Pyongyang fires two more ballistic missiles, sixth launch in 12 days

Today's headlines: The WHO links the deaths of dozens of young children in Gambia to a cough syrup produced in India; the average age of protesters arrested in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini is 15; the Vatican representative urges Catholics in East Timor to accept sanctions against Bishop Belo; the Buddhist leader of Russia's Kalmykia region condemns the war in Ukraine, the first senior religious leader to do so. 

KOREA 

Pyongyang fired two more ballistic missiles towards the east coast. This was reported by government sources in Seoul, according to which the new launch is connected to the joint exercises of the past 24 hours between South Korea and the United States, initiated in response to North Korean missile tests. This is the sixth launch in 12 days and the first since the test involving a medium-range missile. 

IRAN

The average age of those arrested in Iran for taking to the streets to protest over the death of Mahsa Amini and the free choice of headscarf is only 15. This is said by the Guardians of the Revolution themselves, confirming that the ongoing demonstrations are fuelled by the youngest. For the Pasdaran, they are victims of the manipulation of social networks and foreign newspapers that push them to 'sacrifice'. 

INDIA - GAMBIA

The deaths of dozens of young children in Gambia with kidney injuries could be caused by 'contaminated' cough and cold syrups produced by an Indian pharmaceutical company. This is according to the WHO, which is investigating the reasons for the suspicious deaths of at least 66 children. New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and the Indian Ministry of Health are not commenting.

EAST TIMOR - VATICAN

The Vatican representative in East Timor is calling on local Catholics to accept the sanctions imposed on Bishop and Nobel laureate Msgr Carlos Ximenes Belo for the 'serious crimes' committed. The chargé d'affaires of the nunciature in Dili, Msgr Marco Sprizzi, asked the local community to remain "faithful" to the Church even in a complex and controversial situation. 

MYANMAR

The military junta ordered the transfer of at least 250 political detainees from Insein prison in Yangon to Tharyarwaddy prison in the Bago region, which is notorious for psycho-physical abuse and torture. In the Mandalay region he killed a dozen people, including Nld members. A court sentenced Japanese documentary filmmaker Toru Kubota to 10 years for 'sedition'. 

RUSSIA - TURKEY

Turkey exerts economic pressure on Moscow, demanding to pay for gas supplies at a lower price and over a longer period of time. The aim is to postpone the current agreements to 2024 and at the same time renegotiate prices at a 25% discount. The sum would have to be paid partially in roubles, depriving Gazprom of substantial revenues. The parties are negotiating around these demands.

MONGOLIA - RUSSIA

The leader of the Buddhists of the Russian Kalmykia region, lama Telo Tulku Rinpoche, gave an interview during a trip to Mongolia, speaking in defence of Ukraine and condemning Russian aggression. It is the first anti-militarist statement by a senior Russian religious leader.

• Asia
• Today