Cultural festival between India and Nepal spotlights common heritage, Buddhism
KATHMANDU, Dec 9: The third India-Nepal Cultural Festival was held on Monday in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, highlighting the shared cultural heritage and traditions of both countries, with a special focus on Buddhism.
Organized by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust and Lumbini Buddhist University, the festival was inaugurated by Lumbini Governor Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar and India’s External Affairs Ministry Additional Secretary Muni Mahawar.
The event featured cultural performances, including an Odissi dance recital with a Buddhist theme by a six-member Indian Council for Cultural Relations troupe and traditional music by Nepali band Ghugu Mugu.
A seminar titled ‘Nepal-India Buddhist Heritage: A Common Legacy’ brought together scholars from both nations to discuss the significance of Buddhist heritage in strengthening cultural ties and fostering people-to-people connections.
The festival emphasized the deep historical and cultural bonds between India and Nepal, celebrating their shared traditions and promoting continued collaboration.. (PTI)
Teen fears losing friends due to Australia’s social media ban
MELBOURNE, Dec 9: Australia’s new social media ban, effective Wednesday, prevents under-16s from using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to protect children from online harms.
Fifteen-year-old Riley Allen, living on a remote South Australian sheep ranch, worries about losing contact with friends, while his mother refuses to help him bypass the law.
Some teens, like Sydney schoolboy Noah Jones and schoolgirl Macy Neyland, are challenging the ban in the High Court, claiming it infringes on freedom of political communication.
Critics argue the ban may push children to unsafe, unregulated platforms, while supporters, including parent groups, see it as necessary for child safety.
Legal proceedings will continue, and experts warn children might circumvent the restrictions using tools like VPNs, highlighting the challenge of enforcing age-based digital regulations effectively. (AP)
