Odd News Roundup: Romanian witches harness Internet; Mythical beast 'Yeti' and more

Indian soldiers reckon they've found mysterious footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti'

The Indian Army has claimed its mountaineering expedition team in the higher Himalayas had found "mysterious footprints" in the snow that they believe belong to the Yeti or the abominable snowman, triggering a barrage of reactions. On April 9, the team spotted footprints measuring 32 x 15 inches to close to the Makalu base camp, the sources said. Largely regarded by the scientific community as a myth, the Yeti is part of Nepali folklore and is said to live high in the snow-capped Himalayas.

Romania's witches harness the powers of the web

The power of the Internet has allowed Romania's busy witch community to gradually migrate their ancient practices onto the Web. "Repeat after me! To be together with who I want," a family of Romanian witches chant via a video call to a client in India paying for a love spell. The session, in a decorated shed in a back yard 15 km (9 miles) north of Bucharest, is one of many consultations the family holds online, alternating them with rituals live-streamed on Facebook to build up their digital following. "A truly powerful which can solve problems from a distance," explains 20-year-old witch Cassandra Buzea.

Pope advice people not to indulge in any gossip

Pope Francis has often warned against gossiping among friends and neighbours, but now he says it should also be avoided in those modern temples of cheap talk: beauty parlours and hair salons. The pope exhorted some 230 Italian Catholic hair cutters, stylists and beauticians - on a group pilgrimage to Rome - to "avoid falling into the temptation of gossip that is easily associated with your work". Instead, they should pursue their profession "with Christian style, treating clients with gentleness and courtesy, offering them always a good word and encouragement," he said.