Latest news with #Organisation
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Rachel Gupta: Resigned or terminated? Miss Grand Int'l 2024 row deepens
In a dramatic twist shaking the global pageant circuit, Rachel Gupta – the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International (MGI) title – has stepped down just months after her historic win. The 21-year-old model and beauty queen took to Instagram on Wednesday, citing a "toxic environment" and broken promises as reasons for her resignation. Reasons behind her resignation The 21-year-old said she faced a toxic environment and broken promises during her time with the pageant organisation. Rachel described her decision to step down as 'difficult but necessary' for her mental and emotional well-being. Rachel's emotional message The 21-year-old said being crowned was one of her biggest dreams, but the months that followed were filled with mistreatment and disappointment. "I can no longer endure in silence," she wrote. She also apologised to her fans and promised to tell her full story soon through a video. 'The truth will come out very soon,' she added. Also Read What did the MGI organisation claim? While Rachel says she resigned, the Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation claims she was terminated. In an official statement, MGI accused her of: Not fulfilling her duties Taking part in unauthorised outside work Refusing to join an official trip to Guatemala The organisation said her title was removed effective immediately and asked her to return the crown within 30 days. In the official statement, the MGI wrote, 'The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta's title as Miss Grand International 2024, effective immediately." Rachel won MIG crown last year Rachel Gupta made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International crown on October 25, 2024. She also won the Grand Pageants Choice Award, placing her alongside legendary Indian beauty queens like Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Rachel Gupta resigned or terminated? MIG 2024 organisers break silence
Rachel Gupta, the first Indian to be crowned Miss Grand International in 2024, has stepped down citing a toxic culture - but the organisers now claim she was officially terminated Sudeep Singh Rawat New Delhi In a dramatic twist shaking the global pageant circuit, Rachel Gupta – the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International (MGI) title – has stepped down just months after her historic win. The 21-year-old model and beauty queen took to Instagram on Wednesday, citing a "toxic environment" and broken promises as reasons for her resignation. Reasons behind her resignation The 21-year-old said she faced a toxic environment and broken promises during her time with the pageant organisation. Rachel described her decision to step down as 'difficult but necessary' for her mental and emotional well-being. Rachel's emotional message The 21-year-old said being crowned was one of her biggest dreams, but the months that followed were filled with mistreatment and disappointment. "I can no longer endure in silence," she wrote. She also apologised to her fans and promised to tell her full story soon through a video. 'The truth will come out very soon,' she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Gupta (@_rachelgupta) What did the MGI organisation claim? While Rachel says she resigned, the Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation claims she was terminated. In an official statement, MGI accused her of: Not fulfilling her duties Taking part in unauthorised outside work Refusing to join an official trip to Guatemala The organisation said her title was removed effective immediately and asked her to return the crown within 30 days. In the official statement, the MGI wrote, 'The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta's title as Miss Grand International 2024, effective immediately." Rachel won MIG crown last year Rachel Gupta made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International crown on October 25, 2024. She also won the Grand Pageants Choice Award, placing her alongside legendary Indian beauty queens like Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000.
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Cook Islands Rejects Push to Enshrine Christianity in Constitution
The discovery of the presence of a mosque in Rarotonga, which had been quietly operating for seven years, has set off a major debate about the status of the Cook Islands as a 'Christian nation.' It culminated this week in a parliamentary committee refusing to formally embed the country's religious affiliation by amending the constitution. The Masjid Fatimah Rarotonga quietly opened its doors to the local Islamic community in 2018. Situated within a family home in Titikaveka, on the southeast side of Rarotonga, it operated without incident until publicity about its existence last year led to heated debate and calls for the country's constitution to be amended to bar non-Christian religions. The Religious Organisation Restrictions Act, passed in 1975, limits the introduction of new religions to only the four authorised in the Act: The Cook Islands Christian Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The constitution currently allows anyone to practice their religious faith, but if they want to establish a church, they must apply to the Religious Authority Council. There are three pending applications before the Council. Last year Mohammed Azam, leader of the Muslim community in Rarotonga, told the Cook Islands News that the facility accommodated hundreds of Muslims on the island, including Indonesians, Filipinos, Indians, and some Cook Islanders, as well as visiting Muslim tourists. Related Stories 3/14/2025 2/19/2025 'We do prayers five times a day every day, and there's nothing else we do besides that,' he said. Churches Have Significant Influence But the country's other churches reacted strongly against the news, and began pushing for the country to be declared a Christian nation and for other religions to be outlawed. The influence of the church in the Cook Islands is such that Parliament responded by establishing a Religious Organisations Special Select Committee, which heard submissions on Rarotonga and visited the outer islands. Opposition was headed by the Cook Islands Christian Church, which proposed a constitutional amendment to enshrine 'the protection and promotion of the Christian faith as the basis for the laws and governance of the country.' Churches in the Pacific nation are traditionally very conservative and decided to use the consultation process to also propose reversing a 2023 law that legalised same-sex relations. Cook Islands Christian Movement interim secretary William Framheim said this was a 'Western concept' that may be acceptable elsewhere, but not in the Cooks. In a letter to the editor, Rarotonga Muslim community spokesperson Tatiana Kautai questioned the 'love and compassion' of the Movement, alluding to comments from its interim vice president, Pastor Clerk Turua, who said its purpose was 'to unite believers and serve the community with love and compassion.' From the outset, the government appeared reluctant to restrict freedom of worship, noting that to do so would breach several international treaties to which the Cook Islands was a signatory, while opposition MPs supported further restrictions. Rejected as Discriminatory This week, the committee rejected the proposal, saying it would be discriminatory and a violation of fundamental human rights and would breach the country's constitution. And—in a move certain to foment more opposition from the established churches—recommended Parliament repeal the Religious Organisations Restrictions Act. In its report, the committee agreed with the Cook Islands Law Society that laws must be applied fairly, equally, and without discrimination to all people regardless of their religious beliefs. 'The committee is compelled to adopt measures that uphold inclusivity, equality, and fundamental freedoms, ensuring alignment with both domestic and international standards,' the report said. The report also pointed out that the Religious Advisory Council (RAC) had been 'mistakenly' accepted as having an advisory role to the government on matters such as the regulation of churches and even immigration and seabed mining. 'However, the problem is that RAC is not a legally incorporated body and therefore has no formal or legal status,' the report said. The committee said it believed that the preamble of the Constitution sufficiently captured the significance of Christian principles in the Cook Islands. It reads: 'In the Holy Name of God, The Almighty, The Everloving, And The Everlasting. We, the people of the Cook Islands, recognising the heritage of Christian principles, Cook Islands Custom, and the rule of law, remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day, being that day of the week which, according to a person's belief and conscience, is the Sabbath of the Lord.'
Gulf Today
23-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
ZHO helps 237 students with Down syndrome
Zayed Higher Organisation (ZHO) is currently providing services to 237 students with Down syndrome enrolled in its care and rehabilitation centres across Abu Dhabi. On the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, observed annually on March 21, the organisation reaffirms the importance of early intervention to provide support and care for individuals with Down syndrome. It highlighted that programmes such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, special education, and supportive services play a critical role in developing essential skills in communication, self-care, social interaction, and academic learning. ZHO also stressed the need to create inclusive environments by enhancing accessibility, removing social barriers, and implementing policies that ensure equal opportunities in employment, education, and social participation for People of Determination. Abdullah Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the Organisation, reiterated the organisation's full commitment to integrating individuals with Down syndrome into society. He emphasised the importance of raising awareness to foster support, understanding, and inclusivity. 'Education plays a vital role in breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. By educating ourselves and others about Down syndrome, we empower individuals and contribute to a more inclusive society,' he stated. Kholoud Abdulrahim Al Mohammed, Director of Care and Rehabilitation Centres at the Organisation, noted that World Down Syndrome Day serves as a platform to raise awareness and recognise the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. She emphasised the organisation's goal of empowering and integrating People of Determination into society by enhancing their self-confidence and involving them in community activities. Throughout 2024, the ZHO launched and implemented a series of initiatives and projects, enhancing its services to benefit its members. Under the guidance and supervision of Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors, the organisation expanded and developed its services across all centres, equipping them with cutting-edge scientific and specialised devices. This was achieved through leveraging global technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence. WAM
Gulf Today
20-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
ICO to build Dhs8m city in Mauritania
The International Charity Organisation (ICO) has laid the foundation for the construction of a fully integrated residential city in Mauritania to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day. The project, valued at Dhs8 million, aims to provide housing and essential services to underprivileged families, including the poor and orphans. The city will feature 100 fully equipped homes tailored to meet the needs of beneficiary families, along with a mosque accommodating 100 worshippers, a school offering a comprehensive educational environment, a health centre equipped with advanced medical facilities, an artesian well to ensure sustainable access to clean water, charitable endowment shops, and a modern water distribution network to enhance efficiency. Dr Khaled Al-Khaja, Secretary-General of the ICO, emphasised that the initiative reflects the Organisation's commitment to sustainable development and improving the quality of life in targeted communities. He noted that Mauritania was selected for the project based on thorough field studies that identified an urgent need for such developmental efforts. 'This project aligns with the Organisation's vision and humanitarian mission, embodying the values of generosity and solidarity established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a continuation of the UAE's wise leadership in supporting humanitarian and charitable work globally,' Dr Al-Khaja stated. He also highlighted that the Organisation commemorated Zayed Humanitarian Day by launching a series of charitable initiatives within the UAE, including well donations and water provisions for hospital patients, as well as the distribution of food parcels and Iftar meals to orphaned and needy families. Dr Al-Khaja expressed his deep gratitude to the benefactors whose trust and generosity enable the International Charity Organisation to extend support to those in need worldwide. Recently, the ICO provided essential food packages to 400 Muslim villages since the beginning of its Ramadan 2025 campaign, aimed at alleviating hardship during the Holy Month. The initiative covers many countries, including Mauritania, Somalia, Senegal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kenya, delivering vital food supplies to underprivileged families for their iftar meals. WAM
