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Irish Fashion Icon Paul Costelloe Dies Aged 80

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Renowned Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died in London at the age of 80 following a short illness, his family announced on Saturday. Surrounded by his wife and seven children, Costelloe passed away peacefully. Known as one of the most influential names in British and Irish fashion, he built a global reputation with his innovative designs, craftsmanship, and decades-long leadership in the industry.

Born in Dublin, Costelloe studied at the Grafton Academy before moving to Paris for advanced couture training. He launched his own label in 1979 and showcased his collections at London, Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks. His career reached a major milestone when he was appointed personal designer to Princess Diana in 1983, a partnership that continued until her death in 1997. He frequently worked with traditional Irish fabrics, including linen and tweed, and collaborated with major retailers such as Dunnes Stores.

Costelloe remained a key figure on international runways and served as the closing designer at the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in 2025. Tributes poured in from political leaders and fashion figures alike. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin called him “an icon of design” who brought Irish fashion to the world stage, while Tánaiste Simon Harris praised his remarkable career and lasting influence. Despite past controversy over comments about Irish women’s fashion, Costelloe recently expressed pride in Ireland’s evolving style identity.

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Rubio Calls Geneva Talks on Ukraine Peace Plan the ‘Best Meeting So Far’

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that closed-door peace discussions in Geneva on Sunday marked major progress towards a draft U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters after meeting a Ukrainian delegation, Rubio described the session as the most productive since the administration took office, calling it “probably the best meeting and day we’ve had so far in this entire process.”

The talks are ongoing in Geneva and involve collaborative efforts to refine joint proposals, with participation expected from European partners. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, called the discussions “very productive,” confirming that another round of meetings would continue later on the same day. He expressed appreciation for U.S. support and diplomatic engagement.

Yermak publicly thanked the United States and President Donald Trump for their commitment to pursuing peace, echoing Zelenskiy’s earlier message of gratitude. The acknowledgment followed recent comments by Trump on social media suggesting Kyiv had shown insufficient appreciation for U.S. assistance. Both sides signaled optimism about advancing negotiations that could shape the next phase of diplomatic efforts.

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G7 and EU Leaders Hold Side Talks on US-Backed Ukraine Peace Plan at G20 Summit

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Group of Seven leaders and senior European officials, including EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, held closed-door discussions on Saturday regarding Washington’s proposed peace framework for Ukraine. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, according to people familiar with the talks. Ahead of the broader conversation, the E3 group—France, Britain and Germany—convened separately to align positions.

The talks included several other European nations such as Finland, Norway, Spain and the Netherlands. The United States is currently negotiating a 28-point roadmap with Russia aimed at ending the conflict, but Brussels has not been directly involved in the negotiations so far. Von der Leyen said she plans to reach out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after the developments.

Zelenskiy responded that Ukraine is ready for “constructive, honest and prompt” engagement with Washington. Meanwhile, Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, confirmed that Ukrainian and US officials are holding consultations in Switzerland to work on potential pathways to ending the war.

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Germany to Classify Date Rape Drugs as Weapons in Criminal Trials

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Germany is preparing to classify the use of date rape drugs as the equivalent of using a weapon in criminal cases, aiming to impose stricter punishments for sexual assault and domestic violence. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the move is designed to close legal loopholes and ensure stronger protection for victims, noting that these drugs are increasingly used as tools to commit serious offences.

According to police data, nearly 54,000 cases of sexual crimes were recorded in 2024 in Germany — an increase of 2.1% from the previous year. Around 36% of the reported incidents involved rape or serious sexual assault. Meanwhile, domestic violence cases rose to almost 266,000, marking the highest numbers ever recorded and reflecting a 3.8% increase compared to 2023. Authorities believe the real figures are likely much higher due to underreporting.

The German government has also approved new measures including electronic ankle monitoring for violent offenders and alert devices that warn victims if the perpetrator is nearby. Officials say the proposed bill, which includes a minimum sentence of five years for using date rape drugs in assault, will be re-tabled after a postponed parliamentary debate.

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Zelenskiy Vows Not to Compromise Ukraine’s Interests in US-Led Peace Proposal

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has vowed that he will not sacrifice Ukraine’s national interests in negotiations being pushed by the United States, saying the country faces one of the most difficult and dangerous moments in its history. Speaking in a video address, Zelenskiy warned that Kyiv may be forced to choose between preserving national dignity and risking the loss of a major international ally.

A 28-point peace plan proposed by Washington reportedly includes conditions that align with some of Russia’s demands, including ceding more territory, reducing Ukraine’s military strength, and blocking Ukraine from joining NATO. Sources told Reuters that the U.S. has signaled it may cut crucial support if Kyiv refuses to accept the framework.

Zelenskiy said he would continue working with the United States but anticipates increased political pressure in the coming week. Meanwhile, Russia continues to intensify military strikes and advance on the battlefield, as Ukraine confronts internal turmoil following a high-profile corruption scandal involving senior officials and business leaders.

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Pope Leo Urges U.S. Youth: Use AI Wisely, Not for Homework

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Pope Leo has advised American students to avoid using artificial intelligence to complete their homework, saying it should be used as a tool for personal growth rather than a shortcut. Speaking via live video from the Vatican to about 15,000 young people gathered at a Catholic youth conference in Indianapolis, the pope said AI is rapidly becoming a defining force in society, but should be used responsibly and in ways that build knowledge, not replace effort.

In the 40-minute dialogue, Leo — the first U.S.-born pope — answered questions about faith, friendships, and personal development. He urged the young audience to make real connections and rely on human relationships over digital replacements.

Pope Leo also briefly touched on U.S. politics, reiterating his call for compassion in immigration debates. Criticizing divisive rhetoric, he emphasized that Christians should be “bridge builders rather than wall builders” and reminded listeners that the Church is not bound to any political party but is meant to guide conscience and promote wisdom and love.

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Ornella Vanoni, Legendary Italian Singer and ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ Voice, Dies at 91

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Italian music icon Ornella Vanoni, whose timeless hit “L’appuntamento” gained global fame after featuring in “Ocean’s Twelve,” has died at her home in Milan at the age of 91. According to Italian media reports, the singer passed away late Friday following cardiac arrest. Known for her bold personality, emotional performances and distinctive voice, Vanoni was one of Italy’s longest-standing musical figures, with a career spanning more than seven decades.

Born in 1934 in Milan, Vanoni first stepped into the spotlight through theatre before transitioning to music in the early 1960s. She became a household name through televised music festivals and went on to release around 40 studio albums, selling over 55 million records. Her music explored themes of love, heartbreak, social struggle and womanhood, earning her national admiration and inspiring generations of artists.

Elegant, outspoken and fiercely independent, Vanoni retained a strong public presence well into her later years, appearing on talk shows and collaborating with new musicians. Known for hits such as “Senza fine” and “Domani è un altro giorno,” her voice remained a cultural symbol of authenticity. She once said she wished for a simple funeral and to have her ashes scattered at sea. “I have the dress,” she joked—“It’s by Dior.”

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Elevating Global Luxury Standards with Alcazar’s Ultra-Rare T-Shirts

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Indian entrepreneur Dr. Ajit Ravi has introduced an exceptional addition to global luxury fashion through Alcazar’s ultra-exclusive T-Shirt collection. Crafted with precision and limited to just six pieces per size — 36 in total worldwide — the collection is positioned as a high-value identity statement, beginning at a base price of ₹25,000.

Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder, Alcazar Luxury Brand

Reserved strictly for individuals with verified wealth exceeding ₹100 crore, each Alcazar T-shirt includes a unique digital and physical identity code, accompanied by a one-year recognition feature on the official Alcazar website. This model transforms ownership into a personalised, collectible experience.

With its elite positioning, scarcity-driven philosophy, and strong Made in India craftsmanship, Alcazar brand continues to impress international markets, reaffirming its place among the world’s most selective luxury houses.

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Poland Accuses Russia of Crossing a Dangerous Line with Sabotage Acts

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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has accused Russia of orchestrating sabotage operations designed to destabilise Poland, calling the actions a form of “state terrorism”. His statement follows an explosion that damaged key railway tracks on the Warsaw–Lublin line over the weekend—a route linking Poland’s capital to the Ukrainian border. Tusk described the incident as an unprecedented assault on national security.

Authorities have identified two Ukrainian nationals as those responsible for the attack, alleging they collaborated with Russian intelligence before fleeing to Belarus. In response, Poland has requested their extradition, closed the last operating Russian consulate in Gdansk, and deployed thousands of soldiers to protect strategic infrastructure across the country.

Moscow has rejected the accusations and labelled Poland’s actions “Russophobia”, saying it will restrict Polish diplomatic presence in Russia. The explosion comes amid a broader increase in arson, sabotage, and cyberattacks across Europe since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, intensifying concerns about hybrid warfare tactics.

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Zelensky Signals Openness to US Plan for Ending Ukraine War

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is prepared to work with the United States on what he called “their vision” for ending the war with Russia, following reports of a leaked draft peace proposal shaped during meetings between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev. The plan, which has drawn global attention, suggests Ukraine would cede parts of the Donetsk region still under its control, reduce the size of its military, and commit not to join NATO—terms Kyiv has previously rejected.

The White House insists Ukraine has been included in discussions, pushing back against criticism that negotiations happened behind its back. The draft emerged as Russia reported small territorial gains in eastern Ukraine and as Zelensky faces a domestic political crisis linked to a $100 million corruption scandal. In a televised address, Zelensky confirmed that US military officials had presented points of a peace proposal in Kyiv, stressing that Ukraine seeks a “real peace… one that will not be broken by a third invasion.”

The plan has triggered concern among European leaders, who say they were excluded from early talks. Germany’s foreign minister described the US proposal as only a “list of topics and options” rather than a complete agreement. While Washington claims the draft is balanced and acceptable to both sides, Kyiv maintains that any peace must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity. The debate unfolds as fighting continues, including recent deadly Russian attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Ternopil, and as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches.

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