Mexican-Indian high school student
crowned Miss Teen USA
New York, Oct 5: Mexican-Indian high school student, UmaSofia Srivastava has been crowned Miss Teen USA 2023, which saw participation from over 50 young women from across the country, in a live-streamed contest in Nevada state. The 16-year-old high school Junior at the Academy of St Elizabeth had become the first Mexican-Indian Miss New Jersey Teen USA earlier this year. “IS THIS REAL??? I am so grateful and honored that I’m the first Mexican-Indian, first New Jersey, your MISS TEEN USA 2023!!!” Srivastava wrote on social media after winning the coveted title last week. “This night is truly the best night of my life because I was crowned with the people that have loved and supported me throughout everything cheering for me in the audience.” Srivastava, who speaks English, Spanish, Hindi and French, hopes to become a UN Ambassador. She works with the Lotus Petal Foundation to help underprivileged children in India receive a well rounded education, proper nutrition and healthcare. A co-founder of the Diversity & Inclusion campaign at her school, Srivastava also participates in Mock Trial and Model United Nations, according to her pageant biography. (IANS)
Vikings had windows, another shift away from their image as barbaric Norsemen
COPENHAGEN, Oct 5: Vikings had windows – usually only associated with medieval churches and castles – meaning Norsemen dignitaries sat in rooms lit up by apertures with glass, Danish researchers said Thursday. The glass panes can be dated from long before the churches and castles of the Middle Ages with which glazed windows are associated, they said. “This is yet another shift away from the image of unsophisticated barbaric Vikings swinging their swords around,” said Mads Dengsø Jessen, a senior researcher with the National Museum in Copenhagen. Over the past 25 years, archeologists have found glass fragments in six excavations in southern Sweden, Denmark and northern Germany. (AP)