South Asia

According to the China Global Investment Tracker, investments in the new silk roads dropped to just over US$ 25 billion in the first half of the year, down from US$ 126 billion last year. The pandemic worsened the negative trend. Many BRI projects in Africa and Asia have stalled or slowed down sharply.

The manual is not based on new legislation, but summarises the issues involved. It calls for action into any situation brought to the attention of the authorities from any source, even anonymous. The reputation of victims and accused must be protected. Transferring the accused from one place to another, as was often done in the past, must be avoided.

Only the United States and Brazil have a higher number of cases. More than 25 thousand dead in the country. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu the most affected states. Lockdown restored in several areas. Red Cross: The Indian subcontinent is the new epicenter of the pandemic. Economist mitigates the alarm: Per capita, the country has one of the lowest mortality rates in the world.

The Prefect of Propaganda Fidae and president of Caritas Internationalis presents the annual report of the charitable organization. Calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East and for debt relief to weaker nations. Covid-19 will bring disastrous consequences not only in the health sector, but globally. The full text of his address.

The Congregation’s Indian province celebrates its first 50 years. Increasingly, its missionaries reach Europe. In India, they are active in youth ministry, social work, education, charity and health services for the poor. In Kerala they still follow the Syro-Malabar rite.

A few months before the expiration of the Provisional Agreement on appointing new bishops, lay people, priests and bishops wonder about the effects it has had on the life of Christian communities in China. The Vatican is hoping to renew the agreement; China is likely to do the same if for no other reason than to use it against the US. The non-ideological question about religious freedom remains.

Hundreds of Dalits live near the Marian shrine in Periyanayagi, in Konankuppam parish. Under quarantine for a long time to contain the coronavirus, “many are more afraid of famine than of the virus.” Unemployment is causing depression and increasing domestic violence. The Catholic Church and Legio Mariae are helping out respecting people’s dignity.

Large numbers attended his funeral. His work among Catholics increased membership in the local Church. Youth leader remembers that “He called the young salt and light of the world. I still feel this and I personally heard his call and I'm trying to follow his advice in my life.”

Samson Salamat, president of Rwadari Tehreek, reacts to an Islamic leader who attacked Christians, calling them the worst infidels in the world. Instead, Salamat stresses the religious pluralism defended by Pakistan’s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The activist calls for Prime Minister Imran Khan to act.

"Students and staff must be able to go to school with confidence. That's why the government has decided to close schools," said the statement from the Ministry of Education. The concern of the population grew after hundreds of detainees and staff from a drug rehabilitation center in the north central province tested positive for the virus in the past few days.

The Brahmaputra has overflowed. Landslides and floods have forced the authorities to move 1.3 million people to safer areas. At least 385,000 people have been displaced in the Barpeta district alone. About 2,100 residents found shelter in 118 rescue camps. The Archdiocese of Guwahati is providing help. Catholics in the Diocese of Tezpur are safe.

Bishop Alwyn Barreto of Sindhudurg on Friday handed out aid to the poor tribal people of Beradki, 34 families in all, mainly landless farm workers. “Two or three families live per mud house,” Bishop Barreto said. “I went into one house. It's all dark because there are no windows.”