featured News Trending

Gucci Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Fashion Images

By 61 0

Gucci has drawn criticism after posting AI-generated images to promote its upcoming Milan Fashion Week show. Users on social media questioned the use of AI in place of human models and photographers, arguing it clashes with the fashion house’s emphasis on creativity and Italian craftsmanship. The images were clearly labeled as “created with AI,” but some called them examples of “AI slop,” highlighting the growing presence of low-quality AI content online.

The AI campaign coincides with Gucci creative director Demna Gvasalia preparing his runway debut in Milan. While not Gucci’s first use of generative AI, the approach has sparked debate about luxury fashion marketing, with some praising its ability to capture “Milano glam,” while others, including photographers like Tati Bruening, warn it risks negative publicity and undermining the creative ecosystem.

Experts note that AI can still play a limited role in fashion, such as retouching, mood boards, or small edits. However, some speculate Gucci may be intentionally provoking discussion on the intersection of luxury fashion and AI, using the campaign to challenge perceptions of what constitutes high-end creativity in the digital era.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Switzerland to Compensate Victims of Crans-Montana Fire

By 63 0

Switzerland announced a one-time payment of 50,000 Swiss francs ($56,000) to severely injured survivors and bereaved families of the New Year’s Eve fire at the “Le Constellation” bar in Crans-Montana, which killed 41 people and injured over 100. The federal government described the solidarity contribution as both financial support and a gesture of compassion for those affected.

The payment will cover each deceased victim and every hospitalized individual, totaling 7.8 million francs for 156 severely impacted people. Additional support comes from the canton of Valais, which pledged 10 million francs to a foundation for victims. Authorities also plan to facilitate out-of-court settlements with insurers to potentially avoid prolonged legal battles, contributing up to 20 million francs for such agreements.

The Swiss Federal Council emphasized its commitment to uncovering the truth behind the blaze, believed to have been sparked by sparkling candles igniting foam soundproofing. Parliament is expected to expedite legislation to support victims, while 8.5 million francs will assist affected cantons in covering extraordinary costs.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Barcelona Doubles Tourism Tax to Fund Housing

By 67 0

Barcelona has raised its tourism tax to one of the highest levels in Europe, doubling the levy on hotel guests from 5–7.5 euros to 10–15 euros per night starting in April. The move aims to curb tourist numbers and help finance affordable housing projects, with a quarter of the revenue earmarked for addressing the city’s housing crisis. Short-term holiday rentals will also see a tax increase, from 6.25 euros to a maximum of 12.5 euros per night.

The tax hike affects both hotels and cruise passengers, with a two-night stay at a four-star hotel now potentially adding 45.60 euros to costs. Barcelona, one of the world’s top convention destinations, will not exempt attendees from the levy. The city has also announced plans to ban all short-term rentals by 2028 to control the housing market and manage tourism pressure.

Hotel owners have voiced concerns that the steep tax increase could deter visitors and impact revenue, warning that it may backfire on the city’s lucrative tourism industry. Barcelona welcomes around 15.8 million tourists annually, making the potential economic impact of the tax significant.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Trump’s Envoy to France Sparks Diplomatic Strain After Skipping Summons

By 54 0

Tensions between Washington and Paris have intensified after Charles Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to France, twice failed to appear when summoned by the French foreign ministry. Kushner, who arrived in Paris last summer, has drawn criticism for bypassing traditional diplomatic norms, including publishing an open letter accusing France of not doing enough to combat antisemitism. His remarks were publicly rebuked by Emmanuel Macron, who called them unacceptable for a diplomat.

The latest friction followed the embassy’s reposting of U.S. State Department comments regarding the killing of a French far-right activist, prompting another summons that Kushner did not attend. French officials signaled he could be temporarily barred from meetings with government representatives. However, Kushner later held what both sides described as a frank and amicable call with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, agreeing to meet in the coming days and reaffirming cooperation as the two nations mark 250 years of diplomatic relations.

Kushner’s tenure reflects a broader pattern of Trump-appointed ambassadors stirring debate across Europe. A real estate executive with no prior diplomatic experience, he has prioritized concerns about antisemitism, which surged in France after the 2023 Gaza conflict. While critics view his approach as confrontational and dismissive of diplomatic protocol, supporters argue his close ties to Trump give him influence and urgency. Observers say the episode underscores deeper strains in U.S.-France relations over trade, regulation and sovereignty issues.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Louvre Director Resigns After Crown Jewels Heist Shakes Museum

By 52 0

The director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has resigned months after a high-profile theft of France’s crown jewels stunned the art world. She submitted her resignation to Emmanuel Macron, who said the museum now needed “calm and a strong new impetus” to move forward with major security and modernisation projects.

The brazen raid took place on 19 October, when thieves used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access a balcony near the River Seine and break into the museum’s Gallery of Apollo. While four suspects have been arrested, eight pieces of jewellery worth an estimated €88 million remain missing. Among the stolen items were historic jewels, including pieces linked to Napoleon, while a 19th-century diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was dropped during the escape and damaged, though officials say it can be fully restored.

In the aftermath, des Cars acknowledged that perimeter CCTV systems were weak and outdated, with critical blind spots near the point of entry. A parliamentary inquiry is now investigating what a preliminary report described as “systemic failures” that enabled the break-in. The museum, which attracts more than 8.7 million visitors annually and houses masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, has also recently faced a suspected ticket fraud scheme and infrastructure issues, adding to the challenges confronting its leadership.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Glencore to Buy $115M Cobalt from Industry Veteran for U.S. Stockpile

By 80 0

Glencore has reached an agreement to purchase nearly 2,000 metric tons of cobalt from industry veteran Rami Weisfisch, worth around $115 million at current market prices. The deal, spanning 12 months in 2026, is expected to supply the United States for its planned National Defense Stockpile under Project Vault, a program backed by $12 billion in public and private funding. The cobalt, originally acquired by Weisfisch in 2015, is stored across Europe and the U.S., and marks the end of Weisfisch’s 50-year involvement in the cobalt industry.

The move comes amid heightened U.S. efforts to secure critical materials, including cobalt, to reduce reliance on China, the dominant global supplier and processor of strategic metals. Glencore’s CEO Gary Nagle confirmed the company’s participation in Project Vault, following the cancellation of a U.S. Defense Logistics Agency tender for cobalt last year. The deal uses pricing tied to Fastmarkets assessments, ensuring alignment with current market conditions.

Cobalt prices have surged approximately 160% since February 2025, reaching $26 per pound ($57,320 per ton), driven by tight supply and rising global demand. Democratic Republic of Congo, the top producer, imposed export quotas from February to mid-October, disrupting supply chains. China, the largest cobalt processor, has been most affected by these restrictions, scrambling to secure cobalt for its industries, including lithium-ion battery production for electric vehicles and mobile devices.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

German Chancellor Merz Visits China Amid Trade Challenges

By 66 0

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has embarked on his first official visit to China, leading a delegation of senior German business leaders, including heads of Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The trip aims to strengthen economic ties as Germany faces growing trade deficits and competitive pressures from China’s booming electric vehicle industry. Merz’s visit comes amid concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities and global economic rivalry.

China, Germany’s largest trading partner in 2025, has reversed years of trade surpluses, leaving Germany with a deficit of nearly €90 billion. German officials warn that export controls, overcapacity, and rising competition from Chinese firms have created a challenging environment for German manufacturers, prompting calls for Merz to negotiate better terms for industry.

During his visit, Merz is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, signing economic agreements and visiting major facilities, including a Mercedes-Benz EV plant and Siemens Energy site. The trip reflects Germany’s strategic effort to balance trade relations with China while addressing EU measures protecting local industries from underpriced imports.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Rob Jetten Becomes Netherlands’ Youngest PM

By 63 0

Rob Jetten, 38, has been sworn in as the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands, leading a centre-right minority government with the VVD and CDA after his Democrats 66 (D66) narrowly won October’s elections over Geert Wilders. His government faces the challenge of passing major reforms, including €19bn for defense and cuts to healthcare and benefits, on a vote-by-vote basis in parliament.

The coalition plans stricter asylum rules, requiring refugees to apply outside Europe, a contentious issue that has toppled previous governments. Jetten, known for shaking off his “Robot Jetten” nickname, has presented a confident, modern image, appealing to younger voters with his pro-EU and socially liberal stance.

Globally, Jetten joins a small group of openly gay national leaders, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ representation. Opposition parties, including Wilders and the GreenLeft-Labour coalition, have voiced concerns over the government’s financial and social plans, warning of unfair burdens on ordinary citizens.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Novo Nordisk Loses Wegovy-Era Gains

By 66 0

Shares of Novo Nordisk plunged more than 16%, erasing the remaining gains driven by its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. The sharp decline followed disappointing trial results for its next-generation obesity treatment CagriSema, which underperformed a rival therapy from Eli Lilly. The drop pushed Novo’s valuation sharply lower, extending a massive fall from its 2024 peak when it was briefly worth over $650 billion.

Novo has now shed roughly $475 billion in market value, with its shares retreating to levels last seen before Wegovy’s 2021 launch transformed the company into Europe’s most valuable drugmaker. The stock was among the biggest decliners on Europe’s STOXX 600 index, while Eli Lilly shares gained in U.S. trading, reflecting investor confidence in its competing obesity treatments.

Analysts said the trial setback could dent long-term sales prospects for CagriSema and make it harder for Novo to regain market share in the rapidly expanding obesity drug sector. Growing competition, particularly from highly effective weight-loss therapies, has intensified pressure on the Danish drugmaker as investors reassess its growth outlook.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Spain to Declassify 1981 Coup Files

By 63 0

Spain will release classified documents related to the failed 1981 coup attempt that shook its young democracy, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Monday. The files, set to be made public on Wednesday, are expected to provide deeper insight into the events surrounding the attempted overthrow of the government. Sanchez said the move aims to settle a historic debt with the Spanish public and reinforce democratic transparency.

The declassified records may shed new light on the role of former King Juan Carlos I and the involvement of intelligence services and other state institutions during the crisis. However, former spy chief Alberto Saiz previously warned that several key documents connected to the plot have gone missing, potentially limiting the full picture.

The coup unfolded when Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero and armed members of the Civil Guard stormed Spain’s parliament, firing shots and holding lawmakers hostage for 17 hours in a bid to restore dictatorship. The attempt ultimately failed after King Juan Carlos delivered a televised address defending the constitutional order and the elected government.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright