Controversy and outrage mount across the country over the latest femicide committed within the family. Fuelling the controversy is the fact that it occurred under the eyes of police officers who were supposed to protect the victim. Activists blame the killing on a mix of patriarchy, caste, and failure to enforce the law in Uttar Pradesh.

Leo XIV met in the Vatican with a group of faithful from the Eastern-rite Catholic community, which is set to mark the centenary of its return to full communion with Rome in 2032. The pontiff urged them to preserve their unique identity even in the diaspora where many live today.

Despite the Indian National Congress party’s gains in southern India following the latest local elections, the dispute over the Mekedatu dam project remains unresolved. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over the management of the Kaveri’s waters, a dispute that has lasted for over a century and flares up particularly during periods of drought.

Born online as satire following a controversial statement by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the movement has brought into the streets millions of supporters, including students and young people with no job security. At the core of its complaint are unemployment, public exam scandals, and the growing disconnect from traditional parties. Analysts urge caution, but see the phenomenon as a sign of widespread dissatisfaction.

Three Indian nationals died in a US attack on a tanker carrying Iranian oil. Despite the public outrage, New Delhi is keeping a low profile to avoid angering Washington: in the background, a possible meeting between Trump and Modi on the sidelines of the G7. Meanwhile, the White House announced a deal with Tehran. Saudi Arabia reboots trade with Lebanon.

Israeli arms exports reached a record US$ 19.2 billion in 2025, with purchases nearly doubling in the Asia-Pacific. Vietnam is one of Israel’s main partners, making it, its the second-largest supplier after Russia. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn, a businesswoman who fell out of favour with the authorities and was sentenced in absentia to 30 years in prison, played a key role in this. India, Thailand, and Singapore are also nurturing military ties with the Jewish state in order to develop their own capabilities.