Culture

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, of "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" and "‘Gossip Girl", passes aged 39

Melting Swiss Glacier produces beautiful Caves

In Eastern Switzerland, caves are being produced by torrential meltwater as it carves out tunnels in a glacier. And keen adventurers are taking advantage of the potentially dangerous and short-lived beauty before they completely disappear.

Roberta Flack, Grammy Award-winning singer, dead at 88

New York, February 24, 2025 – Roberta Flack, the iconic singer known for her soulful renditions of classics such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has died at the age of 88. Flack passed away Monday at her home, surrounded by family, according to a statement from her publicist.

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2025: A celebration of excellence in film and television

The 2025 SAG Awards honoured top performances in film and television, with Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Kieran Culkin among the key winners, celebrating outstanding talent across drama and comedy.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer seeks to quit defense team ahead of human trafficking trial

Anthony Ricco, one of Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorneys, has filed to step down from the legal team ahead of his upcoming human trafficking trial, citing an inability to continue effectively representing the hip-hop mogul.

Apple withdraws advanced data protection tool at UK's request

Apple has removed its advanced data protection tool for UK users after the government demanded access to encrypted data, raising concerns about user privacy and security.

Restoration work on China's Centuries-old treasures

China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.

The 14th Sharjah Light Festival showcases art visuals

The 14th Sharjah Light Festival is lighting up Sharjah, UAE, with a stunning fusion of technology and cultural heritage.

James Bond producers hand over control to Amazon

Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli, long term producers of the British spy thriller James Bond have stepped down from their respective positions.

Pharaoh’s long-lost tomb reveals secrets of ancient Egypt

Egyptologists have made a historic discovery—the first royal tomb uncovered since Tutankhamun’s in 1922. A British-Egyptian team has found the long-lost burial site of Pharaoh Thutmose II in Luxor, solving a major archaeological mystery.

Netherlands set to return 'stolen' Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

Netherlands has become the latest European country to return artefacts to Africa after it signed an agreement pledging to return 119 'stolen' historical artefacts to Nigeria after extensive consultation with its Colonial collections committee.

Rick Buckler, The Jam’s Drummer, Passes Away at 69

Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, has died at 69, his former bandmate Paul Weller confirmed.

2,000-Year-Old Roman Basilica Uncovered in London’s Financial District

Archaeologists in London’s financial district have uncovered a massive section of Roman masonry, revealing the remains of a nearly 2,000-year-old town hall—one of the most significant finds in the city since an ancient amphitheater was discovered in the 1980s.

Istanbul's cats: the city's cultural icons

Türkiye's history isn’t just in its landmarks—it lives in its beloved stray cats. These furry friends have become an enduring symbol of Istanbul's culture and charm.

BAFTA film awards ceremony takes place in London

The BAFTA awards ceremony took place in London, recognising outstanding achievements in film. The Conclave won Best Film, while Brady Corbet received Best Director for The Brutalist. Mikey Madison and Adrien Brody took home the top acting honours.

Sri Lanka celebrates Navam Perahera festival

Thousands of visitors gathered in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, to see the spectacular annual spiritual festival. The streets came alive with elephants, vibrant lights, energetic dancers, and a display of tradition - making it a night to remember.

Warner Bros to open Harry Potter Studio Tour in Shanghai by 2027

Warner Bros and Jinjiang International plan to open a "Harry Potter Studio Tour" in Shanghai by 2027, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the films. The project, part of a theme park redevelopment, awaits regulatory approval.

Dubai fountain to close for 5 months

The iconic Dubai Fountain will close for five months starting in May for a major upgrade, enhancing its technology, choreography, and sound system. Visitors can expect a more spectacular show when it returns in October.

Peru celebrates 'The Virgen De La Candelaria' festival

One town in southern Peru was filled with tens of thousands of colorful dancers. They were taking part in the Virgen De La Candelaria Festival which was held in the city of Puno.

311-year-old Stradivarius violin sells for $15 million at Sotheby’s auction

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius was sold by Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music, which plans to use the proceeds to endow a scholarship programme.