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Indian singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad is all set to release his much-anticipated Hindi extended play (EP) with his fans. Titled ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ (loosely translates to ‘secrets of cities’), the four-track collection was recorded earlier this year at a renowned studio in Mumbai.&nbsp;

 
Retaining the friendly warmth and vulnerability that seem to his signature style, Kuhad elaborates on the EP in a statement, “Big cities have countless stories of lovers lost in their own little worlds, and while their particular corner of the city may be small in the grand scheme of things, their emotional universe is large and all-encompassing. This EP explores love in a very gentle and personal manner. The stories are hidden, and they belong to those who wish to participate in them. The music attempts to represent hope, mystery, and wonder in the most beautiful way possible.”

 
Standing in stark contrast to the heartache and longing of Kuhad’s 2018 breakout collection, ‘cold/mess’, ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ dives into the unbounded territory of commitment, desire and infatuation. &nbsp;

 
The EP includes title track ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’, ‘Khone Do’, ‘Tere Hi Hum’ and the acoustic version of 2020’s hit single ‘Kasoor’. ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ is available now on all streaming platforms.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad is all set to release his much-anticipated Hindi extended play (EP) with his fans. Titled ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ (loosely translates to ‘secrets of cities’), the four-track collection was recorded earlier this year at a renowned studio in Mumbai.

Indian singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad is all set to release his much-anticipated Hindi extended play (EP) with his fans. Titled ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ (loosely translates to ‘secrets of cities’), the four-track collection was recorded earlier this year at a renowned studio in Mumbai. Retaining the friendly warmth and vulnerability that seem to his signature style, Kuhad elaborates on the EP in a statement, “Big cities have countless stories of lovers lost in their own little worlds, and while their particular corner of the city may be small in the grand scheme of things, their emotional universe is large and all-encompassing. This EP explores love in a very gentle and personal manner. The stories are hidden, and they belong to those who wish to participate in them. The music attempts to represent hope, mystery, and wonder in the most beautiful way possible.” Standing in stark contrast to the heartache and longing of Kuhad’s 2018 breakout collection, ‘cold/mess’, ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ dives into the unbounded territory of commitment, desire and infatuation. The EP includes title track ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’, ‘Khone Do’, ‘Tere Hi Hum’ and the acoustic version of 2020’s hit single ‘Kasoor’. ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ is available now on all streaming platforms.

Prateek Kuhad debut Hindi album is about the universality of vulnerability

Italian fashion house Fendi used soft colours and marbleised patterns for its haute couture collection on Thursday, presenting a line of luxurious gowns and outfits. 
 
Designer Kim Jones said he looked to late Italian film director Pier Paolo Pasolini's depictions of Rome, where Fendi is based, for inspiration. 
He presented the line digitally with a film by Italian director Luca Guadagnino. Models including Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Grace wore embroidered dresses, satin gowns in marbleised prints, embellished jackets and mosaic-like designs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/netflix-expands-deal-with-bridgerton-producer-shonda-rhimes-396872" hreflang="en">Netflix expands deal with 'Bridgerton' producer Shonda Rhimes</a> 
 
"Pasolini observed Rome become modern - and that is what is interesting to me: connecting eras, the old with the new, the past with the present," Jones said in a statement. 
 
"Rome is a fascinating city because it has so many pasts."The British designer stuck to a mainly neutral colour palette, showing plenty of white, cream and shades of brown for his second couture collection at Fendi, which is known for its fur designs. 
 
Models also wore strapless see-through gowns with embroidered florals, ruffled frocks, short lace dresses, printed coats and trouser suits adorned with acorn depictions. One voluminous dress in soft grey was adorned in floating feathers, while other evening looks included sparkly sequined creations. 
Jones, also at the helm of menswear at French fashion house Dior, is artistic director for womenswear and couture at Fendi, part of luxury conglomerate LVMH.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-red-notice-netflix-announces-release-date-of-its-biggest-movie-ever-featuring-dwayne-johnson-ryan-reynolds-and-gal-gadot-396864" hreflang="en">Red Notice: Netflix announces release date of its biggest movie ever featuring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot</a> 
 
He works alongside the founding family’s scion Silvia Venturini Fendi, who looks after menswear and accessories. 
While haute couture week has seen the return of in-person shows as lockdown restrictions ease in France, some brands, like Fendi, have opted for digital presentations.

Italian fashion house Fendi used soft colours and marbleised patterns for its haute couture collection on Thursday, presenting a line of luxurious gowns and outfits.

Italian fashion house Fendi used soft colours and marbleised patterns for its haute couture collection on Thursday, presenting a line of luxurious gowns and outfits. Designer Kim Jones said he looked to late Italian film director Pier Paolo Pasolini's depictions of Rome, where Fendi is based, for inspiration. He presented the line digitally with a film by Italian director Luca Guadagnino. Models including Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Grace wore embroidered dresses, satin gowns in marbleised prints, embellished jackets and mosaic-like designs. Netflix expands deal with 'Bridgerton' producer Shonda Rhimes "Pasolini observed Rome become modern - and that is what is interesting to me: connecting eras, the old with the new, the past with the present," Jones said in a statement. "Rome is a fascinating city because it has so many pasts."The British designer stuck to a mainly neutral colour palette, showing plenty of white, cream and shades of brown for his second couture collection at Fendi, which is known for its fur designs. Models also wore strapless see-through gowns with embroidered florals, ruffled frocks, short lace dresses, printed coats and trouser suits adorned with acorn depictions. One voluminous dress in soft grey was adorned in floating feathers, while other evening looks included sparkly sequined creations. Jones, also at the helm of menswear at French fashion house Dior, is artistic director for womenswear and couture at Fendi, part of luxury conglomerate LVMH. Red Notice: Netflix announces release date of its biggest movie ever featuring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot He works alongside the founding family’s scion Silvia Venturini Fendi, who looks after menswear and accessories. While haute couture week has seen the return of in-person shows as lockdown restrictions ease in France, some brands, like Fendi, have opted for digital presentations.

Fendi celebrates eternal city Rome at haute couture show

After `happily` reuniting with his brother -- Prince William -- at her late mother Princess Diana`s statue unveiling event, the Duke of Sussex- Prince Harry is back to his wife and kids in the United States. 
 
Prince Harry and Prince William <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-william-and-harry-unveil-princess-dianas-statue-on-her-60th-birth-anniversary-395195">paid tribute to their late mother Diana at the Kensington Palace</a> on July 1, which marks her 60th birth anniversary. Despite the ongoing royal tension, the brothers who were not on good terms with each other in recent years were all smiles while unveiling the statue together. 
 
As per reports by Page Six, the Duke of Sussex was spotted at the Los Angeles airport on Saturday morning. On Thursday, the brothers joined the armed forces at their childhood home, Kensington Palace, to reveal the statue, which they commissioned four years ago.&nbsp;

The sculpture depicts their mother with three children, reflecting Diana`s work to support and nurture children around the world. Despite speculation that the royal brothers might each deliver a speech for the occasion, they issued a joint statement that read, "We remember her love, strength and character-- qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better. Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and legacy." 
 
As per Page Six, the statue, which features Diana standing beside three children to represent her "generational impact," includes a paving stone engraved with the message, "There are the units to measure the worth of this woman as a woman regardless of birth. Not what was her station? But had she a heart? How did she play her God-given part?" 
 
The guest list of the event was cut short to only 15 people due to the COVID-19 safety protocols. Among the guests, Diana`s sisters- Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes, and her brother, Charles Spencer were also present. 
 
William`s wife Kate Middleton was not in attendance, nor was Harry`s wife, Meghan Markle, who remained in California with the couple`s two young children: 2-year-old son Archie Harrison and daughter Lilibet Diana, who was born on June 4. 
 
The event marked the first time the brothers have been together since the funeral of their grandfather Prince Philip in May. Plans for the statue were first announced in February 2017, although the event was scaled back due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the UK.&nbsp;

After `happily` reuniting with his brother -- Prince William -- at her late mother Princess Diana`s statue unveiling event, the Duke of Sussex- Prince Harry is back to his wife and kids in the United States.

After `happily` reuniting with his brother -- Prince William -- at her late mother Princess Diana`s statue unveiling event, the Duke of Sussex- Prince Harry is back to his wife and kids in the United States. Prince Harry and Prince William paid tribute to their late mother Diana at the Kensington Palace on July 1, which marks her 60th birth anniversary. Despite the ongoing royal tension, the brothers who were not on good terms with each other in recent years were all smiles while unveiling the statue together. As per reports by Page Six, the Duke of Sussex was spotted at the Los Angeles airport on Saturday morning. On Thursday, the brothers joined the armed forces at their childhood home, Kensington Palace, to reveal the statue, which they commissioned four years ago. The sculpture depicts their mother with three children, reflecting Diana`s work to support and nurture children around the world. Despite speculation that the royal brothers might each deliver a speech for the occasion, they issued a joint statement that read, "We remember her love, strength and character-- qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better. Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and legacy." As per Page Six, the statue, which features Diana standing beside three children to represent her "generational impact," includes a paving stone engraved with the message, "There are the units to measure the worth of this woman as a woman regardless of birth. Not what was her station? But had she a heart? How did she play her God-given part?" The guest list of the event was cut short to only 15 people due to the COVID-19 safety protocols. Among the guests, Diana`s sisters- Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes, and her brother, Charles Spencer were also present. William`s wife Kate Middleton was not in attendance, nor was Harry`s wife, Meghan Markle, who remained in California with the couple`s two young children: 2-year-old son Archie Harrison and daughter Lilibet Diana, who was born on June 4. The event marked the first time the brothers have been together since the funeral of their grandfather Prince Philip in May. Plans for the statue were first announced in February 2017, although the event was scaled back due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the UK.

Prince Harry returns to California after attending Princess Diana's statue unveiling event

The Duchess of Cambridge is self-isolating for 10 days after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for Covid-19, Kensington Palace said on Monday.

The wife of Prince William was "not experiencing any symptoms but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating at home," a royal statement said.

Kate, as the duchess is popularly known, had been due to attend a thanksgiving service on Monday to mark 73 years since the founding of Britain's National Health Service.

She was also scheduled to host NHS workers at Queen Elizabeth II's Buckingham Palace home in central London.

Her last public outing was at the Wimbledon tennis championships on Friday. Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club

News that she is having to self-isolate comes as the government prepares to announce the lifting of all coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

Pressure has been growing in particular for people who have had two doses of a Covid vaccine not to have to self-isolate if they are identified as a contact, but then test negative.

Prince William revealed in November last year that he tested positive for Covid the previous April, not long after his father, Prince Charles.

Charles was said to have had mild symptoms but The Sun tabloid reported that William was "knocked for six". "At one stage he was struggling to breathe," an unnamed source said.

The Duchess of Cambridge is self-isolating for 10 days after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for Covid-19, Kensington Palace said on Monday.

The Duchess of Cambridge is self-isolating for 10 days after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for Covid-19, Kensington Palace said on Monday. The wife of Prince William was "not experiencing any symptoms but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating at home," a royal statement said. Kate, as the duchess is popularly known, had been due to attend a thanksgiving service on Monday to mark 73 years since the founding of Britain's National Health Service. She was also scheduled to host NHS workers at Queen Elizabeth II's Buckingham Palace home in central London. Her last public outing was at the Wimbledon tennis championships on Friday. Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club News that she is having to self-isolate comes as the government prepares to announce the lifting of all coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19. Pressure has been growing in particular for people who have had two doses of a Covid vaccine not to have to self-isolate if they are identified as a contact, but then test negative. Prince William revealed in November last year that he tested positive for Covid the previous April, not long after his father, Prince Charles. Charles was said to have had mild symptoms but The Sun tabloid reported that William was "knocked for six". "At one stage he was struggling to breathe," an unnamed source said.

Kate Middleton self-isolating after Covid contact: royals

Tokyo tattoo artist Ichi Hatano's usual business has dwindled during the pandemic, but now he's keen to mine a new stream of income at Japan's first crypto art exhibition.

Hatano's ink featuring Japanese folk creatures was especially popular with foreign visitors until Japan closed its borders to tourists due to Covid-19. Hatano has now gone digital, selling his designs as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), virtual objects that have taken the art world by storm.

"It's great for artists to have a new market, it opens a lot of possibilities," said the 44-year-old, who has five digital artworks on sale at the show, which opened last weekend in Tokyo.

Using the same blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies, NFTs transform anything from illustrations to memes into virtual collectors' items that cannot be duplicated.

They rocketed into the mainstream this year and are now traded at major auction houses, generating several hundred million dollars in transactions every month.

Despite swapping his familiar canvas of human skin for pixels, Hatano said the creative process is the same.

"This is the emergence of a new economy, a new way to value art," he told AFP, saying he hoped the technology would allow creators like him to reach a wider public.

His work is among 150 NFTs from several dozen artists on display at the "CrypTokyo" exhibition in the Japanese capital's trendy Harajuku district.&nbsp;

Screens on the walls show a rotating selection of the works, whose NFTs can be bought online with the Dai and Ethereum cryptocurrencies for amounts ranging from a few hundred dollars up to around $50,000. Hatano hopes to bag around $1,400-2,400 for each of his offerings.&nbsp;

Some of the most expensive works are by Maxim, frontman of the British electropunk group The Prodigy and a recent convert to NFT art.

- 'Part of everyday existence' -

Any digital creation can be traded virtually as an NFT, allowing artists to monetise digital art by giving buyers bragging rights to unique ownership -- even if the work can be endlessly reproduced online.

Classic parts of internet culture from GIFs to home videos have been auctioned off for huge sums. In March, the American digital artist Beeple became one of the world's three most valuable living artists when an NFT of one of his works sold for $69.3 million.

But in Japan, there's still some way to go before crypto art becomes a mainstay, said Yasumasa Yonehara, 62, an artist exhibiting at the show.

"NFTs are known in Japan for the sale of tweets by famous people for astronomical sums, and few know what it's really about," he said.

An authenticated version of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's first tweet -- the first ever on the social network -- was sold in March for $2.9 million.

Japanese buyers are still approaching the format with caution, agreed the exhibition's 27-year-old curator Sascha Bailey.

"The problem a lot of people have with NFT art is 'how do I live with it, how do I interact with it in my everyday life?'" Bailey, who runs the international sales platform Blockchain Art Exchange, told AFP.

"What we're attempting to do here, at least in the proto-stages, is to show how this can be part of your everyday existence."

Some of the static works have augmented reality features -- coming alive when viewed through a smartphone screen -- and talks with artists are also planned during the three-week exhibition.

French artist Botchy-Botchy, 48, sold his first NFT at the Tokyo show.

"The real plus is that the artist gets royalties at each resale of its token," he said. And in the art industry, "that's really a new thing".

Bailey said he sees Beeple's massive sale as "an exception" and thinks greater value lies in the potential of NFTs to spark broader creativity.

"Maybe (Beeple's sale) was important to show the mainstream art world that it's a competitive thing... I see crypto art being the most powerful and meaningful when it's helping smaller artists," he said.

Tokyo tattoo artist Ichi Hatano's usual business has dwindled during the pandemic, but now he's keen to mine a new stream of income at Japan's first crypto art exhibition.

Tokyo tattoo artist Ichi Hatano's usual business has dwindled during the pandemic, but now he's keen to mine a new stream of income at Japan's first crypto art exhibition. Hatano's ink featuring Japanese folk creatures was especially popular with foreign visitors until Japan closed its borders to tourists due to Covid-19. Hatano has now gone digital, selling his designs as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), virtual objects that have taken the art world by storm. "It's great for artists to have a new market, it opens a lot of possibilities," said the 44-year-old, who has five digital artworks on sale at the show, which opened last weekend in Tokyo. Using the same blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies, NFTs transform anything from illustrations to memes into virtual collectors' items that cannot be duplicated. They rocketed into the mainstream this year and are now traded at major auction houses, generating several hundred million dollars in transactions every month. Despite swapping his familiar canvas of human skin for pixels, Hatano said the creative process is the same. "This is the emergence of a new economy, a new way to value art," he told AFP, saying he hoped the technology would allow creators like him to reach a wider public. His work is among 150 NFTs from several dozen artists on display at the "CrypTokyo" exhibition in the Japanese capital's trendy Harajuku district. Screens on the walls show a rotating selection of the works, whose NFTs can be bought online with the Dai and Ethereum cryptocurrencies for amounts ranging from a few hundred dollars up to around $50,000. Hatano hopes to bag around $1,400-2,400 for each of his offerings. Some of the most expensive works are by Maxim, frontman of the British electropunk group The Prodigy and a recent convert to NFT art. - 'Part of everyday existence' - Any digital creation can be traded virtually as an NFT, allowing artists to monetise digital art by giving buyers bragging rights to unique ownership -- even if the work can be endlessly reproduced online. Classic parts of internet culture from GIFs to home videos have been auctioned off for huge sums. In March, the American digital artist Beeple became one of the world's three most valuable living artists when an NFT of one of his works sold for $69.3 million. But in Japan, there's still some way to go before crypto art becomes a mainstay, said Yasumasa Yonehara, 62, an artist exhibiting at the show. "NFTs are known in Japan for the sale of tweets by famous people for astronomical sums, and few know what it's really about," he said. An authenticated version of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's first tweet -- the first ever on the social network -- was sold in March for $2.9 million. Japanese buyers are still approaching the format with caution, agreed the exhibition's 27-year-old curator Sascha Bailey. "The problem a lot of people have with NFT art is 'how do I live with it, how do I interact with it in my everyday life?'" Bailey, who runs the international sales platform Blockchain Art Exchange, told AFP. "What we're attempting to do here, at least in the proto-stages, is to show how this can be part of your everyday existence." Some of the static works have augmented reality features -- coming alive when viewed through a smartphone screen -- and talks with artists are also planned during the three-week exhibition. French artist Botchy-Botchy, 48, sold his first NFT at the Tokyo show. "The real plus is that the artist gets royalties at each resale of its token," he said. And in the art industry, "that's really a new thing". Bailey said he sees Beeple's massive sale as "an exception" and thinks greater value lies in the potential of NFTs to spark broader creativity. "Maybe (Beeple's sale) was important to show the mainstream art world that it's a competitive thing... I see crypto art being the most powerful and meaningful when it's helping smaller artists," he said.

From tattoos to tokens at Tokyo's first crypto art show

Police in Greece have recovered a Picasso painting stolen in 2012 from the National Gallery, and arrested a suspect in the theft, authorities said late Monday.

'Head of a Woman', gifted by Pablo Picasso to Greece in 1949, was recovered in the rural area of Keratea, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) southeast of Athens, state agency ANA said.

Another painting stolen in the same heist, Piet Montrian’s 'Stammer Windmill', was also found, the agency said.

Officials are to give details on the case later Tuesday, the culture ministry said.

The Spanish master had given the cubist painting to the Greek state as a tribute to the country's resistance of Nazi Germany.

On the back, an inscription reads in French: "For the Greek people, a tribute by Picasso."

Two men are believed to have broken into the National Gallery in January 2012, cutting the paintings from their frames.

The break-in lasted only around seven minutes.

A sketch by 16th-century Italian artist Guglielmo Caccia, better known as Moncalvo, had also been stolen in the same robbery.

A state report subsequently found that the National Gallery's security had not been upgraded since 2000.

Several areas in the museum were out of range of security cameras, while the alarms were faulty and prone to ringing gratuitously.

On the night of the heist, the burglars had set off an alarm by manipulating an unlocked door, diverting security before sneaking into the building.

The sole guard told police he ran after one thief, who dropped another Mondrian oil painting.

The theft, at the height of the Greek debt crisis, had been followed a few months later by another high-profile robbery of nearly 80 archaeological artefacts from a museum in Olympia dedicated to the ancient Olympic Games.

The items were recovered several months later.&nbsp;

Police in Greece have recovered a Picasso painting stolen in 2012 from the National Gallery, and arrested a suspect in the theft, authorities said late Monday. 'Head of a Woman', gifted by Pablo Picasso to Greece in 1949, was recovered in the rural area of Keratea, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) southeast of Athens, state agency ANA said.

Police in Greece have recovered a Picasso painting stolen in 2012 from the National Gallery, and arrested a suspect in the theft, authorities said late Monday. 'Head of a Woman', gifted by Pablo Picasso to Greece in 1949, was recovered in the rural area of Keratea, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) southeast of Athens, state agency ANA said. Another painting stolen in the same heist, Piet Montrian’s 'Stammer Windmill', was also found, the agency said. Officials are to give details on the case later Tuesday, the culture ministry said. The Spanish master had given the cubist painting to the Greek state as a tribute to the country's resistance of Nazi Germany. On the back, an inscription reads in French: "For the Greek people, a tribute by Picasso." Two men are believed to have broken into the National Gallery in January 2012, cutting the paintings from their frames. The break-in lasted only around seven minutes. A sketch by 16th-century Italian artist Guglielmo Caccia, better known as Moncalvo, had also been stolen in the same robbery. A state report subsequently found that the National Gallery's security had not been upgraded since 2000. Several areas in the museum were out of range of security cameras, while the alarms were faulty and prone to ringing gratuitously. On the night of the heist, the burglars had set off an alarm by manipulating an unlocked door, diverting security before sneaking into the building. The sole guard told police he ran after one thief, who dropped another Mondrian oil painting. The theft, at the height of the Greek debt crisis, had been followed a few months later by another high-profile robbery of nearly 80 archaeological artefacts from a museum in Olympia dedicated to the ancient Olympic Games. The items were recovered several months later.

Greece recovers Picasso stolen in 2012: police

Marco Gobbetti is stepping down as chief executive of British luxury fashion house Burberry to take up the reins at Italian peer Salvatore Ferragamo, the companies announced Monday.

Expressing disappointment at Gobbetti's departure set for the end of the year, Burberry chairman Gerry Murphy said the board respected "his desire to return to Italy after nearly 20 years abroad".

Following the news, Burberry's share price slumped 9.0 percent in early deals on London's benchmark FTSE 100 index.

Salvatore Ferragamo gained 2.2 per cent in Milan.

Murphy added in a statement that the Burberry board would begin its search for a successor.&nbsp;

Gobbetti will leave after nearly five years in the role, allowing him to be closer to family, while the announcement comes one month after pandemic-hit Burberry announced a strong sales recovery.

"With Burberry re-energised and firmly set on a path to strong growth, I feel that now is the right time for me to step down," Gobbetti added in the statement.

In a separate release, Salvatore Ferragamo said Gobbetti would become general manager and chief executive officer of the Florentine group as soon as he is released from his contractual obligations at Burberry.

The sharp fall in Burberry's share price "shows how much he is credited with the success of" the group in recent years, noted Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

Markets.com chief market analyst Neil Wilson said that while there were "some pandemic-related issues still being washed out, Burberry remains a strong brand in the luxury space with room to appeal to a broader consumer base".

Gobbetti's tenure comes to an end having seen a turnaround in Burberry's fortunes after the heavy financial fallout of the coronavirus outbreak.

It recently announced a surge in annual net profit following strong sales in the first three months of the 2021, the final quarter of Burberry's fiscal year.

As head of Burberry, Gobbetti appointed Italian designer Riccardo Tisci as its chief creative officer who ended the use of real fur and angora in its clothes.

Formerly CEO of Moschino, Gobbetti spent 13 years at LVMH where he was head of Givenchy and Celine.

Marco Gobbetti is stepping down as chief executive of British luxury fashion house Burberry to take up the reins at Italian peer Salvatore Ferragamo, the companies announced Monday.

Marco Gobbetti is stepping down as chief executive of British luxury fashion house Burberry to take up the reins at Italian peer Salvatore Ferragamo, the companies announced Monday. Expressing disappointment at Gobbetti's departure set for the end of the year, Burberry chairman Gerry Murphy said the board respected "his desire to return to Italy after nearly 20 years abroad". Following the news, Burberry's share price slumped 9.0 percent in early deals on London's benchmark FTSE 100 index. Salvatore Ferragamo gained 2.2 per cent in Milan. Murphy added in a statement that the Burberry board would begin its search for a successor. Gobbetti will leave after nearly five years in the role, allowing him to be closer to family, while the announcement comes one month after pandemic-hit Burberry announced a strong sales recovery. "With Burberry re-energised and firmly set on a path to strong growth, I feel that now is the right time for me to step down," Gobbetti added in the statement. In a separate release, Salvatore Ferragamo said Gobbetti would become general manager and chief executive officer of the Florentine group as soon as he is released from his contractual obligations at Burberry. The sharp fall in Burberry's share price "shows how much he is credited with the success of" the group in recent years, noted Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell. Markets.com chief market analyst Neil Wilson said that while there were "some pandemic-related issues still being washed out, Burberry remains a strong brand in the luxury space with room to appeal to a broader consumer base". Gobbetti's tenure comes to an end having seen a turnaround in Burberry's fortunes after the heavy financial fallout of the coronavirus outbreak. It recently announced a surge in annual net profit following strong sales in the first three months of the 2021, the final quarter of Burberry's fiscal year. As head of Burberry, Gobbetti appointed Italian designer Riccardo Tisci as its chief creative officer who ended the use of real fur and angora in its clothes. Formerly CEO of Moschino, Gobbetti spent 13 years at LVMH where he was head of Givenchy and Celine.

Burberry chief moving to Salvatore Ferragamo

A new exhibition opening in Windsor Castle on Thursday commemorates the life and legacy of Britain`s Prince Philip, including many fabulous items gifted him over decades of official duties and overseas visits. 
 
Titled `Prince Philip: A Celebration`, the display features over 100 objects from the Duke of Edinburgh`s life. 
 
Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth and a leading figure in the British royal family for almost seven decades, died on April 9, aged 99. 
 
The exhibition had been planned as part of the 100th birthday celebrations for Philip, who would have turned 100 on June 10, curator Sally Goodsir told Reuters. "But following his death in April, we have delayed its opening just by a couple of weeks and are still holding it," she said. 
 
Philip was aware of the exhibition and its contents, Goodsir said. 
 
Among the highlights of the display are the coronation robes and coronet worn by Philip to the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and his chair of estate which normally stands beside the queen`s at Buckingham Palace and is displayed at Windsor Castle for the first time. 
 
Going on public display for the first time is a portrait of the prince painted in 2017, the year of his retirement. The painting by Ralph Heimans features Philip wearing the blue and red Windsor uniform, standing in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle. 
 
The items range from the personal - such as Queen Victoria`s journal recording the birth of Prince Philip`s mother, Princess Alice, at Windsor Castle in 1885, to the eccentric - a human-sized grasshopper wine cooler presented by former French President Georges Pompidou during his visit to the UK in 1972. 
 
Other items include: a Faberge frame with photographs of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth that was a wedding gift; a chess set presented by Nelson Mandela during his 1996 visit to the UK; and a pair of cowboy boots with the words Prince and Philip inscribed in gold, gifted to the prince during a visit to Houston, Texas, in 1991. 
 
Above the boots, the exhibit displays a First Nations feather headdress, a 1973 gift from the Head Chief of the Blood Reserve, Jim Shot Both Sides. 
 
Also on show are the remains of Windsor Castle`s St George`s Hall clock and a fragment of a burnt beam, salvaged by Philip from the debris following a fire that swept through the castle in 1992. 
 
"I think without people being able to gather for the funeral, as they might ordinarily have done, I hope they might be able to come to the castle and learn a little bit more about him," said Goodsir.

The exhibition will be open to the public until September 20.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A new exhibition opening in Windsor Castle on Thursday commemorates the life and legacy of Britain`s Prince Philip, including many fabulous items gifted him over decades of official duties and overseas visits.

A new exhibition opening in Windsor Castle on Thursday commemorates the life and legacy of Britain`s Prince Philip, including many fabulous items gifted him over decades of official duties and overseas visits. Titled `Prince Philip: A Celebration`, the display features over 100 objects from the Duke of Edinburgh`s life. Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth and a leading figure in the British royal family for almost seven decades, died on April 9, aged 99. The exhibition had been planned as part of the 100th birthday celebrations for Philip, who would have turned 100 on June 10, curator Sally Goodsir told Reuters. "But following his death in April, we have delayed its opening just by a couple of weeks and are still holding it," she said. Philip was aware of the exhibition and its contents, Goodsir said. Among the highlights of the display are the coronation robes and coronet worn by Philip to the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and his chair of estate which normally stands beside the queen`s at Buckingham Palace and is displayed at Windsor Castle for the first time. Going on public display for the first time is a portrait of the prince painted in 2017, the year of his retirement. The painting by Ralph Heimans features Philip wearing the blue and red Windsor uniform, standing in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle. The items range from the personal - such as Queen Victoria`s journal recording the birth of Prince Philip`s mother, Princess Alice, at Windsor Castle in 1885, to the eccentric - a human-sized grasshopper wine cooler presented by former French President Georges Pompidou during his visit to the UK in 1972. Other items include: a Faberge frame with photographs of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth that was a wedding gift; a chess set presented by Nelson Mandela during his 1996 visit to the UK; and a pair of cowboy boots with the words Prince and Philip inscribed in gold, gifted to the prince during a visit to Houston, Texas, in 1991. Above the boots, the exhibit displays a First Nations feather headdress, a 1973 gift from the Head Chief of the Blood Reserve, Jim Shot Both Sides. Also on show are the remains of Windsor Castle`s St George`s Hall clock and a fragment of a burnt beam, salvaged by Philip from the debris following a fire that swept through the castle in 1992. "I think without people being able to gather for the funeral, as they might ordinarily have done, I hope they might be able to come to the castle and learn a little bit more about him," said Goodsir. The exhibition will be open to the public until September 20.

Prince Philip's life celebrated with new Windsor Castle exhibit

"If music is the food of love, play on,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;William Shakespeare. The bard was right as music is indeed the food of love and contains the power to heal anyone in their worst times. June 21&nbsp;is World Music Day - a day to celebrate&nbsp;the power of this art. 
 
The day honours musicians around the world and their contribution towards making everything more melodious.&nbsp; 
 
Across the globe, many free concerts are organised to mark this day. In the past, veteran musicians and budding learners have been encouraged to perform on the streets in cities across the world, irrespective of language or genres.

Scroll down to look back at the day's history,&nbsp;significance &amp; more.

<img alt="History" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="007abf21-aad0-467c-9e1f-cf8053a9bab2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_67.jpg" /> 
 
World Music Day: History 
 
The day was founded by the French Minister of Art and Culture, Jack Lang and Maurice Fleuret and was first held in Paris, France in 1982. The day is also popularly called 'Make Music Day', and 'Fête de la Musique' in French.&nbsp; 
 
Lang applied his reflections to the musical practice and its evolution: "the music everywhere and the concert nowhere". 
 
The idea behind the day 
 
The idea behind the day is to get musicians, both professionals and amateurs, to come out onto the streets to celebrate music.

International phenomenon 
 
The event became so popular that it spread across the world and is now being celebrated worldwide and was adopted by more than 700 cities in 120 countries, including India, China, Mexico, Canada, the United States, Russia, Australia, Peru, Brazil, and more.&nbsp;

<img alt="sss" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7ded976-f42e-48a5-9005-b41668b264b5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_41.jpg" /> 
 
What is the purpose 
 
World Music Day seeks to promote music in two ways: Both amateur and professional musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets, under the slogan 'Faites de la musique' ('Make music'), a homophone of Fête de la musique. 
 
Many free concerts are organised, making all genres of music accessible to the public. All concerts must be free to the public, and all performers donate their time free of charge. This is true of most participating cities as well.

<img alt="dddd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4cb62e5-8d8b-46a7-b049-888f5ee4b159" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_51.jpg" /> 
 
Music Day celebration 
 
Across the world and especially in Paris streets, people come out and pack the city with the sound of music and music lovers groove to it. The people enjoy the day with parades, fairs, fests, feasts. However, due to pandemic, the celebration will be held in a low-key manner this year.

"If music is the food of love, play on," said William Shakespeare. The bard was right as music is indeed the food of love and contains the power to heal anyone in their worst times.

"If music is the food of love, play on," said William Shakespeare. The bard was right as music is indeed the food of love and contains the power to heal anyone in their worst times. June 21 is World Music Day - a day to celebrate the power of this art. The day honours musicians around the world and their contribution towards making everything more melodious. Across the globe, many free concerts are organised to mark this day. In the past, veteran musicians and budding learners have been encouraged to perform on the streets in cities across the world, irrespective of language or genres. Scroll down to look back at the day's history, significance & more. World Music Day: History The day was founded by the French Minister of Art and Culture, Jack Lang and Maurice Fleuret and was first held in Paris, France in 1982. The day is also popularly called 'Make Music Day', and 'Fête de la Musique' in French. Lang applied his reflections to the musical practice and its evolution: "the music everywhere and the concert nowhere". The idea behind the day The idea behind the day is to get musicians, both professionals and amateurs, to come out onto the streets to celebrate music. International phenomenon The event became so popular that it spread across the world and is now being celebrated worldwide and was adopted by more than 700 cities in 120 countries, including India, China, Mexico, Canada, the United States, Russia, Australia, Peru, Brazil, and more. What is the purpose World Music Day seeks to promote music in two ways: Both amateur and professional musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets, under the slogan 'Faites de la musique' ('Make music'), a homophone of Fête de la musique. Many free concerts are organised, making all genres of music accessible to the public. All concerts must be free to the public, and all performers donate their time free of charge. This is true of most participating cities as well. Music Day celebration Across the world and especially in Paris streets, people come out and pack the city with the sound of music and music lovers groove to it. The people enjoy the day with parades, fairs, fests, feasts. However, due to pandemic, the celebration will be held in a low-key manner this year.

Why is June 21 celebrated as World Music Day? History, significance and more

Prince Charles is making his discontentment&nbsp;towards son Harry and his wife Meghan Markle obvious. The first in line to the British throne has reportedly made it clear that Harry and Meghan's children will not receive royal titles&nbsp;when he becomes the British king.&nbsp; 
 
Tension has been brewing between Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royal family ever since the couple appeared in a sit-down chat interview with Oprah Winfrey. Charles now wants to limit the number of critical royals partly because&nbsp;"it`s an expensive proposition and the public wants a more streamlined monarchy", media reports said. 
 
Archie, the son of Harry and Meghan, is seventh in line to the throne.&nbsp; 
 
Royal family members with titles such as `prince` or `princess` are entitled to financial support and security, all paid for by commoners.&nbsp; 
 
Harry and Meghan have earlier revealed that Buckingham Palace has already refused to pay for their son`s security. 
 
The 'Firm' as Meghan called the royals in the controversial interview, are reportedly angry at Harry and Meghan for torching them and accusing them of racism. 
 
Interestingly, monarchy rules state that the grandchildren of the sovereign are to inherit titles automatically, meaning that the Sussexes` kids, Archie and Lilibet, would have been granted titles upon Charles` ascension to the throne.

But latest reports state that Charles has planned to change the legal documents to make sure the Sussex children aren`t granted the titles.&nbsp;

Prince Charles is making his discontentment towards son Harry and his wife Meghan Markle obvious. The first in line to the British throne has reportedly made it clear that Harry and Meghan's children will not receive royal titles when he becomes the British king.

Prince Charles is making his discontentment towards son Harry and his wife Meghan Markle obvious. The first in line to the British throne has reportedly made it clear that Harry and Meghan's children will not receive royal titles when he becomes the British king. Tension has been brewing between Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royal family ever since the couple appeared in a sit-down chat interview with Oprah Winfrey. Charles now wants to limit the number of critical royals partly because "it`s an expensive proposition and the public wants a more streamlined monarchy", media reports said. Archie, the son of Harry and Meghan, is seventh in line to the throne. Royal family members with titles such as `prince` or `princess` are entitled to financial support and security, all paid for by commoners. Harry and Meghan have earlier revealed that Buckingham Palace has already refused to pay for their son`s security. The 'Firm' as Meghan called the royals in the controversial interview, are reportedly angry at Harry and Meghan for torching them and accusing them of racism. Interestingly, monarchy rules state that the grandchildren of the sovereign are to inherit titles automatically, meaning that the Sussexes` kids, Archie and Lilibet, would have been granted titles upon Charles` ascension to the throne. But latest reports state that Charles has planned to change the legal documents to make sure the Sussex children aren`t granted the titles.

Prince Charles is reportedly not keen to give Harry and Meghan's son Archie 'prince' title

Father's Day: Five unique gift ideas to make your father feel extra special

Pyramids, Tutankhamun masks, Nefertiti busts -- Egypt's souvenir-makers are pinning their hopes on a new lease of economic life, after tourism was battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

In the shadow of the magnificent Giza Pyramids, Eid Yousri manufactures polyester Pharaonic figurines from a humble workshop erected on the roof of his family home.

"We've lost nearly 70 percent of our business," he told AFP, lamenting the plunge in visitors to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Before the pandemic, "we had about 15 workers -- compared to five today," he said, noting that even the remaining staff were not full-time.

He sells his products from as little as 20 Egyptian pounds (about $1.30, or one euro) to 200 pounds.

Hundreds of small business owners and artisans have been forced to mothball much of their activity, choked by cancelled flights and movement restrictions around the world.

Yousri hopes that foreign tourists are lured back to Egypt in the latter part of the year, "especially Americans", with some groups from the US expected in September.

In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic struck, tourism made up about 12 percent of Egypt's GDP.

After a long period of political instability dented earnings, revenues from the sector reached $13 billion that year.

But in 2020, a year when Egypt had initially eyed a further rebound to $16 billion, takings collapsed to $4 billion.&nbsp;

In a recent interview with AFP, Tourism Minister Khaled El-Enani welcomed a partial recovery in visitor numbers.

Around 500,000 have flown in monthly since April this year, more than double the number in January and up from an average of just 200,000 tourists per month in 2020.&nbsp;

- 'Smart marketing exercise' -

On the other side of town, in the narrow and labyrinthine alleys of Khan el-Khalili in Islamic Cairo, tourist Caroline Bucher is on the hunt for "locally made" products to bring back home to her native Dominican Republic.

"We're looking for hand made and quality souvenirs, that are about local culture," she told AFP. "It has to be a memory of the trip."

In a souvenir market that was for many years flooded by cheap Chinese imports, the government is seeking to meet demand for quality products sought out by tourists like Bucher.

On the eastern outskirts of Cairo, a new antique reproduction factory has since March been preparing to capitalise on the much hoped for post-pandemic era.&nbsp;

The factory, named Konouz (treasures in Arabic), produces furniture, statuettes and paintings that retrace four major periods of Egyptian heritage: Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic.

Reproductions, in 1:1 scale or miniaturised, are accompanied by an official government-issued certificate of authenticity.

The vast 10,000 square metre (approximately 107,650 square foot) factory is run by Hisham Sharawi, a retired general, who supervises around 150 workers, painters, cabinetmakers, sculptors and designers.&nbsp;

"We opened a gift shop at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation" in April, he told AFP.&nbsp;

Other Konouz gift shops will open at museums and key archaeological sites later on.

"When tourists come back, we will be ready," pledged Ahmed Aboul Gheir, who is also working on the 'Made in Egypt' initiative.

Government-driven investment under the scheme totals 80 million Egyptian pounds and focuses on quality production.

In 2015, the ministry of industry prohibited "the imports of goods and products of a popular art nature", including "models of Egyptian Antiquities" as a protective measure to safeguard its home-grown crafts industry from cheaper foreign competition.

Most of the factory's replica objects are cast in polyester, plaster or metal. Specialised machines give a "final touch" to the replicas before they are painted by hand or covered with gold leaf.

But the cheaper items created under the initiative also risk crowding out local craftsmen who are unable to produce in such high volumes.&nbsp;

Items at Konouz range from a small amulet selling for 50 Egyptian pounds to a three-metre statue setting back customers thousands of pounds.

Tourism expert Elhamy al-Zayat calls the government initiative a "smart marketing exercise".&nbsp;

But he warned against flooding the replica goods market.

"You mustn't produce too much, otherwise it loses value," he noted.

Pyramids, Tutankhamun masks, Nefertiti busts -- Egypt's souvenir-makers are pinning their hopes on a new lease of economic life, after tourism was battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Pyramids, Tutankhamun masks, Nefertiti busts -- Egypt's souvenir-makers are pinning their hopes on a new lease of economic life, after tourism was battered by the coronavirus pandemic. In the shadow of the magnificent Giza Pyramids, Eid Yousri manufactures polyester Pharaonic figurines from a humble workshop erected on the roof of his family home. "We've lost nearly 70 percent of our business," he told AFP, lamenting the plunge in visitors to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Before the pandemic, "we had about 15 workers -- compared to five today," he said, noting that even the remaining staff were not full-time. He sells his products from as little as 20 Egyptian pounds (about $1.30, or one euro) to 200 pounds. Hundreds of small business owners and artisans have been forced to mothball much of their activity, choked by cancelled flights and movement restrictions around the world. Yousri hopes that foreign tourists are lured back to Egypt in the latter part of the year, "especially Americans", with some groups from the US expected in September. In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic struck, tourism made up about 12 percent of Egypt's GDP. After a long period of political instability dented earnings, revenues from the sector reached $13 billion that year. But in 2020, a year when Egypt had initially eyed a further rebound to $16 billion, takings collapsed to $4 billion. In a recent interview with AFP, Tourism Minister Khaled El-Enani welcomed a partial recovery in visitor numbers. Around 500,000 have flown in monthly since April this year, more than double the number in January and up from an average of just 200,000 tourists per month in 2020. - 'Smart marketing exercise' - On the other side of town, in the narrow and labyrinthine alleys of Khan el-Khalili in Islamic Cairo, tourist Caroline Bucher is on the hunt for "locally made" products to bring back home to her native Dominican Republic. "We're looking for hand made and quality souvenirs, that are about local culture," she told AFP. "It has to be a memory of the trip." In a souvenir market that was for many years flooded by cheap Chinese imports, the government is seeking to meet demand for quality products sought out by tourists like Bucher. On the eastern outskirts of Cairo, a new antique reproduction factory has since March been preparing to capitalise on the much hoped for post-pandemic era. The factory, named Konouz (treasures in Arabic), produces furniture, statuettes and paintings that retrace four major periods of Egyptian heritage: Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic. Reproductions, in 1:1 scale or miniaturised, are accompanied by an official government-issued certificate of authenticity. The vast 10,000 square metre (approximately 107,650 square foot) factory is run by Hisham Sharawi, a retired general, who supervises around 150 workers, painters, cabinetmakers, sculptors and designers. "We opened a gift shop at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation" in April, he told AFP. Other Konouz gift shops will open at museums and key archaeological sites later on. "When tourists come back, we will be ready," pledged Ahmed Aboul Gheir, who is also working on the 'Made in Egypt' initiative. Government-driven investment under the scheme totals 80 million Egyptian pounds and focuses on quality production. In 2015, the ministry of industry prohibited "the imports of goods and products of a popular art nature", including "models of Egyptian Antiquities" as a protective measure to safeguard its home-grown crafts industry from cheaper foreign competition. Most of the factory's replica objects are cast in polyester, plaster or metal. Specialised machines give a "final touch" to the replicas before they are painted by hand or covered with gold leaf. But the cheaper items created under the initiative also risk crowding out local craftsmen who are unable to produce in such high volumes. Items at Konouz range from a small amulet selling for 50 Egyptian pounds to a three-metre statue setting back customers thousands of pounds. Tourism expert Elhamy al-Zayat calls the government initiative a "smart marketing exercise". But he warned against flooding the replica goods market. "You mustn't produce too much, otherwise it loses value," he noted.

Egypt souvenir market pins hopes on tourism resurgence

The first cruise ship in more than a year docked at Cozumel island on Mexico's Caribbean coast on Wednesday, greeted by mariachi music and a banner reading: "Welcome back."

The Adventure of the Seas arrived from the Bahamas with around 1,000 passengers on board -- a sight for sore eyes for a tourist industry battered by the pandemic.

A group of passengers, mostly from the United States, disembarked to explore the island, braving rain brought by a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico.

Michael Williams, a 62-year-old retiree, said it was his first trip since the pandemic began and felt like an "exciting adventure."

Some 94 per cent&nbsp;of the passengers have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, while the remainder are under the age of 16, said Alberto Munoz, vice president for Latin America at cruise operator Royal Caribbean.

Cozumel is usually a major stop on cruise itineraries and other operators are also expected to make a comeback in the coming months.

Celebrity Cruises will return in June, followed by Carnival Corp. in July, with stops in Cozumel and Mahahual further along the coast, said Dario Flota, director of the tourism promotion board in Quintana Roo state.

Quintana Roo, home to a string of top resorts including Cancun, remains at a high level of alert due to the pandemic, in contrast to many parts of the country.

Mexico's official Covid-19 death toll of more than 230,000 is one of the world's highest, but new cases and deaths have been trending lower for several months.

Before the pandemic, the cruise industry was Cozumel's main economic activity, with more than 100,000 people dependent on it to some extent, either directly or indirectly, according to officials.

Joel Dzib, who earns a living transporting tourists, said he felt more optimistic about the future with the return of cruise ships following a tough 2020.

"I had to sell a property. It was difficult for us, but the important thing is that we're moving forward," he said.

The first cruise ship in more than a year docked at Cozumel island on Mexico's Caribbean coast on Wednesday, greeted by mariachi music and a banner reading: "Welcome back.

The first cruise ship in more than a year docked at Cozumel island on Mexico's Caribbean coast on Wednesday, greeted by mariachi music and a banner reading: "Welcome back." The Adventure of the Seas arrived from the Bahamas with around 1,000 passengers on board -- a sight for sore eyes for a tourist industry battered by the pandemic. A group of passengers, mostly from the United States, disembarked to explore the island, braving rain brought by a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico. Michael Williams, a 62-year-old retiree, said it was his first trip since the pandemic began and felt like an "exciting adventure." Some 94 per cent of the passengers have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, while the remainder are under the age of 16, said Alberto Munoz, vice president for Latin America at cruise operator Royal Caribbean. Cozumel is usually a major stop on cruise itineraries and other operators are also expected to make a comeback in the coming months. Celebrity Cruises will return in June, followed by Carnival Corp. in July, with stops in Cozumel and Mahahual further along the coast, said Dario Flota, director of the tourism promotion board in Quintana Roo state. Quintana Roo, home to a string of top resorts including Cancun, remains at a high level of alert due to the pandemic, in contrast to many parts of the country. Mexico's official Covid-19 death toll of more than 230,000 is one of the world's highest, but new cases and deaths have been trending lower for several months. Before the pandemic, the cruise industry was Cozumel's main economic activity, with more than 100,000 people dependent on it to some extent, either directly or indirectly, according to officials. Joel Dzib, who earns a living transporting tourists, said he felt more optimistic about the future with the return of cruise ships following a tough 2020. "I had to sell a property. It was difficult for us, but the important thing is that we're moving forward," he said.

Cruise passengers return to Mexico's Caribbean coast

No masks will be needed henceforth for visitors of Disneyland Resort. In new guidelines, the fantasy park doesn’t need fully vaccinated guests to wear a mask inside the theme park from June 15.&nbsp;

Guests visiting the Californian theme park will not be required to show proof of vaccination. Guests who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a mask at all times, other than when dining.

In a statement, the theme park said, “When the Toy Story parking lot reopens on June 18, all Guests, regardless of vaccination status, will need to wear an appropriate face covering while on the bus transportation from the lot to the parks.”

The announcement comes as the state is set to fully reopen its economy on Tuesday following more than a year when businesses were shuttered due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Beginning June 15, the theme park will also once again allow guests from out of state to visit. The reservation system will remain in place, the theme park noted.

Disneyland and California Adventure reopened April 30 after being shuttered for more than a year.&nbsp;

No masks will be needed henceforth for visitors of Disneyland Resort. In new guidelines, the fantasy park doesn’t need fully vaccinated guests to wear a mask inside the theme park from June 15.

No masks will be needed henceforth for visitors of Disneyland Resort. In new guidelines, the fantasy park doesn’t need fully vaccinated guests to wear a mask inside the theme park from June 15. Guests visiting the Californian theme park will not be required to show proof of vaccination. Guests who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a mask at all times, other than when dining. In a statement, the theme park said, “When the Toy Story parking lot reopens on June 18, all Guests, regardless of vaccination status, will need to wear an appropriate face covering while on the bus transportation from the lot to the parks.” The announcement comes as the state is set to fully reopen its economy on Tuesday following more than a year when businesses were shuttered due to the pandemic. Beginning June 15, the theme park will also once again allow guests from out of state to visit. The reservation system will remain in place, the theme park noted. Disneyland and California Adventure reopened April 30 after being shuttered for more than a year.

Disneyland Resort allows visitors to drop masks if fully vaccinated

Dubai earned a reputation for delivering luxury for those with cash to splash years ago, but amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a new mode of travel has become popular -- yachts.

"It's more private, you're with only family and friends, and it's the ideal outing during a pandemic," said Nada Naeem, a 36-year-old Saudi citizen living in Dubai.

Dozens of white yachts are seen every day zipping through the emirate's bays, canals and islands, while others are docked along the coast in Gulf waters overlooking the skyline of high-rise towers.

"You feel like you can breathe," Naeem said, adding that she had not left Dubai since the pandemic began last year. "It's like you've travelled."

Unlike so many parts of the world, Dubai opened its doors wide open to tourists just a few months after the coronavirus pandemic took hold last year.

Life in the Gulf emirate -- one of the first destinations to welcome visitors again last July -- returned to largely normal, with restaurants and hotels up and running and beaches open to the public.

The UAE, made up of seven emirates including Dubai, launched an energetic vaccination drive with some of the highest inoculation rates worldwide, and continues to enforce strict rules on wearing masks and social distancing.

But some are fearful of overseas travel, and wary of crowded places where the risk of catching Covid-19 is higher.

- 'Secure and safe' -

For those who can afford the price tag, yachts are seen as a safer bet.&nbsp;

"When they eased the lockdown... people preferred something secure and safe with regulations," said Mohammed al-Sayyed, manager of Royal Star Yachts charter company.

"We are providing them with the proper customer service, following all the rules, sanitising the yacht."

For now, yachts are allowed to operate at 70 percent capacity.

The company has a fleet that includes a 141-foot (42-metre) yacht able to host 80 passengers at full capacity -- if you can afford the $4,900 price for a three-hour cruise.

Charter companies said they have seen an increased interest in yachting after coronavirus measures eased, especially among those who want to spend time with friends and family.

"People want to do sightseeing, cruising," said Sayyed, who has been in the yacht industry for eight years. "They want to relax."

Cheaper yachts to hire include the company's 90-foot "Big Daddy" -- &nbsp;capable of normally carrying 65 people, at $1,225 for three hours -- down to smaller boats.

Some in Dubai said that when the price was split between a group, the cost was not as steep as it seemed at first.

"It can actually be more affordable than an all-inclusive brunch at a restaurant," said Naeem.

And while some groups have been busted by authorities flouting the rules and slapped with hefty fines, most excursions run smoothly.

Sayyed insisted his company follows all the rules and that even on the most luxurious "party yachts", there are Covid-19 regulations still in place, including the need for passengers to socially distance from each other and wear masks.

- Beach to boat takeaways -&nbsp;

Dubai, known for its skyscrapers and mega-projects, boasts the most diverse economy in the oil-reliant Gulf region and has built a reputation as a financial, commercial and tourism hub.&nbsp;

Tourism, which drew some 16 million visitors a year before the coronavirus hit, took a severe downturn in the first few months of the pandemic.

But a flood of arrivals since the beginning of the year has regenerated the industry, and helped many business activities recover.

Other yacht charter companies report an increase in demand for rentals in recent months.

And being out at sea doesn't mean the guests must skimp on takeaway food or drinks. Jet skis and speed boats are on standby -- for an extra fee -- to take orders and deliver groceries from shore to ship.

"To go on a boat is as simple as being outdoors and being away from strangers, gathering with only those you trust," said Palestinian Jeelan Herz, who has lived in the UAE for more than 30 years.

"It's also something you can enjoy safely with children -- go to the middle of the ocean, take part in water activities and take a nice dip."

Dubai earned a reputation for delivering luxury for those with cash to splash years ago, but amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a new mode of travel has become popular -- yachts.

Dubai earned a reputation for delivering luxury for those with cash to splash years ago, but amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a new mode of travel has become popular -- yachts. "It's more private, you're with only family and friends, and it's the ideal outing during a pandemic," said Nada Naeem, a 36-year-old Saudi citizen living in Dubai. Dozens of white yachts are seen every day zipping through the emirate's bays, canals and islands, while others are docked along the coast in Gulf waters overlooking the skyline of high-rise towers. "You feel like you can breathe," Naeem said, adding that she had not left Dubai since the pandemic began last year. "It's like you've travelled." Unlike so many parts of the world, Dubai opened its doors wide open to tourists just a few months after the coronavirus pandemic took hold last year. Life in the Gulf emirate -- one of the first destinations to welcome visitors again last July -- returned to largely normal, with restaurants and hotels up and running and beaches open to the public. The UAE, made up of seven emirates including Dubai, launched an energetic vaccination drive with some of the highest inoculation rates worldwide, and continues to enforce strict rules on wearing masks and social distancing. But some are fearful of overseas travel, and wary of crowded places where the risk of catching Covid-19 is higher. - 'Secure and safe' - For those who can afford the price tag, yachts are seen as a safer bet. "When they eased the lockdown... people preferred something secure and safe with regulations," said Mohammed al-Sayyed, manager of Royal Star Yachts charter company. "We are providing them with the proper customer service, following all the rules, sanitising the yacht." For now, yachts are allowed to operate at 70 percent capacity. The company has a fleet that includes a 141-foot (42-metre) yacht able to host 80 passengers at full capacity -- if you can afford the $4,900 price for a three-hour cruise. Charter companies said they have seen an increased interest in yachting after coronavirus measures eased, especially among those who want to spend time with friends and family. "People want to do sightseeing, cruising," said Sayyed, who has been in the yacht industry for eight years. "They want to relax." Cheaper yachts to hire include the company's 90-foot "Big Daddy" -- capable of normally carrying 65 people, at $1,225 for three hours -- down to smaller boats. Some in Dubai said that when the price was split between a group, the cost was not as steep as it seemed at first. "It can actually be more affordable than an all-inclusive brunch at a restaurant," said Naeem. And while some groups have been busted by authorities flouting the rules and slapped with hefty fines, most excursions run smoothly. Sayyed insisted his company follows all the rules and that even on the most luxurious "party yachts", there are Covid-19 regulations still in place, including the need for passengers to socially distance from each other and wear masks. - Beach to boat takeaways - Dubai, known for its skyscrapers and mega-projects, boasts the most diverse economy in the oil-reliant Gulf region and has built a reputation as a financial, commercial and tourism hub. Tourism, which drew some 16 million visitors a year before the coronavirus hit, took a severe downturn in the first few months of the pandemic. But a flood of arrivals since the beginning of the year has regenerated the industry, and helped many business activities recover. Other yacht charter companies report an increase in demand for rentals in recent months. And being out at sea doesn't mean the guests must skimp on takeaway food or drinks. Jet skis and speed boats are on standby -- for an extra fee -- to take orders and deliver groceries from shore to ship. "To go on a boat is as simple as being outdoors and being away from strangers, gathering with only those you trust," said Palestinian Jeelan Herz, who has lived in the UAE for more than 30 years. "It's also something you can enjoy safely with children -- go to the middle of the ocean, take part in water activities and take a nice dip."

Dubai's yachts offer socially-distanced luxury

Britain`s Queen Elizabeth has been given a rose named after her late husband Prince Philip to mark what would have been his 100th birthday on Thursday, Buckingham Palace said. 
 
Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died on April 9, just two months short of his landmark birthday after more than seven decades of marriage to Elizabeth, who is now 95. 
 
The Palace said that last week Elizabeth had been presented with a Duke of Edinburgh Rose - a newly bred pink commemorative rose - in his memory. 
 
It has since been planted at the rose border of the East Terrace Garden at the queen`s Windsor Castle home to the west of London, where she has spent most of her time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and where her husband died. 
 
"Whilst being very poignant, it was a delight to give Her Majesty The Queen ... the Duke of Edinburgh Rose to mark what would have been (his) 100th birthday and to remember his remarkable life," said Keith Weed, President of the Royal Horticultural Society. 
 
A royalty from the sale of each rose will go towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award Living Legacy Fund, supporting a scheme for young people that Philip set up and which now operates in more than 130 countries.

Britain`s Queen Elizabeth has been given a rose named after her late husband Prince Philip to mark what would have been his 100th birthday on Thursday, Buckingham Palace said.

Britain`s Queen Elizabeth has been given a rose named after her late husband Prince Philip to mark what would have been his 100th birthday on Thursday, Buckingham Palace said. Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died on April 9, just two months short of his landmark birthday after more than seven decades of marriage to Elizabeth, who is now 95. The Palace said that last week Elizabeth had been presented with a Duke of Edinburgh Rose - a newly bred pink commemorative rose - in his memory. It has since been planted at the rose border of the East Terrace Garden at the queen`s Windsor Castle home to the west of London, where she has spent most of her time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and where her husband died. "Whilst being very poignant, it was a delight to give Her Majesty The Queen ... the Duke of Edinburgh Rose to mark what would have been (his) 100th birthday and to remember his remarkable life," said Keith Weed, President of the Royal Horticultural Society. A royalty from the sale of each rose will go towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award Living Legacy Fund, supporting a scheme for young people that Philip set up and which now operates in more than 130 countries.

UK's Queen Elizabeth gifted rose named after late husband Philip

A re-issue of one of Asia's most beloved video games is taking the Chinese internet by storm 13 years after its original release, fuelling a wave of nostalgia among the country's young adults.

The mobile version of "Mole's World" has shot to the top of the free downloads on Apple's app store and has also been downloaded millions of times on Android phones, boosting the share price of its maker by 25 percent in the week it was released.

First available for PCs in 2008, the farming simulation game features a round-faced creature with a clown nose who captured the attention of a generation of gamers a decade ago.

Players who once burrowed into Mole's World as children are now adults who are showing their virtual farms to co-workers during office lunch breaks.

"I play it out of nostalgia for who I was when I played it back then," Zhao Yiping, a 24-year-old postgraduate student and long-time Mole fan, told AFP.

The game's popularity has given developer G-bits Network Technology's Shanghai-listed stock a nearly 25 percent boost, pushing the company's value to more than 41 billion yuan ($6.41 billion).

G-bits has marketed the relaunch of Mole's World heavily to young adults, enlisting Chinese pop-punk band New Pants to play in a promotional video.

It is part of a wave of companies using nostalgia to sell products to young Chinese wanting an escape from the stress and uncertainty of adulthood.

Several 1990s-themed restaurants have sprung up in major cities and fresh interpretations of old-fashioned children's snacks such as White Rabbit and Want-Want have been released.

Boosted by Covid-19 lockdowns, China's online gaming industry raked in 279 billion yuan in 2020, according to the China Internet Network Information Centre.

Videos of players showing off their proud achievements in Mole's World have received tens of thousands of views on Bilibili, China's equivalent of YouTube.

The game is "definitely a way to decompress", Wang Jingwen, a 25-year-old Mole's World fan, told AFP.

"People born after the 90s are now the ones holding up society and face a lot of daily pressure studying or at work," she said.

A re-issue of one of Asia's most beloved video games is taking the Chinese internet by storm 13 years after its original release, fuelling a wave of nostalgia among the country's young adults.

A re-issue of one of Asia's most beloved video games is taking the Chinese internet by storm 13 years after its original release, fuelling a wave of nostalgia among the country's young adults. The mobile version of "Mole's World" has shot to the top of the free downloads on Apple's app store and has also been downloaded millions of times on Android phones, boosting the share price of its maker by 25 percent in the week it was released. First available for PCs in 2008, the farming simulation game features a round-faced creature with a clown nose who captured the attention of a generation of gamers a decade ago. Players who once burrowed into Mole's World as children are now adults who are showing their virtual farms to co-workers during office lunch breaks. "I play it out of nostalgia for who I was when I played it back then," Zhao Yiping, a 24-year-old postgraduate student and long-time Mole fan, told AFP. The game's popularity has given developer G-bits Network Technology's Shanghai-listed stock a nearly 25 percent boost, pushing the company's value to more than 41 billion yuan ($6.41 billion). G-bits has marketed the relaunch of Mole's World heavily to young adults, enlisting Chinese pop-punk band New Pants to play in a promotional video. It is part of a wave of companies using nostalgia to sell products to young Chinese wanting an escape from the stress and uncertainty of adulthood. Several 1990s-themed restaurants have sprung up in major cities and fresh interpretations of old-fashioned children's snacks such as White Rabbit and Want-Want have been released. Boosted by Covid-19 lockdowns, China's online gaming industry raked in 279 billion yuan in 2020, according to the China Internet Network Information Centre. Videos of players showing off their proud achievements in Mole's World have received tens of thousands of views on Bilibili, China's equivalent of YouTube. The game is "definitely a way to decompress", Wang Jingwen, a 25-year-old Mole's World fan, told AFP. "People born after the 90s are now the ones holding up society and face a lot of daily pressure studying or at work," she said.

'Mole's World' game fuels nostalgia among China's young adults

Prince Edward gave quite a witty response when asked about his nephew Prince Harry and Meghan Markle`s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey that saw the couple put the British royal family on blast. 
 
According to Fox News, the Earl of Wessex and his wife, Sophie Wessex, recently participated in a Q&amp;A with a local news outlet, where they were asked whether they watched the Sussexes two-hour sit-down that aired on March 7."Oprah who?" Edward quipped. His wife then followed suit, humorously responding, "Yes, what interview?" 
 
Rather than discuss the family tensions directly, the Earl and Countess of Wessex hinted at the headway the royal family members are making since the CBS special aired. 
 
Edward revealed that it was "nice" to have a "lengthy chat" with Harry when the duke traveled to the UK from his home base in California to attend Prince Philip`s funeral. 
 
During the CBS special, Harry revealed that his relationships with William and their father Prince Charles have ruptured. He detailed how family divisions prompted the couple to step away from royal duties. 
 
Markle described feeling so isolated and miserable inside the royal family that she had suicidal thoughts. The former American actor also said that a member of the family had "concerns" about the color of her unborn child`s skin. The family member was not Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, according to Harry, sparking a flurry of speculation about who it could be. 
 
The former `Suits` star also addressed a story that was previously reported, alleging that she made Middleton cry ahead of her May 2018 royal wedding to Harry over a wardrobe disagreement. Markle informed the media mogul that "the reverse happened" but clarified that the disagreement was quickly squashed.She explained, "It made me cry and it really hurt my feelings. And I thought in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding that it didn`t make sense to not be just doing whatever everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive."However, Markle noted that the alleged feud that made for such media fodder ended almost as quickly as it began thanks to an apology from Middleton.&nbsp; 
 
Thirty-six hours after the comments aired, the palace issued a written statement in the name of the queen, Harry`s grandmother.The statement read, "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately." 
 
The couple`s departure from royal duties began in March 2020 over what they described as the intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media towards the duchess. As per Fox News, the couple now resides in the coastal city of Montecito, California, and they are expecting a baby girl due sometime this summer.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prince Edward gave quite a witty response when asked about his nephew Prince Harry and Meghan Markle`s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey that saw the couple put the British royal family on blast.

Prince Edward gave quite a witty response when asked about his nephew Prince Harry and Meghan Markle`s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey that saw the couple put the British royal family on blast. According to Fox News, the Earl of Wessex and his wife, Sophie Wessex, recently participated in a Q&A with a local news outlet, where they were asked whether they watched the Sussexes two-hour sit-down that aired on March 7."Oprah who?" Edward quipped. His wife then followed suit, humorously responding, "Yes, what interview?" Rather than discuss the family tensions directly, the Earl and Countess of Wessex hinted at the headway the royal family members are making since the CBS special aired. Edward revealed that it was "nice" to have a "lengthy chat" with Harry when the duke traveled to the UK from his home base in California to attend Prince Philip`s funeral. During the CBS special, Harry revealed that his relationships with William and their father Prince Charles have ruptured. He detailed how family divisions prompted the couple to step away from royal duties. Markle described feeling so isolated and miserable inside the royal family that she had suicidal thoughts. The former American actor also said that a member of the family had "concerns" about the color of her unborn child`s skin. The family member was not Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, according to Harry, sparking a flurry of speculation about who it could be. The former `Suits` star also addressed a story that was previously reported, alleging that she made Middleton cry ahead of her May 2018 royal wedding to Harry over a wardrobe disagreement. Markle informed the media mogul that "the reverse happened" but clarified that the disagreement was quickly squashed.She explained, "It made me cry and it really hurt my feelings. And I thought in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding that it didn`t make sense to not be just doing whatever everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive."However, Markle noted that the alleged feud that made for such media fodder ended almost as quickly as it began thanks to an apology from Middleton. Thirty-six hours after the comments aired, the palace issued a written statement in the name of the queen, Harry`s grandmother.The statement read, "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately." The couple`s departure from royal duties began in March 2020 over what they described as the intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media towards the duchess. As per Fox News, the couple now resides in the coastal city of Montecito, California, and they are expecting a baby girl due sometime this summer.

'Oprah, who?' Prince Edward jokingly shades Meghan and Harry's explosive interview

Georgians mourned Monday the death of famed scriptwriter, puppeteer and painter Rezo Gabriadze whose internationally acclaimed productions deeply marked the Caucasus nation's cultural landscape.

He died Sunday aged 84, his family told the First Channel of Georgia's public television.

A rare example of intellectual and artistic freedom in the tightly-controlled Soviet empire, Gabriadze's creative work spanned cinema, theatre, painting and literature.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili led tributes to Gabriadze Monday writing on Facebook that "Georgian culture has suffered an immense loss."

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili expressed condolences to Gabriadze's family, calling him "a great artist whose huge talent produced numerous masterpieces."

"Warmth, kindness, and love have been the fulcrum of Rezo Gabriadze's creative work," he said in a statement Sunday.

Gabriadze's friend, writer and linguist Levan Berdzenishvili, Monday praised to AFP Gabriadze's "luminous and versatile talent that combined incomparable humour and melancholy."

Gabriadze wrote 35 screenplays over his decades-long career including iconic Soviet-era comic films like cult science fiction movie "Kin-dza-dza" and "Mimino," a tale of a provincial helicopter pilot's bid to fly commercial airliners in Moscow.

Gabriadze won worldwide recognition and international acclaim touring with numerous plays he staged in Tbilisi's Puppet Theatre, which he founded in the Georgian capital in 1981 and headed until his death.

His theatrical productions included the Autumn of Our Springtime, based on his post-WW2 childhood memories in his native city of Kutaisi.

The New York Times described another production, The Battle of Stalingrad, as a "timeless elegy with the delicacy of lacework whose effect is beautiful, poignant and lingering."

Gabriadze was awarded Georgia's pre-eminent decoration in the fields of arts and literature, the Rustaveli Prize, and the French Order of Arts and Letters.

Georgians mourned Monday the death of famed scriptwriter, puppeteer and painter Rezo Gabriadze whose internationally acclaimed productions deeply marked the Caucasus nation's cultural landscape.

Georgians mourned Monday the death of famed scriptwriter, puppeteer and painter Rezo Gabriadze whose internationally acclaimed productions deeply marked the Caucasus nation's cultural landscape. He died Sunday aged 84, his family told the First Channel of Georgia's public television. A rare example of intellectual and artistic freedom in the tightly-controlled Soviet empire, Gabriadze's creative work spanned cinema, theatre, painting and literature. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili led tributes to Gabriadze Monday writing on Facebook that "Georgian culture has suffered an immense loss." Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili expressed condolences to Gabriadze's family, calling him "a great artist whose huge talent produced numerous masterpieces." "Warmth, kindness, and love have been the fulcrum of Rezo Gabriadze's creative work," he said in a statement Sunday. Gabriadze's friend, writer and linguist Levan Berdzenishvili, Monday praised to AFP Gabriadze's "luminous and versatile talent that combined incomparable humour and melancholy." Gabriadze wrote 35 screenplays over his decades-long career including iconic Soviet-era comic films like cult science fiction movie "Kin-dza-dza" and "Mimino," a tale of a provincial helicopter pilot's bid to fly commercial airliners in Moscow. Gabriadze won worldwide recognition and international acclaim touring with numerous plays he staged in Tbilisi's Puppet Theatre, which he founded in the Georgian capital in 1981 and headed until his death. His theatrical productions included the Autumn of Our Springtime, based on his post-WW2 childhood memories in his native city of Kutaisi. The New York Times described another production, The Battle of Stalingrad, as a "timeless elegy with the delicacy of lacework whose effect is beautiful, poignant and lingering." Gabriadze was awarded Georgia's pre-eminent decoration in the fields of arts and literature, the Rustaveli Prize, and the French Order of Arts and Letters.

Georgia mourns iconic scriptwriter and puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze

Indonesia's hijab-wearing, headbanging VOB count some of rock music's biggest stars among their fans, but the all-female heavy metal band faced a tougher battle in winning over their parents.

The diminutive trio behind Voice of Baceprot ("Noisy Voice" in English) have spent years honing their skills at music festivals around the world's biggest Muslim majority nation after forming VOB as young teens in 2014.&nbsp;

It is a long way from the conservative town in West Java province where they grew up, shrugging off a hostile reaction from neighbours and family members to pursue their passion.&nbsp;

"Because of metal music, I have the courage to speak my mind and the confidence to be different," 19-year-old bassist Widi Rahmawati told AFP during a recent jam session.

"When I'm on stage, I can express myself without worrying about the norms that people expect from me".

Obeying those norms would have compelled the three women to marry right after high school.

"My parents told me that reading was useless, let alone playing music," said the band's bespectacled singer and lead guitarist Firda Marsya Kurnia, 20.

"They said that once I got married, my future husband wouldn't tell me to read books, but to cook or clean the house instead."&nbsp;

The trio's stubborn determination eventually won over their sceptical parents and they moved to the capital Jakarta last year to hone their talents.

"Music is a place for us to gain happiness and share that with other people," Kurnia said.

"We're just grateful if the audience gets something, like a message, from our music."

- 'Tough ladies' -

The move to the big city comes after their popular 2018 single "School Revolution", which took aim at Indonesia's strict education system.

Much of their songwriting these days now focuses on the role of women and environmental issues.

VOB's critiques of conservative social values resonate across borders and could win them a bigger international audience, said music expert Yuka Dian Narendra.

"The band are a reflection of mainstream Muslim girls in Indonesia," he added.

VOB first attracted international attention when online videos of them pumping out song covers caught the eyes of Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello.

"We never expected" that kind of attention, said Kurnia. "It felt like a dream."

The band has played several online concerts since the pandemic shut down most cross-border travel, including the WOW UK Festival in England and the Global Just Recovery Gathering.

They hope their hard-driving tunes will land them a spot at top-tier US music festival Coachella one day, and the chance to collaborate with idols System of a Down.

In the meantime, VOB say they'll keep drawing inspiration from the women in their hometown, where many do back-breaking farm work.

"The women there are treated like second-class citizens," said drummer Euis Siti Aisah.

"But there are lot of tough ladies in our village."

Indonesia's hijab-wearing, headbanging VOB count some of rock music's biggest stars among their fans, but the all-female heavy metal band faced a tougher battle in winning over their parents.

Indonesia's hijab-wearing, headbanging VOB count some of rock music's biggest stars among their fans, but the all-female heavy metal band faced a tougher battle in winning over their parents. The diminutive trio behind Voice of Baceprot ("Noisy Voice" in English) have spent years honing their skills at music festivals around the world's biggest Muslim majority nation after forming VOB as young teens in 2014. It is a long way from the conservative town in West Java province where they grew up, shrugging off a hostile reaction from neighbours and family members to pursue their passion. "Because of metal music, I have the courage to speak my mind and the confidence to be different," 19-year-old bassist Widi Rahmawati told AFP during a recent jam session. "When I'm on stage, I can express myself without worrying about the norms that people expect from me". Obeying those norms would have compelled the three women to marry right after high school. "My parents told me that reading was useless, let alone playing music," said the band's bespectacled singer and lead guitarist Firda Marsya Kurnia, 20. "They said that once I got married, my future husband wouldn't tell me to read books, but to cook or clean the house instead." The trio's stubborn determination eventually won over their sceptical parents and they moved to the capital Jakarta last year to hone their talents. "Music is a place for us to gain happiness and share that with other people," Kurnia said. "We're just grateful if the audience gets something, like a message, from our music." - 'Tough ladies' - The move to the big city comes after their popular 2018 single "School Revolution", which took aim at Indonesia's strict education system. Much of their songwriting these days now focuses on the role of women and environmental issues. VOB's critiques of conservative social values resonate across borders and could win them a bigger international audience, said music expert Yuka Dian Narendra. "The band are a reflection of mainstream Muslim girls in Indonesia," he added. VOB first attracted international attention when online videos of them pumping out song covers caught the eyes of Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. "We never expected" that kind of attention, said Kurnia. "It felt like a dream." The band has played several online concerts since the pandemic shut down most cross-border travel, including the WOW UK Festival in England and the Global Just Recovery Gathering. They hope their hard-driving tunes will land them a spot at top-tier US music festival Coachella one day, and the chance to collaborate with idols System of a Down. In the meantime, VOB say they'll keep drawing inspiration from the women in their hometown, where many do back-breaking farm work. "The women there are treated like second-class citizens," said drummer Euis Siti Aisah. "But there are lot of tough ladies in our village."

Indonesia's hijab headbangers trade village life for metal heaven

The cover of the July edition of British Vogue magazine is no ordinary one. The magazine roped in none other than Nobel Laureate Mala Yousafzai as their cover girl.&nbsp; 
 
Malala, an advocate of girl child education and women's equality won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
Malala took to her official Instagram page to share two images from the shoot as she wrote, "Thrilled and humbled to be on the cover of @britishvogue! I know the power that a young girl carries in her heart when she has a vision and a mission – and I hope that every girl who sees this cover will know that she can change the world. Thank you @edward_enninful for creating a British Vogue where all of us belong. Thank you @sirin_kale for your beautiful words. And thank you to everyone who worked on these photos." 
 
Malala shared three photos along with the post. The cover image has a head shot of the Pakistani born activist, with her head covered with a red scarf. Another image has her dressed in pristine white while the third image is a candid one where she is seen seated, dressed in red, looking downwards with her blue scarf flying.&nbsp; 
 
Malala in an interview with the British magazine said that she enjoyed `each and every moment` at Oxford University including visiting McDonald`s and playing poker. 
 
She completed her philosophy, politics and economics degree at Oxford University last. Discussing her time at university, she told the publication,"I was excited about literally anything. Going to McDonald`s or playing poker with my friends or going to a talk or an event." 
 
"I was enjoying each and every moment because I had not seen that much before." Malala said, she had "never really been in the company of people my own age because I was recovering from the incident, and travelling around the world, publishing a book and doing a documentary, and so many things were happening. At university I finally got some time for myself." 
 
Malala Yousafzai said her fame affected her schooling in Birmingham, where she was educated after leaving Pakistan. 
 
"People would ask me things like, "What was it like when you met Emma Watson, or Angelina Jolie or Obama?" she said. 
 
"And I wouldn`t know what to say. It`s awkward, because you want to leave that Malala outside the school building, you want to just be a student and a friend," she said.&nbsp; 
 
Malala Yousafzai also discussed the importance of the head scarf for her culturally. 
 
"It`s a cultural symbol for us Pashtuns, so it represents where I come from,` she said. "And Muslim girls or Pashtun girls or Pakistani girls, when we follow our traditional dress, we`re considered to be oppressed, or voiceless, or living under patriarchy. I want to tell everyone that you can have your own voice within your culture, and you can have equality in your culture", said Yousafzai in an interview with Vogue. 
 
Born in Pakistan in 1997, Malala was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman at the age of 15 on her way back to home from school in the Swat District. She was targeted for speaking out about the plight of girls in her region, who were banned from going to school by the Taliban.&nbsp; 
 
Her family eventually moved out of Pakistan due to her treatment and settled in Birmingham, UK.&nbsp;

The cover of the July edition of British Vogue magazine is no ordinary one. The magazine roped in none other than Nobel Laureate Mala Yousafzai as their cover girl.

The cover of the July edition of British Vogue magazine is no ordinary one. The magazine roped in none other than Nobel Laureate Mala Yousafzai as their cover girl. Malala, an advocate of girl child education and women's equality won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Malala took to her official Instagram page to share two images from the shoot as she wrote, "Thrilled and humbled to be on the cover of @britishvogue! I know the power that a young girl carries in her heart when she has a vision and a mission – and I hope that every girl who sees this cover will know that she can change the world. Thank you @edward_enninful for creating a British Vogue where all of us belong. Thank you @sirin_kale for your beautiful words. And thank you to everyone who worked on these photos." Malala shared three photos along with the post. The cover image has a head shot of the Pakistani born activist, with her head covered with a red scarf. Another image has her dressed in pristine white while the third image is a candid one where she is seen seated, dressed in red, looking downwards with her blue scarf flying. Malala in an interview with the British magazine said that she enjoyed `each and every moment` at Oxford University including visiting McDonald`s and playing poker. She completed her philosophy, politics and economics degree at Oxford University last. Discussing her time at university, she told the publication,"I was excited about literally anything. Going to McDonald`s or playing poker with my friends or going to a talk or an event." "I was enjoying each and every moment because I had not seen that much before." Malala said, she had "never really been in the company of people my own age because I was recovering from the incident, and travelling around the world, publishing a book and doing a documentary, and so many things were happening. At university I finally got some time for myself." Malala Yousafzai said her fame affected her schooling in Birmingham, where she was educated after leaving Pakistan. "People would ask me things like, "What was it like when you met Emma Watson, or Angelina Jolie or Obama?" she said. "And I wouldn`t know what to say. It`s awkward, because you want to leave that Malala outside the school building, you want to just be a student and a friend," she said. Malala Yousafzai also discussed the importance of the head scarf for her culturally. "It`s a cultural symbol for us Pashtuns, so it represents where I come from,` she said. "And Muslim girls or Pashtun girls or Pakistani girls, when we follow our traditional dress, we`re considered to be oppressed, or voiceless, or living under patriarchy. I want to tell everyone that you can have your own voice within your culture, and you can have equality in your culture", said Yousafzai in an interview with Vogue. Born in Pakistan in 1997, Malala was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman at the age of 15 on her way back to home from school in the Swat District. She was targeted for speaking out about the plight of girls in her region, who were banned from going to school by the Taliban. Her family eventually moved out of Pakistan due to her treatment and settled in Birmingham, UK.

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai stuns in red as she features on British Vogue cover 

Peanut Butter is a thick spread made from grounded peanuts which are blended into a fine paste to get a smooth texture. It is the powerhouse of nutrients. Its health benefits are known by people far and wide. It is a preferred snack in the US.&nbsp;Peanut butter has been declared as a superfood because of the number of nutritional benefits it carries. 
 
Talking of the health benefits, Chetan Kanani, Co-Founder of Alpino Health Foods, help us understand as to why peanut butter has unfailingly been the choice of all Indians for so many years now and break some existing prejudices. 
 
* Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and therefore, is ideal for a person aiming to gain mass and muscle but only a small aggregate of people know that it also helps in losing weight. The fact that it contains trace amounts of calories per serving when backed up by the fact that peanut butter makes you feel satiated for a longer period makes one lose weight. 
 
* Another prejudice that is heard quite often is that the fats in peanut butter will make you fat. But in fact, the fats in the peanut butter are mono-unsaturated fats that help in weight loss and shoot down the risk of obesity, thereby preventing heart diseases. 
 
* Another prejudice that peanut butter contains a lot of sugar and oil, therefore, it has a lot of calories. There are peanut butter available in the market like Alpino Natural Peanut Butter that is free from any additional sugar, salt or hydrogenated oils. A lot of customer feedback is valid evidence to prove that alpino peanut butter is an excellent choice when one is considering an all-natural peanut butter spread that can also be consumed with the aim of weight loss. Without worrying about the calories, you can enjoy the taste of peanut butter every day. 
 
Alpino peanut butter comes in 5 variants namely-- Natural peanut butter, Chocolate peanut butter, Classic peanut butter, Coconut peanut butter, and Organic peanut butter. Texture variation of smooth or crunchy is also available. All of these are all-natural, with no added sugar, salt or hydrogenated oils.

Peanut Butter is a thick spread made from grounded peanuts which are blended into a fine paste to get a smooth texture. It is the powerhouse of nutrients. Its health benefits are known by people far and wide.

Peanut Butter is a thick spread made from grounded peanuts which are blended into a fine paste to get a smooth texture. It is the powerhouse of nutrients. Its health benefits are known by people far and wide. It is a preferred snack in the US. Peanut butter has been declared as a superfood because of the number of nutritional benefits it carries. Talking of the health benefits, Chetan Kanani, Co-Founder of Alpino Health Foods, help us understand as to why peanut butter has unfailingly been the choice of all Indians for so many years now and break some existing prejudices. * Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and therefore, is ideal for a person aiming to gain mass and muscle but only a small aggregate of people know that it also helps in losing weight. The fact that it contains trace amounts of calories per serving when backed up by the fact that peanut butter makes you feel satiated for a longer period makes one lose weight. * Another prejudice that is heard quite often is that the fats in peanut butter will make you fat. But in fact, the fats in the peanut butter are mono-unsaturated fats that help in weight loss and shoot down the risk of obesity, thereby preventing heart diseases. * Another prejudice that peanut butter contains a lot of sugar and oil, therefore, it has a lot of calories. There are peanut butter available in the market like Alpino Natural Peanut Butter that is free from any additional sugar, salt or hydrogenated oils. A lot of customer feedback is valid evidence to prove that alpino peanut butter is an excellent choice when one is considering an all-natural peanut butter spread that can also be consumed with the aim of weight loss. Without worrying about the calories, you can enjoy the taste of peanut butter every day. Alpino peanut butter comes in 5 variants namely-- Natural peanut butter, Chocolate peanut butter, Classic peanut butter, Coconut peanut butter, and Organic peanut butter. Texture variation of smooth or crunchy is also available. All of these are all-natural, with no added sugar, salt or hydrogenated oils.

You can have peanut butter without worrying about calories. Here's why

Mexico has blasted major clothing brands Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl for using patterns and other elements of Mexican indigenous textiles in their collections without permission, the ministry of culture said Friday.

The ministry has sent letters to the three labels asking them to publicly clarify on what grounds "the collective property" of indigenous peoples of the southern state of Oaxaca had been privatized, and to indicate how they intended to compensate the communities affected.

Minister Alejandra Frausto told the brands not to undermine the cultures' "identity and economy", and called for changes that put indigenous designers from Mexico's 56 ethnic groups on an equal footing with major labels.

The protection of their rights, "which have historically been invisible", was an ethical principle that had to be addressed at a local and global level, she added.&nbsp;

Separate missives to each brand, dated May 13 and signed by Frausto, pinpoint specific products at fault.&nbsp;

In the case of Spanish firm Zara, the ministry said a Midi dress with a belt incorporated elements from Mixtec culture, from the municipality of Oaxaca in San Juan.

US brand Anthropologie's Marka embroidered shorts are said to contain elements of the culture of the Mixe people, and Patowl, also American, is accused of making a "faithful copy" of the traditional garments of the Zapotec people for its Tops printed T-shirt range.&nbsp;

It is not the first time Mexico has taken a stand against the issue.&nbsp;

In November, it challenged French fashion designer Isabel Marant over her latest collection which it said commercially exploited indigenous motifs.

Designer Carolina Herrera, and Spanish companies Rapsodia and Mango have also been singled out for appropriating designs from Mexico.

Mexico has blasted major clothing brands Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl for using patterns and other elements of Mexican indigenous textiles in their collections without permission, the ministry of culture said Friday.

Mexico has blasted major clothing brands Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl for using patterns and other elements of Mexican indigenous textiles in their collections without permission, the ministry of culture said Friday. The ministry has sent letters to the three labels asking them to publicly clarify on what grounds "the collective property" of indigenous peoples of the southern state of Oaxaca had been privatized, and to indicate how they intended to compensate the communities affected. Minister Alejandra Frausto told the brands not to undermine the cultures' "identity and economy", and called for changes that put indigenous designers from Mexico's 56 ethnic groups on an equal footing with major labels. The protection of their rights, "which have historically been invisible", was an ethical principle that had to be addressed at a local and global level, she added. Separate missives to each brand, dated May 13 and signed by Frausto, pinpoint specific products at fault. In the case of Spanish firm Zara, the ministry said a Midi dress with a belt incorporated elements from Mixtec culture, from the municipality of Oaxaca in San Juan. US brand Anthropologie's Marka embroidered shorts are said to contain elements of the culture of the Mixe people, and Patowl, also American, is accused of making a "faithful copy" of the traditional garments of the Zapotec people for its Tops printed T-shirt range. It is not the first time Mexico has taken a stand against the issue. In November, it challenged French fashion designer Isabel Marant over her latest collection which it said commercially exploited indigenous motifs. Designer Carolina Herrera, and Spanish companies Rapsodia and Mango have also been singled out for appropriating designs from Mexico.

Mexico accuses major clothing brands of cultural appropriation

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, which along with the wider luxury goods sector is recovering strongly from pandemic fallout, has launched a "Boat Tail" automobile -- tailor-made for just three ultra-wealthy clients.

With a rear resembling a yacht deck and opening up for alfresco dining, the Boat Tail's opulent design features also hand-crafted aluminium panels and Swiss timepieces.

Fashioned by Rolls' Coachbuild unit, the blue-painted car has been made for three clients who drove its design, according to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos.

"The client comes to us with an idea in mind, exactly what happened 100 years ago when clients commissioned the bodies they wanted to see," Muller-Otvos told AFP during the car's launch this week at the company's Goodwood headquarters near Chichester in southern England.

"It's not us defining what the car should look like, it really is as it was in the past, that the client defines what they want to see," he added.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, owned by German car giant BMW, revived the art of coachbuilding in 2017 with the Boat Tail's precursor "Sweptail".

Speculation about Sweptail costing some $13 million was "pretty close", Muller-Otvos confirmed, while reports suggest Boat Tail could be twice the price.

"We are never talking about prices in agreement with our clients," he stressed.

- Record sales -

The launch of Boat Tail comes after Rolls delivered its highest-ever first quarter sales in the marque's 116-year history.

Sales hit 1,380 cars across its models which include the Phantom and Ghost, up 62 percent on the same period last year before the pandemic began to take hold worldwide.

"We were massively hit by the pandemic," recalled the German boss, noting that sales dropped by around a quarter last year.&nbsp;

"Production for this year is fully booked. Demand continues to be very strong and not only Asia-driven. It is also very much United States-driven, Europe-driven."

Muller-Otvos, who has led the company since 2010, described the global picture for the entire luxury goods industry as "very promising" with "quite some money around to be spent" by the wealthy following lockdowns.

"Quite a lot of our clients said that Covid taught them that life can end easily tomorrow and now is time to enjoy your life."

He said the company is looking at launching a new coachbuilding project every other year.

"It won't be a big earner for the group but a very small addition to their model range," noted automotive specialist Andrew Graves.

"They have been approached by some customers to offer this service, same as other high brand manufacturers offer," the Bath University professor told AFP.

The cars "may well be a reasonable investment for the client" and "will be a talking point as a vanity purchase", he added.

- Green drive -

Aside from its niche projects, Rolls is on a path to having fully-electric cars in the current decade, mirroring moves by the global auto sector pressured by governments hoping to meet targets on reducing carbon emissions.

"It's clear on our agenda to improve sustainability of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars even further," said Muller-Otvos.

With the support of parent-group BMW, Rolls has managed to avoid the pandemic-fuelled semiconductor shortages affecting many automakers.

And fears that Brexit would cause disruption to British car manufacturing were dispelled by the Rolls chief executive.

Muller-Otvos said he was left "extremely pleased" by the last-minute trade deal agreed by London and European Union as the UK prepared to formally exit the bloc at the start of the year.&nbsp;

"That was great and for that reason we can easily export our products now, we can import parts. &nbsp;

"We haven't seen any major disruption."

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, which along with the wider luxury goods sector is recovering strongly from pandemic fallout, has launched a "Boat Tail" automobile -- tailor-made for just three ultra-wealthy clients.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, which along with the wider luxury goods sector is recovering strongly from pandemic fallout, has launched a "Boat Tail" automobile -- tailor-made for just three ultra-wealthy clients. With a rear resembling a yacht deck and opening up for alfresco dining, the Boat Tail's opulent design features also hand-crafted aluminium panels and Swiss timepieces. Fashioned by Rolls' Coachbuild unit, the blue-painted car has been made for three clients who drove its design, according to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos. "The client comes to us with an idea in mind, exactly what happened 100 years ago when clients commissioned the bodies they wanted to see," Muller-Otvos told AFP during the car's launch this week at the company's Goodwood headquarters near Chichester in southern England. "It's not us defining what the car should look like, it really is as it was in the past, that the client defines what they want to see," he added. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, owned by German car giant BMW, revived the art of coachbuilding in 2017 with the Boat Tail's precursor "Sweptail". Speculation about Sweptail costing some $13 million was "pretty close", Muller-Otvos confirmed, while reports suggest Boat Tail could be twice the price. "We are never talking about prices in agreement with our clients," he stressed. - Record sales - The launch of Boat Tail comes after Rolls delivered its highest-ever first quarter sales in the marque's 116-year history. Sales hit 1,380 cars across its models which include the Phantom and Ghost, up 62 percent on the same period last year before the pandemic began to take hold worldwide. "We were massively hit by the pandemic," recalled the German boss, noting that sales dropped by around a quarter last year. "Production for this year is fully booked. Demand continues to be very strong and not only Asia-driven. It is also very much United States-driven, Europe-driven." Muller-Otvos, who has led the company since 2010, described the global picture for the entire luxury goods industry as "very promising" with "quite some money around to be spent" by the wealthy following lockdowns. "Quite a lot of our clients said that Covid taught them that life can end easily tomorrow and now is time to enjoy your life." He said the company is looking at launching a new coachbuilding project every other year. "It won't be a big earner for the group but a very small addition to their model range," noted automotive specialist Andrew Graves. "They have been approached by some customers to offer this service, same as other high brand manufacturers offer," the Bath University professor told AFP. The cars "may well be a reasonable investment for the client" and "will be a talking point as a vanity purchase", he added. - Green drive - Aside from its niche projects, Rolls is on a path to having fully-electric cars in the current decade, mirroring moves by the global auto sector pressured by governments hoping to meet targets on reducing carbon emissions. "It's clear on our agenda to improve sustainability of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars even further," said Muller-Otvos. With the support of parent-group BMW, Rolls has managed to avoid the pandemic-fuelled semiconductor shortages affecting many automakers. And fears that Brexit would cause disruption to British car manufacturing were dispelled by the Rolls chief executive. Muller-Otvos said he was left "extremely pleased" by the last-minute trade deal agreed by London and European Union as the UK prepared to formally exit the bloc at the start of the year. "That was great and for that reason we can easily export our products now, we can import parts. "We haven't seen any major disruption."

Rolls-Royce drives up car luxury with 'Boat Tail'

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