Latest news with #Bakkar
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Man held in Barasat for anti-national posts
Kolkata: A man from Murshidabad was arrested by Barasat police in North 24 Parganas on Sunday for allegedly posting anti-national content on social media, including pro-Pakistan messages and an image showing the Indian National Flag being set on Police, meanwhile, detained two persons after they showered praises on Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor on their social media handles. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Police said both Sheikh Saddam and Mohammad Arif stay near Howrah's Domjur bus Barasat, the accused, identified as Abu Bakkar, was employed at a jewellery shop near Haritala More. According to locals, Bakkar uploaded a photograph on Friday showing the Tricolour being burnt, along with several remarks in Bengali that allegedly supported Pakistan. The posts triggered outrage among his colleagues and social media noticing the content, Bakkar's co-workers confronted him when he arrived at work on Sunday. He was handed over to Barasat police, who took him into custody for interrogation. Following preliminary questioning, he was arrested. "We have launched a probe," a senior officer of Barasat District Police incident has sparked tension in the area. Local traders expressed concern, stating such actions could disturb communal harmony."We live here peacefully. But his colleagues noticed that he was making anti-India comments on social media. That's why they handed him over to the police," said a local shopkeeper. Police said further legal proceedings are A man from Murshidabad was arrested by Barasat police in North 24 Parganas on Sunday for allegedly posting anti-national content on social media, including pro-Pakistan messages and an image showing the Indian National Flag being set on Police, meanwhile, detained two persons after they showered praises on Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor on their social media handles. Police said both Sheikh Saddam and Mohammad Arif stay near Howrah's Domjur bus Barasat, the accused, identified as Abu Bakkar, was employed at a jewellery shop near Haritala More. According to locals, Bakkar uploaded a photograph on Friday showing the Tricolour being burnt, along with several remarks in Bengali that allegedly supported Pakistan. The posts triggered outrage among his colleagues and social media noticing the content, Bakkar's co-workers confronted him when he arrived at work on Sunday. He was handed over to Barasat police, who took him into custody for interrogation. Following preliminary questioning, he was arrested. "We have launched a probe," a senior officer of Barasat District Police incident has sparked tension in the area. Local traders expressed concern, stating such actions could disturb communal harmony."We live here peacefully. But his colleagues noticed that he was making anti-India comments on social media. That's why they handed him over to the police," said a local shopkeeper. Police said further legal proceedings are underway.
Gulf Today
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan attends opening of 3rd Sharjah Animation Conference
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the third edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference. This came in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The event, the first of its kind in the region, is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority and takes place from May 1 to 4 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Extensive programme and global participation During the opening, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on this year's conference agenda, which features a rich lineup of specialised events including 26 professional workshops, 21 interactive panel discussions, film screenings, and themed exhibitions. The conference hosts 72 speakers from among the world's top animation creators. His Highness also toured the conference halls and exhibitor booths, learning about the creative tools presented by participating entities from around the globe. Celebrating Arab animation His Highness also viewed a short creative film produced by the Sharjah Book Authority. The film, presented in a visually rich and narratively innovative style, chronicled key milestones in the development of animation in the Arab world — from its early days in tents and marketplaces to modern productions that shaped generations, such as 'Bakkar,' 'Freej,' and 'Shaabiat Al Cartoon.' Sheikh Sultan with dignitaries at the event. The film shed light on early Arab efforts in animation, prominent regional productions in the 20th century, and the role of dubbing in reintroducing global works through an Arab voice and identity. It also spotlighted the 'Spacetoon' experience, which marked a transformative moment in Arab children's media. The film concluded with an inspiring message affirming that Sharjah is paving the way for Arab content creators to produce visual works rooted in their culture and delivered to the world in the language of Arab creativity. Opening remarks by Khoula Al Mujaini In her opening speech, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of the Conference, stated: 'We inaugurate the Sharjah Animation Conference, a comprehensive initiative launched by the Sharjah Book Authority under the patronage of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and under the supervision and guidance of the Chairperson of the Authority, to empower content creation in the Arab world through new tools and innovative approaches.' Al Mujaini added that the conference embodies Sharjah's vision of establishing a sustainable environment for content creation, through an integrated year-round ecosystem designed to discover, develop, and connect talents with production and publishing platforms. It serves as a bridge between publishing and production, writers and illustrators, imagination and execution, and between the generation writing today and the one that will dream twenty years from now. She concluded by saying: 'It's time to tell our stories ourselves. The Arab world is brimming with exceptional talent that needs not creativity — but rather space, opportunity, and support. Today in Sharjah, we dream, plan, and work so that the world may one day watch world-class animated works with an Arab identity — rooted in our culture, speaking our language, touching the hearts of our children, and captivating global audiences.' Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of 'du,' the official sponsor of the conference, said: 'Our sponsorship of this conference stems from our deep belief in the importance of investing in culture and creativity as drivers of positive change and key enablers of the future economy.' Celebrating Japanese anime and global industry icons This year, the conference celebrates the art of Japanese anime, which has influenced generations of animation lovers worldwide. It welcomes a distinguished lineup of Japanese creators, including Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both of whom contributed to iconic Studio Ghibli productions such as Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro. The event also features Tom Bancroft, CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios, Tony Bancroft, known for his work on Disney's Mulan and Aladdin, and Sandro Cleuzo, the character designer behind Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip 'n Dale. A platform for global trends and creative synergy Now in its third edition, the Sharjah Animation Conference is advancing its status as an international platform for exploring the latest trends in animation. This year's discussions include intersections between animation and artificial intelligence, visual storytelling, and adapting literary works into visual productions — affirming that animation today is a universal language where art, technology, and cultures converge.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Sharjah Ruler opens 3rd annual edition of Sharjah Animation Conference
Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the third edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC 2025) recently at Expo Centre Sharjah, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Organised by SBA, SAC 2025 runs from May 1 to 4 and stands as the region's first event of its kind—uniting professionals, emerging talent, and enthusiasts in the world of animation for four days of dynamic exchange, innovation, and collaboration. During the opening, His Highness was briefed on this year's rich programme, which includes 26 specialised workshops, 21 interactive panel discussions, curated film screenings, and exhibitions, all led by 72 international industry leaders. His Highness also toured the conference halls and exhibitor pavilions, engaging with the latest animation tools, technologies, and creative expressions from around the globe. Celebrating the legacy of Arab animation A highlight of the opening ceremony was a short film produced by SBA that traced the vibrant history of Arab animation. From early beginnings in tents and souks to modern classics such as Bakkar, Freej, and Shaabiat Al Cartoon, the film offered a heartfelt tribute to the region's storytelling traditions and artistic innovation. The film also honoured the pivotal role of Arabic dubbing in localising international animated content and making it culturally resonant for Arab audiences. It spotlighted the enduring influence of Spacetoon in transforming children's media across the region. The screening concluded with a powerful affirmation of Sharjah's commitment to nurturing Arab creators and promoting original, culturally grounded content for a global audience. Khoula Al Mujaini: It is time for us to tell our own stories In her opening remarks, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SAC, described the conference as a strategic initiative under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. She stressed the event's mission to bolster Arab content creation through innovative, future-facing approaches. Al Mujaini highlighted Sharjah's sustained commitment to building a robust content creation ecosystem through year-round initiatives that identify and elevate talent. 'The conference connects publishing and production, authors and illustrators, imagination and realisation, and today's storytellers with the dreamers of tomorrow,' she said. 'It is time for us to tell our own stories. The Arab world is abundant with exceptional talent that lacks neither creativity nor ambition, but simply requires the opportunity, space, and support to flourish. Here in Sharjah, we are imagining, planning, and taking action to ensure that, in the near future, the world will experience animation of international standard, rooted in Arab identity, expressive of our culture, articulated in our language, resonant with our children, and captivating to global audiences,' she concluded. du CEO lauds SAC's central role in guiding emerging talent into UAE's digital future Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, SAC's official sponsor, affirmed the telecom provider's belief in creativity as a driver of transformation and economic progress: 'Our support for SAC stems from a firm belief in culture and creativity as catalysts for positive transformation and vital components of the future economy. This international event aligns with our vision to empower a new generation of creative storytellers who will shape the digital landscape of our region.' He added that SAC plays a critical role in enabling emerging talent to participate meaningfully in the UAE's digital future. Honouring Japanese anime artistry This year, SAC pays special tribute to the global legacy of Japanese anime, welcoming esteemed creators including Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both of whom contributed to Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro with Studio Ghibli. The international lineup also features Tom Bancroft, founder of Pencilish Animation Studios; Tony Bancroft, Disney animator known for Mulan and Aladdin; and Sandro Cleuzo, celebrated for his work on Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip 'n' Dale. Now in its third edition, the Sharjah Animation Conference continues to grow as a global hub for exploring the future of animation. This year's programme delves into intersections between artificial intelligence, visual storytelling, and literary adaptation, reinforcing the message that animation is a universal medium where culture, technology, and imagination converge.
Sharjah 24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sultan Al Qasimi attends opening of 3rd Sharjah Animation Conf.
This came in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The event, the first of its kind in the region, is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority and takes place from May 1 to 4 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Extensive Programme and Global Participation During the opening, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on this year's conference agenda, which features a rich lineup of specialised events including 26 professional workshops, 21 interactive panel discussions, film screenings, and themed exhibitions. The conference hosts 72 speakers from among the world's top animation creators. His Highness also toured the conference halls and exhibitor booths, learning about the creative tools presented by participating entities from around the globe. Celebrating Arab Animation His Highness also viewed a short creative film produced by the Sharjah Book Authority. The film, presented in a visually rich and narratively innovative style, chronicled key milestones in the development of animation in the Arab world—from its early days in tents and marketplaces to modern productions that shaped generations, such as 'Bakkar,' 'Freej,' and 'Shaabiat Al Cartoon.' The film shed light on early Arab efforts in animation, prominent regional productions in the 20th century, and the role of dubbing in reintroducing global works through an Arab voice and identity. It also spotlighted the 'Spacetoon' experience, which marked a transformative moment in Arab children's media. The film concluded with an inspiring message affirming that Sharjah is paving the way for Arab content creators to produce visual works rooted in their culture and delivered to the world in the language of Arab creativity. Opening Remarks by Khoula Al Mujaini In her opening speech, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of the Conference, stated: 'We inaugurate the Sharjah Animation Conference, a comprehensive initiative launched by the Sharjah Book Authority under the patronage of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and under the supervision and guidance of the Chairperson of the Authority, to empower content creation in the Arab world through new tools and innovative approaches.' Al Mujaini added that the conference embodies Sharjah's vision of establishing a sustainable environment for content creation, through an integrated year-round ecosystem designed to discover, develop, and connect talents with production and publishing platforms. It serves as a bridge between publishing and production, writers and illustrators, imagination and execution, and between the generation writing today and the one that will dream twenty years from now. She concluded by saying: 'It's time to tell our stories ourselves. The Arab world is brimming with exceptional talent that needs not creativity—but rather space, opportunity, and support. Today in Sharjah, we dream, plan, and work so that the world may one day watch world-class animated works with an Arab identity—rooted in our culture, speaking our language, touching the hearts of our children, and captivating global audiences.' 'du' CEO Highlights Investment in Culture and Creativity Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of 'du,' the official sponsor of the conference, said: 'Our sponsorship of this conference stems from our deep belief in the importance of investing in culture and creativity as drivers of positive change and key enablers of the future economy. The Sharjah Animation Conference reflects our shared vision of empowering a new generation of creators, storytellers, and content makers who are shaping the digital landscape in our region.' He added: 'Creativity is one of the pillars of the digital transformation we aspire to in the UAE, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. Conferences and events like this offer emerging talent the opportunity to refine their skills and provide all the tools and space needed for creativity and meaningful contribution to a more connected and innovative future.' Celebrating Japanese Anime and Global Industry Icons This year, the conference celebrates the art of Japanese anime, which has influenced generations of animation lovers worldwide. It welcomes a distinguished lineup of Japanese creators, including Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both of whom contributed to iconic Studio Ghibli productions such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The event also features Tom Bancroft, CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios, Tony Bancroft, known for his work on Disney's Mulan and Aladdin, and Sandro Cleuzo, the character designer behind Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip 'n Dale. A Platform for Global Trends and Creative Synergy Now in its third edition, the Sharjah Animation Conference is advancing its status as an international platform for exploring the latest trends in animation. This year's discussions include intersections between animation and artificial intelligence, visual storytelling, and adapting literary works into visual productions—affirming that animation today is a universal language where art, technology, and cultures converge.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Agreement signed to train, employ 700 Jordanians in contracting sector
AMMAN — Chairman of the Vocational Training Corporation (VTC) and Minister of Labour Khaled Bakkar and General Manager of Mid Contracting Company Alaa Masri have signed a cooperation agreement to qualify and employ 700 Jordanians in the contracting and construction sector. Bakkar said that the agreement comes in response to the labour market's "growing" need for specialised technical workers in the contracting sector, a "vital" industry that contributes to economic growth and creation of "sustainable" job opportunities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Sunday. Bakkar stressed the importance of partnerships with the private sector to achieve "sustainable" development and reduce unemployment rates. The minister noted that the empowerment of Jordanian youth to receive the required skills is a "fundamental" pillar of the Economic Modernisation Vision and a national priority. VTC Director General Ahmad Gharaibeh said that the corporation continues to develop its partnerships with "leading" companies in various sectors, aimed to providing training programmes that keep pace with modern technological and professional developments. Gharaibeh noted that this agreement represents a "practical model" of the VTC's endeavours to make a "true" cooperation in linking training to direct employment opportunities. Masri said that the company views this partnership as a "true" investment in national human capital, aimed to train Jordanian youth, in accordance with "high" standards, which would contribute to raising projects' quality and enhancing "competitiveness" of the construction sector locally and regionally. Under the agreement, specialised vocational training programmes are outlined and designed to cover a "wide" range of skills required in the contracting sector, including public safety and work site management. The training will be implemented over two phases, as the theoretical stage lasts six to eight weeks, followed by training at the work sites of Mid Contracting Company, which would enhance trainees' readiness to enter the job market upon graduation. The VTC will also provide equipped training centres in Balqa and Zarqa governorates and "qualified" trainers and logistical services. On its part, the company will provide the "necessary" raw materials, practical training sites, and equipment and commit to employing trainees, who successfully complete the programme, based on its operational needs inside and outside Jordan. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
