Yemen, drama at charity event: 85 dead and over 300 injured in the stampede

Today's headlines: South Asia has the highest number of child brides, accounting for 45% of the total; In Japan, one of the world's oldest populations, a football championship for the over 80s kicks off; Jakarta confirms the death of three soldiers ambushed by separatists in Papua; Two protesters arreseted over lockdown for Covid-19 in Beijing released after four months; In Lebanon free museums and archaeological sites until 25 April.

YEMEN
The death toll at a charity event in Sana'a, Yemen, which is controlled by pro-Iranian Houthi rebels, has risen to 85 dead and more than 300 injured. The tragedy, the toll of which is set to rise, occurred during a distribution of money by local shopkeepers and is linked to the dramatic situation of destitution of the war-torn population. 

BANGLADESH - SOUTH ASIA
South Asia is home to the highest number of child brides in the world. The rising cost of living and the closure of schools due to Covid-19 have forced families to push their daughters into marriage. Unicef estimates speak of 290 million child brides in the region, or 45% of the total. For many parents in Bangladesh, as in India and Nepal, marriage is 'the best option'.

JAPAN
For older Japanese footballers, 80 is the new 50. In a society grappling with gradual ageing, the elderly football lovers in Tokyo will be able to show off their skills in a new division (Soccer For Life League) for over octogenarians. Among the players is former Japan national player Mutsuhiko Nomura, whose career spans 18 World Cups. 

INDONESIA
The Indonesian army confirmed the death of three soldiers, who were ambushed last weekend by members of separatist groups in Papua. The soldiers were on a hunting trip to locate a New Zealand pilot hostage of the militiamen. The military leadership in Jakarta denied the killing of 15 soldiers by the separatist Tpnpb earlier in the day. 

CHINA
Two women present at the impressive November demonstrations against lockdowns and restrictions imposed for Covid-19 were released in recent hours after nearly four months of detention. Most of the hundreds of people detained were released within a few weeks. The fate of 26-year-old Cao Zhixin and Cao Zhixin (27), who had been held in a cell for months, was different. 

LEBANON
On the occasion of World Heritage Day, which falls on 18 April, Lebanese Minister of Culture Mohammad Mortada announced free admission from 19 to 25 this month to the National Museum in Beirut. Free access during the same period also to the archaeological sites of Baalbeck and Anjar in Békaa, Tyr (South-Lebanon) and Jbeil (Mont-Liban). 

RUSSIA - INDIA
The trade balance between India and Russia in 2022 exceeded USD 35 billion, according to data released by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. This figure was 2.5 times higher than the previous year, mainly as a result of supplies of energy materials and mineral fertilisers from Russia and Indian exports of 'other production' to Russia. 

KAZAKHSTAN - AFGHANISTAN 
The authorities of Kazakhstan have approved the opening of an embassy of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ajbek Smadjarov announced. The presence of representatives of the Koranic students in the capital of the republic 'does not mean recognition of their regime', because this is a 'prerogative' of the UN.