Akmola (Kazakhstan) (AFP) – In Kazakhstan, the round-snouted Saiga antelopes were once on the verge of extinction. Today, with a population of around two million individuals according to the government, they are causing damage to farms and competing with the steppe’s livestock – resulting in the govnernment’s decision to legalise their hunting. The subject is sensitive in a country where antelopes are widely revered.
Egg (Austria) (AFP) – In scenic western Austria, Ingo Metzler’s goat breeding farm with its striking light wood panelling and big glass facades sets itself apart, aiming to survive in a sector in crisis. “We have architecture as an instrument to be different from others,” he says, after remodeling the family farm in Vorarlberg, a region which is a pioneer in sustainable design.
New York (AFP) – Former US President Donald Trump returns to his civil fraud trial in New York, a day after he was slapped with a partial gag order in a separate criminal case. “This is a disgraceful situation,” the former president says, calling New York State Attorney General Letitia James a “radical lunatic,” before entering the courtroom. The 77-year-old Republican is running in the 2024 presidential election.
New Delhi (AFP) – India’s top court has refused to legalise same-sex marriages, arguing that the fundamental right to marriage for same-sex couples was not guaranteed by the country’s constitution. But the court said that India nevertheless has a duty to acknowledge LGBTQ relationships and to protect them from discrimination. “I would still face challenges, but today’s verdict has reduced them to some percent,” says LGBTQ activist Pranav Grover. Marriages in India are governed by family laws for specific religions and Indian religious leaders oppose same sex unions.
Beijing (AFP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin is greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the official welcoming ceremony for heads of delegations participating in the Belt and Road Initiative forum in Beijing. This is Vladimir Putin’s first trip to a major world power since Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine plunged the country into international isolation.
Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) – Nigeria’s Kano state holds all-expenses paid weddings for 1,800 couples and gives customary gifts to the newlyweds, in an effort to help the poor get married in a region facing harsh economic conditions. “Life is really tough, this is why I could not get married, though I wanted to,” says Yusuf Abdullahi, who participated in the giant ceremony over the weekend.
Nairobi (AFP) – Upcoming designers in Nairobi showcase their designs in the second edition of the Kibera Fashion Week. David Ochieng, a.k.a Avido, designer and founder of Kibera Fashion Week has two goals: to show the world what can come from the informal settlement and make it a better place.
Brussels (AFP) – Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo vows “terrorism will never defeat us”, offering condolences to the friends and families of two Swedish victims killed in an attack in Brussels on October 16. The suspect was shot and fatally wounded by police during his arrest, according to officials.
Berlin (AFP) – Jordanian King Abdullah II warns of a dire situation in the Middle East if the conflict between Israel and Hamas is allowed to spread to other countries, and says the escalating refugee crisis “has to be dealt with inside Gaza and the West Bank”. “The whole region is on the brink of falling into the abyss,” Abdullah says during a press conference after meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
Jakarta (AFP) – The Lengger Lanang dance is performed by men dressed as Javanese princesses, wearing tight, colourful batik dresses and ornaments woven into their fake hair bun updos. But the tradition is close to disappearing in the Muslim-majority country of Indonesia, with fewer than 100 performers courageous enough to take part in shows.
