Russia

Today's headlines : University research reveals a quarter of young people in Hong Kong today suffer from mental disorders; A new global plan for vaccines to developing countries will be discussed at the G7 in Hiroshima; Papua New Guinea foreign minister resigns over controversy over expenses of trip to London for King Charles' coronation; First Russian Orthodox prayer book in Malagasy language.

When anything can be considered a threat, it is no longer important how real this risk or effective the containment measures, the only thing that matters is to give the impression that "everything is under control".

New mines are constantly being opened in Russia, without too much concern about the environmental impact. Already in 2021 Russia was producing 346 tonnes of gold, exporting 87% of the precious metal. And today, Deputy Finance Minister Aleksej Moiseev declares that 'gold bars must replace foreign currency', which is now unaffordable.

Behind the reappearance of President Tokaev at the 9 May parade in Moscow are questions about the uneasy relations with Putin. According to some analysts, the disagreements over Ukraine are just 'smoke and mirrors'. But there are also those who claim that Russia is already targeting the more 'loyal' CSTO secretary Tasmagambetov to replace him.

Jewish immigrant boom from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus as a consequence of the war. Israeli government adopted procedures to speed up procedures. But ultra-Orthodox and religious Zionists now press for a clampdown to close the doors to those who do not really profess Judaism.

In Tatarstan, Diljara Gajsina is fighting in court against the intention to take her children away from her because of the unacceptable conditions of the house that the local administration itself assigned to her. This story is emblematic of the progressive deterioration of living conditions in peripheral regions.

Over the weekend, the UAE signed agreements with Chinese nuclear companies, boosting partnerships after the South Koreans built a plant in Barakah. Last week, Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant was inaugurated at a ceremony that saw the participation of Erdogan and Putin via videolink. Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions rival those of its regional allies.

Drones over the Kremlin may have pre-empted fireworks set to light up the sky in Moscow and a few other cities. The 9 May parade will likely be cancelled almost everywhere because of possible incidents. Yet, rather than his internal and external enemies, Putin should fear his supporters, who are increasingly active and brazen, starting with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the “cook”.

Japanese sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine exclude fish products. At 40 per cent, Russian imports are vital for Japan. Meanwhile, Moscow is revitalising its fishing industry for growth in Far Eastern markets, helped by declining US output.

Today's headlines: Manipur issues "shoot on sight" order to curb violence between ethnic groups; Bloody day in Pakistan with 16 killed, including seven teachers; May 7 Arab League foreign ministers ready to normalize relations with Damascus, isolated Qatar; Fires in northern Laos have burned half the forest land.

Today's headlines: Three Palestinians killed in Nablus in Israeli security forces operation; Delhi, with Beijing, wants roadmaps - not fixed deadlines - for reducing carbon emissions; Burmese court rejects appeal by Christian leader convicted of terrorism; Elective seats on district councils in Hong Kong reduced to 20%, strict controls on candidates; Islamic finance forecast 10% growth.

Today's headlines: Pyongyang punishes unmarried couples with labour camps; For the Buddha's birth festival, the military junta pardons over 2,000 political prisoners; Eight Indians jailed in Qatar for pro-Israel espionage; Laotian activist critical of government killed in execution, authorities fail to open investigation; Tehran uses new "weapons" to punish women who do not wear the hijab.