Society

This is the third serious violent incident at a school since June. A 16-year-old student at Banga National High School opened fire, killing two students aged 14 to 17 before taking his own life with eight more wounded. For Cardinal Advincula, “We need to listen to” young people, “especially when they suffer quietly”.

The Christian Family Laws Bill 2026 amends a 19th-century, colonial-era law. The minimum age for marriage is raised to 18, and the consent of both parties is required. Sponsor Anthony Naveed hopes for cross-party support when the bill comes to a vote in the Provincial Assembly.

Milinda Edirisinghe, founder of the Gemological Report of Ceylon (GRC) in Colombo, is behind it. The instrument reduces the time it takes to study and evaluate a gemstone. The precious metals sector is among the most lucrative in the country. Complete digital documentation offers buyers greater guarantees.

In the 2026 Global Soft Power Index, the country – which until a few years ago was confined to the stereotypes of the ‘post-Soviet space’ – has risen to 82nd place out of 193 countries. From pop stars who, breaking free from folkloric clichés, are crossing borders, to the Lonely Planet guide which has included Kazakhstan in its ‘Best in Travel 2025’ selection.

The city council’s decision comes after a social media storm over the publication of price lists for cremations at Buddhist temples, with fees that were unaffordable for the less well-off. An initiative to ensure dignity for all.

An inappropriate remark by a singer in support of a film now playing in Beijing has caused a storm that has hit her foundation, resulting in plummeting donations. Distrust by the Chinese public now seems to extend to endorsements as well as charity as a whole.

In recent years, the local authorities have stepped up their efforts to integrate this ethnic group, which numbers around 1,200 families: now that they have been issued with identity documents, the children are attending school and many members of the community are working for the city’s cleaning and gardening companies.

In Kashmir and Punjab, two films bring some controversial moments in Indian history back into the spotlight. The Modi government is struggling to come to terms with the past and the still open wounds of domestic conflicts.

The latest survey by the Pew Research Center shows a strong polarisation in Asia and Asian societies. While territorial disputes are a major source of fear, Beijing is seen more positively among middle- and low-income countries.

The death toll from the unrest triggered by overcrowding has risen to at least 29 (including seven officers) with over a hundred injured. Prisoners were transferred and attacked. Mothers are demanding the return of the bodies and criticising the authorities for arresting their sons “on false charges”. Behind the prison crisis lies a system that rewards police officers and officials based on the number of arrests made.

Various moments of reflection marked the end of the month dedicated to soldiers fallen in the civil war. The initiative, wanted by president Rajapakse, found favour in the population, even if many urge the government to remember that “many of the victims of this senseless war are civilians”.