Ankara wants girls-only schools. Opposition criticised

Today's headlines: Tomato crisis erupts in India, prices rise more than sixfold; No students from mainland China in Taiwan universities; The UN Human Rights Council passes Pakistan's motion, desired by Islamic countries, against the burning of the Koran but which risks - according to the West - restricting freedoms; Iran, malnutrition alarm: about 57% do not reach the minimum level of daily calories; Moscow sends homeless people to 'work rehabilitation' centres.

TURKEY
The Turkish Ministry of Education wants to set up girls-only schools to meet the "demands" of families who do not want to send their daughters to mixed classes in compliance with strict Islamic rules on the division of the sexes. The oppositions are critical, speaking of an 'unacceptable' law, while the government 'admits' non-compliance with compulsory schooling. 

INDIA
The 'tomato crisis' has broken out in India. The price has risen almost sixfold, with an escalation since the beginning of June, caused by a combination of factors: high temperatures, late rains and a virus causing shortages. The shortage has triggered a series of thefts. From 30-40 rupees (0.44 euro) per kg in the past, the costs have exceeded 200 (2.19). 

TAIWAN - CHINA
There will be no mainland Chinese university students in Taiwan for the new school year, a further sign of the growing tension along the strait between Beijing and Taipei. The last blockade was three years ago and in recent weeks they have been graduating. For experts and young people, the measure will only end up fuelling further misunderstandings and prejudices between the parties.

INDONESIA
From 2024, the authorities in Bali want to introduce an entry tax for foreigners of 150,000 rupiah (about 13 euro), to preserve 'the island of the gods' from degradation and to protect its culture and traditions, as well as the nature that is its main attraction. Every year millions of people flock to the beaches of one of the most popular global travel destinations. Electronic payment is planned. 

PAKISTAN - ISLAM - UN
The UN Human Rights Council passed a controversial resolution on religious and denominational hatred, linked to the burning of the Koran in Sweden. The text, submitted by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), raises concerns in the West because it questions established practices on human rights and freedom of expression.

IRAN
A former Welfare Ministry official raises the alarm over 'malnutrition' in Iran, a nation at risk of a 'humanitarian catastrophe'. According to data from Hadi Mousavi Nik, 57% do not reach the threshold of 2100 calories per day, the minimum indicated by the World Bank. This includes 14.5 million minors, 10 million of whom are under the age of 12. Among the causes are Western sanctions crushing the economy.

RUSSIA
The Russian Social Welfare Council wants to apply 'work rehabilitation' to the homeless. This measure is reminiscent of Soviet times and is based on reports to 112 by citizens annoyed by the presence of homeless people on the streets. Following the intervention of police and ambulances, the person will be transferred to centres dedicated to social adaptation for 'rehabilitation'.

KAZAKHSTAN
The Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Kemelūly Tokaev addressed the administrators of the capital Astana, raising the alarm over the serious drinking water deficit this summer. An emergency that has raised heartfelt protests from the population against 'the inaction of those in charge'. The city depends on a single reservoir, and 'the slightest accident could cause a disastrous crisis'.

• Asia
• Today