Jeff Bezos wedding with Lauren Sanchez in Venice: 'No Space for Bezos' protests force Amazon founder to change celebrity party venue
Mass tourism, impossibly high rents, worker exploitation, inequality and elitism: Venice, Italy's protests in recent days against Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's high-profile wedding have highlighted growing global grievances. "No Space for Bezos" banners draped over the iconic Rialto Bridge and a huge canvas laid out on St Mark's Square urging the tech billionaire to pay more taxes have been seen all over the world. Concerns of greater disruptions forced Bezos and his bride to move their final and biggest celebrity party from the central district to a more isolated venue in the eastern part of the lagoon city, as per a report.
No Space for Bezos
"The idea that the city should be seen as a set, a stage, or an amusement park has been highlighted like never before by Bezos' wedding," Tommaso Cacciari, a frontman for the No Space for Bezos movement, told Reuters.
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In the final protest on Saturday, around 1,000 residents and activists rallied in front of Venice's train station under a scorching sun, before marching roughly 1.5 kilometres (0.93 miles) to the Rialto Bridge.
They carried banners including one proclaiming 'Kisses yes, Bezos no', playing on Venice's reputation as the city of love, and another one saying 'No space for Bezos' with a rocket, in a reference to his Blue Origin space technology company.
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Venetian businesses and politicians, however, welcomed the event, hailing its major boost for the local economy. Luca Zaia, the regional governor of Veneto around Venice, said the city should be proud of hosting the wedding.
Protesters call Jeff Bezos 'hypocrite'
Bezos and Sanchez have given 1 million euros each to three Venetian institutions: CORILA, an academic consortium that studies the lagoon, UNESCO's local office, and Venice International University. Protesters have called Bezos a 'hypocrite' for donating 3 million euros ($3.5 million) to Venice while flooding its fragile ecosystem with high-polluting private jets and yachts.
In Italy, the e-commerce giant has faced criticism and strikes from trade unions over labour practices, and scrutiny over tax compliance. Reuters reported in February that Italian prosecutors were investigating alleged tax evasion worth 1.2 billion.
Venice Faces Cost of Living Crisis
Venice is rapidly depopulating, largely because of the cost of living crisis. Its historic city centre now has fewer than 50,000 residents, compared to more than 100,000 some 50 years ago.
The city has hosted scores of other VIP weddings, including that of actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Amazon founder?
A1. Amazon founder is Jeff Bezos.
Q2. What is current situation in Venice?
A2. Venice is rapidly depopulating, largely because of the cost of living crisis. Its historic city centre now has fewer than 50,000 residents, compared to more than 100,000 some 50 years ago.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
The silence of the reels: Why Hindi cinema never faced the Emergency
Power games: The few filmmakers who did deal with the subject, either directly or indirectly, faced bans and attacks For an industry that prides itself on chronicling the nation's struggles, Hindi cinema's silence about the Emergency is more revealing than any film could ever be. The 21 months between June 1975 and March 1977, when Indira Gandhi suspended civil liberties, censored the press, and jailed thousands without trial, were arguably the most consequential in India's modern political history. Yet, in the decades since, Hindi cinema—the self-appointed mirror of Indian society—has barely mustered a smudge to reflect it. This conspicuous absence did not arise from creative oversight or timidity alone. In the early decades of Independence, popular cinema was never truly free. Nehruvian socialism shaped public policy and the ideological contours of the industry. The so-called golden triumvirate—Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand—crafted personas that echoed Pandit Nehru's vision of the self-sacrificing, morally upright everyman. Dilip Kumar's dialogue seemed like leftovers from Nehru's speeches, Dev Anand's rebellious charm served the establishment's romantic socialism, and Raj Kapoor's everyman heroes peddled idealism to the masses. Such intimacy with power set the template. The state could inspire cinema, but never the other way around. When that same state turned authoritarian, the industry found itself unprepared and unwilling to challenge it. In the Emergency years, the machinery of coercion extended directly into the corridors of Bombay. V C Shukla, Indira's information & broadcasting minister, became infamous for exerting his influence over the film industry. Wielding the Maintenance of Internal Security Act like a scythe through the industry, the political establishment wasn't breaking new ground—it was merely weaponising an existing dependency. Kishore Kumar, the mercurial genius whose voice had soundtracked a generation's dreams, was banned from All India Radio and Doordarshan for refusing to perform at a Youth Congress rally. Dev Anand, tricked into attending a Sanjay Gandhi event and asked to praise his 'dynamism', found his films blacklisted when he refused to comply. When he sought an explanation from the I&B Minister, he was told with chilling matter-of-factness that it was 'a good thing to speak for the govt in power.' Shatrughan Sinha , then one of cinema's busiest stars, saw his films banned for the cardinal sin of supporting Jayaprakash Narayan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Unwelcoming Countries in the World, Ranked BigGlobalTravel Undo Gulzar's 'Aandhi', merely suspected of drawing inspiration from Indira Gandhi's life, while most argued it'd taken a few chapters from the life of Tarkeshwari Sinha, was banned for the duration of the Emergency, releasing only after the Janata victory restored a semblance of democratic normalcy. 'Maha Chor' starring Rajesh Khanna casually inserted a 'Vote for Congress' graffiti into a musical sequence. Most telling was the fate of Amrit Nahata's 'Kissa Kursi Ka', a political satire that dared to mock the Emergency's absurdities. All prints of the film were destroyed allegedly by Sanjay Gandhi at a factory in Gurgaon. This was not subtext—it was brazen collusion between art and authority. Yet what happened after the Emergency lifted reveals the true depths of the industry's moral bankruptcy. When the time came to reckon with the period—its absurdities, its tragedies, its moral squalor—Hindi cinema fell silent. There was an almost immediate return to sycophantic normalcy. Feroz Khan's 'Qurbani' (1980), the biggest hit of the year when Indira Gandhi returned, opened with a short film eulogising Sanjay Gandhi, narrated by Khan himself as he dedicated his film to the memory of the 'Prince' and bowed in reverence to the 'Mother'. If films between 1977 and 1980 did not address the Emergency, to expect that to happen after Indira Gandhi returned would perhaps be hoping for a miracle. This wasn't just political calculation—it was the instinctive reaction of an industry that had learned to worship power. Some filmmakers attempted to address the Emergency but it was often through the refuge of allegory—Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 'Kotwal Saab' and 'Khubsoorat' chose not to cast a direct look; the latter managed to justify the Emergency as a necessary evil. Mukherjee's 'Naram Garam' gave Hindi cinema's smartest comment on the era in the form of a nervous joke — Om Prakash, told to hurry because of some emergency, haplessly comments, 'Phir se?' While not Hindi cinema, Satyajit Ray's 'Hirak Rajar Deshe' and Jabbar Patel's 'Jait Re Jait', used the same route. Parallel cinema, too, largely skirted the challenge and despite their social conscience, filmmakers preferred the microcosm to the macro. Over the years, some films such as 'Ghashiram Kotwal' based on a Vijay Tendulkar play and directed by K. Hariharan, Mani Kaul, Kamal Swaroop, Saeed Mirza were cited as a film about the Emergency. However, it was written in 1972 as a response to the rise of a local political party in Maharashtra. There are structural reasons for this reticence. Hindi cinema has always struggled with ambiguity, preferring neat endings where heroes redeem all. The Emergency, by contrast, offered no catharsis—only a nation capitulating to authoritarianism without resistance. The definitive Emergency film still eludes the screen even as we enter the fiftieth year of the Emergency. The exceptions remain sparse: Sudhir Mishra's 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi' would not arrive until 2005, nearly three decades later. Even then, it couched its indictment within the personal journeys of three idealistic young people, careful not to indict the broader complicity of society. Even today the few who try to confront the past are harassed —Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Indu Sarkar' provoked shrill attacks and legal threats simply for attempting a fictionalised retelling. The Emergency may have ended in 1977, but its most lasting victory was psychological: the creation of a cultural establishment that polices itself more effectively than any censor ever could. Perhaps it was simpler to pretend nothing happened. After all, if cinema cannot process a trauma, maybe the nation never really did. (Chintamani is a film historian and author)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Weekly Horoscope, June 29 to July 5, 2025: Read weekly astrological predictions
Your weekly horoscope is here to provide you with the insight and guidance you need to navigate the ups and downs of life. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you. Aries This week brings positive planetary support. The challenges of last week will fade, making it a favorable time to resume delayed projects. Luck will be on your side, especially in terms of business gains. Your efforts may finally be recognized and rewarded. You might plan a spiritual journey or take a work-related trip. There's also a chance you'll feel inclined to donate to charity or help someone in need. Real estate ventures could get underway. Towards the weekend, you'll continue to feel uplifted by positive energy. Your income sources may increase, improving your savings. You'll be able to draft and implement new business plans effectively. Children's health will improve, and students may find it easier to focus on studies. Long-term investments could yield promising returns. Taurus This week may present challenges. Projects may stall unexpectedly, and you could face financial losses. Avoid new business investments or risky ventures, as they may turn unprofitable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Steer clear of disputes, as they could lead to unnecessary trouble. Health issues may arise, but blessings from elders could offer protection. Maintain peace at home and avoid conflicts in your romantic life. From June 30 onwards, situations may stabilize. Self-reflection and study can help you find solutions. As the week ends, work pressure may increase, possibly leading to fatigue and time away from family. Despite this, support from siblings may bring some relief. Couples may consider marriage, with family involvement. Job seekers could receive good news through friends. Educational achievements for children and news of pregnancy may bring joy to families. Gemini This week brings happiness and harmony, especially in family and business matters. You'll feel mentally peaceful and physically healthier. Domestic responsibilities will keep you occupied, and your bond with your spouse may grow stronger. A potential business partnership could develop, and swift decisions at work may lead to gains. Investments in government-linked assets may bring profit. Be cautious of kidney or digestion-related health issues. After June 30, you may feel a dip in energy and face anxiety. Avoid high-speed travel and risky outings. Later in the week, you'll gain respect from elders and expand your social or professional network. New opportunities may arise at work, and a short trip or family visit is possible. Expect positive work developments, including a potential promotion or leadership role. Cancer You'll feel the blessings of positive planetary influences this week. Health improves, profits increase, and expenses reduce—boosting your finances. You'll outsmart hidden rivals and may win ongoing legal battles. Recognition at work could lead to rewards or a promotion. Business disputes may settle, paving the way for growth. Romantic moments with your spouse will enhance emotional connection. However, the weekend may be less pleasant. Fatigue and sensitivity may increase, and health may decline slightly. Watch out for hidden adversaries and avoid arguments or controversies. Your focus may be scattered, so delay major decisions. Couples should avoid conflicts. By the weekend, particularly Saturday afternoon, things will settle, possibly leading to a family visit to a spiritual place for peace and clarity. Leo Positive planets will boost your strength, health, and financial prospects this week. Your decision-making improves, and you may spend more on loved ones. New investments in property are likely. However, try to control your pride, as it may harm personal relationships. You may consider pursuing higher education to advance your career. Love life remains satisfying, and students or job seekers may receive good news. Later in the week, blessings from elders may uplift your spirit. Acts of charity may bring fulfillment. Self-reflection helps strengthen your bond with your partner. Business disputes may be resolved, and students will gain clarity in academic decisions. The last day of the week could be stressful—avoid speeding and adventurous activities. Don't engage in petty arguments, as they may backfire. Virgo This week may be testing, as negative planetary influences cause professional delays and obstacles. Patience is key. Take care of your parents and avoid hasty decisions, especially in finances. Rely on intuition and seek advice from elders before making major choices. If planning to buy a house or car, it's better to postpone for now. A move or relocation may be on your mind. In the latter half of the week, work-related responsibilities will increase. Previously stuck finances may get released. You'll gain an edge over business competitors, and new opportunities may emerge in your career. Relations with seniors improve. Chronic health issues may begin to heal, and children's health will also show positive signs. Libra This week, your hard work begins to pay off. Conflicts with relatives may be resolved, and you might go on a short business or work-related trip that proves beneficial. Support from siblings and subordinates will help in making crucial decisions. Job seekers could receive promising offers, and positive academic results are expected for children. However, from June 30 onwards, you might experience dizziness or a lack of focus. Toward the end of the week, things begin to stabilize. Past investments may yield returns, and previously withheld funds could be released. Health issues related to children or family members may start to improve. You'll use your wisdom to resolve disputes in a joint business. Support from your superiors can aid project growth. Lovebirds are advised to be honest with each other to avoid misunderstandings. Scorpio This week brings favorable planetary influences. You'll feel more focused and confident, which enhances your status. Communication skills will help you solve issues effectively. Financially, a balance between income and expenses will help improve your savings. Maintain healthy eating habits to avoid minor issues. Romantic relationships may receive family support, and students can expect positive outcomes. Watch for throat, ear, eye, or respiratory discomfort. In the latter part of the week, you'll find renewed momentum in professional pursuits. You may receive strong support from subordinates, and opportunities for financial gain are likely. Job seekers might secure desirable roles, and students may perform well. Smart investment choices can improve your financial position. Singles could meet their soulmate, and relationships may progress toward marriage. Sagittarius This week, positive planetary energy enhances your strength and vitality. You'll enjoy harmony at both work and home. Recognition from your community or workplace may come your way, and business relations will strengthen. Your spiritual inclination will help guide professional decisions. Significant changes in your current job are possible, and job seekers may find new opportunities. At home, avoid arrogance to maintain relationship harmony. You may also spend on home repairs. The end of the week looks promising. You may connect with an influential figure, opening doors for business or career growth. Issues with siblings may be resolved, and a family visit to a spiritual place could offer new insights. You may contribute to a religious or charitable cause. Family harmony will be strong. However, on the last day, manage your expectations to avoid disappointment. Blessings from elders could help you overcome feelings of anxiety. Capricorn This week may begin with emotional unrest. You might feel low or frustrated, and health issues for yourself or your parents may arise. Be cautious with spending—money could be wasted on unwise purchases. You may become irritable, so practice restraint in speech. Love relationships may face strain, possibly leading to separation if not handled with care. In the latter part of the week, you'll be occupied with household matters and your children's education. A short trip related to academic matters is likely. Children's health might cause stress, but elder support will help you manage. Disruptions in personal life are possible, so keep ego in check. In joint business ventures, avoid arguments over trivial matters—your patience will be key in resolving tensions. Aquarius This week, planetary blessings bring optimism and clarity. Your focus on goals will sharpen, allowing for quicker and more rewarding decisions. You'll apply innovative ideas in business and may consider further investments for future growth. Financial liquidity improves. On the home front, you'll work towards resolving family disputes. Later in the week, your energy and health remain strong. Your planning abilities will be sharp, but take care when signing documents—enthusiasm could lead to oversight. On the final day, you'll successfully manage hidden rivals and challenges. Support from your boss will boost your confidence. At home, you'll strive to maintain peace by staying engaged in productive tasks. Lovebirds should avoid ego-driven conflicts to maintain relationship stability. Pisces This week keeps you busy with career and business goals. Your professional network will prove beneficial in implementing your plans. Family members will support your important decisions. You'll also be able to overcome competition and resolve hidden conflicts. Singles may meet someone special, and couples may make significant decisions about marriage, possibly with friends' help. However, the final days of the week may be less pleasant. You might feel restless, unmotivated, or anxious. Health concerns could arise, and your energy might be misdirected toward unproductive tasks. Despite the challenges, a visit to a spiritual place could offer peace and clarity. The guidance of elders will help you find your way through this difficult phase. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Bengal jute industry frets over import ban through land ports
1 2 Kolkata: The ban imposed on the import of raw jute through land ports by the Union commerce ministry will cripple the sector in Bengal, leaders of the jute industry said on Saturday. Around 90% of jute-related manufacturing occurs in Bengal. The Indian Jute Manufacturers' Association (IJMA), the umbrella body representing the industry, plans to reach out to the ministry urgently, seeking a modification in the notification so that raw jute and yarn can continue to be imported through Petrapole in North 24 Parganas. "India annually imports around Rs 2,000 crore of jute and jute products from Bangladesh. Value addition is done in Bengal and finished jute products are then re-exported. The govt should ban the import of finished products from Bangladesh as the govt there provides a huge subsidy to the industry. But the ban on raw materials will hurt the industry here. Importing jute bales and yarns through the Nhava Sheva sea port in Navi Mumbai will increase the cost and drive away the relative price advantage that companies manufacturing jute products enjoy in this region," said Hemant Bangur, chairman of Gloster Ltd, one of the leading jute companies in India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Kartik Chakraborty, secretary of Customs Clearing Agent Association, Petrapole, said jute items comprised 60% of the trucks that crossed the border into India from Bangladesh. "After the Bangladeshi garment import ban through land ports was announced on May 17, the number of trucks that entered India reduced from 150-200 a day to 70-80 daily. Now, with the ban on jute products, only 15-20 trucks will arrive. Around 50 trucks, loaded with jute-related items and were about to cross the border on Friday when the notification came, turned back on Saturday," Chakraborty recounted. A ban has been imposed on imports of certain jute products and woven fabrics through all land routes, citing strained relations between the two countries. The goods under these curbs include jute products, flax tow and waste, jute and other bast fibres, jute, single flax yarn, single yarn of jute, multiple folded, woven fabrics or flex and unbleached woven fabrics of jute. Ghanshyam Sarda, chairman of Sarda Group, which owns Agarpara Jute Mill, said the circular requires further clarification. "While it states that the import of jute and other textile-based fabrics is restricted, it does not explicitly specify whether hessian and sacking bags fall within the scope of this restriction. It is a matter of serious concern that the import of hessian fabric and jute bags continues to remain unrestricted, whereas the import of raw jute from Bangladesh — an essential input for domestic manufacturing and vital to addressing the raw jute shortage in India — has been placed under restriction. We are hopeful the Centre will revisit the matter and take appropriate corrective action in due course," he said.
