Novichok poisonings, Russia’s role and UK response: key questions of inquiry

Recent discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. negotiators have been characterized as constructive, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Analysts in Russia express mixed views, with some believing Ukraine obstructs peace efforts, while others suggest Putin's ambitions may hinder resolution.

The UK economy has faced significant challenges, including austerity measures, Brexit, the pandemic, and rising energy costs, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens regarding income, home ownership, and public services. Recent polling indicates a decline in trust towards Labour's economic leadership, particularly under Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been criticized for her handling of the economy.

Five families from different parts of the world, including Kenya and Nepal, are sharing their experiences in combating the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among children. This issue is particularly alarming as UPFs now constitute a significant portion of diets globally, especially in the UK and US, where they make up over half of the average diet.

A report from the Transition Security Project highlights that the US is allocating billions to stockpile critical minerals for military applications, including advanced weaponry and AI-driven warfare. This diversion of essential resources is occurring amidst a global arms race, which is impeding efforts to address climate change as these minerals are vital for sustainable technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is prepared to take control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region 'by force' if necessary, a comment that appears to contradict reports suggesting a willingness to negotiate a deal with the U.S. under the Trump administration. This declaration was made during an interview with Indian media, emphasizing Russia's readiness to escalate its military actions in the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a significant visit to India, aiming to strengthen the partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is vital for Moscow amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. This visit highlights the importance of India as a strategic ally for Russia in the face of Western pressures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India for discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties amid a shifting global landscape. This meeting comes nearly four years after their last encounter, which occurred shortly before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading to increased isolation for Moscow.

Ukraine is increasingly deploying interceptors to counter Russian drones, with many of its skilled pilots being young individuals adept in video gaming. This shift in drone warfare tactics highlights Ukraine's adaptation to the evolving conflict dynamics in its skies.