Following objections from some MPs, the head of the local government has decided to withdraw the controversial bill from the Legislative Assembly’s agenda; like in other Indian states, the bill targeted “unlawful religious conversions”. Catholic leaders and representatives of other minority groups had expressed concern.
Activists call this a "long-awaited step" that ends a process that began three years ago. The goal was to ensure that non-Muslim children could also study their own religious tradition in school. However, issues related to the practical application of the policy remain. Teacher recruitment, training, and budget allocations are among the "significant challenges”.
Hundreds of men armed with sticks set fire to the victim’s darbar in the Kushtia district. A video of Pir Abdur Rahman, 65, allegedly insulting the Qur‘an from three years ago circulated on social media. Police failed to stop the violence. The authorities and NGOs slammed security failures, calling for investigations, but no arrests have yet been made.
Studies by the University of Peradeniya show that atmospheric nitrogen can be fixed into the soil and rapidly improve it thanks to sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), reducing the need for chemical fertilisers, which are in short supply following the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Experts are urging the various stakeholders, including farmers, to leverage its potential to boost the country's food security.
Talks between the United States and Iran to firm up a still shaky ceasefire began in the Pakistani capital today. However, the United Arab Emirates is withdrawing US$ 3.5 billion (over a fifth of Pakistan's reserves) to put political pressure on the South Asian country. For Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, “war and conflict cause immense suffering” and this needs “solutions to problems through wisdom, tolerance and dialogue.”
A new paper by the World Inequality Lab shows that the richest 10 per cent of rural households own 44 per cent of India's total land. Furthermore, recent legislative changes in Gujarat have reignited the debate over ownership in areas considered sensitive to communal tensions, raising fears of further social exclusion.
An uncontrolled outbreak has caused dozens of deaths since 15 March. Among the victims is Risa, aged 7 months; her twin sister Ruhi is in a critical condition in Dhaka. Hospitals under pressure and structural shortcomings are exacerbating the crisis. The government has launched an emergency vaccination campaign. Fr Costa: ‘Measles requires specialised wards and staff’.
In Indonesia Cardinal Suharyo said that a more sober lifestyle is a moral duty, even more than a response to the energy crisis. In the Philippines Cardinal David spoke about popular reaction that resulted in the mistreatment of an animal. It is right to criticise, but this case should teach how to respect every human life. For Sri Lanka’s Cardinal Ranjith, even in politics, “leadership is service,” not domination over others.
Talks between Washington and Tehran will take place in Islamabad on Friday after threats of escalation. China has applied pressure, consolidating its influence in the region. Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir has played a crucial role. Uncertainties remain regarding the actual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the Israeli-Lebanon front. Pakistani Christians tell AsiaNews that they are praying for lasting “peace and prosperity”.
A journalistic investigation has revealed two deaths and dozens of cases of illness among the Dalit artisans brought in from Rajasthan to build the spires of Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, the largest Hindu temple in the West. The allegations: wages of less than $1.20 an hour and inadequate safety measures. The organisation that runs the sacred site defends itself by describing them as “volunteers engaged in religious service”.
A coalition of civil society groups and organisations is calling on Anura Kumara Dissanayake to release at least 10 detainees unconditionally. Some have been in prison for over 30 years without trial. The controversial anti-terrorism law is under scrutiny.
The case of Jeyaraj and his son Benniks – killed in 2020 during the Covid emergency over a (false) breach of the lockdown – has become a symbol of the arbitrary violence suffered by people in police custody in India. Fr Devasagaya told AsiaNews: “We are opposed to the death penalty, but it is important that a court has found the officers guilty. Now guidelines are needed to protect the accused.”
The accident occurred while a group of worshippers were on their way to a Easter vigil. The vehicle drove into the crowd at high speed. Following the incident, the local Catholic community protested the police failure to deploy officers to protect the celebration.
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