AFP UK

Tokio (AFP) – Tokyo residents visit the Yushima Tenmangu Shrine to enjoy the plum blossoms, one of the earliest signs that spring is approaching. While cherry blossoms attract most attention in Japan, plum blossoms are cherished for their delicate flowers, subtle fragrance and long cultural history.

(AFP) – Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tells a news conference in Kandahar that 13 Afghan soldiers have been killed and 13 civilians wounded, after “attacks” carried out by Pakistan. Pakistan has bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul, with Islamabad’s defence minister declaring the neighbours at “open war” following months of tit-for-tat clashes.

Bansko (AFP) – “It’s a hidden gem of entrepreneurship,” says Robert Hamisch, part of a wave of digital nomads who have moved to the Bulgarian ski town of Bansko. The town of 10,000 inhabitants has seen three co-working spaces pop up in recent years, alongside restaurants and coffee shops catering to foreign workers drawn in by the setting and Bulgaria’s favourable tax system.

Kopenhagen (AFP) – Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says that she has decided to call a general election to be held on 24 March. “Dear Danes, today I have asked His Majesty the King to call an election for the Folketing,” Denmark’s parliament, Frederiksen tells the house.

Hangzhou (AFP) – Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Germany and China face challenges that they “must tackle together” as he ends his two-day visit to the country in the tech hub of Hangzhou. “Above all, there are issues relating to competition,” Merz tells reporters a day after meeting President Xi Jinping and sealing an Airbus deal.

Naraha (AFP) – Images released by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) show a new snake-like remote-controlled device that can help remove radioactive debris from inside Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear plant. The 22-metre-long, 4.6-tonne robot arm can move through small tunnel-like passages and inspect complex structures within a confined space. TEPCO plans to use it later this year to conduct the third trial debris removal operation at one of the melted reactors in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Kyoto (Japan) (AFP) – Japanese researchers have unveiled a robot monk powered by AI that they say can dispense spiritual advice, and which could one day ease shortages of its human counterparts.

Ubá (Brazil) (AFP) – Streets in the commercial district lie strewn with debris after the Uba River overflows, collapsing a bridge and several buildings. Torrential rains, floods, and landslides have killed at least 40 people and left 27 missing, authorities said. IMAGES

Tehran (AFP) – People in the Iranian capital Tehran express mixed views on potential military escalation with the United States. “War is 100% likely to happen because this process, which both sides are pursuing, leads to war,” says Habib, a 47-year-old shop owner in Tehran. Mehdi, a 58-year-old salesman believes the opposite, saying that “the Americans are bluffing” and that “the negotiations will be 100% successful”. This comes a day ahead a third round of talks between the two foes in Geneva.

Schönefeld (Germany) (AFP) – Speaking on Tuesday’s fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that China had a “significant opportunity” to exert influence on Russia over the Ukraine war. Ahead of a trip to China, Merz added that “cooperation is needed to resolve the major crises and wars of our time” and that “Beijing’s voice is heard, including in Moscow”.

Swansea (United Kingdom) (AFP) – American rapper Snoop Dogg is greeted by cheering fans as he attends a Swansea game for the first time since becoming a minority owner of the Welsh club. Dressed in the club’s all-white colours, with a Swansea crest on his jacket, and his trademark dark glasses, Snoop Dogg is greeted by supporters whirling white towels in the stands during a prolonged lap of honour before the 1-1 draw against Preston.