Four years after the death of the Jesuit who dedicated his life to defending the land rights of India’s indigenous peoples, the Bagaicha centre, which he founded in the State of Jharkhand, continues to fight for the poor. Despite threats and continuous mining, Jesuits and activists continue their mission to accompany tribal communities in claiming their rights, in the name of Father Stan Swamy, a symbol of justice for new generations too.
The Indian prime minister visited Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago before travelling to Argentina, Brazil (for the BRICS summit), and Namibia to boost ties with developing countries and challenge Chinese influence. Billions-dollar investments in Africa and South-South cooperation top the agenda, while at home the opposition accuses him of neglecting domestic crises.
A special university course has been launched in collaboration with the Swami Vivekanda Cultural Centre. The first distance learning course in the Indian lingua franca was launched in January. The High Commissioner of Delhi for Sri Lanka: ‘A bridge of understanding and communication between our countries’.
India’s highest court will have reserved positions for Dalits and other disadvantaged groups, except for justices. “The Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments on affirmative action, it had to apply it,” said Chief Justice Gavai, a Dalit.
At the end of the summit of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, India refused to sign the joint statement, complaining of the lack of a clear condemnation of Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism in the wake of the attack in Kashmir on 22 April. The armed clash between the two neighbours in early May opened a new phase of mutual accusations, but for now it is Pakistan that is reaping the benefits internationally.
At Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, Prada presented leather sandals identical in design to the traditional Kolhapuri chappal of Maharashtra, without any acknowledgement of the Chamar artisans, one of India's indigenous and outcast tribes. The high price and the distribution of leather rings during the show to emphasise the sandal's distinctive detail sparked protests on Indian social media. Activists have long been calling on fashion houses to recognise cultural origins and share profits with local communities.