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Taliban change tune towards Afghan heritage sites
In March 2001, the Taliban shocked the world by dynamiting the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan. Two decades later, they are back in power and claim to be making strides to preserve Afghanistan's millennia-old heritage, including pre-Islamic relics.
Oscar voters required to view all films before casting ballots
Oscar voters will be required to demonstrate that they have watched all the films in each category before they cast their final ballots, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday.
Francis, a pope for the internet age
As an at-times unwitting star on social media, Pope Francis knew how to exploit the internet to preach the gospel, broadening the Church's appeal while modernising its communications.
N.America moviegoers embrace 'Sinners' on Easter weekend
North American moviegoers feasted on Warner Bros.' vampire thriller "Sinners" as it debuted to an estimated $45.6 million over the Easter holiday weekend, analysts said Sunday.
Sri Lanka police probe photo of Buddha tooth relic
Sri Lanka police launched an investigation Sunday into a photo circulated on social media claiming to show a Buddha tooth relic, which has gone on display under tight security.
Star Wars series 'Andor' back for final season
If "Andor" -- which returns from Tuesday for its second and final season -- has been received as one of the very best "Star Wars" TV series, that is largely thanks to the grittier, more adult approach taken by its creator Tony Gilroy.
Analysts warn US could be handing chip market to China
As the Trump administration attempts to choke off exports of strategically important computer chips to China, experts say the effort might well backfire, fueling innovation at Chinese firms that could help them seize the world semiconductor market.
Ryan Gosling to star in new 'Star Wars' film
After his scene-stealing turn as Ken in the 2023 blockbuster hit "Barbie", Oscar-nominated actor Ryan Gosling is taking on another huge pop culture franchise: the "Star Wars" universe.
Chinese vent anger at Trump's trade war with memes, mockery
While China's leaders use their economic and political might to fight Donald Trump's trade war "to the end", its army of social media soldiers are embarking on a more humorous campaign online.
Gustavo Dudamel: the superstar conductor building bridges to pop
As the full moon rose, conductor Gustavo Dudamel's signature theatrics were projected with a front-facing view to a spellbound audience, his baton whipping his orchestra into Richard Wagner's legendary "Ride of The Valkyries."
US judge rules against Google in online ad tech antitrust case
A US judge on Thursday ruled that Google illegally wielded monopoly power in the online ad technology market, in a legal blow that could rattle the tech giant's revenue engine.
Afrobeats star Davido sees Nigeria's star rising
The way Davido sees it, Nigerian culture is having a moment.
Sweden goes into Eurovision as punters' favourite
Eurovision is the world's biggest talent show, featuring 37 national entries, but one country seems to regularly dominate the conversation and the winners' podium: Sweden.
Eurovision promises glitz -- and controversy over Israel
Signature flamboyance is on the menu when the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest opens next month in Basel -- but looming large over the festivities is Israel's participation in the event.
Zuckerberg denies Meta bought rivals to conquer them
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday denied in court that his company bought rival services Instagram and WhatsApp to neutralize them, as his testimony in a landmark antitrust case came to a close.
Weinstein asks to sleep in hospital, citing prison 'mistreatment'
Harvey Weinstein's lawyers asked Wednesday he be allowed to spend the night in the hospital during his retrial on rape charges, saying the movie mogul's health was deteriorating rapidly because of "mistreatment" in New York's notorious Rikers prison.
Nate Bargatze to host Emmys: organizers
Comedian Nate Bargatze, one of the United States' most successful stand-ups, will host this year's Emmy Awards, organizers said Wednesday.
TikTok tests letting users add informative 'Footnotes'
TikTok on Wednesday said it is testing a feature that would let people add "Footnotes" providing informative context to videos that might be misleading.
Russia jails four journalists who covered Navalny
Russia on Tuesday sentenced four journalists it said were associated with late opposition leader Alexei Navalny to five and a half years in a penal colony, intensifying a crackdown on press freedom and Kremlin critics.
Journalist recalls night Mario Vargas Llosa punched Gabriel Garcia Marquez
When journalist and novelist Elena Poniatowska headed to a film premiere in Mexico City, she had no idea she was about to witness the literary feud of the century as two future Nobel laureates came to blows.
Meta news ban intensifying Canadians' legacy media break
As Canada heads into an election this month, voters looking for campaign news on Facebook or Instagram will find material filtered through online creators and influencers -- and no links to articles from major media outlets.
Peru mourns its literary giant Mario Vargas Llosa
The Peruvian flag flew at half-staff Monday as the South American country grieved the passing of literary great Mario Vargas Llosa with a day of national mourning.
Pope paves way for 'God's architect' Gaudi's sainthood
The Catholic Church has put Antoni Gaudi, the designer of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica nicknamed "God's architect", on the path to sainthood, the Vatican said on Monday.
Mexican president opposes ban on songs glorifying drug cartels
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that she opposed a ban on songs glorifying drug traffickers, after violence erupted at a concert by an artist famous for singing "narcocorridos."
Pope recognises 'God's architect' Gaudi as 'venerable'
The Catholic Church has put Antoni Gaudi, the designer of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica nicknamed "God's architect", on the path to sainthood, the Vatican said Monday.
Music, revolution and Y2K: Coachella 2025 takeaways
Coachella 2025 boasted A-lister guest appearances, a dose of leftist politics, orchestral fusion and Y2K fashion.
Post Malone wraps Coachella with genre-fluid performance
Post Malone electrified Coachella as Sunday's headlining set, melding his early rap hits with his recent country turn to close out the first weekend of the California desert festival.
Post Malone primed to close out Coachella
Post Malone was the closer of Sunday's edition of Coachella, the California desert festival that has featured cameos from stars including Billie Eilish and a much-touted drop-in from US senator Bernie Sanders.
Nobel Literature Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa dies in Peru
Nobel literature laureate Mario Vargas Llosa died Sunday at the age of 89 in the Peruvian capital, his family announced on the social network X.
Post Malone and Megan Thee Stallion primed to close out Coachella
Post Malone and Megan Thee Stallion are among the top draws to Sunday's Coachella, which has featured cameos from stars like Billie Eilish and a much-touted drop-in from Bernie Sanders.
Children's show 'Yo Gabba Gabba!' takes Coachella by storm
The wide-eyed, permanently smiling, colorful characters of cult kids musical "Yo Gabba Gabba!" gave Coachella A-listers a run for their money over the weekend, as joyous fans flocked to their celebrity-packed set in the California desert.
Green Day, Charli XCX and... Bernie Sanders helm Coachella day two
Coachella fans rocked out on Saturday to pop-punk headliner Green Day following a blockbuster cameo from US senator Bernie Sanders, who had the massive crowd roaring as he urged against political apathy.