Tajikistan bets on giant dam to solve electricity crisis
Rogun (Tajikistan) (AFP) – In a remote village in Tajikistan’s soaring mountains, Muslikhiddin Makhmudzoda relies on a mobile phone to light his modest home as his family spends another winter without electricity.
Air tankers fight Los Angeles fires from frantic skies
Calabasas (United States) (AFP) – In the skies above Los Angeles, air tankers and helicopters silhouetted by the setting California sun dart in and out of giant wildfire plumes, dropping much-needed flame retardant and precious water onto the angry fires below.
Right
Washington (AFP) – Months of dry weather and recent strong winds created optimal conditions for the deadly wildfires engulfing Los Angeles, but narratives on social media falsely single out “liberal” policies — including those to increase diversity in the city’s fire force — as the culprit.
Osaka to play Australian Open after 'devastating' injury pullout
Melbourne (AFP) – Naomi Osaka declared Friday that she would “for sure” play her first-round match at the Australian Open after suffering an abdominal injury last week.
'Disruptor' Medvedev ready to bring down Sinner and Alcaraz
Melbourne (AFP) – Daniil Medvedev said Friday he had one of his best pre-seasons ever in a bid to finally win an Australian Open, pledging to be a “disruptor” against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Atletico can seize La Liga lead as Osasuna visit
Madrid (AFP) – With Spanish champions Real Madrid and their arch-rivals Barcelona in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, Atletico Madrid’s sights are firmly set on top spot in La Liga.
Navalny lawyers face long sentences in Russian 'extremism' trial
Petushki (Russia) (AFP) – A Russian court will next week issue verdicts against three of Alexei Navalny’s former lawyers, being tried for “extremism” as part of an escalating crackdown on the Kremlin critic’s allies even after his death.
India's Kumbh Mela, world's largest religious gathering
Prayagraj (India) (AFP) – Organisers of India’s Kumbh Mela have prepared to host a staggering 400 million devotees at the six-week Hindu festival that starts Monday and is expected to be the largest human gathering in history.
India readies for mammoth Hindu festival of 400 million pilgrims
New Delhi (AFP) – The world’s largest gathering of humanity begins in India on Monday with the opening of the Kumbh Mela, a six-week Hindu festival organisers expect to attract up to 400 million pilgrims.
Uruguay bucks 2024 global warming trend
Montevideo (AFP) – The world experienced its hottest year in 2024 since records began, but in the small South American country of Uruguay, global warming was counteracted by bouts of “near-historic” cold.
