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St. Bernard dogs continue to roam the famous Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, preserving a centuries-old tradition while a unique museum and breeding center works to protect the iconic breed for future generations. Located in Martigny, Switzerland, Barryland, the world's only museum dedicated to St. Bernard dogs, has welcomed more than 130,000 visitors since opening last summer. The expanded facility replaced a much smaller center and offers visitors live grooming and physiotherapy demonstrations, interactive exhibits and augmented reality experiences showcasing the historic mountain pass. Barryland Director Mélanie Glassey-Roth said strong public interest in the breed and its rich history prompted the creation of the larger facility. "There is a lot of interest in these dogs and their heritage, so we decided to build a much bigger park," she said. The Great St. Bernard Pass, standing 2,469 meters (8,100 feet) above sea level on the Swiss-Italian border, is one of Switzerland's highest and most challenging mountain crossings. Large mountain dogs have lived there since the mid-1600s. Originally brought in as guard dogs, they later became famous for their remarkable ability to locate travelers trapped in snow and fog. The breed takes its name from the Great St. Bernard Hospice, founded in 1050 by Bernard de Montjoux to provide shelter for pilgrims and merchants crossing the dangerous pass. The dogs became an essential part of the hospice's rescue work and earned worldwide recognition in the early 19th century after soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte spread stories of their bravery across Europe. Among them, Barry the First remains the breed's most celebrated hero. He is traditionally credited with rescuing more than 40 people between 1800 and 1812. To honor that legacy, the Barry Foundation always keeps one male dog named Barry. Today, the Barry Foundation oversees the breed's preservation programme. Its 21 caretakers look after 32 dogs, while around 20 pedigree puppies are born each year. Although St. Bernards no longer take part in mountain rescue missions because their large size makes helicopter transport difficult, smaller breeds such as Australian shepherds now perform those tasks. However, several St. Bernards still spend summers at the historic mountain pass to keep the long-standing tradition alive. The foundation's dogs consume about 10 metric tons of dry food annually before returning each autumn to Barryland, about 40 kilometers away, after spending the summer in the mountains. Caretaker Alexandra Piatti said watching the dogs grow throughout their lives is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. "We see them from birth, watch them grow, become mothers, and support them through every stage of life," she said. The dogs also continue to serve communities in new ways. In 2025, they carried out 609 visits to hospitals, nursing homes, schools and prisons across Switzerland, providing comfort and companionship. Another caretaker, Déborah Dini, said preserving the breed's legacy remains central to their work. "We continue the tradition. We care for them and we love them," she said.

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a stylish appearance at Cannes Lions 2026, turning heads in a sophisticated designer outfit while sharing her views on storytelling and filmmaking at the global creativity festival. The actor attended the five-day international event, which celebrates achievements in creativity, marketing and entertainment, and took part in a discussion at the Debussy Theatre on storytelling, originality and maintaining a creative vision. For the occasion, Chopra wore a colour-block halter-neck maxi dress by designer Silvia Tcherassi. The outfit, crafted from Italian fabric and featuring a sleek column silhouette, was valued at around Rs 1.8 lakh. She paired the dress with leather thong sandals and kept her overall look understated yet elegant. Her accessories included a pink necklace and a Rolex Day-Date watch, while her makeup featured neutral brown tones and a matte finish. During the session, Chopra spoke about how she approaches storytelling and selecting film projects. “I think you follow your gut when it comes to storytelling. I try not to follow trends, because that's really hard. A trend is interesting right now, it might not be interesting next week. It takes a year for a movie to be made, and by the time next year comes around, will audiences still be interested?” she said. The actor emphasised that emotional impact matters more than following market trends. “So, I try not to think through trends, I try to think through how does this make someone feel? Because my favourite movies, and you can answer as well, but are the ones that you talk about later, you kind of revisit again. It makes you feel something, when you're leaving the movie theatre, you kind of have something to say about it. So I try to think about when I read scripts for films that I want to make, is how does it make me feel if I watch this movie?” she added. Chopra, who stars in the series Citadel, said she believes the most memorable films are those that leave a lasting emotional impression and continue to spark conversation long after audiences have watched them. Source: NDTV

Merlín, the duck that has become an unlikely World Cup sensation in Mexico, made a much-anticipated trip to the stadium on Wednesday but was not allowed to stay for Mexico's match against the Czech Republic due to FIFA regulations. The two-year-old duck has become a social media star after appearing alongside his family during Mexico's opening World Cup victory. His popularity has grown rapidly, prompting fans to campaign for him to be allowed inside the stadium for the national team's match. Merlín arrived at Azteca Stadium with his owner, Carla Gómez, and her son Cristian. He was allowed onto the stadium grounds to take part in a television segment for Televisa, one of Latin America's largest broadcasters. Transported in a special crate and accompanied by security personnel, the duck attracted attention from fans eager to catch a glimpse of the tournament's most unusual celebrity. However, FIFA rules prohibit animals from entering stadiums during matches, citing animal welfare and safety concerns. As a result, Merlín was not permitted to remain inside the venue for the game. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the duck was allowed into the outer stadium area but could not enter the stadium itself. Gómez said the attention Merlín has received in recent days has been overwhelming. "The last few days have been incredible. We are very grateful for everything that has happened. People are amazed by Merlín," she told AP. Dressed in a green Mexico football jersey, Merlín has become a familiar face around Mexico City, where he accompanies his family as they sell drinks. His growing fame has led to television appearances, interviews, visits to fan events and even a stop at Netflix's offices. Many supporters now view him as an unofficial mascot for both Mexico and the World Cup. "He's become our unofficial mascot," said fan Daniel Krauze outside the stadium. "I'm proud to support Merlín the duck." The bird's popularity has even sparked a legal dispute over commercial rights to his name. According to reports, others attempted to register the Merlín trademark before Gómez, but the rights were eventually awarded to her. Although Merlín could not watch the match from the stands, his family was finally able to attend a Mexico game after receiving hundreds of invitations and messages from supporters. Gómez remains convinced that the duck brings good luck to Mexico's national team. "Merlín is a lucky charm," she said. "I believe Mexico will win again today with his support."

A terminally ill cancer patient's deep concern for her pet dog has helped fuel efforts in Poland to allow patients in hospices and palliative care wards to receive visits from their own pets. Seventy-year-old Ewa Lutka-Krawczyk, who is battling gallbladder cancer, said one of her biggest worries after her diagnosis was her beloved dog Gaja, whom she adopted from a shelter three years ago. She even asked her doctor if she could live a few more years so the dog would not be left alone. Now receiving treatment in a palliative care ward at a Warsaw hospital, Lutka-Krawczyk said Gaja has barely been eating since she was admitted. "She is waiting for me," Lutka-Krawczyk said from her hospital bed. Under a proposed law currently being discussed in Poland's parliament, patients in hospices and palliative care facilities would gain the legal right to receive visits from their pets. While some hospitals already allow such visits, there is currently no nationwide legal framework. The initiative is being led by Dr. Tomasz Dzierżanowski, director of the Palliative Medicine Clinic at the Medical University of Warsaw. He believes that contact with a beloved pet can ease emotional suffering and reduce feelings of loneliness among seriously ill patients. According to Dzierżanowski, society is facing what he describes as an "epidemic of loneliness," making emotional support more important than ever for people nearing the end of life. "We make sure no patient dies alone," he said, adding that while family and friends provide the best support, many patients no longer have close companions nearby. He noted that older patients often outlive friends and relatives, while some younger patients struggle with isolation despite living in a digitally connected world. The doctor said his campaign was inspired by a cancer patient named Waldemar, who worried less about his own illness than about the fate of his two cats. Dzierżanowski arranged for the cats to visit him in the hospital, and the emotional reunion left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it. The experience convinced him that hospitals should formally recognize the importance of pet visits for terminally ill patients. Lutka-Krawczyk may soon be reunited with Gaja, as Dzierżanowski already allows pet visits in his clinic when circumstances permit. Katarzyna Piekarska, the lawmaker who introduced the proposal in parliament, said pets are already visiting some hospitals in practice, making it necessary to establish clear legal rules. In addition to family pets, therapy dogs are also welcomed at the clinic. During a recent visit, an Australian shepherd named Kluska brought comfort and distraction to patients, many of whom smiled, petted the dog and enjoyed watching her perform tricks.   One patient, 58-year-old Wojciech Zelik, who is being treated for a tumour, said interacting with the dog lifted his spirits. Handlers of therapy animals say the benefits extend beyond patients. Nurses, cooks and other hospital staff also experience reduced stress through contact with the animals. Medical student and therapy dog handler Małgorzata Brzozowska said visits from patients' own pets may provide even greater comfort, helping not only patients and their families but also the animals themselves. She said pets often seem calmer when they can see and understand where their owners are, rather than being left wondering why they have suddenly disappeared.  

A Dubai-based nutritionist has sparked discussion on social media after sharing how her idea of success has changed over the past two decades, saying she eventually became the “rich man” she had hoped to marry when she was 21. Rashi Chowdhary, founder of Nutrition In Sync, reflected on her journey in a recent Instagram post, explaining how her goals and understanding of success evolved with age and experience. “At 21, I wanted to marry a rich man, be a hot housewife, and have two kids,” she said in a video. “Today, I am 41, I am unmarried, I run two different businesses with more than 40 people in it, and I think somewhere along the way, I became the rich man.” Chowdhary said her original plans appeared to be on track when she was 25. At the time, she had a wealthy partner, an apartment in Dubai and a lifestyle many people admired. However, she recalled feeling disconnected from that life despite achieving what she once thought would make her happy. “The funny thing is the original plan actually worked,” she said. “But I still remember thinking, ‘Why does it not feel like my life?’” She said many women grow up feeling pressured either to become attractive enough to be chosen by a successful partner or successful enough to not need one. “We are taught to either be desirable enough so a powerful man can pick you or successful enough so you never need one,” she said. According to Chowdhary, the biggest change in her life came when she realised that her own wishes and goals mattered more than seeking approval from others. “You know what? Realising that what I want for myself comes before any of that has changed me more than marriage, divorce, success, or money ever did,” she said. In the caption accompanying the post, Chowdhary wrote that her life at 41 is neither better nor worse than what she imagined at 21, but simply her own. “The older I get, the more I realise that freedom isn't about rejecting men, marriage, motherhood, ambition, or success. It's about having the courage to decide what you actually want and letting that answer be enough,” she wrote. The post received widespread praise online. Actress Mrunal Thakur commented “Best,” while Dubai-based radio presenter Mariyam Kisat described the message as “so freaking inspiring.” Many social media users also shared supportive comments, saying Chowdhary’s story highlighted how personal goals and definitions of success can change over time. With inputs from NDTV.

As the United States prepares to mark its 250th Independence Day anniversary, competing visions of the celebration are emerging, with President Donald Trump once again positioned at the center of the national spotlight. Inside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, exhibits already reflect the country’s divided political and cultural journey. A display titled “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness” features contrasting symbols of American life — from Nancy Pelosi’s historic speaker’s gavel and a “Make America Great Again” cap, to an AIDS activism shirt reading “Silence = Death” placed alongside campaign memorabilia from President Ronald Reagan. Museum officials say the collection is meant to show both unity and division in U.S. history. “These contestations often reflect resilience and hope,” said museum director Anthea M. Hartig, noting that American history has repeatedly moved through moments of deep division before rebuilding. Competing visions for the 250th anniversary That idea of unity is now being tested as preparations intensify for the 250th anniversary celebrations. Two main organizing groups have emerged — Freedom 250, which is aligned with the White House, and America 250, a bipartisan commission created by Congress. The parallel efforts have fueled concerns that even a milestone national celebration is becoming politically divided. On the National Mall, preparations are underway for an event called “The Great American State Fair.” Several performers, including country singer Martina McBride, have withdrawn from the lineup, saying they were not aware of the political nature of the event. Trump is scheduled to speak at the event on Wednesday. The split will continue into July Fourth, when America 250 plans a major concert in Los Angeles featuring artists including Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins, hosted by Queen Latifah. On the same day, Trump is expected to hold a separate event on the National Mall that he has described as a “Trump rally.” A break from past presidential traditions Past U.S. presidents have used Independence Day milestones to emphasize unity rather than political identity. In 1976, President Gerald Ford spoke at Independence Hall in Philadelphia during the bicentennial celebrations, calling liberty a continuing national effort. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan marked the Statue of Liberty’s centennial in New York Harbor, joking that he would not try to compete with fireworks while highlighting shared national history. Trump’s personal imprint on events Trump, however, has often placed himself at the center of national cultural and political moments. He became the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors after a board aligned with him appointed him chairman. His name was also briefly added to the venue’s building before a court ruled the move unlawful. In Washington, Trump has overseen or supported several major changes, including demolition of the White House East Wing for a proposed ballroom and plans for a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. He has also hosted events such as a UFC fight at the White House. “Trump is putting himself at the center of the story,” said presidential historian Mark Updegrove. “He does not see himself as a steward of the presidency. He sees himself as its embodiment.” Public mood and national divisions Public sentiment in the U.S. appears subdued ahead of the anniversary. A recent AP-NORC poll found that only about one-quarter of Americans believe the United States stands above all other countries, while around 30% say other nations are better — a notable increase compared to 2016. The survey also shows declining confidence in democratic identity, with fewer Americans now describing a democratically elected government as “extremely” or “very” important to national identity compared to previous years. Growing competition over national celebrations The divided national mood has contributed to a rise in competing cultural and political events. Even major shared moments such as the Super Bowl halftime show have faced parallel or alternative programming following political disagreements. Organizers of Freedom 250 say their goal is to create “a unifying movement across all 50 states,” while America 250 officials say they welcome multiple celebrations. “The more celebrations, the merrier,” said America 250 chair Rosie Rios. “We can’t be all things to all Americans, but we want something for everyone.”

A plan to auction more than 100 artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic has drawn opposition from the U.S. government, according to newly unsealed court documents. The items include personal belongings, currency, kitchenware and decorative objects salvaged from the famous shipwreck in the North Atlantic. RMS Titanic Inc., the company that holds exclusive salvage rights to the Titanic site, is seeking to sell the artifacts for the first time. The company had previously agreed that recovered items would only be displayed in museums and traveling exhibitions. Court filings show the Georgia-based firm also proposed a global touring exhibition in four cities, though the locations have not been disclosed. Among the items listed for possible sale are a bronze cherub, a gold nugget necklace and a heart-shaped pendant. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which represents American oversight of the wreck site, argued in court documents that the proposed auction would violate legal obligations tied to the salvage agreement. A judge unsealed the filings earlier this month. The government said the company “does not seek the Court’s approval, does not believe that approval is required, and asserts that it is not restricted in its ability to sell” the artifacts. RMS Titanic Inc. did not respond to media requests for comment on Monday. In earlier court submissions, its lawyers argued that the proposed sale would not breach existing agreements or court orders. The dispute marks another chapter in long-running efforts to sell Titanic artifacts. Since 1987, salvage teams have recovered thousands of objects, including sections of the ship’s hull. The company earns revenue mainly by exhibiting them. Over the years, attempts to sell parts of the collection have repeatedly faced opposition from U.S. courts, preservation groups and relatives of victims, especially when items are linked to passengers. However, some artifacts not directly tied to the wreck or recovered by survivors have been sold at high prices in recent years. A life jacket worn by a passenger sold for more than $900,000 in April, while a gold pocket watch linked to the ship’s rescue operations fetched nearly $2 million in 2024. Auction houses say demand remains strong due to the global fascination with the Titanic, which sank in 1912 after striking an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Europe to New York, killing more than 1,500 people. The case also reflects a trans-Atlantic legal dispute over ownership and control of the artifacts. Some of the earliest recovered items were taken to France, where authorities granted ownership rights to the salvaging company. French research institute IFREMER worked with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution during the wreck’s discovery. Later recoveries were handled under a U.S. District Court in Norfolk, Virginia, which oversees the broader salvage agreement. NOAA argues that all roughly 5,000 recovered items—regardless of where they were initially claimed—should remain part of a single preserved collection under U.S. court conditions. It also says French court terms required the artifacts to remain together and not be sold individually. The company, meanwhile, has argued that the U.S. court does not have jurisdiction over items claimed in France. Experts and ocean explorers have also expressed concern over the proposed auction, saying Titanic artifacts should remain publicly accessible. Ocean scientist Greg Stone said recovery is acceptable if done carefully and with proper archaeological methods, but added he would prefer a nonprofit approach. Law professor Richard Daynard of Northeastern University said the rules are meant to protect the artifacts for public benefit, warning against turning them into private luxury items. “If it’s something where someone can walk through their house and say ‘Yes, I bought this for $5 million and it’s original from the Titanic,’ that’s not a good thing,” he said.

Designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons showcased a collection inspired by everyday wardrobe essentials during Milan Fashion Week, presenting a modern interpretation of jeans-based fashion through premium leather and innovative technical materials. For the Spring/Summer season, Prada introduced a streamlined silhouette featuring cropped jackets and slim-cut five-pocket trousers, complemented by classic blazers and leather outerwear. The designers said their goal was to create clothing that resonates with ordinary people rather than catering solely to the fashion elite. Ahead of the show, Simons compared the collection to a simple plate of pasta pomodoro, suggesting that fashion, like food, sometimes benefits from returning to timeless basics. Although denim served as the collection’s inspiration, Prada revealed she has never worn jeans, while Simons said he only recently resumed wearing them after decades of favoring wool trousers. Nevertheless, the classic five-pocket pant became the foundation of the new Prada look. Most outfits were crafted from soft leather in muted shades such as ivory, gray, burgundy, and turquoise, accompanied by energetic rock music on the runway. Some designs featured lightweight, semi-transparent technical fabrics suited to the recent European heatwave, while only a small number of looks incorporated actual denim. The collection also included cropped shirts, knitted vests with geometric motifs, and silk scarves tied around the waist for contrast. Accessories were kept minimal, with colorful waist pouches and bold belts serving as the primary additions. Distinctive pointed shoes fastened with multiple Velcro straps completed the ensembles. Prada emphasized the importance of creating versatile, functional clothing and avoiding excessive or unnecessary design elements. Simons echoed that sentiment, noting that fashion often draws its strongest inspiration from real-life street style rather than luxury runways. Describing the collection, Simons highlighted its clean, vertical lines and understated elegance, saying it reflected a sense of calm, optimism, and renewal while challenging conventional ideas of luxury fashion. The presentation itself mirrored the collection’s minimalist philosophy. Models walked through a simple showroom furnished with transparent benches, ensuring every guest had an unobstructed view. Among the notable attendees were Anthony Edwards, Troye Sivan, ENHYPEN, and Louis Partridge. Outside the venue, enthusiastic fans braved the summer heat to catch a glimpse of the stars.   

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and actor Colman Domingo led a celebrity-filled front row at a menswear show by the Ralph Lauren during Milan Fashion Week on Friday evening. The American fashion house presented its latest menswear collection at its Milan palazzo for the second consecutive season, attracting a host of stars, including Henry Golding, Tom Hiddleston and Scott Eastwood. Outside the venue, fans gathered despite soaring temperatures to catch a glimpse of the celebrities. Thai actor Nichakoon Khajornborirak and South Korean actor Kim Woo-bin greeted the crowd, posing for photographs and waving to admirers. The collection showcased a wide range of styles, from formal pinstripe suits to more relaxed festival-inspired outfits. Domingo described the show as having a strong 1920s influence, blending classic and contemporary elements. The luxury Purple Label featured tailored suits that evolved into eveningwear, including tuxedo shirts and bow ties paired with distressed patchwork denim coats. Accessories included berets, aviator glasses and pocket-watch chains. The more casual Polo collection highlighted colourful madras plaids, layered knitwear, rugby shirts and lightweight outerwear. Several looks reflected traditional preppy fashion, combining bright colours and featuring the iconic Polo Bear motif dressed in runway-inspired outfits. "I saw beautiful cravats and vests mixed in with workwear, all the things I love about Ralph," Domingo said after the show, praising the collection's ability to blend urban and upscale influences. Formal and casual styles gradually merged throughout the presentation, while the runway also featured an age- and race-inclusive cast. Accessories played a key role in the collection, with silk scarves, colourful bandanas and ties repurposed as belts and bags, reflecting the growing trend toward reusability and upcycling. Footwear ranged from leather fisherman sandals and velvet slippers to espadrilles and weather-resistant duck boots, while handbags included canvas totes and luxury snakeskin portfolios. Eastwood said he was particularly drawn to one of the snakeskin bags and described Ralph Lauren as "a classy brand that's timeless." Golding, meanwhile, said the fashion house had supported him throughout his career and described the Purple Label as his preferred choice for sophisticated attire.

As World Cup excitement grips Mexico City, an 8-year-old rescue poodle mix named Osito has emerged as one of the tournament’s most beloved figures, winning fans’ hearts with his unique style and daily bike rides. Osito became an internet sensation after arriving at Mexico’s opening match sitting on the back of a cargo bicycle, wearing a national team jersey, sunglasses and a cap. Thousands of supporters heading to the stadium stopped to take pictures, pet him and share videos online, quickly turning him into a viral celebrity. Meet Merlin the duck: Mexico’s street bird becomes unofficial World Cup mascot For owner Jorge Rangel, 50, the attention is not about fame but about the special bond he shares with Osito, whose name means “little bear.” The dog has accompanied Rangel on his daily household product deliveries across Mexico City for the past two years. Rangel rides a specially modified cargo bicycle with Osito resting calmly in the rear compartment and greeting people along the way. Ahead of the World Cup, Rangel spent weeks preparing the dog’s outfit, adjusting sunglasses to fit him and decorating the bicycle. Rangel said the public reaction exceeded his expectations. He believes fans are drawn not only to Osito’s appearance but also to their emotional connection. Rangel adopted Osito during a difficult time in his life and said the dog became a source of comfort and companionship. He recalled that people often tell him seeing Osito has improved their day by bringing smiles and happiness. Although Osito’s videos continue spreading online and fans frequently request photos, the pair still return to their daily routine of riding through Mexico City. For Rangel, the greatest reward is showing the affection and friendship between a person and a pet.