By trying to impose on society a false narrative of “preventive self-defence”, Putin is attempting to completely absolve himself of personal responsibility before history for triggering a new Cold War, which has effectively isolated the country from the developed world and set its development back by decades.

Under new rules, Beijing cracks down on regional branches of organisations, while limiting the use of titles for local officials because they fuel the proliferation of positions and corruption. In reality, this is another step to control organised civil society. Meanwhile, Xi promoted two senior generals after purging the military.

Bishop Palinuro spoke to AsiaNews about the visit of a delegation from the Turkish Catholic Church to the president who “showed particular interest in the needs" of the local community. Both sides hope “to overcome a difficult past and open a new era of relations." Erdoğan asked for "prayers" for the success of the NATO summit.

The Indian government has ordered the removal of three apps that can be used with smartphones to shut down moving vehicles. Now more than 60 per cent of new three-wheelers registered in the country are electric, while the battery-powered car market continues to register record sales.

Since 2008, Gilda Fortunata G. Altez – founder of Voice in the Storm Counselling Advocacy – has handled more than 3,000 cases, including couples’ and individual sessions. Having lived with an abusive husband, she now offers psychological counselling “with God’s guidance” to those experiencing relationship crises. “Having been abused myself allows me to empathise with many wives.”

Steve Suwannarat

The labour agreement, which will come into effect next year, represents a significant opportunity for the small Asian nation’s development. The goal is to avoid dependence on Indonesia or Australia, especially when it comes to resource development. Wong describes the agreement as “mutually beneficial” and “a platform for closer coordination”.