Aitana, 25, a pink-haired woman from Barcelona, receives weekly private messages from celebrities asking her out. But this model is not real. Aitana, the first model created by artificial intelligence (AI) in Spain, was born in the middle of a difficult period. Rubén Cruz, her designer and founder of the agency The Clueless, was going through a rough patch because he didn't have many clients. "We started analysing how we were working and realised that many projects were being put on hold or cancelled due to problems beyond our control. Often it was the fault of the influencer or model and not due to design issues," Cruz told Euronews. So, they decided to create their own influencer to use as a model for the brands that approached them. They created Aitana, an exuberant 25-year-old pink-haired woman from Barcelona whose physical appearance is close to perfection.  The virtual model can earn up to €10,000 a month, according to her creators, but the average is usually around €3,000. "We did it so that we could make a better living and not be dependent on other people who have egos, who have manias, or who just want to make a lot of money by posing," said Cruz. Aitana's income is quite varied. She earns just over €1,000 per advert, and has recently become the face of Big, a sports supplement company, and as if that weren't enough, she uploads photos of herself in lingerie to Fanvue, a platform similar to OnlyFans. In just a few months, she has managed to gain more than 121,000 followers on Instagram and her photos get thousands of views and reactions. She even receives private messages from celebrities who are unaware that she is not an actual person. "One day, a well-known Latin American actor texted to ask her out. This actor has about 5 million followers and some of our team watched his TV series when they were kids," said Cruz. "He had no idea Aitana didn't exist," he added. Source: Eeuro News

Eid shopping has started in different markets of the capital. On the 7th day of Ramadan, crowds were seen in different markets including New Market, Gausia Market, Chandni Chowk, Mouchak Market, Eastern Plaza, Fortune Market, Bailey Road on Sunday (March 17) afternoon. Many brought their families. Eid shopping is being done in advance to avoid extra crowds. They are happy with their favorite product. However, buyers complain that the price of clothing is comparatively high. On the other hand, the sellers are expecting good sales on Eid after seeing such a crowd of buyers at the beginning of Ramadan. Junayat Hossain has been doing business in Mouchak Market for about eight years. He told Rtv News that business has not been good in the last few years due to various reasons including corona. Sales have been fairly good since the beginning of Ramadan. Sohrab, a businessman of New Market, said, "This time we have picked up some different designs keeping the demand of the buyers. There is a crowd of buyers at the beginning of Ramadan. We are very hopeful about sales this time.

Coming 16 years after the original movie and eight since the most recent sequel, “Kung Fu Panda 4” actually benefits from what feels like pent-up demand, coupled with “The Simpsons” effect that animated characters don’t grow older. Slick and briskly paced, the film incorporates its origins while conjuring enough laughs and fun to effectively deliver for parents and their cubs. One of DreamWorks’ most agreeable franchises peaked early with its story of the unlikely Po (voiced with the usual gusto by Jack Black) rising from humble roots to become the Dragon Warrior, while facing off against a truly excellent and formidable villain in Tai Lung (Ian McShane). The sequels were fine but proved less memorable. This time, Po is reaping the rewards of his exalted status – even using it as a marketing come-on to assist his adoptive dad and birth dad, Ping and Li (James Hong, now 95, and Bryan Cranston) – when, inevitably, a fresh threat arises: The Chameleon (Viola Davis), a shape-shifting sorceress with supervillain-worthy ambitions that endanger the Valley of Peace. Po also gets a surprising instruction from Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), telling him that he must identify and begin to groom a successor. Yet he’s not only reluctant to give up the job, but distracted by this latest challenge, especially after a fast-talking thief, Zhen (Awkwafina), offers to lead him to the Chameleon’s stronghold. Although the best gags, involving some adorable but violence-loving bunnies, have been playing on a loop in the teaser trailers, the film still manages to combine muscular action with a healthy dollop of comedy, much of it having to do with Po’s posse and his seemingly unquenchable appetite. The A-list voice cast really boosts the way the characters play off each other, with most of the key players back (including McShane), Davis sinking her teeth into the venomous baddie and Ke Huy Quan among the other additions. Granted, there’s only so much that can be done at this point with this kind of concept beyond recycling it, but director Mike Mitchell (“Trolls”) keeps the story moving even during the relatively flat exposition, and the chase sequences and fights have considerable energy and visual flair. As noted, part of that might just have to do with the adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder, or in this case, “Panda” fans hungrier. Given that, looking at the growing intervals between movies, people should have worked up an appetite for bringing “Kung Fu Panda 5” out of hibernation somewhere around 2036.  Source: CNN

For the first ever time, the German city of Frankfurt will celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan by illuminating a main high street with half-moons, stars and lanterns. Local Muslims have welcomed the move. The German city of Frankfurt is aiming to send a message of peace and togetherness during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan by illuminating a central high street with half-moons, stars and other decorations for the first time, German media reported first on Tuesday. From March 10 until April 9, a month of fasting and reflection for Muslims, Frankfurt's pedestrianized Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse — known colloquially as the Fressgass (roughly: food alley) due to its proliferation of cafes and restaurants — will feature a large sign reading "Happy Ramadan!" and other illuminations. "Ramadan is a time in which people reflect on what is really important in life: having something to eat, a roof over your head, and peace and comfort with family, friends and neighbors," explained city council chairwoman Hilime Arslaner. "I'm pleased that these messages of peace during Ramadan will be visible in our Frankfurt," she added. City mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg said that such messages are particularly important during times of war and crisis, adding: "These are the lights of togetherness: against prejudice, discrimination, anti-Muslim racism and also antisemitism." Frankfurt Muslims welcome sign of togetherness With a population of almost 800,000, Frankfurt is Germany's fifth-largest city (after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne) and the center of the country's financial sector. It is also one of Germany's most proudly multicultural cities, with Muslims making up around 15% of the population (100,000-150,000). Mohamed Seddadi, chairman of Frankfurt's Muslim Community, therefore welcomed the illumination plans as "very meaningful for Muslims," saying they signaled that: "We all belong together." While public street lighting has long formed part of Christian religious celebrations, especially at Christmas, Muslims in Western countries have also increasingly begun to decorate homes and buildings during Ramadan, according to Raida Chbib, head of the Academy for Islam in Research and Society (AIWG) at the Goethe University in Frankfurt. The Frankfurt Ramadan plans therefore borrow from elements of both Islamic and Christian tradition. "I'm delighted about this sign of recognition for Muslims," said Naweed Ahmad, a spokesman for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. CDU calls for common pot for all religious groups Mayor Eskandari-Grünberg said that the cost of lighting the city was €75,000 ($81,600). Yannick Schwander, a representative from the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the city, said that pointed out that the funding for Christmas lights in Frankfurt came from trade associations and donations and argued that city funding for lights should not just be for one religion. "We are of the opinion that if such a kitty exists, then it must serve all religious communities in Frankfurt," Schander said, according to reporting by the public local broadcaster HR. Eskandari-Grünberg countered that the city spends substantially more money on Christmas lights through its business development program.  

Labor protests in China have increased rapidly since August of last year, according to rights groups, especially in the lead-up to Lunar New Year, which began late last week. Labor protests more than tripled in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022, according to data collected by New York-based international rights group Freedom House’s China Dissent Monitor, which tracks protests in China. Analysts say this unrest is linked to poor working conditions and China’s ongoing economic difficulties. The China Dissent Monitor recorded 777 labor protests in China between September and December 2023, compared wiith 245 in the same period of 2022. Independent data from the Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin, which promotes Chinese workers’ rights, recorded an additional 183 protests between January 1 and February 3, including 40 in Guangdong province alone. Kevin Slaten, who leads the China Dissent Monitor, said worker protests are often linked to wage disputes and occupational safety. “The long-term problems underlying these disputes in China are poor enforcement of labor protections and a complete lack of independent and effective labor unions,” Slaten told VOA in an emailed statement. Slaten said most of the protests that China Dissent Monitor has analyzed are small in size, with half having less than 10 participants and 40% more having between 10 and 99 protesters. Li Qiang, founder and executive director of New York-based China Labor Watch, which advocates for the Chinese labor movement, said that in addition to China’s economic slowdown, an “implosion” in the real estate sector and reduced manufacturing was also a factor. “China's high-level economic problems ultimately set the foundation of the increase in labor protests this year,” Li told VOA in an emailed response. “Due to the decrease of manufacturing orders, among other things, a lot of companies face financial challenges that trickle down to workers.” Construction workers are particularly likely to protest, Slaten said, especially considering the major difficulties facing the Chinese real estate sector, most notably the bankruptcy of major property developer Evergrande Group. “China’s relative economic slowdown and particularly an ongoing crisis in the property sector and its impact on construction workers is contributing to this surge in labor dissent,” Slaten wrote. Migrant construction workers, who Li said often do not have legally binding contracts with their employees, have been hit particularly hard by the property sector’s collapse. Late last year, China State Councilor Shen Yiqin warned of “severe” punishments for employers who intentionally delayed paying their workers and urged local governments to make sure all workers received their pay on time. Shen made her remarks at a national teleconference on wage arrears ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.   Liu Jun, a migrant from Sichuan province who works in construction in Xinjiang, said he has been waiting nearly two months for his paycheck. “It’s almost the end of the year, and I haven't been given any money yet,” Liu told VOA Mandarin Service. “This is all the hard-earned money of the construction workers, and they should be paid after the work is done.” Ma Hui, a construction worker from Hebei province who also works in Xinjiang, said her boss did not pay workers for a three-month period last year, only providing workers with noodles, salt and light soy sauce to eat. "During that period, I had no living expenses for several months, and my boss wouldn't lend me any money,” Ma told VOA Mandarin. “I didn't even have money to buy basic daily necessities such as toilet paper and toothpaste.” Li said local governments’ budget shortfalls are preventing them from stepping in to aid migrant workers. “In the past, the Chinese government has been investing capital annually to alleviate companies' liquidity pressure and reduce the overall numbers of wage arrears towards the end of the year,” Li wrote. “Additionally, they would also strengthen the implementation of their monitoring apparatus to combat labor-related disputes. But this year, the situation shifted as the Chinese government [especially on the local level] faces financial pressures.” Zhang Chao, a worker from Zhejiang province who helped build facilities in Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics, said he hopes construction workers’ benefits can increase commensurate with the difficult, dangerous work they do. “Migrant workers have limited abilities and can only do the hardest and most tiring work, exchanging life and health for money,” Zhang told VOA Mandarin. “My biggest wish in our industry is not to be afraid of hardship and sweat, and I just hope that I can get the salary I deserve.”

Popular Telugu actor Ram Charan’s wife, Upasana Konidela, recently opened up about Ram Charan’s intimate scenes with his co-stars.  In a recent interview, Upasana exposed that she remains uncomfortable with “intimate scenes” Ram Charan would perform with the heroines in films. She said that she is so 'possessive' about Ram Charan that seeing him with other heroines makes her feel uncomfortable. She also said that seeing Ram Charan making romance on screen with another actress in the early days of their marriage made her cry.  "I shared this problem with Ram Charan a couple of times. I believe whatever he does on screen, he suits me best. Not with anyone else." Upasana added. Such things happens because Upasana belongs to a family of doctors and entrepreneurs on the other hand Ram Charan is a movie star and he is the son of the legendary actor Chiranjeevi.  

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka set up a tantalising Australian Open semi-final against American teenager Coco Gauff after overpowering Barbora Krejcikova in a straight-set victory. Sabalenka's 6-2 6-3 win confirmed a repeat of September's thrilling US Open final, in which Gauff came back from a set down to win a first major title. Gauff, 19, scraped past Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in three sets in Melbourne. The American made 51 unforced errors but won 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (4-7) 6-2. Belarusian Sabalenka, who claimed her maiden singles Slam triumph on Rod Laver Arena 12 months ago, hit 20 winners and broke Czech 2021 French Open champion Krejcikova's serve six times in a devastating quarter-final display. That was in sharp contrast to last-four opponent Gauff's victory, with the fourth seed saying she hopes to have "got the bad match out of the way" as she aims to become the first women's player since Naomi Osaka three years ago to win back-to-back majors. The other two quarter-finals in a women's singles draw blown open by a string of high-profile early exits take place on Wednesday. One of China's Zheng Qinwen, Russia's Anna Kalinskaya, Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska and Czech Republic's Linda Noskova - none of who have ever played in a Grand Slam semi-final - will meet Gauff or Sabalenka in Saturday's showpiece. 'Hurt Ukraine feels world is forgetting our war' Sabalenka continues to shine Sabalenka could not have wished for a much smoother Australian Open title defence to this point. The 25-year-old is yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park this fortnight, conceding just 16 games in five matches on her way to the last four and not losing more than three games in any single set. She took just 71 minutes to dismiss ninth seed Krejcikova - the longest she has been kept on court at this year's tournament - before she prepares to exact revenge on Gauff. The second seed was already up a double break in the opening set by the time Krejcikova landed a first blow, momentarily reducing the deficit to 4-2 before a fired-up Sabalenka struck for a third time. There was little Krejcikova could do to delay Sabalenka as she again trailed 4-1 in the second set, earning one break back before falling to the first of three match points on her serve. "I think it was a really great match today. I played really great tennis," said Sabalenka. "I really hope that I can keep playing that way, or even better." Unbeaten in her last 12 matches in Melbourne, Sabalenka has now reached the semi-finals at her past six Grand Slams, becoming the first player to achieve that feat since Serena Williams made 10 in a row between 2014-17.  

PSG star Kylian Mbappe has claimed that he hasn't decided on his club future despite being heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. Mbappe has entered the final six months of his current contract with PSG, meaning that he is free to negotiate with other clubs. The France captain had stated last summer he wouldn't be extending his stay with the Ligue 1 giants, which led to him being left out of the pre-season tour. A compromise was made and Mbappe chose to remain in Paris for the season and helped them win the French Super Cup, scoring in the 44th minute of the 2-0 win. Real Madrid continue to be the strong contenders for the signature of the 25-year-old after coming close in 2022. Speaking to the reporters, as quoted by Reuters, Mbappe claimed that he is yet to decide on his next move when it comes to his club career. The French captain said that his decision doesn't matter for the club given his agreement with the chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi. "First of all, I'm very, very, very motivated for this year. It's very important," Mbappe told reporters after PSG's 2-0 win over Toulouse in the French Super Cup final on Wednesday. "As I said, we've got titles to go after and we've already won one, so that's already done. After that, no, I haven't made up my mind yet. "But in any case, with the agreement I made with the chairman (Nasser Al-Khelaifi) this summer, it doesn't matter what I decide." "We managed to protect all parties and preserve the club's serenity for the challenges ahead, which remains the most important thing. So we'll say it's secondary."   Mbappe won't wait until May to decide on future Mbappe has also claimed that he won't wait until May to decide about his future. Back in 2022, the French star decided to extend his contract with PSG just weeks before the transfer window opened. "I think it was the end of May in 2022 because I didn't know until May," he added. "If I know what I want to do, why drag it out? It just doesn't make sense," said Mbappe. Source: India Today

Tickets to see Lionel Messi in a Hong Kong friendly were snapped up in under an hour on Friday after nearly two million people queued online, organisers said. The Argentine great and his Inter Miami side will face a Hong Kong XI at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium on February 4. Football fans in the finance hub of 7.5 million logging in to the ticketing app on Friday morning faced a mammoth queue for tickets, which cost from HK$880 to HK4,880 ($110-$625). "We are absolutely thrilled with the response from the fans," said Michel Lamuniere, chairman and CEO of Tatler Asia, which is helping to stage the game. Some social media users posted screenshots of the app showing an error message which cited "traffic overload". Messi last played in Hong Kong in 2014, also for a friendly game. Miami co-owner David Beckham, who played in Hong Kong in 2003 soon after joining Real Madrid, previously said the MLS club was looking forward to playing in a "beautiful city with a great sports scene". Miami's line-up in Hong Kong will also include Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, according to organisers. The Hong Kong XI will be made up of players from the Chinese territory's top division. Source: BSS

Actor Sariful Islam Razz has geared up to captivate audiences once again, this time in the eagerly awaited film "Kobi", helmed by director Hashibur Reza Kallol. Actress Idhika Paul, who previously shared the screen with Shakib Khan in the film "Priyotoma". "Kobi" marks Idhika's second venture in the Bangladeshi film industry. The ensemble cast of "Kobi" features an array of seasoned actors, including the renowned Misha Sawdagor, Kolkata's Khurshid Mukhopadhyay, Ananya Biswas, and several others. A dedicated workshop is currently in progress in Kolkata, bringing together the cast of "Kobi" to fine-tune their performances, while the shooting of the film is scheduled to commence in the next two days. The story of "Kobi" is based on a captivating blend of love and action, with the vibrant city of Kolkata serving as the central backdrop for most of the story. Razz is known for his stellar performances in films such as "Poran", "Hawa", and "Damal", and two of his upcoming films, "Omar" and "Deyaler Desh", are awaiting release.