Puteri Muslimah Indonesia… | 119

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Puteri Muslimah Indonesia… | 119 Fatkhu Rohmatin, S.K. Habsari, PUTERI MUSLIMAH INDONESIA… | 119 ` KAFA’AH JOURNAL, 10 (2), 2020 (Print ISSN 2356-0894 Online ISSN 2356-0630) Available online at http://kafaah.org/index.php/kafaah/index PUTERI MUSLIMAH INDONESIA: NEW FORMS OF OBJECTIFICATION OF WOMEN BODIES IN BEAUTY PAGEANT Fatkhu Rohmatin Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia E-mail: [email protected], Sri Kusumo Habsari Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia E-mail: [email protected] Article history: Submitted: 21-06-2019 | Review: 24-10-2020 | Revised: 03-11-2020 | Accepted: 16-11-2020 Abstract This paper discusses the new objectification of women bodies in the beauty pageant Puteri Muslimah Indonesia. It proposes to explore that the pageant “Puteri Muslimah Indonesia” continues to serve the consumptive culture raised by capitalism, despite its dedication and concern to promote Islamic values. This paper wants to argue the ambivalence of this pageant which in some way still glorifies the idea that women bodies as the object of gaze through the presentation of the beautiful display of the contestants with bold makeup, high heels, ideal body, glamorous gowns and ornamented hijab, despite the requirements to have some qualities of Islamic values and elements to be able to join the competition. Keywords: Puteri Muslimah Indonesia; Objectification; Women Bodies; Beauty Pageant INTRODUCTION The popularity of beauty pageants and the glorification of the winners attract many young women to participate in the competition. Many young women who join the contest are rarely aware of the history of beauty pageants that it was initially designed to function as a reminder that women’s bodies are restricted by the measuring tape and the judge’s approval of their physicality. Although there are competitions based on other forms of talent, the overarching message is that the female body is valued from the physical body (Nur, 2015). Some feminists disagree with this contest. Valenti (2007) for example, has stated that women should be taught to value their intelligence and abilities instead of just valuing themselves to look sexy in bikinis and making themselves an object of the male gaze. Another researcher, Wright (2017) has also argued that the evolution of pageantry swimsuit contest from a one-piece bathing suit, to a two-piece, then evolved into a bikini is a perfect example of how society continues to expose and objectify women bodies for capital ends and a great example of the male gaze. Similarly, Hester (2014) also dislikes beauty contests because of the use of females as sexualized objects in ways that benefit men’s desires. Kafa’ah: Journal of Gender Studies. This work is licensed under (CC-BY-SA) 120 | Volume 10 , No. 2, Juli-Desember 2020 Protests to the beauty pageant and the controversy to the organization of the contest are not recent. On September 7, 1968, the second-wave feminists that consisted of nearly 400 women protested the Miss America Pageant outside the Atlantic City Convention Center (Thornham, 2006). The group protested the pageant’s promotion of the ludicrous beauty standards. Despite many protests arisen, beauty pageants continue to be organized and take in many forms to meet public responses. The rise of beauty pageants in Indonesia is also accompanied by many protests that have sprung up. Some Indonesians criticize the beauty queen contests that are identical to bathing beauty which is not in by with the Eastern culture. Due to many controversies that emerged, in the 1970s and 1980s the Indonesian government imposed the ban and the delivery of Indonesian women to the international arena (Amini, 2013). Protests until the big demo re-emerged in 2013 when Indonesia had the honor to host the Miss World 2013. Because of the protest, the venue that originally in Jakarta should be moved to Bali to avoid mass riots (VOAIndonesia, 2013). In the same year, 2013, Indonesia also held a beauty contest devoted to Muslim women 'Miss World Muslimah'. Not only dressed in headscarves and floor-length dresses, but contestants must also have the ability to recite Al-Qur'an and apply Islamic values in everyday life. Irawan, a spokeswoman for Miss World Muslimah 2013, claims that "we do not exploit women, but we want to show that Islamic women are talented, skillful, and we hope to be a good example for other Muslim women" (BBCindonesia, 2013). In contrast to the implementation of Miss World 2013 which is rejected by some Islamic groups, beauty contests devoted to Muslim women do relatively not cause any noise. This indicates that the Miss World Muslimah beauty contest is more acceptable to the majority Muslim community of Indonesia (CNN, 2013). This form of acceptance can be seen by holding a national beauty contest with a national scale in 2014 in Indonesia, namely Puteri Muslimah Indonesia (Miss Muslimah Indonesia). Beauty contests that are devoted to Muslim women are held every year and broadcast by a national-scale television station, Indosiar. This further reinforces the reach of acceptance of Indonesian society, especially Muslims against beauty contests that are claimed to be based on Islam. Despite the public acceptance of the beauty contest, Puteri Muslimah Indonesia questions arise whether this contest is free from the objectification of women’s body or they are presented in other forms in response to the controversies. Another consideration that needs to evaluate is aspects that bring about public, both contestants and Muslim audiences to accept the celebration of the female Muslim body on stage as a public performance. This article purposes to explore how the contest constructs particular norms of femininity to resonate with Islamic ideologies of the female Muslim body which has to be displayed publicly. It is also to scrutinize how the pageant resolves the contradiction with the values of capitalism. Developed from Nussbaum’s theory of objectification, this study attempts to argue that although there are many requirements to join the competition that in some way all are Islamic in ideas and values, Puteri Muslimah Indonesia is still a beauty contest which some way continues to engage with dominant norms of femininity and comprise with commercially driven popular Islam. Kafa’ah: Journal of Gender Studies. This work is licensed under (CC-BY-SA) Fatkhu Rohmatin, S.K. Habsari, PUTERI MUSLIMAH INDONESIA… | 121 RESEARCH METHOD This study was designed using a qualitative research model with a case study method. This is because the object of study is in the form of an opinion or perspective that does not require numerical variable values and factual data. Meanwhile, the object of study requires deep questions to not only answer what is happening but also why it's happening. Researchers obtained data from the site www.vidio.com. The data consists of 4 (four) supporting videos and 1 (one) main video with a duration ranging from two to four hours. The data that has been collected is then analyzed using the semiotic analysis technique of Roland Barthes. If Saussure uses the terms signified and signifier, Barthes uses the term’s connotation and denotation to provide a meaning (Barthes, 1967). Both terms are used by Barthes to describe the level of representation or level of meaning (Chandler, 2002). Barthes affirms that the relationship between the signifier signified and myth by stretching out a difference and distance between denotation and connotation (Strinati, 2004). In the connotative meaning, the existing data is seen and interpreted from the point of view of feminism and pop culture by using the Nussbaum model of objectification theory. RESULT Objectification of Women Body in Puteri Muslimah Indonesia To show that there are elements of objectification utilized in the beauty contest Puteri Muslimah Indonesia, this study applies Nussbaum's seven notions of treating a person as an object. However, to evaluate the possible element of objectification, she does not mention to use all 7 notions for evaluation to confirm that there is a form of objectification. Nussbaum also avoids providing a straightforward statement, whether we can treat each of these seven features as sufficient for the objectification of persons in some cases. She stresses the idea that the elements of the objectification are morally problematic, contextually evaluated. Treating a person in one of the seven notions on her lists can be sufficient for objectifying that person, whereas in other cases it cannot. However, in the case of a person’s objectification, usually, it plays more than one of these seven features (Nussbaum, 1995). In this study, it is mainly to look at whether the contestants are treated as an object, which neglects their subjectivity as a human being. The first notion offered by Nussbaum is in terms of instrumentality: it evaluates whether the subject, in this case, is the owner of the show and all parties involved treat the contestants as a tool for their purposes. Looking at the number of sponsors supporting the performances of the contestants, it is difficult to say that there is no element of instrumentality, although it is hidden behind the euphoria of worthy of respect gained by the contestants. For example, for the Muslim community, according to Yenny Wahid the contestants are made as peaceful Islamic ambassadors and are required to contribute with softness, beauty, and good morals to represent the true Islam of Indonesia (In Wulandari, 2015). Besides, the contestants are also asked to serve as a model to promote various products. Products that are marketed quite a lot, as many as the number of sponsors behind this beauty contest, such as cosmetic products, fashion (ranging from high heel, dress or gown, and hijab/veil), tools related to Muslim prayer activities such as mukena (white long curb dress for praying), and so on.
Recommended publications
  • Page 01 Sept 29.Indd
    ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER Sunday 29 September 2013 23 Dhul-qa’da 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5837 Price: QR2 Miss Philippines Arsenal go clear crowned Miss at top; United World 2013 and City slump Philippines | 11 Sport | 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Panel formed Citizens angry to study illegal visa trade at reports on DOHA: A special committee has been set up to study the ille- gal practice of trading in visas. The committee has launched workers’ plight a field survey among expatriate labourers as part of the project, Al Sharq reported yesterday. The theoretical aspect of the study has British newspaper biased, say many been completed. The survey team will col- DOHA: Several citizens believe the largest French firms,” wrote lect information from labourers that the controversy raging in another. through a questionnaire. Once the the international media over Another commentator said study is complete, a report will be the plight of foreign workers in such campaign against Qatar submitted to the Prime Minister Qatar is part of a campaign to was coming from a country “that and Interior Minister H E Sheikh tarnish the image of the coun- claims professional ethics while Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa try ahead of the 2022 FIFA it is not followed by their press” Al Thani. World Cup. “About work injuries, we face Some fake companies in the The current debate was trig- this problem all over the world construction sector get involved gered by an article in Britain’s and it has nothing to do with the in the visa trade by misusing their Guardian newspaper last World Cup,” he said.
    [Show full text]
  • Ladino and Indigenous Pageantry in Neocolonial Guatemala
    THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: LADINO AND INDIGENOUS PAGEANTRY IN NEOCOLONIAL GUATEMALA by Jillian L. Kite A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL August 2014 Copyright by Jillian L. Kite 2014 ii iii ABSTRACT Author: Jillian L. Kite Title: The Eye of the Beholder: Ladino and Indigenous Pageantry in Neocolonial Guatemala Institution: Florida Atlantic University Thesis Co-Advisors: Dr. Josephine Beoku-Betts and Dr. Mark Harvey Degree: Master of Arts Year: 2014 In this thesis I utilize a feminist case study method to explore gender, race, authenticity, and nationalism in the context of globalization. Each year, Guatemala conducts two ethno-racially distinct pageants – one indigenous, the other ladina. The indigenous pageant prides itself on the authentic display of indigenous culture and physiognomies. On the contrary, during the westernized ladina pageant, contestants strive to adhere to western beauty ideals beauty and cultural norms engendered by discourses of whiteness. However, when the winner advances to the Miss World Pageant, they misappropriate elements of Mayan culture to express an authentic national identity in a way that is digestible to an international audience. In the study that follows, I examine the ways in which national and international pageants are reflective of their iv respective levels of social and political conflict and how they serve as mechanisms of manipulation by the elite at the national and global levels. v THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: LADINO AND INDIGENOUS PAGEANTRY IN NEOCOLONIAL GUATEMALA I.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Studies Research Network
    Seventh International Conference on Global Studies 19–21 JUNE 2014 | CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES | SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY SHANGHAI, CHINA | ONGLOBALIZATION.COM SEVENTH GLOBAL STUDIES CONFERENCE SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY SHANGHAI, CHINA 19-21 JUNE 2014 WWW.ONGLOBALIZATION.COM SEVENTH GLOBAL STUDIES CONFERENCE www.onglobalization.com First published in 2014 in Champaign, Illinois, USA by Common Ground Publishing, LLC www.commongroundpublishing.com © 2014 Common Ground Publishing All rights reserved. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the applicable copyright legislation, no part of this work may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the publisher. For permissions and other inquiries, please contact [email protected]. TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letters ........................................................................................................................................ 1 About Common Ground ............................................................................................................................. 3 The Global Studies Knowledge Community ................................................................................................. 4 The International Advisory Board for the Global Studies Community .......................................................... 8 The Global Studies Journal and Book Series ................................................................................................ 9 International
    [Show full text]
  • Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort Resort Resort
    Aisis luxury villas and spa Hotel Grand Barong Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort Resort Resort Nusa Dua Kuta Seminyak, Kuta ! u o y 6 nights accommodation 6 nights accommodation 6 nights accommodation o t breakfast included breakfast included breakfast included d l free Wi-Fi free Wi-Fi free Wi-Fi r pool pool pool o w spa spa $1.411/P $277/P $1.460/P e h t Koral restaurant Beachwalk Sea Turtle Society g n i r b e W Imagine stepping into an Atlantean If you want to go to the mall in Kuta Bali Sea Turtle Society is a turtle restaurant, colourful fish all around then look no further than Beachwalk hatchery based in Kuta that works to you, a soft blue glow lighting up your which runs along the main strip protect turtle eggs and then releases surroundings, and the delicious smell adjacent to the beach. As well as the the hatched turtles back into the wild. of fresh seafood! gallery there is also a rooftop bar complete with resident DJ Bali is Indonesia's main tourist destination, with a significant rise in Traveling Around tourism since the 1980s. Tourism-related business makes up 80% of its economy. It the World is renowned for its highly developed TRAVEL AGENCY arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, We bring the world to you! Bali adventure metalworking, and music. The Indonesian International Film Located in east of Java and west Festival is held every year in Bali. Other We bring the world to you of Lombok, Indonesia international events held in Bali include the Miss World 2013 and 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Contact us! Fund and the World Bank Group.
    [Show full text]
  • Brochure Print New.Indd
    “excellence is the fabric of our work, spun with the yarn of knowledge and expertise, built on the foundation of transparent dealing”. 91 ABOUT US ................................................................................................................................................... 04 EVENT MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................................... 06 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS ................................................................................................................................................... 10 INTERNATIONAL SHOWS ................................................................................................................................................... 12 CHARITY EVENTS ................................................................................................................................................... 14 AWARD NIGHTS ................................................................................................................................................... 20 MOTION PICTURES ................................................................................................................................................... 26 WEDDING PLANNERS ................................................................................................................................................... 32 THEME SHOWS ..................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Presentation on SYWL Congress 2018
    Bali for IEEE Region 10 SYWL Congress 2018 1 IEEE Region 10 Student -Young Professionals - Women in Engineering - Life Member • Venue : Prime Plaza Hotel, Sanur - Bali, Indonesia 2 • Dates : August 30 – September 2, 2018 Outline Why Bali Venue Organization An island of Serenity When Volcano meets the Sea . 4 Why Bali ? Because : Bali is a Wonderful island, a Real Paradise for ARTS, CULTURE and NATURE. Bali offers Various and Magical sceneries. You are welcome warmly in this Heaven with very friendly people. All framework infrastructures are ready for International events. 5 Cultural - Landscape of Bali UNESCO World Heritage List: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1194 The cultural landscape of Bali consists of rice terraces and their water temples that cover 19,500 ha. 6 Dream Beaches • CNN: Romantic island seeks lovers of swaying palms, perfect beaches and sunset cocktails for companionship and more. http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/escape/destinations/what-to-do-in-bali-641181 • Lonely Planet: The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It's more than a place; it's a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bali “Don't talk about heaven if you've never been to Bali” 7 Toba Beta is writer from Indonesia. He works as economist/practitioner in Indonesia financial industries and capital market. The Rock of Bali A Natural Gate “Bali as a gateway for tourism of Indonesia, it is natural to be held in Bali. Even, various international events prefer to choose their venue in Bali” Dr. Arief Yahya 9 Minister of Tourism Travel & Transportation Airports: As an international airport, Ngurah Rai serves domestic and international flights of over 25 airliners opening their routes to Bali.
    [Show full text]
  • Localizing the Global and Globalizing the Local: Opportunities and Challenges in Bali Island Tourism Development1
    Localizing the Global and Globalizing the Local: Opportunities and Challenges in Bali Island Tourism Development1 I Nyoman Darma Putra* Abstract In September and October 2013, only one week apart, Bali hosted two global events in the upper class market tourism resort Nusa Dua. The first event was the Miss World beauty pageant, and the other one was the APEC Summit. Thousands of journalists from all over the world covered these events. From a tourism marketing point of view, these two prestigious events helped Bali boost its popularity through global mass media. Historically, since the early phase of its development, Bali’s tourism industry has received many benefits from global forces initially channeled out through the Dutch colonial power in the first decade of the twentieth century and later through national and multinational corporations. The recent enlisting by UNESCO of Bali’s cultural landscape as a world heritage site (2012) provides yet another great example of how Bali continues to receive global endorsement by world institutions * I Nyoman Darma Putra is a professor of literature at the Faculty of Letters and Culture, Udayana University. His recent main publication is A literary mirror; Balinese reflections on modernity and identity in the twentieth century (KITLV Press, 2011). With Michael Hitchcock, he published book titled Tourism Devel- opment and Terrorism in Bali (Ashgate 2007). In December 2013, he was elect- ed as the head of postgraduate program of Tourism Studies for master degree, Udayana University. Email: [email protected] 1 This paper presented at the 17th Inter-Island Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum, Hainan, China, 6-8 November 2013.
    [Show full text]
  • Upaya Diplomasi Kebudayaan Indonesia Melalui Ajang Pemilihan Miss World 2013
    eJournal Ilmu Hubungan Internasional, 2017, 5(4): 1163-1178 ISSN 2477-2623(online), ISSN 2477-2615 (print), ejournal.hi.fisip-unmul.ac.id © Copyright 2016 UPAYA DIPLOMASI KEBUDAYAAN INDONESIA MELALUI AJANG PEMILIHAN MISS WORLD 2013 Cahya Putri Afika1 Nim. 1002045152 Abstract Miss World 2013 is an international beauty contest held in Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to know the effort of diplomacy of Indonesian culture through Miss World selection 2013. This research use qualitative research method. In this study the authors use the concept of cultural diplomacy and image, imaging. Data analysis technique used is qualitative analysis. The results showed that the efforts of Indonesian cultural diplomacy through Miss World 2013 selection is to promote traditional clothing typical of Indonesia, promote dances and national songs of Indonesia and promote tourist attractions in Indonesia. Keywords : Cultural Diplomacy, Indonesian Culture, Miss World 2013 Pendahuluan Indonesia merupakan negara yang kaya akan budaya dan alamnya. Budaya di Indonesia sangat beraneka ragam, baik dari segi bahasa, suku, adat, juga agama. Indonesia juga memiliki kekayaan alam yang sangat berpotensi untuk dijadikan tujuan wisata baik lokal maupun internasional. Usaha pemerintah Indonesia dalam memanfaatkan sektor budaya dan pariwisata dimulai dengan dikeluarkannya Instruksi Presiden RI No. 9 Tahun 1969 tentang Pedoman Pembinaan Pengembangan Kepariwisataan Nasional. Sejak saat itu pemerintah terus melakukan berbagai upaya dari tahun ke tahun untuk meningkatkan jumlah wisatawan asing ke Indonesia. http://hotelmanagement.binus.ac.id/2015/11/18/perkembangan-pariwisata-indonesia/, Berbagai upaya tersebut terlihat dari berbagai kampanye promosi pariwisata Indonesia yang terus berubah dan berkembang. Dari yang awalnya hanya mempromosikan Bali sebagai ikon pariwisata Indonesia hingga promosi budaya dan pariwisata dari daerah lain di Indonesia dengan slogannya “visit Indonesia”.
    [Show full text]
  • Navigating the Montreal Fashion Scene Muslim Style Mariam
    “Proof of Purchase”: Navigating the Montreal Fashion Scene Muslim Style Mariam Esseghaier A Thesis In the Department of Communication Studies Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Communication Studies) at Concordia University Montreal, Quebec, Canada JUNE 2016 © Mariam Esseghaier, 2016 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES This is to certify that the thesis prepared By: Mariam Esseghaier Entitled: “Proof of Purchase”: Navigating the Montreal Fashion Scene Muslim Style and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy (Communication Studies) complies with the regulations of the University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality. Signed by the final Examining Committee: ____Dr. Gada Mahrouse______ Chair ____Dr. Reina Lewis_________ External Examiner ____Dr. Norma Rantisi_______ External to Program ____Dr. Kim Sawchuk_______ Examiner ____Dr. Jeremy Stolow_______ Examiner ____Dr. Yasmin Jiwani_______ Thesis Supervisor Approved by ____Dr. Sandra Gabriele_______ Chair of Department ____Dean André Roy__________ Dean Faculty ABSTRACT “Proof of Purchase”: Navigating the Montreal Fashion Scene Muslim Style Mariam Esseghaier, Ph.D. Concordia University, 2016 Representations of Muslim women in Western media tend to deploy Orientalist elements portraying them as oppressed, backwards, and in need of saving. These images establish Muslim women as unfashionable, identical to one another, and without personality. However, at times, these representations are compensated with depictions of assimilated or “good” Muslim women in which they are portrayed as fashionable, sexual, and palatable to Western sensibilities and expectations. These portrayals have been maintained and reinforced through governmental policies, popular culture, and consumerism. However, these two dominant frames leave little room for any nuanced understanding of Muslim women themselves.
    [Show full text]
  • GREEN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT EFFORTS in PEMUTERAN VILLAGE, BULELENG, BALI I Ketut Suwena1, Ni Ketut Arismayanti2
    IRCS UNUD Journals, Vol. 1 No. 1, February 2017 108 GREEN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT EFFORTS IN PEMUTERAN VILLAGE, BULELENG, BALI I Ketut Suwena1, Ni Ketut Arismayanti2 Tourism Faculty, Udayana University1 Tourism Faculty, Udayana University2 [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract Pemuteran has tourism potential and stunning natural beauty. Pemuteran village communities have not been involved in tourism activities resulting maximum untapped tourist potential to the maximum, limited opportunity society are involved in tourism development, and creativity in tourism in the village. This research is objective to maximize the role of the community in various aspects of tourism development. The development of tourism is expected to: (1) empowering local communities; (2) diversification of rural tourism products; (3) demonstration model to develop green tourism; (4) produce a tourism product of high quality and competitiveness; (5) the development of a more responsible and sustainable tourism. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, literature studies, and technical documentation. Data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis of IFAS, EFAS, and SWOT. The strategy resulted in the development of green tourism as an effort to increase community empowerment in economic activity in the village of Pemuteran is green tourism marketing strategy; Strategy creation and development of green tourism products; Strategy commitment and development of community-based tourism
    [Show full text]
  • P37 22 Layout 1
    lifestyle MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014 Features Contestants parade during the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant at the ExCel London ICC Auditorium in London yesterday.—AFP photos Miss South Africa crowned Miss World Miss World 2013 Megan Young (top) crowns Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss (bottom) as Miss World 2014 during the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant at the ExCel London ICC Auditorium in London yesterday. Miss France Flora Coquerel Miss Philippines Valerie Weigmann iss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the pageant’s final in London yester- Mday, with an estimated billion viewers watching on televi- sion around the globe. Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was the run- ner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women from 121 countries. Strauss clasped her hands together in surprise and was presented with the sash by the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines. The medical student sat in the winner’s throne as the 2013 champion put the glittering crown on her head before a fireworks finale at the ExCeL exhibition centre in east London. “South Africa Miss Turkey Amine Gulse this is for you,” Strauss said afterwards. “I think I will brace myself for what’s about to happen. It’s a huge responsibility.”—AFP Miss Serbia Milica Vuklis (center) parades between Miss Vietnam Loan Nguyen Thi and Miss Montenegro Natasa Novakovic. Miss Sri Lanka Chulakshi Miss South Sudan Awien Kuanyin (From left) Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss, Miss Kenya Idah Nguma and Miss Mexico Daniela Alvarez Reyes congratulate Miss Sweden Olivia Miss Japan Hikaru Kawai and Miss South Korea Song Hwa- Asplund on winning the swimwear fashion section.
    [Show full text]
  • Starred Articles
    Bank GKCA Update 9th to 30th Apr Starred Articles 11 Justice RM Lodha to be next Chief Justice of India Apr India > Chief Justice Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha will take over as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) replacing present Chief Justice P Sathasivam who retires later this month. The 64 year old Justice, who is the most senior judge of the Supreme court after Justice Sathasivam, will assume his new charge on April 27 and will have a brief tenure of five months as CJI and is due to retire on September 27 this year. Born in Jodhpur, Justice Lodha enrolled with Bar Council of Rajasthan in February 1973. Since then, he has been involved in various important capacities in High Courts throughout the country, before being elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court in December, 2008. Justice Lodha heads the bench which is monitoring CBI's probe into the coal blocks allocation scam. He was also instrumental in passing orders making the CBI independent from government sanction to prosecute senior officials in cases being monitored by courts. 12 Jaipur girl Koyal Rana wins Miss India 2014 title Apr Awards > Miss India Jaipur girl Koyal Rana was crowned the new Miss India 2014 in a star studded event at the Yash Raj Studio in Mumbai on Saturday (12th March) night. She was selected amongst 24 other gorgeous finalists and will now contest for the Miss World title. The runners up were Jhataleka Malhotra (1st runner-up) from Mumbai and Gail Da'Silva (2nd runner-up) from Goa.
    [Show full text]