Lauren Frayer

LGBTQ people have faced persecution in Russia and in separatist-controlled regions of Ukraine. That's why many in Ukraine are deciding whether to flee the war or stay and fight.

The mayor of the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol has accused Russian forces of firing on evacuation points and violating Wednesday's temporary ceasefire.

"People, children are under the wreckage. Atrocity!" the president tweeted. The port city's deputy mayor also said Russia's military had violated a cease-fire meant to allow civilians to evacuate.

At church, Ukrainians pray for an end to war. But a rift is forming: The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has defended Moscow's invasion. Some in Ukraine want to break away from his leadership.

While most countries have opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many others are keeping their Russia ties intact. Their reasons range from practical matters — such as trade — to ideological.

India's Hindu nationalists say they've drastically cut crime in Uttar Pradesh, where key elections are underway. Human rights advocates say there's been a spike in police brutality against minorities.

An attempted ceasefire in southern Ukraine was intended to allow for the evacuation of two cities. But Russian forces resumed their bombardment before all civilians could get out.

The head of the U.N. atomic watchdog says there was no release of radioactive material after a projectile hit a building at the plant facility.

As the fighting in Ukraine enters a second week, Russian and Ukrainian forces are still battling over control of strategic cities.

Even in the west of Ukraine, far from the Russian invasion, people are on edge and preparing to help in their own way.

Some Ukrainians who crossed the border into Poland are returning to Ukraine to enlist in the military and fight Russian invaders.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians are crossing the border into Poland, as they try to escape war and an uncertain future in their country.

India's most populous state has a long reputation for lawlessness. But the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh says it has dramatically reduced crime — and it's running for reelection on that issue.

At a high school in southern India, Muslim girls now have to take off their hijabs inside. Six girls refused and sued — their fight has drawn attention to discrimination against Muslims in India.

Lahiri famously brought a disco vibe to India's biggest film industry. He composed dozens of hits in the 1970s and '80s — which appeared in many top Bollywood movies.

Women's groups have petitioned the Delhi High Court to close a legal loophole and criminalize marital rape. A decision is expected soon. Men who oppose the petitions have gone on a "marriage strike."

When you think of India, you might think of heat and humidity before snow. But India is home to parts of the Himalayan mountains. That's where Olympian Arif Khan first put on skis.

Video from a meeting in northern India shows Hindu leaders calling for attacks on Muslims. The crowd included politicians with ties to Prime Minister Modi. Two men have been arrested for hate speech.

India isn't famous for snow sports. Kashmiri ski racer Arif Khan hopes to change that. The first and so far only Indian to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, he crowdfunded trips to Europe to qualify.

India's COVID-19 caseload is quickly rising, as omicron threatens the country's already precarious health system.