Fire at Rio de Janeiro Carnival costume factory injures 21

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – A fire broke out Wednesday at a factory making costumes for Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, injuring 21 people in a blow to the famed extravaganza that attracts millions of tourists to the Brazilian city every year.

Firefighters used ladders to extinguish a fire in a textile factory specialized in making carnival costumes in the northern part of Rio de Janeiro

What are reciprocal tariffs and who might be affected?

Washington (AFP) – US President Donald Trump has threatened to open new fronts in his tariffs war by announcing reciprocal levies on other countries as soon as Tuesday, branding this “the only fair way” to trade.

US President Donald Trump, during election campaigning, promised "an eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff"

The squad saving deer from tourist trash in Japan's Nara

Nara (Japan) (AFP) – As peckish deer chase delighted tourists in Japan’s temple-dotted Nara Park, a quiet but dedicated team of litter-pickers patrols the stone paths, collecting plastic waste that threatens the animals’ health.

Tourists at Nara Park in Japan are only allowed to feed the deer special rice crackers, but the animals are increasingly eating rubbish by accident

Gutting aid, US cedes soft power game to China

Washington (AFP) – When President Donald Trump froze nearly all US foreign aid, Cambodia was forced to suspend workers removing dangerous mines from the country — until China stepped in with the necessary funding.

US President Donald Trump smiles at the White House

Modi hopes to rekindle Trump bromance

Washington (AFP) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will try on a US visit to pick up where he left off four years ago in wooing Donald Trump, as he offered quick tariff concessions in hopes of avoiding the second-term president’s wrath.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a massive rally in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in February 2020

Barrett

Auckland (AFP) – Super Rugby champions Auckland Blues, strengthened by the return of Beauden Barrett, have high hopes of back-to-back titles as the club competition returns this week, but are wary of Australian sides bolstered by the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels.

The Auckland Blues are confident of successfully defending their Super Rugby title

Forest beat third

Exeter (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Nottingham Forest survived a huge scare to beat 10-man Exeter on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Tuesday, setting up an all-Premier League FA Cup fifth-round clash against Ipswich.

Nottingham Forest celebrate their victory on penalties against Exeter in the FA Cup