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The Rise of Youth‑Led Thrift Resale in IndiaFacing stagnant wages and a tight job market, many Indian Gen Zers are turning to secondhand fashion as both a hobby and a source of income. Entrepreneurs like Astha Chhetri and Vishu Roy illustrate how a few thousand rupees of seed capital can evolve into a daily‑to‑daily business powered by social media.How Instagram Fuels a New Gig Economy for Vintage ClothingResellers spend sunrise to sunset curating, photographing, and posting reels on Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube. The platforms act as virtual storefronts; 70% of sales for many sellers come directly from Instagram feeds. Consistency is crucial—one missed post can shrink visibility and revenue overnight.Daily routine includes sourcing stock, shooting product photos, replying to messages, and tracking shipments.Typical startup capital ranges from ₹5,000‑₹10,000.Average purchase price for buyers is ₹800‑₹1,500 per item.Market Size and Earnings: ₹33,000 crore Industry and Startup CostsIndia’s secondhand clothing market is estimated at ₹33,000 crore (£2.5 bn) annually. While individual sellers earn modest margins, the aggregate volume signals a sizable informal sector.Unemployment among 15‑29‑year‑olds projected at 10% in 2025 (Periodic Labour Force Survey).Most sellers operate without formal contracts, leading to income volatility—some months are profitable, others result in losses.Why the Informal Thrift Sector Is Reshaping Youth EmploymentThe model offers low entry barriers, flexible hours and immediate cash flow—advantages traditional jobs often lack. However, heavy reliance on algorithmic platforms creates systemic risk; a change in Instagram’s feed algorithm can cut sales dramatically.Benefits: minimal capital, autonomy, ability to monetize personal style.Risks: platform policy shifts, scams, lack of social security.What the Future Holds for India’s Secondhand Fashion MarketplaceAs digital penetration deepens, the thrift economy is likely to expand, attracting more micro‑entrepreneurs and possibly prompting regulatory attention around consumer protection and taxation. Sellers who diversify channels—combining Instagram with dedicated e‑commerce sites—may mitigate platform‑specific risks and sustain growth.

The Shift in Europe's Car Market Chinese carmaker Xpeng is looking for a factory in Europe, but has expressed concerns about the age of the facilities on offer. Volkswagen, a potential partner, is aiming to reduce its number of factories, which could pave the way for Chinese companies to gain a foothold in the European market. Chinese Car Sales on the Rise Chinese car sales have surged in Europe, accounting for 8.6% of the western European market in the first quarter, nearly double the same period last year. This increase has been driven by a wave of imports from Chinese companies such as BYD, Changan, Chery, Dongfeng, and Geely. European Carmakers in Retreat Many European carmakers, including Volkswagen, Nissan, and Ford, are struggling with declining sales and excess capacity. Selling underused plants to Chinese rivals offers a way to avoid painful closures and layoffs. For example, Nissan is in talks with Chery to give over part of its sole European factory in Sunderland, northern England. The Data Analysis Chinese car sales in western Europe: 8.6% market share in Q1 European car sales: 13m in 2025, down from 15.3m in 2019 The Impact Analysis The shift in the global car industry balance of power poses a significant threat to traditional European carmakers. Chinese producers are considered "very credible" and could threaten market share across the mass market and luxury segments. The Prediction As European carmakers continue to struggle, Chinese companies are likely to increase their presence in the European market. Partnerships between European and Chinese carmakers, such as Stellantis and Leapmotor, are expected to grow, potentially leading to more Chinese cars being produced in Europe.

Anti‑tobacco advocates have condemned Philip Morris International’s (PMI) new global advertising push, arguing the “I AM Marlboro” campaign is a thinly veiled attempt to lure a younger audience while the company touts its transition to smoke‑free products.Global “I AM Marlboro” Campaign Sparks Accusations of Youth TargetingThe campaign features billboards, television ads and online videos that portray young adults climbing mountains, playing in rock bands and competing for branded merchandise such as scooters. PMI has filed or owns trademarks for the campaign in roughly 20 countries, including Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh and Germany.Roadside stands in the Philippines offer competitions to win a scooter for buying Marlboro packs.An Indonesian TV spot shows youthful adventure scenes tied to the brand.Critics note the slogan “I AM Marlboro” mirrors a previous “Be Marlboro” campaign that was banned in Germany for appealing to teenagers.Financial Snapshot: Smoke‑Free Products Now Dominate PMI’s RevenuePMI’s own spokesperson highlighted that in Q1 2026 43 % of net revenues came from smoke‑free products, a stark contrast to “essentially zero” a decade ago. Over the past ten years the company reports having sold 240 billion fewer cigarettes, while shipments of alternatives have risen annually.Implications for Tobacco Regulation and Youth HealthPublic‑health experts argue the campaign’s focus on identity, belonging and self‑expression directly targets adolescents, a demographic most vulnerable to nicotine addiction. The use of platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok amplifies reach among youth, raising concerns for regulators in markets where the ads are most visible, such as Indonesia and the Philippines.Mark Hurley, vice‑president of the Campaign for Tobacco‑Free Kids, called the effort “doubling down” on cigarette promotion.Jorge Alday of Vital Strategies warned that genuine commitment to ending cigarettes would preclude any tobacco advertising.What the Future Holds for PMI’s Smoke‑Free TransitionIf regulatory bodies act on the alleged youth‑targeting tactics, PMI may face bans similar to the earlier “Be Marlboro” prohibition in Germany. The company’s claim that its marketing is “restricted to adults” will likely be scrutinized against the campaign’s visual and narrative cues that resonate with younger audiences. Continued pressure could accelerate PMI’s shift toward a fully smoke‑free portfolio, but only if it aligns its branding strategies with public‑health expectations.

The LeadRenowned actress Linda Bassett reflects on her distinguished career spanning decades of theatre work, her celebrated collaboration with playwright Caryl Churchill, and her upcoming role in Alexander Zeldin's "Care" at the Young Vic. Known for her understated yet powerful performances, Bassett shares insights into her approach to acting and the profound impact of theatre on her life.The Career JourneyBassett's path to acting wasn't conventional. Despite coming from a non-theatrical family, she discovered her passion at age four when she was unexpectedly thrust into a Sunday school Easter play. "I was in bliss," she recalls. Her formative years included ushering at the Old Vic during Laurence Olivier's legendary tenure, where she witnessed groundbreaking performances and even sold ice creams during intermissions.After briefly studying English at Leeds University, where she focused on drama rather than academics, Bassett began creating devised work in Leeds and Coventry. This experience, she suggests, "made me a bit gobby," developing her confidence to make suggestions as an actor, though she admits she sometimes oversteps when working with certain playwrights.The Churchill ConnectionBassett's most significant artistic relationship has been with playwright Caryl Churchill, beginning with "Fen" in 1983 and continuing through to "What If If Only" in 2021. She describes auditioning for Churchill as "enormous" because it launched her on a particular trajectory. Her disconcerting clarity has made her a peerless interpreter of Churchill's work, which some audiences find forbidding."They're not hard to watch," Bassett protests of Churchill's plays. She recalls her iconic monologue in "Escaped Alone" where the phrase "terrible rage" is repeated 25 times in succession. "It was the only thing to say at that point. The words fed the feeling, and it was the audience who felt it, not me, which is ideal." Churchill's writing, she notes, is "so distilled, no excess baggage," requiring actors to find "the one way" to play them.From Call the Midwife to CareDespite notable film roles including "East Is East" and "Calendar Girls," many audiences know Bassett as stern nurse Phyllis in the BBC's "Call the Midwife." "Complete strangers come up and say, I love you. My wife loves you, my mother loves you. It's extraordinary," she remarks of the public's connection to the character. Despite playing Phyllis for over a decade, she found fresh aspects to explore, learning "how to be" more matter-of-fact and practical than her natural disposition.Currently rehearsing Alexander Zeldin's "Care" at the Young Vic, Bassett plays Joan, a woman who after caring for her family begins showing signs of dementia and needs care herself. "She's convinced, as many people are, that she's just in for respite. She never loses the idea that she's going home," Bassett explains. The role draws from personal experience; after a heart attack, she spent two weeks recuperating in a care home, giving her "an insight into what it's like when you become helpless."The Actor's Philosophy"Every part is an education," Bassett states. "That's the glory of being an actor. You learn about human feelings and frailty and rottenness. The writer puts their soul on the page, and you inhabit that. I've always felt I was a writer's actor." This philosophy has guided her selective approach to roles, resulting in a "remarkably free of crap" CV despite turning down numerous opportunities.Though she hasn't performed as many classics as she might have hoped—"I think I'm seen as a working-class actress"—Bassett values the authenticity she brings to her roles. With Zeldin directing "Care," she appreciates his desire for "absolute truthfulness," which "suits me down to the ground." As she prepares for this new challenge, she acknowledges the nerves: "Every new part you're starting again. It's a bit scary, but I think we'll be all right."The Future of TheatreAs a veteran performer who has witnessed theatre's evolution, Bassett remains committed to the medium's power. She recalls the impact of Ronald Pickup's messenger speech in Peter Brook's production of Seneca's "Oedipus": "People fainted every night. You didn't see anything, his voice was enough. That's the power of theatre, isn't it?"Looking ahead, Bassett continues to seek roles that challenge her and explore the human condition. Whether through her meticulous interpretation of complex playwrights like Churchill or her willingness to portray the vulnerability of aging in "Care," she remains dedicated to the craft that has defined her life. "Every part is an education," she reiterates, and with each new role, Linda Bassett continues to learn, grow, and enrich the theatrical landscape.

The End of an Era: Outlander's Final Season After twelve years on air, Outlander is concluding its remarkable journey this week. The series, which began with WWII nurse Claire Randall discovering a magic stone circle and traveling back to 18th century Scotland, has evolved into one of television's most unique and beloved dramas. As it approaches its finale, fans are left with mixed emotions—relieved for the stars who can finally rest, yet nostalgic for a show that dared to be delightfully ludicrous while maintaining historical authenticity. A Time-Traveling Romance Like No Other Outlander distinguished itself from other period dramas with its fantastical premise. What began as a simple story about a woman who falls through time to meet her true love expanded into an epic saga spanning centuries and continents. The show masterfully blended historical events like the Battle of Culloden and the lead-up to the American Revolution with personal drama, creating a narrative that was both educational and entertaining. Its attention to historical detail, from costumes to settings, earned it critical acclaim, including Emmy recognition for costume design. The Cultural Phenomenon of Outlander What started as a niche book adaptation became a global phenomenon. The show's devoted fanbase, often referred to as 'Outlander fans,' created a vibrant community around the series. Its unique blend of steamy romance, historical adventure, and time-travel fantasy appealed to diverse audiences. The chemistry between leads Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan became a cornerstone of the show's success, with their portrayal of Claire and Jamie Fraser setting a new standard for on-screen partnerships. The series also pushed boundaries with its frank depiction of sexuality, normalizing conversations about desire in period dramas. What Made Jamie and Claire's Relationship Special At the heart of Outlander lies the extraordinary relationship between Claire and Jamie. Unlike many period dramas that portrayed relationships through unequal power dynamics, Outlander presented a partnership based on mutual respect, desire, and intellectual equality. Their bond transcended time itself, surviving separations of decades and countless historical challenges. The show explored intimacy in a way that was both realistic and fantastical—from their wedding night where Claire teaches virgin Jamie the ways of love to more adventurous encounters like their famous scene in castle ruins. Their dynamic, marked by Jamie's term of endearment 'Sassenach' for Claire, became one of television's most beloved romances. The Legacy of Outlander As Outlander concludes its run, its legacy extends beyond entertainment. The show demonstrated that period dramas could successfully incorporate fantasy elements while maintaining historical integrity. It proved that female-led stories with complex characters could thrive in a genre often dominated by male narratives. For many viewers, Outlander provided an escape while also educating them about historical events and Scottish culture. The series' conclusion marks the end of an era for both its dedicated fans and the stars who brought these characters to life over eight remarkable seasons.

The annual Jerusalem Day parade turned violent as Israeli ultranationalists chanted hostile slogans such as “Death to Arabs” and “May your villages burn”, prompting widespread shop closures and confrontations with Palestinian residents and volunteers protecting them. Racist Chants Echo Through Jerusalem’s Old City Thousands of participants—many teenagers and young adults—marched through the Old City, celebrating the 1967 “reunification” of Jerusalem. The route passed densely populated Palestinian neighborhoods where many shopkeepers shut their doors, while some volunteers from Standing Together kept a few stores open under protection. Scale of Participation and Business Closures Tens of thousands of Israelis took part in the march. Most Palestinian shopkeepers removed metal shutters and vacated narrow alleyways by late morning. A small number of shops remained open, guarded by volunteers led by co‑director Rula Daoud. Journalists reported being shoved and blocked from filming by march participants. Escalating Sectarian Tensions Amid Ongoing Conflict The chant‑filled march occurred against the backdrop of Israel’s broader war with Iran and a fragile “ceasefire” in Gaza, marked by frequent violations. International bodies, including the United Nations, continue to deem Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem illegal under international law, a point underscored by the overtly racist rhetoric on the streets. Potential Fallout and Calls for International Scrutiny Human‑rights observers and local activists warn that the increasing violence each year could draw renewed international criticism and pressure on Israeli authorities to enforce stricter policing of hate speech. If unchecked, the pattern may embolden further attacks on Palestinian businesses and journalists, deepening mistrust between communities and complicating any diplomatic efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.

The VAR Debacle A moment of controversy has erupted in Scottish football, as Celtic was awarded a late penalty via VAR, sparking widespread criticism and renewed calls to scrap the video assistant referee system. The incident occurred during Celtic's match against Motherwell, with Celtic's Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the winning penalty. The Incident Details The controversy began when Motherwell's Sam Nicholson and Celtic's Auston Trusty contested a ball in the air. Nicholson's elbow was knocked upwards by Trusty's shoulder, and while it is possible the ball touched Nicholson's hand, many observers felt it was not a clear-cut incident warranting VAR intervention. Despite this, VAR official Andrew Dallas alerted the match referee, John Beaton, who awarded a penalty after a brief review. The Fallout Criticism of the VAR decision was swift, with former England striker Gary Lineker describing it as 'the worst VAR decision I've seen.' The incident has reignited debates about the use of VAR in Scottish football, with many questioning its impact on the matchday experience. The Impact on Scottish Football The implementation of VAR in Scotland has been marred by controversy, with several high-profile incidents this season. The system's use has led to confusion among fans, players, and coaches, raising questions about its overall value to the sport. The Future of VAR in Scotland The controversy surrounding VAR has sparked calls for its abolition in Scottish football. With the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) facing criticism for its handling of the system, it remains to be seen whether VAR will continue to be used in the future. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the sport in Scotland.

The Lead-Up to Violence Uri Weltmann, national field director for Standing Together, an organisation of Jewish and Palestinian peace activists, was tense as he prepared to resist the tens of thousands of far-right Jewish marchers heading for occupied East Jerusalem's Old City. The Flag March Escalates The 'Flag March', which takes place every year to celebrate the 1967 capture and subsequent illegal occupation of East Jerusalem, has become an opportunity for thousands to be bussed in from across Israel and the occupied West Bank to participate in the march and attack Palestinians. The Data Analysis Police have so far arrested 13 people, including both Jews and Palestinians. Many Palestinian businesses had already closed for the day, fearing attacks and harassment. The Impact Analysis The ultranationalist marchers have the full support of the Israeli government. Earlier in the day, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led a large group of Jewish Israelis into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where he displayed the Israeli flag in front of the Dome of the Rock. The Prediction The violence and anti-Palestinian rhetoric that characterised 'Jerusalem Day' have already been increasing in tandem with the growth of the far-right ultranationalist movement in Israel. The Religious Zionism movement has been steadily increasing since Israel's disengagement from Gaza in 2005.

Iran’s Appeal to BRICS Amid Escalating Middle East ConflictAbbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, used the two‑day BRICS+ foreign ministers’ gathering in New Delhi to call on all member states to explicitly condemn what he described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel. He framed Iran as a “victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering” and urged the bloc to resist “Western hegemony”.Diplomatic Push at the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers’ MeetingThe meeting, hosted by India’s foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, brought together the traditional BRICS five plus new members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Key moments included:Araghchi’s accusation that the UAE was “directly involved in the aggression against my country”.Iran’s recent retaliatory strikes on U.S. military assets in Gulf states, including the UAE.India’s condemnation of an attack on an Indian‑flagged vessel off Oman.While the UAE’s response remained unclear, a senior Iranian diplomat noted that “one member country” had pushed for language condemning Iran, complicating consensus.Energy Market Numbers Highlight Stakes for India and Global Oil FlowThe conflict has amplified volatility in oil and gas markets. Notable figures:India, the world’s third‑largest oil buyer, sources roughly 50% of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz.About 20% of global oil passes the Strait in peacetime, making any disruption a systemic risk.Shipping disruptions and attacks on commercial vessels have already prompted heightened insurance premiums and rerouting costs.These dynamics increase pressure on energy‑importing economies and could tighten global supply if the Strait’s openness is contested.Potential Fractures Within BRICS and Shifts in Global Power BalanceThe call for a joint condemnation tests the bloc’s consensus‑based decision‑making. Divergent interests are evident:Iran seeks a strong anti‑Western stance.The UAE, a U.S. ally, faces accusations of direct involvement in the conflict.India balances its energy security needs with its BRICS chairmanship responsibilities.If BRICS fails to issue a unified statement, it may signal a weakening of the grouping’s diplomatic clout, emboldening Western narratives and affecting future cooperation on security and economic initiatives.What the Next Weeks May Hold for BRICS Unity and Regional StabilityLooking ahead, several scenarios could unfold:A joint BRICS declaration condemning the United States and Israel, reinforcing the bloc’s anti‑hegemony posture.Continued deadlock, leading to a muted statement that underscores internal divisions.Escalation of maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting emergency coordination among BRICS naval forces.The outcome will influence not only the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East but also global energy markets and the strategic relevance of the expanded BRICS alliance.