Michendorf (Germany) (AFP) – Although Christmas is still a few weeks away, Santa is already being kept busy at festive events across the world: from skiing in Switzerland to camel riding in Pakistan.
Melbourne (AFP) – Parents and children express their mixed views on Australia’s imminent ban for under-16s to join social media, which will come into effect on December 10. Australia’s world-first legislation will apply to the most popular social media platforms and websites, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. There is keen interest in whether Australia’s sweeping restrictions can work as regulators around the globe wrestle with the potential dangers of social media.
Benin’s interior minister says that the army has thwarted an attempted coup by a group of soldiers who said they had ousted President Patrice Talon. “A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,” says Alassane Seidou, adding that the army’s response “ensured control of the situation and foiled the attempt”.
Hundreds of people dressed as Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas gather to ski in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier, celebrating the start of the season.
In Belfast, the battle between technology and tradition is playing out at an artists’ market. Organisers of the annual Christmas fair have banned AI-generated artwork, insisting on “human creativity” as artificial intelligence floods the art world.
Dakar (AFP) – The traditional runway is replaced by pirogues ferrying models between Dakar and the island of Ngor at Dakar fashion week. “The theme was the ocean, the magic of the sea and fashion combined,” says Senegales fashion designer and organiser Adama Paris.
Mexico City (AFP) – Hundreds of thousands of supporters fill Mexico City’s Zocalo Square to support President Claudia Sheinbaum during the seventh anniversary of the Morena party. IMAGES
Doha (AFP) – Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa warns that Israel’s demand for a demilitarised zone in southern Syria would endanger his country, as Israeli forces continue to operate in the area. US President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for a security pact between Israel and Syria, has told Israel to avoid destabilising Syria and its new leadership.
London (AFP) – Activists from a little-known, self-proclaimed civil resistance group called Take Back Power throw food — purportedly apple crumble and custard — at a display case containing Britain’s priceless Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. London police say four people were arrested following the incident.
Riad (AFP) – In Riyadh, women in niqabs and men in traditional white robes sip alcohol-free pints, with no expectation of a hangover. The incongruous scene signals the changes under way in the conservative kingdom, which is home to Islam’s holiest sites, while gently prodding at deep-seated taboos. Booze has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 1952.
New York (AFP) – In the corridors of New York’s 26 Federal Plaza, US immigration police agents arrest asylum seekers as they leave the courtroom. Since returning to the White House in January, US President Donald Trump has made tackling illegal immigration a priority, with the push for a massive wave of deportations central to his 2024 presidential campaign.
Islamabad (AFP) – Winter smog blankets Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. The South Asian country regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted countries. Experts say the pollution is primarily caused by factory and traffic emissions, worsening in winter as cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds trap the deadly pollutants. The smog can cause sore throats, stinging eyes and respiratory illnesses, while prolonged exposure can trigger strokes, heart disease and lung cancer.
