Nepal's ruling party has become increasingly wary of China's expansive Belt and Road Initiative amid Sri Lanka's financial collapse, fresh loans from the US and a shift towards India.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been denounced by world leaders and prompted diplomatic and financial sanctions. But what do ordinary Russians think? President Vladimir Putin never misses an opportunity to refer to patriotism and national unity in a bid to justify his acts of aggression. A large majority of Russians adhere to this patriotism, some by joining Unarmia, a movement created by the Russian ministry of defence. Yet others have serious doubts about whether the invasion of Ukraine is in the best interests of the country they love.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Veronika Zepkalo and Maria Kolesnikova received the 2022 Charlemagne Prize. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the Belarusian activists were the "bravest women in Europe."

The first family will meet with community and religious leaders, as well as those who lost their loved ones to the violence that left 21 people — including 19 children — dead at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

The 13-2 vote in favor of the resolution was not enough to secure its adoption as Beijing and Moscow have veto-rights. The US said the rejection means Pyongyang "will feel free to take further escalatory actions."

Police in the US town of Uvalde, Texas are facing questions over why it took an hour to neutralise the gunman who murdered 19 small children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. The tragedy comes amid increasing calls for greater gun control measures. Among the demands of campaigners are a ban on assault weapon sales, as well as universal background checks and so-called red flag laws. Pastor Mike McBride, director of the LIVE FREE gun violence prevention campaign with the Faith in Action network, joined us on Perspective to tell us more.