Hammamet (Tunisia) (AFP) – In Tunisia’s renowned seaside town of Hammamet, bulldozers are busy spreading sand – part of a controversial beach nourishment operation to combat erosion caused by rising sea levels.
Mexico City (AFP) – Combining passion and exercise, Star Wars fans fight it out in lightsaber battles in Mexico City, an event organised by a local club, the Jedi Knight Academy. “I feel like a Jedi,” says Victor Aceves, a 24-year-old student who enjoys the “fantastic touch” of the discipline similar to fencing.
Islamabad (AFP) – A fire has destroyed dozens of stores inside one of Islamabad’s largest markets. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours to bring the blaze under control.
Taipei (AFP) – Taiwan President Lai Ching-te hails “even better” ties with the US as he greets the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Raymond Greene, at the presidential office.
Bago City (Philippines) (AFP) – At a bare-bones gym in the central Philippines, children from poor families in torn shoes put on frayed head guards and get to work in pursuit of their Olympic boxing dream — and a way out of poverty.
Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden announces a major package of air defenses for Ukraine at the start of a NATO summit in Washington. Doubts over Biden’s political survival clouded the start of the gathering.
Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden announces a major package of air defenses for Ukraine at the start of a NATO summit in Washington. Doubts over Biden’s political survival clouded the start of the gathering.
Lamjung (Nepal) (AFP) – Hanging from a rope and bamboo ladder off a Himalayan mountain cliff, skilled Nepali climbers gather highly prized hallucinogenic honey — an ancient tradition stung by environmental degradation and rapid climate change. Wreathed in smoke to drive away defensive clouds of giant bees, 26-year-old Som Ram Gurung dangles dangerously 100 metres (325 feet) off the ground, slicing off dark and dripping hunks of delicious honeycomb.
Stansted (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Newly-elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemns Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine ahead of leaving for a NATO summit that he says “is an opportunity for allies to stand together.”
Moscow (AFP) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is greeted by Russian President Vladimir Putin on a visit to Moscow, his first since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine and since he was returned to power last month as leader of the world’s most populous country.
Tokyo (AFP) – The streets of Tokyo have been hit by temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius as authorities issue heatstroke alerts in the megacity and various other parts of Japan. At least six people have died due to the heat.
Gjirokastër (Albania) (AFP) – Firefighters and soldiers have been deployed to battle wildfires raging across the south of Albania, near the Greek border, as a heatwave sweeps the Balkans.
