South Asia

Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev Gautam presents a security report to parliament. The authorities have stepped up surveillance of radical and monarchist groups. Some leftwing and separatist groups are also a danger.

The congregation has many chapels across the country, all open to Hindus, Muslims and Christians. During her fraternal visit, the Pauline superior general found a growing and developing nation. It is important not to lose from sight that 'Atithi Devo Bhav', the guest is God. We should regain the ability to share not only material goods, but also time and space.

At Mass in Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis emphasizes that judging ourselves is the first step of Christian wisdom. Recognizing the envy that leads us to "speak ill of others", that we are capable of doing worse things than which we judge others for. "Who am I to judge?" obeys the exhortation of Jesus: Judge not lest you be judged.

Lenin Raghuvanshi, director of the People's Vigilance Committee for Human Rights (PVCHR), slams the Finance minister's financial bill. Large infrastructure and energy investments come with heavy cuts in educational and development programmes for the country's children.

The suspect had been arrested previously for inciting attacks against writers and intellectuals. The murder victim, a US citizen of Bangladeshi origin, was hacked to death with a machete. Islamist extremists threatened publicly to kill him last year after the publication of his book 'Biswasher Virus,' Bengali for 'Virus of faith'.

Each year, the archdiocese offers its members a number of day-trips to some of the country's places of suffering (and hope): homes for the mentally disabled, orphanages, centres for troubled children, as well as Mariamabad, one of the most beloved Marian shrine in the whole of South Asia. At the Dar ul-Karishma Centre, the Sisters of Charity welcome people with psychiatric problems.

Francis comments the Gospel of the Transfiguration of Christ. "Jesus reveals himself as the perfect icon of the Father, the irradiation of his glory. It is the fulfilment of revelation. [. . .] Jesus' journey always leads us to happiness [. . .]. Love transfigures everything." The task he leaves for the disciples and the faithful is simple: "Listen to and follow the Saviour." After the Marian prayer, the Holy Father issued an appeal to the peoples of the Middle East, noting that "We are praying insistently for an end to the intolerable brutality of which they are victims."

Cooperatives are "enterprises based on the principle of solidarity and social relations," that act as "the lever that raises and develops the weakest part of local communities and civil society," and provide "new welfare solutions" that support, facilitate and even encourage family life, because even though money is "the dung of the devil," if it is well managed, "it can be used to promote the common good."

In an editorial Fr. Charangat, Director of Communications and Media for the Archdiocese of Mumbai, criticizes statements made by the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Accusing the founder of the Missionaries of Charity of helping the poor to get them to convert is "an arrogant, incorrect, misleading, malicious act and done in bad faith". "The Catholic Church does not recognize conversions made by force or deception".

The court struck down the amnesty provisions of a law favourable to those who committed serious human rights abuses during the civil war. The government promises to respect the court's decision. Between 1996 and 2006, more than 17,000 people were killed, 1,300 disappeared. Thousands more were displaced.

It is the worst epidemic since 2010. More than 16 thousand cases of infection recorded throughout the country. The worst affected States are Rajashtan and Gujarat. In Ahmedabad, the government prohibits gatherings of more than five people, and requires the use of a face mask at weddings and funerals

The provoking remark was made by the leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which will celebrate the anniversary of the extremist group in Kandhamal. In 2008 the worst anti-Christian persecution of Indian history took place there. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC): "No concrete action of the Government after the statements on religious freedom by Prime Minister Modi."