Nirmala Carvalho

The jury chose Sima Samar, a former Afghan president, and Mala Yousufzai, a 15-year-old girl who survived a Taliban attack. Both have put their lives on the line to defend women's rights.

During a conference in Bangalore, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism said that religion must focus on "education and providing healthcare". The Dalai Lama criticised proselytising through monetary inducements. For the president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, his words might appear "close" to Hindu nationalist ideology.

The president of the Tibetan parliament in exile accuses China of pushing young Tibetans "to the brink of despair." In two days, four young people between 18 and 24 have immolated themselves. A demonstration of 1,000 students in Qinghai was suppressed with violence and tear gas by police. Twenty students were seriously injured. The authorities have banned self-immolations and are demanding the involvement of village leaders to stop them. Even the families must sign. Fines and imprisonment for those who refuse.

So states Msgr. Peter Remigius, Bishop of the Diocese of Kottar, on the beatification of Devasahayam Pillai. Martyred in 1752, the man had converted from Hinduism to Catholicism in 1745. His life testifies to a "unique combination of devotion, courage and suffering."

The Blessing Youth Mission of the Chippagiri Gowtown village was built 15 years ago. The attackers threatened to kill the faithful and set fire to the place of worship. Rev. Suresh has complained to the police, who gave their utmost collaboration.

Nyingkar Tashi self-immolated on 12 November. In a latter, she lays out her motives: Tibetan independence, the Dalai Lama's return and saving her people from cultural genocide.

Shiv Sena's founder passed away on Saturday at the age of 86. Charismatic, the controversial leader led his party on behalf of Hindu Marathis against ethnic and religious minorities. An ally of ultranationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he played a major role in sectarian violence between Hindus and Muslims and the demolition of the Babri Masjid (Mosque) in Ayodhya. He clashed with the Catholic Church over a law designed to give the state control over pre-schools.

Savita Halappanavar's husband accuses the doctors of not terminating the 17-week pregnancy because Ireland "is a Catholic country." His wife was admitted to hospital because she had started to miscarry, but the doctors allegedly waited for the latter to finish before intervening. Now two investigations are underway. The "Catholic Church is against abortion," Carmelite clergyman says, but allows it "when the life of the mother is in danger." Now we have to wait to get "the real picture".

The Supreme Court has denied bail for another six months. Together with his wife, Sudam Munde practiced illegal abortions in the third, fifth, sixth and eighth months of pregnancy, causing the death of a 28 year old woman. Bishop Agnelo Gracias: "Yet another atrocity towards girls, but all abortions should be banned"

Active discrimination in some communities Kandho in Kandhamal district. The victims are Christians, or intermarried with Christians, or Dalits. Without the document, citizens have no access to social and economic rights. Monfortian Missionary: "Cases on the rise." President of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC): "Persecution of Christians by the official authorities."

A group of unknown persons removed all the crosses and cut down some trees and bushes. According to a Methodist minister in the area, the graves are at risk. In the past, the area was hit by anti-Christian violence.

While another Tibetan sets himself on fire against the Beijing regime, the Congress of the Chinese Communist Party continues. Penpa Tsering, President of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, speaks of Xi Jinping, and what (and how) his election as president of China could change for Tibetans.