The war in Gaza is forcing Israeli society to confront a long-standing conflict over who serves in the army. Ultra-Orthodox Jews enjoy an exemption, but many Israelis now say this should end. Both sides took to the streets to protest, while the Israeli Supreme Court hears a case related to this matter, as BBC Arabic’s Michael Shuval reports.
Ukraine's Ushanka hat sell off The Ukrainian government plans to auction 40,000 ushanka hats it bought in the early 2000s. The warm winter hats became popular after the 1917 Russian revolution and spread across the Soviet Union for leaders and civilians alike. BBC Ukrainian's Dmytro Vlasov explores the history of the hat, and why they're being sold now.
Thailand's cannabis law reversal Thailand’s new government plans to reverse a law decriminalising the recreational use of cannabis which was passed only 18 months ago. BBC Thai’s Tossapol Chaisamritpol explains the societal pressures behind the switch, and met some of the growers who will be affected if the ban goes ahead.
China’s looming pension crisis As China’s birthrate declines and a growing number of people reach old age and retirement, the country faces a looming crisis – the labour force will be smaller, and the cost of caring for the elderly will be higher. For BBC Chinese, Chen Yan explores the potential impact on the economy – and, in the words of one expert, on China’s destiny.
Observing the 'Day of Silence' and Ramadan in Indonesia Nyepi or 'Day of Silence' is an important Indonesian public holiday, mainly observed in Bali. It's a day reserved for quiet self-reflection, and this year, the Hindu celebration coincided with the first day of Ramadan. BBC Indonesian's Amahl Azwar met some of those making sure the two forms of worship can run smoothly together.
(Photo: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest against proposed end to military conscription exemption. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)
Who's behind Syria's Captagon trade?
Two villages that lost their sons
Jungle craft and childhood games
Afghanistan’s opium problem
India's women-led households
Manipur’s deadly tribal clashes
Reporting Cyclone Mocha
Leaving Sudan
A lifeline for Sudan
Artists targeted by the state
Uganda's child pregnancy problem
Defending against the death penalty
Indian students returning to Ukraine
Exposing bogus blindness treatments
The Fifth Floor in São Paulo
Aid, politics and Syria’s earthquake
The Belarusians fighting in Ukraine
Reporting Iran's school poisonings
BBC Russian: meet the Riga team
BBC Ukrainian: a year of war
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