Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China’s plan to boost birth rates
Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt.
News
EU’s top diplomat rejects Russian claims of Ukrainian attack on government sites
It comes as Russia releases video which it claims shows a downed Ukrainian drone launched at one of Putin’s residences.
Bulgaria joins the euro after rocky path to new currency
The move is dividing the nation – some welcome it as a bold leap forwards, but others fear it will…
Israel to bar 37 aid groups from Gaza
The move was criticised by foreign ministers from from 10 countries including the UK, who said the new rules were…
The ‘thorny’ issues that threaten to derail a Russia-Ukraine peace deal
Two of the main sticking points involve territory and the fate of Europe’s biggest nuclear plant, which is currently occupied…
Thieves use drill to steal €30m in German bank heist
Gelsenkirchen Police say thieves used the “quiet” days after Christmas to break into the high street branch.
Protests spread across Iran for third day after currency hits record low
The Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on Sunday, prompting shopkeepers in Tehran to stage protests,…
Bangladesh’s first female prime minister Khaleda Zia dies aged 80
Zia became the country’s first female leader in 1991 after its first democratic election in 20 years.
Ukraine denies drone attack on Putin’s residence
Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting a presidential residence, which President Zelensky called “typical Russian lies”.
Russia’s losses in Ukraine rise faster than ever, as US pushes for peace deal
A steep rise in soldiers’ obituaries is documented by the BBC as part of its work in counting Russian war…