South Asia

Although a ban on alcoholic beverages is in place in the Indian state, government officials and police turn a blind eye on liquor produced by local mafias. For Fr Louis Prakash, the latter “get protection” through “corruption and collusion” that “cost the lives of the poor.”

A Taliban minister and the Iranian ambassador met in Kabul to discuss the return of Afghans to their country of origin, with an Afghan delegation set to travel to the Iranian capital. An NGO reported the recent killing by Iranian border guards of Afghan migrants (260 dead and wounded, according to some sources).

Prices vary according to demand, with surcharges, for example, for priority use of operating rooms. The government tried to address the issue in 2020, but many hospitals have found ways to unbundle charges into separate fees. Sister Beena, executive director of the Holy Family Hospital, stressed the need for universal health coverage.

Testing for the Indian government’s Apaar project begins in Assam. Each student will have a profile linked to the Aadhaar (the Indian digital identity system) with their entire school history. Education activists are concerned that the risks of Big Brother and exclusion in a country where too many educational establishments lack even basic services.

Monsoon rains have been bending the island country since May. Department of Meteorology: extreme weather until Thursday 17. In Gampaha, Kaduwela and Kalutara, the toll is at least three dead and two injured. Air Force (SLAF) mobilized for rescue operations. Dissanayake allocates funds for aid.

Recent incidents involving the UNIFIL have put the spotlight on what various countries contribute to peacekeeping operations. Nepal, India, and Bangladesh alone have provided more than 16,000 military personnel. Conversely, the United States, China and Japan contribute to expenditures, data from three years ago show.

Accused of throwing away waste paper with sacred inscriptions, a fact they denied. The lawyer speaks of bad intentions towards the women, one of whom is also a widow. Activist Joseph Jansen: ‘This abuse of the laws must stop before more innocent lives are lost’.

The monsoon season is ending with new floods in the north. As in August, the impact of climate change is weighing heavily. Remote areas are unreachable. Sr. Rony Gomes: ‘inhuman conditions’ due to lack of food. There are 1474 families helped by Christian organisations.

At least 21 victims - mostly Pashtuns - in a terrorist assault on the homes of workers in one of the economic activities seen as a symbol of Islamabad's control over local resources. Local activists to AsiaNews: ‘People are angry, we need real initiatives for dialogue with the Baluchis. But terrorism only aggravates the problems’.

The return to freedom of expression, following the fall of the former prime minister, opened up space for extremist movements and groups. In recent street demonstrations, Islamic State-like banners have appeared. Police and law enforcement agencies are in action to avert an extremist escalation, but there are concerns among minorities, including Christians.

There are already 7.7 million people working in digital platform services, but it is estimated that this will triple by 2030. A recently published report notes that the vast majority of them do not receive a decent wage after deducting the expenses they have to incur to work. Some Indian states are trying to regulate the sector.

The automobile magnate who passed away yesterday at the age of 86 was also known in the country for his ‘Tata Trusts’, initiatives through which millions of people from the poorest groups were able to benefit from development opportunities. The Bishops' Conference: “A beacon of compassion and generosity: he contributed to making India a global economic power, without ever losing sight of the least”.