South Asia

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah announced that he is running in the upcoming general elections, challenging former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who was forced out of office by Gen Z protests. Others are disappointed by what the caretaker government has achieved so far. New internal divisions are emerging in established parties, which are now seeking to revitalise themselves to garner support from young voters.

The play Yakawewata Nandikadal was born out of workshops promoted by the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) with communities affected by the war. Based on real-life stories, it is performed by non-professional actors and presented in Tamil and Sinhalese. It addresses pain, loss, and mutual distrust, calling for genuine cohesion and peaceful coexistence in Sri Lanka.

Seven people were killed in an attack claimed by the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) in the commercial district of Shahr-e-Naw. The attack, which is part of a broader anti-Chinese jihadist campaign, reignites fears for the security of investments in Afghanistan. Beijing continues to maintain a diplomatic and economic presence, while internal divisions within the Taliban leadership complicate the political and security situation.

During a meeting yesterday in Palam between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to greater cooperation with future closer partnerships in business, energy, and space. The game of global alliances plays out in the background, with Israel and the Abraham Accords casting their shadow.

Interior Minister Amit Shah touts data on the increase in drug seizures. But the number of consumers has also grown, including among the very young: it is estimated that over 25% of minors use drugs. The issue of chemicals produced in India and destined for laboratories producing methamphetamine in Myanmar, but also in Central America and Africa

In the local vote, contrary to the general trend, Karen D'Mello earned the trust of voters, defeating the BJP and Shiv Shena in her district. Many Muslims and Hindus also voted for her. “My Faith strengthens and enlightens me,” she said, making her sensitive to the needs of others and strengthens her commitment to the poor.

Christianity arrived in Kewachala only in the 1960s. Since the first mixed marriage and the first baptisms in 1977, the Catholic community has grown thanks to priests and nuns, in particular Fr. Dominic Sentu Rozario and Fr. Gianantonio Baio of PIME. On January 16, Mithun Mathias Ekka was ordained a priest, the fruit of the seed that was sown.

A tragic case of isolation and indifference in Uttar Pradesh becomes a national issue. Boy cares for 52-year-old mother and, after her death, accompanies her to a post-mortem facility. After his father died of HIV/AIDS, and his mother contracted tuberculosis, the community abandoned them. The boy, who dropped out of school to care for his mother, fears being killed by relatives over his land.

At Manikarnika Ghat, an important cremation site in the holy city, a structure linked to the Hindu Queen Ahilyabai Holkar has been demolished, part of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor project. Meanwhile, the environmental problems of the Ganges and the poverty of many residents remain unresolved. The project has left the Gyanvapi Mosque exposed, paving the way for fresh sectarian tensions.

The annual festival celebrating the winter harvest with the sharing of a traditional dish has provided the opportunity to remember the injustices endured by the plantation workers community in Sri Lanka for more than two centuries. Damages caused by the recent Cyclone Ditwah has only worsened the situation.

The deaths, in the Badarganj and Rangpur areas, are linked to the consumption of bootleg alcohol. The latest victim is alleged trafficker Zainul Abedin. In this Muslim-majority country, the existing ban encourages illegal trade. Investigations into the supply chain are ongoing.

The court ordered the release of Aneeqa. Abducted in late December and subjected to a fake conversion, she was recognised as a child based on official records. Her abductor’s arguments were rejected and he was ordered arrested. According to The Edge Foundation, “Such rulings restore faith in the justice system and give hope to countless families facing similar threats.”