By Campbell Greaves for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 01:11 EDT, March 21, 2024 | Updated: 01:11 EDT, March 21, 2024

Conrad Sewell has dished on his exciting wedding plans and revealed why he chose to become an independent artist.

The Australian singer, 35, has given insight into his exciting future plans with his fiancée Jasmine Hingston as they prepare to tie the knot.

Conrad appeared on Brisbane’s B105 Breakfast show Stav, Abby & Matt and revealed he is moving to the US for two years with Jasmine and their two children.

With his move just weeks away, he revealed that they are stopping along the way to Hawaii to scout locations for their wedding, although they haven’t set a date yet.

“We’re leaving for America on April 18 and flying on to Hawaii to see a few locations,” he told the hosts.

Conrad Sewell has dished on his exciting wedding plans and revealed why he chose to become an independent artist

Conrad also spoke to the breakfast team about his struggles in the music industry and how his career has changed since becoming an independent artist.

“We don’t make money for music… you go into a record deal knowing you’re not going to make any money on that side,” he said.

The artist has signed contracts with record labels such as Universal, Warner and Sony throughout his career.

But after his last album with Sony, Conrad decided to take his career in a new direction and become an independent artist.

“This feels fresh and new to me, I just took back the power, I want to release music right away,” he said of the big change.

Conrad and Jasmine are moving to the US with their two children and plan to stop along the way in Hawaii to scout locations for a wedding

The couple have yet to set a date for their special day, but will start scouting locations in a few weeks. They share two children: Faith Rose Annelise and Memphis Rose Ignatius

It comes after Conrad and his fiancée Jasmine welcomed their second child together in December.

The Start Again hitmaker announced the exciting news on Instagram, along with a series of adorable photos of the little tot.

“XIII.XII.XXIII Faith Rose Annelise Sewell,” he captioned the post, revealing that his little girl was born on December 13.

The couple welcomed their first child, Memphis Rose Ignatius, in March 2022.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is designed for the financial empowerment of girls. Parents who have a daughter below the age of 10 years can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account in their daughter’s name at any nationalized bank or post office.

The central government is implementing many programs to financially empower women. These schemes cover women from different walks of life. Important schemes among them are Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

Read more details about such women empowerment schemes in this article below:

International Women’s Day 2024: Today is International Women’s Day (March 8). The day is celebrated for the women and their hardships to the society and family despite societal pressure and opposition. Women have emerged triumphant with fewer resources. The central government has also helped them with many schemes to make them financially independent.

International Women’s Day 2024: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is designed for the financial empowerment of girls. Parents who have a daughter below the age of 10 years can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account in their daughter’s name at any nationalized bank or post office.

A minimum amount to invest is Rs 250 and a maximum to invest is Rs 1.50 lakh in a financial year. The interest rate is calculated at 8.2 percent and compound interest is added annually.

The term of this scheme is 15 years, and when the girl reaches the age of 21 years. The main purpose behind the scheme is that the parents should use this amount to raise her girl child or in her marriage.

It also gives tax benefits on deposits up to Rs 1.50 lakh in a financial year.

International Women’s Day 2024: Free Sewing Machine Program

The program is mainly aimed at women from rural and urban areas who belong to the economically weaker sections of the society. A free sewing machine is provided to women interested in sewing and embroidery.

Women between the ages of 20 and 40 can benefit from the free sewing machine scheme. There is one condition before applying this scheme that the income of the husband of the woman applying for the scheme should not exceed Rs 12,000 per month.

International Women’s Day 2024: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Center provides a cooking gas cylinder to women from poor families. The scheme was started in 2016 to help women from poor families.

International Women’s Day 2024: Mahila Samman Savings Certificate

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate designed for women’s financial independence. It is available at a post office depot.

Women can deposit a minimum of Rs 1,000 or a maximum of Rs 2 lakh for two years. The scheme has an interest rate of 7.5 percent. Investors can withdraw up to 40 percent of the eligible balance one year from the date of account opening.

International Women’s Day 2024: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is designed for pregnant women. It is also called a maternity benefit.

During pregnancy, women face problems such as malnutrition. The central government is providing financial assistance of Rs 6,000 to pregnant and lactating women.

The government deposits this money directly into the women’s bank accounts. In order to take advantage of this scheme, the condition is that the pregnant woman must not be younger than 19 years old.

In the first phase, Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000 in the second phase and again Rs 2,000 in the third phase will be given to the pregnant women under this scheme.

The last part of Rs 1000 is given to the hospital at the time of the child’s birth.

International Women’s Day 2024: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The aim of this scheme is to reduce the decline in the number of girls and strengthen the position of women. It is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health, Family Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resources.

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao program mainly focuses on the clusters in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bihar and Delhi.

The stars hit the red carpet to celebrate indie films at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, February 25.

Saturday evening live alum Aidy Bryant hosted the afternoon event, which was held on California’s Santa Monica Pier, and introduced the ceremony as “the bisexual Oscars.” There were even several former and current Academy Award nominees in attendance, including Greta Lee, Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain And Lily Gladstone. Even though they all attended the Screen Actors Guild Awards the night before the event, the stars still made sure to bring their best looks to the red carpet.

Scroll down to see what the stars wore to the 2024 Indie Spirit Awards:

Da’Vine Joy Randolph kicked off the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California with a big win.

The 37-year-old actress earned Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Holdovers.

She defeated an impressive and huge field, including: Erika Alexander for American Fiction, Sterling K. Brown for American Fiction, Noah Galvin for Theater Camp, Anne Hathaway for Eileen, Glenn Howerton for BlackBerry, Marin Ireland for Eileen, Charles Melton for May December , Catalina Saavedra for Rotting in the Sun, and Ben Whishaw for Passages.

Da’Vine praised the independent film industry in her acceptance speech: “The Holdovers is a wonderful testament to what can happen when a small group of passionate people are given the opportunity to come together and tell the story.

“Independent films are the beating heart of this industry and worth fighting for.”

In the film, she portrays Mary Lamb, the head cook at Barton Academy boarding school and a grieving mother.

Nick Offerman was recognized in the Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series category for his work in The Last Of Us.

The 53-year-old veteran actor beat out an impressive field, including his castmate in the HBO series Murray Bartlett and Billie Eilish for Swarm, Jack Farthing for Rain Dogs, Adina Porter for The Changeling, Lewis Pullman for Lessons in Chemistry, Benny Safdie for The Curse, Luke Tennie for Shrinking, Olivia Washington for I’m a Virgo and Jessica Williams for Shrinking.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, Hollywood’s premiere event for the independent film and television community, returns for its 39th annual celebration.

Saturday Night Live star Aidy Bryant will host the soiree, which will take place on February 25 in Santa Monica, California.

Viewers can now tune in via livestream on YouTube, as it will no longer be available on television.

The nominations were announced back in December, with American Fiction, May December and Past Lives leading the way with five nods each.

All of Us, American Fiction, May December, Passages, Past Lives and We Grown Now are all vying for best feature film, one of the biggest categories of the night.

She defeated an impressive and huge field, including: Erika Alexander for American Fiction, Sterling K. Brown for American Fiction, Noah Galvin for Theater Camp, Anne Hathaway for Eileen, Glenn Howerton for BlackBerry, Marin Ireland for Eileen, Charles Melton for May December , Catalina Saavedra for Rotting in the Sun, and Ben Whishaw for Passages

Da’Vine praised the independent film industry in her acceptance speech: “The Holdovers is a wonderful testament to what can happen when a small group of passionate people are given the opportunity to come together and tell the story. Independent films are the beating heart of this industry and worth fighting for.”

In the film, she portrays Mary Lamb, the head cook at Barton Academy boarding school and a grieving mother

A host of A-listers are in the running for nominations, including Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and more.

Nominations for Best Lead Performance went to Jessica Chastain for Memory, Greta Lee for Past Lives, Trace Lysette for Monica, Natalie Portman for May December, Judy Reyes for Birth/Rebirth, Franz Rogowski for Passages, Andrew Scott for All of Us Strangers, Teyana Taylor for A Thousand and One, Jeffrey Wright for American Fiction and Teo Yoo for Past Lives.

Nominations for Best Supporting Performance went to Erika Alexander for American Fiction, Sterling K. Brown got American Fiction, Noah Galvin for Theater Camp, Anne Hathaway for Eileen, Glenn Howerton for BlackBerry, Marin Ireland for Eileen, Charles Melton for May December, Da’ Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers, Catalina Saavedra for Rotting in the Sun and Ben Whishaw for Passages.

The nominees come from more than 27 different countries with budgets ranging from $10,000 to $28 million. The nominees were determined by the Spirit Awards Nominating Committees using the following guidelines: uniqueness of vision, original and provocative subject matter and economy of resources.

‘Of all nominated writers, directors, producers and technical artists, 40% are women and 32% are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour). Of the nominated artists, 49% are women and 40% are BIPOC. And of all 2024 nominees, 42% are women and 34% are BIPOC,” according to a press release from the organization.

The nominating committees for the show consist of writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, editors, critics, film festival programmers, casting directors, and other working professionals in the film industry.

“This year, the Spirit Awards nomination committee is 56% female, 3% non-binary, 3% transgender, and 49% BIPOC; 29% identify as LGBTQ+ and 3% identify as people with disabilities (PWD),” the release adds.

The 2024 elections in Pakistan were held on February 8, 2024 and as counting comes to an end, it is visible how no party has secured a clear majority. Does this mean that an independent candidate can become the next Prime Minister? Check the latest update..

New Delhi: The Pakistan elections 2024 took place on February 8, 2024 for the election of members to the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan; the final schedule of the polls was announced in december 2023 by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The major parties, of which one was expected to emerge victorious, were Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP); the first is led by Nawaz Sharif while the latter is headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. It was the largest party in the previous elections Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by former cricketer and politician Imran Khan. Although the political parties claim victory, the official results are not yet known. Local media hinted at a possible victory in unofficial preliminary results Independent candidates because neither party has managed to obtain a clear majority. Bill Latest Updates of Pakistan Elections 2024…

Pak elections 2024: independent candidate becomes prime minister?

As mentioned earlier: Although two key political leaders from two different parties claimed victory in the general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has not yet announced the final results of the poll. Meanwhile, according to the unofficial preliminary results reported by Geo News for 241 out of 266 seats, the independent candidates, largely backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), are in the lead with 97 seats.

Elections in Pakistan: this is how the major parties do it

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which has emerged as the largest party, follows with 72 seats, followed by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) with 52 seats. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, delivered a 'victory speech' in his AI-enabled voice on Saturday, saying that the Pakistan's 'London Plan' Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with massive voter turnout on election day. While Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamiat-e-Ulami-Faizal (JUI-F) and Balochistan National Party (BNP) secured 15, 3 and 2 seats respectively.

Nawaz Sharif plans to form a coalition government

Three-time Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif claimed that his party has become the “biggest” party and wants to lead the country to prosperity while developing peaceful relations with neighbors. Nawaz Sharif has announced his intention to form a unified government with the help of his former allies – the Pakistan People's Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan), amid a fractured mandate.

At a political rally while counting of votes is underway, Nawaz Sharif has promised among his manifestos to develop schools and hospitals, fight major financial crises such as inflation and unemployment, provide free medicines in hospitals and build toilets.

(Input from ANI)

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan's PTI-backed independent candidates were neck-and-neck with Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab – Pakistan's most populous province.

Elections in Pakistan: Independent candidates backed by ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are posing a tough challenge to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's PML-N in the key province of Punjab, as evidenced by early trends Pakistani general election. terrorist attacks and violence that killed at least twelve people, including ten security personnel.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had stripped the jailed 71-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician of the electoral symbol 'bat' for failing to hold intra-party elections as per the Constitution, forcing the party to act independently. candidates.

Here are the latest election trends as reported by local news outlets:

According to initial trends reported by private news channels based on partial counts, Imran Khan's PTI-backed independent candidates were neck-and-neck with Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab – Pakistan's most populous province , which employs almost half of the population. of the representatives in the National Assembly.

In most constituencies in the Punjab province, the candidates of the two parties were in the lead or in second place.

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, the 74-year-old three-time former prime minister who is seeking the premiership for a record fourth term, stood behind PTI-backed independent candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid in Lahore's NA-130.

Similarly, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was trailing in Lahore's NA-127. However, Sharif's younger brother Shehbaz was ahead of his rivals in Lahore's NA-123.

PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi's daughter Meher Bano Qureshi, who stood as an independent candidate, was ahead of her rivals in NA-151 (Multan).

The PTI has claimed that election results are being postponed across the country after Khan's candidate emerged victorious.

“There are reports of closing screens in the offices of returning officers in various circles,” PTI's Omary Ayub alleged in a video message on X.

In Sindh, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) candidates were leading in most constituencies, with leaders Bilawal and Asif Ali Zardari leading in their constituencies. But the situation in Karachi, the capital of Sindh with 22 seats in the National Assembly, was different and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and PTI candidates performed better.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, independent candidates backed by the PTI were in charge in most national and provincial seats. Former PTI minister Ali Muhammad Khan was in charge in Mardan area while former PTI National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar was in charge in Swabi. Maulana Fazlur Rehman's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl also fared well in some districts.

Balochistan, the largest province but which sends only 15 lawmakers to parliament, showed mixed results with no party clearly in charge.

It should be noted that the results reported by news outlets so far are only indicative and unofficial and could change drastically as counting continues. The official results of a constituency are announced by the relevant official after the complete results from all polling stations in that constituency have been tabulated.

The polling for the Pakistani general elections started at 8:00 am and continued without any break until 5:00 pm. A national holiday was declared to enable over 12 crore voters to cast their votes. The voting percentage is not yet known. In the 2018 elections, the total voter turnout across the country was 51.7 percent.

Vote counting began after the election ended, and results from individual polling stations started pouring in after the mandatory one-hour restriction ended. But it may take a few hours before full results from a constituency are available.

A total of 266 National Assembly seats were up for grabs out of 336, but elections were postponed for at least one seat after a candidate was killed in a gun attack in Bajaur. Another 60 seats are reserved for women and 10 for minorities, and are allocated to the winning parties on the basis of proportional representation.

A party must win 133 of the 265 seats contested to form the next government.

5,121 candidates in the fray: ECP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said it has resolved 76 poll complaints received during the day.

According to ECP spokesperson Haroon Shinwari, most of the complaints were of a “normal nature”, involving confrontations between political workers in different fields, which were resolved on the spot.

According to the ECP, there are a total of 5,121 candidates in the race for the National Assembly (NA) seats. This includes 4,807 men, 312 women and two transgender people. There are 12,695 candidates in the field for the four Provincial Councils, including 12,123 men, 570 women and two transgender people.

Mobile, internet services suspended

Shortly after elections began, mobile services in Pakistan were suspended due to the “deteriorating security situation”, a day after two terror attacks killed at least 30 people in Balochistan province.

Despite the suspension of mobile and internet services, a large number of people across Pakistan have exercised their right to vote to elect lawmakers to national and provincial parliaments – in 855 constituencies.

Amnesty International criticized the decision to suspend mobile phone and internet services on election day, calling it “a blunt attack on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”.

In the evening, the Interior Ministry said mobile phone services had been partially restored in parts of the country.

Imprisoned leaders use ballots in 'free and fair' elections

Imran Khan and other prominent detained political figures cast their votes through postal ballot from Adiala prison.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has congratulated the nation on what he called “successful conduct” of “free and fair” elections.

Kakar said the high turnout is a clear indication of public commitment in shaping the country's future. “The votes expressed will help strengthen our democracy, and for that the people of Pakistan deserve every appreciation,” he added.

The border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran were closed to both freight and pedestrians on Thursday for security reasons.

Pakistan's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja earlier said the elections would take place in a peaceful atmosphere.

Imran Khan's PTI suffocated

Imran Khan's PTI complained about the pressure and lack of space to carry out its campaign after falling out with the powerful establishment. The party has been subject to a nationwide state crackdown, with hundreds of workers and candidates arrested and released only after leaving the party or withdrawing from the elections.

Pakistan's history since 1947 is littered with the military's sidelining of elected governments.

Khan has been jailed on corruption charges and banned from action. He will serve at least 14 years in prison after being convicted in three separate cases in five days last week. He still faces more than 140 charges in various cases.

Whoever wins the polls faces an enormous challenge due to the declining economy and the deteriorating security situation.

Last year the country narrowly avoided bankruptcy when the International Monetary Fund provided a short-term loan of $3 billion.

12 killed in terrorist attacks

Meanwhile, at least 12 people, including 10 security personnel, were killed on election day, mainly in the restive provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as government forces repelled 51 terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting the country's general election elections.

Five terrorists were also killed in various operations, according to an army statement.

Militants tried to derail the process with the attack, mainly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, but the troops foiled their efforts, albeit at a cost, the report said.

“Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mainly in KP and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan. Twelve people (including ten personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies) were killed and 39 others were injured in these attacks,” the army statement said.

In one of the incidents, unidentified gunmen detonated a bomb and then opened fire on a vehicle of security personnel deployed for election security in the restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. Four police officers were killed in the attack, they said.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the area is a former stronghold of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group has carried out several attacks on security forces in recent years.

In a separate incident, two Levies and police personnel were killed while seven security personnel were injured in Balochistan's Kharan when their vehicle hit a landmine on the way to a polling station.

These attacks took place a day after at least thirty people were killed in two terror attacks in Balochistan province.

Meanwhile, the military, after claiming to have foiled more than 50 attacks, added that the armed forces along with other law enforcement agencies were proud to have played a crucial role in providing security during the conduct of the sacred electoral process, in support of civil power. and in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan.

(With PTI inputs)

By Owen Tonks for Mailonline

Published: 2:56 PM EST, December 3, 2023 | Updated: 3:28 PM EST, December 3, 2023

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Glamor was the theme on Sunday at the 26th British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate in London.

Claire Foy, Jodie Comer and Zawe Ashton led the way at the star-studded event as they posed on the red carpet in striking attire.

The Crown star Claire, 39, nominated in the Best Supporting Performance category for her role in the 2023 romantic fantasy film All of Us Strangers, showed off her chic sense of style in an off-the-shoulder black and white floor-length robe.

Actress Claire’s garment featured a low-cut white satin neckline with ruffles, while a black fabric train sat on the floor behind her.

The dress was fitted at the waist and perfectly accentuated her hourglass figure, while she accessorized with a pair of dazzling silver earrings.

The Crown star Claire, 39, showed off her chic sense of style in an off-the-shoulder black and white floor-length dress

Claire posed with her All of Us Strangers co-star Andrew Scott, who is nominated in the Best Lead Performance category for his role in the film.

The Irish actor, 47, looked dapper in a black suit which he wore with a black tank top.

He completed his look by wearing a pair of black shoes, accessorized with a gold chain around his neck and matching rings.

The pair appeared in good spirits as they posed arm-in-arm next to each other on the red carpet upon arrival.

Jodie Comer, 30, nominated in the Best Lead Performance category for her role in the 2023 British survival film The End We Start From, went for an edgy look in a sleeveless, part-leather dress that ended just below the knee.

The garment had a center section of material and was fastened at the waist with gold buttons at the front.

She added a few inches to her frame by opting for open-toed heels and posed casually with her hands in her pockets on the red carp.

British actress and playwright Zawe made sure she stood out from the crowd in a glitzy bronze ensemble that sparkled under the bright lights of the venue.

Actress Claire’s garment featured a low-cut white satin neckline with ruffles, while a black fabric train sat on the floor behind her.

The dress was fitted at the waist and perfectly accentuated her hourglass figure, while she accessorized with a pair of dazzling silver earrings.

Claire posed with her All of Us Strangers co-star Andrew Scott, who is nominated in the Best Lead Performance category for his role in the film

The Irish actor, 47, looked dapper in a black suit which he wore with a black tank top

He completed his look by wearing a pair of black shoes, accessorized with a gold chain around his neck and matching rings. The pair appeared in good spirits as they posed arm-in-arm next to each other on the red carpet upon arrival

Claire was seen smiling as she stopped to answer questions before the awards ceremony started

Jodie Comer, 30, nominated in the Best Lead Performance category for her role in the 2023 British survival film The End We Start From, went for an edgy look in a sleeveless, part-leather dress that ended just below the knee (pictured with Katherine Waterston , right)

The garment had a center section of material and was fastened at the waist with gold buttons at the front. She added a few inches to her figure by opting for open-toed heels

British actress and playwright Zawe made sure she stood out from the crowd in a glitzy bronze ensemble that sparkled under the bright lights of the venue

The dress had a tiered skirt section that reached the floor and she wore black heels underneath.

A satin bow was tied at the top and she wore a layered coat with ruffles across the top with structured shoulders.