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From ancient kings to Trump and Xi: when did humans start shaking hands? And why?
The handshake is one of the most ancient and familiar gestures. It has carried many meanings – signalling trust and alliance, but also grief and deception.
First seen · 8:08 PM UTCMay 21, 2026
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International Tea Day
UN-designated to promote sustainable tea production and fair working conditions. Two billion cups are consumed daily; behind every cup is a supply chain that reaches from Assam to Nairobi.
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World Bee Day
Birthday of Slovenian beekeeper Anton Janša (1734). Honeybee colonies declined by 30% in the US in 2023; researchers point at neonicotinoids and varroa mites.
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2024
The Greenfield tornado kills 5 and injures 35 across rural Iowa, United States. Wind speeds in excess of 480 kilometres per hour (300 mph) are estimated from measurements for the third time in history.
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2024
A stabbing spree on the Green line of the Taichung MRT injures four people, including the perpetrator.
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2017
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performed their final show at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
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