Ukrainian soldiers describe Russia incursion

Hello. Ukraine's cross-border attack on Russia's Kursk region has buoyed Kyiv's troops. James Waterhouse speaks to the soldiers involved in the highly secretive operation. Following the much-anticipated chat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, BBC Verify finds the former US president made several false and questionable claims. In north-eastern India, Priti Gupta explores the popularity of a "superfood" crop. Finally, street artist Banksy unveils its latest - and, apparently, last - piece in the urban jungle series.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Trump's chat with Musk, fact-checked

Trump touched on issues such as illegal immigration, rising prices and climate change. Credit: BBC News

In his two-hour conversation with tech billionaire Elon Musk on Monday evening, Donald Trump compared his record to that of President Joe Biden on a number of issues. As his claims went largely unchallenged, BBC Verify has checked some of them.

On cost of living, is bacon much more expensive now than in 2021?

According to Trump, the US is facing its worst inflation in 100 years, and bacon is now "four or five times" more expensive than it was a few years ago. In the first few years of Mr Biden's presidency, US inflation rose to the highest level since 1981. From that peak, it has fallen to 3%, according to the most recent figures. As for bacon, a pound of the sliced meat was $5.83 in January 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It now costs $6.83.

What about the claims regarding immigration and the border wall?

Trump said he built "hundreds of miles of wall" along the southern border. That depends on what you measure. Including new sections, as well as parts that have been replaced or reinforced, he built more than 450 miles. However, only 85 miles of entirely new sections of wall were built under Trump. As for how many illegal immigrants have entered the US across its southern border during Mr Biden’s time in office, data suggests it did hit record levels, but not the kinds of numbers Trump claims.

And on climate change, what do we know about global sea level rise?

Trump has claimed that sea levels are only set to rise "one eighth of an inch (0.13in) over the next 400 years". According to climate projections, this is a vast underestimation. In the 2014-2023 decade, global average sea levels rose nearly 4.8mm per year (0.19in), according to the World Meteorological Organization. That increase is already greater than the one Trump predicts will happen over the next four centuries.

THE BIG PICTURE

The 'superfood' taking over fields in India

Dhirendra Kumar switched his family farm to fox nut production. Credit: Dhirendra Kumar

The north-eastern Indian state of Bihar grows 90% of the world's makhana. Also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, the crop is prized for its nutritional value, with some touting them as a superfood. In recent years, farmers have changed the cultivation process to make it less taxing and more profitable.

And finally... in London

As regular readers of this newsletter will know, Banksy has unveiled new artworks in London in the past week. Not all of the nine were around for long - one was stolen, one was removed and one was defaced. The final graffiti to appear in the series, against a metal shutter of the London Zoo, is currently being guarded and available for viewing.