to Beitbridge where there are delays, and where there is no physical contact between the two national parks, which the new facility will provide.
The International Organisation for Migration is part to the new arrangement. It hopes that in the long run ordinary people will also benefit from the development.
The temporary border post will be officially opened in the first quarter of 2023. Zimbabwe expects to benefit from the more than one million tourists who visit Kruger National Park annually if it manages to entice them to cross into the country to explore products on offer.
During the dry run, Zimbabwe was represented by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officer Luke Njiva who said the event coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Great Limpopo Trans Frontier Conservation Area.
He pointed out that collaboration among the three countries was important for tourism development and emphasised that no bridge will be built, but that the facility would be seasonal like the Limpopo River.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsDayZimbabwe

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Lord Swraj Paul wins top honour at Asian Business Awards

Business News

Hosted by the Asian Media Group, the Asian Business Awards recognise and reward top achievers from the community.

Lord Swraj Paul, who founded Caparo, was recognised with the coveted Asian Business of the Year award.

By:
EasternEye

ONE of Britain’s best-known industrialists scooped the top honour at the annual Asian Business Awards on Friday (15).
Lord Swraj Paul, who founded Caparo, an international business conglomerate producing steel and niche engineering products, was recognised with the coveted Asian Business of the Year award.
The 94-year-old moved to the UK in the 1960s to seek medical treatment for his young daughter, Ambika, but stayed on and set up his business empire, which has now diversified into hotels and property, power and logistics, finance and investment.

Congratulations to The Rt Hon. Lord Swraj Paul of Marylebone, Founder of Caparo, for being named Asian Business of the Year at the Asian Business Awards!
Join us in celebrating his outstanding achievements and the inspiring legacy!#ABA2024 #BusinessExcellence pic.twitter.com/52esEpQPek
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
After winning the award, Lord Paul said: “I remember when Mark Tully interviewed me when I first started in Britain. He asked, ‘Lord, how much are you British, and how much are you Indian?’ I said, ‘I am a hundred per cent British and a hundred per cent Indian.’”
Caparo has revenues of $1 billion, with a presence in the US, Canada, the UK, India and the UAE, employing 11,000 people.
“My family and I fought for India’s freedom. My brother and I, along with others, came to our house where I started in 1948. I later built my first factory in Huntingdon, at John Baker’s facility. The second plant I built at that time was opened by the Prince of Wales, who is now the King,” he said.
Lord Paul is also known for his philanthropy, having donated major sums to London Zoo and funding universities in the UK and US.
In total, nine winners were recognised on the night, as the best of British Asian enterprise and success was celebrated at the gala event.
Chief guest Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office minister, paid tribute to Asian businesses, saying they have grown to be “an economic powerhouse in this country”.
He added: “And some of those business founders came to the UK with next to nothing, built their way up, created wonderful success stories.

“Through sheer graft, and the power of their own ingenuity, they managed to build incredible organisations touching every part of our national life—from food and drink, to pharma and healthcare, to hospitality and retail.
“It’s important that we celebrate the talent and hard work that is present in this room this evening. Tonight is about honouring the best.
“I want to congratulate everyone who wins an award tonight, to thank you for everything you have done, and to look forward to a future where the UK goes from strength to strength.”
Another highlight was the launch of the latest edition of Eastern Eye’s Asian Rich List 2025, a compilation of the 101 wealthiest Asians in the country.
With an estimated wealth of £34.5 billion, the Hinduja family retained their top ranking this year.
Gopichand Hinduja unveiled the glossy publication in front of 700 guests at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
Among those who attended were MPs, CEOs, and business and community leaders.
Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami thanked the organisers for the opportunity to launch the Asian Rich List. He spoke about the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and the UK, and said: “The South Asian community here has generated tremendous value over decades.
“The relationship between the UK and India has tremendous potential for further growth. In trade, investment, education, and science and technology, this partnership will be one of the major drivers of progress for the remainder of this century.
“To that end, we at the High Commission congratulate everyone who made it onto this year’s list. For those who didn’t, perhaps channel your inner John Lennon and rattle your jewellery,” he said.
Hosted by the Asian Media Group, publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat news weeklies, the Asian Business Awards recognise and reward top achievers from the community.
Winners included Asian Business CEO of the Year 2024 is Nish Kankiwala, CEO, John Lewis Partnership.

We’re thrilled to announce that Nish Kankiwala, CEO of @JLPJobs, has been awarded CEO of the Year supported by Westcombe Group at the Asian Business Awards!
Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement!#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/NlDPNJ2HBy
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
He told the audience: “Technology should enable better human decisions, not replace them. For example, at John Lewis, we collect vast amounts of data about customer behaviour. But sometimes, we forget that we don’t actually know the customer as well as we think.
“The future lies in combining data with human insight. Data science and AI can be enablers and enhancers of decision-making, but they can’t replace human intuition.
“Fail quickly if you’re going to fail—that’s critical. One mistake I’ve made is being too patient with organisational changes. When turning around a business, you need to build capabilities ahead of its current state. If you don’t, you’ll end up with an organisation fit for today but incapable of driving future growth.
“Another lesson is distinguishing between tactics and strategy. Early in my career, I spent too much time on tactical fixes when the real issue was a flawed strategy. Strategy boils down to two questions: where do you want to play, and how do you win? If you get those right and execute them well, businesses tend to thrive,” Kankiwala said.
Valimex Foodservice, which supplies groceries to London’s top hotels and restaurants, was named Asian Business Fast Growth Business of the Year.

Congratulations to Valimex Foodservice for winning Fast Growth Business of the Year at the Asian Business Awards supported by @PrathamUK!Their dedication to innovation and excellence in the foodservice industry is truly inspiring.@ValimexUK#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/6OGaD1JPhE
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Under the leadership of directors Viraaj and Raajev Thakrar, Valimex’s fleet of refrigerated vehicles services various sectors, such as healthcare, education and hospitality.
A leading family business in the pharmaceuticals sector, was crowned winner of the Asian Business Next Gen Award. CEO Hatul Shah collected the award for Sigma Pharmaceuticals, the country’s largest independent wholesaler in the pharmacy channel. Its revenues have risen by 30 per cent to £270 million, and the company has also enjoyed an eight-fold rise in profit.

Congratulations to Hatul, Bhavin, Rajiv, and Paras Shah of @sigmaplcuk, for winning the Next Gen of the Year Award supported by the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation at the Asian Business Awards!Here’s to many more successes ahead!#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/aGhoLsK6JA
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Mane Kancor, which supplies spices, produces essential oils, natural antioxidants and blends, won the International Business of the Year award.
The Franchise Business was awarded to Lavanya Gamsani, director, Sriram Abhi Limited and her chain of Subway stores.
Femme Fabric Solutions, a feminine hygiene company to end the stigma of period poverty in India and other parts of the world, was named Asian Business Sustainable Business of the Year.
The Asian Business Food and Drink Business of the Year was won by Wanis International Foods, one of the largest specialist food and drink wholesalers in Europe, while Brown & Burk won the Asian Business Healthcare Business of the Year.

We are thrilled to announce that Wanis has been awarded the Food & Drink Business of the Year at the prestigious Asian Business Awards!
Congratulations to the entire Wanis team on this well-deserved recognition!#ABA2024 #BusinessExcellence #Wanis pic.twitter.com/dNjXUbXOuH
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Guests raised funds for Pratham UK.
Aditya Solanki, Chief Operating Officer at Asian Media Group, said: “The Asian business community has always demonstrated unparalleled determination, skill, and a commitment to excellence. Over the past 26 years, we have witnessed the rise of visionary leaders who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“They have not only contributed significantly to the UK’s economy but have also become a driving force in philanthropy, social impact, and community cohesion.
“The Asian Business Awards have served as a platform to recognise and applaud these individuals, and tonight, we continue that tradition.”

Washington hosts UMass-Lowell in non-conference matchup

Technology

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UMass-Lowell River Hawks (2-1) at Washington Huskies (2-1)Seattle; Sunday, 10:30 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Washington faces UMass-Lowell in out-of-conference play.Washington finished 11-6 at home last season while going 17-15 overall. The Huskies averaged 80.6 points per game last season, 36.1 in the paint, 12.9 off of turnovers and 16.5 on fast breaks.

UMass-Lowell finished 22-10 overall with a 10-7 record on the road a season ago. The River Hawks averaged 80.0 points per game while allowing opponents to score 70.7 last season.The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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‘The Sabarmati Report’ Box Office Collection Day 1: Vikrant Massey’s Film Earns INR 1.41 Crore on Opening Day in India

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Vikrant Massey-starrer The Sabarmati Report passed with flying colours on the opening day. As per trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film raked in INR 1.41 crore at the box office on Friday. “#TheSabarmatiReport opens as expected, with key centres contributing significantly to its Day 1 biz… Interestingly, the opening day collections are on par with #VikrantMassey’s previous release #12thFail [ Rs 1.10 cr]. However, the film needs to show strong growth over the weekend to ensure a solid weekend total. #TheSabarmatiReport [Week 1] Fri Rs 1.41 cr. #India biz | Nett BOC | #Boxoffice,” he wrote. ‘The Sabarmati Report’ Movie Review: To No One’s Surprise, Vikrant Massey’s Film Is Undisguised Propaganda Masquerading As ‘Investigative’ Drama.
‘The Sabarmati Report’ Collections

#TheSabarmatiReport opens as expected, with key centres contributing significantly to its Day 1 biz… Interestingly, the opening day collections are on par with #VikrantMassey’s previous release #12thFail [₹ 1.10 cr].
However, the film needs to show strong growth over the… pic.twitter.com/1ITQTXRk6x
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) November 16, 2024
Directed by Dheeraj Sarna and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Amul V Mohan and Anshul Mohan, The Sabarmati Report is based on the real-life events of the burning of the Sabarmati Express in Godhra. Earlier this month, the makers unveiled the film’s trailer. The trailer highlights the ideological debate between Hindi speaking and rooted journalists and the west influenced and superior complex of English Reporters in a thought provoking manner with the events unfolding in the background shaping the politics and reporting of the tragic events. ‘Koi Khatre Me Nahi Hain’: ‘The Sabarmati Report’ Actor Vikrant Massey Feels Muslims Are Not in Danger in India, Says ‘Everything Is Going Fine’ (Watch Video).
Earlier at the trailer launch, Ektaa said that the movie tries to bring out the unknown facts about the tragic incident and the genesis of it. She said, “I am telling the genesis of it. Pehla Pahlu (first aspect) – without undermining the other pehloos (aspects). Unfortunately, this Pehlu, how it all started, has not been reported enough. That’s why we have decided to tell you how it started without undermining what happened later. It doesn’t mean if you tell one story, you undermine the other. It’s not about only one side. This is about how it started, very different”. The film also stars Ridhi Dogra and Raashii Khanna.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ Full Movie Streaming on Simply South App, Watch Online Details Shared on X After Nayanthara Issues a Letter to Dhanush

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The full movie of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan is now available for streaming on the Simply South app, allowing fans to watch the 2015 hit film online. Directed by Vignesh Shivan, this rom-com can be streamed on the South Indian OTT platform, excluding India, as confirmed by the platform on its official X handle. This update follows a recent open letter from Nayanthara, the film’s lead actress, to Dhanush, addressing the legal dispute over the use of clips from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in her upcoming Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale. Despite multiple requests, Dhanush, who produced the film under his Wunderbar Films banner, denied permission to feature any visuals or songs from the film in the documentary, even sending a legal notice demanding INR 10 crore in compensation. Nayanthara Responds to Dhanush’s INR 10 Crore Legal Notice Ahead of the Release of Her Netflix Documentary ‘Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale’; Read the Actress’ Open Letter.
‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ on Simply South App

Rowdy vera, fraud-u vera! 🤨
Watch #NaanumRowdyDhaan, one of the biggest hits and a film that is loved by all even today. 🩷
Stream the film now on Simply South worldwide, excluding India. pic.twitter.com/ys8e3IYcyK
— Simply South (@SimplySouthApp) November 16, 2024
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Elvis Presley’s Wife Reveals Late Legend Regretting After Rejecting THIS Role In Movie

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Elvis Presley was a great on-stage artist, but the late legend could have even killed it onscreen. Priscilla, Presley’s wife, recently recalled the one role that the Jailhouse Rock artist wanted to desperately play but stepped back because of one important person.  Barbra Streisand had initially offered Elvis Presley the role of her onscreen love interest for the 1976 movie A Star Is Born. However, the A Little Less Conversation artist’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had talked him out of the film.