India

Since May, the deaths and clashes between the Maitei Hindu community, close to Modi's government, and that of the Kuki Protestant Christian minority in the north-eastern Indian state have not stopped. The Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Thrissur in nearby Kerala denounces the silence and connivance of the government party's politics with the Maitei community.

Today's news: In Nepal, the most violent earthquake since 2015 causes hundreds of deaths, but the toll could rise as whole areas are unreachable; In China and Mongolia, the effects of climate change are being felt: from 30 degrees to 0 in a few days; Scam allowing Russian businessmen and officials to circumvent Western sanctions uncovered.

Yesterday, activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended his latest hunger strike, but announced that he would continue political action until the Maratha community is granted government benefits. The problem reflects crisis in farming and legal limits to reservation quotas.

The province’s Human Rights Commission issued a ruling that recognises caste as a protected category; this will allow people disadvantaged by their caste status to go to court in case of caste discrimination. Fr Raj, a former secretary of the Office of Scheduled Castes-Backward Classes of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, welcomes the decision.

Today's headlines: China began polling 1.4 million people to find ways to encourage births. After the repatriation deadline expired, Pakistan began arresting Afghans illegally in the country. North Korea is set to close one quarter of its embassies around the world. A Vietnamese man is sentenced to three and a half years for live-streaming videos critical of the government on social media. The 2034 World Cup goes to Saudi Arabia. Gandhi accuses the Modi government of spying on opponents' phones. In Russia, more incidents of intolerance towards the Jewish community are reported.

Today's news: Ongoing ground battle in Gaza. Bangkok cancels visas for tourists from India and Taiwan; South Korean discount store recalls 53 thousand plastic slippers for toxic chemical substances; Two-year jail terms for four former student leaders at Hong Kong University; Nepal's mountains have lost a third of their glaciers in 30 years; On the Turkish side of Mount Ararat traces of seawater over 5,000 years old, possible evidence of the biblical universal flood; Naval'nyj and political prisoners on hunger strike yesterday on Prisoners of Conscience Day.

The attack yesterday morning also wounded scores of people, with some having life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, the police arrested the alleged perpetrator, who took responsibility for the attack on a Facebook video. He says he is a former member, but Jehovah's Witnesses deny the claim.

Today's news: clashes and arrests at funeral of 17-year-old Iranian girl who died over hijab, another Mahsa Amini; Exports in textiles to Vietnam down, losses $41 billion; Israeli army raids continue in Gaza: in Dagestan a plane from Tel Aviv attacked; At least 13 killed and dozens injured in a train accident in Andhra Pradesh; Discontent among Hong Kong Muslims over the presence of a Chinese flag at official events atop the most important mosque; Tenth meeting between the leaders of Singapore and Malaysia, first since the Covid-19 pandemic; Russian satellite production "no longer competitive."

After the syrup scandal, India’s cosmetics industry has come under scrutiny for toxic products. Yet, the sector is still growing, especially via online sales. Although India banned misleading ads and requires prescriptions for certain beauty creams, little has changed. What is more, the demand for skin-lightening products continues to grow despite known long-term side effects.

Superior General of the Apostolic Carmelite Congregation participates in the Synod, bringing the voice of India's 130,000 women religious. "We are seeking leadership that goes beyond the emphasis on the question of roles, to rediscover that these are services to be performed with humility". "In the face of harassment, silent suffering no longer makes sense".

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has formally authorised the opening of the cause of beatification for Christians killed by Hindu nationalists in 2008. The canonical process will involve Kanteshwar Digal, a lay catechist and a family man, and 34 companions. For Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, knowing that “our own brothers and sisters” have not been forgotten as witnesses of faith “is something great”.

The arrival of the first missionaries among tea plantation workers was remembered with the presence of PIME’s Superior General Fr Brambillasca and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Girelli. The “first seed is bearing fruit today, even far away,” Fr Brambillasca said, thanks to Indian missionaries “currently working in different parts of the world”.