South Asia

After the acquisition of the Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania, the group controlled by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is in talks with the Kenyan government to lease the capital’s airport for 30 years. Fearing job redundancies, workers are opposed to the move. Meanwhile, the Indian conglomerate is getting involved Kenya’s energy sector. Back in India, an inquiry into its alleged share price manipulation is still ongoing.

The death of Abdul Ali once again highlights the growth of extremism even in government institutions. The owner of a small hotel was killed amid pressure from Islamists. For Yousaf Benjamin, executive director of Dignity First-Pakistan, “This incident raises questions [. . .] about police officers.”

The introduction of a new and complex visa system is forcing tourists at Colombo airport to wait two and a half hours before they can enter the country. With a petition to the Supreme Court and an imminent strike, operators are calling for a return to the old online system, stressing that too much red tape risks compromising the season and the post-pandemic economic recovery.

Some 115 schoolbooks and other textbooks are available to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). The tomes were officially unveiled by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (Latin rite). For Cardinal Ferrão, “Education is a primary mission of the Church in India.”

Msgr Kevin S. Randall told the new chief advisor of the pontiff's concerns about Christians and Rohingya refugees. In just over a month, the interim government has initiated several reforms, but order has not been restored everywhere and it is still unclear when elections will be held.

The local Church celebrated the 75th anniversary of the first pilgrimage to the Marian place of worship and the inauguration of the grotto of the Virgin. At least six worshippers died in road accidents, while police foiled an attack by a group of Islamic extremists. Some observers call for greater road safety and better facilities for pilgrims, including sanitary facilities.

In the run-up to the 21 September vote, the Sri Lanka Bishops' Conference (CBCSL) and the National Christian Council in Sri Lanka (NCCSL) are calling for a “wise and courageous” leader. To the 38 candidates the request not to delude with favours or false promises and the warning: ‘Serve, don't be served’. The importance of the vote, which is ‘precious’ and should not be wasted with a boycott or a void ballot.

The initiative in response to the latest case of the killing of a baby girl. It was reported by the child's grandfather, who was suspicious of the explanation for the death given by his daughter. Catholic doctor applauds initiative: ‘urgent’ to promote ‘value and dignity’ of women from conception.

Bishop Indrias Rehmat inaugurated work on St. Andrew's Middle School in Dawood Colony: a project aimed at providing education for young people from poor families in the area. The benefactor Tanvir Gulzar supported the project financially, dedicating it to the bishop. During the ceremony, parish priest Fr Khalid Rashid Asi emphasised the importance of education: ‘Another lamp lit for the community’.

For almost a month, Kolkata has been shaken by protests and rallies, initially organised by feminist groups. In recent weeks, however, the Bharatiya Janata Party has taken advantage of widespread dissatisfaction to call for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation.

In Iyankarni, a village in the Eastern Province, the civil war destroyed lives and relations between Muslims and Tamils. Now, thanks to an organic farming project promoted by Caritas Batticaloa, the two communities are working together to rebuild their lives. For the charity’s director, Fr Samson Jayanixon, “healing people and building harmony between them are the core of religions.”

The Archbishop of Mumbai, Asia's representative in the Council of Cardinals, called to lead the commission wanted by Pope Francis to address the issue of relations between the papal representatives and the local Churches, one of the topics that emerged from the synod consultation. The group will present its conclusions by June 2025.