News in Pictures

A long-tailed tit in a park in Hokkaido. Also called ‘snow fairy’, the 14cm-long bird is popular on Japanese social networks and has become a favourite of photo enthusiasts.

Batu Caves, Malaysia

Hindu devotees climb the steps to Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple. After a one-year hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, celebrations resume this year with tight health protocols limiting the number of participants to 6,000 from the usual tens of thousands. Several rituals such as devotees carrying Kavadi, a large, decorated contraption, are not allowed, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.