India

After the latest case of negligence in Uttar Pradesh, the justices issued new guidelines to counter trial delays and bail releases that often turn into impunity. Hospitals involved in such traffic can have their licence suspended. More than 2,000 cases of kidnapping and sale of newborns are reported each year.

In the predominantly tribal district of Sukma, families were forced out of their homes and dumped in a forest. Only the intervention of the police allowed them to return, but locals first prevented access. Archbishop Thakur laments ongoing persecution, stressing that the Church continues to serve without discrimination despite unfair accusations.

Six organisations in the border town of Moreh have asked residents not to give up their land for the construction of a border fence. The project by the central government, backed by ethnic Meitei, would mark the end of the free movement regime for tribal populations. Protests break out in Nagaland as well, where the Naga fear a new division of their land.

According to the 2025 Global Happiness Index, happiness and satisfaction vary greatly among Asian countries. In India, 88 per cent say they are happy, while only 60 per cent say the same in Japan. In Southeast Asia, too, happiness and positive attitude towards the future are higher than in the more advanced economies of East Asia. Economic difficulties remain the first cause of unhappiness everywhere.

Pope Francis has approved the promulgation of the decree on a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Kerala nun, foundress of the Teresian Carmelite Sisters. Father Lanciotti, killed in Brazil in 2001, the first martyr of the 21st century, will also be blessed. Antonio Gaudí, the architect of the Sagrada Familia, was declared venerable.

The police denied permission for the Palm Sunday initiative that had been held for years, gathering thousands of faithful, for reasons of ‘public order’. The Catholic association protests in the metropolis where BJP nationalists have recently returned to government: ‘Other communities and political groups are allowed processions and gatherings: the authorities must guarantee respect for religious freedom and equality’.

The parents' complaint has led to an investigation: "It is a double discrimination," said Fr Devasagayaraj Zackarias. Tamil Nadu's Minister of Education stands with the student. But in India, the social stigma associated with the menstrual period and the weight of the caste system are still strong.

A complaint was filed against Kunal Kamra after he made a joke about a local leader, while the club where he performed was vandalised and partly demolished. His case reflects a growing climate of repression against comedy that makes fun of politicians. This trend began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming to power and continues with complaints, threats and even with some artists arrested.

In an open letter, numerous religious and lay people committed to the defence of the underprivileged criticise the Bishops' Conference for having invited Christian parliamentarians to vote in favour of the measure that came into force yesterday and limits the autonomy of Muslims in the management of their properties. ’This is not the way to solve the problem of the evicted families in Munambam. It sets a precedent that Hindu nationalists will also use against Christians."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated the path of negotiation with Washington after the imposition of a 26% tariff on Indian exports (excluding drugs). The jewellery sector is at risk, while some say textiles could benefit in the medium term. Many economists agree that India will need economic reforms and large-scale deregulation to turn the situation into an opportunity.

Work has officially begun on the construction of a 120-megawatt power plant in the Trincomalee area. India and Sri Lanka have also announced the creation of the Colombo Security Conclave, a security cooperation forum that also includes Bangladesh, the Maldives and Mauritius.

In the village of Kondavat, in the district of Khandwa, eight workers had gone down to clean it in preparation for the diving ceremony during the Gangour Mata festival. The victims were trapped and died of suffocation. Compensation of 400,000 rupees (4,200 euros) has been announced for the families. Activist Fr Prakash Louis: ‘It could have been avoided. Do workers come from disadvantaged castes? Is their life worth so little?’