Madrid (AFP) – The Spanish government asks the public prosecutor to “investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute” social media companies that allow the sharing of AI-generated nude photos of minors. Government spokesperson Elma Saiz says three million naked photos – many of them of minors – had been generated in 11 days.
Beijing (AFP) – People visit the Lama Temple in Beijing to burn incense and offer prayers as the Year of the Horse kicks off. The Horse, which is the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, is traditionally associated with high energy, intelligence, and a free-spirited, independent nature.
La Réole (France) (AFP) – Aerial views of the Garonne river in the Gironde department of southwest France. The national weather service Météo-France has extended its red flood alerts in the department, over fears of a resurgence due to new rainfall.
Dacca (AFP) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman takes oath as prime minister during a swearing-in ceremony at the National Parliament building in Dhaka. IMAGES
Lima (AFP) – Police guard the Government Palace in Lima ahead of Congress’ debate to impeach interim president Jose Jeri. Peru’s Congress is set to consider whether to impeach interim president Jose Jeri, the country’s seventh head of state in 10 years, accused of the irregular hiring of several women in his government. IMAGES
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (AFP) – A colossal metallic robot depicting Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva towered over Rio de Janeiro’s famed Sambadrome avenue on Sunday night, in a Carnival parade that has drawn fire for its tribute to a sitting president in an election year.
Cadillac (France) (AFP) – Floodwaters submerge the streets of Cadillac, southwest France, as the national weather service extends high-level warnings across much of western France through Tuesday.
London (AFP) – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says “we need to act quickly” as he stresses the need for stronger protection of children online, encompassing the more recent threat of AI chatbots. Speaking at a community hub in southwest London, Starmer says the “status quo… is not good enough”, adding that “things can’t be left as they are. They can’t. They’re not protective of children, and we intend to act”.
Moscow (AFP) – The mother of Alexei Navalny and his mother-in-law visit the grave of the late Kremlin critic on the second anniversary of his death. His mother Lyudmila Navalnaya calls for “justice to prevail”, following the publication of a European assessment that Navalny died of poisoning. Navalny has been declared “extremist” by Russian authorities. In Russia, anybody who mentions Navalny or his Anti-Corruption Foundation without stating that they have been declared “extremist” is subject to fines or up to four years in prison for repeated offences.
Rio de Janeiro (Brésil) (AFP) – As Rio de Janeiro prepares to kick off three days of dazzling carnival parades, one samba school has chosen to honor President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the Sambodrome carnival parade. The parades of the city’s top 12 samba schools — a ferocious competition featuring towering, animated floats, thundering drum sections and scantily-clad samba queens — are the showpiece of Rio’s carnival. Samba school Academicos de Niteroi, the first to parade, has chosen Lula — the first time a serving president is the subject of a tribute on the famed Sambodrome avenue. IMAGES
San Esteban de Gormaz (Spain) (AFP) – People in the Spanish town of San Esteban de Gormaz watch as the Douro River reaches historic levels following days of relentless winter storms. In towns in central Spain, floods are inundating urban parks and promenades and forcing some people to evacuate.
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (AFP) – In Rio de Janeiro, Carnival isn’t just for humans — hundreds of costumed dogs take to the streets for the beloved Blocao festival. This year, the festivities take place in Barra da Tijuca. “We love coming here and having fun. For us, carnival with them is wonderful,” says dog owner Lua Machado.
