Baghdad (AFP) – After nearly three decades, an Iraqi TV programme banned by Saddam Hussein for its gritty depiction of life under sanctions has returned to screens. This Ramadan, a revived “Wahiba’s World” is one of several Iraqi shows focusing on social issues such as drug addiction, crime, divorce and unemployment.
Rizal (Philippines) (AFP) – Filipino single mother Mary Ann Eduarte delayed chemotherapy for her breast cancer for several years and instead took food supplements falsely promoted on social media as cures for the deadly disease. They didn’t work and the cancer spread to her lungs and bones. Eduarte is one of many Filipinos duped by medical misinformation flooding the social media platforms where they rank among the world’s heaviest users.
Santiago (AFP) – Chilean lawyer Gonzalo Chiang and his dog Sam walk the trails of Cerro San Cristobal in the city of Santiago, collecting mainly plastic waste as they go.
Washington (AFP) – On the brink of spring, Washington’s iconic cherry trees are now in full bloom, and people gather to savor the floral scent of the cherry blossoms along the capital’s Tidal Basin.
Oloitokitok (Kenya) (AFP) – Under the blazing Kenyan sun, Maasai women patrol the vast plains in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, determined to protect wildlife and tackle poachers. But for many, fighting age-old prejudices within their community is just as important.
Moscow (AFP) – Key Russian ally China congratulates President Vladimir Putin on his election victory. With 99 percent of polling stations having submitted results, Putin had secured 87.33 percent of all votes cast, official election data shows, according to state news agency RIA. A record victory for Putin in a presidential election where he faced no genuine competition, with the polls criticised by several Western nations as neither free nor fair.
San Sebastian (Spain) (AFP) – Hundreds of people lie on the ground by the sea in the Basque city of San Sebastian, Spain, during a pro-Palestinian protest asking to “stop the genocide”. Gaza has been devastated by more than five months of war between Israel and the militant group Hamas, which triggered the war with its unprecedented October 7 attack.
Santa Teresa (Nicaragua) (AFP) – Sixty-year-old brothers Arturo and Walter Perez, ‘legends’ in Nicaragua for sustaining their bodybuilder physique over decades, have gained significant success on TikTok, with over 175,000 followers. The brothers emerged from a low-income background, overcoming the challenges of being deaf, to start their fitness journey as teenagers.
Mazar-i-Sharif (Afghanistan) (AFP) – Played for centuries in Afghanistan’s northern steppes, the national equestrian sport buzkashi, at the heart of Afghan identity, has evolved from a rough, rural pastime to a professionalised phenomenon flush with cash.
London (AFP) – People come from near and far to see the fresh Banksy mural that has appeared in North London. Now claimed by the enigmatic street artist, Banksy’s latest work sits behind a leafless tree.
Moscow (AFP) – Vladimir Putin thanks Russians for voting and backing him as he hails an election victory that paves the way for the former spy to become the longest-serving Russian leader in more than 200 years.
Moscow (AFP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin insists he had agreed to a proposal to exchange opposition leader Alexei Navalny prior to Navalny’s death last month. Putin made the comments at a press conference following his re-election victory, in a vote which featured no credible opposition and guaranteed his fifth term in office.
