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DW
2 days ago
- Business
- DW
Germany updates: Merz seeks to win over investors – DW – 07/21/2025
Chancellor Merz is meeting top executives in Berlin to urge bosses to invest and breathe life into a floundering economy. Follow DW for more. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is welcoming executives from top German firms on Monday, hoping to rally fresh investment after two years of recession. Around 30 companies — including big hitters like Siemens and Deutsche Bank — are expected to present projects under the "Made for Germany" push to restore confidence in the economy. While the government has approved billions in tax relief and a €500-billion ($580 billion) fund for infrastructure and climate, Berlin says public money alone won't be famed for never being late, German trains almost never run on time anymore. Deutsche Bahn has launched a refurbishment program that is likely to last at least a decade, and the costs and criticism are increasing. Read the full story on increasing delays on Germany's rail network. Germany's bond market calmed slightly on Monday after weeks of rising long-term interest rates. Investors are now waiting for new economic data from the Eurozone and a key decision from the European Central Bank (ECB). A bond yield is the return investors get for lending money to the government by buying its bonds. When bond prices go up, yields go down — so falling yields often reflect expectations of slower growth or lower interest rates. Economists believe the ECB will keep interest rates steady for now, but might cut them again as early as September. Some analysts think this week's Eurozone business activity data could show little change, partly due to global trade worries and a strong euro. That could make German government bonds more attractive, pushing their prices up and yields down. Senior representatives from around 50 countries are reconvening for another meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The virtual session is set to begin with opening statements from German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, UK Defense Secretary John Healey, and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group was first launched on April 26, 2022, at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany — leading to the term "Ramstein format." US President Donald Trump's turnaround on military aid for Ukaine is likely to be the main topic of discussion, as NATO allies work to facilitate the weapons delivery. Survivors of abuse within the Catholic Church are urging the Vatican to take action against Cologne Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, following years of controversy and a newly closed investigation. The plaintiffs accuse Woelki of shielding perpetrators and retraumatizing victims through his handling of abuse cases in the archdiocese. The complaint, submitted by all 12 members of the survivors' advisory board at the German Bishops' Conference, was drafted by physician and board member Katharina Siepmann. "The affected often experience the cardinal's behavior as offensive," said Siepmann, who suffered three years of severe abuse as a child and has served on the board since early this year. The body was established in 2022 to represent victims and advise the Church. The group's formal complaint against Woelki refers to alleged breaches of church law, not state law. "We ultimately hope that officials in Rome — and the pope himself — will view the cardinal's behavior as unacceptable and intervene," Siepmann told German broadcaster WDR. In May, Cologne prosecutors announced that Woelki would not face perjury charges in connection with his sworn statements about when he learned of abuse allegations in his archdiocese. The archbishop had been under investigation for more than two years. Woelki, who remains a cardinal and Archbishop of Cologne, took part in the conclave that chose Pope Leo XIV. The small town of Bohmte near the city of Osnabrück in the northwestern state of Lower Saxony was the scene of a spectacular accident that left two people seriously injured, including a seven-year-old boy. For as yet unknown reasons, local police reported, a car appears to have come off the road at high speed before colliding with a parked vehicle and crashing through a hedge. It then landed on a trampoline, hitting and injuring the child who was playing on it, and bounced into the attic of a barn. Read the full story about the car that crashed into a trampoline in northern Germany. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet top executives from major German firms on Monday in a bid to restore investor confidence and revive the struggling economy. Representatives from around 30 companies — including Siemens and Deutsche Bank — are expected to attend the talks in Berlin, according to sources cited by DPA. More than a dozen firms listed on the DAX, Germany's main stock index, are among those invited. The meeting will focus on the "Made for Germany" initiative, launched by Siemens and Deutsche Bank, which aims to strengthen the country's investment climate. Participating firms are expected to outline upcoming projects and signal readiness to commit fresh capital. After two years of recession and amid a bleak outlook for 2025, Merz is urging companies to ramp up domestic investment. His government, which took office in May, has approved multi-billion-euro tax relief packages to stimulate growth. A government spokesperson last week pointed to the recently passed €500 billion (over $580 billion) infrastructure and climate fund, saying public investment will lead the way — but private sector participation is essential. Once Europe's growth engine, the German economy has been hit hard by inflation, energy price shocks, and mounting global competition in the wake of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video from the DW newsroom, overlooking the Rhine River in Bonn — the former capital of West Germany. You join us as Chancellor Friedrich Merz gets ready to woo some of Germany's biggest business bosses to help get the sluggish economy back on its feet. Top names like Siemens and Deutsche Bank are expected talks in Berlin, along with more than a dozen other DAX-listed giants. About 30 firms are set to join what's being billed as a major push to rebuild investor confidence in the country's economic future. Merz is under pressure after two back-to-back years of recession and little sign that 2025 will turn things around. Follow along for the latest on what Germany is talking about on Monday, July 21.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Escape Room Company On The Hibiscus Coast Becomes First To Be Branded 'New Zealand Made'
Escapism is proud to be the first escape room company on the Hibiscus Coast to carry the official 'New Zealand Made' mark. Every escape room experience at Escapism is designed and built entirely in-house - making it one of the very few companies in the industry to craft the full experience end to end right here in Aotearoa. By choosing to design locally rather than outsourcing game design and construction, Escapism ensures that every idea is original, every storyline is fresh, and the entire experience is truly unique. These are rooms you won't find anywhere else in the world. This dedication to thoughtful design has earned Escapism glowing feedback, with more than 600 five-star Google reviews in its first year of operation. With performance metrics now pointing to Escapism as one of the top escape room providers in the country, the team is thrilled to carry the NZ Made mark. With the Buy New Zealand Made campaign ( now open to service providers as well as physical products, Escapism saw a great opportunity to highlight its local uniqueness and join a growing network of Kiwi-made excellence. Buy New Zealand Made is the country's longest-running buy-local campaign, with a 36-year legacy of helping promote homegrown businesses. While Escapism is still a young company, it shares the same commitment to supporting local enterprise - not just by joining the NZ Made programme, but also by actively promoting other local hospitality and tourism businesses in the community. This includes partnerships with fellow operators on the Hibiscus Coast and the creation of a local tourism hub at designed to encourage Aucklanders and visitors alike to discover what the region has to offer.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kolhapuri chappal row: Prada to launch capsule collection of ‘Made in India' sandals with local artisans in Maharashtra
Responding to the backlash against its recent appropriation of Kolhapur's iconic 'chappals', Italian luxury fashion house Prada intends to launch a limited edition of 'Made in India' leather sandals, inspired by and in partnership with local artisans, according to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). After its first meeting with Prada representatives via video conferencing on Friday (July 11, 2025), MACCIA said the fashion major intends to send a technical team to Maharashtra next week in this regard. 'The capsule collection will comply with (geographical indication) GI-tag requirements and highlight Maharashtra's cultural heritage across global markets. This step marks a significant win for community recognition and inclusion in global design platforms,' a MACCIA representative said. 'The session focused on cultural recognition, ethical sourcing, and collaboration with Maharashtra's artisan community — particularly the Kolhapuri chappal industry, which inspired elements of Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 men's collection,' a MACCIA press statement said. News in Frames: Kolhapuri chappals walk on chic runways Cultural respect Prada was represented by five senior officials from its Milan headquarters, including its Chief Business Development Officer Roberto Massardi, the group's head of Corporate Socia Responsibility Lorenzo Bertelli and its Global Director of Communications Christopher Bugg. 'MACCIA presented six agenda points rooted in cultural respect, co-branded development, and fair trade principles. Prada showed alignment on all key issues and expressed clear interest in long-term engagement with artisan stakeholders,' it added. The business body said that the Prada team showcased successful global examples of their previous 'Made in' campaigns, featuring Made in Peru, Made in Japan, and Made in Scotland product lines. Exploring collaboration Prada representatives were introduced to other heritage crafts from Maharashtra, including Paithani weaving, Himroo textiles, Bichwas/Payal (anklets), and regional embroidery work, in a pitch for collaborations. 'Prada responded positively and agreed to explore these crafts for potential integration into future collections. The dialogue reflected genuine openness to cultural storytelling through design. Both parties also discussed launching structured knowledge exchange and training programmes between Indian and Italian artisans. Prada expressed interest in supporting artisan skill development, design innovation, and sustainability-led production models through cross-border collaboration and residencies,' the MACCIA representative said. 'This partnership can become a model for global fashion to work respectfully with traditional communities. We appreciate Prada's sincerity and look forward to building on this foundation,' MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi said. Prada had received flak globally after it had showcased Kolhapuri chappal-inspired leather sandals without attribution to the artisans who keep up the 800-year old unbroken tradition of crafting the GI-tagged chappals.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV This Morning star admits 'I'm there' as they eye up main hosting role
Since This Morning first began back in 1988 viewers have seen a string of well-known faces front the ITV show. This Morning's Cat Deeley took over the reins of the ITV programme alongside Ben Shephard in 2024, stepping into the shoes previously filled by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Since their arrival, audiences have witnessed a roster of guest hosts including Rochelle Humes, Emma Willis, Rylan Clark and Paddy McGuinness filling in when needed. But it appears one ITV personality has set their sights firmly on the coveted presenting position - and they're certainly familiar with the programme. Former Made in Chelsea star turned broadcaster Ashley James has disclosed her ambitions to secure the hosting role. In conversation with The Sun, she revealed: "I've always said that I'm always there when the time comes. I would always love to host This Morning. "I kind of follow where my interests are, and it's got me to where I am today, and I'm always going to work harder than anyone else." The 38-year-old acknowledged her fortune, looking back on her entertainment career beginnings in 2012 when she had no industry connections whatsoever, reports Wales Online. Ashley disclosed that upon leaving her previous employment, appearing on This Morning became her primary objective. Her aspirations appear to have materialised, as ITV audiences regularly spot her as a guest panellist, frequently offering her perspective on current affairs alongside Nick Ferrari. She continued: "I wanted to be on This Morning because it's a show that I grew up idolising. It was the goal. So I love it and it's such an amazing team. I love everybody that's on there, both in front of the camera and and behind the scenes." Although Ashley hasn't taken up the mantle of presenter just yet, it was recently revealed that Love Island alum and Loose Women panellist Olivia Attwood will be taking the reins of the show this summer. During a chat about her upcoming gig with Ben and Cat, she expressed her enthusiasm. She said: "I'm going to be doing a couple of shows in the summer, I'm very excited to be joining you guys. "It's a huge honour, I've obviously grown up watching this show and being part of the Daytime team with the Loose Women has been the best experience and this just feels like a very natural progression of that." Ben and Cat have thrown their support behind Olivia, hinting that she'll do a 'brilliant' job in her new role. This Morning is available to watch on ITVX.
CNN
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The 29 best 50-year anniversary gifts for celebrating half a century together
50th anniversary gifts quick picks To celebrate the promises you made 50 years ago: Minted Your Vows: Square Orientation Custom Foil Print For the couple who remembers the decades through music: Uncommon Goods Personalized Gold LP Record If they don't want more stuff: UrbanStems The Peony Sky For the bookworm: Made by Mary Birth Flower Bookmark Romance is eternal, and so should be finding meaningful ways to celebrate marriage milestones. Whether you're the gift-giving type of couple or prefer to show affection through a different love language, wedding anniversary gifts themed by year offer a special way to honor and celebrate the time you've spent together. 'Fifty years — that's legacy,' etiquette expert Elaine Swann said. As both the traditional and modern anniversary gifting theme, gold gifts speak to the preciousness of a half-century partnership that has thrived through life's inevitable changes, ups and downs. 'It's perfect because it represents something that's stood the test of time,' Swann said. 'To me, anniversary gifts have always felt like little markers along the path of a shared life,' Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird, said. 'I love that the tradition is deeply human,' she said, referencing the centuries-old custom in which husbands would give their wives a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold one on their 50th. 'It represents a quiet but meaningful celebration of endurance and devotion.' Ahead, our selection of thoughtful 50-year anniversary gifts ranges from literal to symbolic, with each giving you the chance to consider what will truly delight your life partner — or any couple you know celebrating this milestone. Framebridge Antiqued Oval Tabletop Frame You can't go wrong with framing a family portrait, wedding photo or special quote, said etiquette expert Myka Meier. She recommends putting whichever would be most meaningful to your spouse in a gold or gold-accented photo frame — and we love this vintage-inspired option from Framebridge. Simply upload the photo of your choice, and Framebridge will take care of the rest. Papier Monogram Navy Leather Notebook When it comes to a super special anniversary gift, etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts recommends taking a trip down memory lane — literally. 'Revisit somewhere like your honeymoon spot,' she said, 'complete with a golden travel journal.' This notebook from Papier can be monogrammed with gold foil, making it a great choice for partners who prefer a subtle gold touch. Plumeria Original Art Original Violet Oil Painting Violets are the traditional flower for 50th wedding anniversaries, commonly seen as symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty. This hand-painted oil painting is a unique way of honoring the time-honored tradition. Made by Mary Birth Flower Bookmark Sometimes, the best gift is just one that acknowledges your partner's favorite hobby, pastime or passion. For those who love nothing more than snuggling up with a good book, this golden brass bookmark can be personalized with both their birth flower (or an anniversary-appropriate violet) and up to three characters. Arhaus Jules Frame Meier said a framed poem or letter might seem like a simple gift — but it's thoughtful, personal and gives you a chance to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with your life partner. A sleek frame like this option from Arhaus is the perfect vessel to showcase the keepsake of your choosing. World Market Antique Gold Peacock Trinket Dish Gold doesn't need to mean flashy or expensive. This trinket dish is fun, full of personality and perfect for holding everyday essentials like jewelry, keys or loose change. Michael Aram Heart Frame Ornament Whether you plan to hang it up year-round or during the holidays, we're suckers for a heart-shaped gift. This ornament is made from gold-hued metal with a heart motif and is a charming way to put your love center stage. UrbanStems The Peony Sky Meier recommends 'a bouquet of golden-hued flowers' for those who might not be into a more traditional gold gift. This stunning multicolored bouquet features beautiful yellow roses amongst an array of flowers, including peonies, white roses, ranunculus and delphinium. Dearest Forever Personalized Family Tree Art A celebration of the family and legacy you've created together, this family tree can be personalized to include four, five or even six generations. There are a couple different print sizes in addition to fonts, and you can work with the designers to get your piece just right before framing and gifting it. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Sargent Rose Brooch Brooches are such a classic way to accessorize, and this piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art store is a true showstopper. It pays homage to a late 19th-century painting by American painter John Singer Sargent — perfect for the art lover. Williams Sonoma Wilshire Jewel-Cut Gold-Rim Champagne Flutes, Set of 4 Grotts recommends Champagne flutes — monogrammed if you can — to 'toast to 50 years with something as sparkling as your story.' Each of these four glasses is hand-cut with a slightly different pattern and complete with a 24-karat gold rim. Apollo Sundials Custom 50th Wedding Anniversary Engraved Gold Sundial Chances are you or the couple you're shopping for doesn't have an engraved sundial — yet! Perfect for placing in an outdoor garden or yard, each item is customized with your very own message on the front and calibrated for the location in which it'll be placed. Brooks Brothers Sterling Silver Engravable Rhodium-Plated Tie Clip An understated accessory for more formal occasions, tie clips are a simple way to bring the polish of any menswear look to the next level. This sleek option is made from sterling silver with a gold plating. Because we love the opportunity to make any present a bit more personal, it can be monogrammed too. Olivia Riegel Botanica Box Keepsake boxes like this one, which features a gold-cast pewter flower, are a perfect anniversary gift. Include a handwritten letter, a piece of jewelry or a thoughtful trinket inside for extra points. Pottery Barn Hawthorne Oval Wall Address Plaque For those who don't typically love gifts, we'd recommend opting for something that's both practical and thoughtful. This elegant and customizable plaque is a sweet way to celebrate the place where you've created countless memories and built a life together. Classic Touch Clear Glass Vase With Removable Gold Leaf Base If flowers are a common way to celebrate milestones in your relationship, opt for an elegant gold or gold-accented vase to accompany your latest bouquet. Whether it's their favorite flower or a violet-inspired bouquet (paying homage to the flower associated with this landmark anniversary!), this is a thoughtful way to go the extra mile. Uncommon Goods Love Grows Together Wall Art This charming piece of wall art captures all the themes of a 50th wedding anniversary gift — growth, strength and a deepening relationship over time. It's a beautiful daily reminder of your shared journey and a testament to the fact that love does grow together. Artifact Uprising Signature Layflat Photo Album What better way to remember memories from the past 50 years than with a photo album? You can opt for an elegant keepsake like this layflat album, which has gold detailing on the cover (a subtle way to reference the gifting tradition!) or make a custom scrapbook like Meier recommends. Uncommon Goods Personalized Gold LP Record This personalized gold record is a thoughtful and unique way to celebrate the soundtrack of your relationship. In addition to customizing the record's title, you can select up to five songs — perhaps one for each decade — to include on the record label. Mark & Graham Sarah Chloe Monogram Cufflinks When it comes to the perfect 50-year wedding anniversary gift for men (or anyone who wears suits), Meier recommends engraved gold-tone cufflinks. This monogrammed option is a smart alternative you can customize with two or three characters. Minted Your Vows: Square Orientation Custom Foil Print Wedding anniversaries are the perfect opportunity to look back and reflect on the commitment you made to each other half a century ago. This custom print, made with real gold foil, is a stunning way to honor that day and the journey you've been on together since. Skylight Digital Picture Frame in Gold Digital picture frames are an incredible way to remember and celebrate the milestones of everyone in your life, especially if it involves friends and family across the country or the world. This chic gold option is intuitive, user-friendly and easy for loved ones to keep you up-to-date on all their special moments. The Million Roses Heart Gold Box Made from real roses and uniquely preserved to last for up to three years, these gold roses are a grand gesture that'll last way longer than fresh flowers. You can display throughout your home or as an impressive centerpiece. Fossil Men's Carraway Quartz Stainless Steel Three-Hand Watch A stunning piece of gold-toned jewelry doesn't have to come at designer costs. This stainless steel watch strikes the perfect balance between wearability and sophistication that works equally well in everyday and more formal settings. Tiffany & Co. Olive Leaf Stud Earrings When it comes to classic 50th anniversary gifts, you can't go wrong with jewelry, said wedding planner Laura Gardner. 'I would buy something they can wear,' she said. These elegant yet practical stud earrings feature beautiful pearls surrounded by 18-karat yellow gold olive leaves that symbolize peace and abundance. Catbird Dollhouse Oval Gold Locket Plessner, Grotts and Meier all recommend a gold locket as the perfect anniversary gift. You can include photos from your wedding day on one side with photos from today on the other, or choose a photograph and message with special sentimental meaning. Regardless, it's 'something she can wear close to her heart,' Plessner said. Rolex Pre-Owned Datejust 79173 'Gifting a watch for an anniversary isn't just about telling time, it's about telling your story,' James Thomas, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Reklaim, said. 'The right timepiece marks your shared milestones with meaning, elegance and intention.' Rolex describes this stunning option — made with stainless steel and 18-karat gold — as the first self-winding wristwatch to feature a date display. Frank Darling The Dad Band 'There's beauty in simplicity, and few things are more timeless than a pair of classic gold band[s],' Kegan Fisher, co-founder and designer of jewelry brand Frank Darling, said. 'I love the idea of coming full circle at 50 years with matching rings engraved with each other's names — which is complimentary at Frank Darling — and that are meant not just to wear, but to pass down,' she said. Brilliant Earth Homme Engravable Tag Pendant in 14-Karat Yellow Gold Plessner recommends engraving a piece of jewelry or a medallion with a special pet name as a sweet way to celebrate something only the two of you share. 'I hope me and my husband have pet names for each other at our 50th anniversary,' she said. 'Anniversary gifts are a moment to pause the day-to-day and reflect — not just on what your partner means to you, but on why you chose each other to begin with,' Fisher said. 'It's less about the gift itself, and more about the meaning behind it.' So use this landmark as an opportunity to consider your partner's unique interests, passions and hobbies. If you're stuck on where to start, Meier suggests the reason behind this celebration. 'Think about what the milestone represents, and what would feel meaningful and enjoyable to your spouse,' she said. This isn't necessarily going to be something you would want, though it can also be memorable to you. 'It can be something traditional, practical, creative, or sentimental,' she said. 'There's no one-size-fits-all.' Ultimately, it isn't about the price tag. 'Anniversary gifts are more than presents,' Grotts said. 'They're a sentimental mile marker, not just a calendar date.' Whether you're honoring gifting traditions or creating your own, 'the best present is one that honors the journey,' she said. For this article, we consulted the following wedding, etiquette and jewelry experts to gain their professional insights. Kegan Fisher, co-founder and designer of bespoke bridal and fine jewelry brand Frank Darling Laura Gardner, a wedding and event planner and owner of Love, Laura Lisa Mirza Grotts, also known as the 'The Golden Rules Gal,' a renowned etiquette expert, author and public speaker Myka Meier, a globally recognized etiquette expert, two-time bestselling author and founder of Beaumont Etiquette Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird Elaine Swann, a nationally recognized lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol James Thomas, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Reklaim, a secondhand platform for luxury designer goods We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this article, contributing writer Noelle Ike interviewed the pros to find the best wedding anniversary gifts for celebrating 50 years of marriage.
