Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – A video published by Ukraine’s national railway operator shows Britain’s Prince Harry arriving in Kyiv for a surprise trip: his latest visit to show support amid the Russian invasion. Harry has previously visited the war-torn country to support wounded veterans as part of his Invictus Games Foundation.
Seoul (AFP) – The sound of tinkling bells drifts through an alley in central Seoul, an unmistakable sign that a shaman is near — although in this case the mystic is a program powered by artificial intelligence. The cultural products store, Vinaida, is offering readings by computer-generated avatars on screens. “I saw something that said ‘AI’, which made me curious,” visitor Kim Da-ae tells AFP.
Panama City (AFP) – The war in the Middle East has boosted demand to move vital cargo through the Panama Canal to such an extent that one vessel carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) paid $4 million to skip the line and avoid a wait that can take up to five days, according to an official report. A surge in such payments has been recorded since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28, which led to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas exports from Gulf countries.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz (France) (AFP) – A dolphin swims alongside people in the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in southwestern France. The young female dolphin, believed to be about 5 years old, is said to have made her home for the past six months among the breakwaters that surround the Basque town.
Rome (AFP) – Tourists and pilgrims in Rome pray and share fond memories near the tomb of Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death. Pope Francis, a charismatic reformer, died aged 88 on April 21 last year — Easter Monday — after having led the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics since March 2013.
San Juan Teotihuacán (Mexico) (AFP) – Authorities have continued carrying out forensic work at Mexico’s Teotihuacan archaeological site, a day after a gunman shot and killed a person and injured 13 people at the tourist attraction before taking his own life. Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, the 27-year-old gunman behind the shooting, has drawn inspiration from pre-Hispanic sacrifices and the notorious 1999 US shooting at Columbine High School, according to investigators.
Jerusalem (AFP) – Israel’s foreign minister urges Beirut to make joint efforts with Israel to counter the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, ahead of talks between the countries set to resume in Washington. “Let’s work together against the terror state that Hezbollah built in your territory,” Gideon Saar says in a speech to diplomats at a function marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day in Jerusalem.
Shanghai (AFP) – Young Chinese, many who fear age discrimination in their workplace after turning 35, are increasingly starting “one-person companies” that have artificial intelligence do most of the work.
New York (AFP) – US actresses Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway walk the red carpet at the long-awaited “The Devil Wears Prada 2” premiere in New York. Its 2006 precursor is widely seen as a definitive satire of the US fashion industry, capturing the allure of power and ambition.
New York (AFP) – Marijuana smokers in New York’s Tompkins Square Park and Washington Square Park light up joints for the 420 cannabis celebration held annually on April 20. “It’s like New Year’s basically, but for everyone that smokes,” says New York resident Jackie Win. Adult use of cannabis is legal in the state of New York.
Doha (AFP) – Qatar says it wants a US-Iran ceasefire to hold while diplomatic efforts continue, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari voicing support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts. “Until there is a diplomatic resolution, it is not in anyone’s benefit to return to hostilities,” he says.
Peking (AFP) – China vows to resist what it calls Japan’s “reckless militarisation” after Tokyo eased decades-old arms export rules, as it seeks to enter the international weapons market. “The international community, including China, will remain highly vigilant on this, and firmly resist Japan’s reckless new-style militarisation,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun tells a news briefing.
