AFP UK

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.

Washington (AFP) – Brazil football coach Carlo Ancelotti says his side should not be “scared” of aiming to win the 2026 World Cup. “We have to be brave enough to say it and work towards that,” says Ancelotti at a press conference in Washington after Brazil were drawn in a group with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti.

Conakry (AFP) – 33-year-old Guinean Safiatou Bah has made her decision. She will leave behind her young children to try to secure their future by migrating to Europe from the Guinean coast – a new, even more perilous migration route emerging in West Africa. With few economic opportunities and little hope for the country, thousands of young Guineans have been risking their lives in clandestine migration attempts in recent years.

Switzerland (AFP) – Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands have announced that that they will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, in opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza. This comes after organisers of Eurovision — the world’s largest live music competition — opted to allow Israel to take part in next year’s event.