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.
The vehicle fell into the river whilst being loaded onto the ferry at Daulatdia Ghat. The local Catholic Church immediately expressed its condolences “for the victims and their families”. Archbishop of Dhaka: “Great concern” over the numerous “accidents and deaths” during travel for the Eid festivities. A child recounts the heroic act of his mother who saved him before the vehicle sank.
The ruling overturns a provision that previously limited this right to cases where the child was under three months old. However, legal disparities remain: biological mothers, for example, are entitled to 26 weeks’ leave, whilst fathers are entitled to just 15 days, and only if they work in the public sector.
The researcher was awarded one of the 2026 Sabin Award for her contributions to applied genomics in the typhoid vaccine campaign, which reached over 40 million children in Bangladesh. In her homeland, Saha helped establish advanced laboratories for the sequencing of bacteria and viruses, a scientific and social work that has earned her several international awards.
Over 400 soon-to-be-weds, migrant workers in various countries across the region, are unable to return home and tie the knot due to the suspension of flights. Families are in despair, having completed their preparations yet facing an uncertain future. Some are considering video calls for an ‘alternative’ ceremony, but weddings are not merely a personal choice but community events woven into the social and economic fabric.
Father Aloysius Pieris died in Sri Lanka at the age of 92. He was the first non-Buddhist to earn a doctorate from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. A scholar of Eastern religions, he founded the Tulana Research Centre in 1974, also very active in social work. He was the first Asian member of the editorial board of the magazine Concilium.
Recently, the state government led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh met with the Kuki-Zo Council for the first time, issuing an appeal to "forgive and forget". The meeting marks a first step towards reconciliation, but tensions and deep mistrust remain between the communities.
The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the end of Ramadan is part of a broader objective, namely possible talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad to halt the war in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump reported "very good and productive conversations," ostensibly with the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Saudi Arabia is also playing a central role.
A long-awaited solution to avert the long-standing human-elephant conflict (HEC). In the area, over 300 people have died and dozens have been left disabled in incidents involving the elephants. For local residents, it is a ‘key project’ that should have been completed ‘decades ago’. Experts say at least a year of monitoring is needed to assess its effectiveness.
The decision by Narendra Modi’s government to revoke a code that came into force in November to improve infrastructure safety in high-risk areas has drawn strong criticism from the scientific community, whilst builders have welcomed the reduction in costs and regulatory constraints. Several new infrastructure projects are set to be built in high-risk areas such as the Himalayas and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The temporary suspension of hostilities until 23 March was agreed by Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, who are pushing for negotiations on the conflict that began on 26 February. The heavy toll of the bombings on the Afghan capital. The Taliban speak of violations. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, statements by the US intelligence chief regarding “potential threats” from Pakistani missiles are causing controversy.
On this World Day, which highlights the potential of people with this chromosomal condition, the story of an Indian boy and his family who have welcomed him for over forty years, striving to ensure that his differences do not become an obstacle. The importance of faith in his life. Today he brings joy to everyone he meets and his smile is a blessing.
More than 100 days after the environmental disaster, over 60,000 people in Sri Lanka are living in makeshift accommodation. ‘The relief centres don't even have drinking water,’ they complain. The effects of the disaster compound the historical discrimination suffered by the tea plantation workers’ community. A petition with 15 demands have been submitted to the president and the government.
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