Hong Kong (AFP) – Hong Kong is witnessing a surge in pet abandonments as the city experiences an exodus of residents due to China’s crackdown on dissent as well as some of the world’s strictest Covid restrictions. High prices and strict legislation in transporting dogs makes taking them an extremely complex and expensive process for owners, often forcing potential emigrants to leave their pets behind.
New Delhi (AFP) – Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina receives a ceremonial welcome at India’s presidential palace during her four-day visit to the country, where she was greeted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sukkur (Pakistan) (AFP) – Aerial images show flooded farmland in Pakistan’s southeastern province of Sindh. Nearly a third of Pakistan is under water — an area the size of the United Kingdom — following months of record monsoon rains that have killed 1,300 people and washed away homes, businesses, roads and bridges. Officials say the repair bill will top $10 billion for a country already in the grip of an economic crisis, with hundreds of thousands homeless as the monsoon draws to an end and winter approaches.
Busan (South Korea) (AFP) – In the port city of Busan in South Korea, beachfront roads and shops were damaged by huge waves and heavy rain brought by Typhoon Hinnamnor, one of the most powerful to bear down on the country in decades. Typhoon Hinnamnor made landfall in South Korea early Tuesday, causing power outages and leaving one person missing, but with few early reports of major damage as it headed back to sea.
Beijing (AFP) – Beijing accuses the United States of launching cyberattacks on China and pilfering troves of sensitive data, including from a public research university. “We ask the US to provide an explanation and urge them to stop immediately this illegal move,” Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, says at a regular press conference.
Paroutyné (Ukraine) (AFP) – At his vineyard in southern Ukraine, Pavlo Magalias has made a pile of cluster bombs, dropped since the war broke out. Originally from Moldova, the 59-year-old former weightlifter set up the Olvio Nuvo vineyard in 2013 on the slopes of the estuary of Ukraine’s long Southern Bug river. Since February 24, however, this out-of-the-way, wind-swept spot has lost its usual tranquillity.
London (AFP) – Liz Truss is announced as winner of the vote to choose the leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, thus becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister. In her acceptance speech, Truss pledges a ‘bold plan to cut taxes and grow our economy’ while tackling energy supply issues brought about by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Venice (AFP) – The most eagerly-awaited historical event of the year in Venice opens with a procession of 16th century boats along the Grand Canal. The Regata Storica is one of the most spectacular and picturesque traditions of the city, followed closely by Venetians who gather along the banks of the Grand Canal to welcome the 300 athletes and participants.
Santiago (AFP) – Chileans celebrate after the emphatic rejection of a proposed new constitution to replace one adopted during the Augusto Pinochet era, in a result that exceeded the expectations of the conservative opposition.
New Delhi (AFP) – Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrives at a airport in New Delhi for a four-day state visit.
