A smart girl's guide to tech, global trends, and everything that matters

Wev'e rounded up everything you need to be well informed about...well pretty much everything. Take a look!

Will justice be served?

Out with the old, in with the new! Three new criminal laws have come into effect, replacing the Indian Penal Code (P), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act. The new laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA-were passed in December 2023. Although problematic in their own right, the British Indian laws were comprehensive and clear. Several critics have pointed out that the new laws will create confusion and are oppressive.

‘Water' you waiting for

By now, it is safe to say that TikTok has more theories than the Greek philosopher Socrates ever did. Its latest obsession? Water—and it’s not about singer Tyla. The viral “blue mind theory”, racking up over 19 million views, claims that being in or near water is the ultimate stress-buster. It suggests that water helps reduce stress and anxiety, makes us feel grounded, promotes better sleep, and enhances our overall well-being. So, the next time you’re about to choose violence, try heading to the beach instead!

Coperni casts a spell

Good fits, over-the-top showcase (rem: Bella Hadid’s spray-on dress on the runway) are not the only things that fashion labels can learn from French brand Coperni—they also know how to make headlines. Set to make waves again this year, the brand will be showcasing their SS25 collection, inspired by Disney princesses, at Disneyland Paris no less—it’s the first time that the amusement park will be hosting a fashion show in its 32-year-old history (Opening Ceremony showcased a collection at Disneyland California in 2018).

Far, far away? No more.

Keep your tissue boxes handy and get ready to cry tears of joy because Shrek 5 is in the works! And what’s more—there is also going to be a Donkey spin-off movie, announced by the Donkey (Eddie Murphy) himself earlier this year. All of the original cast—Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy— will be making a comeback on July 1, 2026 to the swamp. We know what you’re thinking, and no it’s not too early to pick out outfits already.

Bullet dodged

While addressing a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, former US President Donald Trump was shot at by a 20-year-old local, Thomas Matthew Crooks. The bullets left one audience member dead and two wounded while Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper at the scene. The 78-year-old Republican nominee’s ear was pierced and the following day, Trump attended the Republican National Convention with a bandaged right ear.

Winning the drop Olympics 

We are pretty sure Team Mongolia laced their Paris 2024 Olympics uniform with something more than just fabric, because have you looked at the response they’re getting?!?! Designed by Ulaanbaatar-based fashion label Michel & Amazonka, the Olympics’ opening and closing ceremony outfits of this team are intricately embroidered, with traditional Mongolian motifs all over them, not to mention the “Soyombo” symbol from the country’s flag. The outfits also incorporate the country’s national colours—blue, red, and gold. Although we are no one to predict the number of golds Mongolia will bag this Olympics, the Internet agrees that they have definitely won a gold in the category of the coolest uniforms to ever exist.

Rih-Volution in the air

Guess what? Rihanna is taking over from Charlize Theron as the face of Dior’s signature fragrance, J’Adore! Circle September 1 on your calendars because that’s when Rihanna’s first J’Adore campaign drops. In a statement, Rih spilled: “Being the new face of J’Adore is both an honour and a mission. This scent that I have known and loved for so long means so much to women. I am especially looking forward to joining this adventure and contributing to it through my world, my story, my roots, as well as mycreativity and my own femininity.” We’re beyond excited, but seriously, Rih—where is the album?!?

The great Indian wedding

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s extravagant wedding and pre-wedding events (yes, plural) caught everyone’s eye for various reasons but mostly because it was replete with all of Bollywood, as well as international celebrities (Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates, to name a few). The billionaire couple tied the knot on July 12, but the celebrations don’t end here. It is rumoured that their post-wedding bash will continue in London soon. What a time to be living vicariously through multi-billionaires!

I’m a Barbie girl, in an inclusive world 

Since 1959, Barbie’s been criticised for promoting unrealistic beauty standards. Mattel’s been on a mission to change that notion in fear of getting cancelled. On July 23, they launched a Barbie in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind, featuring a red-and-white cane, light-sensitive sunglasses, and a tactile-tested outfit. She’s joined by the first Black Barbie with down syndrome. Both Barbies join Mattel’s Fashionistas line and will be available in India starting August 2024—time to make some room in the dollhouse!

Time for a breather 

Alright, Adele fans, don’t shoot the messenger but this news might tug at your heartstrings. If you’ve been waiting for a new album since 30 in 2021, you’ll need to hold on a little (lot) longer. The British singer-songwriter recently revealed in an interview with a German media outlet that she will be taking a break from music following the end of her Weekends with Adele concert residency on November 23. Her exact words? “I want a big break after this and I think I want to do other creative things just for a
little while.”

Veep's writers called it 

It seems like the US politicians have taken a page from Veep’s playbook—every time something monumental happens in the White House, it has more often than not happened on the American political satire TV series. Like the episode in which the current president drops out of the presidential race, making way for the Vice President who ends up winning the race. President of the United States, Joe Biden declared in a letter on social media platform X that he is withdrawing his re-election bid, following disastrous debate performances. Biden endorsed VP Kamala Harris, who will now be running for president against Republican candidate Donald Trump. Uncanny similarity, isn’t it? Biden will, however, be staying on as the president until the end of his term in January 2025.

Lead image credit: Getty Images

This article originally appeared in the Cosmopolitan July-August 2024 issue.

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