Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert

Brazilian police said they thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, BBC reported.

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state, in co-ordination with the justice ministry, said suspects had recruited participants to carry out attacks using improvised explosives and the plan was aimed at gaining notoriety on social media.

The person responsible for the plan and a teenager were arrested, the police said.

Lady Gaga's team said they learned about the bomb threat only from media reports the morning after the gig. A crowd of more than two million people gathered for the concert, which was free to attend, according to BBC.

Katy Perry felt 'battered and bruised' by backlash

Singer Katy Perry has admitted feeling "battered and bruised" by the backlash following her recent space trip, but reassured fans she is OK and would "keep looking to the light," BBC reported.

Writing two weeks after the much-derided Blue Origin voyage, which saw her take an 11-minute flight with five other women, the US star said the "online world" had tried to make her a "human Piñata".

Her comments came after fans paid for a billboard in New York to show their support for her ahead of her world tour. 

Responding to a fan account that posted a video of the billboard, Perry said she was "so grateful" for her fans, adding they were "in this beautiful and wild journey together," according to BBC.

International Jazz Day today

International Jazz Day is being observed by organizing various programs on Wednesday.

In western countries, the music is popular among the youth. In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Assembly declared April 30 as the International Jazz Day. 

The day is celebrated to promote intercultural dialogue, respect for human rights and human dignity, eradicate discrimination, promote freedom of expression and gender equality, and strengthen the role of youth for social change. 

UNESCO believes that the International Day will provide an opportunity for communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazz enthusiasts around the world to learn about the art of jazz, its origins, future and effects and contribute to the promotion of international peace and culture. 

According to UNESCO, jazz will contribute to creating opportunities for unity, mutual understanding and tolerance, empowering young people from marginalized societies, and encouraging traditional music to be revitalized in a newer form. 

 

‘Anjila’ holds special screening in Bhojpur

The Nepali film Anjila was specially screened at Bhojpur Municipality Hall in Bhojpur district. Directed by Milan Chams, the film was shown for the fourth time in the hall equipped with a digital screen and sound system, with the participation of around 500 spectators. Bhojpur Municipality Mayor Kailash Kumar Ale attended the screening.

Director Milan Chams, who was present at the event, expressed his pride in seeing continuous film shows in a place where movie theaters had previously shut down. “It is a historic achievement to have regular screenings in a location without a permanent cinema hall,” he said, adding that he was thrilled to be part of the occasion.

The special show coincided with the ‘8th International Invitational Mayor Bhojpur Gold Cup.’ Chams announced that the proceeds from the screening would go toward building a house for Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the film’s lead actress and real-life protagonist.

Mayor Ale also expressed his happiness at being able to host a meaningful film like Anjila and pledged continued support for such initiatives. Praising the movie team for taking on a role the state should fulfill, he announced a cash donation of Rs 50,000 from the municipality toward Anjila’s house construction. Director Chams said he hopes for similar support from other local governments across Nepal.

Currently in its seventh week of screening, ‘Anjila’ is still showing in about 40 locations nationwide, including the Kathmandu Valley. The team is preparing for a special 51-day celebration event on May 2. Though released on March 12, ‘Anjila’ has already secured a spot among the top five Nepali films of the year and, according to distributors, has grossed over Rs 100m.

Based on the life of Angila Tumbapo Subba, the captain of Nepal’s women’s national football team, the film stars Anjila herself in the lead role. According to director Chams, the film’s portrayal of struggles and dreams resonates deeply with audiences, creating a strong emotional connection. The movie also features performances by Prem Kumar Shrestha, Sunil Thapa, Dayahang Rai, Bijay Baral, Sirjana Subba, Mao Tse Gurung, Sumin Gurung, Buddhi Tamang, and others.