Discontent with the institutions in India continues to grow following the arrests of leaders of the “cockroach” movement. According to Jesuit Father Sebasti L. Raj of the Indian Social Institute, the success of the mobilisation hinges on remaining independent of political parties and being open to different religious and cultural communities.
The Indian prime minister visited Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago before travelling to Argentina, Brazil (for the BRICS summit), and Namibia to boost ties with developing countries and challenge Chinese influence. Billions-dollar investments in Africa and South-South cooperation top the agenda, while at home the opposition accuses him of neglecting domestic crises.
A special university course has been launched in collaboration with the Swami Vivekanda Cultural Centre. The first distance learning course in the Indian lingua franca was launched in January. The High Commissioner of Delhi for Sri Lanka: ‘A bridge of understanding and communication between our countries’.
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.
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