March 15, 2022

*) Russia pounds away at Ukraine as talks to continue Russia's forces have continued to pound away at cities across Ukraine, including the capital, in a bombardment that deepened the humanitarian crisis. Shortly before dawn, large explosions thundered across Kiev. Ukrainian emergency services said at least two people were killed after a strike on a 16-storey building in the capital. Russia also pressed its advance on multiple fronts. But, a narrow diplomatic path stays open as Kiev and Moscow plan another round of talks. *) UN chief: Russian offensive hurting poor countries The United Nations chief has warned that Russia’s offensive on Ukraine is “hitting the poorest the hardest and planting the seeds for political instability and unrest around the globe.” “Russia and Ukraine represent more than half of the world’s supply of sunflower oil and about 30 percent of the world’s wheat” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. He stressed that poor developing countries are now seeing their breadbasket “being bombed” as they face skyrocketing food, fuel and fertiliser prices. *) Indian Karnataka state’s ban on hijab in class An Indian court has upheld a ban on wearing of the hijab in classes in the southern state of Karnataka, a ruling that could set a precedent for the rest of the country. "We are of the considered opinion that wearing of hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practice," Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka said in the judgement. Students who had challenged the ban in court had said wearing the hijab was a fundamental right guaranteed under India's constitution. Critics of the ban say it's another way of marginalising Muslim community that accounts for about 13 percent of Hindu-majority country. *) France shuts down another mosque A mosque in southwestern France has been shut down for a six-month period amid an ongoing drive against Muslims and their places of worship. The Al Farouk Mosque in Pessac district was closed for allegedly defending "radic