The agreement aimed at resolving the serious dispute over the liturgy within the Syro-Malabar Church was implemented for the first time yesterday at the Cathedral Basilica of St Mary in Kochi, which had become the epicentre of the tensions.
The award, which recognises individuals in Mumbai who carry on the spirit of the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, was given to a woman who, starting with the wounded of the Arab Spring in Egypt, created an NGO and a hospital that cares for burn victims throughout the Middle East. ‘Mother Teresa taught us that service is not measured by greatness but by sincerity.’
The Thurumbar, a caste providing laundry services who are discriminated even by Dalits, can send their children to study at the Life Empowerment Center in Acharapakkam. Thanks to the latter’s foundress Juliyes, who grew up among this marginalised group, solidarity is also extended to the Irula, an equally poor tribal community.
The Indian government has approved the Shanti Bill: a reform set to change the nuclear sector, which has remained under public control for decades. New Delhi is betting on private capital, technology and new reactors to strengthen energy security and green transition. The goal is 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047 (compared to 8 today).
Leo XIV authorised the promulgation of the decree on the heroic virtues of the Syro-Malabar priest who lived between 1888 and 1949. A great intellectual, he was always attentive to the needs of the poor and the sick. For them, he founded the "Mount of Charity" and the Medical Sisters of Saint Joseph, who continue to care for everyone in India, without distinction of religion or caste.
Catholic charities are working to prevent child marriage through development and the fight against superstitions, helping everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. “We focus on community development, human dignity, and empowerment,” said Father Birendra Tete.
Faced with growing hostility promoted by nationalist groups through anti-conversion laws and their intimidation against Christmas celebrations, former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju has issued an invitation to all non-Christians in India: ‘The only correct policy is one that keeps us united. Let us pay tribute on this feast day to the contribution of Christians to our country.’
The Hindu nationalist candidate defeated the left-wing candidate in local elections in a town at the centre of a dispute over ownership of 400 acres of land pitting the Waqf against some 500 Christian families. Modi's party also won in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, for the first time, although Indian National Congress came out on top in the southern Indian state.
In India, prejudices about skin color, closely linked to the caste system, are still widespread. But a couple from Madhya Pradesh who ended up in the crosshairs of haters after posting pictures of their wedding is offering an original response, starting with their own story. It is a countercultural message in a society where everything from Ayurveda to Bollywood films still suggests that skin must be light.
The Supreme Court has asked states and the central government to urgently identify and repeal all obsolete provisions that continue to contain discriminatory references to people with leprosy. According to the National Human Rights Commission, there are nearly 100 laws that limit the rights and access to services of even those who have been cured.
India is preparing its first entirely digital census after 15 years of delays. Caste will once again be included, as well as details on internal migration. However, in the poorest and most remote regions, millions of people are at risk of not being counted, with repercussions on federal funds and welfare programmes
The CBCI has filed an appeal pointing out that the legislation grants arbitrary powers to the authorities, vaguely defines the modalities of unlawful conversion and obliges citizens to reveal their personal faith choices to the state. The Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government to submit its response. The case could also have national implications.
SRM University in Chennai fired Lora Santhakumar for posting comments on her WhatsApp status critical of Operation Sindoor. First suspended on 8 May, she was fired a few days ago. Over this period, she was the target of online attacks and death threats from far-right groups.
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