The Biennial of Thought 2024 in Barcelona, organized by the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona, will feature a diverse range of activities focusing on democracy, sustainability, and cultural themes. Notable speakers include Nobel laureate Herta Müller, novelist Zadie Smith, and feminist scholar Oyèrónké Oyèwùmi. The event will explore topics such as fake news, postcolonialism, and the impact of tourism on housing. The Biennial aims to foster public reflection and debate on pressing global issues, coinciding with Barcelona's designation as the European Capital of Democracy.

Helena Martin, co-founder of RipeNearMe and a lifelong forager, shares insights on urban fruit foraging, including tips on what to bring, challenges faced, and where to find food. She emphasizes the joy of eating fresh fruit directly from the tree and the community aspect of foraging, such as sharing excess produce through food swaps. The article also highlights the importance of foraging responsibly to avoid disrupting natural environments and the addictive nature of tasting fresh, real fruit.

Recent cultural products and media reflections have centered on friendship, sparking debates on its significance and challenges. The article explores the complexities of maintaining friendships in adulthood, the pain of losing friends, and the societal shift from romantic love to friendship as a source of support. It highlights the emotional impact of friendship loss, the unrealistic expectations placed on friends, and the struggle to balance social connections with the demands of modern life. The discussion includes insights from various authors and cultural figures, emphasizing the need for collective support and community to combat loneliness.

Comedian Hasan Minhaj and his wife Beena Patel welcomed a baby boy last Thursday, bringing joy to their family amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Minhaj, known for his Netflix show 'Patriot Act' and his comedy tours, shared his happiness on Instagram, expressing hope despite current global challenges. The couple, who also have an almost two-year-old daughter, are taking precautions to ensure their newborn's safety. Minhaj's family life, often a subject of his comedy, is expected to inspire future content.

Tire prices are expected to rise due to increased production and commercialization costs. Juan Ramón Pérez, president of the Asociación Nacional de Distribuidores e Importadores de Neumáticos (Adine), emphasized the need for price adjustments to maintain profit margins. The sector faces challenges from economic slowdown, inflation, and rising costs of energy and raw materials. Antonio Garamendi, president of CEOE, praised the automotive sector's adaptability and its significant contribution to Spain's GDP.

Elon Musk predicts that Tesla's fully autonomous driving technology will be ready by the end of 2023, despite previous inaccurate forecasts. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Musk highlighted the advancements in Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems, which still require human oversight. He also mentioned Tesla's willingness to share its autonomous driving technology with other car manufacturers and praised China's capabilities in artificial intelligence development. Additionally, Musk noted that Tesla's humanoid robot for dangerous tasks is still in early development stages.

The article discusses the intersection of gordofòbia (fatphobia) and capitalism, arguing that societal pressures to be thin are deeply rooted in capitalist and patriarchal systems. It highlights the rights of fat people to live without shame and the harmful effects of aesthetic pressure. The text references various activists and authors who critique the societal norms that equate thinness with self-control and success, emphasizing that these pressures are a form of violence and control, particularly against women.

The Catalan youth have a dedicated agenda and objectives to achieve by 2030, as outlined in the newly presented National Youth Plan of Catalonia 2030 (PNJCat 2030) by the Department of Social Rights of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The plan, developed through extensive consultation and participation, aims to address key aspects of youth life such as housing, employment, health, and participation. It includes two action plans, with a significant budget and involvement from various government departments. The plan focuses on four main challenges: youth independence, well-being and quality of life, youth participation and protagonism, and equity and inclusion. Measures include financial aid for housing, employment support programs, mental health initiatives, and efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote inclusion. The plan emphasizes a rights-based approach and calls for collective action from social agents and the youth population.

Doraemon, the robotic cat from the 1969 series, provided early lessons on artificial intelligence to many children. The series highlighted both the benefits and potential pitfalls of AI, a theme explored in the exhibition 'IA: Intel·ligència Artificial' at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona. The exhibition, curated by Lluís Nacenta, addresses the dangers of AI, such as discrimination and privacy invasion, and features works by Joy Buolamwini and Carme Puche. It also showcases historical milestones in AI, including contributions from women scientists like Joan Clarke and Grace Hooper. The exhibition emphasizes the need for ethical considerations and inclusivity in AI development.

Chinese electric car manufacturer Nio has announced a new record of up to 1,100 kilometers of range for its upcoming models, surpassing even diesel engines. The new solid-state battery, developed by Beijing-based WeLion, offers a storage capacity of 150 kWh, significantly higher than the typical 50-70 kWh lithium-ion batteries. This innovation positions Nio ahead of high-end models like those from Lucid Motors. Despite its high production cost, Nio's president Qin Lihong assures that the battery will be affordable for customers, initially available for rent to mitigate the high purchase cost.