South Asia

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.

A statement from all the bishops of the state where the Archdiocese of Mumbai is located, which has become the thirteenth to adopt the regulations sought by Hindu nationalists against “forced conversions.” The complaint: “Direct and unjustified interference in the legitimate religious practices of the Catholic Church, particularly in its program for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.”

The Arab states in the Gulf region, which are home to millions of Asian workers, are the main targets of Iranian attacks. In Bangladesh some families are unable to contact their relatives, unable to leave because of flight cancellations, while Arab countries are trying to be flexible with visas and tax rules.

The Catholic mission commemorates a century of pastoral presence and service. A centre for education and healthcare open to people of all faiths in a region marked by conflict. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–48, it became a place of refuge for displaced people but was also the target of serious violence. Reduced to ruins, it was rebuilt with the help of the local communities: today it is a symbol of dialogue, education and care for thousands of people.

The interfaith dinner, organised by the Archdiocese’s Commission for Dialogue during the final days of Ramadan – which this year coincides with Lent – was attended by representatives of the various communities and local politicians. “This is not the time to fight or harm one another: we all condemn violence and pray for one another”.

According to Kabul, a drug rehab facility in the Afghan capital is also hit in the latest Pakistani airstrikes, with hundreds killed, while Islamabad denies targeting civilians. The escalation is part of Pakistan's "open war" against the Taliban, accused of supporting terrorist groups. India slammed the attack, while China continues to call for restraint.

Following elections that saw a resounding defeat for traditional parties, Nepal is now reeling from the death of a 16-year-old girl who died as a result of rape. This horrific story brings women’s issues back into the spotlight in a country where women make up just 8% of the newly elected parliament and have little protection in the workplace.

While Israel has begun a ground operation in southern Lebanon, Fathers Shinto and Binoy spoke to AsiaNews about their presence, along with the Missionaries of Charity, among the people most affected by the conflict. In the silence before the Blessed Sacrament, "the noise of the war fades away” for the peace that “only Christ can give.” A man in need is helped.