Jiujiang (China) (AFP) – Aerial images show dry sections of China’s largest freshwater lake, Poyang, which connects to the Yangtze River. China has been hit by extreme weather this summer, including record temperatures, flash floods and droughts — phenomena that scientists have warned are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Itagüí (Colombia) (AFP) – Colombians parade on beds for World Laziness Day, a celebration of idleness held every year in the northwestern city of Itagüí.
Karbala (Iraq) (AFP) – Rescue workers search through the rubble of a Shiite Muslim shrine in central Iraq, after a landslide killed at least five people including a child.
Washington (AFP) – Male giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji celebrates his second birthday with a cake made of apples, bananas, pears, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and bamboo, frozen into a giant fruitsicle
Richmond (United States) (AFP) – Dr. Kelly Lambert’s research lab at the University of Richmond, in the US state of Virginia, trains rats to drive small cars and rewards them with treats, exploring the potential benefits to the brain in the process. Watching rodents drive tiny custom-made cars is “kind of magical,” says Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience, adding that she wants to “make sure that it’s not just a circus trick, that it is done in a scientific manner.”
Richmond (United States) (AFP) – Dr. Kelly Lambert’s research lab at the University of Richmond, in the US state of Virginia, trains rats to drive small cars and rewards them with treats, exploring the potential benefits to the brain in the process. Watching rodents drive tiny custom-made cars is “kind of magical,” says Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience, adding that she wants to “make sure that it’s not just a circus trick, that it is done in a scientific manner.”
Bagnolet (France) (AFP) – Having scaled skyscrapers in La Défense and mounted the Montparnasse Tower, Alexis Landot conquers the Mercuriales towers in the suburbs of Paris. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he admits. The young Parisian is one of the only climbers in the world to go “free solo”, meaning he foregoes ropes and security. “I’m the only one who has control over my own survival, over what will happen, and that makes me feel amazing,” Landot says.
London (AFP) – One year after the return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan, kites fly in London’s sky as a sign of solidarity with the Afghan people. The event was co-organized by the humanitarian association “Afghan Aid” and in which more than a hundred people participated in the park of Hampstead Heath. Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban have not been as strict as under their previous regime, between 1996 and 2001, when they banned television, cinema, photography, kites and almost all forms of entertainment, considered immoral.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that “Russia may try to do something particularly disgusting and particularly violent next week,” as Ukraine prepares to celebrate 31st Independence Day. In his nightly address, he adds that “there’s a feeling literally in Crimea’s air that its occupation is temporary and that Ukraine is coming back.”
Moscow (AFP) – After the Starbucks chain left Russia following the conflict in Ukraine, a new homegrown brand has taken over the American giant’s former cafes with the backing of pro-Putin rapper Timati.
Glasgow (AFP) – A museum in Glasgow performs a handover ceremony to return seven items that were stolen from India during the Colonial era to the country. Dignitaries from the High Commission of India join members of Glasgow Life, the charity that manages the Scottish city’s museum collections, at the transfer of ownership ceremony, following more than 18 months of talks.
Helsinki (AFP) – Finland’s prime minister Sanna Marin says she has taken a drug test and reiterates she has never taken narcotics, after a video of the 36-year-old partying sparked criticism. The leaked video, which shows Sanna Marin dancing and partying with a group of friends and celebrities, has been shared widely on social media.
