As France marks ten years since the deadly Bataclan attacks, the nation faces renewed reminders of the enduring jihadist threat. Authorities have arrested Maëva B, a 27-year-old French convert linked to Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving attacker from November 2015, on suspicion of plotting a violent act. The arrest underscores the persistence of home-grown extremism, even as large-scale terror plots have diminished following the fall of the Islamic State.
The coordinated Paris attacks on 13 November 2015 killed 130 people and wounded hundreds more, becoming a defining moment in France’s modern history. Since then, intelligence agencies have strengthened counter-terror capabilities, yet experts warn of “ambient jihadism” — a decentralized, ideology-driven threat fueled by social networks, political polarization, and global conflicts like the Israel-Gaza war.
Thursday’s national commemorations include tributes at attack sites, the opening of a memorial garden, and the illumination of the Eiffel Tower in France’s tricolour. Survivors continue to share how their lives were forever altered, while Abdeslam’s offer to participate in “restorative justice” has drawn outrage from victims’ families, who insist terrorism cannot be treated as an ordinary crime.
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Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will host the opening match of Euro 2028, while London’s Wembley Stadium will stage the semi-finals and final, UEFA confirmed at the tournament’s official launch in London. The 24-team championship will be played across nine venues in four nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland — after Belfast’s Casement Park was dropped due to funding issues.
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney called it a “historic moment” for Welsh football, marking the first time Wales will host a major international tournament. He said the event would unite communities, inspire young players, and showcase Welsh culture on a global stage.
The quarter-finals will be shared among Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, and Wembley, while other English venues include Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park, Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, and St James’ Park. The qualifying draw will take place in Belfast in December 2026, with organizers pledging to deliver the “best-ever” European Championship.
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Almost a year after his arrest at Algiers airport, French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, 81, has been pardoned by the Algerian presidency and allowed to leave the country. Sansal, who has been at the center of a tense diplomatic row between Paris and Algiers, departed for Germany on a military plane to receive medical treatment for prostate cancer.
The release came after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier directly appealed to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, leveraging his trusted relationship with the Algerian leader. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Tebboune for the “act of humanity,” highlighting France’s respectful and calm approach in securing Sansal’s freedom.
Sansal had been sentenced to five years in prison in July for remarks deemed to undermine national unity, having long been critical of the Algerian government. His pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds due to his advanced age and fragile health, overriding earlier unsuccessful appeals from France.
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Italian prosecutors in Milan have launched an investigation into shocking allegations that wealthy tourists from Italy and other countries paid to shoot at civilians during the Bosnian war in the early 1990s. The so-called “sniper safaris” allegedly took place in the besieged city of Sarajevo, where participants reportedly paid varying amounts to target men, women, and even children from Serb-controlled positions overlooking the city.
The complaint was filed by Italian journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni, who uncovered testimonies from Bosnian intelligence officers claiming that these “human hunts” were discovered in late 1993 and stopped months later after Italy’s military intelligence service, Sismi, was informed. Gavazzeni’s findings, supported by accounts from Sarajevo’s former mayor and evidence seen in the 2022 documentary Sarajevo Safari, suggest that individuals from several countries — including Italy, the US, and Russia — were involved.
Authorities in Milan, led by counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis, are now examining the evidence under charges of murder. The investigation seeks to confirm whether Italian nationals participated in these paid killing sprees that took place during the brutal four-year siege of Sarajevo, which claimed over 11,000 civilian lives. Gavazzeni condemned the alleged acts as the “indifference of evil,” underscoring the moral depravity of those who treated a war zone as a hunting ground.
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Marks & Spencer (M&S) is overhauling its fashion supply chain from “factory to floor” as part of a major strategy to double its annual online fashion, home, and beauty sales to nearly £3 billion ($4 billion). John Lyttle, who took charge as Managing Director for Fashion, Home, and Beauty in March, said the revamp aims to make M&S a fully omnichannel retailer by modernizing how products are sourced, stored, and delivered to customers. The move follows a strong recovery after an April cyberattack that disrupted online operations and caused around £300 million in losses.
The 141-year-old retailer is investing £120 million in automation to improve efficiency and resilience across its operations. Lyttle emphasized that simplifying logistics and strengthening supply chain partnerships—particularly with factories in Asia and Europe—will help reduce costs and ensure smoother product flow. He noted that M&S has already improved its reputation for value, quality, and style, with fashion, home, and beauty sales rising 9% over the past three years and its market share climbing to 10.5%.
M&S plans to deepen long-term supplier relationships to secure consistent product availability amid global trade challenges. The company also aims to increase online’s share of total non-food sales from 34% to 50% in the coming years. Investors see the shift as a major growth opportunity, with experts saying the modernized supply chain could enhance margins and cement M&S’s position as a leading online and in-store fashion retailer in the UK.
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Alphabet’s Google has announced plans to invest €5.5 billion ($6.4 billion) in Germany between 2026 and 2029 to strengthen its cloud infrastructure and data centre capacity. The investment includes building a new data centre in Dietzenbach near Frankfurt and expanding its existing facility in Hanau, both located in the state of Hesse.
The initiative is expected to secure around 9,000 indirect jobs, marking a significant boost for Germany’s digital economy. Google Cloud’s Northern Europe vice president Marianne Janik said the investment will directly involve about 100 workers at each site. The move follows a series of major tech partnerships in Germany, including a $1.2 billion AI deal between Deutsche Telekom and Nvidia.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil hailed the announcement as a major signal for Germany’s economic future, noting that no state funds are involved. The government continues to promote the country as a prime business destination amid efforts to modernize infrastructure and revive economic growth.
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A Turkish C-130 military cargo plane carrying at least 20 personnel crashed in Georgia on Tuesday after taking off from Azerbaijan. Footage from the scene near the Azerbaijan border showed debris scattered across a grassy hillside, with parts of the aircraft still burning. The cause of the crash and the exact number of casualties have not yet been confirmed.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered condolences for “our martyrs” during a speech in Ankara, while Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also expressed sorrow over the loss of servicemen. The plane reportedly included both Turkish and Azeri personnel, though Turkey’s Defence Ministry only confirmed 20 Turkish personnel on board. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Sighnaghi municipality, Kakheti, near the crash site.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the C-130 Hercules, expressed condolences and pledged support to Turkey’s Air Force during the investigation. The versatile aircraft, widely used for cargo, troop transport, and various military operations, is considered a mainstay tactical airlifter for many armed forces worldwide.
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Russian teenager Diana Loginova, an 18-year-old street musician performing under the stage name Naoko with her band Stoptime, has been handed another 13-day jail sentence in St. Petersburg for a new public order offence. Loginova and her fiancé, the band’s guitarist Alexander Orlov, have already served multiple short jail terms and fines after performing songs critical of the Kremlin, drawing attention on social media and prompting young fans to join their street concerts.
Loginova’s performances included cover versions of tracks by exiled Russian artists such as Noize MC and Monetochka, whose songs carry anti-war and anti-Putin messages. Authorities have labeled some of these artists as “foreign agents,” and critics of the government in Russia face intense scrutiny, especially since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Loginova has also been fined for “discrediting the army” and previously jailed for “petty hooliganism,” highlighting the strict enforcement of wartime censorship.
Rights groups like Amnesty International have condemned the repeated arrests, describing them as “carousel arrests” used to prolong detention without formal criminal charges. Loginova still faces additional charges that could result in further fines. Her mother expressed confusion over the authorities’ attention, insisting her daughter and the band had done nothing wrong.
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“Turning Intangible Emotions into Tangible Experiences through Thoughtful Architecture – Vedha Architects Group Leads the Way.”
In a world where architecture is often reduced to calculations, materials, and deadlines, Ar. A. Aravind, Founder & Principal Architect of VEDHA Architects, envisions something far deeper. For him, architecture is not about following fleeting trends—it’s about creating spaces that truly reflect the essence of the individual.
Guided by his powerful belief that “Every person is unique, so their space should be too,” Ar. Aravind’s journey has been one of passion and purpose. A graduate of the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, he honed his skills in Mumbai under the mentorship of the world-renowned Ar. Nuru Karim. What began as a dream has grown into VEDHA Architects Group, a dynamic practice with a presence across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, shaping design narratives for over eight years.
Yet, VEDHA is more than an architectural firm—it is the embodiment of a shared vision and collective passion. Ar. Amrithavarshini E.R., the Creative Head, infuses every design with creativity, uniqueness, emotional depth, and meticulous precision. Ruthira Kumar, as the Chief Innovation Officer, ensures that innovation and experimentation remain at the heart of every project. Ar. Aishwarya, who has been part of the firm since its humble beginnings, now leads Design Operations, channeling her dedication and precision into driving VEDHA’s creative excellence. Meanwhile, Ar. Vamshi Krishna, heading Project Development, turns concepts into reality with unwavering focus and commitment, ensuring each project is executed with care and finesse.
Together, this team has built far more than structures—they have created experiences. At VEDHA Architects, architecture is seen as a journey of transforming emotions into experiences, crafting spaces that are deeply personal, expressive, and timeless.
The Philosophy of Architecting Lives
The cornerstone of Ar. Aravind’s vision lies in a belief that architecture is not an exercise in construction but in human expression. He often describes his practice as “architecting lives,” a phrase that captures his deeper approach to design. For him, a home is not just a shelter but the stage on which love, memory, and identity take root. A resort is not merely a retreat but an experience of harmony with nature. A commercial space is not just a place of transaction but a statement of character.
This approach has made Vedha Architects stand apart in a competitive field. Rather than producing designs that follow generic patterns, Ar. Aravind ensures that every project tells its own story. No two projects are ever the same, because no two lives are ever the same. In his view, architecture that fails to express individuality risks becoming irrelevant.
Blending Heritage with Innovation
A defining hallmark of Ar. A. Aravind’s architectural vision is his extraordinary ability to unite elements that seem worlds apart. He masterfully merges traditional Indian design wisdom—rooted in Vastu Shastra and divine proportions—with the latest advancements in material technology, sustainability, and climate-responsive design.
Through this thoughtful integration, he creates spaces that are eternally relevant—timeless yet distinctly contemporary. A VEDHA structure may employ cutting-edge construction techniques, yet its proportions evoke the spiritual harmony of ancient temples. Its interiors may exude elegance and luxury, yet they are meticulously oriented to enhance natural light and ventilation, minimizing reliance on artificial systems.
To Ar. Aravind, tradition is not a static concept confined to history—it is a living, breathing wisdom system meant to evolve alongside modern needs.
This belief reflects a deeper truth about architecture itself. Throughout history, India’s built environment has thrived on integration rather than imitation—from temple architecture and Mughal artistry to colonial legacies and post-independence modernism. Ar. Aravind sees his work as an extension of this continuum, envisioning a 21st-century architecture where heritage and innovation coexist in dynamic dialogue, shaping spaces that honor the past while embracing the future.
Biophilia: The Signature of Connection
If there is one thread that runs through all of Ar. Aravind’s projects, it is biophilia—the human need to connect with nature. For him, nature is not a backdrop to design but its foundation. He believes that spaces should not separate us from the environment but bring us closer to it.
In practical terms, this means designing buildings with generous natural light, carefully calibrated ventilation, organic built forms, and materials that foster a healthier indoor environment. But beyond the technical, there is also a spiritual quality to his work. To step into a Vedha-designed home or resort is to feel an immediate sense of calm, as though the building itself is in dialogue with the trees, the wind, and the landscape around it.
Ar. Aravind describes this as creating “living, breathing ecosystems.” His buildings are not monuments to human ambition but sanctuaries where people and nature meet in quiet harmony. This biophilic approach does more than elevate aesthetic value; it enhances well-being, reminding us that architecture at its best does not dominate life but nurtures it.
Transforming Dreams into Enduring Designs
At VEDHA Architects, every creation begins with an intimate understanding of the client—their lifestyle, aspirations, and vision for the future. For Ar. A. Aravind, architecture is far more than the arrangement of walls and roofs; it is about shaping experiences that stand the test of time. This belief is embodied in VEDHA’s signature three-stage process—the Design Diagnosis Report (DDR).
The DDR goes beyond being a mere design plan; it serves as a strategic blueprint for the client’s present and future. It begins with identifying immediate needs while also envisioning how the space should evolve over the next five to ten years. As Ar. Aravind often remarks, “We cannot renovate every year, so we design for the future you aspire to live in.” By anticipating long-term functional and emotional needs, VEDHA ensures that every structure remains relevant, purposeful, and inspiring for decades.
Once the vision is established, the process moves to the detailed architectural design stage, where creativity meets practicality. Here, every idea is aligned with the client’s budget, blending innovative design with financial sensibility to create spaces that are both imaginative and achievable. The final stage—execution—focuses on delivering the project with uncompromising quality, timely completion, and a lifetime commitment to the client’s satisfaction.
For Ar. Aravind, architecture is about translating emotions into physical form—spaces that evoke trust, comfort, and identity. Whether a home or workspace, each design reflects a philosophy of living, not just a style. This is why VEDHA Architects stands beside every client from the first spark of an idea to the final finishing touch, crafting not just buildings, but legacies that endure.
A Portfolio of Distinction
Each project carries the signature of Vedha’s multidisciplinary strength. While Ar. Aravind anchors the vision, Amrithavarshini ensures design finesse and contextual sensitivity, and Ruthira Kumar’s input in adopting advanced technologies and materials keeps the projects at the cutting edge. The result is a portfolio where no two projects are the same, yet all share a common thread of individuality and innovation. Among his most remarkable works is SIMTA Astrix, a 4,000 sq. ft. fenestrations and interior showroom that redefines how product display spaces can be both experiential and functional. With its sleek design language and immersive interiors, the showroom goes beyond being a commercial space, offering visitors a sensory journey through form, light, and materiality.
Equally noteworthy is MJD Suites, a five-star luxury hotel in Vellarada, Thiruvananthapuram, with a capacity of 53 rooms. Here, Ar. Aravind demonstrates his ability to scale his vision—creating not just a hospitality project but a landmark destination. The hotel blends contemporary finesse with regional character, offering comfort and sophistication while staying deeply connected to its natural and cultural context.
In the residential segment, his creativity takes grand form in the Royal Mansion Residence, a sprawling 16,000 sq. ft. home that embodies luxury with soul. Designed as much for living as for experiencing, the mansion balances opulence with warmth, making it a statement of refined taste without losing sight of intimacy and comfort. On the commercial front, Vijaya Traders at Vytilla, Ernakulam, stands out as an interior products showroom that merges practicality with elegance. The space is designed to be both a retail hub and an architectural experience—inviting, dynamic, and inspiring for clients and designers alike.
Each of these projects, though different in scale and function, is united by Ar. Aravind’s unmistakable signature: spaces that do more than meet needs—they inspire, endure, and tell a story of their own.
Innovation with Purpose
Every project at VEDHA Architects is a unique experiment—an exploration of ideas, materials, and creativity. With such an approach, challenges are inevitable. For Ar. A. Aravind, the most significant challenge lies in material innovation. He seldom repeats finishes or construction methods, constantly motivating his team to push boundaries and uncover fresh possibilities. This pursuit of originality, while rewarding, introduces added layers of complexity—from sourcing and testing to implementing new materials, often impacting both timelines and budgets.
Yet, Ar. Aravind welcomes these challenges as an integral part of the creative journey. He firmly believes that true architecture cannot emerge from comfort zones. However, he is equally aware that clients value stability and dependability. To strike a balance between bold creativity and practical reliability, he emphasizes strong project management, transparent communication, and well-defined responsibilities across all stakeholders. In his words, “Creativity without discipline breeds chaos, while discipline without creativity leads to mediocrity.” His leadership lies in maintaining this delicate equilibrium—where vision and structure work hand in hand to deliver excellence.
Sustainability as a Moral Compass
For Ar. A. Aravind, sustainability is not an afterthought—it is a fundamental responsibility of every architect. He views architecture as more than a reflection of human lifestyle; it is a powerful force shaping the planet’s future. This conviction guides every aspect of VEDHA’s practice—from solar energy integration and energy-efficient planning to responsible material selection and climate-responsive spatial design.
His interpretation of sustainability goes beyond green certifications or standard checklists. It embodies a holistic approach that prioritizes resilience, foresight, and environmental consciousness. A VEDHA home is designed not just for comfort, but for conscience—reducing ecological impact while enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.
Through this perspective, Ar. Aravind situates his work within a larger ethical narrative—one where architecture serves as both an artistic expression and a moral duty, ensuring that every creation contributes meaningfully to a more sustainable and compassionate world.
The Man Behind the Vision
Despite his ambitious portfolio and growing recognition, Ar. Aravind remains a deeply grounded individual. Colleagues and clients describe him as someone who listens first and sketches later, who places dialogue above ego, and who is as much a collaborator as he is a creator.
His humility is matched by a quiet intensity. He approaches every project with an almost meditative focus, seeking not just to satisfy functional needs but to uncover the deeper aspirations of his clients. For him, architecture is an intimate process, one that requires trust, empathy, and patience. This is perhaps why his projects resonate so strongly with the people who inhabit them—they are not just designed but deeply understood.
Shaping the Next Chapter of Indian Architecture
As India continues its rapid journey of urban transformation, Ar. A. Aravind believes that the nation’s architectural landscape is on the brink of a new era—one defined not by the choice between tradition and modernity, but by their seamless integration. He envisions a future where architects push creative boundaries while staying deeply connected to cultural roots; where cities rise higher yet remain greener and more humane; and where every structure reflects not merely economic progress, but a deeper commitment to human well-being.
“Buildings are temporary,” he often reminds, “but the lives lived within them—that’s where permanence lies.” This profound belief transforms architecture from a passive backdrop into an active participant in shaping human experience. For Ar. Aravind, the true legacy of architecture is not measured by how long a structure endures, but by how meaningfully it enriches the lives of those who inhabit it.
Designing Legacies, Not Just Landmarks
In an industry often consumed by blueprints, budgets, and deadlines, Ar. A. Aravind stands out as a visionary guided by purpose. His body of work—diverse in scale, style, and geography—is united by a single essence: a design philosophy that celebrates individuality, honors tradition, embraces nature, and thrives on innovation.
Through VEDHA Architects, he continues to craft spaces that go beyond functionality, transforming architecture into a living dialogue between emotion and environment. In doing so, Ar. Aravind is not merely building structures—he is architecting futures that will inspire generations to come.
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Spain’s King Felipe VI has begun a four-day state visit to China — the first by a Spanish monarch in 18 years — as Madrid deepens its diplomatic and economic outreach to Beijing. The trip highlights Spain’s strategic push to rebalance trade relations and expand cooperation in key sectors, particularly as ties with the United States face renewed tension.
Felipe, joined by high-ranking ministers and a large delegation of business leaders, will meet President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese officials in both Chengdu and Beijing. The agenda includes boosting investment in electric vehicles, clean energy, and Spanish industries such as pork exports, which have seen strong growth in the Chinese market. Chinese firms are already ramping up activity in Spain, targeting car manufacturing, battery production, and energy projects.
While the strengthened bilateral relationship offers economic advantages, analysts note it also reflects Spain’s geopolitical shift as Washington pressures European allies over defence spending and policy differences. Security concerns remain — particularly regarding the potential use of Huawei technology — but Madrid views closer ties with Beijing as a valuable counterbalance amid uncertain global dynamics.
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