Nirmala Carvalho

The government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, Hindu ultra-nationalists) introduces compulsory study of the Bhagavad Gita in all state institutions and madrassas (Islamic schools). Criticism of the Muslim community. Archbishop of Bhopal: "Political move to conquer the electorate."

A few days before the 67th Independence Anniversary the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) asks state governor not to sign the amendment to the current law. The amendment would impose penalties of up to four years in prison and fines for those who try to convert without notifying the authorities and also for priests.

According to the president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), after its defeat at the elections, "the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is desperate." In Arsikere (Hassan District), a Pentecostal clergyman is the victim of false allegations of forced conversions.

In urban areas, the number of deaths for girls under one year of age is 12,325 against 8,076 for boys. In rural areas, the gap is more balanced. For the director of a Jesuit centre for human rights, this is due to a patriarchal outlook, which continues to prefer sons over daughters and favours selective abortions and female infanticide.

Nineteen young Catholic men from the Atlético Madrid football team help the kids of Our Lady's Home, an orphanage in Dadar, Mumbai. "In spite of the difficulties and challenges of life," the orphans have enriched their lives during this "different" WYD.

The cardinal died last night at 93 years of age. His diocese in mourning, date of funeral to be decided. Appointed bishop by Pope Paul VI and Cardinal by John Paul II, he led the Indian Bishops' Conference for three terms. The Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai: "A great leader not only for the diocese, but for the whole of India."

Auxiliary Bishop Angelo Gracias, of Mumbai, presides at the Mass for Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The devotion of the Carmelite nuns, and the feast which "invites us to deepen the gift of prayer." A thought for the flood victims in northern India.

The president of the Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) condemns violence against religious belonging to the Franciscan Missionaries of St Joseph. The cardinal criticizes "the apathy of the government agencies and the slowness of justice system", perceived as "a further debasement of the victims.

Police dismiss the obvious signs of violence on the victim's body. For the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), "When the anniversary of the 2008 anti-Christian pogroms in Kandhamal approaches, Hindu extremists attack Christians."

Mgr Felix Machado, chairperson of the Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism of the CBCI, releases a message for Indian Muslims. The prelate calls on believers to pray for peace, a "gift of God".

After the rape, more than 50 stab wounds were inflicted on the body. One member of the Pontifical Academy for life: "A horrifying crime, a sign of the degradation of human dignity. Life is sacred".

Still unknown the authors of the nine explosions that hit the sacred complex, Bodh Gaya, but according to India they are "Islamic extremists". Tint Swe, Chairman of the Burma Center Delhi: "The attack could feed hatred for Muslims in the country, let's not point a finger against the religion." Nepal strengthens controls at Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.