Picture News Around the World

February 17, 2019

Tehran, Iran, Feb 17 – Iranian actors perform during the 37th Fadjr International Theater Festival in Tehran, capital of Iran. Photo courtesy IRNA

Beirut, Lebanon, Feb 17 Prime Minister Saad Hariri speaks with Khalil after the confidence vote. Hariri’s third government received overwhelming confidence Friday in a late-night vote on the third day of often-divisive discussions on his Cabinet’s policy statement. Photo courtesy The Daily Star

Mumbai, India, Feb 17 – An Indian performs at the Mallakhamb World Championships in Mumbai on Saturday. The sport of Mallakhamb was first mentioned in Indian texts in 1135, is popular in western Maharashtra state – of which Mumbai is the capital – but is little known outside India.

February 16, 2019

February 15, 2019

Beijing, China, Feb 15 – Aides gesture as U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, left, Chinese Vice Premier and lead trade negotiator Liu He, second right, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, second left, line up for a photo before the opening session of trade negotiations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.Photo courtesy PTI

Da Nang, Vietnam — The Bridge of love on the bank of Han River, Da Nang city in Vietnam has attracted many people and tourists to have fun, take souvenir photos. In particular, this is the place chosen by the youth as a place to show sweet love with the moment of “pressing love locks” into the railing on the bridge; exchanging bundles of red roses, sweet chocolate bars, wedding photography capturing the moments of happy days, especially on Valentine’s Day on Thursday. Photo courtesy of Tran Le Lam (Vietnam News Agency).

February 14, 2019

Tehran, Iran, Feb 14 – At least 27 members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were killed in a suicide bombing on Wednesday in southeastern Iran. At least 13 others were injured in the attack in Sistan and Baluchistan province – Iran’s second-largest. Representatives of several Arab and Western states attended a U.S.-sponsored Mideast conference held in Warsaw on Feb. 13-14. Photo courtesy Anadolu

Ankara, Turkey, Feb 14 – A Trojan Horse statue is brought to Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT) for the premier of “Treasures of Troy: A Century Old Longing” documentary in Ankara, Turkey. Photo courteys Anadolu Agency )

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Feb 14 – Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad meets up with Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Makio Miyagawa (second from left) at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Also seen in the photo (left) is Chief Executive Officer of Petronas Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin. Dr. Mahathir was there to watch a performance from famous Japanese violinist, Akiko Suwanai. The violin maestro, performed ‘The Romantic Violin’ together with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Photo courtesy of BERNAMA.

San Francisco, Feb 14 – African penguins compete for a heart shaped valentine handed. The hearts were handed out to the penguins who naturally use similar material to build nests in the wild in San Francisco. Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special “valentine. Photo courtesy jeff chiu

Yangon, Myanmar, Feb 14 – Students are escorted by police after a court hearing in Mandalay, Myanmar. Seven students were sentenced to three months in jail with hard labor for burning portraits of officials in protest over campus safety, a student activist said. Photo courtesy Mizzima

February 13, 2019

Puri, India, Feb 13 – Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a sand sculpture on the eve of World Radio Day at Puri beach of Odisha. 13 February is World Radio Day, Day to celebrate radio as a medium; to improve international cooperation between broadcasters; and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information, freedom of expression and gender equality over the airwaves. Photo courtesy UNI

Port-au-Prince Feb 13 – Demonstrators set tire barricades ablaze on the fourth day of protests in Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations and riots, reaching their sixth consecutive day in Haiti, the scene of an intense wave of anti-government protests in the country”s main cities. Those on the streets are calling for the immediate resignation of President Jovenel Moise and his government team, as well as urgent measures to overcome the difficult economic crisis facing the country.Photo courteys of plenglish

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Feb 13 – Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,center, was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions and undying support towards national motorsports industry at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd (SIC)-Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) Awards 2018. Dr Mahathir is the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by the SIC-MAM Awards in its third edition. Photo courtesy Bernama images

Karachi, Pakistan, Feb 13 – Vessels KD Mahawangsa participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Arabian Sea, held in conjunction with the multinational naval exercise (Aman 2019) hosted by Pakistan. 21 ships from 11 countries participated in IFR, organised by the Pakistan Navy since Feb 8. A total of 45 countries participated in the Aman 2019 with assets and observers. Photo courtesy Bernama images

February 12, 2019

Lagos, Nigeria, Feb 12- Nigeria President Buhari takes his famous 4+4 sign to Lagos. Here with Osinbajo, and Labour minister, Chris Ngige. Nigerians will cast ballots on Saturday in presidential and legislative elections. The presidential contest will see incumbent Muhammadu Buhari seek to win a second four-year term against former vice president Atiku Abubakar in what is expected to be a close race. photo courtesy of NAN

Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb 12- United States Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit as the United States is holding peace talks with the Taliban. Shanahan, making his first trip to Afghanistan in his new role, met U.S. troops and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. He said he had so far not received any direction to reduce the nearly 14,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, but noted what he called strong U.S. security interests in the region. Photo courtesy of omannews.gov.om

Lucknow, India, Feb 12- India’s Congress President Rahul Gandhi and All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary of Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during a roadshow, in Lucknow. photo courtesy PTI Photo

DUBAI, UAE, FEB 12-Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance, visited the “Museum of the Future” and the “Edge of Government,” which are being hosted by the 7th World Government Summit 2019. Sheikh Nahyan viewed the museum’s futuristic exhibits that address the future of people’s health through a series of experiments, such as the “Smart First Responder.” The four main sections of the museum, which aims to predict the people’s future from 2040 to 2100. Photo courtesy WAM

Tehran, Iran, Feb 12 – Iran’s President Rouhani leads the rain-soaked commemoration in Tehran and vows to continue the country’s missile programme. Iranians have taken to the streets across the country to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, renewing their allegiance to the country’s Islamic principles at a time of rising economic and political pressure amid the resumption of punishing US sanctions. Photo courtesy of president.ir

It is another hot day in the city of Georgetown, Malaysia, where the thirsty take a break drinking cool, iced coconut water at a street stall in Lorong Abu Siti at Macalister Road here . According to P.Rangan who sells the young coconuts, the drink not only quenches thirst but is power packed to keep one healthy and hydrated under the sweltering heat. Story By Ganesan. Photo courtesy of BERNAMA.

February 11, 2019

Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb 11 – President Joko Widodo (left) received Press Freedom Award from chairman of Dewan Pers (the Press Council) Yosep Adi Prasetyo (center) . Photo courtesy of Antara Photo.

Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 11 – Istanbul’s iconic Ataturk Cultural Center, a landmark step in the nation’s art and culture including a giant opera house. Turkey invests 850 million Turkish liras ($162 million), The opera house has five separate sections spanning over 95,000 square meters and will be completed in less than two years, said Turkey’s president. Photo courtesy of azertag.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame, center, left, on Sunday, officially handed over the African Union Chairmanship to President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, center, right, during the opening ceremony of the 32nd Ordinary Session of Assembly of the African Union.

Dubai, UAE, FEB 11 – Malaysian News Agency CEO Nurini Kassim, Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Executive Director of WAM News Agency and Virginia R.Arcilla-Agtay Director Philippines News Agency during World Government summit in Dubai. Photo courtesy Bernama

Caracas, Venezuela, Feb 11 -Venezuela launch an enormous military exercise called Operation Angostura 2019 lasting five days. According to the armed forces, it will involve “nearly two million men and women.” Photo courtesy Prensa Latina

February 10, 2019

Penang, Malaysia, Feb 10 – Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at Padang Polo. The skies were filled with colourful hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes.Held for the fifth consecutive year by AKA Balloons Sdn Bhd, the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta features 15 hot air balloons, including five special shaped balloons, 10 normal balloons and four balloons tethered for those who want to go for a hot air balloon ride. Photo courtesy of ZAINUDIN AHAD

Sapporo, Japan, Feb 10 – A Thai team won the top prize at the 46th Sapporo Snow Sculpture contest with their work, depicting Thai national aquatic animal Siamese fighting fish or Betta splendens.The sculpture is called “Betta Brilliance, The Beauty and Strength of Thailand” secured the country’s eighth win at this international contest. Photo courtesy TNA

February 9, 2019

Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 9 -Hatice Cengiz, Turkish fiancee of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, attends a news conference to present a book on the slain journalist, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Pyongyang, North Korea, Feb 9 – North Koreans attending a national photo exhibition in Pyongyang to mark the 77th birth anniversary of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.Photo ocurtsy of KCNA

Karachi, Pakistan, Feb – Pakistani Naval personnel march as they carry the flags of the countries participating in the navy’s Multinational Exercise ‘AMAN-19’ in Karachi. Photo courtesy Twitter

February 8, 2019

Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb 8 – South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announces plans to improve the well-being of the nation at the opening of Parliament. Photo courtesy SANEWS

Maasai Mara, Feb 8 – Simba Conservancy at the Maasai Mara,Maasai Mara national reserve is ranked top globally. An outstanding holiday destination, and a place where the great wildlife breed, form and mark their territories. photo courtesy KBC

Nairobi, Kenya, Feb 8 – DusitD2 hotel complex which was attacked on January 15, 2019. A Nairobi court ordered a suspect in the attack be held for 30 days. The investigating officer said the insurance covers were registered under his name as well as another suspect, Mr Stephen Maina, who is yet to be arrested. Photo courtesy Nation media group

Tokyo, Japan, Feb 8 – The Tokyo metropolitan government said Thursday that special invitations will be made to junior athletes from four disaster-hit prefectures when the Japanese capital hosts the 2020 Summer Games, in keeping with the branding of the competitions as “the reconstruction Olympics.” Photo courtesy Kyodo

February 7, 2019

Cheonan, South Korea, Feb 7 – Fire-gutted multiplex housing unit in Cheonan, a city in South Korea’s central province of South Chungcheong, on Feb. 7, 2019. Photo courtesy of Yonhap.

Preparations underway in Parliament ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday. Parliament is ready to put on a show on Thursday for the State of the Nation Address, says Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces at 7pm. This will be his second SONA following his election in February 2018. Photo courtesy sanews.gov.za

Tehran, Iran, Feb 7 – Iranian President Hassan Rouhan, right, met with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, left, in Tehran. Speaking during the meeting, Rouhani reiterated that his country’s goals in Syria were “to achieve security and stability and allow the return of refugees. Talks between Zarif and al-Muallem dwelt on a planned summit on Syria between Turkey, Russia and Iran in the Russian resort city of Sochi on Feb. 14. Photo courtesy of Irna.

Hanoi, Vietnam, Feb 7 – A steam locomotive in Việt Nam. The old trains are set to resume their route between Đà Nẵng and Huế. The Indochina Rail Tourist Service Company plans to restore the operation of steam trains traveling between the central city of Đà Nẵng and Huế to serve tourists. The company said the restoration of the defunct steam train line has been prepared with an investment of VNĐ81 billion (US$3.6 million). Photo courtesy VNA

Damascus, Syria, Feb 7 – A new batch of displaced Syrians returned home from refugee camps in Jordan via Nassib-Jaber border crossing.

February 6, 2019

Sabah, Feb 6 – Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Task Force 2 (ATB 2) detained three foreigners for killing endangered turtles on Ligitan Island in Tawau, Sabah. ATB 2 commander Brig Gen Datuk Zarondin Md Amin said the soldiers also recovered six turtle shells from the men, aged between 25 and 45, during the arrests. photo courtesy Bernama images

Yangoon, Myanmar, Feb 6 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) special envoy, US actress, film-maker Angelina Jolie (C) talks to media during a press conference after her visit to Kutupalong camp for Rohingya refugees in Teknuf, Cox’s bazar in Bangladesh, 05 February 2019. Photo courtesyof Mizzima

Yangoon, Myanmar, Feb 6 – Chinese Lunar New Year or Spring Festival celebration at Chinatown in Yangon, Myanmar. Photo courtesy of Mizzima

Bangkok, Thailand, Feb 6 – Candidates of various parties gathered at the Bangkok Youth Centre in Din Daeng district on Monday, day one of the registration period for the March 24 general election. — Chanat Katanyu

February 5, 2019

Sakura Ando (left), who stars in NHK’s morning drama ‘Manpuku,’ participates in a bean-throwing event to celebrate setsubun, the beginning of spring, at Osaka’s Naritasan Fudoson temple on Sunday. The beans are thrown to ward off evil and bring good luck. Photo courtesy of KYODO

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate, Feb 5 Thousands gather for the papal mass at Zayed Sports City Stadium in AbuDhabi.Pope Francis arrived at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in a an automobile, greeting exuberant crowds. The atmosphere was filled with cheer and good spirit. Photo courtey of WAM

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during the launch of Sachin Saga VR Game – India’s first virtual reality cricket, in New Delhi. Photo courtesy of PTI

Kolkata, India, Feb 5 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a sit-in over the CBI’s attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams, in Kolkata. Photo courtesy of PTI Photo

February 4, 2019

Singapore, Feb 4 – People flock to the River Hongbao, one the first major events of the year to commemorate the Singapore Bicentennial on Sunday. This year’s River Hongbao kicked off on Sunday night with a 10-minute fireworks display, the longest in the event’s history. A mainstay on Singapore’s calendar of Chinese New Year festivities since 1987, this year’s edition is one the first major events of the year to commemorate the Singapore Bicentennial. The event was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at The Float @ Marina Bay. Photo courtesy of PM Twitter

Srinagar, India, Feb 4 – India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking a tour of the Dal Lake in Srinagar on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sprung a surprise on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. After inaugurating several projects in Leh, Modi laid foundation stones and inaugurated various developmental projects in Jammu and Srinagar, and held public meetings.Photo courtesy Narendra Modi Twitter

Dubaim UAE, Feb 4 – The United Arab Emirates His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Pope Francis and Dr Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar. Pope Francis has arrived in the United Arab Emirates for the first ever visit by a pontiff to the Arabian peninsula. The Pope will take part in an interfaith conference and on Tuesday hold Mass in which 120,000 people are expected to attend. Photo courtesy of Mohamed Bin Zayed Twitter