To mark this year’s jubilee, inaugurated at the end of December in Abu Dhabi, Bishop Martinelli released a pastoral letter to the faithful living in the Gulf region. In it he stresses Christian hope, founded on God's love, which stands and resists despite hardships. He urges the faithful to go on a pilgrimage to one of the shrine churches “to experience the mercy of God”.

The educational conferences which have marked the end of the Christmas season in Moscow since the end of the Soviet Union are the primary ideological review of the new Orthodox Russia. Kirill underscores the mnogočadie, the ‘multi-family’ as an indispensable way of life: ‘We are the largest country in terms of geographical area, but we are too few for all this space’.

After the slowdown of the pandemic years (and smart working), the number of arrivals in 2024 from other prefectures returned to 2019 levels. Still, despite the Ishiba government’s “revitalisation” plans, non-metropolitan areas continue to lose residents.

The two main parties are using the same tactic of handing out subsidies to attract the poorest voters. In recent years, support for Prime Minister Modi's party has grown, but several uncertainties remain. Voting takes place on 5 February with results on 8 February.

A report  by the University of Vavuniya in collaboration with The Gate Institute shows “significant gaps”, especially among the elderly, economically disadvantaged groups and women in areas affected by the country’s civil long war (1983-2009). The district of Mannar appears to have the highest connectivity rate. The potential of young people was emphasised.

The complex is located about 30 km south-west of the capital and covers at least 1,500 acres (600 hectares). According to US intelligence sources, once completed, it will be the largest in the world. The area is tightly guarded, with a ban on drones and photos. It is said to contain bombproof  bunkers for Xi Jinping in the event of a (nuclear) war.