Irish photographer Daragh Soden on being drawn to the world of drag queens

World Toilet Day aims to inspire actions to address the global sanitation crisis, with approximately 3.4 billion people lacking safe sanitation. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the 'Chinese Toilet Revolution' initiated by President Xi Jinping, which focuses on improving bathroom and hygiene standards in China. Despite significant advancements, further efforts are necessary to enhance sanitation conditions.

Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities overnight resulted in the deaths of at least ten people, casting doubt on President Volodymyr Zelensky's efforts to revive peace talks in Ankara scheduled for later today. The ongoing violence highlights the challenges faced in achieving a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

China has announced a suspension of Japanese seafood imports amid escalating tensions related to Taiwan, according to reports from Tokyo. Neither the Chinese nor Japanese government has officially confirmed this action, which reflects the deepening diplomatic rift between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey on Wednesday for discussions aimed at reviving peace efforts to resolve the ongoing war with Russia. His top aide indicated that there is uncertainty regarding the attendance of US special envoy Steve Witkoff at these talks.

Family members of Ukrainian children deported from Kherson by Russia made a rare public appeal for their return in Paris. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Moscow has deported Ukrainian children to Russia, frequently sending older children to re-education camps and placing younger ones for adoption.

The UN Security Council adopted a US-backed resolution on Gaza with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions. This resolution is largely based on President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for the Palestinian enclave. The plan aims to address the ongoing conflict and establish a framework for future governance and stability in the region.

A giant IUD installed at Paris’s Place de la République draws attention to the increasing anti-contraception movements globally and the blockage of contraceptive shipments in Belgium. Activists attribute these issues to aid cuts during the Trump administration. This traveling sculpture aims to raise awareness about the ongoing barriers women face regarding access to contraception worldwide.

Shein, the Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant, faces increasing scrutiny in France for selling controversial items, including childlike sex dolls and bladed weapons. The brand has recently opened its first physical store in BHV, a prominent Paris department store. French fashion brands are criticizing Shein for what they perceive as unfair competition, particularly as the local fashion sector is already struggling, with half of retailers experiencing severe financial issues and 37,000 jobs lost over the past decade.