Author: AsiaOne

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with agricultural scientist Dr MS Swaminathan, will receive India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna. PM Modi praised Narasimha Rao’s scholarly and statesmanlike contributions, noting his pivotal role in India’s economic progress, foreign policy, and cultural enrichment. Rao’s tenure as Prime Minister saw significant economic reforms that opened India to global markets.

Chaudhary Charan Singh honoured posthumously, was lauded for his lifelong dedication to farmers’ rights and welfare, his leadership during challenging times, and his steadfast stance against the emergency. Modi highlighted Charan Singh’s contributions to nation-building as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a national legislator.

Dr MS Swaminathan, recognised for his pivotal role in achieving agricultural self-reliance and modernization in India, was praised for his mentorship, innovation, and advocacy for research in agriculture. Modi emphasised Swaminathan’s transformative leadership in ensuring India’s food security and prosperity.

PM Modi’s announcement underscores the diverse legacies of the awardees and their contributions to India’s development. Interestingly, he had recently criticised the Congress party for not recognising leaders like BR Ambedkar with the Bharat Ratna, highlighting the need for a broader recognition of Indian luminaries.

The Academy Awards organisers have announced the introduction of a new Oscar category for best casting, set to debut at the 2026 ceremony. This marks the first addition to the competitive categories since Best Animated Feature was included in 2002.

Casting directors have long campaigned for recognition comparable to other filmmaking disciplines like sound, costume, hair, and makeup. The Academy’s decision reflects an acknowledgement of the crucial role casting directors play in the filmmaking process.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their pride in recognising casting as an essential element of filmmaking.

Despite efforts to streamline the Oscar ceremony, which often exceeds its scheduled three-hour duration, the addition of the casting category demonstrates the Academy’s commitment to honouring all aspects of filmmaking.

Casting directors are among the first professionals involved in a film project, responsible for selecting both lead and supporting actors. While casting directors celebrate the news of their category’s inclusion, stunt performers continue to campaign for their recognition at the Oscars.

The Academy has attempted in recent years to reduce the Oscar ceremony in an attempt to maintain spectator interest, but the decision has been made. The performance frequently goes much beyond its allotted three hours.

One of the most important and thriving industries driving the global economy is lifestyle. It stands as a key contributor, with its consumption in the top 8 economies comprising around 70% of global consumption. Developing economies, especially India and China, are the major growth drivers of the global lifestyle market. This market is notable for haute couture, where expensive clothing brands stand out from mass-produced lines.

(in million U.S dollars)

Following are the World’s Most Valuable Lifestyle Brands:

1) Nike – United States – (USD 31,307)

Origin: The United States

Value: $31.3 billion

Key Strengths: Strong Brand Awareness and Brand Value, Huge Customer base, Iconic Relationships, Low Manufacturing Cost

Fun Facts: The Nike Swoosh Was Designed for $35 in 1971 and Revenues from “Men’s Training” are nearly double that of “Women’s Training”

2) Louis Vuitton – France ($26,290M)

Origin: France

Value: $26.3 billion

Key Strengths: Strong Retail Presence, Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship, Innovation, Diverse Product Offerings

Fun Facts: luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton never puts its products on sale and the famous LV monogram came after Louis Vuitton’s death.

3) Chanel – France ($19,386M)

Origin: France

Value: $19.4 billion

Key Strengths: Production Quality, Loyal Customer Base, Strong Brand Image, Controlled Distribution Channels

Fun Facts: Chanel has its own vineyard and also sponsors the prestigious French Open tennis tournament.

4) Gucci – Italy ($17,839M)

Origin: Italy

Value: $17.8 billion

Key Strengths: Brand heritage and recognition, Global presence, Collaborations and partnerships

Fun Facts: Guccio Gucci was an elevator operator in the swanky Savoy Hotel situated in London and the first items manufactured by Gucci include detachable leather bags for saddles.

5) Adidas – Germany ($15,660M)

Origin: Germany

Value: $15.7 billion

Key Strengths: brand value, innovation, diversified product portfolio, strategic partnership and endorsements, global presence

Fun Facts: The Trefoil logo of the brand was first introduced in the Munich Olympics in 1972. The brand wasn’t originally known as Adidas, but was started under the name Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik in 1924.

6) Hermès – France ($14,165M)

Origin: France

Value: $14.2 billion

Key Strengths: Large network, diverse portfolio, top designers

Fun Facts: Hermes was the first company to use the zipper for leather goods and clothing in France.

7) Dior – France ($13,152M)

Origin: France

Value: $13.2 billion

Key Strengths: Timeless Elegance and Couture Craftsmanship, Iconic Designs and Symbols, Global Presence and Market Penetration, Strategic Marketing and Branding

Fun Facts: The Dior family ran a successful fertilizer business. Christian Ernest Dior, known for creating namesake fashion brand opened his first business as an art gallery.

8) Cartier – France ($12,538M)

Origin: France

Value: $12.5 billion

Key Strengths: Lasting legacy, global outreach, maintaining status quo. 

Fun Fact: Louis Cartier was the first jewelry designer to popularize the wristwatch for men.

9) Zara – Spain ($11,049M)

Origin: Spain

Value: $11 billion

Key Strengths: Fast and efficient production, affordable prices, visual merchandising

Fun Facts: Zara was originally named Zorba and currently it has 2000 stores in 94 countries!

10) Rolex – Switzerland ($10,711M)

Origin: Switzerland

Value: $10.7 billion

Key Strengths: Product quality and innovation, Vertical integration, and Timeless design

Fun Facts: All of Rolex’s watches are handmade and uses the most expensive stainless steel in the world, also known as 904L.

Source:

Doo Finders: https://www.doofinder.com/en/statistics/top-clothing-brands 

Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1207840/top-apparel-clothes-brands-worldwide/