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Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Chinese, US youth connect in trips exploring culture, technology in China
BEIJING (July 27): As night fell over the Liangma River in Beijing, young delegates from China and the United States gathered beneath the Friendship Bridge for a scenic cruise, immersing themselves in the city's vibrant nighttime atmosphere. Under the bridge, a colorful screen lit up with vivid imagery to reveal a stunning 3D art space. 'The whole journey was absolutely amazing,' said Dahlia Townley-Bakewell, an undergraduate student at Indiana University Bloomington. 'I've never seen such a cool light show in the United States – it was stunning.' The immersive night cruise was part of the 'Across the Pacific: China-US Youth Dialogue for A Shared Future' exchange programme. The programme was co-hosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG) Centre for the Americas, International Student Conferences and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi'an Jiaotong University. From July 7 to 23, the programme brought together 25 youth delegates, including 15 American university students, one Canadian student, two US programme leaders and 11 Chinese participants. They traveled from Beijing to Xi'an, Suzhou and Shanghai, for a series of visits and cross-cultural dialogues. 'During my stay in Beijing, I have loved touring historical sites such as the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City,' said Michael Alexander Buzzy, a PhD student at Wayne State University Law School. 'Visiting these historic sites has given me a deep appreciation for the history and sheer scale of Beijing.' After exploring Beijing's historical and cultural landmarks, the delegates continued to Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a city equally steeped in history. They visited landmarks such as Huaqing Palace and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Through interactive activities, such as trying on Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), they gained a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture. 'I've been studying the Chinese language for a little while, so that definitely helped me get familiar with China,' said Erik Michael Larson, also from Indiana University Bloomington. 'I didn't really realise how far back the history goes in Xi'an – especially 3,000 years. It's really outstanding.' While Xi'an highlighted China's ancient grandeur, Suzhou in east China's Jiangsu Province offered a different charm, with elegance and refined beauty. At the Suzhou Museum, the participants admired how classical aesthetics merged with modern design and were struck by the city's cultural depth and artistic richness. Beyond cultural exploration, the journey also offered insights into China's strides in science and technology. The American students showed great interest in the country's rapid innovation. At Tencent's Beijing headquarters, the participants experienced innovative applications, including a digital currency platform and immersive 3D technologies, and engaged in discussions with employees about smart tools in the AI era. This was followed by an exciting test ride at a Xiaomi factory that particularly thrilled the American students. 'The automation at the Xiaomi factory and the digital innovations at Tencent completely overturned my prior perception of China's tech industry,' Larson said with excitement. 'These experiences were more vivid and impactful than any classroom case study.' Many participants praised the integration of technology into everyday life in China. 'One application that I have come to use a lot during my time in Beijing is WeChat,' said Buzzy. 'WeChat reflects China's overall technological development of seamlessly integrating technology with everyday life.' Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel, an undergraduate at East Tennessee State University, echoes these sentiments, noting that the seamless integration of technology into daily life, from mobile payments to public transport, highlights how innovation and accessibility can together enhance civic life. Complementing their hands-on experiences, the programme also encouraged broader reflections on international cooperation. One key component of the programme was the 'China-US Future Diplomats Summer Camp', which provided participants with a deeper understanding of the diplomatic mechanisms of both countries. Through simulated diplomatic discussions, Chinese and American youth explored issues such as bilateral trade, environmental protection and artificial intelligence. 'This is a student-led project,' said Shu Xin, secretary-general of the camp and a Chinese student delegate. 'Through communication and discussion, Chinese and American youth have developed a deeper understanding of each other and overcome many previous stereotypes.' Throughout the programme, participants consistently expressed that such face-to-face exchanges are among the most effective ways to dispel misunderstandings and build lasting friendships. This reflects a broader trend in China-US educational exchanges, which have grown significantly over the past decades. Since 2009, China has been the top source of international students in the United States for 15 consecutive years. According to the Open Doors 2023 report, during the 2022-2023 academic year, Chinese students numbered 289,000, making up 27.4 per cent of all international students in American colleges and universities. Meanwhile, an increasing number of American students are studying, interning or participating in cultural exchange programmes in China. These exchanges foster language skills and cultural understanding while providing a platform for direct dialogue and cooperation. Despite ups and downs in China-US relations, youth from both countries have always contributed warmth and strength to their development. In a world facing rising uncertainty and change, it is all the more important for young people to deepen dialogue and work together toward a shared future, said Yu Yunquan, vice president of CICG. – Xinhua
Canada News.Net
24-07-2025
- Canada News.Net
Chinese, U.S. youth connect in trips exploring culture, technology in China
BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- As night fell over the Liangma River in Beijing, young delegates from China and the United States gathered beneath the Friendship Bridge for a scenic cruise, immersing themselves in the city's vibrant nighttime atmosphere. Under the bridge, a colorful screen lit up with vivid imagery to reveal a stunning 3D art space. "The whole journey was absolutely amazing," said Dahlia Townley-Bakewell, an undergraduate student at Indiana University Bloomington. "I've never seen such a cool light show in the United States -- it was stunning." The immersive night cruise was part of the "Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for A Shared Future" exchange program. The program was co-hosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for the Americas, International Student Conferences and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi'an Jiaotong University. From July 7 to 23, the program brought together 25 youth delegates, including 15 American university students, one Canadian student, two U.S. program leaders and 11 Chinese participants. They traveled from Beijing to Xi'an, Suzhou and Shanghai, for a series of visits and cross-cultural dialogues. "During my stay in Beijing, I have loved touring historical sites such as the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City," said Michael Alexander Buzzy, a Ph.D. student at Wayne State University Law School. "Visiting these historic sites has given me a deep appreciation for the history and sheer scale of Beijing." After exploring Beijing's historical and cultural landmarks, the delegates continued to Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a city equally steeped in history. They visited landmarks such as Huaqing Palace and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Through interactive activities, such as trying on Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), they gained a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture. "I've been studying the Chinese language for a little while, so that definitely helped me get familiar with China," said Erik Michael Larson, also from Indiana University Bloomington. "I didn't really realize how far back the history goes in Xi'an -- especially 3,000 years. It's really outstanding." While Xi'an highlighted China's ancient grandeur, Suzhou in east China's Jiangsu Province offered a different charm, with elegance and refined beauty. At the Suzhou Museum, the participants admired how classical aesthetics merged with modern design and were struck by the city's cultural depth and artistic richness. Beyond cultural exploration, the journey also offered insights into China's strides in science and technology. The American students showed great interest in the country's rapid innovation. At Tencent's Beijing headquarters, the participants experienced innovative applications, including a digital currency platform and immersive 3D technologies, and engaged in discussions with employees about smart tools in the AI era. This was followed by an exciting test ride at a Xiaomi factory that particularly thrilled the American students. "The automation at the Xiaomi factory and the digital innovations at Tencent completely overturned my prior perception of China's tech industry," Larson said with excitement. "These experiences were more vivid and impactful than any classroom case study." Many participants praised the integration of technology into everyday life in China. "One application that I have come to use a lot during my time in Beijing is WeChat," said Buzzy. "WeChat reflects China's overall technological development of seamlessly integrating technology with everyday life." Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel, an undergraduate at East Tennessee State University, echoes these sentiments, noting that the seamless integration of technology into daily life, from mobile payments to public transport, highlights how innovation and accessibility can together enhance civic life. Complementing their hands-on experiences, the program also encouraged broader reflections on international cooperation. One key component of the program was the "China-U.S. Future Diplomats Summer Camp," which provided participants with a deeper understanding of the diplomatic mechanisms of both countries. Through simulated diplomatic discussions, Chinese and American youth explored issues such as bilateral trade, environmental protection and artificial intelligence. "This is a student-led project," said Shu Xin, secretary-general of the camp and a Chinese student delegate. "Through communication and discussion, Chinese and American youth have developed a deeper understanding of each other and overcome many previous stereotypes." Throughout the program, participants consistently expressed that such face-to-face exchanges are among the most effective ways to dispel misunderstandings and build lasting friendships. This reflects a broader trend in China-U.S. educational exchanges, which have grown significantly over the past decades. Since 2009, China has been the top source of international students in the United States for 15 consecutive years. According to the Open Doors 2023 report, during the 2022-2023 academic year, Chinese students numbered 289,000, making up 27.4 percent of all international students in American colleges and universities. Meanwhile, an increasing number of American students are studying, interning or participating in cultural exchange programs in China. These exchanges foster language skills and cultural understanding while providing a platform for direct dialogue and cooperation. Despite ups and downs in China-U.S. relations, youth from both countries have always contributed warmth and strength to their development. In a world facing rising uncertainty and change, it is all the more important for young people to deepen dialogue and work together toward a shared future, said Yu Yunquan, vice president of CICG.
India.com
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actor, who was expelled from school due to Shah Rukh Khan, worked as content writer, now owns Rs 245 crore; His name is...
There are only a few actors who have the same level of energy both on-screen and off-screen. Born into a Sindhi family in Mumbai, this actor's grandmother was an actress in Lahore, Pakistan, and even appeared in Raj Kapoor's film Boot Polish in 1954. Interestingly, his parents never considered pursuing a career in acting. However, his maternal aunt, Sunita, married actor Anil Kapoor, making him the cousin of Sonam Kapoor. You must have guessed by now who this actor is! We are talking about actor Ranveer Singh. His entry into Bollywood was not easy. It was difficult for him to get into movies. Though he was a die-hard fan of acting and dancing, he used to participate in several school plays and debates. Why did Ranveer Singh get expelled from school? One day, in his school classroom, he was listening to the song ' Chaiyya Chaiyya' from Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora's film ' Dil Se '. When teachers got to know about this, he was suspended from school. How did Ranveer Singh get into Bollywood? Ranveer Singh completed his Bachelor's in Arts degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University Bloomington in 2008. At the university, he decided to take acting classes and took up theatre as his minor. He worked for a few years in an advertising company as a copywriter, with agencies like O&M and J. Walter Thompson. Ranveer Singh has also worked as an assistant director but left it to pursue acting. Singh then decided to send his portfolio to the directors. For this, he would go for all kinds of auditions, but did not get any good opportunities, while only getting calls for minor roles. He had once said, 'Everything was so bleak. It was very frustrating. There were times I would think whether I was doing the right thing or not.' How did Ranveer Singh get his first role? It was 2010 when Ranveer Singh auditioned for a lead role in YRF's Band Baaja Baaraat. Aditya Chopra was impressed with his audition, and he was confirmed to play Bittoo Sharma, who was opposite Anushka Sharma. Life changed for Ranveer soon after that as he signed movies like Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Lootera, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Gunday, Dil Dhadakne Do, Bajirao Mastani, to name a few. He became a superstar. What is Ranveer Singh's Net Worth? According to The Times of India, CNBC TV18, and ABP Live , Ranveer Singh's fee has increased to Rs 50 crore after the success of his film 83. His net worth is reportedly around Rs 245 crore. Ranveer, who became a father to a daughter last year, will be seen in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar. The spy-actioner will be released in December.
India.com
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet Sonam Kapoor's cousin, who once cleaned tables in cafe, was a copywriter, now a celebrated Bollywood actor, he is..
Meet Sonam Kapoor's cousin, who once cleaned tables in cafe, was a copywriter, now a celebrated Bollywood actor, he is.. In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, surname and connection are given paramount importance for easy access to the industry. But there was one man who, despite having strong ties to the industry, decided to carve out his niche and make a name for himself with enough persistence, passion, and hard work. This actor is one of the most celebrated actors in today's time. He is known for his infectious energy and electrifying performance. From waiting tables to becoming a blockbuster actor, his story is inspirational and speaks of sheer passion and dedication. Ranveer Singh – Early Life, Education, and More. The actor that we are talking about is none other than Ranveer Singh. Born on 6th July 1985 in Mumbai as Ranveer Singh Bhavnani, he always had a knack for acting right from his childhood. However, his family wanted him to complete his education. He studied at the HR College of Commerce in Mumbai and later, to pursue his passion, he went to Indiana University Bloomington in the US, where he completed his graduation in Arts. To make ends meet, he simultaneously worked in a café while studying. In 2007, Ranveer came back to Mumbai for good. Despite hailing from a well-connected family, he didn't need any external help and carved a space for himself in Bollywood. Ranveer Singh is Sonam Kapoor's cousin, and Anil Kapoor is his uncle. But he chose to make a path for himself without relying on his ties. Ranveer explored many jobs; he tried his hand at acting. He explored advertising in the world of copywriting, and later he was also an assistant director. But despite his relentless efforts, he wasn't getting any major acting role. But in a turn of events in 2010, everything changed. A Turn of Events He auditioned for Maneesh Sharma's Band Baaja Baaraat. And Maneesh was impressed with his performance. To get into every ounce of the character, Ranveer took acting classes from Nawazuddin Siddiqui and observed life in Delhi colleges to perfect the character. The film turned out to be a blockbuster hit, bagging him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, and since then, Ranveer Singh hasn't looked back. Ranveer Singh's Blockbusters. Ranveer delivered a string of superhits like Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Gunday, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Lootera, 83, and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. From comedy to action, Ranveer is a versatile actor who can nail any role. Speaking of his personal life, Ranveer Singh tied the knot with Bollywood's celebrated actress Deepika Padukone in 2018. In 2024, the duo embraced parenthood and welcomed their daughter, Dua. From working in a cafe to becoming a blockbuster hero, Ranveer's journey proves that it's not the connection, but rather the effort and hard work that can get one closer to their goal
Black America Web
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
IU Bloomington to Cut 100+ Academic Programs by 2026
Source: Nicholas Klein / Getty BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In one of the most significant academic overhauls in its history, Indiana University Bloomington will suspend or eliminate more than 100 academic programs beginning ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year. The move is part of a larger statewide restructuring prompted by House Enrolled Act 1001 (2025), which introduces strict thresholds for degree program enrollment and completion. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education released the list of affected programs in a document shared during its June 30 meeting. The cuts impact undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and span nearly every academic area—from arts and humanities to education, science, public health, and foreign languages. Among the undergraduate degrees facing elimination are longstanding liberal arts programs such as the Bachelor of Arts in African American and African Diaspora Studies, Art History, Comparative Literature, French, Gender Studies, and Spanish. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Ballet, Cognitive Science, and Environmental Geoscience are also on the chopping block. Graduate and professional programs are equally affected. Several master's and Ph.D. programs will be phased out or merged, including doctoral tracks in Art History, Astrophysics, Japanese, and Gender Studies. The School of Education will also see multiple degrees—such as the in English, Mathematics, Journalism, and Social Studies—eliminated entirely. The drastic changes follow the university's recent announcement of a $100 million budget realignment and come on the heels of a shift in leadership on IU's Board of Trustees. The new majority, aligned with Indiana Governor Mike Braun, has emphasized prioritizing 'practical degrees' tied to workforce development outcomes. Gov. Braun remarked that IU President Pamela Whitten wanted to 'spruce up' the university—a comment that has sparked debate among students, faculty, and alumni about the deeper implications of the restructuring. Critics argue that the cuts disproportionately affect identity-based and humanities programs—disciplines that have historically been underfunded and under-enrolled but play a vital role in shaping civic, cultural, and ethical understanding. Supporters of the legislation, however, point to low graduation rates and dwindling enrollment in certain programs, saying the changes are necessary to make higher education more efficient and career-focused. As the 2025–26 school year approaches, students and faculty are left to grapple with what these sweeping changes mean for academic freedom, intellectual diversity, and the future of Indiana's flagship public university. RELATED: Indiana Governor Signs Bill into Law Establishing Online Agricultural Portal Source: SEE ALSO IU Bloomington to Cut 100+ Academic Programs by 2026 was originally published on
