Fr Paul Thekkanath, vicar of Puthukkad, filed a complaint over a video by the ruling National Democratic Alliance. Supporters of Suresh Gopi used portions of a speech by the clergyman to suggest that he was backing their candidate. Christian voters are an important electorate in the southern Indian state.
A quick visit to the island for the Iranian leader on his return from Pakistan. The focus of the day was the signing of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and the inauguration of a hydroelectric power plant. Analysts underline the Islamic Republic's attempt to strengthen relations with South Asia at a time of tensions in the Middle East, with heavy repercussions on international trade.
According to a survey by Save the Children, 250,000 children are not in school. About 99 per cent of repatriated families face a food crisis, 40 per cent have had to borrow money, one in six lives in tents. Many were born across the border, and Afghanistan "is not the place they call home.”
The island nation exports more than 50 per cent of its tea to Iran, Iraq, and Palestine. Attacks in the Red Sea have already slowed deliveries, but exporters have not noticed major price increases for now. However, as the war continues, small farmers will likely pay a heavy price.
In the state shaken by ethnic conflict for a year now, even the vote for the federal parliament has become an occasion for confrontation with assaults and accusations of fraud against the local government led by the BJP. Extraordinary re-opening of the polls today in 11 polling stations. In tribal-inhabited areas, many polling stations remained completely deserted in protest.
On the occasion of the World Day for Vocations, the 50th anniversary of the Major Seminary of the Holy Spirit, which has trained 445 priests as well as numerous religious and lay people, was celebrated. Card. D'Rozario: "A great gift from God and the heart of our local Church in Bangladesh".
