New Book Questions the Relevance of the UN through the lens of the Peacekeeping Crisis in Sierra Leone at the turn of the Century.

NEW DELHI, March 25, 2025 – A powerful new critique of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations hits shelves today with the release of “The Unforgettable Saga of Sierra Leone”, written by the Force Commander who navigated the Mission from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of success. Personally planning, conducting and participating in a number of military operations including the world famous “Operation Khukri”- the daring operation conducted in May 2000, that rescued hundreds of peacekeepers surrounded by ruthless rebels, the Force Commander recounts in graphic details the nitty gritty of such complicated military operations.

The author’s first-hand account exposes fundamental flaws in the UN system detailing how peacekeepers, lacking adequate equipment and training, were deployed in far flung remote areas without support. The book raises urgent questions about the UN’s ability to effectively execute its mandate in conflict zones and its continued relevance in its present avatar.

 “Rebels from the Revolutionary United Front attacked my troops on 1st May 2000. Subsequently, between 2nd and 3rd May 2000, rebels captured a large number of my troops and surrounded many others. During this period, we faced not just the physical enemy but also the consequence of institutional failures,” writes the author. “Acute command and control problems, parallel chains of command and Regional and International political maneuvering nearly cost a hundred lives and almost spelt the doom of the Mission.”

“Operation Khukri” serves as the dramatic centerpiece of the narrative, illustrating how a multinational force was honed into a formidable fighting machine that overcame seemingly unsurmountable challenges through “meticulous planning, bold execution, determination and fortitude.” The author provides in his book an unprecedented insight into the strategic decisions made under extreme pressure when Kenyan, Zambian and Indian peacekeepers found themselves under attack in Sierra Leone’s most remote areas.

Beyond military strategy and tactics, the book delivers a scathing analysis of why the UN consistently struggles to secure well- equipped and properly trained troops for Missions where active combat is anticipated. It also highlights the regional and international interests that influenced and often impacted the operational effectiveness of the Mission to Sierra Leone.

“This is not merely a historical account of a UN Peacekeeping Mission,” noted the publisher. “It is a critical examination of peacekeeping philosophy of the UN, written by someone who experienced the onslaught of the rebels and the consequences of systemic failures first hand- but still managed to turn the Mission around from its nadir to the zenith of success.

“The Unforgettable Saga of Sierra Leone” is now available at major book stores and on Amazon..

        Source: Press release 

TIMES MUSIC ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF TWO LEADING REGIONAL INDIAN RECORD LABELS, SYMPHONY RECORDING CO. AND ARC MUSICQ

Mumbai (March 18, 2025) – Times Music announces today their acquisition of two leading Indian regional Record Labels – Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq. These two deals are the company’s first acquisitions since partnering with Primary Wave Music, the world’s leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music, in 2023. That partnership saw the publishing giant invest significant capital to help accelerate the company’s growth in the global markets. Both Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq are exciting additions to the Times Music empire as both labels have established universal appeal in the growing Indian music markets. 

Growing from a retail music store in 1983 to South India’s top devotional music label, Symphony Recording Co. maintains a position as the undisputed leader of Tamil spiritual and devotional music. Housing the largest catalogue in the genre, with over 350 audio and 100 video albums, Symphony’s collection of music is deeply embedded in Tamilian culture worldwide. With collaborations from legendary artists in the Indian music space like Dr. Balamurali Krishna, Dr. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and Chitra, the company has set industry benchmarks in music and video production. The label’s devotional songs contribute to a majority of its YouTube revenue, which has doubled in the past 4 years, and the label’s six channels have a viewership of nearly 2 billion. As Symphony continues to dominate the devotional and folk music space, this acquisition will now strengthen Times Music in the Tamil market as a Spiritual market leader. 

ARC Musicq, a time-tested label whose music has been distributed by Times Music since 2017, also upholds a place as a leading Kannada music label. As a pioneer in the entertainment industry since its initial inception in 1985, the label has played a key role in the expansion of Indian folk music and film soundtracks, contributing to over 75% of A-grade movie OSTs. The company is home to a diverse collection of film, devotional, and folk music within the Kannada music market, which has also taken a major foothold across YouTube. The label’s four channels have seen significant growth, and much like Symphony Recording Co., has a viewership of over 2 billion views, with YouTube revenue having quadrupled in the past three years.

Spiritual and Devotional music finds itself having a strong and stable listenership across India as it transcends the country’s religion and caste system. With the rise of digital streaming platform investments surging in the past two years – over 230% according to Spotify’s Culture Next Report – these acquisitions situate Times Music as a major player in the spiritual and devotional genre and aim to strengthen the company’s presence in the Kannada music market.  

“These acquisitions by Times Music represent a major milestone in the company’s growth journey and the Times Group’s ongoing expansion in the broader entertainment space,” Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times Group shares. 

Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music also notes, “Times Music has an array of exciting premium partnerships coming up and we are proud to work with Symphony Music & ARC Musicq catalogues to further their global appeal.”

Primary Wave Music’s David Loiterton adds, “Primary Wave partnered with Times Music because growth in our business will come from emerging markets like India, and there are libraries of legendary music that live in the hearts of local consumers.” He goes on, “These are the first of what we hope will be many more investments in legendary Indian music.” 

ABOUT TIMES MUSIC

Times Music, a subsidiary of The Times Group, is one of India’s leading record labels and music publishers. 

Times Music is home to an impressive music catalog that spans across Bollywood, Indie, Pop, Rock, Regional, Spiritual & other non-film music genres. All Film music OSTs are released under the Junglee Music sub-label. All the cutting-edge, next-generation independent music releases are released under the newly launched sub-label and artist platform - ffs.

Since its inception in 1998, Times Music has been working with a broad array of leading artists and songwriters, domestic and global film studios, and additionally, a major player in the Punjabi and South-Indian music markets. Times Music has an exclusive global distribution partnership with Speed Records, the leading Punjabi music label in the world. 

ABOUT PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC 

The Home of Legends.

 

Primary Wave Music is the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world. The company is home to some of the most iconic songwriters, artists, and record labels across the history of recorded music including Bob Marley, Prince, Stevie Nicks, James Brown, The Doors, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Bing Crosby, Luther Vandross, Olivia Newton-John, Isaac Hayes, Andre 3000, Ric Ocasek, Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, America, War, Teddy Pendergrass, Count Basie, Traveling Wilburys (Bob Dylan), Donny Hathaway, Joey Ramone, Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots), Jerry Jeff Walker, Bob Burns (Lynyrd Skynyrd), George Brown (Kool & The Gang), Sly & The Family Stone, Boston, Alice Cooper, Paul Anka, Boy George and Culture Club, Allee Willis, Paul Rodgers, Free, The Cranberries, Steve Cropper, Sarah McLachlan, Alice In Chains, Air Supply, Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Huey Lewis and the News, Itzhak Perlman, PF Sloan, Glenn Gould, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors, Disturbed, George Merrill & Shannon Rubicam, Steve Porcaro, Styx, Keith, Forsey, Jeff Porcaro, Chuck Mangione, Chris Isaak, Sun Records, Times Music (subsidiary of the Times of India Group), Nas Nuvens Catalog, and many more. The songs represented by Primary Wave include over 1000 Top 10 singles, and over 400 #1 hits. Since its inception in 2006, Primary Wave Music has embraced an entrepreneurial spirit, offering, and executing proactive one-of-a-kind ideas, unique services, and marketing campaigns for our artists. Primary Wave has earned a stellar reputation for being forward thinking and re-introducing classic artists and their music into the modern marketplace as well as nurturing young talent to become legends themselves. This success is based upon our team of seasoned and creative executives collaboratively working together closely with our artists as partners. As a company, we strive for excellence in the pursuit of iconic artists and catalogs that not only reflect great artistry, but impact and influence culture.

www.PrimaryWave.com

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar Graces Raell Padamsee’s Rise Up for Equality Festival

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar Graces Raell Padamsee’s Rise Up for Equality Festival

The opening night of Raell Padamsee’s Rise Up for Equality festival set a powerful tone for societal change, blending impactful storytelling with a call to action for women and children’s safety and empowerment. Held at the Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, the first day of the festival witnessed the presence of Commissioner of Police Mumbai Vivek Phansalkar, who lent his unwavering support, as he did last year. Accompanying him were Zone 2 DCP Mohit Garg, ACP Suman Chavan, his wife Dr. Megha Phansalkar, and the Nirbhaya Squad of women police, underscoring the collective effort needed to address these pressing issues.

The evening featured a stirring solo performance by actress Lushin Dubey titled Untitled, inspired by Vijay Dan Detha’s Nyari Nyari Maryada and Dario Fo’s Medea. The narrative followed a Rajasthani queen challenging patriarchal norms to reclaim her identity, resonating deeply with the audience.

Vivek Phansalkar, the Commissioner of Police Mumbai, expressed, “This is one of the most well-organised and amazing festivals. Lushin Dubey’s one-act play is incredibly inspiring; it delivers such a strong message to society, and I hope it travels far and wide. Mumbai Police is committed to the safety of women, and we have been launching several schemes, one of which is the 103 Awareness Program. I am grateful to Raell Padamsee, Ace Productions, and Create Foundation for partnering with us in this awareness campaign. She has been very supportive and has also involved celebrities like Sonali Bendre and Juhi Chawla in this cause. I thank them, as well as everyone participating, because this message needs to reach every single woman - especially those who are deprived or lack support from their environment, homes, or workplaces. We are here to respond to every call and ensure that every girl and every woman in the city feels safe.”

Delbar Arya Roped in for Shahid Kapoor's 'Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues

Actress Delbar Arya who is known for her phenomenal work in the Punjabi industry and music videos is now all set to take a big step ahead, with her mark in Bollywood with a significant role in the upcoming film Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues. The film is directed by Kannada filmmaker Sachin B Ravi and stars Bollywood's handsome hunk Shahid Kapoor in the lead. The film is Based on the mythological epic Mahabharata, the story explores the legend of Ashwatthama, the immortal warrior, confronting the challenges of modern times. And now the new update from the sets of the film is that actress Delbar Arya has been roped in for the film.

According to a close source, Delbar Arya has been casted for a pivotal role. The source says, "Delbar has been roped in for the film and she will soon start the shoot of her film. Though we can't reveal much about her character or the film, Delbar's role in the film will be something different from what we haven’t seen her doing before. Her character would be striking and unrecognizable in the film."

When asked, Delbar Arya about this exciting news, Delbar remained tight-lipped, refusing to confirm or deny her involvement in the project. This news has surely created a buzz amongst her fans and now we can't wait to see her in this action-packed high-stake drama film.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAYP-B4K9Am/

The film’s storyline delves into the myth of Ashwatthama, known for his immortality, and explores how he navigates the complexities of modern-day conflicts. We can’t wait to see how Delbar Arya’s role unfolds in this mythological-meets-modern tale, as she takes on this transformative challenge alongside an impressive ensemble cast.

श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी के दिन पद्मश्री अनुप जलोटा बने मिशन पत्रकारिता आर्ट एंड कल्चर विंग के संरक्षक

श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी के दिन पद्मश्री अनुप जलोटा बने मिशन पत्रकारिता आर्ट एंड कल्चर विंग के संरक्षक

   श्री कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी के दिन विश्व प्रसिद्ध गायक व भजनसम्राट पद्मश्री अनुप जलोटा को मिशन पत्रकारिता के आर्ट एंड कल्चर विंग के संरक्षक के रूप में नियुक्ति दी गई है। कलाक्षेत्र में काम करनेवाले कलाकारों को सरकारी योजनाओं का लाभ दिलाने हेतु उन्होंने इस विंग के साथ जुडकर काम करने का फैसला लिया है। उनके इस नियुक्ति से बॉलीवुड तथा कला क्षेत्र से जुडे लोगों में सकारात्मकता की उम्मीद जगी है। 

   श्री अनुप जलोटा के इस नियुक्ति की महत्वपूर्ण घोषणा के साथ ही, विख्यात संगीतकार विवेक प्रकाश को भी राष्ट्रीय महासचिव के रूप में नियुक्त किया गया। यह नियुक्तियाँ मिशन पत्रकारिता के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष श्री शैलेश जायसवाल के मार्गदर्शन में, आर्ट एंड कल्चर विंग के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष श्री शैलेंद्र भारती द्वारा की गईं।

    इस विशेष कार्यक्रम का आयोजन मुंबई के जुहू स्थित जेडब्ल्यू मेरीयेट पंचसितारा होटल में किया गया, जहाँ कला और संस्कृति के क्षेत्र में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान देने वाली इन विभूतियों को सम्मानित किया गया। कार्यक्रम में मिशन पत्रकारिता के वरिष्ठ फोटोग्राफर बंटी राव, समाजसेवी श्री विजय पाठक, और पत्रकार कंचन यादव समेत अनेक गणमान्य व्यक्ति उपस्थित थे।

    अनुप जलोटा, जिन्हें भारतीय भजन संगीत के क्षेत्र में अद्वितीय योगदान के लिए पद्मश्री से सम्मानित किया गया है, ने इस नई जिम्मेदारी को लेकर अपने विचार साझा करते हुए कहा, कि "मुझे गर्व है कि मुझे मिशन पत्रकारिता के आर्ट एंड कल्चर विंग का संरक्षक बनने का अवसर मिला। मैं इस विंग के माध्यम से भारतीय कला और संस्कृति के संवर्धन के लिए अपना सर्वश्रेष्ठ योगदान देने का प्रयास करूंगा।" उल्लेखनीय है कि भजनसम्राट के नाम से प्रख्यात अनुप जलोटा को कई राष्ट्रपति पुरस्कार तथा अंतरराष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार प्राप्त हैं। 

   वहीं, संगीतकार विवेक प्रकाश, जो कई प्रसिद्ध फिल्मों और एलबम्स के संगीत निर्देशक रह चुके हैं, ने भी अपने मनोभाव व्यक्त करते हुए कहा, "राष्ट्रीय महासचिव के रूप में मेरी यह भूमिका चुनौतीपूर्ण और प्रेरणादायक है। मैं आर्ट एंड कल्चर विंग के उद्देश्यों को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए तत्पर हूँ।"

   कार्यक्रम के अंत में, मिशन पत्रकारिता के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष श्री शैलेश जायसवाल ने इन नियुक्तियों को संगठन के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण कदम बताते हुए कहा कि यह कला और संस्कृति के क्षेत्र में एक नए युग की शुरुआत है। उन्होंने कहा, "हमारा उद्देश्य भारतीय कला और संस्कृति को राष्ट्रीय और अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर बढ़ावा देना है, और मुझे विश्वास है कि अनुप जलोटा जी और विवेक प्रकाश जी के नेतृत्व में यह विंग अपनी महत्ता को और भी अधिक सिद्ध करेगा।"

Malvi Malhotra is now all set to make her debut in Simranjeet Singh Hundal’s Punjabi film "Haye Bibiye Kithe Fas Gaye."

Malvi Malhotra, one of the leading actresses in the South Indian film industry, Malvi Malhotra is emerging as one of the busy heroines of Tollywood and has made a name for herself in the South film industry in a very short time.  The talented actress Malvi Malhotra never fails to make our heads turn with her impeccable performances. Malvi made eyes pop in 2023 after she made her debut with director Akhil Sreenivas’s super hit film Abhyuham, where she got lots of appreciation for her performances leaving no stone unturned to impress her audiences with her hard work in all genres. 

And after being praised for her recent south released movie Tiragabadara Saami performances and gaining popularity in south industry is now a all set to make her debut in a Punjabi film "Haye Bibiye Kithe Fas Gaye." playing the lead role opposite Dhira Gill as Dheera  The film also has Anita Devgan,ftikhar Thakur, Ravinder Mand and Deedar Gill playing the important roles.

The film is  directed by Simranjit Singh Hundal.

Malvi has worked with many Punjabi popular albums in the past and to brush up her language skills,Malvi has taken a few Punjabi tutorials to get the perfect punjabi accent for the dialogue delivery and to give full justice to her character in the film.

This will be Malvi's 2nd  release after the success of Tiragabadara Saami for this month. After the release of Haye Bibiye Kithe Fas Gaye, Malvi Malhotra will start shooting for her next punjabi film Duma Dum Mast Kalandar. The movie will be shot in Australia and different locations of Punjab followed by her few exciting projects of south …

Dangal TV प्रस्तुत कर रहा है "गुड़िया रानी" - एक दिल को छू लेने वाली कहानी, जिसमें त्याग, उम्मीद और दृढ़ता की भावनाएँ समाहित हैं।

[भारत, 19 अगस्त 2024]– "गुड़िया रानी" - DANGAL TV का नया शो है, जो मध्य प्रदेश के ग्रामीण इलाकों की गहराईयों में जाकर गरीबी, संघर्ष और अदम्य मानव आत्मा की कहानियों को उजागर करता है। यह भावनात्मक कहानी छह साल की छोटी बच्ची रानी (जिसे अभिनेत्री *माही भद्र* निभा रही हैं) की ज़िन्दगी की है, जिसकी हिम्मत और आशा अंधेरे समय में भी चमकती रहती है।

रानी की कठिन परिस्थितियों के बावजूद, जहां उसका परिवार मुश्किल से गुजर-बसर करता है, वह हमेशा सकारात्मकता और उम्मीद की किरण बनती है। रानी की ज़िन्दगी में बड़ा मोड़ तब आता है जब वह और उसके भाई-बहन गलती से पास के गाँव में पहुँच जाते हैं। वहाँ, वह शुक्ला परिवार की धन-दौलत और उनकी बेटी परी (जिसे अभिनेत्री *पूविका गुप्ता* निभा रही हैं) की आलीशान ज़िन्दगी को देखकर चकित रह जाती है। उनके विपरीत जीवन के बावजूद, रानी परी से ईर्ष्या नहीं करती; बल्कि अपने परिवार के लिए बेहतर जीवन की कल्पना करती है।

*बोधित्री मल्टीमीडिया लिमिटेड के सह-संस्थापक, निदेशक और मुख्य रचनात्मक अधिकारी - सुकेश मोटवानी* ने कहा, “हम ऐसी कहानियाँ बताने की कोशिश करते हैं जो दर्शकों से जुड़ती हैं और भारत की जीवन की विविध वास्तविकताओं को दर्शाती हैं। गुड़िया रानी हमारी इस प्रतिबद्धता का प्रमाण है कि हम ऐसा कंटेंट बना रहे हैं जो न सिर्फ मनोरंजन करता है बल्कि प्रेरित भी करता है और सोचने पर मजबूर करता है।”

रानी का पवित्र हृदय और निस्वार्थ स्वभाव उसे एक बड़ा निर्णय लेने के लिए प्रेरित करता है: वह परी की ज़िन्दगी में खुशी लाने के लिए उसकी "गुड़िया" बन जाती है, ताकि अपने भूखे परिवार को खाना दे सके। परी के पिता (जिसे अभिनेता *क़रीप कपूर* निभा रहे हैं) अपनी बेटी की खुशी के लिए कुछ भी करने को तैयार हैं, और इस त्याग से रानी के परिवार को थोड़ी राहत मिलती है, लेकिन यह रानी को एक ऐसी ज़िन्दगी में बांध देता है जहां उसकी स्वतंत्रता की चाहत पूरी नहीं हो पाती।

हालांकि यह व्यवस्था रानी के परिवार की चिंताजनक परिस्थितियों को थोड़ी देर के लिए कम कर देती है, लेकिन यह रानी को एक ऐसी ज़िन्दगी में बांध देती है जहां वह इंसान नहीं, बल्कि सिर्फ एक खेल की चीज, एक जीती-जागती गुड़िया बनकर रह जाती है।

रानी से गुड़िया बनने और फिर आगे बढ़ने की उसकी यात्रा एक बच्चे की असाधारण दृढ़ता और अपने प्रियजनों की रक्षा और उनके लिए जीने के संकल्प का मार्मिक चित्रण है।

"गुड़िया रानी" सिर्फ एक कहानी नहीं है; यह धन और गरीबी के बीच के विपरीत, बचपन की मासूमियत और जीने की कठोर सच्चाइयों को उजागर करने वाली एक सशक्त कथा है। 

इस दिल को छू लेने वाली और प्रेरणादायक यात्रा में हमारे साथ शामिल हों।

"गुड़िया रानी" का प्रीमियर *19 अगस्त को शाम 6:30* बजे है। एक छोटी बच्ची की बहादुरी और दृढ़ निश्चय की कहानी का गवाह बनें, जो किस्मत की सीमाओं को चुनौती देती है।

                  

             Souce: Press release