Maayan to Saathuvan-9 Tamil movies releasing on November 29th

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

November Tamil movie releases 2024: Despite receiving negative reviews, Kanguva, which is still running in a few theaters, is set to be replaced this week by a total of 9 Tamil film releases. First Published Nov 25, 2024, 1:28 PM IST | Last Updated Nov 25, 2024, 1:28 PM IST Sorgavaasal: RJ Balaji’s Prison DramaSorgavaasal: Actor-director RJ Balaji’s ‘Sorgavaasal’ releases on November 29th. The trailer received positive feedback, raising expectations. Prison-themed films have been popular recently, and RJ Balaji is known for unique storylines. Directed by Siddharth Viswanath, it features Selvaraghavan, Natty, and others.
Miss You: Siddharth’s Romantic ReturnMiss You: Siddharth returns to romance after a break in ‘Miss You,’ directed by Rajasekhar. Following the success of ‘Siddha,’ this film features Ashika Ranganath, music by Ghibran, and editing by Dinesh Ponraj.
Paraman: A Tale of FarmersNovember Tamil movie releases 2024: Paraman: A poignant portrayal of farmers’ lives. Starring Super Good Subramani, Bigg Boss Archana, and others. Directed and produced by Sabareesh, known for ‘Calls.’ Releasing on November 29th.
Saathuvan: A Low-Budget ThrillerSaathuvan: Vijay Viswa stars in this low-budget thriller, directed by debutant Santhosh Sekaran. Releasing on the 29th, it explores the theme of suicide prevention and features Rashmitha, Kalaiyarasan, and others. Produced by PV Creations.
Dubbankuthu: Celebrating Folk ArtsDubbankuthu is a unique film showcasing folk arts and music. It stars Sangar Pandi, Deepthi Raj, and others and has music by Saravanan. The trailer was released last year, and the film finally hits theaters on November 29th.
Andha Naal: A Black Magic ThrillerAndha Naal: This completed film will finally be released on the 29th. It was directed by Kathiresan and produced by Raghunandan under Green Magic Entertainment. It stars Sham and Aadhya Prasad and features music by Robert Sargunam. The film explores black magic and crime.
Maayan: Exploring Mayan CivilizationMaayan: A thriller directed by Rajesh Kanna, exploring the Mayan civilization and their prophecies about the world’s end. Starring Priyanka Mohan, Bindu Madhavi, and others, it promises a thought-provoking experience.
Thirumbi Paar: A Crime ThrillerThirumbi Paar: Directed by Ibrahim, this crime thriller revolves around the ‘Shadow Walk’ combat strategy. Starring Vidhya Pradeep, Rishi Rithvik, and others. Produced by Giridharan under Pavithya Lakshmi Productions. Another film, ‘Silent,’ by a debut director, also releases on the 29th.
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Kanguva to Lal Salaam: 5 Flop Tamil movies in 2024

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Tamil Flop Movies in 2024: This article explores the Tamil films released in 2024 that generated significant anticipation but ultimately failed at the box office. First Published Nov 25, 2024, 3:19 PM IST | Last Updated Nov 25, 2024, 3:19 PM IST Flop Movies 20242024 was a year of surprises and shocks in Tamil cinema. Films of leading actors like Rajini, Kamal, and Surya flopped. Unexpectedly, a Malayalam film also made a big impact in Tamil Nadu.
Lal SalaamLal Salaam, starring Rajinikanth in a cameo, released in February. Directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, the film’s hype didn’t match its content, resulting in a box office failure despite a budget exceeding 40 crores.
Indian 2Indian 2, directed by Shankar and starring Kamal Haasan, released in 2024 after a long production. It failed to live up to the original’s legacy and became a major disappointment. Also read: Most married Tamil actress.
KanguvaKanguva, one of 2024’s most anticipated films starring Suriya, had a 350 crore budget. Despite comparisons to Baahubali and high expectations, its weak screenplay led to a box office failure.
BrotherJayam Ravi’s Brother, directed by Rajesh, released during Diwali. Despite expectations of a commercial hit, the film quickly disappeared from theaters and became a box office flop. Also read: November 29th releasing Tamil movies.
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How One Simple Change Can Save Thousands Of Dollars In Your Business

Business News

Running a business comes with countless decisions, but one of the most impactful moves you can make is also one of the simplest: do an expense audit and become mindful of your spending.

Many entrepreneurs focus on growing revenue, but often the real game-changer is managing what’s going out. By identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses, you can instantly free up money to reinvest in your business or boost your bottom line.

The Hidden Costs of Overlooked Spending
It’s easy to let small expenses slip through the cracks. These may seem insignificant and harmless on their own but together they can add up to thousands of dollars over time. Here are a few common culprits:

Unused Subscriptions: Software, tools, or memberships that no longer serve your business.
Unoptimized Services: Paying for features you don’t use or higher-tier plans you don’t need.
Repetitive Costs: Spending on duplicate services or supplies because of poor tracking.
Impulse Purchases: Buying things you “might need” but never use.

Without regular reviews, these expenses silently erode your profits.

Why an Expense Audit Works

An expense audit is like a financial health checkup for your business. It forces you to take a hard look at where your money is going and ensures every dollar you spend is aligned with your goals. The benefits are clear:

Immediate Savings: Identifying and cutting unnecessary costs has an instant positive impact on your cash flow.
Improved Profitability: Lowering expenses means more money stays in your business.
Greater Financial Clarity: You’ll gain a better understanding of your spending habits and where adjustments can be made.
More Strategic Spending: With a clear view of your finances, you can allocate funds toward investments that drive growth

How to Conduct an Expense Audit
Gather Your Financial Data

Review the last 3–6 months of business bank statements, credit card statements, and invoices.

Categorize Expenses

Sort spending into categories like subscriptions, advertising, supplies, payroll, and utilities.

Identify Unnecessary Costs

Ask yourself:

Are we using this?
Does it provide value?
Could we find a cheaper alternative?

Negotiate or Eliminate

Cancel unused subscriptions.
Downgrade service plans to align with actual needs.
Negotiate better terms with vendors.

Set Spending Guidelines

Establish clear rules for future spending to avoid unnecessary costs creeping back in.

Real-Life Example
Let’s take the example of a marketing consultant. After doing an expense audit, they discovered:

A $200/month software subscription they hadn’t used in over a year.
A duplicate social media tool costing $50/month.
A recurring $100 monthly fee for a networking membership they didn’t attend.

By eliminating these expenses, they saved $4,200 annually. That’s money they used to upgrade their website and invest in a targeted ad campaign that brought in new clients.
The Power of Mindful Spending
An expense audit is only the first step. To maintain these savings, practice mindful spending by:

Regularly Reviewing Finances: Conduct expense audits quarterly or biannually.
Asking “Do I Really Need This?”: Before making a purchase, ensure it aligns with your business goals.
Tracking ROI: Evaluate the return on investment for every major expense.

Small Change, Big Results
The bottom line is that the great thing about this simple change is how quickly it can transform your finances. By being intentional about where your money goes, you can uncover hidden savings and direct those funds toward the growth and success of your business.

How travelers with disabilities can make their holiday trips smoother

Travel

AI-assisted summaryTravelers with disabilities should plan their transportation and accommodation in advance and be prepared for potential complications.It is crucial to inform airlines about accessibility needs well ahead of time and allow extra time at the airport.Researching local resources and disability travel blogs can provide valuable insights and assistance.Holiday travel usually means crowded airports, clogged roadways and exorbitant prices. For those with accessibility needs, it can be an even more complicated time of year to get around. Travelers with disabilities can take steps to ease the ordeal, but it’s probably best to anticipate complications. Mark Raymond Jr., principal accessibility consultant Universal Development Consulting, said travelers with disabilities should plan ahead and think about their needs in three different buckets: transportation, air travel and accommodation. Here’s what he said should be kept in mind in each category to ensure the smoothest possible holiday trip. The overall theme is: plan ahead. Accessible transportation tips Whether your trip is entirely by ground or you need a last-mile pickup and drop-off to the airport, Raymond said it’s important to plan ahead. Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policies“Always have your vehicular transportation plans done,” he said. “Whether it’s having a public transportation plan or making sure that city has accessible taxi cabs, but have it identified on the front end and scheduled.” Flight cancelled this holiday season?:You’re entitled to a refund or other accommodation.You may not be able to get an accessible cab by default at some airports, for example, and some transportation systems may not be fully accessible either. Raymond said travelers should book accessible transportation in advance whenever possible, and research options and limitations for public transit in their destination if they’re not familiar with what’s available. Accessible air travel tips For air travel, Raymond said, it’s important to notify the airline about your accessibility needs as far in advance as possible, and to give yourself extra time at the airport. “Big thing is for people to plan accordingly, give themselves the time, be patient, because something’s going to go wrong,” he said. “You’re going to get there, something’s not going to go right, they’re going to say the plane’s too small. Make sure you call ahead. Let them know all your needs upfront.” Airlines typically damage thousands of wheelchairs and other mobility devices every year, and first-hand accounts by travelers show how accessible services in airports can be inconsistent. Unfortunately, that means the burden often falls to disabled travelers themselves to advocate for their own needs and know their rights and airline requirements in advance. The Department of Transportation has a Bill of Rights for disabled travelers that can be a handy resource. Some of the rights it outlines include the right to receive the appropriate seating accommodations based on accessibility needs, the right to travel with a mobility device or service animal, the right to receive information in an accessible format and others. Flight delayed this holiday season?:You may be entitled to a refund. Here’s what to know.Amanda Parkman, a disabled professor at the University of Arizona, said she’s planning a trip to Iceland over the holidays and finds it’s always important to brush up on her rights before she travels.  She agreed with Raymond that it’s important for travelers with accessibility needs to leave themselves extra time and be prepared if something goes wrong. “I’m making sure I have things for temporary fixes that could be quick fixes if my chair is broken in any way,” Parkman said. Her travel kit typically includes duct tape, Allen wrenches and other small tools for minor fixes. She added that she also typically puts signage on her wheelchair to let ground crews know how to handle it. “Ensuring there’s clear information on my chair should the baggage crew have any questions,” she said. “I include images … where to pick up the chair, if they need to disengage the battery, where and how to do that without causing any damages.” Accessible accommodation tips Raymond said travelers with disabilities should make sure their hotel or other accommodations are aware of their needs in advance. On his own travels, he said, he makes sure to call the hotel in advance to discuss what’s available. “I always want to talk to somebody. I need the accessible room with the roll-in shower,” he said. And while there’s no central, national repository for accessible travel information, Raymond said many cities have resources of their own to help identify accessible establishments, neighborhoods and services. “Looking to see if that city has an ADA department that can tell you what parts of the city are really, really done well,” can be a good way to get oriented in your destination, he said. Parkman added that many disabled travelers also have blogs, which can be invaluable resources for those heading to an unfamiliar destination or trying a new airline. “Information is the key. Information and planning is the most important thing,” she said. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

Scientists beat chefs to the skinniest spaghetti

Science and Health

25 Nov 2024

UCL scientists have ousted a renowned Sardinian pasta maker’s record for the thinnest pasta ever created. Their lab-created ‘nanopasta’ is said to measure just 372 nanometres in width – narrower than some wavelengths of light and a fraction of the thickness achieved by legendary chef Paola Abraini’s famously thin variant.
Abraini’s recipe, mastered only by two of her close female relatives in the town of Nuoro in Sardinia, is titled su filindeau (‘Threads of God’). Estimates of its thickness vary but can be less than 1 millimetre and efforts to replicate it manually, including by chef Jamie Oliver, have so far failed.
However, laboratory science has succeeded where culinary nous has fallen short, thanks to the use of electrospinning techniques. These involve liquid and flour threads being taken through the eye of a needle, using electric charge, to strike the mixture at a metal plate; with the plate and needle in effect functioning as a battery.
Researcher Beatrice Britton undertook the study for her chemistry master’s at UCL, replicating the standard method for making spaghetti, explained UCL chemistry department’s Dr Adam Clancy, who co-authored the paper published in Nanoscale Advances. 
He commented: “To make spaghetti, you push a mixture of water and flour through metal holes. In our study, we did the same except we pulled our flour mixture through with an electrical charge. It’s literally spaghetti but much smaller.”
While the novel pasta threads can be viewed collectively as part of a 2 cm wide nonofibre mat, the individual threads were invisible to the naked eye and too indistinct even for visible light cameras or microscopes. A scanning electron microscope was required to measure them.
Abraini’s status as premier pasta maker is unlikely, however, to be challenged by her spaghetti’s even more svelte new competitor, admitted Clancy’s co-author, professor Gareth Williams of UCL pharmacy school.
He said: “I don’t think it’s useful as pasta, sadly, as it would overcook in less than a second, before you could take it out of the pan.”
Coupled with that, the nanopasta is not made with the traditional mix of flour and water but relies on formic acid for its liquid component. While formic acid has its uses in foodstuffs as a preservative and to counter acidity, it is unlikely to gain approval as a primary ingredient.
However, where it fails in the kitchen, the invention could prove potentially useful in medical science and industry. 
Starch nanofibres can be extracted from plant cells but the purification process remains energy and resource intensive. Creating the fibres from flour starch offers a more sustainable alternative, explained Clancy as it is abundant, renewable and biodegradable, as well as being the second largest biomass source after cellulose.
Added Williams: “Nanofibres, such as those made of starch, show potential for use in wound dressings as they are very porous. In addition, [they] are being explored for use as a scaffold to regrow tissue, as they mimic the extra-cellular matrix – a network of proteins and other molecules that cells build to support themselves.” 
Pics: Beatrice Britton/Adam Clancy

Why You Should Plan Your Business’s Social Media Calendar in Q1 (and 12 Helpful Tips!)

Business News

Image from Adobe Stock

Planning your business’s social media calendar in the first quarter of the year can set a productive and proactive tone for the months ahead. By mapping out social media strategies early, businesses can align their marketing goals, leverage key events, and ensure that content supports broader company objectives. 
An organized calendar reduces the chances of last-minute content scrambles, allowing teams to maintain quality and relevance. With thoughtful, early preparation, businesses can tackle each quarter with confidence and purpose. This guide provides essential tips for creating an effective social media calendar that will keep your audience engaged throughout the year.
1. Align Social Media Goals With Business Objectives
To make social media impactful, a company needs to align its goals with overarching business objectives. For example, if a company aims to boost brand awareness, social media posts should emphasize storytelling, brand values, and user engagement. Alternatively, if the goal is to increase leads or drive conversions, the focus should shift toward targeted campaigns, promotional posts, and strategically timed calls to action.
“Consider your industry, the recent performance of the brand, and the current traditional marketing promotions for the product and its competitors,” says Professor Keith A. Quesenberry of Messiah University.  “A startup or new product needs to generate awareness, while an older product may need to be revived.”
Consistency is key in connecting social media posts with long-term goals. Establishing these priorities early in Q1 enables businesses to begin the year with a cohesive strategy that resonates across platforms.
2. Identify Key Campaigns and Themes for the Year
Selecting campaigns and themes early on can lend structure to a business’s social media presence. A skincare brand might plan seasonal campaigns that correspond with different weather-related skin concerns, while a tech company could create posts that follow new product releases. 
“Having a central theme for each quarter helps create consistency across social media platforms,” says Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce. “Cohesion gives audiences something familiar to look forward to (and easily remember) while helping you keep content fresh and timely.”
When you brainstorm themes in Q1, content creation becomes a proactive process, leading to higher-quality, well-thought-out posts that reinforce your brand’s identity.
3. Plan for Seasonal and Industry-Specific Events
Whether it’s a holiday, trade show, or annual industry milestone, incorporating seasonal and industry-specific events into your social media calendar is essential. For instance, a fitness brand might center campaigns around New Year’s resolutions in January or offer summer workout tips mid-year. 
“Planning around key events allows brands to connect with timely, relatable content and avoid missing out on valuable opportunities,” notes Michael Klein, CEO of functional herbal tea from Herbaly. “When businesses are prepared for these moments, they can join the conversation naturally and make a bigger impact.”
By accounting for these events early, businesses can have ample time to create compelling content that resonates with their target audiences. Foresight also creates flexibility for additional last-minute content adjustments as needed.
4. Schedule Product Launches and Promotional Campaigns
Planning social media around product launches and promotional campaigns ensures these high-impact events get the visibility they deserve. A new product line debut could benefit from a month-long countdown, teaser posts, and behind-the-scenes previews to build excitement.
“By scheduling product launches in advance, businesses can build anticipation and maximize reach,” says Lauren Elias, General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer of Kora, a company known for its organic skincare. “Similarly, planned discount events or giveaways can drive interest and engagement, attracting new followers while rewarding loyal customers.”
Mindful launches help avoid rushed content or missed opportunities. This way, teams can focus on creating high-quality posts that will resonate with audiences when it counts most.
5. Mix Up Content Types To Keep Audiences Engaged
Image from Adobe Stock
A brand that shares only one type of post may see diminished engagement over time as followers become accustomed to predictable content. Instead, varying posts between videos, images, blogs, polls, and stories keeps followers curious. 
“A balanced mix of content types keeps followers interested and engaged with your brand,” emphasizes Dr. Manjula Jegasothy, Co-Founder of MiamiMD, a company that specializes in crepe skin cream. “Offering variety shows adaptability and responsiveness to different audience needs and preferences.”
Scheduling diverse content helps maintain a dynamic, interactive social feed that resonates across a broad range of potential customers.
6. Establish Posting Cadence and Frequency
Early Q1 planning helps determine the best posting frequency for each platform. Posting too infrequently can reduce visibility, while over-posting might annoy followers. 
“Setting a regular posting cadence ensures brand visibility without overwhelming followers,” says Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv, a company known for its MENO vaginal moisturizer. “A thoughtful cadence maintains engagement and keeps your content consistently fresh and relevant.”
The right strategy depends on factors like platform, audience preferences, and content type. On platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn, more frequent posting may be effective, while Instagram might benefit from fewer but highly curated posts.
7. Incorporate User-Generated Content (UGC) Opportunities
Planning UGC opportunities, like asking followers to share photos with a branded hashtag or participate in a challenge, encourages community involvement.
“User-generated content is a powerful way to build community and amplify brand messaging,” states Erin Banta, Co-Founder and CEO of Pepper Home, a company that specializes in custom curtains. “Engaging followers with UGC allows them to feel part of your brand experience and brings authentic voices into your social media conversation.”
When they schedule UGC initiatives in Q1, brands can ensure there are consistent opportunities throughout the year to engage their followers meaningfully. Planned UGC campaigns also allow time for reposting high-quality user content that aligns with brand values.
8. Utilize Analytics To Adjust and Optimize Content
Effective social media planning involves continuous optimization based on performance analytics. Regular analysis helps keep the strategy dynamic, making it possible to refine posts and formats for maximum impact.
“Social media data is a gold mine of valuable insights that can guide strategies, bolster customer relations and inform competitive analysis,” says Rebecca Kowalewicz of Clearbridge Branding Agency. “In this context, competitive analysis refers to evaluating your competitors’ social media strategies, understanding their online performance and drawing insights to enhance your business strategies.”
By integrating competitive analysis into the review of performance metrics, businesses can not only fine-tune their own social media efforts but also gain a better understanding of market trends and gaps in the competitive landscape. Monitoring these metrics consistently ensures that businesses stay ahead of industry trends.
9. Establish Content Pillars for Consistent Messaging
Content pillars are the foundational themes that define a brand’s voice and purpose on social media. Establishing these pillars in Q1 ensures that every post reinforces key messages and values, creating a cohesive brand presence.
“Defining content pillars in advance helps structure content and ensures messaging aligns with the brand’s core values and objectives,” explains Maggie Brown, Founder and CEO of Recess Pickleball, a company that specializes in pickleball paddles. “When content is built around central themes, the brand’s message becomes more focused and memorable.”
Setting content pillars early on allows for consistent, thematic posts throughout the year. A pillar-centric strategy strengthens brand identity and helps audiences understand what your brand stands for, building trust and loyalty over time.
10. Outline a Strategy for Engaging With Followers
Planning a follower engagement strategy — such as responding to comments, sharing follower stories, and holding Q&A sessions — ensures consistency rather than sporadic engagement. 
“Engaging with followers in a consistent, meaningful way helps build a community around the brand,” notes Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of Stadium. “When brands actively participate in the conversation, it creates a sense of connection that drives loyalty and trust.”
Engagement strategies help businesses avoid the risk of neglecting the community building facet of social media. Early preparation allows for thoughtful, proactive engagement.
11. Integrate a Strategy for Paid Ads and Boosted Posts
Planning a paid ad strategy as part of the social media calendar helps businesses drive targeted engagement and expand their reach. A structured ad approach through promoting posts that perform well organically or running ads around product launches can amplify social media impact. 
“Integrating paid ads into the social media strategy helps ensure key messages reach a larger audience,” states Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble, a company that specializes in washable rugs. “An organized approach to boosting posts can help brands maximize reach and capitalize on top-performing content.”
When they conceptualize a paid ad strategy early, brands can set specific goals, select content strategically, and monitor performance to see where ads are most effective.
12. Prepare for Social Media Trends and Algorithm Changes
Social media is constantly evolving, with trends and algorithms shifting frequently. Thinking about these changes in Q1 helps brands stay adaptable and respond effectively as new features, platforms, or best practices emerge. 
“Adapting to social media trends and algorithm updates is essential for maintaining reach,” notes Charlie Melvoin, Co Founder of Zygo, a company known for its swimming headphones. “Planning with flexibility ensures brands can evolve and stay relevant as new features and preferences emerge.”
Through building flexibility into the social media calendar, brands can avoid reactive adjustments and instead focus on measured strategic adaptations. 
Set Your Social Media Strategy for Success
Planning your business’s social media calendar in Q1 sets the stage for a well-organized, effective year of engagement and growth. This structured strategy reduces stress, supports cohesive messaging, and ultimately drives stronger connections with audiences.
With a thoughtfully planned calendar, your business can navigate the year’s demands efficiently and effectively, making every post an opportunity to connect meaningfully with followers. Starting with a robust Q1 plan ensures that your social media presence is ready to support your brand’s goals all year long.

Scream star Melissa Barrera on new film ‘Your Monster’, taking on British audiences & plans to visit Scotland

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Scream and Abigail star Melissa Barrera chats to Graham Falk ahead of the UK release of her highly-anticipated new film ‘Your Monster’ this week.Taking major roles in hit horror films Scream and Abigail over the last few years, Melissa Barrera has developed into one of modern horror’s most recognisable and loved stars over the last five years.“I love your green walls!” she excitedly tells me, arriving a few minutes ahead of our scheduled Zoom call. Logging in fresh from an early morning flight to Los Angeles, she arrives with boundless energy, a booming smile and an infectious confidence, immediately embroiling me in a discussion around our mutual love of Toronto. Despite being an in-demand star, Barrera is clearly someone who thrives on conversation.Her new horror-comedy Your Monster lands at UK cinemas this week, and sees Barrera’s multi-faceted talents brought to life as the character of Laura Franco, a stage-actor and recovering cancer-patient who is left desolate when the she loses the love of her life and dream role all in one fell swoop. But when she discovers a charming, empathetic monster living the closet of her childhood home, things begin to change.Melissa Barrera has been heralded for her role in new horror-comedy ‘Your Monster’. Cr: Getty Images.

IAEA to Host Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology’s Role in Addressing Global Challenges

Science and Health

The 2024 Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications and the Technical Cooperation Programme will take place on 26-28 November 2024 at the IAEA’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The conference will bring together key decision makers to highlight how nuclear science and technology and the IAEA’s technical cooperation (TC) programme are addressing global challenges, including climate change, a growing cancer burden, rising hunger, water scarcity and plastic pollution.
Nuclear applications can offer technical solutions to help countries meet development goals while addressing pressing and emerging challenges – including mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate change is increasing food insecurity and water scarcity, and threatening ocean resources, while global health is impacted by pandemic threats and gaps in cancer care.
“For decades, the IAEA has led the way in helping countries harness the great potential of nuclear science and technology,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Marino Grossi. “Together we have succeeded in touching the lives of many around the world. But seeing the scale of the challenges, we need to do more.”
The IAEA has launched five flagship initiatives to help countries manage their development challenges. They are: 

ZODIAC, assisting countries prevent pandemics caused by zoonotic diseases (diseases originating in animals that can be transmitted to humans) with a focus on research, and innovation. 
NUTEC Plastics, fighting plastic pollution both by introducing new technologies to improve plastic recycling; and by identifying, and monitoring plastic pollution in the ocean.
Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All, aimed at expanding cancer care in middle- and low- income countries where the need is greatest.
Atoms4Food, a joint initiative with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations aimed at boosting food security.
Atoms4NetZero, which seeks to inform policymakers and decision-makers on the potential way forward for nuclear power as the reliable backbone of clean, affordable, resilient and more secure energy transitions.

The Ministerial Conference will encourage dialogue on facilitating the development and deployment of nuclear techniques to help countries achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – emphasizing food security and safety, climate change, and water resource management. The event aims to raise awareness of the IAEA’s research and development capacities, and the role of its TC programme in transferring nuclear applications and technology so that countries can apply it safely and securely to address development challenges.
The IAEA helps countries use nuclear science, and applications safely, and sustainably for peaceful purposes. These range from eliminating pests with the environmentally friendly sterile insect technique, to creating better crops using mutation breeding and employing nuclear techniques to combat malnutrition. Radiotherapy and nuclear medicine make a key contribution to human health. Countries also use nuclear techniques for climate change mitigation, monitoring and adaptation. Isotope hydrology can be used to manage water resources more effectively as they help scientists understand groundwater systems, water quality, and the sustainable use of aquifers.
Around 150 countries benefit from the IAEA’s technical cooperation (TC) programme, the IAEA’s primary mechanism for transferring nuclear technology to member countries to address key development priorities. In addition, the IAEA brings together research institutions across the globe to collaborate on coordinated research projects ranging from isotope and radiation applications in agriculture, human health, industry, and terrestrial and marine environments.
By sharing knowledge, establishing and facilitating regional cooperation, the IAEA assists countries in addressing their most urgent priorities in a safe and sustainable manner, including those in agriculture, food, water and health.

Golden Horse Award wins by Chinese films garner praise for Taiwan

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Shanghai, Nov. 25 (CNA) The success of Chinese filmmakers at the Golden Horse Awards in Taipei Saturday has sparked online discussions in China and garnered praise for Taiwan’s premier film awards, which celebrate excellence in Chinese-language cinema.Nov. 23: 2024 Golden Horse AwardsDespite China’s ban on YouTube, which streamed the awards ceremony live globally, the results were shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by movie enthusiasts. They celebrated the unexpected wins of Chinese filmmakers in Taipei on Saturday evening.Three of the four closely watched categories at the 61st edition of the Golden Horse Awards were won by Chinese filmmakers, including the Best Narrative Feature award won by playwright Ma Yingli (馬英力) for “An Unfinished Film” (一部未完成的電影) which she co-wrote.Ma also accepted the Best Director award on behalf of her husband, Lou Ye (婁燁), for the Singapore-Germany production. The film follows a film crew who reunite near Wuhan, China, in January 2020 to complete a long-delayed project, only to find themselves stranded by a lockdown as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to spread.Lou’s first win in his fourth nomination was greeted with approval by bloggers, content creators and other internet users in China, but also briefly raised concerns that the Best Director award could mean the film had less chance to win in the Best Narrative Feature category,In fact, the film went on to win both awards.Lou’s and the film’s back-to-back wins at the end of Saturday’s ceremony surprised the online Chinese audience, many of whom posted messages about the unexpected results and praised the film awards.”Judge movies by movies themselves. That demonstrates the Golden Horse Awards’ prominence and inclusiveness,” said one comment on the evening.Some expressed disappointment that Lou’s docufiction film, scheduled to hit theaters in Taiwan on Dec. 20 following its win, remains unreleased in China.Others questioned where the French production “Bel Ami” (漂亮朋友), a satire about gay and lesbian communities in China, would be screened after its world premiere at the Taipei Golden Horse International Festival, which concluded on Sunday.The film won Chinese actor Zhang Zhiyong (張志勇) the Best Leading Actor award and also garnered awards for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.On Saturday night, a Weibo user shared a photo collage featuring “Bel Ami” director Geng Jun (耿軍) accepting the award on behalf of Zhang, Ma picking up two awards, and Taiwanese filmmaker Sophie Suei (隋淑芬) collecting the Best Adapted Screenplay award for Wang Xiaoshuai (王小帥) for the Chinese-Dutch production “Above the Dust” (沃土).None of the winners in the Golden Horse Awards’ major categories were present at the awards ceremony, and Chinese website Douban did not list these films in its movie database, the internet user said.The best performing Taiwanese film was horror comedy “Dead Talents Society” (鬼才之道) which took home five awards with 11 nominations.This year’s Golden Horse Awards received a record-high 718 submissions from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia, the organizer said when the nominations were announced in early October.
(By Wu Po-wei and Kay Liu)
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