In Kottayam district, a Christian hymn performed during a festival sparked controversy from groups close to the Hindu right. The temple committee, however, defended the choice, emphasising the shared nature of the event and the collaborative relationships between the Hindu and Christian communities in the village.
This year, the major pilgrimage to Makkah is set for 24-29 May. The desire to participate outweighs the fear of war, although concerns remain about rising prices, last-minute cancellations, and delayed return journeys. Saudi Arabia is using artificial intelligence to manage security and monitor pilgrims. Two million people are expected to participate.
Sudan Gurung is the second cabinet minister to leave within a month of the new government taking office. At the centre of the case are his holdings in insurance companies. The minister resigned to allow independent audits and avoid conflicts of interest. Prime Minister Balendra Shah is taking on the Home Affairs post until a new appointment is made, while the government emphasises its commitment to fighting corruption.
AsiaNews reports the heart-wrenching story of survival and the struggle for freedom of a young father of two. For months, the factory owner kept him in conditions of slavery to exploit his labour without paying his wages. Freed thanks to the intervention of an NGO and a court ruling. Azhar Saeed: this is not an isolated tragedy, but part of a much wider injustice.
The measure, adopted a few days before the anniversary of the Pahalgam massacre, targets institutions run by the Islamist organisation banned in 2019. The move is part of a broader security strategy launched by Delhi following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy, but has drawn criticism for its potential repercussions on the education system and for violations of minority rights.
On Sunday, a mob attacked Sanka Christian Para, a tribal village, injuring six. The raid stemmed from ongoing tensions over land claimed by Rezaul Islam. Catholics in the area, where PIME missionaries were the first to proclaim the Gospel in 1965, have appealed to the authorities for help and protection.
