Prime Minister Sharif praised the heroism of the Christian nurse who risked her life in Islamabad to save a newborn baby during a fire in which 14 others died. “I didn’t even think twice,” she said, demonstrating through an act more powerful than words that, according to the Gospel, every person is precious.
In the region nestled in the Himalayas on the borders with China and Pakistan, the local population is demanding the creation of a local administration, after the Delhi government revoked autonomy for Kashmir in 2019, dividing the region into two. Activists fear the melting of glaciers, the launch of large industrial projects and the militarisation of the territory, including by Beijing.
In the words issued by the Bishops' Conference, the request to 'alleviate the suffering of the people' who have been on their knees for years now due to the economic crisis. Renewed call for justice for the more than 275 victims of the massacre five years ago. A security plan for the rites of the Triduum has been put in place in the country.
In the Indian state shaken by ethnic violence, the state government had announced that this Sunday, 31 March, would be a working day, using as a pretext the fact that it is the last day of the fiscal year. After protests by Christians (who are over 40 per cent of the local population), state authorities backtracked.
Three Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Pakistan have been hit in seven days. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharf is set to visit to China next month to boost the economic ties but, for analysts, new projects are not likely to materialise. While the latest suicide bombing has not been claimed, several groups have reasons to go after the Chinese.
Plans for the structure were announced earlier this year, but a government committee has now approved its budget. The project includes a series of parallel and feeder roads to connect some of India's main military bases to the border. The government fears that the influx of refugees could destabilise the local inter-ethnic balance.
The church, symbol of the row over the liturgy, was closed for 486 days due to violence that broke out when Archbishop Andrew Thazhath tried to enforce compliance with the Synod's decision on the "uniform liturgy”. For now, to avoid tensions, the Holy Qurbana will not be celebrated. “The reopening during Holy Week is a positive step,” said a Syro-Malabar Church spokesman.
The Catholic Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism organised an Iftar, the dinner that breaks the Ramadan fast, together with other minorities. For Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, the event is a testament to the values of compassion, empathy, and mutual respect that bind everyone.
Pakistan has sent a delegation to Afghanistan to facilitate trade between the two countries, but diplomatic relations remain strained, according to analyst Riccardo Valle, co-founder of the Khorasan Diary, a platform for journalists, researchers, and academics. Attacks by the Pakistani Taliban continue to be a thorn for Islamabad. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is grappling with the Afghan branch of the Islamic State.
Aronno Chiran, 43, received the Swadhinata Purashkar 2024 for his commitment to endangered tribal cultures. A life dedicated to social activism, which now sees him working as the coordinator of the NGO Sara (Social Association for Rural Advancement). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina: 'Honour those who contribute to the welfare of others'.
According to residents, who protested against the first phase of the project in 2020, more turbines will drive away the fish and destroy their livelihoods. The new phase is managed by a company owned by Indian tycoon Adani. Experts fear the consequences will also be disastrous for migratory birds that cross the island.
Local churches proved too small to contain everyone from communities displaced by the ethnic violence that has plagued the north-eastern state. Meanwhile, rehabilitation and reconstruction continue, noted Fr Varghese Velickakam. In Karnataka, thousands gathered at the Miraculous Cross in Nandgad on the Day of Prayer for India.
The former president - already convicted of failing to prevent the attacks that caused 273 deaths - now says he is willing to reveal in a closed court hearing the secrets he has kept on the affair still without justice. Fr. Rohan Silva: 'If the government had courage it should arrest him immediately'.
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