In a new book based on an extensive series of interviews, Dmitry Travin traces the uncertain and contradictory evolution of those who came of age in Russia in the 1970s, living at the crossroads between the Soviet era and the period of opening up to the Western world.
Prigožin has left Bakhmut, reduced to a pile of rubble, giving rapid-fire interviews that look more like an acknowledgement of defeat than a proclamation of victory. If Ukraine has a clear future as a member of the Western and European communities, if Central Asia now discusses all its affairs with the great power of Beijing, Moscow must try not to resign itself to its own insignificance.
A fidei donum from the Diocese of Daejeon, he died suddenly today at the age of 55 after serving Mongolia’s small Catholic community for the past 20 years. Cardinal Marengo appointed him as the apostolic prefecture’s vicar general. He lived for some years in the steppes among nomadic shepherds. A few days ago he talked to AsiaNews about the challenges of his mission today among the young people of the capital.
The East Asian country is increasingly vulnerable to land degradation. According to government data, 76 per cent of the country's territory is affected. One of the factors is mining, which is growing to meet the demands for raw materials needed in the environmental transition. The UN Conference will be an opportunity to raise the issue of sustainability.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine and the imposition of Western sanctions, Russian bullion exports have had to find new paths. For Russia the UAE has become a favourite destination for its gold, followed by China and Turkey. Reuters reports that 75.7 tonnes of Russian bullion found its way into the Gulf country in the past year, up from only 1.3 tonnes in 2021.
Forty per cent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 say they always speak Kazakh, in the family and in all environments, while above the age of 60 this percentage drops to 25 per cent. And many ironically say that Putin has done more for the Kazakh language in one year than Nazarbayev did in 30 years.
Officially, Russian law does not allow mercenary armies, but there are many ways around this rule and the CNVKs have multiplied in the context of the war in Ukraine. Oligarch Timčenko's Redut is registered as a 'construction company' in Rostov-on-Don, the historical capital of the Cossacks.
In order to prop up the spirit of Orthodox patriotism, Putin decided to return the famous icon to Kirill’s Church. It matters little if exposure in the Monastery of the Holy Trinity might turn it into dust. Using an icon to justify the sanctity of absolute power is by no means something new.
Today's news: Hong Kong police want to install surveillance cameras in schools and universities. India's defence production grew by 12 per cent. North Korea is set to launch a new spy satellite, a "step forward" in military science. Turkey is pressing to add "Islamophobia" in a UNESCO resolution on discrimination. Cambodian opposition leader slams upcoming elections as a "sham", calls on democratic countries not to recognise their legitimacy.
Today's headlines: Tehran executes three more men linked to the pro-Mahsa Amini protests; Thai authorities released after 50 days a 15-year-old girl arrested for insulting the monarchy; The rise of the Afghan Taliban fuelled child labour; North Korean soldiers beat to death a young boy who had tried to steal petrol from a military truck; New tensions between Hanoi, Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
Today's headlines: Raisi and Putin oversee the signing of an agreement for a made-in-Tehran rail line; Record Nepalese climber reaches Everest summit for 27th time. April record number of tourists in Japan in post-Covid era. Cautious optimism of UN special envoy on Yemen peace talks. Azerbaijani environmentalist raises alarm over drying Caspian Sea.
The story of a yoga teacher from Petrozavodsz fined for anti-war ribbons displayed on the street: "There are many of us expressing ourselves, even though they try to hide us. I fear for the future of my children, who will have no future, and from whom they have also robbed the present."
Today's headlines: Malaysia government drops appeal on use of the word "Allah" for non-Muslims sparking ire of Islamic extremist movements; World Bank warning, Jordan increasingly at risk of poverty; Pakistani court released on bail Christian widow accused of blasphemy; Sugar prices continue to rise due to Delhi's export cuts; New Taipei mayor (likely) opposition presidential candidate.
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