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The V&A; Museum's lavish spring show, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, is a surrealist's dream come true. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the life and work of Elsa Schiaparelli, a fashion designer who defied conventions and pushed the boundaries of art and fashion.Schiaparelli's designs are a whimsical and witty blend of art, culture, and fashion. From a shoe that becomes a hat to a telephone dial that transforms into a compact mirror, each piece is a testament to her innovative spirit and creative genius.The exhibition features collaborations with famous artists like Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau, showcasing iconic pieces such as the lobster telephone and the skeleton dress. These works demonstrate Schiaparelli's ability to merge fashion and art, creating something truly unique and groundbreaking.Elsa Schiaparelli was a trailblazer in her own right, launching her fashion career in Paris in the 1930s and quickly gaining recognition for her trompe l'oeil sweaters and shocking pink designs. Her legacy continues to inspire designers today, including Daniel Roseberry, who has been spearheading the brand's revival since 2019.The exhibition also features modern pieces that showcase the brand's continued commitment to innovative design and artistic collaboration. From a golden breastplate worn by Bella Hadid at Cannes to a robot baby made from old flip phones and circuit board shards, these works demonstrate the brand's ongoing dialogue with art and culture.Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in fashion, art, and culture. It challenges visitors to think differently about the relationship between fashion and art, and showcases the enduring legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli's surrealist designs.

Robert Habeck, former German Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has issued a stark warning about the dangers posed by authoritarian leaders driven by megalomania, drawing parallels between Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine and Donald Trump's actions in Iran.Habeck argues that both leaders are primarily concerned with their own greatness, making them unpredictable and disinterested in international law. This megalomania has led to massive military miscalculations, including underestimating the resolve of the countries they attacked to make sacrifices.The article highlights the impact on energy prices, with both conflicts threatening to disrupt global energy supplies. Habeck recalls the high oil prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which rose to $130 a barrel, and warns that a prolonged conflict in Iran could lead to an inflationary contagion beyond energy.Habeck emphasizes the need for Europe to develop its defence capabilities, including stockpiles of interceptor drones and new production capacity, to prepare for the scenario of a long war. He also stresses the importance of rapid electrification of industry, transport, and the heating and cooling sectors to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.The author concludes that Europe must act to prevent the worst outcome, rather than relying on hope or second-best outcomes. As he notes, hope is not a strategy, and the EU must use its resources wisely to protect its infrastructure and ensure energy security.

Riz Ahmed's latest venture, 'Bait', is a comedy series that masterfully blends humor with poignant commentary on identity, fame, and the entertainment industry. Ahmed, who created, co-wrote, and stars in the show, plays Shah Latif, a rapper turned actor from a lively west London Pakistani Muslim family.The series navigates Shah's journey as he finds himself in contention to replace Daniel Craig as the new James Bond, a career milestone that brings about a crisis in his life. This predicament leads Shah to question his authenticity and fear of becoming 'bait' – both in the London slang sense of being 'obvious' or 'naff,' and in the sense of being used by the British state to co-opt legitimate dissent.'Bait' skillfully balances humor with emotional authenticity, particularly through its portrayal of family dynamics. Sheeba Chaddha shines as Shah's mother, Tahira, bringing depth and warmth to every scene she's in. The show's humor is largely derived from its witty dialogue, which showcases a dazzling display of linguistic dexterity, effortlessly switching between Urdu, Arabic, MLE, and RP.The series also highlights the strength of the British south Asian actor community, with notable cameos and roles for Himesh Patel, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Sagar Radia. Ritu Arya is excellent as Yasmin, Shah's love interest, and her chemistry with Ahmed is undeniable.While 'Bait' occasionally veers into self-indulgence, its self-referential humor and industry satire add layers to the narrative. The show's exploration of themes such as identity, cultural representation, and the pressures of fame makes it a compelling watch. With its talented cast and clever writing, 'Bait' is a must-watch on Prime Video.

Mircea Lucescu, Romania's 80-year-old football manager, is defying his physical limitations to pursue his country's World Cup aspirations. Lucescu has been hospitalized three times since December but remains resolute in his mission to lead Romania to their first World Cup in 28 years. Lucescu's determination is rooted in his passion for football and his sense of duty to Romanian football. He believes that his team has a chance to qualify for the World Cup and is focused on preparing them for the playoff semi-final against Turkey. Despite his advanced age and health issues, Lucescu's energy and love for the game have not diminished. He has a long and illustrious career in football, having played for Romania at the 1970 World Cup and later managed the national team to several successful campaigns. Lucescu's approach to coaching emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and motivation. He believes that his players must be strongly motivated and able to control their emotions in order to succeed. The buildup to the Turkey game has not been easy for Lucescu, with injuries to key players Ionut Radu and Marius Marin. However, he remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to lead his team to victory. Lucescu's legacy in football is undeniable, with over 30 trophies won throughout his career. His second stint as Romania manager began shortly after the 2024 European Championship, and he is eager to make a lasting impact on the team. As Lucescu prepares for the playoff semi-final, he is also mindful of the broader context of Ukrainian football, having left a legacy in the country after 12 years at Shakhtar Donetsk and three with Dynamo Kyiv. He keeps in touch with his former players and friends in Ukraine, who are facing a difficult situation due to the ongoing conflict. Lucescu's ultimate goal is to help Romania qualify for the World Cup, not for personal glory but for the benefit of Romanian football. He hopes that his players will treat this game as a moment to mark a before and after, defining a generation and achieving an extraordinary feat for Romania.

Australia has reaffirmed its support for Lebanon's sovereignty and expressed opposition to any Israeli occupation of the country's southern region. Foreign Minister Penny Wong made these statements during a conversation with her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar.The conversation comes as Israel has revealed plans to establish a 'defensive buffer' against the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This move has raised concerns about the potential for occupation of Lebanese territory.Wong emphasized Australia's grave concerns about the expansion of the conflict in Lebanon, which has resulted in the loss of life and the displacement of over one million civilians. She also stressed that Australia supports Lebanon's sovereignty and does not want to see Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.The situation in Lebanon is further complicated by Hezbollah's continued strikes on Israel. Wong and Sa'ar agreed that Hezbollah must disarm in line with previous agreements.In addition to these developments, Australia has announced an extra $5 million in aid to support civilians in Lebanon impacted by the conflict, particularly women and children.Wong also advised Australians in Lebanon to leave now if it is safe to do so, citing the deteriorating situation.

A recent Australian Senate inquiry has concluded that the country's climate change and energy 'information ecosystem' is fuelling conflict in communities, with misinformation and disinformation confusing the public, slowing renewable energy projects, and undermining policy responses to the climate crisis.The inquiry's final report, released on Tuesday evening, recommended that the government do more to make tech companies liable for 'psychosocial harms' spread on their platforms. It also suggested strengthening media literacy through the national curriculum and greater oversight when corporations engage with classrooms.The committee recommended more funding for research into mis- and disinformation, with a funding model to be developed for an independent effort to 'track hidden digital influence systems'. The Australian government should also sign a UN declaration, launched in Brazil in 2025, promising a series of actions aimed at combating climate mis- and dis-information.The use of artificial intelligence by groups looking to block progress on climate change was likely to further threaten the integrity of information the public received, the inquiry heard. The committee's Greens and Labor members endorsed the report, but some members felt it did not go far enough in addressing the issue.The inquiry's findings have significant implications for Australia's renewable energy future and its ability to address the climate crisis. As climate disinformation continues to evolve into a national security challenge, the Australian government must take urgent action to protect the integrity of information and promote a safe climate future.

The relationship between dogs and humans has long been a subject of fascination, and recent groundbreaking research has shed new light on the origins of this enduring bond. Published in the journal Nature, the study reveals that the genetic evidence for domestic dogs dates back an astonishing 15,000 years, a full 5,000 years earlier than previously thought.Ancient DNA analysis of dog remains has provided unprecedented insight into the early days of dog domestication. The oldest specimen, a 15,800-year-old dog buried alongside human remains in Anatolia, Turkey, and a 14,300-year-old jawbone from Gough's Cave in Somerset, England, are key findings that have helped researchers reevaluate the timeline of dog domestication.According to Dr. Lachie Scarsbrook of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the study suggests that dogs with diverse ancestries already existed across Eurasia 15,000 years ago, from Somerset to Siberia. This raises the possibility that domestication occurred during the last ice age, more than 10,000 years before the emergence of other domestic plants and animals.The research, conducted by international teams, analyzed DNA from bones at various sites, including Gough's Cave, Pınarbaşı in Turkey, and two sites in Serbia. Advanced sequencing techniques allowed researchers to piece together tiny fragments of ancient DNA, enabling clear species identification for the first time.Key findings include:Dogs were widespread across Europe and western Asia by at least 14,000 years ago.Isotopic analysis revealed dogs consumed a diet rich in fish, matching the local human diet in Turkey.Evidence of deep emotional bonds between humans and dogs, including the burial of puppies over human remains.The study's authors suggest that dogs may have increased hunting efficiency or served as an early warning system against predators. The genetic relationship between dogs across sites implies that they may have spread rapidly across Europe, possibly through trade between unrelated groups.As Prof. Laurent Frantz notes, the fact that people exchanged dogs so early suggests these animals must have been important, serving purposes beyond being pets. The research provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient partnership between humans and dogs, highlighting the significance of this bond in human history.

The Australian cricket team's Test season, a staple of the country's summer, is on the brink of a transformative change. Next season will feature four matches over four weekends, commencing in the second week of December and concluding a week into January. This shift has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for player well-being and the overall quality of the sport.Cricket Australia's decision to expand the schedule to seven Tests may seem beneficial, but the reality is that several matches will be played outside the traditional summer period. A tropical excursion against Bangladesh in August and a pink-ball Test in March will be distant outliers in the cricket calendar. This scheduling overhaul raises questions about the prioritization of player welfare and the potential erosion of the sport's integrity.The physical demands of Test cricket are well-documented, and players may face increased risk of injury and mental burnout if forced to play at an accelerated pace. The example of Mitchell Starc, who has prioritized his fitness and Test appearances over lucrative IPL opportunities, highlights the challenges faced by players under the current system.Critics argue that Cricket Australia's decision is driven by financial considerations, particularly the growing influence of the Indian Premier League. The governing body's pursuit of profit may lead to further compromises on the sport's quality and traditions. As the organization prepares to sell tranches of the Big Bash League to foreign investors, concerns about the long-term implications for Australian cricket and its values grow.The proposed scheduling changes may appeal to casual spectators, but they threaten to leave Australian summers unrecognizable and undermine the country's Test season. As Cricket Australia navigates the complex landscape of modern cricket, it must balance financial imperatives with its commitment to the sport's integrity and the welfare of its players.

The ongoing conflict led by the US has sparked intense debate globally, with many urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The war's continuation poses significant humanitarian and geopolitical risks.Experts and analysts stress that prolonged conflict could lead to escalating tensions and unpredictable outcomes. The situation demands a diplomatic solution to prevent further destabilization.The call for peace comes as global leaders seek to address the crisis through negotiations. The US must weigh its strategic objectives against the human cost and consider the long-term implications of continued military action.