Following objections from some MPs, the head of the local government has decided to withdraw the controversial bill from the Legislative Assembly’s agenda; like in other Indian states, the bill targeted “unlawful religious conversions”. Catholic leaders and representatives of other minority groups had expressed concern.
India’s highest court will have reserved positions for Dalits and other disadvantaged groups, except for justices. “The Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments on affirmative action, it had to apply it,” said Chief Justice Gavai, a Dalit.
At the end of the summit of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, India refused to sign the joint statement, complaining of the lack of a clear condemnation of Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism in the wake of the attack in Kashmir on 22 April. The armed clash between the two neighbours in early May opened a new phase of mutual accusations, but for now it is Pakistan that is reaping the benefits internationally.
At Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, Prada presented leather sandals identical in design to the traditional Kolhapuri chappal of Maharashtra, without any acknowledgement of the Chamar artisans, one of India's indigenous and outcast tribes. The high price and the distribution of leather rings during the show to emphasise the sandal's distinctive detail sparked protests on Indian social media. Activists have long been calling on fashion houses to recognise cultural origins and share profits with local communities.
During a visit in August, India and Japan will ink the deal for the E10 series of high-speed trains. But investments in semiconductors and strategic cooperation are also on the agenda ahead of the Quad summit next fall.
Seven Christians were hospitalised after being attacked by a mob incited by Hindu nationalists as they were returning home from church in their village. Threats and intimidation have been on the rise since the BJP came to power in the local government in Bhubaneswar. Bishop Aplinar Senapati told AsiaNews: ‘People are being persecuted for their faith.’
Major Archbishop Thattil and Vicar Pamplany have decided that, in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, it will be sufficient to celebrate at least one Sunday Eucharistic liturgy according to the unified rite decided by the Synod, thus leaving the possibility that other celebrations can be conducted following the older rite. The community had been split for years over the issue, with frequent protests. New priests will no longer be required to celebrate only with the new rite.
The escalation between Israel and Iran is testing India’s "strategic autonomy". New Delhi has strong economic and geopolitical interests in both countries. From the Port of Haifa controlled by the Adani group to the Iranian terminal of Chabahar, India is trying to defend its trade corridors from Chinese interference and growing regional tensions. But the instability caused by the war threatens its energy, exports, and digital infrastructure.
The High Court in Delhi has upheld the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan, ruling that obedience to orders takes precedence over personal religious beliefs in the military. The soldier, in the name of his Christian faith, respectfully remained outside Hindu and Sikh temples during ceremonies. Jesuit lawyer Fr. Santhanam tells AsiaNews: ‘A ruling that further weakens India's secularism.’
The two women belonged to the ethnic groups clashing in Imphal and were crew members on the flight that crashed in Ahmedabad. In the great tragedy, a sign of unity beyond conflict
The tragedy involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner yesterday, with over 200 victims, casts a long shadow on Air India’s growth plans. Once the national carrier, it was sold to the Tata Group a few years ago. The accident, the first with multiple deaths for this model, hits the company amid an ambitious expansion, while New Delhi wants India to become a global aviation hub. The investigation is focusing on the engine's thrust, but it will take time.
Tragedy in Gujarat: an Air India flight crashed in a residential area. Among the victims are several doctors from a hostel involved in the explosion of the aircraft. In addition to many Indians, there were also British, Portuguese and Canadian passengers on board. Archbishop Macwan tells AsiaNews: ‘We are in shock at the news. We pray for the families of the victims and for the injured.’
Two serious incidents have occurred in recent days in rural areas of Jharkhand and Orissa. Several priests were forced to seek hospital treatment after being beaten, forced to sing Hindu hymns and robbed. The secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, Msgr. Aind: ‘These are not simple thefts. It is a way of persecuting and preventing pastoral activities.’
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