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  • The Future of the Red Soles: Jaden Smith Joins Louboutin as Creative Director

    The Future of the Red Soles: Jaden Smith Joins Louboutin as Creative Director

    On September 17, 2025, Maison Christian Louboutin announced Jaden Smith as the first-ever Men’s Creative Director, marking a historic moment for the luxury brand known for its landmark red-lacquered soles. In addition to overseeing 4-yearly collections of men’s shoes, leather goods, and accessories, the position also involves handling general creative responsibilities like campaigns, immersive events, and brand experiences. Before making his debut with the Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Smith will move to Paris to take on the role and his first preview capsule is scheduled for January 2026.

    Why Louboutin Put His Faith in Jaden Smith

    Smith was the sole choice for the position, according to Christian Louboutin, because of his “rich and multidimensional” world, inspiring style, cultural sensibility, curiosity, and openness.

    According to Louboutin, he was searching for someone with “a unique perspective and cultural curiosity.” He added, “His world is rich and multidimensional, and he is able to move between music, fashion, and art in a way that feels natural.”

    The decision also has a statistical backing, as Louboutin confirmed that the men’s department, responsible for approximately 24% of the brand’s revenues, has been underperforming lately. “The men’s collection is important to us, but it needs a new voice. Jaden brings a younger energy and cultural flair that can help it thrive,” he said.

    Smith expressed excitement about the role in a conversation with Women’s Wear Daily- “This is a dream. I’ve always looked up to Christian, and to now be able to create under this house, with this history, is an honour. I want to push boundaries, but also respect the craftsmanship that makes Louboutin what it is.”

    Besides his fame as an actor and musician, Smith has a long relationship with fashion, as reflected in his unique personal style, partnerships with footwear companies like New Balance, and his own brand, MSFTSRep Infinity.

    Analysts like Business of Fashion and Forbes have commented that this move is part of a larger trend wherein legacy luxury fashion houses are gradually bringing in new voices, either to stay culturally relevant or as part of future succession planning. According to Louboutin himself, this appointment is more about acting on an existing presence that impressed him than it is about filling a void.

    The Backlash: “Nepotism or Necessary Disruption?”

    Numerous critiques have focused on the idea that it is Smith’s celebrity status and family name, rather than any background in design and fashion, that have earned him the position. Smith’s lack of formal fashion education or training has been brought up by numerous critics questioning his relevance for such a role. Numerous internet users are concerned about his ability to maintain the high standards of a luxury home with a rich history due to his lack of craftsmanship experience. Concerns have also been raised that the move may be motivated more by appearance than by merit.

    Fashion analysts have commented that this is a branding strategy aimed at mending the decline in menswear sales by leveraging Gen Z culture and celebrity involvement. While some argue it is a sensible business approach, others find that the move prioritises the appearance and face of the brand over craftsmanship, design and heritage.

    Fans Caught Between Excitement and Doubt

    The news sparked a variety of responses online. Supporters hailed Smith as a daring and unexpected selection who could inject youthful vigour into the brand. Conversely, critics questioned whether bringing him on board was an act of nepotism, especially considering that countless trained designers work their whole careers for such opportunities. Others highlighted his lack of a formal design education or technical training as a possible liability. Neutral commentators expressed intrigue yet withheld passing judgment until Smith’s first collection is presented in early 2026.

    Déjà vu in the Fashion World

    Jaden Smith’s appointment is not the first instance of a celebrity being an unconventional choice for such a high role in luxury fashion. In 2023, Pharrell Williams was named creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton. His tenure has demonstrated how celebrity influence can diversify a legacy brand to connect with youth culture, despite initial scepticism regarding his relevance for the role.

    Prior to Pharrell’s appointment at Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh served as the Artistic Director for the brand’s menswear line. Despite initial backlash, Abloh went on to reimagine luxury fashion through his fusion of streetwear sensibility and high-end luxury fashion. In the early 2000s, the Olsen twins and Victoria Beckham also used their celebrity status to launch fashion brands that have since become renowned names in fashion. These patterns suggest that while fame can open doors in the fashion industry, sustained credibility depends on consistent quality and a clearly defined creative vision.

    While celebrities have a foot in the door due to their fame and status, true success in fashion has less to do with fame and more to do with the distinctive creative vision they bring to the table. For Jaden Smith, the real test will be whether he can move beyond his celebrity status and prove his validity for the role through the work he delivers at Louboutin.

    What is in Store for Louboutin’s Future

    Pharrell’s work with Louis Vuitton is a prominent example of how luxury fashion is becoming more at ease with leaders from different artistic backgrounds. Many young creatives now define themselves by a combination of culture, activism, music, performance, and fashion.

    Smith’s appointment could usher in a powerful new era, striking a balance between his unique Gen-Z aesthetic sensibility and honouring Louboutin’s design heritage. The first test of this will be the preview capsule in January 2026, and the market reaction will speak volumes. Will consumers and competitors view this appointment as genuine and significant, and can Smith bring in fresh innovation to the brand, or will his role be purely symbolic? Could he become another such unexpected force that influences the direction of fashion?

  • Aryan Khan’s Directorial Debut, The Bads of Bollywood, Premieres on Netflix

    Aryan Khan’s Directorial Debut, The Bads of Bollywood, Premieres on Netflix

    Aryan Khan has finally made his touchdown in the Bollywood film industry with his first directorial and co-writing debut, The Bads of Bollywood. It is a seven-episode-long affair released on Netflix on 18 September, centred around a Bollywood hero named Aasman Singh, and his ascent from being an ambitious outsider, played by actor Lakshya Lalwani.

    A Satirical Exploration of Bollywood

    This series is a flavourful blend of drama and comedy that offers a hyper-realistic (or realistic) glimpse into the glamorous lives of the people within India’s most significant and longest-running industry, Bollywood. The show utilises the life of Aasman Singh, an overnight sensation hero struggling to maintain the validation he receives from the audience at par with his reality.

    Nepotism, rivalries, publicity stunts, and struggles of newcomers are no longer a thing of entertainment magazines anymore with this series. Although this barely scratches the surface of an exposé, the satire and deep irony mirror a portion of the industry from which our audience can only derive controversies.

    Cast and Guest Appearances

    Adorning the screen is an excellent performance by newcomers and veterans alike. Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Anya Singh, Raghav Juyal, Rajat Bedi, Gautami Kapoor, and Manish Chaudhari deliver soaring potential alongside Lalwani.

    But how could we forget the favourite cameos that have been made into edits that keep popping up on our Instagrams: Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Karan Johar show up with comic relief. These cameos have created an enormous buzz, adding to the show’s popularity and highlighting its self-referential nature.

    Production and Creative Approach

    Aryan Khan wrote and directed the series, which has been in development with Red Chillies Entertainment for over two years. Although rumours regarding Aryan’s career had been going on for some time, his opting to start as a director instead of an actor made headlines.

    Industry observers noticed that the show is a departure from traditional Bollywood storytelling. Unlike traditional aspirational romance or action, The Bads of Bollywood finds itself within the OTT domain of satirical content, following international trends more inclined towards biting, self-deprecating entertainment.

    Audience Response and Viewership

    The demands for the show were massive, with the trailer accumulating over 50 million views before release. The Bads of Bollywood has created ripples across social platforms with many applauding Aryan Khan for his confident directorial approach and his boldness to confront issues such as nepotism and politics in the industry.

    Early reactions, though, were divided. India Today and The Week picked out the show’s humour and unapologetic tone, but The Indian Express commented that some plotlines were based on stock tropes such as” the Hero’s Journey”, “Rags to Riches” and many more. Fans have picked up on the balance between glamour and critique of the show, although some feel that the satire sometimes overpowers character development.

    Placing Aryan Khan in the Industry

    The release has put Aryan Khan in the limelight, and an all-encompassing community of audience has underlined the importance of his professional decisions. Entering Bollywood as a writer-director, rather than as an actor, makes him different from most other star kids. His decision to enter the industry with satire has also been seen as a bid to carve out an independent voice.

    Critics point out that the show banks on Aryan’s insider status while maintaining distance through humour. There has been criticism from some viewers that there are self-referential moments, such as instances that appear to be recreations of  Aryan’s own experiences with media attention.

    Broader Implications for Bollywood Content

    The show also captures a shift in how Bollywood narratives are presented on the web. With the viewers starting to develop interests in web-based content, shows such as The Bads of Bollywood show how filmmakers try out new formats that aim to blend glamour with a pinch of criticism.

    Streaming services such as Netflix poured enormous amounts of investment into such storytelling, which shows how the audience could potentially engage with Aryan Khan’s debut. By mixing celebrity appearances, industrial observations, and satirical comedy, the show tries to draw mainstream attention and serious interest from the younger digital audience.

    Despite mixed reviews, The Bads of Bollywood thoroughly incorporates Aryan Khan in the new role of a creative force in entertainment. His debut work has positioned him along an emerging continuum of more experimental, self-referential narrative in Hindi entertainment. Whether or not the show manages to succeed may ultimately be irrelevant. Much of the initial discord has already been sown, with the arrival of a fresh voice in the ever-changing discourse of Bollywood.

  • Russia Turns to AI for Breakthroughs in Oncology

    Russia Turns to AI for Breakthroughs in Oncology

    Once defined by its military aerospace strength, Russia is now channelling its scientific expertise into healthcare with artificial intelligence (AI) driving breakthroughs in diagnostics, drug discovery and personalised cancer treatment. By harnessing artificial intelligence, the country is making significant advancements in diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalised cancer treatment, positioning itself as a rising force in healthcare innovation.

    The global AI in medicine market is currently valued at $22 billion, with Russia’s share already at 12 billion rubles. Analysts predict explosive growth, forecasting the global market to reach $130-160 billion and the Russian market to hit 78 billion rubles by 2030. The explosive growth is an example of the successful embedding of the rapid integration of AI and medicine

    A prime example of successful implementation comes from Russian ophthalmology. The Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases is using AI to diagnose, monitor, and treat retinal diseases, a crucial innovation for an ageing population. Similarly, developing personalised vaccines for colorectal cancer is seen as a significant achievement in the medical field. Imagine an ophthalmologist in Moscow not just depending upon his own trained eye but adding an AI that can deduce the patient’s retina with superhuman precision. AI, when used as a significant tool in diagnosis, can do wonders once blended with the trained expert’s eyes.

    Russia has identified AI as a crucial area for Strategic Development. Institutes such as Skovo Institute of Science and Technology are working on developing AI in drug discovery and medical image analysis. AI is commonly used to analyse X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. In Oncology, Russian researchers are developing personalised vaccines for colorectal cancer. AI models analyse tumour genetics, identify unique cancer antigens, nd design vaccines tailored to each immune system. This makes the treatment more individualised rather than following a generic treatment process with a one-size-fits-all approach.

    However, the implementation of AI in healthcare comes with risks, as mistakes can threaten the lives of patients. AI models can sometimes distort data or fail to understand context. Mitigating these risks requires rigorous testing and significant investment.

    The following 3-5 years are seen as decisive. For Russia to succeed, companies must develop a careful strategy that includes managing investor expectations, ensuring high-quality data to train AI models, and creating testing platforms to get feedback from doctors. Those who can bring clinically validated solutions to market first will set a new standard for medical care in Russia and beyond. However, no matter how real the potential is, the proof and science will only be considered after successful large-scale clinical trials. The world is looking for better solutions and medicines. The use of AI by superpowers in the medical field, rather than warfare, is definitely an effort that is being globally applauded.

  • R. Vaishali Clinches Grand Swiss Title; Secures Spot in 2026 Women’s Candidates

    R. Vaishali Clinches Grand Swiss Title; Secures Spot in 2026 Women’s Candidates

    Grandmaster R. Vaishali has officially qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament after winning the 2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This marks her second consecutive Grand Swiss title and places her alongside fellow Indians Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh as confirmed participants in the Candidates.

    Vaishali clinched the title with 8 points from 11 rounds, tying with Russia’s Kateryna Lagno at the top. The tie-break, determined by the average rating of opponents, went narrowly in her favour, confirming her as the champion. It was her second straight Grand Swiss victory, and with it came the coveted Candidates berth, an event that decides the challenger for the Women’s World Championship.

    For Vaishali, the past few months have been a journey of sharp contrasts. At the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, she suffered a rare collapse, losing seven consecutive games and finishing last in the standings. The setback cost her rating points and, more importantly, dented her confidence to the point where she briefly considered stepping away from competition. Yet just weeks later, in Samarkand, she turned that disappointment into motivation, putting together a resilient run at the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss that not only restored her momentum but also sealed her place in the 2026 Candidates.

    Her qualification also contributes to a broader landmark for Indian chess. For the first time, three Indian women will appear in the Candidates: Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, and now Vaishali. It is a testament to the country’s deepening bench strength in the women’s game, long carried by Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, but now increasingly defined by a younger generation.

    Vaishali credits her decision to press on to her family’s encouragement, particularly from her younger brother, fellow Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa. Their household has already become a symbol of India’s chess renaissance, and with this latest result, the narrative of the “sibling duo” reaches another milestone.

    The road to the Candidates will demand even greater preparation, but Vaishali’s victory in Samarkand already illustrates her resilience and ability to respond under pressure. From the lows of Chennai to the highs of Grand Swiss, her qualification is another sign of the growing presence of Indian women at the highest levels of world chess.

  • Protests in Nepal leave 19 dead, Government in Crisis

    Protests in Nepal leave 19 dead, Government in Crisis

    Nepal has been thrown into turmoil as mass protests are taking place all over the country, leaving at least 19 people dead and the political system in chaos. What began as anger against corruption and political saturation has exploded into one of the most serious crises the nation has faced in decades.

    Public frustration has been building since the early 1990s, when Nepal transitioned into democracy, ending monarchical rule. Citizens accuse the three big parties, the Nepal Congress, CPN-UML, and the CPN Maoist party, of mismanagement and corruption in the democracy. Young Nepalis have been frustrated for years at the lack of jobs; millions have gone to work in neighbouring countries like India, Malaysia and South Korea. Anger reached a breaking point after the government attempted to ban social media, sparking outrage among young people.

    The Government of Nepal, on September 4, issued a directive banning Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, X and 36 other social media apps, citing their failure to meet the deadline to comply with registration requirements to operate in Nepal. The  Nepalese government used this as a reason to ban the apps, which were used by citizens to expose the Children of Politicians, who used the apps to flaunt their lavish lifestyles. Dubbed as “Nepo Babies”, citizens targeted them for using corrupt money to live the life they are living. Protesters rallied behind creative symbols, including the popular anime One Piece pirate flag, which became a surprising emblem of resistance.

    The growing intensity of the protests has forced Prime Minister KP Oli to resign. Protestors entered the parliament after hearing the news of Oli’s resignation, waving their hands and shouting slogans as smoke rose from the building. They painted graffiti on the walls saying “We won”. Following the protests, Kathmandu airport was shut down and is set to resume soon.

    Former Prime Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has held office five times, and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba were directly targeted by demonstrators. Security forces responded with live fire and smoke bombs, resulting in 19 deaths. However, the army, perceived to be sympathetic to the monarchy and to the public in general, reportedly allowed protesters to attack political offices without much intervention. The CPN-Maoist leadership blamed Sher Bahadur Deuba for fueling the unrest.

    The crises have left the political system in disarray. The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), formed in the last general election out of public frustration, and the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), staged mass resignations in parliament. Discussions about an interim government are in order, with two names coming forward: RSP leader Rabi Lamicchane, previously jailed in a cooperative scam, now freed from jail by protestors, and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah. Nepal now faces an uncertain future as it seeks stability amid political crises.

  • Conservative leader Charlie Kirk dies at 31

    Conservative leader Charlie Kirk dies at 31

    Charlie Kirk, a fiercely outspoken conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, died on 10 September 2025, at the age of 31. He was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, while addressing students as a part of his “American Comeback Tour.”

    Kirk was shot by a 22-year-old, Tyler Robinson. The FBI immediately released images of the suspect and CCTV footage of Robinson on the roof of a nearby building and started a manhunt. Authorities have also pointed out that there were anti-fascist messages on bullet casings in a rifle found near the scene, showcasing potential evidence of a political motive behind the assassination. Robinson was arrested on 12 September in St. George, Utah.

    Kirk’s death shocked the political world and drew swift reactions around the globe. Supporters remembered him as a strong advocate for conservative values and a mentor to students who felt isolated in predominantly liberal institutions. Millions of supporters flooded social media with tributes, while a few critics noted the irony of his death by gunfire, given his strong pro-gun rights stance. US President Donald Trump called him “a great, and even legendary, American” and announced Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    Born as Charles James Kirk in 1993 in Illinois, Kirk had a keen interest in politics as a teenager. In 2012, at 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA, an organisation promoting and spreading conservative values on college campuses and bringing young people together behind conservative causes. Over the years, the organisation expanded into dozens of campus chapters and became a central structure for youth outreach in the conservative movement. Kirk also promoted Trump during his 2024 campaign. His appearances on college campuses drew large student crowds, where he talked about free market, abortion, geopolitics, and faith-based values, often debating liberal college students on their stance on various matters.

    Kirk hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a daily talk show and podcast that reached millions worldwide. He was a strong advocate for Israel, often highlighting the country as a key American ally and a symbol of democracy in the Middle East. He often defended the Second Amendment and voiced concerns about illegal immigration, while being outspoken in his opposition to abortion and considering himself a pro-life supporter. These positions made him a central figure in the broader debates about America’s political and cultural identity. Kirk consistently framed his arguments around the values of faith, family, and freedom on campus, on his podcast, or at national conferences.

    Outside the spotlight, Kirk was married to Erika Frantzve, a podcaster and entrepreneur. The couple welcomed a daughter in 2022 and a son in 2024. Two days after Charlie’s assassination, his wife vowed to continue his movement, including further campus tours, “It will be greater than ever”, Erika said in her first public remark, a video posted on Instagram. Kirk’s funeral will occur on Sunday, 21 September 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

  • A Historic Finish: India Clinch a Bronze at the CAFA Nations Cup

    A Historic Finish: India Clinch a Bronze at the CAFA Nations Cup

    India made an unforgettable debut at the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup by placing third, following a close penalty shootout win over Oman. The result marked a historic podium finish for the Blue Tigers on their very first appearance in the tournament.

    An Asian (C)affair

    The tournament, held from 29 August to 8 September and co-hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, featured six core CAFA nations alongside guest teams including India and Oman. Established in 2015, CAFA is one of the five regional bodies under the Asian Football Confederation, and its flagship tournament is seen as a showcase for Central Asia’s footballing talent.

    India, initially entering as one of the lower-ranking teams, slowly crept its way up with commendable poise. India won over Tajikistan 2- 1 in their first match, and despite a 3-0 loss to Asian giants Iran, India had done enough to earn a spot in the knockout phase.

    The Big Game

    During the playoffs for the bronze with Oman, the Middle Eastern team went ahead after a shot from Jameel Al-Yahmadi in the 55th minute, before Udanta Singh Kumam scored a goal following a long throw-in in the 81st minute, making the score equal. A 1-1 draw, even after extra time, led to a penalty shootout. Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin MS converted their attempts, and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s save on the decisive penalty sealed the win for India, marking their first-ever triumph over Oman in nearly a dozen encounters.

    New Coach, New Team?

    At the heart of India’s success story was the influence of new head coach Khalid Jamil. Jamil is a former professional footballer who has represented India internationally and previously coached the Indian Super League (ISL) Club Jamshedpur FC. Now, as head coach for the Indian football team with the CAFA cup being his debut tournament, Jamil reshaped the team’s identity by tightening the defence, instilling tactical balance, and using long throws as offensive weapons. The equalising goal against Oman was executed through a long throw. Under his guidance, the team seems to be defensively sound and tactically aware than under previous coaches, a hallmark of Jamil’s style also seen at Jamshedpur.

    This podium finish is significant because it highlights India’s growing ability to compete beyond South Asia. Defeating Oman for the first time and winning a medal can boost the team’s morale and reputation. It also provides the squad with important momentum as they prepare for upcoming tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in 2027.

    What’s Next?

    Going forward, consistency and sustaining momentum are what the team needs to focus on. With the proper guidance and determination, the team can compete with stronger nations and continue to grow on the international stage. The next big target will be the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, where India faces Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh in the group stage. Alongside this, friendlies and youth-level tournaments will provide opportunities to test new talent and build depth. If the team can carry forward the confidence from their CAFA Nations Cup performance, they will be better prepared for these challenges and steadily strengthen their place in Asian football.

  • The Legacy of Giorgio Armani

    The Legacy of Giorgio Armani

    Giorgio Armani, the visionary Italian designer, has passed away at 91. Over the course of five decades, Armani built a legacy in both Italian and global fashion to create a unique and everlasting style from the red carpet to the big screen.

    Born in Piacenza, Giorgio Armani’s initial career plan was not fashion. He enrolled in medical college at the University of Milan after being inspired by A.J. Cronin’s The Citadel. However, after almost 3 years, he dropped out and enlisted in the army, where he served for two years in the Military Hospital of Verona. After his time in the military, he worked as a window dresser at La Rinascente, a high-end department store in Milan, curating his taste for fashion. After gaining skills in marketing and sales, he realised he could start freelancing and designing, catapulting his fashion career to new heights.

    In 1966, Armani met Sergio Galeotti, an Italian architect and a business partner of his in the coming years. Together, they ounded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in 1975. Legend has it that Armani’s Volkswagen Beetle sale contributed to the initial capital. They would go on to work together for another 20 years, until Galeotti’s death in 1985. The brand initially started off as a menswear brand- its debut collection was presented in Milan in 1975, featuring ready-to-wear pieces for the Spring and Summer 1976, along with some womenswear pieces. This collection featured a twist to the everyday formal look, showing blazers and pants in a more light and loose-fitted manner.

    The Armani brand quickly expanded to include accessories, fragrances, and home decor, eventually turning into a high-end global lifestyle empire, spanning Giorgio Armani Privé, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Armani/Casa. Always aware of the changing lifestyles of his clients, Armani entered the hospitality industry with Armani Hotels in Dubai and Milan in 2010 and 2011, respectively. He also built a strong presence in sports by sponsoring various sporting teams like the Italian national football team and a partnership with Scuderia Ferrari F1, both in 2020 and 2021. His restaurants, cafés, and bars around the world further showcased his idea of fashion as a complete experience, built of elegance and design.

    Beyond this, Armani’s artistry reached Hollywood, where he revolutionised costume design with sleek, power-driven wardrobes for films such as American Gigolo and The Untouchables. For The Untouchables, Armani has mentioned that the styling for it was different from what he usually likes to style, as the movie is set in 1930s Chicago. The 3-piece suits and fedoras sell the vintage vibe well, very reminiscent but not fully accurate to the 1920s and 30s style the film was trying to portray. Armani also dressed countless stars off-screen, Cate Blanchett being one of them. In 2007, she stunned in a silver Armani Privé gown for the 79th Oscars, and in 2014, she wore a black lace Armani Privé dress with sheer detailing for the Golden Globes, both being some of the best looks of the night. At the 2023 Venice Film Festival, Cate Blanchett wore a sculptural black-and-white Armani Privé gown, embodying Armani’s vision to merge simplicity with sophistication. The look had fluid elegance: a sleek, strapless black bodice cascading into a dramatic train.

    An iconic moment in his fashion career was his photoshoot with Grace Jones, a Jamaican model and singer, for her studio album Nightclubbing. Photographed by Jean-Paul Goude and styled by Armani, Grace Jones looks chiselled, with her hair and cigarette aligning perfectly with her body and background.

    Armani also became the first designer to ban underweight models after the death of Ana Carolina Reston, following her death from anorexia nervosa. Armani was also the first fashion brand to close its Milan Fashion Week runway in 2020 as a public health concern after seeing the rising COVID-19 cases. The show was instead held in a theatre at the brand’s headquarters in Milan with no audience. In March 2020, the brand converted all its Italian production plants to produce single-use overalls for the protection of its workers.

    The legacy of Giorgio Armani leaves a mark on both Italian and global fashion. By softening the lines of traditional menswear, he reinvented the suit, replacing rigid structures with relaxed tailoring that defined the era of effortless sophistication. Armani not only changed how the world dressed but also created a new language of modern Italian design. He also brought similar innovation to casual wear, elevating jeans into staples of high style while staying committed to timeless elegance over fleeting trends. He was a true statement in his time.

  • Rising Alliances: India Strengthens Bonds with China and Russia Amid Trade Tensions

    Rising Alliances: India Strengthens Bonds with China and Russia Amid Trade Tensions

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Xi Jinping on 31 August 2025, on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin. This event marked PM Modi’s first visit to China after 7 years and was a crucial diplomatic moment for India and China following years of tension.

    At the SCO summit, the two leaders expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of boundary-related concerns that have plagued India-China relations for almost half a decade. According to a statement by the commerce ministry released on Sunday, India emphasised on the fact that “export-related measures should not be weaponised or misused to create artificial scarcity, distort markets, or disrupt supply chains, and emphasised that their calibrated and transparent use is essential to maintain trust in international commerce”.

    At the meeting, India also called for action towards ensuring greater market access and enhancing trade facilitation between the two countries. These concerns are relevant because as of late, India’s automobile and electronic industries have faced major disruptions due to China’s steep export restrictions on rare earth magnets and fertilisers. According to PTI, India’s trade deficit with China has widened to nearly $100 billion in 2024-25.

    However, India and China recorded a positive bilateral outcome in August, when visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that his country will resume the supply of fertilisers as well as rare earth minerals. However, China is yet to act upon this promise and Beijing has not yet given an official statement or made public commitments on restarting exports.

    The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which had resulted in the deaths of over 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number on the Chinese side, had triggered a severe diplomatic fallout between the two countries. As a result of this dispute, India banned numerous Chinese apps, restricted Chinese investments, and suspended direct flights and visas. But, in August 2025, nearly 5 years after the fallout, an agreement was reached between the Special Representatives of both countries.

    “The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights between the two countries are also being resumed,” ANI quoted PM Modi on 31st August, 2025. The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is particularly notable, as it is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The Yatra’s revival is expected to encourage cultural and religious exchanges between the two nations.

    On the second day of the SCO summit, PM Modi shook hands and posed for pictures with Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This gesture was seen as a powerful diplomatic message of strategic alignment, particularly in response to the US President’s actions and tariffs.

    The most surprising image of camaraderie was the car journey that PM Modi and Russian President Putin had together on the second day of the summit, for their bilateral meeting. Putin, who is notorious for his unusual security protocols, is rarely seen spontaneously carpooling with unannounced guests. The two leaders celebrated India-Russia relations during their 50-minute-long bilateral meeting, with Modi saying that the two nations stuck together even under the most trying circumstances.

    The overt act of bonhomie among all 3 countries during the SCO Summit has incited a response from US President Donald Trump on Truth Social, who posted, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump wrote in a social media post accompanying a photo of the three leaders together at Xi’s summit in China.

    The trilateral showcase of solidarity has raised concerns about an emerging bloc. One of the worst hits by the US tariffs has been taken by New Delhi, facing an additional 25 per cent on India’s imports of crude oil coming from Moscow. The combined duties have pushed US tariffs on Indian products to 50 per cent. China, India and Russia are all original members of BRICS, an organisation which Trump claimed to be “anti-American.” Even Brazil (another BRICS nation) has been targeted by Trump, facing steep and restrictive tariffs.

    Despite his strong words on Truth Social, Trump later sought to downplay tensions with India and called their ties ‘special,’ he said, “I’ll always be friends with (Narendra) Modi, he’s a great prime minister. He’s great. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, according to PTI. Trump also expressed resentment and disappointment with New Delhi over its energy purchases from Moscow. “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I’ve let them know with the 50 per cent tariff.”

    The Tianjin SCO summit demonstrated a major shift in worldwide political dynamics. Major trade commitments are expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the economies of both India and China.

    Prime Minister Modi has strategically established diplomatic connections with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin through a method that not only prioritises regional security and economic advantages but also relies on mutual discontent with US foreign policy leadership. The Galwan Valley conflict between India and China created tension, but their current joint initiatives demonstrate their purposeful work to restore mutual trust. The gradual aftermath of Modi’s subtle yet undermining response will determine how international diplomacy and geopolitics evolve during the upcoming years because they will establish new regional alliances and reshape worldwide diplomatic relations.

  • Walter Lippmann: The Voice Who Taught America to Think About Itself

    Walter Lippmann: The Voice Who Taught America to Think About Itself

    Among the pantheon of American journalism, few figures hold as much weight as Walter Lippmann. For over half a century, he was the country’s leading interpreter of politics, war, and democracy: an intellectual go-between bridging the raw chaos of events and the public trying to make sense of them. He was not only a columnist, he was a thinker who grappled with questions that are still pressing today: How do we know what we know? What is the role of the press in presenting our vision of reality? And can democracy persist if its citizens are captives of illusion?

    Lippmann’s career spanned from the Progressive Era to the television era. Along the way, he invented modern political commentary, coined terms that have become the foundations of media theory, and commanded the attention of presidents as much as the readers of his daily column. To grasp Walter Lippmann is to learn the strained marriage of democracy and information in the 20th century, a marriage that remains under tension today.

    A New Yorker in the Making

    Born in 1889 to an affluent German-Jewish family in New York, Lippmann grew up musically gifted, well-travelled, and bookish. His passion for ideas led him to Harvard, where he studied philosophy under William James and George Santayana.

    Harvard was the turning point. Learning about pragmatism, which revolves around ideology being proved and tested in practice, took his perception of politics to great heights: his views on it were not dogmatic but instead an ever-evolving process. He graduated in 1910 as a man with starry eyes and a burning ambition to introduce firebrand ideas to a world that was standing at the door of revolution.

    The early 20th century brimmed with reform movements: investigative journalists exposed corruption boldly as progressives clamoured for reform, and politicians only added to it by grappling with America’s emerging global stronghold. Lippmann slid into this ferment easily. By 1913, Walter Lippmann, who was 24 at the time, co-founded The New Republic, a journal carrying opinions that quickly emerged as the voice of progressive intellectuals. His first central forum was employed to press the case for domestic reform and reflective engagement overseas.

    The Interpreter

    Lippmann’s voice drew a parallel between fiery crusaders like Upton Sinclair and caustic critics like H.L. Mencken as he treaded towards a calmer, analytical voice that remained relentlessly focused on clarity. His presence in journalism was less of a partisan and more of an interpreter, helping readers make sense of events too complex to grasp on their own.

    That instinct was expressed in his syndicated newspaper column, Today and Tomorrow, which debuted in 1931. It appeared for more than three decades in hundreds of newspapers all over the nation, reaching millions. Every important person within the nation gave close attention to Lippmann’s verdicts.

    His authority of trust came from his scholarship and his independence. Lippmann never had trouble changing his mind when the facts required it. His parallel opinions, whether it was about his support of Woodrow Wilson’s entry into the First World War, all while scrutinising the League of Nations, expressing his due respect to FDR, but criticising the anatomy of the New Deal, or even encouraging the Cold War containment at the same time, cautioning America against excess militarisation. His allegiance was not always to the party line but to his idea of truth.

    Public Opinion and the Shadows on the Wall

    Lippmann’s best and most lasting work did not come from his daily columns but from his books. In Public Opinion (1922), he provided a groundbreaking analysis of how people come to know the world. Underlying it was a simple yet radical notion: most of what we understand comes not through direct experience but through mediated images, news accounts, and stereotypes. He referred to this manufactured reality as the “pseudo-environment.” It is through this lens, not unmediated reality, that people form their judgments. The implication was unsettling. If citizens see the world only in terms of such shadows, democratic choice is tenuous. As Lippmann wrote, “the pictures inside people’s heads do not correspond with the world outside.”

    This was more than a philosophical comment but a political alert. Democracy, he maintained, could not rely on citizens’ understanding the complexities of contemporary policy. His answer was drastic: turn over interpretation to experts, specialists, and institutions. Elitism was the accusation of his critics, but Lippmann justified the position as realism. “The common interests,” he said, “very largely elude public opinion entirely, and can be managed only by a specialised class.”

    Struggling with Democracy

    This conflict between the ideals of democracy and the murky realities was a constant presence in Lippmann’s life. He trusted in self-government but suspected that common people were not always capable of making sound judgments. He prized the press but observed how it could deceive, and although he loved freedom, he was critical of propaganda’s corrosive influence- particularly after observing its growth under fascism.

    In World War II, Lippmann stood among the loudest voices saying that Americans had to resist Hitler, lest they themselves become postwar authoritarians. In the Cold War, he supported containment but warned that hysteria at home threatened democracy more than communism abroad. He opposed McCarthy with fact-based critiques, not fear.

    His opposition never ceased accusing him of being aloof or too detached from the fervours of democratic living. But his apologists recognised in him something unusual: a commentator who would speak what was hard, even unpopular, if he thought it was supported by reason.

    The Journalist as Philosopher

    In the mid-century period, the height of Lippmann’s persona was his transcendence into public philosophy. He earned two Pulitzer Prizes for commentary, was honoured with degrees from universities across the globe, and was accepted as the dean of American political commentary in general. But he lived with restraint, afraid of being lionised.

    Later in his life, he became increasingly suspicious of the ascendancy of television. He was concerned that the medium, which rested on image and spectacle, would further exacerbate the distortions he had predicted in Public Opinion. In later years, he feared television’s reliance on image would turn politics into theatre, a prophetic concern in today’s age of 24-hour news and social media.

    When Lippmann passed away in 1974, obituaries greeted him as a giant of journalism, a figure who had not only defined how Americans saw their world but also how they saw the act of seeing it at all.

    Lippmann’s Legacy in the Digital Age

    It is essential to revisit Walter Lippmann’s work today to observe the questions he posed that have been responsible for only sharpening the digital era we live in now. If his newspapers could construct pseudo-environments, what of today’s algorithmic feeds, where millions reside within self-supporting bubbles of disinformation?

    His “pictures in our heads” resonate in every argument over fake news, echo chambers, and disinformation campaigns. At such a time when we as a society struggle to cope with climate change, pandemics, and technological disruption problems, Lippmann’s contention comes right into relevance as he remarks that just as democracy is dependent on freedom, similarly, a news platform’s competence is equally dependent on producing sound bites that revolve around such issues of global importance.

    Naturally, his appeal for expert governance is still contentious. The populist protest of our era indicates that citizens often reject the notion of being governed by elites. Even so, his detractors acknowledge that he compelled democracy to face its blind spots. Naming the illusions we live by, he provided us with the means to resist them.

    The Final Word

    Walter Lippmann was a man of contradictions: a democrat wary of mass opinion, a journalist sceptical of the press, an optimist who often warned of failure. Yet within these tensions lay his genius. He educated the public not what to think, but how to think about thinking. His voice has since stilled, but his questions remain. In a world filled with shadows and images, we might need him today more than ever.