South Asia

The Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology will ask the Council of Islamic Ideology for guidance to comply with Islamic law. A madrasa had already approved the establishment of the human milk bank with a set of preconditions. But the project has sparked controversy on social media prompting a review of the issue.

The man was holidaying in the Swat Valley. Police arrested him on charges of burning pages of the Qur'ān, but a mob stormed the station and killed him. Activist accuses Pakistan of being "a barbarian state" while the authorities remain silent. For Naveed Walter, “No one is safe now.” In another case, the wife of Nazir Masih, another lynch mob victim, died from the traumatic experience. In Sialkot, a Christian man is on the run.

Today's headlines: Israeli protests Armenian recognition of the Palestinian state, continues to attack Rafah, killing 45. China wants to execute supporters of Taiwanese independence. Five Pakistani soldiers are killed in a TTP attack near the Afghan border. Russia’s parliament further restricts immigration.

The death toll from tainted booze in Kallakurichi has reached 50, with about 100 people hospitalised. For Fr Devasagayaraj, the most disadvantaged were the most affected, especially Dalits who cannot afford more expensive drinks. Responsibility also lies with the state, which runs liquor shops through the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation.

Police is backing extremist groups attacking the Ahmadiyya community. Several arrests were made before Eid even though Pakistani law guarantees Ahmadis religious freedom in their own homes. For Ahmadi spokesman Amir Mahmood, the community’s fundamental human rights are being violated.

What binds India and Russia is oil, which India is buying at discounted prices. Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the latter did not show particular interest for the Summit on Peace in the Ukraine held in the Swiss city of Lucerne, sending a low-level delegation. At the same time, Indo-Russian relations are not likely to expand, experts believe.

Contacts with the IEA underway to define regulations and site selection criteria. Russia's Rosatom-already present in Bangladesh and India-is in the front row, but Chinese engineers and other major industry giants are also expected in the country. The crux of funding in a country still grappling with the severe economic crisis.

The bishops - originally from the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, the epicentre of the schism - launched an appeal to avoid a schism, contesting the circular letter issued by the Major Archbishop requiring priests to adapt to the unified rite by 3 July. "A hasty choice and contrary to the spirit of Vatican II. Pope Francis asked us for unity through dialogue".

Due to shooting from Myanmar, links between the island and the mainland have been cut. According to local sources, it is not clear whether the shooting was done by the military or the Arakan Army, the local ethnic militia that seems to be on the verge of seizing Rakhine State. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has deployed its Navy to the area.

Bishop Fernando received Ranil Wickremesinghe, with whom he discussed topical issues, from the impact of new projects on local fishermen to connections to the Madhu sanctuary. For the president's office, the prelate praised the government's 'efforts'. But there has been no shortage of controversy from part of the Christian community, which accuses the head of state of not doing justice to the victims of the Easter massacre.

Some members of the Hindu nationalists flaunt the photo of the embrace with the pontiff to acclaim Modi. The opposition retorts: "Where were they when Christians were attacked in Manipur or Fr Swamy died of unjust imprisonment?". The Bishops' Conference on the invitation to visit the country: "Ready to welcome the Pope with enthusiasm".

Refugees are celebrating the Feast of Sacrifice in open-air prisons. Shedding tears and praying, they call for an end to torture and a dignified return to their homeland. Some 2,200 animals were provided for the sacrifice, said Refugee Relief Commissioner Shamsud Douza. For Saiful Hossain, a resident of Camp 13, “this is not our country, and there is no joy”.