Just four months after taking office, the BJP-run state government announced a plan for a massive expansion of educational facilities linked to the Hindutva movement, in open competition with Christian and Islamic schools. Even the patriotic song "Vande Mataram" is becoming a source of controversy.
Today's headlines: UN criticizes new ban imposed by Taliban; Primary and middle schools reopen today in Manipur; Malaysia announces date for elections in six states; Agreements for direct flights Chengdu, China, and Baku, Azerbaijan; South Korea wants to end the phenomenon of "ghost children"; In Russia sites for "Prigožin 2024" blocked.
With India as host of the virtual summit, Iran becomes the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s ninth member. China praises the Belt and Road Initiative, slamming the use of national security as a tool of economic coercion. Sparks fly between India and Pakistan over terrorism.
Today's headlines: suicide rate in Singapore hits 20 year high; Inflation drops in Pakistan; Three Chinese military ships arrive in Nigeria; IAEA opinion on Fukushima radioactive water release expected today; Hundreds of Palestinian refugees leave Jenin camp; In Kyrgyzstan, matronymic may be given; Russian oligarchs continue to make money.
The Bishops' Conference called on Catholics to hold a day of prayer and solidarity for the victims of the violence that has torn the north-eastern state for two months. To this end, eucharistic adorations, human chains and torchlight processions were held to spur the Indian government to act.
The Indian government has banned imports for low-cost ones (mostly Chinese) lighters to save a key sector in arid Tamil Nadu. Local companies employ more than 100,000 people, 90 per cent women. Phillumenists are also happy because of decorated boxes are part of Indian popular culture.
Today's headlines: Islamabad reaches agreement with IMF on $3 billion financing package; Taipei denies entry to Chinese tour operators to attend an international trade fair; Dozens of Iraqis storm the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad in response to the burning of the Koran in front of a Stockholm mosque; Police disrupt Rahul Gandhi's visit to violence-torn Manipur; Card. Zuppi, Pope's envoy to Moscow, meets with Patriarch Kirill, to prevent "major armed conflict."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says India is no longer in the UN’s annual report on children in armed conflict. A group of activists questions the decision, documenting the latest violations of children's rights. In the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, the authorities revived civil militia to fight separatist rebels.
Today's headlines: Deloitte Asia Pacific tracks climate change risks and benefits, for India and China "great opportunities" from green transition; Pyongyang critic new South Korean unification minister; Israeli PM announces review of controversial justice reform; Taiwan vice-premier on official visit to Japan; A monk among victims of new air force air raid in Sagaing region; "Medic brigade" set up in Russia to send medical personnel to the front lines.
In a village in Kanpur, saffron-coloured flags were raised and the walls of a building near a Christian school were smeared with graffiti. The latter is open to pupils of all religious backgrounds. Radicals believe that an unauthorised church was under construction. The Bishop of Lucknow asks how any group can claim the right to destroy any structure, even if it lacks proper permits.
Egyptian President al-Sisi invited to the G20 in Delhi during the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Egypt in 26 years. During his stay, Modi visited the al-Hakim mosque, a place dear to a small Islamic community in Gujarat, allied with the BJP. This comes after he dismissed a reporter’s question in Washington centred on allegations that several Indian laws and policies violate the rights of Muslims.
The testimony of Fr. Ajo Thelappilly, an Indian Catholic priest who has been a missionary for a decade in one of the poorest areas in the foothills of the Himalayas. "The local Church here is still in its infancy." The dream of being able to snatch the little ones from work in markets or city hotels.
Day of Paryer called by Bishops' Conference president Msgr. Thazhath to invoke from God the gift of peace and raise awareness of the violence between Meitei and Kuki in the northeastern state. Imphal Archbishop Msgr. Lumon: "We are working to reopen dialogue between the two communities, but the situation remains stuck. Only prayer can help us." Already today in Mumbai an initiative by Card. Gracias.
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