A memorandum from the Union Ministry of the Environment has exempted mining projects from public consultations, reigniting tensions in a state that holds 16 per cent of the country’s uranium reserves. For decades, the Khasi Students' Union has led the movement against mining, speaking out against the risks to human health and to the environment. Local communities are calling for a permanent moratorium, while the Union government intends to pursue its nuclear plans.

The Modi government wants to boost nuclear energy production with a new nuclear liability fund to attract investment. The goal is to increase production capacity from the current 8.18 GW to 100 GW by 2047. New Delhi has already opened uranium supply and processing to the private sector, but critical issues remain like high costs, the lack of an independent regulatory authority, and the uncertainties surrounding next-generation modular reactors.

Four civilians die in clashes between protesters and security forces in Leh during rally for statehood and greater protections for tribal communities. A curfew has been imposed, with gatherings, marches, and rallies banned. The government accuses climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, known for his nonviolent protests, of inciting the crowd with “provocative” slogans. The opposition denounces broken promises and calls for sensitive management of the crisis in a region crucial for relations with China.

The nun was accompanying teenagers to a training seminar organised by the Social Services Centre of the Diocese of Jamshedpur. Accused of ‘trafficking and conversions’, she was detained for hours at a station until late at night. Once the accusation was proven unfounded, the activity went ahead as planned. But the episode confirms a worrying trend that sees fundamentalists targeting educational activities promoted by Christians in the service of all.

Following the approval of the anti-conversion bill in Rajasthan and the Maharashtra Public Security Bill, protests have broken out in India. In Rajasthan, the law even affects voluntary conversions and interfaith marriages, while in Maharashtra, the executive will be able to declare entire organisations ‘illegal’ without concrete evidence. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked the states for clarification on the constitutionality of these laws.

The form for the census, which will begin on 22 September, includes a list of caste names associated with the adjective “Christian”. The BJP opposes the local Congress-led government: ‘This opens the door to the admission of Christians among disadvantaged groups.’ Archbishop Machado: ‘We have told the faithful to choose freely whether to identify with one of these groups or to declare themselves simply as Christians. But it is essential to cooperate with the census.’