The French president fires up his re-election campaign visiting a stronghold of his far-right rival.
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Biden may express concern over India-Russia ties in meeting with prime minister Modi – live
Biden announces measures to crack down on ‘ghost guns’Georgia judge may rule today on disqualification of Marjorie Taylor GreeneRussia-Ukraine war – follow the latest newsSign up to receive First Thing – our daily briefing by email
A plain-talking Joe Biden is likely to greet the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on their video call this morning, the president expected to seek a harder line from New Delhi towards Russia over the Ukraine war.
The US and allies are concerned by recent Indian actions, including abstaining from last week’s vote that saw Russia suspended from the United Nations human rights council, buying 3bn barrels of Russian crude while other nations were ramping up oil sanctions, and acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense systems.
Cabaret’s Elliot Levey: ‘This Passover, an exodus is happening in real time’
As Jews prepare to recount the escape from Egypt over the Seder night, the Olivier award-winning actor reflects on his personal connection to the Ukrainian conflict
This Friday sees the beginning of Passover. It’s the liberation story of the Jewish people: the journey from slavery to freedom. I’m sitting in my dressing room – the “Isherwood room”, named after the writer whose Berlin Stories gave birth to our production of Cabaret – with 10 extraordinarily liberated people. There are more pierced nipples and “wearable erotic accessories” in here than this sheltered man from Muswell Hill could shake a stick at. So, I keep my painfully heteronormative stick to myself.
A few seats away sits my friend Matt who plays Hans in the show, a specialist in obscure sexual practices: art and life have never been more attuned. He’s wearing lederhosen and glitter, polishing some sort of leather harness. “What’s that for?” I ask. “I’m going to a club after this evening’s show, where I’m strapped on to a swing and penetrated throughout the night.” “Wow,” I say. “How extraordinary.” “Not really, mate. For me it’s just like shaking hands.”
War set to cut Ukraine’s economy by almost half
The World Bank forecasts Ukraine’s economy will shrink by 45.1% as a result of Russia’s invasion.
Could Marine Le Pen win?
Marine Le Pen will go head-to-head with President Macron in an election run off in a fortnight.