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The Iroquois Steeplechase in Tennessee opened Saturday with its traditional foxhound parade, as more than 20 trained hounds ran across the turf course to kick off the 85-year-old horse racing event before the main competitions for major purses began. While jockeys and horse owners competed on the grass track with hurdles for a total purse of $730,000, spectators cheered, took photos and recorded videos as the foxhounds led the opening spectacle of the day. 400-year-old ‘Hamlet’ thrives in TikTok era, from Taylor Swift to Oscars The foxhounds, specially trained to run alongside horses and hunters, were guided by huntsmen and whippers-in tasked with keeping them on course despite distractions from thousands of spectators, loudspeakers and tailgating food in the infield. Charles Montgomery, a master and huntsman with the Mells Foxhounds, recalled a hound that once strayed into beer tents and enjoyed the attention so much that she repeated the behaviour the following year and was later excluded from the race. Founded in 1941 as a Works Progress Administration project, the Iroquois Steeplechase is one of the premier American steeplechase events and is closely tied to fox hunting traditions from the British Isles, where horses were trained to jump obstacles while hunting. Trustee Stephen Heard said many fox hunting horses are former steeplechase runners. About 25,000 spectators attend, creating challenges for dogs adjusting to noise, smells and distractions.Handlers use experienced hounds to guide younger ones, while GPS collars ensure safety if dogs stray. Despite the pressure, organizers say the hounds enjoy the event and help showcase hunting traditions.

This year’s edition of the Venice Biennale opened Saturday under intense political tension and public protest, making it one of the most disputed editions in recent memory. The event began without awarding its traditional Golden Lion prizes after the jury resigned in protest over the participation of Israel and Russia. The departing jury argued that countries facing investigations by the International Criminal Court over alleged human rights violations should not take part. Critics, however, questioned why the United States was not included in that stance. British artist Anish Kapoor referred to the ongoing atmosphere as one shaped by “hate and war.” Instead of a formal jury selection, visitors to the Biennale’s Giardini and Arsenale venues will choose the winning national pavilion and best artist in the central exhibition through anonymous online voting inspired by the Eurovision system. Winners will be revealed on the exhibition’s closing day, Nov. 22. The opening was accompanied by demonstrations and unrest. Protesters opposing Israel’s participation clashed with police on Friday, while feminist activists from Ukraine and Russia gathered earlier in the week at the Russian Pavilion. Palestinian groups also held memorials for artists killed in Gaza. Koyo Kouoh’s “In Minor Keys” Highlights Marginalized VoicesThe central exhibition, titled In Minor Keys, opens with a large red feathered sculpture inspired by New Orleans Black Masking traditions rooted in African heritage. The exhibition centers on overlooked and minority perspectives. Curated originally by the late Koyo Kouoh — the first African woman selected to lead the Biennale’s main exhibition — the show features 110 artists and collectives. After Kouoh’s death last year, five co-curators completed her vision. Co-curator Marie Helene Pereira said Kouoh believed in creating spaces where all artists could be seen and appreciated. Lubaina Himid Examines Migration and BelongingAt the British Pavilion, Lubaina Himid presents Predicting History: Testing Translation, a collection of vividly colored paintings exploring the experience of settling in unfamiliar places. One work depicts two architects debating whether to create a lasting monument or build something temporary that allows escape if needed. Himid, born in Zanzibar and raised in Britain, uses the exhibition to reflect on identity, migration and adaptation. Vatican Pavilion Offers Reflection Through Music and NatureThe Vatican’s contribution transforms the Mystic Gardens near Venice’s main railway station into a contemplative space focused on spirituality and peace. Visitors wander through vineyards and herb gardens while listening through headphones to reinterpretations of music by medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen, reimagined by artists including Brian Eno and Patti Smith. Rev. Ermanno Barucco described the installation as an invitation for visitors to reconnect with themselves through music and reflection. Austrian Pavilion Pushes Boundaries With Provocative PerformancesThe Austrian Pavilion, created by artist Florentina Holzinger, quickly became one of the Biennale’s most talked-about attractions. One performance features a naked woman suspended from a bell tower, while another shows a nude rider circling on a Jet Ski inside a water tank — a commentary on Venice’s transformation into an overcrowded tourist destination. Another installation includes a woman submerged in filtered wastewater from nearby toilets, part of the exhibition titled Seaworld Venice. Israeli Pavilion Promotes Dialogue Over BoycottRomanian-born Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru created an installation centered on themes of compassion, resilience and coexistence. Water slowly drips into a pool in timed intervals symbolizing spiritual concepts from Jewish mysticism. Locks engraved with the phrase “Love thy neighbor as thyself” hang around the pavilion, accompanied by the message “This too shall pass.” Fainaru criticized the jury’s decision to exclude Israel from awards consideration, calling it discriminatory and arguing in favor of dialogue rather than boycotts. Estonian Pavilion Celebrates Everyday FeminismIn the Estonian Pavilion, artist Merike Estna will continue painting a large mural throughout the Biennale inside a former church that now serves as a community gymnasium. Her evolving artwork emphasizes the repetitive, often unrecognized labor traditionally associated with women. Curator Natalia Sielewicz described the project as a representation of everyday feminism and the ongoing work of sustaining both life and society.

More than 400 years after its creation, Hamlet is enjoying renewed global popularity, appearing across film, theatre, music and social media. A National Theatre production starring Hiran Abeysekera is running at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, while a London-set film adaptation features Riz Ahmed. Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins has also drawn attention on TikTok with performances of Hamlet’s famous soliloquy. The play’s influence extends further. The film “Hamnet,” inspired by its origins, won Jessie Buckley an Oscar, while Taylor Swift topped the Billboard chart with a song linked to Ophelia. Eddie Izzard is touring a solo stage version worldwide. Huge ice block, rising costs fail to stop Everest climbers this season New interpretations continue to emerge, including productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Teatro La Plaza, the latter featuring actors with Down syndrome. Scholars say the play resonates today due to its exploration of anxiety and moral uncertainty. Filmmaker Aneil Karia has also reimagined the story in modern London, reflecting contemporary political unease. Directors and performers say the enduring appeal of “Hamlet” lies in its adaptability, with each new production offering fresh meaning for modern audiences.

Hundreds of climbers are preparing to scale Mount Everest despite the danger posed by a massive unstable ice block on the route and rising travel and permit costs. About 464 climbers, along with a similar number of Nepali guides, are now at Everest base camp waiting for the short period of favorable weather expected this month to begin their climb to the world’s highest peak, which stands nearly 8,850 meters high. Climbers started arriving at the 5,300-meter-high base camp last month. However, their progress was delayed for more than two weeks because of a huge unstable block of ice, known as a serac, hanging dangerously above the main climbing route. The elite “Icefall doctors” assigned by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee usually complete the climbing route by mid-April by fixing ropes and placing aluminum ladders over deep crevasses. This year, however, the route through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall was only opened on April 29. The committee also warned climbers that the cracked serac could collapse at any moment and urged expedition teams to be extremely careful. The newly prepared route passes below the unstable ice block, which remains a major concern for climbers and guides. The Khumbu Icefall is considered one of the most difficult sections of the Everest climb because of its constantly moving glacier, deep crevasses and massive hanging ice formations, some as large as 10-story buildings. A similar falling serac triggered a deadly avalanche in 2014 that killed 16 Nepali guides and workers. Veteran mountain guide Lukas Furtenbach, who is leading a large expedition team this year, said the risk is serious. “Anyone who says they are not concerned is either inexperienced or not paying attention,” he said from base camp. He added that this year’s route is more exposed and difficult than last year’s in some sections because climbers must pass under unstable ice formations. To reduce risk, Furtenbach said his team is carrying lighter loads, limiting time spent in dangerous areas and relying heavily on experienced Sherpa guides for safety decisions. Other expedition companies are also warning climbers to move carefully, especially during warmer afternoon hours when melting ice increases the risk of collapse.   António Guterres visited Nepal’s mountains in 2023 and warned about the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers caused by climate change and global warming. Despite concerns over safety, the Iran conflict and rising travel expenses, climbing activity remains strong this season, according to expedition organizer Ang Tshering Sherpa. He said the number of climbers from the United States and Europe has dropped, while more climbers from Asian countries are joining Everest expeditions. China has closed the northern route to Everest this year, forcing all climbers to attempt the ascent from Nepal’s southern side. Thousands of climbers have successfully reached Everest’s summit since it was first conquered on May 29, 1953, by New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay.

Tucked away in Kerala’s Malappuram district, the quiet village of Kodinhi appears like any other rural settlement at first sight. But a closer look reveals an unusual pattern that has long fascinated visitors and researchers alike — an unusually high number of twins. Over the years, Kodinhi has gained global recognition as India’s “Twin Town”, where nearly 20 percent of the population are twins. In a country that generally records one of the lowest twin birth rates in the world, the village stands out as a rare demographic mystery. The village has recently returned to online attention following a widely circulated advertising campaign by e-commerce platform Flipkart. The campaign creatively builds on Kodinhi’s identity, imagining a world where everything comes in pairs, using the village’s real-life phenomenon as a metaphor for “double” value and offers. The concept has been widely appreciated on social media, with users praising its humour and originality. One user commented, “Very creative, with genuinely good jokes. They hit a home run with this concept.” A village defined by twinsKodinhi’s statistics remain extraordinary. In a community of around 2,000 families, there are an estimated 400 to 550 pairs of twins. The twin birth rate is reported at 42 to 45 per 1,000 births, far higher than India’s national average of about 4 to 9 per 1,000. What makes the phenomenon more striking is its consistency. The trend has continued for at least six to seven decades, with new twin births recorded every year. Locals also note a curious pattern — women born in Kodinhi who move elsewhere after marriage reportedly still give birth to twins, adding further intrigue to the mystery. Scientific mystery remains unsolvedDespite repeated studies by Indian and international researchers, the reason behind Kodinhi’s unusually high twin birth rate remains unclear. Scientists have explored possible environmental influences, including water composition and diet, but no consistent factor has been identified. Unlike some regions such as Nigeria’s Igbo-Ora, where specific dietary habits are linked to twin births, Kodinhi shows no such clear correlation. Genetics has also been considered a possible explanation, but researchers have yet to identify any specific gene responsible for the high rate of twins. Studies have also ruled out pollution, chemicals, lifestyle factors, and supernatural explanations suggested in local folklore. Despite the lack of scientific consensus, the phenomenon continues. A community that embraces its identityMany residents view twins as a blessing and attribute the phenomenon to divine favour. These beliefs coexist with ongoing scientific curiosity about the village. To better document and support this unique identity, locals formed the Twins and Kins Association (TAKA) in 2008. The group helps track twin births, supports families, and collaborates with researchers studying the phenomenon. #From NDTV

A rare “rainbow cloud” phenomenon captivated residents in Indonesia last week, with videos and photos quickly spreading across social media. The unusual sight sparked widespread curiosity, as users debated whether it was a natural occurrence, a symbol of good fortune, or something more mysterious. The iridescent clouds were seen over parts of Bekasi and Bogor, including Jonggol, where footage showed patches of sky glowing in shades of pink, green and blue. The clips drew millions of views, with many describing the scene as “breathtaking” and “otherworldly.” However, not everyone was convinced. Some social media users questioned the authenticity of the visuals, while others speculated about alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories. The authenticity of the viral videos could not be independently verified. According to local reports, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the phenomenon is both real and natural. Officials explained that it is linked to atmospheric optics. The vibrant colours are caused by cloud iridescence—often referred to as “rainbow clouds” or “fire rainbows.” This occurs when sunlight interacts with tiny, evenly sized water droplets or ice crystals in thin clouds, bending and separating light into different colours to create a shimmering effect. Online, the videos attracted significant engagement, generating tens of thousands of views and thousands of reactions. Many users praised the striking visuals, while others remained skeptical or offered alternative interpretations of the phenomenon. Source NDTV

Croatia is preparing for its busy summer tourism season, but rising fuel prices and global tensions linked to the Iran conflict are creating uncertainty for the industry. Dubrovnik’s historic old town is already crowded with visitors from around the world, usually a sign of a strong season ahead. But officials say this year’s outlook is less predictable. Tourism is a key pillar of Croatia’s economy, heavily reliant on foreign visitors. While arrivals have increased so far, authorities warn that higher fuel costs could push up airfares and slow travel demand in the coming months. Miro Draskovic, head of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, said the US market remains stable, but some Australian tourists are facing difficulties travelling to Europe. “The situation is very challenging, and we are monitoring developments closely every day,” he said. Despite concerns, early indicators are positive. Dubrovnik Airport reported a 13 percent increase in passenger numbers during the Easter period compared to last year. The city remains lively, with busy streets and tourist boats along the coast. Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its medieval architecture, seaside setting and historic landmarks. Its popularity surged further after being featured in the television series “Game of Thrones.” However, the city could be more vulnerable than other parts of Croatia if the fuel crisis worsens, as about 80 percent of its visitors arrive by air. Airport spokesperson Marina Ruso Mileusnic said officials are approaching the upcoming season with caution, despite connections to around 70 global destinations. Forecasts remain mixed. Earlier in April, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol warned Europe could face a major jet fuel shortage within weeks. But this week, EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said there is no clear evidence of such shortages and encouraged people to continue planning holidays. Some travellers are already adjusting. Singapore-based businessman Ramon Padiernos said he had to switch airlines due to the Middle East situation but still travelled to Dubrovnik. “People may feel the impact of higher oil prices, but most still go ahead with their travel plans,” he said. Beyond tourism, the energy crisis has also pushed up inflation in Croatia, which reached 5.8 percent in April, among the highest in the European Union. Croatia welcomed nearly 22 million tourists last year. Out of about 110 million overnight stays in 2025, Dubrovnik alone accounted for more than 4 million, according to official data. Draskovic said hopes remain that conditions will stabilise soon. Until then, he said authorities will continue working day by day to ensure the best possible tourism season.

China’s southern island province of Hainan has recorded strong growth in offshore duty-free shopping over the past 15 years, with total sales reaching 286.4 billion yuan, according to local customs authorities. The sales volume includes around 347 million items since the policy was introduced in April 2011 to boost tourism and consumer spending. Over the years, the policy has been revised and improved several times to expand its scope and attract more shoppers. At present, Hainan has 12 offshore duty-free stores operating across the island, reflecting the steady expansion of the programme.

More than three decades after 13 priceless artworks were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990, the case remains unsolved, with the missing pieces now valued at over $500 million. The robbery is still considered the largest art theft in history, far exceeding other museum heists. In 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it had identified those responsible but never publicly named them, keeping speculation alive. A former FBI investigator, Geoffrey Kelly, has now shared new details in his book “Thirteen Perfect Fugitives,” outlining how authorities tracked the stolen artworks through criminal networks. He also identified suspects he believes were involved and revisited key evidence, challenging long-held theories. The museum itself was designed to remain unchanged after the death of its founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner, in 1924. Today, the empty frames of the stolen paintings still hang on the walls as a reminder of the crime. The theft took place in the early hours of March 18, 1990, shortly after St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Two men posing as police officers tricked security guards into letting them inside. They tied up the guards and stole several major works, including paintings by Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt, along with pieces by Edgar Degas and Édouard Manet. The thieves also took a decorative Napoleonic eagle finial and security tapes, puzzling investigators. The museum later offered a reward, eventually raising it to $10 million, for information leading to the recovery of the artworks. Over the years, investigators followed numerous leads, including possible links to the Irish Republican Army and Boston’s underworld figures such as Whitey Bulger. Agents even carried out undercover operations abroad, but none led to the recovery of the paintings. The case has been complicated by violence. Several individuals suspected of having links to the robbery were killed or died under unclear circumstances. Among them was Robert “Bobby” Donati, a known mob associate, who was found murdered in 1991. Another suspect, George Reissfelder, also died under suspicious conditions, and a painting believed to have been in his possession later disappeared. Investigators believe the crime may have been connected to a local criminal network in Boston, but a lack of solid evidence made it difficult to bring charges. Limited resources in the early stages of the investigation also slowed progress, as authorities were focused on other major crimes at the time. There were also suspicions about a possible insider role. One museum guard, Rick Abath, was questioned after reportedly opening a door against protocol shortly before the robbery. However, no charges were filed, and he denied any involvement before his death in 2024. Kelly described the missing artworks as “perfect fugitives,” noting that unlike people, they leave no trace and can remain hidden for decades. Despite many false leads over the years, including sightings in private homes and antique shops, none of the stolen pieces have been recovered. Because the artworks are so well known, experts say selling them openly is nearly impossible. While stealing them may have been easy, turning a profit remains the biggest challenge. Still, Kelly believes the paintings are likely still out there and could one day resurface.

Japan begins its day with a long-standing fitness routine known as Radio Taiso, a simple and energetic exercise programme that has become part of daily life and is often linked to the country’s high life expectancy. Every morning at 6:30, radio broadcasts play music along with step-by-step instructions for light exercises. Millions of people follow the routine in parks, schools, offices and at home, moving together in a shared rhythm. The practice dates back nearly a century, having been introduced in 1928 during the time of Emperor Hirohito. Its lasting popularity comes from its simplicity and accessibility, as the exercises are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The routine includes basic movements such as stretching upward, twisting the body, bending at the waist, swinging the arms and light jogging or jumping in place. It lasts about 10 minutes and can be done at any intensity, depending on the participant’s ability. The programme is divided into short segments that gradually become slightly more challenging. Participants perform a series of arm movements, waist bends, shoulder lifts, small jumps and marching steps, along with neck stretches and light squats. Each movement is repeated several times, with reminders to breathe slowly and relax. Beyond physical fitness, Radio Taiso also serves as a social activity, especially for older people. In Tokyo’s Kiba Park, groups gather regularly to exercise together. Mieko Kobayashi, 88, said she attends almost every day unless the weather is bad. “By moving my body, I feel better,” she said. Her friend Yoshiko Nagao, 77, noted that many participants live alone, making the daily gathering an important social connection. “Laughing and chatting while taking a walk after the exercise is also good,” she said. “We come even on New Year’s Day.” Kenji Iguchi, 83, who has been joining for about two decades, said the routine helps him stay active. “It’s for my joints, mainly the knees and back, because of my age,” he said, adding that meeting familiar faces is something he looks forward to every day. Japan is known for having one of the world’s longest life expectancies, averaging around 85 years, supported by healthy diets, quality healthcare and active lifestyles. Government data shows a record number of people aged 100 or older, with nearly 100,000 centenarians currently living in the country. Interestingly, Radio Taiso has its roots in the United States. It was inspired by a similar programme promoted by an insurance company in the 1920s. Japanese officials later brought the idea home, where it quickly spread nationwide. The routine was briefly banned after World War II during the US occupation, as group exercises were seen as having militaristic elements. However, it returned in 1951 due to strong public demand. Today, more than 20 million people in Japan take part in Radio Taiso at least once a week, according to a recent survey. The tradition has also spread abroad, particularly in Brazil, home to a large Japanese community.