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Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts Twice in Two Days for First Time This Year 2

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, southern Japan, erupted explosively on consecutive days for the first time this year. The blasts from the Minamidake summit crater on April 11 and 12 sent ash plumes up to 3,400 meters high and scattered volcanic rocks up to 1,000 meters from the crater. No pyroclastic flows were observed. The eruptions are the first and second of the year, following the previous event on December 13 last year. Volcanic alert level 3 — prohibiting entry into the mountain — remains in effect, with authorities warning of large projectiles and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometers of the crater.

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Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts Twice in Two Days for First Time This Year

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, southern Japan, erupted explosively on consecutive days for the first time this year. The blasts from the Minamidake summit crater on April 11 and 12 sent ash plumes up to 3,400 meters high and scattered volcanic rocks up to 1,000 meters from the crater. No pyroclastic flows were observed. The eruptions are the first and second of the year, following the previous event on December 13 last year. Volcanic alert level 3 — prohibiting entry into the mountain — remains in effect, with authorities warning of large projectiles and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometers of the crater.

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Palio in Siena Historical Horse Race - Italy

Spectators gather in the Piazza del Campo before the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2025. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Palio in Siena Historical Horse Race - Italy

An Italian Carabinieri, known as the gendarmerie of Italy, performs before the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2025. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Palio in Siena Historical Horse Race - Italy

Palio jockey Giovanni Atzeni, also known as "Tittia", reacts before the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2025. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Palio in Siena Historical Horse Race - Italy

Palio jockey Giovanni Atzeni, also known as "Tittia", celebrates after winning the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2025. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Palio in Siena Historical Horse Race - Italy

Spectators gather in the Piazza del Campo before the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2025. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Palio in Siena Historical Horse Race - Italy

Italian Carabinieri, known as the gendarmerie of Italy, perform before the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2025. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Palio in Siena Historical Horse Race - Italy

Palio jockeys compete during the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2025. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

Workers build a sightseeing corridor at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 11, 2025. Tourism-related equipment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is under construction. The suspension bridge has a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the river surface -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The 2,890-meter bridge, with a span of 1,420 meters, is also the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area. It is expected to open to traffic this year. Photo by Xinhua/Yang Wenbin/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

Workers build a sightseeing corridor at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 11, 2025. Tourism-related equipment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is under construction. The suspension bridge has a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the river surface -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The 2,890-meter bridge, with a span of 1,420 meters, is also the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area. It is expected to open to traffic this year. Photo by Xinhua/Yang Wenbin/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

Workers build a sightseeing corridor at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 11, 2025. Tourism-related equipment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is under construction. The suspension bridge has a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the river surface -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The 2,890-meter bridge, with a span of 1,420 meters, is also the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area. It is expected to open to traffic this year. Photo by Xinhua/Yang Wenbin/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

Workers build a sightseeing corridor at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 11, 2025. Tourism-related equipment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is under construction. The suspension bridge has a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the river surface -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The 2,890-meter bridge, with a span of 1,420 meters, is also the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area. It is expected to open to traffic this year. Photo by Xinhua/Yang Wenbin/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

Workers build a sightseeing corridor at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 11, 2025. Tourism-related equipment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is under construction. The suspension bridge has a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the river surface -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The 2,890-meter bridge, with a span of 1,420 meters, is also the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area. It is expected to open to traffic this year. Photo by Xinhua/Yang Wenbin/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

Workers build a sightseeing corridor at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 11, 2025. Tourism-related equipment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is under construction. The suspension bridge has a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the river surface -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The 2,890-meter bridge, with a span of 1,420 meters, is also the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area. It is expected to open to traffic this year. Photo by Xinhua/Yang Wenbin/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

Workers build a sightseeing corridor at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 11, 2025. Tourism-related equipment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is under construction. The suspension bridge has a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the river surface -- roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The 2,890-meter bridge, with a span of 1,420 meters, is also the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area. It is expected to open to traffic this year. Photo by Xinhua/Yang Wenbin/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drug Trafficking In The Maurepas District - Rennes

For the past two days, the Maurepas district of Rennes has been the scene of gunfire and clashes between rival gangs over drug trafficking. On Saturday October 26, a 5-year-old child was shot twice in the head while riding in a car with his father. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of a CRS 82 team dedicated to urban violence and drug trafficking. Aerial view of the Maurepas district, Rennes, France on March 25, 2024. Photo by Macareux/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drug Trafficking In The Maurepas District - Rennes

For the past two days, the Maurepas district of Rennes has been the scene of gunfire and clashes between rival gangs over drug trafficking. On Saturday October 26, a 5-year-old child was shot twice in the head while riding in a car with his father. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of a CRS 82 team dedicated to urban violence and drug trafficking. Aerial view of the Maurepas district, Rennes, France on March 25, 2024. Photo by Macareux/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drug Trafficking In The Maurepas District - Rennes

For the past two days, the Maurepas district of Rennes has been the scene of gunfire and clashes between rival gangs over drug trafficking. On Saturday October 26, a 5-year-old child was shot twice in the head while riding in a car with his father. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of a CRS 82 team dedicated to urban violence and drug trafficking. Aerial view of the Maurepas district, Rennes, France on October 3, 2024. Photo by Macareux/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drug Trafficking In The Maurepas District - Rennes

For the past two days, the Maurepas district of Rennes has been the scene of gunfire and clashes between rival gangs over drug trafficking. On Saturday October 26, a 5-year-old child was shot twice in the head while riding in a car with his father. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of a CRS 82 team dedicated to urban violence and drug trafficking. Aerial view of the Maurepas district, Rennes, France on June 29, 2023. Photo by Macareux/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drug Trafficking In The Maurepas District - Rennes

For the past two days, the Maurepas district of Rennes has been the scene of gunfire and clashes between rival gangs over drug trafficking. On Saturday October 26, a 5-year-old child was shot twice in the head while riding in a car with his father. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of a CRS 82 team dedicated to urban violence and drug trafficking. Aerial view of the Maurepas district, Rennes, France on January 14, 2021. Photo by Macareux/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drug Trafficking In The Maurepas District - Rennes

For the past two days, the Maurepas district of Rennes has been the scene of gunfire and clashes between rival gangs over drug trafficking. On Saturday October 26, a 5-year-old child was shot twice in the head while riding in a car with his father. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of a CRS 82 team dedicated to urban violence and drug trafficking. Aerial view of the Maurepas district, Rennes, France on January 14, 2021. Photo by Macareux/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drug Trafficking In The Maurepas District - Rennes

For the past two days, the Maurepas district of Rennes has been the scene of gunfire and clashes between rival gangs over drug trafficking. On Saturday October 26, a 5-year-old child was shot twice in the head while riding in a car with his father. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of a CRS 82 team dedicated to urban violence and drug trafficking. Aerial view of the Maurepas district, Rennes, France on June 26, 2023. Photo by Macareux/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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ITALY-SIENA-HORSE RACE-PALIO

(240705) -- SIENA, July 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Contestants return to the stable after the suspension of the Palio due to the rain in Siena, Italy, July 2, 2024. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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ITALY-SIENA-HORSE RACE-PALIO

(240705) -- SIENA, July 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Spectators leave after the suspension of the Palio due to the rain in Siena, Italy, July 3, 2024. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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ITALY-SIENA-HORSE RACE-PALIO

(240705) -- SIENA, July 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Contestants compete during the palio in Siena, Italy, July 4, 2024. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. (Photo by Elisa Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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ITALY-SIENA-HORSE RACE-PALIO

(240705) -- SIENA, July 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Spectators wait in rain after the suspension of the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 2, 2024. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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ITALY-SIENA-HORSE RACE-PALIO

(240705) -- SIENA, July 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Performers dressed in medieval costumes march in a parade on the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 2, 2024. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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ITALY-SIENA-HORSE RACE-PALIO

(240705) -- SIENA, July 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A Carabinieri, known as the gendarmerie of Italy, performs on the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 2, 2024. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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ITALY-SIENA-HORSE RACE-PALIO

(240705) -- SIENA, July 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Contestants take part in the horse race on the Palio in Siena, Italy, July 4, 2024. Palio in Siena, or "Palio di Siena" in Italian, is a historical horse race held twice a year in Siena since 1656. (Photo by Elisa Lingria/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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US: New Yorkers Enjoy 2024 Manhattanhenge

New Yorkers enjoyed the annual Manhattanhenge on Tuesday, May 28. Manhattanhenge, also inaccurately called the Manhattan Solstice, is an event during which the setting sun or the rising sun is aligned with the east-west streets of the main street grid of Manhattan, New York City. The sunset alignments occur twice a year, around the end of May and around the middle of July.

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35th edition of Mongolia's National Book Festival kicks off

STORY: 35th edition of Mongolia's National Book Festival kicks off SHOOTING TIME: May 18, 2024 DATELINE: May 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:00 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Mongolia's National Book Festival STORYLINE: The 35th edition of Mongolia's National Book Festival kicked off nationwide on Saturday under the slogan "Let's Read More". Under the auspices of the country's parliament speaker, Gombojav Zandanshatar, the book festival is organized twice a year in Mongolia by the non-governmental organization Nomiin Soyolt Yertunts (World of Book Culture), with editions held in both spring and autumn. According to the organizer, the three-day festival aims to inspire children and youth to read more and cultivate a passion for books. The book festival serves as a gathering ground for hundreds of book publishers, booksellers, authors, and thousands of book enthusiasts. The festival stands as the largest book event in the Asian country. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting

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Japan holds festival to pay tribute to philosophy of Confucius

STORY: Japan holds festival to pay tribute to philosophy of Confucius SHOOTING TIME: April 18, 2024 DATELINE: April 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:28 LOCATION: TAKU, Japan CATEGORY: EDUCATION SHOTLIST: 1. various of Japanese elementary school students chanting songs in honor of Confucius 2. various of placing the offerings before images of Confucius 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Japanese): TOSHIHIKO YOKOO, Mayor of Taku City 4. various of the statue of Confucius 5. various of the tribute activities 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (Japanese): Elementary school student 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (Japanese): SHUNJI ISHIDA, Education director in Taku City STORYLINE: A group of first- and second-grade Japanese elementary school students on Thursday chanted songs in honor of Confucius in the courtyard of the 316-year-old Taku Seibyo, a Confucian temple in the city of Taku, Saga Prefecture, southwest Japan. Sekisai, a traditional ritual event for consoling the souls of Confucius and his disciples, is held twice a year, on April 18 in spring and the fourth Sun

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The Great North American Solar Eclipse As Seen From Canada Ontario

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare because of the wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada that can observe totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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The Great North American Solar Eclipse As Seen From Kentucky

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare because of the wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada that can observe totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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The Great North American Solar Eclipse As Seen From Texas

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare because of the wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada that can observe totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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The Great North American Solar Eclipse As Seen From Ohio

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare because of the wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada that can observe totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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The Great North American Solar Eclipse As Seen From Pennsylvania

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare because of the wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada that can observe totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crosses North America 7

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare, given its wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and the fact that it provided totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon. This video shows skygazers in Dallas reacting to the clouds blocking the view after a brief appearance of the eclipse.

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crosses North America 4

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare, given its wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and the fact that it provided totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crosses North America 5

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare, given its wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and the fact that it provided totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crosses North America 6

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare, given its wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and the fact that it provided totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crosses North America 3

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare, given its wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and the fact that it provided totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crosses North America

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare, given its wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and the fact that it provided totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse Crosses North America 2

A total solar eclipse crossed through North America on Monday, April 8. While the phenomenon occurs once or twice a year in various locations around the world, this one is rare, given its wide area across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and the fact that it provided totality or the complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

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Malta holds Freedom Day regatta

STORY: Malta holds Freedom Day regatta SHOOTING TIME: March 23, 2024 DATELINE: March 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Valletta CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the regatta STORYLINE: Malta on Saturday held the annual Freedom Day regatta at the Valletta Grand Harbour. This year's event was held a week earlier than originally planned, as Freedom Day coincides with Easter Sunday. In Malta, the traditional rowing event takes place twice a year. The first event is usually on March 31, marking Freedom Day to commemorate the withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979. The second is usually held on Sept. 8, known as Victory Day. Through these two events, people are encouraged to enjoy sports and at the same time to celebrate important historical dates. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Valletta. (XHTV)

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Egypt's Abu Simbel Temple welcomes solar alignment

STORY: Egypt's Abu Simbel Temple welcomes solar alignment SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 22, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 23, 2024 LENGTH: 0:00:36 LOCATION: ASWAN, Egypt CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of exterior of Abu Simbel Temple 2. various of interior of Abu Simbel Temple illuminated by sunlight STORYLINE: Tourists witnessed the solar alignment over Abu Simbel Temple in Aswan, Egypt, as rays of the morning sun reached the innermost shrine and illuminated inside sculptures on Thursday. The solar alignment, a rare phenomenon, takes place twice a year on Feb. 22 and Oct. 22. Locals believe the dates mark the coronation of King Ramses II and his birthday respectively. Abu Simbel Temple is one of the largest temples carved in rocks in the world and was built by Ramses nearly 3,300 years ago. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Aswan, Egypt. (XHTV)

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Water light show staged at 2024 Venice Carnival

STORY: Water light show staged at 2024 Venice Carnival SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 13, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:00 LOCATION: VENICE, Italy CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of "Unknown Lands: Marco Polo's Fantastic Journey" STORYLINE: A water light show named "Unknown Lands: Marco Polo's Fantastic Journey" was concluded on Tuesday in the famous lagoon city of Venice, Italy. As one of the main events of the 2024 Venice Carnival, the show told the story of the famous merchant and traveler Marco Polo's 24-year journey to the East. The 30-minute water light show was held twice a day. It attracted an average of 1,500 audiences, attended by both local residents and foreign tourists. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Venice, Italy. (XHTV)

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World Bank says Indian economy to grow at 6.3 pct in FY 2023-24

STORY: World Bank says Indian economy to grow at 6.3 pct in FY 2023-24 DATELINE: Oct. 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:39 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of India gate 2. various of wholesale market 3. various of crop fields and crop harvesting STORYLINE: The World Bank Tuesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 6.3 percent in the current financial year. The international financial institution, in its report, said India continues to show resilience against the backdrop of a challenging global environment. India Development Update (IDU), the World Bank's half-yearly report on the Indian economy, observes that despite significant global challenges, India was one of the fastest-growing major economies in FY22-23 at 7.2 percent. "India's growth rate was the second highest among G20 countries and almost twice the average for emerging market economies. This resilience was underpinned by robust domestic demand, strong public infrastructure investment and a strengthening financial s

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34th National Book Festival kicks off in Mongolia

STORY: 34th National Book Festival kicks off in Mongolia DATELINE: Sept. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the book festival STORYLINE: The 34th edition of Mongolia's National Book Festival opened on Friday to encourage reading and promote book culture in the Asian country. With the support of the country's parliament speaker Gombojav Zandanshatar, the four-day festival is being co-organized by the Ministry of Culture, the non-governmental organization World of Book Culture and relevant others at the central square of the country's capital, Ulan Bator. Within the framework of the event, many activities such as exhibitions of rare and new books, photo exhibitions, book exchanges, and meetings of writers and readers will be held. More than 550 book publishers and authors have set up pavilions in the square to display their works, according to the organizers. The festival, which takes place twice a year, is the largest book event in the country. Xinh