The Taliban are taking steps to halt Afghanistan's opium trade even as the country's economy crumbles. It is unclear how the Taliban government plans to replace this illicit source of income for millions of farmers.

The European Union is mulling a total phaseout of coal imports from Russia as the bloc considers how to move away from Russian energy. Germany has voiced support for a possible coal embargo.

The European Union has proposed a ban on imports of Russian coal, as the bloc expands sanctions on Moscow. But how important is coal to the EU's energy mix? Also in the show: Elon Musk officially joins the board of directors of Twitter, after becoming the platform's single biggest shareholder.

The US actor has been barred from attending the glamorous Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles for 10 years after hitting comedian Chris Rock.

Citing safety concerns, Burundi bans rickshaws, commercial motorcycle taxis and bicycle cabs in Bujumbura, the country's biggest city. Drivers say the move will put thousands out of work. Also, Uganda's only licensed cannabis farm grows only for export, as use of its crop remains illegal in the country. But there are calls for more permits to be granted to smaller-scale growers. And we head to a sanctuary where orphaned and injured primates are nursed back to health in eastern DR Congo.

The two candidates vying to be the next French president have defended their position on Muslim headscarves. The covering is already outlawed in schools and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen wants a nationwide ban.

The two candidates vying to be the next French president have defended their position on Muslim headscarves. The covering is already outlawed in schools and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen wants a nationwide ban.

Islamabad has issued a warning to Afghanistan's Taliban leadership, accusing it of giving shelter to militants. In turn, the Taliban claim Pakistani bombings recently killed dozens of civilians on Afghan soil.

The oil embargo could be upheld for years, the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said. Her Green ally Robert Habeck said complete independence from Russian oil was possible by late summer.

The hard-line Islamist group has told Afghan women to cover their faces in public — the latest backslide on promises to retain women's rights after the Taliban seized power last August.

The Taliban have further curbed women's rights with their latest veil compulsion decree. Afghanistan's civil society faces an uphill task to challenge the group without adequate support from the international community.

An Alabama ban on the provision of gender-affirming medication for minors has been blocked by a federal judge. Transgender rights have become a bone of contention for right-wing Republicans.