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Pascale Harter presents stories from Russia, the occupied West Bank, the United States and India. US relations with its Western allies have been upended recently amid a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow. The BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg reveals how the warming of relations has been feted in the pro-Putin press, while ordinary Russians are seemingly more cautious. As the first stage of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel comes to an end, Israel's defence forces are in the midst of another major operation against armed Palestinian groups in the occupied West Bank. Paul Adams visited one of the region's refugee camps to see what impact Israel’s military action is having on the thousands of people forced to leave their homes. US President Donald Trump has pledged to curb government waste by cutting spending. Under review are the billions of dollars set aside for research grants, intended for universities and scientific institutions. At the annual gathering of one of the country’s oldest scientific societies Sandra Kanthal found a decidedly dampened mood. Each year, in the south Indian state of Kerala, ancient folk rituals, known as theyyams, are held in family estates and around temples. Sara Wheeler went to watch the dramatic spectacles, where performers become living embodiments of Hindu deities. Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin walks during a wreath laying ceremony at the Unknown Soldier's Tomb, marking the Defender of the Fatherland Day. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)
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