Today's headlines: per capita income growth drops in China; US and Thailand engaged in Cobra Gold military exercises; New Japanese sanctions on Russia; Government crisis in Nepal. Putin promises salaries to priests engaged at the front in Ukraine.
ISRAEL
Avi Maoz, controversial leader of the ultra-conservative Noam party, left his government post last night. Maoz accuses PM Netanyahu of not fulfilling his commitment to pursue policies for the affirmation of 'Jewish national identity.
CHINA
In 2022, the per capita income of the Chinese grew by only 2.9 per cent in one year, down sharply from the year before (+8.1 per cent): a similar pace of growth as in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In contrast, per capita expenditure fell by 0.2%.
THAILAND-UNITED STATES
The annual Cobra Gold military manoeuvres involving US forces on Thai soil with local units have resumed in full force. With 6 thousand soldiers, Washington's deployment is the largest in years. Bangkok, on the other hand, has 3 thousand troops in the field.
JAPAN
Tokyo adds 143 targets to its list of Russian persons and entities sanctioned for the invasion of Ukraine. The punitive measures include asset freezes and export bans on those targeted. Also included in the list is the notorious mercenary group Wagner.
NEPAL
There is a government crisis in the Himalayan country after the Marxist-Leninist Party announced its exit from the Maoist-led coalition executive. The crux of the dispute is the appointment of a new head of state, after Premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal indicated support for an opposition candidate.
RUSSIA
Putin has promised a state salary to Orthodox priests who actively support war operations, blessing soldiers and going to assist them in Ukraine. The Russian president wants to put them on an equal footing with army officers, ensuring compensation for them or their families in case of death or serious injury at the front.
MOLDOVA
According to Igor Grosu, president of the Chişinău Parliament, 'the question of Moldova joining NATO is not on the agenda. To be honest, we would like it to be, but this is not the right time, to avoid confusion and hysteria about it'.