AFP News Agency

'Blackmail' Outraged EU leaders rounded on Viktor Orban after the Hungarian nationalist refused to lift his veto on funds for Ukraine's war effort, accusing him of a "gross act of disloyalty" tantamount to "blackmail" u.afp.com/SLLW

'Miracle' European Space Agency says it has re-established communication with a spacecraft that is part of its Proba-3 mission, after losing contact with the satellite a month ago u.afp.com/SLLS

BREAKING Drone attack causes fire at Kuwait oil refinery, reports state media

Muslim devotees offer morning prayers on Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of holy month of Ramadan, in cities across Indonesia 📸 Juni Kriswanto, Devi Rahman, Sonny Tumbelaka

BREAKING K-pop megastars BTS release their fifth studio album, after an almost four-year hiatus

"Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor, OK?" Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sailed smoothly past a potential clash with Donald Trump over Iran on Thursday, though the US president whipped up a bit of a storm about Pearl Harbor u.afp.com/SLLN

"The Bachelorette," one of America's highest profile reality TV shows, is cancelled just days before the new season was due to air. The show was cancelled after video emerged of the star hurling furniture at her ex-partner, in an incident that apparently injured her daughter u.afp.com/SLLs

Red-and-green macaws (Ara chloropterus) fly along the rocky walls of the Buraco das Araras sinkhole in Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil 📸 Pablo Porciuncula

BREAKING Emirati and Kuwaiti air defences responding to missile fire early Friday, authorities in the Gulf states say, while Saudi Arabia says it has intercepted drone attacks

Six major international powers say they are ready "to contribute to" ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though three stressed that any initiative would take place post-ceasefire u.afp.com/SLLP

K-pop megastars BTS to release a new album Friday a day ahead of a huge comeback concert in Seoul u.afp.com/SLLc

Colombian town of Facatativa hit by floods after heavy rain and river overflow 📸 Raul Arboleda

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the gardens of the Reggia of Venaria Reale near Turin on March 19, 2026. The delicate trees typically flower in early spring, attracting visitors from across Italy and beyond to the historic palace gardens.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel's military attacks had "decimated" Iran and that the Middle East war could finish sooner than expected, even as the Islamic republic kept up attacks on Gulf oil and gas targets that have jolted global markets. u.afp.com/SLu2

VIDEO: Nearly 10 months have passed since the release of KPop Demon Hunters, but many foreign tourists still visit one of its locations -- Naksan Park in Seoul. The film won two Oscars and is Netflix's most-watched original film.

Italian populist politician Umberto Bossi, a firebrand who founded the anti-immigrant Northern League party and pushed for the wealthy north's independence, died Thursday aged 84. u.afp.com/SLLk

US President Donald Trump on Thursday startled Japan's prime minister by mentioning the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, a seemingly light-hearted remark sure to elicit unease in a country now a firm US ally. u.afp.com/SLuF

Lawmakers in California said Thursday they will rename the Cesar Chavez Day state holiday in the wake of disturbing allegations of sexual abuse by the late labor rights icon. u.afp.com/SLuj

VIDEO: Huge crowds of Hindu devotees pack the streets of a southern Mumbai neighbourhood to celebrate the Gudi Padwa festival, which marks the new year in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

EU leaders failed to persuade Hungary's Viktor Orban to lift his block on a massive loan to support Ukraine's war effort at summit talks on Thursday, leaving the much-needed funding in limbo. u.afp.com/SLuL