Goa’s BJP chief minister has asked the Prime Minister Modi to renew the invitation he made in 2021 to the pope to visit India. Set for 21 November 2024-5 January 2025, the decennial exposition attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India. But some fear the announcement is just an electioneering move to woo Christian voters in the coming spring general elections.
In contrast to Europe, Turkey is increasingly focusing on fossil fuels taking advantage of falling prices. According to Ember, coal use for power generation in the country has gone from 25 per cent in 2013 to 36 per cent today. In 2023, more than US$ 3.7 billion were spent on coal imports.
The cargo ship, which was sailing from Maputo to Dubai, was diverted to Somali territorial waters. An Indian Navy ship that intercepted the hijacked vessel is monitoring the situation. The Bangladesh government pledged to rescue the sailors. Another Bangladeshi ship was seized in 2010, and its crew held in captivity for 100 days.
Some defendants are given seven years in prison over the storming of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. Chief Executive John Lee wants the latter to approve by 31 March the legislation to implement Article 23 of Hong Kong’s constitution. The Diocese of Hong Kong issues a statement saying that the secrecy of confession will be upheld under the new law. By allowing police to detain a suspect for up to 16 days without charge, the bill is violating the right to legal counsel, raising concerns about abuses of basic rights.
As Russians go to the polls, the outcome of the presidential election and the turnout have already been decided. The dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is virtually interred in a Siberian concentration camp, described the support for Putin's regime as nothing more than the product of “terror and apathy". The eternal tsar is but the face of a system that excludes the human soul.
Today's headlines: Senior doctors in South Korea join trainee doctors’ protest. India's foreign exchange reserves reach their highest level in two years. Iran is beset by a severe nursing shortage with more than 3,000 emigrating abroad a year. Thailand is considering legalising casinos. The Chinese are quietly occupying Siberia, raising concerns among local Russians.