AFP UK

Brasília (AFP) – The floors of Brazil’s presidential palace lie strewn with glass from shattered windows, broken computer cables and used hand grenades, a day after supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed the seat of power in clashes that sparked international outrage. Brazil’s Minister of Communications, Paulo Pimenta, describes the riot as “a coup d’etat” as president Lula vows that those involved “will be found and will be punished”.

London (AFP) – People on the streets of London react to the interview Prince Harry gave on Sunday on the country’s broadcaster ITV as well as the controversy ahead of the publication of his memoir, “Spare”.

Joshimath (India) (AFP) – Authorities in the town of Joshimath, in the Indian Himalayas, began evacuating residents after hundreds of buildings developed cracks and started sinking into the ground. The cause of the apparent subsidence is unclear, but residents blame the building of roads and tunnels for a nearby hydroelectric project.

Seki (Japan) (AFP) – In the Japanese city of Seki, once famous for forging samurai swords, a small factory now making kitchen knives is struggling to keep up with global demand. The explosion in popularity has been partly attributed to a home-cooking boom sparked by the pandemic. High-quality Japanese knives are also winning a following in professional circles, with top chefs trusting them for their precision and durability.

Geneva (AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron announces that France will give 360 million euros to finance projects helping the reconstruction of Pakistan following last year’s devastating floods. Speaking at a UN conference in Geneva, Macron says the funding will go towards not just “resilient reconstruction”, but also “climate adaptation.”

Bangkok (AFP) – Passengers from southern Chinese city of Xiamen arrive at Bangkok airport, welcomed by the Thai deputy prime minister. The flight with 269 people on board was the first carrying tourists to land in Thailand after China lifted its quarantine requirements, according to Thai authorities.

Bangkok (AFP) – Passengers from southern Chinese city of Xiamen arrive at Bangkok airport, welcomed by the Thai deputy prime minister. The flight with 269 people on board was the first carrying tourists to land in Thailand after China lifted its quarantine requirements, according to Thai authorities.

Karachi (AFP) – More than 60 Hindu couples marry in a mass wedding ceremony in Karachi, the most populous city in Pakistan. One bride explains that she’s taking part as her family is unable to afford the high costs of a Hindu wedding, a sentiment echoed by one of the grooms.

Cappelle-la-Grande (France) (AFP) – The Dunkirk Carnival in northern France returns after three years of Covid-related cancellations. Over a thousand people gathered in the streets of Capelle-la-Grande to hear the first band of the carnival season, which will run until mid-April.

Brasília (AFP) – Brazilian Military Police agents lock down the area around Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court in the capital Brasilia, after supporters of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro stormed the seat of power in riots that triggered an international outcry.

Araraquara (Brazil) (AFP) – President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemns the invasion of Brazil’s Congress, Supreme Court and presidential palace by “real vandals,” after supporters of far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro unleashed scenes of chaos in the capital.

New Delhi (AFP) – Hundreds of people take part in the first Delhi Queer Pride march in three years, demanding equal rights, as pressure grows for legal recognition of same-sex marriage in India.