Focus

In Russia, certain forms of domestic violence are set to be decriminalised. On Wednesday, MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of a bill that would reduce the punishment for those convicted of domestic violence. Supporters of the legislation, known as the "slapping law", say they to want to protect the right of parents to discipline their children and reduce the state's ability to meddle in family life. But feminist organisations see it as a way of encouraging abuse. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

Six years ago, the Egyptian capital Cairo was the scene of huge demonstrations as a massive protest movement erupted. At the time, Egyptians were calling for strongman Hosni Mubarak to step down after nearly 30 years at the helm - which he later did. But fast-forward to present-day Egypt and another strongman, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is in power. Prices are rising, jobs are scarce and demonstrations are banned. Our team in Cairo reports. A programme preapred by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

Whether it's playing chess on the world stage, or clashing sticks in a game of hockey, the women of Iran are playing an increasing role in sport. While they always abide by the strict rules and codes of the Islamic Republic - including wearing the veil - many are using their sporting prowess to fly the nest, leave their homeland and see the world. Our bureau in Tehran have been to meet some of the Iranian women flying the flag for female sport. A programmpe prepared by Patrick Lovett, Charlotte Prudhomme and Elom Marcel Toble.

In the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, the army is receiving aerial and tactical support from US forces - but also from French troops. This report from our colleagues at France 2 follows French special forces - some of them demining experts - who are helping both Iraqi and Kurdish fighters in their bid to retake the city from the Islamic State group.

Millions of Americans don't feel represented by their new president. Across the United States, many are afraid of future decisions Donald Trump might make on the issues they care about most. As he takes the oath of office, many of those opposed to Trump will be demonstrating in the streets of the US capital and elsewhere, while some have opted for more novel methods of protest. Our correspondent reports.

Amid the bitter winter cold, a network of local businesses in Paris are providing free services to homeless people. Easily identified by a logo on their front door, these shops, cafés and restaurants are offering a free cup of coffee, access to the toilets, a phone charger, or even a meal. The aim is to help the homeless, but also to maintain ties between those sleeping rough in the capital and the rest of society. FRANCE 24's Julien Sauvaget and Patrick Lovett report.

When Central African Republic was hit by sectarian violence three years ago, almost 100,000 people found refuge in a makeshift camp beside the airport of the capital Bangui. Today, around 28,000 are still there, but the camp poses a threat to aviation security and the government is now organising the departure of these internally displaced people. Yet returning home often means going back to neighbourhoods where they fear for their safety. FRANCE 24 reports. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Phoebe Lanzer Wood and Elom Marcel Toble.

As Xi Jinping becomes the first Chinese leader to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, we're looking at the rapid and formidable growth of Shenzhen, a city where China's limitless ambitions in technology and innovation are being shaped. FRANCE 24's Pierre-Philippe Berson reports from China's answer to Silicon Valley. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Phoebe Lanzer Wood and Elom Marcel Toble.

Is Italy becoming a jihadist hub? The Berlin Christmas market attacker, Anis Amri, is believed to have been radicalised in prison there. And when a routine police stop led to Amri's death, it was in the northern city of Milan, which has seen a rise in terror-related arrests. Security has now been stepped up in Italy amid fears of an attack by the Islamic State group. FRANCE24's correspondents report. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Phoebe Lanzer Wood and Elom Marcel Toble.

In November 2016, India's government shocked the country when it announced that a massive 85% of banknotes were no longer legal tender. The move, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed to stamp out corruption and the black market. More recently, Modi addressed the nation once again, exposing his vision of a "digital India" and prompting people to download a virtual wallet for cashless transactions. But is this revolution too much too soon for the average Indian? A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.