On a summer afternoon in the Swiss capital Bern, an unusual sight unfolds along the turquoise waters of the Aare River. Office workers, students and locals gather along the riverbank carrying waterproof dry bags instead of briefcases and are swept away by the swift current past bridges, historic buildings and riverside parks. Viral social media posts often describe it as a “river trip”. While some residents occasionally use the river to get home during the summer, the practice is better understood as a popular recreational tradition rather than an everyday means of transportation. For most people in Bern, swimming along the Aare is a favorite way to cool off during the hot weather.

Switzerland’s best summer hike runs across a river

The Aare River winds around the old town of Bern, creating one of the city’s most iconic landscapes. During summer, the clear glacial water becomes a natural means of escaping the heat.Locals often enter the river upstream and let the river current carry them across parts of the city before exiting at designated swimming points. Many people use brightly colored waterproof “weave bags” to keep clothes, phones, and valuables dry while swimming.This activity is deeply linked to Bern’s summer culture and attracts both residents and tourists every year.Social media videos often show crowds swimming in the river after work, promoting the idea of ​​a “river trip”. While home sailing is not a formal or widespread means of transportation, some Bern residents use the saw as part of their journey home during warm summer evenings.For many locals, the experience blends practicality with entertainment. Because many neighborhoods are closely connected to the river banks, swimming through the Aare can serve as both a relaxing swim and an unconventional way to travel through some parts of the city.

fast river current

One reason the Aare is ideal for swimming is its strong and persistent current. Swimmers can swim long distances without much effort, especially on the popular route between Eichholz and Marzilli in Bern.The river’s striking turquoise color comes from the mineral-rich glacial meltwater that flows from the Swiss Alps. However, even during summer, the water is often surprisingly cool.Officials regularly warn visitors that Aarey is no ordinary swimming pool. The current can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced swimmers, and it is essential to know safe entry and exit points.

A tradition rooted in clean water

River swimming became far more popular in Switzerland after water quality improved following major environmental reforms during the second half of the 20th century.Decades ago, pollution made swimming unsafe in many urban rivers across Europe. Switzerland invested heavily in waste water treatment and environmental protection, helping to make rivers like the Aare clean enough for recreational swimming.Today, swimming in rivers and lakes is a common part of Swiss summer life, especially in cities such as Bern, Basel and Zurich.

Famous saw bag

One of the most recognizable symbols of Bern’s river culture is the waterproof Aare bag. These brightly colored floating dry bags allow swimmers to carry clothes, wallets, shoes and even laptops while floating down the river.The bags also function as flotation devices, making them both practical and prestigious among the locals.Tourists visiting Bern during the summer often purchase Aare bags specifically to experience the floating tradition for themselves.

A summer ritual that became famous on the internet

Videos of hundreds of people swimming in Bern’s turquoise river have recently gone viral online, with many viewers amazed at how an urban river can function partly as a recreation area and partly as an informal travel route.Swimming in the Aare has become one of Bern’s most distinctive summer traditions. On warm days, locals and tourists alike flock to the turquoise river as it winds through the Swiss capital’s historic streets and bridges. For some residents, the river also becomes part of the journey home from work, turning an ordinary commute into a uniquely Swiss summer experience.

VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala

New Delhi: After nine days of intense lobbying fueling rumours, the Congress will end the suspense on Thursday morning by naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala, including leader of opposition VD Satheesan, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal and veteran Ramesh Chennithala.In one-on-one talks last Saturday, the three candidates strongly put forward their claims to the Congress leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. While Rahul’s confidant Venugopal is said to have secured the support of most of the MLAs, Satheesan is widely seen as the man who led the party and the UDF in charge during the five years of the Left Front government, which won a re-term in 2021. Chennithala presented his stand on seniority and acceptability.After seeking the opinion of senior Kerala leaders a day earlier, Rahul held a 40-minute discussion with Kharge on Wednesday, amid expectations in Delhi and Kerala that the CM candidate would be announced immediately.‘The name of CM-Select will come in a sealed envelope’ But AICC spokesperson Jairam Ramesh told reporters that the high command has completed discussions on the next leader of Kerala and an announcement will be made on Thursday.Since Congress has called a legislature party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday afternoon, it is believed that the name can be announced there. Some party leaders claimed that the name of the selected CM will come in a sealed envelope, which will be opened among the MLAs, who will then sign the paper and go to the Governor to stake claim to form the government.There are concerns in Congress circles that given the extreme level of lobbying by factional groups, there could be disappointment and resentment among supporters of those left out of the final decision. In such a situation, along with the CM’s announcement, the agreement formula will also have to be presented. Satheesan is said to have told the leadership that he will not join the government if he is not selected for the top post.During the day, eager supporters gathered at the residences of Satheesan and Chennithala in Kerala expecting an announcement in the evening.Former state Congress chief VM Sudheeran, who had met Rahul the evening before, said the people of the state are keen that his choice be chosen (as CM), adding that they are “concerned” about it.

Inside crowded Mexican wrestling arenas filled with roaring fans, glowing masks and flying body slams, one masked fighter harbored a secret far more unusual than his opponents. Known in the ring as Fray Tormenta, the man behind the red and yellow mask was actually a Catholic priest. During the day, he preached sermons and cared for vulnerable children. At night, he puts on brutal Lucha Libre wrestling matches to earn money for an orphanage he struggles to run. His extraordinary double life ultimately made him one of Mexico’s most unlikely folk heroes, blending faith, charity and professional wrestling in a story that later inspired films, documentaries and international fascination.

The priest behind the wrestling mask

Long before he became Fray Tormenta, Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez lived a difficult and unstable life. Born in Mexico in 1945, he reportedly struggled with poverty and crime during his youth and spent time getting involved in gangs and theft before eventually changing direction.According to interviews and biographical accounts, a spiritual transformation led him toward theological studies and eventually becoming a Catholic priest. He was appointed in the 1970s and began working in some of the poorest communities in Mexico, where he encountered large numbers of abandoned and vulnerable children.This experience had a deep impact on him. Many children lacked stable homes, education, or even regular meals. Determined to help, he established shelter and orphanage programs near Mexico City. But soon running them became financially burdensome.At the time, the orphanage depended heavily on donations, and resources were often scarce. The cost of food, school supplies, clothing, medical care, and housing continued to rise. Looking for a way to quickly generate income, Gutiérrez turned to one of Mexico’s most popular forms of entertainment: lucha libre wrestling.Lucha libre has long been a cultural phenomenon in Mexico. In contrast to American wrestling, Mexican lucha libre is particularly noted for its masked wrestlers, fast-paced acrobatics, and dramatic characters inspired by folklore, heroes and villains.Since masks already played such an important role in wrestling culture, Gutierrez realized he could compete anonymously while continuing his work as a priest.He adopted the name “Fray Tormenta”, meaning “Frayer Storm”, and began training as a wrestler despite little professional experience.

living two completely different lives

Fray Tormenta’s routine became extraordinary even by wrestling standards. During the day, he performed religious duties, celebrated mass, and worked with children in an orphanage. At night, he traveled to wrestling venues, where he fought physically punishing matches to excite the crowds.The contrast between the two worlds made his story remarkable. In one setting, he wore priestly attire and preached. In another, he wore a brightly colored mask and exchanged punches, slaps and flying strikes inside wrestling rings.For years he kept his wrestling identity hidden from many people associated with the church. The mask provided him privacy and protected him from criticism while he continued to support the orphanage through wrestling income.Eventually, however, his identity became widely known, making him a national curiosity and later an international symbol of unconventional charity work.

The orphanage that became his life’s mission

Fray Tormenta has said in interviews that helping children was the real purpose of his wrestling career. Reports vary on the exact numbers, but many accounts state that he helped support and educate hundreds of children over several decades.The shelters associated with their work became homes for children facing abandonment, domestic violence, addiction in families, and extreme poverty. Some former residents later described him as a strict but deeply committed father figure.The money earned through wrestling helped provide food, clothing, school tuition, books, medical treatment, housing, and expansion of orphanage facilities. Wrestling was never just entertainment for him. Each match became a way to keep the shelter running and ensure the children’s safety and access to education.Even when years of wrestling began to cause injuries, he reportedly continued to compete because the orphanage still needed financial support.

Importance of wrestling masks

In Mexican Lucha Libre, masks hold immense cultural meaning. They often represent identity, mystery and honor. Wrestlers traditionally fiercely guard their masked identities, and losing the mask in a particular match can be considered extremely humiliating.Fray Tormenta’s red and yellow mask eventually became iconic in Mexican pop culture. Beyond symbolism, it also served a practical purpose by initially helping to separate his religious life from his wrestling career.As his fame grew, the mask became a symbol of sacrifice and resilience rather than simply secrecy.Today, replicas of his mask are sold in wrestling markets and tourist areas throughout Mexico.

‘How real it was’nacho libre‘Connection?

The unusual story of Fray Tormenta eventually attracted global media attention and inspired documentaries, books, and comic adaptations. His life also helped inspire the 2006 comedy film Nacho Libre Jack Black.Most of the details in the film were fictional for humor and entertainment, but the central idea of ​​a Catholic priest secretly becoming a wrestler to support the children came directly from Fray Tormenta’s real-life experiences.Unlike the exaggerated comedy version, the real story was based on decades of commitment to poverty, social work and helping underprivileged children.

Becoming a folk hero beyond wrestling

Although Fray Tormenta eventually retired from active competition, he remains a respected figure in both wrestling and charitable circles. His life story stood out because it crossed boundaries that are rarely seen together: religion, sports, violence, social work and entertainment.In Mexico, where Lucha Libre wrestlers often become larger-than-life cultural icons, Fray Tormenta occupied a unique position. He was not performing just for fame or titles. They struggled as wrestling became a financial lifeline for the children who depended on them.Over time, the masked priest became a greater figure than just a wrestler. He became a symbol of how desperation, compassion, and a determination to protect others can sometimes lead to unconventional paths.

After completing the shooting schedule in Cape Town for Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King, actress Deepika Padukone returned to Mumbai on Thursday morning, making her first public appearance after announcing her second pregnancy with husband. Ranveer Lion.The actress was spotted at the Mumbai airport in a casual denim-on-denim look, wearing an oversized shirt with matching pants, comfortable shoes and a handbag. With her hair tied back, Deepika looked radiant as she smiled warmly at the paparazzi and happily posed for pictures before heading towards her car. Fans were quick to point out her obvious pregnancy glow in the viral video from the airport.

BTS clip leaked from King

Deepika was in Cape Town shooting for King with Shah Rukh Khan, one of the most awaited films currently in production. While producers have managed to keep most of the details under wraps, leaked behind-the-scenes footage from the South African schedule has been circulating online for the past few days.The viral clip shows Shah Rukh and Deepika filming a romantic song sequence by the sea, complete with a dramatic rocky backdrop and energetic choreography involving background dancers. However, it wasn’t just the chemistry between the actors that caught fans’ attention. Social media users also speculated that Ranveer Singh and the couple’s daughter Dua might have been present on the sets.In one of the clips going viral online, a man can be seen holding a baby in the background, leading fans to wonder if it was Ranveer spending time with daughter Dua while Deepika was filming. However, no official confirmation has been made from the couple.

Ranveer Singh is focusing on becoming a father

Earlier, reports had suggested that Ranveer had deliberately shifted his focus towards family life after Dua’s birth. Reports claim that while Deepika is busy shooting for King in South Africa, Ranveer is taking care of his daughter and spending quality time with her despite his work commitments amid the success of the Dhurandhar franchise. The report further states that with Dua’s arrival, there has been a big change in Ranveer’s priorities and lifestyle.

work front

Meanwhile, King Om will mark another on-screen reunion for Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone after blockbuster films like Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Happy New Year, Pathan and Jawan. The film also stars Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee in lead roles and is scheduled to release in Christmas 2026.On the work front, Deepika has also been in the news for talking about work-life balance in the film industry after becoming a mother. Reports had earlier claimed that the actress advocated eight-hour work shifts and stepped away from projects like Prabhas starrer Spirit and the sequel to Kalki’s 2898 AD.Meanwhile, Ranveer is reportedly focusing on Pralay after opting out of Don 3.

A recently published French political book has sparked controversy after claiming the French President Emmanuel Macron Exchanged private messages with Iranian-French actress Golshifteh Farahani As part of what the author describes as a “platonic relationship”. The allegations appear in Un couple (près) parfait (“An Almost Perfect Couple”), written by journalist Florian Tardif, and have attracted international attention because the book also links the alleged exchange to a 2025 viral incident involving Macron and the first lady. brigitte macron Boarding a plane in Vietnam. However, no independently verified evidence supporting claims of a romantic or inappropriate relationship has been publicly released.

claims made in the book

These allegations have been made by Florian Tardif, political correspondent of the French magazine Paris Match. In his book, Tardif claims that Macron had personal exchanges with Farahani for months, and describes the relationship as emotional but “spiritual”.According to excerpts cited by French and British media, the author has accused Brigitte Macron of discovering messages sent by the president to the actress, which reportedly said, “I find you very beautiful”. Tardif has publicly defended the book, saying that the material was based on conversations with sources close to the presidential couple.However, screenshots of the alleged messages, official documents or independently verified evidence have not been publicly released.

Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani.

How was the Vietnam plane crash linked?

The book attracted widespread attention as it attempts to explain a viral incident involving the French President and First Lady during an official visit to Vietnam in May 2025.Footage filmed as the presidential plane arrived in Hanoi showed Brigitte Macron suddenly pushing or hitting Macron as he stood near the plane’s door. The video quickly spread online and sparked widespread speculation on social media.At the time, Macron dismissed the incident as playful behavior between a married couple and described online reactions as exaggerated. French authorities later confirmed that the footage was authentic, after initial attempts by some commentators to question the video.Tardif’s book claims the argument was linked to Brigitte Macron’s alleged viewing of messages involving Farahani during the flight. According to the author, tensions had risen between the couple before they exited the plane.

Strong denial from Macron’s allies

People close to Brigitte Macron have completely rejected the allegations mentioned in the book. French media reports, quoting members of the first lady’s entourage, said the claims were “categorically denied”.Sources close to Brigitte Macron reportedly refuted the idea that she regularly checked her husband’s phone and rejected suggestions that Farahani had any role in the strain on the presidential couple’s relationship.No official statement from the Elysee Palace has confirmed the book’s claims.

Golshifteh Farahani’s response

Farahani has previously dismissed rumors of an affair with Macron. The actress, who left Iran years ago and later settled in France, has spoken out about online gossip about her public life in previous interviews and dismissed speculation about any romantic relationship with the French president.Farahani, known internationally for films such as Extraction, Patterson and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, has long attracted significant media attention due to both his acting career and his outspoken criticism of the Iranian government.The controversy is largely based on claims made in Tardif’s book and unnamed sources cited by the author. Neither the leaked messages nor certified documents supporting the allegations have been made public. The story remains a subject of political-media speculation rather than an established factual scandal.

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C Joseph Vijay said that the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 exam exposed “structural flaws” in the system and demanded cancellation of the exam.Vijay said that governments in Tamil Nadu have “consistently and unanimously” opposed NEET since its introduction, arguing that it has “severely disadvantaged students from rural areas, government schools, Tamil medium backgrounds and socio-economically disadvantaged families”. He called on states to allow admission to medical students on the basis of class 12 marks.The National Testing Agency on Tuesday canceled the May 3 NEET-UG exam following allegations of paper leak. The decision has left over 22 lakh medical aspirants uncertain about their future and triggered widespread protests demanding accountability and resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.CBI arrested Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal and Dinesh Biwal from Jaipur, Yash Yadav from Gurugram and Shubham Khairnar from Nashik. Officials said that more arrests are likely as the scope of investigation increases in many states.“Big people are protected and the common man is harassed,” said an accused in Jaipur while being taken to Delhi for questioning.The investigators seized mobile phones, laptops and other digital devices during the raid. The devices will be forensically examined to find out how the alleged question papers were circulated before the exams.The Special Operations Group of the Rajasthan Police, which first started investigating the case, said the “guess letter” came from a medical student from Sikar studying in Kerala. Officials alleged that the material was shared among coaching students and hostel residents before being spread to candidates in Jaipur and surrounding districts.Officials questioned more than 150 students, parents and coaching colleagues across Rajasthan. Investigators suspect that the leak may have originated in Nashik before passing through Gurugram and Rajasthan.Political tension also increased after Congress and Trinamool Congress leaders alleged that some of the accused had links with the BJP. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot claimed that Dinesh Biwal was a BJP functionary and accused the state government of trying to suppress the case. BJP leaders denied the allegations, with state vice president Mukesh Dadhich saying Dinesh did not hold any post in the party.Meanwhile, protests broke out in several states, where Congress workers burnt effigies of Pradhan and student groups including NSUI, AISA, ABVP and SFI, demanding strict action and greater transparency in competitive examinations.

Virat Kohli’s record-breaking night against Kolkata Knight Riders was full of milestones, but his words after the match were what really stood out. After scoring the match-winning century in Raipur, the RCB star admitted that he is no longer obsessed with records and is instead trying to enjoy every moment he has left in cricket.

Kohli leads Royal Challengers Bangalore to six-wicket win over KKR With a sensational inning of 105 not out in 60 balls, helped RCB reach the top again IPL 2026 mark sheet. With this inning, he also became the fastest batsman to score 14,000 T20 runs, surpassing Chris Gayle, and also became the most capped player in IPL history with his 279th appearance in the tournament. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Kohli explained how his relationship with the game has changed at this stage of his career.

RCB vs KKR: highlighted | Achievement:

Kohli said after the win, “Well, despite all this, I still like to bat. That is my basic feeling.”

“What an honor it is to play at this level. What an honor to still compete with the best players in the world. That’s what I’ve done my whole life. Cricket is just something I really love.”

The 37-year-old, who has already retired from T20I and Test cricket, also admitted that the end of his playing career is not far off. While talks continue about the possibility of leading India in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli admitted that he now looks at the game with far more gratitude than with the pressure of numbers or milestones.

“And I put my heart and soul on the field, whether I’m fielding or batting, because it’s going to end one day,” Kohli said.

“And I want to make the most of every day I have on the field and just enjoy myself and have a lot of fun and look forward to the pressure situations.”

The century also came at a personally important moment for Kohli.

Before the KKR game, RCB openers Had moved to Raipur under pressure after registering back-to-back ducks Against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. In those two innings, Kohli had faced only three balls combined, something that became the biggest talking point around RCB despite the team’s consecutive wins.

However, against KKR, Kohli responded in a classic style.

They survived an early scare when Rovman Powell dropped them for 21, but Kolkata paid a heavy price for the missed opportunity. Kohli brought up his half-century in just 32 balls before taking complete control of the chase with Devdutt Padikkal helping maintain the pace in the middle overs.

The RCB star finally brought up his century in the final over with a single off Vaibhav Arora, before Jitesh Sharma completed the chase in style.

How Virat Kohli turned pressure into a century

Kohli admitted after the match that the brief lean patch had really helped him focus again in the KKR encounter.

“When you look back, those failures are very important because they take you back to where you were before and it doesn’t stop you from performing at your best,” Kohli said.

“So I guess that’s why people say pressure is a privilege. And of course, I was nervous. I just wanted to get out in goal and just celebrate and have a little fun out there.”

That celebration itself became a moment of the night.

After taking the first run of the innings, Kohli punched the air, laughed at himself and soaked in the thunderous roar of the Raipur crowd after avoiding an unwanted hat-trick of ducks.

From there the innings got bigger.

Kohli’s unbeaten 105 not only ended the ongoing discussion about his form but also reminded everyone why he remains one of the defining batsmen of the IPL even at the age of 37.

RCB vs KKR: Playoff race intensifies

Reigning champions RCB reached the top of the IPL 2026 points table thanks to Kohli’s unbeaten century. Bengaluru now have 16 points and are making a strong bid to finish in the top two by the end of the season, although qualification is not yet mathematically decided.

Meanwhile, KKR suffered a major setback in their quest for qualification despite scoring a strong score of 192 for four on the back of Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s career-best 71 off 46 balls.

Their four-match winning streak ended in Raipur and their playoff hopes are now in danger. Even if Kolkata wins all its remaining matches, it may only have 15 points, which may still not be enough depending on other results.

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