South Asia

As victims are counted and efforts are underway to save hydroelectric plant workers in Nepal, questions are mounting about the sustainability of the development model adopted in recent years in the shadow of the Himalayas. For its part, the Nepali government is demanding “climate compensation”.

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 event, organised by EC-PIHD to mark World Day for Creation, which is celebrated today. A response to the challenges posed by climate change and the loss of natural ecosystems. Coordinated action is needed, involving individuals, families, churches, schools, NGOs and local communities.

The agreement aimed at resolving the serious dispute over the liturgy within the Syro-Malabar Church was implemented for the first time yesterday at the Cathedral Basilica of St Mary in Kochi, which had become the epicentre of the tensions.

Amir Masih was arrested on 11 August 2026, Pakistan’s National Minority Day, following a complaint filed against him regarding allegedly offensive remarks and a video he supposedly shared on social media. The NGO Human Rights Focus Pakistan, which is following the case, said the allegations need to be independently verified. Fears for other Christian families remain.

The CCBI expresses its “condolences” to the bereaved and their families and offers “spiritual closeness” to the injured and displaced. Caritas Nepal’s appeal for support for relief efforts. Kathmandu opens its borders to foreign rescue teams. The death toll rises to 626, with over 2,400 still missing. Censorship in Beijing.

The Galathea Bay International Container Transshipment Port is a strategic infrastructure project for Delhi, located on Great Nicobar Island in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka’s success is based on its strategic location, but plans for the future are needed. The aim: to modernise and expand services.

The Dalai Lama’s condolences: “I pray for the victims of this tragedy, which stems from deep-rooted causes.” Tibetans in exile point the finger at Chinese dams and infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to maintain that the glacier collapse occurred in Nepal.

The report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlights the critical issues surrounding the initiative launched in 2014 by the Modi government. Poor planning, shortcomings in implementation and a lack of monitoring are among the main causes of the failure. The strategy centred on ‘green cover’ appears to be insufficient.

The mountain pass swept away by the flood of water and debris was a symbol of China’s ambitions for the ‘Nepalese corridor’. But it was also the hub of a region where Beijing is providing aid to local mountain communities to strengthen its control over Tibet.

The Church and Caritas are coming to the aid of victims and those missing. The latest death toll stands at over 330. For Fr Bogati, this is ‘the worst’ flood ever recorded. The government has declared a state of natural disaster for the next three months. The Pope’s telegram of condolence and prayer for the dead and their families.

Following the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences which killed 14 newborn babies, the families are demanding justice. One mother told AsiaNews: “It was not God’s will.” Bishop Shukardin expressed his condolences and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. The National Commission for Children’s Rights is calling for an investigation.