Latest news with #DailyTribune
Gulf Insider
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
FrancoFilm Festival 2025 Opens With A Dazzling Celebration
The red carpet rolled out, the spotlights beamed, and the spirit of cinema lit up Dana Mall as the FrancoFilm Festival – Bahrain 2025 made its grand entrance on Sunday night at EPIX Cinemas. Now in its third edition, this cultural celebration brought together filmmakers, diplomats, cinema lovers, and storytellers from across continents – all united by a common language: cinema en français. Under the patronage of H.E. Éric Giraud-Telme, the French Ambassador to Bahrain, the event wasn't just a film festival – it was a symphony of cultures, hosted in collaboration with 12 Francophone embassies including Armenia, Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Vietnam. 'This is more than just a showcase of films – it's a celebration of the creative soul of Francophone nations,' said Ambassador Giraud-Telme, speaking to the Daily Tribune. 'It's about invention, diversity, and shared stories that connect us all.' A special premiere screening of the epic 'Le Comte de Monte-Cristo', a 2024 adaptation by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, based on Alexandre Dumas' legendary tale of revenge and redemption. For the first time ever, Bahraini audiences were treated to this cinematic gem on the big screen. But the night wasn't only about the movies – it was also about building bridges through film. Ambassador Giraud-Telme noted, 'France and Bahrain are working hand-in-hand in the cinema industry. Just a few months ago, we co-launched the 48-Hour Film Challenge during the Bahrain Film Festival – a symbol of our strong and growing partnership.' Adding her voice to the evening, Martine S. Kindt, Consul of Belgium in Manama, reflected on the vibrant interest in Francophone storytelling: 'We have so many types of filmmakers across our countries, but what stands out here is the genuine curiosity and appreciation the Bahraini people have for French culture and cinematic diversity.' With its blend of classic storytelling and fresh global perspectives, the FrancoFilm Festival is more than just a film screening – it's a cultural rendezvous, an invitation to see the world through different lenses, and a celebration of connection through the art of festival will continue until 22-May with more screenings and events open to the public. Also read: LMRA Inspections Lead To Deportation Of 167 Workers And Detention Of 14 Violators
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cheboygan schools could face extended year if ice storm legislation doesn't pass
CHEBOYGAN — Cheboygan Area Schools could have their school year extended until the third week of June if a piece of legislation doesn't pass, according to Superintendent Spencer Byrd. Cheboygan Area Schools faced repeated school closures this winter. In addition to the typical snow days, East Elementary School closed for multiple days in February after an unidentified odor led to headaches and other symptoms for teachers and students at the school. After an ice storm swept the region in late March, the district saw another extended closure, with all schools shuttered from March 31-April 9. Classes resumed in the district on Thursday, April 10. More: Parents air concerns about carbon dioxide levels at Cheboygan's East Elementary School More: 'A generational storm': Northern Michigan ice storm was worst in over 100 years In total, the district used nine snow days, and then used an additional eight days following the ice storm. East Elementary School added three additional closures of its own. State Sen. John Damoose and State Rep. Cam Cavitt both filed separate bills designed to address the issue of school closures related to the ice storm with slight variations. Both aimed to offer forgiveness for days out of school while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of Emergency was in effect. Cavitt's House Bill 4345 has been moving forward and is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 6, Byrd told the Daily Tribune. In Michigan, schools are expected to have 180 days of student instruction. Up to six days can be forgiven for any reason, whether it be power outages, inclement weather or illness. After those six days, schools can request three additional days off, which must be approved by the state superintendent. Even before the ice storm, Cheboygan Area Schools had used up their nine days. Due to the closures at East Elementary School, two more days will need to be made up, Byrd said. One of those days has already been made up, and the other day will need to be added to the end of the calendar. It will be a professional development day for staff that students will not need to attend. According to MCL — 388.1701, a day of professional development can count toward pupil instruction, up to 38 hours total. For a professional development day to count as a day of pupil instruction, at least five hours of instructional work must be given to the staff. More: Northern Michigan schools hope state forgives days taken off for ice storm Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage That still leaves the question of the days the district was closed due to the ice storm. Damoose met with local superintendents on Monday, May 5 to discuss House Bill 4345, Byrd told the Daily Tribune in an email. Byrd added that it looks like there is a lot of support for the bill. If approved, individual school boards will need to vote on whether they would like to have the additional days off waived, or if they'd prefer to extend the school year for more instruction. The last day of school for Cheboygan is currently scheduled for June 6. — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @KarlyGrahamJrn. This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan schools could face extended school year if ice storm legislation doesn't pass
Daily Tribune
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's chess community gears up for Black and White tournament
The upcoming 'Black and White' Chess Tournament, organised by the Daily Tribune, has received an impressive response from players across Bahrain. Scheduled for April 30 and May 1 at the MC Indeez Auditorium in Mahooz, the two-day event has seen registrations pour in from chess enthusiasts of all ages. From young beginners to experienced players, the high number of entries reflects the growing popularity of chess in the Kingdom. Organisers say the turnout has already exceeded expectations, with families, students, and professionals all showing interest in the tournament. Full Schedule of Events The event is being held in collaboration with the Bahrain Chess Federation and Arjun Chess Academy. It will begin with a FIDE Rated Blitz tournament at 6 PM on April 30. The next day will include Kids Rapid (U10), Junior Rapid (U17), and FIDE Rated Rapid tournaments starting at 9AM. A total prize pool of $1000 and 54 prizes are up for grabs, adding to the excitement for participants. Positive Reaction from Organisers P Unnikrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of the Daily Tribune, expressed appreciation for the strong interest. 'The response shows how active and committed Bahrain's chess community really is,' he said.
Daily Tribune
02-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Next-Gen ID Card : A Game-Changer for Travel and Technology
TDT | Manama Bahrain's revamped National ID card is now equipped with cutting-edge features, transforming it into a digital travel document. This latest upgrade is set to revolutionize the way citizens and residents travel, offering convenience and enhanced security. But the big question remains: when can you get your hands on this new ID card? In an exclusive interview with the Daily Tribune during a media tour at the premises, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information & eGovernment Authority (IGA), shed light on the new card's capabilities and when it will be available. 'If the country you're traveling to accepts electronic travel documents, the new ID card will work seamlessly for that purpose. We're proud to be the first country in the region to offer such a feature,' Al Qaed explained. The redesigned ID card, developed with global mobility in mind, integrates with digital travel applications through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology. This ensures smooth cross-border identification, allowing ID card holders to experience hassle-free travel. The card is also built to meet the highest international standards, fully complying with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, guaranteeing secure identification. But it's not just about technology. The ID card also showcases a modern, interconnected design that proudly reflects Bahrain's identity and rich cultural heritage. Made from break-resistant polycarbonate, it is durable, resistant to scratches and heat, and able to withstand environmental factors. Inside, your identity is securely stored and verified using advanced fingerprint matching technology, ensuring your information is both safe and easily accessible.'We've made significant improvements in both design and security,' Al Qaed said. 'The new ID not only includes symbols that highlight Bahrain's heritage, but it's also cheaper and more efficient than ever before.' The card's design beautifully reflects Bahrain's 3,000-year history, from the Sumerian era to the ancient Dilmun civilization. It features icons representing Bahrain's wildlife, maritime heritage, and its historical significance in pearl trading and fishing. The design serves as a tribute to the Kingdom's deep-rooted cultural legacy. When Can You Get the New ID? The IGA has confirmed that citizens and residents can obtain the new card once their current ID expires. However, recognizing that many are still using their old ID cards, a new self-service option is available 24/7 through eKiosk machines. The new Self-Service Center in Isa town premises established to provide more efficient access to services through a collection of self-service kiosks in a single location, enabling them to complete their government transactions effortlessly especially the ID card chip update 'In 2024, 193,000 people used the eKiosk machines,' Al Qaed revealed, underscoring the convenience of these automated services. Additionally, the introduction of eKey 2.0 and the MyGov app offers a streamlined way for both public and private sectors to access services online—without the need for in-person visits. Al Qaed emphasized that these digital advancements are helping to improve the efficiency and accessibility of government services.'We're also working to accelerate the influence of AI in this sector,' he added. 'Through our innovation Hub, we are training Bahraini youth for the next phase of digital transformation.' Innovation Hub Al Qaed highlighted the importance of nurturing Bahrain's workforce, ensuring government employees are equipped with the right skills to lead the way in innovation. 'We are building a national laboratory to stimulate a culture of innovation within the government sector. This will help us improve the quality of services while staying in tune with global trends,' he said. Latifa Al Abbasi, iGA's Director of Innovation and Advanced Technologies, shared insights into the newly established Innovation Hub, designed to foster a culture of innovation and digital transformation within the public sector. The Hub will serve as a dynamic platform for developing prototype and pilot solutions that enhance service quality and align with global technology trends. She also highlighted a key collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), which will support the development of eight prototype initiatives for various government sectors. These initiatives include using AI to enhance the national complaints and suggestions system (Tawasul), upgrading the Sijilat 4.0 system for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and launching the "Aman Against Bullying" initiative for the Ministry of Education, also powered by AI technologies. What's Next? As part of this forward-thinking approach, the next step will involve launching a national AI feedback system. This will allow citizens and residents to easily access real-time information on services, ensuring a more responsive and transparent government. Al Qaed expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, for inaugurating these projects. Bahrain's commitment to modernizing its digital infrastructure and embracing new technologies is clear. The future is bright for those looking to experience seamless travel, enhanced security, and a more connected, innovative Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamd bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Daily Tribune
24-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Nepal's Tourism Sector Flourishes with 1.2 Million Jobs and Growing Interest from GCC Travelers
Nepal's tourism sector played a vital role in the country's economy, providing direct and indirect employment to 1.2 million people in 2023, contributing 6.1% to the GDP. The sector's contribution is projected to increase to 6.6% in 2024, as growing numbers of international travelers explore Nepal's diverse attractions. Speaking at the Tourism to Nepal: Mountain and More promotional event at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel in Manama, Nepal's Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Tirtha Raj Wagle, highlighted the sector's robust performance. He revealed that 1.15 million tourists visited Nepal in 2024, with India, the USA, the UK, China, Australia, Germany, and France ranking among the top sources of visitors. 'We are delighted to see growing interest in Nepal from tourists in the GCC countries,' Ambassador Wagle said in remarks to the Daily Tribune. The event also shed light on the expanding prospects for Nepal-Bahrain cooperation in tourism, particularly in mountaineering and hospitality. Ambassador Wagle recalled a remarkable milestone in Nepal-Bahrain relations—the historic Everest summit by the Bahrain Royal Guard team. On May 11, 2021, a 16-member team led by Shaikh Mohammed Hamad Mohammed Al Khalifa successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, marking the first-ever ascent by Bahrainis. Reflecting on the achievement, Ambassador Wagle noted that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa personally congratulated the climbers, remarking, 'Bahrain's message from the highest mountain is that peace and security should prevail all over the world.' Adding a personal touch to the event, Mohamed Isa delivered an inspiring speech recounting his trekking experiences in Nepal and the country's breathtaking landscapes. Dr. Ali Hassan Follad, Advisor to Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, attended the event as the representative of H.E. Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism, underscoring Bahrain's keen interest in strengthening tourism ties with Nepal. The event served as a platform to promote Nepal's tourism potential, further cementing its status as a premier global travel destination.
