Hello. Russia and North Korea have updated their ties to the status of alliance. Laura Bicker explains how China looms over their relations. Also, Yolande Knell hears from Palestinians in Gaza how the mounting problem of waste disposal adds to their daily struggles. Scroll down for a graffiti tour of Johannesburg, and a whiff of a majestic yet foul-smelling flower.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Xi's shadow over Kim and Putin's alliance

Perceptions matter to China’s leader Xi Jinping, who wants to take on a bigger global role and challenge the US. Credit: Getty Images

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have made a show of friendship in Pyongyang, culminating in the signing of a pact of "mutual assistance". But the proverbial elephant in the room is China, an ally of both countries whose support is key to their respective leaders.

What should we make of the pact?

Despite their avowed fight against the “imperialist West”, this is a wartime partnership. It may develop but, for now, it appears transactional, even as they upgrade their partnership to the level of “alliance”.

How close are the ties between Russia and North Korea?

When Mr Kim ventured out for a whirlwind of diplomatic summits between 2018 and 2019, he met Mr Putin only once. Back then, Mr Kim’s wide smiles, hugs and handshakes were for the South Korean president Moon Jae-in. They met three times. He also held three summits with Mr Xi, the first international leader he ever met. So Mr Putin is new to the party. And yet he has not turned on the charm, while Mr Kim has lined the streets with roses and red carpets.

How important is North Korea to Russia, compared with China?

Mr Putin wrote a column for the North Korean state newspaper highlighting shared interests. But it was missing the flattery he has previously heaped on Xi Jinping who, he declared, was as close as a “brother”, while praising a slowing Chinese economy for “developing in leaps and bounds”. He even said his family were learning Mandarin. He certainly would not dare keep President Xi waiting for hours and arrive as late as he did in Pyongyang.

• Token of friendship: A Russian-made limousine, tea set and artwork are among the gifts exchanged by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

• Blossoming partnership: Without a formal text, it's hard to tell what the Russia-North Korea deal means in practice. Paul Adams looks into what the two countries stand to gain from closer collaboration.

• Where next: Mr Putin has left North Korea and is heading south to Vietnam. Jonathan Head explains the ties between the two countries.

THE BIG PICTURE

On the hunt for graffiti in Joburg

The murals show another side to South Africa’s beating commercial heart. Credit: Hamilton Wende/BBC

Big game hunters in the 19th Century referred to elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard as the "Big Five". South African entrepreneur Eelco Meyses is now using that term to refer to the animal graffiti he shows visitors in suburban Johannesburg.

And finally... in London

Thousands of visitors are flocking to Kew Gardens to experience the titan arum plant, also known as "corpse flower", which is blooming for a second time this year. The botanic gardens note its "magnificent sight and disgusting stench". We'll show you the sight, and rely on a detailed description to convey the stench.